Effect of Astragalus Injection on Plasma Levels of Apoptosis-related Factors in Aged Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Objective： To investigate the effect of Astragalus injection （AI） on plasma levels of apoptosis-related factors in aged patients with chronic heart failure （CHF）. Methods： Seventy-two CHF patients were randomly divided into the AI group （36 cases） treated with AI and the control group （36 cases） treated with conventional treatment. Plasma levels of soluble Fas （sFas）, soluble Fas ligand （sFasL）, tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α） and interleukin-6 （IL-6） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays （ELISA） with monoclonal anti-human antibodies. Besides, New York Heart Association （NYHA） grading was assessed according to improved symptoms and left ventricular end-diastolic volume （LVEDV）, left ventricular end-systolic volume （LVESV） and left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） were assessed by echocardiogram after 4 weeks of treatment. Results： After 4 weeks of treatment, NYHA grading was markedly improved in the two groups, but it was significantly better in AI group than that in the control group （P〈0. 05）. As compared with the control group, sFas, sFasL,TNF-α and IL-6 in the AI group were obviously lower, the difference between the two groups and between before and after treatment were significant （ P〈0. 05 or P〈0. 01 ）. Moreover, in AI group, LVESV and LVEDV decreased, LVEF increased, which was significantly different than that before treatment （P〈0. 05）, respectively. Conclusion： Al could lower plasma levels of apoptosis- related factors, and is one of the effective drugs in improving cardiac function in the aged patients with CHF.

CLINICAL RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE LEFT VENTRICULAR CONTRACTION FUNCTION IN SYMPTOMLESS CARDIAC FAILURE PATIENTS

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture therapy on the function of myocardial contraction in symptomless cardiac failure patients.Methods: A total of 60 cases of symptomless cardiac insufficiency inpatients were randomly divided into medication and acupuncture groups, with 30 cases in each group. For patients of acupuncture group, Neiguan (PC 6), Ximen (PC 4), Tanzhong (CV 17), Xinshu (BL 15), Jueyinshu (BL 14) and Geshu (BL 17) were punctured, twice daily, with 30 days being a therapeutic course. In medication group, patients were asked to take Capoten 25 mg (t.i.d.). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and its fractional shortening (FS) of the minor axis were used as the indexes for assessing the therapeutic effect and detected by using a color ultrasonic Doppler apparatus. Results: After one course of treatment, of the each 30 cases of acupuncture and medication groups, 13 (43.3%) and 16 (53.3%) had marked improvement, 16 (53.3%) and 14 (46.7%) had improvement, and 1 (3.3%) and 0 had no any effect respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in the therapeutic effect. It shows acupuncture therapy can improve myocardial contraction function. Conclusion: Acupuncture has a similar effect in enhancing the systolic function of the myocardium.

Outcomes of cardiac surgery in senior aged patients with ventricular dysfunction:analysis of a large national database

OBJECTIVE In patients undergoing cardiac surgery,reduced preoperative ejection fraction(EF)and senior age are associated with a worse outcome.As most outcome data available for these patients are mainly from Western surgical populations involving specific surgery types,our aim is to evaluate the real-world characteristics and perioperative outcomes of surgery in senior-aged heart failure patients with reduced EF across a broad range cardiac surgeries.METHODS Data were obtained from the China Heart Failure Surgery Registry(China-HFSR)database,a nationwide multicenter registry study in China's Mainland.Multiple variable regression analysis was performed in patients over 75 years old to identify risk factors associated with mortality.RESULTS From 2012 to 2017,578 senior-aged(>75 years)patients were enrolled in China HFSR,21.1%of whom were female.Isolated coronary bypass grafting(CABG)were performed in 71.6%of patients,10.1%of patients underwent isolated valve surgery and 8.7%received CABG combined with valve surgery.In-hospital mortality was 10.6%,and the major complication rate was 17.3%.Multivariate analysis identified diabetes mellitus(odds ratio(OR)=1.985),increased creatinine(OR=1.007),New York Heart Association(NYHA)Class III(OR=1.408),NYHA class IV(OR=1.955),cardiogenic shock(OR,6.271),and preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump insertion(OR=3.426)as independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.CONCLUSIONS In senior-aged patients,preoperative evaluation should be carefully performed,and strict management of reversible factors needs more attention.Senior-aged patients commonly have a more severe disease status combined with more frequent comorbidities,which may lead to a high risk in mortality.

Study on the effect and mechanism of the dysfunction of CD4^+ T cells in the disease process of chronic cardiac failure

Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of the dysfunction of CD4+ T cells in the disease process of chronic cardiac failure (CHF).Methods:According to different group technologies, 100 CHF patients were divided into the following groups: ischemia group and non-ischemia group, heart function Ⅰ-Ⅱ group and heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ group, event group and non-event group, and 50 healthy volunteers were included in the control group. Realtime PCR was used to detect transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 of Th1 and Th2; flow cytometry was applied to determine the ratio of Th17 and Treg cells; ELISA was employed to test cytokines IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and IL-10 of peripheral blood Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells, respectively; ultrasonic cardiogram was used to exploit to LVEF and LVEDd; and electrochemilu minescene immunoassay was used to examine plasma BNP. The differences of all indexes of all groups were analyzed and the correlation between CD4 T cells and clinical indexes was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results: As compared to the control group, the transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 of Th1 and Th2, the ratio of cytokines Th17 and IFN-γ, cytokines IL-17, T-bet/GATA-3, IFN-γ/IL-4, Th17 cells/Treg cells, IL-17/IL-10 of the ischemia group and non-ischemia group, heart functionⅠ-Ⅱgroup and heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ group, event group and non-event group were all increased significantly, while their transcription factor GATA-3 of Th2, cytokines IL4, Treg cells ratio, cytokines IL10 were decreased obviously. The differences showed statistical significance (P < 0.05). The increase or decrease of the partial CD4+ T cells of the ischemia group, heart function Ⅲ-Ⅳ group and event group was more distinctly. The results of Pearson correlation analysis showed that IFN-γ and IL-17 were significantly positively correlated with LVEDd and BNP, IL-4 and IL-10 were also significantly positively correlated with LVEF, but correlated negatively with BNP, and IL-17 was negatively correlative with LVEF. Conclusions: There was a correlation between CHF and the dysfunction of CD4+ T cells showing immune activation phenomenons of deviations from the Th1/Th2 balance towards Th1 and from the Th17/Treg balance towards Th17, which was also related to the types, severity and prognosis of the disease.

VAD implantation in cardiac failure patients with prosthetic valves

Objective An increasing number of patients requiring ventricular assist devices (VAD) have had previous valvular corrections,including valve repair,and valve replacement with mechanical or bioprosthetic valves. The operative and peri-operative management of these patients are various. Methods A retrospective study of VADs between Jan 1994 and June 2008 revealed 10 patients

A hospital based study on causes peculiar of congestive cardiac failure(CCF)

Objective:To determine the frequency of risk factors of congestive cardiac failure in a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar.Methods:This retrospective observational study was conducted in department of Cardiology,Postgraduate Medical Institute,Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar,from March 2005 to September 2007.Relevant information regarding the risk factors of congestive cardiac failure were recorded on questionnaire prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study.Results:1 019 patients with established diagnosis of cardiac failure (based on clinical findings and relevant investigations) were included.Out of total sampling 583 (57.12%) were males and 436(42.78%) were females.The age range of the patients was from 6 years to 82 years with mean age of 48.5 years and mode of age was 45 years.The distribution of causative factors of CCF was:ischemic heart disease(IHD) 36.31%,hypertension 26.30%,dilated cardiomyopathy 10.10%,obstructve and restrictive cardiomyopathies 5.39%,valvular heart diseases(VHD) 9.32%,congenital heart disease like ventricular septal defects(VSD) 4.41%,atrial septal defects(ASD) 0.58%,atrial fibrillation (AF) 2.25%,constrictive pericardidtis 1.07%.Pericardial effusion 0.68%,chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary hypertension 1.47%,thyrotoxicosis 0.68%,complete heart block 0.29%and paget disease in 0.09%cases.Conclusion:Ischemic heart disease,hypertension,cardiomypathies,valvular heart disease and congenital heart disease are major contributor to CCF in our patients.

May-Thurner syndrome: High output cardiac failure as a result of iatrogenic iliac fistula

May-Thurner syndrome(MTS) also termed iliocaval compression or Cockett-Thomas syndrome is a common, although rarely diagnosed, condition in which the patient has an anatomical variant wherein theright common iliac artery overlies and compresses the left common iliac vein against the fifth lumbar spine resulting in increased risk of iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis. This variant has been shown to be present in over 23% of the population but most go undetected. We present a patient with MTS who developed high output cardiac failure due to an iatrogenic iliac fistula. The patient underwent an extensive workup for a left to right shunt including MRI and arterial duplex in the vascular lab. He was ultimately found to have a 2.1 cm left common iliac artery aneurysm and history of common iliac stent. We took the patient to the operating room for aortogram with placement of an endovascular plug of the left internal iliac artery and aorto-biiliac stent graft placement with CO2 and Ⅳ contrast. Subsequently the patient underwent successful stent placement in the area that was compressed followed by 6 mo of anticoagulation with warfarin. The flow from the fistula decreased significantly.

Beta Blockers Use in Cardiac Failure: Does the Current Prescribing Practice at a Large Urban Hospital in Zimbabwe Exhibit Evidence Based Care and Offer Optimal Therapy for Cardiac Failure Patients?

Background: Cardiac failure treatment largely focused on symptomatic relief at the expense of the address of the underlying disease process of cardiac remodelling. This old wisdom of practice has been turned around by clinical research findings that have shown that there are agents that reverse cardiac remodelling and offer long-term benefits to cardiac failure patients. This has led to the recommendation of evidence-based practice in chronic heart failure management using reverse modelling agents such as beta blockers. Objectives: To ascertain the prescribing patterns of beta blockers in cardiac failure patients by doctors in a public hospital setting and determine the prevalence of cardiac failure hospitalisation and the age groups involved. Study design: A retrospective medical records review observational study. Methodology: A sample size of 385 cardiac failure cases was used. Data on cardiac failure patients who were once hospitalised at the hospital of study were abstracted from the patients’ medical records files using data collection forms. Results: There were 36 (9.4%) patients who were prescribed beta blockers, 7 patients had their beta blocker substituted for another. Atenolol was prescribed to 30 (7.8%) patients, propranolol to 7 (1.8%) and carvedilol to 6 (1.6%) patients. Metoprolol and bisoprolol were not prescribed at all. There were more females (57.9%) than males (42.1%) and the mean age was 41.9 (standard deviation 24.0) years. The prevalence of cardiac failure hospitalisation was 1.54%. Conclusion: The rate of beta blocker prescribing was low. There is need for emphasis on evidence-based treatment options in the management of cardiac failure in Zimbabwe.

Therapeutic effect of interventional therapy for unprotected left main coronary artery lesions in aged patients

Objective To assesse the therapeutic effect of interventional therapy in aged patients with unprotected left main coronary artery （UPLM） lesions. Methods A total of 61 patients who were over 60 years and accepted interventional therapy of UPLM from January 2012 to November 2013 in our hospital were followed up for average 14.6 months by telephone call or outpatient visits. We analyzed the clinical features data of the interventional therapy and assessed the factors that likely influenced the clinical prognosis. Results The average age of the 61 patients was 73.9 years. The average left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） was 47.7%. The median of the estimated glomerular filtration rate （eGFR） was 52 mL/min per 1.73 mmz. The average SYNTAX score was 27.4 and the median of stent length was 36 mm. The cumulative incidence of cardiac death at 30 days and major adverse cardiac events （MACE） after one year was 6.6% and 32.5% estimated by Kaplan-Meier plots respectively. No severe hemorrhagic complications were observed during follow-up period. On multivariate regression analysis with a COX proportional hazards model, LVEF was an independent predictor of cardiac death at 30 days [Hazard ratio （HR）： 0.7, P = 0.01]. As for MACE after one year, LVEF and eGFR were both independent predictors （HR： 0.91, P = 0.06 for LVEF, HR： 0.03, P = 0.097 for eGFR）. Conclusions The interventional therapy for UPLM was effective and safe in aged patients. LVEF was the only predictor of cardiac death at 30 days, while LVEF and eGFR were both independent predictors of MACE after one year.

Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Physical Capacity of Heart Failure Patients in Senegal

Background: Heart failure is a chronic and severe condition that often results from various heart diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is currently a crucial component in managing this condition. The aim was to assess the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on physical capacity of heart failure patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted from February 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023. We included all patients with heart failure who underwent cardiac rehabilitation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 24.0, with a significance level set at p Results: The study included 87 heart failure patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.8. Mean age was 57.10 years (±11.75). Coronary artery disease was the primary cause of heart failure, accounting for 75.9% of cases. Atrial fibrillation was present in 4.7% of cases. Following cardiac rehabilitation, Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction increased from 40.15% to 49.48% (p = 0.001). Resting heart rate decreased significantly from 81.4 bpm to 68.3 bpm (p = 0.000), and the number of METS increased from 4.3 to 6.57 (+56.8%;p = 0.000). The mean distance covered in the 6-minute walk test significantly increased from 337.8 meters to 522.7 meters (p = 0.000), reflecting a gain of 183.5 meters. Moreover, the increase in the number of METS was more pronounced in females (p = 0.001), non-obese individuals (p = 0.000), non-diabetics (p = 0.001), non-sedentary individuals (p = 0.000), and non-smokers (p = 0.000). The study reported a low readmissions rate of 2.2% and a mortality rate of 1.1%. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for black African heart failure patients, resulting in significant improvements in symptoms, physical and capacity.

Latest updates on structure and recommendations of cardiac rehabilitation programs in chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure(HF)is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mor-tality worldwide.Cardiac rehabilitation(CR)is a medically supervised program designed to maintain or improve cardiovascular health of people living with HF,recommended by both American and European guidelines.A CR program con-sists of a multispecialty group including physicians,nurses,physiotherapists,trainers,nutritionists,and psychologists with the common purpose of improving functional capacity and quality of life of chronic HF patients.Physical activity,lifestyle,and psychological support are core components of a successful CR program.CR has been shown to be beneficial in all ejection fraction categories in HF and most patients,who are stable under medication,are capable of participating.An individualized exercise prescription should be developed on the basis of a baseline evaluation in all patients.The main modalities of exercise training are aerobic exercise and muscle strength training of different intensity and frequency.It is important to set the appropriate clinical outcomes from the beginning,in order to assess the effectiveness of a CR program.There are still significant limitations that prevent patients from participating in these programs and need to be solved.A significant limitation is the generally low quality of research in CR and the presence of negative trials,such as the rehabilitation after myocardial infarction trial,where comprehensive rehabilitation following myocardial infraction had no important effect on mortality,morbidity,risk factors,or health-related quality of life or activity.In the present editorial,we present all the updated knowledge and recommendations in CR programs.

Effect of Luhong formula on the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND Current treatments for chronic heart failure(CHF)are therapeutically ineffective.The optimization of treatments for this disease needs to be explored and analyzed.AIM To analyze the effect of using Luhong Formula in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with CHF and its influence on cardiopulmonary function(CPF)and prognosis.METHODS In total,160 patients with CHF admitted between June 2022 and June 2023 were selected,including 75 receiving perindopril(control group)and 85 receiving Luhong Formula(research group).We conducted comparative analyses on the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes and cardiac function,CPF[oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold(VO2 AT)and at peak exercise(peak VO2)],echocardiographic indexes[left atrial volume index(LAVI),left ventricular muscle mass index(LVMI),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)],and prognosis[major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)at 6 months follow-up].RESULTS The research group showed markedly higher curative effects of TCM syndromes and cardiac function than the control group.In addition,post-treatment VO2 AT,peak VO2,LVMI and LVEF in the research group were significantly higher,whereas LAVI was significantly lower,than those of the control group.Furthermore,fewer patients in the research group developed MACEs at the 6-month follow-up.CONCLUSION Luhong Formula is more therapeutically effective than perindopril for the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with CHF,specifically in enhancing CPF and prognosis.

Dapagliflozin in heart failure and type 2 diabetes:Efficacy,cardiac and renal effects,safety

BACKGROUND Heart failure(HF),especially HF with reduced ejection fraction(HFrEF),presents complex challenges,particularly in the aging population where it often coexists with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).AIM To analyze the effect of dapagliflozin treatment on cardiac,renal function,and safety in patients with HFrEF combined with T2DM.METHODS Patients with T2DM complicated with HFrEF who underwent treatment in our hospital from February 2018 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed as the subjects of this study.The propensity score matching method was used,and a total of 102 eligible samples were scaled.The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated at the end of the treatment,comparing the results of blood glucose,insulin,cardiac function,markers of myocardial injury,renal function indexes,and 6-min walk test(6MWT)before and after the treatment.We compared the occurrence of adverse effects on the treatment process of the two groups of patients.The incidence of adverse outcomes in patients within six months of treatment was counted.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy rate of patients in the study group was significantly higher than that of patients in the control group(P=0.013).After treatment,the pancreatic beta-cell function index,left ventricular ejection fraction,and glomerular filtration rate of patients in the study group were significantly higher than control group(P<0.001),while their fasting plasma glucose,2-h postprandial glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,insulin resistance index,left ventricular end-systolic diameter,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter,cardiac troponin I,creatine kinase-MB,N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide,serum creatinine,and blood urea nitrogen were significantly lower than those of the control group.After treatment,patients in the study group had a significantly higher 6MWT than those in the control group(P<0.001).Hypoglycemic reaction(P=0.647),urinary tract infection(P=0.558),gastrointestinal adverse effect(P=0.307),respiratory disturbance(P=0.558),and angioedema(P=0.647)were not statistically different.There was no significant difference between the incidence of adverse outcomes between the two groups(P=0.250).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin significantly enhances clinical efficacy,cardiac and renal function,and ambulatory capacity in patients with HFrEF and T2DM without an increased risk of adverse effects or outcomes.

How do resident stem cells repair the damaged myocardium?

It has been a decade since the monumental discovery of resident stem cells in the mammalian heart, and the following studies witnessed the continuous turnover of cardiomyocytes and vascular cells, maintaining the homeostasis of the organ. Recently, the autologous administration of c-kit-positive cardiac stem cells in patients with ischemic heart failure has led to an incredible outcome; the left ventricular ejection fraction of the celltreated group improved from 30% at the baseline to 38% after one year and to 42% after two years of cell injection. The potential underlying mechanisms, before and after cell infusion, are explored and discussed in this article. Some of them are related to the intrinsic property of the resident stem cells, such as direct differentiation, paracrine action, and immunomodulatory function, whereas others involve environmental factors, leading to cellular reverse remodeling and to the natural selection of "juvenile" cells. It has now been demonstrated that cardiac stem cells for therapeutic purposes can be prepared from tiny biopsied specimens of the failing heart as well as from frozen tissues, which may remarkably expand the repertoire of the strategy against various cardiovascular disorders, including non-ischemic cardiomyopathy and congenital heart diseases. Further translational investigations are needed to explore these possibilities.

Association of cardiac disease with the risk of post-lung transplantation mortality in Chinese recipients aged over 65 years

The current organ allocation rules prioritize elderly and urgent patients on the lung transplantation(LT)waiting list.A steady increase in the threshold at which age is taken into consideration for LT has been observed.This retrospective cohort study recruited 166 lung transplant recipients aged≥65 years between January 2016 and October 2020 in the largest LT center in China.In the cohort,subgroups of patients aged 65–70 years(111 recipients,group 65–70)and≥70 years(55 recipients,group≥70)were included.Group D restrictive lung disease was the main indication of a lung transplant in recipients over 65 years.A significantly higher percentage of coronary artery stenosis was observed in the group≥70(30.9%vs.14.4%in group 65–70,P=0.014).ECMO bridging to LT was performed in 5.4%(group 65–70)and 7.3%(group≥70)of patients.Kaplan–Meier estimates showed that recipients with cardiac abnormalities had a significantly increased risk of mortality.After adjusting for potential confounders,cardiac abnormality was shown to be independently associated with the increased risk of post-LT mortality(HR 6.37,P=0.0060).Our result showed that LT can be performed in candidates with an advanced age and can provide life-extending benefits.

Lyophilized recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide for chronic heart failure:Effects on cardiac function and inflammation

BACKGROUND Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a serious and prevalent condition characterized by impaired cardiac function and inflammation.Standard therapy for CHF has limitations,prompting the exploration of alternative treatments.Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide(BNP)has emerged as a potential therapy,with evidence suggesting that it can improve cardiac function and reduce inflammation in patients with CHF.However,further research is required to determine the efficacy and safety of lyophilized recombinant human BNP in CHF patients and its impact on microinflammatory status.This study aimed to investigate the effects of lyophilized recombinant human BNP therapy on CHF patients’cardiac function and microinflammatory status.AIM To investigate the effects of freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy on cardiac function and microinflammatory status in patients with CHF.METHODS In total,102 CHF patients admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were randomly assigned to control and observation groups(n=51 patients/group).The control patients were treated with standard HF therapy for 3 d,whereas the observational patients were injected with the recombinant human BNP for 3 d.Clinical efficacy,inflammatory factor levels,myocardial damage,cardiac function before and after the treatment,and adverse reactions during treatment were compared between the two groups.RESULTS The overall clinical efficacy was higher in the observation group than in the control group.Compared with baseline,serum hypersensitive C-reactive protein,N-terminal proBNP,and troponin I level,and physical,emotional,social,and economic scores were lower in both groups after treatment,with greater reductions in levels and scores noted in the observation group than in the control group.The overall incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was not significantly different compared with that in the control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Freeze-dried recombinant human BNP therapy can improve heart function and enhance microinflammatory status,thereby improving overall quality of life without any obvious side effects.This therapy is safe and reliable.

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa Environment: Experience of the Principal Hospital of Dakar (Senegal)

Background: Heart failure is a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. In patients with chronic Heart Failure and cardiac desynchrony, studies have suggested that cardiac resynchronization, can improve cardiac function and the quality of life of patients. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, very few studies have been done on cardiac resynchronization which is in its infancy. The aim of this study is to report the local data from our hospital. Method: It was a transversal, descriptive and analytical study conducted from November 2019 to September 2022 at the Cardiology Department of the Principal Hospital of Dakar. Results: Twelve patients were implanted for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT). The sex ratio was 8 males/4 females. The average age was 67 ± 11 years. Ten patients had non-ischemic heart disease and the two others had ischemic one. All of them had NYHA III or IV scores before CRT. The Quality of Life (QOL) was judged as poor by all of the patients. The average duration of QRS was 156 ± 9 ms. 27.9% ± 5% was the mean Left Ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Complications occur in 3/12 patients (25%). It was one CS vein dissection, one micro LV lead dislodgement and one phrenic nerve stimulation. Nine patients, who were considered as responders, had an improvement of QOL and NYHA, the LVEF increased and the end-diastolic dimension, and the duration of the QRS interval all decreased. Two patients do not respond and one (1) who had permanent atrial fibrillation, was a secondary responder after an atrioventricular junction ablation. Conclusion: Cardiac resynchronization is a therapy that improves the QOL of patients, the LVEF and reduces the duration of the QRS interval. However, this procedure is not without risk of complications. In sub-Saharan Africa, the major challenge is to improve the financial accessibility of this therapy for the population.

The Impact of a Prior Norwood Procedure on Cardiac Transplantation in Failed Fontan Physiology

Objective:The objective of this study was to compare cardiac transplant operative and postoperative courses of patients with failed Fontan physiology who were initially palliated with a Norwood(FFN)to those without a prior Norwood(FF).Methods:A single-institution retrospective review of all patients with Fontan failure who under-went cardiac transplantation from 2003–2021 was completed-22 underwent prior Norwood(FFN)and 11 did not(FF).Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated for operative course and patient outcomes.Results:The operative course of the FFN cohort appeared to be more complex(not statistically significant,but clinically relevant)-this group exclusively experienced sternal re-entry events(3 of 22 patients)and concomitant neo-aor-tic reconstruction(6 patients),had a longer duration of surgery(median of 682 min vs.575.5 min),more time on circulatory arrest(median of 25.5 min vs.12.5 min),and more frequent use of open sternal management[50%of patients(11/22)vs.27.3%of patients(3/11)].Postoperatively,these patients underwent more mediastinal explora-tions[other than sternal closure;40.9%of patients(9/22)vs.18.2%of patients(2/11)],spent more time on mechanical ventilation(median of 5 days vs.2 days),had a longer length of stay(median of 30 days vs.19 days),and required more catheter-based re-interventions[22.7%of patients(5/22)vs.9.1%of patients(1/11)].Conclu-sion:Although underpowered,our results suggest that the operative course of FFN patients is more challenging,based mostly on neo-aortic arch issues.In turn,this likely leads to a more complex postoperative course.We are currently collaborating with other institutions to increase the cohort size and power of the study.

Extensive Bi-Atrial Remodeling on Hypertensive Patient with Permanent Atrial Fibrillation Delayed Diagnosis of Fatal Cardiac Lambda Amyloidosis

Background: Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by the deposition of fibrillar proteins in tissues. The nature of the protein defines the type of amyloidosis. Cardiac involvement is most often secondary to deposits of transthyretin and immunoglobulin light chains. Treatment depends on the type of amyloidosis. Cardiac light chain amyloidosis is a medical emergency. Aim: To highlight the importance of an early diagnosis of cardiac light chain amyloidosis. Case Presentation: We report the case of an 88-year-old hypertensive female patient with sustained atrial fibrillation and recurrent heart failure, in whom echocardiography showed concentric left ventricle hypertrophy with mildly reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) to 45%. Bone scintigraphy was normal. Serum analysis showed increased lambda free light chains. Accessory salivary gland biopsy revealed weak Kappa light chain staining and clear overexpression of lambda light chain deposits. The diagnosis of stage 3B cardiac amyloidosis secondary to lambda light chain myeloma was made. After a multidisciplinary meeting, it was decided to start treatment with DARATUMUMAB + LENALIDOMIDE. Patient’s general condition deteriorated with the occurrence of febrile pancytopenia. Chemotherapy was stopped and management was limited to comfort care until the patient’s death. Conclusion: Cardiac light-chain amyloidosis must be diagnosed early as it can be rapidly fatal.

Efficacy and safety of Yangxinshi tablet for chronic heart failure:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The specific benefits of Yangxinshi tablet(YXST)in the treating chronic heart failure(CHF)remain uncertain.AIM To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of YXST in the treatment of CHF.METHODS Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)investigating YXST for CHF treatment were retrieved from eight public databases up to November 2023.Meta-analyses of the included clinical studies were conducted using Review Manager 5.3.RESULTS Twenty RCTs and 1845 patients were included.The meta-analysis results showed that the YXST combination group,compared to the conventional drug group,significantly increased the clinical efficacy rate by 23%[relative risk(RR)=1.23,95%CI:1.17-1.29],(P<0.00001),left ventricular ejection fraction by 6.69%[mean difference(MD)=6.69,95%CI:4.42-8.95,P<0.00001]and 6-min walk test by 49.82 m(MD=49.82,95%C:38.84-60.80,P<0.00001),and reduced N-terminal pro-Btype natriuretic peptide by 1.03 ng/L[standardized MD(SMD)=-1.03,95%CI:-1.32 to-0.74,P<0.00001],brain natriuretic peptide by 80.95 ng/L(MD=-80.95,95%CI:-143.31 to-18.59,P=0.01),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter by 3.92 mm(MD=-3.92,95%CI:-5.06 to-2.78,P<0.00001),and left ventricular endsystolic diameter by 4.34 mm(MD=-4.34,95%CI:-6.22 to-2.47,P<0.00001).Regarding safety,neither group reported any serious adverse events during treatment(RR=0.54,95%CI:0.15-1.90,P=0.33).In addition,Egger's test results indicated no significant publication bias(P=0.557).CONCLUSION YXST effectively improves clinical symptoms and cardiac function in patients with CHF while maintaining a favorable safety profile,suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for CHF.