Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure Effects on Renal Outcomes in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT)

OBJECTIVE

Blood pressure (BP) control for renal protection is essential for patients with type 2 diabetes. Our objective in this analysis of Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) data was to learn whether on-study systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) affected renal outcomes measured as albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The VADT was a prospective, randomized study of 1,791 veterans with type 2 diabetes to determine whether intensive glucose control prevented major cardiovascular events. In this post hoc study, time-varying covariate survival analyses and hazard ratios (HR) were used to determine worsening of renal outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared with SBP 105–129 mmHg, the risk of ACR worsening increased significantly for SBP 130–139 mmHg (HR 1.88 [95% CI 1.28–2.77]; P = 0.001) and for SBP ≥140 mmHg (2.51 [1.66–3.78]; P < 0.0001). Compared with a PP range of 40–49 mmHg, PP <40 was associated with significantly lowered risk of worsening ACR (0.36 [0.15–0.87]; P = 0.022) and PP ≥60 with significantly increased risk (2.38 [1.58–3.59]; P < 0.0001). Analyses of BP ranges associated with eGFR worsening showed significantly increased risk with rising baseline SBP and an interaction effect between SBP ≥140 mmHg and on-study A1C. These patients were 15% more likely than those with SBP <140 mmHg to experience eGFR worsening (1.15 [1.00–1.32]; P = 0.045) for each 1% (10.9 mmol/mol) A1C increase.

CONCLUSIONS

SBP ≥130 mmHg and PP >60 mmHg were associated with worsening ACR. The results suggest that treatment of SBP to <130 mmHg may lessen ACR worsening. The interaction between SBP ≥140 mmHg and A1C suggests that the effect of glycemic control on reducing progression of renal disease may be greater in hypertensive patients.     

Comparative Efficacy of Irbesartan/ Hydrochlorothiazide and Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide Combination in Lowering Blood Pressure: A Retrospective Observational Study in Oman

Objective

To compare blood pressure (BP) control in patients receiving irbesartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) and valsartan/HCTZ at a tertiary care university hospital in Oman.

Subjects and Methods

This was a retrospective observational study, where 232 patients'' medical records were reviewed during a 3-month period, July to September 2010, at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman. BP readings of the previous 6 months were also retrieved from the electronic medical records. Analyses were conducted using univariate statistical techniques.

Results

The mean age of the cohort was 58 ± 11 years (range: 21–88). Sixty-nine (30%) patients were on the irbesartan/HCTZ combination (150/12.5 mg) and 163 (70%) were on the valsartan/HCTZ combination. The patients on the valsartan/HCTZ combination were divided into two subgroups: 117 (72%) received 160/12.5 mg and 46 (28%) 80/12.5 mg. Diabetic patients (43/69, 62%, vs. 61/163, 37%, p < 0.001) and those with diabetic nephropathy (8/69, 12%, vs. 7/163, 4%, p = 0.039) were prescribed more often irbesartan/HCTZ than valsartan/HCTZ. In comparison to the valsartan/HCTZ cohort, the irbesartan/HCTZ group was associated with significant reductions in both systolic BP (SBP; −9 vs. −2 mm Hg; p = 0.021) and diastolic BP (DBP; −5 vs. 0 mm Hg; p = 0.022). BP reductions were noted more in diabetics than nondiabetics with the irbesartan/HCTZ patients associated with significant reductions in both SBP (−12 vs. 5.1 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and DBP (−6.4 vs. 1.9 mm Hg; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The irbesartan/HCTZ combination was associated with significant reductions in both SBP and DBP when compared with the valsartan/HCTZ combination. Specifically, the reductions were noted more in diabetics than nondiabetics.Key Words: Irbesartan, Valsartan, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Nephropathy     

Increased Levels of Modified Advanced Oxidation Protein Products Are Associated with Central and Peripheral Blood Pressure in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

♦ Background and aims:

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Central blood pressure (BP) is thought to be more relevant than peripheral BP for the pathogenesis of CVD. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) are markers of oxidative stress. This study investigated the relationship between AOPP and central BP in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

♦ Methods:

In a cross-sectional study of 75 PD patients (67% men), we analyzed two oxidative stress markers, AOPP (modified assay, mAOPP, correcting for the impact of triglycerides) and pentosidine, three inflammation markers, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). All patients underwent measurement of central systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by applanation tonometry.

♦ Results:

Patients with mAOPP levels above the median had a higher central SBP and DBP than those below the median values. In univariate analysis, the levels of mAOPP associated with central SBP and central DBP. Multiple regression analysis, adjusting for age, gender, diabetes, CVD, protein-energy wasting (PEW), hs-CRP and extracellular water by multi-frequency bioimpedance or N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), confirmed independent associations between mAOPP and central SBP and central DBP respectively.

♦ Conclusions:

The mAOPP level is independently associated with the central SBP and DBP in PD patients. This finding suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension or that hypertension itself or factors associated with hypertension such as fluid overload may have an additional effect on oxidative stress in PD patients.     

Combined exercise circuit session acutely attenuates stress-induced blood pressure reactivity in healthy adults

Objective

To investigate the blood pressure (BP) responses to cardiovascular stress test after a combined exercise circuit session at moderate intensity.

Method

Twenty individuals (10 male/10 fem; 33.4± 6.9 years; 70.2± 15.8 kg; 170.4± 11.5 cm; 22.3± 6.8% body fat) were randomized in a different days to control session with no exercise or exercise session consisting of 3 laps of the following circuit: knee extension, bench press, knee flexion, rowing in the prone position, squats, shoulder press, and 5 min of aerobic exercise at 75-85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate and/or 13 on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion [scale of 6 to 20]. The sets of resistance exercise consisted of 15 repetitions at ~50% of the estimated 1 repetition maximum test. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at rest and during 1h of recovery in both experimental sessions. After that, blood pressure reactivity (BP_R) was evaluated using the Cold Pressor Test.

Results

During 1h of exercise recovery, there was a reduction in SBP (3-6 mmHg) and DBP (2-5 mmHg) in relation to pre-session rest (p<0.01), while this reduction was not observed in the control session. A decline in BP_R (4-7 mmHg; p<0.01) was observed 1h post-exercise session, but not in the control session. Post-exercise reductions in SBP and DBP were significantly correlated with BP_R reductions (r=0.50-0.45; p<0.05).

Conclusion

A combined exercise circuit session at moderate intensity promoted subsequent post-exercise hypotension and acutely attenuated BP_R in response to a cardiovascular stress test. In addition, the post-exercise BP reduction was correlated with BP_R attenuation in healthy adults of both genders.     

Blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial

OBJECTIVE

Blood pressure ranges associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in advanced type 2 diabetes are not clear. Our objective was to determine whether baseline and follow-up (On-Study) systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and SBP combined with DBP predict CVD events in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants in the VADT (n = 1,791) with hypertension received stepped treatment to maintain blood pressure below the target of 130/80 mmHg in standard and intensive glycemic treatment groups. Blood pressure levels of all subjects at baseline and On-Study were analyzed to detect associations with CVD risk. The primary outcome was the time from randomization to the first occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, surgery for vascular disease, inoperable coronary disease, amputation for ischemic gangrene, or CVD death.

RESULTS

Separated SBP ≥140 mmHg had significant risk at baseline (hazards ratio [HR] 1.508, P < 0.001) and On-Study (HR 1.469, P = 0.002). DBP <70 mmHg increased CVD events at baseline (HR 1.482, P < 0.001) and On-Study (HR 1.491, P < 0.001). Combined blood pressure categories indicated high risk for CVD events for SBP ≥140 with DBP <70 mmHg at baseline (HR 1.785, P = 0.03) and On-Study (HR 2.042, P = 0.003) and nearly all SBP with DBP <70 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased risk of CVD events with SBP ≥140 mmHg emphasizes the urgency for treatment of systolic hypertension. Increased risk with DBP <70 mmHg, even when combined with SBP in guideline-recommended target ranges, supports a new finding in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results emphasize that DBP <70 mmHg in these patients was associated with elevated CVD risk and may best be avoided.Based on results of recent interventional trials (1–3), the question of whether or not intensive glucose control significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in all patients with type 2 diabetes remains controversial. It may be beneficial in subgroups of these patients when severe hypoglycemia is avoided. Blood pressure (BP) control is consistently correlated with CVD events in studies of risk factors in type 2 diabetes. In the UK Prospective Diabetes Study, BP control was twice as effective as glucose control in preventing any diabetes end points (4,5). The Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) study and the Appropriate Blood Pressure Control in Diabetes (ABCD) trial support improved BP control as a significant CVD event preventive factor in patients with diabetes (6–8). Both the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7) recommend treatment of BP in patients with diabetes to a target of <130/<80 mmHg (9,10). Current evidence supports a systolic blood pressure (SBP) level of <140 mmHg, but there is sparse information to guide physicians as to how far the SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) can be lowered safely and whether lower BP levels might be associated with increased risk. We analyzed the BP data collected during the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT) to learn whether specific levels of BP in patients with type 2 diabetes predict CVD events.The VADT is a 20-center 1,791-patient prospective study of intensive versus standard glucose treatment in patients with suboptimal responses to maximum oral agents or insulin. The main objective was to assess the benefit of intensive glucose control for up to 7 years on CVD events in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes. Other objectives included the assessment of the effects on microvascular and neurological complications, cognitive function, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. BP, lipids, diet, and lifestyle were treated identically in both arms. By improving BP control in an identical manner in both glucose arms, VADT excluded the effect of BP differences in CVD events between treatment arms and reduced the overall risk of macrovascular complications during the trial. The initial results were published recently (1).     

Clinical and procedural predictors of no-reflow in patients with acute myocardial infarction after primary percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND:

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is thought to restore antegrade blood flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA) and minimize ischemic damage to the myocardium as soon as possible. The present study aimed to identify possible clinical predictors for no-reflow in patients with AMI after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS:

A total of 312 consecutive patients with AMI who had been treated from January 2008 to December 2010 at the Cardiology Department of East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine were enrolled in this study. Inclusion criteria were: (i) patients underwent successfully primary PCI within 12 hours after the appearance of symptoms; or (ii) patients with ischemic chest pain for more than 12 hours after a successful primary PCI within 24 hours after appearance of symptoms. Exculsion criteria were: (i) coronary artery spasm; (ii) diameter stenosis of the culprit lesion was <50% and coronary blood flow was normal; (iii) patients with severe left main coronary or multivessel disease, who had to require emergency revascularization. According to thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI), the patients were divided into a reflow group and a no-reflow group. The clinical data, angiography findings and surgical data were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors for no-reflow.

RESULTS:

Fifty-four (17.3%) of the patients developed NR phenomenon after primary PCI. Univariate analysis showed that age, time from onset to reperfusion, systolic blood pressure (SBP) on admission, Killip class of myocardial infarction, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use before primary PCI, TIMI flow grade before primary PCI, type of occlusion, thrombus burden on baseline angiography, target lesion length, reference luminal diameter and method of reperfusion were correlated with no-reflow (P<0.05 for all). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified that age >65 years [OR=1.470, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.460–1.490, P=0.007], long time from onset to reperfusion >6 hours (OR=1.270, 95%CI 1.160–1.400, P=0.001), low SBP on admission <100 mmHg (OR=1.910, 95%CI 1.018–3.896, P=0.004), IABP use before PCI (OR= 1.949, 95%CI 1.168–3.253, P=0.011), low (≤1) TIMI flow grade before primary PCI (OR=1.100, 95%CI 1.080–1.250, P<0.001), high thrombus burden (OR=1.600, 95%CI 1.470–2.760, P=0.030), and long target lesion (OR=1.948, 95%CI 1.908–1.990, P=0.019) on angiography were independent predictors of no-reflow.

CONCLUSION:

The occurrence of no-reflow after primary PCI for acute myocardial infarction can predict clinical, angiographic and procedural features.KEY WORDS: Acute myocardial infarction, No-reflow phenomenon, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Thrombus     

THE EFFECT OF AXIOSCAPULAR AND ROTATOR CUFF EXERCISE TRAINING SEQUENCE IN PATIENTS WITH SUBACROMIAL IMPINGEMENT SYNDROME: A RANDOMIZED CROSSOVER TRIAL

Background

While physical therapy is an effective element in the rehabilitation of rotator cuff (RC) disease, the most effective sequence of exercise training interventions has not been defined.

Hypothesis/Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in pain or function in patients who are given RC strengthening prior to or after initiating scapular stabilization exercises.

Study Design

Level I randomized crossover trial

Methods

This was a prospective study of 26 men and 14 women with a mean age 51 who were diagnosed with subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS). They were randomly assigned to one of two groups for a comprehensive and standardized rehabilitation program over six visits at an orthopedic outpatient clinic. One group was prescribed a 4-week program of scapular stabilization exercises while the other group began with RC strengthening exercises. The crossover design had each group add the previously excluded four exercises to their second month of rehabilitation.

Results

The results showed significant improvements in pain (p < 0.001), function (p < 0.001), and patient satisfaction (p < 0.001) at all follow-up times for both groups. There was not a statistically significant difference in pain or function at any follow-up period for initiating one group of exercise before the other (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant interaction between the patient''s global rating of change at the 4 week follow-up as compared to 8 weeks (p = 0.04) or 16 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with SAIS demonstrate improvement in pain and function with a standardized program of physical therapy regardless of group exercise sequencing.

Level of Evidence

1b     

Emergency department rectal temperatures in over 10 years: A retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND:

Fever in patients can provide an important clue to the etiology of a patient''s symptoms. Non-invasive temperature sites (oral, axillary, temporal) may be insensitive due to a variety of factors. This has not been well studied in adult emergency department patients. To determine whether emergency department triage temperatures detected fever adequately when compared to a rectal temperature.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was made of 27 130 adult patients in a high volume, urban emergency department over an eight-year period who received first a non-rectal triage temperature and then a subsequent rectal temperature.

RESULTS:

The mean difference in temperatures between the initial temperature and the rectal temperature was 1.3 °F (P<0.001), with 25.9% of the patients having higher rectal temperatures ≥2 °F, and 5.0% having higher rectal temperatures ≥4 °F. The mean difference among the patients who received oral, axillary, and temporal temperatures was 1.2 °F (P<0.001), 1.8 °F (P<0.001), and 1.2 °F (P<0.001) respectively. About 18.1% of the patients were initially afebrile and found to be febrile by rectal temperature, with an average difference of 2.5 °F (P<0.001). These patients had a higher rate of admission (61.4%, P<0.005), and were more likely to be admitted to the hospital for a higher level of care, such as an intensive care unit, when compared with the full cohort (12.5% vs. 5.8%, P<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS:

There are significant differences between rectal temperatures and non-invasive triage temperatures in this emergency department cohort. In almost one in five patients, fever was missed by triage temperature.KEY WORDS: Rectal temperatures, Oral temperatures, Axillary temperatures, Emergency department     

Effects of aspirin on the expression of nuclear factor-κB in a rat model of acute pulmonary embolism

BACKGROUND:

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a disorder involving the pulmonary circulation resulting from a blockage of the pulmonary artery. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin on the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity in a rat model of APE.

METHODS:

A total of 108 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups (n=18 rats per group): control group, sham operation group, APE model group, and low-, medium- and high-dose aspirin groups. Six, 24, and 72 hours after the induction of APE, rats in the low-, medium- and high-dose aspirin groups were given aspirin at a respective daily dose of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg by gavage for three consecutive days. Rats in the other groups were treated with equal volumes of normal saline. Six rats in each group were anesthetized with 10% chloral hydrate solution at each time point, and then the lung tissues were collected and analyzed using immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS:

Positive immunohistochemical staining was present in the bronchial epithelial cells, alveolar cells, macrophages, and surrounding bronchial smooth muscle cells. When compared with the APE model group, the number of positive cells was significantly lower in the other groups at each time point (P<0.001). Statistically significant differences were also observed among the aspirin-treated groups at 6 hours (P<0.05, P<0.001). Compared with the APE model group, NF-κB protein expression was reduced in the other groups at each time point (P<0.05, P<0.001). Rats from the APE model group had thrombosis, damaged alveolar walls, and pulmonary hemorrhage, along with different degrees of inflammatory cellular infiltration at each time point. However, pathological changes such as pulmonary hemorrhage and infiltration of inflammatory cells were attenuated after the aspirin treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Aspirin can significantly inhibit NF-κB activity in the lung of rats with APE in a dose-dependent manner, and can alleviate lung injury after APE.KEY WORDS: Aspirin, Acute pulmonary embolism, Nuclear factor-κB     

Short Sleep Duration Is Associated With a Blood Pressure Nondipping Pattern in Type 1 Diabetes: The DIAPASOM study

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether nocturnal blood pressure dipping status in type 1 diabetes is correlated with specific sleep characteristics and differences in nocturnal glycemic profiles.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty type 1 diabetic adult patients underwent sleep studies with simultaneous 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and continuous nocturnal glucose monitoring.

RESULTS

Altogether, 55% of patients exhibited blunted blood pressure dipping. They did not differ from the dipper group in age, BMI, or systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure. Total sleep period (TSP) was higher in the dipper group (497 ± 30 vs. 407 ± 44 min for dippers and nondippers, respectively, P < 0.001). TSP was correlated with SBP and DBP day-night differences (r = 0.44 and 0.49, respectively). Periods of nocturnal hypoglycemia (i.e., % of TSP with glycemia <70 mg/dl) were longer in the dipper group (8.1 ± 10.7 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4% for dippers and nondippers, respectively, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Dipping status in type 1 diabetes was associated with longer sleep duration and with hypoglycemia unawareness.During sleep, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) demonstrates a normal decline of over 10% in blood pressure (BP), corresponding to the so-called dipping status. In type 1 diabetes, nondipping status is more prevalent (1) and is associated with increased risks for sustained hypertension, retinopathy, and nephropathy (1–3). Dipping pattern could be influenced by sleep duration and associated sleep disorders (4). In type 1 diabetes, sleep stability impacts sleep-related hypoglycemia by changing awakening responses to these episodes (5). Our hypothesis was that type 1 diabetic subjects with more stable sleep could exhibit normal BP dip and, because of higher arousal thresholds, could present an increased frequency of nocturnal hypoglycemia.     

Age determination of vessel wall hematoma in spontaneous cervical artery dissection: A multi-sequence 3T Cardiovascular Magnetic resonance study

Background

Previously proposed classifications for carotid plaque and cerebral parenchymal hemorrhages are used to estimate the age of hematoma according to its signal intensities on T1w and T2w MR images. Using these classifications, we systematically investigated the value of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in determining the age of vessel wall hematoma (VWH) in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD).

Methods

35 consecutive patients (mean age 43.6 ± 9.8 years) with sCAD received a cervical multi-sequence 3T CMR with fat-saturated black-blood T1w-, T2w- and TOF images. Age of sCAD was defined as time between onset of symptoms (stroke, TIA or Horner''s syndrome) and the CMR scan. VWH were categorized into hyperacute, acute, early subacute, late subacute and chronic based on their signal intensities on T1w- and T2w images.

Results

The mean age of sCAD was 2.0, 5.8, 15.7 and 58.7 days in patients with acute, early subacute, late subacute and chronic VWH as classified by CMR (p < 0.001 for trend). Agreement was moderate between VWH types in our study and the previously proposed time scheme of signal evolution for cerebral hemorrhage, Cohen''s kappa 0.43 (p < 0.001). There was a strong agreement of CMR VWH classification compared to the time scheme which was proposed for carotid intraplaque hematomas with Cohen''s kappa of 0.74 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Signal intensities of VWH in sCAD vary over time and multi-sequence CMR can help to determine the age of an arterial dissection. Furthermore, findings of this study suggest that the time course of carotid hematomas differs from that of cerebral hematomas.     

Effect of St. John’s wort extract on depressive disorder in elderly patients with unstable angina

BACKGROUND:

The elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are often accompanied with depression. This study aimed to assess the effect of St. John’s wort extract (SWE) on depressive disorder in elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris.

METHODS:

Altogether 170 patients who met the set criteria were enrolled in this prospective study. They were randomly divided into SWE group (44 patients), Deanxit group (44), psychotherapy group (42), and control group (40). The effectiveness of SWE was evaluated by reduced percentage of Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale and reduced frequency of angina pectoris attack, which were measured before and at 12 weeks after the treatment with SWE.

RESULTS:

The reduced percentages of HAMD scale were 79.5%, 56.8% and 57.1% in the SWE, Deanxit and psychotherapy groups, respectively. Compared with the control, the three groups had significant differences in the percentages (P<0.001). The improvement after the treatment was more significant in the SWE group than in the Deanxit or psychotherapy group (P<0.05). The improvement of angina pectoris evaluated by the Canadian Cardiac Society Classification was significantly better in the treatment groups (88. 7%, 65. 9%, 57.1%) than in the control group, and it was marked in the SWE group (P<0.001). Angina pectoris attack, its frequencies, durations and electrocardiographic changes were significantly improved in the treatment groups than in the control group (F=6.05, 4.58, 5.12, P<0.01). They are markedly improved in the SWE group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

SWE can improve depressive symptoms more significantly in elderly patients with unstable angina pectoris than Deanxit or psychotherapy, proving that SWE contributes to better treatment of angina attack as well.KEY WORDS: St. John’s wort extract, Depression, Elderly patients, Coronary heart disease, Unstable angina pectoris, Psychotherapy     

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor as a predictor of poor outcome in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome

BACKGROUND:

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) are known as important factors, which mediate a variety of functions in terms of vascular homeostasis, inflammation and tissue repair. However, their role in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) has been less well studied. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the abnormalities of fibrinolysis and degradation of extracellular matrix mediated by uPA and uPAR are directly related to the patients with SIRS. We therefore analyzed their role and clinicopathological significance in patients with SIRS.

METHODS:

A case-control study was conducted with 85 patients who were divided into two groups according to the diagnostic criteria of SIRS: SIRS group (n=50) and non-SIRS group (n=35). The SIRS group was divided into MODS group (n=26) and non-MODS group (n=24) by their severity, and survival group (n=35) and non-survival group (n=15) by their prognosis. Another 30 healthy adults served as normal controls. uPA and uPAR in plasma were detected by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

RESULTS:

The plasma level of uPA was lower in the SIRS group than in the non-SIRS group and controls (P<0.001 and P<0.001). It was lower in sepsis patients and the MODS group than in the non-sepsis patients and the non-MODS patients (all P<0.05). However, there was no difference in uPA level between survivors and non-survivors (P>0.05). The plasma level of uPAR increased in the SIRS group compared with the non-SIRS group and controls (P<0.001 and P<0.001). There was a significant elevation of uPAR in sepsis patients, MODS patients and non-survivors as compared with non-sepsis patients, non-MODS patients and survivors respectively (all P<0.05). Plasma uPAR levels were positively correlated with APACHE II score (r=0.575, P<0.001) and SOFA score (r=0.349, P=0.013). AUCs for the prediction of SIRS mortality were 0.67 and 0.51, respectively, for uPA and uPAR.

CONCLUSION:

uPAR could be a predictor of poor outcome in patients with SIRS.KEY WORDS: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome, Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, Urokinase-type plasminogen activator, Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor     

Serum uric acid in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND:

Few studies investigated serum uric acid levels in patients with acute Stelevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The study was to assess the clinical value of serum uric acid levels in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS:

Totally 502 consecutive patients with STEMI were retrospectively studied from January 2005 to December 2010. The level of serum lipid, echocardiographic data and in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with hyperuricemia (n=119) were compared with those in patients without hyperuricemia (n=383). The relationship between the level of serum uric acid and the degree of diseased coronary artery was analyzed. All data were analyzed with SPSS version 17.0 software for Student’s t test, the Chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis.

RESULTS:

Serum uric acid level was positively correlated with serum triglyceride level. Hyperlipidemia was more common in hyperuricemia patients than in non-hyperuricemia patients (43.7% vs. 33.7%, P=0.047), and serum triglyceride level was significantly higher in hyperuricemia patients (2.11±1.24 vs. 1.78±1.38, P=0.014). But no significant association was observed between serum uric acid level and one or more diseased vessels (P>0.05). Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) was larger in hyperuricemia patients than in non-hyperuricemia patients (53.52±6.19 vs. 52.18±4.89, P=0.041). The higher rate of left systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction was discovered in hyperuricemia patients (36.4% vs. 15.1%, P<0.001; 68.2% vs. 55.8%, P=0.023). Also, hyperuricemia patients were more likely to have in-hospital MACE (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Serum uric acid level is positively correlated with serum triglyceride level, but not with the severity of coronary artery disease. Hyperuricemia patients with STEMI tend to have a higher rate of left systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction and more likely to have more in hospital MACE.KEY WORDS: Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction, Serum uric acid, Triglyceride, Coronary angiography, Echocardiography, Left ventricular systolic dysfunction, Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, Major adverse cardiovascular events     

Emergent extracranial internal carotid artery stenting and mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke

Objective

Tandem occlusions involving both the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and an intracranial artery typically respond poorly to intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). We retrospectively review our experience with proximal ICA stenting and stent-assisted thrombectomy of the distal artery.

Methods

The data included patients that underwent carotid stenting and mechanical thrombectomy between 2012–2013. Radiographic, clinical, and procedural data were drawn from case notes, imaging records and discharge reports. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the modified Rankin scale (mRs).

Results

Seven patients, with a mean age of 66.4 years and a mean admission NIHSS of 18.3, underwent this procedure and were included. Each presented with an occlusion of the proximal ICA, with additional occlusions of the ICA terminus (n = 3), middle cerebral artery (n = 5), or anterior cerebral artery (n = 1). Recanalisation of all identified occlusions was achieved in all patients, with a Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score of 3 and a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) score >2b achieved in each case. Mean time from onset of stroke symptoms to recanalisation was 287 min; mean time from first angiography to recanalisation was 52 min. Intracranial haemorrhages occurred in two patients, with no increase in NIHSS. There were no mortalities. Mean NIHSS at discharge was 4.9, and mRs at 90 days was one in all patients.

Conclusions

Treatment of tandem extracranial ICA and intracranial occlusions in the setting of acute ischaemic stroke with extracranial carotid artery stenting followed by adjunctive intracranial mechanical thrombectomy is both safe and effective, but further evaluation of this treatment modality is necessary.     

Significance of blood pressure variability in patients with sepsis

BACKGROUND:

This study was undertaken to observe the characteristics of blood pressure variability (BPV) and sepsis and to investigate changes in blood pressure and its value on the severity of illness in patients with sepsis.

METHODS:

Blood parameters, APACHE II score, and 24-hour ambulatory BP were analyzed in 89 patients with sepsis.

RESULTS:

In patients with APACHE II score>19, the values of systolic blood pressure (SBPV), diasystolic blood pressure (DBPV), non-dipper percentage, cortisol (COR), lactate (LAC), platelet count (PLT) and glucose (GLU) were significantly higher than in those with APACHE II score ≤19 (P<0.05), whereas the values of procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cell (WBC), creatinine (Cr), PaO₂, C-reactive protein (CRP), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Correlation analysis showed that APACHE II scores correlated significantly with SBPV and DBPV (P<0.01, r=0.732 and P<0.01, r=0.762). SBPV and DBPV were correlated with COR (P=0.018 and r=0.318; P=0.008 and r=0.353 respectively). However, SBPV and DBPV were not correlated with TNF-α, IL-10, and PCT (P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis of SBPV, DBPV, APACHE II score, and LAC was used to predict prognosis in terms of survival and non-survival rates. Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) showed that DBPV was a better predictor of survival rate with an AUC value of 0.890. However, AUC of SBPV, APACHE II score, and LAC was 0.746, 0.831 and 0.915, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The values of SBPV, DBPV and non-dipper percentage are higher in patients with sepsis. DBPV and SBPV can be used to predict the survival rate of patients with sepsis.KEYWORDS: Sepsis, Systolic blood pressure variability, Diastolic blood pressure variability, APACHE II score, Inflammatory factor     

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Parameters in Office Normotensive Obese and Non-Obese Children: Relationship with Insulin Resistance and Atherosclerotic Markers

Objectives

To determine differences in ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) parameters between office normotensive obese and non-obese children and to evaluate correlations of ABP parameters with insulin resistance and the lipid profile.

Subjects and Methods

Thirty-eight obese [body mass index (BMI) above the 95th percentile] and 38 non-obese children aged 9-17 years were recruited. All subjects who were normotensive during office visits and who underwent 24-hour ABP monitoring were evaluated. Insulin resistance and the lipid profile were also evaluated.

Results

The mean daytime, night-time and 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the daytime and 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in normotensive obese children were significantly higher compared to the values in non-obese children (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the frequency of nocturnal non-dippers and nocturnal hypertension (night-time SBP at or above the 95th percentile) between the two groups (p > 0.05). Children with night-time SBP at or above the 95th percentile and non-dippers had higher atherosclerotic markers than children with night-time SBP below the 95th percentile and dippers (p < 0.05). In logistic regression analysis, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C):high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and night-time SBP had significantly positive associations with being obese in adolescents (OR 6.54, 95% CI 1.15-37.07, p = 0.03, and OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01-1.19, p = 0.02, respectively).

Conclusion

Normotensive obese children had higher ABP parameters. A high LDL-C:HDL-C ratio and night-time SBP were associated with an increased risk of being obese. High LDL-C:HDL-C ratios and total cholesterol: HDL-C levels in children and adolescents may be risk factors for night-time hypertension.Key Words: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Obesity, Children, Hypertension, Atherosclerotic markers     

Continuous tracheal gas insufflation during protective mechanical ventilation in juvenile piglets with acute lung injury induced by endotoxin

BACKGROUND:

Low tidal volume mechanical ventilation is difficult to correct hypoxemia, and prolonged inhalation of pure oxygen can lead to oxygen poisoning. We suggest that continuous tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) during protective mechanical ventilation could improve cardiopulmonary function in acute lung injury.

METHODS:

Totally 12 healthy juvenile piglets were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated at PEEP of 2 cmH₂O with a peak inspiratory pressure of 10 cmH₂O. The piglets were challenged with lipopolysaccharide and randomly assigned into two groups (n=6 each group): mechanical ventilation (MV) alone and TGI with continuous airway flow 2 l/min. FIO₂ was set at 0.4 to avoid oxygen toxicity and continuously monitored with an oxygen analyzer.

RESULTS:

Tidal volume, ventilation efficacy index and mean airway resistant pressure were significantly improved in the TGI group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). At 4 hours post ALI, pH decreased to below 7.20 in the MV group, and improved in the TGI group (P<0.01). Similarly, PaCO₂ was stable and was significantly lower in the TGI group than in the MV group (P<0.01). PaO₂ and PaO₂/FIO₂ increased also in the TGI group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in heart rate, respiratory rate, mean artery pressure, central venous pressure, dynamic lung compliance and mean resistance of airway between the two groups. Lung histological examination showed reduced inflammation, reduced intra-alveolar and interstitial patchy hemorrhage, and homogenously expanded lungs in the TGI group.

CONCLUSION:

Continuous TGI during MV can significantly improve gas exchange and ventilation efficacy and may provide a better treatment for acute lung injury.KEY WORDS: Acute lung injury, Tracheal gas insufflation, Lung protective strategy, Mechanical ventilation     

Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on intestinal mucosa apoptosis caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

BACKGROUND:

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is an effective adjuvant therapy for ischemia- reperfusion (I/R) injury of the brain, small intestine and testis in addition to crushing injury. Studies have shown that HBO increases the activity of villi of the ileum 30 minutes after I/R injury. The present study aimed to observe the effect of HBO on apoptosis of epithelial cells in the small intestine during different periods of I/R and to elucidate the potential mechanisms.

METHODS:

Rats were subjected to 60-minute ischemia by clamping the superior mesenteric artery and 60-minute reperfusion by removal of clamping. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: I/R group, HBO precondition or HBO treatment before ischemia (HBO-P), HBO treatment during ischemia period (HBO-I), and HBO treatment during reperfusion (HBO-R). After 60-minute reperfusion, samples of the small intestine were prepared to measure the level of ATP by using the colorimetric method and immunochemical expression of caspase-3. The levels of TNF-α in intestinal tissue were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method (Elisa).

RESULTS:

TNF-α levels were significantly lower in the HBO-I group than in the HBO-P (P<0.05), HBO-R and I/R groups; there was no significant difference between the HBO-R and I/R groups (P>0.05). The expression of caspas-3 was significantly lower in the HBO-I group than in the HBO-P group (P<0.05); it was also significantly lower in the HBO-P group than in the I/R and HBO-R groups (P<0.05). ATP level was significantly lower in the HBO-I group than in the HBO-P group (P<0.05), and also it was significantly lower in the HBO-P group than in the I/R and HBO-R groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

There is an association between HBO, small intestinal I/R injury, and mucosa apoptosis. HBO maintains ATP and aerobic metabolism, inhibites TNF-α production, and thus prevents intestinal mucosa from apoptosis. Best results can be obtained when HBO is administered to patients in the period of ischemia, and no side effects are produced when HBO is given during the period of reperfusion.KEY WORDS: Hyperbaric oxygen, Ischemia-reperfusion injury, Apoptosis     

Assessment of muscular strength with the modified sphygmomanometer test: what is the best method and source of outcome values?

Background

Tests that are usually employed for the clinical assessment of muscular strength have notable disadvantages. The Modified Sphygmomanometer Test (MST) is a promising method because it is low-cost and provides objective measures.

Objectives

To investigate the most adequate method and sources of outcome values for the assessment of strength with the MST.

Method

Methodological study with 40 healthy adults (22.98±2.26 years), who did not practice physical activity regularly. The strength of the flexors and extensors of the elbow and knee, the handgrip of the dominant side and anterior trunk flexors were randomly assessed with portable dynamometers and the MST (bag and cuff adaptations, and sphygmomanometer without adaptation) by a single examiner. An independent examiner read and recorded the values. The sources of the investigated outcome values were the first trial and the means of two and three trials. One-way ANOVAs and Pearson Correlation Coefficients were used for the analyses (α=0.05).

Results

For the MST methods applied to assess all muscular groups, similar values were found for all sources of outcome values (0.01<F<0.26; 0.77<p<1.00) with significant and positive correlations between the measures obtained with the dynamometers (0.51<r<0.94; p<0.003).

Conclusions

All MST methods showed adequate results for the assessment of strength in healthy individuals, and after familiarization, only one trial was sufficient to provide reliable measures. The sphygmomanometer without adaptation is not time consuming, compared to the other adaptations, and showed the capability of measuring higher values of strength. The bag method was easily trained to be used and stabilized.