bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduction of aortic stiffness in newly diagnosed persons with HIV-infection: modifiable vascular dysfunction after antiretroviral therapy?
Authors: Robbertse P S , Doubell A F , Herbst P G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
People living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is underestimated by contemporary risk stratification systems[1]. Subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities may be present at the time of HIV diagnosis and serve as potential substrate for future CVD. Aortic stiffness, as measured with pulse wave velocity (PWV), is a validated predictor of CVD [2,3] and has been shown to be elevated in PLWH at the time of HIV diagnosis compared to HIV-uninfected persons[4].

Purpose
To prospectively assess the influence of contemporary antiretroviral therapy (ART) on aortic stiffness in a group of newly diagnosed PLWH in a low- to middle-income setting.

Methods
A group of ART naïve PLWH with modest cardiovascular risk and free from known CVD, was recruited at the time of HIV diagnosis from the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Aortic stiffness was measured using carotid-femoral PWV on a commercially available device that simultaneously measured the carotid and femoral waveforms on a supine patient in a temperature-controlled room utilising established methodology[4]. The algorithmically-calculated time delay between the upstroke of the carotid and femoral wave-forms provided the transit time (TT). Carotid femoral path distance (path length) was measured using surface anatomy. PWV was calculated as direct path length divided by TT. Aortic distensibility was expressed according to the Bramwell-Hill equation as 3.57/PWV(squared)[5]. ART was initiated and PWV was re-evaluated 9 months later.

Results
Seventy-three participants completed follow-up and were included. The cohort was relatively young (mean age 32±7 years) with good female representation (n=33, 45%). Most received tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (n=71, 97%) Half of the group smoked cigarettes. Two participants were controlled hypertensives, and two participants had metabolic syndrome. A significant decrease in PWV (with scaling factor of 0.8) was observed at 9 months of ART (5.93 ±1.0 vs. 5.69 ±1.0 m/s; p=0.01). Aortic distensibility increased significantly as well (0.20 [IQR: 0.16 to 0.26] vs. 0.21 [IQR: 0.19 to 0.27] mmHg-1; p=0.02).

Conclusion
Improvement in aortic stiffness was observed in a group of newly diagnosed PLWH after 9 months of ART-initiation. This provides evidence of a modifiable component of vascular dysfunction and, in turn, cardiovascular risk with the use of contemporary ART at 9 months. It is unknown if this effect will be sustained long-term. The use of aortic stiffness (alone or in combination with other parameters) as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in the ART era requires further study.Abstract figureAbstract table
Aerobic exercise capacity improvement of patients with human immunodeficiency virus one year post-treatment initiation by integrase inhibitors
Authors: Triantafyllidi H , Birmpa D , Benas D , Fragkou P , Protopapas K , Kavvatha D , Papadopoulos A , Antoniadou A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) leads to chronic inflammation and subsequently to the early development of cardiovascular (CV) disease in young adults. Initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) usually leads to patient’s body weight and blood pressure increase. Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) evaluates aerobic exercise capacity and subsequently cardiovascular and respiratory function. Aim of this study is the investigation of any treatment-induced changes in aerobic exercise capacity in treatment naïve young HIV patients’ at 1-year post HIV treatment initiation by different ART agents.

Methods
We studied 46 recently diagnosed and treatment naïve young HIV patients (37+10 years, 87% males, 62% smokers) at baseline and 1-year post ART initiation (integrase or protease inhibitors). Twenty-six (26) patients were randomly treated by the newer integrase inhibitor Dolutegravir (Group A, mean age=36+9 years, 100% males, 77% smokers) while 19 patients by the older protease inhibitor Darunavir/Cobicistat (Group B, mean age=37+10 years, 90% males, 47% smokers). All patients were submitted in CPET at baseline and 1-year post ART initiation. We estimated any changes in body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and CPET parameters (peak VO2, Oxygen pulse, WorkLoad, VE/VCO2) at 1-year post ART initiation.

Results
At baseline and 1-year re-evaluation, we found no differences between groups regarding age, BMI and CPET parameters. In the whole HIV population, we found an increase in body weight (76+12 vs. 82+15kg, p&lt;0.001), SΒΡ (124+12 vs. 132+14mmHg, p&lt;0.001), WorkLoad (176+35 vs. 186+35watt, p&lt;0.001) and peak VO2 (2171+437 vs. 2299+491ml/min, p=0.03) at 1-year re-evaluation. In Group A, body weight (p&lt;0.001), SBP (p=0.07), WorkLoad (p=0.006) and peak VO2 (p=0.01) were increased while in Group B, body weight (p&lt;0.001), SBP (p=0.001) και WorkLoad (p=0.01) were also increased.

Conclusions
Aerobic exercise capacity is improved 1-year post-treatment initiation by the newer integrase inhibitor Dolutegravir in treatment-naïve HIV patients despite the adverse BMI and SBP increase. The newer Dolutegravir probably exhibits a more favorable CV profile in HIV patients compared to the older Darunavir/Cobicistat.Re-evaluation 1-year post ART initiation
Is chronic kidney disease predictive of coronary artery bypass grafting after acute coronary syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Scott J , Letts M , Hajee-Adam W , Chau C , Bailey P , Johnson T , Caskey F J , Selman L E , Ben-Shlomo Y 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) provides superior long-term outcomes to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for multi-vessel coronary artery disease. People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk of multi-vessel coronary artery disease, and experience greater morbidity and mortality following acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Purpose
To determine whether CKD affects choice of revascularisation strategy after ACS.

Methods
We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL and the NIHR’s website of funded studies to identify articles referring to ACS and invasive coronary management in high-income countries over the past 12 years until 29th September 2023. Full text articles were included if data on rates of CABG were reported in people with and without CKD who were revascularised following ACS. CKD was defined as one or more recording of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt;60mls/min/1.73m2, however proxies for this were accepted. Risk of bias was assessed via ROBINS-E. Random effect meta-analyses estimated the odds ratios for CKD and CABG, stratified by ACS type and receipt of dialysis. Certainty of evidence was assessed according to GRADE.

Results
Initial searches generated 15,138 articles, of which 13 observational studies were included in this review (8,021,743 participants). Amongst people revascularised following ACS, those with CKD were more likely to receive CABG than those without kidney disease (OR for the average exposure effect 1.47 (95% CI 1.30-1.66)). The likelihood of CABG in people with CKD receiving dialysis and those with CKD not receiving dialysis were similar as the 95% confidence intervals demonstrate (ORs 1.25 (95% CI 1.00-1.57) and 1.41 (1.19-1.67) respectively). The effect of CKD on increased likelihood of CABG appeared greater following ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) than non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS) (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.27-1.83) versus 1.10 (0.98-1.25) respectively, p=0.003). Certainty of the evidence was low for receipt of CABG in people with CKD not receiving dialysis, and moderate for all other outcomes.

Conclusion
In high-income countries, CKD is associated with increased receipt of CABG amongst people revascularised following ACS. This finding is likely explained by the greater prevalence of multi-vessel coronary artery disease in this population. It is however unclear why the association between CKD and receipt of CABG is stronger in those with STEMI compared to NSTE-ACS, and whether this accurately reflects differential need between the two groups.Figure 1Figure 2
Effect of renal dialysis session on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle in patients with end-stage renal disease
Authors: Afendoulis D , Sitaras P , Moutafi M , Voutas P , Ampeliotis M , Didagelos M , Kartalis A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic heart disease is among the leading causes of end-stage renal disease (ESR). On the other hand, patients with ESR undergoing dialysis demonstrate often subclinically impaired left and/or right ventricular function according to small studies, and higher prevalence of chronic heart disease. However, data regarding the effect of renal dialysis on novel echocardiographic parameters among renal dialysis patients remain limited.The purpose of our study, was to study the effect of renal dialysis on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle.

Methods
All 50 patients (14 females) of mean age 62.9 years undergoing renal dialysis in our kidney unit regularly were included in our study. Blood pressure, heart rate and weight measurements and heart echocardiogram with measurement of LV GLS, RV GLS, RV FWS, LA ResS, E/e’ ratio, Right Ventricular Systolic pressure (PASP) and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter, before and after renal dialysis session, were carried out.

Results
Mean values of body weight (79,9 vs 77,6 kg), heart rate (74,2 vs 73,5 bpm) and blood pressure (131,5/80,6 vs 123,5/76,9 mmHg) were as expected statistically significant reduced after renal dialysis (p&lt;0,001). Values of PASP (36,1 vs 27,8 mmHg), E/e’ ratio (14 vs 12,5) and IVC diameter (1,6 vs 1,3 cm), were statistically significant reduced after renal dialysis (p&lt;0,001). Furthermore, values of RV GLS (-19,3 vs -20,3 %), RV FWS (-21,2 vs -22,6 %) and LA ResS (29,6 vs 30,7%), were statistically significant improved after renal dialysis session (p &lt;0,001), while LV GLS depicted a minor improvement (-17,9% vs 18,2%) not statistically significant.

Conclusion
In conclusion, renal dialysis session had a beneficial effect on novel echocardiographic parameters of left and right ventricle (RV GLS, RV FWS, LA ResS) due to improvement of hemodynamic parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, PASP and IVC diameter) and intravascular volume reduction. Larger clinical studies should be organized to further investigate the effect of renal dialysis on those parameters and the underlying mechanisms in the chronic setting of hemodialysis.
Correlation between postdialysis blood pressure assessed at different time points and home blood pressure monitoring
Authors: Nadruz W , Bezerra R , Teles F , Franco C M M A , Vieira L M S F , Sposito A C , Feitosa A D M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Hemodialysis patients undergo blood pressure (BP) measurements during the predialysis, intradialytic and postdialysis (POSBP) periods at the dialysis sessions. However, there is no consensus regarding the time point when POSBP measurement should be performed.

Purpose
This study investigated the relationship of POSBP measurements performed at different time points with home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM).

Methods
This prospective study included 98 long-term dialysis patients (67% men; age=59.4 ±17.7 years; 79% using antihypertensive medications). During one week, POSBP measurements were obtained in sitting patients by trained health staff using oscillometric BP monitors lodged in the dialysis machines at all dialysis sessions in three different periods: 1) immediately after the dialysis period ended (POSBP1); 2) after returning the patient's blood (POSBP2) and 3) after hemostasis of the fistula or catheter sealing (POSBP3). In the same week, HBPM was performed using validated devices and was calculated as the mean of BP measurements obtained on six consecutive days, comprising three readings in the morning and in the evening after at least 3 min of rest, before antihypertensive medications were taken, with the patients seated. Abnormal BP was defined as HBPM≥135/85 mmHg. Based on the optimal cut-point values derived from ROC curves analysis, we built cutoffs for POSBP1 (143/79 mmHg), POSBP2 (153/78 mmHg) and POSBP3 (151/80 mmHg) corresponding to HBPM values of 135/85 mmHg.

Results
The values of POSBP1, POSBP2, POSBP3 and HBPM were 138±21/72±13, 143±24/73±13, 142±22/72±13 and 128±19/76±13 mmHg, respectively. Systolic HBPM showed greater correlation with systolic POSBP3 (r=0.71), followed by POSBP1 (r=0.68), POSBP2 (r=0.67), while diastolic HBPM showed greater correlation with diastolic POSBP2 and POSBP3 (both r=0.56), followed by POSBP1 (r=0.49) (all p&lt;0.05). The POSBP3 cutoff showed the highest association (odds ratio [95% CI]= 8.06 [3.21, 20.27]), accuracy (area under the curve [95% CI]= 0.74 [0.65, 0.83]) and concordance (kappa coefficient=0.47) to identify elevated BP at HBPM in comparison with the POSBP1 and POSBP2 cutoffs (Figure).

Conclusion(s)
POSBP3 exhibited the strongest correlation with HBPM and had the highest accuracy to detect elevated HBPM in dialysis patients and may be a potentially preferable POSBP measurement in clinical practice.
Guideline-directed medical therapy and in-hospital mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients with advanced renal dysfunction
Authors: Jin Z , Zhou X , Yang Q 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
It is unclear whether early (initiated within 24 hours of admission) guideline-directed medical therapy [GDMT, i.e., the combined use of β-blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker, dual antiplatelet drugs and statin] could benefit acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with advanced renal dysfunction [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt; 30 mL/min/1.73 m2].

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to verify whether GDMT could improve in-hospital mortality in ACS patients with advanced renal dysfunction.

Methods
This study included 3,288 and 3,520 ACS patients with admission with advanced renal dysfunction from the CNEDSSP and CCC-ACS cohorts, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted analysis and propensity score matching (PSM) were employed to assess the impact of GDMT on in-hospital mortality.

Results
In a pooled analysis of the CNEDSSP and CCC-ACS cohorts, early GDMT was associated with significantly lower in-hospital mortality (relative ratio [RR]: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.81). PSM revealed an attenuation of the association of in-hospital mortality with early GDMT in ACS patients, with statistically significant associated reductions observed only in myocardial infarction (MI) patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.75 in CNEDSSP cohort; HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.84 in CCC-ACS cohort). A random-effect pooled analysis for MI patients with admission advanced renal dysfunction demonstrated a 56% lower in-hospital mortality among GDMT users (RR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.65).

Conclusions
This nationwide study highlights that early GDMT is associated with a reduced risk of in-hospital mortality in ACS patients (particularly in MI patients) with advanced renal dysfunction.
Much ado about nothing: the impact of coronary angiography on kidney function in individuals with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dirir O , Johnson J , Khwaja A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with premature coronary artery disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (1). Historically, there has been a tendency to delay or even avoid coronary angiography (CA) in those with CKD due to an increased risk of contrast-induced nephropathy or concern over precipitating the need for chronic dialysis. Such "renal nihilism" may account for the poorer outcomes observed in CKD patients who present with acute coronary syndromes (2). The role of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the impact of CA on the temporal trend in kidney function in individuals with CKD over a 24-month period.

Methods
The clinical details of 120 individuals under long-term local follow-up by various Nephrology clinics (CKD clinic, low creatine clearance, polycystic kidney disease, transplant and immunosuppression clinics) was collected. All underwent CA locally. Kidney function was observed at set intervals of 12-, 9-, 6- and 3-months prior to CA, immediately post-CA, and at 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months post-CA. Only results obtained after the desired time point but within 28 days were included. All CAs regardless of either their indication (elective or urgent) or whether percutaneous intervention (PCI) was performed, were included. Patients already on dialysis at the time of the CA were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed via one-way ANOVA.

Results
Patient characteristics are summarised in table 1. The average age of patients was 67, with a male preponderance (72%). 22% had CKD 3, 24% had CKD 4 and 12% had CKD 5. 9% were kidney transplant recipients. 37% underwent urgent CA whilst a total of 22% had PCI. 27% progressed to requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). The mean length to RRT was 2.8 years.
The rate of decline in kidney function in the last 12 months prior to CA was 7.7% and 6.3% in the year after CA (figure 1). There was no statistically significant difference in kidney function after CA (p = 0.395). This was replicated in analyses focussing on CKD classes 3, 4 and 5 individually, within stable kidney transplant recipients, and within analysis comparing PCI vs non-intervention CAs.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate CA does not accelerate the decline in kidney function in those with known CKD over a 12-month period, and suggests where appropriate, an invasive treatment strategy should be consider and utilised more often in this population.Table 1:Patient characteristicsFigure 1:Trend in eGFR relative to CA
Electronic nudges to increase influenza vaccination in patients with chronic kidney disease: a prespecified analysis of NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC
Authors: Grundtvig Skaarup K G , Johansen N D , Vaduganathan M , Bhatt A , Modin D , Chatur S , Claggett B L , Janstrup K H , Kober L , Solomon S D , Sivapalan P , Jensen J U S , Martel C , Krause T G , Biering-Sorensen T 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, guideline adherence is suboptimal potentially related to lack of awareness of vaccine availability and effectiveness.

Purpose
This prespecified analysis of the NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC trial investigated the effectiveness of digital behavioral nudges on influenza vaccine uptake based on the presence or absence of CKD.

Methods
NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC was a randomized, nationwide trial, conducted during the 2023/2024 influenza season including younger and middle-aged (18-64 years) Danish citizens with chronic illnesses (making them eligible for the free Danish vaccine program). Participants were randomized in a ratio of 2.45:1:1:1:1:1:1 to receive either usual care (no letter) or one of six different letter-based nudges, delivered via the governmental electronic letter system on September 26, 2023. Baseline and outcome data were obtained with the Danish nationwide registers. Primary endpoint was receipt of an influenza vaccine no later than January 1, 2024.

Results
A total of 299,881 individuals were randomized in NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC trial, among them, 15,208 (5.1%) had a history of CKD. Participants with CKD had a median age was 53.1 years (IQR, 42.2-59.6) and 46.0% were female. During follow-up, 43.7% of participants with CKD were vaccinated compared with 35.8% of participants without CKD (p&lt;0.001). Any letter was highly effective in increasing influenza vaccination in the overall population but was slightly less effective in those with a history of CKD (p for interaction = 0.005). In participants with CKD, any letter increased vaccination by 25% versus no letter (46.3% vs. 37.1%; difference, 9.3 percentage points; 99.29%CI, 6.9-11.6; RR, 1.25; 99.29%CI, 1.18-1.33). In participants without CKD, any letter increased vaccination by 43% (39.2% vs. 27.4%; difference, 11.8 percentage points; 99.29%CI, 11.3-12.3; RR, 1.43; 99.29%CI, 1.41-1.45). Similar patterns were observed when assessing each intervention letter individually (Figure 1). Effectiveness of any letter vs. usual care was consistent across CKD subgroups, except for concomitant diabetes vs no diabetes (Figure 2). There was no observed effect modification by CKD duration (p for interaction = 0.78) or by estimated glomerular filtration rate (p for interaction = 0.78) modelled continuously for any letter vs. usual care.

Conclusion
In this prespecified analysis from the nationwide NUDGE-FLU-CHRONIC trial, only approximately 1 in 3 younger and middle-aged adults with CKD received influenza vaccination. Digital nudge letters emphasizing the importance of annual influenza vaccination significantly boosted rates of vaccination across a broad range of individuals with CKD.Figure 1Figure 2
Association between estimated glomerular filtration rate and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease with and without sarcopenia
Authors: Sugawara N , Kamiya K , Hotta K , Hamazaki N , Nozaki K , Ichikawa T , Ueno K , Uchida S , Noda T , Ogura K , Miki T , Maekawa E , Yamaoka-Tojo M , Matsunaga A , Ako J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background/Introduction
A low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been identified as a poor prognostic factor in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Since serum creatinine, which defines eGFR, is a metabolite of skeletal muscle, low skeletal muscle mass can result in reduced creatinine production and potentially overestimate renal function. This raises concerns about the reliability of eGFR as a prognostic indicator in patients with both CVD and sarcopenia. The impact of this relationship, however, remains uncertain.

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the association between eGFR and prognosis in patients with CVD, both with and without sarcopenia.

Methods
We included 2,444 CVD patients (mean age 69.0 ± 13.7 years) who had assessments of eGFR and sarcopenia at discharge. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 Asian Sarcopenia Working Group Diagnostic Criteria. Patients were categorized into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, each further divided into high eGFR (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m²) and low eGFR (eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m²) subgroups. Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank tests, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were employed to compare prognoses between these groups, adjusting for age, sex, BMI, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), history of myocardial infarction (MI), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure (HF), hypertension (HT), dyslipidaemia (DL), diabetes mellitus (DM), and smoking history. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization.

Results
Median follow-up was 1.11 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.43–2.32) years for the non-sarcopenia group and 0.94 (IQR, 0.30–2.15) years for the sarcopenia group. Event rates were 24.2% in the non-sarcopenia group and 30.8% in the sarcopenia group. Both Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests indicated that a low eGFR, regardless of sarcopenia status, was associated with a higher incidence of composite events (p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between low eGFR and increased risk of composite events in both the non-sarcopenia [hazard ratio (HR): 1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–1.67; p &lt; 0.001] and sarcopenia groups [HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.25–1.48; p &lt; 0.001].

Conclusion
Low eGFR is associated with poor prognosis in patients with CVD, irrespective of sarcopenia status.