Long duration of atrial high-rate episode is more favorable in predicting ischemic stroke than high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the roles of duration and burden of atrial high-rate episode (AHRE) on ischemic stroke in patients with pacemaker implantation.

METHODS

Patients with pacemaker implantation for bradycardia from 2013 to 2017 were consecutively enrolled. Data such as gender, age, combined diseases, type of AF, left atrial size, left ventricular size, left ventricular ejection fraction, CHA2 DS2 -VASc score, and anticoagulants were collected. The burden and duration of AHRE based on different interval partition were also recorded in detail to evaluate the impacts on ischemic stroke. Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 220 patients with AHRE were enrolled. The average follow-up time was 48.42 ± 17.20 months. Univariate regression analysis showed that diabetes (p = .024), high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (≥ 2) (p = .021), long mean AHRE burden (p = .011), long maximal AHRE burden (p = .015), long AHRE duration lasting≥48 h (p = .001) or 24 h (p = .001) or 12 h (p = .005) were prone to ischemic stroke. Further multivariate regression analysis showed that long duration of AHRE (≥48 h) (HR 10.77; 95% CI 3.22-55.12; p = .030) were significantly correlated with stroke in patients with paroxysmal AF. There was no significant correlation between the type of AF and stroke (p = .927).

CONCLUSION

The longer duration of AHRE (≥48 h) was more favorable in predicting ischemic stroke than high CHA2 DS2 -VASc score (≥2).

Predictors of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy detection and outcomes demonstration after conduction system pacing upgrade on patients with long-term persistent atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

To identify the predictors of pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) and illustrate the safety and feasibility of conduction system pacing (CSP) upgrade on patients with long-term persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

All patients with long-term persistent AF and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% were consecutively enrolled from January 2008 to December 2017, and all the patients with atrioventricular block (AVB) and high right ventricular pacing (RVP) percentage of at least 40%. The predictors of PICM were identified, and patients with PICM were followed up for at least 1 year regardless of CSP upgrade. Cardiac performances and lead outcomes were investigated in all patients before and after CSP upgrade.

RESULTS

The present study included 139 patients, out of which 37 (26.62%) developed PICM, resulting in a significant decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from 56.11 ± 2.56% to 38.10 ± 5.81% (p< .01). The median duration for the development of PICM was 5.43 years. Lower LVEF (≤52.50%), longer paced QRS duration (≥175 ms), and higher RVP percentage (≥96.80%) were identified as independent predictors of PICM. Furthermore, the morbidity of PICM progressively increased with an increased number of predictors. The paced QRS duration (183.90 ± 22.34 ms vs. 136.57 ± 20.71 ms, p < .01), LVEF (39.35 ± 2.71% vs. 47.50 ± 7.43%, p < .01), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (55.53 ± 5.67 mm vs. 53.20 ± 5.78 mm, p = .03) improved significantly on patients accepting CSP upgrade. CSP responses and complete reverse remodeling (LVEF ≥50% and LVEDD < 50 mm) were detected in 80.95% (17/21) and 42.9% (9/21) of patients. The pacing threshold (1.52 ± 0.78 V/0.4 ms vs. 1.27 ± 0.59 V/0.4 ms, p = .16) was stable after follow-up.

CONCLUSION

PICM is very common in patients with long-term persistent AF, and CSP upgrade was favorable for better cardiac performance in this patient population.

Cumulative non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol burden and risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: a prospective community-based study

Background

The relationship between cumulative non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) burden and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains unclear.

Objective

To prospectively examine the association between cumulative non-HDL-C burden and ASCVD risk in the Kailuan cohort of China.

Methods

A total of 49,679 subjects who were free of ASCVD participated in three consecutive examinations in 2006, 2008 and 2010 were enrolled. Duration and concentration of cumulative exposure to non-HDL-C (cumNon-HDL-C) were respectively used to estimate the extent of cumulative non-HDL-C burden. The participants were divided into four groups according to durations of cumNon-HDL-C (0, 2, 4 and 6 years) and five groups according to the quintiles of cumNon-HDL-C concentration (<10.93, 10.93-12.68, 12.69-14.32, 14.33-16.72 and ≥16.73 mmol/L). Cox regression models were used to analyze the influence of cumulative non-HDL-C burden on ASCVD risk.

Results

We identified 1,134 incident ASCVD cases during a mean of 4.89 years of follow-up. Multivariable adjusted analysis revealed that compared with no exposure, cumNon-HDL-C duration 2, 4 and 6 years increased ASCVD risk by 26% (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07-1.47), 56% (HR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.31-1.86) and 91% (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.59-2.31) respectively; The hazard ratios (HRs) for the fourth and fifth versus lowest quintile of cumNon-HDL-C concentration were 1.25 and 1.72 for ASCVD. Each standard deviation increment in cumNon-HDL-C concentration was associated with a 10% increased risk of ASCVD.

Conclusion

Long-term and higher cumNon-HDL-C were all significantly associated with an increased risk of ASCVD independent of single non-HDL-C level.

[Clinical features and long-term prognosis of diabetic patients with low or intermediate complexity coronary artery disease post percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and long-term prognostic factors of diabetic patients with low or intermediate complexity coronary artery disease (CAD) post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a prospective, single-centre observational study. Consecutive diabetic patients with SYNTAX score (SS)≤32 undergoing PCI between January and December 2013 in Fuwai hospital were included in this analysis. The patients were divided into two groups based on SS, namely SS≤22 group and SS 23-32 group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors related to poor 5-year prognosis. The primary outcomes were cardiac death and recurrent myocardial infarction, the secondary outcomes were all cause death and revascularization. Results: Of the 3 899 patients included in the study, 2 888 were men (74.1%); mean age was 59.4±9.8 years. There were 3 450 patients in the SS≤22 group and 449 patients in the SS 23-32 group. Compared with SS≤22 group, the incidence of revascularization was higher in SS 23-32 group (18.9% (85/449) vs. 15.2% (524/3450), log-rank P=0.019). There was no significant difference in all-cause death, cardiac death and recurrent myocardial infarction between the two groups (log-rank P>0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that age (HR=1.05, 95%CI 1.02-1.08, P<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR=3.12, 95%CI 1.37-7.07, P=0.007) and creatinine clearance rate (CCr)<60 ml/min (HR=3.67, 95%CI 2.05-6.58, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for 5-year cardiac death, while left ventricular ejection fraction (HR=0.94, 95%CI 0.91-0.96, P<0.001) was a protective factor. Previous PCI (HR=2.04, 95%CI 1.38-3.00, P<0.001), blood glucose level≥11.1 mmol/L on admission (HR=2.49, 95%CI 1.32-4.70, P=0.005) and CCr<60 ml/min (HR=1.85, 95%CI 1.14-2.99, P=0.012) were independent risk factors for 5-year recurrent myocardial infarction. The SS of 23-32 was independently associated with risk of revascularization (HR=1.54, 95%CI 1.09-2.16, P=0.014), after adjusting for residual SS. Residual SS was not a risk factor for 5-year prognosis. Conclusions: In diabetic patients with low-or intermediate complexity CAD, SS 23-32 is associated with increased risk of 5-year revascularization; the clinical characteristics of the patients are associated with the long-term mortality and recurrent myocardial infarction, but not related to revascularization.

[Impact of prolonging dual antiplatelet therapy on long-term prognosis of elderly patients with coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation]

Objective: To explore and compare the effect of standard or prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) on the long-term prognosis of elderly patients with coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Methods: Consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus, ≥65 years old, underwent DES implantation, and had no adverse events within 1 year after operation underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January to December 2013 in Fuwai Hospital were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. These patients were divided into three groups according to DAPT duration: standard DAPT duration group (11 ≤ DAPT duration≤ 13 months) and prolonged DAPT duration group (13<DAPT duration≤ 24 months; DAPT duration>24 months). All the patients were followed up at 1, 6 months, 1, 2 and 5 years in order to collect the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and type 2 to 5 bleeding events defined by the Federation of Bleeding Academic Research (BARC). MACCE were consisted of all cause death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization or stroke. The incidence of clinical adverse events were compared among 3 different DAPT duration groups, and Cox regression model were used to analyze the effect of different DAPT duration on 5-year long-term prognosis. Results: A total of 1 562 patients were enrolled, aged (70.8±4.5) years, with 398 female (25.5%). There were 467 cases in standard DAPT duration group, 684 cases in 13<DAPT duration≤ 24 months group and 411 cases in DAPT duration>24 months group. The patients in standard DAPT duration group and the prolonged DAPT duration groups accounted for 29.9% (467/1 562) and 70.1% (1 095/1 562), respectively. The 5-year follow-up results showed that the incidence of all-cause death in 13<DAPT duration≤ 24 months group (4.8%(33/684) vs. 8.6%(40/467),P=0.011) and DAPT duration>24 month group(4.1%(17/411) vs. 8.6%(40/467),P=0.008) were significantly lower than in standard DAPT group. The incidence of myocardial infarction in 13<DAPT duration≤ 24 months group was lower than in standard DAPT duration group (1.9%(13/684) vs. 5.1%(24/467),P=0.002). The incidence of MACCE in 13<DAPT duration≤ 24 months group was the lowest (standard DAPT duration group, 13<DAPT duration≤ 24 months group and DAPT duration>24 month group were 19.3% (90/467), 12.3% (84/684), 20.2% (83/411), respectively, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of stroke and bleeding events among the three groups (all P>0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that compared with the standard DAPT group, prolonged DAPT to 13-24 months was negatively correlated with MACCE (HR=0.601, 95%CI 0.446-0.811, P=0.001), all-cause death (HR=0.568, 95%CI 0.357-0.903, P=0.017) and myocardial infarction (HR=0.353, 95%CI 0.179-0.695, P=0.003). DAPT>24 months was negatively correlated with all-cause death (HR=0.687, 95%CI 0.516-0.913, P=0.010) and positively correlated with revascularization (HR=1.404, 95%CI 1.116-1.765, P=0.004). There was no correlation between prolonged DAPT and bleeding events. Conclusions: For elderly patients with coronary heart disease complicated with diabetes mellitus underwent DES implantation, and had no MACCE and bleeding events within 1 year after operation, appropriately prolonging of the DAPT duration is related to the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Patients may benefit the most from the DAPT between 13 to 24 months. In addition, prolonging DAPT duration does not increase the incidence of bleeding events in this patient cohort.

Short QRS Duration After His-Purkinje Conduction System Pacing Predicts Left Ventricular Complete Reverse Remodeling in Patients With True Left Bundle Branch Block and Heart Failure

Objective

This study aimed to explore the outcomes of His-Purkinje conduction system pacing (HPCSP) and to screen the predictors of left ventricular (LV) complete reverse remodeling in patients with true left bundle branch block (LBBB) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

Patients who underwent HPCSP for true LBBB and HFrEF from April 2018 to August 2020 were consecutively enrolled. All participants were followed up for at least 1 year. Thrombosis, infection, lead dislodgement, perforation, and other complications were observed after HPCSP. Clinical data, including echocardiographic parameters, electrocardiogram measurements, and cardiac function, were assessed before and after the procedure.

Results

A total of 46 patients were enrolled. HPCSP was successfully deployed in 42 cases (91.30%), which included 37 cases with His bundle pacing (HBP) and 5 cases with left bundle branch pacing (LBBP). The QRS duration decreased significantly (169.88 ± 19.17 ms vs. 113.67 ± 20.68 ms, P < 0.001). Left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) (167.67 ± 73.20 ml vs. 85.97 ± 62.24 ml, P < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (63.57 ± 8.19 mm vs. 55.46 ± 9.63 mm, P = 0.003) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (26.52 ± 5.60% vs. 41.86 ± 11.56%, P < 0.001) improved dramatically. Complete reverse remodeling of the LV with normalized LVEF and LVEDD was found in nearly half of the patients (45.24%). A short QRS duration after HPCSP was a strong predictor of normalized LVEF and LVEDD (P < 0.001). The thresholds increased markedly in two patients approximately 6 months after HBP. No patients died during the total follow-up period of 20.07 ± 6.45 months.

Conclusion

Complete reverse remodeling of the LV could be found in nearly half of the patients with HFrEF and true LBBB after HPCSP, and the short QRS duration after HPCSP was a strong predictor.

Predictive value of GRACE score combined with BNP and glycosylated hemoglobin for in-hospital cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention

Purpose

To investigate the value of Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score combined with B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in predicting in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

A total of consecutive 675 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admitted to our hospital from June 2019 to June 2020, and finally, 319 patients treated with the percutaneous coronary intervenion (PCI) were enrolled. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization included cardiac death, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure, recurrent ischemic chest pain and malignant arrhythmia. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive value of MACE during hospitalization.

Results

Among 319 patients, during hospitalization, 26 patients (8.15%) experienced the MACE. Compared to that of non-MACE group, there were more patients with previous history of heart failure (P&lt;0.001), lower in-admission systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P all&lt;0.05), and higher heart rate, GRACE score, BNP, and HbA1c levels in the MACE group (P all&lt;0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of heart failure (OR: 1.498, 95% CI: 1.144–2.249), GRACE score (OR: 1.040, 95% CI: 1.017–1.063), BNP (OR: 1.019, 95% CI: 1.012–1.026) and HbA1C (OR: 1.199, 95% CI: 1.043–1.378) were independent risk factors for MACE in patients with ACS after PCI (P all&lt;0.05). The AUC of GRACE score for predicting MACE in ACS patients after PCI was 0.758, while the AUC of BNP and HbA1C was 0.838 and 0.788, respectively. When GRACE score combined with BNP and HbA1c, the AUC was increased to 0.876, which was significantly higher than the GRACE score alone (Z=4.142, P&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

In this study, we reported for the first time, GRACE score combined with BNP and HbA1c significantly improved the predictive value of in-hospital MACE in ACS patients after PCI compared with traditional GRACE score, which can help clinicians identify high risk patients to improve their prognosis in the clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Young and middle-aged talents in the XPCC Science and Technology Project (2020CB012); Key Science and Technology Project of Shihezi (2019ZH09) ROC Curve

[Feasibility of radiofrequency ablation for cancer patients with atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To analyze the impact of cancer on the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) after AF radiofrequency ablation and further evaluate the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation therapy in cancer patients with AF. Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective study. Cancer patients with AF undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the first time in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from May 30, 2008 to September 30, 2018 were included (cancer group). AF patients without cancer undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the first time during the same period served as non-cancer group. Clinical data including age, gender, past history, cancer and AF-related parameters, etc. were analyzed. Patients were followed up after radiofrequency ablation. The primary endpoints were AF recurrence or all-cause death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the effect of cancers on the recurrence after AF ablation. The multivariate cox regression analysis was further applied to correct for other confounding factors to analyze whether the impact of cancers on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation was statistically significant. Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled, there were 30 patients in the cancer group (mean age (64.8±6.6) years, 16 (53.3%) males) and 60 patients in the non-cancer group (mean age (63.6±6.2) years, 32 (53.3%) males). Clinical data, such as age, gender, and cancer treatment, were similar between the two groups. During an average follow-up period of (328.7±110.2) days, there were 6 AF recurrences (recurrence rate 20.0%) in the cancer group, and 17 AF recurrences (recurrence rate 28.3%) in the control group. AF recurrence rate was similar between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no all-cause death in the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that cancer was not related to AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (P = 0.383). After adjusting for other confounding factors, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that cancer was not an independent predictor of AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (HR=0.508, 95%CI: 0.192-1.342, P = 0.172). Conclusions: The combination of cancer has no impact on the recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation. For cancer patients with AF, radiofrequency ablation therapy can be considered as a feasible heart rhythm control treatment strategy.

Brady-arrhythmias in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure of reduced ejection fraction: is his-bundle pacing superior to biventricular pacing？

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of His-bundle pacing (HBP) compared with the traditional biventricular pacing (BVP) on patients with brady-arrhythmias, who suffer from permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

All patients with brady-arrhythmias, permanent AF and HFrEF were continuously enrolled from January 2017 to July 2019 and followed up for at least 12 months. The differences in QRS duration (QRSd), New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), tricuspid regurgitation grade, mitral regurgitation grade, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), and left atrial size were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 52 patients were enrolled: 37 patients were with HBP and 15 patients with BVP. There was no electrode dislodged, perforation, infection or thrombosis during the follow-up of 18.12 ± 4.45 months. The success rate for HBP implantation was 88.10%. The capture threshold of his-bundle and the threshold of the left ventricular lead remained stable during follow-up. LVEF increased to higher than 50% in 11 patients with HBP (29.73%). The NYHA classification (both p < .001), LVEF (both p < .001) and LVEDD improved significantly during the follow-up in both groups. NYHA (p = .030), LVEF (p = .013), and LVEDD (p = .003) improved in patients with HBP compared with BVP.

CONCLUSION

HBP was safe and more effective in improving the cardiac function and remodeling in patients with brady-arrhythmias, permanent AF and HFrEF compared with BVP.

Appropriate intraprocedural initial heparin dosing in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation receiving uninterrupted non-vitamin-K antagonist oral anticoagulant treatment

Background

To clarify the appropriate initial dosage of heparin during radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving uninterrupted nonvitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC) treatment.

Methods

A total of 187 consecutive AF patients who underwent their first RFCA in our center were included. In the warfarin group (WG), an initial heparin dose of 100 U/kg was administered (control group: n = 38). The patients who were on NOACs were randomly divided into 3 NOAC groups (NG: n = 149), NG110, NG120, and NG130, and were administered initial heparin doses of 110 U/kg, 120 U/kg, and 130 U/kg, respectively. During RFCA, the activated clotting time (ACT) was measured every 15 min, and the target ACT was maintained at 250–350 s by intermittent heparin infusion. The baseline ACT and ACTs at each 15-min interval, the average percentage of measurements at the target ACT, and the incidence of periprocedural bleeding and thromboembolic complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference in sex, age, weight, or baseline ACT among the four groups. The 15 min-ACT, 30 min-ACT, and 45 min-ACT were significantly longer in the WG than in NG110 and NG120. However, no significant difference in 60 min-ACT or 75 min-ACT was detected. The average percentages of measurements at the target ACT in NG120 (82.2 ± 23.6%) and NG130 (84.8 ± 23.7%) were remarkably higher than those in the WG (63.4 ± 36.2%, p = 0.007, 0.003, respectively). These differences were independent of the type of NOAC. The proportion of ACTs in 300–350 s in NG130 was higher than in WG (32.4 ± 31.8 vs. 34.7 ± 30.6, p = 0.735). Severe periprocedural thromboembolic and bleeding complications were not observed.

Conclusions

For patients with AF receiving uninterrupted NOAC treatment who underwent RFCA, an initial heparin dosage of 120 U/kg or 130 U/kg can provide an adequate intraprocedural anticoagulant effect, and 130 U/kg allowed ACT to reach the target earlier.

Trial registration: Registration number: ChiCTR1800016491, First Registration Date: 04/06/2018 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02032-3.

His-purkinje system pacing upgrade improve the heart performances in patients suffering from pacing-induced cardiomyopathy with or without permanent atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy and safety of his-purkinje system pacing (HPSP) upgrades in patients with pacing-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with PICM were continuously enrolled from January 2018 to March 2020. All patients were further divided into AF subgroup and sinus rhythm subgroup. Clinical data including echocardiographic examination parameters, electrocardiogram (ECG) measurements, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, were assessed before and after the procedure. The HPSP upgrades, including his bundle pacing (HBP) and left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) were completed in 34 of 36 (94%) patients, Complications including electrode dislodged, perforation, infection or thrombosis were not observed in the perioperative period. During a mean of 11.52 ± 5.40 months of follow-up. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased significantly (33.76 ± 7.54 vs 40.41 ± 9.06, P < 0.001), and the QRS duration decreased (184.22 ± 23.76 ms vs 120.52 ± 16.67 ms, P < 0.001) after the upgrades. LVEDD reversed from 59.29 ± 7.74 mm to 53.91 ± 5.92 mm (P < 0.001), and the NYHA functional class also improved to 2.00 ± 0.76 from 2.55 ± 0.91 at the first follow-up (P < 0.001). The left atrium (LA) size also slightly decreased compared to the initial state (47.44 ± 7.14 mm VS 45.56 ± 7.78, P = 0.010). BNP significantly decreased from a median value of 458.06(256.35-755.10) to 172.31(92.69-552.14) (P = 0.004). The threshold did not increase significantly (1.18 ± 0.76 mv@0.4 ms vs 1.26 ± 0.91mv @ 0.4 ms, P = 0.581). These improvements in patients with AF were similar with those in patients without AF (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

HPSP upgrades improved the heart performance and reversed the left ventricular remodeling in patients suffering from PICM with or without AF, and it should be a promising choice in these patients.

[The impact of metabolic syndrome and its individual components on long-term prognosis of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its individual components on long-term prognosis of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: Patients who underwent PCI in Fuwai Hospital in 2013 were enrolled and divided to two groups: with MS and without MS. The primary endpoint of 2-year follow-up was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularization. Results: Of the 10 422 PCI patients, there were 5 656 (54.27%) without MS and 4 766 (45.73%) with MS. Patients in the MS group were younger, tended to be male and had more comorbidities. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the proportion of drug-coated stents and the success rate of interventional therapy. The 2-year follow-up showed that the incidence of MACE in the MS group was significantly higher than that in the MS-free group (12.0% vs 10.0%, P<0.001), which was mainly due to the significantly higher revascularization rate in the MS group than in the non-MS group (9.5% vs 7.9%, P=0.003). Cox's regression analysis showed that MS was an independent risk factor for MACE. In MS component analysis, abnormal glucose metabolism was an independent risk factor for MACE events. Conclusions: Among the patients undergoing PCI, the incidence of MACE in patients with MS is significantly higher than that in patients without MS, and MS was an independent risk factor for MACE. In addition, hyperglycemia is an independent predictor for MACE.

[Association between plasma HDL-C levels and coronary artery severity and impact on outcomes of patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To analyze the association between plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the severity of coronary artery disease, and to evaluate the impact of HDL-C levels on long-term outcomes in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A total of 10 458 consecutive patients underwent PCI from January 2013 to December 2013 at Fuwai hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to HDL-C tertiles: low HDL-C group (HDL-C≤0.89 mmol/L, n=3 525), median HDL-C group (HDL-C>0.89-1.11 mmol/L, n=3 570) and high HDL-C group (HDL-C>1.11 mmol/L, n=3 363). SYNTAX score was used to evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease, linear regression was used to analyze the relationship of HDL-C and SYNTAX score. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare the outcomes among the three groups. Multivariate Cox regression was used to define the potential associations of HDL-C and outcomes. Results: The HDL-C level was (1.03±0.28) mmol/L and the SYNTAX score was 11.7±8.1. Patients were older, proportion of female, stable angina pectoris, successful PCI and left ventricular eject fraction value were higher, while incidence of diabetes mellitus was lower, hyperlipidemia, old myocardial infraction, smoking history and left main and three vessels disease were lower in high HDL-C group (all P<0.05). Patients in high HDL-C group also had the lowest SYNTAX score (12.2±8.4 vs. 11.7±8.1 vs. 11.2±7.8, P<0.001). Both univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis showed that HDL-C was negatively associated with SYNTAX score, e.g. Univariate analysis: β=-0.046, P<0.001; Multivariate analysis: β=-0.058, P=0.001. And 10 400 (99.4%) patients completed 2-year follow up. At 2-year follow-up, there were no difference in all-cause death, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebral events (MACCE) and stent thrombosis among three groups (P for trend>0.05), while patient in high HDL-C group experienced the highest BARC type 2 bleeding events (P for trend=0.018). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that HDL-C level was not an independent risk factor of 2-year adverse ischemia events (P>0.05) and 2-year bleeding events (P>0.05). Conclusion: In patients underwent PCI, plasma HDL-C level is negatively associated with SYNTAX score, but not an independent risk factor of ischemic and bleeding events post PCI.

P6597Long-term impact of catheter ablation on growth differentiation factor-15 and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Background

There is increasing evidence that inflammatory biomarkers growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) appear to be associated with stroke and adverse cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, long-term impact of catheter ablation (CA) on GDF-15 and NLR is still unknown.

Objective

To evaluate the long-term change in GDF-15 and NLR after CA in paroxysmal AF patients.

Methods

A total of 58 paroxysmal AF patients were consecutively enrolled to perform CA. The inflammatory biomarkers GDF-15 and NLR were measured at baseline and 6-months postablation.

Results

All patients except one could complete 6-Months follow up. Fifty (87.7%) patients maintained sinus rhythm (SR group) and seven (12.3%) patients sustained AF recurrence (AFR group). No significant difference was noted in clinical and procedural characteristics between two groups (p>0.05), except mean fluoroscopy time (minutes 22±11.7 vs. 13±5.3, p=0.001) significantly longer in AFR than SR group. The GDF-15 (pg/ml 195±57 vs. 216±88, p=0.398), and NLR (% 1.8 (1.3–3) vs. 2.6 (1.4–3.4), p=0.395) were comparable at baseline in both SR and AFR groups respectively. At 6-months postablation, GDF-15 (pg/ml 133±41 vs. 195±57, p<0.001), and NLR (% 1.6 (1.1–2) vs. 1.8 (1.3–3), p=0.004) were significant deceased compared to baseline levels in SR group. However, GDF-15 (pg/ml 139±86 vs. 216±88, p=0.064), and NLR (% 1.6 (1.2–3) vs. 2.6 (1.4–3.4), p=0.398) biomarkers remained comparable to baseline level in AFR group (p>0.05)

Conclusion

Inflammatory biomarkers; GDF-15 and NLR significantly decreased at long-term on successful maintenance of sinus rhythm by CA in paroxysmal AF patients.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

[A nationwide online questionnaire survey of the understanding and implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation at all levels of medical institutions in China in 2017]

Objective: To analyze the implementation and understanding of pulmonary rehabilitation in medical personnel at all levels of medical institutions nationwide. Methods: We used WeChat and e-channels to disseminate e-questionnaires including personal basic information and the implementation of hospital pulmonary rehabilitation (including the setting up of hospital rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation-related treatment, and the composition of pulmonary rehabilitation teams), and awareness of pulmonary rehabilitation (including doctors' understanding of lung rehabilitation status, pathways, prospects, and obstacle factors). Finally, the analysis of the data was performed using SPSS 20.0 for statistical analysis. The frequency distribution and composition ratio were used to describe the distribution of each question item. Comparison among groups according to the unit level of the respondents was performed by chi-square test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 921 medical staff from all over the country completed the survey, covering the entire country including Taiwan Province and a total of 32 provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the Central Government. 88.1% of medical personnel reported that their hospitals had rehabilitation departments, the difference being statistically significant (P=0.001). Doctors could understand that the most important ways of pulmonary rehabilitation knowledge were the following: expert lectures (559, 60.69%), professional literature (541, 58.74%), professional books (442, 47.99%), pulmonary rehabilitation conference (392, 42.56%), the difference being statistically significant (all P<0.05).Among the factors that impeded the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation, the top four were lack of talent (690, 74.92%), lack of education (645, 70.03%), lack of policy support (603, 65.47%), and lack of related equipments (578, 62.76%). Conclusions: The lower the level of the hospitals, the poor the implementation and cognitive status of pulmonary rehabilitation. Promoting the training of pulmonary rehabilitation personnel and strengthening the academic exchange of pulmonary rehabilitation were good ways to strengthen the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation and improve the understanding of pulmonary rehabilitation.

[Safety and efficacy of second generation drug eluting stents in diabetic and non-diabetic patients]

Objective: To investigate the long-term prognosis of Second generation drug-eluting stents(G2-DES) in diabetic mellitus(DM) and non-DM patients. Methods: Patients with coronary heart disease(CHD) in Fuwai Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013 who had exclusively G2-DES implantation, were consecutively included the follow-up period was 2 years. Results: A total of 6 094 patients with CHD were implanted with G2-DES, of which 1 862 patients with DM, and 4 232 patients without DM.The proportion of DM patients receiving G2-DES implantation with the following characteristics: advanced age, female, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, history of previous stroke, history of peripheral artery disease, previous history of PCI, and with triple vessel, high preoperative Syntax score, high number of target lesions, B2 or C type lesions, severe calcification lesions, and chronic occlusive disease were significantly higher than those of non-DM patients(P<0.05). The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebral vascular events(MACCE), target vascular revascularization(TVR) and target lesion revascularization(TLR) were higher in DM patients than in non-DM patients during 2 year's follow-up(P<0.05). The univariate COX regression analysis showed that diabetes was risk factor for MACCE in patients with CHD implanting G2-DES(HR=1.241, 95%CI: 1.053-1.463, P=0.010). However, multivariable COX analysis showed that DM was not an independent risk factor for MACCE in CHD patients with G2-DES(HR=1.125, 95%CI: 0.952-1.330, P=0.167). While age, female, preoperative Syntex score, triple vessel, B2 or C lesion were independent risk factors for poor clinical prognosis in CHD patients with G2-DES. Conclusions: (1) CHD patients with DM often accompany more clinical risk factors and complicated coronary lesions; (2) the incidence of MACCE, TVR and TLR in DM patients is significantly higher than non-DM patients with G2-DES during the 2 year's follow-up; (3) after multivariate adjustment, DM is not an independent risk factor for poor clinical prognosis in CHD patients with G2-DES, while traditional risk factors and complex coronary lesions are independent risk factors for poor clinical prognosis.

Preprodynorphin gene mutation causes progressive cardiac conduction disease: A whole-exome analysis of a pedigree

AIMS

Progressive cardiac conduction disease (PCCD) is a rare heart disease that usually shows familial inheritance. Potential genetic risk factors for PCCD have been mostly limited to genes that encode ion channels, cardiac transcription factors, T-box transcription factors, gap junction proteins, energy metabolism regulators and structural proteins.

MAIN METHODS

Subjects in the present study came from a family who exhibited the autosomal dominant inheritance of PCCD. The primary proband had syncope and an electrocardiogram typical for PCCD, which started in the left bundle branch block, and passed to the atrioventricular block. The patient received a permanent pacemaker in 2013. Pathogenic mutations in the proband's family were identified using whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing.

KEY FINDINGS

The results for the family members were verified using Sanger sequencing, while the results for healthy unrelated individuals were verified using SNaPShot. All patients in the family shared two adjacent missense mutations in the preprodynorphin (PDYN) gene (c.581A > T, c.580G > C; p.D194L).

SIGNIFICANCE

The PDYN double mutation c.581A > T and c.580G > C (p.D194L) may be linked to the onset of familial PCCD. The effects of these mutations on electrophysiology require further investigation.

[Impact of coronary artery lesion calcification on the long-term outcome of patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the impact of coronary lesion calcification on the long-term outcome of patients with coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: In this prospective observational study, a total of 10 119 consecutive patients with coronary heart disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention from January 1 to December 31, 2 103 in our hospital were enrolled. The patients were divided into non/mild calcification group (8 268 cases) and moderate/severe calcification group (1 851 cases) according to the angiographic results. The primary endpoint was one-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization. Results: The patients were (58.3±10.3) years old, and there were 2 355 females (23.3%). Compared with non/mild calcification group, patients in the moderate/severe calcification group were older ((60.0±10.6) years vs. (57.9±10.2) years, P<0.01), and had higher proportion of female (25.4% (470/1 851) vs. 22.8% (1 885/8 268), P=0.02), debates (33.9% (628/1 851) vs. 29.0% (2 399/8 268), P<0.01), hypertension (68.0% (1 259/1 851) vs. 63.7% (5 264/8 268), P<0.01), coronary artery bypass grafting (4.6% (85/1 851) vs. 3.2% (268/8 268), P<0.01), stroke (12.6% (233/1 851) vs. 10.4% (861/8 268), P=0.01), and renal dysfunction (6.2% (115/1 851) vs. 3.7% (303/8 268), P<0.01). Compared with non/mild calcification group, patients in themoderate/severe calcification group experienced longer procedure time (37 (24, 61) min vs. 27 (17,40) min, P<0.01) and stent length was longer (32 (23,48) mm vs. 27 (18,38) mm, P<0.01), and percent of rotational atherectomy was higher (2.56%(57/2 229) vs. 0.03% (3/11 930), P<0.01). One-year follow-up results showed that MACE (7.5% (139/1 846) vs. 4.9% (402/8 243), P<0.01), all-cause death (1.0% (19/1 846) vs. 0.6% (49/8 243), P=0.04), myocardial infarction (2.2% (41/1 846) vs. 1.4% (114/8 243), P=0.01), and target vessel revascularization (5.0% (92/1 846) vs. 3.2% (266/8 243), P<0.01) were all significantly higher in moderate/severe calcification group than in non/mild group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that moderate/severe calcification was an independent predictor of MACE at one-year after the procedure (HR=1.41, 95%CI 1.16-1.72, P<0.01). Conclusion: Moderate/severe calcification in coronary lesion is an independent predictor of long-term poor prognosis in coronary heart disease patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

[Relationship between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk index and the severity of coronary artery lesions and long-term outcome in acute myocardial infarction patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between thrombolysis in myocardial infarction risk index(TRI) and the severity of coronary artery lesions and long-term outcome in acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: A total of 1 663 consecutive AMI patients undergoing PCI between January and December 2013 in Fuwai hospital were prospectively included in this study. The severity of coronary artery lesions was evaluated using the SYNTAX score. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve was used to analyze the optimal cut-off value of TRI on predicting all-cause mortality at 2 years after PCI.The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the optimal cut-off value of TRI:high TRI group (TRI ≥ 23.05, 465 cases) and low TRI group(TRI<23.05, 1 198 cases). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for determining the relationship between TRI and SYNTAX scores≥33. A multivariate Cox regression analyses was used to identify the influence factors of long-term outcome after PCI. Results: SYNTAX score was higher in high TRI group than in low TRI group (13.00(7.00, 20.50) vs.10.25(7.00, 17.00), P<0.001). TRI was independently associated with SYNTAX score ≥ 33 (OR=1.09,95% CI 1.03-1.16, P=0.004). After the 2 years follow-up, rates of all-cause death (4.1% (19/465) vs. 0.3% (4/1 198) , P<0.001), cardiac death (2.6% (12/465) vs. 0.2% (2/1 198) , P< 0.001) and stent thrombosis (1.7% (8/465) vs. 0.5% (6/1 198) , P=0.015) were all significantly higher in high TRI group than in low TRI group. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that TRI≥ 23.05 was an independent risk factor of all-cause death (HR=5.22, 95%CI 1.63-16.72, P=0.005), cardiac death (HR=8.48, 95%CI 1.75-41.07, P=0.008) and stent thrombosis(HR=3.87, 95%CI 1.32-11.41, P=0.014) at 2 years after PCI in AMI patients, but which was not the independent risk factor of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (HR=0.96, 95%CI 0.69-1.36, P=0.834) .The area under ROC curve of TRI ≥ 23.05 on predicting 2 years all-cause mortality in AMI patients undergoing PCI was 0.803(95%CI 0.711-0.894, P<0.001). Conclusions: TRI is independently associated with SYNTAX score ≥ 33. TRI is also an independent risk factor of 2 years all-cause death, cardiac death and stent thrombosis in AMI patients undergoing PCI.

[The clinic experience of implantable diaphragm pacer in a patient with high cervical spinal cord injury and literature review]

Objective: To report the use of implantable diaphragm pacer (IDP) in a patient with high cervical spinal cord injury(HCSCI). Methods: A 14-year-old male patient, who suffered from a HCSCI at C2 neurological level and had been on a ventilator for 2 years, received IDP in August 2017 at China Rehabilitation Research Center. A systematic literature review was performed on IDP in patients with HCSCI in Pubmed, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, using the keywords: phrenic nerve and electrical stimulation and spinal cord injury; IDP and spinal cord injury; breathing pacemaker system and spinal cord injury. All fields were covered from 1970/01/01 to 2018/01/01 in Pubmed, from 1981/01/01 to 2018/01/01 in CNKI, and from 1900/01/01to 2018/01/01 in Wanfang. Results: No spontaneous breathing was observed preoperatively in the patient. The electrical response of phrenic nerves was intact on the right, but unresponsive on the left. We got started with the IDP at 4 weeks after surgery. The threshold voltage of the right hemidiaphragm pacing was 0.1 V and at the level of 0.7 V with an optimal effect. No significant diaphragmatic contraction was found at left side with the extent up till 0.7 V. The maximum tidal volume was 840 ml when electrical stimulation was given at an intensity of 0.7 V bilaterally. The bilateral stimulation voltage at 0.1-0.2 V, pacing frequencies at 9 beats/min in bed, or at 12 beats/min on wheelchair, were set to maintain the tidal volume at the level of (435±32) ml. After 2-week adaptive training, the patient could wean from the ventilator for 12 hours and had a normal blood gas analysis. At 6 week after surgery, with the aid of IDP, the patient could get out in wheelchair for outdoor activities. By literature review, we found 78 English papers, including 6 clinical trials, 10 reviews, and 11 Chinese papers, consisting of 8 reviews, 1 study in animal, and 2 news reports. Extensive contents, such as preoperative evaluation, preoperative preparation, surgical procedures, complications, surgical outcomes, and animal model studies of IDP were involved. The indications of IDP reported by literature were: (1) central alveolar hypoventilation; (2) Sleep apnea syndrome (Biot's respiration); (3) Respiratory failure induced by brainstem injury or disease; (4) Respiratory failure induced by spinal cord injury or disease above C3 level. Conclusion: Our case study confirmed the therapeutic effect of IDP on patients with respiratory failure caused by HCSCI.

[Safety and efficacy of a novel abluminal groove-filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions: 5-year results of the TARGET Ⅱ trial]

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FIREHAWK, a novel abluminal groove-filled biodegradable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) in patients with moderate-complex coronary lesions (including patients with small vessel disease, long lesion and multi vessel disease), and to validate the ability of the SYNTAX score (SS) to predict clinical outcomes in patients treated with FIREHAWK stent. Methods: TARGETⅡ was a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical trial, a total of 730 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of de novo lesions in native coronary arteries in 24 medical centers in China from August 2011 to February 2012 were enrolled in this study. All patients were exclusively treated with the FIREHAWK stent. Clinical data including patients with diabetes, small vessel disease, long lesion and multi vessel disease were analyzed. The primary composite endpoint was the target lesion failure (TLF) of cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction (TV-MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary composite endpoint was patient-oriented endpoint (PoCE), a composite of all death, all myocardial in farction (MI), or any repeat revascularization; definite/probable stent thrombosis (ST) (including acute, late, and very late thrombosis) . SS was calculated in lesions with stenosis more than 50% with coronary artery diameter greater than 1.5 mm. Patients were grouped by tertiles of SS (≤7, >7 to ≤12, >12). Follow-up was performed up to 5 years. Results: A total of 730 patients were enrolled in the TARGET Ⅱ trial. The average SS was 10.9±6.9. 683 (93.6%) patients completed 5-year clinical follow-up. The 5-year incidence of TLF was 8.5%(58/683). The incidence of TLF components was as follows: cardiac death 2.0%(14/683), TV-MI 4.4%(30/683), TLR 3.4%(23/683). The incidence of PoCE was 16.4%(112/683). The incidence of definite/probable stent thrombosis was 0.7%(5/683).Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the diabetes subgroup (HR=1.123, 95%CI 0.623-2.026, P=0.699), the small vessel disease subgroup (HR=0.909, 95%CI 0.526-1.570, P=0.732), the long lesion subgroup (HR=1.561, 95%CI 0.922-2.640, P=0.097), and the multi vessel disease subgroup (HR=1.062, 95%CI 0.611-1.846, P=0.830) did not increase the HR of TLF compared with the counterpart subgroups. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the hazard of TLF was not increased in the middle and high SS groups as compared with the low SS group (HR=1.203,95%CI 0.607-2.385,P=0.597;HR=1.548,95%CI 0.829-2.892,P=0.171). Conclusions: The 5 years follow-up results of TARGET Ⅱ trial shows that the biodegradable polymer of FIREHAWK stents have long-lasting safety and efficacy for patients with moderate-complex coronary lesions. SS is not the predicting factor for the occurrence of TLF in FIREHAWK treated patients with moderate-complex coronary lesions. Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov, NCT0141264.

[Impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing drug-eluting stent implantation]

Objective: To investigate the association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and long-term outcomes in Chinese patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. Methods: A total of 4 815 consecutive NSTE-ACS patients who treated with DESs were included.Patients were divided into three groups: <1.00 mg/L, 1.00 to 2.99 mg/L and ≥3.00 mg/L, based on the level of hs-CRP on admission.Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, including all-cause death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, in-stent thrombosis and stroke) were compared among groups during 2-year follow-up. Results: Patients with higher hs-CRP had more risk factors of cardiovascular events such as concomitant morbidities and multi-vessel lesions(68.5% vs 73.6% vs 76.2%, P<0.001). Higher hs-CRP value was associated with increased rates of MACCE (8.8% vs 11.2% vs 12.6%, P=0.003) and revascularization (6.5% vs 8.5% vs 9.8%, P=0.003). However, the rates of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and stent thrombosis were comparable among groups(all P>0.05). Ongoing divergences in MACCE and revascularization among three groups were significant on Kaplan-Meier curves (both Log-rank P=0.003). Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that compared to hs-CRP<1.00 mg/L group, MACCE in the >3.00 mg/L group was increased by 42% [HR 1.42 (1.13-1.78), P=0.002]. Meanwhile, multivessel leisions, ejection fraction<50%, elevated white blood cell counts were also independent risk factors.CRP≥3.00 mg/L(HR 1.56, 95%CI 1.16-2.08, P=0.003, compared to <1.00 mg/L) and multivessel leisions were independent predictors of revascularization. Conclusions: (1)Patients with higher hs-CRP on admission have more risk factors of cardiovascular events.(2)Higher hs-CRP value is associated with increased rates of MACCE and revascularization.(3)Pre-procedural hs-CRP is an independent predictor of 2-year outcomes for Chinese NSTE-ACS patients treated with DESs.

[Impact of direct bilirubin on the long-term outcome of patients with acute coronary syndrome post percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the impact of direct bilirubin on long-term prognosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients post percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). Methods: As a prospective and observational cohort study, a total of 6 431 consecutive ACS patients underwent PCI from January to December 2013 in Fuwai hospital were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to tertiles values of direct bilirubin as follows: low direct bilirubin group(<2.2 μmol/L, n=2 219), moderate direct bilirubin group(2.2-3.0 μmol/L, n=2 016), and high direct bilirubin group(>3 μmol/L, n=2 196). The clinical characteristics were compared among the 3 groups, and the impact of direct bilirubin on clinical adverse events (main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events included cardiogenic death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and stent thrombosis) were analyzed at 2 years after PCI. Results: (1) Percent of male patients was 66.5%(1 475/2 219), 78.0%(1 572/2 016), and 86.2%(1 892/2 196), body mass index was(25.7±3.1), (26.0±3.3),and (26.0±3.2) kg/m(2), the ratio of the history of old myocardial infarction was 11.9%(264/2 219), 13.0%(263/2 016),and 14.9%(328/2 196), the ratio of the current smoker was 56.3%(1 249/2 219), 59.1%(1 192/2 016),and 60.0%(1 317/2 196) in low, moderate and high direct bilirubin groups respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.01 or 0.05). (2) Two years after PCI, the all-cause mortality was 0.8%(17/2 219), 1.8%(36/2 016), and 1.5%(33/2 196) (P=0.011),the cardiogenic mortality was 0.5%(12/2 219), 1.3%(26/2 016), and 0.6%(13/2 196) (P=0.010),the ratio of myocardial infarction was 2.2%(49/2 219), 2.4%(49/2 016), and 1.4%(31/2 196)(P=0.044),the ratio of revascularization was 8.8%(195/2 219), 8.3%(168/2 016),and 8.9%(196/2 196)(P=0.783),the ratio of stroke was 1.4%(30/2 219),1.1%(22/2 016), and 1.9%(42/2 196)(P=0.076),the ratio of stent thrombosis was 0.9%(19/2 219), 1.2%(24/2 016),and 0.7%(15/2 196)(P=0.210) in low, moderate and high direct bilirubin groups, respectively. (3) Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that, patients in moderate direct bilirubin group faced increased the risk of all-cause mortality compared with patients in the low direct bilirubin group (HR=2.23, 95%CI 1.23-4.05, P= 0.009), and the risk of all-cause mortality was similar between high direct bilirubin group and low direct bilirubin group (HR=1.84, 95%CI 0.99-3.38, P= 0.051). There were no statistically significant difference in the risks of main adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events,cardiogenic death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke, and stent thrombosis in moderate and high direct bilirubin groups compared with low direct bilirubin group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Moderate direct bilirubin level is associated with increased risk of all-cause death at 2 years after PCI compared with low level of direct bilirubin group.

[Predictive value of GRACE discharge score for long-term out-of-hospital death in acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events(GRACE) discharge score for long-term out-of-hospital death in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after drug-eluting stents (DES) and with Dual-antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT). Methods: Our study was a prospective, observational, single center (Fuwai Hospital of China) study.A total of 6 431consecutive ACS patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)between January 2013 and December 2013 were involved.The primary endpoint was all-cause death and second endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) as a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stent thrombosis or stroke. Results: Finally, 5 867 ACS patients who were received DES with DAPT and had no in-hospital event included in this study, and 59 (1.01%) death and 608 (10.36%) MACCE were reported during 2-year follow-up after discharge.GRACE score was significantly higher among death patients than those survivalpatients (94± 28 vs 78± 24, P<0.001). According to risk stratification of GRACE discharge score, as compared to the low-risk group, death risk in high-risk group was 6.73 times (HR=6.73, 95%CI 3.53-12.84; P<0.001) higher, but could not distinguish between the moderate and low risk group (HR=1.61, 95%CI 0.88-2.95; P=0.124). The GRACE score showed predictive value in ACS patients after DESand with DAPT (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC)=0.661; 95%CI 0.586-0.736, P<0.001). In subgroup analysis, GRACE score also showed predictive value both in unstable angina pectoris (UAP)(AUROC=0.660, 95%CI 0.576-0.744; P<0.001) and acute myocardial infarction(AMI)subgroup (AUROC=0.748, 95%CI 0.631-0.864; P=0.001). Conclusion: GRACE discharge score shows prognostic value for long-term out-of-hospital death in ACS patients undergoing PCI with DES and DAPT, and demonstrates good risk stratification of high and low-risk of death.

[Outcome of patients with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction less than 50% undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the in-hospital and long-term outcomes of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) . Methods: From January to December 2013, 10 445 consecutive patients who underwent PCI in Fuwai Hospital and the LVEF value was available were prospectively included. The patients were divided into LVEF≥50% group (9 896 cases) and LVEF<50% group (549 cases) . The in-hospital and 2-year clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. The association between LVEF<50% and clinical outcomes was assessed using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results: (1) Compared with LVEF ≥50% group, LVEF< 50% group had higher rates of in-hospital all-cause death (1.1% (6/549) vs. 0.2% (17/9 896) , P<0.01) , cardiac death (1.1% (6/549) vs. 0.1% (12/9 896) , P<0.01) , in-stent thrombosis (0.7% (4/549) vs. 0.2% (18/9 896) , P<0.01) , myocardial infarction (2.4% (13/549) vs. 1.2% (121/9 896) , P<0.05) ,and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) which including death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, in-stent thrombosis, and stroke (3.6% (20/549) vs. 1.4% (137/9 896) , P<0.01) . (2) A total of 10 388 (99.5%) patients completed 2-year follow-up. Compared with LVEF ≥50% group, LVEF<50% group had higher rates of 2-year all-cause death (4.7% (26/549) vs. 1.0% (101/9 896) , P<0.01) , cardiac death (4.0% (22/549) vs. 0.5% (50/9 896) , P<0.01) , in-stent thrombosis (3.1% (17/549) vs. 0.7% (71/9 896) , P<0.001) , myocardial infarction (4.2% (23/549) vs. 1.9% (186/9 896) , P<0.01) ,and MACCE (17.9% (98/549) vs. 11.8% (1 172/9 896) , P<0.01) . There were no significant differences on the rates of 2-year target-vessel revascularization, bleeding and stroke between the two groups. (3) The multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that LVEF< 50% was the independent risk factor of 2-year all-cause death (HR=2.47, 95%CI 1.49-4.08, P<0.01) , cardiac death (HR=3.25, 95%CI 1.79-5.90, P<0.01) , in-stent thrombosis (HR=4.19, 95%CI 2.39-7.34, P<0.01) , myocardial infarction (HR=2.00, 95%CI 1.26-3.16, P<0.01) , and MACCE (HR=1.40, 95%CI 1.13-1.74, P<0.01) . (4) After propensity score matching, all in-hospital outcomes were similar between the two groups, including all-cause death, cardiac death, in-stent thrombosis, myocardial infarction, revascularization, bleeding, stroke, and MACCE (all P>0.05) . After propensity score matching,the multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that LVEF<50% was still an independent risk factor of 2-year all-cause death (HR=3.08, 95%CI 1.37-6.89, P<0.01) , cardiac death (HR= 4.12, 95%CI 1.53-11.07, P<0.01) ,and in-stent thrombosis (HR=3.82, 95%CI 1.27-11.5, P<0.05) . Conclusion: LVEF< 50% is an independent risk factor of 2-year all-cause death, cardiac death, and in-stent thrombosis in patients undergoing PCI, but it does not increase the risk of target-vessel revascularization, bleeding or stroke.

[Clinical characteristics and prognosis in the patients of stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with stroke after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: From January 2013 to December 2013, 10 724 consecutive patients undergoing PCI including acute coronary syndrome and stable angina pectoris were enrolled.A two years' follow up was conducted among these patients to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with stroke and of those without. A comparison was done between the two groups. Results: One hundred and forty-five patients had stroke (1.4%) during the follow-up period after PCI, including 124 cases with ischemic stroke (1.2%), out of whom 4 (3.2%) patients died; 21 cases with hemorrhagic stroke, out of whom 9 patients (42.9%) died.There was more female, and more patients with risks factors, hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, previous stroke, etc. in the patients with stroke.During the 2-year follow-up, patients with stroke experienced higher incidence of all-cause mortality (9% vs 1.1%, P<0.000 1). There were no significant differences in the incidences of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular event rates between the two groups.COX regression analysis showed that stroke after PCI was associated with the increased mortality (HR=8.387, 95%CI: 4.725-14.855, P<0.000 1). Meanwhile, after propensity score matched analyses (129 pairs), the trend was not changed, and stroke was still an independent risk factor of all-cause mortality (HR=6.737, 95%CI: 1.52-29.85, P=0.012). Conclusions: The patients underwent PCI, who had stroke later, had more clinical risk factors, and more serious degree of atherosclerosis.The incidence of stroke is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with coronary heart disease after PCI.

[Nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation in children with community-acquired pneumonia under five years of age: a prospective, multi-center clinical study]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children under five years of age and analyze the safety and efficiency of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) ventilation for CAP in this population. Method: This was a prospective multicenter study. Children who were admitted to these six centers with CAP and met the NCPAP ventilation indications, aged from 29 d to 5 years, were continuously included during November 2013 to October 2015. The baseline data were collected and NCPAP ventilation were then followed up by operation standards, and the vital signs and arterial blood gas change at special time points were observed and recorded. Any side effect associated with NCPAP were recorded. For categorical variables, comparisons were performed using Fisher test. Rank-sum test and t test were performed respectively for abnormal and normal distribution continuous variables. The variables pre-NCPAP and post-NCPAP were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA analysis. Result: Totally 145 children were included, and 13 children were excluded due to incomplete data. One hundred and two children(77.3%)were ≤12 months; 91 children (68.9%) were from rural area. NCPAP ventilation was effective in 123 children, with a response rate of 93.2%, were all discharged with a better condition; it was ineffective in 9 children(6.8%), and they were all intubated and went on mechanical ventilation, 5 were discharged with a better condition, and 4 died after gaving up treatment. The gender, age, body weight, residence, main symptoms, main signs, imaging diagnosis, medications, partial pressure of oxygen(PaO(2)), breath and heart rate before NCPAP treatment of two groups had no significant differences(allP>0.05). The rates of combining underlying diseases, trouble with feeding and cyanosis, and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO(2) ) before NCPAP ventilation were higher in NCPAP ineffective group ((59±11 )vs.( 49±11) mmHg, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, t=-2.597, P=0.028); while the PaO(2)/fraction of inspiration O(2) (FiO(2) ) before NCPAP was lower((150±37) vs. (207±63) mmHg, t=2.697, P=0.008). The breathing, heart rate and PaCO(2) of NCPAP effective group decreased significantly, while the PaO(2) and PaO(2)/FiO(2) increased significantly after 2, 8, 24 h of NCPAP ventilation(all P=0.000). PaCO(2) in children with hypercapnia before NCPAP ventilation in NCPAP effective group decreased significantly ((48±9), (47±12), (45±11)vs.(58±7)mmHg, all P=0.000). All children tolerated well to NCPAP ventilation, and there were no severe side effects or complications associated with NCPAP ventilation. Conclusion: NCPAP ventilation is safe and effectively improved the oxygenation and hypercapnia in infants with CAP. But it may not work well in children with underlying diseases, manifest as difficulty in feeding/cyanosis and extremely high PaCO(2) or low PaO(2)/FiO(2), and they may need early intubation.

Characterization of novel nitrate reductase-deficient mutants for transgenic Dunaliella salina systems

The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize novel nitrate reductase (NR)-deficient mutants, which may be useful for the transgenic manipulation of Dunaliella salina. Three NR-deficient mutants of D. salina, J-1, J-2, and J-3, were successfully isolated by screening for chlorate resistance after chemical mutagenesis with ethylnitrosourea. NR activity was not detected in the mutants and the expression of NR mRNA was significantly decreased. Growth analysis of D. salina strains grown in media containing different nitrogen sources revealed that these mutants were capable of utilizing nitrite and urea, but not nitrate as a nitrogen source, indicating that these mutants are indeed NR-deficient. Mutation analysis of NR cDNA sequences revealed that there were 11 point mutations shared by the J-1, J-2, and J-3 mutants. Furthermore, the results of the functional complementation experiment showed that NR activity of transformant T-1 derived from J-1 was recovered to 48.1 % of that of the wild-type D. salina. The findings of the present study indicate that nitrate may be used as a selective agent rather than antibiotics or herbicides for the isolated NR-deficient mutants in future transgenic D. salina systems.

The impact of hypertension on the electromechanical properties and outcome of catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation patients

BACKGROUND

Although hypertension is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of hypertension on the electromechanical properties and outcome of catheter ablation in AF patients is unclear.

METHODS

AF patients [n=213, 136 paroxysmal AF (PAF) patients and 77 persistent AF patients] undergoing circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation guided by CARTO mapping were enrolled, and then were divided into normotension group and hypertension group. Several left atrial (LA) electroanatomical parameters determined by the CARTO system were compared between groups.

RESULTS

The LA bipolar voltage was lower in PAF patients with than without hypertension (1.44±1.09 vs. 1.92±0.76 mV, P=0.048); a significant difference was also observed in persistent AF patients. Hypertension significantly increased the size of the LA scar and low-voltage zones (LVZs) in both PAF and persistent AF patients. However, hypertension did not significantly affect recurrence in either PAF or persistent AF patients. The LA bipolar voltage was higher in PAF patients without recurrence than in those with recurrence (1.77±1.01 vs. 1.29±0.93 mV, P=0.048); a significant difference was also observed in persistent AF patients. PAF and persistent AF patients with AF recurrence had significantly larger LA scar and LVZs than patients without recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension has a significant impact on the LA electromechanical properties in AF patients, and the LA substrate has an important influence on the outcome of catheter ablation.

Associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (+45T>G, +276G>T, -11377C>G, -11391G>A) of adiponectin gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The associations between adiponectin polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes have been studied widely; however, results are inconsistent.

METHODS

We searched electronic literature databases and reference lists of relevant articles. A fixed or random effects model was used on the basis of heterogeneity. Sub-group and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant associations between +45T>G (rs2241766), +276G>T (rs1501299), -11391G>A (rs17300539) and type 2 diabetes risk. However, for -11377C>G (rs266729), the pooled OR (95% CI) for G vs C allele was 1.07 (1.03-1.11, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis by study design revealed that -11377C>G (rs266729) dominant model (CG+GG vs CC, p = 0.0008) and G vs C allele (p = 0.0004) might be associated with type 2 diabetes risk in population-based case-control studies. After stratification by ethnicity, we found that -11377C>G (rs266729) dominant model (CG+GG vs CC, p = 0.004) and G vs C allele (p = 0.001) might be associated with type 2 diabetes risk in white individuals. In individuals with a family history of diabetes, the presence of -11391G>A (rs17300539) dominant model (GA+AA vs GG) and A vs G allele might be associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The presence of +45T>G (rs2241766), +276G>T (rs1501299) and -11391G>A (rs17300539) do not appear to influence the development of type 2 diabetes. However, G vs C allele of -11377C>G (rs266729) might be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

Effect of ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrogram on vagal modulation in dogs

BACKGROUND

Clinical observations have shown that the complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE) associates with ganglionated plexus activity in the cardiac autonomic nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CFAE ablation on vagal modulation to atria and vulnerability to develop atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

Ten adult mongrel dogs were involved. Cervical sympathovagal trunks were decentralized and sympathetic effects were blocked. CFAE was color tagged on the atrial 3-dimensional image and ablated during AF induced by S1S2 programmed stimulation plus sympathovagal trunk stimulation. Atrial effective refractory period (ERP) and vulnerability window (VW) of AF were measured on baseline and at vagal stimulation at 4 atrium sites. Serial tissue sections from ablative and control specimens received hematoxylin and eosin staining for microscopic examination.

RESULTS

Most CFAE areas were localized at the right superior pulmonary quadrant, distal coronary sinus (CS(d)) quadrant, and proximal coronary sinus (CS(p)) quadrant (21.74%, separately). Sinus rhythm cycle length (SCL) shortening did not decrease significantly after ablation at the sites, including right atrial appendage, left atrial appendage, CS(d), and CS(p) (P > 0.05). ERP shortening during vagal stimulation significantly decreased after ablation (P < 0.01); the VW to vagal stimulation significantly decreased after ablation (P < 0.05). The architecture of individual ganglia altered after ablation.

CONCLUSIONS

CFAE has an autonomic basis in dogs. The decreased SCL and ERP shortening to vagal stimulation after CFAE ablation demonstrate that CFAE ablation attenuates vagal modulation to the atria, thereby suppressing AF mediated by enhanced vagal activity. CFAE ablation could suppress AF mediated by enhanced vagal activity.

Effects of ginsenosides on release of [3H]norepinephrine from rat vas deferens and portal vein

The effects of ginsenosides (G) on the release of [3H]norepinephrine ([ 3H]NE) from the isolated rat vas deferens (RVD) and portal vein (RPV) preloaded with [3H]NE were studied, G (100 micrograms/ml) did not affect the spontaneous or high potassium (H-K+, 60 mmol/L)- and tyramine (Tyr 10 mumol/L)-evoked release of [3H]NE, but obviously blunted the phentolamine (Phe 10 mumol/L)-induced increase in [3H]NE release from RVD and enhanced the isoprenaline (Iso 0.1 mumol/L)-augmented [3H]NE release from RPV evoked by H-K+. It is still not known whether G can bind with adrenoceptors. We infer that G may act as a modulator in sensitizing both presynaptic alpha 2- and beta-receptors.