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1.
Preoperative Use of Oral Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents and the Incidence of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Thein, PM, White, K, Banker, K, Lunny, C, Mirzaee, S, Nasis, A
Heart, lung & circulation. 2018;(3):310-321
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current epidemiological data suggests that postoperative atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (POAF) causes significant morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. The literature for prophylactic management of POAF is limited, resulting in the lack of clear guidelines on management recommendations. AIM: To examine the efficacy of prophylactic rate control agents in reducing the incidence of new-onset POAF in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. METHODS Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, and Medline were systematically searched for blinded randomised controlled studies (RCT) evaluating adults with no history of atrial fibrillation randomised to a pharmacological agent (either beta blocker, calcium channel blocker or digoxin), compared to placebo. Utilising Cochrane guidance, three reviewers screened, extracted and the quality of the evidence was assessed. We used a random effects meta-analysis to compare a rate-control agent with placebo. RESULTS Five RCTs (688 subjects, mean age 61±8.9, 69% male) were included. Beta blocker administration prior to elective cardiac surgery significantly reduced the incidence of POAF (OR 0.43, 95%Cl [0.30-0.61], I2=0%) without significant impact on ischaemic stroke (OR 0.49, 95%Cl [0.10-2.44], I2=0%), non-fatal myocardial infarction (OR 0.76, 95%Cl [0.08-7.44], I2=0%), overall mortality (OR 0.83, 95%Cl [0.19-3.66], I2=0%), or length of stay (mean -0.96days 95%Cl [-1.49 to -0.42], I2=0%). An increased rate of bradycardic episodes was observed (OR 3.53, 95%Cl [1.22-10.23], I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that selective administration of prophylactic oral beta blockers prior to elective cardiac surgery is safe and may reduce the incidence of POAF.
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2.
Anti-hypertensive treatment in peripheral artery disease.
Tsioufis, C, Andrikou, I, Siasos, G, Filis, K, Tousoulis, D
Current opinion in pharmacology. 2018;:35-42
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Hypertension has been related to increased risk of PAD. The treatment of elevated blood pressure (BP) in these patients is indicated to lower the cardiovascular risk with a BP goal of less than 130/80mmHg. Although there is no evidence that one class of antihypertensive medication or strategy is superior for BP lowering in PAD, the use of renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) inhibitors can be effective to reduce the cardiovascular risk. Beta-blockers (BBs) are not contraindicated. In the presence of carotid atherosclerosis, calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) and angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors are recommended. In fibromuscular dysplasia the treatment of choice is percutaneous renal angioplasty. In renal artery disease optimal medical therapy includes RAS inhibitors, CCBs, BBs and diuretics.
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3.
A randomized multicentre trial to compare revascularization with optimal medical therapy for the treatment of chronic total coronary occlusions.
Werner, GS, Martin-Yuste, V, Hildick-Smith, D, Boudou, N, Sianos, G, Gelev, V, Rumoroso, JR, Erglis, A, Christiansen, EH, Escaned, J, et al
European heart journal. 2018;(26):2484-2493
Abstract
AIMS: The clinical value of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic coronary total occlusions (CTOs) is not established by randomized trials. This study should compare the benefit of PCI vs. optimal medical therapy (OMT) on the health status in patients with at least one CTO. METHOD AND RESULTS Three hundred and ninety-six patients were enrolled in a prospective randomized, multicentre, open-label, and controlled clinical trial to compare the treatment by PCI with OMT with a 2:1 randomization ratio. The primary endpoint was the change in health status assessed by the Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) between baseline and 12 months follow-up. Fifty-two percent of patients have multi-vessel disease in whom all significant non-occlusive lesions were treated before randomization. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed including 13.4% failed procedures in the PCI group and 7.3% cross-overs in the OMT group. At 12 months, a greater improvement of SAQ subscales was observed with PCI as compared with OMT for angina frequency [5.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75; 8.71; P = 0.003], and quality of life (6.62, 95% CI 1.78-11.46; P = 0.007), reaching the prespecified significance level of 0.01 for the primary endpoint. Physical limitation (P = 0.02) was also improved in the PCI group. Complete freedom from angina was more frequent with PCI 71.6% than OMT 57.8% (P = 0.008). There was no periprocedural death or myocardial infarction. At 12 months, major adverse cardiac events were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION Percutaneous coronary intervention leads to a significant improvement of the health status in patients with stable angina and a CTO as compared with OMT alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01760083.
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4.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Patients With Myocardial Ischemia With No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease.
Turgeon, RD, Pearson, GJ, Graham, MM
The American journal of cardiology. 2018;(7):888-895
Abstract
Half of women and 1/3 of men with angina and ischemia on stress testing have ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA). These patients have quality of life (QoL) impairment comparable with patients with obstructive coronary artery disease. Clinicians generally treat INOCA with traditional antianginal agents despite previous studies demonstrating variable response to these medications. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of available pharmacologic therapies for INOCA. We systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, MEDLINE, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform in July 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating pharmacologic agents for INOCA. The primary outcome of interest was QoL. Secondary outcomes included subjective and objective efficacy measures and safety outcomes. We included 35 RCTs from 333 identified studies. Interventions that improved QoL with moderate-quality evidence included angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (±statin) and ranolazine. Low-to-very-low-quality evidence also suggests that ACE inhibitors, β blockers, calcium-channel blockers, nicorandil, ranolazine, and statins may decrease angina frequency and delay ischemia on stress testing. Other interventions, most notably nitrates, did not significantly improve any outcome. In conclusion, evidence for pharmacologic treatment of INOCA is generally poor, and higher-quality RCTs using a standardized definition of INOCA are needed. Moderate-quality evidence suggests that ACE inhibitors and ranolazine improve QoL. Other interventions had low-quality evidence or no evidence of efficacy.
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5.
A Focus on Pharmacological Management of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia.
Claudio, B, Alice, M, Daniel, S
Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. 2018;(6):476-482
Abstract
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a channelopathy characterized by adrenergic mediated ventricular arrhythmia. Untreated CPVT is a malignant syndrome with more than 50% of arrhythmic events and up to 25% of fatal or near-fatal cardiac events at 8 years follow-up. Prevention of sudden cardiac death starts with exclusion of competitive sports. Beta blockers (BB) are the cornerstone pharmacological therapy for the prevention of cardiac event in CPVT patients. Dose of BB should be highly tolerable, preferably nadolol. Efficiency of BB is undeniable but uncompleted. Therefore, on top of BB, one can propose the use of Calcium channel blockers or Class 1c antiarrythmic drugs. Indeed Flecainide allows reducing exercise- induced premature ventricular contraction and ventricular arrhythmia. Pharmacological management should be a stepwise approach with BB as the first line of choice. At each step of therapeutic changes, heart rhythm during exercise should be monitored by Holter monitoring and exercise testing. If the pharmacological management fails, left cardiac sympathetic denervation or implantation of cardioverter defibrillator should be considered.
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6.
Novel Pharmacotherapy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
Andries, G, Yandrapalli, S, Naidu, SS, Panza, JA
Cardiology in review. 2018;(5):239-244
Abstract
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disease characterized by unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Although it is estimated to affect 1 out of 500 people, the HCM gene carrier prevalence is much more common, probably as high as 1 in 200 people. Most affected individuals have a normal life expectancy, whereas some patients may develop sudden cardiac death or end-stage heart failure. Despite significant developments in the treatment of HCM with surgical, interventional, and device-based procedures, the main focus of current pharmacological therapy has not evolved from the basic objectives of relief of symptoms and improvement in functional capacity. To date, no medical treatment has been shown to prolong survival or reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. In recent decades, research focus in HCM has shifted to identify the treatments which are able to alter the natural pathophysiological process of this disease. This article reviews the currently recommended and frequently used medications (beta-blockers, nondihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, and disopyramide) and emerging pharmacological treatment options in the management of HCM. The mechanism of action and latest clinical trials of the novel agents are discussed in greater detail.
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7.
Association between hypo- and hyperkalemia and outcome in acute heart failure patients: the role of medications.
Legrand, M, Ludes, PO, Massy, Z, Rossignol, P, Parenica, J, Park, JJ, Ishihara, S, AlHabib, KF, Maggioni, A, Miró, Ò, et al
Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society. 2018;(3):214-221
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction between chronic medications on admission and the association between serum potassium level and outcome in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) are unknown. METHODS Observational intercontinental study of patients admitted with AHF. 15954 patients were included from 12 cohorts in 4 continents. Main outcome was 90-day mortality. Clinical presentation (medication use, hemodynamics, comorbidities), demographic, echocardiographic, and biochemical data on admission were recorded prospectively in each cohort, with prospective adjudication of outcomes. RESULTS Positive and negative linear relationships between 90-day mortality and sK+ above 4.5 mmol/L (hyperkalemia) and below 3.5 mmol/L (hypo-kalemia) were observed. Hazard ratio for death was 1.46 [1.34-1.58] for hyperkalemia and 1.22 [1.06-1.40] for hypokalemia. In a fully adjusted model, only hyperkalemia remained associated with mortality (HR 1.03 [1.02-1.04] for each 0.1 mmol/l change of sK+ above 4.5 mmol/L). Interaction tests revealed that the association between hyperkalemia and outcome was significantly affected by chronic medications. The association between hyperkalemia and mortality was absent for patients treated with beta blockers and in those with preserved renal function. CONCLUSIONS In patients with AHF, sK+ > 4.5 mmol/L appears to be associated with 90-day mortality. B-blockers have potentially a protective effect in the setting of hyperkalemia.
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8.
Potassium and the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: data from BIOSTAT-CHF.
Beusekamp, JC, Tromp, J, van der Wal, HH, Anker, SD, Cleland, JG, Dickstein, K, Filippatos, G, van der Harst, P, Hillege, HL, Lang, CC, et al
European journal of heart failure. 2018;(5):923-930
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperkalaemia is a common co-morbidity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether it affects the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and thereby negatively impacts outcome is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the association between potassium and uptitration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and its association with outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS Out of 2516 patients from the BIOSTAT-CHF study, potassium levels were available in 1666 patients with HFrEF. These patients were sub-optimally treated with ACEi/ARB or beta-blockers and were anticipated and encouraged to be uptitrated. Potassium levels were available at inclusion and at 9 months. Outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 2 years. Patients' mean age was 67 ± 12 years and 77% were male. At baseline, median serum potassium was 4.3 (interquartile range 3.9-4.6) mEq/L. After 9 months, 401 (24.1%) patients were successfully uptitrated with ACEi/ARB. During this period, mean serum potassium increased by 0.16 ± 0.66 mEq/L (P < 0.001). Baseline potassium was an independent predictor of lower ACEi/ARB dosage achieved [odds ratio 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.98]. An increase in potassium was not associated with adverse outcomes (hazard ratio 1.15; 95% CI 0.86-1.53). No interaction on outcome was found between baseline potassium, potassium increase during uptitration, or potassium at 9 months and increased dosage of ACEi/ARB (Pinteraction > 0.5 for all). CONCLUSION Higher potassium levels are an independent predictor of enduring lower dosages of ACEi/ARB. Higher potassium levels do not attenuate the beneficial effects of ACEi/ARB uptitration.
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9.
Management of anaphylaxis and allergies in patients with long QT syndrome: A review of the current evidence.
Welzel, T, Ziesenitz, VC, Seitz, S, Donner, B, van den Anker, JN
Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. 2018;(5):545-551
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a treatment algorithm for patients with long QT syndrome (LQTS) in case they need antiallergic medications for allergic reactions, including asthma and anaphylaxis. DATA SOURCES A literature review was performed to assess safety and to develop antiallergic treatment strategies for patients with LQTS. STUDY SELECTIONS LQTS is a heterogeneous group of myocardial repolarization disorders characterized by prolongation of the QT interval that potentially results in life-threatening torsades de pointes tachycardia. Data on pharmacologic treatment in case of anaphylaxis in LQTS are sparse. For this narrative review, all currently available articles on the use of antiallergic drugs for allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, and asthma in patients with LQTS were used. RESULTS Local allergic symptoms can be safely treated primarily with fexofenadine, levocetirizine, desloratadine, or cetirizine and, if needed, a short course of corticosteroids. In case of systemic symptoms, epinephrine should be administered. It may be less effective in patients with LQTS treated with β-blockers, necessitating the use of glucagon as add-on treatment. In case of lower airway obstruction, ipratropium bromide should be used, but if not effective, inhaled β2-adrenergic agents may be used. Continuous cardiac monitoring is indicated with the use of epinephrine and inhaled β2-adrenergic agents. The use of the latter also warrants intense monitoring of serum potassium levels. Clemastine and dimetindene should be avoided in patients with LQTS. CONCLUSION Patients with LQTS have a higher risk of life-threatening complications during the treatment of their allergic reactions because of the underlying disease and concomitant treatment with β-blockers. Treatment algorithms will certainly decrease these complications.
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10.
Portal hypertension and its management in children.
Grammatikopoulos, T, McKiernan, PJ, Dhawan, A
Archives of disease in childhood. 2018;(2):186-191
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT), defined as raised intravascular pressure in the portal system, is a complication of chronic liver disease or liver vascular occlusion. Advances in our ability to diagnose and monitor the condition but also predict the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding have enabled us to optimise the management of children with PHT either at a surveillance or at a postbleeding stage. A consensus among paediatric centres in the classification of varices can be beneficial in streamlining future paediatric studies. New invasive (endoscopic and surgical procedures) and non-invasive (pharmacotherapy) techniques are currently used enabling clinicians to reduce mortality and morbidity in children with PHT.