Circular RNAs: a small piece in the heart failure puzzle

Cardiovascular disease, specifically heart failure (HF), remains a significant concern in the realm of healthcare, necessitating the development of new treatments and biomarkers. The RNA family consists of various subgroups, including microRNAs, PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRAN) and long non-coding RNAs, which have shown potential in advancing personalized healthcare for HF patients. Recent research suggests that circular RNAs, a lesser-known subgroup of RNAs, may offer a novel set of targets and biomarkers for HF. This review will discuss the biogenesis of circular RNAs, their unique characteristics relevant to HF, their role in heart function, and their potential use as biomarkers in the bloodstream. Furthermore, future research directions in this field will be outlined. The stability of exosomal circRNAs makes them suitable as biomarkers, pathogenic regulators, and potential treatments for cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, ischemia/reperfusion injury, HF, and peripheral artery disease. Herein, we summarized the role of circular RNAs and their exosomal forms in HF diseases.

Kinin-kallikrein system: New perspectives in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a pervasive clinical challenge characterized by compromised cardiac function and reduced quality of life. The kinin-kallikrein system (KSS), a multifaceted peptide cascade, has garnered substantial attention due to its potential role in HF. Through activation of B1 and/or B2 receptors and downstream signaling, kinins modulate various physiological processes, including inflammation, coagulation, pain, blood pressure control, and vascular permeability. Notably, aberrations in KKS components have been linked to HF risk. The elevation of vasodilatory bradykinin (BK) due to kallikrein activity reduces preload and afterload, while concurrently fostering sodium reabsorption inhibition. However, kallikrein's conversion of prorenin to renin leads to angiotensinsII upregulation, resulting in vasoconstriction and fluid retention, alongside increased immune cell activity that fuels inflammation and cardiac remodeling. Importantly, prolonged KKS activation resulting from volume overload and tissue stretch contributes to cardiac collagen loss. The conventional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors used in HF management may inadvertently intensify KKS activity, exacerbating collagen depletion and cardiac remodeling. It is crucial to balance the KKS's role in acute cardiac damage, which may temporarily enhance function and metabolic parameters against its detrimental long-term effects. Thus, KKS blockade emerges as a promising strategy to impede HF progression. By attenuating the link between immune system function and tissue damage, KKS inhibition can potentially reduce cardiac remodeling and alleviate HF symptoms. However, the nuanced roles of BK in various acute conditions necessitate further investigation into the sustained benefits of kallikrein inhibitors in patients with chronic HF.

MicroRNA-155 and exosomal microRNA-155: Small pieces in the cardiovascular diseases puzzle

MicroRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are known to have a part in various human illnesses, such as those related to the heart. One particular miRNA, miR-155, has been extensively studied and has been found to be involved in hematopoietic lineage differentiation, immunity, viral infections, inflammation, as well as vascular remodeling. These processes have all been connected to cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, diabetic heart disease, coronary artery disease, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The impacts of miR-155 depend on the type of cell it is acting on and the specific target genes involved, resulting in different mechanisms of disease. Although, the exact part of miR-155 in cardiovascular illnesses is yet not fully comprehended, as some studies have shown it to promote the development of atherosclerosis while others have shown it to prevent it. As a result, to comprehend the underlying processes of miR-155 in cardiovascular disorders, further thorough study is required. It has been discovered that exosomes that could be absorbed by adjacent or distant cells, control post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by focusing on mRNA. Exosomal miRNAs have been found to have a range of functions, including participating in inflammatory reactions, cell movement, growth, death, autophagy, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. An increasing amount of research indicates that exosomal miRNAs are important for cardiovascular health and have a major role in the development of a number of cardiovascular disorders, including pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Herein the role of miR-155 and its exosomal form in heart diseases are summarized.

Comparative Effectiveness of Antidiabetic Drugs as an Additional Therapy to Metformin in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Metabolic Approaches

Background

Metformin is commonly prescribed to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients, but in some cases, it may not be effective even at high doses or may cause intolerable side effects. Therefore, recent studies have examined the impact of combining metformin with other antidiabetic medications.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase up to 30 June 2023. All interventional studies that assessed the efficacy of different antidiabetic agents were included.

Results

Among the 3488 records found in the primary search, 16 papers were included. Our study showed that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) had the most significant impact on glycemic profile, while thiazolidinediones (TZDs) had the most influence on lipid levels. However, it was observed that patients taking only metformin experienced a greater increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively modified various anthropometric measurements, such as weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. The effects of different antidiabetic drugs on hormone levels were inconclusive, although testosterone levels were more affected by GLP1RA, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), and TZDs. None of the combined therapies showed a significant change in blood pressure.

Conclusion

Since PCOS is a metabolic disorder, choosing the best combination of antidiabetic drugs in the clinical course of PCOS patients will be very important. Today, it seems that we need a new metabolic approach for better treatment of the metabolic aspects of these patients.

Lipid accumulation product and visceral adiposity index for incidence of cardiovascular diseases and mortality; results from 13 years follow-up in Isfahan cohort study

Background

/Aims: Visceral adiposity index (VAI) and lipid accumulation product (LAP) are novel anthropometric indices that have shown an association with metabolic syndrome; however, limited data are available regarding the predictive performance of these indices for the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality.

Methods

This study was performed on the data retrieved from Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS). ICS is an ongoing population-based cohort study conducted in 3 counties in central Iran. Pearson correlation analysis was performed between LAP, VAI, and metabolic parameters. Cox regression analysis and receiver operative characteristics (ROC) curve analysis were performed in order to evaluate the ability of VAI and LAP for the incidence of CVD, CVD-associated mortality, and all-cause mortality. We further compared the predictive performance of VAI and LAP with body mass index (BMI).

Results

LAP and VAI were significantly correlated with all metabolic variables, including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile components. Univariate regression analysis indicated a significant association between LAP and VAI and CVD incidence. In multivariate analysis, only VAI was significantly associated with CVD incidence. Regarding CVD mortality, only VAI in the multivariate analysis revealed a significant association. Interestingly, Both VAI and LAP were negatively associated with all-cause mortality. ROC curve analysis indicated the superior performance of LAP and VAI for predicting CVD incidence compared to BMI; however, BMI was better in predicting all-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Compared to BMI, LAP and VAI have better predictive performance for the incidence of CVD. In contrast, BMI was superior to VAI and LAP in the prediction of all-cause mortality.

Methotrexate & rheumatoid arthritis associated atherosclerosis: A narrative review of multidisciplinary approach for risk modification by the international board of experts

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an idiopathic, autoimmune connective tissue disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints, causing symmetric, erosive-deforming polyarthritis. It is also associated with extra-articular manifestations, particularly cardiovascular (CV) diseases (CVD). CV risk modification in RA remains unsolved despite recent advances in the management of RA. RA is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. RA and atherosclerosis share similar pathophysiological features (such as the pro-inflammatory cascade activation including interleukin-6) and risk factors (such as microflora dysbacteriosis and smoking). Patients with RA experience an exacerbation of atherogenesis, with atheromas destabilization, endothelial dysfunction, vasculitis, and hypercytokinemia. Consequently, the inflammatory response associated with RA is the basis for CVD development. The treat-to-target strategy not only improved RA control but also had a favorable effect on the morpho-functional state of the CV system in patients living with RA. Thus, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) - in particular methotrexate - may have a beneficial effect on the prevention of CV events in RA. It must be mentioned that RA is a serious multi-system disease, not only because of a window period during which the course of RA can be reversed, but also due to early damage to the heart and blood vessels. For this reason, a thorough cardiological assessment must be performed for all patients with RA, regardless of sex, age, disease stage, and disease activity score.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of levothyroxine effect on blood pressure in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism

This study aims to evaluate the effect of levothyroxine therapy on blood pressure (BP) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). Were searched Six databases, and randomized controlled trials (RCT) and prospective cohort studies evaluating the effect of levothyroxine therapy on BP in patients with SCH were included. 37 articles (9 RCTs and 28 prospective cohorts) were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analysis of RCT studies was insignificant; however, pooled analysis of 28 prospective cohort studies showed a significant difference before and after the therapy, reducing both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (MD=-4.02 [-6.45, -4.58] and MD=-2.13 [-3.69, -0.56], both P-values<0.05). Levothyroxine therapy can play a role in lowering BP in patients with SCH. However, this effect is more observed in Caucasians, SCH patients with higher initial TSH followed by more remarkable TSH change to normal levels, and SCH patients with hypertension.

A Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Minimum and Maximum Hematocrit Levels During Cardiopulmonary Bypass (CPB) in Low-risk Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG): A Cross-sectional Study

Background

This study investigated the clinical outcomes at the minimum and maximum levels of hematocrit (HCT) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in low-risk patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 85 patients who underwent CABG with an ejection fraction of greater than 35% were selected. Based on the HCT range during CPB, patients were divided into two groups: minimum HCT: HCT = 16-18% and maximum HCT: HCT = 25-27%. Then the operation outcomes, amount of drainage, and transfusion were recorded and compared between these groups.

Results

In the middle tube 8 h after surgery and left tube 24 h after surgery, the amount of drainage in the minimum HCT group with mean of 71.00 ± 130.9 and 60.65 ± 71.23, respectively, was significantly lower than the maximum HCT group with mean of 101.5 ± 246.50 and 123.76 ± 93.17, respectively (P value < 0.05). The incidence of cognitive disorders in the maximum HCT group was significantly higher than in the minimum HCT group (11.1% vs. 0%, P value = 0.041). Also, the mean transfusion of packed red blood cell (PRBC) and fresh frozen plasm (FFP) during CPB in the maximum HCT group, with mean of 346.7 ± 86.22 and 396.1 ± 21.05, respectively, were significantly higher than the minimum HCT group with mean of 178.8 ± 80.91 and 136.8 ± 46.77, respectively (P value < 0.05). After CPB, there was no significant difference in transfusion products (P value > 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, patients undergoing CABG surgery with maximum HCT level versus minimum HCT level during CPB, need more packed cells and fresh frozen plasma products transfusion, which will be associated with the complication of cognitive impairment.

Prognostic Implication of Preprocedural Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) who are candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Herein, we sought to elucidate the prognostic value of preprocedural PH on the early and late mortality after TAVI. The Cochrane Library, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest were screened using a predefined search query. We considered odds ratios (ORs) as the measure of effect. Meta-regression analysis was applied to investigate the potential impact of baseline characteristics on the outcomes. Egger's and Begg's tests were used to assess the publication bias. Thirty-three studies comprising 34 datasets representing 68,435 patients were included in the analysis. Regardless of the definition and severity of PH, pooled data analysis indicated that preprocedural PH was associated with higher cardiac and overall 30-day [OR, 1.45 (1.15-1.82) and OR, 1.75 (1.42-2.17), respectively], and 1-year mortality [OR, 1.63 (1.35-1.96) and OR, 1.59 (1.38-1.82), respectively]. Meta-regression analysis demonstrated that older age, higher New York Heart Association function class, history of hypertension, diabetes, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of higher mortality rate following TAVI. Moreover, we found that preprocedural PH is significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality and 30-day acute kidney injury. Our results demonstrated that preprocedural PH is associated with higher early and late cardiac and overall mortality following TAVI; however, this finding is limited regarding the considerable inconsistency in the definition of PH and PH severity among studies.

The impact of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio on clinical outcomes in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Inflammation has been suggested to play a role in heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. However, the role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), as a novel biomarker, to assess HF prognosis needs to be investigated. We sought to evaluate the impact of PLR on HF clinical outcomes.

METHODS

English-published records in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web-of-science databases were screened until December 2023. Relevant articles evaluated PLR with clinical outcomes (including mortality, rehospitalization, HF worsening, and HF detection) were recruited, with PLR difference analysis based on death/survival status in total and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients.

RESULTS

In total, 21 articles (n = 13,924) were selected. The total mean age was 70.36 ± 12.88 years (males: 61.72%). Mean PLR was 165.54 [95% confidence interval (CI): 154.69-176.38]. In total, 18 articles (n = 10,084) reported mortality [either follow-up (PLR: 162.55, 95% CI: 149.35-175.75) or in-hospital (PLR: 192.83, 95% CI: 150.06-235.61) death rate] and the mean PLR was 166.68 (95% CI: 154.87-178.50). Further analysis revealed PLR was significantly lower in survived HF patients rather than deceased group (152.34, 95% CI: 134.01-170.68 versus 194.73, 95% CI: 175.60-213.85, standard mean difference: -0.592, 95% CI: -0.857 to -0.326, p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed for HFrEF patients. PLR failed to show any association with mortality risk (hazard ratio: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.99-1.05, p = 0.289). Analysis of other aforementioned outcomes was not possible due to the presence of few studies of interest.

CONCLUSION

PLR should be used with caution for prognosis assessment in HF sufferers and other studies are necessary to explore the exact association.

Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: 2023 Update by the International Multidisciplinary Board of Experts

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered by many the pandemic of the 21st century and is associated with multiple organ damages. Among these, cardiovascular complications are responsible for an incredible burden of mortality and morbidity in Western Countries. The study of the pathological mechanisms responsible for the cardiovascular complications in DM patients is key for the development of new therapeutic strategies. The metabolic disorders caused by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, results in a cascade of pathomorphological changes favoring the atherosclerotic process and leading to myocardial remodeling. Parallel to this, oxidative stress, calcium overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of protein kinase C signaling pathways, myocardial lipomatosis, and low-grade inflammation of the myocardium - are the main pathways responsible for the diabetic cardiomyopathy development. This review aims to appraise and discuss the pathogenetic mechanisms behind the diabetic cardiomyopathy development.

Possibilities of dapagliflozin-induced cardioprotection on doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide mode of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy

RATIONALE

The global burden of cardiovascular (CV) and oncological diseases continues to increase. In this regard, the prevention of CV diseases (CVD) before and after cancer treatment is an urgent and unsolved problem in medicine. For this reason, our research group aimed to investigate the possibility of dapagliflozin-related cardioprotection, using an experimental model of chronic Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) + Cyclophosphamide (AC)-mode of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE

The redox balance, lipid metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial damage parameters were measured to evaluate the pathways of dapagliflozin-induced stabilization of CV homeostasis.

METHODS

For this study, 80 inbred Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four equally sized groups. A model of chronic cardiotoxicity was attained by using doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide co-administration. In the case, the markers of redox-balance, cholesterol metabolism, endothelial dysfunction, myocardial alteration, and morphological examination were assessed.

RESULTS

For all parameters, statistically significant deviations were obtained, emphasizing the sequel of AC-mode chemotherapy-related detergent effect on CV system (group 2). Moreover, the data obtained from dapagliflozin-treated groups (group 3) showed that this strategy provide limitation of lipid peroxidation, cholesterol metabolism and endothelial function normalization, with subsequent morphological preservation of myocardium.

CONCLUSION

Dapagliflozin has a broad spectrum of pleiotropic influences, namely cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and endothelium-stabilizing properties. These properties provide a favorable environment for the prevention of chemotherapy-related cardiomyopathy.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) prognostic effects on heart failure; a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as a recent inflammatory index, has been reported to be a prognostic tool in different diseases. However, implication of this ratio in heart failure (HF) is less investigated. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the potential impact of NLR on HF clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Relevant English published records in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were screened up to July 2023. Articles reporting clinical outcomes (follow-up or in-hospital mortality, readmission, HF prediction, extended hospital stay length, pulmonary vascular resistance, atrial fibrillation, renal disease and functional capacity) in HF sufferers were collected for further analysis with addition of NLR difference stratified by death/survived and HF status.

RESULTS

Thirty-six articles (n = 18231) were finally selected which reported NLR in HF sufferers (mean: 4.38, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.02-4.73). We found 25 articles reported NLR and total mortality (either follow-up death (N = 19): 4.52 (95% CI: 4.03-5.01) or in-hospital death (N = 10): 5.33 (95% CI: 4.08-6.57)) with mean NLR of 4.74 (95% CI: 4.28-5.20). NLR was higher among deceased patients compared to survived ones (standard mean difference: 0.67 (95% CI: 0.48-0.87), P < 0.001)). NLR was found to be related with higher mortality risk (continuous variable: hazard ratio (HR): 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02-1.23, P = 0.013), categorical variable: HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.27-2.46, P = 0.001, T2 vs. T1: HR:1.56, 95%CI: 1.21-2.00, P = 0.001, T3 vs. T1: HR:2.49, 95%CI: 1.85-3.35, P < 0.001). Other aforementioned variables were not feasible to analyze due to presence of few studies.

CONCLUSIONS

NLR is a simple and acceptable prognostic tool for risk stratification and prioritizing high risk patients in clinical settings, especially in resource limited nations.

Prevalence of, association with, severity of, and prognostic role of serum hemoglobin level in acutely decompensated heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

The role of hemoglobin (Hb) level in the short-term prognosis of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains a matter of debate. We aimed to declare the prevalence of, association with, severity of, and prognostic role of SHL with ADHF.

METHODS

Using the data from the Persian Registry Of Cardiovascular Disease/ Heart Failure (PROVE-HF) study, we assessed the association between anemia and polycythemia (Hb < 13 g/dLit, > 16.5 g/dLit in males and < 12 g/dLit, and > 16 g/dLit in females, respectively) and short-term mortality using Cox proportional hazard modeling, with adjustment of clinically relevant variables.

RESULTS

Of 3652 ADHF patients, anemia was seen in 1673 patients (48.40%). The prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe anemia was 42.33% (n = 1546), 3.23% (n = 118), and 0.24% (n = 9), respectively. Also, 422 patients (11.55%) had polycythemia. Compared to non-anemic patients, anemic patients were mainly male, older, and were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (DM), renal dysfunction, hypertension (HTN), and thyroid disease. Significant predictors of short-term mortality were lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower Hb level, and higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Anemic patients had higher all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.213, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.054-1.396]. Moderate anemia increased mortality by approximately 80% in males (aHR 1.793, 95% CI 1.308-2.458) and females (aHR 1.790, 95% CI 1.312-2.442), respectively. Polycythemia had no association with short-term mortality in both genders (P-value > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that anemia is an adverse prognostic factor for short-term mortality in ADHF patients, with higher mortality in moderately anemic patients.

Prognostic impact of monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in coronary heart disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory biomarkers are novel tools to assess the prognosis of different cardiovascular diseases. We evaluated the impact of the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

We systematically screened English-language articles in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to 31 August 2022. Relevant articles reporting the MLR and its association with clinical outcomes (major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), coronary artery disease (CAD) severity, mortality, cardiac rupture, subclinical CAD, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) prediction, thin-cap fibroatheroma, no-reflow phenomenon, MLR-related differences in percutaneous coronary intervention, heart failure hospitalization, and depression) in patients with CHD were collected for further analysis.

RESULTS

Nineteen articles were selected. The mean MLR was 0.34. A higher MLR was significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE among patients with CHD. The MLR was an independent predictor of MACE in patients with ACS. No significant association was found for CAD severity. A complementary analysis was not performed because of few studies focusing on the other predefined endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

The MLR is a simple and widely available tool to predict MACE in patients with CHD. This biomarker can be utilized in emergency settings to prioritize high-risk patients and optimize therapeutic interventions.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, Validation and Reliability of Persian Left Ventricular Dysfunction-36 Questionnaire

BACKGROUND

The left ventricular dysfunction 36 (LVD-36) questionnaire is considered to be a tool to assess the impact of left ventricle impairment on patients' daily life. This methodological study was aimed to translate and assess the validity and reliability of the Persian draft of the LVD-36 questionnaire among Iranian heart failure (HF) patients.

METHODS

We recruited stable HF patients who referred to an outpatient heart clinic in Isfahan, Iran. The LVD-36 questionnaire was translated using the forward-backward method. Twenty HF patients were recruited for content validity assessment and were asked to express their opinions about the comprehensibility and meaningfulness of each item. We invited 14 experts to assess validity through content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Reliability was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with the latter evaluated after invitation of the participants to complete the questionnaire for the second time.

RESULTS

The translation process was performed uneventfully without any significant alterations. A total of 150 HF patients were recruited to assess the reliability of the questionnaire in this study (age: 64.6±16 years, males: 58.6%). All items had acceptable CVI and CVR, ranging 0.85-1.00 and 0.57-1.00, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.971. All participants completed the questionnaire for the second time with no missing data. Test-retest reliability revealed an excellent ICC value of 0.981 (95% CI: 0.977-0.985).

CONCLUSION

The Persian version of the LVD-36 questionnaire is a simple, valid and reliable tool for evaluating the impact of left ventricle impairment on the well-being of Iranian HF patients.

HIV-Related Atherosclerosis: State-of-the-Art-Review

The infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has spread rapidly across the globe, assuming the characteristics of an epidemic in some regions. Thanks to the introduction of antiretroviral therapy into routine clinical practice, there was a considerable breakthrough in the treatment of HIV, that is now HIV is potentially well-controlled even in low-income countries. To date, HIV infection has moved from the group of life-threatening conditions to the group of chronic and well controlled ones and the quality of life and life expectancy of HIV+ people, with an undetectable viral load is closer to that of an HIV- people. However, unsolved issues still persist. For example: people living with HIV are more prone to the age-related diseases, especially atherosclerosis. For this reason, a better understanding of the mechanisms of HIV-associated destabilization of vascular homeostasis seems to be an urgent duty, that may lead to the development of new protocols, bringing the possibilities of pathogenetic therapies to a new level. The purpose of the article was to evaluate the pathological aspects of HIV-induced atherosclerosis.

The Association of Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels and Lipid Profile in Euthyroid Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Previous studies reported a relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. In this study, we aim to evaluate the impact of TSH levels on lipid profile in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and euthyroid state. Patients were selected from the Isfahan FH registry. The Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria are used to detect FH. Patients were classified into no FH, possible FH, probable FH, and definite FH groups based on the DLCN scores. Patients with any cause of secondary hyperlipidemia, including hypothyroidism, were excluded from this study. The study group consisted of 103 patients with possible FH, 25 patients with definite FH, and 63 individuals with no FH. The mean TSH and LDL-C levels among participants were 2.10 ± 1.22 mU/l and 142.17 ± 62.56 mg/dl, respectively. No positive or negative correlation was found between serum TSH and total cholesterol (P value = 0.438), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.225), triglycerides (P value = 0.863), and LDL-C (P value = 0.203). We found no correlation between serum TSH levels and lipid profiles in euthyroid patients with FH.

Relative Values of Hematological Indices for Prognosis of Heart Failure: A Mini-Review

Owing to the augmented perception of heart failure (HF) pathophysiology, management of the affected patients has been improved dramatically; as with the identification of the inflammatory background of HF, new avenues of HF prognosis research have been opened up. In this regard, relative values of hematologic indices were demonstrated by a growing body of evidence to successfully predict HF outcomes. Cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and easy obtainability of these relative values make them a precious option for the determination of HF prognosis; particularly in low-income developing countries. In this short review, we aimed to present the current literature on the predictability of these hematologic parameters for HF outcomes.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on insulin resistance; a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Recent studies have indicated that Sodium-GLucose co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2Is) may increase insulin sensitivity (IS); however, these results are heterogeneous and need to be systematically assessed.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and ProQuest using a predefined search query. Randomized clinical trials on SGLT2Is with a passive control group or metformin controlled group were included. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Meta-analysis was performed separately on studies with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population and studies with non-T2DM population and also for passive- and active-controlled studies using standardized mean difference (SMD) as the measure of the effect size. Subgroup analysis was performed according to different types of SGLT2Is. Meta-regression analysis was performed according to the dose and duration of intervention.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies (6 on non-T2DM population) with a total of 1421 (243 non-T2DM) patients were included. Six studies (3 on T2DM and 3 on non-T2DM) were controlled by metformin, and others were passively controlled. SGLT2Is could significantly increase IS in T2DM patients (SMD = 0.72 [0.32-1.12]). SGLT2Is could reduce insulin resistance in non-T2DM population, but this was not significant. SGLT2Is were not inferior to metformin in reducing insulin resistance. Subgroup analysis indicated that dapagliflozin could significantly increase IS, but empagliflozin was not associated with significant improvement in IS. Meta-regression analysis indicated no effect for dose but duration of SGLT2I administration on IS.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2Is, particularly dapagliflozin, could increase IS. These results need to be consolidated by further studies.

Changes in the burden and underlying causes of heart failure in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, 1990-2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

BACKGROUND

The burden of heart failure (HF) is high globally, but information on its burden in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is limited. This study provides a systematic analysis of the burden and underlying causes of HF in the EMR, including at the country level, between 1990 and 2019.

METHODS

We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data for estimates of prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), and underlying causes of HF in the EMR. Age-standardised prevalence, YLDs, and underlying causes of HF were compared by 5-year age groups (considering 15 years old and more), sex (male and female), and countries.

FINDINGS

In contrast with the decreasing trend of HF burden globally, EMR showed an increasing trend. Globally, the HF age-standardised prevalence and YLDs decreased by 7.06% (95% UI: -7.22%, -6.9%) and 6.82% (95% UI: -6.98%, -6.66%) respectively, from 1990 to 2019. The HF age-standardised prevalence and YLDs in the EMR in 2019 were 706.43 (95% UI: 558.22-887.87) and 63.46 (95% UI: 39.82-92.59) per 100,000 persons, representing an increase of 8.07% (95% UI: 7.9%, 8.24%) and 8.79% (95% UI: 8.61%, 8.97%) from 1990, respectively. Amongst EMR countries, the age-standardised prevalence and YLDs were highest in Kuwait, while Pakistan consistently had the lowest HF burden. The dramatic increase of the age-standardised prevalence and YLDs were seen in Oman (28.79%; 95% UI: 28.51%, 29.07% and 29.56%; 95% UI: 29.28%, 29.84%), while Bahrain witnessed a reduction over the period shown (-9.66%; 95% UI: -9.84%, -9.48% and-9.14%; 95% UI: -9.32%, -8.96%). There were significant country-specific differences in trends of HF burden from 1990 to 2019. Males had relatively higher rates than females in all age groups. Among all causes of HF in 2019, ischemic heart disease accounted for the highest age-standardised prevalence and YLDs, followed by hypertensive heart disease.

INTERPRETATION

The burden of HF in the EMR was higher than the global, with increasing age-standardised prevalence and YLDs in countries of the region. A more comprehensive approach is needed to prevent underlying causes and improve medical care to control the burden of HF in the region.

FUNDING

None.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, Validation, and Reliability of Persian-Revised Heart Failure Compliance Questionnaire

Background: Compliance with health-related behaviors is a dilemma among heart failure (HF) patients. The present study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of a Persian translation of the revised heart failure compliance questionnaire (RHFCQ) in Iranian HF sufferers. Methods: This methodological study was performed on outpatient HF individuals referred to a heart clinic in Isfahan, Iran. The forward-backward translation method was used for translation. Twenty subjects were invited to express their opinions on the provided items concerning simplicity and understandability. Twelve experts were invited to rate the items regarding the content validity index (CVI). Cronbach’s α was used to evaluate internal consistency. The patients were asked to complete the questionnaire for the second time after 2 weeks to investigate test-retest reliability using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: There were no obvious difficulties during the translation and assessment of the simplicity and comprehensiveness of the questionnaire items. The CVI of the items ranged from 0.833 to 1.000. Totally, 150 patients (age: 64.60±15.00 y, males: 58.0%) filled in the questionnaire twice with no missing data. The highest and lowest compliance rates were attributed to alcohol and exercise domains, respectively (83.00±7.70% and 45.55±12.00%, respectively). Cronbach’s α was 0.629. After the omission of 3 items related to smoking and alcohol cessation, Cronbach’s α rose to 0.655. The ICC showed an acceptable value of 0.576 (95% CI, 0.462 to 0.673). Conclusion: The modified Persian RHFCQ is a simple and meaningful tool with acceptable moderate reliability and good validity for assessing compliance in Iranian HF patients.

Translation, cultural adaptation, validation and reliability of Persian version of Edmonton frailty score questionnaire among Iranian heart failure individuals

Background

Frailty is a common problem in elderly individuals. However, this issue is not well investigated among heart failure (HF) patients with appropriate scales. We aimed to translate and evaluate Edmonton frailty scale (EFS) validity and reliability in Iranian HF adults.

Methods

We implemented this methodological study on stable HF patients referred to an outpatient heart clinic in Isfahan, Iran. The translation was done using the forward-backward method. Ten individuals were asked to comment about all items in terms of understandability and simplicity. Fifteen experts were invited, and their ratings on each item were collected to measure the content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR). Cronbach's alpha was used for the assessment of internal consistency. After completing the scale for the second time with a two-week interval, test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) measurement was done.

Results

The translation process was performed uneventfully. All items were reported to be simple and meaningful. CVI of items ranged from the minimum of 0.80 to a maximum of 1.00 plus an acceptable CVR of at least 0.60. Fifty HF patients (age: 67.2±14.1 years, males: 56%) completed the questionnaire twice without missing data. Cronbach's alpha was first to be 0.550. After omitting three items about social support, drug usage, and nutrition, the value was raised to 0.711. Test-retest reliability showed a good index of consistency (ICC: 0.693, 95% confidence interval: 0.527-0.810).

Conclusion

Modified Persian EFS is a simple and meaningful tool with high validity and acceptable reliability for assessing frailty in HF individuals irrespective of age.

Quality of Palliative Care Guidelines in Patients with Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of Quality Appraisal using AGREE II Instrument

Objectives

While the principles for developing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are well established, the quality of published guidelines is very diverse. The present study was conducted to evaluate the quality of existing CPGs in palliative care for heart failure patients.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses. A systematic search was conducted in the Excerpta Medica Database, MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL databases and Guideline internet sites: National Institute for Clinical Excellence, National Guideline Clearinghouse, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Guidelines International Network and National Health and Medical Research Council for CPGs published through April 2021. Criteria for including CPGs were: Containing palliative measures for patients with heart failure over 18 years old and preferably interprofessional guidelines that focus on only one dimension of palliative care or focus on diagnosis, definition and treatment were excluded from the study. After initial screening, five appraisers rated the quality of the final selection of CPGs using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition (AGREE II).

Results

From 1501 records, seven guidelines were selected for analysis. The 'scope and purpose' and 'clarity of presentation' domains obtained the highest mean and 'rigor of development' and 'applicability' domains obtained the lowest mean scores. Three categories of recommendations were: (1) Strongly recommended (guidelines 1, 3, 6 and 7); (2) recommended with modifications (guideline 2) and (3) not recommended (guidelines 4 and 5).

Conclusion

Clinical guidelines for palliative care in patients with heart failure were of moderate-to-high quality, with the main deficiencies occurring in the rigor of development and applicability domains. The results inform clinicians and guideline developers of the strengths and weaknesses of each CPG. To improve the quality of palliative care CPGs in the future, it is recommended that developers pay detailed attention to all domains of the AGREE II criteria. Funding agent: Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. (IR.MUI.NUREMA.REC.1400.123).

Priority setting in cardiovascular research in Iran using standard indigenous methods

Background

Determining cardiovascular disease (CVD) research priorities is essential given the high burden of these diseases, limited financial resources, and competing priorities. This study aimed to determine the research priorities in CVD field in Iran using standard indigenous methods.

Materials and Methods

An extensive search was done in relevant international and national studies. Then, an indigenous standard multistage approach based on multicriteria decision analysis steps was adapted to local situation and implemented. This process included forming a working group of experts in priority setting methodology, identifying the context and prioritization framework, discussing the methodology with the National Network of CVD Research (NCVDR) members who ultimately determined the priority research topics, weighted topics criteria, ranked topics, and reviewed all determined research priorities for final report.

Results

Thirteen cardiovascular research priorities were determined by the NCVDR members. The first five priorities based on their scores include studies in hypertension, prevention and control of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and its risk factors, burden of IHD, Registration of CVDs, and COVID-19 and CVDs.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular research priorities were determined using a standard indigenous approach by national experts who are the NCVDR members. These priorities can be used by researchers and health decision makers.

Coexistence of Type B Insulin Resistance and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Various Manifestations With the Same Pathophysiologic Base?

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rarely reported disease. The association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and CIDP has been a matter of controversy. Here we presented a 59-year old male patient with uncontrolled type 2 DM presented with simultaneous type B insulin resistance (TBIRS) and CIDP. Both blood glucose and neurological manifestations responded well to corticosteroid therapies. Although the pathogenesis of CIDP remains to be elucidated, the role of antibodies in the pathogenesis of TBIRS and CIDP might be a promising platform for further studies to provide additional insights into the origin of these 2 rare complications.

Factors associated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks in patients suffering from non-ischemic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Although intra-cardiac shocks are a lifesaving approach in patients with systolic heart failure (HF), the probable effective factors related to shock occurrence are less frequently recognized. We designed this study to assess the factors associated with inappropriate or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shocks in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients with NICM who implanted ICD were enrolled from March 2018 to September 2019 and followed up with a three-month interval for up to one year. Shock therapy was defined as either appropriate or inappropriate shock. The odds ratio (OR) of inappropriate shock occurrence was calculated with crude and different adjusted models.

RESULTS

The mean age of the population at baseline was 51.9 ± 15.4 years (men: 71%). Baseline data revealed that patients with inappropriate shocks had higher heart rates (HR), worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) as well as higher percentages of amiodarone usage compared to groups with appropriate or no shock [HR: 96.8 ± 27.8 vs. 79.8 ± 12.1 vs. 76.2 ± 17.6 beats per minute (bpm), P = 0.014; NYHA class IV: 85.7% vs. 74.1% vs. 63.4%, P = 0.041; ATP: 37.5% vs. 29% vs. 5%, P = 0.010; amiodarone usage: 37.5% vs. 25.8% vs. 5%, P = 0.23, respectively]. Further multiple-adjusted OR did not reveal any significant independent association between the aforementioned variables and inappropriate shock incidence.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates no significant independent predisposing factor in the occurrence of inappropriate shocks among patients with NICM. Other studies are required in this regard.

Association of digoxin with mortality and rehospitalization in heart failure patients treated with beta-blockers: Results from the Persian Heart Failure Patient Registry

BACKGROUND

Numerous clinical trials have reported conflicting results regarding the benefit of digoxin in treating heart failure (HF) patients. This study was conducted with the aim to demonstrate the impact of added digoxin to beta-blocker and beta-blocker alone on all-cause mortality and rehospitalization among these patients.

METHODS

We investigated the data of 1998 patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of decompensated HF in the prospective Persian Heart Failure Patients Registry in Iran. The outcomes of interest were time until death and time until first rehospitalization. Multivariate cox regression was used to compare the impact of beta-blocker plus digoxin and beta-blocker alone on 2.5-year survival and 90-day rehospitalization.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 69.18 ± 13.26 years, and 38.1% of patients were women. The incidence rate of all-cause mortality in the total sample was 0.18 and 0.22 in patients on beta-blocker plus digoxin and beta-blocker alone, respectively [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.92-1.7]. The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in women discharged with beta-blocker plus digoxin than beta-blocker groups [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.27-4.19]. Rates of 90-day first rehospitalization were 0.10 and 0.12 in the beta-blocker plus digoxin and beta-blocker alone groups, respectively (IRR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.53-1.35). After adjustment for covariates, beta-blocker plus digoxin therapy had no significant effect on increasing the risk of 90-day first rehospitalization in the total cohort (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.48-1.23), in men (HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.40-1.35), and women (HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.36-1.65).

CONCLUSION

In patients hospitalized with decompensated HF, digoxin administration at discharge was associated with increased 30-month mortality risk in women.

Prognostic Value of Shock Index, Modified Shock Index, and Age-Adjusted Derivatives in Prediction of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease/ Heart Failure Study

BACKGROUND

Introduction of simple bedside tools for assessing patients' condition in different settings improves triaging. However, these indices are less frequently used in heart failure. This study aims to evaluate the utility of shock index, age shock index, modified shock index, and age-modified shock index in the prediction of in-hospital mortality in acute decompensated heart failure individuals.

METHODS

We conducted this retrospective study on 3652 acute decompensated heart failure individuals in the context of Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease/heart failure. Shock index, age shock index, modified shock index, and age-modified shock index were assessed during admission. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to define the optimum cut-off point. Odds ratio models were used for investigating the association of in-hospital mortality according to each specified cut-off value.

RESULTS

Mean age was 70.12 ± 12.56 years (males: 62.6%). Optimum cut-off point for shock index, age shock index, modified shock index, and age-modified shock index were set to be 0.71 (sensitivity: 63%, specificity: 60%), 50.5 (sensitivity: 65%, specificity: 60%), 0.94 (sensitivity: 60%, specificity: 60%), and 66.7 (sensitivity: 62%, specificity: 60%), respectively. Participants with higher shock index derivatives in all domains had significantly higher likelihood of death. Compared to those with shock index, age shock index, modified shock index, and age-modified shock index values of less than cut-off points, adjusted model revealed patients with higher values had 2.59 (95% CI: 1.94-3.46, P<.001), 2.61 (95% CI: 1.95-3.48, P <.001), 2.14 (95% CI: 1.61-2.84, P <.001), and 2.28 (95% CI: 1.72- 3.03, P <.001) times increase in-hospital death risk, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Shock index, age shock index, modified shock index, and age-modified shock index are simple bedside tools to reliably predict in-hospital mortality in acute decompensated heart failure patients to better prioritize high-risk subjects.

Melatonin supplementation improves N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels and quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Results from MeHR trial, a randomized clinical trial

Background

Melatonin, the major secretion of the pineal gland, has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and might advantage heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) by attenuating the effects of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone and sympathetic system on the heart besides its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that oral melatonin might improve echocardiographic parameters, serum biomarkers, and a composite clinical outcome (including quality of life, hospitalization, and mortality) in patients with HFrEF.

Methods

A placebo‐controlled double‐blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with stable HFrEF. The intervention was 10 mg melatonin or placebo tablets administered every night for 24 weeks. Echocardiography and measurements of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐Pro BNP), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, lipid profile, and psychological parameters were done at baseline and after 24 weeks.

Results

Overall, 92 patients were recruited, and 85 completed the study (melatonin: 42, placebo: 43). Serum NT‐Pro BNP decreased significantly in the melatonin compared with the placebo group (estimated marginal means for difference [95% confidence interval]: 111.0 [6.2–215.7], p = .044). Moreover, the melatonin group had a significantly better clinical outcome (0.93 [0.18–1.69], p = .017), quality of life (5.8 [0.9–12.5], p = .037), and New York Heart Association class (odds ratio: 12.9 [1.6–102.4]; p = .015) at the end of the trial. Other studied outcomes were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions

Oral melatonin decreased NT‐Pro BNP and improved the quality of life in patients with HFrEF. Thus it might be a beneficial supplement in HFrEF.

Prognostic utility of shock index and modified shock index on long-term mortality in acute decompensated heart failure; Persian Registry of cardioVascular diseasE/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF) study

BACKGROUND

Shock index (SI) and modified SI (MSI) are used for prognosis in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), especially myocardial infarction. However, the utility of these indices in heart failure(HF) is less frequently investigated. We aimed to evaluate the long-term prognostic capability of SI and MSI among Iranian HF patients.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was implemented in the context of the Persian Registry Of cardioVascular diseasE/HF (PROVE/HF). A total of 3896 acute decompensated HF (ADHF) patients were enrolled from March 2016 to March 2020. SI and MSI were assessed at admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to define optimum SI and MSI cut-off points and depict mortality during follow-up, respectively. The association of CVD death according to different SI and MSI cut-off points and quartiles was assessed through univariate and multivariate regression hazard models.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 70.22 ± 12.65 years (males: 62.1%). We found 0.66 (sensitivity:62%, specificity: 51%) and 0.87 (sensitivity: 61%, specificity: 51%) as optimised cut-off points for SI and MSI, respectively. Mean follow-up was 10.26 ± 7.5 months and 1110 (28.5%) deaths occurred during this time. Multivariate adjusted models revealed patients had SI ≥ 0.66 or within the third and fourth quartiles had higher likelihood of mortality compared to reference group (hazard ratio(HR): 1.58, 95%CI: 1.39-1.80, p < 0.001, HR: 1.38,95%CI:1.14-1.66, p = 0.001 and HR:2.00,95%CI:1.68-2.38, p < 0.001, respectively). MSI outcomes were similar (MSI ≥ 0.87: HR: 1.52,95%CI: 1.34-1.72, p < 0.001, third quartile (0.89 ≤ MSI < 1.00):HR:1.23,95%CI:1.009-1.50, p = 0.041, fourth quartile (MSI ≥ 1.00): HR: 1.80,95%CI: 1.53-2.13, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves showed patients with higher SI and MSI cut-off values and quartiles had lower survival rates.

CONCLUSION

Higher SI and MSI values were associated with increased mortality risk, and these two bedside indices could be appropriately considered for long-term prognosis in ADHF patients.

Prevalence of amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism; A systematic review and meta-analysis: Amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism epidemiology

Amiodarone is a common anti-arrhythmic agent mostly used to treat and prevent different kinds of arrhythmia with several considerable side effects, most commonly on the thyroid gland. We aimed to assess the frequency of hypothyroidism among chronic amiodarone users. PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were screened in the title and abstract sections with no time limitation. Relevant published records reported amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH) among patients with normal thyroid function at baseline were recruited with further analysis according to gender and study locations. We found 29 records on 14143 individuals. Total population age ranged from 18 to 92 years (males: 58.2% (8158 out of 13999)). The AIH prevalence was found to be 14% (95% confidence interval (CI): 12-17%). Further gender stratified showed an insignificant higher AIH frequency in females versus males (17%, 95% CI: 13-22% vs. 14%, 95% CI: 11-19% P= 0.304, respectively). Despite no significant difference in AIH prevalence according to different continents, African subjects had marginally lower AIH frequency compared to Asian (7%, 95% CI: 4-13% vs. 15%, 95% CI: 12-19%, P= 0.012) and South American persons (7%, 95% CI: 4-13% vs. 54%, 95% CI: 9-93%, P= 0.038). This review suggests the occurrence of AIH is quite considerable regardless of gender and area of residence, and several periodic thyroid assessment strategies should be developed for earlier recognition and therapeutic interventions in clinical settings.

Prediabetes and COVID-19 severity, an underestimated risk factor: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread through the whole globe. Since the beginning of the outbreak, some individuals were more likely to manifest more severe outcomes. Diabetic patients were of that sort; however, the severity of COVID-19 in prediabetic ones remained less identified. This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the previously published observational studies investigating the severity of COVID-19 in prediabetic patients.

METHODS

Medline/PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library, and google scholar databases were queried to identify relevant studies concerning prediabetes and serious COVID-19 outcomes. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate the likelihood of severe presentations in prediabetic patients.

RESULTS

A total of 3027 patients were included in the meta-analysis. A random-effects model was used regarding the high heterogeneity (I² = 55%). Prediabetes was significantly associated with adverse outcomes of COVID-19 with an OR of 2.58 (95%CI, 1.46-4.56).

CONCLUSION

Prediabetes could act as a risk factor for the severity of COVID-19. Early detection of prediabetic patients might be helpful to adopt preventive and protective strategies to improve the prognosis of the infected individuals.

The association between platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with mortality among patients suffering from acute decompensated heart failure

Background

Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is an inflammation index suggested to have the prognostic capability in heart failure (HF). We sought to investigate the association of PLR with cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and creatinine (Cr) rise among Iranian individuals suffering from acute decompensated HF (ADHF).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was in the context of the Persian Registry Of cardioVascular diseasE/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF) study. 405 individuals with ADHF admitted to the emergency department were recruited from April 2019 to March 2020. PLR was calculated by division of platelet to absolute lymphocyte counts and categorized based on quartiles. We utilized the Kaplan–Meier curve to show the difference in mortality based on PLR quartiles. Cr rise was defined as the increment of at least 0.3 mg/dl from baseline. Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) was used to investigate the association of PLR with CVDs mortality.

Results

Mean age of participants was 65.9 ± 13.49 years (males: 67.7%). The mean follow-up duration was 4.26 ± 2.2 months. CVDs mortality or re-hospitalization was not significantly associated with PLR status. Multivariate analysis of PLR quartiles showed a minimally reduced likelihood of CVDs death in 2nd quartile versus the first one (HR 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16–1.01, P = 0.054). Cr rise had no remarkable relation with PLR status in neither model.

Conclusion

PLR could not be used as an independent prognostic factor among ADHF patients. Several studies are required clarifying the exact utility of this index.

Effect of melatonin supplementation on endothelial function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effect of melatonin supplementation on endothelial function in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

This is an analysis of the MeHR trial, a randomized double‐blinded placebo‐controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms of 1:1. Oral 10 mg melatonin tablets or placebo was administered for 24 weeks. Deference in the percentage of flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD) after the intervention was the primary outcome.

Results

Ninety‐two patients were included in the study (age: 62.7±10.3 years, 87.0% male, ejection fraction (EF): 28.6±8.1). After adjustment for baseline FMD and age, a statistically significant difference in post‐treatment FMD in favor of the melatonin group was seen (estimated marginal means [95%CI], melatonin: 7.84% [6.69–8.98], placebo: 5.98% [4.84–7.12], p = .027). There was no significant difference in the mean of post‐treatment systolic/diastolic blood pressure, serum total antioxidant capacity, and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) between groups. Subgroup analysis showed significant improvement in FMD and MDA in the melatonin group in nondiabetic patients, while no difference was seen between study groups in diabetic patients.

Conclusions

Melatonin supplementation in HFrEF might improve endothelial function; however, this beneficial effect might not be seen in diabetic patients.

Endothelial dysfunction in patients with lone atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common tachyarrhythmia in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and may have significant complications such as stroke. The present study aims to evaluate endothelial dysfunction in patients with lone atrial fibrillation (LAF) through flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in the brachial artery, as a non-invasive method for evaluating functional and structural markers of endothelial dysfunction.

METHODS

In this case-control study, 43 patients with LAF were selected. 51 age and sex-matched healthy individuals were selected as the control group. The brachial artery diameter of the subjects in both groups was measured through FMD. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software.

RESULTS

Patients with LAF and healthy subjects did not have any difference in terms of gender, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P > 0.05 for all). FMD of the patients with AF was significantly lower (P = 0.04) than FMD of the healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that LAF was associated with systemic endothelial dysfunction. AF plays an important and independent role in reducing FMD.

A meta-analysis of microRNA expression profiling studies in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major consequence of many cardiovascular diseases with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and prevention are hampered by the lack of informative biomarkers. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the miRNA expression profiling studies in HF to identify novel candidate biomarkers or/and therapeutic targets. A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed for miRNA expression studies related to HF was carried out. The vote counting and robust rank aggregation meta-analysis methods were used to identify significant meta-signatures of HF-miRs. The targets of HF-miRs were identified, and network construction and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to identify the genes and cognitive pathways most affected by the dysregulation of the miRNAs. The literature search identified forty-five miRNA expression studies related to CHF. Shared meta-signature was identified for 3 up-regulated (miR-21, miR-214, and miR-27b) and 13 down-regulated (miR-133a, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-451, miR-185, miR-133b, miR-30e, miR-30b, miR-1, miR-150, miR-486, miR-149, and miR-16-5p) miRNAs. Network properties showed miR-29a, miR-21, miR-29b, miR-1, miR-16, miR-133a, and miR-133b have the most degree centrality. GESA identified functionally related sets of genes in signaling and community pathways in HF that are the targets of HF-miRs. The miRNA expression meta-analysis identified sixteen highly significant HF-miRs that are differentially expressed in HF. Further validation in large patient cohorts is required to confirm the significance of these miRs as HF biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Its Effect on Renal System, A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been recently emerged with various manifestations, mainly on respiratory system. However, other organs might also be involved. Acute kidney injury has been reported as a complication with high variability and controversial results. We aimed to define the frequency of AKI as well as two specific renal biomarkers including BUN and serum Cr among individuals suffering from COVID-19 infection. We investigated Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until 16th April 2020 and included all relevant peer-reviewed published studies without any language limitations. We further categorized patients according to their clinical status into severe, non-severe, and death groups. 18 records on 4528 individuals were assessed. The mean age of individuals were 52.5 ± 24.4 years (males: 55.6%). Prevalence of AKI was 4% (95% CI: 2% to 8%) and was significantly lower among non-severe patients in comparison to deceased ones (1%, 95% CI: 0% to 4%, vs. 31%, 95% CI: 19% to 47%). BUN mean was 5.14 mmol/L (95% CI: 4.60 to 5.69). Non-severe patients had remarkably lower means of BUN compared to deceased or those with severe infection (4.25 mmol/L, 95% Cl: 3.70 to 4.79, vs. 8.9 mmol/L, 95% CI: 7.94 to 9.86, vs. 6.63 mmol/L, 95% Cl: 5.62 to 7.65; respectively). The mean serum Cr was 71.60 mmol/L (95% Cl: 67.56 to 75.64). Our findings suggest that COVID-19 does not seem to involve renal system extensively and other possible mechanisms might be further investigated in this regard.

Acute Cardiac Injury in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been widespread since late December 2019, with several symptoms related to the upper and lower respiratory system. However, its cardiac manifestations are less frequently studied. We aimed to analyze the available COVID-19 data on acute cardiac injury, using troponin and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review on Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases until March 25, 2020. Relevant records reporting the incidence of acute cardiac injury as well as troponin and BNP levels were collected from published peer-reviewed articles with further analysis according to the clinical status of the patients (severe, non-severe, and death).

RESULTS

Eleven records of 1394 individuals were included. The mean age of patients with acute cardiac injury was 56.6 ± 33.4 years (males: 54.3%). The incidence of acute cardiac injury was 15% (95% CI: 11, 20%). Further analysis revealed that dead or severe patients had significantly higher percentages of myocardial injury, compared to non-severe ones (peer-reviewed: 44%, 95% CI: 16, 74% vs. 24%, 95% CI: 15, 34% vs. 5%, 95% CI: 1, 12%, respectively). Mean total troponin was 10.23 pg/mL (95% CI: 5.98, 14.47), while 13% (95% CI: 8%, 18%) of patients had elevated levels. Mean BNP was 216.74 pg/mL (95% CI: 3.27, 430.20).

CONCLUSION

Acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 patients is more frequent than what was expected at the beginning of the outbreak. Meanwhile, further studies are needed to investigate the utility of cardiac biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic tools for long-term cardiac complications of this infection.

Coronary artery disease detection using artificial intelligence techniques: A survey of trends, geographical differences and diagnostic features 1991-2020

While coronary angiography is the gold standard diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease (CAD), but it is associated with procedural risk, it is an invasive technique requiring arterial puncture, and it subjects the patient to radiation and iodinated contrast exposure. Artificial intelligence (AI) can provide a pretest probability of disease that can be used to triage patients for angiography. This review comprehensively investigates published papers in the domain of CAD detection using different AI techniques from 1991 to 2020, in order to discern broad trends and geographical differences. Moreover, key decision factors affecting CAD diagnosis are identified for different parts of the world by aggregating the results from different studies. In this study, all datasets that have been used for the studies for CAD detection, their properties, and achieved performances using various AI techniques, are presented, compared, and analyzed. In particular, the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques to diagnose and predict CAD are reviewed. From PubMed, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and Google Scholar search, 500 papers were selected to be investigated. Among these selected papers, 256 papers met our criteria and hence were included in this study. Our findings demonstrate that AI-based techniques have been increasingly applied for the detection of CAD since 2008. AI-based techniques that utilized electrocardiography (ECG), demographic characteristics, symptoms, physical examination findings, and heart rate signals, reported high accuracy for the detection of CAD. In these papers, the authors ranked the features based on their assessed clinical importance with ML techniques. The results demonstrate that the attribution of the relative importance of ML features for CAD diagnosis is different among countries. More recently, DL methods have yielded high CAD detection performance using ECG signals, which drives its burgeoning adoption.

Relation between Hemoconcentration Status and Readmission Plus Mortality Rate Among Iranian Individuals with Decompensated Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Hemoconcentration (HC) has been suggested to be a useful biomarker for determination of optimum diuretic therapy in acute heart failure (HF), but role of this factor in rehospitalization and death was still controversial. In this study, we aimed to define relation between HC and readmission and mortality rate among Iranian patients with acute HF.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study done from March 2017 to March 2018 using data of a HF section of Persian Registry Of cardioVascular diseasE. From a total number of 390 registered HF individuals aged 18 years or older, 69 ones showed alterations in hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Hb levels were measured at admission and discharge time. HC was defined as any increased level in Hb during hospitalization. The relation of HC with readmission and death rate was done using multiple logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard model, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean age of study population was 70.5 ± 11.9 years with the dominant percentage of male participants (66.9%). Patients showing HC during admission did not reveal any significant decreased likelihood of rehospitalization compared to negative ones. In comparison to HC negative patients, those showing increments in Hb levels had a borderline significant lower likelihood of mortality (hazard ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.07-1.18, P = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that HC was associated marginally with reduced mortality rate 6 months post HF attack and could be utilized as a useful biomarker for risk stratification of HF patients. Several prospective longitudinal population-based studies are necessary proving these associations.

Adrenal insufficiency in coronavirus disease 2019: a case report

Background

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 presents with fever, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath in most cases; however, some rare manifestations in other organs have also been reported so far.

Case presentation

Here, the case of a 69-year-old Iranian man with coronavirus disease 2019 is presented who suffered from frequent episodes of vasopressor-resistant hypotension during intensive care unit admission, which was finally attributed to the occurrence of acute adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusions

As this is a rare complication, adrenal insufficiency might be easily overlooked. However, early detection of this disease among critically ill patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 could be lifesaving, especially among those unresponsive to vasopressor agents.

Comparison of multiple blood pressure frequency methods with optimum blood pressure measurement among Iranian individuals

Background:

Proper blood pressure (BP) measurement frequency method is less evaluated to optimize hypertension (HTN) status among different nations due to cultural patience variations. The aim of this study was to compare the first (BP₁), second (BP₂), and the mean of first and second (BP_1,2) and all the three (BP_1,2,3) with the second and third BP measurements in Iranian individuals.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was done on 2264 individuals aged 18 years or more living in Isfahan city, Iran. Their BPs were assessed from right arms by the standard tools and methods after 5 min of rest in a quiet room by a trained staff. The mean second and third readings were considered as reference, and the other aforementioned variables were compared with it.

Results:

The mean age of total population was 40.9 ± 16.1 years (males: 52%). Men had significant higher means of systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) with any measurement frequency methods than women (P < 0.001 and P = 0.009). Considerable clinical significant (≥5 mmHg) ranges were mostly observed in BP₁ compared with BP_2,3. SBP₂ and DBP₂ indices showed insignificant differences compared with reference mean. Moreover, abnormal BP levels (≥140/90 mmHg) were mostly observed in terms of BP₁ measurement with no remarkable variability in BP₂ reading in comparison to the reference.

Conclusion:

Our considerable data suggested that BP₂ could appropriately categorize BP status similar to BP_2,3 and it may be rational for physicians considering this mean and excluding the first BP measurement as a sole criterion for HTN assessment in Iranian adults. Multiple researches are necessary quantifying appropriate frequencies of BP reading.

The association between particulate matter 2.5 and hospitalization and mortality rates of heart failure: The CAPACITY study

BACKGROUND

Considering the high concentrations of pollutants in large cities of Iran and the high prevalence of heart failure (HF) among Iranians, especially with increasing life expectancy, this study investigated the relationship between airborne contaminants with a diameter < 2.5 µm or particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and hospitalization and mortality in patients with HF in Isfahan, Iran, during 2011.

METHODS

This ecological study was carried out on a part of data from the CAPACITY study. A total of 275 patients with HF were randomly selected from 840 subjects with International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis code I50 in the CAPACITY study. Patients’ records were evaluated and their clinical characteristics, disease history, and laboratory and echocardiographic findings were extracted. Air pollution and climatic data were extracted from the CAPACITY study. Poisson regression was used in crude and adjusted models to evaluate the association between PM2.5 and study outcomes. All analyses were performed using crude models and models adjusted for temperature, dew point, and wind speed.

RESULTS

54.9% (n = 151) were men with mean age of 70.4 ± 13.7 years. While most patients (85.8%) were discharged after recovery, 14.2% of the patients died in the hospital. Blood glucose, heart rate, and ejection fraction (EF) were significantly higher on unhealthy days than normal days. Regression analysis revealed no significant relationships between hospitalization and mortality rates and PM2.5 concentrations on healthy days, unhealthy days for sensitive people, and unhealthy days.

CONCLUSION

The model used in our study revealed no significant relationships between PM2.5 concentrations and hospital admission on healthy days, unhealthy days for sensitive people, and unhealthy days.

Design and methodology of heart failure registry: Results of the Persian registry of cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) resulted from ultimate pathway of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) or as a separate entity poses a considerable increasing prevalence and economic burden, but its registry for better management is less frequently done. In this study, we aimed to design and implement HF registry.

METHODS

Persian Registry Of cardioVascular diseasE (PROVE) was initiated from March 2015 and continuously collected information of patients suffering from HF, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), atrial fibrillation (AF), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), stroke, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), congenital heart disease (CHD), chronic ischemic cardiovascular disease (CICD), and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from 18 different cardiac centers. Data of patients with HF were collected from their medical forms and recorded in a registry system of PROVE/HF plus telephone follow-up survey of 1, 6, and 12 months after the date of HF attack.

RESULTS

Assessment of all related questions led to definition of a final questionnaire including 27 items regarding demographic information, underlying disorders and their complications, patients' symptoms and signs, and laboratory and relevant para-clinic data at admission time, during hospitalization, and post discharge. Follow-up information was mostly based on patients' general status and medication usage.

CONCLUSION

PROVE execution was a successful and hopeful project providing data of major CVDs in order to design appropriate preventive actions and better management and treatment strategies plus a valuable data center being utilized in multiple future comprehensive projects.

Effects of somatostatin analog treatment on cardiovascular parameters in patients with acromegaly: A systematic review

Background:

There is a belief that in patients with acromegaly, first-generation somatostatin analogs (SSAs) might improve cardiovascular (CV) structure and function. However, most published clinical trials involved only a few patients and their results are rather variable. We aimed to conduct a systematic review on available studies on the impact of these drugs on CV parameters.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE (OVID), EMBase, Cochrane, and ISI Web of Science for citations published until April 30 2018 to identify studies on our objective that considered changes in CV parameters. For this search, we established a Boolean search strategy using keywords related to “acromegaly,” “Somatostatin analog,” and “cardiovascular diseases and parameters.” All study types except for case reports or conference abstracts were included. Twenty-four studies (n = 558) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for final analysis.

Results:

In 12 studies (n = 350), decrease in heart rate (HR) and in 4 studies (n = 128), decrease in blood pressure (BP) was significant. In 15 studies (n = 320), left ventricular mass index (LVMi) changes were significant. In 9 studies (n = 202), the early diastole to peak velocity flow in late diastole (E/A ratio) was evaluated, and in 5 of them (n = 141), the improvement was significant. Eighteen studies (n = 366) examined changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), 5 of which (n = 171) reported that these changes were significant. Decrease of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was reported in only 2 studies (n = 27).

Conclusion:

We found that first-generation SSAs have a beneficial effect on cardiac parameters such as HR and LVMi. For other parameters such as LVEF, BP, LV diameter, and E/A ratio, we were not able to draw a firm conclusion.

The association of anthropometric indices and cardiac function in healthy adults

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a major risk factor for many diseases including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Recently, it has been shown that upper body obesity can predict CVDs per se. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between indicators of upper body obesity and echocardiographic indices.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study conducted in Hajar Hospital in Shahrekord, Iran, from March to August 2014, 80 healthy adults were included. Participants' neck circumference (NC), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure were measured. Echocardiography was performed for all participants, and echocardiographic indices such as early (E') and late (A') diastolic tissue velocity, early (E) and late (A) transmitral flow velocity, E/E' ratio, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP), and left atrial volume (LAV) were recorded. The association between these indices were investigated using bivariate Pearson correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

For men, NC had a significant correlation with LAV, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), PAP, and A', and a negative correlation with E'. WC had a significant correlation with LAV, SBP, and PAP, and a negative correlation with E', while BMI had a significant correlation with LAV, PAP, SBP, A, and A'. For women, NC had a significant positive correlation with LAV, A, ejection fraction (EF), SBP, PAP, and A', and a negative correlation with E' and E/E'. WC had a significant positive correlation with LAV, DBP, PAP, A, A', and a negative correlation with E', while BMI had a significant correlation with LAV, EF, SBP, PAP, E', A, and A'.

CONCLUSION

The positive correlation of NC with SBP, A, and A', as well as NC, WC, and BMI with LAV and PAP in both sexes, and the negative correlation of NC with E' show the importance of these measures in estimation of metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors.

Patients Characteristics and Preliminary Outcomes of Heart Failure Registry in A Middle-Income Country: Persian Registry of Cardiovascular Disease/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF)

Background

The Persian Registry of Cardiovascular disease/Heart Failure (PROVE/HF) aimed to studied the demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics and treatment of patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) and to follow them for short- and long-term outcomes. Its pilot phase started in 2015 in Isfahan aiming to evaluate its feasibility to be scaled up at the national level in later stages. This article describes the method and preliminary results of the first year registry.

Materials and Methods

Information of hospitalized patients with preserved and low ejection fraction, were gathered. Patients were followed for 1, 6, and 12 months. During follow-up, information of the patients' current status, medications used during hospitalization, and in case of death, the cause and place were assessed.

Result

PROVE/ HF enrolled 787 patients in the first year. The mean age of patients was 70.74 ±12.01 years, and 60.7% of them were men. The most frequent risk factors for the development of HF in the recruited patients was ischemic heart disease (77.9%), and hypertension (63.7%), respectively. The re-admission rate for patients with HF was at least once in 16% and continued until the fifth to ninth re-admission over a one-year period. Among 787 registered patients, 30.9% died in the first year of follow-up, and the in-hospital mortality was 6.2%. The mean hospitalization period was 4.88 days, and 64.2% were hospitalized for >3 days.

Conclusion

The annual rate of re-admission and mortality was high, and the use of medication was less than the recommended one inaccordance with the guidelines for the treatment of heart failure.

Survival rate and predictors of mortality in patients hospitalised with heart failure: a cohort study on the data of Persian registry of cardiovascular disease (PROVE)

OBJECTIVES

Heart failure (HF) has a high rate of hospitalisation and mortality. We examined its risk factors, survival rate and the predictors.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, demographic, clinical and treatment data of 1223 patients hospitalised with HF were extracted from the Persian Registry Of cardio Vascular diseasE (PROVE)/HF registry. Survival rate and HR and their association with other variables were assessed.

RESULTS

835 (68.3%) were censored, while 388 (31.7%) patients were deceased. Mean age and frequency of hypotension during hospitalisation, tachycardia, pulmonary hypertension and anaemia, hyponatremia, heart valve disease and renal disease of the deceased patients was significantly higher than censored patients (15.2vs6.1%, 51.1vs40.1%, 24.4vs16.7%, 39.0vs31.8%, respectively, p<0.05). ACE inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) (89.8%vs82.1%, respectively) and beta blocker (BB) (81.1%vs75.5%, respectively) were higher in follow-up in the censored group (p<0.001 and 0.02, respectively). Crude Cox regression analysis identified age, tachycardia, hypotension, anaemia, pulmonary hypertension and heart valve disease as predictors of mortality (HR >1) and using ACEI/ARB and BB as predictors of life (HR <1, p<0.05). After adjustment, all variables lost their significance, except BB (HR 0.63, p=0.03) and tachycardia (HR 1.74, p=0.01) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV (HR 1.90, p=0.04) became significant predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

We found a high mortality rate (31.7%). As NYHA class IV and tachycardia were significant predictors of mortality after adjustment, an effective measure can be treatment of underlying diseases, which deteriorate patients' conditions. Monitoring of medications for at-risk group, especially BB that predicts life, is important.