New advances of adiponectin in regulating obesity and related metabolic syndromes

Obesity and related metabolic syndromes have been recognized as important disease risks,in which the role of adipokines cannot be ignored.Adiponectin(ADP)is one of the key adipokines with various beneficial effects,including improving glucose and lipid metabolism,enhancing insulin sensitivity,reducing oxidative stress and inflammation,promoting ceramides degradation,and stimulating adipose tissue vascularity.Based on those,it can serve as a positive regulator in many metabolic syndromes,such as type 2 diabetes(T2D),cardiovascular diseases,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),sarcopenia,neurodegenerative diseases,and certain cancers.Therefore,a promising therapeutic approach for treating various metabolic diseases may involve elevating ADP levels or activating ADP receptors.The modulation of ADP genes,multimerization,and secretion covers the main processes of ADP generation,providing a comprehensive orientation for the development of more appropriate therapeutic strategies.In order to have a deeper understanding of ADP,this paper will provide an all-encompassing review of ADP.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndromes at the Mother-Child University Hospital Luxembourg in Bamako

Introduction: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Objective: Studying the feasibility, difficulties and results of coronary angioplasty in acute coronary syndromes at the Luxembourg Mother-Child University Hospital in Bamako. Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study with prospective recruitment over 18 months from September 2020 to February 2022. All patients aged at least 18 years old admitted for SCA and having undergone PCI during the study period were included. Result: We collected 249 patients for SCA, of whom 160 underwent angioplasty, either an angioplasty/SCA ratio of 0.64. The average age of the patients was 59.54 ± 11.62 with extremes of 32 and 92 years. The age group of 45 to 65 years was the most representative. The predominance was male, sex ratio of 2.4. The main cardiovascular risk factors were high blood pressure (58.23%) and diabetes (45.78%). Persistent ST-segment elevation on the electrocardiogram was present in 71.48%. The treatment time was more than 12 hours after the first medical contact in 95.5%. The approach was radial in 96.5% of cases. Coronarography was pathological in 91.16% of our patients. The lesions were tri-truncular in 34.13% with the anterior inter ventricular as culprit artery in 72% of cases. The majority of patients (64%) had undergone angioplasty with implantation of an active stent. Angioplasty was performed successfully in 98% and per procedural mortality was 1.87%. Only 6.45% of ACS with ST elevation benefited from primary angioplasty. Conclusion: Percutaneous coronary intervention is performed routinely in our center with satisfactory results. Difficulties exist, related to the diagnostic delay of ACS and the high cost of angioplasty.

The Distribution Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes in Patients with Hyperlipidemia

Objective: Hyperlipidemia is a representative nutritional metabolic disease in clinic, which is easy to induce atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, with complex classification. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome aims to reflect the characteristics of diseases and is the basic principle of TCM treatment of diseases. This study aimed to summarize the distribution pattern of TCM syndromes in patients with hyperlipidemia. Methods: The frequency, characteristics and distribution of all TCM syndromes of 1012 patients with hyperlipidemia were analyzed. Results: The main disease types determined by frequency of 1012 patients included hypertriglyceridemia combined with hypo high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (19.76%), hypo high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia (18.58%), hypercholesterolemia (16.50%), mixed hyperlipidemia (16.40%), and hypertriglyceridemia (15.12%). The distribution of TCM syndromes, in order of frequency, was as follows: Qi-deficiency and blood stasis syndrome (23.52%), liver depression and spleen deficiency (9.88%), syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis (9.29%), phlegm stasis syndrome (7.41%), and syndrome of yang deficiency of spleen and kidney (6.92%). Conclusion: Qi-deficiency and blood stasis syndrome and liver depression and spleen deficiency are the most common TCM syndromes in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Progress of Triglyceride Glucose Index in Lesion Severity and Prognosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background: In response to the escalating burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide, exacerbated by lifestyle changes and socioeconomic shifts, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) stand out as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The pivotal role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, independent of traditional risk factors, has garnered significant interest. Objective: This review aims to synthesize the recent advancements in the utilization of the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) as a biomarker for assessing the severity and predicting the prognosis of ACS lesions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, incorporating keywords such as “triglyceride glucose index”, “TyG index”, “acute coronary syndrome”, “cardiovascular disease”, “insulin resistance”, “coronary artery calcification”, “SYNTAX score”, “Gensini score”, and “major adverse cardiac events”. Studies were included from the inception of each database up to July 2024. Selection criteria encompassed observational studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of the TyG index in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Ultimately, 46 publications met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed in accordance with established guidelines. Results: Evidence suggests that the TyG index, reflecting insulin resistance, blood glucose, and lipid levels, is significantly associated with lesion severity in ACS, including coronary artery calcification, SYNTAX score, and Gensini score. Moreover, it demonstrates predictive power for major adverse cardiovascular events, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool in clinical decision-making. Conclusion: The review highlights the emerging role of the TyG index in the assessment and prognosis of ACS, advocating for its incorporation into clinical practice as a complement to existing diagnostic modalities. However, the establishment of standardized reference ranges and further validation across diverse populations are warranted to refine its applicability in personalized medicine. The interdisciplinary approach is essential to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, paving the way for the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

A Systematic Review of Cannabidiol Effects in Coronary Syndromes: Challenges to Clinical Translation

Background: Myocardial ischemia in addition to other several cardiac syndromes represent a pathological proinflammatory state alongside a complex cellular microenvironment that can be modified by using cannabinoids. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound of cannabis has been recently proposed as an immudomodulatory and cardioprotective drug. Objectives: In this systematic review we sought to clarify and summarize the clinical and preclinical evidence of potential benefit of the use of CBD in coronary syndromes. Methods: We conducted a systematic search and review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Review of Animal Data from Experimental Studies (CAMARADES) guidelines, in the electronic database from PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus up to April 2022 using predefined search terms. Pre-specified exclusion and inclusion criteria were considered, finally 11 articles were chosen to be included for this peer review. Results: Currently there are no good-quality clinical trials with the use of CBD in acute or chronic coronary syndromes. A total of 11 preclinical studies where prescreened and 5 demonstrated reproducible positive cardiovascular outcomes on in-vivo models treated with CBD. Mechanisms of CBD cardioprotection observed: 1) reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation, 2) activation of adenosine receptors and 3) increased expression of angiotensin type 2-receptor. Experimental models included ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and metabolic syndrome-like conditions. Conclusion: No clinical recommendation can be issued with the current evidence, on the use of CBD in acute and chronic coronary syndromes. Based on preclinical evidence, we considered there is enough evidence to propose the development of well-designed clinical trials that include CBD in the management of coronary syndromes.

Clinicopathological and molecular insights into odontogenic tumors associated with syndromes:A comprehensive review

The association between genetic syndromes and odontogenic tumors encompasses several entities,reflecting the intricate interplay between genetic factors and the development of these lesions.The present study aimed to comprehensively investigate the associations between genetic syndromes and odontogenic tumors.We delineated the diverse spectrum of syndromic connections,including key syndromes such as Gardner syndrome,Gorlin syndrome,Schimmelpenning syndrome,and others.Our findings underscore the clinical significance of recognizing odontogenic tumors associated with genetic syndromes as diagnostic indicators for early intervention.We advocate for multidisciplinary collaboration among clinicians,geneticists,and researchers to deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving these syndromic associations.In light of this,our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge in dentistry and medical genetics,offering insights that may inform clinical practice and enhance patient care for individuals affected by genetic syndromes and odontogenic tumors.

Predictors of survival in autoimmune liver disease overlap syndromes

BACKGROUND Survival in patients with autoimmune liver disease overlap syndromes(AILDOS)compared to those with single autoimmune liver disease is unclear.AIM To investigate the survival of patients with AILDOS and assess the accuracy of non-invasive serum models for predicting liver-related death.METHODS Patients with AILDOS were defined as either autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis overlap(AIH-PBC)or autoimmune hepatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis overlap(AIH-PSC)and were identified from three tertiary centres for this cohort study.Liver-related death or transplantation(liver-related mortality)was determined using a population-based data linkage system.Prognostic scores for liver-related death were compared for accuracy[including liver outcome score(LOS),Hepascore,Mayo Score,model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)score and MELD incorporated with serum sodium(MELD-Na)score].RESULTS Twenty-two AILDOS patients were followed for a median of 3.1 years(range,0.35-7.7).Fourteen were female,the median age was 46.7 years(range,17.8 to 82.1)and median Hepascore was 1(range,0.07-1).At five years post enrolment,57%of patients remained free from liver-related mortality(74%AIH-PBC,27%AIH-PSC).There was no significant difference in survival between AIH-PBC and AIH-PSC.LOS was a significant predictor of liver-related mortality(P<0.05)in patients with AIH-PBC(n=14)but not AIH-PSC(n=8).A LOS cut-point of 6 discriminated liver-related mortality in AIH-PBC patients(P=0.012,log-rank test,100%sensitivity,77.8%specificity)(Harrell's C-statistic 0.867).The MELD score,MELD-Na score and Mayo Score were not predictive of liver-related mortality in any group.CONCLUSION Survival in the rare,AILDOS is unclear.The current study supports the LOS as a predictor of liver-related mortality in AIH-PBC patients.Further trials investigating predictors of survival in AILDOS are required.

Restless head syndrome:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Restless legs syndrome(RLS)is characterized by an urge to move with an unpleasant sensation in the lower limbs.RLS typically affects the legs.However,it can also affect several other body regions,such as the arms,abdomen,face,neck,head,and genital area.There are only a few reports of the RLS variant affecting the head.AIM To assess the epidemiological,clinical,and other aspects of the RLS variant affecting the head.METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of 17 adult patients(>18 years)who met the RLS criteria and simultaneously experienced RLS-like symptoms in the head.RESULTS The median age at which symptoms appeared was 41.6 years.Males and females were equally affected(1.1:1).All 17 patients had uncomfortable sensations in the lower legs.Insomnia or disturbed sleep was the most common comorbidity(n=16,88.2%).However,headache was the most common presenting or primary symptom(n=10,70.5%).Dizziness or an abnormal sensation in the head was the second most common presenting symptom(5 patients,29.4%).Other presenting features were leg pain,backache,and generalized body pain.All patients responded favorably to dopaminergic medications.CONCLUSION If RLS-related unpleasant sensations and pain are felt in the head,they may be misinterpreted as headache,dizziness,or psychosomatic symptoms.RLS and headaches in a subset of patients may be two phenotypic manifestations of the same disorder.

Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation and nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 mutation in the Sotos syndrome with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Sotos syndrome is characterized by overgrowth features and is caused by alterations in the nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 1 gene.Attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)is considered a neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorder in childhood.Genetic characteristics and clinical presentation could play an important role in the diagnosis of Sotos syndrome and ADHD.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)has been used to assess medical images in Sotos syndrome and ADHD.The images process is considered to display in MRI while wavelet fusion has been used to integrate distinct images for achieving more complete information in single image in this editorial.In the future,genetic mechanisms and artificial intelligence related to medical images could be used in the clinical diagnosis of Sotos syndrome and ADHD.

Gut microbiota contributes to the distinction between two traditional Chinese medicine syndromes of ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND Ulcerative colitis(UC)is considered to be closely associated with alteration of intestinal microorganisms.According to the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theory,UC can be divided into two disease syndromes called Pi-Xu-Shi-Yun(PXSY)and Da-Chang-Shi-Re(DCSR).The relationships among gut microbiota,TCM syndromes,and UC pathogenesis have not been well investigated.AIM To investigate the role of gut microbiota in UC and the distinction of microbiota dysbiosis between PXSY and DCSR syndromes.METHODS From May 2015 to February 2016,UC patients presenting to LongHua Hospital who met the established inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this retrospective study.Fresh stool specimens of UC patients with PXSY or DCSR were collected.The feces of the control group came from the health examination population of Longhua Hospital.The composition of gut bacterial communities in stool samples was determined by the pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA.The high-throughput sequencing reads were processed with QIIME,and biological functions were predicted using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States.RESULTS The composition of gut bacterial communities in 93 stool samples(30 healthy controls,32 patients with PXSY syndrome,and 31 patients with DCSR syndrome)was determined by the pyrosequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA.Beta diversity showed that the composition of the microbiota was different among the three groups.At the family level,Porphyromonadaceae,Rikeneliaceae,and Lachnospiraceae significantly decreased while Enterococcus,Streptococcus,and other potential pathogens significantly increased in UC patients compared to healthy subjects.At the genus level,Parabacteroides,Dorea,and Ruminococcus decreased while Faeca-libacterium showed increased abundance in UC compared to healthy controls.Five differential taxa were identified between PXSY and DCSR syndromes.At the genus level,a significantly increased abundance of Streptococcus was observed in DCSR patients,while Lachnoclostridium increased in PXSY patients.The differential functional pathways of the gut microbiome between the PXSY and DCSR groups mainly included lipid metabolism,immunity,and the metabolism of polypeptides.CONCLUSION Our study suggests that the gut microbiota contributes to the distinction between the two TCM syndromes of UC.

Bartter and Gitelman syndromes:Spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by different mutations

Bartter and Gitelman syndromes(BS and GS) are inherited disorders resulting in defects in renal tubularhandling of sodium,potassium and chloride.Previously considered as genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneous diseases,recent evidence suggests that they constitute a spectrum of disease caused by different genetic mutations with the molecular defects of chloride reabsorption originating at different sites of the nephron in each condition.Although they share some characteristic metabolic abnormalities such as hypokalemia,metabolic alkalosis,hyperplasia of the juxtaglomerular apparatus with hyperreninemia,hyperaldosteronism,the clinical and laboratory manifestations may not always allow distinction between them.Diuretics tests,measuring the changes in urinary fractional excretion of chloride from baseline after administration of either hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide show very little change(< 2.3%) in the fractional excretion of chloride from baseline in GS when compared with BS,except when BS is associated with KCNJ1 mutations where a good response to both diuretics exists.The diuretic test is not recommended for infants or young children with suspected BS because of a higher risk of volume depletion in such children.Clinical symptoms and biochemical markers of GS and classic form of BS(type III) may overlap and thus genetic analysis may specify the real cause of symptoms.However,although genetic analysis is available,its use remains limited because of limited availability,large gene dimensions,lack of hot-spot mutations,heavy workup time and costs involved.Furthermore,considerable overlap exists between the different genotypes and phenotypes.Although BS and GS usually have distinct presentations and are associated with specific gene mutations,there remains considerable overlap between their phenotypes and genotypes.Thus,they are better described as a spectrum of clinical manifestations caused by different gene mutations.

Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer

Paraneoplastic syndromes are signs or symptoms that occur as a result of organ or tissue damage at locations remote from the site of the primary tumor or metastases. Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer can impair various organ functions and include neurologic, endocrine, dermatologic, rheumatologic, hematologic, and ophthalmological syndromes, as well as glomerulopathy and coagulopathy(Trousseau's syndrome). The histological type of lung cancer is generally dependent on the associated syndrome, the two most common of which are humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy in squamous cell carcinoma and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in small cell lung cancer. The symptoms often precede the diagnosis of the associated lung cancer, especially when the symptoms are neurologic or dermatologic. The proposed mechanisms of paraneoplastic processes include the aberrant release of humoral mediators, such as hormones and hormone-like peptides, cyto-kines, and antibodies. Treating the underlying cancer is generally the most effective therapy for paraneoplastic syndromes, and treatment soon after symptom onset appears to offer the best potential for symptom improvement. In this article, we review the diagnosis, potential mechanisms, and treatments of a wide variety of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer.

Hepatic venous outflow obstruction:Three similar syndromes

Our goal is to provide a detailed review of veno- occlusive disease (VOD), Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS), and congestive hepatopathy (CH), all of which results in hepatic venous outflow obstruction. This is the first article in which all three syndromes have been reviewed, enabling the reader to compare the characteristics of these disorders. The histological findings in VOD, BCS, and CH are almost identical: sinusoidal congestion and cell necrosis mostly in perivenular areas of hepatic acini which eventually leads to bridging fibrosis between adjacent central veins. Tender hepatomegaly with jaundice and ascites is common to all three conditions. However, the clinical presentation depends mostly on the extent and rapidity of the outflow obstruction. Although the etiology and treatment are completely different in VOD, BCS, and CH; the similarities in clinical manifestations and liver histology may suggest a common mechanism of hepatic injury and adaptation in response to increased sinusoidal pressure.

Antiplatelet therapy in very elderly and comorbid patients with acute coronary syndromes

With population ageing and rise of life expectancy,a progressively increasing proportion of patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome(ACS)are older adults,including those at extreme chronological age.Increasing amounts of data,including randomized clinical trials,have shown that the benefits of an early revascularization are maintained also at very old age,resulting in improved outcome after an acute coronary event.On the contrary,the optimal antiplatelet therapy(APT)remains unclear in these patients,because of both safety and efficacy concerns.Indeed,age-related multiple organ dysfunction and high prevalence of comorbidities may on the one hand reduce the therapeutic effects of administered drugs;on the other hand,it leads to increased vulnerability to drug toxicity and side effects.Therefore,management of APT is particularly challenging in elderly patients because of higher risk of both ischemic and bleeding events.The aim of the present paper is to review the current evidence,gaps in knowledge and ongoing research regarding APT in the setting of an ACS in elderly and very elderly patients,and in those with significant comorbidities including chronic kidney disease,diabetes mellitus and frailty.

Current status of familial gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes

Because of the rarity of familial gastrointestinal cancerpredisposing syndromes,their exploration in literature is not extensive.In this review,an update of the clinicopathological and molecular criteria of gastrointestinal familial polyposis syndromes with potential malignant transformation is performed.In addition,a guide for screening and surveillance was synthesized and a distribution of gene mutations according to the specific syndromes and geographic distribution was included.The following inherited polyposes syndromes were analyzed: familial adenomatous polyposis,the hamartomatous familial polyposes(Juvenile polyposis,Peutz-Jeghers syndrome,Cowden syndrome,BannayanRiley-Ruvalcaba syndrome,hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome,Gorlin syndrome,Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome,neurofibromatosis type Ⅰand multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2B),Li-Fraumeni syndrome,and MUTYHassociated adenomatous polyposis.For proper medical care,subspecialization of gastroenterologists,pathologists,and genticists in the field of familial diseases should be introduced in the medical curriculum.

Application of bedside continuous blood purification in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndromes

BACKGROUND:The complications of systemic inflammatory response syndrome(SIRS)include acute lung injury,acute kidney injury,shock,and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).In recent years,how to clear inflammatory mediators has become a hot topic in critical care medicine.Researchers hypothesize that continuous blood purification(CBP) can effectively eliminate a variety of inflammatory mediators which participate in the occurrence of MODS and adjust the immune imbalance.This study aimed to observe the effects of CBP in MODS patients.METHODS:In this retrospective clinical study,a total of 38 MODS patients,18 males and 20 females,were enrolled.After conventional therapy,all the patients received CBP.Biochemistry,blood gas analysis,oxygenation index,mean arterial blood pressure(MAP),acute physiology and chronic health evaluation(APACHE) II scores were monitored.RESULTS:After CBP,the vital signs of patients were rapidly stable,and electrolyte disorders and acid-base imbalance were corrected.Renal function,blood gas,oxygenation index were all improved.MAP was increased,and APACHE II score was significantly decreased.All patients had good tolerance,stable hemodynamics,and no obvious adverse reaction on CBP compared with pre-CBP.CONCLUSION:CBP can effectively clean toxins,correct electrolyte acid-base balance,and improve systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the organ function of MODS patients.

Clinical and prognostic implications of delirium in elderly patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Background Elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes(NSTE-ACS)may present delirium but its clinical relevance is unknown.This study aimed at detennining the clinical associated factors,and prognostic implications of delirium in old-aged patients admitted for NSTE-ACS.Methods LONGEVO-SCA is a prospective multicenter registry including unselected patients with NSTE-ACS aged>80 years.Clinical variables and a complete geriatric evaluation were assessed during hospitalization.The association between delirium and 6-month mortality was assessed by a Cox regression model weighted for a propensity score including the potential confounding variables.We also analysed its association with 6-month bleeding and cognitive or functional decline.Results Among 527 patients included,thirty-seven(7%)patients presented delirium during the hospitalization.Delirium was more frequent in patients with dementia or depression and in those from nursing homes(27.0%vs.3.1%,24.3%vs.11.6%,and 11.1%V5.2.2%,respectively;all P<0.05).Delirium was significantly associated with in-hospital infections(27.0%vs.5.3%,P<0.001)and usage of diuretics(70.3%vs.49.8%,P=0.02).Patients with delirium had longer hospitalizations[median 8.5(5.5-14)vs.6.0(4.0-10)days,P=0.02]and higher incidence of 6-month bleeding and mortality(32.3%vs.10.0%and 24.3%vs.10.8%,respectively;both P<0.05)but similar cognitive or functional decline.Delirium was independently associated with 6-month mortality(HR=1.47,95%CI:1.02-2.13,P=0.04)and 6-month bleeding events(OR=2.87;95%CI:1.98-4」6,P<0.01).Conclusions In-hospital delirium in elderly patients with NSTE-ACS is associated with some preventable risk factors and it is an independent predictor of 6-month mortality.

Traditional Chinese Medicinal Syndromes and Treatment in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer remains the third most common malignancy worldwide. According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), colorectal cancer is related to spleen-deficiency, damp-heat, and toxicity accumulation. Traditional Chinese medicine has been confirmed to effectively reduce toxic side effects and enhance curative effects of chemotherapy, palliate clinical syndrome, prevent recurrence and metastasis, improve quality of life and immune function, and prolong survival time in colorectal cancer. However, TCM theoretical and syndrome differentiation study has lagged far behind due to progression of therapy model in colorectal cancer. As a type of drug treatment, there are some common biological basis between chemotherapy, targeted therapy and anti-cancer herb therapy in colorectal cancer, such as apoptosis, cell senescence and autophagy. There are growing needs to explore the effect mechanism and compatibility of anti-cancer herbs, to further enhance the efficacy of TCM treatment in colorectal cancer.

Association of metabolic syndromes and risk factors with ampullary tumors development: A case-control study in China

AIM: To evaluate the risk factors for ampullary adenoma and ampullary cancer.

Elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes: a continuous tsunami

The progressive ageing of the population and the high incidence of acute coronary syndromes(ACS)in the elderly is leading to an important increase in the number of elderly patients admitted for ACS.[1]Nevertheless,the information about the optimal clinical management in this age group is scarce due to the exclusion of older patients from clinical trials.[2]Higher comorbidity and frailty are common in this clinical setting and they are associated with higher rates of complications and consumption of healthcare resources.[3]These are the main reasons for launching this special issue about management of ACS in the elderly,in which several experts in the field address some of the most important questions about how to deal with ACS in patients at older ages.