332 Clinical and prognostic significance of junctional late gadolinium enhancement in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy

Aims Pulmonary hypertension (PH) carries a poor prognosis in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDC). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) evaluation can identify myocardial abnormalities. In particular, junctional LGE is already an established marker of adverse right ventricular (RV) remodelling in patients with pre-capillary PH. This study sought to assess the prevalence of junctional LGE by CMR in NIDC, its relationship with hemodynamic parameters and, moreover, its prognostic significance. Methods and results Patients with NIDC who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) and CMR within 3 months in a tertiary hospital were enrolled. Patients with acute heart failure were excluded. Among others, RV and left ventricular (LV) volumes, junctional LGE at CMR, pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) at RHC were tabulated. Pulmonary hypertension was defined accordingly to current Guidelines (median PAP at RHC ≥ 25 mmHg). The primary endpoint consisted of heart failure (HF) hospitalization during follow-up. A total of 188 patients [median age 49 (SD 15), 71% males] were evaluated. At morpho-functional CMR evaluation, most subjects (76%) had important systolic dysfunction (LV EF ≤ 35%). Junctional LGE was observed in 83 (44%) patients. Among patients with junctional LGE, 21 had LGE confined only to the junctional region, while 61 had also mid-wall interventricular septal stria and 21 a mid-wall stria in the lateral free LV wall. Patients with junctional LGE had lower RV EF (49% vs. 56%, P < 0.001) and LV EF (27% vs. 30%, P = 0.012) when compared to those without junctional LGE although no differences in LV and RV dimensions were found. RHC showed PH in 83 patients (44%). Patients with junctional LGE showed a worse hemodynamic profile in terms of PH (55% vs. 36%; P = 0.011) and increase in PCWP (PCWP > 15 mmHg in 60% vs. 42%; P = 0.015) compared to subjects without junctional LGE. Among 79 patients with PH and PCWP > 15 mmHg, 75 (95%) had a combined post capillary and pre-capillary PH (diastolic pressure gradient ≥7 mmHg). Univariate analysis showed that junctional LGE was associated with a worse hemodynamic profile; on multivariable model, RV EF was significantly associated with the presence of junctional LGE (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87–0.96, P < 0.001). During a median follow-up of 58 months, 33 patients (18%) died or underwent heart transplantation/ventricular assist device implantation, 17% in the junctional LGE group vs. 18% among those without junctional LGE. Thirty-eight patients (20%) had at least one episode of HF, 22 among junctional LGE group and 16 in control group (27% vs. 15%, P = 0.056). When adjusted for age, junctional LGE resulted a significant determinant of HF hospitalization (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.02–4.44, P = 0.044). Conclusions Junctional LGE is detectable in almost half of NIDC patients and it is related to a worse haemodynamic profile, characterized by PH and elevated PCWP. Moreover, after adjustment for age, it was a significant determinant of HF hospitalization during follow-up in our population. Junctional LGE can therefore represent a useful prognostic tool, as marker of adverse ventricular remodelling likely related to ventricular interdependence.

Ranolazine: a better understanding of pathophysiology and patient profile to guide treatment of chronic stable angina

Chronic stable angina pectoris, the most prevalent symptomatic manifestation of coronary artery disease, greatly impairs quality of life and is associated with an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of myocardial ischemia permitted new therapeutic strategies to optimize the management of angina patients. Ideally, antianginal drug treatment should be tailored to individual patient’s profile and chosen according to the pathophysiology, hemodynamic profile, adverse effects, potential drug interactions and comorbidities. In this respect, and because of its peculiar mechanism of action, ranolazine represents an alternative therapeutic approach in patients with chronic stable angina and may be considered the first choice in presence of comorbidities that difficult the use of traditional therapies.

PERIOPERATIVE METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH THYROTOXICOSIS, POSSIBILITIES OF ITS CORRECTION

In the past, thyroid surgery has been the most common cause of thyroid storm, but recently, preoperative drugs that create a euthyroid state before surgery have somewhat improved treatment outcomes. Therefore, the anesthesia of such operations is very important. The aim of this work: to evaluate the possibility of using dexmedetomidine for perioperative correction of metabolism in thyroidectomy under general anesthesia in patients with thyrotoxicosis. Materials and methods. The study was prospective, not randomized. The study involved 137 patients (53 men, 84 women, aged 21 to 76 years) with thyrotoxicosis, who underwent planned thyroidectomy under general anesthesia, using the inhalation anesthetic sevoflurane and the narcotic analgesic fentanyl, in low-flow artificial lung ventilation. Perioperative monitoring was complemented by the use of indirect calorimetry. The degree of preoperative risk of patients is ASA III-IV. In group I (n=71), situationally, during the operation, with a heart rate of > 90 beats/min, a selective β-blocker esmolol hydrochloride was administered intravenously (25-50 μg×kg-1×min-1) under the control of ECG and hemodynamic parameters until the heart rate normalizes. In group II (n=66) - dexmedetomidine – 0,1 μg×kg-1×h-1. Results and discussions. The initial metabolic parameters in both groups were high and amounted, respectively, 830±15 cal×min-1×m-2 in group I and 832 ± 13 cal×min-1× m-2 in group II, which exceeded their basal metabolic rate: in group I - by 54,9% and in group II - by 58,5% (p <0.01). At the stage of induction of anesthesia in group I, a depression of the hemodynamic profile was revealed, probably associated with the effect of the introduction of esmolol hydrochloride, which led to a decrease in oxygen transport without metabolic disturbances. At the stages of mobilization and removal of the thyroid gland, manifestations of hyperdynamia and hypermetabolism were observed in both groups. Metabolism at these stages, in group II, respectively, was lower, by 9,3% and 10,1%, than in group I. The degree of metabolic disorder, in group I, was 42,8% ± 2,3 % and 32,6 ± 1,8%, in group II – 31,2 ± 1,6% and 22,3 ± 1,2% (p <0.05). The blood cortisol level in group I was higher than in group II (p <0.05). Conclusions. Perioperative energy monitoring using indirect calorimetry allows timely detection of metabolic disorders and appropriate pathogenetic correction. The use of dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.1 μg × kg-1 × h-1 is quite effective as an intravenous adjuvant for general anesthesia during thyroidectomy in patients with thyrotoxicosis.

Comparative Study between Nitroglycerine, Magnesium Sulfate and Dexmedetomidine to Induce Hypotension During Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Background Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) has been employed as a surgical intervention to treat chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with no response to drug therapy, during which the surgical vision may be greatly reduced by a small amount of bleeding. There by, the intraoperative controlled hypotension can improve the visibility. While excessive bleeding intraoperative cause serious complications in the postoperative period, including eye socket infections, visual acuity damage, meningeal infections, and other. Objective Induced hypotension limits intra operative (IO) blood loss provides better visibility of the surgical field and diminishes the incidence of major complications during Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). We aimed at comparing Nitroglycerine; Magnesium Sulfate and Dexmedetomidine for inducing controlled hypotension and evaluate narcotic used, mac of inhalational anesthesia, and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) in the recovery and pre-anesthetic time in patients undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS). Patients and Methods This study was conducted on 75 patients who underwent elective functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) who matched the inclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into 3 groups each containing 25 patients. The first group received loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg infused over 10 min before induction of anesthesia then 0.7 μg/kg/h via syringe pump, second group received nitroglycerine infusion at a dose of 2μg/kg/min according to the response started after induction, intubation, positioning and sterilization of the patient and third group received a loading dose of magnesium sulfate 40 mg/kg over 10 minutes followed by an infusion 15mg/kg/h via syringe pump. Results The result of our study showed that dexmedetomidine, magnesium sulfate, or nitroglycerine successfully induced deliberate hypotension and were effective in providing good surgical field during FESS, but dexmedetomidine showed superior hemodynamic profile. Compared with nitroglycerine, both dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate offered the advantage of inherent analgesic and sedative effect. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine, magnesium sulfate, or nitroglycerine successfully induced deliberate hypotension and were effective in providing good surgical field during FESS, but dexmedetomidine showed superior hemodynamic profile. Compared with nitroglycerine, both dexmedetomidine and magnesium sulfate offered the advantage of inherent analgesic and sedative effect. Dexmedetomidine also showed shorter duration of surgery with less blood loss and favorable frommer score with more surgeon satisfaction. Dexmedetomidine showed longest time to 1st analgesic rescue in PACU comparing with magnesium sulfate and nitroglycerine. So, it’s advised to use dexmedetomidine to induce hypotension than magnesium sulfate and nitroglycerine. However, dexmedetomidine should be used with caution as it caused hypotension and bradycardia, t had sedative effect with low aldert score comparing with nitroglycerine and magnesium sulfate.

The study of systemic hemodynamics by the method of volumetric compression oscillometry in young people

Aim. To investigate the state of systemic hemodynamics (SHD) in young people to assess the potential impact of its disorders in the formation of arterial hypertension (AH) and to carry out preventive measures.Methods. A random sample of 91 young people from 17 to 25 years old was examined; 27 of them were men (average age 23.7±1.6 years) and 64 women (average age 20.4±1.1 years). The study involved clinical residents and students who, according to preliminary and periodic medical examinations, excluded the presence of cardiovascular diseases. The indicators of SHD were investigated by the method of volumetric compression oscillometry using a portable automated software and hardware complex for non-invasive research of central hemodynamics (Device “CAP TsG osm-“Globus”).Results. AH was detected in 4.4%; “white coat” AH in 8.79%; arterial hypotension – in 5.49%. In individuals with normal blood pressure (BP) (75 people), an increase in specific peripheral vascular resistance was most often revealed in 30.6%. An unchanged hemodynamic profile in the group with a normal BP level was recorded only in 28.0% of the examinees.Conclusion. The obtained results indicate that even among “healthy” young people aged 18- 25 years with a normal BP level, the proportion of people with impaired SHD values is 72%. People with hypertension and with altered SHD indicators should be included in the regular medical check-up observation group.

Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis Supports the Hemodynamic Stability of Hybrid Combinations With the AFX Bifurcate and Nitinol-Based Proximal Segments in Solutions of Failed Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

Hybrid endograft combinations of two or more different types of covered stents are rarely reported to treat complex abdominal aortic aneurysm cases or primary and secondary endoleaks. Clinical and laboratory data regarding the clinical efficacy and mechanical stability of such combinations are lacking. Based on a recently published case report, we describe and comment on the hemodynamic profile of a representative simulated hybrid case of AFX and Nitinol-based proximal cuff and support the stability of this combination in non-angulated cases.

Effects of Propofol on Hemodynamic Profile in Adults Receiving Targeted Temperature Management

Background: Propofol is a key component for the management of sedation and shivering during targeted temperature management (TTM) following cardiac arrest. The cardiac depressant effects of propofol have not been described during TTM and may be especially relevant given the stress to the myocardium following cardiac arrest. The purpose of this study is to describe hemodynamic changes associated with propofol administration during TTM. Methods: This single center, retrospective cohort study evaluated adult patients who received a propofol infusion for at least 30 minutes during TTM. The primary outcome was the change in cardiovascular Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (cvSOFA) score 30 minutes after propofol initiation. Secondary outcomes included change in systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and vasopressor requirements (VR) expressed as norepinephrine equivalents at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after propofol initiation. A multivariate regression was performed to assess the influence of propofol and body temperature on MAP, while controlling for vasopressor dose and cardiac arrest hospital prognosis (CAHP) score. Results: The cohort included 40 patients with a median CAHP score of 197. The goal temperature of 33°C was achieved for all patients. The median cvSOFA score was 1 at baseline and 0.5 at 30 minutes, with a non-significant change after propofol initiation ( P = .96). SBP and MAP reductions were the greatest at 60 minutes (17 and 8 mmHg; P < .05 for both). The median change in HR at 120 minutes was −9 beats/minute from baseline. This reduction was sustained through 240 minutes ( P < .05). No change in VR were seen at any time point. In multivariate regression, body temperature was the only characteristic independently associated with changes in MAP (coefficient 4.95, 95% CI 1.6-8.3). Conclusion: Administration of propofol during TTM did not affect cvSOFA score. The reductions in SBP, MAP, and HR did not have a corresponding change in vasopressor requirements and are likely not clinically meaningful. Propofol appears to be a safe choice for sedation in patients receiving targeted temperature management after cardiac arrest.

The Cardiovascular Conundrum in Ethnic and Sexual Minorities: A Potential Biomarker of Constant Coping With Discrimination

Background: A paradoxical profile of greater elevated sympathetic vasoconstriction (increased total peripheral resistance, TPR) and increased vagally-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) -the so-called Cardiovascular Conundrum- has been reported in African Americans (AAs) both at rest and in response to orthostasis. Whereas some authors have attributed this pattern to genetic factors, others have pointed to the potential role of coping with repeated racial discrimination.Objective: To disentangle between these alternative explanations, we have examined the hemodynamic profile of another population that is likely to be exposed to episodes of discrimination, i.e., sexual minorities.Methods: The first study was conducted on a sample of AAs and European Americans (EAs) with the aim of replicating previous results on the Cardiovascular Conundrum. In the second study, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people, matched by age and sex with heterosexual participants, underwent a hemodynamic and autonomic assessment at rest and during an emotional (in the experimental group, both LGB-related and non LGB related), and a cognitive stressor.Results: The first study confirmed a pattern of higher resting HRV, paired with higher TPR, in AAs compared to EAs. In the second study, compared to heterosexuals, the LGB group showed the Cardiovascular Conundrum pattern, characterized by greater HRV and higher TPR at baseline and a more vascular hemodynamic profile and prominent compensation deficit in response to both tasks, and particularly during the LGB-related emotional task. However, in LGB only, the vascular response was negatively correlated with perceived discrimination.Conclusion: Present preliminary results are discussed in terms of maladaptive physiological consequences of exposure to chronic stress and the chronic use of dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies such as suppression.

Living-Related Donor Kidney Transplant in a Patient With Single Ventricle and Fontan Circulation

The hemodynamic profile of the Fontan circulation presents challenges that raise questions about candidacy for organ transplantation. We report a case of a 24-year-old male with double-inlet right ventricle and aortic atresia, who suffered bilateral renal cortical necrosis due to neonatal cardiovascular shock, received a live-donor kidney transplant from his mother at age 17, and has diminished yet stable renal function seven years posttransplant.