N-terminal Pro-B-type Natriuretic Peptide is Associated with Arterial Stiffness as Measured According to the Brachial-ankle Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients with Takayasu Arteritis.

Aim: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and the degree of arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in a variety of diseases. In addition, the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a marker of ventricular dysfunction, have been found to be higher in patients with TA than in healthy controls. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the plasma NT-proBNP levels and arterial stiffness in patients with TA.

The association of red blood cell distribution width with anemia and inflammation in patients with Takayasu arteritis.

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to be related to both anemia and inflammation in various diseases. However, the role of RDW in patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the association of RDW with anemia, inflammation, and disease activity in TA.

The role of cardiac pacing in carotid sinus syndrome: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: Cardiac pacing can be used to treat carotid sinus syndrome (CSS), but clinical studies have shown conflicting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of pacing for CSS.

Methods: A systematic search of publications in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library without language restriction was performed.