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Journal of Inflammation Research 2024This study aimed to explore the impact of a combination of hyperuricemia (HUA) and excessive high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels on the likelihood of...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the impact of a combination of hyperuricemia (HUA) and excessive high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels on the likelihood of developing cardiac conduction block (CCB). Additionally, it sought to assess whether the influence of uric acid (UA) on CCB is mediated by hs-CRP.
METHODS
A prospective study was executed utilizing data from the Kailuan cohort, including 81,896 individuals initially free from CCB. The participants were categorized into four groups depending on the existence of HUA and low-grade inflammation (hs-CRP>3 mg/L). Cox regression analysis was employed to ascertain hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of incident CCB. A mediation analysis was performed to determine if hs-CRP functioned as a mediator in the connection between UA levels and the incidence of CCB.
RESULTS
During a median observation period of 11.8 years, we identified 3160 cases of newly occurring CCB. Compared with the low UA/low CRP group, the combination of HUA and low-grade inflammation elevated the CCB risks (HR:1.56, 95% CI:1.22-1.99), atrioventricular block (AVB) (HR:1.88, 95% CI:1.27-2.77), and right bundle branch block (HR:1.47, 95% CI:1.02-2.12), respectively. Mediation analysis revealed that in the HUA group, compared with the non-HUA group, the risk of CCB elevated by 14.0%, with 10.3% of the increase mediated through hs-CRP.
CONCLUSION
HUA combined with elevated hs-CRP increased the risk of CCB, especially AVB. The connection between UA and the CCB risk was partly mediated by hs-CRP.
PubMed: 38882184
DOI: 10.2147/JIR.S458032 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jun 2024Advanced atrioventricular block (AVB), that is, higher than second-degree Mobitz-1, is an abnormal finding in athletes. Despite intensive investigation, in several cases...
BACKGROUND
Advanced atrioventricular block (AVB), that is, higher than second-degree Mobitz-1, is an abnormal finding in athletes. Despite intensive investigation, in several cases the pathogenesis remains unknown, but frequently pacemaker implantation is still indicated. Increasing evidence points to circulating anti-Ro/Sjögren syndrome-related antigen A (SSA) antibodies cross-reacting with L-type calcium channel and inhibiting the related current as an epidemiologically relevant and potentially reversible cause of isolated AVB in adults. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of anti-Ro/SSA-associated advanced AVBs in a large sample of young athletes.
METHODS AND RESULTS
A total of 2536 consecutive athletes aged <40 years without a history of cardiac diseases/interventions were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Resting and exercise electrocardiography was performed, and those presenting any AVB were further evaluated by 24-hour Holter ECG. Athletes with second-degree AVBs and their mothers underwent anti-Ro/SSA testing. Moreover, purified immunoglobulin G from subjects with anti-Ro/SSA-positive and anti-Ro/SSA-negative advanced AVB were tested on L-type calcium current and L-type-calcium channel expression using tSA201 cells. The global prevalence of advanced AVB in the overall sample was ≈0.1%, but the risk considerably increased (2%) when intensely trained postpubertal male subjects were selectively considered. While none of the athletes with advanced AVB showed heart abnormalities, in 100% of cases anti-Ro/SSA antibodies were detected. Ex vivo experiments showed that immunoglobulin G from anti-Ro/SSA-positive but not -negative subjects with advanced AVB acutely inhibit L-type calcium current and chronically downregulate L-type-calcium channel expression.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study provides evidence that advanced AVB occurs in young athletes, in most cases associated with anti-Ro/SSA antibodies blocking L-type calcium channels. These findings may open new avenues for immunomodulating therapies to reduce the risk of life-threatening events in athletes, avoiding or delaying pacemaker implantation.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Atrioventricular Block; Prevalence; Young Adult; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Antibodies, Antinuclear; Athletes; Adolescent; Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; Ribonucleoproteins
PubMed: 38879447
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.124.034893 -
Heart Rhythm Jun 2024Advances in leadless pacemaker technology have enabled accelerometer-based atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing by sensing atrial mechanical contraction.
BACKGROUND
Advances in leadless pacemaker technology have enabled accelerometer-based atrioventricular (AV) synchronous pacing by sensing atrial mechanical contraction.
OBJECTIVES
To report performance of the Micra AV leadless pacemaker from the worldwide Micra AV post-approval registry (PAR) through 12-months.
METHODS
The Micra AV PAR is a prospective single-arm observational registry designed to assess safety and effectiveness of Micra AV in a real-world setting. For the present interim analysis, major complications and system revisions through 12-months were summarized and compared to a historical cohort of 2,667 transvenous dual-chamber pacing patients.
RESULTS
The device was successfully implanted in 796 of 801 patients (99.4%) at 97 centers in 19 countries. Micra AV patients were older (74.1 vs. 71.1 years, P<0.0001) with a higher incidence of renal disease (22.3% vs. 9.8%, P<0.0001) compared to transvenous dual-chamber patients. Through 12-months, the major complication rate was 3.7% in Micra AV patients compared to 8.8% in transvenous dual-chamber patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.61; P<0.001). The system revision rate was 1.5% in Micra AV patients compared to 5.5% for transvenous dual-chamber patients (HR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.13-0.47; P<0.001); this reduction was largely driven by the absence of lead dislodgements requiring revision. Median AV synchrony index was 79.4% (IQR:65.2%-86.4%) among patients paced >90%.
CONCLUSIONS
The Micra AV leadless pacemaker was implanted with a high rate of success in patients with multiple co-morbidities, with a significantly lower rate of complications and system revisions through 12-months compared to a historical cohort of patients with transvenous dual-chamber pacemakers.
PubMed: 38878939
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.06.008 -
European Heart Journal. Case Reports Jun 2024Acute myocarditis (AM) is an inflammatory heart disease that may occur as a consequence of autoimmune disorders. Although the correlation between myocarditis and...
Acute lymphocytic myocarditis characterized by cardiogenic shock and conduction system abnormalities in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a case report and review of literature.
BACKGROUND
Acute myocarditis (AM) is an inflammatory heart disease that may occur as a consequence of autoimmune disorders. Although the correlation between myocarditis and hyperthyroidism has been reported in the literature, the association with hypothyroidism is less frequent.
CASE SUMMARY
We describe a characteristic case of lymphocytic acute myocarditis deteriorated into cardiogenic shock due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis treated with vasopressor and inotropic drugs in combination with corticosteroid. On admission, electrocardiography revealed a sinus tachycardia with 1st degree atrioventricular (AV) block, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and left anterior fascicular block. Laboratory tests demonstrated a severe hypothyroidism and high-titre serum of antibodies against thyroglobulin. She presented a favourable clinical course, restoring haemodynamic stability. A resolution of hypothyroidism and a progressive reduction of the value of antibodies against thyroglobulin occurred. On Day 35, the patient was discharged showing on electrocardiogram the occurrence of left posterior fascicular block, disappearance of 1st degree AV block and partial improvement of RBBB along with the normalization of the left ventricular contractility abnormalities on echocardiography.
DISCUSSION
Autoimmune features, mostly Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are associated in lymphocytic acute myocarditis to a worse prognosis and an increased risk of recurrence. More studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
PubMed: 38868158
DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae268 -
JA Clinical Reports Jun 2024Although several complications of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEPs) have been reported, reports of arrhythmias during Tc-MEP are very rare.
BACKGROUND
Although several complications of transcranial motor-evoked potentials (Tc-MEPs) have been reported, reports of arrhythmias during Tc-MEP are very rare.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 71-year-old woman underwent transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion under general anesthesia, with intraoperative Tc-MEP monitoring. Preoperative electrocardiography showed an incomplete right bundle branch block but no cardiovascular events in her life. After induction of anesthesia, Tc-MEP was recorded prior to the surgery. During the Tc-MEP monitoring, electrocardiography and arterial blood pressure showed a second-degree atrioventricular block, but it improved rapidly at the end of the stimulation, and the patient was hemodynamically stable. Tc-MEP was recorded seven times during surgery; the incidence of P waves without QRS complexes was significantly higher than before stimulation. The surgery was uneventful, and she was discharged eight days postoperatively without complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Our case suggests that electrical stimulation for Tc-MEP can cause arrhythmia. Electrocardiography and blood pressure must be closely monitored during Tc-MEP monitoring.
PubMed: 38862743
DOI: 10.1186/s40981-024-00722-3 -
Journal of Medical Case Reports Jun 2024Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition characterized by...
BACKGROUND
Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a potentially life-threatening clinical condition characterized by bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia. It constitutes a vicious circle in which the accumulation of pharmacologically active compounds and hyperkalemia lead to hemodynamic instability and heart failure.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 66-year-old Caucasian female patient was admitted to the emergency department presenting with fatigue and bradycardia. Upon examination, the patient was found to be anuric and hypotensive. Laboratory investigations revealed metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia. Clinical evaluation suggested signs of digoxin toxicity, with serum digoxin concentrations persistently elevated over several days. Despite the implementation of antikalemic measures, the patient's condition remained refractory, necessitating renal dialysis and administration of digoxin immune fab.
CONCLUSION
Bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular (AV) node blocking, shock, and hyperkalemia syndrome is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt management. It is important to also consider potential coexisting clinical manifestations indicative of intoxication from other pharmacological agents. Specifically, symptoms associated with the accumulation of drugs eliminated via the kidneys, such as digoxin. These manifestations may warrant targeted therapeutic measures.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Digoxin; Hyperkalemia; Bradycardia; Renal Dialysis; Renal Insufficiency; Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Syndrome; Acidosis; Shock; Atrioventricular Block; Immunoglobulin Fab Fragments
PubMed: 38851740
DOI: 10.1186/s13256-024-04600-5 -
Kardiologia Polska Jun 2024
From pneumonia to two cardiac surgeries: Aortic valve endocarditis complicated by aortic root abscess, atrioventricular block and postoperative left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.
PubMed: 38845434
DOI: 10.33963/v.phj.100773 -
Lakartidningen Jun 2024Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structural heart disease is potentially life threatening, and most patients have an indication for an implantable... (Review)
Review
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with structural heart disease is potentially life threatening, and most patients have an indication for an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). Catheter ablation is an effective therapeutic strategy to reduce the risk of VT recurrence and subsequent ICD therapies. However, VT ablation is a technically complex procedure with significant risks and should be performed in experienced centers with appropriate resources. While several reports on outcome and procedural risks have been published, there is currently no data from Sweden. In addition to this literature review, we have analyzed VT ablation outcome data from our center. In 2021 and 2022, 68 VT ablations were performed in 60 patients with structural heart disease. After a median follow-up of 20 months, 18 percent had recurrent VT and there were 2 major adverse events (stroke and complete atrioventricular block). Seven patients died from non-arrhythmia related causes during follow-up. A large proportion (68 percent) were subacute procedures which are associated with a higher periprocedural risk. Referral for VT ablation earlier in the course of disease progression may likely further improve outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Catheter Ablation; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Defibrillators, Implantable; Treatment Outcome; Recurrence; Male; Female; Aged; Sweden; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 38832571
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Intraoperative opioids have been used for decades to reduce negative responses to nociception. However, opioids may have several, and sometimes serious, adverse effects....
Opioid-free anaesthesia with dexmedetomidine and lidocaine versus remifentanil-based anaesthesia in cardiac surgery: study protocol of a French randomised, multicentre and single-blinded OFACS trial.
INTRODUCTION
Intraoperative opioids have been used for decades to reduce negative responses to nociception. However, opioids may have several, and sometimes serious, adverse effects. Cardiac surgery exposes patients to a high risk of postoperative complications, some of which are common to those caused by opioids: acute respiratory failure, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, postoperative ileus (POI) or death. An opioid-free anaesthesia (OFA) strategy, based on the use of dexmedetomidine and lidocaine, may limit these adverse effects, but no randomised trials on this issue have been published in cardiac surgery.We hypothesised that OFA versus opioid-based anaesthesia (OBA) may reduce the incidence of major opioid-related complications after cardiac surgery.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS
Multicentre, randomised, parallel and single-blinded clinical trial in four cardiac surgical centres in France, including 268 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting under cardiac bypass, with or without aortic valve replacement. Patients will be randomised to either a control OBA protocol using remifentanil or an OFA protocol using dexmedetomidine/lidocaine. The primary composite endpoint is the occurrence of at least one of the following: (1) postoperative cognitive disorder evaluated by the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit test, (2) POI, (3) acute respiratory distress or (4) death within the first 48 postoperative hours. Secondary endpoints are postoperative pain, morphine consumption, nausea-vomiting, shock, acute kidney injury, atrioventricular block, pneumonia and length of hospital stay.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION
This trial has been approved by an independent ethics committee ( on 23 February 2021). Results will be submitted in international journals for peer reviewing.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
NCT04940689, EudraCT 2020-002126-90.
Topics: Humans; Dexmedetomidine; Lidocaine; Remifentanil; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Single-Blind Method; Analgesics, Opioid; France; Postoperative Complications; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 38830745
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079984 -
International Journal of Cardiology.... Jun 2024Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks are rare but cause significant symptoms and require immediate intervention. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is felt to be the...
BACKGROUND
Third-degree atrioventricular (AV) blocks are rare but cause significant symptoms and require immediate intervention. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is felt to be the most common etiology. Although smoking is a prominent risk factor for CAD, there is a paucity of data assessing the direct effect of smoking on third-degree AV block.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective cohort study on adult-weighted admissions in 2019-2020 with a primary diagnosis of third-degree AV block and a history of smoking using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. In-hospital mortality, rates of pacemaker insertion, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, mechanical circulatory support, vasopressor use, length of stay (LOS), and total hospitalization costs were analyzed using regression analysis. We performed a secondary analysis using propensity score matching to confirm the results.
RESULTS
A total of 77,650 admissions met inclusion criteria (33,625 females [43.3 %], 58,315. Caucasians [75 %], 7030 African American [9 %], 6155 Hispanic [7.9 %]; mean [SD] age 75.4.[10.2] years) before propensity matching. A total of 29,380 (37.8 %) patients with AV block were smokers.A total of 5560 patients with and without a history of smoking were matched for the analysis. Smokers had.decreased odds of mortality (aOR, 0.59; CI, 0.44-0.78; p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, shorter LOS, and lower total hospital costs in both the multivariable regression and propensity-matched analyses.
CONCLUSION
Third-degree AV block had lower in-hospital mortality, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, LOS, and total hospitalization cost in patients with smoking history.
PubMed: 38828463
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200289