Time course changes of cystatin C and inflammatory and biochemical markers in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Background: Serum cystatin C (Cys-C), a good marker of renal function, predicts prognosis in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). However, no data are available on the time course of Cys-C values after discharge. In this study, Cys-C was measured during admission (ACS sample) and 6 weeks after discharge, and was correlated with troponin (c-TNT), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and the N-terminal portion of the pro-brain natriuretic peptide (proBNP) peptide (NT-proBNP) in a highly selected homogeneous group of NSTE-ACS patients.

NT pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels are related to microvascular reperfusion in patients undergoing direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the time course of NT pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) levels in patients with large anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary angioplasty (PPCI) and to investigate the relationship between these values and both microvascular reperfusion and left ventricular (LV) function.

Background: The clinical efficacy of PPCI is largely dependent on the achievement of microvascular reperfusion. Myocardial blush is an angiographic method to evaluate the presence of effective reperfusion after PPCI.

Significance of total and differential leucocyte count in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with primary coronary angioplasty.

Aims: The aim of this study was to correlate total and differential leucocyte (WBC) count with myocardial blush, peak CK levels, and left ventricular (LV) functional recovery at 6 months in 238 consecutive acute myocardial infarction (MI) patients treated with successful primary coronary angioplasty (PCI).

Methods And Results: Total and differential WBC counts were measured on admission and every 24 h for at least 4 days after PCI. ST-segment resolution and myocardial blush were evaluated immediately after successful primary PCI.

Nitric-oxide mediated effects of transdermal capsaicin patches on the ischemic threshold in patients with stable coronary disease.

Background: Capsaicin has been shown to exert direct vasodilating effects through increased calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release. However, no data exist on its effect following systemic administration in humans.

Methods: Twelve male patients with stable coronary disease and a persistently positive exercise were selected for study.

Tezosentan. Actelion/Genentech.

Tezosentan is an endothelin receptor antagonist in development by Actelion Ltd and Genentech Inc for the potential treatment of cardiovascular disorders, including acute heart failure (AHF) and congestive heart failure. Actelion has conducted a phase III study of tezosentan in AHF patients, however, following disappointing trial results a new phase III study in AHF was planned using lower doses of the compound. By January 2003, Actelion anticipated that the first results of a two-year phase III study evaluating mortality/morbidity would be available by early 2005.

High prevalence of (99m)tc-tetrofosmin reverse perfusion pattern in patients with myocardial infarction and angiographically smooth coronary arteries.

Background: There are no published data in the literature on the scintigraphic perfusion pattern in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and normal coronary arteries (NCA).

Objectives: To evaluate myocardial perfusion imaging in a series of patients with MI and NCA.

Methods: Twenty-seven patients who had developed a MI and had NCA were studied.