Heart and vessels
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It is almost unknown which demographic factors or medications affect the progression of aortic stenosis (AS) in Japanese patients with mild AS. We identified a total of 194 patients with native tricuspid valvular AS, defined as a continuous-wave Doppler determined peak aortic valve jet velocity of ≥ 2.0 m/s, in whom echo Doppler studies were repeated at an interim of at least 6 months. Annualized change in peak jet velocity was calculated, and effects of age, sex, diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, and use of statins and antihypertensive agents on the progression of AS were retrospectively evaluated. ⋯ Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ACE-I treatment, decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction, and higher peak aortic valve jet velocity at the first echocardiogram were associated with slower progression of AS. Administration of ACE-Is was associated with the slow progression of mild AS in Japanese patients. Prospective study to assess this hypothesis is needed.
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Current guidelines recommend a goal of door-to-balloon (D2B) time < 90 min for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aim to prospectively determine the effect of data feedback on D2B time and its seven individual components in primary PCI. From December 7, 2007, to June 2, 2009, 116 consecutive patients with STEMI who received PCI within 12 h of symptom onset were enrolled, including 56 patients before and 60 patients after the implementation of data feedback on July 28, 2008. ⋯ The most significant decrease occurred in median door-to-ECG (11 vs. 3 min, p < 0.001), consult-to-cardiologist (5 vs. 3 min, p < 0.001), and puncture-to-balloon (21 vs. 17 min, p = 0.004) time. Data feedback to the emergency department and catheterization laboratory staff decreases D2B time in primary PCI. This simple approach may be the best first step to decrease D2B time in hospitals that are still striving to achieve the goal of D2B time < 90 min.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury by theophylline in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease.
Although the optimal strategy for preventing contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) has not yet been established, the current strategy focuses on adequate periprocedural hydration, the use of a low amount of low or iso-osmolar contrast medium, and the application of adjunctive therapies, including hemofiltration, hemodialysis and drugs. Previous trials and meta-analyses concerning the use of the adenosine antagonist theophylline have revealed contradictory results. We sought to evaluate the effect of theophylline in CI-AKI prevention in well-hydrated elderly patients with chronic kidney disease. ⋯ A prophylactic effect of theophylline was not observed. The incidence of renal impairment following exposure to the contrast medium was low. This fact can be attributed to adequate parenteral hydratation and the use of the minimum amount of contrast medium necessary.
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D-dimer measurement is a useful complementary initial diagnostic marker in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD). However, it has not been clarified whether serial measurements of D-dimer are useful during in-hospital management of Stanford type B AAD. We studied 30 patients who were admitted with diagnosis of Stanford type B AAD and treated conservatively. ⋯ Patients with re-elevation of D-dimer showed higher incidence of re-dissection and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE). Peak D-dimer level in patients with re-dissection and/or VTE was significantly higher than that without these complications (p = 0.005). In conclusion, serial measurements of D-dimer are useful for early detection of re-dissection or VTE in patients with Stanford type B AAD, which may contribute to the prevention of disastrous consequences such as pulmonary embolism and extension of AAD.
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Factors relating to acute blockage of modified Blalock-Taussig shunts (MBTS) have not been well described in the literature. Our aim was to determine the outcomes in patients early after undergoing MBTS operations and to identify potential risk factors for acute shunt blockage in the early postoperative period. A retrospective study was performed in a tertiary referral congenital cardiac unit. ⋯ The main risk factors for blockage were preoperative high hemoglobin, weight less than 3 kg, and duct patency on echocardiogram after surgery. This study identifies that high preoperative hemoglobin, a weight less than 3 kg at operation, and the presence of a patent duct are statistically significant risk factors for shunt blockage in the acute postoperative period. Further work is needed to determine if reduction in preoperative hemoglobin concentration and attempts to reduce postoperative ductal patency may alter the outcome.