Platelet activation is less enhanced in the new balloon expandable Edwards Sapien 3 valve compared to its predecessor model (Edwards Sapien XT).

Stroke and thromboembolic events after transfemoral aortic valve replacement (TAVR) continue to be a problem. The aim of our study was to compare platelet aggregation (Agg) and platelet activation (PA) observed with two different catheter valves, the ESV-XT and the newer ESV-3 valve in patients (pts) undergoing TAVR on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). A total of 174 patients with severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk successfully underwent TAVR (60 ESV-XT; 114 ESV-3).

Fish-Free Diet in Patients with Phenylketonuria Is Not Associated with Early Atherosclerotic Changes and Enhanced Platelet Activation.

Background And Purpose: Since patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) have to follow a lifelong restriction of natural protein to lower phenylalanine-intake, they never eat fish. This diet may lead to a chronic deficit of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with the risk of early atherosclerotic changes. The aim of the study was to analyse the fatty acid profile of PKU patients and to correlate the results with surrogate markers of early atherosclerotic changes [enhanced carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and ß-stiffness index] and platelet activation.

Haemodialysis impairs clopidogrel but not aspirin responsiveness in patients with end-stage renal disease. Results of a pilot study.

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin (ASA) and clopidogrel (Clp) is the standard treatment to reduce ischaemic coronary events, but in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) the efficacy of Clp remains unclear. Patients with ESRD are at higher risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) and also their post-interventional outcome is worse compared to patients with normal renal function. Little is known about the influence of haemodialysis (HD) on ASA and Clp responsiveness.

Low responsiveness to clopidogrel increases risk among CKD patients undergoing coronary intervention.

Patients with CKD are at higher risk for major events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with subjects with normal renal function. The aims of this study were to evaluate responsiveness to clopidogrel in patients with CKD and to examine the effect of antiplatelet drug response on post-PCI outcome. We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive cohort of 1567 patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease undergoing PCI, 648 (41%) of whom had stage 3 to 5 CKD.

Impact of inflammatory markers on platelet inhibition and cardiovascular outcome including stent thrombosis in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease.

Background: There is cumulative evidence that the degree of inflammation correlates with prognosis after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Additionally, there is a cross-link between platelet activation and inflammatory pathways. The aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the association of inflammatory markers and effects of dual antiplatelet therapy on platelet function and outcome in patients undergoing PCI.

Massive haemoptysis in an intravenous drug user with infective tricuspid valve endocarditis.

Major causes of morbidity in intravenous drug users are infections. In infective endocarditis, the tricuspid valve is mainly involved. Masses can cause septic embolisms and, in rare cases, they are associated with mycotic aneurysms of pulmonary arteries that lead to severe haemorrhage.

Stress echocardiography for risk stratification of asymptomatic patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess stressechocardiography (SE) for risk stratification of asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients (DM2) without known coronary artery disease CAD.

Methods: A total of 211 consecutive, asymptomatic DM2 patients underwent exercise (n=177) or dobutamine (n=34) SE and were followed up for 11+/-2 months. Primary endpoint was a major cardiac or vascular event (MACCE; all-cause-death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization procedures, cerebrovascular event, acute limb-ischemia).

Hyperresponsiveness of platelets in ischemic stroke.

Platelet activation and aggregation are critical in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. The aim of our study was to characterize platelet function in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and to evaluate the effect of platelet activation on clinical outcome. One hundred thirty-eight consecutive patients with TIA (n = 74) or stroke (n = 64) were enrolled in this study.

Course of platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte interaction in cerebrovascular ischemia.

Background And Purpose: Platelet activation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of platelet activation and leukocyte-platelet interactions to the disease.

Methods: One hundred thirty-five patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke were enrolled in this single-center study.

Platelet degranulation is associated with progression of intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2.

Background: Platelets play a key role in atherogenesis and thromboembolic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods And Results: We prospectively examined the relationship between systemic platelet activation and progression of carotid wall thickness within 1 year in 105 patients with type 2 diabetes. The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery was measured bilaterally at study entry and after 1 year.