Grzegorz Kiełbasa

Blood pressure changes in patients with chronic heart failure undergoing slow breathing training

Abstract Background. Slow breathing training (SBT) has been proposed as a new non-pharmacological treatment able to induce favorable effects in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, no information is available regarding its effects on orthostatic blood pressure (BP) changes in these patients, an issue of practical relevance given the reported BP-lowering effect of SBT. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of SBT on BP and whether SBT induces orthostatic hypotension (OH) or changes in quality of life (QoL) in CHF patients. Methods. The analysis was performed as part of an ongoing crossover open trial aimed at assessing the clinical effectiveness of SBT in treated patients with CHF. The patients underwent 10–12 weeks of SBT with the RESPeRATE device and 10–12 week follow-up under usual care. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group I began with SBT, followed by usual care; group II began with usual care, followed by SBT. Patients undergoing SBT were asked to perform each day two separate 15 min sessions of device-guided SBT at a breathing frequency of 6 breaths/min. In all patients, before the enrollment and after each study phase, clinical data collection and BP measurements in sitting, supine and standing position were performed. OH was defined as a decrease of ≥ 20 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or ≥ 10 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) within 3 min of standing. QoL was assessed three times at the beginning, and after each phase of the study by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) questionnaire. Results. Forty patients (two equal groups) completed the study, with the following baseline characteristics: 32 males/eight females, age 63.3 ± 13.4 years, 25 with ischemic CHF, 37 in New York Heart Association class II and three in class III, left ventricular ejection fraction 30.8 ± 6.7%, mean BP 138.7 ± 16.5/83.1 ± 11.5 mmHg, 23 with arterial hypertension and four with a history of stroke. There were no significant differences between the groups in clinical characteristics, SBP and DBP at rest, while seated and before and after standing up. OH prevalence was low and did not change during the study (10% vs 10%). No significant difference in average SBP and DBP changes secondary to body position were found when comparing the two study phases. Decrease in MLHF score was observed in group I during SBT (p = 0.002), but not in group II. Conclusions. Our data indicate that SBT is safe, does not affect the prevalence of OH in CHF patients and shows a non-significant tendency to improve QoL. These results should be confirmed in a larger sample of patients to support the safety of SBT and its possible benefits as a novel component of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation programs in CHF.

Assessment of sleep disorders among patients with hypertension and coexisting metabolic syndrome

PURPOSE The coexistence of hypertension, abdominal obesity, and carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disturbances favors the acceleration of other disease entities - also apart from cardiovascular system disorders. This study was planned to estimate the relationship between the presence of metabolic syndrome and sleep disorders among a group of hypertensive patients. PATIENTS/METHODS The study was conducted on unselected group of 261 patients from the Outpatient Hypertension Clinic. The standardized questionnaire was used to collect the data on medical history, prescribed drugs and lifestyle. Sleep disorders were diagnosed based on the Athens Insomnia Scale and STOP-Bang Questionnaire. According to the study protocol, anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist and neck circumferences), blood pressure, serum lipids and fasting glucose laboratory measurements were performed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to IDF criteria. RESULTS Sleep disorders were recognized in 183 participants of the study - significantly more frequently (P=0.03) among patients with diagnosed metabolic syndrome (120; 75%) in comparison with participants without this disturbance (63; 62.38%). Male gender, poor financial situation, tingling sensations before falling asleep and combination therapy of hypertension significantly increased the risk of sleep disorder occurrence in the group of patients with metabolic syndrome. Night food intake, aging, hypertension combination therapy and poor socioeconomic status were the factors increasing the risk of sleep problems among participants without metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Sleep disorders often coexist with metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. A number of factors increase the probability of occurrence of sleep disorders, but most of them are modifiable.

His-bundle pacing as a standard approach in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and bradycardia

His‐bundle (HB) pacing is the most physiological method of ventricular pacing. However, it is also considered a demanding procedure with a low success rate and has suboptimal pacing parameters. There is a scarcity of data concerning HB pacing as a standard approach in patients with symptomatic bradycardia. Our goal was to compare acute and chronic results of two approaches to pacing in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation, narrow QRS complexes, and symptomatic bradycardia: right ventricular myocardial pacing versus HB pacing.

His bundle pacing: Still much to learn

1. A 3D mapping system was not used during implantation in our cohort. Perhaps in the failed cases it could be useful for our redo procedures. We have no experience with such an approach. However, our intuition is that failures in atrial fibrillation patients are mainly due to a lack of proper tools to reach the His bundle area in cases with enlarged/rotated hearts rather than due to the inability to map the His bundle when it is within reach of the C315/C304 sheaths. Our intention was to follow a simplified His bundle pacing implantation technique so it could be considered to be a true alternative to the standard pacemaker implantation procedure. Although 3D mapping can potentially increase the success rate, such a procedure would be quite far from a standard pacemaker implantation approach.

How to predict the risk of postoperative complications after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients under 50 and over 80 years old. A retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death in developed countries, and there is an increasing number of both young and elderly patients requiring surgical treatment. Despite improvement of conventional risk stratification scores (EuroSCORE II, STS risk score), all of the calculations are estimated based on the typical population and the studies emphasise that the scales may need further investigation and modernisation because demographic changes of the population suffering from CAD are unavoidable. AIM To characterise two increasing and challenging cohorts of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to identify preoperative risk factors for postoperative complications. METHODS In the retrospective cross-sectional study, we analysed 388 patients ≥ 80 years old and 190 patients ≤ 50 years old, who underwent CABG consecutively at our Institution. Data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS The vast majority of studied patients had commonly described risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, regardless of the age group. Diabetes was present in almost twice as many individuals in the older cohort, when compared to the EuroSCORE population. A similar observation was made for hypertension, which was more frequent in both age groups. Summarising all of the postoperative complications, at least one occurred significantly more frequently among the older group (10% vs. 20.9%, p = 0.001). The vast majority of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in the older group led to death (79.4%). Among patients ≥ 80 years old, higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (p = 0.001, OR 2.05 [1.34-3.12] for every next class) and renal failure (p = 0.02, OR 2.47 [1.16-5.25]) increased the MACCE rate, whereas higher left ven-tricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.002, OR 0.81 [0.7-0.93] for every 5%) decreased the risk. Emergent admission was the only factor increasing the occurrence of any postoperative complications among patients ≤ 50 years old (p = 0.007, OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.37-9.62). On the other hand, among patients ≥ 80 years old, emergent admission was not associated with any postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS Young and old patients requiring CABG differ from the standard EuroSCORE population. Postoperative complications are more common among older patients, and MACCE is usually fatal in this age group. Individuals with risk factors for MACCE (higher NYHA class, renal failure, lower LVEF) should be carefully evaluated and qualified, and closely monitored post-surgery.

The analysis of parental attitude towards active immunoprophylaxis and its influence on the implementation of an Immunization Schedule among children in Poland

ABSTRACT The analyses of parental attitude towards active immunoprophylaxis and its influence on the implementation of an Immunization Schedule (IS) among children under 2 years of age in Poland were performed. Three-hundred legal guardians filled out a questionnaire, and 83.67% of parents admitted having concerns about vaccinations in their children. Most respondents reported a previous contact with anti-vaccination statements (AVS). The predisposing factors for such contacts included a more advanced parental age, higher education, good financial status, and living in a city of over 100,000 inhabitants. A delay in age-appropriate immunization was found in 40.49% of children. Findings suggest that the problem of vaccine hesitancy is common. Dissemination of clear and homogenous information campaigns as a response to AVS may increase vaccine acceptance among parents.

Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass as a safe method of surgical revascularization. The step towards hybrid procedures

Introduction Coronary artery disease is nowadays responsible for approximately 15% of hospitalizations in Poland. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) represents an attractive alternative to a sternotomy, and at the same time provides better life quality and facilitates quick rehabilitation. Aim To evaluate whether MIDCAB can be performed with similar early and mid-term results as off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) and therefore can be considered as a safe stage in hybrid revascularization. Material and methods In a retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 73 consecutive patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (left internal mammary artery to left anterior descending artery) between 2013 and 2016 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Thirty-eight (52.1%) MIDCAB and 35 (47.9%) OPCAB patients were enrolled. Results Short-term results did not significantly differ between groups and similar 30-day mortality was observed (MIDCAB 2.6% vs. OPCAB 2.9%, p = 1). The median follow-up period was 21 months. There were no statistical differences in terms of overall survival or cardiac mortality between groups (94.7% vs. 88.6%, p = 0.42; 2.6% vs. 2.9%, p = 1, respectively). The rate of hospitalization due to cardiac causes was similar in both groups (7.9% vs. 5.1%, p = 1) and there were no differences in current exacerbation of angina or heart failure, with median NYHA class I and CCS class I in both groups. Conclusions Despite higher technical difficulty, MIDCAB procedures can be performed with similar safety results as OPCAB procedures. No differences in terms of mortality, repeat revascularization or recurrent angina are observed.

Risk factors for in-hospital mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients 80 years old or older: a retrospective case-series study

Background Age remains a significant and unmodifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and an increasing number of patients older than 80 years of age undergo Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). Old age is also an independent risk factor for postoperative complications. The aim of this study is to describe the population of patients 80 years of age or older who underwent CABG procedure and to assess the mortality rate and risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Methods A retrospective case-series study analyzing 388 consecutive patients aged 80 years of age or older who underwent isolated CABG procedure between 2010 and 2014 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Krakow. Results In-hospital mortality stood at 7%, compared to 3.4% for all isolated CABG procedures at our Institution. In an univariate logistic regression analysis, risk factors for in-hospital mortality were as follows: NYHA class (p = 0.005, OR 1.95, 95% CI [1.23–3.1]), prolonged mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001, OR 7.08, 95% CI [2.47–20.3]), rethoracotomy (p = 0.04, OR 3.31, 95% CI [1.04–10.6]), duration of the procedure and ECC (for every 10 min p = 0.01, OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.0–1.01]; p = 0.03, OR 1.01, 95% CI [1.0–1.02], respectively), PRBC, FFP, and PLT transfusion (for every unit transfused p = 0.004, OR 1.42, 95% CI [1.12–1.8]; p = 0.002, OR 1.55, 95% CI [1.18–2.04]; p = 0.009, OR 1.93, 95% CI [1.18–3.14], respectively). Higher LVEF (p = 0.02, OR 0.97, 95% CI [0.94–0.99]) and LIMA graft implantation (p = 0.04, OR 0.36, 95% CI [0.13–0.98) decreased the in-hospital mortality. Death before discharge was more often observed in patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (0–2 –5.7%; 3–7.4%, 4–26.6%; p = 0.03). Conclusions Older age is associated with higher in-hospital mortality after isolated CABG at our Institution. Risk stratification scores and individualized risk evaluation, centered on comorbidities, NYHA class and left ventricular function, should be assessed in all cases. Whenever suitable, LIMA grafts should be used. Prolonged procedure and ECC time worsen the short-term outcome. Elderly individuals should be closely monitored postoperatively and the care should be focused on excessive blood loss and respiratory failure.

Coronary Artery Disease in Young Adults: Who Needs Surgical Revascularization? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries. Despite the fact that prevalence accrues with age, an increasing number of young patients suffering from CAD is being observed worldwide. The aim of this study is to describe the population of young adults suffering from CAD and requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and to assess early outcomes after the procedure. METHODS A retrospective cohort study analyzed 190 consecutive patients aged ≤50 years old that underwent CABG between 2010 and 2014. Baseline characteristics and operative data were presented in the study. Postoperative complications, such as major adverse cardiac and cardiovascular events (MACCE), prolonged mechanical ventilation (>72 hours), bleeding requiring reexploration, sternal dehiscence, and others were assessed. RESULTS A population comprising mostly overweight or obese males with a mean age of 46 ± 4.1 years was analyzed. Patients suffered mostly from three-vessel disease (81%), hypertension (74.7%), and had previous history of myocardial infarction (MI) (60%). The majority of patients had normal left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (83.1%). 22.6% of cases were emergent procedures. Perioperative mortality was low (1%) and overall MACCE rate stood at 2.6%. Emergent surgery was associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (P = .007). The number of diseased vessels, LVEF, and CCS/NYHA class-on-admission was not associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (P > .05 for all). CONCLUSION CAD in young patients remains an issue described insufficiently in the literature. Among our study cohort of younger patients undergoing CABG, the majority of the patients had multivessel disease and were slightly symptomatic with normal LVEF. Although the postoperative complication rate was low, the percentage of emergent surgeries was alarmingly high in this population. Consistent with the literature, we highlight the importance of CAD screening in the young population to detect subclinical disease, which might be treated therapeutically or operated electively.