1
|
Papathanasiou KA, Vrachatis DA, Kazantzis D, Kossyvakis C, Giotaki SG, Deftereos G, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Avramides D, Lambadiari V, Siasos G, Deftereos S. Left atrial appendage morphofunctional indices could be predictive of arrhythmia recurrence post-atrial fibrillation ablation: a meta-analysis. Egypt Heart J 2023; 75:29. [PMID: 37079174 PMCID: PMC10119349 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-023-00356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left atrium changes are implicated in atrial fibrillation (AF) substrate and are predictive of AF outcomes. Left atrial appendage (LAA) is an integral component of left atrial structure and could be affected by atrial cardiomyopathy. We aimed to elucidate the association between LAA indices and late arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA). METHODS The MEDLINE database, ClinicalTrials.gov, medRxiv and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating LAA and late arrhythmia recurrence in patients undergoing AFCA. Data were pooled by meta-analysis using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was pre-ablation difference in LAA anatomic or functional indices. RESULTS A total of 34 studies were found eligible and five LAA indices were analyzed. LAA ejection fraction and LAA emptying velocity were significantly lower in patients with AF recurrence post-ablation [SMD = - 0.66; 95% CI (- 1.01, - 0.32) and SMD = - 0.56; 95% CI (- 0.73, - 0.40) respectively] as compared to arrhythmia free controls. LAA volume and LAA orifice area were significantly higher in patients with AF recurrence post-ablation (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI 0.35-0.67, and SMD = 0.35; 95% CI 0.20-0.49, respectively) as compared to arrhythmia free controls. LAA morphology was not predictive of AF recurrence post-ablation (chicken wing morphology; OR 1.27; 95% CI 0.79-2.02). Moderate statistical heterogeneity and small case-control studies are the main limitations of our meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that LAA ejection fraction, LAA emptying velocity, LAA orifice area and LAA volume differ between patients suffering from arrhythmia recurrence post-ablation and arrhythmia free counterparts, while LAA morphology is not predictive of AF recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A Papathanasiou
- Second Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, 1 Rimini Str., Chaidari, Attiki, 12462, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios A Vrachatis
- Second Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, 1 Rimini Str., Chaidari, Attiki, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kazantzis
- Bristol Eye Hospital, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Sotiria G Giotaki
- Second Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, 1 Rimini Str., Chaidari, Attiki, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Second Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Attikon University Hospital, 1 Rimini Str., Chaidari, Attiki, 12462, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vrachatis DA, Papathanasiou KA, Giotaki SG, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Kossyvakis C, Theodorakis A, Pediotidis S, Avramides D, Siasos G, Deftereos S. Advances in the Management of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction; The Role of SGLT2is, ARNI, Myotropes, Vericiguat, and Anti-inflammatory Agents: A Mini-review. Curr Pharm Des 2023:CPD-EPUB-130202. [PMID: 36927423 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666230316142450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has been associated with poor prognosis, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare expenditure. Despite tremendous advances in HFrEF management, reduced survival and a high rate of hospitalization remain unsolved issues. Furthermore, HFrEF morbidity and economic burden are estimated to increase in the following years; hence, new therapies are constantly emerging. In the last few years, a series of landmark clinical trials have expanded our therapeutic armamentarium with a ground-breaking change in HFrEF-related outcomes. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (mainly dapagliflozin and empagliflozin) have already revolutionized the management of HFrEF patients via a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalizations. Furthermore, vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil have emerged as promising and novel disease-modifying therapies. The former restores the impaired cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, and the latter stimulates cardiac myosin without marked arrhythmogenesis. Both vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil have been shown to reduce heart failure admissions. Sacubitril/valsartan is an established and effective therapy in HFrEF patients and should be considered as a replacement for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Lastly, inflammasome activity is implicated in HFrEF pathophysiology, and the role of anti-inflammatory agents in HFrEF trajectories is readily scrutinized, yet available therapies are ineffective. This mini-review summarizes the major and most recent studies in this field, thus covering the current advances in HFrEF therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos A Papathanasiou
- Second Department of Cardiology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, University General Hospital ATTIKON, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria G Giotaki
- Second Department of Cardiology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, University General Hospital ATTIKON, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Andreas Theodorakis
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Stauros Pediotidis
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, University General Hospital ATTIKON, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Papathanasiou K, Giotaki S, Kossyvakis C, Kazantzis D, Vrachatis D, Deftereos G, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Avramides D, Siasos G, Giannopoulos G, Deftereos S. Hot balloon versus cryoballoon ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Europace 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/europace/euac053.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence is expected to increase more than 60% in the following 30 years. Catheter ablation is the treatment of choice for medically intractable AF with arrhythmia recurrence remaining an unsolved issue.
Purpose
We systematically reviewed existing literature to compare the efficacy of hot balloon (HBA) versus cryoballoon ablation (CBA).
Methods
PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, medRxiv and Cochrane Library (according to PRISMA guidelines) were scrutinized for relevant articles up to 2 December 2021. Eligible studies had to compare clinical outcomes (arrhythmia recurrence rates or/and procedural data or/and safety outcomes) between patients undergoing HBA and CBA for AF. Quality assessment of studies was conducted via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (high quality≥ 7, moderate 4-6, poor <4). Statistical pooling was performed according to a random-effect model with generic inverse-variance weighting of odds ratios and mean differences computing risk estimates with 95% confidence intervals. The presence of heterogeneity among studies was evaluated under the Cochran Q chi-square test. I² values of 25%, 50% and 75% have been assigned adjectives of low, moderate, and high heterogeneity. Publication biases were assessed by visual inspection of funnel plots.
Results
PRISMA study search and individual study characteristics are presented in Figure 1. Literature search identified 131 studies, 5 of which (evaluating 513 patients) met inclusion criteria. Patients undergoing HBA demonstrated similar long term recurrence rate as compared to CBA treated controls (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.38-1.22; p-value: 0.19; I2: 0%). Procedural aspects, such as touch-up radiofrequency ablation (per pulmonary vein), procedure time (min) and fluoroscopic time (min) did not differ among treatment arms (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 0.84-3.83; p-value: 0.13, I2: 80%, MD: 9.69; 95% CI: -2.78-22.16; p-value: 0.13, I2: 63%, and OR: 1.03; 95% CI: -9.50-7.44; p-value: 0.81, I2: 87%, respectively). Regarding safety outcomes (Figure 1), the small number of the reported events precluded us from analyzing these data. Yet, tamponade and phrenic nerve injury were infrequent in both modalities; pulmonary vein stenosis of at least moderate severity (>50% luminal narrowing) was reported in 18 instances in the HBA arm as compared to zero events in the CBA arm. Of note, all events were asymptomatic. Quality assessment scores are shown in Figure 1. Four studies were of high quality and one study was of moderate quality. Funnel-plot distributions of the pre-specified outcomes indicated absence of publication bias for all outcomes. High statistical heterogeneity and the small number of patients included are the main limitations of this study.
Conclusion
Hotballoon ablation is a promising therapeutic option for patients suffering from AF, featuring comparable efficacy and procedural outcomes with cryoablation. Safety outcomes, especially PV stenosis, mandate further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - S Giotaki
- Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - C Kossyvakis
- Athens General Hospital - G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | - D Kazantzis
- University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
| | | | - G Deftereos
- Athens General Hospital - G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | - K Raisakis
- Athens General Hospital - G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | - A Kaoukis
- Athens General Hospital - G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | - D Avramides
- Athens General Hospital - G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | - G Siasos
- National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - G Giannopoulos
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vrachatis DA, Papathanasiou KA, Kazantzis D, Sanz-Sánchez J, Giotaki SG, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Kossyvakis C, Deftereos G, Reimers B, Avramides D, Siasos G, Cleman M, Giannopoulos G, Lansky A, Deftereos S. Inflammatory Biomarkers in Coronary Artery Ectasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051026. [PMID: 35626182 PMCID: PMC9140118 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Isolated coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is a relatively rare clinical entity, the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. More and more evidence is accumulating to suggest a critical inflammatory component. We aimed to elucidate any association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and coronary artery ectasia. A systematic MEDLINE database, ClinicalTrials.gov, medRxiv, Scopus and Cochrane Library search was conducted: 50 studies were deemed relevant, reporting on difference in NLR levels between CAE patients and controls (primary endpoint) and/or on high-sensitive CRP, IL-6, TNF-a and RDW levels (secondary endpoint), and were included in our final analysis. (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021224195). All inflammatory biomarkers under investigation were found higher in coronary artery ectasia patients as compared to healthy controls (NLR; SMD = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.27–1.20, hs-CRP; SMD = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.64–1.28, IL-6; SMD = 2.68; 95% CI: 0.95–4.41, TNF-a; SMD = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.24–0.75, RDW; SMD = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.26–0.87). The main limitations inherent in this analysis are small case-control studies of moderate quality and high statistical heterogeneity. Our findings underscore that inflammatory dysregulation is implicated in coronary artery ectasia and merits further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios A. Vrachatis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (D.K.); (S.G.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Konstantinos A. Papathanasiou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (D.K.); (S.G.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Kazantzis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (D.K.); (S.G.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Jorge Sanz-Sánchez
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sotiria G. Giotaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (D.K.); (S.G.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G.Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G.Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Charalampos Kossyvakis
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G.Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G.Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Bernhard Reimers
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, 20089 Milan, Italy;
| | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Deparment of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens “G.Gennimatas”, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (A.K.); (C.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (D.K.); (S.G.G.); (G.S.)
| | - Michael Cleman
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - George Giannopoulos
- Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Alexandra Lansky
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (D.K.); (S.G.G.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2105832355
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vrachatis DA, Papathanasiou KA, Kossyvakis C, Kazantzis D, Giotaki SG, Deftereos G, Sanz-Sánchez J, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Avramides D, Lambadiari V, Siasos G, Giannopoulos G, Deftereos S. Early arrhythmia recurrence after cryoballoon ablation in atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 33:527-539. [PMID: 34951496 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early arrhythmia recurrence within the three-month blanking period is a common event that historically has been attributed to reversible phenomena. While its' mechanistic links remain obscure, accumulating evidence support the argument of shortening the blanking period. We aimed to elucidate the association between early and late arrhythmia recurrence after atrial fibrillation cryoablation. METHODS The MEDLINE database, ClinicalTrials.gov, medRxiv and Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating early and late arrhythmia recurrence rates in patients undergoing cryoablation for AF. Data were pooled by meta-analysis using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was late arrhythmia recurrence. RESULTS Early arrhythmia recurrence was found predictive of decreased arrhythmia-free survival after evaluating 3975 patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation who underwent cryoablation (OR: 5.31; 95% CI: 3.75-7.51). This pattern remained unchanged after sub-analyzing atrial fibrillation type (paroxysmal; OR: 7.16; 95% CI: 4.40-11.65 and persistent; OR: 7.63; 95% CI: 3.62-16.07) as well as cryoablation catheter generation (first generation; OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 2.39-11.11 and advanced generation; OR: 5.83, 95% CI: 3.68-9.23). Studies permitting anti-arrhythmic drug utilization during blanking period or examining early recurrence as a secondary outcome were found to be a significant source of statistical heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that early arrhythmia recurrence is predictive of late outcomes after cryoablation for atrial fibrillation. Identifying which patients deserve earlier re-intervention is an open research avenue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dimitrios Kazantzis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria G Giotaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - Jorge Sanz-Sánchez
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Department of Cardiology, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Greece
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vrachatis DA, Papathanasiou KA, Giotaki SG, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Kolokathis F, Deftereos G, Iliodromitis KE, Avramides D, Bogossian H, Siasos G, Giannopoulos G, Reimers B, Lansky A, Tardif JC, Deftereos S. Immunologic Dysregulation and Hypercoagulability as a Pathophysiologic Background in COVID-19 Infection and the Immunomodulating Role of Colchicine. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5128. [PMID: 34768648 PMCID: PMC8584586 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, SARS-COV-2 put health systems under unprecedented resource and manpower pressure leading to significant number of deaths. Expectedly, researchers sought to shed light on the pathophysiologic background of this novel disease (COVID-19) as well as to facilitate the design of effective therapeutic modalities. Indeed, early enough the pivotal role of inflammatory and thrombotic pathways in SARS-COV-2 infection has been illustrated. The purpose of this article is to briefly present the epidemiologic and clinical features of COVID-19, analyze the pathophysiologic importance of immunologic dysregulation and hypercoagulability in developing disease complications and finally to present an up-to-date systematic review of colchicine's immunomodulating capacity in view of hindering coronavirus complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios A. Vrachatis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (F.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Konstantinos A. Papathanasiou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (F.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Sotiria G. Giotaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (F.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (C.K.); (A.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Charalampos Kossyvakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (C.K.); (A.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (C.K.); (A.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Fotis Kolokathis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (F.K.); (G.S.)
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (C.K.); (A.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Konstantinos E. Iliodromitis
- Evangelisches Krankenhaus Hagen-Haspe, Clinic for Cardiology and Electrophysiology, 58135 Hagen, Germany; (K.E.I.); (H.B.)
- Department of Cardiology, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.R.); (C.K.); (A.K.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Harilaos Bogossian
- Evangelisches Krankenhaus Hagen-Haspe, Clinic for Cardiology and Electrophysiology, 58135 Hagen, Germany; (K.E.I.); (H.B.)
- Department of Cardiology, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (F.K.); (G.S.)
| | - George Giannopoulos
- Medical School, Artistotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | | | - Alexandra Lansky
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H1T 1C8, Canada;
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.A.V.); (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (F.K.); (G.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vrachatis DA, Giannopoulos GV, Giotaki SG, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Iliodromitis KE, Reimers B, Tousoulis D, Cleman M, Stefanadis C, Lansky A, Deftereos SG. Impact of colchicine on mortality in patients with COVID-19: A meta-analysis. Hellenic J Cardiol 2021; 62:374-377. [PMID: 33421583 PMCID: PMC7833703 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios A Vrachatis
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - George V Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Bernhard Reimers
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Michael Cleman
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Alexandra Lansky
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Papathanasiou KA, Giotaki SG, Vrachatis DA, Siasos G, Lambadiari V, Iliodromitis KE, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Deftereos G, Papaioannou TG, Giannopoulos G, Avramides D, Deftereos SG. Molecular Insights in Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis and Therapeutics: A Narrative Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091584. [PMID: 34573926 PMCID: PMC8470040 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is bound to increase globally in the following years, affecting the quality of life of millions of people, increasing mortality and morbidity, and beleaguering health care systems. Increasingly effective therapeutic options against AF are the constantly evolving electroanatomic substrate mapping systems of the left atrium (LA) and ablation catheter technologies. Yet, a prerequisite for better long-term success rates is the understanding of AF pathogenesis and maintenance. LA electrical and anatomical remodeling remains in the epicenter of current research for novel diagnostic and treatment modalities. On a molecular level, electrical remodeling lies on impaired calcium handling, enhanced inwardly rectifying potassium currents, and gap junction perturbations. In addition, a wide array of profibrotic stimuli activates fibroblast to an increased extracellular matrix turnover via various intermediaries. Concomitant dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system and the humoral function of increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are established mediators in the pathophysiology of AF. Local atrial lymphomononuclear cells infiltrate and increased inflammasome activity accelerate and perpetuate arrhythmia substrate. Finally, impaired intracellular protein metabolism, excessive oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction deplete atrial cardiomyocyte ATP and promote arrhythmogenesis. These overlapping cellular and molecular alterations hinder us from distinguishing the cause from the effect in AF pathogenesis. Yet, a plethora of therapeutic modalities target these molecular perturbations and hold promise in combating the AF burden. Namely, atrial selective ion channel inhibitors, AF gene therapy, anti-fibrotic agents, AF drug repurposing, immunomodulators, and indirect cardiac neuromodulation are discussed here.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A. Papathanasiou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Sotiria G. Giotaki
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Dimitrios A. Vrachatis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | | | - Charalampos Kossyvakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Theodore G. Papaioannou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
| | | | - Dimitrios Avramides
- Department of Cardiology, “G. Gennimatas” General Hospital of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.K.); (A.K.); (K.R.); (G.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Spyridon G. Deftereos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (K.A.P.); (S.G.G.); (D.A.V.); (G.S.); (V.L.); (T.G.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-21-0583-2355
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Giannopoulos G, Karageorgiou S, Vrachatis D, Anagnostopoulos I, Kousta MS, Lakka E, Giotaki S, Raisakis K, Sianos G, Toutouzas K, Cleman M, Deftereos S. A stand-alone structured educational programme after myocardial infarction: a randomised study. Heart 2021; 107:1047-1053. [PMID: 33483355 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2020-318414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease. Post-MI morbidity and mortality can be reduced by lifestyle changes and aggressive risk factor modification. These changes can be applied more effectively if the patient is actively involved in the process. The hypothesis of this study was that an educational programme in post-MI patients could lead to reduced incidence of cardiovascular events. METHODS Post-MI patients were prospectively randomised into two groups. Patients in the intervention arm were scheduled to attend an 8-week-long educational programme on top of usual treatment, while controls received optimal treatment. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, MI, cerebrovascular event and unscheduled hospitalisation for cardiovascular causes. Endpoint adjudication was blinded. RESULTS 329 patients (238 men) were included, with a mean follow-up time of 17±4 months. In the primary analysis, mean primary end point-free survival time was 597 days (95% CI 571 to 624) in controls, compared with 663 days (95% CI 638 to 687) in the intervention group (p<0.001). The HR in the univariate Cox regression analysis was 0.48 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.73; p=0.001). The raw rates of the primary endpoint were 20.8% (6 deaths, 13 MIs, 2 strokes and 14 hospitalisations) vs 36.6% (8 deaths, 22 MIs, 7 strokes and 22 hospitalisations), respectively (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.74; p=0.002). CONCLUSION These results suggest that a relatively short adult education programme offered to post-MI patients has beneficial effects, resulting in reduced risk of cardiovascular events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04007887.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Karageorgiou
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vrachatis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria S Kousta
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Lakka
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Giotaki
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Sianos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Toutouzas
- 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Cleman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Faculty of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vrachatis DA, Papathanasiou KA, Kossyvakis C, Giotaki SG, Raisakis K, Iliodromitis KE, Reimers B, Stefanini GG, Cleman M, Sianos G, Lansky A, Deftereos SG, Giannopoulos G. Atrial fibrillation risk in patients suffering from type I diabetes mellitus. A review of clinical and experimental evidence. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2021; 174:108724. [PMID: 33647332 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.108724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are commonly encountered in clinical practice. Although, the long term macrovascular and microvascular sequela of DM are well validated, the association between the less prevalent type 1 DM (T1DM) and atrial arrhythmogenesis is poorly understood. In the present review we highlight the current experimental and clinical data addressing this complex interaction. Animal studies support that T1DM, characterized by insulin deficiency and glycemic variability, impairs phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B signaling pathway. This pathway holds a central role in atrial electrical and structural remodeling responsible for arrhythmia initiation and maintenance. The molecular ''footprint'' of T1DM in atrial myocytes seems to involve a state of increased oxidative stress, impaired glucose transportation, ionic channel dysregulation and eventually fibrosis. On the contrary only a few clinical studies have examined the role of T1DM as an independent risk factor for AF development, and are discussed here. Further research is needed to solidify the real magnitude of this association and to investigate the clinical implications of PI3K molecular signaling pathway in atrial fibrillation management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios A Vrachatis
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Milan, Italy; National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Cleman
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George Sianos
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandra Lansky
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hamilos M, Kanakakis J, Anastasiou I, Karvounis C, Vasilikos V, Goudevenos J, Michalis L, Koutouzis M, Tsiafoutis I, Raisakis K, Stakos D, Hahalis G, Vardas P. Ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in patients with STEMI treated with thrombolysis: the MIRTOS trial. EUROINTERVENTION 2021; 16:1163-1169. [PMID: 32715996 PMCID: PMC9724948 DOI: 10.4244/eij-d-20-00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to demonstrate whether coronary microvascular function is improved after ticagrelor administration compared to clopidogrel administration in STEMI subjects undergoing thrombolysis. METHODS AND RESULTS MIRTOS is a multicentre study of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel in STEMI subjects treated with fibrinolysis. We enrolled 335 patients <75 years old with STEMI eligible for thrombolysis, of whom 167 were randomised to receive clopidogrel and 168 to receive ticagrelor together with thrombolysis. Primary outcome was the difference in post-PCI corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC). All clinical events were recorded in a three-month follow-up period. From the 335 patients who were randomised, 259 underwent PCI (129 clopidogrel and 130 ticagrelor) and 154 angiographies were analysable for the study primary endpoint. No significant difference was found between the clopidogrel (n=85) and ticagrelor (n=69) groups for CTFC (24.33±17.35 vs 28.33±17.59, p=0.10). No significant differences were observed in MACE and major bleeding events between randomisation groups (OR 2.0, 95% CI: 0.18-22.2, p=0.99). CONCLUSIONS Thrombolysis with ticagrelor in patients <75 years old was not able to demonstrate superiority compared to clopidogrel in terms of microvascular injury, while there was no difference between the two groups in MACE and major bleeding events. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02429271. EudraCT Number 2014-004082-25.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Hamilos
- University Hospital of Heraklion, Stavrakia-Voutes, Crete 71100, Greece
| | - John Kanakakis
- Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Anastasiou
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | | | - John Goudevenos
- 1st Cardiology Department, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Lampros Michalis
- 2nd Cardiology Department, Ioannina University Hospital, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Dimitrios Stakos
- Cardiology Department, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - George Hahalis
- Cardiology Department, Patras University Hospital, Rio, Greece
| | - Panos Vardas
- Hellenic Cardiovascular Research Society (HCRS), Athens, Greece
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Deftereos SG, Siasos G, Giannopoulos G, Vrachatis DA, Angelidis C, Giotaki SG, Gargalianos P, Giamarellou H, Gogos C, Daikos G, Lazanas M, Lagiou P, Saroglou G, Sipsas N, Tsiodras S, Chatzigeorgiou D, Moussas N, Kotanidou A, Koulouris N, Oikonomou E, Kaoukis A, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Fountoulaki K, Comis M, Tsiachris D, Sarri E, Theodorakis A, Martinez-Dolz L, Sanz-Sánchez J, Reimers B, Stefanini GG, Cleman M, Filippou D, Olympios CD, Pyrgakis VN, Goudevenos J, Hahalis G, Kolettis TM, Iliodromitis E, Tousoulis D, Stefanadis C. The Greek study in the effects of colchicine in COvid-19 complications prevention (GRECCO-19 study): Rationale and study design. Hellenic J Cardiol 2020; 61:42-45. [PMID: 32251729 PMCID: PMC7194546 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Colchicine has been utilized safely in a variety of cardiovascular clinical conditions. Among its potential mechanisms of action is the non-selective inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome which is thought to be a major pathophysiologic component in the clinical course of patients with COVID-19. GRECCO-19 will be a prospective, randomized, open-labeled, controlled study to assess the effects of colchicine in COVID-19 complications prevention. METHODS Patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (under RT PCR) and clinical picture that involves temperature >37.5 oC and at least two out of the: i. sustained coughing, ii. sustained throat pain, iii. Anosmia and/or ageusia, iv. fatigue/tiredness, v. PaO2<95 mmHg will be included. Patients will be randomised (1:1) in colchicine or control group. RESULTS Trial results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. CONCLUSION GRECCO-19 trial aims to identify whether colchicine may positively intervene in the clinical course of COVID-19. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04326790).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios A Vrachatis
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Christos Angelidis
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria G Giotaki
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Helen Giamarellou
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Therapeutirion Hygeia, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Daikos
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Mitera Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Pagona Lagiou
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Saroglou
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sipsas
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Tsiodras
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Koulouris
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Kaoukis
- General Hospital of Athens "G.Gennimatas" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Mihalis Comis
- General Hospital of Elefsina "Thriasio", Elefsina, Greece
| | | | - Eleni Sarri
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Jorge Sanz-Sánchez
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Bernhard Reimers
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Dimitrios Filippou
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Stefanadis
- Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vrachatis DA, Vavuranakis M, Tsoukala S, Giotaki S, Papaioannou TG, Siasos G, Deftereos G, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Tousoulis D, Deftereos S, Vavuranakis M. "TAVI: Valve in valve. A new field for structuralists? Literature review". Hellenic J Cardiol 2019; 61:148-153. [PMID: 31809790 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2019.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) led to the foundation of the subspecialty of structural heart interventions and created an emerging area of clinical and technical issues. Soon after TAVI introduction into clinical practice, boundaries were expanded with utilization of valve-in-valve (V-i-V) techniques. V-i-V comprised a diverse subset of patients including TAVI within TAVI, TAVI within a degenerated surgically implanted bioprosthesis, or even TAVI-in-TAVI-in-surgical bioprosthesis. In the present review, we summarize the available literature and present initial experience on the field in Greece.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios A Vrachatis
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens, "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece.
| | - Michail Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Styliani Tsoukala
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens, "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Giotaki
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens, "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens, "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Raisakis
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Athens, "G.Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Vrettou AR, Kolokathis F, Zacharoulis A, Angouras D, Alexopoulos D, Lekakis J, Eggebrecht H, Lämmer J, Papadopoulos N, Collet JP. How should I treat a TAVI-eligible patient with a left ventricular thrombus and rapid clinical deterioration? EUROINTERVENTION 2017; 12:2033-2036. [PMID: 28317793 DOI: 10.4244/eij-d-16-00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Haidari, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Deftereos S, Papoutsidakis N, Giannopoulos G, Angelidis C, Raisakis K, Bouras G, Davlouros P, Panagopoulou V, Goudevenos J, W. Cleman M, Lekakis J. Calcium Ions in Inherited Cardiomyopathies. Med Chem 2016; 12:139-50. [DOI: 10.2174/157340641202160209093713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
16
|
Deftereos S, Papoutsidakis N, Giannopoulos G, Angelidis C, Raisakis K, Bouras G, Davlouros P, Panagopoulou V, Goudevenos J, Cleman M, Lekakis J. Calcium Ions in Inherited Cardiomyopathies. Med Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.2174/1573406411666150928113018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
17
|
Deftereos S, Angelidis C, Bouras G, Raisakis K, Gerckens U, Cleman MW, Giannopoulos G. Innate immune inflammatory response in the acutely ischemic myocardium. Med Chem 2015; 10:653-62. [PMID: 25102201 DOI: 10.2174/1573406410666140806103651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 12/29/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The "holy grail" of modern interventional cardiology is the salvage of viable myocardial tissue in the distribution of an acutely occluded coronary artery. Thrombolysis and percutaneous coronary interventions, provided they can be delivered on time, can interrupt the occlusion and save tissue. At the same time restoring the patency of the coronary vessels and providing the ischemic myocardium with blood can cause additional tissue damage. A key element of ischemic and reperfusion injury and major determinant of the evolution of damage in the injured myocardium is the inflammatory response. The innate immune system initiates and directs this response which is a prerequisite for subsequent healing. The complement cascade is set in motion following the release of subcellular membrane constituents. Endogenous 'danger' signals known as danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from ischemic and dying cells alert the innate immune system and activate several signal transduction pathways through interactions with the highly conserved Toll like receptors (TLRs). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation directly induces pro-inflammatory cascades and triggers formation of the inflammasome. The challenge lies into designing strategies that specifically block the inflammatory cascades responsible for tissue damage without affecting those concerned with tissue healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Georgios Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas" Mesogeion 154, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hahalis G, Xathopoulou I, Tsigkas G, Almpanis G, Christodoulou I, Grapsas N, Davlouros P, Koniari I, Deftereos S, Raisakis K, Christopoulou G, Giannopoulos G, Kounis N, Pyrgakis V, Alexopoulos D. A comparison of low versus standard heparin dose for prevention of forearm artery occlusion after 5 French coronary angiography. Int J Cardiol 2015; 187:404-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.03.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
19
|
Deftereos S, Kossyvakis C, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Panagopoulou V, Doudoumis K, Pyrgakis V. Intracardiac echocardiography begs to differ. Hellenic J Cardiol 2014; 55:424-426. [PMID: 25243442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiac Catheterization and Cardiac Electrophysiology Department, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Giannopoulos G, Pappas L, Synetos A, Hahalis G, Raisakis K, Papadimitriou C, Kossyvakis C, Alexopoulos D, Tousoulis D, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW, Deftereos S. Association of virtual histology characteristics of the culprit plaque with post-fibrinolysis flow restoration in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Int J Cardiol 2014; 174:678-82. [PMID: 24809918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.04.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece; Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Athens, Greece; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Loukas Pappas
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Synetos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Hahalis
- Department of Cardiology, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Stefanadis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael W Cleman
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deftereos S, Bouras G, Tsounis D, Papadimitriou C, Hatzis G, Raisakis K, Panagopoulou V, Kaoukis A, Ioannidis A, Deftereos G, Kossyvakis C, Manolis AS, Alexopoulos D, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW, Giannopoulos G. Association of asymmetric dimethylarginine levels with treadmill-stress-test-derived prognosticators. Clin Biochem 2014; 47:593-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2014.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2013] [Revised: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
22
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Efremidis M, Kossyvakis C, Katsivas A, Panagopoulou V, Papadimitriou C, Karageorgiou S, Doudoumis K, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Alexopoulos D, Manolis AS, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW. Colchicine for prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation: mid-term efficacy and effect on quality of life. Heart Rhythm 2014; 11:620-8. [PMID: 24508207 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our group previously showed that colchicine treatment is associated with decreased early recurrence rate after ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the mid-term efficacy of colchicine in reducing AF recurrences after a single procedure of pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal AF. Assessment of quality-of-life (QOL) changes was a secondary objective. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal AF who were scheduled for ablation were randomized to a 3-month course of colchicine 0.5 mg twice daily or placebo and were followed for a median of 15 months (with a 3-month blanking period). QOL was assessed with a general-purpose health-related QOL tool (26-item World Health Organization QOL questionnaire) at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. RESULTS Two hundred twenty-three randomized patients underwent ablation, and 206 patients were available for analysis (144 male, age 62.2 ± 5.8 years). AF recurrence rate in the colchicine group was 31.1% (32/103) vs 49.5% (51/103) in the control group (P = .010), translated in a relative risk reduction of 37% (odds ratio 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.26-0.81). The number needed to treat was 6 (95% confidence interval 3.2-19.8). Physical domain QOL scores at 12 months were 63.6 ± 13.8 in the colchicine group and 52.5 ± 18.1 in controls, whereas psychological domain scores were 56.1 ± 13.7 vs 44.7 ± 17.3, respectively (P <.001, for both). CONCLUSION Colchicine treatment after pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal AF is associated with lower AF recurrence rates after a single procedure. This reduction is accompanied by corresponding improvements in physical and psychological health-related QOL scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Georgios Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Michael Efremidis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Evaggelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Sofia Karageorgiou
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece
| | | | - Antonis S Manolis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michael W Cleman
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Papoutsidakis N, Panagopoulou V, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Cleman MW, Stefanadis C. Colchicine and the Heart. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 62:1817-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.08.726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
24
|
Tsounis D, Deftereos S, Bouras G, Giannopoulos G, Anatoliotakis N, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Cleman MW. High sensitivity troponin in cardiovascular disease. Is there more than a marker of myocardial death? Curr Top Med Chem 2013; 13:201-15. [PMID: 23470078 DOI: 10.2174/1568026611313020008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and coronary artery disease is its most prevalent manifestation, associated with high mortality and morbidity. In clinical practice cardiac troponins (cTn) are the cornerstone of the diagnosis, risk stratification and thus selection of the optimal treatment strategy in patients with acute coronary syndrome. According to the third update of the universal definition of myocardial infarction (MI) cTn is the preferred cardiac biomarker of myocardial necrosis in the setting of acute myocardial ischemia. Over the last years newer high sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have been developed that are more sensitive than conventional assays, have low limit of detection, low imprecision and low reference limits, but due to variability, the deployment of a standardization and harmonization method is required before their wide use in clinical practice. Recent studies have shown that their utilization seems to improve the diagnostic accuracy detecting MI in patients presenting with chest pain. However, the improved sensitivity comes along with a decreased specificity, though serial cTn measurements and the detection of early changes could improve the specificity and the overall diagnostic performance. Moreover, apart from their use in the diagnosis and risk stratification of MI and acute coronary syndromes, hs-cTn assays seem to have a key role in risk stratification and short and long-term prognosis in a variety of cardiovascular modalities such as stable coronary disease, heart failure and acute pulmonary embolism. In addition, studies have suggested that cTns may be used as a biomarker in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease leading to the identification of high-risk populations or individuals with silent heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsounis
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kaoukis A, Deftereos S, Raisakis K, Giannopoulos G, Bouras G, Panagopoulou V, Papoutsidakis N, Cleman MW, Stefanadis C. The role of endothelin system in cardiovascular disease and the potential therapeutic perspectives of its inhibition. Curr Top Med Chem 2013; 13:95-114. [PMID: 23470073 DOI: 10.2174/1568026611313020003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Since its identification in 1988 and the recognition of its primary role as a potent vasoconstrictor, endothelin has been extensively studied and is now considered as a ubiquitous protein, involved in important aspects of human homeostasis as well as in several pathophysiological pathways, mostly associated with cardiovascular disease. From an evolutionary point of view, endothelin consists a primitive molecule with the rare characteristic of being exactly the same in all mammals, thus permitting scientists to perform experiments in animals and doing predictions for humans. The understanding of its contribution to the genesis, evolution and maintenance of disease through activation of special receptor subtypes has led to the development of both selective and unselective receptor antagonists. Despite the disappointing results of these antagonists in the field of heart failure, almost from the initial animal trials of bosentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist, in pulmonary arterial hypertension, it has been demonstrated that the drug leads at least to hemodynamic and clinical improvement of the patients, thus receiving official approval for the management of this rare but eventually lethal disease. Resistant hypertension is another area where endothelin receptor blockers might potentially play a role, while the pathophysiological role of endothelin in atherosclerotic coronary artery disease is well-established and the relative research goes on. The main goal of this review is to describe the endothelin system and mostly to enlighten its role in pathophysiologic pathways, as well to state the relative research in the various fields of cardiovascular disease and also highlight its prognostic significance wherever there exists one.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kaoukis
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Panagopoulou V, Deftereos S, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Giannopoulos G, Bouras G, Pyrgakis V, Cleman MW. NTproBNP: an important biomarker in cardiac diseases. Curr Top Med Chem 2013; 13:82-94. [PMID: 23470072 DOI: 10.2174/1568026611313020002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Natriuretic neuropeptides (ANP, BNP, CNP) are produced primarily in the cardiac atria under normal conditions. The main stimulus for ANP and BNP peptide synthesis and secretion is cardiac wall stress. Cardiac ventricular myocytes constitute the major source of BNP-related peptides. Ventricular NT-proBNP production is upregulated in cardiac failure and locally in the area surrounding a myocardial infarct. NT-proBNP is cleared passively by organs with high rate of blood flow (muscle, liver, kidney). It has a longer half life than BNP and higher plasma concentration. BNP and NTproBNP tend to be higher in women and lower in obese individuals. They are also higher in elderly, in left ventricular tachycardia, right ventricular overload, myocardial ischemia, hypoxaemia, renal dysfunction, liver cirrhosis, sepsis and infection. NT-proBNP is useful both in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure and is considered to be a gold standard biomarker in heart failure similar to BNP. A cut-off point 300 pg/ml has 99% sensitivity, 60%specificity and NPV 98%for exclusion of acute heart failure. NT proBNP has also a strong prognostic value of death in acute and chronic heart failure and also predicts short and long term mortality in patient with suspected or confirmed unstable CVD. Natriuretic peptides are also prognostic markers for the RV (Right Ventricular) Dysfunction. Their release is due to myocardial stretch from right ventricular pressure overload.Finally, there are data supporting that NT-proBNP might be useful to put a time frame on atrial fibrillation of unknown onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Panagopoulou
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G.Gennimatas, Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Hahalis G, Kaoukis A, Kossyvakis C, Avramides D, Pappas L, Panagopoulou V, Pyrgakis V, Alexopoulos D, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW. Moderate procedural sedation and opioid analgesia during transradial coronary interventions to prevent spasm: a prospective randomized study. JACC Cardiovasc Interv 2013; 6:267-73. [PMID: 23517838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcin.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that moderate procedural sedation can reduce the incidence of radial artery spasm. BACKGROUND Transradial access for left heart catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention is increasingly used for emergent and elective procedures, in lieu of the femoral approach. However, increased rates of access site crossover have been reported, with radial artery spasm being a major contributor to this effect. METHODS Patients undergoing elective transradial percutaneous coronary intervention were prospectively randomized to receive fentanyl and midazolam during the procedure or no treatment (control subjects). The primary endpoint was angiographically confirmed radial artery spasm. Patient discomfort was quantified with a visual analogue scale. RESULTS Two thousand thirteen patients (age 64.5 ± 8.4 years) were randomized. Spasm occurred in 2.6% of the treatment group versus 8.3% of control subjects (p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]: 0.29). The number needed to treat to avoid 1 case of spasm was 18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.9 to 26.6). The access site crossover rate was 34% lower in the treatment group: 9.9% versus 15.0% (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.82). Patient discomfort visual analogue scale score was 18.8 ± 12.5 in the treatment group versus 27.4 ± 17.4 in control subjects (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the 30-day rate of death or repeat hospital stay for any cause: 4.6% versus 4.5% (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.67 to 1.56). CONCLUSIONS Routine administration of relatively low doses of an opioid/benzodiazepine combination during transradial interventional procedures is associated with a substantial reduction in the rate of spasm, the need for access site crossover, and the procedure-related level of patient discomfort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Efremidis M, Panagopoulou V, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Karageorgiou S, Bouras G, Katsivas A, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C. Effectiveness of moxonidine to reduce atrial fibrillation burden in hypertensive patients. Am J Cardiol 2013; 112:684-7. [PMID: 23726175 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that the autonomic system plays an important part in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). It appears that, although some patients have a preponderantly sympathetic or vagal overactivation leading to AF, a combined sympathovagal drive is most commonly responsible for AF triggering. The purpose of this hypothesis-generating study was to test whether moxonidine, a centrally acting sympathoinhibitory agent, on top of optimal antihypertensive treatment, can lead to a decrease in AF burden in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF. This was a prospective, double-blind, 1-group, crossover study. Hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF sequentially received treatment with placebo and moxonidine for two 6-week periods, respectively. The change in AF burden (measured as minutes of AF per day in three 48-hour Holter recordings) between the 2 treatment periods was the primary outcome measure. Fifty-six patients (median age 63.5 years, 35 men) were included. During moxonidine treatment, AF burden was reduced from 28.0 min/day (interquartile range [IQR] 15.0 to 57.8) to 16.5 min/day (IQR 4.0 to 36.3; p <0.01). European Heart Rhythm Association symptom severity class decreased from a median of 2.0 (IQR 1.0 to 2.0) to 1.0 (IQR 1.0 to 2.0; p = 0.01). Systolic blood pressure levels were similar in the 2 treatment periods, whereas diastolic blood pressure was lower (p <0.01) during moxonidine treatment. The most frequent complaint was dry mouth (28.6%). No serious adverse events were recorded. In conclusion, treatment with moxonidine, a centrally acting sympathoinhibitory agent, results in reduction of AF burden and alleviation of AF-related symptoms in hypertensive patients with paroxysmal AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hahalis G, Tsigkas G, Xanthopoulou I, Deftereos S, Ziakas A, Raisakis K, Pappas C, Sourgounis A, Grapsas N, Davlouros P, Galati A, Plakomyti TE, Mylona P, Styliadis I, Pyrgakis V, Alexopoulos D. Transulnar compared with transradial artery approach as a default strategy for coronary procedures: a randomized trial. The Transulnar or Transradial Instead of Coronary Transfemoral Angiographies Study (the AURA of ARTEMIS Study). Circ Cardiovasc Interv 2013; 6:252-61. [PMID: 23735472 DOI: 10.1161/circinterventions.112.000150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ulnar artery is rarely selected for coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention despite the expanding use of the transradial approach. We aimed to establish noninferiority of a default transulnar relative to transradial approach in terms of feasibility and safety. METHODS AND RESULTS This was a prospective, randomized, multicenter, parallel-group study involving 902 patients at 5 sites eligible to undergo diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either transradial approach (reference intervention) or transulnar approach (experimental intervention) regardless of the Allen test results. The primary end point was a composite of cross-over to another arterial access, major adverse cardiovascular events, and major vascular events of the arm at 60 days. The study was prematurely terminated after the first interim analysis because of inferiority of the transulnar approach. Although the difference in the primary end point became inconclusive after adjustment for operator clustering (24.30%; 99.99% confidence interval [CI], -7.98% to 56.58%; P=0.03 at α=0.0001), need for cross-over in the transulnar group remained inferior to transradial access site with a difference of 26.34% (95% CI, 11.96%-40.69%; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS As a result of higher cross-over rates, a first-line transulnar strategy was proven inferior to the transradial approach for coronary procedures. At present, the transulnar route should not be regarded as an acceptable alternative to the transradial access site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Hahalis
- Department of Cardiology, Patras University Hospital, Patras, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Deftereos S, Tsounis D, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Panagopoulou V, Raisakis K, Stefanadis C. Oral IIa and Xa inhibitors for prevention of stroke in atrial fibrillation: clinical studies and regulatory considerations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 7:166-74. [PMID: 22564122 DOI: 10.2174/157488412800958749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common, clinically significant, cardiac arrhythmia affects 1% of the general population and has important hemodynamic and thromboembolic complications that contribute to elevated morbidity and mortality. AF increases the overall risk of stroke five-fold, accounting for approximately 15% of all strokes and is associated with particularly severe stroke. For the last 50 years, long-term anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists has been the most effective therapy for preventing stroke and systemic embolism in patients with AF and other risk factors, but their use has a lot of limitations and drawbacks (frequent monitoring and dose adjustment, food and drug interactions, delayed onset of action etc). Nowadays, new oral anticoagulants have emerged that seem to overcome those limitations. Direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran and factor Xa inhibitors rivaroxaban and apixaban have proven, in large, multicenter, randomized, phase III, clinical studies, to be at least as efficient as warfarin in stroke prevention in patients with AF. RELY and ROCKET AF trials have contributed to market approval of dabigatran and rivaroxaban, respectively and made them available to clinical practice. Another factor Xa inhibitor, edoxaban, is under evaluation in an ongoing phase III clinical trial and others such as AZD0837, betrixaban and darexaban are still in safety and tolerability phase II studies. The oral anticoagulation landscape is changing rapidly and these new agents seem to be very promising. However future post-marketing studies and registries will help clarify their efficacy and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Gerckens U, Pizzulli L, Raisakis K. Alcohol septal ablation as a bail-out procedure for suicide left ventricle after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. J Invasive Cardiol 2013; 25:E114-E117. [PMID: 23645058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), many AS patients, formerly considered inoperable, can receive effective treatment. The relief of the left ventricular pressure overload could lead, in some cases, to the occurrence of dynamic intracavity pressure gradients (DIG) with deleterious clinical impact. This phenomenon resembles the physiology seen in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. We report a case in which alcohol septal ablation was used as a bail-out therapy for the acutely developed intracavity obstruction after TAVI. Potential dynamic intracavity gradients should always be excluded in the acutely deteriorated patient postoperatively. Alcohol septal ablation can be considered as a salvage therapeutic tool when other therapies are ineffective to treat subvalvular obstruction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Gerckens
- Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Bonn – St Elisabeth, St Petrus, St Johannes,Herz – und Gefäßzentrum Rhein/Ahr, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Panagopoulou V, Driva M, Hahalis G, Pyrgakis V, Alexopoulos D, Manolis AS, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW. Colchicine Treatment for the Prevention of Bare-Metal Stent Restenosis in Diabetic Patients. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 61:1679-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
33
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Tzalamouras V, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Panagopoulou V, Karageorgiou S, Avramides D, Toutouzas K, Hahalis G, Pyrgakis V, Manolis AS, Alexopoulos D, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW. Renoprotective effect of remote ischemic post-conditioning by intermittent balloon inflations in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. J Am Coll Cardiol 2013; 61:1949-55. [PMID: 23500314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2013.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of remote ischemic post-conditioning (RIPC) by repeated intermittent balloon inflations in preventing acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND AKI complicating PCI is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Remote ischemic preconditioning, using cycles of upper limb ischemia-reperfusion as a conditioning stimulus, has been recently shown to prevent AKI in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. METHODS Eligible patients were randomized to receive RIPC by cycles of inflation and deflation of the stent balloon during PCI or a sham procedure (control patients). The primary endpoint was AKI, defined as an increase of ≥ 0.5 mg/dl or ≥ 25% in serum creatinine within 96 h from PCI. The 30-day rate of death or re-hospitalization for any cause was one of the secondary endpoints. RESULTS A total of 225 patients were included (median age, 68 years; 36% female). The AKI rate in the RIPC group was 12.4% versus 29.5% in the control group (p = 0.002; odds ratio: 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.16 to 0.71). The number needed to treat to avoid 1 case of AKI was 6 (95% confidence interval: 3.6 to 15.2). The 30-day rate of death or re-hospitalization for any cause was 22.3% in the control group versus 12.4% in RIPC patients (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS RIPC by serial balloon inflations and deflations during PCI was found to confer protection against AKI in patients with a non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing PCI. The reduction in the rate of AKI translated into a clear trend (of borderline significance) toward better 30-day clinical outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Angelidis C, Efremidis M, Panagopoulou V, Kaoukis A, Theodorakis A, Toli K, Zavitsanakis P, Mantas I, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW. Association of post-cardioversion transcardiac concentration gradient of soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) and inflammatory biomarkers to atrial fibrillation recurrence. Clin Biochem 2013; 46:1020-1025. [PMID: 23481489 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) has been shown to have both pro- and anti-apoptotic activities and is associated to better prognosis in heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine the transcardiac concentration gradient of sTRAIL and inflammatory biomarkers after AF cardioversion and assess their relation to AF recurrence. DESIGN AND METHODS We measured transcardiac gradients (coronary sinus concentration minus aortic root concentration) of sTRAIL, C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with non-valvular AF after electrical cardioversion. Six-month AF recurrence was the study endpoint. RESULTS There were no differences in sTRAIL and hsCRP concentrations in peripheral venous blood between patients with and without AF recurrence (p=0.066 and 0.149, respectively), while IL-6 was higher in patients with recurrence (p=0.032). Only sTRAIL showed a significant transcardiac gradient [3 pg/mL (IQR 1-4 pg/mL); p=0.01]. sTRAIL gradient was 4 pg/mL (IQR 3-5 pg/mL) in patients without recurrence versus -1 pg/mL (IQR -2-1 pg/mL) in those with recurrence (p<0.001). IL-6 (p=0.281) and hsCRP (p=0.979) aortic concentrations were not significantly different from coronary sinus concentrations. In multivariate analysis, sTRAIL transcardiac gradient (beta -0.81, p=0.004) remained a negative predictor of AF recurrence. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the existence of a significant transcardiac sTRAIL concentration gradient in patients with non-valvular AF, inversely associated to AF recurrence. These results suggest production of sTRAIL by the heart and a protective role against substrate-altering processes in AF-prone atria. This could have implications for TRAIL-targeting therapies currently under development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Giannopoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece; Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | | | | - Christos Angelidis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis Efremidis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Andreas Kaoukis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Konstantina Toli
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Chalkida, Chalkida, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Mantas
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Chalkida, Chalkida, Greece
| | - Vlasios Pyrgakis
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Christodoulos Stefanadis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael W Cleman
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Efremidis M, Panagopoulou V, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Bouras G, Angelidis C, Theodorakis A, Driva M, Doudoumis K, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C. Colchicine for prevention of early atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation: a randomized controlled study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2012; 60:1790-6. [PMID: 23040570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2012.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of the present study was to test the potential of colchicine, an agent with potent anti-inflammatory action, to reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal AF. BACKGROUND Proinflammatory processes induced by AF ablation therapy have been implicated in postablation arrhythmia recurrence. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal AF who received radiofrequency ablation treatment were randomized to a 3-month course of colchicine 0.5 mg twice daily or placebo. C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels were measured on day 1 and on day 4 of treatment. RESULTS In the 3-month follow-up, recurrence of AF was observed in 27 (33.5%) of 80 patients of the placebo group versus 13 (16%) of 81 patients who received colchicine (odds ratio: 0.38, 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.80). Gastrointestinal side-effects were the most common symptom among patients receiving active treatment. Diarrhea was reported in 7 patients in the colchicine group (8.6%) versus 1 in the placebo group (1.3%, p = 0.03). Colchicine led to higher reductions in CRP and IL-6 levels: the median difference of CRP and IL-6 levels between days 4 and 1 was -0.46 mg/l (interquartile range: -0.78 to 0.08 mg/l) and -0.10 mg/l (-0.30 to 0.10 pg/ml), respectively, in the placebo group versus -1.18 mg/l (-2.35 to -0.46 mg/l) and -0.50 pg/ml (-1.15 to -0.10 pg/ml) in the colchicine group (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS Colchicine is an effective and safe treatment for prevention of early AF recurrences after pulmonary vein isolation in the absence of antiarrhythmic drug treatment. This effect seems to be associated strongly with a significant decrease in inflammatory mediators, including IL-6 and CRP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Panagopoulou V, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Tzalamouras V, Mavri M, Pyrgakis V, Cleman MW, Stefanadis C. Inverse association of coronary soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (sTRAIL) levels to in-stent neointimal hyperplasia. Cardiology 2012; 123:97-102. [PMID: 23018671 DOI: 10.1159/000342078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Soluble tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (sTRAIL) has been shown to exert protective action against atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations of coronary sTRAIL levels with indices of in-stent neointimal hyperplasia. METHODS 67 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stent were followed up at approximately 12 months with determination of coronary sTRAIL concentration, angiography and intravascular ultrasound evaluation of the stent sites. RESULTS Mean sTRAIL concentration was 72.2 ± 2.8 pg/ml. sTRAIL was negatively correlated to indices of neointimal hyperplasia and positively correlated to in-stent minimum lumen area (p < 0.001). Neointimal obstruction and maximal in-stent cross-sectional neointima burden in patients in the upper sTRAIL quartile were 3.8 ± 1.2 and 12.6 ± 3.3%, respectively, versus 14.0 ± 0.7 and 49.8 ± 2.7% in the lower quartile (p < 0.001 for both). sTRAIL levels were significantly lower in patients with binary restenosis (48.7 ± 3.0 vs. 75.2 ± 2.9 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, sTRAIL was an independent predictor of neointimal hyperplasia. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a negative association of sTRAIL to in-stent neointima formation. The potential pathophysiologic substrate of this effect implicates modulation of apoptosis in various cell types. These observations should prompt further evaluation of the link between sTRAIL and in-stent restenosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital 'G. Gennimatas', Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Panagopoulou V, Kaoukis A, Mavrogianni AD, Doudoumis K, Theodorakis A, Bobotis G, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C. Feasibility of peripheral venous access for temporary right ventricular pacing. Hellenic J Cardiol 2012; 53:340-342. [PMID: 22995604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In this brief report, we present our experience from placing temporary pacing electrodes through peripheral venous access sites, at bedside, in a series of patients needing temporary pacing. METHODS Consecutive patients requiring temporary pacing were selected. The median cubital or the basilic vein of the left upper extremity were used for catheterization at the bedside in all cases. RESULTS 25 patients (17 men, age 64.6 ± 11.8) were included. The procedure was successful in 21 cases (84%), 18 of which were completed without the need for fluoroscopic guidance. The pacing leads remained for 4.2 ± 2.2 days. As expected, no serious complications related to venous puncture were observed. Although patients were allowed to be mobilized within the ward and engage in limited movements of the catheterized arm, in only one case was the lead displaced, requiring repositioning. CONCLUSIONS We provide observational evidence that the use of peripheral venous access for temporary pacing lead insertion (with no fluoroscopic guidance, as default strategy) is a safe and feasible choice that might be considered as an alternative to central vein catheterization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Deftereos S, Raisakis K, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Pappas L, Kaoukis A. Successful retrieval of a coronary stent dislodged in the brachial artery by means of improvised snare and guiding catheter. Int J Angiol 2012; 20:55-8. [PMID: 22532772 DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1272547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is a case report regarding the retrieval, by means of an improvised snare and guiding catheter, of a stent dislodged in the brachial artery during a transradial coronary intervention. A full-length guiding catheter could not be used to approach the lost stent, which was a mere 30 to 35 cm away from the sheath insertion site at the radial artery, and a commercial snare was not available at the time. Thus, we had to improvise a shortened guiding catheter and a snare, which was formed by folding an angioplasty Whisper guide wire (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) and was used successfully to snare the stent and retrieve it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital "G. Gennimatas," Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Panagopoulou V, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Doudoumis K, Pyrgakis V, Manolis AS, Stefanadis C. Integration of intracardiac echocardiographic imaging of the left atrium with electroanatomic mapping data for pulmonary vein isolation: first-in-Greece experience with the CartoSound™ system and brief literature review. Hellenic J Cardiol 2012; 53:10-16. [PMID: 22275738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) offers the ability to image the left atrium in order to reconstruct a three-dimensional model that can be integrated with electroanatomic data to guide pulmonary vein isolation. We report a case series representing the first-in-Greece experience with the CartoSound module. METHODS Patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) referred for pulmonary vein isolation were included in this case-series. The SoundStar ICE catheter was used to trace left atrial and pulmonary vein contours from the right atrium, the right ventricular outflow tract and the coronary sinus. RESULTS Eight patients (age 66.3 ± 1.6 years) are presented in this case-series report. Six of them (75%) had paroxysmal AF and the rest were in persistent AF for less than one year. The time for ICE imaging and left atrium three-dimensional reconstruction decreased from a median of 20.5 minutes (interquartile range 19.3-23.3) for the chronologically first four cases to a median of 16.5 minutes (interquartile range 14.517.0) for the chronologically last four cases (p=0.02). The procedure was completed in all cases. No significant periprocedural complications were encountered. Acute success, with restoration of sinus rhythm, was achieved in both patients with persistent AF. Seven of the eight patients (87.5%) were AF-free in 48-hour Holter recordings one week after the procedure. CONCLUSION ICE integration into three-dimensional electroanatomic reconstruction of the left atrium provides reliable guidance for pulmonary vein isolation. It appears that this modality is a sound alternative to magnetic resonance and computed tomography image data registration, although randomized comparisons are lacking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Panagopoulou V, Kaoukis A, Doudoumis K, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C. Feasibility and procedure-related patient discomfort of peripheral venous access for coronary sinus cannulation during electrophysiology procedures. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2011; 34:161-5. [PMID: 22119856 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-011-9635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placement of an electrode catheter in the coronary sinus (CS) through the jugular or subclavian vein, as part of electrophysiology (EP) procedures, increases patient discomfort and the possibility of adverse events. We studied the hypothesis that peripheral venous access for CS cannulation, as part of EP procedures, is feasible and can reduce patient discomfort, eliminating central venous access-associated risks. METHODS Consecutive patients submitted to EP procedures were randomly assigned to peripheral or central venous access for CS cannulation. If after 30 min from initial needle insertion the CS was still not catheterized, the attempt was considered unsuccessful. Patient level of discomfort was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS Success rate was 90% in the peripheral versus 95% in the central venous access group (p = 1.00). No complications related to venous access were observed in the peripheral venous access group, whereas one case of pneumothorax and one case of extensive hematoma in the anterior cervical area were recorded in the central venous access group. Patients submitted to central vein catheterization reported higher VAS scores, 46.8 ± 16.3 versus 36.8 ± 12.9 (p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed in fluoroscopy time needed for CS cannulation (51.1 ± 9.2 s versus 51.4 ± 7.9 s; p = 0.71) between the two groups. CONCLUSION This small, randomized study indicates that peripheral venous access for CS catheter placement during EP procedures is feasible, with equivalent success rate to the central venous access approach, and associated with lower levels of self-reported patient discomfort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, 154 Mesogeion Ave., 11527, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Panagopoulou V, Miliou A, Theodorakis A, Driva M, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C, Cleman MW. Association of soluble tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand levels with coronary plaque burden and composition. Heart 2011; 98:214-8. [PMID: 21965221 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2011-300339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence shows that the soluble tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (sTRAIL) may play a protective role against atherosclerosis. This study sought to investigate the potential association of sTRAIL levels with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology characteristics of coronary plaques. METHODS Patients with stable angina or positive for ischaemia non-invasive test were submitted to left cardiac catheterisation. Coronary blood samples were collected and sTRAIL was measured. Coronary arteries with at least one 50% or greater stenosis were studied with IVUS. RESULTS 56 coronary arteries were studied with significant coronary artery disease. Plaque volume per unit of arterial length was 63 ± 5 mm(3)/cm in arteries at the lower quartile of sTRAIL concentration versus 30 ± 4 mm(3)/cm at the upper quartile (p<0.001; 95% CI of the difference 19.7 to 46.3 mm(3)/cm). The necrotic core and fibrofatty content of atheromatous plaques were inversely associated with sTRAIL (p<0.001). Thin-cap fibroatheromas (TCFA) were discovered in 16 of the 56 arterial segments. The mean sTRAIL concentration in these segments was 56.8 ± 7.5 pg/ml versus 99.9 ± 5.7 pg/ml in those without TCFA (p<0.001; 95% CI of the difference 22.7 to 63.5 pg/ml). The association of sTRAIL with the presence of TCFA remained significant in the logistic multivariate analysis (p=0.009). CONCLUSION According to the findings of the present study, in addition to coronary artery disease burden, the sTRAIL concentration is also related to the composition of atheromatous plaques. A significant association is demonstrated between low sTRAIL levels and the presence of TCFA, the IVUS-virtual histology prototype of the vulnerable plaque.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital 'G Gennimatas', Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Panagopoulou V, Ntzouvara O, Perpinia A, Rentoukas I, Pyrgakis V, Manolis AS, Stefanadis C. Relation of ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation to beta-blocker dose maximization guided by pacing mode analysis in nonpacemaker-dependent patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Am J Cardiol 2011; 107:1812-7. [PMID: 21481829 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.02.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We hypothesized that uptitration of β blockade and adjustment of pacing parameters to achieve a prevalence of single chamber atrial inhibited rate-responsive (AAIR) pacing in patients with dual-chamber implantable cardioverter--defibrillators (ICDs) would result in maximization of β-blocker dosage and thus decrease appropriate ICD therapies. We included patients with ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and implanted ICDs without contraindications to β blockers and atrioventricular conduction disturbances. Two 6-month periods were compared: clinically guided phase (pacing function set at back-up dual-chamber rate-responsive pacing mode at a lower rate of about 40 beats/min) and pacing-guided phase, during which β-blocker dosage was titrated with a target of achieving >90% AAIR pacing (lower rate 60 beats/min). Sixty-one patients (64.2 ± 8.3 years old) were included. During the pacing-guided phase the target of ≥90% AAIR pacing was achieved in 80.3% of patients. Mean metoprolol dose during the clinically guided phase was 96.7 ± 29.4 versus 127.0 ± 39.6 mg/day in the pacing-guided phase (p <0.001). Appropriate ICD therapies were recorded in 35 patients (57.4%) during the clinically guided phase versus 20 (32.8%) during the pacing-guided phase (p <0.001; 1.15 and 0.48 appropriate ICD therapies per patient, respectively, p <0.001). In multivariate analysis, AAIR pacing and β-blocker dose were inversely related to appropriate ICD therapies. In conclusion, a pacing-guided approach for maximizing β-blocker doses guided by maximizing AAIR pacing in patients with ICDs may be beneficial compared to the conventional strategy. This pacing-guided approach led to higher daily β-blocker doses, which were correlated to fewer appropriate ICD therapies.
Collapse
|
43
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Tousoulis D, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Kossyvakis C, Panagopoulou V, Ntzouvara O, Mavrogianni A, Michelakakis N, Toutouzas K, Pyrgakis V, Bobotis G, Cleman MW, Stefanadis C. Sheathless transulnar versus standard femoral arterial access for percutaneous coronary intervention on bifurcation lesions. Int J Cardiol 2011; 149:398-400. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
44
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Driva M, Kaoukis A, Raisakis K, Theodorakis A, Panagopoulou V, Lappos S, Tampaki E, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C. Radial artery flow-mediated dilation predicts arterial spasm during transradial coronary interventions. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2011; 77:649-54. [DOI: 10.1002/ccd.22688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
45
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Driva M, Panagopoulou V, Ntzouvara O, Theodorakis A, Toutouzas K, Pyrgakis V, Stefanadis C. Differential effect of biventricular and right ventricular DDD pacing on coronary flow reserve in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2011; 21:1233-9. [PMID: 20561105 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2010.01827.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED CRT and Coronary Flow Reserve. BACKGROUND Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a mainstay in heart failure management. There are also indications that upgrading of existing pacemakers to CRT systems may be of benefit. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of biventricular (BiV), compared with right ventricular (RV), pacing, on coronary flow reserve (CFR), in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. METHODS AND RESULTS From our database of heart failure patients implanted with BiV pacemakers, 20 patients (10 responders and 10 non-responders to CRT) were randomly selected. Left anterior descending artery coronary flow reserve was measured invasively, under BiV and RV pacing, using intracoronary adenosine to induce hyperemia. In all the 20 patients, there was a significant difference in the pairwise comparison between CFR recorded during BiV and RV pacing (mean difference 0.15, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.23, P = 0.001). When comparing responders to non-responders, there was a significant difference as to the effect of BiV, compared with RV, pacing on CFR: mean difference (BiV minus RV CFR) was 0.26 ± 0.06 (95% confidence interval 0.13-0.39; P = 0.002), while in non-responders the difference was 0.04 ± 0.03 (95% confidence interval -0.02 to 0.10; P = 0.168). CONCLUSION BiV pacing is overall associated to higher CFR, compared with RV DDD pacing. This difference is almost exclusively attributable to the beneficial effect of CRT on coronary flow reserve in CRT-responders. This effect may contribute to the beneficial action of resynchronization in the failing heart and can be viewed in the context of reports of the usefulness of upgrading RV pacemakers to CRT systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Kossyvakis C, Pappas L, Panagopoulou V, Mavrogianni AD, Theodorakis A, Perpinia A, Michelakakis N, Bobotis G, Pyrgakis V. Transradial access as first choice for primary percutaneous coronary interventions: experience from a tertiary hospital in Athens. Hellenic J Cardiol 2011; 52:111-117. [PMID: 21478120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The transfemoral approach (TFA) has been the mainstay for arterial access during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the setting of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, the transradial approach (TRA) has been shown to be an equally effective and possibly safer way of performing primary PCI (pPCI). METHODS The study population included 98 serially recruited patients who underwent pPCI in our institution. All patients were clinically followed during their hospital stay (6.4 ± 3.1 days). RESULTS In the 98 patients included in the study, 65 procedures (66.3%) were completed via TRA, whereas the remaining 33 procedures (33.7%) used TFA. Door-to-balloon time was similar (57 ± 19 min vs. 54 ± 15 min, p=ns). Patients in the TRA group were mobilized sooner (28 ± 9 hours vs. 36 ± 13 hours, p<0.05). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the TRA group (6.0 ± 3.2 days vs. 7.1 ± 2.8 days, p<0.05). TRA and TFA did not differ significantly as to the incidence of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or subacute stent thrombosis, but major access-related vascular complications were significantly more frequent in the TFA group (2% vs. 15%, p<0.01). Cerebrovascular events did not differ between TRA and TFA. CONCLUSIONS Compared to TFA, TRA seems to be associated with a lower incidence of bleeding complications, as well as earlier mobilization and discharge from hospital. It is conceivable that TRA could become the first choice in the treatment of STEMI patients in the near future, while TFA is kept as an alternative.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas Athens, Greece.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Tousoulis D, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Synetos A, Latsios G, Pappas L, Panagopoulou V, Toutouzas K, Pyrgakis V, Rentoukas I, Stefanadis C. Feasibility and safety of transulnar access for performing rotational atherectomy. Int J Cardiol 2011; 147:285-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 12/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
48
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Kaoukis A, Aggeli C, Toli K, Theodorakis A, Panagopoulou V, Driva M, Mantas I, Pyrgakis V, Rentoukas I, Stefanadis C. Estimation of atrial fibrillation recency of onset and safety of cardioversion using NTproBNP levels in patients with unknown time of onset. Heart 2011; 97:914-7. [PMID: 21303795 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2010.214742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As shown previously in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) without symptoms or signs of heart failure, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) increases rapidly, reaching a maximum within 24-36 h, and then decreases even if AF persists. A study was undertaken to use NTproBNP measurements in patients with AF of unknown time of onset to identify patients with presumed recent onset of the arrhythmia. DESIGN Two-group open cross-sectional study. SETTING Hospitalised patients in cardiology departments of four hospitals. PATIENTS Patients presenting with AF of unknown onset and no signs or symptoms of heart failure were separated into two groups: group A with NTproBNP above the cut-off level and group B with a low NTproBNP level. INTERVENTIONS No therapeutic intervention. All patients underwent transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Presence of left atrial thrombus on TEE. RESULTS In group A (N=43) only two patients (4.7%) were found to have an atrial thrombus on TEE (negative predictive value of raised NTproBNP levels 95.3%) compared with 13 of 43 patients in group B (30.2%; p=0.002). Patients with a higher CHA(2)DS(2)VASc score (p=0.002) and a larger left atrium (p<0.001) were more likely to have an atrial thrombus. In the multivariate analysis, NTproBNP below the cut-off level was the most powerful predictor of the presence of thrombus (OR 25.0; p=0.016). CONCLUSION The reported strong correlation between raised NTproBNP levels and the absence of atrial thrombi on TEE suggests that the short-term increase in NTproBNP levels after AF onset might be used to assess the age of the arrhythmia and thus the safety of cardioversion in patients with AF of unknown onset and no heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiology Department, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Raisakis K, Kossyvakis C, Kaoukis A, Driva M, Pappas L, Panagopoulou V, Ntzouvara O, Karavidas A, Pyrgakis V, Rentoukas I, Aggeli C, Stefanadis C. Comparison of muscle functional electrical stimulation to conventional bicycle exercise on endothelium and functional status indices in patients with heart failure. Am J Cardiol 2010; 106:1621-5. [PMID: 21094364 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2010.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this prospective, open-label, cohort study was to compare the effect of muscle functional electrical stimulation (FES) on endothelial function to that of conventional bicycle training. Eligible patients were those with New York Heart Association class II or III heart failure symptoms and ejection fractions ≤ 0.35. Two physical conditioning programs were delivered: FES of the muscles of the lower limbs and bicycle training, each lasting for 6 weeks, with a 6-week washout period between them. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and other parameters were assessed before and after FES and the bicycle training program. FES resulted in a significant improvement in FMD, which increased from 5.9 ± 0.5% to 7.7 ± 0.5% (95% confidence interval for the difference 1.5% to 2.3%, p < 0.001). Bicycle training also resulted in a substantial improvement of endothelial function. FMD increased from 6.2 ± 0.4% to 9.2 ± 0.4% (95% confidence interval for the difference 2.5% to 3.5%, p < 0.001). FES was associated with a 41% relative increase in FMD, compared to 57% with bicycle exercise (95% confidence interval for the difference between the relative changes 1.2% to 30.5%, p = 0.034). This resulted in attaining a significantly higher FMD value after bicycle training compared to FES (9.2 ± 0.4% vs 7.7 ± 0.5%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the effect of muscle FES in patients with heart failure on endothelial function, although not equivalent to that of conventional exercise, is substantial. Muscle FES protocols may prove very useful in the treatment of patients with heart failure who cannot or will not adhere to conventional exercise programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Deftereos
- Cardiology Department and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Deftereos S, Giannopoulos G, Kossyvakis C, Raisakis K, Theodorakis A, Kaoukis A, Toli K, Panagopoulou V, Driva M, Mantas I, Pyrgakis V, Alpert MA. Short-term fluctuations of plasma NT-proBNP levels in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation: a way to assess time of onset? Heart 2010; 96:1033-6. [PMID: 20483904 DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2009.190314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to characterise short-term kinetics of plasma amino-terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) without heart failure. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Emergency departments and inpatient services of three large community hospitals. PATIENTS 31 consecutive patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation (<24 h before presentation) persisting at least 48 h, without evidence of heart failure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma NT-proBNP levels were obtained at presentation and then 6, 12, 18, and 24 h after presentation. A final sample was obtained 48 h after onset of AF. RESULTS Mean plasma NT-proBNP levels and 95% CIs (pg/ml) during the 48-h period following onset of AF were: 0-6 h: 636 (395 to 928), 6-12 h: 1364 (951 to 1778), 12-18 h: 1747 (1412 to 2083), 18-24 h: 1901 (1549 to 2253), 24-36 h: 1744 (1423 to 2066) and 36-48 h: 1101 (829 to 1373). Mean time to peak NT-proBNP levels was 16.7 (0.7) h; 29 patients reached their peak levels within 24 h. The mean peak NT-proBNP level was significantly higher than those obtained at 0-6 h and at 36-48 h after onset of AF (p<0.001 for both). There was no correlation between ventricular rate and plasma NT-proBNP levels during any time period after onset of AF. CONCLUSION In patients with new-onset AF but no clinical or radiographic evidence of heart failure, plasma NT-proBNP levels rise progressively to a peak during the first 24 h and then rapidly fall. This pattern may serve as an aid to assess the time from AF onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Deftereos
- Department of Cardiology, Athens General Hospital G. Gennimatas, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|