Mala Sharma

Incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction and of 2-year mortality in 577 elderly patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery treated with and without statins

Of 577 patients, mean age 74 years, undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery, 300 (52%) had carotid endarterectomy, 179 (31%) had lower extremity revascularization, and 98 (17%) had abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Of the 577 patients, 302 (52%) were treated with statins. Perioperative myocardial infarction (MI) occurred in 18 of 302 patients (6%) treated with statins and in 38 of 275 patients (14%) not treated with statins (p=0.001). Two-year mortality occurred in 18 of 302 patients (6%) treated with statins and in 43 of 275 patients (16%) not treated with statins (p=0.0002). Perioperative MI or mortality occurred in 34 of 302 patients (11%) treated with statins and in 74 of 275 patients (27%) not treated with statins (p<0.0001). Stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that significant independent prognostic factors for perioperative MI or death were use of statins (risk ratio=RR=0.43, p<0.0001), use of beta blockers (RR=0.55, p=0.002), carotid endarterectomy (RR=0.60, p=0.009), and diabetes (RR=1.5, p=0.045). In conclusion, patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery treated with statins had a 57% less chance of having perioperative MI or death at 2-year follow-up after controlling for other variables.

Cardiovascular Manifestations in Patients With Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Single‐center Experience

Cardiovascular manifestation in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

RESPeRATE: nonpharmacological treatment of hypertension.

Systemic hypertension has been well documented as a major risk factor for premature cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Reduction of high blood pressure (BP) by nonpharmacological means is widely recommended, either as a primary prevention therapy or as an adjunctive treatment with antihypertensive drugs. RESPeRATE is a commercially available electronic device that presents a novel nonpharmacological approach to the treatment of hypertension. RESPeRATE-guided slow-paced breathing aimed at achieving a respiratory frequency of <10 breaths per minute has been shown, in multiple studies, to reduce BP in hypertensive individuals by improving the autonomic balance through respiratory control. This article discusses RESPeRATE and the scientific evidence that supports the use of device-guided slow breathing to reduce BP.

Outcomes and survival with aortic valve replacement compared with medical therapy in patients with low-, moderate-, and severe-gradient severe aortic stenosis and normal left ventricular ejection fraction.

Background: This study determined outcomes and survival with aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus medical therapy in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with severely reduced aortic valve areas (AVA) but nonsevere mean gradients. Methods: We identified 248 aortic stenosis (AS) patients with LVEF ≥ 50% and echocardiographic AVA < 1.0 cm2. Group 1 had low‐gradient: <30 mmHg mean gradient; group 2 (moderate: 30 to 40 mm Hg); and group 3 (severe: >40 mm). Results: There were 94, 87, and 67 patients in groups 1, 2, and 3. Incidence of death in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 55%, 39%, and 39% (P not significant). Incidence of AVR in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 23%, 53%, and 49% (P < 0.0001 for group 1 vs. 2; P = 0.0003 for group 1 vs. group 3). Incidence of AVR or death was 71%, 77%, and 76% (P not significant). AVR (hazard ratio = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18, 0.51; P < 0.0001) and mitral annular calcification (hazard ratio = 2.33; 95% CI, 1.40, 3.88; P = 0.001) were independently associated with time to mortality. Kaplan–Meier curves for time to death did not differ significantly among the three groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves for patients with and without AVR showed patients in all three groups who underwent AVR had significantly greater survival. Conclusion: Among patients with normal LVEF and AVA < 1.0 cm2, overall survival does not differ among those with low‐, moderate‐, or severe‐aortic valve gradients. Survival is significantly improved with AVR, regardless of gradient. (Echocardiography 2011;28:378‐387)

Mesenteric vein thrombosis after laproscopic gastric sleeve procedure.

Laparoscopic procedures for morbid obesity are becoming standard of care. In experienced hands it has very low mortality and morbidity [1]. Thrombosis of mesenteric and portal vein is a rare phenomenon. A few case reports in literature suggest their occurrence after various laparoscopic procedures [2–5]. Our institution is a leading center for obesity surgery and we do over 350 laparoscopic bariatric surgeries each year. We present a case of intraabdominal vein thrombosis after laparoscopic surgery and review of literature [6].

Thiazide-induced severe hypercalcemia: a case report and review of literature.

Most common causes of hypercalcemia are hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, vitamin D-mediated conditions such as sarcoidosis, and vitamin D toxicity. Less commonly, hypercalcemia can be caused by drugs such as thiazide diuretics and lithium. Mild hypercalcemia is usually asymptomatic but severe hypercalcemia is associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, muscle weakness, lethargy, confusion, and fatigue. We are reporting a case of abdominal pain and altered mental status caused by thiazide-induced severe hypercalcemia of 19.8 mg/dL. This is the most severe case of thiazide-induced hypercalcemia that we have seen reported. Patients on thiazide diuretics should have their electrolytes frequently checked, especially patients on calcium supplements. Management usually includes hydration and discontinuation of drugs causing hypercalcemia.

The impact of statin therapy on long-term cardiovascular outcomes in an outpatient cardiology practice

Introduction Statins reduce coronary events in patients with coronary artery disease. Material and methods Chart reviews were performed in 305 patients (217 men and 88 women, mean age 74 years) not treated with statins during the first year of being seen in an outpatient cardiology practice but subsequently treated with statins. Based on the starting date of statins use, the long-term outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABGs) before and after statin use were compared. Results Mean follow-up was 65 months before statins use and 66 months after statins use. Myocardial infarction occurred in 31 of 305 patients (10%) before statins, and in 13 of 305 patients (4%) after statins (p < 0.01). Percutaneous coronary intervention had been performed in 66 of 305 patients (22%) before statins and was performed in 41 of 305 patients (13%) after statins (p < 0.01). Coronary artery bypass graft surgery had been performed in 56 of 305 patients (18%) before statins and in 20 of 305 patients (7%) after statins (p < 0.001). Stepwise logistic regression showed statins use was an independent risk factor for MI (odds ratio = 0.0207, 95% CI, 0.0082-0.0522, p < 0.0001), PCI (odds ratio = 0.0109, 95% CI, 0.0038-0.0315, p < 0.0001) and CABGs (odds ratio = 0.0177, 95% CI = 0.0072-0.0431, p < 0.0001) Conclusions Statins use in an outpatient cardiology practice reduces the incidence of MI, PCI, and CABGs.

Reduction in atherosclerotic events: a retrospective study in an outpatient cardiology practice

Introduction Although atherosclerotic disease cannot be cured, risk of recurrent events can be reduced by application of evidence-based treatment protocols involving aspirin, beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and statin medications. We studied atherosclerotic event rates in a patient population treated before and after the development of aggressive risk factor reduction treatment protocols. Material and methods We performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting for follow-up treatment of coronary artery disease in a community cardiology practice, comparing atherosclerotic event rates and medication usage in a 2-year treatment period prior to 2002 and a 2-year period in 2005-2008. Care was provided in both the early and later eras by 7 board-certified cardiologists in a suburban cardiology practice. Medication usage was compared in both treatment eras. The primary outcome was a composite event rate of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular events, and coronary interventions. Results Three hundred and fifty-seven patients were studied, with a follow-up duration of 12.1 (±3.5) years. There were 132 composite events in 104 patients (29.1%) in the early era compared to 40 events in 33 patients (9.2%) in the later era (p < 0.0001). From the early to the later eras, there was an increase in use of β-blockers (66% to 83%, p < 0.0001), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (34% to 80%, p < 0.0001), and statins (40% to 90%, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Application of aggressive evidence-based medication protocols for treatment of atherosclerosis is associated with a significant decrease in atherosclerotic events or need for coronary intervention.

Risk factor reduction in progression of angiographic coronary artery disease

Introduction To investigate differences between outpatients with progressive and nonprogressive coronary artery disease (CAD) measured by coronary angiography. Material and methods Chart reviews were performed in patients in an outpatient cardiology practice having ≥ 2 coronary angiographies ≥ 1 year apart. Progressive CAD was defined as 1) new non-obstructive or obstructive CAD in a previously disease-free vessel; or 2) new obstruction in a previously non-obstructive vessel. Coronary risk factors, comorbidities, cardiovascular events, medication use, serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and blood pressure were used for analysis. Results The study included 183 patients, mean age 71 years. Mean follow-up duration was 11 years. Mean follow-up between coronary angiographies was 58 months. Of 183 patients, 108 (59%) had progressive CAD, and 75 (41%) had nonprogressive CAD. The use of statins, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and aspirin was not significantly different in patient with progressive CAD or nonprogressive CAD Mean arterial pressure was higher in patients with progressive CAD than in patients with nonprogressive CAD (97±13 mm Hg vs. 92±12 mm Hg) (p<0.05). Serum LDL-C was insignificantly higher in patients with progressive CAD (94±40 mg/dl) than in patients with nonprogressive CAD (81±34 mg/dl) (p=0.09). Conclusions Our data suggest that in addition to using appropriate medical therapy, control of blood pressure and serum LDL-C level may reduce progression of CAD.

Existing drugs and agents under investigation for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive and debilitating disorder with an associated high morbidity and mortality rate. Significant advances in our understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension have occurred over the past several decades. This has allowed the development of new therapeutic options in this disease. Today, our selection of therapeutic modalities is broader, including calcium channel blockers, prostanoids, endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators, but the disease remains fatal. This underscores the need for a continued search for novel therapies. Several potential pharmacologic agents for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension are under clinical development and some promising results with these treatments have been reported. These agents include rho-kinase inhibitors, long-acting nonprostanoid prostacyclin receptor agonists, tyrosine protein kinase inhibitors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase couplers, synthetically produced vasoactive intestinal peptide, antagonists of the 5-HT2 receptors, and others. This article will review several of these promising new therapies and will discuss the current evidence regarding their potential benefit in pulmonary arterial hypertension.