Relationships Between Cardiovascular Autonomic Profile and Work Ability in Patients With Pure Autonomic Failure

Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare disorder belonging to the group of synucleinopathies, characterized by autonomic nervous system degeneration. Severe orthostatic intolerance with recurrent syncope while standing are the two most disabling manifestations. Symptoms may start at middle age, thus affecting people at their working age. The aims of this study were to evaluate the autonomic and work ability impairment of a group of PAF patients and assess the relationships between cardiovascular autonomic control and work ability in these patients. Eleven PAF patients (age 57.3 ± 6.7 years), engaged in work activity, participated in the study. They completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31, range 0 no symptom-100 maximum symptom intensity) and Work Ability questionnaires (Work Ability Index, WAI, range 7–49; higher values indicate better work ability and lower values indicating unsatisfactory or jeopardized work ability). Electrocardiogram, blood pressure and respiratory activity were continuously recorded for 10 min while supine and during 75° head-up tilt (HUT). Autoregressive spectral analysis of cardiac cycle length approximated as the time distance between two consecutive R-wave peaks (RR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variabilities provided the power in the high frequency (HF, 0.15–0.40 Hz) and low frequency (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz) bands of RR and SAP variabilities. Cardiac sympatho-vagal interaction was assessed by LF to HF ratio (LF/HF), while the LF power of SAP (LFSAP) quantified the vascular sympathetic modulation. Changes in cardiovascular autonomic indexes induced by HUT were calculated as the delta (Δ) between HUT and supine resting positions. Spearman correlation analysis was applied. PAF patients were characterized by a moderate autonomic dysfunction (COMPASS-31 total score 47.08 ± 20.2) and by a reduction of work ability (WAI 26.88 ± 10.72). Direct significant correlations were found between WAI and ΔLFRR (r = 0.66, p = 0.03) and ΔLF/HFRR (r = 0.70, p = 0.02). Results indicate that patients who were better able to modulate heart rate, as revealed by a greater cardiac sympathetic increase and/or vagal withdrawal during the orthostatic stimulus, were those who reported higher values of WAI. This finding could be relevant to propose new strategies in the occupational environment to prevent early retirement or to extend the working life of these patients.

Agreement between oscillometric and direct blood pressure measurements in anesthetized captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the level of agreement (LOA) between direct and oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurements and the ability of oscillometric measurements to accurately detect hypotension in anesthetized chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). ANIMALS 8 captive, adult chimpanzees. PROCEDURES During prescheduled annual examinations, each chimpanzee underwent general anesthesia and patient monitoring for their examination, echocardiography for a concurrent study, and measurement of direct BP with the use of tibial artery catheterization and oscillometry with the use of a cuff placed around a brachium and a cuff placed around the second digit of the contralateral forelimb for the present study. Bland-Altman plots were generated to compare results for direct and oscillometric BP measurements. Mean bias and 95% LOAs were calculated for oscillometric measurements of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) for each cuff site. Sensitivity and specificity in detecting hypotension were also determined for each cuff site. RESULTS There were 74 paired direct and brachial oscillometric measurements of each, SAP, MAP, and DAP and 66 paired direct and digit oscillometric measurements of each, SAP, MAP, and DAP. Only brachial oscillometric measurements of MAP had adequate sensitivity (78%) and specificity (95%) to accurately detect hypotension, and this technique also had the least mean bias (0.8 mm Hg; 95% LOA, –29 to 31 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that brachial oscillometric measurement of MAP provided reasonable agreement with tibial arterial direct MAP measurement and performed well in diagnosing hypotension in anesthetized chimpanzees.

608 The VCX Index: a novel haemodynamic quantification of mitral regurgitation

Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve (MV) repair is extensively used in different pathological MV conditions. Randomized controlled trials have evaluated the role of this technique in both primary (organic) and secondary (functional) mitral regurgitation (MR). Furthermore, recent analyses of these studies have shown the relevance of echocardiographic patient selection in the functional setting of MR, differentiating proportionate MR from disproportionate MR according to the degree of the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) related to the left ventricular volume. The haemodynamic impact of MR cannot be univocally measured by echocardiography alone and the aim of our study was to determine how invasive LAP monitoring during percutaneous edge-to-edge MV repair can predict long-term procedural success on top of the echocardiographic assessment by introducing the VCX INDEX and identifying haemodynamic variables with direct influence on filling pressures. The VCX INDEX, reflecting the impact of MR, is calculated by dividing the difference between v wave (ventricular systole in the left atrial pressure, LAP, or in the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, PCWP, waveform) and the mean minimum LAP or mean minimum PCWP (mean between minimum LAP or minimum PCWP, x wave, and a/c wave) by systolic arterial pressure (SAP): (v wave – mean minimum LAP or mean minimum PCWP)/SAP. 85 patients at our centres underwent invasive intracardiac pressure monitoring either measuring LAP during percutaneous edge-to-edge MV repair or PCWP during right heart catheterization. Median VCX INDEX was 0.1 (Q1 0.05, Q3 0.16). The study population was further analysed according to the echocardiographic aetiology of MR: in the organic MR subgroup median VCX INDEX was 0.08 (Q1 0.05, Q3 0.14), in the functional proportionate MR subgroup median VCX INDEX was 0.07 (Q1 0.03, Q3 0.13) and in the functional disproportionate MR subgroup median VCX INDEX was 0.11 (Q1 0.06, Q3 0.19). 20 patients were deemed inoperable by the Heart Team and no further intervention was performed, while 65 patients underwent percutaneous edge-to-edge MV repair with MitraClip device and VCX INDEX was recalculated after the procedure. Median post-MitraClip VCX INDEX was 0.04 (Q1 0.02, Q3 0.07) and a subanalysis based on the echocardiographic MR aetiology was repeated: median post-MitraClip VCX INDEX was 0.02 in the organic MR subgroup (Q1 0.01, Q3 0.05), 0.03 in the functional proportionate MR subgroup (Q1 0.02, Q3 0.07) and 0.05 in the functional disproportionate MR subgroup (Q1 0.03, Q3 0.07). Median VCX INDEX in patients who did not undergo MitraClip implantation was 0.07 (Q1 0.04, Q3 0.12). The variation of VCX INDEX when comparing pre- and post-procedural invasive pressure assessment gives an insight of MitraClip’s favourable haemodynamic effect in terms of VCX INDEX reduction in the treated subgroup of the study and how the intervention has a comparable haemodynamic impact between different echocardiographic MR aetiologies. Further studies are needed to explore the incremental diagnostic role in the decision-making process as well as the prognostic value of the VCX INDEX in patients undergoing percutaneous edge-to-edge MV repair.

Effects of Algorithmic Music on the Cardiovascular Neural Control

Music influences many physiological parameters, including some cardiovascular (CV) control indices. The complexity and heterogeneity of musical stimuli, the integrated response within the brain and the limited availability of quantitative methods for non-invasive assessment of the autonomic function are the main reasons for the scarcity of studies about the impact of music on CV control. This study aims to investigate the effects of listening to algorithmic music on the CV regulation of healthy subjects by means of the spectral analysis of heart period, approximated as the time distance between two consecutive R-wave peaks (RR), and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variability. We studied 10 healthy volunteers (age 39 ± 6 years, 5 females) both while supine (REST) and during passive orthostatism (TILT). Activating and relaxing algorithmic music tracks were used to produce possible contrasting effects. At baseline, the group featured normal indices of CV sympathovagal modulation both at REST and during TILT. Compared to baseline, at REST, listening to both musical stimuli did not affect time and frequency domain markers of both SAP and RR, except for a significant increase in mean RR. A physiological TILT response was maintained while listening to both musical tracks in terms of time and frequency domain markers, compared to baseline, an increase in mean RR was again observed. In healthy subjects featuring a normal CV neural profile at baseline, algorithmic music reduced the heart rate, a potentially favorable effect. The innovative music approach of this study encourages further research, as in the presence of several diseases, such as ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and heart failure, a standardized musical stimulation could play a therapeutic role.

Assessment of mitral valve area by 3D planimetry after percutaneous mitral valve repair

Background Percutaneous mitral valve (MV) repair has become an effective therapeutic alternative to MV surgery in high-risk surgical patients with severe MR. Persistent pulmonary hypertension after mitral valve replacement has shown an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Improvement of pulmonary systolic arterial pressure (PSAP) post-MitraClip has been reported, however relative mitral stenosis may hamper this benefit. Few data is available regarding the best echocardiographic parameter to determine mitral stenosis after the procedure. Purpose To evaluate the correlation between the residual mitral valve area (MVA) by 3D planimetry, the pressure half time (PHT) and the transmitral gradient after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral repair. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective study. We enrolled 88 consecutive patients who underwent a percutaneous MV repair with the MitraClip system between 2010 and 2020 at our tertiary university hospital, with eligibility evaluation by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). All patients had moderate to severe (3+) or severe (4+) primary or secondary MR. Results The mean age was 76.2±10.4 years and 64.8% of the patients were male. Above 88% of patients were in New York Heart Association class III/IV. Baseline 3D planimetry MVA was 5.3±1.4cm2 and mean gradient pre-implantation was 1.8±0.8mmHg. After the procedure, MVA reduced to 2.9±0.8cm2 and mean gradient was 2.8±1.4mmHg. Both 3D planimetry and mean gradient were very significantly correlated (r −0.5; p<0.001) (Figure 1), whereas no correlation was note between mean gradient and PHT (r 0.17; p=0.117) Conclusion After MitraClip implantation, the assessment of mitral valve area by 3D planimetry is significantly correlated with the transmitral mean gradient, unlike PHT. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. Correlation of post-procedural 3D MVA and transmitral mean gradient

Prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the population of Kosovo

Objectives To observe the prevalence of arterial pressure and glycemia in Kosovo and to provide free screening service through health promotion. Methods This prospective study was conducted over a 3-year period, during 2017–2019. All data were collected by AAB College staff in 11 Kosovo cities prior to a random sample with 7254 observations. Data included demographic information as well as blood pressure and glycemic level measurements. Results The overall prevalence of arterial pressure was registered at 27.6% and diabetes mellitus at 9.2%. Arterial pressure in females had a tendency to increase with age (r = 0.3552, P < 0.001), as well as the glycemic index (r = 0.1997, P < 0.001). Nevertheless, age had a stronger impact on males than in females, with regard to higher arterial pressure in the year 2017 (P < 0.001). In the following years, 2018 and 2019, the ratio had reversed. Glycemia had strong correlation with systolic arterial pressure value (P < 0.001). For a 1 mmol/L increase in glycemia, the diastolic value increased by 0.19 mmHg on average. Conclusions This study concluded that at younger ages the values of arterial pressure and glycemia remain within the commonly observed range, but over the years the probability for higher blood pressure or glicemia increases. Through continuous control of arterial pressure and glycemia at an early age, it is possible to identify abnormal diagnostics, in order to address them in time. Educational initiatives and screenings should take place in order to increase awareness of the citizens for checking themselves regularly.

Oxygen reserve index for non-invasive early hypoxemia detection during endotracheal intubation in intensive care: the prospective observational NESOI study

Background To evaluate the ability of the oxygen reserve index (ORI) to predict the occurrence of mild hypoxemia (defined as SpO2 < 97%) during endotracheal intubation (ETI) of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods This observational single-centre study included patients without hypoxemia (defined as SpO2/FiO2 > 214) who required ETI in the ICU. Patients were followed during preoxygenation and ETI then until hospital discharge and/or day 28. We recorded cases of mild hypoxemia, moderate (SpO2 < 90%) and severe (SpO2 < 80%) hypoxemia, moderate arterial hypotension (systolic arterial pressure < 90 mmHg), oesophageal intubation, aspiration, cardiac arrest, and death. Results Between January 2019 and July 2020, 56 patients were included prospectively and 51 patients were analysed. Twenty patients had mild hypoxemia between the end of preoxygenation and the end of intubation; in 10 of these patients, the decrease in SpO2 below 97% was preceded by an ORI < 0.4, the median time difference being 81 s [interquartile range, 34–146]. By multivariable analysis, a higher ORI (by 0.1 increase) value during preoxygenation was associated with absence of hypoxemia (odds ratio, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.61;0.95; P = 0.0141). Conclusion In non-hypoxemic patients, the 81-s [34–146] median time between the ORI decrease below 0.4 and the SpO2 decrease below 97% during apnoea may allow preventive action. A higher ORI value during preoxygenation was independently protective against hypoxemia. Whether these findings also apply to hypoxemic patients, and the clinical impact of a preoxygenation strategy based on ORI monitoring, remain to be evaluated prospectively. Trial Registration ClinicalTrial.gov, #NCT03600181.

Cardiopulmonary (No Ventilation) and Anesthetic Effects of Dexmedetomidine–Tiletamine in Dogs

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of dexmedetomidine in combination with tiletamine (without zolazepam) as a general anesthetic. The study was divided into two phases. In Phase 1, 18 adult healthy mixed-breed dogs were randomly allocated into three groups: Group TD8 (4.5 mg kg−1 tiletamine and 8 μg kg−1 dexmedetomidine), Group TD10 (4.5 mg kg−1 tiletamine and 10 μg kg−1 dexmedetomidine), or Group TD12 (4.5 mg kg−1 tiletamine and 12 μg kg−1 dexmedetomidine). After drug administration, the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2), behavioral score, quality of induction and recovery, extent of ataxia, the time taken for induction, and the duration of anesthesia were recorded. The recovery time and quality were recorded after administration of atipamezole (50 μg kg−1) after 60 min. In phase 2, the feasibility of combining dexmedetomidine (10 μg kg−1) and tiletamine (4.5 mg kg−1) as general anesthetics for orchiectomy was evaluated in dogs (n = 6). HR, fR, MAP, SAP, DAP, temperature, SpO2, behavioral scores, and adverse reactions were recorded during each surgical procedure. In phase 1, the dogs were anesthetized for 5 min after administration of drugs and achieved a maximum behavioral score in TD10 and TD12 after 10 min. Although HR, MAP, SAP, DAP, and NIBP decreased in all three groups, they still maintained within the normal range. In phase 2, orchiectomy was completed smoothly in all dogs with little fluctuation in the physiological variables. We found that a combination of tiletamine (4.5 mg kg−1) and dexmedetomidine (10 μg kg−1) intramuscularly induced moderate anesthesia in dogs and could be utilized for short-term anesthesia and minor surgery.

Autonomic biomarkers of shock in idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome

Objective The term Idiopathic Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (ISCLS) refers to an uncommon condition of severe distributive shock, resulting from an abrupt shift of fluids and proteins from the intravascular to the interstitial compartment. We hypothesise that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) fails in regulating the response to hypovolemia in acute ISCLS and that ANS variables characterise the progression to the recovery. Design Prospective cohort study of patients admitted to ICU for severe ISCLS flares. Setting Single, referral center in Italy for ISCLS. Patients Analysis of cardiovascular signals recorded during seven severe ISCLS attacks and one prodromal period in five patients. Interventions ANS was studied non-invasively by means of heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability analysis, as an estimation of vagal and sympathetic modulation directed to the heart and vessels. Heart rate and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variability were also used to assess baroreflex sensitivity. ANS variables were measured during the subsequent phases which characterise ISCLS flares, namely the acute phase, the post-acute phase, and the recovery phase. Measurements and main results HRV was severely depressed during the acute phase accounting for the loss of ANS modulation during massive capillary extravasation. This phase was characterised by shock and impaired baroreflex control, which allowed SAP to oscillate driven by respiratory activity. Impending shock and transition from shock to a post-acute phase were marked by change of baroreflex spectral variables. The baroreflex control was fully restored during recovery. Conclusions ANS modulation and baroreflex control are severely impaired during the acute haemodynamic instability which characterises ISCLS crises and their progressive restoration may be a clue of improvement. ANS indices during ISCLS flares might serve as useful biomarkers, able to timely announce the transition from one phase to the subsequent one, thus helping to adapt therapy accordingly.

436 POSTOPERATIVE SYSTOLIC HYPOTENSION IN FRACTURED NECK OF FEMUR PATIENTS

Introduction Secondary analysis of outcomes after 11,085 hip fracture operations from the prospective UK Anaesthesia Sprint Audit of Practice (ASAP 2) found an association between reduced intraoperative systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and postoperative mortality at five and 30 days. We sought to determine the incidence of hypotension in the postoperative period, rather than just intraoperatively, in a small sample of patients with fractured neck of femur. Method We performed a retrospective review of the notes, electronic vital signs and electronic general practice records from 40 patients with fractured neck of femur. We identified the latest SAP performed at their general practice (if done within one year before admission). We noted the pre-operative baseline SAP reading from the ward as well as the lowest SAP during several time periods: the pre-operative period; the fracture surgery; the recovery room; and during each 24-h period postoperatively until the fifth postoperative day. Results A SAP recording from general practice within the previous year was only accessible in 21 (53%) of patients, but where it was accessible, it was within 20% of the immediate preoperative SAP in 14 (66%) of patients. The incidence of relative hypotension (&lt; 80% preoperative SAP) was 54% in the operating theatre, 41% in the recovery room, 65% on the ward during the remainder of the first postoperative 24 h, 55% during postoperative day 2, 53% during day 3, 33% during day 4 and 41% during day 5. Conclusions Postoperative hypotension was common in our sample. In our analysis, the highest incidence was on the ward during the first 24 hours postoperatively. However, 41% of patients still had hypotension 5 days postoperatively.