[Urinary NT-proBNP level: relationship with ventricular function parameters in heart failure].

Introduction And Objectives: The plasma N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is a sensitive marker of ventricular dysfunction. The diagnostic and prognostic value of urinary NT-proBNP measurement has been demonstrated. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between established parameters of ventricular function and the urinary NT-proBNP level.

[8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and lipid peroxidation in patients with heart failure].

Introduction And Objectives: Heart failure is associated with increased free radical production, which leads to a state of oxidative stress. Known markers of oxidative stress include 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, which reflects oxidative damage to DNA, and lipid peroxidation, which can be used to quantify damage to lipid-rich structures. The aims of this study were to compare 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and lipid peroxidation levels in heart failure patients and healthy subjects and to assess how these levels are influenced by heart failure etiology.

[Myocardial remodeling and immunologic activation in patients with heart failure].

Introduction And Objectives: Immune response-mediated regulation of myocardial collagen remains poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between ventricular remodeling and immunologic activation in patients with heart failure (HF) by comparing dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Methods: We studied 94 patients with HF and dilated cardiomyopathy (n=46) or ischemic cardiomyopathy (n=48).

Maximum longitudinal relaxation velocity of the left ventricle: its clinical value and relationship with NT-proBNP plasma levels in heart failure.

Background: M-mode recordings of the mitral annulus to measure the maximum ascending velocity during early diastole as an expression of maximum longitudinal relaxation velocity of the left ventricle (RVm) can be used as an index of left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of RVm with LV functional parameters in patients with heart failure, with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels, and with their functional classification.

Methods And Results: RVm was recorded in 97 patients by M-mode echocardiography.

Obese subjects with heart failure have lower N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels irrespective of aetiology.

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be useful in the diagnosis of heart failure and ventricular dysfunction. Obesity is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. The purpose of this study was to measure NT-proBNP plasma levels in obese and non-obese subjects with heart failure and to compare levels in subjects with ischaemic and dilated aetiology.

Left ventricular cavity area reflects N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide plasma levels in heart failure.

Aims: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is useful in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF). LV two-dimensional cavity area from end-diastole (LVEDA) and end-systole (LVESA), and LV fractional area change (LVFAC) reflect changes in LV morphology and function without using geometric assumptions. In a multicenter study, we correlated LVEDA, LVESA and LVFAC with NT-proBNP, comparing patients with dilated and ischemic cardiomyopathy.

[Plasma concentration of big endothelin-1 and its relation with plasma NT-proBNP and ventricular function in heart failure patients].

Introduction And Objectives: Elevated plasma concentrations of big endothelin-1 (big ET-1) are related with severity and prognosis in patients with heart failure, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker of ventricular remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma levels of big ET-1 and NT-proBNP, and between the former and ventricular function.

Patients And Method: We studied 103 patients with heart failure (75 men, mean age 63 [13] years).

[Use of sirolimus-eluting stents in complex lesions: clinical and angiographic follow-up].

Introduction And Objectives: The RAVEL and SIRIUS studies have demonstrated important reductions in clinical and angiographic restenosis in lesions treated with sirolimus-eluting stents. However, inclusion criteria in both studies excluded complex lesions. We studied immediate and long-term results with this stent in these complex lesions.