International journal of cardiology
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Meta Analysis
From angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 disruption to thromboinflammatory microvascular disease: A paradigm drawn from COVID-19.
We concisely review clinical, autopsy, experimental and molecular data of 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 disruption and thromboinflammatory microangiopathy emerge as distinctive features. Briefly, entry of the virus into microvessels can profoundly disrupt the local renin-angiotensin system, cause endothelial injury, activate the complement cascade and induce powerful thromboinflammatory reactions, involving, in particular, von Willebrand factor, that, if widespread, may lead to microvascular plugging, ischemia and, ultimately, organ failure. We believe the current COVID-19 data consolidate a widely unrecognised paradigm of potentially fatal thromboinflammatory microvascular disease.
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We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of contemporary randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare clinical outcomes among stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients treated with revascularization [percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) or both] plus medical therapy (MT) versus MT alone. ⋯ Revascularization plus MT does not confer survival advantage beyond that of MT among patients with stable CAD. However, revascularization plus MT may reduce the overall risk of the combined outcome of mortality, MI, revascularizations, rehospitalizations, or stroke, which could be driven by a decrease in the risk of unplanned revascularizations or fatal MI.
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Meta Analysis
Heart failure, frailty, and pre-frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
Frailty is a syndrome characterized by reduced physiological reserves, increased vulnerability to stressors and adverse health outcomes. Frailty can change the prognosis and treatment approach of several chronic diseases, including heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis assessing the association of HF with frailty and pre-frailty. ⋯ In conclusion, frailty and pre-frailty are frequent in people with HF. Persons with HF have 3.4-fold increased odds of frailty. Longitudinal studies examining bidirectional pathophysiological pathways between HF and frailty are needed to further clarify this relationship and to assess if specific treatment for HF may prevent or delay the onset of frailty and vice versa.
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Meta Analysis
Pulmonary vasodilator therapies are of no benefit in pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease: A meta-analysis.
Pulmonary hypertension complicating left heart disease (PH-LHD) is the most common cause of PH. Off-label use of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) medications for PH-LHD is prevalent, despite a lack of clinical data supporting their use. ⋯ The current meta-analysis demonstrated that there is no current evidence to support the widespread use of PAH therapy in PH-LHD. On the basis of a numerically increased risk of clinical harm, these agents should not be prescribed in this setting, unless further evidence of benefit arises in the future.
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Anticoagulantion therapy (OAT) represents the cornerstone to reduce thromboembolic events for atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent studies suggest that AF catheter ablation on top of OAT may be useful to further reduce the thromboembolic risk in AF patients. The aim of the present study is to compare the long-term risk of thromboembolic events and treatment-related complications in patients with AF treated by OAT strategies and catheter ablation. ⋯ AF catheter ablation significantly reduces the incidence of long-term thromboembolic events compared to both VKA and DOAC. This reduction is maintained in all CHADS2 score clusters and is strengthened by the concomitant reduction in hemorrhagic complications provided by AF ablation.