Predictive value of the CHA2DS2-VASc score in atrial fibrillation patients at high risk for stroke despite oral anticoagulation

Introduction and objectives

The risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation is heterogeneous and depends upon underlying clinical conditions included in current risk stratification schemes. Recently, the CHA₂DS₂-VASc score has been included in guidelines to be more inclusive of common stroke risk factors seen in everyday clinical practice, and useful in defining “truly low risk” subjects. We aimed to assess the usefulness of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score to give us an additional prognostic perspective for adverse events and mortality among “real world” anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation who are often elderly with many comorbidities.

Methods

Consecutive outpatients with permanent/paroxysmal nonvalvular atrial fibrillation with CHA₂DS₂-VASc≥2 and stabilized oral anticoagulation (international normalized ratio 2.0-3.0) for at least the preceding 6 months were recruited. Patients with CHA₂DS₂-VASc≥2 were selected. Adverse cardiovascular events including stroke, acute coronary syndrome, or heart failure; major bleeds; and mortality were recorded during more than 2.5-year-follow-up.

Results

Of 933 patients (93.5%) assessed, 432 were males, median age 76 (71-81) years. After a follow-up of 946 (782-1068) days, 109 patients (11.7%) had adverse cardiovascular events, 80 patients (8.6%) had major bleeds, 101 patients (10.8%) died, and 230 (24.6%) had major adverse events (composite end-point). Increasing CHA₂DS₂-VASc score by 1 point had a significant impact on the occurrence of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio=1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.44; P<.001), mortality (hazard ratio=1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.19-1.54; P<.001); and major adverse events (hazard ratio=1.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.34; P<.001). CHA₂DS₂-VASc score was not associated with major bleeding episodes.

Conclusions

Among high risk atrial fibrillation patients on oral anticoagulation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc successfully predicts cardiovascular events and mortality, but not major bleeds.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Sudden Stopping in Patients with Cerebellar Ataxia

Stopping during walking, a dynamic motor task frequent in everyday life, is very challenging for ataxic patients, as it reduces their gait stability and increases the incidence of falls. This study was conducted to analyse the biomechanical characteristics of upper and lower body segments during abrupt stopping in ataxic patients in order to identify possible strategies used to counteract the instability in the sagittal and frontal plane. Twelve patients with primary degenerative cerebellar ataxia and 12 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were studied. Time–distance parameters, dynamic stability of the centre of mass, upper body measures and lower joint kinematic and kinetic parameters were analysed. The results indicate that ataxic patients have a great difficulty in stopping abruptly during walking and adopt a multi-step stopping strategy, occasionally with feet parallel, to compensate for their inability to coordinate the upper body and to generate a well-coordinated lower limb joint flexor–extensor pattern and appropriate braking forces for progressively decelerating the progression of the body in the sagittal plane. A specific rehabilitation treatment designed to improve the ability of ataxic patients to transform unplanned stopping into planned stopping, to coordinate upper body and to execute an effective flexion–extension pattern of the hip and knee joints may be useful in these patients in order to improve their stopping performance and prevent falls.     

Conducting neuropsychological assessment with transgender individuals

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of helpful clinical practices when working with transgender adult individuals. Method: While the number of openly transgender individuals appears to be growing with society’s increased acceptance and awareness, many neuropsychologists have had few opportunities to gain experience with this patient population. In this article, we review the existing literature as it relates to clinical neuropsychological practice. Results: We describe important terminology, ideals for creating an environment of respect, and how existing clinical guidelines for transgender individuals may apply to neuropsychology. In addition, we review the primary steps in the assessment process and provide a set of principles and recommendations for conducting neuropsychological assessments with transgender patients. Conclusions: There is a paucity of guidance in the field for working with transgender individuals. This article represents a step forward in the dialog and we look forward to future research that develops appropriate normative information, increases understanding of psychosocial factors, and better appreciates the range of hormonal influences for transgender individuals.     

Dental implants in the medically compromised patient

Objective

It has been suggested that some local and systemic factors could be contraindications to dental implant treatment. The objective of this paper was to evaluate whether success and survival rates of dental implants are reduced in the medically compromised patient.

Data/sources

An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Scirus and Cochrane databases up to November 8, 2012.

Conclusions

There are very few absolute medical contraindications to dental implant treatment, although a number of conditions may increase the risk of treatment failure or complications. The degree of systemic disease-control may be far more important that the nature of the disorder itself, and individualized medical control should be established prior to implant therapy, since in many of these patients the quality of life and functional benefits from dental implants may outweigh any risks.     

Slow Resorption of Anorganic Bovine Bone by Osteoclasts in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation

Purpose: Different biomaterials have been suggested for guided bone regeneration (GBR). These might show the ideal properties to let a new bone formation in the grafted area. Among these ideal features, it is essential their controlled resorption in order to be replaced for new vital bone. Bovine bone has been used widely as a good biomaterial for GBR, however there is still an interesting controversy about its resorbable capacity. In this sense, the objective of this study was to examine the behavior of anorganic bovine bone (ABB) in long‐term maxillary sinus graft healing and study its relationship with morphological and morphometrical variables. Materials and Methods: Seventeen maxillary sinus augmentation procedures were performed in patients. Bone cores were obtained from implant receptor sites at 6 months, 3 years, and 7 years of implant placement for histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical (tartrate resistant acid phosphatase [TRAP]/cathepsin K/CD68) studies. Results: The percentages of bone, ABB particles, connective tissue, osteocytes, and osteoblasts in maxillary sinus grafts were similar at 6 months, 3 years, and 7 years. A progressive and significant decrease was detected in osteoclasts (p = .05, Kruskal‐Wallis test), TRAP and cathepsin K expression (p = .014 and p = .021, respectively), and osteoid lines (p = .038). Conclusion: According to these data, a decrease in osteoclasts over time may, partially, explain the ABB persistence observed in core biopsies. Further studies with more cases and different graft maturation times are required to elucidate the resorption rates and cell events underlying these phenomena.     

Platelet aggregation at discharge: A useful tool in acute coronary syndromes?

IntroductionInhibition of platelet aggregation appears two hours after the first dose of clopidogrel, becomes significant after the second dose, and progresses to a steady-state value of 55% by day seven. Low response to clopidogrel has been associated with increased risk of stent thrombosis and ischemic events, particularly in the context of stable heart disease treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.ObjectiveTo stratify medium-term prognosis of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population by platelet aggregation.MethodsWe performed a prospective longitudinal study of 70 patients admitted for an ACS between May and August 2009. Platelet function was assessed by ADP-induced platelet aggregation using a commercially available kit (Multiplate^® analyzer) at discharge. The primary endpoint was a combined outcome of mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or unstable angina, with a median follow-up of 136.0 (79.0–188.0) days.ResultsThe median value of platelet aggregation was 16.0 U (11.0–22.5 U) with a maximum of 41.0 U and a minimum of 4.0 U (normal value according to the manufacturer: 53–122 U). After ROC curve analysis with respect to the combined endpoint (AUC 0.72), we concluded that a value of 18.5 U conferred a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 68% to that result. We therefore created two groups based on that level: group A – platelet aggregation <18.5 U, n = 44; and group B – platelet aggregation ≥18.5 U, n = 26. The groups were similar with respect to demographic data (age 60.5 [49.0–65.0] vs. 62.0 [49.0–65.0] years, p = 0.21), previous cardiovascular history, and admission diagnosis. There were no associations between left ventricular ejection fraction, GRACE risk score, or length of hospital stay and platelet aggregation. The groups were also similar with respect to antiplatelet, anticoagulant, proton pump inhibitor (63.6 vs. 46.2%, p = 0.15) and statin therapy. The variability in platelets and hemoglobin was also similar between groups. Combined event-free survival was higher in group A (96.0 vs. 76.7%, log-rank p < 0.01). Platelet aggregation higher than 18.5 U was an independent predictor of the combined event (HR 6.75, 95% CI 1.38–32.90, p = 0.02).ConclusionIn our ACS population platelet aggregation at discharge was a predictor of medium-term prognosis.     

Growth differentiation factor-15, a novel biomarker related with disease severity in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundThe growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) has been shown up-regulated in stress conditions and to have regulatory actions in myocyte hypertrophy. We hypothesized that GDF-15 could be related to disease severity and functional status in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).Methods and resultsWe performed a study which includes 102 consecutive outpatient HCM subjects, 73% males, aged 47.1 ± 14.6 years. A complete history and clinical examination was performed, including 12-lead electrocardiogram, echocardiography, symptom-limited treadmill exercise, 24-hour ECG-Holter monitoring, and magnetic resonance with Gadolinium. Several biomarkers, associated with myocardial remodeling and damage, were compared to GDF-15 levels. The assays were performed with commercial ELISAs or standardized methods when available. There was a significant association between GDF-15 levels and comorbidities, being higher in hypertension (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.030), atrial fibrillation (p = 0.012), dyspnea (p = 0.020) and NYHA ≥ II functional class (p = 0.037). GDF-15 levels were positively correlated with clinical variables (age, worse exercise capacity and mild renal dysfunction) and biomarkers of interstitial remodeling, such as metalloproteinase-2 (r: 0.40; p = 0.009), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r: 0.28; p = 0.049), high-sensitivity troponin T (r: 0.30; p = 0.003) and von Willebrand factor (r: 0.33; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis was assessed to estimate the involvement of these different factors in the GDF-15 levels, confirming the independent implication of severe dyspnea and functional status.ConclusionsThe present results show that higher levels of GDF-15 are associated to conditions of severe disease in HCM. Hence, GDF-15 is suggested as a novel marker related to the severity and could represent a further useful tool in monitoring functional capacity of HCM patients.     

Toxic hepatitis in occupational exposure to solvents

The liver is the main organ responsible for the metabolism of drugs and toxic chemicals, and so is the primary target organ for many organic solvents. Work activities with hepatotoxins exposures are numerous and, moreover, organic solvents are used in various industrial processes. Organic solvents used in different industrial processes may be associated with hepatotoxicity. Several factors contribute to liver toxicity; among these are: species differences, nutritional condition, genetic factors, interaction with medications in use, alcohol abuse and interaction, and age. This review addresses the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity. The main pathogenic mechanisms responsible for functional and organic damage caused by solvents are: inflammation, dysfunction of cytochrome P450, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. The health impact of exposure to solvents in the workplace remains an interesting and worrying question for professional health work.     

Quantitative assessment of choriocapillaris flow deficits in eyes with macular neovascularization

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology - To investigate choriocapillaris flow deficits (CC FD) in a group of eyes with Type 3 macular neovascularization (MNV) versus a...     

Validation of a low-cost virtual reality system for training street-crossing. A comparative study in healthy,neglected and non-neglected stroke individuals

Unilateral spatial neglect is a common consequence of stroke that directly affects the performance of activities of daily living. This impairment is traditionally assessed with paper-and-pencil tests that can lack correspondence to real life and are easily compensated. Virtual reality can immerse patients in more ecological scenarios, thus providing therapists with new tools to assess and train the effects of this impairment in simulated real tasks. This paper presents the clinical validation and convergent validity of a low-cost virtual reality system for training street-crossing in stroke patients with and without neglect. The performance of neglect patients was significantly worse than the performance of non-neglect and healthy participants. In addition, several correlations between the scores in the system and in the traditional scales were detected.