Risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective analysis

ObjectiveContrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to analyze the potential risk factors for CIN in patients undergoing PCI.MethodsPatients with ACS who underwent PCI treatment from January 2017 to January 2020 were selected. The patients’ characteristics and medical information were collected and compared.ResultsA total of 1331 patients undergoing PCI were included. The incidence of CIN was 15.33%. Logistic regression analyses showed that a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% (odds ratio [OR] 4.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–7.36), serum creatinine levels ≤60 μmol/L (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.21–5.57), age ≥65 years (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.32–4.60), log N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels ≥2.5 pg/mL (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.18–5.13), uric acid levels ≥350 μmol/L (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.30), emergency percutaneous intervention (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.34–3.12), and triglyceride levels ≤1.30 mmol/L (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.01–2.27) were independent risk factors for CIN in patients who underwent PCI.ConclusionsEarly prevention is required to reduce the occurrence of CIN in patients who undergo PCI and have risk factors for CIN.     

Serum Galectin-3 and Subsequent Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Subjects With Childhood-Onset Type 1 Diabetes: A Cohort Study

OBJECTIVETo study whether serum galectin-3 and other biomarkers of inflammation predict coronary heart disease (CHD) in subjects with long-standing childhood-onset type 1 diabetes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSA population-based nationwide cohort of 299 subjects with type 1 diabetes diagnosed in Norway at <15 years of age during 1973–1982 was examined in 2002–2003 at a mean age of 33 years (range 21–44), with mean diabetes duration of 24 years (range 19–30). Subjects were followed through 31 December 2017 for their first CHD event registered by a hospitalization or cause of death using nationwide registries. Stored serum samples were available for 296 subjects and analyzed for interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-6 receptor, IL-18, hs-CRP, matrix metalloproteinase-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), galectin-3, and high-sensitivity troponin T. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for CHD per SD increase in biomarker were estimated using Cox regression.RESULTSOf 295 subjects, 40 (13.6%) had a documented CHD event during a mean follow-up of 14.4 years (range 0.5–16). IL-6 (aHR 1.32 [95% CI 1.07–1.63]), galectin-3 (aHR 1.44 [95% CI 1.09–1.80]), and TIMP-1 (aHR 1.37 [95% CI 1.04–1.81]) were significant predictors of CHD after adjustment for conventional risk factors.CONCLUSIONSGalectin-3 was significantly associated with future CHD in subjects with type 1 diabetes, and if the results are replicated in larger studies, it may aid in prediction together with conventional risk factors for CHD.     

High Burden of Subclinical and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Adults With Metabolically Healthy Obesity: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

OBJECTIVEIt is controversial whether adults who are obese but “metabolically healthy” have cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk comparable with that of normal-weight adults. High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), a biomarker of myocardial damage, is useful in characterizing subclinical CVD. We categorized obesity phenotypes and studied their associations with subclinical and clinical CVD and CVD subtypes, including heart failure (HF).RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted cross-sectional and prospective analyses of 9,477 adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. We used the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and BMI to define obesity phenotypes as follows: metabolically healthy normal weight, metabolically healthy overweight, metabolically healthy obese, metabolically unhealthy normal weight, metabolically unhealthy overweight, and metabolically unhealthy obese.RESULTSAt baseline (1990–1992), mean age was 56 years, 56% were female, 23% were Black, and 25% had detectable hs-cTnT (≥6 ng/L). Over a median of 17 years of follow-up, there were 2,603 clinical CVD events. Those with the metabolically healthy obese (hazard ratio [HR] 1.38, 95% CI 1.15–1.67), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30–1.76), metabolically unhealthy overweight (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.41–1.82), and metabolically unhealthy obese (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.88–2.44) phenotypes had higher CVD risks in comparison with metabolically healthy normal weight. Detectable hs-cTnT (≥6 ng/L) was associated with higher CVD risk, even among metabolically healthy normal-weight adults. Metabolically healthy obese adults had higher HF risk (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.30–2.09) in comparison with metabolically healthy normal weight.CONCLUSIONSThe metabolically healthy obese phenotype was associated with excess burden of clinical CVD, primarily driven by an excess risk of HF. hs-cTnT was useful in stratifying CVD risk across all obesity phenotypes, even among obese individuals who appear otherwise metabolically healthy.     

Risk for ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease associated with migraine and migraine medication among older adults

BackgroundMigraine has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among middle-aged adults. The objective of this study was to determine the risk for ischemic stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) events among older adults with versus without migraine.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from US adults ≥66 years of age with Medicare health insurance between 2008 and 2017. After stratification by history of CVD, patients with a history of migraine were matched 1:4 to those without a history of migraine, based on calendar year, age, and sex. Patients were followed through December 31, 2017 for ischemic stroke and CHD events including myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization. All analyses were done separately for patients with and without a history of CVD.ResultsAmong patients without a history of CVD (n = 109,950 including n = 21,990 with migraine and n = 87,960 without migraine), 1789 had an ischemic stroke and 3552 had a CHD event. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) among patients with versus without migraine was 1.20 (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.07–1.35) for ischemic stroke and 1.02 (95%CI, 0.93–1.11) for CHD events. Compared to patients without migraine, those with migraine who were taking an opioid medication had a higher risk for ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 1.43 [95%CI, 1.20–1.69]), while those taking a triptan had a lower risk for CHD events (adjusted HR 0.79 [95%CI, 0.67–0.93]). Among patients with a history of CVD (n = 79,515 including n = 15,903 with migraine and n = 63,612 without migraine), 2960 had an ischemic stroke and 7981 had a CHD event. The adjusted HRs (95%CI) for ischemic stroke and CHD events associated with migraine were 1.27 (1.17–1.39) and 0.99 (0.93–1.05), respectively. Patients with migraine taking an opioid medication had a higher risk for ischemic stroke (adjusted HR 1.21 [95%CI, 1.07–1.36]), while those taking a triptan had a lower risk for CHD events (adjusted HR 0.83 [95%CI, 0.72–0.95]), each versus those without migraine.ConclusionsOlder adults with migraine are at increased risk for ischemic stroke. The risk for ischemic stroke among older adults with migraine may differ by migraine medication classes.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s10194-021-01338-z.     

Domestic versus imported drug-eluting stents for the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND:

The application of coronary stents, especially drug-eluting stents (DESs), has made percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) one of important therapeutic methods for CHD. DES has reduced the in-stent restenosis to 5%–9% and significantly improved the long-term prognosis of patients with CHD. The study aimed to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of domestic drug-eluting stents (DESs) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS:

All patients with ACS who had undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2009 to December 2010 were included in this study. Patients were excluded from the study if they were implanted with bare metal stents or different stents (domestic and imported DESs) simultaneously. The included patients were divided into two groups according to different stents implanted: domestic DESs and imported DESs.

RESULTS:

In the 1 683 patients of this study, 1 558 (92.6%) patients were followed up successfully for an average of (29.1±5.9) months. 130 (8.3%) patients had major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including cardiac death in 32 (2.1%) patients, recurrent myocardial infarction in 16 (1%), and revascularization in 94 (6%). The rates of cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, revascularization, in-stent restenosis, stent thrombosis and other MACEs were not significantly different between the two groups (all P>0.05). Multivarite logistic regression revealed that diabetes mellitus (OR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.09–2.82, P=0.021), vascular numbers of PCI (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.22–3.83, P=0.09) and PCI with left main lesion (OR=9.47, 95%CI: 2.96–30.26, P=0.01) were independent prognostic factors of MACEs. The Kaplan-Meier method revealed that there was no significant difference in cumulative survival rates and survival rates free from clinical events between the two groups (all P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidences of clinical events and cumulative survival rates are not statistically different between domestic DESs and imported DESs. Domestic DES is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with ACS.KEY WORDS: Acute coronary syndrome, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Drug-eluting stent, Cardiovascular adverse events     

Prognostic value of GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc score among patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

AimsThe GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc risk score are developed for risk stratification in patients with acute coronary syndrome and AF, respectively. We aimed to assess the predictive performance of the GRACE score and CHA2DS2-VASc score among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsConsecutive patients with a diagnosis of AF admitted to our hospital for PCI between January 2016 and December 2018 were included and followed up for at least 1 year. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) including all-cause mortality, repeat revascularization, myocardial infarction, or ischaemic stroke.ResultsA total of 1452 patients were identified. Cox regression demonstrated that the GRACE (HR 1.014, 95% CI 1.008–1.020, p < 0.001) but not the CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with the risk of MACEs. Both GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were predictive of all-cause mortality with HR of 1.028 (95% CI 1.020–1.037, p < 0.001) and 1.334 (95% CI 1.107–1.632, p = 0.003). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed both scores had similar discrimination capacity for all-cause mortality (C-statistic: 0.708 for GRACE vs. 0.661 for CHA2DS2-VASc, p = 0.299). High GRACE score was also significantly associated with increased risk of ischaemic stroke (HR 1.018, 95% CI 1.005–1.031, p = 0.006) and major bleeding (HR 1.012, 95% CI 1.001–1.024, p = 0.039), whereas high CHA2DS2-VASc score was not.ConclusionsHigh GRACE score but not CHA2DS2-VASc score were both associated with an increased risk of MACEs after PCI in patients with AF. The GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores have similar predictive performance for predicting all-cause mortality.

Key messages:

• In patients with AF undergoing PCI, increasing GRACE but not CHA2DS2-VASc scores was independently associated high risk of MACEs.
• The GRACE score could also help identify patients at higher risk of stroke and major bleeding.
• Both GRACE and CHA2DS2-VASc scores showed good ability in the prediction of all-cause mortality.

     

Repeat Coronary Bypass Surgery or Percutaneous Coronary Intervention After Previous Surgical Revascularization

ObjectiveTo assess long-term survival with repeat coronary artery bypass grafting (RCABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with previous CABG.MethodsFrom January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2013, 1612 Mayo Clinic patients underwent RCABG (n=215) or PCI (n=1397) after previous CABG. The RCABG cohort was grouped by use of saphenous vein grafts only (n=75), or with additional arterial grafts (n=140); the PCI cohort by, bare metal stents (BMS; n=628), or drug-eluting stents (DES; n=769), and by the treated target into native coronary artery (n=943), bypass grafts only (n=338), or both (n=116). Multivariable regression and propensity score analysis (n=280 matched patients) were used.ResultsIn multivariable analysis, the 30-day mortality was increased in RCABG versus PCI patients (hazard ratio [HR], 5.32; 95%CI, 2.34-12.08; P<.001), but overall survival after 30 days improved with RCABG (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.94; P=.01). Internal mammary arteries were used in 61% (129 of 215) of previous CABG patients and improved survival (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.69-0.98; P=.03). Patients treated with drug-eluting stent had better 10-year survival (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.91; P=.001) than those with bare metal stent alone. In matched patients, RCABG had improved late survival over PCI: 48% vs 33% (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.91; P=.02). Compared with RCABG, patients with PCI involving bypass grafts (n=60) had increased late mortality (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.10-2.37; P=.01), whereas those having PCI of native coronary arteries (n=80) did not (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.75-1.59; P=.65).ConclusionRCABG is associated with improved long-term survival after previous CABG, especially compared with PCI involving bypass grafts.     

A Biomarker-Based Score for Risk of Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Patients With Diabetes

OBJECTIVEHeart failure (HF) is an impactful complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to develop and validate a risk score for hospitalization for HF (HHF) incorporating biomarkers and clinical factor(s) in patients with T2DM.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe derived a risk score for HHF using clinical data, high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), and N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from 6,106 placebo-treated patients with T2DM in SAVOR-TIMI 53 (Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53). Candidate variables were assessed using Cox regression. The strongest indicators of HHF risk were included in the score using integer weights. The score was externally validated in 7,251 placebo-treated patients in DECLARE-TIMI 58 (Dapagliflozin Effect on CardiovascuLAR Events–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 58). The effect of dapagliflozin on HHF was assessed by risk category in DECLARE-TIMI 58.RESULTSThe strongest indicators of HHF risk were NT-proBNP, prior HF, and hsTnT (each P < 0.001). A risk score using these three variables identified a gradient of HHF risk (P-trend <0.001) in the derivation and validation cohorts, with C-indices of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84–0.89) and 0.84 (0.81–0.86), respectively. Whereas there was no significant effect of dapagliflozin versus placebo on HHF in the low-risk group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.98 [95% CI 0.50–1.92]), dapagliflozin significantly reduced HHF in the intermediate-, high-, and very-high-risk groups (HR 0.64 [0.43–0.95], 0.63 [0.43–0.94], and 0.72 [0.54–0.96], respectively). Correspondingly, absolute risk reductions (95% CI) increased across these latter 3 groups: 1.0% (0.0–1.9), 3.0% (0.7–5.3), and 4.4% (−0.2 to 8.9) (P-trend <0.001).CONCLUSIONSWe developed and validated a risk score for HHF in T2DM that incorporated NT-proBNP, prior HF, and hsTnT. The risk score identifies patients at higher risk of HHF who derive greater absolute benefit from dapagliflozin.     

2型糖尿病并发冠心病患者血清游离脂肪酸及超敏CRP水平的分析

目的探讨血清游离脂肪酸(FFA)及超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)水平与2型糖尿病(T2DM)并发冠心病(CHD)的相关性。方法选取该院2011年1月至2014年12月收治的80例CHD并发T2DM(CHD+T2DM)的患者及同期收治的单纯T2DM患者80例。测定两组患者血清葡萄糖(FPG)、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、hs-CRP和FFA水平。根据患者的血管狭窄程度将CHD+T2DM患者分为单支病变(SVD)和多支病变(MVD)组,比较不同严重程度的患者上述5项指标水平的差异,并且采用Logistic回归分析其与CHD的相关性。结果 T2DM+CHD组患者FPG、TC、TG、hs-CRP和FFA水平高于T2DM组(P0.01);MVD组FPG、TC、TG、hs-CRP和FFA水平高于SVD组(P0.01);Logistic分析表明,hs-CRP和FFA为T2DM+CHD的相关因素(P0.05)。结论 FFA和hs-CRP水平与T2DM患者并发CHD相关,临床治疗需要重点关注。     

Association between the liver fat score (LFS) and cardiovascular diseases in the national health and nutrition examination survey 1999–2016

BackgroundThe liver fat score (LFS) has been proposed to be a simple non-invasive marker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is highly prevalent in the general population. We tested its association with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and prognosis.Methods17,244 adult participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2016 were included. LFS is calculated from variables including serum aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase (AST/ALT) ratio, fasting serum aspartate transaminase (AST) level, fasting serum insulin level, presence of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. In cross-sectional analysis, logistic regression was used to examine the association of the LFS with coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure (CHF), stroke and angina pectoris. Mortality during follow-up was analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression.ResultsLFS was associated with CHD (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.09 per standard deviation [SD], 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.03–1.15) (p = .003), CHF (1.11, 1.04–1.18) (p = .003) and angina pectoris (1.08, 1.02–1.13) (p = .005). LFS was not associated with MI or stroke, but was associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07–1.13) (p < .001) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.06–1.17) (p < .001), respectively.ConclusionsNAFLD is usually asymptomatic, but this large study of a large general population shows that LFS is associated with CHD, CHF, angina pectoris, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Determining the LFS is worthwhile, as it identifies people with NAFLD, who may also be at increased cardiovascular risk.

Key Messages

• Liver fat score (LFS), a non-invasive marker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is associated with coronary heart disease (CHD), congestive heart failure (CHF) and angina.
• LFS is also associated with increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.
• Determining the LFS is worthwhile as it identifies people with NAFLD as well as increased cardiovascular risk.

     

Characteristic analysis of clinical coronary heart disease and coronary artery disease concerning young and middle-aged male patients

BACKGROUNDCoronary heart disease (CHD) is a type of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. In recent years, the incidence of CHD has been increasing annually, with an increasing number of young patients. Severe CHD may cause severe myocardial ischemia or myocardial necrosis, which in turn may cause myocardial infarction and related complications that seriously affect the life and health of the patient.AIMTo examine the coronary arteries and clinical features of young and middle-aged male patients with CHD.METHODSFrom February 2019 to January 2020, 110 male CHD patients admitted to our hospital were selected as research subjects and were divided into two groups by age: middle-aged group (n = 55) and young group (n = 55). The coronary arteries and clinical features of the patients were compared.RESULTSThere were no significant differences in dyslipidemia, stroke history, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or triacylglycerol (P > 0.05) between the two groups. In the young group, age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking history, body mass index, family history of CHD, drinking history, fibrinogen, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and single-vessel disease were higher than those in the middle-aged group. Correspondingly, serum uric acid, hyperuricemia, myocardial infarction, Gensini score > 50, collateral circulation, multivessel disease, double vessel disease, involvement of the right coronary artery, and involvement of the left main coronary artery were lower in the young group than in the middle-aged group. The middle-aged group mainly suffered from a high Gensini score, implicating multiple arteries, whereas the young group was mainly affected by single-vessel disease. The between-group difference was significant (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONIn CHD attacks, multiple coronary arteries are implicated in middle-aged male patients and single-vessel disease in young male patients.     

Relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiac arrhythmia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveWe performed a meta-analysis to create a quantitative estimate of the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the risk of cardiac arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation (AF), prolonged QT interval, premature atrial/ventricular contraction [PAC/PVC] and heart block).MethodsA literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library database to identify observational studies of the link between NAFLD and cardiac arrhythmia. Effect sizes were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The method of analysis of AF was also analysed separately, according to the effect estimate (OR or HR).ResultsNineteen studies of 7,012,960 individuals were included. NAFLD was independently associated with higher risks of AF (OR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.14–2.57; HR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.11–1.13), prolonged QT interval (OR 2.86, 95% CI: 1.64–4.99), PAC/PVC (OR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.70–3.78) and heart block (OR 2.65, 95% CI: 1.88–3.72). The heterogeneity of the data with respect to AF and prolonged QT was moderate on sensitivity analysis.ConclusionsWe found a significantly higher risk of cardiac arrhythmia in patients with NAFLD, but the observational design of the studies does not permit conclusions regarding causality.     

血小板膜受体P2Y12基因多态性(C34T和G52T)与冠心病患者介入术后服用氯吡格雷临床预后的相关性研究

目的 探讨血小板膜受体P2Y12 基因多态性(C34T 和G52T)对冠心病患者经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)术后服用氯吡格雷临床预后的影响.方法 入选2008 年11 月至2009 年11 月收住我院拟行PCI 的冠心病患者268 例,正规服用氯吡格雷12 个月.采用MassARRAY 时间飞行质谱及TaqMan Assay 检测入选患者血小板受体P2Y12 基因C34T 和G52T 两个位点,按基因型对患者进行分组,观察术后1 年间死亡,非致死性心肌梗死、急诊血运重建、支架内血栓形成和心绞痛复发等严重不良心血管事件的发生情况.结果 入选病例按G52T 位点基因型分为H1/H1 型(n ＝195)和H2 携带者(H1/H2 和H2/H2,n ＝73)两组,H1/H1 组双支病变比例高于H2 携带者组(P ＜0.05),两组患者其余临床基本资料均一致,无显著性差异(P ＞0.05).PCI 术后1 年随访期间,两组患者死亡、非致死性心肌梗死、急诊血运重建术等联合终点事件发生率,H2 携带者明显高于H1/H1 组,差异有统计学意义(12.3% vs.5.1%,P ＜0.05).一年累计生存率H2 携带者要低于H1/H1 组(HR ＝2.543,95% CI:1.033 ～6.259,P ＝0.042).两组患者急性心肌梗死、支架内血栓形成、急诊血运重建术和死亡的发生率没有明显统计学差异(P ＞0.05),但H2 携带者心绞痛复发率高于H1/H1 组,有统计学差异(P ＜0.05).入选病例按C34T 位点基因型分为CC 型(n ＝174)和CT/TT 型(n ＝94)两组,两组患者的临床基本资料均匹配(P ＞0.05).PCI 术后1 年随访期间,两组患者联合终点事件发生率和一年累计生存率均无统计学差异(P ＞0.05).结论 血小板膜受体P2Y12 基因H2 携带者可能是中国冠心病患者介入治疗后服用氯吡格雷临床预后的主要影响因素之一,而C34T 位点多态性和介入治疗后服用氯吡格雷临床预后无明显相关性.     

Direct,indirect and total bilirubin and risk of incident coronary heart disease in the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort

Background: Total bilirubin (TBIL) is known to be inversely associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, however, whether this association is dose-response remains inconsistent and it is unclear which subtype of bilirubin is responsible for the potential protective effect.

Methods: We included 12,097 participants who were free of CHD, stroke, cancer and potential liver, biliary and renal diseases at baseline from September 2008 to June 2010 and were followed-up until October 2013. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of bilirubin with incident CHD risk.

Results: The adjusted HRs for incident CHD increased with increasing direct bilirubin (DBIL) (p for trend?=?.013). Participants within the highest quintile of DBIL had 30% higher risk of incident CHD compared to those in the lowest quintile (95% CI: 1.07, 1.58). In contrast, compared with subjects in the lowest quintile of TBIL, those in the third quintile had the lowest of 24% risk for CHD incidence (95% CI: 0.63, 0.92), which showed a U-shaped association (p for quadratic trend?=?.040).

Conclusions: DBIL was associated with a dose-response increased risk for CHD incidence. However, a U-shaped association existed between TBIL, indirect bilirubin and incident CHD risk.

• Key messages

• Direct bilirubin is independently associated with incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in a dose-response manner.

• A similarly consistent U-shaped association was found between total bilirubin, indirect bilirubin and incident CHD.

• The potential protective effect of total bilirubin within the normal range on incident CHD should be mainly attributed to mild-to moderate elevated levels of indirect bilirubin.

     

Association of Coronary Artery Calcium and Coronary Heart Disease Events in Young and Elderly Participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective,Population-Based Cohort

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and coronary heart disease (CHD) events among young and elderly individuals.Participants and MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of data from a prospective, multiethnic, population-based cohort study designed to study subclinical atherosclerosis. A total of 6809 persons 45 through 84 years old without known cardiovascular disease at baseline were enrolled from July 2000 through September 2002. All participants had CAC scoring performed and were followed up for a median of 8.5 years. The main outcome measures studied were CHD events, defined as myocardial infarction, definite angina or probable angina followed by revascularization, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or death attributable to CHD.ResultsComparing individuals with a CAC score of 0 with those with a CAC score greater than 100, there was an increased incidence of CHD events from 1 to 21 per 1000 person-years and 2 to 23 per 1000 person-years in the 45- through 54-year-old and 75- through 84-year-old groups, respectively. Compared with a CAC score of 0, CAC scores of 1 through 100 and greater than 100 impart an increased multivariable-adjusted CHD event risk in the 45- through 54-year-old and 75- through 84-year-old groups (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; 95% CI, 0.9-5.8; for those 45-54 years old with CAC scores of 1-100; HR, 12.4; 95% CI, 5.1-30.0; for those 45-54 years old with CAC scores >100: HR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.2-23.8; for those 75-84 years old with CAC scores of 1-100; and HR, 12.1; 95% CI, 2.9-50.2; for those 75-84 years old with CAC scores >100).ConclusionIncreased CAC imparts an increased CHD risk in younger and elderly individuals. CAC is highly predictive of CHD event risk across all age groups, suggesting that once CAC is known chronologic age has less importance. The utility of CAC scoring as a risk-stratification tool extends to both younger and elderly patients.     

Peripheral Artery Disease and Subsequent Risk of Infectious Disease in Older Individuals: The ARIC Study

ObjectiveTo quantify the association of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with infection risk because PAD has been understudied despite recognition of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as a risk factor for infection.MethodsAmong 5082 participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (aged 71 to 90 years during 2011-2013), we assessed the association of PAD status, based on clinical history and ankle-brachial index (ABI), with infection-related hospitalization (through December 2019) using multivariable Cox regression. We also cross-classified participants by PAD and coronary heart disease (CHD)/stroke status at baseline, with implications for polyvascular disease.ResultsDuring the median follow-up of 6.5 years, there were 1677 infection-related hospitalizations. Peripheral artery disease (clinical history or ABI ≤0.90) was independently associated with the risk of overall infection (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.66 [95% CI, 1.42 to 1.94] vs ABI of 1.11 to 1.20), as was borderline low ABI of 0.91 to 1.00 (adjusted HR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.47 to 2.07]). Results were consistent across major types of infection (ie, cellulitis, bloodstream infection, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection). For overall infection, PAD plus CHD/stroke had the highest HR of hospitalized infection (1.9), and PAD alone and CHD/stroke alone showed similar HRs of 1.6. For subtypes of infection, PAD alone had the highest HR of approximately 2 for bloodstream infection; PAD alone and PAD plus CHD/stroke had a similar risk of urinary tract infection with HR of approximately 1.7.ConclusionPeripheral artery disease and borderline low ABI were robustly associated with infection-related hospitalization of older adults. The contribution of PAD to infection risk was comparable to that of CHD/stroke, warranting clinical attention to PAD for the prevention of infectious diseases.     

Relationship between serum cystatin-c and coronary lesion severity in coronary artery disease patients with a normal glomerular filtration rate

ObjectiveCardiovascular disease is a major cause of death. This study evaluated the relationship between serum cystatin-c and coronary lesion severity in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with a normal glomerular filtration rate.MethodsNine hundred and fifty-nine patients were retrospectively included and divided into non-CAD and CAD groups according to coronary angiography results. CAD patients were classified into three groups by Gensini score tertiles. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study the relationship between serum cystatin-c and coronary lesion severity.ResultsSerum cystatin-c levels were significantly higher in CAD patients than in non-CAD patients. Correlation analysis revealed significant correlations between serum cystatin-c levels with the Gensini score and the number of diseased vessels. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of serum cystatin-c was 0.544 and 0.555 for predicting a high Gensini score and three-vessel disease, respectively. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that the serum cystatin-c level was an independent predictor of a high Gensini score [odds ratio (OR) = 2.177, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.140–3.930] and three-vessel disease (OR = 1.845, 95% CI 0.994–3.424) after adjusting for the conventional CAD risk factors.ConclusionsSerum cystatin-c was elevated in CAD patients and may be an independent predictor of CAD severity.     

Identification of independent risk factors for diabetic neuropathy progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectiveTo identify independent risk factors for diabetic neuropathy (DN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 376 patients with T2DM at the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, China between January 2013 and October 2016. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore potential risk factors for progression of DN in patients with T2DM. Effect sizes were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe prevalence of DN in patients with T2DM was 43.1%. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that retinopathy (OR: 2.755, 95% CI: 1.599–4.746); diabetic nephropathy (OR: 2.196, 95% CI: 1.279–3.772); longer duration of T2DM (OR: 1.081, 95% CI: 1.045–1.120); use of insulin (OR: 1.091, 95% CI: 1.018–1.170); longer history of alcohol consumption (OR: 1.034, 95% CI: 1.010–1.059); and higher blood urea nitrogen (OR: 1.081, 95% CI: 1.009–1.159) were associated with increased risk of DN in patients with T2DM.ConclusionsRetinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, longer duration of T2DM, use of insulin, longer history of alcohol consumption, and higher blood urea nitrogen were independent risk factors for DN. These findings should be verified in large-scale prospective studies.     

Association between serum hemoglobin and major cardiovascular adverse event in Chinese patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention

BackgroundST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a common clinical acute and severe disease, and it is of great significance to evaluate the prognosis of these patients. Hemoglobin levels are associated with a variety of diseases, but studies on Chinese patients with STEMI after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been sufficient.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis based on a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing PCI in Taizhou, Zhejiang, China. We performed multivariable logistic regression to explore the association between the serum hemoglobin and the incidence of major cardiovascular adverse event (MACE) in patients after PCI. We also used a generalized additive model and smooth curve fitting to explain the nonlinear relationship after adjusting the potential confounders. Finally, the heterogeneity among specific groups was examined by subgroup analysis.ResultsOf all 462 patients enrolled in this study, 118 (25.54%) developed MACE. There was a negative correlation between serum hemoglobin and MACE in all three models (hazard ratio [HR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.72, 0.93], HR 0.86, 95% CI [0.76,0.98], and HR 0.87, 95% CI [0.74,0.98], respectively). In the subgroup analysis, the negative correlation existed between the patients who had myocardial infarction (MI) history (p for interaction = 0.0059) after adjusting covariates. However, no significant differences were found between age and sex groups (p for interaction = 0.1381, 0.4103, respectively).ConclusionOur results indicated that patients who received PCI with low preoperative hemoglobin were more likely to develop MACE, especially if they have already had a history of MI.     

High-sensitive troponin T and I are related to invasive hemodynamic data and mortality in patients with left-ventricular dysfunction and precapillary pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundHigh-sensitive (hs) cardiac troponin assays are clinically useful in various cardiac conditions. We aimed to extend current evidence by assessing the relations of hs-cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and I (hs-cTnI) to invasive hemodynamic data and outcome in stable patients with left-ventricular (LV) dysfunction or precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PAH).MethodsHs-cTnT (Roche Diagnostics) and hs-cTnI (Beckman-Coulter) were measured in 103 stable patients with LV-dysfunction and 56 patients with precapillary PAH referred for right-heart catheterization.ResultsUp to 47.6% of patients with LV-dysfunction, and up to 37.5% of patients with precapillary PAH had hs-troponin levels above the respective 99th percentiles. In patients with LV-dysfunction, both hs-troponins exhibited significant associations to hemodynamics, NT-proBNP and mortality (hs-cTnT: age/sex-adjusted HR 2.0 [95% CI 1.3–3.1]; hs-cTnI: age/sex-adjusted HR 1.9 [1.2–2.8]). Both hs-troponins demonstrated weaker associations to hemodynamics in patients with precapillary PAH but correlated significantly to NT-proBNP. Mortality was only predicted by hs-cTnI (age/sex-adjusted HR 3.0 [1.5–6.1]).ConclusionsHs-troponins are related to indices of impaired myocardial performance in patients with LV-dysfunction and precapillary PAH. Both hs-troponins were also predictive for mortality in patients with LV-dysfunction. In precapillary PAH, only hs-cTnI was independently prognostic which might depend on the superior analytical performance of this assay.