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Journal of Integrative Neuroscience May 2024The neuropathophysiological mechanisms of brain damage underlying hypothyroidism remain unclear. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) has been...
BACKGROUND
The neuropathophysiological mechanisms of brain damage underlying hypothyroidism remain unclear. Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) has been established as a reliable indicator for investigation of abnormal spontaneous brain activity that occurs at specific frequencies in different types of mental disorder. However, the changes of fALFF in specific frequency bands in hypothyroidism have not yet been investigated.
METHODS
Fifty-three hypothyroid patients and 39 healthy controls (HCs) underwent thyroid-related hormone levels tests, neuropsychological assessment, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The fALFF in the standard band (0.01-0.1 Hz), slow-4 (0.027-0.073 Hz), and slow-5 bands (0.01-0.027 Hz) were analyzed. An analysis of Pearson correlation was conducted between fALFF, thyroid-related hormone levels, and neuropsychological scores in hypothyroid patients.
RESULTS
Compared to HCs, within the routine band, hypothyroidism group showed significantly decreased fALFF in left lingual gyrus, middle temporal gyrus (MTG), precentral gyrus, calcarine cortex, and right inferior occipital gyrus; within the slow-5 band, the hypothyroidism group exhibited decreased fALFF in left lingual gyrus, MTG, superior temporal gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and paracentral lobule, and increased fALFF in supplementary motor area (SMA) and right middle frontal gyrus; additionally, fALFF in the left lingual gyrus within the routine and slow-5 bands were negatively correlated with the level of thyroid stimulating hormone.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, the slow-5 frequency band exhibits better sensitivity than the standard band in detecting fALFF values. A decrease of fALFF values in the lingual gyrus and MTG was observed in both the standard and slow-5 bands and might present potential neuroimaging biomarkers for hypothyroidism.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
No: ChiCTR2000028966. Registered 9 January, 2020, https://www.chictr.org.cn.
Topics: Humans; Male; Hypothyroidism; Adult; Female; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Middle Aged; Brain Waves; Brain
PubMed: 38940082
DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2306111 -
JACC. Advances Jan 2024Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used to guide lipid-lowering therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI). Lack of LDL-C testing represents a missed...
BACKGROUND
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used to guide lipid-lowering therapy after a myocardial infarction (MI). Lack of LDL-C testing represents a missed opportunity for optimizing therapy and reducing cardiovascular risk.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of Medicare beneficiaries who had their LDL-C measured within 90 days following MI hospital discharge.
METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Medicare beneficiaries ≥66 years of age with an MI hospitalization between 2016 and 2020. The primary analysis used data from all beneficiaries with fee-for-service coverage and pharmacy benefits (532,767 MI hospitalizations). In secondary analyses, we used data from a 5% random sample of beneficiaries with fee-for-service coverage without pharmacy benefits (10,394 MI hospitalizations), and from beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage (176,268 MI hospitalizations). The proportion of beneficiaries who had their LDL-C measured following MI hospital discharge was estimated accounting for the competing risk of death.
RESULTS
In the primary analysis (mean age 76.9 years, 84.4% non-Hispanic White), 29.9% of beneficiaries had their LDL-C measured within 90 days following MI hospital discharge. Among Hispanic, Asian, non-Hispanic White, and non-Hispanic Black beneficiaries, the 90-day postdischarge LDL-C testing was 33.8%, 32.5%, 30.0%, and 26.0%, respectively. Postdischarge LDL-C testing within 90 days was highest in the Middle Atlantic (36.4%) and lowest in the West North Central (23.4%) U.S. regions. In secondary analyses, the 90-day postdischarge LDL-C testing was 26.9% among beneficiaries with fee-for-service coverage without pharmacy benefits, and 28.6% among beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage coverage.
CONCLUSIONS
LDL-C testing following MI hospital discharge among Medicare beneficiaries was low.
PubMed: 38939806
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100753 -
JACC. Advances Apr 2024Exposure to ionizing radiation is an inherent occupational health hazard in clinical cardiology. Health risks have been reported previously, including predilection to... (Review)
Review
Exposure to ionizing radiation is an inherent occupational health hazard in clinical cardiology. Health risks have been reported previously, including predilection to cancer. In addition, orthopedic injury due to prolonged wearing of heavy protective lead aprons, which are mandatory to reduce radiation risk, have been extensively documented. Cardiology as a specialty has grown with rising volumes of increasingly complex procedures. This includes electrophysiological, coronary, and structural intervention, advanced heart failure/transplant management, and diagnostic imaging. Both the operator as well imaging specialists are exposed to radiation, particularly in structural interventions where interventional cardiologists and structural imagers work closely. Increasingly, women interested in cardiology may deselect the field due to radiation concerns. This expert document highlights the risks of radiation exposure in cardiology, including practical tips within various subspecialty fields such as interventional/structural cardiology, electrophysiology, imaging, advanced heart failure, and pediatric cardiology.
PubMed: 38939686
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100863 -
JACC. Advances Apr 2024Managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and worsening renal function (WRF) remains a clinical challenge due to the need of dose adjustment of non-vitamin K...
BACKGROUND
Managing patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and worsening renal function (WRF) remains a clinical challenge due to the need of dose adjustment of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the incidence of WRF in patients with AF treated with edoxaban, the association of WRF with clinical outcomes, and predictors of WRF and clinical outcomes in these patients.
METHODS
This is a subanalysis of the Edoxaban Treatment in routiNe clinical prActice for patients with non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Europe study (NCT02944019), an observational study of edoxaban-treated patients with AF. WRF was defined as a ≥25% reduction in creatinine clearance between baseline and 2 years.
RESULTS
Of the 9,054 patients included (69% of the total 13,133 enrolled), most did not experience WRF (90.3%) during the first 2 years of follow-up. WRF occurred in 9.7% of patients. Patients with WRF had significantly higher rates of all-cause death (3.88%/y vs 1.88%/y; < 0.0001), cardiovascular death (2.09%/y vs 0.92%/y; < 0.0001), and major bleeding (1.51%/y vs 0.98%/y; = 0.0463) compared with those without WRF. Rates of intracranial hemorrhage (0.18%/y vs 0.18%/y) and of any stroke/systemic embolic events were low (0.90%/y vs 0.69%/y; = 0.3161) in both subgroups. The strongest predictors of WRF were a high CHADS-VASc score, high baseline creatinine clearance, low body weight, and older age. Most predictors of WRF were also predictors of clinical outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
WRF occurred in approximately 10% of edoxaban-treated AF patients. Rates of death and major bleeding were significantly higher in patients with WRF than without. Stroke events were low in both subgroups.
PubMed: 38939675
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100880 -
JACC. Advances Apr 2024Maternal mortality is a major public health crisis in the United States. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Labor and... (Review)
Review
Maternal mortality is a major public health crisis in the United States. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. Labor and delivery is a vulnerable time for pregnant individuals with CVD but there is significant heterogeneity in the management of labor and delivery in high-risk patients due in part to paucity of high-quality randomized data. The authors have convened a multidisciplinary panel of cardio-obstetrics experts including cardiologists, obstetricians and maternal fetal medicine physicians, critical care physicians, and anesthesiologists to provide a practical approach to the management of labor and delivery in high-risk individuals with CVD. This expert panel will review key elements of management from mode, timing, and location of delivery to use of invasive monitoring, cardiac devices, and mechanical circulatory support.
PubMed: 38939671
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100901 -
JACC. Advances Apr 2024The progression rate of aortic stenosis differs between patients, complicating clinical follow-up and management.
BACKGROUND
The progression rate of aortic stenosis differs between patients, complicating clinical follow-up and management.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify predictors associated with the progression rate of aortic stenosis.
METHODS
In this retrospective longitudinal single-center cohort study, all patients with moderate aortic stenosis who presented between December 2011 and December 2022 and had echocardiograms available were included. The individual aortic stenosis progression rate was calculated based on aortic valve area (AVA) from at least 2 echocardiograms performed at least 6 months apart. Baseline factors associated with the progression rate of AVA were determined using linear mixed-effects models, and the association of progression rate with clinical outcomes was evaluated using Cox regression.
RESULTS
The study included 540 patients (median age 69 years and 38% female) with 2,937 echocardiograms (median 5 per patient). Patients had a linear progression with a median AVA decrease of 0.09 cm/y and a median peak jet velocity increase of 0.17 m/s/y. Rapid progression was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.26-2.48) and aortic valve replacement (HR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.55-4.64). Older age, greater left ventricular mass index, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease were associated with a faster decline of AVA.
CONCLUSIONS
AVA decreases linearly in individual patients, and faster progression is independently associated with higher mortality. Routine clinical and echocardiographic variables accurately predict the individual progression rate and may aid clinicians in determining the optimal follow-up interval for patients with aortic stenosis.
PubMed: 38939659
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100879 -
JACC. Advances Sep 2023Data on the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are controversial.
BACKGROUND
Data on the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are controversial.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of VTE in patients with AF according to the time from AF diagnosis.
METHODS
Systematic review of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO host), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2020) in the Cochrane Library, and World Health Organization Global Index Medicus databases and meta-analysis of observational studies. The risk of VTE, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) was analyzed according to the time of AF onset: 1) short (≤3 months); 2) medium (≤6 months); and 3) long (>6 months) time groups.
RESULTS
Eight studies were included with 4,170,027 patients, of whom 650,828 with AF. In the short-term group, AF was associated with the highest risk of either PE (HR: 9.62; 95% CI: 7.07-13.09; I = 0%) or DVT (HR: 6.18; 95% CI: 4.51-8.49, I = 0%). Even if to a lesser extent, AF was associated with a higher risk of VTE (HR: 3.69; 95% CI: 1.65-8.27; I = 79%), DVT (HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.43-2.14; I = 0%), and PE (HR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.61-11.47; I = 68%) in the up to 6 months and long-term risk group >6 months groups (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.00-1.92; I = 72%) and PE (HR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.00-1.16; I = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
The risk of VTE is highest in the first 3 to 6 months after AF diagnosis and decreases over time. The early initiation of anticoagulation in patients with AF may reduce the risk of VTE.
PubMed: 38939492
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100555 -
JACC. Advances Feb 2024Type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) results from coronary supply and demand imbalance and has a poor prognosis. It is crucial to identify potential sex-based differences...
BACKGROUND
Type 2 myocardial infarction (MI) results from coronary supply and demand imbalance and has a poor prognosis. It is crucial to identify potential sex-based differences in the prevalence and nature of coronary artery disease (CAD) within this population.
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to evaluate sex-based disease differences in type 2 MI among patients evaluated with coronary computed tomography angiography and fractional flow reserve.
METHODS
In a single-center, prospective study, patients with strictly adjudicated type 2 MI underwent coronary computed tomography angiography with fractional flow reserve.
RESULTS
Among 50 study participants enrolled, 50% were women. A similar mix of MI precipitants was present in both sexes. ST-segment depression was more common in women (64% vs 32%), while men were more likely to have T wave inversion (68% vs 36%). Women and men had comparable coronary artery calcium scores (median: 152 [Q1, Q3: 45, 762] vs 234 [Q1, Q3: 56, 422]). Prevalence of any CAD (84% vs 100%), obstructive CAD (24% vs 28%), and hemodynamically significant focal stenosis (20% vs 32%) were similar between sexes. Total plaque volume was similar between sexes, but women had significantly lower levels of low-attenuation plaque (median: 3 [Q1, Q3: 1, 7] vs 9 [Q1, Q3: 3, 14]).
CONCLUSIONS
Among patients with type 2 MI, prevalence of any CAD and obstructive CAD did not differ according to sex. Total plaque volume was similar between sexes, but women had a lower volume of low-attenuation plaque (DEFINing the PrEvalence and Characteristics of Coronary Artery Disease Among Patients With TYPE 2 Myocardial Infarction Using CT-FFR [DEFINE TYPE2MI]; NCT04864119).
PubMed: 38939381
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2023.100795 -
F1000Research 2024Rectal bleeding commonly occurs in elderly patients using blood thinners, posing management challenges due to limited guidance on reversal agents and medication restart...
INTRODUCTION
Rectal bleeding commonly occurs in elderly patients using blood thinners, posing management challenges due to limited guidance on reversal agents and medication restart criteria. This study aims to review the demographics and management of elderly patients with rectal bleeding while on blood thinners.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of patients aged 60 or older presenting with rectal bleeding at West Suffolk Hospital's emergency department was conducted from January 2018 to December 2020. Data were extracted from electronic records, focusing on patients using blood thinners and adhering to British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines. All patients ceased blood-thinning medications upon admission. The hospital's ethics committee approved the study, which focused on demographics, diagnosis, and management, particularly regarding re-initiation of blood-thinning medicines.
RESULTS
During the study period, 170 patients were admitted to the emergency department of West Suffolk Hospital. 93 (54.71%) patients were included in the study. The average age of the participants was 82 years, and 62.3% were male. All patients were followed up for three months. Atrial fibrillation accounted for 52% of patients, while previous strokes accounted for 20%. The most typical pathology was diverticulosis.Regarding restarting of anticoagulants, Among patients on DOAC (Direct oral anticoagulant), 39% were restarted on discharge, 23% were switched to warfarin, and another 23% were not restarted; 15% planned to restart after seven days. For those on Warfarin, 62% were restarted on discharge, 22% stopped the medication, and the rest were switched to Dual Oral Anticoagulant. Among aspirin patients, 60% were restarted at discharge, while the remaining discontinued. All patients receiving clopidogrel and dual antiplatelet therapy were started at discharge. None of the patients were readmitted during the follow-up period of 3 months.
CONCLUSION
Restarting of blood-thinning drugs in patients with rectal bleeding is subject to individual patient variation. Necessitates more extensive trials to achieve greater standardization.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Aged, 80 and over; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Anticoagulants; Middle Aged; Rectum
PubMed: 38939367
DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.149548.1 -
JACC. Advances Jun 2024Decompensated heart failure (HF) can be categorized as de novo or worsening of chronic HF. In PARAGLIDE-HF (Prospective comparison of ARNI with ARB Given following...
BACKGROUND
Decompensated heart failure (HF) can be categorized as de novo or worsening of chronic HF. In PARAGLIDE-HF (Prospective comparison of ARNI with ARB Given following stabiLization In DEcompensated HFpEF), among patients with an ejection fraction >40% that stabilized after worsening HF, sacubitril/valsartan led to a significantly greater reduction in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and was associated with clinical benefit compared to valsartan.
OBJECTIVES
This prespecified analysis characterized patients with de novo vs worsening chronic HF in PARAGLIDE-HF and assessed the interaction between HF chronicity and the effect of sacubitril/valsartan.
METHODS
Patients were classified as de novo (first diagnosis of HF) or chronic (known HF prior to the index event). Time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP from baseline to weeks 4 and 8 was analyzed using an analysis of covariance model. A win ratio consisting of time to cardiovascular death, number and times of HF hospitalizations during follow-up, number and times of urgent HF visits during follow-up, and time-averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP was assessed for each group.
RESULTS
Of the 466 participants, 153 (33%) had de novo HF and 313 (67%) had chronic HF. De novo patients had lower rates of atrial fibrillation/flutter and lower creatinine. There was a nonsignificant reduction in NT-proBNP with sacubitril/valsartan vs valsartan for de novo (0.82; 95% CI: 0.62-1.07) and chronic HF (0.88; 95% CI: 0.73-1.07), interaction = 0.66. The win ratio was nominally in favor of sacubitril/valsartan for both de novo (1.12; 95% CI: 0.70-1.58) and chronic HF (1.24; 95% CI: 0.89-1.71).
CONCLUSIONS
There is no interaction between HF chronicity and the effect of sacubitril-valsartan.
PubMed: 38938861
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2024.100984