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Clinical risk scores based on traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis correlate imprecisely to an individuals complex pathophysiological predisposition to atherosclerosis and provide limited accuracy for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Over the past two decades, computed tomography scanners and techniques for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) analysis have substantially improved, enabling more precise atherosclerotic plaque quantification and characterization. The accuracy of CCTA for quantifying stenosis and atherosclerosis has been validated in numerous multicentre studies and has shown consistent incremental prognostic value for MACE over the clinical risk spectrum in different populations. Serial CCTA studies have advanced our understanding of vascular biology and atherosclerotic disease progression. The direct disease visualization of CCTA has the potential to be used synergistically with indirect markers of risk to significantly improve prevention of MACE, pending large-scale randomized evaluation.

The October highlights from the Circulation family of journals feature a diverse range of cardiovascular medicine articles. These include studies on the association of cardiac structure and function with renal outcomes in heart failure patients, health status benefits from different treatment strategies across international regions, the impact of coronary plaque characteristics on cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney failure, outcomes in cardiac arrest patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the role of atrial arrhythmias in triggering Torsades de Pointes in patients with long QT syndrome, and a genetic variant associated with atrial fibrillation. These studies provide valuable insights into various aspects of cardiovascular health and treatment outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

An editorial focuses on the REPRIEVE trial, which tested pitavastatin for preventing cardiovascular events in people with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). It shows that statin therapy significantly reduces CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) risk, particularly in those with low-to-moderate predicted risk, addressing both traditional and HIV-related factors.

• Does the presence of carotid plaque offset cardiovascular sex differences in young hypertensive patients? • From the Campania Salute Network registry, 2419 hypertensive patients 51 years old or younger were enrolled. • Women without carotid plaque had a lower risk for major adverse cardiovascular events compared to men (HR, 0.51, 95 % CI, 0.27–0.99). • This sex difference was not present in women with carotid plaque (HR 1.3, 95 % CI, 0.6–2.9). • The presence of carotid plaque in young patients with treated hypertension offsets sex-specific cardiovascular protection in women. Women have a lower risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease compared to men. Whether this difference is influenced by the presence of hypertension-mediated organ damage is unknown. To assess whether the presence of carotid plaque (CP) impacts the sex difference in risk for CV events in treated hypertensive patients. From the Campania Salute Network Registry 2419 women and men <51 years of age with treated hypertension and free from prevalent CV disease were included. The presence of CP was identified by Doppler ultrasound (intima-media thickness≥1.5 mm). The primary outcome was a composite of fatal and non-fatal stroke or myocardial infarction, sudden death, TIA, myocardial revascularization, de novo angina, and atrial fibrillation. Among patients without CP at baseline (n = 1807), women were older, with higher systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol level and prevalence of LVH but lower serum triglycerides and eGFR, compared to men (all p < 0.001). Among patients with CP (n = 612), women were older, used higher number of antihypertensive drugs, had higher serum cholesterol level and prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), but had lower serum triglycerides and eGFR compared to men (all p < 0.001). During follow-up, women without CP had a lower risk for CV disease than men (hazard ratio, HR, 0.51, 95 % confidence intervals, CI, 0.27–0.99, p = 0.04) after accounting for cardiovascular risk factors, LVH, and antihypertensive treatment. In contrast, among patients with CP, women had similar risk for CV disease compared with men (HR 1.3, 95 % CI, 0.59–2.9, p = 0.48). Our findings suggest that the presence of CP in young patients with treated hypertension offsets the CV disease protection in women. NCT02211365 [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin on low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data on changes in LDL cholesterol, adverse cardiac events (ACEs), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were pooled in a meta‐analysis. Data from dose comparison trials were separately pooled, and meta‐analysis was conducted by using RevMan (5.4.1) and R (4.1.2). Dapagliflozin increased LDL cholesterol by 2.33 mg/dL (95% CI, 1.46 to 3.19; I2 = 0%; P <.00001), increased risk of ACEs by 1.56 (95% CI, 1.02 to 2.39; I2 = 0%; P <.04), decreased HbA1c by −0.41% (95% CI, −0.44 to −0.39; I2 = 85%; P <.00001), and decreased FBG by −13.51 mg/dL (95% CI, −14.43 to −12.59; I2 = 92%; P <.00001) versus any placebo or active comparator. Dapagliflozin 10 mg monotherapy increased LDL cholesterol by 1.71 mg/dL (95% CI, −1.20 to 4.62; I2 = 53%; P =.25) versus a 5 mg dose and by 1.04 mg/dL (95% CI, −1.17 to 3.26; I2 = 62%; P =.36) versus a 2.5 mg dose. Dapagliflozin 10 mg monotherapy increased LDL cholesterol by 3.13 mg/dL (95% CI, 1.31 to 4.95; I2 = 0%; P =.0008), increased the risk of ACEs by 1.26 (95% CI, 0.56 to 2.87; I2 = 0%; P =.58), decreased HbA1c by −0.4% (95% CI, −0.45 to −0.35; I2 = 89%; P <.00001), and decreased FBG by −8.39 mg/dL (95% CI, −10 to −6.77; I2 = 96%; P <.00001) versus a placebo or active comparator. Dapagliflozin monotherapy resulted in a minimal but statistically significantly (P =.0002) increase in LDL cholesterol. However, this minor change does not increase the risk of ACEs (P =.17) when compared with placebo or active comparator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between aromatic amino acids (AAAs), – phenylalanine (Phe), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp) – and coronary artery disease (CAD) in a prospective study involving 2970 participants undergoing coronary angiography at Beijing Hospital. Serum levels of Phe, Tyr and Trp were analysed. The cross-sectional data revealed that serum Tyr and Trp levels were significantly and inversely associated with CAD. During a median follow-up period of 44 months, 343 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and 138 all-cause deaths were recorded. MACE included myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularisation and all-cause mortality. Low serum Trp levels predicted an increased risk of MACE and death. High serum Phe levels were linked to an increased risk of MACE, while low Tyr levels were associated with a higher risk of death. Collectively, our findings underscore a close correlation between AAAs and CAD, as well as their potential predictive value for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and routinely obtained parameter reflecting systemic inflammation, including in peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: This systematic review aimed to assess the role of NLR as a prognostic biomarker in patients with PAD. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, EBSCO, and Cochrane. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool risk ratios, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). A bivariate model was used to generate summary receiver operating characteristics with the corresponding area under the curve (AUC). Results: This review included 5243 patients with PAD from nine eligible studies. High NLR corresponded to at least a twofold increased risk of all-cause mortality (ACM), major adverse limb events (MALE), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). NLR's performance was good for predicting 1-year ACM (AUC 0.71 [95% CI: 0.59–0.79], sensitivity 58.2% [95% CI: 45.3–71.0], specificity 72.6% [95% CI: 65.6–79.62], PPV 41.0% [95% CI: 31.2–50.7], NPV 82.7% [95% CI: 74.1–91.3]) and 1-year MALE (AUC 0.78 [95% CI: 0.75–0.80], sensitivity 65.4% [95% CI: 41.6–89.2], specificity 77.7% [95% CI: 71.0–84.3], PPV 53.7% [95% CI: 47.3–60.1], NPV 83.91% [95% CI: 73.2–94.6]). However, these values tended to decrease as the follow-up duration extended, except for the pooled specificities, which exhibited the opposite pattern. Conclusion: NLR emerges as a simple and cost-effective prognostic biomarker with decent performance for poor outcomes in patients with PAD (PROSPERO Registration No.: CRD42023486607). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study compared the effectiveness and cardiovascular safety of romosozumab and teriparatide. The main finding was that there were no significant differences between the two drugs in fracture prevention and risk of major adverse cardiac events. This suggests that romosozumab and teriparatide are comparable options for treating osteoporosis. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the preventive effects of romosozumab versus teriparatide on fractures and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients initiating these drugs. Methods: We conducted an active comparator, a new user cohort design, with confounding controlled by inverse probability of treatment weighting using a Japanese administrative claims database (March 2019 to October 2022). This cohort study included 49,104 patients aged 50 years or older who initiated romosozumab (n = 16,125) or teriparatide (n = 32,979) for osteoporosis. The study exposure was the initiation of romosozumab or teriparatide. Effectiveness outcomes were nonvertebral fracture and hip fracture. The safety outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Follow-up period was 365 days. Results: The weighted incidence rate difference (IRD) for nonvertebral fracture between romosozumab versus teriparatide was –0.08 (95% confidence interval [CI], –0.34 to 0.17) events per 100 person-years (weighted hazard ratio [HR], 0.95 [95% CI, 0.81 to 1.12]); weighted IRD for hip fracture was 0.00 (95% CI, –0.16 to 0.16) events per 100 person-years (weighted HR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.76 to 1.29]); and weighted IRD for MACE was –0.06 (95% CI, –0.20 to 0.09) events per 100 person-years (weighted HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.68 to 1.19]). Conclusion: In patients with osteoporosis, there was no significant difference in the prevention of nonvertebral fracture and hip fracture between romosozumab and teriparatide. In addition, the risk of MACE was comparable between the two drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammatory processes can trigger acute coronary syndromes (ACS) which may increase core body temperature (BT), a widely available low‐cost marker of systemic inflammation. Herein, we aimed to delineate baseline characteristics of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non‐ST‐segment elevation ACS (NSTE‐ACS) patients stratified by initial BT and to assess its predictive utility towards major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after the index ACS. Methods: From 2012 until 2017, a total of 1044 ACS patients, 517 with STEMI and 527 with NSTE‐ACS, were prospectively recruited at the University Hospital Zurich. BT was measured by digital tympanic thermometer along with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and cardiac troponin‐T (hs‐cTnT) levels prior to coronary angiography. Patients were stratified according to initial BT and uni‐ and multivariable regression models were fit to assess associations of BT with future MACE risk. Results: Among patients with STEMI, BT was not predictive of 1‐year MACE, but a U‐shaped relationship between BT and MACE risk was noted in those with NSTE‐ACS (p =.029), translating into a 2.4‐fold (HR, 2.44, 95% CI, 1.16–5.16) increased 1‐year MACE risk in those with BT >36.8°C (reference: 36.6–36.8°C). Results remained robust in multivariable‐adjusted analyses accounting for sex, age, diabetes, renal function and hs‐cTnT. However, when introducing hs‐CRP, the BT‐MACE association did not prevail. Conclusions: In prospectively recruited patients with ACS, initial BT shows a U‐shaped relationship with 1‐year MACE risk among those with NSTE‐ACS, but not in those with STEMI. BT is a broadly available low‐cost marker to identify ACS patients with high inflammatory burden, at high risk for recurrent ischaemic events, and thus potentially suitable for an anti‐inflammatory intervention. Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01000701. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate if integrating platelet reactivity (PR) evaluation in the original age, creatinine and ejection fraction (ACEF) score could improve the diagnostic accuracy of the model in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). We enrolled patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention between 2010 and 2011. High PR was included in the model (PR-ACEF). Co-primary end points were a composite of death/myocardial infarction (MI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Overall, 471 patients were enrolled. Compared to the ACEF score, the PR-ACEF showed an improved diagnostic accuracy for death/MI (AUC 0.610 vs 0.670, p < 0.001) and MACE (AUC 0.572 vs 0.634, p < 0.001). These findings were confirmed using internal validation with bootstrap resampling. At 5 years, the PR-ACEF value > 1.75 was independently associated with death/MI [HR 3.51, 95% CI (1.97–6.23)] and MACE [HR 2.77, 95% CI (1.69–4.53)]. The PR-ACEF score was effective in improving the diagnostic performance of the ACEF score at the long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High bleeding risk (HBR), as defined by the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria, has been recently reported to be associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events and cardiovascular events. We investigated the association between the ARC-HBR score and clinical outcomes in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We assessed 328 consecutive patients with stable CAD who underwent PCI between January 2017 and December 2020. We scored the ARC-HBR criteria by assigning 1 point to each major criterion and 0.5 points to each minor criterion. Patients were stratified into low (ARC-HBR score < 1), intermediate (1 ≤ ARC-HBR score < 2), and high (ARC-HBR score ≥ 2) bleeding-risk groups. The primary outcome measure was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. We compared the discriminative abilities of the ARC-HBR score with the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction Risk Score for Secondary Prevention (TRS2°P) and ARC-HBR score with Coronary Revascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto (CREDO-Kyoto) thrombotic risk score. The mean patient age was 70.1 ± 10.2 years (males, 76.8%). During the median follow-up period of 983 (618–1338) days, 44 patients developed MACE. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that a stepwise significant increase in the cumulative incidence of MACE as the ARC-HBR score increased (log-rank p < 0.001). In the time-dependent receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting MACE within 2 years, the area under the curve (AUC) of the ARC-HBR score was significantly higher than that of the TRS2°P (AUC: 0.825 vs. 0.725, p value for the difference = 0.023) and similar to that of CREDO-Kyoto thrombotic risk score (AUC: 0.825 vs. 0.813, p value for the difference = 0.627). Conclusions: The ARC-HBR score adequately stratified future risk of MACE in patients with stable CAD who underwent PCI. The ARC-HBR score showed a higher discriminative ability for predicting mid-term MACE than the TRS2°P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To summarise systematic reviews on tobacco addiction published by the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group (CTAG) from 2021 to 2023. Methods: We identified all new and updated Cochrane Reviews published by CTAG between 2021 and 2023. We present key results from these reviews and discuss promising avenues for future research. Results: CTAG published five new reviews and one overview of reviews, and updated eight reviews. Review evidence showed that all main pharmacotherapies (varenicline, cytisine, bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], especially when patches are combined with fast acting forms like gum) are effective for smoking cessation, as are nicotine e‐cigarettes. Evidence suggested similar magnitude of effects of varenicline, cytisine, and nicotine e‐cigarettes; these emerged as the most effective treatments. Evidence also supported behavioural counselling and financial incentives for smoking cessation. Secondary analyses of the Cochrane review of e‐cigarettes for smoking cessation showed over half of participants assigned to e‐cigarette conditions were still using them at six months or longer, that biomarkers of potential harm significantly reduced in people switching from smoking to vaping or to dual use, and that there was insufficient evidence to draw associations between e‐liquid flavours and smoking cessation. Findings on mindfulness‐based interventions, interventions delivered by dental and primary care professionals, interventions to prevent weight gain after smoking cessation, and interventions for waterpipe cessation were less certain. Reviews of observational evidence showed that smoking cessation reduced cardiovascular events and mortality in people living with cardiovascular disease, and improved mental health. Conclusions: Nicotine replacement therapy (especially patches combined with fast acting forms), varenicline, cytisine, bupropion, nicotine e‐cigarettes, behavioural counselling, and financial incentives are all effective ways to help people quit smoking. Quitting smoking improves mental health and reduces cardiovascular events and mortality in people living with cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a causal, genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased CVD risk and elevated Lp(a) concentrations. Only a few studies on Lp(a) were performed in persons with mild‐to‐moderate CKD; none of them used genetic variants to explore potential causal associations. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association of measured and genetically predicted Lp(a) concentrations on prevalent and incident CVD events in the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study. Methods: The study included 5043 participants of European ancestry with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or an eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the presence of overt albuminuria with a follow‐up of 6.5 years. Results: With each 10 mg/dL higher Lp(a) concentration, odds for prevalent CVD (1290 events) increased 1.065‐fold (95%CI: 1.042–1.088, p < 0.001). The risk was significantly higher in patients with Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL but most pronounced in Lp(a) ≥70 mg/dL (odds ratio = 1.775 [1.409–2.231], p < 0.001) compared to Lp(a) <30 mg/dL. Each 10 mg/dL higher Lp(a) concentration and Lp(a) ≥70 mg/dL increased the risk for incident 3‐point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (474 events): hazard ratio [HR] = 1.037 [1.009–1.067], p = 0.009 and HR = 1.335 [1.001–1.781], p = 0.050), respectively. Similar results were obtained for 4‐point MACE (653 events). Analyses based on apo(a) isoforms and genetically predicted Lp(a) concentrations led to even stronger associations. Conclusions: In patients with mild‐to‐severe CKD, elevated Lp(a) concentrations and genetic determinants of Lp(a) concentrations are significantly associated with CVD at baseline and during follow‐up, independent of traditional risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This commentary explores the potential cardiovascular (CV) benefits of combining methotrexate (MTX) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis) in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While European guidelines recommend MTX as first-line treatment, concerns about the CV risks associated with JAKis have emerged. This article reviews the existing literature to assess the role of concomitant MTX in reducing CV risk when used with JAKis. Clinical trials confirm the efficacy of JAKis in combination with MTX in terms of treatment outcomes in RA. However, the number of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) reported is too low to draw conclusions on adverse CV outcomes. Indirect evidence does, however, suggest potential protective effects of MTX on CV outcomes, as several mechanisms may contribute to MTX's cardioprotective effects, including reduced inflammation, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, increased cholesterol efflux, and adenosine accumulation. These mechanisms and the available data may support the case for CV benefits of concomitant MTX when JAKis are used in the treatment of patients with RA, although further research is needed. In particular, the lipid paradox associated with RA highlights the complex relationship between RA treatments (MTX, JAKis, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, and interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitors), inflammation, different lipid profiles, and CV risk. In the absence of contraindications and when MTX is tolerated, this commentary suggests the concomitant use of MTX and JAKis as a preferred option for optimizing CV protection in patients with RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Do nonglycaemic effects such as weight loss account for HbA1c lowering with efpeglenatide?: Insights from the AMPLITUDE‐O trial" published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism explores the impact of the GLP‐1 RA efpeglenatide on HbA1c levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The study found that efpeglenatide significantly reduced HbA1c levels by 1.46% within 3 months, along with other positive effects on weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other health markers. However, the analysis revealed that less than 12% of efpeglenatide's effect on HbA1c could be explained by its impact on weight loss and other nonglycaemic factors. The study suggests that the glycaemic effect of efpeglenatide is primarily due to its incretin-related effects, with weight loss playing a modest role. [Extracted from the article]

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are both associated with adverse clinical events, but the associations have not been fully elucidated, particularly with concomitant insulin use. This study aimed to analyse the associations between adverse events and DM, as well as adverse events and sole insulin use. Materials and Methods: Our analysis included individuals with AF from the prospective Global Registry on Long‐Term Oral Anti‐Thrombotic Treatment in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation (GLORIA‐AF) registry with 3‐year follow‐up. Outcomes included all‐cause death, major bleeding, cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, thromboembolism and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Results: A total of 15 861 AF individuals were included (age 70.0 ± 10.2 years; 55% male, 20% Asian), of whom, 3666 had DM (age 70.0 ± 9.5 years ; 59% male, 21% Asian). After adjustment, those with DM had higher risks of all‐cause death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28–1.66), CV death (HR: 1.53 95% CI: 1.27–1.86), major bleeding (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.48), MI (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17–1.94) and MACE (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.23–1.63). Compared to individuals with DM receiving oral hypoglycaemic agents, those receiving insulin alone were associated with increased risks of all‐cause death (HR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.61–2.91), CV death (HR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.45–3.47), major bleeding (HR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1. 21–2.95), MI (HR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.31–3.82) and MACE (HR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.54–2.88). Conclusions: DM was independently associated with higher risks of all‐cause death, CV death, MI, major bleeding and MACE in AF individuals. Individuals receiving insulin alone were associated with higher risks of all‐cause death, CV death, MI, major bleeding and MACE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the association of hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) and diabetes synergies with cardiovascular events in the adult population of northern China. Methods: Data were collected from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnomalities Community study for 2010 to 2019. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The participants were categorized into four groups based on their Hcy levels and diabetes status: non‐diabetes/non‐HHcy, non‐diabetes/HHcy, diabetes/non‐HHcy and diabetes/HHcy. The composite endpoint consisted of the occurrence of first‐ever stroke, myocardial infraction (MI) or all‐cause mortality. Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of diabetes and HHcy with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. Results: In total, 5278 participants were eligible (average age 55.1 years, 60% male). Over a follow‐up of 9.1 years, 618 events were identified, 202 stroke, 52 MI and 406 all‐cause deaths. Compared with the non‐diabetes/non‐HHcy group, hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals in the diabetes/HHcy group for stroke, MI, major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), all‐cause death and composite endpoint were 1.85 (1.12‐3.04), 1.33 (0.42‐4.23), 1.78 (1.13‐2.80), 2.24 (1.56‐3.23) and 1.97 (1.47‐2.65), respectively. Significant interactions between HHcy and diabetes status were found for stroke, MI and MACE (P for interaction =.002,.027 and.044, respectively). In addition, the association of diabetes/HHcy with stroke was modified by age (< 60 and ≥ 60 years; P for interaction =.016). Conclusions: The findings highlight the synergistic impact of diabetes and HHcy on CVD. Joint assessments of diabetes and Hcy levels should be emphasized for risk stratification and primary prevention of CVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Representation of women in randomized controlled trials of novel antidiabetic drugs: A cohort study" published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism highlights the underrepresentation of women in clinical trials for diabetes drugs, impacting the precision of medical interventions. The study focused on trials with primary outcomes related to cardiac and renal events, revealing a significant lack of female participants. Despite efforts to reduce gender disparities in clinical research, women were notably underrepresented, affecting the accuracy of treatment practices. The study recommends future research prioritize recruiting women in proportions reflective of their representation in the population to enhance the relevance of medical interventions. [Extracted from the article]

In children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the genotype–phenotype association of abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) features in the backdrop of gene positivity has not been well described. This study aimed to describe the abnormal ECG findings in children with HCM harboring who have genetic variants and determine the association with major adverse cardiac events (MACE). We retrospectively analyzed 81 variants-positive, phenotype-positive (V+P+), 66 variant-positive, phenotype-negative (V+P−), and 85 non-sarcomeric subjects. We analyzed ECG findings and clinical outcomes in the three groups of subjects. Repolarization abnormalities (ST and T wave changes) and pathologic Q waves were the most common abnormalities in variant and non-sarcomeric subjects. The V+P+ group showed higher occurrence of ST segment changes and T wave abnormalities compared to V+P− group. Independent predictors of MACE included ST segment changes (OR 3.54, CI 1.20–10.47, p = 0.022). T wave changes alone did not predict outcome (OR 2.13, CI 0.75–6.07, p = 0.157), but combined repolarization abnormalities (ST+T changes) were strong predictors of MACE (OR 5.84, CI 1.43–23.7, p = 0.014) than ST segment changes alone. Maximal wall z score by echocardiography was a predictor of MACE (OR 1.21, CI 1.07–1.37, p = 0.002). Despite the presence of significant myocardial hypertrophy (z score > 4.7), voltage criteria for LVH were much less predictive. In the non-sarcomeric group, RVH was significantly associated with MACE (OR 3.85, CI 1.08–13.73, p = 0.038). These abnormal ECG findings described on the platform of known genetic status and known myocardial hypertrophy may add incremental value to the diagnosis and surveillance of disease progression in children with HCM. Select ECG findings, particularly repolarization abnormalities, may serve as predictors of MACE in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have shown that the baseline values of absolute aortic root diameter (ARD) and indexed diameter are associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in the general population, even in the absence of aneurysmal aortic disease. However, there is limited available data on the association between ARD and prognosis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to investigate the predictive value of ARD for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in this specific population.Methods: ARD was measured by echocardiography at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva at end diastole and indexed to body surface area (BSA). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction and stroke. Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to evaluate the association between baseline ARD/BSA and clinical outcomes.Results: A total of 391 patients were included in this study. The primary endpoint occurred in 95 (24.3%) patients while the secondary endpoint occurred in 71 (18.2%) patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ARD/BSA was an independent prognostic factor for all-cause mortality (HR, per 1-SD increase, 1.403; 95% CI, 1.118–1.761; p = 0.003) as well as MACE (HR, per 1-SD increase, 1.356; 95% CI, 1.037–1.772; p = 0.026).Conclusions: Our results show that ARD/BSA is predictive of all-cause mortality and MACE in MHD patients with ESRD and support the view that assessment of ARD/BSA may refine risk stratification and preventive strategies in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between blood flow rate (BFR) and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) is inconclusive. This retrospective study included 175 patients undergoing MHD treatment between July 2015 and March 2022, divided into two groups based on time-averaged effective blood flow rate (eBFR) median value. We investigated arteriovenous fistula (AVF) outcomes and the association of eBFR with all-cause mortality and new major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Mean ± SD and median time-averaged eBFR values were 276 ± 24 and 275 mL/min, respectively. After adjusting for relevant factors including age, sex, vintage, diabetes, CVD, receiving hemodiafiltration (HDF) treatment and spKt/V, Cox models indicated a low time-averaged eBFR (≤ 275 ml/min) was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 14.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.14–64.1) and new MACE (HR 3.76; 95% CI, 1.91–7.40) in MHD patients. Continuous Cox models demonstrated each 20 ml/min increase in eBFR linked to a 63% decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23–0.59) and a 38% decrease in the occurrence of new MACE (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46–0.84). There was no significant difference in AVF outcomes between the two groups. Our study noted higher eBFR (>275 mL/min) is associated with lower risks of both all-cause mortality and new MACE compared with low eBFR (≤275 mL/min). Increased eBFR is not associated with a higher risk of AVF failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the serum levels of gasdermin D (GSDMD) in uremic (end-stage kidney disease, ESKD) patients and their correlation with vascular calcification (VC) and clinical results. This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 213 ESKD patients who were undergoing regular maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) for > 3 months in our hospital from August 2019 to July 2022. The abdominal aortic calcification score (AACS) was used to assess the VC condition of patients with ESKD. Serum GSDMD, caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-18 and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic and clinical data were obtained. All patients were followed up for 1 year, and patients with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were defined as having a poor prognosis. All data used SPSS 26.0 to statistical analyses. The serum total cholesterol (TC) levels of patients in the AACS > 4 group were significantly elevated compared with those in the AACS ≤ 4 group. In addition, ESKD patients with an AACS > 4 had significantly higher serum levels of GSDMD, caspase-1, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-1β. Moreover, Pearson's analysis supported a positive correlation between GSDMD and caspase-1, IL-6, and IL-1β. In addition, we found that GSDMD levels were positively correlated with the clinical data (AACS scores and serum TC levels) of patients with ERSD. Additionally, ROC curves showed that the serum levels of GSDMD could be a potential predictive biomarker of moderate/severe VC and prognosis in patients with ESKD. Finally, the results of logistic regression indicated that GSDMD and AACS scores were risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with ESKD. Serum GSDMD levels were remarkably elevated in patients with ESKD with moderate/severe calcification. In addition, serum levels of GSDMD could be a potential predictive biomarker of moderate/severe VC and prognosis in patients with ESKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few studies have investigated the impact of biologics on the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) among Korean patients with psoriatic diseases. We compared the risk of MACEs and all-cause mortality among patients with psoriatic disease treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitors in Korea. Methods: Patients with psoriatic disease prescribed with TNF-α and IL-12/23 inhibitors since 2016 were selected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) Database. Follow-up data for MACEs and all-cause mortality between 2016 and 2020 were collected. A total of 2886 individuals were included, including 1987 IL-12/23 inhibitor users and 899 TNF-α inhibitor users. Results: Compared with IL-12/23 inhibitor users, TNF-α inhibitor users had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality but not MACE. After controlling for age, female TNF-α inhibitor users had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality. Meanwhile, after controlling for sex, TNF-α inhibitor users aged 60years or older demonstrated a significantly elevated risk of all-cause mortality. In conclusion, No statistically significant difference in MACE risk was observed between patients who used TNF-α and IL-12/23 inhibitors. Nevertheless, the use of IL-12/23 inhibitors, especially among older and female patients, resulted in a lower overall mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the benefits of aggressive early cholesterol-lowering after myocardial infarction (MI) compared to the traditional stepwise approach. Topics include the impact of achieving non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (nHDL-C) targets within two months, the association of sustained nHDL-C reduction with reduced major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and the challenges to current post-MI cholesterol management guidelines.

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) can dislodge atherosclerotic debris, risking microvascular embolism. Thrombus aspiration (TA) before stenting in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients has been linked to reduced mortality, lower recurrence of heart attacks, and improved cardiac function. However, limited research exists on the effectiveness of TA in Vietnam, underscoring the need for further studies to enhance cardiovascular care. This prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the role of TA in STEMI patients admitted with a substantial thrombus burden at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital. Results: Out of 92 participants, 68 underwent TA treatment. Post-treatment, the TA group exhibited better TIMI and TMP flow grades and a higher rate of ST-segment normalization, with no significant difference in major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 30-day and 12-month follow-ups compared to those untreated. Conclusions: TA during PCI enhances ST-segment normalization and TIMI and TMP scores in STEMI patients, improving myocardial perfusion. No difference in MACE occurrence was noted between groups after 30 days and 12 months, suggesting TA's potential benefits without increasing adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Coronary artery thrombus burden (TB) is one of the risk factors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It was discovered that there is a strong relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and the incidence of coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of our study is to evaluate the relationship between EAT thickness and coronary TB in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PPCI). Methods: The study included 80 patients presented with acute STEMI and treated by PPCI; their mean age was 54.35 ± 8.80 years, and 70 (87.5%) were males. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the degree of TB: group I (25 patients) with low TB and group II (55 patients) with high TB. The EAT thickness was measured by 2D-echocardiography in all patients. Results: We found that EAT thickness was significantly higher in group II compared to group I (p < 0.001), and theROC curve cutoff point value of EAT thickness equal to or greater than 2.48 mm could predict high TB in patients with STEMI (p < 0.001), and by multivariate analysis, EAT thickness was the most significant predictor of high TB. Conclusions: In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, the increased EAT thickness measured by 2D echocardiography is significantly associated with a high coronary artery thrombus burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the association between preoperative covert brain infarction following coronary angiography (CAG) and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). A cohort study was conducted between January 2006 and December 2019, with the follow-up period concluding at either 5 years after surgery, the date of death, or April 27, 2023. A single tertiary center in Korea. Patients who underwent preoperative CAG and subsequent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before elective CABG. None. The primary outcome was the incidence of MACCEs within 30 days of CABG. MACCEs included operative death (all-cause death within 30 days of surgery or before discharge), myocardial infarction, mechanical circulatory support, circulatory arrest, and stroke. Secondary outcomes included each component of MACCEs and all-cause mortality at 5 years after surgery. Of the 2,476 study patients (median [interquartile range] age: 65 [58-71] years; 24.7% were female), 212 (8.6%) had covert cerebral infarction on brain MRI after CAG but before CABG, and 353 (14.3%) patients experienced MACCEs after CABG. After performing 1:4 propensity-score matching, 1,057 patients were included in the final outcome analysis (212 with covert brain infarction and 845 without). The incidence of MACCEs within 30 days was not significantly different between patients with covert brain infarction and those without (15.1% [32/212] v 15.6% [132/845]; risk difference: –0.5, 95% confidence interval: –5.6 to 4.4; risk ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval: 0.66 to 1.32, p = 0. 85). There were also no significant differences in each component of MACCEs within 30 days. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding all-cause mortality at 5 years (18.7% v 17.0%, respectively, p for stratified log-rank test = 0.33). Among patients undergoing elective CABG, there was no significant association between covert brain infarction following CAG and the occurrence of MACCEs within 30 days or long-term mortality after CABG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our recently developed Coronary Artery Tree description and Lesion EvaluaTion (CatLet) angiographic scoring system is unique in its description of the variability in the coronary anatomy, the degree of stenosis of a diseased coronary artery, and its subtended myocardial territory, and can be utilized to predict clinical outcomes for patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presenting ≤12 h after symptom onset. The current study aimed to assess whether the Clinical CatLet score (CCS), as compared with CatLet score (CS), better predicted clinical outcomes for AMI patients presenting >12 h after symptom onset. Methods: CS was calculated in 1018 consecutive AMI patients enrolled in a retrospective registry. CCS was calculated by multiplying CS by the ACE F I score (age, creatinine, and left ventricular ejection fraction). Primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE s) at 4-year-follow-up, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization. Results: Over a 4-year follow-up period, both scores were independent predictors of clinical outcomes after adjustment for a broad spectrum of risk factors. Areas-under-the-curve (AUCs) for CS and CCS were 0.72(0.68-0.75) and 0.75(0.71-0.78) for MACE s; 0.68(0.63-0.73) and 0.78(0.74-0.83) for all-cause death; 0.73(0.68-0.79) and 0.83(0.79-0.88) for cardiac death; and 0.69(0.64-0.73) and 0.75(0.7-0.79) for myocardial infarction; and 0.66(0.61-0.7) and 0.63(0.58-0.68) for revascularization, respectively. CCS performed better than CS in terms of the above-mentioned outcome predictions, as confirmed by the net reclassification and integrated discrimination indices. Conclusions: CCS was better than CS to be able to risk-stratify long-term outcomes in AMI patients presenting >12 h after symptom onset. These findings have indicated that both anatomic and clinical variables should be considered in decision-making on management of patients with AMI presenting later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A growing number of studies show that people with similar blood glucose levels have different levels of glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and relying only on HbA1c may lead to clinical decision-making errors. The haemoglobin glycation index (HGI) quantifies the difference in HbA1c among individuals and is strongly linked to the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the connection between this phenomenon and the poor outcomes of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is currently unknown. Patients and Methods: This retrospective, single-centre-based cohort study included 1531 hospitalized patients with ADHF from September 2010 to January 2020. The HGI is calculated from the difference between the observed and predicted HbA1c values [predicted HbA1c = 0.024 x fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dL)+3.1]. The endpoints examined in the study included all-cause death, cardiovascular (CV) death, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE ). We fitted multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models to investigate the association between the HGI and clinical outcomes. Results: During the five-year follow-up, 427 (27.9%) patients died from all causes, 232 (15.6%) from CV death, and 848 (55.4%) from MACE . The restricted cubic spline analysis also showed that the cumulative risk of all-cause and CV deaths decreased linearly with increasing HGI. According to multivariate Cox proportional hazard models, the highest tertile of the HGI was associated with a lower incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular deaths [all-cause death, adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.720, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.563-0.921, p = 0.009; CV death, adjusted HR: 0.619, 95% CI: 0.445-0.861, p = 0.004]. A 1% increase in the HGI was associated with a 12.5% reduction in the risk of all-cause death and a 20.8% reduction in the risk of CV death. Conclusions: A high HGI was directly associated with a reduction in all-cause and CV deaths but was not associated with MACE . These findings may be helpful in the management of patients with ADHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) have impaired diastolic filling and hemodynamic congestion. Pulmonary transit time (PTT) and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVi) reflect the hemodynamic status, but the relationship with left ventricle (LV) dysfunction remains unclear. Purpose: To evaluate the PTT and PBVi in RCM patients, the association with diastolic dysfunction and LV deformation, and the effects on the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in RCM patients. Study Type: Retrospective. Population: 137 RCM patients (88 men, age 58.80 ± 10.83 years) and 68 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (46 men, age 57.00 ± 8.59 years). Field Strength/Sequence: 3.0T/Balanced steady‐state free precession sequence, recovery prepared echo‐planar imaging sequence, and phase‐sensitive inversion recovery sequence. Assessment: The LV function and peak strain (PS) parameters were measured. The PTT was calculated and corrected by heart rate (PTTc). The PBVi was calculated as the product of PTTc and RV stroke volume index. Statistical Tests: Chi‐squared test, student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson's or Spearman's correlation, multivariate linear regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and Cox regression models analysis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The PTTc showed a significant correlation with the E/A ratio (r = 0.282), and PBVi showed a significant correlation with the E/e′ ratio, E/A ratio, and diastolic dysfunction stage (r = 0.222, 0.320, and 0.270). PTTc showed an independent association with LVEF, LV circumferential PS, and LV longitudinal PS (β = 0.472, 0.299, and 0.328). In Kaplan–Meier analysis, higher PTTc and PBVi were significantly associated with MACE. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, PTTc was a significantly independent predictor of the MACE in combination with both cardiac MRI functional and tissue parameters (hazard ratio: 1.23/1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.42/1.20–1.46). Data Conclusion: PTTc and PBVi are associated with diastolic dysfunction and deteriorated LV deformation, and PTTc independently predicts MACE in patients with RCM. Level of Evidence: 3 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Aim Methods Results Conclusions Hepatic steatosis (HS) and 10‐year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk ≥ 7.5% are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events.To assess underlying coronary artery disease (CAD) and major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) among those with and without HS at different ASCVD risk.We evaluated stable chest pain patients receiving coronary computed tomography (CT) in the PROMISE trial. HS and CAD endpoints were defined on coronary CT. MACE was defined as unstable angina, non‐fatal myocardial infarction, and all‐cause death. Multivariable Cox regression, adjusting for CAD characteristics, assessed the association of HS with MACE for ASCVD < 7.5%.One thousand two hundred and four of 3702 (32.5%) patients were at ASCVD < 7.5% and 20.3% (244/1204) of them had HS. Individuals with HS were younger (54.3 ± 5.2 vs. 55.8 ± 5.2; p < 0.001), more often males (40.2% [98/244] vs. 27.1% [260/960]; p < 0.001), had more risk factors/person (2.06 ± 0.89 vs. 1.93 ± 0.91; p = 0.047). CAD characteristics were similar between HS vs. non‐HS patients at ASCVD < 7.5% and ASCVD ≥ 7.5% (all p > 0.05). Patients with HS had greater MACE rate compared to non‐HS patients (ASCVD < 7.5%: 3.75%[9/244] vs. 1.5% [14/960]; p = 0.027 and ASCVD ≥ 7.5%: 4.7% [33/696] vs. 3.1% [56/1802]; p = 0.043). In patients without HS, MACE rate was higher in the ASCVD ≥ 7.5% vs. < 7.5% (3.1% [56/1802] vs. 1.5% [14/960]; p = 0.011). In patients with HS, MACE rates were not significantly different between ASCVD ≥ 7.5% vs. < 7.5% (4.7% [33/696] vs. 3.7% [9/244]; p = 0.484). In ASCVD < 7.5%, HS predicted MACE (aHR:2.34, 95%CI:1.01–5.43; p = 0.048), independent of CAD characteristics.Individuals with HS at ASCVD < 7.5% risk had similar CAD characteristics as patients without HS at < 7.5% ASCVD risk, yet experienced comparable MACE rates as those at ASCVD ≥ 7.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research letter published in the Journal of Internal Medicine discusses the association between kidney function estimated by creatinine and cystatin C and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study included 3867 participants and found that reduced kidney function below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 was associated with an increased risk of ischemic and major bleeding events. Cystatin C-based estimations and the eGFR ratio were consistently linked to both types of events, outperforming creatinine-based estimations in terms of discriminatory performance. The study highlights the importance of accurate kidney function estimations in determining treatment decisions for patients with atrial fibrillation. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) analysis relies on qualitative visual assessment or semi-quantitative measures like total perfusion deficit that play a critical role in the non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease by assessing regional blood flow abnormalities. Recently, machine learning (ML) -based analysis of SPECT images for coronary artery disease diagnosis has shown promise, with its utility in predicting long-term patient outcomes (prognosis) remaining an active area of investigation. In this review, we comprehensively examine the current landscape of ML-based analysis of SPECT imaging with an emphasis on prognostication of coronary artery disease. Main body: Our systematic search yielded twelve retrospective studies, investigating SPECT-based ML models for prognostic prediction in coronary artery disease patients, with a total sample size of 73,023 individuals. Several of these studies demonstrate the superior prognostic capabilities of ML models over traditional logistic regression (LR) models and total perfusion deficit, especially when incorporating demographic data alongside SPECT imaging. Meta-analysis of 6 studies revealed promising performance of the included ML models, with sensitivity and specificity exceeding 65% for major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Notably, the integration of demographic information with SPECT imaging in ML frameworks shows statistically significant improvements in prognostic performance. Conclusion: Our review suggests that ML models either independently or in combination with demographic data enhance prognostic prediction in coronary artery disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)-related myocardial infarction (MI), especially the distal type associated with microvascular dysfunction, is not an uncommon complication of the procedure. Specific lesion features, the echo-attenuated plaques (EA) in particular, are well-established contributors to the pathogenesis of distal-type MI. These plaques are prone to disruption during PCI, leading to microvascular thrombosis and distal embolism. Tenecteplase (TNK), a 3rd-generation thrombolytic drug, has demonstrated effective thrombolytic capacity without significantly increasing the bleeding risk. Our study aims to evaluate whether a low-dose intracoronary TNK administration prior to PCI in patients with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-detected EA can reduce the occurrence of PCI-related MI and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: This trial is designed as a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial with a 1-month follow-up. The primary outcome of the study is the incidence of PCI-related myocardial infarction (MI) occurring within 48 h after PCI, which serves as a valid surrogate endpoint for assessing the efficacy of tenecteplase-based PCI in preventing future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with EA (Bulluck, et. al, Eur Heart J 42:2630–42, 2021) {1b.1}. Secondary outcomes include the proportion of patients with elevated postoperative high-sensitivity cTnI exceeding 5, 10, 35, and 70 times of the normal baseline, incidence of coronary slow flow after stent implantation and post-dilation, frame count of angiographic flow after stent implantation and post-dilation, as well as the incidence of MACE during hospitalization and at the 1-month follow-up. Discussion: This trial may demonstrate that an immediate intracoronary administration of low-dose TNK following PCI can effectively lower the incidence of PMI in patients with EA, while confirming the safety of this therapeutic approach. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400084840). Registered on May 27, 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods and results Conclusion Progressive heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is adversely affected by alterations in the myocardial balance between bone marrow‐derived pro‐inflammatory cardiac macrophages and embryo‐derived reparative cardiac resident macrophages. Mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) may restore this balance and improve clinical outcomes when inflammation is present. The purpose was to (i) identify risk factors for cardiovascular death (CVD) in control patients with HFrEF in the DREAM‐HF trial, and (ii) determine if MPCs improve major clinical outcomes (CVD, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke) in high‐risk patients with ischaemic HFrEF and inflammation.Cause‐specific regression analyses were used to identify CVD risk factors in DREAM‐HF control patients. Aalen–Johansen cumulative incidence curves were used to examine CVD, 2‐point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (MI or stroke), and 3‐point MACE (CVD or MI or stroke) by treatment group in ischaemic vs non‐ischaemic HFrEF and in patients with or without baseline inflammation. In control DREAM‐HF patients, factors portending the greatest risk for CVD were inflammation (baseline plasma high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein ≥2 mg/L; p = 0.003) and ischaemic HFrEF aetiology (p = 0.097), with increased CVD risk of 61% and 38%, respectively. Over 30‐month mean follow‐up, MPCs reduced 2‐point and 3‐point MACE by 88% (p = 0.005) and 52% (p = 0.018), respectively, in patients with ischaemic HFrEF and inflammation compared to controls.Ischaemic aetiology and inflammation were identified as major risk factors for MACE in control DREAM‐HF patients. A single intramyocardial MPC administration produced the most significant, sustained reduction in 2‐point and 3‐point MACE in patients with ischaemic HFrEF and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has emerged as an important therapeutic target for ischemic heart disease. Currently, there is no effective therapy for reducing cardiac I/R injury. Damage-associated molecular patterns are endogenous molecules released after cellular damage to exaggerate tissue inflammation and injury. RIPK3 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 3), a well-established intracellular mediator of cell necroptosis and inflammation, serves as a circulating biomarker of multiple diseases. However, whether extracellular RIPK3 also exerts biological functions in cardiac I/R injury remains totally unknown. METHODS: Patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were recruited independently in the discovery cohort (103 patients) and validation cohort (334 patients), and major adverse cardiovascular events were recorded. Plasma samples were collected before and after PCI (6 and 24 h) for RIPK3 concentration measurement. Cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells, and in vivo mouse models with myocardial injury induced by I/R (or hypoxia/reoxygenation) were used to investigate the role and mechanisms of extracellular RIPK3. Another cohort including patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving PCI and healthy volunteers was recruited to further explore the mechanisms of extracellular RIPK3. RESULTS: In the discovery cohort, elevated plasma RIPK3 levels after PCI are associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction, as confirmed in the validation cohort. In both cultured cells and in vivo mouse models, recombinant RIPK3 protein exaggerated myocardial I/R (or hypoxia/reoxygenation) injury, which was alleviated by the RIPK3 antibody. Mechanistically, RIPK3 acted as a damage-associated molecular pattern and bound with RAGE (receptor of advanced glycation end-products), subsequently activating CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II) to elicit the detrimental effects. The positive correlation between plasma RIPK3 concentrations and CaMKII phosphorylation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: We identified the positive relationship between plasma RIPK3 concentrations and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute myocardial infarction receiving PCI. As a damage-associated molecular pattern, extracellular RIPK3 plays a causal role in multiple pathological conditions during cardiac I/R injury through RAGE/CaMKII signaling. These findings expand our understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of RIPK3, and also provide a promising therapeutic target for myocardial I/R injury and the associated complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists and SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors both improve cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on clinical outcomes with and without SGLT2 inhibitors. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and Embase databases from inception until July 12, 2024, for randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled outcome trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes that reported treatment effects by baseline use of SGLT2 inhibitors, with findings supplemented by unpublished data. We estimated treatment effects by baseline SGLT2 inhibitor use using inverse variance-weighted meta-analysis. The main cardiovascular outcomes were major adverse cardiovascular events (nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death) and hospitalization for heart failure. Kidney outcomes included a composite of ≥50% reduction in estimated glomerular filtration rate, kidney failure or death caused by kidney failure, and annualized rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (estimated glomerular filtration rate slope). Serious adverse events and severe hypoglycemia were also evaluated. This meta-analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42024565765). RESULTS: We identified 3 trials with 1743 of 17 072 (10.2%) participants with type 2 diabetes receiving an SGLT2 inhibitor at baseline. GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by 21% (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79 [95% CI, 0.71–0.87]), with consistent effects in those receiving and not receiving SGLT2 inhibitors at baseline (HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.54–1.09] and HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.71–0.87], respectively; P -heterogeneity=0.78). The effect on hospitalization for heart failure was similarly consistent regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use (HR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.36–0.93] and HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.63–0.85]; P -heterogeneity=0.26). Effects on the composite kidney outcome (risk ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.66–0.95]) and estimated glomerular filtration rate slope (0.78 mL/min/1.73 m2/y [95% CI, 0.57–0.98]) also did not vary according to SGLT2 inhibitor use (P -heterogeneity=0.53 and 0.94, respectively). Serious adverse effects and severe hypoglycemia were also similar regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use (P -heterogeneity=0.29 and 0.50, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In people with type 2 diabetes, the cardiovascular and kidney benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists are consistent regardless of SGLT2 inhibitor use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of hepatic steatosis on cardiometabolic outcomes in young adults with prediabetes. Methods: A nationwide cohort study was conducted with 896,585 young adults under 40 years old without diabetes or previous history of cardiovascular disease. Hepatic steatosis was identified using a fatty liver index of ≥ 60. The outcomes of this study were incident diabetes (DM) and composite major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death. Results: During a median follow-up of 11.8 years, 27,437 (3.1%) incident DM cases and 6,584 (0.7%) MACE cases were recorded. Young adults with prediabetes had a significantly higher risk of incident DM (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.74–2.88; P-value: <0.001) and composite MACE risk (HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.17; P-value: 0.003) compared to individuals with normoglycemia, after adjusting for relevant covariates. Stratification based on hepatic steatosis showed that the combination of prediabetes and hepatic steatosis posed the highest risk for these outcomes, after adjusting for relevant covariates. For incident DM, the HRs (95% CI; P-value) were: 3.15 (3.05–3.26; <0.001) for prediabetes without hepatic steatosis, 2.89 (2.78–3.01; <0.001) for normoglycemia with hepatic steatosis, and 6.60 (6.33–6.87; <0.001) for prediabetes with hepatic steatosis. For composite MACE, the HRs (95% CI; P-value) were 1.05 (0.97–1.13; 0.235) for prediabetes without hepatic steatosis, 1.39 (1.27–1.51; <0.001) for normoglycemia with hepatic steatosis, and 1.60 (1.44–1.78; <0.001) for prediabetes with hepatic steatosis. Conclusions: Prediabetes and hepatic steatosis additively increased the risk of cardiometabolic outcomes in young adults. These findings hold significance for physicians as they provide insights into assessing high-risk individuals among young adults with prediabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A substantial number of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) experience adverse events after TAVI, with health care expenditure. We aimed to investigate cardiac remodeling and long-term outcomes in diabetic patients with severe AS, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%, and extra-valvular cardiac damage (EVCD) undergoing TAVI treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) versus other glucose-lowering strategies (no-SGLT2i users). Methods: Multicenter international registry of consecutive diabetic patients with severe AS, LVEF < 50%, and EVCD undergoing TAVI. Based on glucose-lowering therapy at hospital discharge, patients were stratified in SGLT2i versus no-SGLT2i users. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death and heart failure (HF)-hospitalization (major adverse cardiovascular events, MACE) at 2-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and HF hospitalization. Results: The study population included 311 patients, among which 24% were SGLT2i users. Within 1-year after TAVI, SGLT2i users experienced a higher rate of LV recovery (p = 0.032), especially those with baseline LVEF ≤ 30% (p = 0.026), despite the lower baseline LVEF. Patients not treated with SGLT2i were more likely to progress to a worse EVCD stage over time (p = 0.018). At 2-year follow-up, SGLT2i use was associated with a lower rate of MACE, all-cause death, and HF hospitalization (p < 0.01 for all). After adjusting for confounding factors, the use of SGLT2i emerged as an independent predictor of reduced MACE (HR = 0.45; 95% CI 0.17–0.75; p = 0.007), all-cause death (HR = 0.51; 95% CI 0.25–0.98; p = 0.042) and HF-hospitalization (HR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.27–0.62; p = 0.004). Conclusions: In diabetic patients with severe AS, LVEF < 50%, and EVCD undergoing TAVI, the use of SGLT2i was associated with a more favorable cardiac remodeling and a reduced risk of MACE at 2-year follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Myocardial Infarct Size (IS) determined soon after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has prognostic significance, and can be assessed by cardiac biomarker levels, electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, and imaging modalities (including echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging [CMRI]). Objectives and methods: We evaluated methods of IS assessment, 12-lead ECG Selvester QRS scores and high-sensitivity Troponin T (hsTnT) levels measured ≥48hr (plateau phase of hsTnT elevation), compared to paired CMRIs and echocardiograms, in a prospective cohort of patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the index hospitalisation. Associations were determined between IS, as assessed by these methods, and 24-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a hierarchical composite of: death, stroke and hospitalization for heart failure. Results: Of 233 patients undergoing early CMRI after STEMI, 211 patients (86% male; 54% anterior MI) had first STEMIs, median age 56 years [interquartile range 50–64], of whom 165 (78%) underwent primary PCI and 46 (22%) pharmaco-invasive PCI. Ejection fraction improved from 48% [42–54] acutely to 52% [44–60] at 2 months (p< 0.05). Plateau phase hsTnT levels, QRS scoring and CMRI-determined IS post-STEMI correlated for anterior MIs (all comparisons r>0.4, p<0.01); highest tertiles of these 3 parameters predicted 24 month MACE (log-rank <0.01). Multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis showed 72h hsTnT levels predicted 24-month MACE (p<0.01). Conclusion: Post-PCI treatment of STEMI, hsTnT levels measured ≥48h and Selvester QRS scoring correlated with CMRI-determined IS. These parameters predicted MACE at 24 months and should be routinely assessed for post-STEMI risk stratification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and potentially improving kidney function in diabetic patients. This investigation analyzes the TriNetX database to assess the efficacy of SGLT-2i in diabetic kidney transplant recipients (KTR) concerning all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and major adverse kidney events (MAKE). The study includes type 2 diabetic patients over 18 who underwent kidney transplants between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2023, with a focus on SGLT-2i use within the first three months post-transplant. After propensity score matching, the study compares 1970 SGLT-2i users with matched non-users. With a median follow-up of 3.4 years, SGLT-2i users showed significantly lower rates of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.32), MACE (aHR: 0.48), and MAKE (aHR: 0.52). These findings indicate that SGLT-2i significantly reduces mortality and adverse events in diabetic KTR, underscoring its potential to improve post-transplant outcomes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) have demonstrated efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and potentially improving kidney function in diabetic patients. Here, using the TriNetX platform, the authors show that SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and kidney events in diabetic kidney transplant recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims The burden and outcomes of inflammation in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are not well defined beyond the controlled settings of trials and research cohorts. Methods This was an observational study of ASCVD adults undergoing C-reactive protein testing in Stockholm's healthcare (2007–21). After excluding C-reactive protein tests associated with acute illness or medications/conditions that bias C-reactive protein interpretation, systemic inflammation was evaluated over a 3-month ascertainment window. Determinants of C-reactive protein ≥ 2 mg/L were explored with logistic regression. C-reactive protein categories were compared via negative-binomial/Cox regression for subsequent healthcare resource utilization and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events, heart failure hospitalization, and death. Results A total of 84 399 ASCVD adults were included (46% female, mean age 71 years, 59% with C-reactive protein ≥ 2 mg/L). Female sex, older age, lower kidney function, albuminuria, diabetes, hypertension, and recent anaemia were associated with higher odds of C-reactive protein ≥ 2 mg/L. The use of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, antiplatelets, and lipid-lowering therapy was associated with lower odds. Over a median of 6.4 years, compared with C-reactive protein < 2 mg/L, patients with C-reactive protein ≥ 2 mg/L had higher rates of hospitalizations, days spent in hospital, outpatient consultations, and dispensed medications (P <.05 for all). They also had a higher rate of major adverse cardiovascular events [hazard ratio (HR) 1.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–1.33], heart failure (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.20–1.30), and death (HR 1.35; 95% CI 1.31–1.39). Results were consistent across subgroups and granular C-reactive protein categories and robust to the exclusion of extreme C-reactive protein values or early events. Conclusions Three in five adults with ASCVD have systemic inflammation, which is associated with excess healthcare resource utilization and increased rates of cardiovascular events and death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the limitations of using major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) as the primary outcome measure in cardiovascular trials. It highlights the challenges of including multiple events of varying clinical relevance in a composite endpoint like MACE, which may mask the effects of more clinically relevant outcomes. The authors propose an alternative approach that includes death and quality of life in a hierarchical composite outcome to better reflect what patients desire from healthcare delivery. The article emphasizes the importance of assessing quality of life as a primary endpoint in cardiovascular trials to overcome the limitations of traditional MACE outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Despite widespread use of high-intensity statin monotherapy, achieving target LDL-C levels and reducing cardiovascular events in patients with or at high risk of developing ASCVD remains challenging. Our study measured the effects of low/moderate-intensity statins and ezetimibe combination therapy compared to high-dose statin monotherapy on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and coronary atherosclerotic plaque reduction. Methods: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL register of trials for studies comparing the combination therapy to high-intensity statin monotherapy in terms of MACEs and coronary atherosclerotic plaque reduction. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death or major cardiovascular events (MI, HF, Revascularization, or non-fatal stroke). Other outcomes included other MACEs, lipid-lowering efficacy, and safety outcomes. A protocol was registered to PROSPERO under registration number [CRD42024545807]. Results: 15 studies encompassing 251,450 participants were included in our meta-analysis. In our pooled analysis of observational studies, combination therapy was associated with lower rates of the primary composite outcome (HR = 0.76, CI 95% [0.73, 0.80]), cardiovascular death (HR = 0.80, CI 95% [0.74, 0.88]), all-cause death (HR = 0.84, CI 95% [0.78, 0.91]), and non-fatal stroke (HR = 0.81, CI 95% [0.75, 0.87]). However, the pooled analysis of RCTs did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between both arms concerning clinical endpoints. Combination therapy had a higher number of patients with LDL-C < 70 mg/dL (RR = 1.27, CI 95% [1.21, 1.34]), significantly lowered LDL-C (MD = -7.95, CI 95% [-10.02, -5.89]) and TC (MD = -26.77, CI 95% [-27.64, -25.89]) in the pooled analysis of RCTs. In terms of safety, the combination therapy lowered muscle-related adverse events (RR = 0.52, CI 95% [0.32, 0.85]) and number of patients with liver enzyme elevation (RR = 0.51, CI 95% [0.29, 0.89]) in the pooled analysis of RCTs and was associated with lower rates of new-onset diabetes (HR = 0.80, CI 95% [0.74, 0.87]) in the pooled analysis of observational studies. Conclusion: Evidence from RCTs indicates that low/moderate statin therapy in combination with ezetimibe has a superior lipid-lowering effect and reduces side effects compared to high-dose statins. Observational studies suggest improved clinical outcomes but need to be corroborated by large, outcomes-powered RCTs over longer follow-up periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare systems data (HCSD) could improve the efficiency of clinical trials, but their accuracy and validity are uncertain. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of HCSD as the sole method of outcome detection in the REstart or STop Antithrombotics Randomised Trial (RESTART; ISRCTN71907627) compared with adjudicated questionnaire follow-up and compare estimates of treatment effect. Methods: RESTART was a prospective, open, assessor-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled trial (RCT) of antiplatelet therapy after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in the UK. We included 496 (92%) of 537 RESTART participants, who were resident in England or Scotland at randomisation. Computerised randomisation incorporating minimisation allocated participants (1:1) to start or avoid antiplatelet therapy. RESTART used annual questionnaires to detect its primary outcome (recurrent ICH) and secondary outcome (a composite of haemorrhagic or ischemic major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]) over a median of 2.0 years; an independent adjudication committee verified outcomes using medical records and brain imaging. We obtained ICD10-coded HCSD on hospital admissions and deaths in England and Scotland to identify primary and secondary outcomes. We compared HCSD with a reference standard of adjudicated outcomes. We estimated the effects of antiplatelet therapy using HCSD alone in a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for minimisation variables. Results: In the original RESTART trial, 31 people experienced a primary outcome event. HCSD had sensitivity of 84% (95% CI 66 to 95%) and positive predictive value of 68% (51 to 82%) for recurrent ICH. HCSD estimated an effect of antiplatelet therapy (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.51, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.98; p = 0.044) that was almost identical to adjudicated outcomes (aHR 0.51, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.03; p = 0.060). HCSD had sensitivity of 84% (76 to 91%) and positive predictive value of 78% (69 to 85%) for MACE, on which HCSD estimated an effect of antiplatelet therapy (aHR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.16; p = 0.247) that was similar to adjudicated outcomes (aHR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.95; p = 0.025). Conclusions: In a RCT of antiplatelet therapy for people with ICH, HCSD was reasonably accurate and provided similar estimates of treatment effect compared with adjudicated outcomes. Trial registration: ISRCTN71907627. Registered on 25 April 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for clinical research but may not accurately reflect the impact of medicines in real-world settings. Supplementing RCTs with insights from real-world data (RWD) can address known limitations by including more diverse patient populations, additional types of sites-of-care, and practices more representative of the care most people receive. One current challenge in using RWD is the lack of an algorithmic approach to identifying outcomes. To address this, machine learning models for identifying a frequently used outcome, Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), were developed in Clinical Trial Data (CTD). Anonymized CTD sourced from the Medidata Enterprise Data Store were used to develop model features on the condition that they would be useful for labelling MACE events and that they could also be found in RWD. These features were used to train three random forest models to identify each component of 3-point MACE in a patient’s clinical trial journey. Performance metrics for the models are presented (recall = 0.72 [0.07], precision = 0.68 [0.12] - mean, [SD]) along with the top contributing features. We show that the models can be tuned specifically to replicate the adjudication panels’ results and present a cost–benefit analysis for deploying such models in clinical trial settings. We demonstrate the viability of using advanced algorithms for identifying clinical outcomes in prospective clinical trials. Deployment of such models could reduce the resources required to conduct RCTs. Extending such models to RWD would facilitate approval of pragmatic clinical trials for regulatory submissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: What are the main findings? Chronic disease self-management (CDSM) programs have proven benefits in the management of many chronic diseases, and this study supports new impetus in CHF; CDSM's benefits in improving MACE in CHF remain unclear; CDSM can be delivered as generic or disease-specific programs; the former has been tested widely in CHF, this study suggests possibilities for generic programs What are the implications of the main findings? Generic CDSM programs can be used in CHF; Generic short-form tools derived from gold-standard CDSM can risk-stratify poor and good self-managers. Self-managers with borderline and average abilities require greater understanding when designing randomized trials to further analyze these findings. Background/Objective: Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome, with multiple causes. Numerous pathophysiological pathways are activated. Comprehensive and guideline-derived care is complex. A multidisciplinary approach is required. The current guidelines report little evidence for chronic disease self-management (CDSM) programs for reducing readmission and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CDSM programs can be complex and are not user-friendly in clinical settings, particularly for vulnerable patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a simplified one-page CDSM tool, the SCReening in Heart Failure (SCRinHF), is comparable to a comprehensive Flinders Program of Chronic Disease Management, specifically in triaging self-management capabilities and in predicting readmission and MACE. Methods:SELFMAN-HF is a prospective, observational study based on community cardiology. Eligible patients, consecutively recruited, had HF with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and were placed on sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) within 3 months of recruitment. SGLT2-i is the newest of the four HF treatment pillars; self-management skills are assessed at this juncture. CDSM was assessed and scored independently via the long-form (LF) and short-form (SF) tools, and concordance between forms was estimated. The primary endpoint is the 80% concordance across the two CDSM scales for predicting hospital readmission and MACE. Results: Of the 117 patients, aged 66.8 years (±SD 13.5), 88 (75%) were male. The direct comparisons for SF versus LF patient scores are as follows: "good self-managers", 13 vs. 30 patients (11.1% vs. 25.6%); "average", 46 vs. 21 patients (39.3% vs. 17.9%), "borderline", 20 vs. 31 patients (17.1% vs. 26.5%), and "poor self-managers" (vulnerable), 38 vs. 35 patients (32.5% vs. 29.9%). These findings underscore the possibility of SF tools in picking up patients whose scores infer poor self-management capabilities. This concordance of the SF with the LF scores for patients who have poor self-management capabilities (38 vs. 35 patients p = 0.01), alongside readmission (31/38 vs. 31/35 p = 0.01) or readmission risk for poor self-managers versus good self-managers (31/38 vs. 5/13 p = 0.01), validates the simplification of the CDSM tools for the vulnerable population with HF. Similarly, when concurrent and predictive validity was tested on 52 patients, the results were 39 (75%) for poor self-managers and 14 (27%) for good self-managers in both groups, who demonstrated significant correlations between SF and LF scores. Conclusions: Simplifying self-management scoring with an SF tool to improve clinical translation is justifiable, particularly for vulnerable populations. Poor self-management capabilities and readmission risk for poor self-managers can be significantly predicted, and trends for good self-managers are observed. However, correlations of SF to LF scores across an HF cohort for self-management abilities and MACE are more complex. Translation to patients of all skill levels requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Calcified coronary lesions require plaque modification techniques for optimal stent apposition, of which rotational atherectomy (RA) is the most commonly used one. Challenging cases require the use of additional dedicated devices (such as modified balloons, MB); however, data available for evidence-based device selection are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of the balloon-based technology used after successful RA treatment on outcomes. Methods: This study was carried out according to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, CENTRAL and Embase databases were systematically searched for eligible randomized and non-randomized studies. Results: A total of nine studies and 1024 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were treated with RA followed by either plain balloon angioplasty (RA + BA) or modified balloon (RA + MB) treatment prior to stent implantation. There was no significant difference in MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events; OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.21–1.34; p = 0.153), all-cause mortality (OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.33–1.42; p = 0.265), and target lesion revascularization (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.27–1.55; p = 0.264) between the two groups. However, a sensitivity analysis demonstrated a significant decrease in MACE for patients with severely calcified lesions (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.25–0.70; p = 0.009) in the RA + MB group. The analyses of the safety outcomes of slow flow/no reflow (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.29–1.22; p = 0.128) and coronary artery perforation (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.70–1.99; p = 0.480) showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis suggests that the benefit of the more invasive RA + MB treatment is statistically significant for severely calcified lesions, but is not associated with additional procedural complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Roxadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor approved to treat anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The efficacy and safety of roxadustat compared with parenteral erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) were evaluated in patients with anemia of CKD receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods: This analysis pooled data from four phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-comparator studies (PYRENEES, SIERRAS, HIMALAYAS, ROCKIES). The primary endpoints evaluated were hemoglobin change from baseline (CFB) to Weeks 28–36 without rescue therapy and hemoglobin CFB to Weeks 28–52 regardless of rescue therapy use. Safety data were reported. Results: This analysis included 422 patients (215 roxadustat, 207 ESA). Hemoglobin CFB to Weeks 28–36 without rescue therapy and hemoglobin CFB to Weeks 28–52 regardless of rescue therapy achieved non-inferiority for roxadustat vs. ESAs. The mean weekly dose of roxadustat was maintained over time (Weeks 1–4, 3.86 mg/kg/week; Weeks 101–104, 3.27 mg/kg/week), whereas the mean weekly ESA dose increased by 24% (Weeks 1–4, 115.70 IU/kg/week; Weeks 101–104, 143.40 IU/kg/week). Fewer patients treated with roxadustat received intravenous iron supplementation and rescue therapy, and patients treated with an ESA required blood transfusions sooner. Roxadustat-treated patients experienced a greater decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels relative to baseline vs. ESA-treated patients. Treatment-emergent adverse events were similar in both treatment groups. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), MACE plus unstable angina or congestive heart failure, and all-cause mortality hazard ratios were <1; the lower limit of the 95% CIs was <0.6, and the upper limit was >1.3. Conclusions: Roxadustat was non-inferior to ESAs in correcting and maintaining hemoglobin levels, with stable dosing and a comparable safety profile, in anemic patients receiving PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]