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Vlachakis PK, Tsiachris D, Doundoulakis I, Tsioufis P, Kordalis A, Botis M, Leontsinis I, Antoniou CK, Papachrysostomou C, Dimitroula V, Maneta E, Chalkitis V, Kotsakis T, Skantzikas P, Kafkas N, Sidiropoulos G, Roussos D, Trikas A, Koudounis G, Kolettis TM, Smyrnioudis N, Christakos D, Chasikidis C, Gatzoulis KA, Tsioufis K. Therapeutic inertia in rhythm control strategies in hospitalized patients with fibrillation: Insights from Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot (HECMOS) study. J Cardiol 2024; 83:313-317. [PMID: 37979719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current guidelines recommend a rhythm control strategy in patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) while catheter ablation has been shown to be a safer and more efficacious approach than antiarrhythmic medications. METHODS HECMOS was a nationwide snapshot survey of cardiorenal morbidity in hospitalized cardiology patients. In this sub-study, we included 276 cases who had a history of AF, particularly on the rhythm strategy, and catheter ablation procedures had been performed before the index admission. RESULTS Among 276 AF patients (mean age: 76.4 ± 11.5 years, 58 % male), 60.9 % (N = 168) had persistent AF and 39.1 % (N = 108) had paroxysmal AF. Heart failure was the main cause of admission in 54.3 % (N = 145) of the patients, while 14.1 % (N = 39) were admitted due to paroxysmal AF, 7.3 % (N = 20) due to bradyarrhythmic reasons, and 6.5 % (N = 18) suffered from acute coronary syndrome. Most importantly, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction was present in 76 (27 %) patients. Only 10 patients out of the total (3 %, mean age 59.7 years) had undergone AF ablation while electrical cardioversion had been attempted in 37 (13.4 %) patients. Interestingly, in this AF population with heart failure, 3.6 % (N = 10) had a defibrillator implanted (4 single-chamber), and only 1.5 % (N = 4) had a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D). CONCLUSION High prevalence of persistent AF was detected in hospitalized patients, with heart failure being the leading cause of admission and main co-morbidity. Rhythm control strategies are notably underused, along with CRT-D implantation in patients with AF and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Vlachakis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tsiachris
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece; Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Doundoulakis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kordalis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Michail Botis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Leontsinis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos-Konstantinos Antoniou
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece; Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vasiliki Dimitroula
- Department of Cardiology, G. Hatzikosta General Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Maneta
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Theodoros Kotsakis
- Department of Cardiology, Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupoli, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Kafkas
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Attica "KAT", Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Sidiropoulos
- Department of Cardiology, Georgios Papanikolaou General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitris Roussos
- Department of Cardiology, Argos General Hospital, Nafplio, Argolis, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Koudounis
- Cardiology Department & Department of Cardiac Catheterization, General Hospital of Messinia, Kalamata, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Christos Chasikidis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos A Gatzoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, "Hippokration" Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Theofilis P, Vlachakis PK, Oikonomou E, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Targeting the Gut Microbiome to Treat Cardiometabolic Disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2024; 26:25-34. [PMID: 38180642 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiometabolic diseases, which include obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, constitute a worldwide health crisis of unparalleled proportions. The human gut microbiota has emerged as a prominent topic of inquiry in the search for novel treatment techniques. This review summarizes current research on the potential of addressing the gut microbiota to treat cardiometabolic disease. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have highlighted a complex link between the gut microbiota and host physiology, shedding light on the several processes through which gut microorganisms impact metabolic health, inflammation, and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, a growing corpus of research is available on microbiome-based therapies such as dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. These therapies show promise as methods for reshaping the gut microbiota and, as a result, improving cardiometabolic outcomes. However, hurdles remain, ranging from the intricacies of microbiome research to the necessity for tailored treatments that take individual microbial variations into consideration, emphasizing the significance of furthering research to bridge the gap between microbiome science and clinical practice. The gut microbiome is a beacon of hope for improving the management of cardiometabolic disease in the age of precision medicine, since its association with their pathophysiology is constantly being unraveled and strengthened. Available studies point to the potential of gut microbiome-based therapeutics, which remains to be tested in appropriately designed clinical trials. Further preclinical research is, however, essential to provide answers to the existing obstacles, with the ultimate goal of enhancing patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Vas. Sophias 114, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K Vlachakis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Vas. Sophias 114, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Vas. Sophias 114, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Vas. Sophias 114, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Theofilis P, Vlachakis PK, Mantzouranis E, Sakalidis A, Chrysohoou C, Leontsinis I, Lazaros G, Dimitriadis K, Drakopoulou M, Vordoni A, Oikonomou E, Tsioufis K, Tousoulis D. Acute Coronary Syndromes in Women: A Narrative Review of Sex-Specific Characteristics. Angiology 2023:33197231218331. [PMID: 37995282 DOI: 10.1177/00033197231218331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) encompass a spectrum of life-threatening cardiovascular conditions, including unstable angina (UA) and myocardial infarction. While significant progress has been made in the understanding and management of ACS over the years, it has become increasingly evident that sex-based differences play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology, presentation, and outcomes of these conditions. Despite this recognition, the majority of clinical research in the field has historically focused on male populations, leading to a significant knowledge gap in understanding the unique aspects of ACS in women. This review article aims to comprehensively explore and synthesize the current body of literature concerning the sex-specific characteristics of ACS, shedding light on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, treatment strategies, and prognosis in women. By elucidating the distinct aspects of ACS in women, this review intends to foster greater awareness and improved clinical management, ultimately contributing to enhanced cardiovascular care for female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K Vlachakis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Mantzouranis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Sakalidis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Chrysohoou
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Leontsinis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Lazaros
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Dimitriadis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Drakopoulou
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Vordoni
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, "Sotiria" Chest Disease Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, "Hippokration" General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Tsiachris D, Papakonstantinou PE, Doundoulakis I, Tsioufis P, Botis M, Dimitriadis K, Leontsinis I, Kordalis A, Antoniou CK, Mantzouranis E, Iliakis P, Vlachakis PK, Gatzoulis KA, Tsioufis K. Anticoagulation Status and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Indications in Hospitalized Cardiology Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot (HECMOS) Sub-Study. Medicina (Kaunas) 2023; 59:1881. [PMID: 37893599 PMCID: PMC10608124 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The proper use of oral anticoagulants is crucial in the management of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) may be considered for stroke prevention in patients with AF and contraindications for long-term anticoagulant treatment. We aimed to assess anticoagulation status and LAAC indications in patients with AF from the HECMOS (Hellenic Cardiorenal Morbidity Snapshot) survey. Materials and Methods: The HECMOS was a nationwide snapshot survey of cardiorenal morbidity in hospitalized cardiology patients. HECMOS used an electronic platform to collect demographic and clinically relevant information from all patients hospitalized on 3 March 2022 in 55 different cardiology departments. In this substudy, we included patients with known AF without mechanical prosthetic valves or moderate-to-severe mitral valve stenosis. Patients with prior stroke, previous major bleeding, poor adherence to anticoagulants, and end-stage renal disease were considered candidates for LAAC. Results: Two hundred fifty-six patients (mean age 76.6 ± 11.7, 148 males) were included in our analysis. Most of them (n = 159; 62%) suffered from persistent AF. The mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.28 ± 1.7, while the mean HAS-BLED score was 1.47 ± 0.9. Three out of three patients with a a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 or 1 (female) were inappropriately anticoagulated. Sixteen out of eighteen patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score 1 or 2 (if female) received anticoagulants. Thirty-one out of two hundred thirty-five patients with a CHA2DS2-VASc score > 1 or 2 (if female) were inappropriately not anticoagulated. Relative indications for LAAC were present in 68 patients with NVAF (63 had only one risk factor and 5 had two concurrent risk factors). In detail, 36 had a prior stroke, 17 patients had a history of major bleeding, 15 patients reported poor or no adherence to the anticoagulant therapy and 5 had an eGFR value < 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 for a total of 73 risk factors. Moreover, 33 had a HAS-BLED score ≥ 3. No LAAC treatment was recorded. Conclusions: Anticoagulation status was nearly optimal in a high-thromboembolic-risk population of cardiology patients who were mainly treated using NOACs. One out of four AF patients should be screened for LAAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Tsiachris
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
- Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Panteleimon E. Papakonstantinou
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Ioannis Doundoulakis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Panagiotis Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Michail Botis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Kyriakos Dimitriadis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Ioannis Leontsinis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Athanasios Kordalis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Christos-Konstantinos Antoniou
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
- Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Mantzouranis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Panagiotis Iliakis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Panayotis K. Vlachakis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Konstantinos A. Gatzoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University, “Hippokration” Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.E.P.); (I.D.); (P.T.); (M.B.); (K.D.); (I.L.); (A.K.); (C.-K.A.); (E.M.); (P.I.); (P.K.V.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
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Tsioufis P, Tsiachris D, Doundoulakis I, Kordalis A, Antoniou CK, Vlachakis PK, Theofilis P, Manta E, Gatzoulis KA, Parissis J, Tsioufis K. Rationale and Design of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial on the Safety and Efficacy of Flecainide versus Amiodarone in the Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation at the Emergency Department in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (FLECA-ED). J Clin Med 2023; 12:3961. [PMID: 37373655 PMCID: PMC10299428 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12123961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacologic cardioversion is a well-established alternative to electric cardioversion for hemodynamically stable patients, as it skips the risks associated with anesthesia. A recent network meta-analysis identifies the most effective antiarrhythmics for pharmacologic cardioversion with flecainide exhibiting a more efficacious and safer profile towards faster cardioversion. Moreover, the meta-analysis of class Ic antiarrhythmics revealed an absence of adverse events when used for pharmacologic cardioversion of AF in the ED, including patients with structural heart disease. The primary goals of this clinical trial are to prove the superiority of flecainide over amiodarone in the successful cardioversion of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in the Emergency Department and to prove that the safety of flecainide is non-inferior to amiodarone in patients with coronary artery disease without residual ischemia, and an ejection fraction over 35%. The secondary goals of this study are to prove the superiority of flecainide over amiodarone in the reduction in hospitalizations from the Emergency Department due to atrial fibrillation in the time taken to achieve cardioversion, and in the reduction in the need to conduct electrical cardioversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tsiachris
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
- Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Doundoulakis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
- Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kordalis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Christos-Konstantinos Antoniou
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
- Athens Heart Center, Athens Medical Center, 11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K. Vlachakis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Eleni Manta
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - Konstantinos A. Gatzoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
| | - John Parissis
- Emergency Department, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippocration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (P.T.); (I.D.); (A.K.); (E.M.); (K.A.G.); (K.T.)
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Doundoulakis I, Tsiachris D, Kordalis A, Soulaidopoulos S, Arsenos P, Xintarakou A, Koliastasis L, Vlachakis PK, Tsioufis K, Gatzoulis KA. Management of Patients With Unexplained Syncope and Bundle Branch Block: Predictive Factors of Recurrent Syncope. Cureus 2023; 15:e35827. [PMID: 37033500 PMCID: PMC10075189 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.35827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncope in patients with bundle branch block (BBB) is often due to advanced atrioventricular (AV) block. The objective of the present "real-world" study was to evaluate the optimal management in patients with unexplained syncope and BBB and to identify factors that predict the recurrence of syncope. This is a single-center observational prospective registry of 131 consecutive patients undergoing invasive electrophysiology study (EPS) for recurrent unexplained presyncope or syncope attacks and BBB. When the EPS-derived diagnosis was reached, a decision to proceed with a permanent pacemaker was offered to the patient. An implantable loop recorder was inserted in the rest of the population. A total of 131 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope and BBB (67.2% male; age 63.7 ± 16.5 years) underwent EPS during the study period. The distribution of conduction disturbance patterns was as follows: isolated left bundle branch block (LBBB): 23.7%; LBBB with first AV block: 8.4%; isolated right bundle branch block (RBBB): 10.7%; RBBB with first AV block: 8.4%; isolated left anterior/posterior fascicular block: 13%; left anterior/posterior fascicular block with first AV block: 5.3%; isolated bifascicular block: 16.8%; and bifascicular block with first AV block: 13.7%. In the multivariate analysis, the only predictors of recurrent syncope were bifascicular block (hazard ratio (HR): 4.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29, 13.41, P: 0.017) and HV interval ≥ 60 msec (HR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.12, 11.46, P: 0.032). An EPS-based strategy identifies a subset of patients who will benefit from permanent pacing. HV interval ≥ 60 msec and the presence of a bifascicular block were strongly related to syncope recurrence.
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Sakalidis A, Dimitriadis K, Dri E, Mantzouranis EK, Leontsinis I, Doundoulakis I, Ntalakouras I, Vlachakis PK, Bora M, Beneki E, Tsioufis P, Mavroudis A, Tsiamis E, Tsioufis K. CORONARY MICROVASCULAR DYNSFUNCTION IS ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED ARTERIAL STIFNESS IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIA AND NON OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE. J Am Coll Cardiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/s0735-1097(23)01705-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Tsioufis PA, Theofilis P, Vlachakis PK, Dimitriadis K, Tousoulis D, Tsioufis K. Novel Invasive Methods as the Third Pillar for the Treatment of Essential Uncontrolled Hypertension. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2780-2786. [PMID: 37641987 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666230828142346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacologic therapies remain the treatment of choice for patients with essential hypertension, as endorsed by international guidelines. However, several cases warrant additional modalities, such as invasive antihypertensive therapeutics. The major target of these interventions is the modulation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is a common pathophysiologic mechanism in essential hypertension. In this narrative review, we elaborate on the role of invasive antihypertensive treatments with a focus on renal denervation, stressing their potential as well as the drawbacks that prevent their widespread implementation in everyday clinical practice. In the field of renal denervation, several trials have shown significant and sustained reductions in the level of office and ambulatory blood pressure, regardless of the type of energy that was used (radiofrequency or ultrasound). Critically, renal denervation is considered a safe intervention, as evidenced by follow-up data from large clinical trials. Baroreflex activation therapy may result in enhanced parasympathetic nervous system activation, thus lowering blood pressure levels. Along the same lines, carotid body ablation could also produce a significant antihypertensive effect, which has not been tested in appropriately designed randomized trials. Moreover, cardiac neuromodulation therapy could prove efficacious by altering the duration of the atrioventricular interval in order to regulate the preload of the left ventricle and, therefore, lower blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- First Department of Cardiology, "Hippocration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K Vlachakis
- First Department of Cardiology, "Hippocration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Kyriakos Dimitriadis
- First Department of Cardiology, "Hippocration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, "Hippocration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Department of Cardiology, "Hippocration" General Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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9
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Balta A, Ceasovschih A, Șorodoc V, Dimitriadis K, Güzel S, Lionte C, Stătescu C, Sascău RA, Mantzouranis E, Sakalidis A, Vlachakis PK, Tsioufis P, Kordalis A, Tsiamis E, Tsioufis K, Șorodoc L. Broad Electrocardiogram Syndromes Spectrum: From Common Emergencies to Particular Electrical Heart Disorders. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111754. [PMID: 36573711 PMCID: PMC9697753 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrocardiogram (ECG) still remains a very useful diagnostic method in modern cardiology. Its broad availability, noninvasiveness and good sensitivity explain why it plays a capital role in the very beginning of the process of diagnosis for every patient, with or without cardiac-related complaints. For the practitioner, good training in ECG interpretation is mandatory. Sometimes, the ECG trace reveals particular aspects that may cause confusion and complicate decision-making. In this article, we present several less common situations underlying the general context and ECG features. The syndromes studied have a high pathological significance and may range from acute emergencies that call for a rapid therapeutical response to chronic syndromes that require prolonged observation, monitoring and risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Balta
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandr Ceasovschih
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (V.Ș.); (K.D.)
| | - Victorița Șorodoc
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (V.Ș.); (K.D.)
| | - Kyriakos Dimitriadis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (A.C.); (V.Ș.); (K.D.)
| | - Sara Güzel
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cătălina Lionte
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristian Stătescu
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Radu Andy Sascău
- Cardiology Department, Cardiovascular Diseases Institute, 700503 Iasi, Romania
| | - Emmanouil Mantzouranis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Sakalidis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K. Vlachakis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Kordalis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Tsiamis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Laurențiu Șorodoc
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- 2nd Internal Medicine Department, Sf. Spiridon Clinical Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
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10
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Lazaros G, Lazarou E, Tsioufis P, Soulaidopoulos S, Valatsou A, Karmpalioti M, Sakalidis A, Vlachakis PK, Vlachopoulos C, Tsioufis C. Incidence and Prevalence of Cardiac Arrhythmias in Pericardial Syndromes. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022. [DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2310347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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11
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Vlachakis PK, Dimitriadis K, Antonopoulos A, Tsioufis K. An ‘uninvited guest’ from the past: echinococcosis of the pericardium. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022; 6:ytac372. [PMID: 36131907 PMCID: PMC9479878 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Vlachakis
- First Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital , Athens 115 27 , Greece
| | - Kyriakos Dimitriadis
- First Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital , Athens 115 27 , Greece
| | - Alexios Antonopoulos
- First Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital , Athens 115 27 , Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tsioufis
- First Cardiology Clinic, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital , Athens 115 27 , Greece
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12
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Vlachakis PK, Varlamos C, Benetou DR, Kanakakis I, Alexopoulos D. Periprocedural Antithrombotic Treatment in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 79:407-419. [PMID: 35385440 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT In recent years, the management of complex lesions in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) constitutes a field of high interest and concern for the interventional cardiology. As more and more studies demonstrate the increased hazard of ischemic events in this group of patients, it is of paramount importance for the physicians to choose the optimal periprocedural (pre-PCI, during-PCI and post-PCI) antithrombotic treatment strategies wisely. Evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of current anticoagulation recommendation, the possible beneficial role of the pretreatment with a potent P2Y12 inhibitor in the subgroup of patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction with complex lesions, and the impact of a more potent P2Y12 inhibitor in individuals with stable coronary artery disease undergoing complex PCI are needed. This will provide and serve as a guide to clinicians to deploy the maximum efficacy of the current choices of antithrombotic therapy, which will lead to an optimal balance between safety and efficacy in this demanding clinical scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Vlachakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece; and
| | - Charalampos Varlamos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina-Rafailia Benetou
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kanakakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece; and
| | - Dimitrios Alexopoulos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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13
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Benetou DR, Vlachakis PK, Varlamos C, Alexopoulos D. Antithrombotic Therapy in Complex Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients Requiring Chronic Anticoagulation. US Cardiology Review 2021. [DOI: 10.15420/usc.2020.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The optimal antithrombotic treatment in patients receiving oral anticoagulation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been a field of intensive research. Although triple antithrombotic therapy had been, until lately, the strategy of choice, recent evidence points to the superiority of dual antithrombotic therapy regarding bleeding prevention, without significantly compromising efficacy. In the further challenging scenario of complex PCI, associated with a higher ischemic risk, the efficacy of an aspirin-free strategy, adopted shortly after the index event is under question, rendering decision-making a fairly difficult scenario for clinicians. Since patients with an indication for oral anticoagulation undergoing complex PCI are underrepresented in randomized trials, there are scarce data regarding the optimal treatment strategy in such patients. This review aims to analyze and compare different approaches regarding the type and duration of antithrombotic regimens, focusing on both safety and efficacy outcomes, as well as to discuss recent guidelines’ suggestions regarding the therapeutic approach in patients receiving oral anticoagulation undergoing PCI procedures of increased complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina-Rafailia Benetou
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K Vlachakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalampos Varlamos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Alexopoulos
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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14
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Tentolouris A, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Vlachakis PK, Tsilimigras DI, Gavriatopoulou M, Dimopoulos MA. COVID-19: time to flatten the infodemic curve. Clin Exp Med 2021; 21:161-165. [PMID: 33417084 PMCID: PMC7790724 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-020-00680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thousands of articles have been published regarding the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Most of them are not original research articles but reviews and editorials, and therefore, the absence of evidence-based guidelines has been evident. In parallel, the quality of manuscripts is questionable since the number of preprints has increased due to the need of fast publication of COVID-19-related articles. Furthermore, the number of retracted articles during the pandemic is exceptionally high. Media have an important role in the distribution of incorrect information, nevertheless individual people and policy makers are also responsible. As misinformation thrives in crisis periods, well-designed studies are needed to flatten the infodemic curve regarding prevention, diagnosis, and long-term complications of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasios Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Panayotis K Vlachakis
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Diamantis I Tsilimigras
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maria Gavriatopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece.
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Alexandra General Hospital, 80 Vas. Sofias Avenue, 11528, Athens, Greece
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15
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Vlachakis PK, Tentolouris A, Tousoulis D, Tentolouris N. Current data on the cardiovascular effects of COVID-19. Hellenic J Cardiol 2020; 61:46-48. [PMID: 32315757 PMCID: PMC7165281 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Panayotis K Vlachakis
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens University, Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tentolouris
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
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