bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RELEVANCE OF THE OBESITY-RELATED ORGAN DAMAGE AND METABOLIC SYNDROME CLASSIFICATION IN CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL RISK STRATIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Circosta Francesco , Marino Luca , Gigante Antonietta , Sarlo Francesca , Servello Adriana , Cimò Antonino , Petramala Luigi , Letizia Claudio 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Hypertension is relevant cardiovascular comorbidity. Adipose tissue represents a metabolically active tissue involved in the regulation of blood pressure and metabolic alterations. In recent decades several classifications for the Metabolic Syndrome (MS) have been proposed. Recently, a new syndrome called “Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic” was identified, in order to identify patients at high cardiovascular and metabolic risk; the aim of the study was to compare different classifications in a large population of hypertensive patients.

Design and method:
Between September 2022 and August 2023, we have consecutively enrolled 772 hypertensive patients (407M; 365W; mean age 52.2±15.1yrs), evaluating anthropometrics, biochemical and instrumental parameters (transthoracic echocardiogram, carotid echo-Doppler, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, fundus oculi).

Results:
Using different classifications we have found MS prevalence: ATP-III 28.8%, IDF 31.5%, CKM 40.7%. CKM Class 3 and 4 showed higher BMI and waist circumference with respect to other groups. Compared to ATP-III and IDF, CKM Class 4 showed higher 24-hrs systolic blood pressure, lower percentage of controlled hypertension, increased interventricular septum and posterior wall, reduced ejection fraction and greater prevalence of hypertensive arterial retinal damage.

Conclusions:
visceral obesity and MS are frequent conditions with healthy impact, becoming an important trigger for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. The different MS classifications allow the early identification of patients at high risk of cardio-metabolic complications. The new CKM syndrome proves useful to identify individuals at high risk for CKM morbidity and mortality.
HYPERCOAGULATION OF BLOOD AND THROMBOCYTOPENIA AFTER SARS-COV-2 – PNEUMONIA AS PREDICTORS OF AN UNFAVORABLE PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION
Authors: Wang Zheming , Talibov Faiz , Zbyshevskaia Elizaveta , Makeeva Tatiana , Butaev Tamerlan , Bitakova Fatima 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To evaluate the dynamics of hypercoagulation parameters of blood plasma and platelets in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) in the early and late post-covid period.

Design and method:
The prospective study included 340 AH patients aged 41 to 89 years (mean 69; m/f 175/165) infected with SARS-CoV-2 diagnosed by PCR. Of these, 177 people (group 1) were diagnosed with acute pneumonia with the lung damage volume according to CT ranging from 15% to 85%; 163 patients (group 2) had an acute respiratory viral disease. The groups were comparable in age, gender, and concomitant comorbid pathology. Coronary heart disease (CHD) was detected in 85.6% of patients; diabetes mellitus (DM) in 31.5%. The patients were examined three times: on the 30th day from the onset of the disease, at the end of the 3rd month and after 9 months. C-reactive protein (CRP) (0-5 mg/l), ferritin (20-250 mg/l), D-dimer (0-230 ng/ml), fibrinogen (2-4 g/l), lymphocytes, and blood platelets were analyzed.

Results:
On day 30, group 1 patients showed signs of inflammation: ferritin 258±61.2; CRP 12.3±5.1; lymphocytes 27±8.3%; platelets 160±70.4∗10^9/l; ESR 17±13.7 mm/h. The tendency to hypercoagulation was detected by the indicators of D-dimer (715±241.3) and fibrinogen (3.7±0.9). By the end of the 3rd month, the levels of D-dimer (585±159.4; p=0.015); ferritin (177±59.1; p=0.0002) and CRP (7±5.6; p=0.001) remained elevated. Only after 9 months, D-dimer (100±9.1; p=0.0001) and CRP (2.6±0.2; p=0.0001) were normalized; lymphocyte (32±5.1%; p=0.00001) and platelets (305±69.2∗10^9/l; p=0.00001) increased with a persistent elevated ferritin level (213±124.8; p=0.047). In group 2, the indicators of hypercoagulation and inflammation were moderately elevated. Only after 9 months CRP and D-dimer levels were normalized and the number of platelets increased.

Conclusions:
In the early and late post-covid period, AH patients with comorbid pathology retain an inflammatory reaction and a procoagulant state, which, in combination with endothelial dysfunction, is a trigger for venous and arterial thrombosis.
INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULINS LEAD TO FUNCTIONAL VASCULAR AMELIORATION IN LONG-COVID
Authors: Seibert Felix , Wiemers Lea , Stervbo Ulrik , Bertram Sebastian , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The Long-COVID syndrome constitutes a major physical and psychological challenge for many patients after the recovery from COVID-19. We have previously shown positive effects of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) on multiple symptoms. The effect of this therapeutical approach on vascular function and different levels of disease burden remains elusive.

Design and method:
We performed a prospective study, enrolling 21 patients with diagnosed Long-COVID, who received 3 monthly courses of IVIG (0.5 g/kg Privigen, CSL Behring, Austria) alongside supportive therapy (group 1). The control group (group 2; n=29) was addressed by supportive therapy, only. The study population was homogeneous for age, comorbidities and time since SARS-CoV-2 infection. We assessed vascular endothelial function by flow mediated dilation (FMD). Long-COVID associated fatigue intensity, related disability and quality of life were assessed by Short Form Health Survey-36, Chalder and Bell scale. Neuropsychological assessments utilized the German version of the ’Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery’ (CERAD-Plus).

Results:
The median FMD at baseline in group 1 was 5.0% (interquartile range [IQR] 4.2-6.1%). We saw a substantial amelioration (+27%) of FMD after IVIG, reaching a median of 6.6% (IQR 4.5-9.4%; p=0.039). Baseline FMD in the comparison group was 5.2% (IQR 3.5-7.6%), supportive treatment resulting in unsignificant increase (FMD 6.1% [IQR 4.6-7.7%; p=0.177). Baseline CERAD-Plus scores were comparable between groups (p=0.280). Only treatment with IVIG resulted in a relevant amelioration of neurocognition (p=0.05; group 2 p=0.430). Furthermore, less Fatigue (Chalder Fatigue scale bimodal and Likert p=0.002, each) and disability was seen after 3 months of IVIG (Bell Score, p=0.008), supportive treatment did not ameliorate this burden (Chalder Fatigue Scale bimodal p=0.086 and Likert p=0.952; Bell Score p=0.121). Health related quality of life (SF-36) increased for both groups (group 1 p=0.003, group 2 p=0.017).

Conclusions:
Using a broad test battery, addressing neuropsychological function, fatigue, related disability and health related quality of life as well as vascular function, we were able to confirm the potential beneficial effect of IVIG in Long-COVID. IVIG might be a candidate approach in this context, that requires further evaluation in randomized controlled trials.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK OF TROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AND CONCOMITANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AFTER EXPERIENCING THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19)
Authors: Stasyshena Oksana , Sychov Oleg , Romanova Olena , Getman Taisia , Sribna Olga , Mikhalieva Tatiana , Marchenko Olena , Solovian Anna , Torbas Olena 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Determine the risk of the probability of thrombosis according to the CHA2DS2-VASc scale in patients with AF and arterial hypertension after suffering from COVID-19.

Design and method:
The main part of the study consisted of 116 patients (pts) with AF aged 63.8 ± 0.6 years who from 1 to 12 months ago (5.1 ± 0.2 months on average) were infected with COVID-19. Group 1 (G1) 80 pts (69%) who had AF before CI. Group 2 (G2) 36 pts (31%) it appeared after the transferred CI. A control group (CG) 49 pts with AF who did not have a history of COVID-19 the average age was 59.0 ± 0,6 years.

Results:
Among AF patients who experienced COVID-19, compared with patients in the control group, which included patients with AF but no history of COVID-19 infection, more people had a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3 or greater, a high risk of thrombosis. Patients in the main group compared to the control group had a higher risk of thrombosis (70.7% vs. 55.1%, p < 0.001). This applies to patients who developed AF after COVID-19 (G1), as well as those patients who had AF before the infection of COVID-19 (72.2% vs. 55.1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:
Patients in whom AF and concomitant hypertension appeared after COVID-19 or this infection worsened the course of the arrhythmia were characterized by a higher risk of thrombosis compared to patients with AF without a history of COVID-19 infection.
BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL IN TERTIARY-CARE HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Nieckarz Anna , Wolf Jacek , Panfil Anna , Bialas Aleksandra , Sternicka Julia , Jedrzejewski Lukasz , Hoffmann Michal , Szyndler Anna , Prejbisz Aleksander , Burnier Michel , Narkiewicz Krzysztof 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Cardiovascular risk factors distribution during the pandemic suggests worsening of the cardiovascular risk profile of hypertensive patients. At the same time, data on quality of hypertension control during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce, in Poland. The aim of the study was to analyse the quality of blood pressure (BP) control in a group of patients who required regular control in tertiary care.

Design and method:
The study included hypertensive patients regularly monitored in tertiary-care out-patient clinic for at least 4 years with at least 2 visits a year prior the analysis. The size of the group was calculated based on the original data of first 50 consecutive records of patients (power of 90%). Records were retrospectively analysed with respect to office blood pressure (oBP) control. Additionally, within-visit BP variability was calculated (difference of maximum and minimum BP from 3 measurements); body weight, age, sex, duration of hypertension, number of visits per year, seasonal BP variability, use of telemedical services, comorbidities and BP-lowering treatment were recorded.

Results:
The study enrolled 220 patients. The values of systolic BP (sBP) before and after the break in the whole group were 135.8 ± 17.1 mm Hg vs. 137.9 ±19.5 mm Hg; P=0.08, and a diastolic BP (dBP) of 80.3 ±11.4 mm Hg vs. 82.6 ±12.2 mm Hg; p = 0.001. After adjusting for seasonal variation of BP, the respective differences were: sBP: 134.8 ± 16.5 vs. 138.0 ± 19.4; p = 0.03, and dBP: 79.4 ±10.9 vs. 82.2 ± 11.9; p = 0.004. Before 2020, 61.4% of patients were controlled (BP < 140/90 mm Hg), whereas after the pandemic-driven break in regular visits the control rate decreased to 55.5% (p = 0.21).

Conclusions:
BP control worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic in a group of patients requiring tertiary care for hypertension.
ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AND COVID-19: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: Latsabidze Nino 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
The aim of this study was in patients who had COVID-19 to rate the frequency of newly verified or worsened existing hypertension.

Design and method:
The retrospective study was done, which lasted from April 2021 to May 2022, 78 patients (29 males, 49 females) who have had COVID-19 were analyzed at the Emergency department in our clinic. In order to be categorized as a COVID patient, a positive PCR test at a single point in time was required. According to the accepted definitions of COVID-19 and its manifestations in respect to time from a positive PCR test, the patients were divided into two groups: acute COVID patients (PCR test positive < 30 days ago) and post-acute COVID patients (PCR test positive > 30 days ago). Patients’ age, history, BMI, laboratory values, and antihypertensive therapy were recorded.

Results:
Out of 78 patients studied, 16(12.48%) had either newly verified (9) or worsened existing (7) arterial hypertension. Among those, the median time from a verified SARS-CoV-2 infection to onset of symptoms was 90 days. Compared to the rest of the study population, patients presenting with arterial hypertension had significantly higher systolic (median 160 vs. 128 mmHg, p = 0.004) and diastolic (median 97 vs 80 mmHg, p = 0.02) blood pressure and were non-significantly younger (median 49 vs 57 years, p = 0.067).

Conclusions:
Arterial hypertension following COVID-19, either newly verified or worsened existing, is a relatively common (12.04% of our patient pool) occurrence and more effort should be directed into evaluating patients’ blood pressure values following COVID-19 in order to make a timely diagnosis and start proper treatment early.
THE ROLE OF RIGHT VENTRICLE FUNCTIONALITY IN THE CARDIOPULMONARY STATUS OF HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR SARS-COV-2 INFECTION
Authors: Kariori Maria , Fragkoulis Christos , Chysohoou Christina , Tsioufis Panagiotis , Andrikou Ioannis , Grigoriou Kalliopi , Papakonstantinou Panteleimon , Stathoulopoulou Maria , Kalos Theodoros , Eirini Siafi , Tatakis Fotios , Manta Eleni , Iliakis Panagiotis , Mantzouranis Emmanouel , Konstantinidis Dimitrios , Thomopoulos Costas , Tsioufis Konstantinos 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
There is little data concerning the impact of SARS-Cov-2 infection on the cardiopulmonary status and right ventricle (RV) function of patients with arterial hypertension (HTN). The purpose of our study was to investigate whether hospitalization for COVID-19 affects the functional status of hypertensive patients, using cardiopulmonary exercise test and echocardiographic parameters, 3 months after the infection onset.

Design and method:
All subjects underwent cardiorespiratory exercise using Bruce or modified Bruce protocol where all cardiorespiratory parameters were evaluated. Echocardiographic parameters including right ventricle longitudinal strain were analyzed using an offline program. Subjects with a history of HTN were divided into two groups according to hospitalization for Covid-19 infection. Group I included 28 subjects who were hospitalized for Sars-Cov-2 infection and Group II included 34 subjects without the need for hospitalization.

Results:
Out of a total population of 198 patients with COVID-19 infection, 62 subjects had a hypertension history (mean age: 61±10 years, 58.1% males, history of coronary artery disease: 16.1%) and they were evaluated 3 months after the symptoms’ onset. Hospitalized patients were older (63±8 vs. 52±11 years, p<0.001). Analysis of cardiopulmonary test parameters, oxygen consumption both maximum (21±4 vs. 23.5±4, p: 0.01) and during the 1st minute of recovery (15.5±2 vs. 21±25, p: 0.02), VO2_AT (17±4 vs. 27.5±32) and PETCO2 (39±4 vs. 38±19 mmHg, p: 0.03) were impaired comparing to non-hospitalized subjects. Out of echocardiographic parameters, the diameter of the left atrium (mm), differed significantly between the two groups (41±6 vs.38±5 p: 0.02). Furthermore, in hospitalized patients, the absolute mean value of right ventricle strain (RVLS, (%): 13±8 vs. 23±3, p:0.04) was impaired despite a similar left ventricle ejection fraction between the two groups. Finally, using linear regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, hypertension history, and hospitalization, hospitalization proved to be an independent predictive factor for RVLS in hypertensive patients.

Conclusions:
To conclude our study highlighted the negative impact of hospitalization for Sars-Cov-2 infection in the capacity for exercise and in right ventricle functionality, implying the severity of the disease as a negative independent predictive factor in hypertensive patients.
COMPREHENSIVE PRE-DISCHARGE SYMPTOMS ASSESSMENT IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR COVID-19 ALLOWS TO PREDICT PERSISTENCE OF SYMPTOMS AT 3 MONTHS
Authors: Honchar Oleksii , Ashcheulova Tetiana 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To study the prognostic value of survey-based respiratory, physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms assessment in hypertensive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in prediction of symptoms persistence at 3 months after discharge.

Design and method:
88 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and a history of hypertension (mean age 57.8+-11.8 years, 53% female) underwent a comprehensive survey-based symptoms assessment 1-2 days prior to discharge that included MRC Dyspnea scale, CAT and CCQ questionnaires, HADS, the physical symptoms subscale of the EFTER-COVID questionnaire, and the Memory, Thinking, and Communication subscale of the SBQ-LC questionnaire. Marginal effects in logistic regression analysis were used to gauge the predictive value of resulting scores and separate symptoms. 500 SANN-based classification models were subsequently trained for various combinations of significant predictors, with an automatic ranging of obtained models by their predictive accuracy.

Results:
77% of participants have reported an incomplete ecovery at 3 month after hospital discharge. In the order of decreasing predictive value for persistence of symptoms, significant (p < 0,05) risk factors included EFTER-COVID physical symptoms score (Somers’ D-statistic = 0,63), HADS depression subscale (D = 0,58), SBQ-LC Memory, Thinking, and Communication score (D = 0,52), MRC dyspnea class (D = 0,45), and CAT score (D = 0,30); among the specific symptoms, significant predictors included dyspnea (D = 0,42), dizziness (D = 0,38), muscles and joints pain (D = 0,38), and difficulties in remembering things (D = 0,40).
Out of the derived machine-learning based classification models, the optimal performance was observed for the one using gender, pre-discharge MRC dyspnea class, and summary scores on EFTER-COVID physical symptoms and SBQ-LC Memory, Thinking, and Communication subscales. The model exhibited a 100% predictive acccuracy in classifying the pre-specified test/validation subset of the study group into those who would subsequently report persistence of symptoms or complete recovery.

Conclusions:
Survey-based pre-discharge assessment of symptoms in hypertensive patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19 yields a high prognostic value. The combination of gender and survey-based measures of dyspnea, physical and cognitive symptoms may be used in this setting to predict the persistence of symptoms at 3 months after hospital discharge.
HYPERRENINISM - A COMMON PHENOMENON IN HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS
Authors: Bertram Sebastian , Racovitan Diana , Hölzer Bodo , Rohn Benjamin , Doevelaar Adrian , Seibert Felix , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
Since the beginning of the worldwide pandemic the interaction of SARS-CoV2 on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is discussed intensively. Since ACE-2 was identified as the cellular receptor of SARS-CoV-2, the debate started with the question, whether treatment with ACE-inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) should be discontinued during the pandemic. In contrast, current studies investigate a potential benefit by ACE-I, ARB and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. However, data on renin and aldosterone concentrations in patients with COVID-19 are sparse.

Design and method:
We performed a cross-sectional study in 52 patients hospitalized for moderate COVID-19 (peripheral ward, no intensive care) assessing renin and aldosterone after admission. Blood pressure, comorbidities and medication were documented.

Results:
50% of the patients had increased renin concentrations with a median of 57.35ng/ml (IQR 34.3 - 80.1). 13.5% had decreased concentrations. 36.5% had a renin concentration within normal range. Median renin concentration in the overall study population was 24ng/ml (IQR 6.8 - 60.28). Despite the high percentage of patients with hyperreninism, only 13.5% showed increased levels of aldosterone 366pg/ml (IQR 268-384). There were no cases of primary hyperaldosteronism. Median aldosterone concentration was 81.5pg/ml (IQR 34.3-80.1) in the overall population. Those patients with secondary hyperaldosteronism revealed hypokalemia in 0%, metabolic alkalosis in 0%, and hypertension in 0%. Median renin concentration did not significantly differ in subjects with and without ACE-I or ARB 17ng/ml (5,6-69.6) vs. 24.4ng/ml (5.5-57.3), p = 0.91.

Conclusions:
Hyperreninism is a frequent phenomenon and occurs in every second patient hospitalized for COVID 19. This finding could not be explained by volume depletion, hypotension, or use of ACE-I/ARB. Both the reason for this finding and the infrequent translation into secondary hyperaldosteronism will have to be investigated in future studies.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY AMONG HOSPITALIZED CORONA VIRUS DISEASE 2019 ADULT PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN DIRE DAWA, EASTERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: Ayele Dagmawi Abebe , Kassa Nega Assefa , Gemeda Assefa Tola 
Published: May 2024

Objective:
To assess factors associated with mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 adult patients with chronic non-communicable diseases in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.

Design and method:
A facility-based unmatched case-control study with a case to control ratio of 1:2 was conducted from December 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Cases were COVID-19 hospital deaths registered from June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022 and those who recovered during same time were selected as controls. Data were extracted from randomly selected medical records of COVID-19 patients using data abstraction tool. The data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, proportion, mean and SD were computed. Logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis to identify the risk factors of COVID-19 mortality. AOR with 95% CI and p-value <0.05 were used to declare the level of statistical significance.

Results:
A total of 372 charts (125 cases and 247 controls) were included in the analysis. Charts with incomplete data 9(2.4%) were excluded. The mean age of cases (60 year, ±14.7) was higher compared to controls (53 year, ±15.9). Half of cases were 63(50.4%) female and 157 (63.6%) of controls were male. The most common co-morbidities were diabetes mellitus 178 (47.8%) and hypertension 176 (47.3%). In multivariable analysis, People aged 60 year and above (AOR=2.5, 95% CI (1.1-5.63)), being male (AOR=0.5, 95% CI (0.32-0.92)), hypertension (AOR = 2, 95% CI (1.14- 3.35)), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI (1.1- 3.16)), severe COVID-19 (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI (2.25- 10.86)), critical COVID-19 (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI (2.38-16.06)) and ICU admission (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.5-5.56)) were significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality.

Conclusions:
This study revealed that being male had less chance of mortality. Aged 60 years and above, having hypertension, being diabetic, severity of disease, and being hospitalized in the ICU were significantly associated with an increased odds of COVID-19 mortality. We recommended, strengthening and maintaining of COVID-19 preventive and control measures intensively addressing these risk group and improving critical care serves.