Goran Davidovic

Influence of Different β-Blockers on Platelet Aggregation in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

Introduction: The use of β-blockers in the treatment of patients with coronary heart disease is associated with a decrease in the frequency of angina pectoris and mortality of patients. Due to the severity of the disease and previous cardiovascular interventions, many patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) use dual antiplatelet therapy to achieve greater inhibition of platelet aggregation. The influence of β-blockers on platelet aggregation in patients using antiplatelet therapy is not well understood. Objective: To examine the effect of different β-blockers on platelet aggregation in patients on dual antiplatelet therapy. Methodology: The study included 331 patients who were treated at the Department of Cardiology, Clinical Center Kragujevac during 2011. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on the type of β-blockers that were used (bisoprolol, nebivolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol). Platelet aggregation was measured using the multiplate analyzer and expressed through the value of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) test (to assess the effect of clopidogrel), ASPI test (to assess the effect of acetyl salicylic acid), TRAP test (to assess baseline platelet aggregation), and the ratio of ADP/TRAP and ASPI/TRAP ASPI/TRAP (ASPI - aranchidonic acid induced aggregation, TRAP - thrombin receptor activating peptide) representing the degree of inhibition of platelet aggregation compared to the basal value. In consideration were taken the representation of demographic, clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, and cardiovascular medications between the groups. Results: Patients who used nebivolol had a significantly lower value of the ratio of ADP/TRAP (0.39 ± 0.30) compared to patients who used bisoprolol (0.48 ± 0.26; P = .038), and trend toward the lower values of ADP test (328.0 ± 197.3 vs 403.7 ± 213.2; P = .059), while there was no statistically significant difference in values of other laboratory parameters of platelet function between other groups. Conclusion: Patients with CAD on dual antiplatelet therapy who used nebivolol had significantly lower levels of residual ADP-induced platelet aggregation compared to baseline than patients who used bisoprolol.

A toxic hepatitis caused the kombucha tea - case report.

Investigation of adverse reactions toxic substances in the liver is a challenge of modern hepatology. It should not be forgotten that toxic hepatitis may clinically be manifested as other diseases of the liver, where it must always be considered in the differential diagnoses of unexplained liver damage in poisoning with the kombucha tea. The pathogenesis and mechanism of liver damage in most of toxins is unknown. It may be experienced as an allergic and/or toxic reaction. Considering that various microorganisms already habituate on kombucha, between those are acid bacterias (from apple acid used for preparing) which are using the oxygen, and from the other side we have yeasts which are facultative anaerobes.

Fulminant myocarditis as a primary manifestation of H1N1 infection: A first reported case from Serbia

A 19-year-old male was admitted to our clinic with a diagnosis of suspected acute pericarditis and acute coronary syndrome. The initial diagnostics at our clinic revealed fulminant myocarditis. Twenty-four hours after admission, the patients condition deteriorated, and he required mechanical ventilation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Unfortunately, the patient died. Clinical course, postmortem pathohistological findings and virus serology indicated that an H1N1 viral caused fulminant myocarditis and was the primary manifestation.

Correlation between Timi Risk Score and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Unstable Angina Pectoris

Abstract Given Taking that the TIMI score is a major predictor of MACE, this study aimed to determine the value of the TIMI risk score in predicting poor outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, recurrent pain) in patients presenting with unstable angina pectoris in short-term observation. A total of 107 patients with APns were examined at the Clinical Centre Kragujevac and were included in the investigation. The TIMI score was determined on the first day of hospitalization. During hospitalization, the following factors were also observed: troponin, ECG evolution, further therapy (pharmacologic therapy and/or emergency PCI or CABG), age, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The low-risk group (TIMI 0 - 2) included 30.8% of patients, whereas 47.6% of patients were in the intermediate-risk group (TIMI 3 - 4), and 21.5% of patients were in the high-risk group (TIMI 5 - 7). Good outcomes (without adverse event) and poor outcomes (death, myocardial infarction, and recurring chest pain) were dependent on the TIMI risk score. The increase in TIMI risk score per one unit increased the risk of a poor outcome by 54%. Troponin and TIMI risk score were positively correlated. Our results suggest that the TIMI risk score may be a reliable predictor of a poor outcome (MACE) during the short-term observation of patients with APns. Moreover, patients identified as high-risk benefit from early invasive PCI, enoxaparin and Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Th us, routine use of the TIMI risk score at admission may reduce the number of patients not recognized as high-risk.

PS 17-14 MORNING SURGE IN SLEEP APNEA-HYPOPNEA PATIENTS - ARE WE MISSING IT?

Objective: There are two types of morning hypertension – nocturnal hypertensive morning hypertension and morning surge hypertension, both often associated with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. The morning surge in blood pressure is influenced by the sympathetic nerve system. Aim was to determine which type of morning hypertension is more common in patients with sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Design and method: Research included 100 patients who underwent polygraphic examination in UCC Kragujevac. According to AHI patients were divided into 4 equal groups, 25 patients each (AHI <5; 5–15; 15–30 and >30). Diagnosis of hypertension was made, and diurnal and nocturnal blood pressure profile was assessed using ABPM. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability, using a fast Fourier transform of the autoregression method integrated into 24h ECG Holter monitoring, was used for non-invasive testing of autonomic function. All data were statistically analyzed in the SPSS for Windows. Results: Study population consisted of 69% of male and 31% of female patients with mean age of 55.05 ± 11.16 years. Prior hypertension was present in 76% of patients (&khgr;2 = 27.04; p = 0.000) in total group, with 68% on antihypertensive therapy (&khgr;2 = 12.96; p = 0.000). Non-dipping of SBP was present in 37% of study population (x2 = 16.40; p = 0.007) and for DBP in 31% of patients in total group. Morning surge of blood pressure > 10 mmHg was present in 79% of patients (&khgr;2 = 33.64; p = 0.000), with even more than 50% having rise > 20 mmHg. Mean morning surge was 24.25 ± 19.37 mmHg. LF/HF ratio was > 2.0 in 70% of patients confirming that autonomic balance is shifted towards sympathetic activity (&khgr;2 = 12.96; p = 0.000). Conclusions: Non-dipping blood pressure profile was present in these patients causing the presence of nocturnal hypertensive mornig hypertension, but morning surge hypertension was more prevalent, probably due to sympathetic overactivity. Regardless of the type morning hypertension represents a major challenge in clinical practice, especially in sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

„Obesity Paradox“ – Fiction or a Fact?

Abstract Background: Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with obesity, but, despite this fact, obese people live longer than their normal-weight counterparts do. This phenomenon is called the „obesity paradox“. Aim: Purpose was to investigate the impact of obesity on the final outcome; determine the connection between obesity and heart rate > 80 beats per minute and other risk factors, and presence of „obesity paradox“. Material and Methods: Research included 140 patients with anterior wall acute STEMI treated in Coronary Unit, Clinical Center Kragujevac form January 2001-June 2006. Heart rate was calculated as the mean value of baseline and heart rate in the first 30 minutes after admission. Body mass index was calculated as the ratio of body weight in kilograms and body height in squared meters, and classified according to the WHO recomendations. Results: More than 75% obese patients were in both groups, survivors and those who died. In the subgroup with heart rate > 80 results were similar. Obesity had no significant effect on mortality despite the fact that the large number of patients with fatal outcome was obese. Conclusion: Correlation with acute myocardial infarction and elevated heart rate is evident, but obesity was not independent predictor for mortality which can only partly confirm presence of „obesity paradox“.

Can Statins Help „Good Cholesterol“ to Become Even Better

Abstract Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a most common manifestation of generalised atherosclerosis. Hyperlipidemia is one of the most significant risk factors causing atherosclerosis. Becouse of this, statin therapy is the (guideline) in therapy of hyperlipoproteinemia. Aim: The aim of this study was to show the hypolipemic effect of statins. Material and Methods: The research included 74 patients with hyperlipoproteinemia type II and III, with (59 patients) or without (15) coronary disease diagnosis. All patients have been treated with statins. In all patients, we analizing statins hypolipemic effects, and the research was carried out: before therapy, after 2 and 6 weeks, 3 months, and than every 3 months during 2 years of treatment. Results: Target value of lipoprotein profile parameter is achieved after 3-6 months of statin treatment. According to the results HDL-cholesterol was changed with the statins for 12.5% average; the highest average value change of 27.5% was recorded at the end of follow-up, and the minimal mean change, observed 2 weeks after therapy initiation was 4.59%. Conclusion: The statin therapy has significant effect on lipoprotein profile and atherogenic index. That effect is the most intensive after 3 month therapy, and target level of lipoprotein parameter are achieved after 3-6 months of statin treatment.

Fractional Flow Reserve Method in Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory without Cardiosurgical Backup: Initial Experiences

Abstract Background: Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in a modern world. This dictates the development a network of Catheterization laboratories without cardiosurgical capabilities. Aim: We postulate that the most valuable tool in the decision process on myocardial revascularization is fractional flow reserve (FFR), especially when we deal with borderline coronary lesions. Material and Methods: A total of 72 patients with 94 intermediate coronary stenosis (30%-70% diameter reduction) were included in this study. We tested FFR and angiography based decision model on myocardial revascularization. Results: Mean FFR value on left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was lower than in others two arteries (p=0.017). FFR after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was significantly better (p<0.0001). The decision for PCI predominates before FFR diagnostics, but after FFR the decision is quite opposite. There is a weak negative correlation between FFR and diameter of stenosis assessed by angiography (r= - 0.245 p=0.038) and positive correlation between diameter of stenosis assessed by angiography and by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) (r=0.406 p<0.0005). Conclusion: Our results strongly suggest that FFR is necessary tool in centers without possibilities of heart team onsite consultation and that prevents numerous unnecessary PCI.