Correlation between soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) expression and endoscopic activity in inflammatory bowel diseases

Background

Recently, a triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 was shown to be upregulated in the intestines of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between serum soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) level and endoscopic activity in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

Methods

A total of 85 patients with ulcerative colitis and 34 patients with Crohn's disease were prospectively enrolled. Endoscopic disease activity was determined using the Mayo score and the Simplified Endoscopic Activity Score for Crohn's disease.

Results

In ulcerative colitis, sTREM-1 level was correlated more strongly with the endoscopic activity (r = 0.498) than the C-reactive protein level (r = 0.386) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.272), although not superior to the partial Mayo score (r = 0.611). Moreover, only sTREM-1 was correlated significantly with the endoscopic activity irrespective of the disease extent. In Crohn's disease, the Simplified Endoscopic Activity Score for Crohn's disease was correlated with both the C-reactive protein level (r = 0.585) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r = 0.474), but not with sTREM-1 level (r = 0.097).

Conclusions

In ulcerative colitis, sTREM-1 level was correlated most closely with the endoscopic disease activity among serum biomarkers, but was not superior to the clinical activity index. Our results suggest that sTREM-1 level may represent a complementary marker for the assessment of endoscopic activity in ulcerative colitis, but not in Crohn's disease.     

Genetic variants of membrane metallopeptidase genes in inflammatory bowel diseases

Background

The substance P pathway modulates neuroimmune interactions during intestinal inflammation.

Aims

To analyse mucosal expression and genetic variants of the genes coding for substance P, neurokinin-1 receptor and neutral endopeptidase in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

qRT-PCR was used to analyse mRNA levels in matched, paired samples of inflamed colonic mucosa and adjacent non-inflamed endoscopic tissue from 26 Crohn's disease and 25 ulcerative colitis patients. Allele and genotype frequencies of tag-SNPs were determined in 908 Crohn's disease, 929 ulcerative colitis, and 853 controls. Expression levels and genotype distributions were examined within patients’ clinical sub-phenotypes.

Results

All 3 evaluated genes were overexpressed in inflamed tissues from Crohn's disease (P = 0.033, P = 4 × 10⁻⁵, P = 0.001), while in ulcerative colitis only higher levels of the gene coding for neutral endopeptidase were statistically significant (P = 2.5 × 10⁻⁵). Smoking habit and perianal disease were significantly associated with substance P (P = 0.002) and neurokinin-1 receptor levels (P = 0.02) in Crohn's disease. Neutral endopeptidase rs701109 variant was associated with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease: P = 0.022; ulcerative colitis: P = 0.045), and with the need for colectomy in ulcerative colitis (P = 0.008, OR = 2.46, 95% CI = 1.27–4.76).

Conclusions

Genetic variants of the gene coding for neutral endopeptidase might affect the neuroimmune interaction during intestinal inflammation and influence clinical sub-phenotypes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.     

Anévrismes infectieux de l’aorte. À propos d’une série de dix patients

Purpose

Infectious aortic aneurysms are rare, being responsible of less than 3% of aortic aneurysms. In this study, we report the clinical characteristics and the outcome of patients presenting with infectious aortic aneurysms in an internal medicine unit.

Methods

Diagnosis of infection-related aortic aneurysm was obtained using: computed tomographic scan; and blood cultures, cultures and molecular biology testing of aortic wall and intra-aneurismal thrombus.

Results

The 10 consecutive patients included in this study consisted in eight men and two women with a mean age of 61.7 years. Patients presented with fever (n = 9), asthenia (n = 2), abdominal (n = 4) or chest pain (n = 1), lumbar pain (n = 3). Computed tomographic scan showed aneurysm involving both thoracic and abdominal aorta (n = 1), abdominal (n = 8) or thoracic aorta (n = 1). Isolated microorganisms were: positive Gram cocci (70%) and negative Gram bacilli (30%). All patients underwent both medical and surgical therapy. Outcome was favorable in nine patients; the remaining patient died from aneurismal aortic rupture.

Conclusion

Clinical manifestations revealing infectious aortic aneurysms are variable, including aneurysm rupture as well as atypical abdominal pain with inflammatory syndrome. These latter presentations are more common in patients, who are hospitalized in internal medicine. Our study underlines that this clinical pattern should not be ignored, in order to avoid both diagnostic and therapeutic delay that could lead to life-threatening complications and poor prognosis.     

Prevalence of acute cardiac disorders in patients with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-significant coronary artery disease

Background and purpose

We aimed to study the prevalence of acute cardiac disorders in patients with suspected ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-significant coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

From January to October 2012 we consecutively included patients admitted with suspected STEMI and non-significant CAD (coronary artery stenosis diameter < 50%). Patients were diagnosed with acute cardiac disorder in the presence of elevated cardiac biomarkers (troponin T > 50 ng/l or creatine kinase MB > 4 μg/l) or dynamic ECG changes (ST-segment changes or T-wave inversion).

Results

Of the 871 patients admitted with suspected STEMI, 11% (n = 95) had non-significant CAD. Of these, 67% (n = 64) had elevated cardiac biomarkers or dynamic ECG changes and were accordingly diagnosed with acute cardiac disorders. In the remaining 33% (n = 31) of patients, cardiac biomarkers were normal and ECG changes remained stationary.

Conclusions

Acute cardiac disorders were diagnosed in two thirds of patients with suspected STEMI and non-significant CAD.     

Inflammatory bowel disease-patients are insufficiently educated about the basic characteristics of their disease and the associated risk of colorectal cancer

Background/aim

Limited data are available about inflammatory bowel disease-patients’ knowledge of disease and associated risks. We assessed patients’ knowledge of disease and its associated risks/complications, and their perspectives on current recommendations for colectomy when low-grade dysplasia is found.

Methods

Inflammatory bowel disease-patients at a regional patient-information-day were asked to anonymously complete a survey (group-A). A 2nd group was recruited online through the Dutch inflammatory bowel disease-patients’ association (group-B).

Results

In group-A, 109 inflammatory bowel disease-patients completed the survey (76% Crohn's disease, 24% ulcerative colitis, 78% female). Thirty-three patients (30%) were unaware of their disease-localization; 30% thought inflammatory bowel disease shortened their life-expectancy; 26% thought it was likely for a severe complication to occur during colonoscopy. Patients estimated their 10-year colorectal carcinoma-risk at 25%. Mean perceived colorectal carcinoma-associated mortality-risk was 13%. Patients would agree to colectomy if their current colorectal carcinoma-risk was at least 53% and 70% would refuse physicians’ recommendation for colectomy if dysplasia were detected with a 20% risk of concomitant colorectal carcinoma. Group-B (n = 393 inflammatory bowel disease-patients) verified the results above. However, fewer patients (52%) would refuse physicians’ recommendation for colectomy, p = 0.01.

Conclusion

Inflammatory bowel disease-patients are ill-informed about their disease and its associated risks. Improvement of patient-education is necessary to appropriately involve patients in the decision-making process.     

One-day versus two-day cleansing for colon capsule endoscopy: a prospective randomized pilot study

Background

Standard bowel cleansing for colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) requires a liquid diet and bowel laxatives for at least 2 days, which is a major drawback of this procedure and affects tolerance and acceptability.

Objective

To compare the quality of colon cleanliness achieved with one-day versus two-day bowel preparation in outpatients undergoing CCE.

Methods

Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: group I (one-day schedule, n = 20) received a fiber-free diet and 3 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on day 0; group II (two-day schedule, n = 20) received a liquid diet and 3 L of PEG in the evening of day −1, and 1 L of PEG in the early morning of day 0. In both groups, the patients received 15 mg bisacodyl on day −1 and one or two additional sodium phosphate (NaP) boosters following capsule ingestion. Each colon segment was assessed for cleanliness using a four-point grading scale (excellent = 1, good = 2, fair = 3, and poor = 4). For the final analysis, colon cleanliness was rated as adequate (good or excellent) or inadequate (fair or poor).

Results

Overall colon cleanliness was adequate in 94% (CI 91–97) of patients in group I versus 80% (CI 72–88) in group II (P = 0.27). No significant differences were observed in the per-segment quality of colon cleansing between the two groups. CCE reached the rectum in 80% (CI 73–87) of patients in group I versus 75% (CI 67–83) in group II (p = 0.59).

Conclusion

The quality of colon cleanliness achieved with one-day bowel preparation is equivalent to that of the standard two-day schedule in patients undergoing CCE.     

Decreasing trends in hospitalizations during anti-TNF therapy are associated with time to anti-TNF therapy: Results from two referral centres

Background

Hospitalization is an important outcome measure and a major driver of costs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We analysed medical and surgical hospitalization rates and predictors of hospitalization before and during anti-TNF therapy.

Methods

Data from 194 consecutive patients were analysed retrospectively (males, 45.4%, median age at diagnosis, 24.0 years, infliximab/adalimumab: 144/50) in whom anti-TNF therapy was started after January 1, 2008. Total follow-up was 1874 patient-years and 474 patient-years with anti-TNF exposure.

Results

Hospitalization rates hospitalization decreased only in Crohn's disease (odds ratio: 0.59, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.70, median 2-years’ anti-TNF exposure) with a same trend for surgical interventions (p = 0.07), but not in ulcerative colitis. Need for hospitalization decreased in Crohn's disease with early (within 3-years from diagnosis, p = 0.016 by McNemar test), but not late anti-TNF exposure. At logistic regression analysis complicated disease behaviour (p = 0.03), concomitant azathioprine (p = 0.02) use, but not anti-TNF type, gender, perianal disease or previous surgeries were associated with the risk of hospitalization during anti-TNF therapy.

Conclusion

Hospitalization rate decreased significantly in patients with Crohn's disease but not ulcerative colitis after the introduction of anti-TNF therapy and was associated with time to therapy. Complicated disease phenotype and concomitant azathioprine use were additional factors defining the risk of hospitalization.     

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy for diagnosis of gastrointestinal lesions

Background and aims

Endoscopical examination is not always sufficient for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal masses. This study assessed the diagnostic accuracy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of gastrointestinal lesions.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 114 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided biopsy of gastrointestinal masses with a 18G needle. Thirty-two of these patients underwent a 22G fine-needle biopsy for cytology. Histology was compared with a composite standard of reference for diagnosis (i.e. post-surgery histological evaluation in 73 cases and computed tomography or magnetic resonance scan findings, together with a compatible clinical follow-up for at least 24 months, in the remaining 41 cases). Safety was assessed by recording side effects for up to 4 h after the procedure.

Results

Of the 114 lesions evaluated, 112 were malignant (98.2%) and 2 benign (1.8%). Specimens were adequate for histology in all but one case. Specimens were obtained from the stomach (n = 38; 33.3%), small bowel (n = 36; 31.6%) and colon (n = 40; 35.1%). Diagnosis was correct in 113/114 cases (99.1%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy were 99.1%, 100%, 100%, 66%, and 99%, respectively. One of the 114 patients (0.9%) bled from a gastric GIST.

Conclusions

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous biopsy of gastrointestinal lesions is a valid alternative when diagnosis of a gastrointestinal mass cannot be obtained with an endoscopical procedure.     

Comparison of simplified score with the revised original score for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis: A new or a complementary diagnostic score?

Background and aims

The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group developed a simplified score for autoimmune hepatitis. We assessed this “new scoring system” and compared it with the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group original revised score.

Methods

502 patients were evaluated namely, 428 had liver diseases of various etiology [hepatitis B (n = 109), hepatitis C (n = 100), hepatitis D (n = 4), alcoholic liver disease (n = 28), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 55), autoimmune cholestatic diseases (n = 77), liver disorders of undefined origin (n = 32) and miscellaneous hepatic disorders (n = 23)], 13 had autoimmune hepatitis/overlap syndromes, 18 had autoimmune hepatitis/concurrent with other liver diseases and 43 had autoimmune hepatitis.

Results

The specificity of the simplified score was similar to that of the revised score (97% vs. 97.9%). The sensitivity in unmasking autoimmune hepatitis in autoimmune hepatitis/overlap syndromes was also similar in both systems (53.8% and 61.5%). However, the sensitivity for autoimmune hepatitis diagnosis in autoimmune hepatitis patients with concurrent liver disorders was lower by the new score (p = 0.001). Liver biopsy proved to be the only independent factor for unmasking autoimmune hepatitis component among patients (p = 0.003).

Conclusion

The simplified score is a reliable and simple tool for excluding autoimmune hepatitis. However, both systems cannot unmask autoimmune hepatitis component efficiently in autoimmune hepatitis patients with concurrent autoimmune or non-autoimmune liver diseases. This study also strongly reiterates the importance of liver biopsy in the work-up of patients.     

Inter-observer agreement in endoscopic scoring systems: Preliminary report of an ongoing study from the Italian Group for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG-IBD)

Background

Endoscopic activity has become a therapeutic endpoint in inflammatory bowel disease. Aim of this study was to evaluate inter-observer agreement for endoscopic scores in a real-life setting.

Methods

14 gastroenterologists with experience in inflammatory bowel disease care and endoscopic scoring reviewed videos of ulcerative colitis (n = 13) and postoperative (n = 10) and luminal (n = 8) Crohn's disease. The Mayo subscore for ulcerative colitis, Rutgeerts score for postoperative Crohn's disease, Crohn's disease endoscopic index of severity (CDEIS), and the simple endoscopic score-Crohn's disease (SES-CD) for luminal Crohn's disease were calculated. A subset of five endoscopic clips were assessed by 30 general gastroenterologists without specific experience in endoscopic scores. Kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficients were used to measure agreement.

Results

Mayo subscore agreement was suboptimal: kappas were 0.53 (95% confidence interval 0.47–0.56) and 0.71 (0.67–0.76) for the two groups. Rutgeerts score agreement was fair: kappas were 0.57 (0.51–0.65) and 0.67 (0.60–0.72). Agreements for CDEIS and SES-CD were good: intraclass correlation coefficients for the two groups were 0.83 (0.54–1.00) and 0.67 (0.36–0.97) for CDEIS and 0.93 (0.76–1.00) and 0.68 (0.35–0.97) for SES-CD, respectively.

Conclusion

The reproducibility of endoscopic scores in inflammatory bowel disease remains suboptimal, which could potentially have major effects on therapeutic choices.     

Sclérites,aspects cliniques, étiologiques et thérapeutiques : à propos d’une série de 32 observations

Purpose

To report on the various clinical presentations, etiological diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients with scleritis evaluated at a tertiary care eye center.

Methods

Retrospective, monocentric study on a series of 32 patients in a tertiary center.

Results

The mean age of included patients with scleritis was 46.8 years (range, 22 to 77 years). Nineteen patients were women and 13 were men. Twenty-six patients (81%) had anterior scleritis (15 nodular, 8 diffuse and 3 necrotizing), six (19%) had posterior scleritis. Unilateral inflammation was present in 24 patients (75%). Twelve out of the 32 patients (37.5%) had an underlying systemic disease: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (n = 3), Behçet's disease (n = 2), unspecified inflammatory arthritis (n = 2), psoriatic arthritis (n = 1), ankylosing spondylitis (n = 1), sarcoidosis (n = 1), Cogan's syndrome (n = 1) and ulcerative colitis (n = 1). Six patients (18.8%) were suspected of having infectious disease with herpes virus: clinical context and positive treatment response with oral valacyclovir. Systemic agents and topical agents were required in 28 patients (87.5%). The first line therapy was mainly oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in 15 patients (47%) and oral corticosteroids in 8 (25%). Immunosuppressive drugs were required in 6 patients. The mean follow-up was 16.3 months. Six patients (19%) had a decrease in visual acuity.

Conclusion

The number of systemic disease in our series is similar to the main series in the literature. Treatment with valaciclovir might be effective in patients with suspected herpes simplex scleritis.     

Faecal calprotectin assay after induction with anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor α agents in inflammatory bowel disease: Prediction of clinical response and mucosal healing at one year

Background

Faecal calprotectin levels correlate with inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. We evaluated the role of faecal calprotectin after anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor α induction in inflammatory bowel disease patients to predict therapeutic effect at one year.

Methods

Faecal calprotectin levels were measured in stools of 63 patients before and after induction of anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor α therapy. Clinical activity, measured by clinical indices, was assessed before and after biologic treatment. Clinical responders after induction were included in the study and colonoscopy was performed before and after one year of treatment to assess mucosal healing.

Results

63 patients (44 Crohn's disease, 19 ulcerative colitis) were prospectively included (41.2% males, mean age at diagnosis 33 years). A sustained clinical response during the first year was observed in 57% of patients; median faecal calprotectin was 106 μg/g after induction versus 308 μg/g pre-induction (p < 0.0001). Post-induction faecal calprotectin was significantly lower in responders versus non-responders (p = 0.0002). Post-induction faecal calprotectin had 83% sensitivity and 74% specificity (cut-off ≤168 μg/g) for predicting a sustained clinical response at one year (p = 0.0001); also, sensitivity was 79% and specificity 57% (cut-off ≤121 μg/g) for predicting mucosal healing (p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

In inflammatory bowel disease faecal calprotectin assay after anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor α induction can be used as a marker to predict sustained clinical response and mucosal healing at one year.     

FemoSeal Evaluation Registry (FER). Prospective study of femoral arterial closure with a mechanical system on 100 patients who underwent angioplasty procedures

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and the safety of the FemoSeal mechanical closure system in order to obtain hemostasis of the puncture site following angioplasty procedures performed through femoral arterial approach.

Method

A single-centre prospective registry was conducted from November 2010 to April 2011, comparing the results of manual compression (n = 111 patients), hemostatic bandages compression (n = 43 patients) and FemoSeal mechanical closure (n = 100 patients). The end points evaluated were the following: successful hemostasis, major and minor complications right after the procedures and major and minor complications at 1 month follow-up. The patients’ feedback about their comfort was also collected right after the procedure and after one month.

Results

Successful hemostasis with FemoSeal was obtained in 93% of the patients (n = 93). Seven patients required additional slight manual compressions or compression bandages. The use of FemoSeal was not associated with any major complications, significantly reducing (P < 0.05) the number of complications compared to other compression techniques over the studied period. Only one minor complication was observed with FemoSeal (a 1.5-cm-hematoma, which reabsorbed spontaneously without any issue).

Conclusion

In our experience, the use of FemoSeal is effective in achieving hemostasis performed through femoral arterial approach up to 7F and is associated with a very low rate of complications.     

High definition plus colonoscopy combined with i-scan tone enhancement vs. high definition colonoscopy for colorectal neoplasia: A randomized trial

Background

High definition endoscopy is the accepted standard in colonoscopy. However, an important problem is missed polyps.

Aims

Our objective was to assess the additional adenoma detection rate between high definition colonoscopy with tone enhancement (digital chromoendoscopy) vs. white light high definition colonoscopy.

Methods

In this prospective randomized trial patients were included to undergo a tandem colonoscopy. The first exam was a white light colonoscopy with removal of all visualized polyps. The second examination was randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio as either again white light colonoscopy (Group A) or colonoscopy with tone enhancement (Group B). Primary endpoint was the adenoma detection rate during the second withdrawal (sample size calculation – 40 per group).

Results

67 lesions (Group A: n = 34 vs. Group B: n = 33) in 80 patients (mean age 61 years, male 64%) were identified on the first colonoscopy. The second colonoscopy detected 78 additional lesions: n = 60 with tone enhancement vs. n = 18 with white light endoscopy (p < 0.001). Tone enhancement found more additional adenomas (A n = 20 vs. B n = 6, p = 0.006) and identified significantly more missed adenomas per subject (0.5 vs. 0.15, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

High definition plus colonoscopy with tone enhancement detected more adenomas missed by white light colonoscopy.     

Motivational interviewing in inflammatory bowel disease patients: A useful tool for outpatient counselling

Background

Most inflammatory bowel disease patients miss follow-up visits and are non-adherent to therapy due to the lack of an engaging patient–physician relationship. Motivational interviewing is a patient-centred counselling method used to elicit/strengthen motivation towards change. The aim of this study was to assess the role of motivational interviewing in patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

The study included consecutive patients with inflammatory bowel disease presenting for the first consultation (June 2012–February 2013). All consultations were carried out applying the motivational interviewing approach. After each consultation, patients filled out a questionnaire asking demographic data, and their past and current experience.

Results

Overall, 23 males (51.1%) and 22 females (48.9%), mean age 36.1 ± 15.2 years, were enrolled. Before and after experiencing the motivational interviewing approach (mean visit duration 41.5 ± 8.7 min) “overall satisfaction rate”, “physician's communication skills”, and “perceived empathy” were 60% vs 100%, 40% vs 95.6%, and 40% vs 100%, respectively. Satisfaction was lower in patients affected by indeterminate colitis (p = 0.004), and of younger age (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The motivational interview approach is appreciated by inflammatory bowel disease patients. Despite being time-consuming, the motivational interview appears considerably worthwhile at the first visit and in younger patients. Motivational interviewing can help physicians to deal with their patients, moving from “cure” to “care”.     

Differences in the severity of small bowel mucosal injury based on the type of aspirin as evaluated by capsule endoscopy

Background

The differences in the small intestinal toxicity of low-dose aspirin based on the type of aspirin used remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the differences in the small bowel mucosal injury between buffered and enteric-coated aspirin users by capsule endoscopy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the findings in chronic low-dose aspirin users (>3 months) who underwent capsule endoscopy for the investigation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. The patients were classified into two groups based on the type of low-dose aspirin that they had been prescribed (enteric-coated aspirin group or buffered aspirin group), and evaluated the numbers of small bowel lesions and the Lewis score.

Results

Capsule-endoscopic findings of a total of 70 patients taking low-dose aspirin were reviewed. Significant differences in the number of erosions and ulcers were observed between the buffered and enteric-coated aspirin groups (P = 0.017 and P = 0.037, respectively). The median Lewis score for the small bowel mucosal inflammatory change was significantly higher in the enteric-coated aspirin group than in the buffered aspirin group (P = 0.035).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggested that enteric-coated aspirin might be more injurious to the small bowel mucosa than buffered aspirin.     

Calreticulin overexpression correlates with integrin-α5 and transforming growth factor-β1 expression in the atria of patients with rheumatic valvular disease and atrial fibrillation

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether altered calreticulin expression and distribution contribute to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF) associated with valvular heart disease (VHD).

Background

AF affects electrophysiological and structural changes that exacerbate AF. Atrial remodeling reportedly underlies AF generation, but the precise mechanism of atrial remodeling in AF remains unclear.

Methods

Right and left atrial specimens were obtained from 68 patients undergoing valve replacement surgery. The patients were divided into sinus rhythm (SR; n = 25), paroxysmal AF (PaAF; n = 11), and persistent AF (PeAF; AF lasting > 6 months; n = 32) groups. Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA and protein expression were measured. We also performed immunoprecipitation for calreticulin with either calcineurin B or integrin-α5.

Results

Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression were increased in the AF groups, especially in the left atrium in patients with mitral valve disease. Calreticulin interacted with both calcineurin B and integrin-α5. Integrin-α5 expression correlated with TGF-β1 expression, while calreticulin expression correlated with integrin-α5 and TGF-β1 expression. Despite similar cardiac function classifications, calreticulin expression was greater in the PeAF group than in the SR group.

Conclusions

Calreticulin, integrin-α5, and TGF-β1 expression was increased in atrial tissue in patients with AF and was related to AF type, suggesting that calreticulin is involved in the pathogenesis of AF in VHD patients.     

Use of covered Cheatham-Platinum stents in congenital heart disease

Background

Controversy remains regarding the use of covered stents in congenital heart disease (CHD). We evaluate the possibilities and safety of covered Cheatham-Platinum (CCP) stents in CHD.

Methods

Single-center retrospective CHD-database study of all CCP stents, 2003–2012. Three study groups: aortic coarctation (CoA), right ventricular outflow tract pre-stenting for percutaneous revalvulation (RVOT), and miscellaneous. Continuous data expressed as median (range).

Results

114 CCP stents in 105 patients, age 16.8 years (4.2–71.2).CoA group: 54 CCP stents in 51 patients: 3/54 for aneurysm exclusion, in 51/54 covering used “prophylactically” because of increased risk for vessel tear. Overall, CCP stenting increased the coarctation diameter from 6 mm (0–15) to 15 mm (10–20) (p < 0.001).RVOT group: 39 CCP stents in 37 patients (34 with RVOT graft, 3 with transannular patch): the graft lumen had shrunken from nominal 21 mm (10–26) to 13 mm (5–22); with the CCP stent the RVOT was redilated to 22 mm (16–26, p < 0.001 vs stenosis).Miscellaneous group: 21 CCP stents in 17 patients: closure of Fontan-circuit fenestration (n = 5), restoration of superior caval vein (n = 2) or pulmonary artery (n = 3) patency, relief of supra-pulmonary stenosis (n = 2), exclusion of aberrant pulmonary arteries (n = 1), cavopulmonary conduit expansion (n = 2), Blalock–Taussig shunt flow reduction (n = 1), and defibrillator lead protection from sharp stents (n = 1). Hybrid procedures performed in 3/17 patients. CCP stent was used as rescue treatment in 2/patients to seal iatrogenic bleeding.

Conclusion

CCP stents can safely be applied in CHD patients. The covering allows adequate sealing of existing or expected tears, thereby increasing the safety margin with more complete dilation.