Annals of medicine
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Observational Study
The impact of transcatheter aortic valve replacement on changes of coronary computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve.
The effect of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) on changes of computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) values was controversial. Thus, we aimed to identify the impact of TAVR on changes of CT-FFR values, plaque characteristics, and the associated clinical impact. ⋯ Our report suggested that TAVR did not significantly affect coronary CT-FFR measurements and plaque characteristics in the perioperative period, and furthermore, the patients' cardiac function showed gradual improvement in the short-term following discharge.
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Prediabetes is prevalent in Saudi Arabia and globally. It is associated with adverse health outcomes and complications. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with developing prediabetes in Saudi Arabia. ⋯ The study showed that several risk factors are associated with the development of prediabetes in the Saudi population. Addressing these factors can help prevent prediabetes, and consequently, its burden and further progression to diabetes.
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Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC), which is characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the colon, results from a complex interaction of factors involving the host, environment, and microbiome. The present study aimed to investigate the gut microbial composition and metabolic variations in patients with UC and their spouses. Materials and Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 13 healthy spouses and couples with UC. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and metagenomics sequencing were used to analyze gut microbiota composition, pathways, gene expression, and enzyme activity, followed by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. ⋯ Conclusion: Our study revealed that cohabitation with UC patients decreased differences in the gut microbiome between healthy individuals and patients. Not only was the composition and diversity of the microbiota diminished, but active pathways also showed some decline. Furthermore, Firmicutes, Faecalibacterium, and the four related pathways may be associated with the pathological state of the host rather than with human behavior.
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Atrioventricular block (AVB) is rare in hyperthyroidism (HTH). Little is known about the true prevalence, clinical course, optimal management, and outcomes of different types of AVBs in patients with HTH. To address these uncertainties, we aimed to conduct a systematic review by combining the available literature to provide more meaningful data regarding AVBs in HTH. ⋯ Current data suggest that CHB is the most common type of AVB in patients with HTH. Most patients can be managed with anti-thyroid management alone. Additionally, whether pacemaker insertion alters the clinical outcomes needs further exploration.
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Factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI) are recommended for treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, in FXaI trials there is a 2-3% treatment failure rate. This observational study aimed to elucidate factors associated with recurrent VTE during coagulation FXaI treatment. ⋯ Our results underline careful risk assessment upon PE and reoccurrence, with inclusion of TOS as a risk factor of VTE and CTEPH.