Arterial duct stenting in low‐weight newborns with duct‐dependent pulmonary circulation

Objectives: To evaluate feasibility and results of arterial duct (AD) stenting in low‐weight newborns with congenital heart disease and duct‐dependent pulmonary circulation (CHD‐DPC). Background: AD stenting is nowadays considered a cost‐effective alternative to surgical shunt in CHD‐DPC. This option might be even more advisable in low‐weight neonates (<2.5 kg), who are at higher surgical risk and in whom stent redilation might adapt shunt magnitude to patient's growth. Methods: Between April 2003 and September 2010, 76 neonates with CHD‐DPC underwent AD stenting at our institution, as lower‐risk palliation with respect to surgical shunt. Procedural and follow‐up data of the 15 low‐weight newborns (2.0 ± 0.3 kg, median 2.2) (group I) were compared with the remaining normal‐weight newborns (3.5 ± 0.7 kg, median 3.2) (group II). Results: Feasibility, complication rate, and need for surgical shunt did not significantly differ between groups. Global X‐ray exposure was significantly higher in the low‐weight group (82 ± 108 vs. 30 ± 33 Gray/cm², P < 0.002), which maybe due to a longer angiographic presenting work‐up. In‐hospital mortality rate was 14.3% (vs. 1.9% in the group II, P = NS), although none of the fatalities was procedure‐related. During follow‐up, five patients (35.7% vs. 15.7% in the group II, P = NS) underwent stent redilation before surgical repair. At control angiography, the Nakata and McGoon indexes had significantly increased (P < 0.05 for both comparisons), without any significant difference with the group II (162 ± 52% vs. 144 ± 158% and 40 ± 17% vs. 42 ± 38%, P = NS). Conclusions: AD stenting is also feasible and effective in low‐weight newborns with CHD‐DPC, supporting the spontaneous improvement process or promoting a significant pulmonary artery growth. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Adipokines in type 1 diabetes after successful pancreas transplantation: normal visfatin and retinol‐binding‐protein‐4, but increased total adiponectin fasting concentrations

Objective In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), the release of many hormones, not only from beta‐cells, but also from adipocytes (adipokines) may be altered. After successful pancreas–kidney‐transplantation (PKTx), T1DM patients can revert to a nondiabetic metabolism, but it is unclear whether alterations of adipokines are still present after PKTx. Design, patients and measurements Concentrations of adipokines [visfatin, retinol‐binding protein‐4 (RBP‐4), adiponectin, high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin] were measured at fasting in 10 PKTx and in 19 T1DM. Nondiabetic healthy controls (CON, n = 9) and six nondiabetic patients after kidney transplantation (KTx) were examined as control groups. In PKTx, KTx and CON, indices of insulin sensitivity (OGIS) and beta cell function (adaptation index, AI) were calculated from 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) data. Results Fasting serum visfatin (T1DM: 56 ± 4 μg/l, PKTx: 42 ± 6 μg/l, KTx: 39 ± 3 μg/l, CON: 40 ± 3 μg/l) and RBP‐4 (T1DM: 490 ± 26 μg/l, PKTx: 346 ± 39 μg/l, KTx: 401 ± 13 μg/l, CON: 359 ± 36 μg/l) was increased by 40% and 36%, respectively (each P < 0·03) in T1DM only. Levels were positively correlated with HbA1c in all subjects (visfatin: r = 0·43, P < 0·004; RBP‐4: r = 0·46, P < 0·03). Fasting plasma adiponectin was 80% higher in T1DM and in PKTx (T1DM: 18 ± 2 mg/l, PKTx: 18 ± 3 mg/l, KTx: 12 ± 3 mg/l, CON: 10 ± 1 mg/l; P < 0·04) and was positively correlated with diabetes duration (r = 0·37, P < 0·02). HMW/total adiponectin ratio was increased in T1DM (P < 0·02). PKTx displayed a normoglycaemic metabolism as insulin sensitive as CON, but AI was lower than in CON and KT (P < 0·01). Conclusions T1DM after successful PKTx show normal fasting visfatin and RBP‐4 levels and HMW‐adiponectin/adiponectin‐ratio, which are elevated in T1DM, whereas total adiponectin levels are similarly increased in T1DM and PKTx patients.     

Variability and Resource Utilization of Bedside Three‐dimensional Echocardiographic Quantitative Measurements of Left Ventricular Volume in Congenital Heart Disease

Objectives. This study evaluated the variability and time resource utilization of bedside 3‐dimensional echocardiographic left ventricular volume analysis (3D‐LVVA) in congenital heart disease (CHD). Background. There are currently limited data on the resource utilization and variability of 3D‐LVVA in the CHD. Methods. Four reviewers of varying experience levels were timed performing 15 on‐scanner 3D‐LVVAs. Inter‐ and intraobserver variability for left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), end‐systolic volume (LVESV), and ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated. Results. Median age was 12.7 years (0.6–33 years). Diagnoses were: normal (n = 4), cardiomyopathy (n = 4), ventricular septal defect (n = 2), and atrioventricular canal, tricuspid atresia, bicuspid aortic valve, left ventricular hypertrophy, and heart transplant (n = 1 each). For interobserver variability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for all possible combinations of reviewers were: LVEDV, 0.991–0.999 (P < .01); LVESV, 0.98–0.99 (P < .01); LVEF, 0.95–0.98 (P < .01). Bland–Altman plot mean differences (±2SD) were: LVEDV, ?3 ± 14%; LVESV, ?5.4 ± 21.4%; LVEF, 1.2 ± 14.7%. Interobserver variability of LVESV was not dependent on ventricular volumes (P = .25; r² = 0.01) or heart rate (P = .43; r² = 0.003). For intraobserver variability, ICCs for 2 reviewers were LVEDV, 0.99, 0.99 (P < .01); LVESV, 0.99, 0.99 (P < .01); and LVEF, 0.94, 0.94 (P < .01), respectively. Bland–Altman plot mean differences (±2SD) were: LVEDV, ?1 ± 9.2%; LVESV, 0 ± 19.6%; LVEF, ?2.2 ± 24%. Conclusion. Reviewers with varying experience levels can accomplish 3D‐LVVA at the bedside with acceptable inter‐ and intraobserver reproducibility, providing the rationale for integrating 3D‐LVVA into the care of CHD patients.     

Impact of Sildenafil Therapy on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Background : It has been demonstrated that sildenafil is effective in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the impact of sildenafil on PAH in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) has been less investigated. Objective : In this prospective, open‐label, uncontrolled and multicenter study, 60 patients with PAH related to CHD received oral sildenafil (75 mg/day) for 12 weeks. The enrolled patients underwent six‐minute walk test (SMWT) and cardiac catheterization at the beginning and the end of the 12 weeks. The primary end point was the changes in exercise capacity assessed by SMWT; the secondary end point included assessment of functional class, evaluation of cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and clinical worsening (defined as death, transplantation, and rehospitalization for PAH). Drug safety and tolerability were also examined. Results : Oral sidenafil significantly increased SMWT distances (422.94 ± 76.95 m vs. 371.99 ± 78.73 m, P < 0.0001). There was also remarkable improvement in Borg dyspnea score (2.1 ± 1.32 vs. 2.57 ± 1.42, P= 0.0307). Moreover, significant improvements in World Healthy Organization (WHO) functional class and cardiopulmonary hemodynamics were also discovered (mean pulmonary artery pressure, P= 0.0002; cardiac index, P < 0.0001; pulmonary vascular resistance, P < 0.0001). Side effects in this study were mild and consistent with reported studies. None of the enrolled patients experienced significant clinical worsening. Conclusions : This study confirmed and extended previous studies. It suggested that oral sildenafil was safe and effective for the treatment of adult patients with CHD‐related PAH.     

Assessment of pulmonary hypertension in the pediatric catheterization laboratory: Current insights from the magic registry

Objectives: To assess protocols, demographics, and hemodynamics in pediatric patients undergoing catheterization for pulmonary hypertension (PH). Background: Pediatric specific data is limited on PH. Methods: Review of the Mid‐Atlantic Group of Interventional Cardiology (MAGIC) collaboration PH registry dataset. Results: Between November 2003 and October 2008, seven institutions submitted data from 177 initial catheterizations in pediatric patients with suspected PH. Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (APAH‐CHD) (n = 61, 34%) was more common than idiopathic PAH (IPAH) (n = 36, 20%). IPAH patients were older with higher mean pulmonary arterial pressures (mPAP) (P < 0.01). Oxygen lowered mPAP in patients with IPAH (P < 0.01) and associated PAH not related to congenital heart disease (APAH‐non CHD) (P < 0.01). A synergistic effect was seen with inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) (P < 0.01). Overall 9/30 (29%) patients with IPAH and 8/48 (16%) patients with APAH‐non CHD were reactive to vasodilator testing. Oxygen lowered pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) in patients with APAH‐CHD (P < 0.01). There was no additive effect with iNO but a subset of patients required iNO to lower PVRI below 5 WU·m². General anesthesia (GA) lowered systemic arterial pressure (P < 0.01) with no difference between GA and procedural sedation on mPAP or PVRI. Adverse events were rare (n = 7) with no procedural deaths. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with PH demonstrate a higher incidence of APAH‐CHD and neonatal specific disorders compared to adults. Pediatric PH patients may demonstrate baseline mPAP < 40 mm Hg but > 50% systemic illustrating the difficulty in applying adult criteria to children with PH. Catheterization in children with PH is relatively safe. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Flow-mediated vasodilation and distensibility in relation to intima-media thickness of large arteries in mild essential hypertension

Whether endothelial dysfunction in essential hypertension is a cause or a consequence of structural vessel wall alterations is not known. The purpose of the present study was to compare flow-mediated vasodilation and mechanical vessel wall properties of large arteries between never treated mild essential hypertensive patients with normal intima-media thickness (IMT) and those exhibiting intima-media thickening. We measured brachial and carotid artery diameter and distension by Doppler frequency analysis of vessel wall movements in M-mode in ten essential hypertensive patients with normal carotid artery IMT (HYP1), in ten patients with increased IMT (HYP2), and in 13 normotensive control subjects (CON).Thereafter, we measured changes in brachial artery (BA) diameters during distal reactive hyperemia after 4 min of forearm occlusion. Nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation was measured to assess endothelium-independent vasodilation, and BA blood flow was estimated using a pulsed Doppler system. Intima-media thickness of the carotid arteries was examined by high resolution B-mode ultrasound. IMT was 0.66 ± 0.02 mm in the HYP1 group, 0.84 ± 0.03 mm in the HYP2 group (P < .01 v HYP1, P < .01 v CON), and 0.71 ± 0.04 mm in the CON group. Forearm occlusion was reduced in both the HYP1 group (3.4% ± 3.6%, P < .01 v CON) and the HYP2 group (6.4% ± 1.5%, P < .05 v CON) when compared with the CON group (16.5% ± 2.8%). Nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation and BA blood flow were not different between study groups. BA distension (as well as carotid artery distension) was significantly lower in the HYP1 group (52 ± 6 μm, P < .05 v CON), but not in the HYP2 group (72 ± 10 μm) when compared with the CON group (88 ± 13 μm). The data suggest that endothelial dysfunction and reduced distensibility of large arteries in patients with essential hypertension occur in the absence of structural vessel wall alterations.     

Comparative analysis of saphenous vein bypass vs. native coronary artery balloon angioplasty: Technical differences and angiographic response

To evaluate technical differences and angiographic response of saphenous vein bypass graft angioplasty in comparison to native coronary arteries, we retrospectively analyzed 54 patients undergoing this procedure at The Toronto Hospital between February 1988 and May 1993. These subjects were temporally matched to a cohort of successful native coronary angioplasties, with comparison of technical parameters, pre-existing qualitative/quantitative (Cardiac Measurement System) stenotic morphology, and angiographic response; including changes in minimum lumen diameter. Saphenous bypass graft angioplasty utilized larger balloons (CABG, 3.27 ± 0.65 vs. native, 2.90 ± 0.37 mm, P < .05), and higher inflation pressures (CABG, 10.1 ±3.7 vs. native, 8.8 ± 2.5 atm, P < .05), although in a relative sense, balloon/artery ratios were similar (CABG, 1.09 ± 0.20 vs. native, 1.03 ± 0.15, pNS). Pre-procedural bypass graft lesions were more complex, with more frequent ACC/AHA type B₁ lesions [CABG, 24/54 (44%) vs. native, 16/54 (30%), P < .05] and luminal thrombus [CABG, 17/54 (31%) vs. native, 6/54(11%), P < .05]. Quantitative angiography revealed larger “reference” diameters within saphenous veins (CABG, 3.41 ± 0.76 vs. native, 3.04 ± 0.51 mm, P < .05), although minimum lumen diameter was less severe (CABG, 0.83 ± 0.41 vs. native, 0.77 ± 0.36, P < .05). In terms of balloon angioplasty response, greater improvemnet in luminal diameter was seen in bypass graft lesions (CABG, 1.55 ± 0.53 vs. native, 1.32 ± 0.44 mm, P < .05), with the largest changes within the “body” of the saphenous vein (ostial, 1.53 ± 0.37; body, 1.68 ± 0.50; anastomosis, 1.37 ± 0.57 mm). In conclusion, technical differences do exist during the performance of balloon angioplasty in degenerative saphenous vein bypass grafts, often dictated by morphologically complex lesions. Bypass grafts demonstrate a larger intrinsic lumen, although preexisting stenoses tend to be less severe, with greater improvement in minimum lumen diameter. Some of these differences may be attributable to intrinsic differences in the compliance characteristics of saphenous vein bypass grafts and to differing characteristics of the relatively accelerated atherosclerosis.     

Heightened Dependence of Left-Heart Filling Pressures on Right-Heart Failure in Congenital Heart Disease

BackgroundPulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is often elevated in patients with right-sided congenital heart disease (CHD), raising the possibility of coexisting left-heart disease, but pressure-volume relationships in the left and right sides of the heart influence one another through interdependence, which may be amplified in patients with CHD.MethodsWe hypothesized that increases in PAWP in patients with CHD would be more strongly related to ventricular interdependence compared with patients who have isolated left-heart disease such as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Ventricular interdependence was assessed by the relationship between PAWP and right-atrial pressure (RAP), RAP/PAWP ratio, and the left-ventricular (LV) eccentricity index.ResultsPAWP was elevated (≥15 mm Hg) in 49% of patients with CHD (n = 449). There was a very strong correlation between RAP and PAWP in CHD (r = 0.81, P < 0.001) that greatly exceeded the respective correlation in HFpEF (n = 160; r = 0.58, P < 0.001; P < 0.001 between groups). RAP/PAWP ratio and LV eccentricity index were higher in CHD than HFpEF (1.26 ± 0.18 vs 1.05 ± 0.14, P = 0.007) and (0.80 ± 0.21 vs 0.59 ± 0.19, P < 0.001), respectively. RAP (but not PAWP) was an independent predictor of death/transplant (hazard ratio 1.86 per 5 mm Hg, 95% confidence interval, 1.39-2.45, P = 0.002).ConclusionsLeft-heart filling pressures are commonly elevated in right-sided CHD, but this is related predominantly to right-heart failure and enhanced ventricular interdependence rather than left-heart disease. These data provide new insight into the basis of abnormal left-heart hemodynamics in patients with CHD and reinforce the importance of therapeutic interventions targeted to the right heart.     

Progression of large artery structural and functional alterations in Type I diabetes

Aims/hypothesis. Type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus is accompanied by reduced arterial distensibility and increased arterial wall thickness even in normotensive subjects with no micro-macrovascular complications. It is not known whether, and how fast, these subclinical markers of vascular damage develop over time. Methods. We measured arterial wall distensibility in radial, common carotid artery and abdominal aorta in 60 normotensive patients (aged 35.0 ± 1.2 years, means ± SE) with Type I diabetes with no microvascular or macrovascular complications and in 20 healthy control subjects matched for age. Arterial distensibility was determined by continuous measurements of arterial diameter through echotracking techniques and by using either the Langewouters (radial artery) or the Reneman formula (carotid artery and aorta). The same echotracking techniques allowed us to ascertain the radial and carotid artery wall thickness. Data were collected before and after 23 ± 1 months. Results. In the first study, carotid artery distensibility was similar but radial artey and aortic distensibility was less (p < 0.01) in patients with diabetes than in control subjects (–39 % and 25 % respectively). This was accompanied by an increase (p < 0.01) in both radial (42 %) and carotid artery wall thickness (46 %). After 23 ± 1 months diabetic subjects showed a further reduction in arterial distensibility (radial–12 %, p < 0.05; carotid–8 %, NS; aorta–20 % p < 0.05) and an increase in arterial wall thickness (radial + 15 %; carotid 14 %, p < 0,05). No change in distensibility and wall thickness values occurred in control subjects. Conclusion/interpretation. The early reduction in arterial distensibility and increase in arterial wall thickness characterizing uncomplicated normotensive Type I diabetes patients shows a measurable worsening over the short term. [Diabetologia (2001) 44: 203–208] Received: 20 May 2000 and in revised form: 20 September 2000     

Simultaneous Improvement in Aortic Distensibility and Coronary Flow Velocity Reserve after Successful Coronary Interventions

Objective: Deteriorations in coronary flow velocity reserve (CFR) and aortic distensibility have been demonstrated in coronary artery disease. The objective of the present study was a simultaneous echocardiographic evaluation of the CFR and aortic distensibility indices before and after successful percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) disease. Methods: The study population, comprising 12 patients (4 women and 8 men) with significant proximal LAD stenosis, were compared with matched controls. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was carried out to evaluate the CFR and aortic distensibility indices (the aortic elastic modulus E(p) and Young's circumferential static elastic modulus E(s)) before and after PCI to the LAD. The subjects underwent TEE on average 8 ± 11 days before PCI and 25 ± 6 weeks after PCI. Results: An improvement in CFR was demonstrated in patients with LAD stenosis after successful PCI (1.71 ± 0.36 vs. 2.08 ± 0.28, P < 0.05), which paralleled the decreases in E(p) (936 ± 544 mmHg vs. 567 ± 184 mmHg, P < 0.05) and E(s) (10,207 ± 6,295 mmHg vs. 5,831 ± 2,010 mmHg, P < 0.05) during the follow‐up. Conclusion: The aortic distensibility improves in parallel with the increase in CFR in patients with LAD stenosis after successful PCI. (Echocardiography 2010;27:311‐316)     

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation preceded by routine prestenting with a bare metal stent

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) with routine prestenting with a bare metal stent (BMS). Background: PPVI is a relatively new method of treating patients with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD). Results of PPVI performed with routine prestenting have never been reported. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent PPVI for homograft dysfunction with prestenting with BMS were studied. The schedule of follow‐up assessment comprised clinical evaluation, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, transthoracic echocardiography, and chest X‐ray to screen for device integrity. Results: PPVI was performed with no serious complications in all patients (n = 10, mean age 26.8 ± 4.0 years, 60% males). In nine patients with significant pulmonary stenosis, peak right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) gradient was reduced from a mean of 80.6 ± 22.7 to 38.8 ± 10.4 mm Hg on the day following implantation (P = 0.001). At 1‐month and 6‐month follow‐ups, mean RVOT gradient was 34.0 ± 9.8 and 32.0 ± 12.2 mm Hg, respectively. In patients with significant pulmonary regurgitation, mean pulmonary regurgitation fraction decreased from 19% ± 6% to 2% ± 1% (P = 0.0008). Relief of RVOT obstruction and restoration of pulmonary valve competence were associated with significant decrease in right ventricular (RV) end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes (125.5 ± 48.6 to 109.2 ± 42.9 mL/m²; P = 0.002 and 68.4 ± 41.5 vs. 50.9 ± 40.6 mL/m²; P = 0.001) as well as improvement in RV ejection fraction (48.8% ± 13.1% to 57.6% ± 14.4%; P = 0.003) and New York Heart Association class (P = 0.003). All patients completed 6‐month follow‐up. No stent fractures were observed. Conclusions: PPVI with routine prestenting with BMS is a safe and effective method of treatment in patients with repaired CHD. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Esophagogastric junction distensibility in hiatus hernia

Hiatus hernia is known to be an important risk factor for developing gastroesophageal reflux disease. We aimed to use the endoscopic functional lumen imaging probe (EndoFLIP) to evaluate the functional properties of the esophagogastric junction. EndoFLIP assessments were made in 30 patients with hiatus hernia and Barrett's esophagus, and in 14 healthy controls. The EndoFLIP was placed straddling the esophagogastric junction and the bag distended stepwise to 50 mL. Cross‐sectional areas of the bag and intra‐bag pressures were recorded continuously. Measurements were made in the separate sphincter components and hiatus hernia cavity. EndoFLIP measured functional aspects such as sphincter distensibility and pressure of all esophagogastric junction components and visualized all hiatus hernia present at endoscopy. The lower esophageal sphincter in hiatus hernia patients had a lower pressure (e.g. 47.7 ± 13.0 vs. 61.4 ± 19.2 mm Hg at 50‐mL distension volume) and was more distensible (all P < 0.001) than the common esophagogastric junction in controls. In hiatus hernia patients, the crural diaphragm had a lower pressure (e.g. 29.6 ± 10.1 vs. 47.7 ± 13.0 mm Hg at 50‐mL distension volume) and was more distensible (all P < 0.001) than the lower esophageal sphincter. There was a significant association between symptom scores in patients and EndoFLIP assessment. Conclusively, EndoFLIP was a useful tool. To evaluate the presence of a hiatus hernia and to measure the functional properties of the esophagogastric junction. Furthermore, EndoFLIP distinguished the separate esophagogastric junction components in hiatus hernia patients, and may help us understand the biomechanics of the esophagogastric junction and the mechanisms behind hiatal herniation.     

Blood pressure and autonomic responses following isolated and combined aerobic and resistance exercise in hypertensive older women

Purpose: This study aimed to compare blood pressure (BP) after isolated and combined sessions of aerobic and resistance exercises in hypertensive older women. Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were included as additional variables. Methods: Twenty-one older women (63±1.9 years; 69.9±2.7 kg; 158.8±2.1 cm) with controlled hypertension (resting BP = 132.2 ± 3.1/74.1 ± 4.0 mmHg) performed four random sessions on different days: 1) aerobic exercise (AE: treadmill walking/running; 40 min; 50–60% HR_reserve); 2) resistance exercise (RE: 8 exercises; 3 sets; 15 reps; 40% 1RM)); 3) aerobic exercise followed by resistance exercise (A+R); 4); control (CON). BP, HR and HRV were measured at rest and during 180 min after the sessions. Results: The AE and A+R sessions demonstrated significant decreases in SBP and DBP (30, 60, 120, and 180 min; P < 0.05) and increases in HR (30 and 60 min; P < 0.05) compared to the CON. The RE session demonstrated significant reductions compared to the CON only for DBP (120 and 180 min; P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in HRV between resting and all sessions. Conclusion: All sessions that involved aerobic exercise (AE and A+R) caused postexercise hypotension in comparison to the CON, with no differences in HRV.     

冠心病患者动脉扩张性与高敏C反应蛋白和尿酸的相关性研究

目的研究冠心病患者动脉扩张性与高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)和血尿酸(UA)水平的相关性。方法124例患者根据冠状动脉造影结果分为冠心病组(90例)和非冠心病组(34例),应用自动脉搏波速度(PWV)测量系统测定颈动脉-桡动脉PWV(C-RPWV)和颈动脉-股动脉PWV(C-FPWV)作为动脉扩张性的指标,测量所有患者的血hs-CRP和UA水平。结果冠心病组患者的hs-CRP(3.87±3.35)mg/L、C-RPWV(10.86±2.51)m/s和C-FPWV(12.75±2.67)m/s高于非冠心病组患者hs-CRP(1.99±2.51)mg/L、C-RPWV(8.56±1.03)m/s和C-FPWV(8.77±1.35)m/s,差异有显著性意义。多元逐步回归分析表明,C-RPWV与hs-CRP水平独立相关,与C-RPWV和C-FPWV相关因素有hs-CRP和UA。结论冠心病患者动脉扩张性降低,PWV和冠心病动脉粥样硬化炎症反应程度和稳定性相关。     

Interventional catheterization decreases plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in children with congenital heart defects

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is one of the cardiac peptides implicated in volume and sodium homeostasis. We investigated the effect of interventional catheterization on plasma levels of ANP, aldosterone, and cortisol in 28 children with various congenital heart defects (CHD). Patients were divided by age into two groups: group A - infants and children over 3 months of age (n = 22), and group B - newborns (n = 6). These were compared to age-matched control groups. In group A, interventions included pulmonic valvotomy (n = 8), aortic valvotomy (n = 4), balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta (n = 3), balloon dilatation of the mitral valve (n = 1), and Rashkind double umbrella closure of patent ductus arteriosus (n = 6). Group B interventions included pulmonic valvotomy (n = 3), aortic valvotomy (n = 1), and balloon atrial septosomy (n = 2). In group A, mean ANP levels were markedly higher than in age-matched controls (125.2 ± 15.8 vs. 24.6 ± 4.6 pg/ml) (P <0.0001), and decreased immediately after intervention (75.6 ± 11.4 pg/ml, P <0.02), and more markedly on follow-up (42.9 ± 5.0 pg/ml, P <0.0001). In group B (newborns), mean basal plasma levels were high before and after intervention and were not different from age-matched controls (243 ± 42.1 vs. 220.8 ± 16.2 pg/ml). There was a significant decrease on follow-up measurement (62.1 ± 12.7 pg/ml, P <0.005). In both groups, plasma cortisol levels increased significantly immediately following catheterization (P <0.02), and normalized on follow-up. Basal aldosterone levels were normal in group A and high in Group B (9.9 ± 3.8 vs. 167.6 ± 16.9 ng/dl) (P <0.001). It is suggested that plasma ANP levels are increased in children with CHD, without overt heart failure, and decrease significantly following successful intervention. In newborns with CHD, the physiological high ANP levels obscure the effect of the CHD. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 45:27–32, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Chronic Endopeptidase Inhibition in DOCA‐Salt Hypertension: Mechanism of Cardiovascular Protection

These studies examined the interactions of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), and nitric oxide (NO) in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐induced hypertension. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 35) were uninephrectomized (UNx) or uninephrectomized and treated with DOCA (25 mg pellet implanted subcutaneously). Candoxatril (30 mg/kg day^?1), a NEP inhibitor, was given orally for 3 weeks in UNx or DOCA rats. Sham nephrectomized rats (SHAM) served as controls. Except SHAM, all other groups received 1% NaCl in drinking water ad libitum. Measurements were taken of systolic blood pressure (SBP), left ventricle (LV), and aortic weight (AW), plasma ET‐1, and urinary excretion of nitrite and Na⁺. Whole body vascular hypertrophy and morphometric analysis of histological sections of the heart were also determined. In DOCA rats, SBP increased from 113 ± 5 to 170 ± 5 mmHg without significant changes in body weight (BW). Candoxatril reduced the increase in SBP to 135 ± 9 mmHg (P < 0.05), abolished the increased LV wall thickness (P < 0.05), and increased the reduced LV lumen diameter (P < 0.05) in DOCA‐salt rats. Candoxatril also reduced plasma ET‐1 by 88 ± 9% and 89 ± 17% (P < 0.05) in UNx and DOCA rats, respectively, and elicited increases in urinary excretion of nitrite. These effects were accompanied by a marked increase in urinary excretion of Na⁺ (U_NaV) (P < 0.05) and a blunting of the proteinuria (32 ± 5%; P < 0.05) in DOCA rats. We conclude that endopeptidase inhibition in DOCA‐salt hypertension reduced the increase in blood pressure and the attendant tissue hypertrophy and renal injury. These effects suggest a correlation between endopeptidase‐related reduction in ET‐1 production and protection in DOCA‐salt hypertension.     

Coronary artery distensibility and compensatory vessel enlargement--a novel parameter influencing vascular remodeling?

Vascular remodeling implies the concept of compensatory vessel enlargement to preserve luminal dimensions during atheromatous plaque development. However, negative remodeling, i.e. vessel shrinkage in response to plaque accumulation has also been described. So far, the factors influencing positive or negative remodeling are uncertain. We hypothesized that vascular distensibility, a measure of vessel compliance, is related to compensatory enlargement. In 58 patients undergoing intravascular ultrasound interrogation of a de novo lesion prior to coronary intervention, the cross-sectional vessel area (VA), lumen area (LA) and plaque area (PA = VA minus LA) were measured at end diastole and end systole at the lesion site and at the proximal and distal reference segments. Positive remodeling was defined to be present when the VA at the lesion was > 1.05 times larger than that at the proximal reference (group A), negative remodeling when the VA at the lesion was < 0.95 of the reference site (group C) and in-between was considered to be intermediate (group B). Vessel compliance was measured by calculating vascular distensibility. Results showed a similar LA at the lesion site in all groups (4.18 ± 2.18 vs. 4.36 ± 1.19 vs. 3.74 ± 1.81 mm², NS) while VA and PA were significantly larger in group A (17.19 ± 5.08 vs. 14.22 ± 3.66 and 12.45 ± 4.82 mm², p = 0.005 and 13 ± 4.55 vs. 9.95 ± 3.58 and 8.7 ± 3.83, p = 0.003, respectively). Vascular distensibility at the proximal reference segment was significantly greater in group A (3.55 ± 2.67 vs. 1.25 ± 1.03 and 0.85 ± 0.73 mmHg⁻¹, p < 0.001) with a positive correlation between remodeling and distensibility (R = 0.52, p < 0.001). In a multiple regression model including clinical and lesional factors, distensibility was the only predictor of remodeling. In conclusion, these results suggest that compensatory vessel enlargement occurs to a greater degree in patients with increased coronary artery distensibility, which appears to be a predictor for positive remodeling. Received: 14 September 2000, Returned for revision: 30 October 2000, Revision received: 8 January 2001, Accepted: 24 January 2001     

Plasma levels of copeptin in patients with coronary heart disease

The present study was undertaken to investigate alteration in plasma levels of copeptin, a stable fragment derived from provasopressin, in patients with coronary heart disease. We measured plasma level of copeptin in 21 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and 12 agematched healthy subjects by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Chi-square test, Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analyses. Correlations between variables were tested by simple linear regression analysis. The plasma level of copeptin was significantly increased in patients (43.07 ± 17.08 vs 11.13 ± 5.73 pmol/l in controls, P < 0.01) and was further increased, by 60%, to 68.71 ± 16.81 pmol/l on day 1 after therapy with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and stent (P < 0.05). On days 3 and 7 after therapy, the levels were greatly decreased, to 38.82 ± 19.00 and 32.10 ± 14.00 pmol/l, respectively, from that before therapy (all P < 0.05) but were higher, by 249% and 188%, respectively, than that of controls (all P < 0.01). The results suggest that the vasopressin system is activated in patients with CHD as indicated by changes in copeptin level, especially after PTCA and stent therapy. As a potential risk factor for CHD, plasma copeptin activation might have important clinical significance in terms of early intervention in patients with CHD.     

Motor performance is better than normal in preschool children with cystic fibrosis

The aim of the present study was to assess the motor performance in preschool children with a reliable and valid test battery developed to identify motor dysfunction and normal motor development in children aged from 4 to 6 years. Several aspects of motor performance were examined in 29 preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF) age range 4–6 years (mean 5.2 ± 0.8 years), FEV₁ 97.2 ± 15.3pred and compared to with 22 healthy children of the same age 5.5 ± 0.8 years. All children performed the “Motoriktest fuer 4‐6jaehrige Kinder” (MOT) assessing seven different aspects of motor performance. Compared to healthy children, test score “Motor Quotient” (MQ) as the mean of all test items was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in children with CF (108.1 ± 16 vs. 93.5 ± 17.9). In both groups, the MQ can be classified as normal. Children with CF scored higher in MOT subtests “Agility and Coordination” (P < 0.05) and “Balance” (P < 0.01) than healthy children but not in the other subtests. We speculate that chest physiotherapy in preschool children with CF may have an effect on motor performance in general and in some aspects of motor performance. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:527–535. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Activity of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme After Treatment with L‐Arginine in Renovascular Hypertension

The renin‐angiotensin system plays a role in the pathophysiology of renovascular hypertension. In addition, some studies have demonstrated a beneficial effect of L‐arginine (L‐Arg), the precursor of nitric oxide (NO), in this model of hypertension. This study was designed to investigate the effects of L‐Arg on cardiovascular parameters and on the activity of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), after 14 days of renovascular hypertension. The experiments were performed on conscious male Wistar rats. Two‐kidney, one‐clip renovascular hypertension (2K1C) was initiated in rats by clipping the left renal artery during 14 days, while control rats were sham‐operated. One group was submitted to a similar procedure and treated with L‐Arg (10 mg/ml; average intake of 300mg/day) from the 7th to the 14th day after surgery, whereas the respective control group received water instead. At the end of the treatment period, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured in conscious animals. The rats were sacrificed and the ACE activity was assayed in heart and kidneys, using Hip‐His‐Leu as substrate. In a separate group, the heart was removed, the left ventricle (LV) was weighed and the LV/body weight ratios (LV/BW) were determined. We observed significant differences in MAP between the L‐Arg‐treated and untreated groups (129 ± 7 vs. 168 ± 6 mmHg; P < 0.01). The cardiac hypertrophy described for this model of hypertension was attenuated in the 2K1C‐L‐Arg‐treated group (14th day, wet LV/BW: 2K1C‐L‐Arg = 1.88 ± 0.1; 2K1C = 2.20 ± 0.1 mg/g; P < 0.05). L‐Arg administration caused an important decrease in cardiac ACE activity (2K1C‐L‐Arg: 118 ± 15; 2K1C: 266 ± 34 µmol/min/mg; P < 0.01). L‐Arg also decreased the ACE activity in the clipped kidney by 47% (P < 0.01), but not in the nonclipped kidney. These data suggest that increased NO formation and reduced angiotensin II formation are involved in the anthihypertensive effect of orally administered L‐arginine.