Cardiovascular complications in newly diagnosed rheumatic heart disease patients at Mulago Hospital,Uganda

Background

Complications of rheumatic heart disease are associated with severe morbidity and mortality in developing countries where the disease prevalence remains high. Due to lack of screening services, many patients present late, with severe valve disease. In Uganda, the disease and its complications are still not well studied.

Objective

To profile and describe cardiovascular complications in newly diagnosed rheumatic heart disease patients attending the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study where consecutive, newly diagnosed rheumatic heart disease patients were assessed and followed up for complications, such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, atrial fibrillation, recurrence of acute rheumatic fever, and stroke.

Results

A total of 309 (115 males and 196 females) definite rheumatic heart disease patients aged 15–60 years were enrolled in the study and analysed. Complications occurred in 49% (152/309) of the newly diagnosed rheumatic heart disease cases, with heart failure (46.9%) the most common complication, followed by pulmonary arterial hypertension (32.7%), atrial fibrillation (13.9%), recurrence of acute rheumatic fever (11.4%), infective endocarditis (4.5%) and stroke (1.3%). Atrial fibrillation and acute rheumatic fever were the most common complications associated with heart failure.

Conclusion

In this study we found that about 50% of newly diagnosed rheumatic heart disease patients in Uganda presented with complications. Heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension were the most commonly observed complications.     

Benzathine penicillin adherence for secondary prophylaxis among patients affected with rheumatic heart disease attending Mulago Hospital

Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) frequently occurs following recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever (ARF). Benzathine penicillin (benzapen) is the most effective method for secondary prophylaxis against ARF whose efficacy largely depends on adherence to treatment. Various factors determine adherence to therapy but there are no data regarding current use of benzapen in patients with RHD attending Mulago Hospital. The study aims were (1) to determine the levels of adherence with benzapen prophylaxis among rheumatic heart disease patients in Mulago Hospital, and (2) establish the patient factors associated with adherence and, (3) establish the reasons for missing monthly benzathine penicillin injections.

Methods

This was a longitudinal observational study carried out in Mulago Hospital cardiac clinics over a period of 10 months; 95 consecutive patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited over a period of four months and followed up for six months. Data on demographic characteristics and disease status were collected by means of a standardised questionnaire and a card to document the injections of benzapen received.

Results

Most participants were female 75 (78.9%). The age range was five to 55 years, with a mean of 28.1 years (SD 12.2) and median of 28 years. The highest education level was primary school for most patients (44, 46.3%) with eight (8.4%) of the patients being illiterate. Most were either NYHA stage II (39, 41.1%) or III (32, 33.7%). Benzathine penicillin adherence: 44 (54%) adhered to the monthly benzapen prophylaxis, with adherence rates ≥ 80%; 38 (46%) patients were classified as non-adherent to the monthly benzapen, with rates less than 80%. The mean adherence level was 70.12% (SD 29.25) and the median level was 83.30%, with a range of 0–100%; 27 (33%) patients had extremely poor adherence levels of ≤ 60%. Factors associated with adherence: higher education status, residing near health facility favoured high adherence, while painful injection was a major reason among poor performers.

Conclusion

The level of non-adherence was significantly high (46%). Residence in a town/city and having at least a secondary level of education was associated with better adherence, while the painful nature of the benzapen injections and lack of transport money to travel to the health centre were the main reasons for non-adherence among RHD patients in Mulago.     

Lymphocyte subsets in acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease

Lymphocyte subsets in 53 patients with acute rheumatic fever and 78 patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease were compared with 20 normal control subjects and 39 patients suffering from uncomplicated streptococcal pharyngitis to obtain information about the pathogenesis of the disease. Twenty patients with rheumatic fever were followed for 24 weeks to evaluate changes occurring over the course of the disease. Total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were increased in patients with rheumatic fever and to a lesser extent in those with rheumatic heart disease, when compared with controls. The difference between the two groups was significant. Patients with acute rheumatic fever had an increased number of B cells and a smaller increase in total T and T-helper-inducer (CD-4) cells. The proportion of B cells increased, while that of T-suppressor-cytotoxic (CD-8) cells fell. An increased number and proportion of B cells was also seen in patients with rheumatic heart disease. Total T and T-helper lymphocyte percentages and numbers were significantly higher in patients with rheumatic fever compared with those of patients with rheumatic heart disease. Follow-up studies at 6, 12, and 24 weeks revealed no significant differences from the entry point studies, although there was a trend toward reduction in the degree of derangement from normal values. Patients with uncomplicated streptococcal pharyngitis, however, did not show perturbations in the T-cell and T-subset counts. Our study suggests that the immunoregulatory defect in acute rheumatic fever is characterized by a relative reduction of suppressor T cells with an absolute increase in helper T cells and B cells, resulting in an increased cellular as well as humoral immune response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Oral health of patients with severe rheumatic heart disease

Abstract

In order to determine whether adequate attention is paid to the maintenance of good oral health in patients at risk of developing infective endocarditis, we studied 44 black patients with severe rheumatic heart disease before they had cardiac surgery. Plaque and gingival index scores were calculated and panoramic radiographs were done in all patients. There were 17 males and 27 females (mean age: 30.6 years). The plaque and gingival index scores were classified as poor in 31.8 and 54.6% of patients, respectively. Panoramic radiographic findings included caries in 56.8% of patients, peri-apical pathology in 18.1% and retained roots in 22.7% of patients. This study demonstrates that inadequate attention is paid to the maintenance of good oral health in patients with severe rheumatic heart disease. The oral and dental care of patients at risk of developing infective endocarditis needs to be improved.     

冠心病与风湿性心脏病引起的慢性收缩性心力衰竭患者预后差异性比较

目的通过分析冠心病与风湿性心脏病引起慢性收缩性心力衰竭患者预后的差异,探讨病因对心力衰竭患者预后的影响。方法回顾性分析我院2005年至2010年因冠心病或风湿性心脏病住院的心力哀竭患者临床资料,对所有人选患者电话随访。根据病因将患者分为冠心病组和风湿性心脏病组;根据患者预后分为存活组和死亡组。以单因素和多因素Cox风险比例模型分析冠心病和风湿性心脏病心力衰竭患者预后差异;以单因素和多因素Cox生存分析确认心力衰竭患者预后危险因素。结果共1552例患者纳入本次研究,平均随访3年。冠心病组和风湿性心脏病组分别为1096例（70.62%）和456例（29.38%）,存活组和死亡组分别为1113例（71.71%）和439例（28.29%）。平均随访3年,冠心病组和风湿性心脏病组总死亡率分别为33.85%和14.91%。多因素Cox比例风险模型分析发现,冠心病总死亡率为风湿性心脏病的1.53倍（95%CI 1.33～1.86;P〈0.01）,结论与风湿性心脏病相比,冠心病引起心力衰竭患者预后差,病因是影响慢性收缩性心力衰竭患者预后的独立危险因素,病因应纳入影响心力衰竭患者的预后评价中。     

High prevalence of subclinical rheumatic heart disease in pregnant women in a developing country: an echocardiographic study

Objectives: Pregnant women with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality. In this study the prevalence of subclinical RHD in pregnant women in Keren, Eritrea was assessed using echocardiography. Methods and results: A prospective cross sectional survey of pregnant women attending a midwife consultation was carried out by two specially trained medical students and an experienced cardiologist. The women were screened by the medical students using echocardiography. All recordings were reviewed and evaluated by the experienced cardiologist before a final diagnosis was given. Eight of the 348 screened women had definite RHD. This corresponds to a prevalence of 2.3%, 95% CI (0.7–3.9). Conclusion: 2.3% of the pregnant women in Keren were found to have subclinical RHD. (Echocardiography 2011;28:1049‐1053)     

风湿性心瓣膜病患者心功能量化的初步评估

目的：探讨风湿性二尖瓣狭窄患者术前心功能储备的评估方法。方法：随机抽取2011年1月～12月100名风湿性二尖瓣狭窄的住院患者（患者组,n=100）和100名无心血管病史的同期在院陪护的患者家属（正常对照组,n=100）,采用心音监测仪分别于静息状态和完成规定运动量后即刻采集心音,进行心率、D／S比值以及S1／s2比值的对照研究。结果：患者组100名风心病患者静息状态下心率、D／S比值和运动后即刻SI／$2比值与正常对照组存在着显著的差异（均P〈0．05）。结论：心音监测法有可能为临床心功能储备提供一种量化的标准。     

风湿性心脏病合并非冠状动脉粥样硬化性心肌梗死的临床及冠脉造影分析

目的探讨慢性风湿性心脏病（风心病）合并心肌梗死的原因、临床特征、冠状动脉造影表现及治疗.方法回顾性分析18例风心病合并心肌梗死患者的临床和冠脉造影资料.结果18例患者中二尖瓣病变15例（83.3%）,其中5例合并主动脉瓣病变;单纯主动脉瓣病变3例;11（61.1%）例已行瓣膜置换术,服用华法令治疗,国际标准比值（INR）维持在2.0～2.5.合并心房颤动15例（83.3%）.18例患者均有突发胸痛病史,心电图显示前壁心肌梗死13例（72.2%）,下壁心肌梗死5例（27.8%）,其中Q波心梗7例（38.9%）,非Q波心梗11例（61.1%）.伴有心肌酶增高.冠状动脉造影显示冠脉正常14例（77.8%）,4例为急性栓塞,其中1例发生于常规冠脉造影中,另3例胸痛时造影分别为对角支、前降支及右冠脉堵塞,经介入治疗再通.全部患者存活.结论并发于风心病的心肌梗死很少见,冠状动脉栓塞是引起心肌梗死的原因,梗死部位多为前壁,延迟冠脉造影多数正常.     

Screening for peripheral arterial disease by means of the ankle-brachial index in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients.

AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with the ankle-brachial index (ABI) in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic subjects. METHODS: Between autumn 2002 and spring 2003, 2559 newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic subjects (about 15% of the cases/year in Italy) were enrolled in 265 diabetology centres. Family history of diabetes, smoking, height, weight, waistline, fasting glycaemia, glycosylated haemoglobin, total and HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride values were collected. Claudication, cyanosis, cold foot, foot hair anomalies, skin thinning and femoral, popliteal, posterior tibial and dorsalis pedis pulses were assessed. The ABI was measured with a portable Doppler continuous-wave instrument. RESULTS: An ABI < 0.9 was found in 539 (21.1%) patients. Claudication was present in 187 (7.3%). Femoral pulse was absent in 218 (8.5%), popliteal in 316 (12.3%), tibial in 563 (22.0%) and dorsalis pedis in 578 (22.6%). Foot cyanosis was observed in 88 (3.4%), cold foot in 359 (13.9%), skin thinning in 468 (18.3%) and hair anomalies in 857 (33.5%). Multivariate analysis of the variables associated with ABI < 0.9 in the univariate analysis confirmed the independent role of age [relative risk (RR) 1.02, P < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 1.04], claudication (RR 4.53, P < 0.001, CI 2.97, 6.93), absence of tibial pulse (RR 3.45, P < or = 0.001. CI 2.54, 4.68) and pedis pulse (RR 1.96, P < or = 0.001, CI 1.4, 2.68). CONCLUSIONS: PAD, as represented by ABI < 0.9, is common in newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients.     

A prospective study of platelet metabolism in rheumatic heart disease. Effect of prosthetic heart valve

The metabolic activity of platelets in patients with advancedrheumatic heart disease (RHD) was estimated by measurement ofheat production in a microcalorimeter. Twenty-nine patientswere randomly selected and prospectively followed before andafter valve replacement with Bjork-Shiley prosthesis. Beforethe operation a significantly (P<0-02) elevated plateletheat production wasfound compared with normal subjects, 63 ±5fW/cell and 59 ±4 fW/cell, respectively, probably dueto the presence of a younger and metabolically more active plateletpopulation. Platelet count before the operation was significantlylower than normal (P<0-001).Platelet heat production didnot correlate with either type of valvular disease, the presenceof valvular calcification or atrial fibrillation. After valvereplacement the platelet heat productionsignificantly decreased(P<0-001) to 58±5 fW/cell and the platelet count normalized.The highest incidence of thromboembolic manifestations was inthe immediate postoperative period. The greatest reductionsin platelet heal production. 19% and 27% were observed in twopatients with thromboembolic events, as compared with an averageof 4% for therest of the operated patients without complications.The possible relationship between changes in platelet heat productionand thromboembolism in patients with RHD is discussed.     

血液透析对新诊断终末期肾衰竭患者营养状况及体内水分布影响

目的探讨血液透析(HD)对新诊断终末期肾脏疾病(ESRD)患者营养状况及体内水分布的影响。方法选择2006年10月至2007年10月上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院血液净化中心进行HD的ESRD患者30例。HD前及后3、6个月使用生物电阻抗分析方法(BIA)评估体内水分布状况,应用BIA、人体测量、血液生化指标评估营养状况。结果新诊断ESRD患者总体液量、细胞外液、细胞内液、标化总体液量、标化细胞外液、标化细胞内液在HD后3、6个月较HD前明显下降(P<0.05),HD后3、6个月比较差异无统计学意义;机体蛋白质、无机盐、体脂肪、瘦体重、骨骼肌在HD后3个月较HD前明显增加(P<0.05),HD后6个月较3个月进一步增加(P<0.05),去脂体重、肱三头肌皮褶厚度在HD后3、6个月较HD前明显增加(P<0.05),HD后3、6个月比较差异无统计学意义,体重指数在HD后6个月较HD前明显增加(P<0.05),HD后3个月和HD前比较差异无统计学意义;血白蛋白、转铁蛋白在HD后3、6个月较HD前明显增加(P<0.05),HD后3、6个月比较差异无统计学意义,前白蛋白在HD后6个月较HD前和HD后3个月明显增加(P<0.05),血红蛋白在HD后3个月较HD前明显增加(P<0.05),HD后6个月较3个月进一步增加(P<0.05),超敏C-反应蛋白在HD后6个月较HD前明显增加(P<0.05)。结论及时HD可纠正新诊断ESRD患者体内水负荷过多,改善营养状况,提示有严重营养不良,体内水负荷过多的ESRD患者应尽早行HD。     

A steroid-independent regimen of bortezomib, liposomal doxorubicin and thalidomide demonstrate high response rates in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients

Novel agents have provided a new foundation for multiple myeloma therapies. When combined with other anti-myeloma agents, these compounds significantly enhance clinical efficacy. High-dose steroids are frequently used in anti-myeloma combination regimens; however, the doses employed are often poorly tolerated, especially in patients with concurrent comorbid conditions. We hypothesized that a steroid-independent combination regimen could be developed without significant compromise of efficacy. The availability of such a regimen will be important for patients whose concurrent ailments make them poor candidates for steroid containing anti-myeloma regimens. A phase II single institute, non-randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate a novel steroid-free three-drug combination of bortezomib (V), pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (D), and thalidomide (T), the VDT regimen. Forty-three newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients requiring treatment were enrolled on this study. The overall response rate and complete response (CR) + near complete response (nCR) rate was 78% and 35%, respectively. Median time to progression was 29·5 months. Fatigue, rash, neuropathy, constipation and infections were the most common side effects. We concluded that VDT is a tolerable and an effective regimen capable of inducing high response rates and can be employed in patients considered to be poor candidates for steroid-based treatment regimens.     

Conventional risk factors among newly diagnosed coronary heart disease patients in Delhi

AIM:To analyze the conventional risk factors among newly diagnosed cases of coronary heart disease(CHD) admitted to a hospital in Delhi,India.METHODS:This hospital-based prospective study in-cluded 276 consecutive newly diagnosed cases of CHD in the Coronary Care Unit of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi.RESULTS:The mean age of the cases was 49.7± 9.5 years,with the youngest case aged 27 years.The two risk factors present most frequently among the cases were inadequate physical activity and abnormal lipid profile.Just about 3.6%of cases in our study had a physical activity level(PAL)that could be termed as"active",with a large proportion(96.4%)having a PAL suggestive of a sedentary lifestyle.A majority of patients were found to be current tobacco smokers(53.3%)and 188(68.1%)subjects were lifetime ever smokers.There was not a single case who did not have one or more of the risk factors.More than one-quarter(n=76)had six or more of the studied risk factors.CONCLUSION:Indians have among the CHD highest mortality rates amongst all ethnic groups studied so far.It is important to study the regional epidemiology of the cardiovascular events to allow for location-specific prevention and control programs.     

风湿性心脏瓣膜病心房颤动患者心房结构重构及胶原的表达

目的检测风湿性心脏瓣膜病心房颤动患者心房结构重构及胶原的表达,探讨胶原在心房结构重构中的意义。方法选择行开胸心脏手术的风湿性心脏瓣膜病患者39例,将持续性心房颤动患者24例为房颤组,窦性心律患者15例为窦律组。取患者心房组织标本,应用HE染色及Masson染色进行组织学检查;免疫组织化学法检测心房组织中Ⅰ型、Ⅲ型胶原蛋白的表达。结果房颤组患者较窦律组左心房内径明显增大。房颤组患者心房有肌溶解、心肌肥厚及广泛间质纤维化的改变。与窦律组比较,房颤组患者的左、右心房组织胶原容积分数均明显增大,左、右心房Ⅰ型胶原蛋白的表达明显增加(P0.05),而Ⅲ型胶原蛋白表达无明显差异(P0.05)。结论心房颤动患者心房结构发生明显的病理改变,其中心房间质纤维化为主要特征,左心房改变最为明显。     

风湿性心脏病并发缩窄性心包炎的外科治疗

目的:总结风湿性心脏病并发缩窄性心包炎患者施行瓣膜置换及心包剥除术外科治疗经验。方法:回顾性分析1992-06-2010-02期间对13例风湿性心脏病并发缩窄性心包炎患者施行瓣膜置换及心包剥除术的临床资料。结果:术后死亡1例,死亡原因为重度低心排血量,病死率7.69%。术后不同程度低心排血量6例,术后再次开胸止血1例。13例心包病理检查均为风湿性。随访3个月～8年,心功能Ⅰ～Ⅱ级10例,Ⅲ级2例。结论:对风湿性心脏病并发缩窄性心包炎患者,同期行瓣膜置换和心包剥除手术,积极有效的围术期处理能达到理想的治疗效果。     

Usefulness of transesophageal echocardiography for the detection of left atrial thrombi in patients with rheumatic heart disease

Transesophageal (TEE) and transthoracic (TTE) echocardiograms were performed in 110 patients with rheumatic heart disease to evaluate the usefulness of these methods for the detection of left atrial thrombi. TEE was better than TTE for detecting left atrial thrombi (21 vs 9). The thrombi not detected by TTE were in the left atrial appendage in ten and over the left atrial posterior wall in two. Patients with left atrial thrombi had significantly smaller mitral valve area (P less than 0.01) and greater left atrial dimension (P less than 0.05) than those without. All patients with left atrial thrombi had atrial fibrillation. Thirty-one patients underwent surgical intervention and 13 were found to have left atrial thrombi. TEE detected left atrial thrombi in all 13 patients with a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 100%, while TTE detected left atrial thrombi in only nine of these 13 patients with a sensitivity of 69.2%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 87.1%. Thus, TEE is superior to TTE for the detection of left atrial thrombi, especially for those thrombi located in the left atrial appendage and along the left atrial posterior wall.     

小儿风湿性心脏病并发心力衰竭时心导纳微分环的研究

用心导纳微分环检测６３例风心病患儿，其结果与正常对照组有差异。随心衰加重，Ｃ相、Ｅ相及总环面积、时限递减，Ｏ相面积及时限、Ｘ／Ｃ、０／Ｃ面积比值递增，图形上面积变化较时限直观，心导纳微分环的校正值表达稳定。动态观察对指导治疗、判断预后具有参考价值。