bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QTc interval in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rastogi J , Ho J , Rastogi J , Lazari J , Jageer P , Davis S , Kirresh A , Yiu J , Jain D , Ahmad M , Providencia R , Bray J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) are at higher risk of sudden cardiac death. Although the underlying aetiology for this association remains unclear. It may be related to prolongation of the QT interval, which can degenerate into fatal ventricular arrhythmias. However, the presence of prolonged heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc) in AN remains controversial, and two previous meta-analyses on AN and QTc showed contradictory findings [1,2].

Purpose
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate if AN was associated with changes in the QTc interval and dispersion.

Methods
MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases were systematically searched from inception to January 2021. Random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression were used. The inclusion criteria were (i) confirmed diagnosis of AN, (ii) measurement of QTc on electrocardiogram and (iii) peer-reviewed articles. The primary endpoint of the study was the duration of the QTc interval calculated using the Bazett (QTcB), Hodges (QTcH), Fridericia (QTcF) and Framingham (QTcFr) formulae. The secondary endpoints were QT dispersion (QTd) and QTc dispersion (QTcd).

Results
The 25 eligible studies included 5687 patients (1862 AN, 3825 control) (Figure 1: PRISMA diagram). The majority of patients were female (96.3%) with a mean age between 14.3 to 31.0 years and mean duration of disease ranging from 9.1 to 129.6 months. The mean BMI ranged from 13.7 to 18.5 kg/m2. Pooled analysis did not show significant prolongation between AN versus control in QTcB (mean difference (MD) MD 4.9ms, 95% CI −3.2, 13.1ms, p=0.23; I2=95%; n=24/25 studies; Figure 2A), QTcH (MD 1.3ms, 95% CI −8.5, 11.2ms, p=0.79; I2=71%; n=3/25 studies), and QTcF (MD 3.1ms, 95% CI −21.6, 27.7ms, p=0.81; I2=97%; n=3/25 studies). Only two studies reporting QTcFr showed a significant prolongation between AN and control (MD 15.9ms, 95% CI 0.0, 31.8ms, p=0.05, I2=65%; n=2/25 studies; Figure 2B). However, QTd and QTcd were significantly greater in AN than control (MD 21.3ms, 95% CI 10.4, 32.3ms, p=0.0001, I2=94%; Figure 2C and MD 16.9ms, 95% CI 4.5, 29.3ms, p=0.007 I2=93%; Figure 2D, respectively).

Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest meta-analysis of QTc in AN and the first meta-analysis exploring the significance of QTd and QTcd in AN. AN was not found to be associated with prolongation of QTc calculated using the Bazett, Fridericia and Hodges formulae. However, an association of AN with prolonged QTc was observed in the studies using the Framingham formula. More pronounced dispersion (QTd and QTcd) was also observed in patients with AN.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Automated right ventricular strain by speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with systemic scleroderma
Authors: Tsoukas A , Koutsogiannaki E , Giannakopoulou I , Gioti O , Iliopoulos D , Saad R , Chalkitis V , Peteinaki A , Karapedi E , Papaioannou N 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
In patients with scleroderma the morphological remodeling and alteration of right ventricular (RV) function begins even before the setting of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). These alterations are associated with worse outcomes and high mortality.

Purpose
Early detection of RV dysfunction is possible using advanced imaging techniques and can lead to specific therapeutic measures before installation of PAH. Purpose of this study is to evaluate new indices, based on speckle tracking technology, for identification of subclinical RV systolic failure.

Methods
Twenty-five (25) scleroderma patients without any signs or symptoms of PAH and twenty-five (25) healthy subjects were included in the present study. Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) were performed. All the usual 2DE, Doppler and tissue Doppler imaging measurements were obtained for the evaluation of RV function. Moreover, TAPSE, maximum systolic myocardial velocity from TDI of lateral tricuspid valve annulus (SRV), auto RV global longitudinal strain (aRVGLS) and auto RV free wall longitudinal strain (aRVFWLS) by 2DSTE were measured. aRVGLS is a new index, with appropriate RV function echo logistics in new technology echo systems, independent from known manual measurements.

Results
In scleroderma patients significantly higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure was recorded, although it remained within normal limits in both groups. Scleroderma patients had significant decreased RV systolic function with significantly lower TAPSE and SRV. Both aRVGLS and aRVFWLS were also significantly lower in scleroderma patients compared to the control group. aRVGLS was the best predictor of early RV systolic impairment in patients with scleroderma.

Conclusions
Scleroderma is a severe systematic disease associated with high mortality rates. RV remodeling, dysfunction, and progressive pulmonary artery hypertension are among the most important internal organ manifestations of this disease. Early detection of RV dysfunction is possible by 2DSTE, and may be helpful to guide further therapy in these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Association between cumulated hydroxychloroquine in systemic lupus erythematosus and development of cardiac conduction alterations
Authors: Zubiaur Zamacola J , Herrero Morant A , Margarida De Castro A , Perez Barquin R , Blanco Alonso R , Gonzalez-Gay M A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a widely used drug in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). It may cause cardiac alterations which includes short term arrhythmic events (via QT interval prolongation) and medium-late term dose dependent cardiomyopathy1. The few research articles published on the medium-late term effects of HCQ in cardiac conduction disorder do not show relevant alterations.

Purpose
To assess the effect of HCQ in cardiac conduction in a consecutive SLE population.

Methods
Observational, single University hospital study of all consecutive SLE patients with an electrocardiogram (EKG) at HCQ onset and at least one EKG in follow-up, with a period of at least 3 months on HCQ treatment was performed. We assessed conduction alteration by electrocardiogram (EKG), defined as any degree of atrio-ventricular block or bundle branch block. The EKGs were gathered from the clinical history and interpreted at the beginning of the treatment and during the 15.2 years (CI95% 13.24–17.16) follow-up period. We defined cumulated HCQ (cHCQ) as the multiple of the mean annual dose of the sample.

Results
We studied 109 (96 women/ 13 men) SLE patients with a mean (±.SD) age of 61 ±. 2.78 years. A statistically significant association was observed between the cHCQ, and the development of cardiac conduction alterations [OR 1.1 CI95% 1.02–1.19; p=0.011] (Table & Figure). A total of 8 covariates were included. Among them, those that had the greatest influence on the development of the primary event were previous conduction alterations [OR 4.15 CI95% 6.39–624.54; p&lt;0.01]; valvular heart disease [OR 7.15 CI95% 1.31–38.91; p=0.023] and age [OR 1.07 95% CI 1.0–1.14; p=0.04] (Table). There was no statistical association between the cHCQ and atrio-ventricular block.

Conclusion
According to our study, it seems to be an association between the cHCQ and development of cardiac conduction alterations regardless of other variables evaluated. Wider longitudinal studies are required with a protocolized EKG performance in successive visits to further analyze this association.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Global and regional left ventricular deformation evaluation with feature tracking in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. Comparison with echocardiographic findings
Authors: Bastidas Plaza D , Pozo Osinalde E , Islas F , Perez De Isla L , Marcos-Alberca P , Hernandez P , Martin-Lores I , Luaces Mendez M , Gomez De Diego J J , Bustos A , Perez-Villacastin J , De Agustin J A 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is basically based on imaging techniques. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is crucial to raise suspicion of this disease through detection of the classical features. An specific left ventricular (LV) deformation pattern with apical sparing (“cherry on top”) has been described on speckle tracking (ST) TTE. However, there is no data regarding the role of the LV global and regional analysis with the new tool feature tracking (FT) of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in CA.

Purpose
Our aim is to analyze the concordance of LV deformation between ST-TTE and FT-CMR.

Methods
Consecutive patients with definitive diagnosis of transthyretin (TTR) CA, based on DPD scintigraphy, and imaging evaluation with TTE and CMR were retrospectively included. LV volumes and ejection were calculated from both TTE and CMR following the ongoing recommendations. Global and segmental longitudinal strain values were obtained from apical 2-, 3- and 4-chambers projections on TTE, while the same parameters were calculated on the same cine views of CMR using a dedicated software of FT analysis. Student t-test was used to compared mean measurements derived from both imaging techniques. Apical index was calculated as the ratio between apical and basal-mid longitudinal values. Moreover, agreement was established using Passing-Bablok regression analysis.

Results
27 patients (80 years-old, 88% men) with definitive diagnosis of TTR CA from our tertiary hospital were included. Regarding echocardiographic findings, 80% showed concentric LV hypertrophy with low normal ejection fraction in the majority (52±10%). When longitudinal LV strain parameters were compared (Table 1), no differences were noted in global and apical values whereas basal and mid measurements were higher from CRM resulting in different apical indexes. Although 42% showed a typical “cherry on top” pattern in ST analysis, in only 18% of the FT apical sparing was detected. Consistently, decremental pattern was observed in 60% of TTE and in 20% of CMR. Concordance analysis with Passing-Bablok showed no constant or proportional differences, meaning both techniques were comparable.

Conclusions
Among patients with TTR CA there were no differences in global longitudinal LV strain analysis between ST-TTE and FT-CMR. Nevertheless, discordance in regional parameters resulted in a less frequent detection of apical sparing in CMR.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Relationship between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and thrombotic events in primary antiphospholipid syndrome. The multicenter ATHERO-APS study
Authors: Bucci T , Ames P R J , Cammisotto V , Bartimoccia S , Triggiani M , Parente R , Ciampa A , Pignatelli P , Carnevale R , Pastori D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a novel cardiovascular risk factor. Levels of PCSK9 in thrombotic primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) have never been investigated.

Methods
Cross sectional comparison of baseline characteristics of 91 PAPS patients enrolled in the multicenter ATHERO-APS cohort study. PCSK9 levels were categorized into tertiles and the association with arterial and recurrent thrombosis were assessed by univariable and multivariable regression analysis.

Results
Median age was 51 years and 71.4% (n=65) were women. Overall, 33% (n=30) experienced an arterial event while 31% (n=28) had recurrent thrombotic events. Median PCSK9 levels were 1243 (1100–1650) pg/ml. Patients in the third PCSK9 tertile (&gt;1458 pg/ml) showed a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia, lupus anticoagulant positivity and a history of previous arterial and recurrent thrombosis than patients in the first and second tertile. PCSK9 levels were higher in arterial than venous thrombosis (1502 vs. 1180 pg/ml, p=0.002), and in patients with recurrent vs isolated thrombosis (1680 vs. 1150 pg/m, p&lt;0.001). High plasma PCSK9 levels were associated with a 4-fold increase risk for arterial events and with a 10-fold increase risk for recurrent thrombosis after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusion
These preliminary data suggest that in PAPS, PCSK9 levels are associated with arterial and recurrent thrombosis. Its role as a possible therapeutic target in PAPS needs further studies.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Risk stratification for systemic lupus erythematosus associated pulmonary hypertension by simplified ESC/ERS guidelines: data from SOPHIE registry
Authors: Zhou M , Siu C W 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The ESC/ERS guideline has established a diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary hypertension (PH) based on the peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation, clinical history of left heart disease, chest radiography, and other chest radiological techniques. Unfortunately, due to the medical resource limitations, not all patients can receive the comprehensive inspections listed above.

Purpose
The purpose of the study was to sort out the practical predicting factors and evaluate the efficacy of the simplified diagnostic algorithm derived from the 2015 ESC/ERS clinical guidelines.

Methods
According to the ESC/ERS guideline, patients in the intermediate or high echocardiographic probability of PH group and further satisfied the following risk stratification criteria (anti-RNP (+), Raynaud phenomenon (+), 6MWD &lt;440 meters, and SVR &gt;1500 wood) were considered to have the intermediate (IR), and high risk (HR) of PH. Patients with a low echocardiographic probability of PH and those with intermediate or high probability of PH without satisfied the risk stratification algorithm were categorized into the low risk (LR) of the PH group.

Results
1005 patients were categorized into the LR group, 30 patients in the IR group, and 19 in the HR group. Precisely, patients in the LR group were relatively younger (49.9±0.4) than that of the IR group (57.8±2.3, p=0.001) and the HR group (56.0±3.0, p=0.035). Raynaud phenomenon was occurred more frequently in the IR group (50.0%) or HR group (47.4%) compared to that of the LR group (24.1%). The occurrence of anti-RNP positive was higher in the HR group, taken up for 57.9% compared to 31.5% in the LR group (p=0.013). The incidence of right axis deviation (RAD) was increasing in the IR group (17.2%) and HR group (16.7%) compared to the LR group (3.6%). In addition, patients in IR and HR group have reduced lung volume parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC%), forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1%), FEV1/FVC ratio, and forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity (FEF50%) when compared to the LR group. Multivariate analysis was performed in four different modes to sort out the independent predictors of PH. Anti-RNP (OR=10.5, CI: 1.9, 56.5) and RAD (OR=21.9, CI: 5.2, 92.2) in mode 1, RVH (OR=10.4, CI: 1.9, 56.3) in mode 2, RAD (OR=10.3, CI: 2.0, 50.7) and FEF50% (OR=1.0, CI: 0.90, 0.97) in mode 3, and RVH (OR=56.8, CI: 6.9, 467.5) and FEF50% (OR=1.0, CI: 0.90, 0.97) in mode 4 were identified as the independent predictors of PH for SLE patients.

Conclusions
This registry has provided main clinical characteristics and phenotypes of Hong Kong Chinese patients with SLE and has demonstrated that Anti-RNP, RAD, RVH, or FEF50% was independent predictors of pulmonary hypertension in patients with SLE.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Biologics improve endothelial, vascular and left ventricular myocardial function in patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Ikonomidis I , Pavlidis G , Katogiannis K , Kapniari I , Theodoropoulos K , Kountouri A , Kostelli G , Tsilivarakis D , Thymis J , Katsimbri P , Parissis J , Filippatos G , Lambadiari V , Papadavid E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by systemic inflammation leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose
We aimed to investigate the effects of biologics on endothelial glycocalyx, vascular and left ventricular (LV) myocardial function in patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Methods
One hundred twenty patients (mean age: 51±11 years) with psoriatic arthritis were randomized to receive biologics [n=60; anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab), anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23 (ustekinumab) or anti-IL-17 (secukinumab)] or nonbiologics (n=60; methotrexate or cyclosporine). At baseline and 4 months post-treatment, we measured: (1) Perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual microvessels with a diameter 5–25μm using Sidestream Dark Field camera (Microscan, Glycocheck). Increased PBR indicates impaired glycocalyx integrity. (2) Pulse wave velocity (PWV - Complior; ALAM Medical), (3) Coronary flow reserve (CFR) in the distal left anterior descending coronary artery, (4) Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and (5) LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Results
Compared with baseline, all patients had reduced PWV (11±2.1 versus 10.3±1.5m/s, p=0.001) and increased FMD (5.45±3.2 versus 9.77±4.7, p=0.004) at 4 months. PBR remained unchanged in both study groups (p&gt;0.05). Compared with nonbiologics, biologics resulted in a greater reduction of PWV (−10% versus −4%) and in a greater increase of CFR (+11% versus −1%), FMD (+102% versus +56%) and GLS (+10% versus −2%) (p&gt;0.05 for all comparisons) 4 months post-treatment. In patients treated with biologics, the percent increase of GLS post-treatment was related with the percent reduction of PWV (r=−0.28, p=0.034) and with the percent increase of FMD (r=0.42, p=0.006).

Conclusion
In psoriasis arthritis, biologics confers a greater improvement of endothelial, vascular and LV myocardial function compared with nonbiologics after 4-month treatment.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Prevalence of abnormal left ventricular geometry and predictors of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ruangpan K , Nilmoje T , Aiewruengsurat D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an excess risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is generally considered a target organ damage of hypertensive patients, but it is an overlooked condition in the RA. In addition, LVH is one-sixth prevalence in RA patients and reflects a greater risk of cardiovascular events.

Purpose
We aimed to study the prevalence of LVH in patients with RA without symptomatic cardiovascular disease and explore the associated factors of LVH.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult RA patients and a retrospectively review of echocardiography from the database in non-RA participants. LVH was defined as LV mass index greater than 115 g/m2 in males or 95 g/m2 in females. The prediction model for LVH was constructed by stepwise logistic regression. The prediction model's performance on the test data is evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves to predict the presence of LVH and optimal cut-off point determined by the Youden index.

Results
This study included 109 RA patients and 119 age- and sex-matched non-RA participants. RA participants showed a significantly greater CV risk factor profile; hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia than non-RA participants. Fifty two of 109 (47.7%) RA patients had abnormal LV geometry; eccentric hypertrophy, concentric remodeling, and concentric hypertrophy were 8/109 (7.3%), 28/109 (25.7%), and 16/109 (14.7%), respectively. The prevalence of LVH in RA patients was comparable to non-RA participants 24/109 (22%) and 28/119 (23.5%), p=0.91, respectively. However, there was significantly higher relative wall thickness in RA than non-RA participants 0.4±0.1 and 0.3±0.1, p&lt;0.001, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the score prediction [(0.025×systolic blood pressure) + (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug × (0 or 1)) + (0.141×Troponin T level) ≥3.948] was to predict LVH in RA patients showed 91% sensitivity and 39% specificity (AUC = 0.689, 95% CI 0.564–0.814).

Conclusion
RA was associated with higher abnormal LV geometry compared to the non-RA participant. LVH is not uncommon in RA patients, and we could consider it as a target organ damage despite no obvious cardiovascular risk factors. The risk predictor score may be applied for fundamental screening tool for LVH in RA patients before sending the patients for echocardiography.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Predictors and clinical consequences of heart damage in CMR in patients after COVID-19
Authors: Chudzik M , Miskowiec D , Kapusta J , Babicki M , Kasprzak J D 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Methods
Out-hospital clinic patients (pts) recovered from COVID-19 were prospectively recruited and underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination with a protocol including: edema, hyperemia, and necrosis or scar-derived from signal intensity assessment in T2-weighted, early gadolinium enhancement (EGE) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR images.

Results
A total of 702 patients (mean age 50±12 years, 62% female) were included. The median (IQR) time interval between COVID-19 diagnosis and CMR was 13 (8–22) weeks. In none pts signs of edema, hyperemia and necrosis derived from signal intensity assessment in T2-weighted and early gadolinium enhancement was found. LGE was found in 152 (22%). LGE+ patients had significantly lower left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (58.5±7.7 vs 61.1±7.9%, p&lt;0.001) and greater LV end-diastolic (117.0±52.2 vs 103,0±36.3 ml, p=0.023) and end-systolic (50.3±28.0 vs 41.0±17.5 ml, p=0.010) volumes when compared with LGE− patients. In the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) fragmented QRS was observed significantly more frequently (46% vs 25%, p&lt;0.001) in LGE+ group, whereas in 24h Holter ECG neither single premature, nor complex ventricular extrasystole burden did not differ between groups (p&gt;0.05). There were observed no differences between symptoms of COVD-19 and comorbidities between LGE+ and LGE− pts. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis: fragmented QRS [OR and 95% CI: 2.85 (1.93–4.21)] and any ST-T segment deviation in resting ECG [OR: 1.93 (1.15–3.25)] were identified as independent predictors of LGE, even after adjustment for comorbidities and COVID-19 symptoms.

Conclusions
1. In patients with fibrosis after COVID-19 reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and greater volume of the heart was found.
2. Fragmented QRS and ST-T abnormalities were independent predictors for LGE in patients after COVID-19.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.