Ahmet Barutçu

The relationship between high-sensitive troponin T, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio and SYNTAX Score

Abstract Aim. Cardiac troponins are the most preferred biomarkers in the evaluation of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of our study was to examine the association between high sensitive troponin T (hs-TnT), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the complexity of ACS assessed by SYNTAX Score. Methods and results. 287 patients who underwent coronary angiography were studied (215 male, mean age 62.0 ± 12.7 years). 133 patients were ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), 154 patients were non-ST elevation (NSTE) ACS . The patients are divided to tertiles according to SYNTAX Score; SYNTAX Score ≤ 22 (n = 122) 22 < SYNTAX Score ≤ 32 (n = 120), and SYNTAX Score > 32 (n = 45). NLR was significantly correlated with SYNTAX Score in both STEMI and NSTE-ACS groups (r = 0.254, p = 0.003, r = 0.419 p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed NLR predicted the angiographic severity of ACS assessed by SYNTAX Score in two groups (β = 0.231, p = 0.004; β = 0.232, p = 0.003). Hs-TnT was significantly correlated with SYNTAX Score in two groups (r = 0.327, p < 0.001; r = 0.430, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed hs-TnT was independent predictor of SYNTAX Score in STEMI and NSTE-ACS patients (β = 0.292, p < 0.001; β = 0.317, p < 0.001). Conclusion. Hs-TnT and NLR were significantly correlated with angiographic severity of ACS assessed by SYNTAX Score.

Relationship between red cell distribution width and long-term mortality in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome.

Objective: Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been reported to be a predictor of cardiac events in coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we hypothesized that RDW level on admission would be predictive of adverse outcomes in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS). Methods: In total, 202 patients with NST-ACS (159 males and 43 females) were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on the 50th percentile of admission RDW levels. A high RDW group (n=100) was defined as those patients having RDW levels of >14.0. The relationship between RDW and primary endpoint (cardiovascular death), secondary endpoints [(reinfarction, repeat target vessel revascularization-percutaneous/surgical)], and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were assessed. The median follow-up time was 18 (13-24) months. Results: The patients in the high RDW group were older (62.9 vs. 57.5, p=0.001). Multivessel disease, low-density lipoprotein, creatinine, platelet, CK-MB, troponin I, and RDW were higher (p=0.047, p=0.003, p=0.012, p=0.012, p=0.017, p<0.001, respectively), and gender (male/female), ejection fraction, and hemoglobin levels were lower (p=0.021, p=0.04, p=0.016, respectively) in the high RDW group. Cardiovascular death and MACE were higher in the high RDW group (16% vs. 4.9%, p=0.01, 52% vs. 31.4%, p=0.003, respectively). By multiple regression analysis in 202 patients, age >65 and RDW >14.0% on admission were found to be powerful independent predictors of cardiovascular mortality (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.5-13.1, p=0.005, OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.0-8.9, p=0.039, respectively). Conclusion: A high RDW level on admission is associated with increased long-term mortality in patients with NST-ACS.

Asymmetrical dimethylarginine and severity of erectile dysfunction and their impact on cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Introduction Coronary artery disease (CAD) and vascular erectile dysfunction (ED) are related to endothelial dysfunction. Elevated asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and ED are common in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Our aim was to investigate whether ADMA has a predictive role for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The secondary aim of this study was to investigate whether severity of ED predicts MACE in these patients. Material and methods Follow-up data were available for severity of ED in 71 patients with ACS. Plasma ADMA levels were determined by ELISA in 57 patients. Erectile dysfunction was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-6 (IIEF-6) score. Major adverse cardiovascular events (reinfarction, all-cause hospitalisation, stroke and all-cause death) was evaluated after a median of 10 months. Results Severe ED had no significantly increased hazard ratio for cardiovascular events compared with mild, mild to moderate, and moderate ED (0.259 [95% CI 0.041–1.6], p = 0.147; 0.605 [95% CI 0.095–3.8], p = 0.594; 0.980 [95% CI 0.233–4.1], p = 0.978; and 0.473 [95% CI 0.052–1.3], p = 0.508). The patients who had ADMA levels ≥ 0.32 µmol/l had no significantly increased hazard ratio for cardiovascular events compared with patients who had ADMA levels < 0.32 µmol/l (2.018 [95% CI 0.615–6.6], p = 0.247). Conclusions Severity of ED and ADMA did not increase the risk of cardiovascular events in follow-up patients with ACS in our study. Larger prospective studies are necessary to evaluate whether ADMA predicts cardiovascular events in patients with ACS.

Comparison of the GRACE risk score and the TIMI risk index in predicting the extent and severity of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective: The prognostic value of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score (GRS) and the Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk index (TRI) has been reported in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between the GRS, TRI, and severity of CAD evaluated by SYNTAX score (SS) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Patients with ACS who were admitted to the coronary care unit of our institution were retrospectively evaluated in this study. A total of 287 patients with ACS [154 non-ST elevated ACS (NSTE-ACS), 133 ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI)] were included in the study. The GRS and TRI were calculated on admission using specified variables. The severity of CAD was evaluated using the SS. The patients were divided into low (GRS<109)-, intermediate (GRS 109-140)-, and high (GRS>140)-risk groups and group 1 (TRI<17), group 2 (TRI 17-26), and group 3 (TRI>26) according to GRS and TRI scores. A Pearson correlation analysis was used for the relation between GRS, TRI, and SS. Results: Patients with a history of coronary artery bypass surgery, those who had missing data for calculating the GRS and TRI, and those whose systolic blood pressure (SBP) was more than 180 mm Hg or whose diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was more than 110 mm Hg were excluded from the study. Were excluded from the study. There were significant differences in mean age (p<0.001), heart rate (p<0.001), SS (p<0.001), TRI (p<0.001), rate of NSTE-ACS (p<0.001), and STEMI (p<0.001) in all patients between the risk groups. There was a positive significant correlation between the GRS and the SS (r=0.427, p<0.001), but there were no significant correlation between the TRI and SS (r=0.121, p=0.135). The area under the ROC curve value for GRS was 0.65 (95% CI: 0.56-0.74, p=0.001) in the prediction of severity of CAD. Conclusion: The GRS is more associated with SS than TRI in predicting the severity of CAD in patients with ACS.

The relation between the levels of osteoprotegerin and the degree of coronary artery disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome and stable angina pectoris

BACKGROUND Osteoprotegerin (OPG), an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, has recently been under the spotlight in studies regarding the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. AIM To evaluate the value of serum OPG in the diagnosis and severity in patients with stable angina pectoris (SA) and unstable angina pectoris/non ST elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS This study involved 160 patients, SA (n = 65), acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS; n = 65), and a control group (n = 30). Blood samples were collected in the first hour, after 24 hours and on the fifth day. The prevalence of coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions was determined using the Gensini scoring system. RESULTS A statistically significant difference was observed in the first hour OPG levels between the control group and both the SA and NSTE-ACS group (p < 0.001). When the cut-off value was determined as 247.71 pg/mL, the sensitivity and specificity of the first hour OPG levels indicating coronary artery disease were 91.54% and 46.67%, respectively, while the positive predictive value was 88.1% and the negative predictive value was 56%. No correlations were observed between the first, 24th hour and the fifth day OPG levels and the Gensini scores. No relation was denoted between the OPG levels and number of diseased coronary arteries. CONCLUSIONS In our study, serum OPG level seemed to be unrelated to the severity or the degree of coronary artery disease in patients with SA and unstable angina pectoris/non ST elevation myocardial infarction. OPG may only be accepted as an indicator of coronary atherosclerosis.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 K469E and angiotensinogen T207M polymorphisms in coronary slow flow.

Objective: To investigate intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) and angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms, as related to atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction, in coronary slow flow (CSF). Subjects and Methods: The participants in this study were 48 patients with CSF and 67 patients with normal coronary flow as controls. The K469E polymorphism of ICAM1 (rs5498) and the T207M polymorphism of AGT (rs4762) were determined using the polymerase chain reaction amplification method. Results: Baseline demographic parameters were similar in both groups. The mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count was significantly higher in patients with CSF (23.8 ± 5.1) compared to the controls (13.3 ± 2.6, p < 0.001). A significant association was found between the ICAM1 K allele and CSF (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.15-3.35, p = 0.013). There was no difference in the frequency of AGT T207M genotypes in the patients with CSF and the control subjects. Conclusion: This study showed that K469E polymorphisms of ICAM1 that play a role in atherosclerotic pathogenesis are related to CSF.

Fragmented QRS is associated with frequency of premature ventricular contractions in patients without overt cardiac disease.

Objective: In this study, we aimed to demonstrate whether the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS) is associated with the frequency of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 282 cases by 24-hour Holter monitorings (HMs) between August 2012 and February 2013. Firstly, the patients were divided into 2 groups with respect to presence of fQRS and then divided into 3 groups with respect to frequency of PVCs as Group 1: seldom PVC (<120 PVCs/day), Group 2: moderate-frequency PVC (120-720 PVCs/day), and Group 3: frequent PVC (>720 PVCs/day). We investigated the predictors of frequent PVCs by using multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: Ninety-eight patients had fQRS. There was no difference between the 2 groups with respect to body mass index, gender, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Patients with fQRS were older (54.9±15.6 vs. 47.0±16.3, p<0.001) and had more family history of coronary artery disease (25% vs. 13%, p=0.012). Patients with fQRS was more likely to be on aspirin therapy (28.6% vs. 10.4%, p<0.001) and have a larger left atrium diameter (33.5±5.7 vs. 30.4±5.8, p=0.001). Presence of fQRS was significantly associated with the frequency of PVCs (for frequent PVC 27.7% vs. 7.6%, p<0.001; for moderate-frequency PVC 18.4% vs. 11.4%, p=0.012); 26.2% of Group 1 (n=202) had fQRS, 46.2% of Group 2 (n=39) had fQRS, and 65.9% of Group 3 (n=41) had fQRS. In the multinomial regression analysis, only age (odds ratio: 4.24, 95% confidence interval 2.08-8.64, p=0.001) and fQRS (odds ratio: 2.11, 95% confidence interval 1.00-4.45, p=0.05) were predictors of frequent PVCs. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the presence of fQRS is associated with frequent PVCs in patients without overt structural heart disease.

Could elevated platelet-lymphocyte ratio predict left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with non-ST elevated acute coronary syndrome?

Objective The prognostic value of a high platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been reported in patients with non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and different oncologic disorders. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the PLR for left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in patients with non-ST elevated acute coronary syndrome (NST-ACS). Methods A total of 220 patients with NST-ACS were included in the study. The study population was divided into tertiles based on admission PLR values. High (n=73) and low PLR (n=147) groups were defined as patients having values in the third tertile (>135.6) and lower 2 tertiles (≤135.6), respectively. Left ventricular dysfunction was defined as ejection fraction ≤40%, and related variables were evaluated by backward conditional binary logistic regression analysis. Results The patients in the high PLR group were older (p<0.001) and had a higher rate of previous myocardial infarction and NSTEMI (p=0.046, p=0.013, respectively). There were significantly more coronary arteries narrowed (p=0.001) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (p<0.001) in the high PLR group. Baseline platelet levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) and triglyceride and lymphocyte levels were significantly lower (p=0.009 and p<0.001, respectively) in the high PLR group. PLR >135.6 was found to be an independent predictor of systolic dysfunction in the multivariate analyses (ß: 0.306, 95% confidence interval: 0.151-0.619; p=0.001). Conclusion A high PLR is a strong and independent predictor for LVSD in patients with NST-ACS.

The association between serum uric acid level and heart failure and mortality in the early period of ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES Uric acid (UA) is a strong marker of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we aimed to determine the relationship between serum UA levels and cardiovascular events in patients in the early period of their acute myocardial infarction. STUDY DESIGN This retrospective study included 586 consecutive patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) who were admitted to the hospital between March 2010 and February 2012. The study population was divided into two groups; the first group included hyperuricemic patients (n=107; uric acid level >6 mg/dl in women and >7 mg/dl in men), and the second group included patients with normal UA level (n=479). Multivariate analysis was used to demonstrate the predictive value of UA levels in groups. RESULTS Patients in the hyperuricemic group were older (median 66 years vs. 60 years, p=0.001), and the ratio of female patients was higher (35.5% vs. 16.9%, p=0.001). Patients with hyperuricemia had a significantly higher incidence of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality than the normal group (15.9% vs. 3.1%, p<0.001). Advanced heart failure (class ≥ 3) was more frequent among hyperuricemic patients (17.8% vs. 8.8%, p=0.006). Age ≥ 70 years, chest pain duration >6 hours and hyperuricemia (hazard ratio (HR): 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-3.27; p=0.041) were found to be independent predictors of advanced heart failure. Hyperuricemia was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital cardiovascular mortality in multivariate analyses (HR: 5.32, 95% confidence interval: 2.46-11.49; p=0.001). CONCLUSION This study showed that a high serum UA level is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity during the in-hospital period of STEMI.

The assessment of septal wall motion in patients undergoing CABG by myocardial perfusion-gated SPECT.

PurposeIn this study, we aimed to assess the presence and prevalence of paradoxical septal motion (PSM) by myocardial perfusion-gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MethodsA total of 172 patients (145 men and 27 women, with a mean age of 64.81±8.93 years) undergoing CABG surgery were included in the study. All selected scintigraphic studies of the patients undergoing CABG were reprocessed. Semiquantitative interpretation of septal perfusion, wall motion, and wall thickening was performed with QPS and QGS programs. Phase analysis parameters were also obtained using the Emory Cardiac Toolbox. According to myocardial perfusion-gated SPECT results, the patients were trichotomized as follows: group 1 (nonischemic PSM): regular perfusion and thickening of the septal wall and abnormal motion of the septal wall; group 2 (ischemic PSM): abnormal perfusion, motion, and thickening of the septal wall; group 3 (non-PSM): normal perfusion, motion, and thickening of the septal wall. The data in each of the three groups were compared using Student’s t-test and one-way analysis of variance. ResultsNo PSM (normal perfusion, motion, and thickening of the septal wall) was observed in 19.2% of patients undergoing CABG, whereas nonischemic PSM (regular perfusion and thickening of the septal wall and abnormal motion of the septal wall) was observed in 60.5% of patients and ischemic PSM (abnormal perfusion, motion and thickening of the septal wall) was seen in 20.3% of patients. ConclusionAccording to our study results, PSM is fairly common in patients undergoing CABG. It will be beneficial to use myocardial perfusion scintigraphy-gated SPECT, which is a noninvasive examination method, to identify the presence of PSM and investigate whether it is accompanied by ischemia or infarction.