Coronary Artery Calcification,Epicardial Fat Burden,and Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

RationalePatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from significantly more cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality than would be anticipated from conventional risk factors. The aim of this study was to determine whether COPD patients have a higher coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and epicardial fat burden, compared to control subjects, and their association with cardiovascular events.MethodsFrom a registry of 1906 patients 81 patients with clinically diagnosed COPD were one-to-one matched to 81 non-COPD control subjects with a smoking history, according to their age, sex, and the number of classic cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, family history of premature coronary artery disease). CACS, epicardial fat, and subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow-up were compared between groups.ResultsPatients with COPD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease-classification I: 5%, II: 23%, III: 16% and IV: 56%) showed no difference in CACS (median difference 68 Agatston Units [95% confidence interval -176.5 to 192.5], p=0.899) or epicardial fat volume (mean difference -0.5 cm³ [95% confidence interval -20.9 to 21.9], p=0.961) compared with controls. After a median follow-up of 42.6 months a higher incidence of MACE was observed in COPD patients (RR=2.80, p=0.016) compared with controls. Cox proportional hazard regression identified cardiac ischemias and CACS as independent predictors for MACE.ConclusionCOPD patients experienced a higher MACE incidence compared to controls despite no baseline differences in coronary calcification and epicardial fat burden. Other mechanisms such as undersupply of medication seem to account for an excess cardiovascular comorbidity in COPD patients.     

血清尿酸、同型半胱氨酸、白细胞介素-6与冠心病患者肠道菌群和主要不良心血管事件的关系研究

摘要 目的：研究血清尿酸（UA）、同型半胱氨酸（Hcy）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）与冠心病患者肠道菌群和主要不良心血管事件（MACE）的关系。方法：选取2018年5月~2020年12月期间在中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九八九医院行经皮冠状动脉介入术（PCI）的冠心病患者120例作为冠心病组,选取同期来中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九八九医院体检的健康志愿者80例作为对照组。对比对照组、冠心病组的血清IL-6、Hcy、UA水平和乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌、大肠杆菌。Pearson相关性分析IL-6、Hcy、UA和乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌、大肠杆菌的相关性。记录冠心病组PCI术后随访1年MACE的发生率,并采用多因素Logistic回归分析MACE发生的影响因素。结果：冠心病组的血清IL-6、Hcy、UA水平高于对照组（P<0.05）。冠心病组的乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌、大肠杆菌数量少于对照组（P<0.05）。Pearson相关性分析结果显示,IL-6、Hcy、UA均与乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌、大肠杆菌呈负相关（P<0.05）。所有患者均完成随访,无失访患者。随访过程中发现有32例患者发生MACE,发生率为26.67%。根据是否发生MACE分为MACE组（n=32）和无MACE组（n=88）。单因素分析结果显示,MACE的发生与病程、吸烟史、合并高血压、合并糖尿病、置入支架数目、IL-6、Hcy、UA、乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌、大肠杆菌有关（P<0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示：病程偏长、吸烟史、合并高血压、合并糖尿病、置入支架数目更多、IL-6偏高、Hcy偏高、UA偏高是冠心病患者MACE发生的危险因素（P<0.05）。结论：冠心病患者体内IL-6、Hcy、UA水平升高,肠道菌群紊乱,且肠道菌群紊乱与IL-6、Hcy、UA水平相关。此外,冠心病PCI术后MACE发生不可避免,且受到病程、吸烟史、合并高血压等多种因素的影响。     

Persistence of Cushing’s Disease Symptoms and Comorbidities After Surgical Cure: a Long-Term,Integral Evaluation

ObjectiveSuccessful surgery does not always resolve all the clinical consequences of hypercortisolism in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). Our purpose was to integrally evaluate a group of CD patients cured by pituitary surgery and look for the persistence of CD symptoms, signs, and comorbidities.MethodsWe performed clinical and biochemical evaluations of 29 CD patients (2 males) cured by pituitary surgery. All patients underwent early (median 12 months) and late (median 58 months) postoperative evaluations. We sought information regarding hypercortisolism-related symptoms and signs, as well as metabolic, cardiovascular, reproductive, and psychologic comorbidities.ResultsThe prevalence of obesity dropped from 72.4% at diagnosis to 31% at early evaluation but increased again to 44.8% at the late evaluation. Diabetes was present in 14 patients (48.3%) at diagnosis and persisted in 9 at the late evaluation. Hypertriglyceridemia was present in 58.6% and 55.1% of patients at diagnosis and at the late follow-up, respectively. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 79.3% at diagnosis, decreased to 55.1% at the early evaluation, and increased to 65.5% at the late evaluation. Menstrual abnormalities were originally present in 15 of 20 women, and 8 of the 15 had recovered normal periods when seen at the last evaluation. Among the 24 patients with depression at diagnosis, 11 and 6 still exhibited mood abnormalities at the early and late evaluations, respectively.ConclusionIn a variable proportion of patients, the cardiovascular, metabolic, and emotional comorbidities of CD persist after long-term remission, irrespective of the initial degree of hypercortisolism. (Endocr Pract. 2013; 19:252-258)     

Enfermedad cardiovascular tras infección por SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes ancianos. Resultados del seguimiento anual de una cohorte de supervivientes

IntroductionAlthough the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the cardiovascular system is well known in the acute phase, the cardiovascular impact of the elderly population surviving COVID-19 respiratory infection after 1 year of follow-up has not been sufficiently studied.MethodsObservational registry of 240 elderly patients (75 years or older), consecutively admitted for COVID-19 respiratory infection and survivors of the same, between March 1 and April 30, 2020, at the Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real. The incidence of major cardiovascular events [MACE] (cardiovascular death [CD], acute coronary syndrome [ACS], cerebrovascular disease [CVD], venous thromboembolic disease [VTE] and heart failure [HF]) was prospectively analysed.ResultsThe mean age was 83.75 ± 5.75 years. After a mean follow-up of 352.2 ± 70.4 days, 13.8% of patients died and 9.6% had MACE, the most frequent being heart failure, with no differences in severity or overall course of acute illness. In the multivariate Cox regression model, the risk of developing MACE was higher in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and (HR 4.29; 95%CI 1.62-11.39; P = .003) and loop diuretic (HR 2.99; 95%CI 1.27-7.07; P = .01).ConclusionsIn elderly COVID-19 survivors, the incidence of MACE after one year of follow-up is high, the main manifestation being heart failure.     

Differential alteration in peripheral T-regulatory and T-effector cells with change in P-glycoprotein expression in Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome: A longitudinal study

IntroductionChildhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (INS) responds to glucocorticoid therapy, however, 60–80% of patients relapse and some of them become steroid non responsive. INS may occur because of T cell dysfunction, abnormal cytokines and podocytopathies which reverse on steroid treatment. The reason of relapses could be imbalances in T cells phenotypes and respective cytokines. Herein, we hypothesize that relapses in INS may occur due to imbalance in T-regulatory and T-effector cell with their respective cytokines and overexpression of P-gp on lymphocytes.MethodsThe frequency of peripheral blood CD4⁺CD25⁺FoxP3⁺ Treg, CD4⁺IFN-γ⁺ Th1 and CD4⁺IL-4⁺ Th2 lymphocytes and their respective cytokines and P-gp expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were analyzed in INS patients at baseline (n = 26), during remission (n = 24) and at relapse (n = 15).ResultsCompared to baseline, the frequency of Tregs was significantly increased at remission and decreased during relapse. In contrast, the frequency of Th1 and Th2 lymphocytes was significantly decreased during remission and increased at the time of relapse. Similarly, expression of P-gp was significantly high at baseline and at the time of relapse as compared to remission. Levels of cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β in the supernatant of stimulated PBMCs was increased during remission and decreased during relapse. In contrast, levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 were decreased during remission and increased at the time of relapse.ConclusionsSteroid therapy in INS induces decreased P-gp expression on PBLs along with increased frequency and cytokine response of T-regulatory cells, and reduced frequency and respective cytokine response of Th1 and Th2 cells during remission. However, reversal in the frequency and respective cytokines of T-regs, Th1 and Th2, and P-gp expression on PBLs occurs during relapses on follow-up.     

Maternal weight change from prepregnancy to 18 months postpartum and subsequent risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in Danish women: A cohort study

BackgroundOne-fourth of women experience substantially higher weight years after childbirth. We examined weight change from prepregnancy to 18 months postpartum according to subsequent maternal risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD).Methods and findingsWe conducted a cohort study of 47,966 women with a live-born singleton within the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC; 1997–2002). Interviews during pregnancy and 6 and 18 months postpartum provided information on height, gestational weight gain (GWG), postpartum weights, and maternal characteristics. Information on pregnancy complications, incident hypertension, and CVD was obtained from the National Patient Register. Using Cox regression, we estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence interval [CI]) for hypertension and CVD through 16 years of follow-up. During this period, 2,011 women were diagnosed at the hospital with hypertension and 1,321 with CVD. The women were on average 32.3 years old (range 18.0–49.2) at start of follow-up, 73% had a prepregnancy BMI <25, and 27% a prepregnancy BMI ≥25. Compared with a stable weight (±1 BMI unit), weight gains from prepregnancy to 18 months postpartum of >1–2 and >2 BMI units were associated with 25% (10%–42%), P = 0.001 and 31% (14%–52%), P < 0.001 higher risks of hypertension, respectively. These risks were similar whether weight gain presented postpartum weight retention or a new gain from 6 months to 18 months postpartum and whether GWG was below, within, or above the recommendations. For CVD, findings differed according to prepregnancy BMI. In women with normal-/underweight, weight gain >2 BMI units and weight loss >1 BMI unit were associated with 48% (17%–87%), P = 0.001 and 28% (6%–55%), P = 0.01 higher risks of CVD, respectively. Further, weight loss >1 BMI unit combined with a GWG below recommended was associated with a 70% (24%–135%), P = 0.001 higher risk of CVD. No such increased risks were observed among women with overweight/obesity (interaction by prepregnancy BMI, P = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.03, respectively). The limitations of this observational study include potential confounding by prepregnancy metabolic health and self-reported maternal weights, which may lead to some misclassification.ConclusionsPostpartum weight retention/new gain in all mothers and postpartum weight loss in mothers with normal-/underweight may be associated with later adverse cardiovascular health.

Helene Kirkegaard and co-workers study maternal weight changes and cardiovascular risk over 16 years of follow-up.     

Lipoprotein(a) levels and long-term cardiovascular risk in the contemporary era of statin therapy

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has enhanced atherothrombotic properties. The ability of Lp(a) levels to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing coronary angiography has not been examined. The relationship between serum Lp(a) levels and both the extent of angiographic disease and 3-year incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization) was investigated in 2,769 patients who underwent coronary angiography [median Lp(a) 16.4 mg/dl, elevated levels (≥30 mg/dl) in 38%]. An elevated Lp(a) was associated with a 2.3-fold [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.7–3.2, P < 0.001] greater likelihood of having a significant angiographic stenosis and 1.5-fold (95 CI, 1.3–1.7, P < 0.001) greater chance of three-vessel disease. Lp(a)≥30 mg/dl was associated with a greater rate of MACE (41.8 vs. 35.8%, P = 0.005), primarily due to a greater need for coronary revascularization (30.9 vs. 26.0%, P = 0.02). A relationship between Lp(a) levels and cardiovascular outcome was observed in patients with an LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥70-100 mg/dl (P = 0.049) and >100 mg/dl (P = 0.02), but not <70 mg/dl (P = 0.77). Polymorphisms of Lp(a) were also associated with both plasma Lp(a) levels and coronary stenosis, but not a greater rate of MACE. Lp(a) levels correlate with the extent of obstructive disease and predict the need for coronary revascularization in subjects with suboptimal LDL-C control. This supports the need to intensify lipid management in patients with elevated Lp(a) levels.     

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Positivity is Associated With Relapse-Free Survival Following Antithyroid Drug Treatment for Graves Disease

Objective: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by production of autoantibodies directed against the thyroid gland. Thyrotropin-receptor antibodies (TRAbs) are clearly pathogenic, but the role of thyroidperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) in Graves disease is unknown.Methods: We retrospectively studied whether TPOAb positivity reduced risk of relapse following antithyroid drug (ATD) treatment in newly diagnosed Graves disease.Results: During follow-up of 204 patients with TRAb-positive Graves disease, 107 (52%) relapsed following withdrawal of ATD. Mean age was 40.0 years, and 82% were female. The average duration of ATD treatment was 23.5 months and was not different between patients who relapsed and those with sustained remission. Absence of TPOAbs significantly increased risk of Graves relapse (odds ratio, 2.21). Male sex and younger age were other factors significantly associated with increased risk of relapse.Conclusion: TPOAb positivity significantly improves the odds of remission following ATD treatment in newly diagnosed Graves’ disease.     

HEART与GRACE危险评分对急性冠脉综合征患者危险分层的对比研究

目的:探讨HEART与GRACE危险评分对急性冠脉综合症(ACS)患者主要心血管不良事件(MACE)发生的预测应用价值。方法:回顾性分析自2015年6月至2018年6月就诊于我院急诊入院的ACS患者591例,分别使用HEART与GRACE危险评分对研究对象进行危险分层(低危组,中危组,高危组),随访患者发病后90天MACE发生情况,分析不同危险分层ACS患者发病后90天MACE发生情况与评分之间的关系,并比较两种评分对ACS患者90天发生MACE事件的预测能力。结果:本研究纳入371例患者,其中男性324例(87.3%),女性47例(12.7%),年龄(58±11.70)岁;167患者(45.1%)在3个月内发生MACE。随着HEART和GRACE危险评分越高,发病90天发生MACE事件的发生率显著增加(P<0.05),HEART评分中高危组预测MACE准确性较GRACE评分高,GRACE评分低危险组预测MACE准确性较HEART评分高。HEART和GRACE评分对ACS患者预测MACE敏感性分别为76.51%,64.73%,特异性分别为96.71%,96.25%。HEART评分具有良好的预测价值,其ROC曲线下面积为0.908(95%CI 0.846~0.974),与GRACE评分ROC曲线下面积的0.801相比,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:HEART和GRACE评分都可以应用于ACS患者的危险分层,预后评估和预测MACE发生,但HEART危险评分更可靠。     

Long-Term Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Associated With Metabolic Health and Obesity Status

ObjectiveEmerging evidence supports the favorable cardiovascular health in nonobese subjects with healthy metabolism. However, little is known regarding the prognosis across the range of metabolic phenotypes once cardiovascular disease is established. We examined the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stratified according to metabolic health and obesity status.MethodsThis is a retrospective study on consecutive patients with AMI admitted to a tertiary hospital between 2014 and 2021. Patients were allocated into the following 4 groups based on metabolic and obesity profile: (1) metabolically healthy obese (MHO), (2) metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), (3) metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO), and (4) metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO). Metabolic health was defined in accordance to the Biobank Standardisation and Harmonisation for Research Excellence in the European Union Healthy Obese Project. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The Cox regression analysis examined the independent association between mortality and metabolic phenotypes, adjusting for age, sex, AMI type, chronic kidney disease, smoking status, and left ventricular ejection fraction.ResultsOf 9958 patients, the majority (68.5%) were MUNO, followed by MUO (25.1%), MHNO (5.6%), and MHO (0.8%). MHO had the lowest mortality (7.4%), followed by MHNO (9.7%), MUO (19.2%), and MUNO (22.6%) (P < .001). Compared with MHNO, MUO (hazard ratio [HR], 1.737; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.282-2.355; P < .001) and MUNO (HR, 1.482; 95% CI, 1.108-1.981; P = .008) had a significantly higher mortality risk but not MHO (HR, 1.390; 95% CI, 0.594-3.251; P = .447), after adjusting for confounders. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed favorable survival in the metabolically healthy and obesity groups, with the highest overall survival in the MHO, followed by MHNO, MUO, and MUNO (P < .001).ConclusionMetabolically healthy and obese patients with AMI have favorable prognosis compared with metabolically unhealthy and nonobese patients. It is equally important to prioritize intensive metabolic risk factor management to weight reduction in the early phase after AMI.     

超声三维斑点技术联合SYNTAX评分对冠心病病情的判断价值分析

摘要 目的：探讨与分析超声三维斑点技术联合SYNTAX评分对冠心病病情的判断价值。方法：2022年2月到2023年1月选择在医院诊治的冠心病患者350例作为研究对象,所有患者都给予超声三维斑点检查,同时所有患者都给予SYNTAX评分。随访记录患者的主要不良心血管事件（MACE）发生情况病进行相关性分析。结果：在350例患者中,随访到2023年2月1日,平均随访时间为9.14±1.13个月,发生MACE45例（MACE组）,占比12.9 %,其中心源性死亡6例、冠脉综合征14例、血运重建13例、恶性心律失常7例、心力衰竭5例。MACE组的年龄、体重指数、性别、总胆固醇（TG）、高密度脂蛋白（HDL-C）、低密度脂蛋白（LDL-C）、甘油三酯（TC）血糖与非MACE组对比无显著差异（P>0.05）。MACE组的超声三维斑点参数-右室收缩峰值应变率（SRs）高于非MACE组（P<0.05）,右室舒张晚期峰值应变率（SRa）、舒张早期峰值应变率（SRc）与非MACE组对比有显著降低（P<0.05）。MACE组的SYNTAX评分明显高于非MACE组(P<0.05),两组的SYNTAX评分分级人群占比也有显著差异（P<0.05）。在350例患者中,Spearsman分析显示SYNTAX评分、SRs、SRc、SRa都与MACE的发生呈现正相关性（P<0.05）。logistic回归分析法显示SYNTAX评分、SRs、SRc、SRa都为导致MACE发生的重要因素（P<0.05）。结论：冠心病患者治疗后MACE的发生率依然比较高,多伴随有SYNTAX评分增高,超声三维斑点技术检查也存在一定的差异性,超声三维斑点技术联合SYNTAX评分能有效反映冠心病患者的病情。     

高血压患者胰岛素抵抗与代谢综合征及心血管事件的发生情况的相关性分析

目的:分析高血压患者胰岛素抵抗与代谢综合征及心血管事件的发生情况及其影响因素。方法:选择2014年6月至2017年9月解放军113医院及河南大学附属医院收治的382例高血压患者,根据是否存在胰岛素抵抗将其分为单纯高血压(对照组,n=212)和高血压伴胰岛素抵抗(实验组,n=170)。根据国际糖尿病联盟代谢综合征的相关定义将患者分为A组(代谢综合征,n=202)和B组(非代谢综合征,n=180)。比较患者的身高、体质量并计算其体质量指数(BMI)、收缩压(SBP)、舒张压(DBP),检测两组受试者空腹血糖(FPG)、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、肌酐(SCr)、血尿素氮(BUN)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、采用酶联免疫法测定高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、脂联素(APN)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)水平。随访1年并记录患者心血管事件发生情况。结果:实验组血清APN、FPG、FINS、HOMA-IR、hs-CRP水平与对照组比较,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。A组患者SBP、DBP、BUN、APN、FPG、HOMA-IR、hs-CRP水平明显高于B组,HDL-C水平明显低于B组,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。BUN、HDL-C、HOMA-IR、hs-CRP水平升高为高血压患者发生代谢综合征独立危险因素(P0.05)。随访1年后,对照组患者发生心血管事件72例,实验组144例。进一步采用多因素Logistic回归分析显示,血清TG、HDL-C、HOMA-IR、hs-CRP水平升高为高血压患者发生心血管事件的危险因素(P0.05)。结论:高血压伴胰岛素抵抗患者其胰岛素抵抗程度高于单纯高血压患者;胰岛素抵抗与代谢综合征显著相关,为高血压患者发生心血管事件的危险因素。     

Clinical differences between patients with MODY-3, MODY-2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus with I27L polymorphism in the HNF1α gene

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to describe and evaluate the clinical and metabolic characteristics of patients with MODY-3, MODY-2 or type 2 diabetes who presented I27L polymorphism in the HNF1α gene.MethodsThe study included 31 previously diagnosed subjects under follow-up for MODY-3 (10 subjects from 5 families), MODY-2 (15 subjects from 9 families), or type 2 diabetes (6 subjects) with I27L polymorphism in the HNF1α gene. The demographic, clinical, metabolic, and genetic characteristics of all patients were analyzed.ResultsNo differences were observed in distribution according to sex, age of onset, or form of diagnosis. All patients with MODY-2 or MODY-3 had a family history of diabetes. In contrast, 33.3% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and I27L polymorphism in the HNF1α gene had no family history of diabetes (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in body mass index, prevalence of hypertension, or microvascular or macrovascular complications. Drug therapy was required by 100% of MODY-3 patients, but not required by 100% of MODY-2 patients or 16.7% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and I27L polymorphism in the HNF1α gene (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOccasional difficulties may be encountered when classifying patients with MODY-2, MODY-3 or type 2 diabetes of atypical characteristics, in this case patients who present I27L polymorphism in the HNF1α gene.     

超声心动图对慢性收缩性心力衰竭预后的预测价值分析

目的:探讨超声心动图对慢性收缩性心力衰竭(心衰)预后的预测价值。方法:选择2016年8月到2018年9月在南京医科大学附属脑科医院(胸科院区)医学影像二科(以我院代替)诊治的慢性收缩性心衰患者112例,均给予超声心动图检查并记录相关指标,随访患者的预后并进行相关性分析。结果:随访至今,112例患者的主要心血管不良事件(Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events,MACE)发生率为18.8%。MACE组患者的左室收缩末期容积(Left ventricular end systolic volume,LVESV)、左室舒张末期容积(Left ventricular end diastolic volume,LVEDV)值显著高于非MACE组患者(P0.05),两组患者左室收缩末期内径(Left ventricular end systolic diameter,LVDs)、左房内径(Left atrial diameter,LAD)、左心室舒张末期内径(Left ventricular end diastolic dimension,LVDd值无统计学差异(P0.05)。患者预后MACE与LVEDV、LVESV值呈显著相关性(P0.05)。LVEDV、LVESV为影响慢性收缩性心衰患者MACE的独立危险因素(P0.05)。结论:超声心动图用于慢性收缩性心衰患者可反映患者的心功能状况,且具有较高的预后预测价值。     

Associations between multimorbidity and adverse health outcomes in UK Biobank and the SAIL Databank: A comparison of longitudinal cohort studies

BackgroundCohorts such as UK Biobank are increasingly used to study multimorbidity; however, there are concerns that lack of representativeness may lead to biased results. This study aims to compare associations between multimorbidity and adverse health outcomes in UK Biobank and a nationally representative sample.Methods and findingsThese are observational analyses of cohorts identified from linked routine healthcare data from UK Biobank participants (n = 211,597 from England, Scotland, and Wales with linked primary care data, age 40 to 70, mean age 56.5 years, 54.6% women, baseline assessment 2006 to 2010) and from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) databank (n = 852,055 from Wales, age 40 to 70, mean age 54.2, 50.0% women, baseline January 2011). Multimorbidity (n = 40 long-term conditions [LTCs]) was identified from primary care Read codes and quantified using a simple count and a weighted score. Individual LTCs and LTC combinations were also assessed. Associations with all-cause mortality, unscheduled hospitalisation, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were assessed using Weibull or negative binomial models adjusted for age, sex, and socioeconomic status, over 7.5 years follow-up for both datasets.Multimorbidity was less common in UK Biobank than SAIL (26.9% and 33.0% with ≥2 LTCs in UK Biobank and SAIL, respectively). This difference was attenuated, but persisted, after standardising by age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The association between increasing multimorbidity count and mortality, hospitalisation, and MACE was similar between both datasets at LTC counts of ≤3; however, above this level, UK Biobank underestimated the risk associated with multimorbidity (e.g., mortality hazard ratio for 2 LTCs 1.62 (95% confidence interval 1.57 to 1.68) in SAIL and 1.51 (1.43 to 1.59) in UK Biobank, hazard ratio for 5 LTCs was 3.46 (3.31 to 3.61) in SAIL and 2.88 (2.63 to 3.15) in UK Biobank). Absolute risk of mortality, hospitalisation, and MACE, at all levels of multimorbidity, was lower in UK Biobank than SAIL (adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status). Both cohorts produced similar hazard ratios for some LTCs (e.g., hypertension and coronary heart disease), but UK Biobank underestimated the risk for others (e.g., alcohol-related disorders or mental health conditions). Hazard ratios for some LTC combinations were similar between the cohorts (e.g., cardiovascular conditions); however, UK Biobank underestimated the risk for combinations including other conditions (e.g., mental health conditions). The main limitations are that SAIL databank represents only part of the UK (Wales only) and that in both cohorts we lacked data on severity of the LTCs included.ConclusionsIn this study, we observed that UK Biobank accurately estimates relative risk of mortality, unscheduled hospitalisation, and MACE associated with LTC counts ≤3. However, for counts ≥4, and for some LTC combinations, estimates of magnitude of association from UK Biobank are likely to be conservative. Researchers should be mindful of these limitations of UK Biobank when conducting and interpreting analyses of multimorbidity. Nonetheless, the richness of data available in UK Biobank does offers opportunities to better understand multimorbidity, particularly where complementary data sources less susceptible to selection bias can be used to inform and qualify analyses of UK Biobank.

Peter Hanlon and colleagues compare the associations between multimorbidity and adverse health outcomes in UK Biobank and the SAIL Databank.     

Renal Function Interferes with Copeptin in Prediction of Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery

Objective

Precise perioperative risk stratification is important in vascular surgery patients who are at high risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) peri- and postoperatively. In clinical practice, the patient’s perioperative risk is predicted by various indicators, e.g. revised cardiac index (RCRI) or modifications thereof. Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) are stratified into a higher risk category. We hypothesized that Copeptin as a novel biomarker for hemodynamic stress could help to improve the prediction of perioperative cardiovascular events in patients undergoing vascular surgery including patients with chronic kidney disease.

Methods

477 consecutive patients undergoing abdominal aortic, peripheral arterial or carotid surgery from June 2007 to October 2012 were prospectively enrolled. Primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

41 patients reached the primary endpoint, including 63.4% aortic, 26.8% carotid, and 9.8% peripheral surgeries. Linear regression analysis showed that RCRI (P< .001), pre- (P< .001), postoperative Copeptin (P< .001) and Copeptin level change (P= .001) were associated with perioperative MACE, but CKD remained independently associated with MACE and Copeptin levels. Multivariate regression showed that increased Copeptin levels added risk predictive information to the RCRI (P= .003). Especially in the intermediate RCRI categories was Copeptin significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE. (P< .05 Kruskal Wallis test). Subdivision of the study cohort into CKD stages revealed that preoperative Copeptin was significantly associated with CKD stages (P< .0001) and preoperative Copeptin measurements could not predict MACE in patients with more severe CKD stages.

Conclusion

Preoperative Copeptin loses its risk predictive potential for perioperative MACE in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing vascular surgery.     

Simplified hypertension screening methods across 60 countries: An observational study

BackgroundSimplified blood pressure (BP) screening approaches have been proposed. However, evidence is limited to a few countries and has not documented the cardiovascular risk amongst missed hypertension cases, limiting the uptake of these simplified approaches. We quantified the proportion of missed, over-diagnosed, and consistently identified hypertension cases and the 10-year cardiovascular risk in these groups.Methods and findingsWe used 60 WHO STEPS surveys (cross-sectional and nationally representative; n = 145,174) conducted in 60 countries in 6 world regions between 2004 and 2019. Nine simplified approaches were compared against the standard (average of the last 2 of 3 BP measurements). The 10-year cardiovascular risk was computed with the 2019 World Health Organization Cardiovascular Risk Charts. We used t tests to compare the cardiovascular risk between the missed and over-diagnosed cases and the consistent hypertension cases. We used Poisson multilevel regressions to identify risk factors for missed cases (adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and 10-year cardiovascular risk). Across all countries, compared to the standard approach, the simplified approach that missed the fewest cases was using the second BP reading if the first BP reading was 130–145/80–95 mm Hg (5.62%); using only the second BP reading missed 5.82%. The simplified approach with the smallest over-diagnosis proportion was using the second BP reading if the first BP measurement was ≥140/90 mm Hg (3.03%). In many countries, cardiovascular risk was not significantly different between the missed and consistent hypertension groups, yet the mean was slightly lower amongst missed cases. Cardiovascular risk was positively associated with missed hypertension depending on the simplified approach. The main limitation of the work is the cross-sectional design.ConclusionsSimplified BP screening approaches seem to have low misdiagnosis rates, and cardiovascular risk could be lower amongst missed cases than amongst consistent hypertension cases. Simplified BP screening approaches could be included in large screening programmes and busy clinics.

Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco and co-authors evaluate the accuracy of simplified blood pressure screening approaches by quantifying the proportion of missed, over-diagnosed, and consistently identified hypertension cases and the 10-year cardiovascular risk in these groups across 60 countries.     

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con hiperparatiroidismo primario asintomático

ObjectivesPatients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), even asymptomatic, have an increased cardiovascular risk. However, data on reversibility or improvement of cardiovascular disorders with surgery are controversial. Our aims were to assess the prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors in patients with asymptomatic PHP, to explore their relationship with calcium and PTH levels, and analyze the effect of parathyroidectomy on those cardiovascular risk factors.Patients and methodsA retrospective, observational study of two groups of patients with asymptomatic PHP: 40 patients on observation and 33 patients who underwent surgery. Clinical and biochemical data related to PHP and various cardiovascular risk factors were collected from all patients at baseline and one year after surgery in the operated patients.ResultsA high prevalence of obesity (59.9%), type 2 diabetes mellitus (25%), high blood pressure (47.2%), and dyslipidemia (44.4%) was found in the total sample, with no difference between the study groups. Serum calcium and PTH levels positively correlated with BMI (r = .568, P = .011, and r = .509, P = .026 respectively) in non-operated patients. One year after parathyroidectomy, no improvement occurred in the cardiovascular risk factors considered.ConclusionsOur results confirm the high prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia in patients with asymptomatic PHP. However, parathyroidectomy did not improve these cardiovascular risk factors     

Results of repeated transsphenoidal surgery in Cushing's disease. Long-term follow-up

ObjectiveTranssphenoidal surgery (TSS) is the treatment of choice for Cushing's disease (CD). However, the best treatment option when hypercortisolism persists or recurs remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze the short and long-term outcome of repeat TSS in this situation and to search for response predictors.Patients and methodsData from 26 patients with persistent (n = 11) or recurrent (n = 15) hypercortisolism who underwent repeat surgery by a single neurosurgeon between 1982 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Remission was defined as normalization of urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels, and recurrence as presence of elevated UFC levels after having achieved remission. The following potential outcome predictors were analyzed: adrenal status (persistence or recurrence) after initial TSS, tumor identification in imaging tests, degree of hypercortisolism before repeat TSS, same/different surgeon in both TSS, and time to repeat surgery.ResultsImmediate postoperative remission was achieved in 12 patients (46.2%). Five of the 10 patients with available follow-up data relapsed after surgery (median time to recurrence, 13 months). New hormone deficiencies were seen in seven patients (37%), and two patients had cerebrospinal fluid leakage. No other major complications occurred. None of the preoperative factors analyzed was predictive of surgical outcome.ConclusionsWhen compared to initial surgery, repeat TSS for CD is associated to a lower remission rate and a higher risk of recurrence and complications. Further studies are needed to define outcome predictors.     

Higher Serum Concentrations of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Associate with Prevalent Hypertension whereas Lower Associate with Incident Hypertension

BackgroundThe role of the natriuretic peptides (NPs) in hypertension is complex. Thus, a higher blood NP concentration is a robust marker of pressure-induced cardiac damage in patients with hypertension, whereas genetically elevated NP concentrations are associated with a reduced risk of hypertension and overweight individuals presumably at high risk of hypertension have lower NP concentrations.ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), used as a surrogate marker for active BNP, and prevalent as well as 5-year incident hypertension in a Danish general population sample.MethodsCross-sectional and prospective population-based study.ResultsAt baseline, among 5,307 participants (51.3% women, mean age 46.0±7.9 years) with a complete set of data, we recorded 1,979 cases with prevalent hypertension (PHT). Among 2,389 normotensive participants at baseline with a complete set of data, we recorded 324 cases with incident hypertension (IHT) on follow-up 5 years later. In models adjusted for age, sex, lifestyle, social, dietary, anthropometric, pulmonic, lipid, metabolic and renal risk factors, as well as heart rate and baseline blood pressure (only incident model), one standard deviation increase in baseline log-transformed NT-proBNP concentrations was on one side associated with a 21% higher risk of PHT (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-1.30], P<0.001), and on the other side with a 14% lower risk of IHT (OR: 0.86 [95%CI:0.76-0.98], P = 0.020).ConclusionsHigher serum concentrations of NT-proBNP associate with PHT whereas lower concentrations associate with IHT. This suggests that a lower amount of circulating BNP, resulting in diminished vasodilation and natriuresis, could be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in its early stages.