Incremental value of global longitudinal strain in prediction of all-cause mortality in predialysis and dialysis chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the prediction of all-cause mortality from global longitudinal strain (GLS) in two groups of chronic kidney disease patients (CKD): predialysis and dialysis.

Methods: In 89 patients undergoing echocardiography, 37.2 % predialysis (16/43) and 58.

Diagnostic accuracy of global myocardial deformation indexes in coronary artery disease: a velocity vector imaging study.

The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a global longitudinal strain and strain rate (GLS, GLSR) and mean radial strain and strain rate (MRS, MRSR) of the left ventricle to predict multivessel disease. In 113 patients, who underwent coronary angiography, left ventricular deformation was analysed by speckle-tracking based velocity vector imaging. In three standard apical views strain and strain rate curves were generated corresponding with two opposite basal, mid, and apical segments.

Obesity paradox and chronic kidney disease.

Introduction And Objectives: In general population, obesity is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes. However, the studies carried out in the past years have offered a new insight into obesity when associated with chronic disease states such as chronic heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, etc. Studies of patients with these chronic diseases suggest that the outcomes of overweight and obese patients may be paradoxically better than in lean patients.

[Sulodexid and nephrotic syndrome in patients with diabetic nephropathy].

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most serious, life limited complication of both types of diabetes mellitus. Therefore the early identification and intensive treatment of DN is very important. DN involves the thickening of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and the depletion of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the GBM with resultant diminution in the physiological electrostatic charge barrier.

Velocity vector imaging to quantify left atrial function.

The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility of a new image analysis, velocity vector imaging (VVI), in the assessment of left atrial volumes (LAV) and left atrial ejection fraction (LAEF). We retrospectively analysed 100 transthoracic echocardiographic findings in 71 men, and 29 women (mean age 57 +/- 19.8 years).