Evaluation of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C as biomarkers of acute kidney injury after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Two biomarkers of early acute kidney injury-plasmatic neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C-are not used in routine clinical practice in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because of a lack of supporting data.

Aims: To evaluate the predictive value of NGAL and cystatin C regarding the incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) and clinical outcomes after STEMI in patients treated by primary PCI.

Methods: Plasmatic NGAL and cystatin C were measured on admission, before any contrast exposure, in 701 unselected patients with STEMI.

Vasospastic angina: A literature review of current evidence.

Vasospastic angina (VSA) is a variant form of angina pectoris, in which angina occurs at rest, with transient electrocardiogram modifications and preserved exercise capacity. VSA can be involved in many clinical scenarios, such as stable angina, sudden cardiac death, acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia or syncope. Coronary vasospasm is a heterogeneous phenomenon that can occur in patients with or without coronary atherosclerosis, can be focal or diffuse, and can affect epicardial or microvasculature coronary arteries.

Simplifying the assessment of coronary artery stenosis by enhancing instantaneous wave free ratio.

Background: Instantaneous wave free ratio (iFR) does not require adenosine, but has a relatively wide intermediate range where functional assessment remains inconclusive. In this pilot study, we sought to enhance iFR through with the use of intracoronary (IC) saline (iFRs) and contrast media (iFRc) and determine whether these techniques correlated well with fractional flow reserve (FFR).

Methods: Patients with coronary artery stenosis (CAS) associated with an iFR in the intermediate zone (≥0.

Weather and risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction revisited: Impact on young women.

Background: During the last decade, the incidence and mortality rates of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been steadily increasing in young women but not in men. Environmental variables that contribute to cardiovascular events in women remain ill-defined.

Methods And Results: A total of 2199 consecutive patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, 25.

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury and mortality in ST elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objectives: Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a common and potentially severe complication in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). There is no consensus on the best definition of CI-AKI to identify patients at risk of haemodialysis or death. The objective of this study was to assess the association of CI-AKI, using four definitions, on inhospital mortality, mortality or haemodialysis requirement over 1-year follow-up, in patients with STEMI treated with pPCI.

The Multi-center Evaluation of the Accuracy of the Contrast MEdium INduced Pd/Pa RaTiO in Predicting FFR (MEMENTO-FFR) Study.

Aims: Adenosine administration is needed for the achievement of maximal hyperaemia fractional flow reserve (FFR) assessment. The objective was to test the accuracy of Pd/Pa ratio registered during submaximal hyperaemia induced by non-ionic contrast medium (contrast FFR [cFFR]) in predicting FFR and comparing it to the performance of resting Pd/Pa in a collaborative registry of 926 patients enrolled in 10 hospitals from four European countries (Italy, Spain, France and Portugal).

Methods And Results: Resting Pd/Pa, cFFR and FFR were measured in 1,026 coronary stenoses functionally evaluated using commercially available pressure wires.

High platelet reactivity on aspirin in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Background: Despite dual antiplatelet treatment, major ischemic events are common following ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to assess high platelet reactivity on aspirin (HPR-aspirin) and its association with P2Y12i (HPR-P2Y12i) during the acute phase of STEMI.

Methods: We included all consecutive patients admitted for STEMI treated by primary angioplasty in our center for 1year.

Myocardial Fractional Flow Reserve Measurement Using Contrast Media as a First-Line Assessment of Coronary Lesions in Current Practice.

Background: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement requires adenosine injection. However, adenosine can induce conductive and rhythmic complications, or be contraindicated in some patients. Contrast-induced hyperemia could provide a simple first-line method (contrast-enhanced FFR; cFFR) to assess coronary lesions.

Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: From Pathophysiology to Preventive Strategies.

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a frequent cause of acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients. CIN is most commonly defined as either an absolute (≥ 0.5 mg/dL; ≥ 44 μmol/L) or relative (≥ 25%) increase in serum creatinine levels at 48-72 hours after exposure to iodinated contrast media (CM).

Novel anti-inflammatory therapies for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

The underlying role of inflammation in atherosclerosis has been characterized. However, current treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD) predominantly consists of targeted reductions in serum lipoprotein levels rather than combating the deleterious effects of acute and chronic inflammation. Vascular inflammation acts by a number of different molecular and cellular pathways to contribute to atherogenesis.

Pentoxifylline in heart failure: a meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Background: Pentoxifylline possess antiinflammatory and rheological properties and has been tested in heart failure (HF).

Methods: A comprehensive search was performed from 1980 until July 2013 in PubMed, to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating pentoxifylline versus placebo in HF, to determine impact on mortality. Search strategy is as follows: "Pentoxifylline" AND "heart" AND "trial".