Hyperuricemia as an independent risk factor for major cardiovascular events: a 10-year cohort study from Southern Italy.

Aims: To date, whether hyperuricemia may represent a marker or an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease remains unclear. This study aimed at assessing the role of hyperuricemia in the onset of major cardiovascular events (MACE).

Methods: Baseline clinical data were collected through a 1998/1999 longitudinal survey as part of the larger Valle dell'Irno Prevenzione Project.

Trends of Prevalence of Uncontrolled Risk Factors for Cerebrocardiovascular Disease: Southern Italy from 1988/9 to 2008/9.

The aim of this study was to determine the trends of cardiovascular risk factor prevalence between 1988/9 and 2008/9 in the 25-74-year-old population in an area of Southern Italy. We compared three cross-sectional studies conducted in random population samples, in 1988/9, 1998/9, and 2008/9 in Salerno, Italy. The methodology of data collection (lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycaemia, and smoking) and conducting tests which the population underwent during the three phases was standardized and comparable.

Report on Non-fatal events cardio-cerebro-vascular to ten years in a Southern Italy cohort.

Background: Data relating to non-fatal cardiovascular events are poor but these data are essential to organize targeted interventions on the territory and to understand their effectiveness.

Methods: We calculated the rates of morbidity from cardiovascular events covering the period 1998/99-2008/09, in a cohort of 1200 persons (600 men and 600 women) aged 25 to 74 years. Data were standardized using the European standard population.

Reperfusion correlates and clinical outcomes of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

We evaluated the relation between reperfusion indexes and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in patients with inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We included patients with inferior STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and right coronary artery as infarct-related artery. Myocardial reperfusion was evaluated by Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow, TIMI frame count, myocardial blush grade, and ST-segment resolution.

Transradial versus transfemoral approach in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome. A meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Transfemoral approach (TFA) remains the most common vascular access for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in many countries. However, in the last years several randomized trials compared transradial approach (TRA) with TFA in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but only few studies were powered to estimate rare events. The aim of the current study was to clarify whether TRA is superior to TFA approach in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Endothelial dysfunction: its clinical value and methods of assessment.

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a systemic disorder characterized by reduced production of nitric oxide. This pathologic condition, which impairs vascular homeostasis, leads to the loss of protective properties of endothelial cells and is related to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. ED may affect every vascular bed, accounting for several clinical implications, particularly when the coronary bed is affected.

Effects of physical activity on endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs).

Physical activity has a therapeutic role in cardiovascular disease (CVD), through its beneficial effects on endothelial function and cardiovascular system. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are bone marrow (BM) derived cells that represent a novel therapeutic target in CVD patients, because of their ability to home to sites of ischemic injury and repair the damaged vessels. Several studies show that physical activity results in a significant increase in circulating EPCs, and, in particular, there are some evidence of the beneficial exercise-induced effects on EPCs activity in CVD settings, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart failure (HF), and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Trend in prevalence of uncontrolled total serum cholesterol for cardio-cerebro-vascular disease in a mediterranean area, 1988/89-2008/09.

Aim: To examine trends of uncontrolled total serum cholesterol, treatment and control in a Mediterranean region (Campania).

Methods: We considered and compared the data collected as part of "Montecorvino Rovella Project" 1988-1989 and cross-sectional data from the two phases of the "VIP Project-Valle dell'Irno Prevenzione": 1998-1999 (1(st) phase) and 2008-2009 (2(nd) phase), in the 35-74-year-old-population.

Results: Data show a reduction of mean cholesterolemia in the last twenty years of 7.

[Ten year cardio-cerebro-vascular mortality and morbidity in a Southern Italy cohort: the VIP Project data].

Rationale: In Italy the mortality data were obtained almost exclusively from the data RENCAM (Name Causes of Death Register), while there are few prospective surveys. In order to assess whether there are particular epidemiological conditions in the geographical area of Mercato S. Severino, in Southern Italy, we have studied, and reassessed at ten years (1998/99 - 2008/09), a cohort of adult general population in a project of cardiovascular epidemiology and prevention.

The safety of statins in children.

Unlabelled: Current American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines recommended that statins should be considered as a first-line agent in children as early as 8 years of age. The aim of our work is to assess the safety of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors in children with hypercholesterolaemia.

Conclusion: Controlled studies in children show that statin monotherapy is efficacious, well tolerated and safe in the short-time.

[Chronic kidney disease prevalence and trends (1998-2008) in an area of southern Italy. The data of the VIP project].

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disorder whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. In Italy the prevalence of CKD, especially the early stages, is still not exactly known. Our study examines the prevalence and trends in ten years (1200 subjects in 1998-1999 and 1200 subjects in 2008-2009) of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a population of southern Italy.

[Management of hypercholesterolemia in children: needs and concerns].

In childhood, cholesterol values are closely related to the genetic heritage of the young patient. Among familial hypercholesterolemia, it is essential to identify the monogenic and multigenic forms. In monogenic forms, heterozygotes respond poorly or partially to changes in diet and lifestyle, making pharmacological therapy necessary; in homozygote patients plasmapheresis is required, and liver transplantation is the only intervention that can impact permanently on the development of cardiovascular lesions in adulthood.