No abstract

Red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been found to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. Only a few trials have investigated the correlation of these parameters with postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the correlation of these parameters in non-valvular AF is still unclear. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive AF patients from medical records and included 117 non-valvular AF patients (103 paroxysmal and 14 chronic AF). All subjects underwent physical examination and echocardiographic imaging. Complete blood counts (CBCs) were analyzed for hemoglobin, RDW, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts as well as mean corpuscular volume. Results of CBC tests within the previous year were also included and the averages were used. The demographic and echocardiographic properties of non-valvular AF group were comparable to the control group except for left atrial volumes which were increased in AF (median 33.1, IQR 26.3-41.1 cm(3) vs. median 26.4, IQR 24.2-28.9 cm(3); p = 0.01). RDW levels were significantly higher in the AF group (median 13.4 %, IQR 12.9-14.1 %) compared to the control (median 12.6 %, IQR 12.0-13.1 %; p = 0.01). NLR was not statistically different in the AF group and the controls (2.04 ± 0.94 vs. 1.93 ± 0.64, respectively; p = 0.32). Hs-CRP levels were higher in the AF group compared to the controls (median 0.84, IQR 0.30-1.43 mg/L vs. median 0.29, IQR 0.18-0.50 mg/L, respectively; p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed RDW (OR 4.18, 95 % CI 2.15-8.15; p = 0.01), hs-CRP (OR 3.76, 95 % CI 1.43-9.89; p = 0.01) and left atrial volume (OR 1.31, 95 % CI 1.06-1.21; p = 0.01) as the independent markers of non-valvular AF. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that hemoglobin levels (standardized β coefficient = -0.252; p = 0.01) and the presence of AF (standardized β coefficient = 0.336; p = 0.01) were the independent correlates of RDW levels. Elevated RDW levels, not NLR, may be an independent risk marker for non-valvular AF.

The eNOS4a/b gene polymorphism may be associated with early development of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction possibly secondary to deterioration of the endothelial function.

These findings support the idea that LVDD may develop in patients with MetS even in the absence of hypertension. In addition, co-existence of hypertension with MetS contributes to further worsening of diastolic functions.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) can occur after coronary interventions despite protective measures. We evaluated the effect of urinary system contrast blush grading for predicting post-procedure CI-AKI in 486 patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Patient characteristics and blood samples were collected. Urinary system contrast blush grade was recorded during the coronary angiography and interventions. Post-procedure third to fourth day blood samples were collected for diagnosis of CI-AKI. The median age of the patients was 61 years (53-70, interquartile range), and 194 (39.9%) participants were female. Contrast-induced acute kidney injury occurred in 78 (16%) patients. By comparing full and reduced models with the likelihood ratio test, it was observed that in the reduced model, factors such as age, diabetes mellitus, body weight–adapted contrast media (CM), hemoglobin, and urinary system blush were associated with CI-AKI presence. The probability of CI-AKI presence increased slightly from grade 0 to 1 blush, but it increased sharply grade from 1 to 2 blush. According to our results, an increase in body weight–adapted CM and urinary blush grading were the main predictors of CI-AKI. These findings suggest that when body weight–adapted CM ratio exceeds 3.5 mL/kg and urinary contrast blush reaches grade 2, the patients should be followed up more carefully for the development of CI-AKI.