Medical Specialties Commons^™

Biventricular Myocardial Performance Is Impaired In Proportion To Severity Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Selahattin Akyol, Mustafa Cortuk, Ahmet Oytun Baykan, Kemal Kiraz, Abdurrezzak Borekci, Taner Seker, Mustafa Gur, Murat Cayli

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and death. Little information is available regarding the relationship between the severity of OSA and myocardial performance in OSA patients who have normal ejection fractions. We prospectively investigated this relationship, using the tissue-Doppler myocardial performance index (TD-MPI).

We conducted overnight, full-laboratory polysomnographic examinations of 116 patients, and calculated the left and right ventricular TD-MPIs. Patients were classified into 3 groups in accordance with their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) levels: AHImild (≥5 to <15), AHImoderate (≥15 to <30), and AHIsevere (≥30).

Left and right ventricular TD-MPI values were higher in the AHIsevere group than in the AHImild and …

Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma: Single-Institution Experience With 14 Surgical Patients, Walid K Abu Saleh, Odeaa Al Jabbari, Basel Ramlawi, Michael J Reardon

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

In general, treatment for symptomatic and asymptomatic cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is surgical resection-particularly of left-sided lesions, because of the risk of systemic embolization. However, few institutions have enough experience with these tumors to validate this approach. We present our institutional experience with papillary fibroelastoma and discuss our current approach. We searched our institution's cardiac tumor database, identified all patients diagnosed with cardiac papillary fibroelastoma from 1992 through 2014, and recorded the clinical and pathologic characteristics of each case. We found 14 patients (mean age, 60.5 ± 12.3 yr) who had 18 lesions. Eleven patients (79%) were symptomatic; however, we could …

Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Endocarditis In Association With Enterococcus Durans, Luca Fallavollita, Lorena Di Gioacchino, Fabrizio Balestrini

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Enterococci are common organisms associated with endocarditis, but infection by Enterococcus durans is very rare. To our knowledge, only 3 cases have been reported in the medical literature, and all 3 have involved native valves. Here we publish the first reported case (to our knowledge) of E. durans endocarditis in association with a bioprosthetic aortic valve. After the organism and its antibiotic susceptibility were identified, the 74-year-old male patient was treated successfully with teicoplanin and gentamicin, over a course of 6 weeks.

Advancing A Guiding Catheter Across A Mechanical Aortic Valve, Wassim Shatila, Guilherme V Silva

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

No abstract provided.

Longitudinal Changes In Vascular Risk Markers And Mortality Rates Among A Latino Population With Hypertension, Matthew C Pflederer, Carlin S Long, Brenda Beaty, Edward P Havranek, Philip S Mehler, Angela Keniston, Mori J Krantz

The Texas Heart Institute Journal

Vascular markers such as pulse-wave velocity and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) might improve the prediction of incident cardiovascular disease beyond traditional risk factors. These vascular markers have not been well characterized in minority populations and might be more useful than inflammatory biomarkers. We conducted a prospective, longitudinal cohort study among hypertensive patients in an urban safety-net hospital. We evaluated inflammatory biomarkers, arterial pulse-wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness at baseline, 1 year, and 2 years. The primary outcome variable was CIMT. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate associations between CIMT and predictive variables accounting for the correlation of …

Predictors Of Coronary Artery Disease In Patients With Polycythemia Vera And Essential Thrombocytosis: Results From The National Inpatient Sample 2009-10., Parasuram Krishnamoorthy Md, Varun Mittal, Jalaj Garg Md, Neeraj Shah Md, Nainesh C. Patel Md

Department of Medicine

Background: Myelproliferative disorders (MPDs) including Polycythemia Vera (PCV) and Essential thrombocytosis (ET) are associated with increase in arterial and venous thromboembolic events. Chronic endothelial damage, hyperviscosity and platelet activation are possible mechanistic factors resulting in accelerated atherogenesis and coronary artery disease (CAD). However the differences in prevalence of CAD and traditional risk factors (TRFs) between PCV and ET are unknown. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of CAD in PCV and ET patients using a national registry.

Methods: All patients ≥18 years diagnosed with PCV and ET were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2009-2010 …

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (Tavr) Is Associated With A Higher Rate Of Permanent Pacemaker Implantation Compared To Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (Savr): A Propensity Matched Analysis, Neeraj Shah Md, Achint Patel Mbbs, Nileshkumar Patel Md, Vratika Agarwal Md, Jalaj Garg Md, Nainesh C. Patel Md, David A. Cox Md

Department of Medicine

Background

Occurrence of conduction abnormalities requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) is a serious complication after both transcatheter (TAVR) & surgical (SAVR) aortic valve replacement.

Methods

Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried from August 2011 to December 2012 using ICD-9 codes 35.05 & 35.06 for TAVR and 35.21 & 35.22 for SAVR. Patients undergoing other valve surgeries, bypass grafting & those with prior pacemakers or defibrillators were excluded. Propensity matching was performed (1:1) to match TAVR & SAVR cohorts on age, gender, right bundle branch block (RBBB), first degree AV block, bifascicular or trifascicular block, hospital region, teaching hospital status & hospital …

The Liberty Study: Design Of A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Trial To Evaluate The Acute And Long-Term Clinical And Economic Outcomes Of Real-World Endovascular Device Interventions In Treating Peripheral Artery Disease., George L Adams, Jihad Mustapha, William Gray, Nick J Hargus, Brad J Martinsen, Gary Ansel, Michael R Jaff

Heart and Vascular Articles

Background: Most peripheral artery disease (PAD) clinical device trials are supported by commercial manufacturers and designed for regulatory device approval, with extensive inclusion/exclusion criteria to support homogeneous patient populations. High-risk patients with advanced disease, including critical limb ischemia (CLI), are often excluded leading to difficulty in translating trial results into real-world clinical practice. As a result, physicians have no direct guidance regarding the use of endovascular devices. There is a need for objectively assessed studies to evaluate clinical, functional, and economic outcomes in PAD patient populations.

Study design: LIBERTY is a prospective, observational, multicenter study sponsored by Cardiovascular Systems Inc …

Can A Home-Based Cardiac Physical Activity Program Improve The Physical Function Quality Of Life In Children With Fontan Circulation?, Roni M. Jacobsen, Salil Ginde, Kathleen Mussatto, Jennifer Neubauer, Michael G. Earing, Michael E. Danduran

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Objective

Patients after Fontan operation for complex congenital heart disease (CHD) have decreased exercise capacity and report reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Studies suggest hospital-based cardiac physical activity programs can improve HRQOL and exercise capacity in patients with CHD; however, these programs have variable adherence rates. The impact of a home-based cardiac physical activity program in Fontan survivors is unclear. This pilot study evaluated the safety, feasibility, and benefits of an innovative home-based physical activity program on HRQOL in Fontan patients.

Methods

A total of 14 children, 8–12 years, with Fontan circulation enrolled in a 12-week moderate/high intensity home-based …

Role Of Prophylactic Magnesium Supplementation In Prevention Of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation In Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis Of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials, Jalaj Garg Md, Rahul Chaudhary Md, Parasuram Krishnamoorthy Md, Neeraj Shah Md, Babak Bozorgnia Md

Department of Medicine

Background

Several randomized clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of prophylactic magnesium (Mg) supplementation in prevention of post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing cardiac artery bypass grafting (CABG). We aim to determine the role of prophylactic Mg in 3 settings (intraoperative, postoperative, intraoperative + postoperative) in prevention of POAF.

Methods

A systemic literature search was performed (until October 20, 2015) using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify trials evaluating Mg supplementation post CABG. Primary outcome of our study was reduction in the POAF. For each study, the incidence of atrial fibrillation …

A Model Of Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, And Vaso-Vagal Responses Produced By Vestibulo-Sympathetic Activation, Theodore Raphan, Bernard Cohen, Yongqing Xiang, Sergei B. Yakushin

Publications and Research

Blood Pressure (BP), comprised of recurrent systoles and diastoles, is controlled by central mechanisms to maintain blood flow. Periodic behavior of BP was modeled to study how peak amplitudes and frequencies of the systoles are modulated by vestibular activation. The model was implemented as a relaxation oscillator, driven by a central signal related to Desired BP. Relaxation oscillations were maintained by a second order system comprising two integrators and a threshold element in the feedback loop. The output signal related to BP was generated as a nonlinear function of the derivative of the first state variable, which is a summation …

Almond Supplementation Reduces Serum Uric Acid In Coronary Artery Disease Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial., Humaira Jamshed, Anwar Gilani, Fateh Ali Tipoo Sultan, Faridah Amin, Jamshed Arslan Arslan, Sumaira Ghani, Madiha Masroor

Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences

Objective

Elevated serum uric acid (UA), a biomarker of renal insufficiency, is also an independent prognostic marker for morbidity in coronary artery disease (CAD) and poses serious health risks. This study reports the effect of almond consumption on UA in CAD patients.

Study design

A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with three groups: no-intervention (NI), Pakistani almonds (PA) or American almonds (AA). Patients were recruited from the Cardiology Clinics, Aga Khan University Hospital. Two follow-ups were scheduled at week-6 and week-12. 150 patients were randomly divided in three groups (50 per group). NI was not given almonds, whereas the …

'Refractory Epilepsy': What Lies Beneath?, Syedah Saira Bokhari, Satwat Hashmi

Section of Internal Medicine

A 30-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with recurrent seizures for 5 days. She had been diagnosed with epilepsy 2 years previously but stopped treatment due to the side effects of her medications. She was now experiencing episodes every 15-30 min. While undergoing a brain MRI to investigate for structural central nervous system pathology, she experienced another episode, preceded by prodromal symptoms. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia was noted during the event. Further investigation revealed a normal QT interval, normal electrolyte panel, normal coronaries and severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Cardiac MRI revealed non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy. The patient was managed with heart …

Lung Edema On Va Ecmo, Christof Schmid Md

The VAD Journal

No abstract provided.

Temporary And Durable Mechanical Circulatory Support For Single Ventricular Failure In An Adult, Joshua L. Hermsen, Jason W. Smith, Jay D. Pal, Agustin Rubio, S. Carolina Masri, Nahush A. Mokadam, Richard K. Cheng, Claudius Mahr

The VAD Journal

Patients palliated with Fontan circulation requiring mechanical circulatory support pose anatomic and physiologic challenges. We treated a Fontan patient with acute ventricular failure with sequential temporary and durable support devices. Aspects of treatment with each device required modification based on the patient’s anatomy and physiology.

Heart Rhythm Monitoring Strategies For Cryptogenic Stroke: 2015 Diagnostics And Monitoring Stroke Focus Group Report., Gregory W. Albers, Richard A. Bernstein, Johannes Brachmann, John Camm, J. Donald Easton, Peter Fromm, Shinya Goto, Christopher B. Granger, Stefan H. Hohnloser, Elaine Hylek, Amir K. Jaffer, Derk W. Krieger, Rod Passman, Jesse M. Pines, Shelby D. Reed, Peter M. Rothwell, Peter R. Kowey

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

A Dataset To Assess Providers׳ Knowledge And Attitudes Towards The 2013 American College Of Cardiology/American Heart Association Cholesterol Management Guideline, Yashashwi Pokharel, Lynne Steinberg, Winston Chan, Julia M. Akeroyd, Peter H. Jones, Vijay Nambi, Khurram Nasir, Laura Petersen, Christie M. Ballantyne, Salim S. Virani

Office of the Provost

We previously examined provider׳s understanding of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) cholesterol management guideline (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jacl.2015.11.002)(Virani et al., 2013) [1], and also assessed whether a case-based educational intervention could improve providers׳ knowledge gaps and attitudes towards the guideline (DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.12.044) (Pokharel, et al., 2016) [2]. Here we describe the dataset that we used to examine our objectives.

Pulmonary Congestion (White Lungs) On Va Ecmo, Maya Guglin, Andrew Burchett, Thomas Tribble, Richard Charnigo

The VAD Journal

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy (VA ECMO) is used for short-term circulatory support in the setting of cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest. While VA-ECMO improves hemodynamics and gas exchange, it may result in left ventricular distention and pulmonary congestion.

Methods

The records of all patients supported with VA ECMO for at least three consecutive days at our institution from 2012-2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All chest radiographs taken during VA ECMO support were graded on a scale of 1 to 4. A score of 1 was used when no pulmonary congestion was present. A score of 2 was used for congestion …

Decrease In Driveline Infections With Change In Driveline Management Protocol, Saima Aslam, Jennifer Dan, Amanda Topik, Michael Belyk, Francesca Torriani, Randy Taplitz, Jorge Silva-Enciso, Denise Barnard, Barry Greenberg, Jack Copeland, Victor Pretorius, Eric Adler

The VAD Journal

Background: Driveline infections (DLI) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in ventricular assist device (VAD) recipients. We compared driveline infection (DLI) rate after an institutional change in driveline management protocol.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed records of left VAD recipients at our institution, based on driveline management. Group 1: daily driveline dressing change consisting of chlorhexidine cleansing, sterile 4x4 gauze, and use of an abdominal binder. Group 2: Dressing change every 3 days consisting of chlorhexidine cleansing, non-sterile silver-impregnated foam with overlying clear dressing, and use of a driveline anchor. Follow-up was censored at first DLI, device removal, transplant …

Higher Risk For Incident Heart Failure And Cardiovascular Mortality Among Community-Dwelling Octogenarians Without Pneumococcal Vaccination, Momanna Ahmed, Kanan Patel, Gregg C. Fonarow, Charity J. Morgan, Javed Butler, Vera Bittner, Andrzej Kulczycki, Raya Kheirbek, Wilbert S. Aronow, Ross D. Fletcher, Cynthia J. Brown, Ali Ahmed

NYMC Faculty Publications

AIMS: Octogenarians have the highest incidence of heart failure (HF) that is not fully explained by traditional risk factors. We explored whether lack of pneumococcal vaccination is associated with higher risk of incident HF among octogenarians.

METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), 5290 community-dwelling adults, ≥65 years of age, were free of baseline HF and had data on pneumococcal vaccination. Of these, 851 were octogenarians, of whom, 593 did not receive pneumococcal vaccination. Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of lack of pneumococcal vaccination with incident HF and other outcomes during 13 …

Optimizing Electrocardiogram Interpretation And Catheterization Laboratory Activation In St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarct, Alexander E. Sullivan, Mortada Shams, Marco A. Mercader, Jacob Varghese, Abudureyimu Shajidan, Bassel Hassouna, Vimala V. Jayanthi

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

Background: To achieve the 90-minute reperfusion goal in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care, providers must diagnose STEMIs from electrocardiograms (ECGs) obtained upon emergency room arrival and appropriately activate the catheterization lab. To enhance early STEMI care, we sought to improve medical student STEMI recognition and diagnostic accuracy with a teaching module we designed and developed.

Methods: Through a literature review, we identified evidenced-based criteria for classic STEMI patterns, STEMI-equivalents with non-classic STEMI patterns including hyperacute T-waves, STEMI with existing left bundle branch block (LBBB) and Wellens’ syndrome and non-ischemic STEMI-mimics such as known LBBB, pericarditis, ventricular aneurysm, …

Spectral Changes Caused By Radiofrequency Ablation Of Cardiac Tissue, Mohammed Aljishi, Huda Asfour, Luther Swift, Narine Muselimyan, Marco A. Mercader, Narine Sarvazyan

GW Research Days 2016 - 2020

New diagnostic catheters can be developed by delivering and acquiring light through a small fiberoptic bundle. This can provide a useful real time feedback guidance to observe tissue damage caused by thermal injury used to treat cardiac arrhythmias. Yet, little is known about the exact spectral changes caused by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in different types of cardiac tissue. We hypothesized that the most sensitive optical ranges for characterizing thermal injury can be revealed by comparing spectral information from different areas of the heart before and after RF ablation. Freshly excised porcine hearts were used to acquire and analyze excitation emission …

Novel Bone-Targeting Agent For Enhanced Delivery Of Vancomycin To Bone, Zaineb A. F. Albayati, Manjula Sunkara, Suzannah M. Schmidt-Malan, Melissa J. Karau, Andrew J. Morris, James M. Steckelberg, Robin Patel, Philip J. Breen, Mark S. Smeltzer, K. Grant Taylor, Kevyn E. Merten, William M. Pierce, Peter A. Crooks

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

We examined the pharmacokinetic properties of vancomycin conjugated to a bone-targeting agent (BT) with high affinity for hydroxyapatite after systemic intravenous administration. The results confirm enhanced persistence of BT-vancomycin in plasma and enhanced accumulation in bone relative to vancomycin. This suggests that BT-vancomycin may be a potential carrier for the systemic targeted delivery of vancomycin in the treatment of bone infections, potentially reducing the reliance on surgical debridement to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.

Using A Tailored Health Information Technology- Driven Intervention To Improve Health Literacy And Medication Adherence In A Pakistani Population With Vascular Disease (Talking Rx) - Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ayeesha Kamran Kamal, Abdul Muqeet, Kashfa Farhat, Wardah Khalid, Anum Jamil, Ambreen Gowani, Aliya Amin Muhammad, Fabiha Zaidi, Danyal Khan, Touseef Elahi, Shahrukh Sharif, Syedah Saira Bokhari, Nasir Rahman, Fateh Ali Tipoo Sultan, Saleem Sayani, Salim S. Virani

Section of Internal Medicine

Background: Vascular disease, manifesting as myocardial infarction and stroke, is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Current estimates are that only one in six patients have good adherence to medications and very few have sufficient health literacy. Our aim is to explore the effectiveness and acceptability of Prescription Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Talking Prescriptions (Talking Rx) and SMS reminders in increasing medication adherence and health literacy in Pakistani patients with vascular disease.
Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, single center trial. Adult participants, with access to a cell phone and a history of …

Closed-Loop Cfd Analysis Of The Fontan Cardiovascular Circulation, Marwan Hameed

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

One out of 150 newborn babies born with congenital heart disease, approximately 7.5% of those infants have a single ventricle (SV). The Fontan operation, which is a procedure to create a harmonious circulation in SV patients, has been performed for a long time to save the newborn patients. In this procedure the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava, which carry the oxygen-poor blood from the upper and lower body back to the heart, are linked directly to the pulmonary arteries, bypassing the atrial connection. Even though this operation has been around for years, the patients who have undergone this …

High-Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension: An Update On Disease Pathogenesis And Management, Aibek E. Mirrakhimov, Kingman P. Strohl

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

High-altitude pulmonary hypertension (HAPH) affects individuals residing at altitudes of 2,500 meters and higher. Numerous pathogenic variables play a role in disease inception and progression and include low oxygen concentration in inspired air, vasculopathy, and metabolic abnormalities. Since HAPH affects only some people living at high altitude genetic factors play a significant role in its pathogenesis.

The clinical presentation of HAPH is nonspecific and includes fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive deficits, cough, and in advanced cases hepatosplenomegaly and overt right-sided heart failure. A thorough history is important and should include a search for additional risk factors for lung disease and …

Effectiveness Of Pharmacist-Led Amiodarone Monitoring Services On Improving Adherence To Amiodarone Monitoring Recommendations: A Systematic Review, Dave L. Dixon, Steven P. Dunn, Michael S. Kelly, Timothy R. Mcllarky, Roy E. Brown

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Amiodarone remains the mostly frequently used antiarrhythmic in clinical practice and is most often used to maintain normal sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation who have failed a rate control strategy. Amiodarone has superior efficacy over other antiarrhythmics, a lower risk of torsade de pointes, and a better cardiovascular safety profile in patients with structural heart disease. However, amiodarone is associated with notable noncardiac toxicities affecting the thyroid, lungs, eyes, liver, and central nervous system. Since 2000, clinicians have been advised to follow amiodarone monitoring guidelines provided by the Heart Rhythm Society. Adherence to these recommendations in clinical practice, …

What Did We Learn About Vads In 2015?, Maya Guglin

The VAD Journal

No abstract provided.

Development And Pilot-Testing Of A Patient Decision Aid For Left Ventricular Assist Device Placement, Kristin Kostick, Estevan D. Delgado, Lidija A. Wilhelms, Courtenay R. Bruce, Jerry D. Estep, Matthias Loebe, Charles Minard, Jennifer S. Blumenthal-Barby

The VAD Journal

Objectives: This paper describes the development methodology and pilot-testing of a decision aid for Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) placement, combining traditional needs-assessment with a novel user-centered approach.

Background: Studies indicate suboptimal patient understanding of the capabilities, lifestyle implications, and risks of LVAD therapy.

Methods and Results: We developed the decision aid in line with the Ottawa Decision Support Framework (ODSF) and the International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) for ensuring quality, patient-centered content. Structured interviews were conducted with patients, caregivers, candidates for LVAD treatment, and expert clinicians (n=71) to generate content based on patient values and …

Elevated Transpulmonary Gradient And Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Right Ventricular Remodeling Predict Poor Outcomes In Sickle Cell Disease, Kim-Lien Nguyen, Xin Tian, Shoaib Alam, Alem Mehari, Steve W. Leung, Catherine Seamon, Darlene Allen, Caterina P. Minniti, Vandana Sachdev, Andrew E. Arai, Gregory J. Kato

Saha Cardiovascular Research Center Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.