scholarly journals Transient Hypogonadism Is Associated With Heart Rate–Corrected QT Prolongation and Torsades de Pointes Risk During Active Systemic Inflammation in Men

Author(s):  
Pietro Enea Lazzerini ◽  
Silvia Cantara ◽  
Iacopo Bertolozzi ◽  
Riccardo Accioli ◽  
Viola Salvini ◽  
...  

Background Systemic inflammation and male hypogonadism are 2 increasingly recognized “nonconventional” risk factors for long‐QT syndrome and torsades de pointes (TdP). Specifically, inflammatory cytokines prolong, while testosterone shortens the heart rate–corrected QT interval (QTc) via direct electrophysiological effects on cardiomyocytes. Moreover, several studies demonstrated important interplays between inflammation and reduced gonad function in men. We hypothesized that, during inflammatory activation in men, testosterone levels decrease and that this enhances TdP risk by contributing to the overall prolonging effect of inflammation on QTc. Methods and Results We investigated (1) the levels of sex hormones and their relationship with inflammatory markers and QTc in male patients with different types of inflammatory diseases, during active phase and recovery; and (2) the association between inflammatory markers and sex hormones in a cohort of male patients who developed extreme QTc prolongation and TdP, consecutively collected over 10 years. In men with active inflammatory diseases, testosterone levels were significantly reduced, but promptly normalized in association with the decrease in C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 levels. Reduction of testosterone levels, which also inversely correlated with 17‐β estradiol over time, significantly contributed to inflammation‐induced QTc prolongation. In men with TdP, both active systemic inflammation and hypogonadism were frequently present, with significant correlations between C‐reactive protein, testosterone, and 17‐β estradiol levels; in these patients, increased C‐reactive protein and reduced testosterone were associated with a worse short‐term outcome of the arrhythmia. Conclusions During systemic inflammatory activation, interleukin‐6 elevation is associated with reduced testosterone levels in males, possibly deriving from an enhanced androgen‐to‐estrogen conversion. While transient, inflammatory hypotestosteronemia is significantly associated with an increased long‐QT syndrome/TdP risk in men.

2017 ◽  
pp. 81-85
Author(s):  
G. L. IGNATOVA ◽  
V. N. ANTONOV

The article discusses the problem of COPD combined with CAD, determination of inflammatory markers and the prognostic BODE, DOSE and ADO indices. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of PCV13 immunization on clinical and functional manifestations of systemic inflammation in patients with COPD and CAD, as well as the relationship with the prognostic markers. Material and methods: The study included 36 male patients with COPD and 36 patients with COPD and CAD, FC II-III stable angina who were treated at Regional Clinical Hospital _4 in Chelyabinsk during the period 2015--2016. Conclusions: 1. Patients with COPD combined with CAD had statistically significant clinical and functional disorders manifested by an increase in the degree of dyspnea and reduction in FEV1. 2. In patients with COPD concomitant with CAD, against the background of the comorbidities, the levels of systemic inflammation markers — C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and procalcitonin — were more overt than in patients only with COPD. 3. Monitoring changes in procalcitonin levels could be used as an additional highly informative method for estimating the probability of the presence of bacterial inflammation and effectiveness of therapy. 4. The prognostic BODE, DOSE and ADO indices tend to decrease unidirectionally under the impact of vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. 5. PCV13 can reduce the level of systemic inflammation within 1 year after its application.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 323-340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Enea Lazzerini ◽  
Iacopo Bertolozzi ◽  
Maurizio Acampa ◽  
Rosella Fulceri ◽  
Franco Laghi-Pasini ◽  
...  

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) represents the most common inflammatory rheumatic disease of the elderly. It is characterized by synovitis of proximal joints and extra-articular synovial structures, along with chronic high-grade systemic inflammation. PMR is closely related to giant cell arteritis (GCA), a large–vessel vasculitis that involves the major branches of the aorta, particularly the extracranial branches of carotid artery including temporal arteries. It is currently believed that PMR and GCA may represent different manifestations of the same disease process. Chronic systemic inflammation is presently recognized as one of the key pathogenic mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease and associated complications, including cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. In this regard, several studies demonstrated that besides promoting structural heart disease, inflammatory activation may also be per se arrhythmogenic, via cytokine-mediated effects on cardiac electrophysiology. In particular, increasing evidence points to inflammation as a novel risk factor for QTc prolongation and related life-threatening arrhythmias, specifically Torsade de Pointes (TdP). Starting from the report of two cases of TdP occurring in PMR patients with active disease and elevated circulating IL-6 levels, we here reviewed literature data regarding heart involvement and arrhythmic events in PMR/GCA, as well as TdP risk in inflammatory diseases. Potential underlying mechanisms were dissected, by focusing on the driving role of inflammatory activation.


Author(s):  
Hasan Hüseyin Özdemir ◽  
Ahmet Dönder

Abstract Objectives A tension headache is the most common type of headache, and its causes are multifactorial. A relationship has been shown between migraine headaches and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). In this study, we investigated the NLR, PLR, and serum CRP levels in frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETTH) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) patients. Materials and Methods This retrospective study included 64 patients with FETTH, 80 patients with CTTH, and 60 healthy controls who were followed up in the neurology clinic. Hematological parameters were compared between the patient and control groups. Results In CTTH patients, platelets, NLR, PLR, and CRP values were statistically higher than in FETTH patients and patients in the control group. In FETTH patients, the PLR value was higher than in patients in the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference in NLR and CRP values between FETTH patients and patients in the control group. Also, there was no correlation between these values and age and gender. Conclusion Increase platelet count might have an effect on tension-type headache pathophysiology. Systemic inflammation parameters were shown to be significantly higher in CTTH patients. More comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate the effect of systemic inflammation on the chronicity of tension headaches.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mehmet Sinan Beksac ◽  
Hanife Guler Donmez

This study aimed to investigate the association of increased C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and hypocomplementemia with risk factors for thrombosis such as Factor V Leiden (FVLP) and Prothrombin G20210A polymorphisms (PP), increased Activated Protein C Resistance (APCR) and decreased anti-thrombin III (ATIII) activity in women who have metabolic (MTHFR polymorphisms) and immunological risk factors (autoimmune antibody positivity, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases). All patients (n= 197) were evaluated in terms of risk factors for thrombosis including FVLP, PP, increased APCR, and decreased ATIII activity as well as CRP and complement (C) 3 and C4 levels within a framework of preconceptional care program. Patients with high CRP levels together with hypocomplementemia were included to the study group (n= 13), while women with normal levels of CRP, C3, and C4 were accepted as controls (n= 184). Decreased ATIII activity was found to be statistically more frequent in the study group compared to controls (p= 0.036). There were no significant differences between the study and control groups in terms of the presence of FVLP, PP and increased APCR (p= 0.386, p= 0.462, p= 0.625, respectively). Decreased ATIII activity should be the concern of preconceptional and antenatal care programs in risky patients with increased CRP levels and hypocomplementemia in order to prevent placental inflammation related gestational complications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
W Magon ◽  
J Stepniewski ◽  
K Jonas ◽  
M Waligora ◽  
P Podolec ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Pulmonary endarterectomy leads to a decrease in systemic inflammation and improvement in endothelial function in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improves pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with inoperable CTEPH. Aim To assess changes in systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction after a single BPA session and after completion of the treatment. Methods We enrolled consecutive, inoperable CTEPH patients who underwent BPA. Interleukin 6, 10 (IL-6, IL-10), and C-reactive protein (hsCRP) constituted markers of systemic inflammation. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) served as a marker of endothelial dysfunction. Serum concentration of selected markers was assessed in every patient before, 24 hours after the first BPA session and 6 months after completion of the BPA treatment. Age- and sex-matched healthy subjects served as a control group. Results We recruited 20 patients with inoperable CTEPH (6 males [30%]), aged 67 [61–74] years in New York Heart Association class III (n=19 [95%]) and II (n=1 [5%]). BPA treatment was completed with a median of 5 [2–8] BPA sessions per patient. Before starting the treatment CTEPH patients, as compared to controls (n=10), had raised serum level of IL-6 (3.82 [2.75 - 6.03] vs. 2.64 [0.88 - 4.75] pg/ml; p=0.04), hsCRP (2.47 [0.93 - 4.27] vs. 1.23 [0.48–3.21] ng/ml; p=0.02) and ET-1 (2.68 [2.24 - 3.64] vs. 1.47 [1.4 - 1.82] pg/ml; p=0.004). There was no difference in IL-10 level. 24 hours after a BPA session we observed an increased level of IL-6, IL-10 and hsCRP. (Tab.) 6 months after completion of the BPA treatment there was a reduced level of IL-6, hsCRP and ET-1 (Tab.) Table 1. Changes (Δ) in serum concentration of analyzed markers 24 hours after a single BPA session and at 6-months assessment after completion of the BPA treatment (n=20) Initial Δ at 24 hours after single BPA p Δ at 6-months follow-up p ET-1 [pg/ml] 2.68 [2.24; 3.64] −0.2 [−0.5; 0.23] 0.21 −0.47 [−0.96; 0.05] 0.004 IL-6 [pg/ml] 3.82 [2.75; 6.03] 3.67 [1.41; 7.16] 0.008 −0.82 [−3.11; 0.54] 0.04 IL-10 [pg/ml] 0.53 [0.44; 0.58] 0.32 [0.21; 0.87] 0.006 −0.11 [−0.33; 0.14] 0.94 hsCRP [ng/ml] 2.47 [0.93; 4.27] 5.4 [3.96; 10.59] 0.008 −0.36 [−0.94; 0.16] 0.02 ET-1, endothelin 1; hsCRP, C-reactive protein; IL-6, interleukin 6; IL-10, interleukin 10. Conclusions Patients with inoperable CTEPH, as compared to healthy controls, exhibit an increased systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which both improve after completion of the BPA treatment. At short-term follow-up after single BPA session there is an increase in systemic inflammatory response.


2021 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 446-452
Author(s):  
O V Kurchenkova ◽  
U V Kharlamova ◽  
A V Vazhenin ◽  
A O Abdalov

Aim. To study the relationship between the symptoms of nutritional insufficiency and systemic inflammation in cancer palliative patients. Methods. 106 palliative cancer patients were examined at Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Center of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine: 54 (50.9%) men and 52 (49.1%) women aged 61 [54; 67] years. All patients underwent laboratory and instrumental examination within the approved standards of specialized medical care. Systemic inflammation was assessed by the levels of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen). The study of integrated clinical and laboratory, somatometric parameters was carried out. The nutritional risk index was assessed. Results. Palliative cancer patients showed a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin, lymphocytes, and albumin. The activation of systemic inflammation that manifested by hyperfibrinogenemia and an increase in the level of C-reactive protein was revealed. The study of somatometric parameters revealed a statistically significant decrease in body mass index, shoulder circumference, subscapular skinfold thickness, and a tendency to reduce lean body mass. The nutritional risk index assessment showed mild nutritional insufficiency in 22 (20.8%) of the examined patients and severe nutritional insufficiency in 28 (26.4%) patients. The maximum diagnostic significance of the level of C-reactive protein for prediction the nutritional insufficiency was achieved at 80.4% sensitivity and 52.7% specificity (AUC=0.671, 95% confidence interval [0.573; 0.759], p=0.001), which corresponded to a C-reactive protein threshold of 31 mg/l. Conclusion. 50 (47.2%) of the examined patients showed signs of nutritional insufficiency, a statistically significant decrease in hemoglobin and albumin concentration, as well as lymphocyte count, activation of systemic inflammation, manifested by hyperfibrinogenemia, and an increase in the level of C-reactive protein; it was revealed a statistically significant relationship between C-reactive protein level and malnutrition.


2021 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 510-517
Author(s):  
E V Khazova ◽  
O V Bulashova

The discussion continues about the role of systemic inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases of ischemic etiology. This article reviews the information on the role of C-reactive protein in patients with atherosclerosis and heart failure in risk stratification for adverse cardiovascular events, including assessment of factors affecting the basal level of highly sensitive C-reactive protein. Research data (MRFIT, MONICA) have demonstrated a relationship between an increased level of C-reactive protein and the development of coronary heart disease. An increase in the serum level of highly sensitive C-reactive protein is observed in arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance, which indicates the involvement of systemic inflammation in these disorders. Currently, the assessment of highly sensitive C-reactive protein is used to determine the risk of developing myocardial infarction and stroke. It has been proven that heart failure patients have a high level of highly sensitive C-reactive protein compared with patients without heart failure. The level of C-reactive protein is referred to as modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases of ischemic origin, since lifestyle changes or taking drugs such as statins, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, etc. reduce the level of highly sensitive C-reactive protein. In patients with heart failure with different left ventricular ejection fraction values, it was found that the regression of the inflammatory response is accompanied by an improvement in prognosis, which confirms the hypothesis of inflammation as a response to stress, which has negative consequences for the cardiovascular system.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guner Cakmak ◽  
Baris Mantoglu ◽  
Emre Gonullu ◽  
Kayhan Ozdemir ◽  
Burak Kamburoglu

Abstract Background: The objective of this study was to retrospectively compare clinical features and prognostic values between the patients who were referred to the general surgery clinic of our hospital with the presumed diagnosis of acute appendicitis and underwent positive or negative appendectomy.Methods: Patients were divided into two groups as positive (PA) (n:362) and negative appendectomy (NA) (n:284) and the data obtained were compared between these two groups.Laboratory investigations were performed in all patients, and white blood cell (WBC), mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophils count (NEU), neutrophils (%) (NEU%), C-reactive protein (CRP) and total bilirubin (TBIL) values were studied.Results: The mean MPV value was found as 7.88 fl in PA groups and 8.09 fl in NA group, and the mean MPV value was not statistically significantly difference in PA group, compared to NA groups (p=0.012). Laboratory parameters were also compared between genders. Accordingly, the mean MPV value was statistically significantly higher in female patients compared to male patients in PA group (p = 0.04). The mean TBIL value was 0.97 mg/dl in PA group and 0.69 mg/dl in NA group, and the mean TBIL value was statistically significantly higher in PA group (p< 0.001). Finally, TBIL value was statistically significantly lower in female patients compared to male patients in NA and PA group (p < 0.05).Conclusions: According to the results of our study, MPV and T. BIL values differ in PA and NA groups depending on gender. Therefore, these values may not be used as specific biomarkers in predicting positive acute appendicitis. We believe that these results will contribute to the literature and will be guiding for future studies.


Author(s):  
Rena Okada ◽  
Yuri Sakaguchi ◽  
Takeshi Matsushige ◽  
Isamu Kamimaki ◽  
Toshiki Takenouchi ◽  
...  

Background: Acute encephalopathy during childhood represents a highly heterogeneous group of infectious and non-infectious pathologies. According to a recent nationwide survey on acute childhood encephalopathy in Japan, the combination of clinical and radiographic features left approximately half of the affected children unclassified, mainly because of the lack of disease-specific biomarkers. Case: Herein, we document a school-aged boy who manifested with acute encephalopathy that was characterized by a prolonged fever, altered mental status, urinary retention, and intention tremor lasting for more than a month. Accompanying features included syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone, pleocytosis with elevated interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, and a transient splenial lesion on neuroimaging. No pathogens were identified, and C-reactive protein was negative throughout his clinical course. This constellation of clinical features was not compatible with any of the existing entities of acute pediatric encephalopathy. Discussion: Our retrospective literature review identified two additional school-aged male patients who exhibited highly similar clinical courses. The prolonged altered mental status with pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid and a transient splenial lesion in the absence of serum inflammatory markers suggest a primary central nervous system pathology. Conclusion: This combination of features defines this presumably new group of acute childhood febrile encephalopathy with prolonged fever and ataxia in school-aged boys.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document