bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The expression of NKT like cells and NK cells in the peripheral blood among patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM)
Authors: Stettner-Leonkiewicz D , Grywalska E , Zhang Z.Y , Rolinski J , Wysokinski A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with various immunological abnormalities, such as decreases in the activity and subsets of suppressor T cells and in the activity of natural killer cells, suggesting the involvement of immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of this disease. However, the role of NKT like cells and NK cells in the pathogenesis of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy remains still uncertain.
The aim of the study was to compare the frequencies of peripheral NKT like cells and NK cells among patients with IDCM to healthy controls.

Methods
The frequencies of NKT like cells and NK cells were measured by flow of cytometry among 50 patients with IDCM from Cardiology Clinic in Lublin. The control group consisted of 50 healthy sex- and age- matched volunteers. The diagnosis of IDCM was based on the common known ESC Guidenlines 2018 criteria. Statistical analysis of the results was conducted using IBM program. A value of p less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results
The frequency (%) (mean ± SD) of NK cells (CD3+/CD16+CD56+) was significantly lower (p≤0.001) in IDCM group (12.0±4.5) when compared to control group (15.6±3.4). The frequency (%) (mean ± SD) of NK T like cells (CD3+/CD16+CD56+) was significantly elevated (p≤0,04) in IDCM group (4,66±3,4) in comparison to the control group (3,23±1,7).

Conclusions
Our findings of the abnormalities in immune cells distribution in peripheral blood of IDCM patients suggest that IDCM development and progression is related to the dysregulation of the immune system. The decreases in the activity in the NK cells among patients with IDCM might indicate chronic myocarditis and lymphocyte infiltration in the myocardium. Moreover, the elevation of NKT like cells could be a result of prolonged exposure to pathogen in which TCD3+ cells become involved more than less mature NK cells in engaging specific immunity response.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Private hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Medical University in Lublin, Grant for Young Reserchers
Estimated population prevalence of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis in elderly men derived from incidental cardiac uptake from routine bone scans – “we're going to need a bigger boat”
Authors: Manning D , Butler T , Butler M , Majeed Y , Gordon R , Qadir G , Kazi S , Beynon R , Appaji A , Patwala A , Bailey D , Satchithananda D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Transthyretin amyloidosis (TTR) is a cause of restrictive cardiomyopathy and heart failure predominantly in elderly men. Two main factors have moved TTR amyloidosis from super-specialist centres into mainstream cardiology:
We aimed to determine the potential magnitude of referrals to our embryonic cardiac TTR service from patients having routine bone scans for non-cardiac reasons. We planned to estimate the prevalence of cardiac TTR in our local over 65 male population to plan service provision.

Methods
All HDP bone scans performed at a teaching and research hospital in the UK from the 2017/18 financial year were reviewed (n=1530). Our hospital is the only provider of these scans locally. Of these, 1399 were for oncological and musculoskeletal (oncology/MSK) indications and 37 were referred to specifically “exclude amyloidosis”. We excluded paediatric and duplicate follow-up imaging. There are approximately 140,000 people over aged 65 living within our catchment region. We have assumed approximately 50% are male.

Results
Myocardial uptake was present in 7/1399 of the oncology/MSK group and 3/7 (43%) of these already had features of heart failure. In these 7 patients bone scans were performed to investigate bony metastases in 6 (1 oesophageal cancer and 5 for prostate cancer) and 1 following an orthopaedic procedure. Cardiac uptake was present in 10/37 of the “exclude amyloid” group. In those with cardiac uptake across both groups (17) 94% were male with a mean age of 83 (sd ±6.59) and 41% were from the oncology/musculoskeletal group. Incidental cardiac uptake was seen in 1:200 routine HDP scans. When looking at males &gt;65 specifically the uptake rate increases to (6 out of 701 scans) i.e. 1:117. Assuming there is no increased risk of TTR in patients with prostate or oesophageal cancer, then an estimate of cardiac TTR in the 75,000 males over the age of 65 locally would be approximately 640 men.

Conclusions
Bone scans account for 41% of all HDP scans with incidental cardiac uptake and therefore represents a significant potential referral source for a cardiac amyloid service. Our data suggests a potential prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis in 1:117 men over 65 with 43% already having heart failure symptoms and signs. Our age and sex specific prevalence suggests cardiac TTR is neither a rare nor unusual diagnosis. We will use our prevalence estimate to ensure our cardiac TTR service is resourced appropriately. We suggest that cardiac amyloid and cardio-oncology services should include pathways incorporating rapid access routes for suitable patients with incidental cardiac uptake on bone scans performed by non-cardiologists.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Risk of volume reduction associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors treatment: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Rong X.I , Li X , Gou Q , Chen X.P 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is a newly class of drug which improving glycemia by enhancing glycosuria, subsequently reducing blood pressure by osmotic diuresis and natriuresis. There are multiple large-scale randomized control trials demonstrating that SGLT2 inhibitors had salutary effect on cardiovascular-renal outcome, especially on heart failure. Although SGLT2 inhibitors exhibited promising potential value on treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with cardiovascular-renal comorbidities, the potential adverse events (AEs) related to osmotic diuresis such as volume reduction should not be neglected. Moreover, older individuals, those with moderate renal impairment, and those receiving antihypertensive therapies are susceptible to adverse events related to volume reduction.

Purpose
To assess the association between sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and risk of volume reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
A systematic literature retrieval was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception up to 10 December 2019, Data for study characteristics and outcomes of interest were extracted from each eligible study. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for volume reduction was calculated using random-effects model.

Result
A total of 51 studies (n=56,866) were included in our meta-analysis, with a result of 1,337 incident volume reduction cases (814 in the SGLT2 inhibitors group, 523 in the control group). The pooled RR was 1.15 (95% CI: 1.03–1.28). It is evident that receiving SGLT2 inhibitors had increased the risk of volume reduction, when stratified by placebo-control or active-control the result was consistent.

Conclusion
Our meta-analysis has demonstrated that SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of volume reduction in patients with T2DM. It is necessary to attention for the risk of volume reduction associated with SGLT2 inhibitors, especially in older individuals, those with moderate renal impairment, and those receiving antihypertensive therapies.
SGLT2 inhibitors vs control

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Potantial clinical application of potassium binders in patients with chronic heart failure in real life clinical practice: results from TREAT HF study
Authors: Cavusoglu Y , Kaya H , Murat S , Yilmaz B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Hyperkalemia is increasingly prevalent and life-threatening condition in heart failure (HF). In clinical practice, hyperkalemia is also an important barrier to optimal application of RAASi. New potassium binders, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate and patiromer, were developed for the treatment of hyperkalemia. TREAT HF data were analyzed for the evaluation of potential clinical application of potassium binders in real life clinical care in HF patients.

Methods
TREAT HF is a network which undertakes multicenter, national, observational studies designed to evaluate HF patients' clinical characteristics and current treatment modalities. 1028 patients with the diagnosis of chronic HF, median age 64 years and median LVEF 30% who had potassium and GFR data were included in this analysis. In this patient population, 847 patients (82.6%) were receiving beta blockers, 739 (71.9%) were receiving ACE inhibitors or ARBs and 518 (50.4%) were receiving MRA. Patients with hyperkalemia (serum potassium ≥5.1 mEq/L) were considered candidate for potassium binders based on the criteria of HARMONIZE study. According to eGFR (mL/min) level, renal dysfunction was subclassified as: stage-1 (eGFR ≥90) (n=211), stage-2 (eGFR 60-&lt;90) (n=398), stage-3 (eGFR 30-&lt;60) (n=306) and stage 4–5 (eGFR &lt;30) (n=113).

Results
In study population, median potassium level was 4.5 mEq/L, median creatinin level was 1.1 mg/dL and median eGFR was 65.5 mL/min. Overall, 82.9% of patients had normal serum potassium levels (≥3.5–5 mEq/l) and 14.3% of patients (n=147) were found to have hyperkalemia (≥5.1 mEq/L) and, hypokalemia was found in 2.8% of patients (n=30). Hyperkalemia was present in 10.9% (n=23) of patients with stage-1, 12.6% (n=50) of patients with stage-2, 17.0% (n=52) of patients with stage-3 and 19.5% (n=22) of patients with stage 4–5 renal dysfunction. In patients with eGFR &lt;60 ml/min (n=419), hyperkalemia was much more prevalent than those with eGFR ≥60 ml/min (n=609) (17.6% and 11.9% respectively, p=0.011). In patients with stage 4–5 renal dysfunction who were receiving ACEI/ARB or combination of ACEI/ARB and MRA (RAASi), more patients had hyperkalemia than those not receiving RAASi therapy (23.4%, 20.0% and 12.5%, respectively).

Conclusions
This study suggested that in real life clinical practice, 14.3% of HF patients have hyperkalemia and seem to be eligible for the treatment of potassium binders. The risk of hyperkalemia increases with advanced stages of renal dysfunction and the use of RAASi, showing an increased clinical need for potassium binders in HF patients with renal dysfunction and in those receiving RAASi.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Left atrial mechanics improvement after initiation of sacubitril-valsartan
Authors: Ferreira Fonseca M , Farinha J.M , Goncalves S , Marinheiro R , Esteves A , Pinheiro A , Ferreira J , Caria R 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, in the PARADIGM-HF, sacubitrilvalsartan was superior to enalapril in reducing death and hospitalization for heart failure, and there is a growing interest in determining the structural changes besides reverse left ventricular remodelling.

Purpose
To determine if, in patients treated with sacubitril-valsartan, there was a change in left atrial (LA) mechanics quantified by two-dimensional strain echocardiography (2D-STE).

Methods
A total of 38 consecutive patients with HFrEF, followed in an outpatient heart failure clinic, were recruited. Population characteristics are summarized in Table 1. 2D-STE was used to measure left atrial strain in the reservoir phase (LASr) (Figure 1) and strain rate (LA-SR) before and 3 months after initiation of sacubitril-valsartan.

Results
There was a significant improvement in LASr (11.3±6.5% vs 14.2±7.4%, p=0.006) and LA-SR (0.55±0.25 s-1 vs 0.69±0.31 s-1, p=0.008) after initiation of sacubitril-valsartan. There was also a significant reduction in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels (1443.5 pg/ml (Interquartile range [IQR], 772–2912) vs 1112.0 pg/ml (IQR, 510–1455), p=0.016) and a tendency towards reduction in left atrial volume index (LAVI) (54.6±17.0 ml/m2 vs 51.4±18.8 ml/m2, p=0.053). The change in LASr and LA-SR was not related with the dose of sacubitril-valsartan (p=0.089).

Conclusion
In this population of HFrEF patients LA mechanics, as determined by 2D-STE, as well as NT-proBNP levels, significantly improved after treatment with sacubitril-valsartan.
Figure 1. Left atrial strain

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
A different cardiac resynchronization therapy technique might be needed in some patients with nonspecific intraventricular conduction disturbance pattern-final results
Authors: Vereckei A , Katona G , Szelenyi Z , Kozman B , Szenasi G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Current cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) works by pacing the latest activated left ventricular (LV) site. We hypothesized that the greater nonresponse rate of patients with nonspecific intraventricular conduction disturbance (NICD) than with left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern to CRT might be due, besides less dyssynchrony, to the inability of the current CRT technique, devised to eliminate dyssynchrony caused by LBBB pattern, to eliminate dyssynchrony in some patients with NICD pattern, because their latest activated LV site is far away from that in LBBB.

Methods
We devised a novel surface ECG method to estimate the approximate location of the latest activated LV site based on the principle that the resultant ST vector of secondary ST segment alterations associated with wide QRS complexes is directed 180o away from the latest activated LV site. By measuring the amplitude and polarity of secondary ST segment alterations in two optional frontal and horizontal plane ECG leads and using a software, we determined the resultant 3D spatial secondary ST vector in 88 patients with LBBB and 57 patients with NICD patterns and heart failure. To validate the ECG method, we also estimated the latest activated LV region by echocardiography using 3D parametric imaging and 2D speckle tracking in 16 LBBB and 13 NICD patients. Patients with NICD pattern were subdivided according to their non-overlapping frontal plane resultant secondary ST vector ranges to NICD-1 (n=35) and NICD-2 (n=22) subgroups.

Results
The resultant 3D spatial secondary ST vector coordinates in the LBBB group were: (x axis: −0.228 mV, y axis: −0.062 mV, z axis: 0.63 mV); in the NICD-1 and NICD-2 subgroups: (x: 0.154 and 0.198 mV, y: −0.198 and 0.162 mV, z: 0.422 and 0.398 mV respectively). Consequently the latest activated LV sites were located leftward, posterosuperior in the LBBB group, right, posterosuperior in the NICD-1 and right, posteroinferior in the NICD-2 subgroups. The latest activated LV region determined by ECG and echocardiography matched in all patients, except 1.

Conclusions
The latest activated LV site was at the expected position in the LBBB group, while it was at an almost opposite site in the NICD-2 group [22/57 (39%)]. Thus, one potential reason for the unfavorable response to CRT, occurring in approx. 40% of patients with NICD pattern with a QRS duration of 120–149 ms in randomized studies, is that the current CRT technique using a left posterolateral LV electrode position may not be able to eliminate dyssynchrony in these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Lateral left ventricular lead position is superior to posterior position in long-term outcome of patients underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Behon A , Schwertner W.R , Merkel E.D , Kovacs A , Lakatos B.K , Zima E , Geller L , Kutyifa V , Kosztin A , Merkely B 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Preferring side branch of coronary sinus during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) implantation is empirical due to the limited data on the association of left ventricular (LV) lead position and long-term clinical outcome.

Purpose
We evaluated the long-term all-cause mortality by LV lead non-apical positions and further characterized them by interlead electrical delay (IED).

Methods
In our retrospective database 2087 patients were registered between 2000 and 2018. Those with non-apical LV lead locations were classified into anterior (n=108), posterior (n=643), and lateral (n=1336) groups. All-cause mortality was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses. Echocardiographic response was measured 6 months after CRT implantation.

Results
During the median follow-up time of 3.7 years, 1150 (55.1%) patients died, 710 (53.1%) with lateral, 78 (72.2%) with anterior and 362 (56.3%) with posterior positions. Patients with lateral position had significantly better outcome in all-cause mortality compared to others (HR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.71–0.90; p&lt;0.0001), which was also confirmed by multivariate analysis after adjusting for relevant clinical covariates (HR 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72–0.91; p&lt;0.0001). When echocardiographic response was evaluated in the lateral group, patients with an IED longer than 110 ms (ROC AUC 0.63; 95% CI: 0.53–0.73; p=0.012) showed 2.1 times higher odds of improvement in echocardiographic response 6 months after the implantation.

Conclusions
In this study we proved that after CRT implantation only the lateral LV lead location was associated with long-term mortality benefit. Moreover, patients with this position showed the greatest echocardiographic response over 110 ms IED.
Survival of total patient cohort

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
National healthcare expenditure influences CRT implantations- results from CRT Survey II with 11088 patients
Authors: Normand C , Linde C , Bogale N , Dickstein K 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in selected patients with heart failure (HF) and electrical dyssynchrony. This treatment receives level I recommendations in ESC guidelines from both HFA and EHRA. However, despite these strong recommendations, CRT implantation practice varies greatly in ESC member states.

Purpose
To describe how countries' healthcare expenditure affects CRT implantation practice.

Methods
Between 2015 and 2017, two ESC associations, EHRA and HFA, conducted the CRT Survey II, a survey of CRT implantations in 11,088 patients in 42 ESC member states. We divided these countries into three groups according to their current health expenditure per capita.

Results
The countries with the lowest health care expenditure were more likely to implant CRT in patients who had strong guideline recommendations for implantation such as symptomatic heart failure, LVEF≤35%, sinus rhythm, QRS duration ≥150 ms and LBBB. These countries were also less likely to implant patients with weaker recommendation level such as those with atrial fibrillation, and were more likely to implant CRT in patients hospitalized for HF in the past year or with NYHA functional class III or IV HF.

Conclusions
CRT Survey II has demonstrated a non-uniform delivery of healthcare. Countries with low health care expenditure appear to be reserving CRT therapy for younger patients, those with guideline recommendation level I indications and patients with more severe symptoms of heart failure.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Other. Main funding source(s): The work was supported by the European Heart Rhythm Association; the Heart Failure Association; Biotronik; Boston Scientific; Medtronic; Sorin; St. Jude; Abbott; Bayer; Bristol-Myers Squibb and Servier.
Impact of perioperative right ventricular assist device on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist device
Authors: Dhawan R , Selim A , Jhand A , Lundgren S , Zolty R , Khan F 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Patients with continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may develop right ventricular failure in perioperative period of LVAD implantation. Some of these patients require temporary support with right ventricular assist device (RVAD). There is paucity of data regarding the impact of RVAD support on incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in LVAD patients.

Purpose
To assess the impact of perioperative RVAD support on the incidence of VA in the first 6 months after LVAD implant.

Methods
This is a retrospective study including 316 patients undergoing LVAD implantation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, USA since 2012. Patients were divided into 2 groups- those who required perioperative RVAD support (BiVAD group) and those who did not require it (LVAD only group). VA was defined as any sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmia lasting more than 30 seconds or requiring therapy from implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Incidence of VA in the first 6 months post-LVAD implantation was analyzed and compared between the groups using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

Results
Out of 316 total patients, 52 (16%) patients required RVAD support. The difference in age, gender, race and medications between the two groups was not statistically significant. The patients in BiVAD group had a higher incidence of post-LVAD VA (35%) as compared to LVAD only group (21%). On Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the difference was found to be statistically significant even after adjusting for history of pre-LVAD VAs (HR: 2.27; p=0.02) (Figure 1).

Conclusion
In this large single center cohort of LVAD patients, we noticed a statistically higher incidence of VA in subgroup of patients requiring perioperative RVAD support.
Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None