National Tunisian Study of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices: Design and Protocol for a Nationwide Multicenter Prospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND

In Tunisia, the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) is increasing, owing to the increase in patient life expectancy and expanding indications. Despite their life-saving potential and a significant reduction in population morbidity and mortality, their increased numbers have been associated with the development of multiple early and late complications related to vascular access, pockets, leads, or patient characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to identify the rate, type, and predictors of complications occurring within the first year after CIED implantation. It also aims to describe the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of a nationwide sample of patients with CIED in Tunisia. Additionally, the study will evaluate the extent to which Tunisian electrophysiologists follow international guidelines for cardiac pacing and sudden cardiac death prevention.

METHODS

The Tunisian National Study of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (NATURE-CIED) is a national, multicenter, prospectively monitored study that includes consecutive patients who underwent primary CIED implantation, generator replacement, and upgrade procedure. Patients were enrolled between January 18, 2021, and February 18, 2022, at all Tunisian public and private CIED implantation centers that agreed to participate in the study. All enrolled patients entered a 1-year follow-up period, with 4 consecutive visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after CIED implantation. The collected data are recorded electronically on the clinical suite platform (DACIMA Clinical Suite).

RESULTS

The study started on January 18, 2021, and concluded on February 18, 2023. In total, 27 cardiologists actively participated in data collection. Over this period, 1500 patients were enrolled in the study consecutively. The mean age of the patients was 70.1 (SD 15.2) years, with a sex ratio of 1:15. Nine hundred (60%) patients were from the public sector, while 600 (40%) patients were from the private sector. A total of 1298 (86.3%) patients received a conventional pacemaker and 75 (5%) patients received a biventricular pacemaker (CRT-P). Implantable cardioverter defibrillators were implanted in 127 (8.5%) patients. Of these patients, 45 (3%) underwent CRT-D implantation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will establish the most extensive contemporary longitudinal cohort of patients undergoing CIED implantation in Tunisia, presenting a significant opportunity for real-world clinical epidemiology. It will address a crucial gap in the management of patients during the perioperative phase and follow-up, enabling the identification of individuals at particularly high risk of complications for optimal care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05361759; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05361759.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/47525.

[Advantages of simulation-based training in improving skills of beginners in interventional cardiology procedures: a Tunisian cross-sectional study]

Introduction

simulator training in interventional cardiology (ST) is an educational tool that is rapidly spreading worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the advantages of ST in improving skills of beginners in interventional cardiology procedures, through a short training cycle.

Methods

we conducted a before-and-after quasi-experimental evaluative study in the simulation center of the Faculty of Medicine in Sfax. We involved cardiology residents at the beginning of their training in interventional cardiology. All the participants attended a 4-hour training course on a Cathi®, high-fidelity simulator, after giving their consent. The primary endpoint was a significant improvement in performance and competence scores before and after the course. The secondary endpoint was the reduction in irradiation time and the time of the procedure.

Results

thirteen learners participated in our study. The performance score improved by a median of 216.12% (ISQ = 285%). This improvement was significantly greater for learners who had never had access to the catheterisation room. The performance score ranged from a median of 31 (ISQ=40.5) to a median of 120 (ISQ=19.7), (p=0.001). The competence score for coronary angiography improved significantly, from a median of 16 (ISQ=18) to a median of 70 (ISQ=6), (p=0.001). The competence score for angioplasty improved significantly from a median of 10 (ISQ=17) to a median of 50 (ISQ=13.7), p=0.001. Procedure time of coronary angiography and angioplasty were significantly shortened from 12 min (ISQ=2) to 7 min (ISQ=1) after the simulation cycle (p=0.001), and from a median of 19 min to a median of 17 min after simulation, p=0.002.

Conclusion

despite a short-time simulation training, our pilot study demonstrates a significant improvement in the learners´ skills and performance, as well as a reduction in the time taken to carry out procedures and irradiation. This could eventually increase the number of procedures carried out daily in our cathlab and limit radiation exposure of staff and patients, while ensuring that the learners receive adequate training.

Impact of atorvastatin reload on the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients on chronic statin therapy: A prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

This trial aimed to assess the efficacy of Atorvastatin reloading on the prevention of Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients pre-treated with this statin and undergoing coronary catheterization.

METHODS

This was a prospective randomized controlled study including patients on chronic atorvastatin therapy. We randomly assigned the population to the Atorvastatin Reloading group (AR group), by reloading patients with 80 mg of atorvastatin one day before and three days after the coronary procedure, and the Non-Reloading group (NR group), including patients who received their usual dose without a reloading dose. The primary endpoints were the incidence of cystatin (Cys)-based CIN and Creatinine (Scr)-based CIN. The secondary endpoints consisted of the changes in renal biomarkers (Δ biomarkers) defined as the difference between the follow-up level and the baseline level.

RESULTS

Our population was assigned to the AR group (n = 56 patients) and NR group (n = 54 patients). The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were similar. Serum creatinine (SCr)-based CIN occurred in 11.1% in the NR group, and in 8.9% in the AR group without any significant difference. Cys-based CIN occurred in 37% in the NR group and 26.8% in the AR group without any significant difference. The subgroup analysis showed that high dose reloading had significantly reduced the CYC-based CIN risk in patients with type 2 diabetes (43.5% vs 18.8%, RR = 0.43. CI 95% [0.18-0.99])). The comparison of "Δ Cystatin" and Δ eGFR between the AR and NR groups didn't show any significant difference. However, cystatin C had significantly increased between baseline and at 24 hours in the NR group (0.96 vs 1.05, p = 0.001), but not in the AR group (0.94 vs 1.03, p = 0.206).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not find a benefit of systematic atorvastatin reloading in patients on chronic atorvastatin therapy in preventing CIN. However, it suggested that this strategy could reduce the risk of CyC-based CIN in diabetic type 2 patients.

Prevention of radial artery occlusion with rivaroxaban after trans-radial access coronary procedures: The RIVARAD multicentric randomized trial

Background

Radial artery occlusion (RAO) remains the most frequent complication of trans-radial access. Once the radial artery is occluded, its future use as an access site for coronary procedures, or as a conduit for coronary bypass grafting or fistula for hemodialysis, will be precluded. Therefore, we aimed to assess the value of the short-term use of Rivaroxaban to prevent RAO after a trans-radial coronary procedure.

Methods

This was a prospective, open-label, randomized study. The patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of two groups: those who received Rivaroxaban 10 mg for 7 days following the trans-radial coronary procedure (the Rivaroxaban Group) and those who received the standard treatment (the Control Group). The primary outcome was an occurrence of RAO evaluated by Doppler ultrasound at 30 days, and the secondary outcomes were hemorrhagic complications according to BARC classification.

Results

We included 521 patients randomized into two Groups: the Control Group (N = 262) and the Rivaroxaban Group (N = 259). The 1-month RAO was significantly reduced in the Rivaroxaban Group as compared to the Control Group [6.9% vs. 13%; p = 0.011, OR = 0.5, (95% CI, 0.27-0.91)]. We noted no cases of severe bleeding events (BARC3-5). The overall incidence of minor bleeding (BARC1) was 2.3%, with no significant difference between the two groups [Rivaroxaban Group = 2.7%, Control Group = 1.9%, p = 0.54, OR= 1.4, (95%CI 0.44-4.5)].

Conclusions

Short-term postoperative anticoagulation with Rivaroxaban 10 mg for seven days reduces the rate of 1-month RAO.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Thromboembolic events in COVID-19 ambulatory patients: An observational study about incidence, and thromboprophylaxis outcomes

Introduction

There are no clear data about the incidence and the prophylactic strategies of arterial and venous thromboembolic events (TE) in COVID-19 ambulatory patients. Thus, we conducted this study to analyze thromboembolic complications in this setting and to assess thromboprophylaxis management and outcomes in the real life.

Patients and methods

This is an observational study including Covid-19 ambulatory patients. We assessed incidence of venous and arterial TE events as well as thromboprophylaxis outcomes and hemorrhagic complications. We defined high risk thrombo-embolic factor according to the Belgian guidelines which are the only guidelines that described thromboprophylaxis in COVID-19 ambulatory patients.

Results

We included 2089 patients with a mean age of 43±16 years. The incidence of 30 days venous and arterial TE complications in our cohort was 1%. Venous thromboembolic complications occurred in 0.8% and arterial thromboembolic complications occurred in 0.3%.We noted at least one high-risk TE factor in 18.5% of patients but thromboprophylaxis was prescribed in 22.5% of the cases, LMWH in 18.1%, and Rivaroxaban in 3.7%. Hemorrhagic events occurred in eight patients (0.3%): five patients showed minor hemorrhagic events and three patients showed major ones (0.14%).

Conclusions

Our study showed that the incidence of thromboembolic complications is very low in COVID-19 ambulatory patients. Paradoxically, there is an over prescription of thrombo-prophylaxis in this population.

Management of patients with cardiovascular diseases during Ramadan

During the month of Ramadan, over one billion Muslims observe a water and food fast from sunrise to sunset. The practice of this religious duty causes marked changes in eating and sleeping habits. With the increasing incidence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, the number of patients with CV pathologies who wish to fast is increasing worldwide, and in Tunisia, which is ranked as a high CV risk country. If fasting has been shown to be beneficial for the improvement of some metabolic parameters, its practice in patients with CV pathology remains debated. The Tunisian Society of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery (STCCCV) in consultation with the National Instance of Evaluation and Accreditation in Health (INEAS) has established this document in the form of a consensus after having analysed the literature with the aim of addressing these questions: -What is the impact of fasting in patients with CV pathologies? -How to stratify the risk of fasting according to CV pathology and comorbidities? -How to plan fasting in patients with CV diseases? -What are the hygienic and dietary measures to be recommended during fasting in patients with CV pathologies? -How to manage medication during the month of Ramadan in patients with CV diseases?

Epidemiologic features and management of hypertension in Tunisia, the results from the Hypertension National Registry (NaTuRe HTN)

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is the leading cause of morbi-mortality in our country. Thus, we conducted this national survey on hypertension to analyze the profile of the Tunisian hypertensive patient and to assess the level of blood pressure control.

METHODS

Nature HTN is an observational multicentric survey, including hypertensive individuals and consulting their doctors during the period of the study. Blood pressure measurements were conducted during consultation, using a standardized auscultatory or oscillometric sphygmomanometer after at least 15 min of rest. The diagnosis of new hypertension is based on the 2018 ESC/ESH criteria. The primary endpoint of our study was uncontrolled hypertension defined by a systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-one investigators participated in the study. We enrolled 25,890 patients with a female predominance (Sex ratio, 1.21) and an average age of 64.4 ± 12.2 years. Most individuals were treated in the public sector (74%), 39.4% of patients were diabetic, 25.8% were obese, 44.6% were overweight and 14% were smokers. Hypertension was controlled in 51.7% of cases if we consider 140/90 as a BP target, and only in 18.6% if we consider 130/80 as a target. The independent predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure were male sex (OR = 1.09, 95%CI [1.02-1.16]), age > 65 year-old (OR = 1.07, 95% CI[1.01-1.13], diabetes (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.11-1.25], Smoking (OR = 1.15, 95% CI [1.05-1.25]), Obesity (OR = 1.14, 95% CI[1.07-1.21]), management in public sector (OR = 1.25, 95% CI [1.16-1.34]), and Heart rate > 80 bpm (OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.48-1.71]). Contrarily, high educational level (OR = 0.9, 95% CI [0.84-0.97], absence of history of coronary disease (OR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.8-0.93]), salt restriction (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.45-0.51]), drug compliance (OR = 0.57, 95% CI[0.52-0.61]), and regular physical activity (OR = 0.77, 95% CI[0.71-0.84]) are strong predictors of blood pressure control.

CONCLUSION

NaTuRe HTN showed that blood pressure control was reached in more than half of the Tunisian people. The control remains low in patients with high cardiovascular profiles and in those treated in the public sector. A national health program based on therapeutic education, regular control and continuous support to the public institutions is needed to decrease the burden of hypertension incidence rate.

[Maladies cardiaques et Ramadan : revue de la littérature]

We review the literature on the safety of fasting in cardiac patients. We examined the changes of blood pressure among hypertensive patients and the incidence of cardiac events during Ramadan in patients with coronary disease and heart failure. We also assess the modifications of INR levels in cardiac patients who take oral anticoagulant. We found that Ramadan fasting is safe in stable cardiac patients, even under several drugs. Fasting does not affect blood pressure. There is no difference in regards to cardiac event incidence between Ramadan and the non-fasting-months. The level of INR is slightly higher when fasting, it is thus recommended to monitor patients with high bleeding risk during Ramadan.

Profil épidémiologique, clinique et échographique des patients opérés pour un rétrécissement aortique sous-valvulaire dans la région de Sfax (Tunisie) et facteurs associés à la récidive post-opératoire: étude observationnelle

Le rétrécissement aortique sous-valvulaire reste difficile à prendre en charge, du fait du caractère évolutif imprévisible de la sténose et du taux de récidive élevé après le traitement chirurgical. Les objectifs de notre travail étaient de décrire le profil des patients opérés pour un rétrécissement aortique sous valvulaire et d´analyser les facteurs associés à la récidive post-opératoire de l´obstacle sous aortique. Étude observationnelle portant sur tous les cas de rétrécissement aortique sous-valvulaire opérés et colligés dans le service de cardiologie de l'hôpital universitaire de Sfax entre janvier 2010 et décembre 2020. Notre série comporte 28 patients avec une prédominance masculine (64,29%, n=18). Au moment du diagnostic, l´âge moyen était 6,82 (±4,84) ans et les symptômes étaient présents chez 19 patients (67,85%). A l´échocardiographie, un gradient maximal sous-aortique ≥ 50 mmHg était présent chez 23 patients (82,14 %). Les malformations cardiovasculaires associées à la sténose sous valvulaire étaient observées chez 16 patients (57,14%). L´âge moyen au moment de la chirurgie était 10,43 (±7,08) ans. La résection de la membrane sous-aortique était la technique la plus fréquemment utilisée (46,4%, n=13). Elle a été associée à une myomectomie septale chez 8 patients (28,6%). La mortalité opératoire était nulle. En post-opératoire, la présence d´un gradient résiduel ≥ 30 mmHg était notée chez 8 patients (28,6%). La récidive était observée chez 7 patients (25%) parmi lesquels 6 ont bénéficié d´une réintervention. Dans l´analyse multivariée, seule la présence d´un gradient résiduel post opératoire était significativement associée à la récidive (p=0,030, OR=33,785, IC 95%: 1,398-816,754). Malgré l´âge tardif des patients au moment du diagnostic et de la chirurgie, nos résultats étaient favorables à court terme mais la récidive était fréquente à long terme. Ceci souligne l´intérét d´assurer un suivi régulier, clinique et échographique pré et postopératoire de ces patients.

Sulodexide in the treatment of patients with long COVID 19 symptoms and endothelial dysfunction: The results of TUN-EndCOV study

Background

Endothelial dysfunction is probably one of the mechanisms of long COVID-19 symptoms. Sulodexide has pleiotropic properties within the vascular endothelium that can prove beneficial in the long COVID-19 symptoms.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the effect of sulodexide when used in patients with endothelial dysfunction and long COVID-19 symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a prospective multicenter longitudinal case-control study. Endothelial function was evaluated with DTM “E4-Diagnose” Polymath based on the Endothelium Quality Index (EQI). A group of patients with endothelial dysfunction (EQI < 2.0) received sulodexide. All the patients were followed-up 21 days after inclusion. Primary outcomes were defined as endothelial function amelioration (delta EQI) and long COVID-19 symptoms evolution during the follow-up.

Results

A total of 410 patients were included in this study. Patients were included at an average time of 1.89 ± 1.2 month after COVID-19 infection. At inclusion, 210 (51.2%) patients had an EQI < 2. The median age was 49 ± 13.8 (18–80) years. Among the patients with endothelial dysfunction, only 79 patients received sulodexide. Patients in sulodexide group had lower EQI than the non-medical intervention group (0.94 ± 0.6 vs. 1.52 ± 0.4; P < 10⁻³). They were more diabetic, hypertensive, had more coronary artery disease and received more long-term medications (aspirin, Bblockers and statins) than the others (P = 0.01, 0.002, 0.01, 0.009, 0.001 and 0.01, respectively). At the 21-days follow-up, patients in sulodexide group presented lower long COVID symptoms especially chest pain, palpitations, fatigue and neuro-cognitive difficulties associated to a significant amelioration of endothelial function (delta EQI 1.26 ± 1.07 vs. 0.22 ± 0.7; P < 10⁻³).

Conclusion

Sulodexide in patients with long COVID-19 may be a good intervention to ameliorate chest pain, palpitations, fatigue and neuro-cognitive difficulties associated to endothelial dysfunction.

Left ventricular global longitudinal strain alteration in young patient and correlation with post-COVID syndrome (TUN END COV Study)

Background

Several protocols are in study to understand mechanisms of these persistent symptoms of COVID-19. The conventional echocardiography can be a good tool to detect abnormalities in the cardiovascular system induced by long COVID-19.

Objective

Correlation between echocardiographic parameters and symptoms of long COVID and the spontaneous evolution at one month of follow-up.

Patients and methods

A prospective multicentric study including a total of 630 patients diagnosed with COVID-19, 2 weeks to one month after recovering from COVID-19. Young patients without any medical history other than recent SARS-CoV2 infection are selected. A meticulous interrogation and clinical examination as well as an echocardiography are performed in all of patients. In addition to symptoms, we assessed echocardiographic parameters including initial left ventricular global longitudinal strain (initial SLG: SLGi) and after one month (SLG control: SLGc).

Results

Mean SLGi was −18.1 ± 2.4 in study group (−19.6 ± 1.5; P < 0.001). Forty-two patients (52.5%) had initially altered strain versus 38 patients (47.5%) with normal strain. The threshold value for SLG in our study has been established using ROC curve which was −17.95% with sensibility (52.5%) and specificity (83.7%). we found a statistically significative correlation between the initial alteration of SLG and persistent symptoms in multivariate test: dyspnea (P < 0.002); chest pain (P = 0.031). At one month of follow-up, 87.5% of patients improved their SLG. And there was a correlation between control GS value (mean SLGc was −18.91 ± 3.33; P = 0.002) associated with a marked improvement in symptoms (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

We reported here an original case series of SLG alteration induced by SARS-CoV2 infection that is correlated with the presence of chest pain and dyspnea. However, this affection seems to be spontaneously significantly reversible and associated with significant clinical improvement.

Endothelial dysfunction is the key of long COVID-19 symptoms: The results of TUN-EndCOV study

Background

The COVID-19 disease is a multisystem disease due to in part to the vascular endothelium injury. Lasting effects and long-term sequalae could persist after the infection and may be due to persistent endothelial dysfunction.

Purpose

Our study focused on the study of endothelial function measurement by digital thermal monitoring (DTM) of endothelial quality index with E4 diagnosis Polymath in a large cohort of long COVID-19 patients to determine whether long COVID-19 symptoms are due to endothelial dysfunction.

Methods

This is a prospective multicenter longitudinal observational cohort study. Endothelial function was evaluated with “E4-Diagnose” Polymath Tunisia based on the Endothelium Quality Index (EQI). A complete echocardiographic evaluation analysis was performed. Primary outcomes were defined as the occurrence of long COVID-19 symptoms in patients with endothelial dysfunction measured by EQI.

Results

A total of 798 patients were included in this study. Patients were included at an average time of 68.93 ± 43.1 days. The mean EQI was 2.02 ± 0.99 [0–5]. A total of 397 (49.7%) patients had poor or very poor EQI and 211 (26.4%) patients had very poor EQI. The median age was 49.94 ± 14.2 (18–80) years. A total of 618 patients (77.4%) had long COVID-19 symptoms. Patients with long COVID-19 symptoms had a reduced EQI (1.99 ± 0.97 vs. 2.09 ± 1.05, P = 0.24). Among long COVID-19 symptoms, fatigue was the most common symptom reported in 42.2%. Fatigue and chest pain were significantly associated to the endothelial dysfunction (P = 0.04 and 0.001 respectively). Patients with chest pain had significantly lower EQI (1.74 ± 1.0 vs. 2.09 ± 0.9, P ≤ 10⁻³) and LVGLS (−16.35 ± 3.0 vs. −17.16 ± 2.5, P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Long COVID-19 symptoms specifically chest pain and fatigue are due to persistent poor endothelial quality index. These findings allow a better care of patients with long COVID-19 symptoms.

Subclinical left ventricle impairment following breast cancer radiotherapy: Is there an association between segmental doses and segmental strain dysfunction?

BACKGROUND

Cardiotoxicity following breast cancer radiotherapy (RT) represents one of the most redoubtable toxicities. The Global longitudinal strain measurement (GLS) based on 2D speckle tracking imaging (STI) allows detection of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction at a subclinical stage. The aim of this prospective study was to detect patients at risk of cardiotoxicity using echocardiographic parameters and to determine the association between segmental RT doses and early cardiac toxicity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The STI was performed prior to RT and at 3, 6 and 12 months after. The association between subclinical LV dysfunction, defined as a reduction of GLS more than 10% from the initial value, radiation doses to different LV segments and non-radiation factors were performed based on multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

From June 2017 to August 2018, a total of 103 female patients were included. Sixty patients had left sided RT. Seven patients (7.8%) developed a GSL impairment. The segmental alterations predominated in the anteroseptal and apical LV segments. The mean Dmean in altered segments was significantly higher than in non-altered segments (6.7 ± 8.8Gy-7.8 ± 8.9Gy vs 4.9 ± 7.9-5.4 ± 8.2Gy; p < 0.05). Age > 55 years and obesity were important confounding factors that should be considered during radiotherapy planning.

CONCLUSION

The results of our study show that radiation dose is correlated with the subclinical LV segments' alteration. Global heart delineation seems to be insufficient during the breast radiotherapy planning. Segmental delineation of the LV may be an interesting alternative to limit segmental doses and to reduce the risk of subclinical alterations. A mean dose of 5Gy could be proposed in exposed heart segment.

Predictors of maternal and neonatal complications in women with severe valvular heart disease during pregnancy in Tunisia: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Severe valvular heart disease, especially stenosis, is a contraindication for conception according to the World Health Organization. This is still encountered in countries with a high rheumatic fever prevalence. The objective of this study was to determine predictors of maternal cardiac, obstetric and neonatal complications in pregnant women with severe valve disease.

Methods

This is an observational retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women with severe heart valvulopathy who gave birth between 2010 and 2017.

Results

We included 60 pregnancies in 54 women. Cardiac complications occurred during 37 pregnancies (61%). In multivariate analysis, parity (aOR =2.41, 95% CI[1.12–5.16]), revelation of valvulopathy during pregnancy (aOR = 6.34; 95% CI[1.26–31.77]), severe mitral stenosis (aOR = 6.98, 95% CI[1.14–41.05],) and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (aOR =1.08, 95% CI[1.01–1.14]) were associated with cardiac complications. Obstetrical complications were noted during 19 pregnancies (31.8%). These complications were associated with nulliparity (aOR = 5.22; 95% CI[1.15–23.6]), multiple valve disease (aOR = 5.26, 95% CI[1.19–23.2]), systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (aOR =1.04, 95% CI[1.002–1.09]), and treatment with vitamin K antagonists (aOR = 8.71, 95% CI[1.98–38.2]). Neonatal complications were noted in 39.3% of newborns (n = 61) and these were associated with occurrence of obstetric complications (aOR = 16.47, 95% CI[3.2–84.3]) and revelation of valvulopathy during pregnancy (aOR = 7.33, 95% CI[1.4–36.1]).

Conclusions

Revelation of valvular heart disease during pregnancy is a predictor of not only cardiac but also neonatal complications. Valvular heart disease screening during pre-conceptional counseling is thus crucial.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-04259-6.

Epidemiological and clinical profile of hypertensive octogenarian patients and factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension: observational study of 346 patients

Introduction

hypertension (HTN) is the main risk factor for most morbidities of elderly subjects. The objective of this study was to identify the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hypertension in octogenarians and to identify the factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension in this population.

Methods

we used data collected in the outpatient cardiology department of the University Hospital of Sfax between 15^th April 2019 and 15^th May 2019 as part of the National Tunisian Registry of Hypertension. We included in our study patients aged 80 years or more with hypertension. We described the epidemiological and clinical profile of this population, and we studied the associations between uncontrolled hypertension and socio-demographic, lifestyle, clinical and therapeutic factors using logistic regression models.

Results

we included 346 subjects (45.1% (n=156) male and 54.9% (n=190) female), with a mean age of 84.36 (SD 4.01) years. More than half of them had uncontrolled hypertension. Dyslipidemia was the most common cardiovascular risk factor found in 43.6 % (n=151) of patients followed by diabetes (35.5%, n=122). One-third of patients had a history of coronary artery disease and/or stroke. Renal failure and kalemia disorders were observed, respectively, in 12.1% (n=42) and 25.2% (n=40) of patients. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) were male sex (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.663, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.045-2.647; p=0.032), diabetes (aOR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.031-2.688; p=0.037,) and poor adherence to blood pressure (BP) medications (aOR: 1.960, 95%CI: 1.195-3.214; p=0.008).

Conclusion

our results showed that more than half of octogenarian hypertensive patients did not reach the BP target and that poor adherence to BP medications was the main factor of uncontrolled HTN. In this population, the presence of other comorbidities and poor adherence to BP medications are very common. Systematic research for behaviors suggesting poor medication adherence should be a priority for physicians caring for these patients.

Giant Left Atrial Myxoma with Mitral Valve Obstruction

Cardiac myxomas are the most common primary intracardiac tumors in adults. Although benign from a histopathological point of view, they can be life-threatening for the patient. We present a case of an unusually giant left atrial myxoma causing mitral valve obstruction and pulmonary hypertension successfully treated with surgical resection. Our patient was a 54-year-old woman who presented to our emergency complaining of progressive dyspnea of about 1 month duration. On cardiovascular examination, we found crackling rales at both lung bases and a diastolic murmur in the mitral focus. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a giant mass in the left atrium connected to the interatrial septum and extended into the left ventricle during diastole which caused obstruction of the left ventricular inflow tract and a pulmonary hypertension. The patient underwent a median sternotomy with the removal of left atrial mass and patch closure of the interatrial septum. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of myxoma. One week later, the patient was discharged without any complications. Giant left atrial myxoma although a benign mass, can induce dramatic symptoms and be life-threatening. In case of suspicion, it must be diagnosed early by transthoracic echocardiography and urgently managed by surgical removal.

[Impact of socioeconomic factors on blood pressure control: Observational study about 2887 hypertensive patients]

INTRODUCTION

Despite therapeutic progress, less than half of hypertensive patients are controlled. The objective of this study was to examine the links between blood pressure control and socioeconomic factors.

METHODS

We used data collected in the cardiology department of Sfax University Hospital as part of the Tunisian national hypertension registry. We studied the associations between the socio-economic variables (educational level, profession, medical insurance) and optimal blood pressure control (SBP<140mmHg and DBP<90mmHg) using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The average age of our population was 65 and the sex ratio was 0.95. We found, as expected, the clinical and behavioral factors associated with a good blood pressure control, namely: female sex, low-sodium diet, therapeutic compliance, and regular physical activity. However, obesity and an increased number of antihypertensive drugs have been associated with poor blood pressure control. The study of the effect of socio-economic variables on BP control finds a significant gradient against the most disadvantaged social categories for our three social variables in the univariate analysis. The inclusion of clinical and behavioral factors in the multivariate analysis attenuated these associations but did not fully explain them.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that there are social inequalities in the control of blood pressure. Social justice and improving living conditions are probably the real solutions to the problem of these social inequalities in health.

An exceptional complication of transesophageal ultrasound in a patient with Coronavirus disease

EP after TEE represents a medico-surgical emergency. Given the high rate of asymptomatic patients with COVID 19, the risk of contamination and the frailty of esophageal tissues, we should check coronavirus infection in every patient before TEE.

[Assessment of the practices and knowledge among cardiologists regarding radiation protection in Tunisia]

Introduction

les procédures de cardiologie interventionnelle sont devenues complexes et chronophages avec un sur-risque d´exposition aux rayonnements ionisants. L’objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer le niveau des connaissances et des pratiques en radioprotection des cardiologues Tunisiens exposés au rayon X.

Méthodes

notre étude est descriptive analytique réalisée en octobre 2019, organisée sous forme de questionnaire anonyme des connaissances et pratiques en radioprotection et envoyé à tous les Cardiologues Tunisiens exposés aux rayons X.

Résultats

parmi 126 cardiologues exposés aux rayons X et ayant reçu le questionnaire, 58 médecins ont répondu au questionnaire (48%), avec une prédominance masculine (72%, n=42). Trente-huit médecins (65%) exerçaient dans le secteur public. L´expérience professionnelle était en moyenne de 12,02 ans (ET 6,88 ans). La moitié des médecins avaient un score de connaissances inférieur à 50%. La moyenne du score des pratiques était de 43,83 (ET 13,95%). Le port du tablier en plomb, de la cache thyroïde, du dosimètre, des lunettes en plomb, du calot en plomb était respectivement de 100% (n=58), 86,2% (n=50), 30,7% (n=18), 12,1% (n=7) et 1,7% (n=1). Il n´y avait pas de corrélation entre les scores et l´âge du médecin ainsi que la durée de l´expérience professionnelle. Les scores de connaissances ne différaient pas statistiquement entre les 2 sexes (p=0,06) ni entre le secteur public et le secteur privé (p=0,9). Le score de pratique était significativement plus élevé chez les hommes (0.007) et les cardiologues interventionnels comparés aux rythmologues et cardiopédiatres (p<0.001).

Conclusion

le niveau des connaissances et des pratiques des cardiologues Tunisiens en radioprotection est globalement insuffisant. Ce qui interpelle les autorités sanitaires à organiser un plan de formation régulier pour cette population.

[Concomitant radiotherapy and trastuzumab: Rational and clinical implications]

The HER2 receptor (Human Epidermal Growth Receptor 2) is a transmembrane receptor with tyrosine kinase activity that is over-expressed in 25-30 % of breast carcinomas. Its activation is associated with an exaggeration of cell proliferation with an increase in repair capacity resulting in increased radioresistance. On cardiac tissues, HER2 receptor activation plays a cardio-protective role. Trastuzumab, the first anti-HER2 drug used to treat patients with breast cancer overexpressing HER2 receptor , inhibits the cascade of reactions resulting in the proliferation of tumor cells, thus restoring cellular radiosensitivity. However, the combination of Trastuzumab with radiation therapy also removes HER2 receptor cardio-protective role on myocardial cells which increases the risk of cardiotoxicity. Thus, the concomitant association of these two modalities has long been a subject of controversy. Recent advances in radiation therapy technology and early detection of cardiac injury may limit the cardiotoxicity of this combination. Through this review, we developed the biological basis and the benefit-risk of concomitant combination of radiotherapy and Trastuzumab in adjuvant treatment of breast cancers overexpressing HER2 and we discuss the modalities of its optimization.

Epidemiological characteristics, management, and outcomes of atrial fibrillation in TUNISIA: Results from the National Tunisian Registry of Atrial Fibrillation (NATURE-AF)

BACKGROUND

Contemporary registries on atrial fibrillation (AF) are scare in North African countries.

HYPOTHESIS

In the context of the epidemiological transition, prevalence of valvular AF in Tunisia has decreased and the quality of management is still suboptimal.

METHODS

NATURE-AF is a prospective Tunisian registry, involving consecutive patients with AF from March 1, 2017 to May 31, 2017, with a one-year follow-up period. All the patients with an Electrocardiogram-documented AF, confirmed in the year prior to enrolment were eligible. The epidemiological characteristics and outcomes were described.

RESULTS

A total of 915 patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 64.3 ± 22 years and a male/female sex ratio of 0.93. Valvular AF was identified in 22.4% of the patients. The mean CHA₂ DS₂ VASC score in nonvalvular AF was 2.4 ± 1.6. Monotherapy with antiplatelet agents was prescribed for 13.8% of the patients. However, 21.7% of the subjects did not receive any antithrombotic agent. Oral anticoagulants were prescribed for half of the patients with a low embolic risk score. In 341 patients, the mean time in therapeutic range was 48.87 ± 28.69%. Amiodarone was the most common antiarrhythmic agent used (52.6%). During a 12-month follow-up period, 15 patients (1.64%) had thromboembolism, 53 patients (5.8%) had major hemorrhage, and 52 patients (5.7%) died.

CONCLUSIONS

NATURE-AF has provided systematic collection of contemporary data regarding the epidemiological and clinical characteristics as well as the management of AF by cardiologists in Tunisia. Valvular AF is still prevalent and the quality of anticoagulation was suboptimal.

[Observational study of the prevalence of non-valvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke and the factors associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients: about 2887 cases]

Introduction

high blood pressure (HBP), atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke are three public health problems. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of AF and ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients and the factors associated with the occurrence of non-valvular AF in these patients.

Methods

we used data collected in the Department of Cardiology at the University Hospital of Sfax as a part of National Tunisian Registry of Hypertension. We examined the associations between different socio-demographic, clinical, paraclinical, and therapeutic variables and AF in hypertensive patients using logistic regression models.

Results

our sample consisted of 2887 patients with a sex ratio of 0.95. The average age of patients was 65 years (±11). AF was found in 230 patients (8%), while ischemic stroke was found in 152 patients (5.3%). Multivariate analysis highlighted that independent factors associated with an increase in the prevalence of AF were: advanced age (p = 0,001, Odds Ratio (OR) = 1,647, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1,1227-2,213), the detection of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on cardiac ultrasound (p= 0,004, OR= 2,140, 5%CI 9: 1,281-3,576), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% (p<0,001, OR=4,677, 95% CI: 2,715 and 8.057).

Conclusion

this study confirms that there is a direct and independent relationship between high blood pressure, advanced age, LVH and AF. AF in patients with high blood pressure is a disease progression leading to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Optimal high blood pressure control is a priority in hypertensive patients, especially in the elderly, aiming at preventing the risk of AF and ischemic stroke.

Distal radial approach versus conventional radial approach: a comparative study of feasibility and safety

The distal radial approach (DRA) is suggested to have benefits over the conventional radial approach (CRA) in terms of local complications and comfort of both patient and operator. Therefore, we aimed to compare the feasibility and safety of DRA and CRA in a real life population. We conducted a prospective, observational multicentric trial, including all patients undergoing coronary procedures in September 2019. Patients with impalpable proximal or distal radial pulse were excluded. Thus, the choice of the approach is left to the operator discretion. The primary endpoints were cannulation failure and procedure failure. The secondary endpoints were time of puncture, local complications and radial occlusion assessed by Doppler performed one day after the procedure. We enrolled 177 patients divided into two groups: CRA (n = 95) and DRA (n = 82). Percutaneous intervention was achieved in 37% in CRA group and 34% in DRA group (p = 0.7). Cannulation time was not significantly different between the two sets (p = 0.16). Cannulation failure was significantly higher in DRA group (4.8% vs 2%, p < 0.0008). Successful catheterization was achieved in 98% for the CRA group and in 88% for the DRA group (p = 0.008). Radial artery occlusion, detected by ultrasonography, was found in 3 patients in the CRA group (3.1%) and nobody in the DRA group (p = 0.25). The median diameter of the radial artery diameter was higher in the DRA than the CRA group (2.2 mm vs 2.1 mm; p = 0.007). The distal radial approach is feasible and safe for coronary angiography and interventions, but needs a learning curve.