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  • 1.
    Abdelsayed, Mena
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Universi College, Bardhosh, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Rydberg, Annika
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Paediatrics.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George University London, UK; Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Brunel University, London, UK.
    Left Ventricular Contraction Duration Is the Most Powerful Predictor of Cardiac Events in LQTS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 9, no 9, article id 2820Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is primarily an electrical disorder characterized by a prolonged myocardial action potential. The delay in cardiac repolarization leads to electromechanical (EM) abnormalities, which adds a diagnostic value for LQTS. Prolonged left ventricular (LV) contraction was identified as a potential risk for arrhythmia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the best predictor of all EM parameters for cardiac events (CEs) in LQTS patients. Methods: We systematically searched all electronic databases up to March 2020, to select studies that assessed the relationship between echocardiographic indices—contraction duration (CD), mechanical dispersion (MD), QRS onset to peak systolic strain (QAoC), and the EM window (EMW); and electrical indices— corrected QT interval (QTC), QTC dispersion, RR interval in relation to CEs in LQTS. This meta-analysis included a total of 1041 patients and 373 controls recruited from 12 studies. Results: The meta-analysis showed that LQTS patients had electrical and mechanical abnormalities as compared to controls—QTC, WMD 72.8; QTC dispersion, WMD 31.7; RR interval, WMD 91.5; CD, WMD 49.2; MD, WMD 15.9; QAoC, WMD 27.8; and EMW, WMD −62.4. These mechanical abnormalities were more profound in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients in whom disturbances were already manifest, compared to controls. A CD ≥430 ms had a summary sensitivity (SS) of 71%, specificity of 84%, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) >19.5 in predicting CEs. EMW and QTC had a lower accuracy. Conclusions: LQTS is associated with pronounced EM abnormalities, particularly prolonged LV myocardial CD, which is profound in symptomatic patients. These findings highlight the significant role of EM indices like CD in managing LQTS patients.

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  • 2.
    Abrahamsson, Pernilla
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Åberg, Anna-Maja
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Winsö, Ola
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Detection of myocardial ischaemia using surface microdialysis on the beating heart2011In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 31, no 3, p. 175-181Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Microdialysis (MD) can be used to study metabolism of the beating heart. We investigated whether microdialysis results obtained from epicardial (surface) sampling reflect acute changes in the same way as myocardial sampling from within the substance of the ventricular wall. In anaesthetized open-thorax pigs a coronary snare was placed. One microdialysis probe was placed with the sampling membrane intramyocardially (myocardial), and a second probe was placed with the sampling membrane epicardially (surface), both in the area which was made ischaemic. Ten minutes collection intervals were used for microdialysis samples. Samples from 19 pigs were analysed for lactate, glucose, pyruvate and glycerol during equilibration, baseline, ischaemia and reperfusion periods. For both probes (surface and myocardial), a total of 475 paired simultaneous samples were analysed. Results from analyses showed no differences in relative changes for glucose, lactate and glycerol during baseline, ischaemia and reperfusion. Surface microdialysis sampling is a new application of the microdialysis technique that shows promise and should be further studied.

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  • 3.
    Ahlström, Katarina
    et al.
    Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Biber, Björn
    Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Åberg, Anna-Maja
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Abrahamsson, Pernilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Ronquist, Gunnar
    Department of Medical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Haney, Michael F.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Exogenous carbon monoxide does not affect cell membrane energy availability assessed by sarcolemmal calcium fluxes during myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion in the pig2011In: European Journal of Anaesthesiology, ISSN 0265-0215, E-ISSN 1365-2346, Vol. 28, no 5, p. 356-362Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Carbon monoxide is thought to be cytoprotective and may hold therapeutic promise for mitigating ischaemic injury. The purpose of this study was to test low-dose carbon monoxide for protective effects in a porcine model of acute myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion.

    In acute open-thorax experiments in anaesthetised pigs, pretreatment with low-dose carbon monoxide (5% increase in carboxyhaemoglobin) was conducted for 120 min before localised ischaemia (45 min) and reperfusion (60 min) was performed using a coronary snare. Metabolic and injury markers were collected by microdialysis sampling in the ventricular wall. Recovery of radio-marked calcium delivered locally by microperfusate was measured to assess carbon monoxide treatment effects during ischaemia/reperfusion on the intracellular calcium pool.

    Coronary occlusion and ischaemia/reperfusion were analysed for 16 animals (eight in each group). Changes in glucose, lactate and pyruvate from the ischaemic area were observed during ischaemia and reperfusion interventions, though there was no difference between carbon monoxide-treated and control groups during ischaemia or reperfusion. Similar results were observed for glycerol and microdialysate Ca recovery.

    These findings show that a relatively low and clinically relevant dose of carbon monoxide did not seem to provide acute protection as indicated by metabolic, energy-related and injury markers in a porcine myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion experimental model. We conclude that protective effects of carbon monoxide related to ischaemia/reperfusion either require higher doses of carbon monoxide or occur later after reperfusion than the immediate time frame studied here. More study is needed to characterise the mechanism and time frame of carbon monoxide-related cytoprotection.

  • 4.
    Ahlström, Katarina
    et al.
    Anestesi, Sahlgrenska akademin, Göteborgs universitet.
    Biber, Björn
    Anestesi, Sahlgrenska akademin, Göteborgs universitet.
    Åberg, Annamaja
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Waldenström, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ronquist, Gunnar
    Abrahamsson, Pernilla
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Strandén, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Metabolic responses in ischemic myocardium after inhalation of carbon monoxide2009In: Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica, ISSN 0001-5172, E-ISSN 1399-6576, Vol. 53, no 8, p. 1036-1042Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: To clarify the mechanisms of carbon monoxide (CO) tissue-protective effects, we studied energy metabolism in an animal model of acute coronary occlusion and pre-treatment with CO. METHODS: In anesthetized pigs, a coronary snare and microdialysis probes were placed. CO (carboxyhemoglobin 5%) was inhaled for 200 min in test animals, followed by 40 min of coronary occlusion. Microdialysate was analyzed for lactate and glucose, and myocardial tissue samples were analyzed for adenosine tri-phosphate, adenosine di-phosphate, and adenosine mono-phosphate. RESULTS: Lactate during coronary occlusion was approximately half as high in CO pre-treated animals and glucose levels decreased to a much lesser degree during ischemia. Energy charge was no different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: CO in the low-doses tested in this model results in a more favorable energy metabolic condition in that glycolysis is decreased in spite of maintained energy charge. Further work is warranted to clarify the possible mechanistic role of energy metabolism for CO protection.

  • 5. Ahmeti, Artan
    et al.
    Bytyci, Feriz S.
    Bielecka-Dabrowa, Agata
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular and Clinic Research Institute, St George University, London, UK; Brunel University, London, UK.
    Prognostic value of left atrial volume index in acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis2021In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, p. 128-135Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: In the absence of mitral valve disease, increased left atrial volume (LAV) is a marker of diastolic dysfunction and long-standing elevated left ventricle (LV) pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the role of increased baseline LAV in predicting clinical outcome of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

    Methods: We systematically searched all electronic databases up to September 2020 in order to select clinical trials and observational studies, which assessed the predictive role of LAV indexed (LAVI) on clinical outcome in patients with ACS. Primary clinical endpoints were as follows: major adverse cardiac events (MACE), all-cause mortality and hospitalization. Secondary endpoints were in-hospital complications.

    Results: A total of 2,705 patients from 11 cohort studies with a mean follow-up 18.7 +/- 9.8 months were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with low LAVI had low risk for MACE (15.9% vs. 33.7%; p < .01), long-term all-cause mortality (9.14% vs. 18.1%; p < .01), short-term mortality (3.31% vs. 9.38%; p = .02) and lower hospitalization rate (11.6% vs. 25.5%; p < .01) compared to patients with increased LAVI. Atrial fibrillation and cardiogenic shock as in-hospital events were lower (p < .05 for all) in patients with low LAVI but ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia was not different between groups (p = .14).

    Conclusion: Increased LAVI is an independent predictor of outcome in patients with ACS. Thus, assessment of LA index in these patients is important for better risk stratification and guidance towards optimum clinical management.

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  • 6. Ahmeti, Artan
    et al.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine. Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George University London.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova.
    Elezi, Shpend
    Haliti, Edmond
    Poniku, Afrim
    Batalli, Arlind
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina.
    Quality of life questionnaire predicts poor exercise capacity only in HFpEF and not in HFrEF2017In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, ISSN 1471-2261, E-ISSN 1471-2261, Vol. 17, article id 268Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the most widely used measure of quality of life (QoL) in HF patients. This prospective study aimed to assess the relationship between QoL and exercise capacity in HF patients.

    Methods: The study subjects were 118 consecutive patients with chronic HF (62 +/- 10 years, 57 females, in NYHA I-III). Patients answered a MLHFQ questionnaire in the same day of complete clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic assessment. They also underwent a 5 min walk test (6-MWT), in the same day, which grouped them into; Group I: <= 300 m and Group II: > 300 m. In addition, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), divided them into: Group A, with preserved EF (HFpEF) and Group B with reduced EF (HFrEF).

    Results: The mean MLHFQ total scale score was 48 (+/- 17). The total scale, and the physical and emotional functional MLHFQ scores did not differ between HFpEF and HFpEF. Group I patients were older (p = 0.003), had higher NYHA functional class (p = 0.002), faster baseline heart rate (p = 0.006), higher prevalence of smoking (p = 0.015), higher global, physical and emotional MLHFQ scores (p < 0.001, for all), larger left atrial (LA) diameter (p = 0.001), shorter LV filling time (p = 0.027), higher E/e' ratio (0.02), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.028), lower septal a' (p = 0.019) and s' (p = 0.023), compared to Group II. Independent predictors of 6-MWT distance for the group as a whole were increased MLHFQ total score (p = 0.005), older age (p = 0.035), and diabetes (p = 0.045), in HFpEF were total MLHFQ (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.045) but in HFrEF were only LA enlargement (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.013. A total MLHFQ score of 48.5 had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 63% (AUC on ROC analysis of 72%) for limited exercise performance in HF patients.

    Conclusions: Quality of life, assessment by MLHFQ, is the best correlate of exercise capacity measured by 6-MWT, particularly in HFpEF patients. Despite worse ejection fraction in HFrEF, signs of raised LA pressure independently determine exercise capacity in these patients.

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  • 7.
    Akhtar, Zubair
    et al.
    Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia; Programme on Emerging Infections, Infectious Diseases Division, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Götberg, Matthias
    Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Erlinge, David
    Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Christiansen, Evald H.
    Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Oldroyd, Keith G.
    Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom.
    Motovska, Zuzana
    Cardiocenter, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague, Czech Republic.
    Erglis, Andrejs
    Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia.
    Hlinomaz, Ota
    International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne University Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
    Jakobsen, Lars
    Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Engstrøm, Thomas
    Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
    Jensen, Lisette O.
    Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
    Fallesen, Christian O.
    Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
    Jensen, Svend E.
    Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark and Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
    Angerås, Oskar
    Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden and Institute of Medicine, Department of molecular and clinical medicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
    Calais, Fredrik
    Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Sweden.
    Kåregren, Amra
    Västmanlands sjukhus Västerås, Västerås, Sweden.
    Lauermann, Jörg
    Department of Cardiology, Jönköping, Region Jönköping County, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
    Mokhtari, Arash
    Department of Cardiology, Skane University Hospital, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
    Nilsson, Johan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Persson, Jonas
    Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Islam, Abu K.M.M.
    National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Rahman, Afzalur
    National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Malik, Fazila
    National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Choudhury, Sohel
    National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
    Collier, Timothy
    Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
    Pocock, Stuart J.
    Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
    Pernow, John
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    MacIntyre, Chandini R.
    Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales, NSW, Sydney, Australia; Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Fröbert, Ole
    Örebro University, Faculty of Health, Department of Cardiology, Örebro, Sweden; College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University, AZ, Tempe, United States; Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aarhus University Hospital, Arhus, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
    Optimal timing of influenza vaccination among patients with acute myocardial infarction: findings from the IAMI trial2023In: Vaccine, ISSN 0264-410X, E-ISSN 1873-2518, Vol. 41, no 48, p. 7159-7165Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Influenza vaccination reduces the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The IAMI trial randomly assigned 2571 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to receive influenza vaccine or saline placebo during their index hospital admission. It was conducted at 30 centers in 8 countries from October 1, 2016 to March 1, 2020. In this post-hoc exploratory sub-study, we compare the trial outcomes in patients receiving early season vaccination (n = 1188) and late season vaccination (n = 1344). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stent thrombosis at 12 months. The cumulative incidence of the primary and key secondary endpoints by randomized treatment and early or late vaccination was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. In the early vaccinated group, the primary composite endpoint occurred in 36 participants (6.0%) assigned to influenza vaccine and 49 (8.4%) assigned to placebo (HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.45 to 1.07), compared to 31 participants (4.7%) assigned to influenza vaccine and 42 (6.2%) assigned to placebo (HR 0.74; 95% CI 0.47 to 1.18) in the late vaccinated group (P = 0.848 for interaction on HR scale at 1 year). We observed similar estimates for the key secondary endpoints of all-cause death and CV death. There was no statistically significant difference in vaccine effectiveness against adverse cardiovascular events by timing of vaccination. The effect of vaccination on all-cause death at one year was more pronounced in the group receiving early vaccination (HR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.86) compared late vaccination group (HR 0.75; 35% CI, 0.40 to 1.40) but there was no statistically significant difference between these groups (Interaction P = 0.335). In conclusion, there is insufficient evidence from the trial to establish whether there is a difference in efficacy between early and late vaccination but regardless of vaccination timing we strongly recommended influenza vaccination in all patients with cardiovascular diseases.

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  • 8.
    Al Mousli, Julia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Handläggning av aortaroten vid akut typ A aortadissektion2020Independent thesis Basic level (professional degree), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
  • 9. Aleksandrova, Krasimira
    et al.
    Boeing, Heiner
    Jenab, Mazda
    Bueno-de-Mesquita, H. Bas
    Jansen, Eugene
    van Duijnhoven, Franzel J. B.
    Rinaldi, Sabina
    Fedirko, Veronika
    Romieu, Isabelle
    Riboli, Elio
    Gunter, Marc J.
    Westphal, Sabine
    Overvad, Kim
    Tjonneland, Anne
    Halkjaer, Jytte
    Racine, Antoine
    Boutron-Ruault, Marie-Christine
    Clavel-Chapelon, Francoise
    Kaaks, Rudolf
    Lukanova, Annekatrin
    Trichopoulou, Antonia
    Lagiou, Pagona
    Trichopoulos, Dimitrios
    Mattiello, Amalia
    Pala, Valeria
    Palli, Domenico
    Tumino, Rosario
    Vineis, Paolo
    Buckland, Genevieve
    Sanchez, Maria-Jose
    Amiano, Pilar
    Maria Huerta, Jose
    Barricarte, Aurelio
    Menendez, Virginia
    Peeters, Petra H.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Palmqvist, Richard
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biosciences, Pathology.
    Allen, Naomi E.
    Crowe, Francesca L.
    Khaw, Kay-Tee
    Wareham, Nickolas
    Pischon, Tobias
    Leptin and soluble leptin receptor in risk of colorectal cancer in the European prospective investigation into Cancer and nutrition cohort2012In: Cancer Research, ISSN 0008-5472, E-ISSN 1538-7445, Vol. 72, no 20, p. 5328-5337Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Leptin, a peptide hormone produced primarily by the adipocytes, is hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) may regulate leptin's physiologic functions; however its relation to CRC risk is unknown. This study explored the association of leptin and sOB-R with risk of CRC in a prospective nested case-control study within the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. A total of 1,129 incident CRC cases (713 colon, 416 rectal) were matched within risk sets to 1,129 controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). After multivariable adjustment including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and baseline leptin concentrations, sOB-R was strongly inversely associated with CRC (RR comparing the highest quintile vs. the lowest, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.40-0.76; P-trend = 0.0004) and colon cancer (RR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.28-0.63, P-trend = 0.0001); whereas no association was seen for rectal cancer (RR adjusted for BMI and waist circumference, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.48-1.44, P-trend = 0.38). In contrast, leptin was not associated with risk of CRC (RR adjusted for BMI and waist circumference, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.56-1.29, P-trend = 0.23). Additional adjustments for circulating metabolic biomarkers did not attenuate these results. These novel findings suggest a strong inverse association between circulating sOB-R and CRC risk, independent of obesity measures, leptin concentrations, and other metabolic biomarkers. Further research is needed to confirm the potentially important role of sOB-R in CRC pathogenesis. Cancer Res; 72(20); 5328-37. (C) 2012 AACR.

  • 10.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Almroth, Henrik
    Höglund, Niklas
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jensen, Steen
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Tornvall, Per
    Englund, Anders
    Rosenqvist, Mårten
    Boman, Kurt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Markers of fibrinolysis as predictors for maintenance of sinus rhythm after electrical cardioversion2011In: Thrombosis Research, ISSN 0049-3848, E-ISSN 1879-2472, Vol. 127, no 3, p. 189-192Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    No fibrinolytic component alone was found to be a predictor of recurrence of atrial fibrillation. In multivariate models lower PAI-1 mass was associated with sinus rhythm even after adjusting for CRP, markers of the metabolic syndrome and treatment with atorvastatin. Our findings suggest a patophysiological link between AF and PAI-1 mass but the relation to inflammation remains unclear.

  • 11.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Fall, Tove
    Delicano, Rachel
    Wennberg, Patrik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine.
    Jansson, Jan-Håkan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    GDF-15 is associated with sudden cardiac death due to incident myocardial infarction2020In: Resuscitation, ISSN 0300-9572, E-ISSN 1873-1570, Vol. 152, p. 165-169Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: Preventing sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to acute myocardial infarction (MI) in previously healthy patients is challenging. Proteomic analysis may lead to an understanding of biological mechanisms and provide predictive biomarkers.

    Methods: In this prospective, nested case-control study from northern Sweden, 87 candidate cardiovascular protein biomarkers were studied in 244 individuals who later died within 24 h from an incident MI and 244 referents without MI and individually matched for age, sex and date of health examination and alive at the date of event in the index person. Association analysis was conducted using conditional logistic regression. Bonferroni correction was applied to avoid false positive findings.

    Results: Ten proteins were associated with future SCD due to acute MI in the non-adjusted analysis. The strongest association were found for growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41, 2.25) per standard deviation increase in protein, and urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor with an OR of 1.66 (95% CI 1.34, 2.06). In models adjusted for lipid levels, body mass index, education, smoking, hypertension and C-reactive protein, only association with GDF-15 remained (OR 1.47 (95% 1.11, 1.95)).

    Conclusion: Elevated levels of GDF-15 are associated with increased risk of SCD within 24 h of incident MI. Further research may enable the use of GDF-15 together with other clinical and biological markers to guide primary preventive interventions for individuals at high risk for SCD.

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  • 12.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Karpe, Fredrik
    NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK.
    Sjöström, Lars-Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Riklund, Katrine
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences, Diagnostic Radiology.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Olsson, Tommy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Association of adipose tissue blood flow with fat depot sizes and adipokines in women2012In: International Journal of Obesity, ISSN 0307-0565, E-ISSN 1476-5497, Vol. 36, no 6, p. 783-789Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Objective: To explore possible associations between adipose tissue (AT) blood flow (ATBF), AT depot sizes and adipocyte-derived hormones (adipokines) in women.

    Subjects: In all, 43 healthy women were divided into four groups: normal-weight (n=11) and obese (n=11) pre-menopausal women and normal-weight (n=10) and obese (n=11) post-menopausal women.

    Methods: Fasting levels of adipokines were obtained, and a single-slice computed tomography scan at the level of L4-L5 was used to estimate fat depot sizes. ATBF was assessed by xenon washout while in a fasting state and after oral glucose load. We also measured glucose, insulin and non-esterified fatty acids.

    Results: Total, subcutaneous and visceral AT areas strongly correlated with ATBF (all P<0.001). Circulating leptin levels strongly and inversely correlated with ATBF (P=0.001), but this association did not remain after adjustment for body mass index. Adiponectin was not associated with blood flow.

    Conclusion: ATBF is closely linked to subcutaneous and visceral AT size. Further analyses are needed to determine possible mediators of this association, including mechanistic studies to assess a putative role for leptin as a significant modulator of blood flow. International Journal of Obesity advance online publication, 26 July 2011; doi:10.1038/ijo.2011.152.

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  • 13.
    Andersson, Jonas
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Mellberg, Caroline
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Otten, Julia
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Ryberg, Mats
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Rinnström, Daniel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Larsson, Christel
    Lindahl, Bernt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
    Hauksson, Jon
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiation Sciences. d Department of Radiography and Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
    Johansson, Bengt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Olsson, Tommy
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Left ventricular remodelling changes without concomitant loss of myocardial fat after long-term dietary intervention2016In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 216, p. 92-96Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Accumulation of myocardial triglycerides (MTG) is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) remodelling and function in obese and diabetic subjects. The role of MTG accumulation in development of heart failure in this group of patients is unknown. Short-term studies suggest that diets that lead to weight loss could mobilize MTG, with a favourable effect on cardiac remodelling. In a 24-month, randomized, investigator-blinded study, we assessed the effect of two different diets and subsequent weight loss on cardiac function and MTG in postmenopausal women. Methods: Sixty-eight healthy postmenopausal women with body mass index [BMI] >= 27 kg/m(2) were randomized to an ad libitum Palaeolithic diet (PD) or a Nordic Nutrition Recommendation (NNR) diet for 24 months. Morphology, cardiac function, and MTG levels were measured using magnetic resonance (MR) scanning, including proton spectroscopy at baseline and 6 and 24 months. Results: Despite mean weight losses of 4.9 (1.0) kg (NNR) and 7.8 (1.1) kg (PD), the MTG content did not change over time (p = 0.98 in the NNR and p = 0.11 in the PD group at 24 months). Reduced left ventricular mass was observed in both diet groups over 24 months. Blood pressure was reduced at 6 months, but returned to baseline levels at 24 months. End diastolic volume, stroke volume, and cardiac output decreased over time. No differences between diet groups were observed. Conclusions: Diet intervention and moderate weight loss over 24 months improved LV remodelling but did not alter MTG levels in overweight/obese postmenopausal women.

  • 14.
    Andersson, T. A.
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Larsen, F.
    Karolinska Inst, Stockholm, Sweden.
    Carlberg, Bo
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Pulmonary embolism in Sweden, a national cohort and survival analysis2012In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 33, no suppl. 1, p. 29-29Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 15.
    Andersson, Therese
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Medicine.
    Söderberg, Stefan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Incidence of acute pulmonary embolism, related comorbidities and survival: analysis of a Swedish national cohort2017In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders, ISSN 1471-2261, E-ISSN 1471-2261, Vol. 17, article id 155Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) in Sweden and any regional differences. To assess short-and long-term survival analysis after an episode of PE, before and after excluding patients with known malignancies, and to determine the most common comorbidities prior to the PE event. Methods: All in-hospital patients, including children, diagnosed with acute PE in 2005 were retrieved from the Swedish National Patient Registry (NPR) and incidence rates were calculated. All registered comorbidities from 1998 until the index events were collected and survival up to 4 years after the event were calculated and compared to matched controls. Results: There were 5793 patients of all ages diagnosed with acute PE in 2005 resulting in a national incidence of 0.6/1000/year. The mean age was 70 years and 52% were women. The most frequent comorbidities were cardiac-, vascular-, infectious-and gastrointestinal diseases, injuries and malignancies. The mortality rates were more than doubled in patients with recent PE compared to that in a matched control group (49.1% vs 21.9%), and the excess mortality remained after exclusion of deaths occurring within one year and after exclusion of patients with any malignancy prior to the event. Conclusions: PE is associated with high age as well as with multiple comorbidities, and with an increased shortand long-term mortality. This study highlights the importance of a proper follow-up after an acute PE.

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  • 16.
    Arnberg, Elsa
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Eldhagen, Per
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
    Löfbacka, Viktor
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Venkateshvaran, Ashwin
    Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
    Pilebro, Björn
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    RWT/SaVR-A Simple and Highly Accurate Measure Screening for Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis2022In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 11, no 14, article id 4120Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Cardiac amyloidosis is an underdiagnosed condition and simple methods for accurate diagnosis are warranted. We aimed to validate a novel, dual-modality approach to identify transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA), employing echocardiographic relative wall thickness (RWT), and ECG S-wave from aVR (SaVR), and compare its accuracy with conventional echocardiographic approaches.

    MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated 102 patients with ATTR-CA and 65 patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), all with septal thickness &gt; 14 mm. We validated the accuracy of echocardiographic measures, including RWT, RWT/SaVR, posterior wall thickness (PWT), LV mass index (LVMI), left atrial volume index (LAVI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and relative apical sparing (RELAPS) to identify ATTR-CA diagnosed using DPD-scintigraphy or abdominal fat biopsy.

    RESULTS: PWT, RWT, RELAPS, troponin, and RWT/SaVR were significantly higher in ATTR-CA compared to LVH. RWT/SaVR &gt; 0.7 was the most accurate parameter to identify ATTR-CA (sensitivity 97%, specificity 90% and accuracy 91%). RELAPS was found to have much less accuracy (sensitivity 74%, specificity 76% and accuracy 73%).

    CONCLUSION: We can confirm the very strong diagnostic accuracy of RWT/SaVR to identify ATTR-CA in patients with septal thickness &gt; 14 mm. Given its high sensitivity and specificity, RWT/SaVR &gt; 0.7 has the potential to implement as a non-invasive, simple, and widely available diagnostic tool when screening for ATTR-CA.

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  • 17.
    A'Roch, Roman
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Gustafsson, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Poelaert, Jan
    Anesthesiology, University of Brussels, Belgium.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Left ventricular strain and peak systolic velocity: responses to controlled changes in load and contractility, explored in a porcine model2012In: Cardiovascular Ultrasound, E-ISSN 1476-7120, Vol. 10, no 1, article id 22Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Tissue velocity echocardiography is increasingly used to evaluate global and regional cardiac function. Previous studies have suggested that the quantitative measurements obtained during ejection are reliable indices of contractility, though their load-sensitivity has been studied in different settings, but still remains a matter of controversy. We sought to characterize the effects of acute load change (both preload and afterload) and change in inotropic state on peak systolic velocity and strain as a measure of LV contractility.

    METHODS: Thirteen anesthetized juvenile pigs were studied, using direct measurement of left ventricular pressure and volume and transthoracic echocardiography. Transient inflation of a vena cava balloon catheter produced controlled load alterations. At least eight consecutive beats in the sequence were analyzed with tissue velocity echocardiography during the load alteration and analyzed for change in peak systolic velocities and strain during same contractile status with a controlled load alteration. Two pharmacological inotropic interventions were also included to generate several myocardial contractile conditions in each animal.

    RESULTS: Peak systolic velocities reflected the drug-induced changes in contractility in both radial and longitudinal axis. During the acute load change, the peak systolic velocities remain stable when derived from signal in the longitudinal axis and from the radial axis. The peak systolic velocity parameter demonstrated no strong relation to either load or inotropic intervention, that is, it remained unchanged when load was systematically and progressively varied (peak systolic velocity, longitudinal axis, control group beat 1- 5.72 +/- 1.36 with beat 8- 6.49 +/- 1.28 cm/sec, 95% confidence interval), with the single exception of the negative inotropic intervention group where peak systolic velocity decreased a small amount during load reduction (beat 1- 3.98 +/- 0.92 with beat 8- 2.72 +/- 0.89 cm/sec). Systolic strain, however, showed a clear degree of load-dependence.

    CONCLUSIONS: Peak systolic velocity appears to be load-independent as tested by beat-to-beat load reduction, while peak systolic strain appears to be load-dependent in this model. Peak systolic velocity, in a controlled experimental model where successive beats during load alteration are assessed, has a strong relation to contractility. Peak systolic velocity, but not peak strain rate, is largely independent of load, in this model. More study is needed to confirm this finding in the clinical setting.

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  • 18.
    A'Roch, Roman
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Gustafsson, Ulf
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Poelaert, Jan
    Anesthesiology, University of Brussels, Belgium.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Left ventricular twist is load-dependent as shown in a large animal model with controlled cardiac load2012In: Cardiovascular Ultrasound, E-ISSN 1476-7120, Vol. 10, article id 26Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Left ventricular rotation and twist can be assessed noninvasively by speckle tracking echocardiography. We sought to characterize the effects of acute load change and change in inotropic state on rotation parameters as a measure of left ventricular (LV) contractility.

    METHODS: Seven anesthetised juvenile pigs were studied, using direct measurement of left ventricular pressure and volume and simultaneous transthoracic echocardiography. Transient inflation of an inferior vena cava balloon (IVCB) catheter produced controlled load reduction. First and last beats in the sequence of eight were analysed with speckle tracking (STE) during the load alteration and analysed for change in rotation/twist during controlled load alteration at same contractile status. Two pharmacological inotropic interventions were also included to examine the same hypothesis in additionally conditions of increased and decreased myocardial contractility in each animal. Paired comparisons were made for different load states using the Wilcoxon's Signed Rank test.

    RESULTS: The inferior vena cava balloon occlusion (IVCBO) load change compared for first to last beat resulted in LV twist increase (11.67degrees +/-2.65degrees vs. 16.17degrees +/-3.56degrees respectively, p < 0.004) during the load alteration and under adrenaline stimulation LV twist increase 12.56degrees +/-5.1degrees vs. 16.57degrees +/-4.6degrees (p < 0.013), and though increased, didn't reach significance in negative inotropic condition. Untwisting rate increased significantly at baseline from 41.7degrees/s +/-41.6degrees/s vs.122.6degrees/s +/-55.8degrees/s (P < 0.039) and under adrenaline stimulation untwisting rate increased (55.3degrees/s +/-3.8degrees/s vs.111.4degrees/s +/-24.0degrees/s (p < 0.05), but did not systematically changed in negative inotropic condition.

    CONCLUSIONS: Peak systolic LV twist and peak early diastolic untwisting rate are load dependent. Differences in LV load should be included in the interpretation when serial measures of twist are compared.

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  • 19.
    Arvidsson, Sandra
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Wikström, Gerhard
    Suhr, Ole B.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Right ventricular involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis2018In: Amyloid: Journal of Protein Folding Disorders, ISSN 1350-6129, E-ISSN 1744-2818, Vol. 25, no 3, p. 160-166Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The extent of right ventricular (RV) involvement in transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is unknown.

    Objectives: This study sought to establish the degree of RV involvement in ATTR amyloidosis, and compare findings with RV involvement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

    Methods: Forty-two patients with ATTR amyloidosis and echocardiographic evidence of cardiac amyloidosis (cardiac ATTR), 19 ATTR patients with normal left ventricular (LV) wall thickness (non-cardiac ATTR), 25 patients with diagnosed HCM and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. Echocardiographic measurements for conventional parameters, as well as RV global and segmental strain, were recorded.

    Results: When comparing RV structure and function between cardiac ATTR amyloidosis and HCM patients, only segmental strain differed between the two groups. In cardiac ATTR amyloidosis, we found an RV apex-to-base strain gradient with highest deformation in the apex. This pattern was reversed in patients with HCM.

    Conclusions: RV involvement is common in cardiac ATTR patients. The present study also detected an RV apical sparing pattern in patients with ATTR cardiomyopathy, similar to what has previously been described for the left ventricle in these patients. This pattern was not seen in HCM patients. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical importance of these findings.

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  • 20.
    Axelsson, Birger
    et al.
    Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden .
    Häggmark, Sören
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Svenmarker, Staffan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Johansson, Göran
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Gupta, Anil
    Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden .
    Tyden, Hans
    Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden .
    Wouters, Patrick
    Ghent, Belgium.
    Haney, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Anaesthesiology.
    Effects of Combined Milrinone and Levosimendan Treatment on Systolic and Diastolic Function During Postischemic Myocardial Dysfunction in a Porcine Model2016In: Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, ISSN 1074-2484, E-ISSN 1940-4034, Vol. 21, no 5, p. 495-503Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    It is not known whether there are positive or negative interactions on ventricular function when a calcium-sensitizing inotrope is added to a phosphodiesterase inhibitor in the clinical setting of acute left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We hypothesized that when levosimendan is added to milrinone treatment, there will be synergetic inotropic and lusitropic effects. This was tested in an anesthetized porcine postischemic global LV injury model, where ventricular pressures and volumes (conductance volumetry) were measured. A global ischemic injury was induced by repetitive left main stem coronary artery occlusions. Load-independent indices of LV function were assessed before and after ventricular injury, after milrinone treatment, and finally after addition of levosimendan to the milrinone treatment. Nonparametric, within-group comparisons were made. The protocol was completed in 12 pigs, 7 of which received the inotrope treatment and 5 of which served as controls. Milrinone led to positive lusitropic effects seen by improvement in tau after myocardial stunning. The addition of levosimendan to milrinone further increased lusitropic state. The latter effect could however not be attributed solely to levosimendan, since lusitropic state also improved spontaneously in time-matched controls at the same rate during the corresponding period. When levosimendan was added to milrinone infusion, there was no increase in systolic function (preload recruitable stroke work) compared to milrinone treatment alone. We conclude that in this model of postischemic LV dysfunction, there appears to be no clear improvement in systolic or diastolic function after addition of levosimendan to established milrinone treatment but also no negative effects of levosimendan in this context.

  • 21.
    Backman, Christer
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Johansson, Bengt
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Tossavainen, Erik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Unusual arrhythmogenic myocardial disease2014In: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal, ISSN 2410-2636, Vol. 1, no 4, p. 195-196Article in journal (Refereed)
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  • 22.
    Backman, Christer
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Mörner, Stellan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Burned out myocardium in biventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presenting with congestive heart failure: importance of ECG changes2014In: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal, ISSN 2410-2636, Vol. 1, no 3, p. 159-160Article in journal (Refereed)
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  • 23. Bagge, Louise
    et al.
    Probst, Johan
    Jensen, Steen M.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Blomström, Per
    Thelin, Stefan
    Holmgren, Anders
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Blomström-Lundqvist, Carina
    Quality of life is not improved aftermitral valve surgery combined with epicardial left atrial cryoablation as compared with mitral valve surgery alone: a substudy of the double blind randomized SWEDish Multicentre Atrial Fibrillation study (SWEDMAF)2018In: Europace, ISSN 1099-5129, E-ISSN 1532-2092, Vol. 20, p. F343-F350Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aims: Concomitant surgical ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing mitral valve surgery (MVS) has almost become routine despite lack of convincing information about improved quality-of-life (QOL) and clinical benefit. Quality-of-life was therefore assessed after MVS with or without epicardial left atrial cryoablation. Methods and results: Sixty-five patients with permanent AF randomized to MVS with or without left atrial cryoablation, in the doubleblinded multicentre SWEDMAF trial, replied to the Short Form 36 QOL survey at 6 and 12 months follow-up. The QOL scores at 12month follow-up did not differ significantly between patients undergoing MVS combined with cryoablation vs. those undergoing MVS alone regarding Physical Component Summary mean 42.8 (95% confidence interval 38.3-47.3) vs. mean 44.0 (40.1-47.7), P =0.700 or Mental Component Summary mean 53.1 (49.7-56.4) vs. mean 48.4 (44.6-52.2), P=0.075. All patients, irrespective of allocated procedure, reached the same QOL after surgery as an age-matched Swedish general population. The Physical Component Summary in patients with sinus rhythm did also not differ from those in AF at 12months; mean 45.4 (42.0-48.7) vs. mean 40.5 (35.5-45.6), P=0.096) nor was there a difference in Mental Component Summary; mean 51.0 (48.0-54.1) vs. mean 49.6 (44.6-54.5), P=0.581). Conclusion: Left atrial cryoablation added to MVS does not improve health-related QOL in patients with permanent AF, a finding that raises concerns regarding recommendations made for this combined procedure.

  • 24.
    Bajraktari, Artan
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Institute of Environment & Health and Societies, Brunel University, Middlesex, UK; Molecular and Clinic Research Institute, St George University, London, UK.
    The Relationship between Coronary Artery Wall Shear Strain and Plaque Morphology: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2020In: Diagnostics (Basel), ISSN 2075-4418, Vol. 10, no 2, article id 91Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and Aim: Arterial wall shear strain (WSS) has been proposed to impact the features of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the impact of different types of WSS on plaque features in coronary artery disease (CAD).

    Methods: We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Registry, from 1989 up to January 2020 and selected clinical trials and observational studies which assessed the relationship between WSS, measured by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), and plaque morphology in patients with CAD.

    Results: In four studies, a total of 72 patients with 13,098 coronary artery segments were recruited, with mean age 57.5 +/- 9.5 years. The pooled analysis showed that low WSS was associated with larger baseline lumen area (WMD 2.55 [1.34 to 3.76, p < 0.001]), smaller plaque area (WMD 1.16 [-1.84 to -0.49, p = 0.0007]), lower plaque burden (WMD -12.7 [-21.4 to -4.01, p = -0.04]), and lower necrotic core area (WMD -0.32 [-0.78 to 0.14, p = 0.04]). Low WSS also had smaller fibrous area (WMD -0.79 [-1.88 to -0.30, p = 0.02]) and smaller fibro-fatty area (WMD 0.22 [-0.57 to 0.13, p = 0.02]), compared with high WSS, but the dense calcium score was similar between the two groups (WMD -0.17 [-0.47 to 0.13, p = 0.26]). No differences were found between intermediate and high WSS.

    Conclusions: High WSS is associated with signs of plaque instability such as higher necrotic core, higher calcium score, and higher plaque burden compared with low WSS. These findings highlight the role of IVUS in assessing plaque vulnerability.

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  • 25.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    The clinical value of total isovolumic time2014Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the use of Doppler echocardiography markers ofglobal dyssynchrony [total isovolumic time (t-IVT)] in the following 6 studies: 1) Its prognostic role in predicting cardiac events in patients undergoing CABG surgery,compared with conventional global systolic and diastolic measurements. 2) Its additional value in predicting six minute walk test (6-MWT) in patients with leftventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) <45%. 3) Its prognostic value in comparison with other clinical, biochemical and echocardiographicvariables in patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF). 4) The relationship between 6-MWT and cardiac function measurements in a consecutivegroup of patients, irrespective of EF and to identify predictors of exercise capacity. 5) To investigate the effect of age on LV t-IVT and Tei index compared with conventionalsystolic and diastolic parameters. 6) To assess potential additional value of markers of global LV dyssynchrony in predictingcardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response in HF patients.

    Study I

    Methods: This study included 74 patients before routine CABG who were followed up for18±12 months. Results: At follow-up, 29 patients were hospitalized for a cardiac event or died. LV-ESD wasgreater (P=0.003), fractional shortening (FS) lower (p<0.001), E:A ratio and Tei index higher(all P<0.001), and t-IVT longer (P<0.001) in patients with events. Low FS [0.66 (0.50–0.87),P<0.001], high E:A ratio [l4.13 (1.17–14.60), P=0.028], large LV-ESD [0.19 (0.05–0.84),P=0.029], and long t-IVT [1.37 (1.02–1.84), P=0.035] predicted events and deaths. Conclusion: Despite satisfactory surgical revascularization, long t-IVT and systolicdysfunction suggest persistent ventricular dyssynchrony that contributes to post-CABGcardiac events.

    Study II

    Methods: We studied 77 patients (60±12 year, and 33.3% females) with stable HF using 6-MWT.iii Results: E’ wave (r=0.61, p<0.001), E/e’ ratio (r=-0.49, p<0.001), t-IVT (r=-0.44, p<0.001),Tei index (r=-0.43, p<0.001) and NYHA class (r=-0.53, p<0.001) had the highest correlationwith the 6-MWT distance. In multivariate analysis, only E/e’ ratio [0.800 (0.665-0.961),p=0.017], and t-IVT [0.769 (0.619-0.955), p=0.018] independently predicted poor 6-MWTperformance (<300m). Conclusions: In HF, the higher the filling pressures and the more dyssynchronous the LV, thepoorer is the patient’s exercise capacity.

    Study III

    Methods: We studied 107 systolic HF patients; age 68±12 year, 25% females and measuredplasma NT-pro-BNP. Results: Over a follow-up period of 3718 months, t-IVT ≥12.3 sec/min, mean E/Em ratio≥10, log NT-pro-BNP levels ≥2.47 pg/ml and LV EF ≤32.5% predicted clinical events. Theaddition of t-IVT and NT-pro-BNP to conventional clinical and echocardiographic variablessignificantly improved the χ2 for the prediction of outcome from 33.1 to 38.0, (p<0.001). Conclusions: Prolonged t-IVT adds to the prognostic stratification of patients with systolicHF.

    Study IV

    Methods: We studied 147 HF patients (61±11 year, 50.3% male) with 6-MWT.Results: The 6-MWT correlated with t-IVT (r=-0.49, p<0.001) and Tei index (r=-0.43,p<0.001) but not with any of the other clinical or echocardiographic parameters. Group Ipatients (<300m) had lower Hb (p=0.02), lower EF (p=0.003), larger left atrium (p=0.02),thicker septum (p=0.02), lower A wave (p=0.01) and lateral wall a’ (p=0.047), longerisovolumic relaxation time (r=0.003) and longer t-IVT (p= 0.03), compared with Group II(>300m). Only t-IVT ratio [1.257 (1.071-1.476), p=0.005], LV EF [0.947 (0.903-0.993),p=0.02], and E/A ratio [0.553 (0.315-0.972), p=0.04] independently predicted poor 6-MWTperformance. Conclusion: In HF, the limited 6-MWT is related mostly to severity of global LVdyssynchrony, more than EF or raised filling pressures.

    Study V

    Methods: We studied 47 healthy individuals (age 62±12 year, 24 female), arbitrarilyclassified into: M (middle age), S (seniors), and E (elderly). Results: Age strongly correlated with t-IVT (r=0.8, p<0.001) and with Tei index (r=0.7,p<0.001), E/A ratio (r=-0.6, p<0.001), but not with global or segmental systolic function measurements or QRS duration. The normal upper limit of the t-IVT (95% CI) for the three groups was 8.3 s/min, 10.5 s/min and 14.5 s/min, respectively, being shorter in the S compared with the E group (p=0.001). T-IVT correlated with A wave (r=0.66, p<0.001), E/Aratio (r=-0.56, p<0.001), septal e’ (r=-0.49, p=0.001) and septal a’ (r=0.4, p=0.006), but notwith QRS. Conclusions: In normals, age is associated with exaggerated LV global dyssynchrony anddiastolic function disturbances, but systolic function remains unaffected.

    Study VI

    Methods: We studied 103 HF patients (67±12 year, 82.5% male) recruited for CRTtreatment. Results: Prolonged t-IVT [0.878 (0.802-0.962), p=0.005], long QRS duration [0.978 (0.960-0.996), p=0.02] and high tricuspid regurgitation pressure drop (TRPD) [1.047 (1.001-1.096),p=0.046] independently predicted response to CRT. A t-IVT ≥11.6 s/min was 67% sensitiveand 62% specific (AUC 0.69, p=0.001) in predicting CRT response. Respective values for aQRS ≥ 151ms were 66% and 62% (AUC 0.65, p=0.01). Combining the two variables had asensitivity of 67% but higher specificity of 88% in predicting CRT response. In atrialfibrillation (AF) patients, only prolonged t-IVT ≥11 s/min [0.690 (0.509-0.937), p=0.03]independently predicted CRT response with a sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 79% (AUC0.78, p=0.015). Conclusion: Combining prolonged t-IVT and broad QRS had higher specificity in predictingresponse to CRT, with the former the sole predictor of response in AF patients.

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  • 26.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Batalli, A.
    Poniku, A.
    Ahmeti, A.
    Olloni, R.
    Hyseni, V.
    Vela, Z.
    Morina, B.
    Tafarshiku, R.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Left ventricular dyssynchrony predicts limited exercise capacity in heart failure irrespective of ejection fraction2012In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 33, no Suppl. 1, p. 34-34Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 27.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Batalli, Arlind
    Poniku, Afrim
    Ahmeti, Artan
    Olloni, Rozafa
    Hyseni, Violeta
    Vela, Zana
    Morina, Besim
    Tafarshiku, Rina
    Vela, Driton
    Rashiti, Premtim
    Haliti, Edmond
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Left ventricular markers of global dyssynchrony predict limited exercise capacity in heart failure, but not in patients with preserved ejection fraction2012In: Cardiovascular Ultrasound, E-ISSN 1476-7120, Vol. 10, p. 36-Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The aim of this study was to prospectively examine echocardiographic parameters that correlate and predict functional capacity assessed by 6 min walk test (6-MWT) in patients with heart failure (HF), irrespective of ejection fraction (EF).

    Methods: In 147 HF patients (mean age 61 +/- 11 years, 50.3% male), a 6-MWT and an echo-Doppler study were performed in the same day. Global LV dyssynchrony was indirectly assessed by total isovolumic time - t-IVT [in s/min; calculated as: 60 - (total ejection time + total filling time)], and Tei index (t-IVT/ejection time). Patients were divided into two groups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: <= 300 m and Group II: > 300 m), and also in two groups according to EF (Group A: LVEF >= 45% and Group B: LVEF <45%).

    Results: In the cohort of patients as a whole, the 6-MWT correlated with t-IVT (r = -0.49, p < 0.001) and Tei index (r = -0.43, p < 0.001) but not with any of the other clinical or echocardiographic parameters. Group I had lower hemoglobin level (p = 0.02), lower EF (p = 0.003), larger left atrium (p = 0.02), thicker interventricular septum (p = 0.02), lower A wave (p = 0.01) and lateral wall late diastolic myocardial velocity a' (p = 0.047), longer isovolumic relaxation time (r = 0.003) and longer t-IVT (p = 0.03), compared with Group II. In the patients cohort as a whole, only t-IVT ratio [1.257 (1.071-1.476), p = 0.005], LV EF [0.947 (0.903-0.993), p = 0.02], and E/A ratio [0.553 (0.315-0.972), p = 0.04] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance (< 300 m) in multivariate analysis. None of the echocardiographic measurements predicted exercise tolerance in HFpEF.

    Conclusion: In patients with HF, the limited exercise capacity, assessed by 6-MWT, is related mostly to severity of global LV dyssynchrony, more than EF or raised filling pressures. The lack of exercise predictors in HFpEF reflects its multifactorial pathophysiology.

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    Left ventricular markers of global dyssynchrony predict limited exercise capacity in heart failure, but not in patients with preserved ejection fraction
  • 28.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Berisha, G.
    Bytyci, I.
    Haliti, E.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ahmeti, A.
    Poniku, A.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    The presence of metabolic syndrome predicts long-term outcome in heart failure patients2015In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 36, p. 831-831Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 29.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Bytyci, I.
    Ahmeti, A.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Poniku, A.
    Haliti, E.
    Batalli, A.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Left atrial emptying function predicts long-term outcome in HFpEF patients2015In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 36, p. 1183-1183Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 30.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Bytyci, I.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Hyseni, V.
    Berisha, G.
    Rexhepaj, N.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    The relationship between left atrial emptying function and exercise capacity in heart failure2014In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 35, no Supplement 1, Meeting abstract P2776, p. 510-510Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 31.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Bytyci, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular & Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George University, and Brunel University, London, UK.
    Left atrial structure and function predictors of recurrent fibrillation after catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis2020In: Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, ISSN 1475-0961, E-ISSN 1475-097X, Vol. 40, no 1, p. 1-13Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: Catheter ablation (CA) has become a conventional treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but remains with high recurrence rate. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine left atrial (LA) structure and function indices that predict recurrence of AF.

    Methods: We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry, up to September 2017 in order to select clinical trials and observational studies which reported echocardiographic predictors of AF recurrence after CA. Eighty-five articles with a total of 16 126 patients were finally included.

    Results: The pooled analysis showed that after a follow-up period of 21 +/- 12 months, patients with AF recurrence had larger LA diameter with weighted mean difference (WMD: 2 center dot 99 ([95% CI 2 center dot 50-3 center dot 47], P<0 center dot 001), larger LA volume index (LAVI) maximal and LAVI minimal (P<0 center dot 0001 for both), larger LA area (P<0 center dot 0001), lower LA strain (P<0 center dot 0001) and lower LA total emptying fraction (LA EF) (P<0 center dot 0001) compared with those without AF recurrence. The most powerful LA predictors (in accuracy order) of AF recurrence were as follows: LA strain <19% (OR: 3 center dot 1[95% CI, -1.3-10 center dot 4], P<0 center dot 0001), followed by LA diameter >= 50 mm (OR: 2 center dot 75, [95% CI 1 center dot 66-4 center dot 56,] P<0 center dot 0001), and LAVmax >150 ml (OR: 2 center dot 25, [95% CI, 1.1-5 center dot 6], P = 0 center dot 0002).

    Conclusions: Based on this meta-analysis results, a dilated left atrium with diameter more than 50 mm and volume above 150 ml or myocardial strain below 19% reflect an unstable LA that is unlikely to hold sinus rhythm after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

  • 32.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo; University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Bytyçi, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Alfonso, Fernando
    Ahmed, Ali
    Jashari, Haki
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Bhatt, Deepak L.
    Complete revascularization for patients with multivessel coronary artery disease and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after the COMPLETE trial: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2020In: IJC Heart & Vasculature, E-ISSN 2352-9067, Vol. 29, article id 100549Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background: The recently published COMPLETE trial has demonstrated that patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD), who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of both culprit and non-culprit (vs. culprit-only) lesions had a reduced risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), but not of cardiovascular or total mortality. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of complete revascularization on cardiovascular or total mortality reduction using available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including the COMPLETE trial, in hemodynamically stable STEMI patients with MVD. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov databases search identified 10 RCTs of 7033 patients with STEMI and MVD which compared complete (n = 3420) vs. only culprit lesion (n = 3613) PCI for a median 27.7 months follow-up. Random effect risk ratios were used to estimate for efficacy and safety outcomes. Results: Complete revascularization reduced the risk of MACE (10.4% vs.16.6%; RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.74, p < 0.0001), CV mortality (2.87% vs. 3.72%; RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56 to 0.95, p = 0.02), reinfarction (5.1% vs. 7.1%; RR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.86, p = 0.002), urgent revascularization (7.92% vs.17.4%; RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.73, p < 0.001), and CV hospitalization (8.68% vs.11.4%; RR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.44to 0.96, p = 0.03) compared with culprit only revascularization. All-cause mortality, stroke, major bleeding events, or contrast induced nephropathy were not affected by the revascularization strategy. Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that in patients with STEMI and MVD, complete revascularization is superior to culprit-only PCI in reducing the risk of MACE outcomes, including cardiovascular mortality, without increasing the risk of adverse safety outcomes.

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  • 33.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Service of Cardiology, Internal Medicine Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Dini, Frank Lloyd
    Fontanive, Paolo
    Elezi, Shpend
    Berisha, Venera
    Napoli, Anna Maria
    Ciuti, Manrico
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Independent and incremental prognostic value of Doppler-derived left ventricular total isovolumic time in patients with systolic heart failure2011In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 148, no 3, p. 271-275Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: A prolonged total isovolumic time (T-IVT) has been shown to be associated with worsening survival in patients submitted to coronary artery surgery. However, it is not known whether it has prognostic significance in patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF).

    AIM: To determine the prognostic value of T-IVT in comparison with other clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic variables in patients with chronic systolic HF.

    METHODS: Patients (n=107; age 68+/-12years, 25% women) with chronic systolic HF, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) <45%, and sinus rhythm, underwent a complete Doppler echocardiographic study, that included tissue Doppler long axis velocities and total isovolumic time (T-IVT), determined as [60-(total ejection time+total filling time)]. Plasma N-terminal pro-B natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) was also measured. The associations of dichotomous variables selected according to the Receiver Operator Characteristic analysis were assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

    RESULTS: Follow-up period was 37+/-18months. Multivariate predictors of events were T-IVT >/=12.3% s/min, mean E/E(m) ratio >/=10, log NT-pro-BNP levels >/=2.47pg/ml and LV EF</=32.5%. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, patients with prolonged T-IVT, high mean E/E(m) ratio, increased NT-pro-BNP levels and decreased LV EF had a worse outcome compared with those without. The addition of T-IVT and NT-pro-BNP to conventional clinical and echocardiographic variables significantly improved the chi-square for the prediction of the outcome from 33.1 to 38.0, (P<0.001).

    CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged T-IVT added to the prognostic stratification of patients with systolic HF.

  • 34.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Second Division of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Duncan, Alison
    Pepper, John
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Prolonged total isovolumic time predicts cardiac events following coronary artery bypass surgery2008In: European Journal of Echocardiography, ISSN 1525-2167, E-ISSN 1532-2114, Vol. 9, no 6, p. 779-783Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIMS: Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction may be associated with compromised stroke volume, which may be caused by asynchrony, reflected on the prolongation of isovolumic time (t-IVT). To assess the prognostic role of Doppler echocardiographic measurements in predicting cardiac events after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

    METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 74 patients undergoing routine CABG. A pre-CABG Doppler echocardiographic assessment of LV dimensions, filling and ejection was performed and t-IVT was determined as [60 - (total ejection time + total filling time)]. Follow-up period was 18 +/- 12 months. Of the 74 patients (age 65 +/- 16 years, 59 males), 29 underwent hospital admission for a cardiac event or died. There were no differences in age, gender, incidence of previous infarct or mitral regurgitation, LV-EDD (left ventricular end-diastolic dimension), left atrial or right ventricular size in patients with cardiac events compared with those without events. Left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LV-ESD) was greater (4.5 +/- 0.9 vs. 3.9 +/- 0.9 cm, P = 0.003), fractional shortening (FS) was lower (21 +/- 4 vs. 32 +/- 8%), E:A ratio and Tei index were higher (2.1 +/- 0.8 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.6 and 0.9 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.6 +/- 0.3, all P < 0.001), and t-IVT was longer (16 +/- 5 vs.10 +/- 4 s/min, P < 0.001) in patients with events. Multivariate predictors of post-CABG events (odds ratio 95% confidence interval) were low FS [0.66 (0.50-0.87), P < 0.001], high E:A ratio [l4.13 (1.17-14.60), P = 0.028], large LV-ESD [0.19 (0.05-0.84), P = 0.029], and long t-IVT [1.37 (1.02-1.84), P = 0.035].

    CONCLUSION: Despite satisfactory surgical revascularization, long t-IVT and systolic dysfunction suggest persistent ventricular dyssynchrony that contributes to post-CABG cardiac events. Early assessment of such patients for potential benefit from electrical resynchronization may optimize their cardiac performance and hence clinical outcome.

  • 35.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Duncan, Alison
    Pepper, John
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Persistent Ventricular Asynchrony after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Predicts Cardiac Events2010In: Echocardiography, ISSN 0742-2822, E-ISSN 1540-8175, Vol. 27, no 1, p. 32-37Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim: The aim of this study was to identify echocardiographic LV systolic and diastolic measurements that predict clinical events post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods: We collected data from 27 patients (age 70 +/- 7 years) who underwent elective CABG, before and within 6 weeks after surgery. LV systolic function was assessed by conventional echocardiographic parameters. A number of LV filling measurements were also made, which included total isovolumic time (t-IVT), Tei index, and restrictive filling pattern. Postoperative cardiac events were death or hospitalization for chest pain, breathlessness, or arrhythmia. Results: Patient's follow-up period was 17 +/- 10 months. Of the 27 patients (age 70 +/- 7 years, 22 male), 10 had postoperative cardiac events. LV ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were lower (P = 0.01, and P = 0.007, respectively), t-IVT longer (P < 0.001), and Tei index was higher (P < 0.001) preoperatively in patients with events compared to those without. The same differences between groups remained after surgery; EF (P = 0.002), FS (P = 0.002), t-IVT (P < 0.001), and Tei index (P < 0.001). T-IVT was the only preoperative predictor of events (P = 0.038) but its postoperative value as well as that of FS predicted events (P = 0.034, and P = 0.042, respectively). T-IVT of 12.2 s/min and FS of 26% were 80% sensitive and 88% specific for predicting postoperative events. Conclusion: Despite successful surgical revascularization residual impairment of LV systolic function and persistent asynchrony in the form of prolonged t-IVT are associated with postoperative events. Since these abnormalities remained despite full medical therapy, they may thus suggest a need for electrical resynchronization therapy.

  • 36.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. University Clinical Center of Kosova, University of Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    The clinical dilemma of quantifying mechanical left ventricular dyssynchrony for cardiac resynchronization therapy: segmental or global?2015In: Echocardiography, ISSN 0742-2822, E-ISSN 1540-8175, Vol. 32, no 1, p. 150-155Article, review/survey (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Heart failure (HF) represents a serious clinical and public cause of mortality, morbidity, as well as healthcare expenditures. Guidelines for treatment of HF join in recommending multimedical regimen at targeted doses as the best medical strategy, despite that a significant percentage of patients remain symptomatic. Studies have shown that these patients might benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), particularly those presenting with broad QRS duration, >135 msec. Trials have already shown that CRT results in improved morbidity and survival of these patients particularly those in New York Heart Association class III-IV HF, but almost 30% do not show any symptomatic or survival benefit, hence are classified as nonresponders. Exhaustive efforts have been made in using noninvasive methods of assessing left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony in predicting nonresponders to CRT, including Doppler echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and even single photon emission computed tomography analysis, but only with modest success. In this report, we aimed to review the available evidence for assessing markers of mechanical LV dyssynchrony by various echocardiographic modalities and their respective strength in predicting favorable response to CRT treatment, comparing global with segmental ones. While the accuracy of segmental markers of dyssynchrony in predicting satisfactory response to CRT remains controversial because of various technical limitations, global markers seem easier to measure, reproducible, and potentially accurate in reflecting overall cavity response and its clinical implications. More studies are needed to qualify this proposal.

  • 37.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Pishtina, Republic of Kosovo.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Treatment Strategies of NSTEMI-ACS with Multivessel Disease2016In: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal, ISSN 2409-3424, Vol. 6, p. 3-5Article in journal (Refereed)
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  • 38.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina.
    Jashari, Haki
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo..
    Alfonso, Fernando
    Jashari, Fisnik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ndrepepa, Gjin
    Elezi, Shpend
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Comparison of drug-eluting balloon versus drug-eluting stent treatment of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis: A meta-analysis of available evidence2016In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 218, p. 126-135Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains an important concern despite the recent advances in the drug-eluting stent (DES) technology. The introduction of drug-eluting balloons (DEB) offers a good solution to such problem.

    OBJECTIVES: We performed a meta-analysis to assess the clinical efficiency and safety of DEB compared with DES in patients with DES-ISR.

    METHODS: A systematic search was conducted and all randomized and observational studies which compared DEB with DES in patients with DES-ISR were included. The primary outcome measure-major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)-as well as individual events as target lesion revascularization (TLR), stent thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction (MI), cardiac death (CD) and all-cause mortality, were analyzed.

    RESULTS: Three randomized and 4 observational studies were included with a total of 2052 patients. MACE (relative risk [RR]=1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.46, P=0.99), TLR (RR=1.15 [CI 0.79 to 1.68], P=0.44), ST (RR=0.37[0.10 to 1.34], P=0.13), MI (RR=0.97 [0.49 to 1.91], P=0.93) and CD (RR=0.73 [0.22 to 2.45], P=0.61) were not different between patients treated with DEB and with DES. However, all-cause mortality was lower in patients treated with DEB (RR=0.45 [0.23 to 0.87, P=0.019) and in particular when compared to only first generation DES (RR 0.33 [0.15-0.74], P=0.007). There was no statistical evidence for publication bias.

    CONCLUSIONS: The results of this meta-analysis showed that DEB and DES have similar efficacy and safety for the treatment of DES-ISR.

  • 39.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology and Angiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.
    Kurtishi, Ilir
    Rexhepaj, Nehat
    Tafarshiku, Rina
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jashari, Fisnik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Alihajdari, Rrezarta
    Batalli, Arlind
    Elezi, Shpend
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Gender related predictors of limited exercise capacity in heart failure2013In: IJC Heart & Vessels, ISSN 2214-7632, Vol. 1, p. 11-16Article in journal (Other academic)
    Abstract [en]

    Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of gender on the prediction of limited exercise capacity in heart failure (HF) patients assessed by 6 minute walk test (6-MWT).

    Methods In 147 HF patients (mean age 61 ± 11 years, 50.3% male), a 6-MWT and a Doppler echocardiographic study were performed in the same day. Conventional cardiac measurements were obtained and global LV dyssynchrony was indirectly assessed using total isovolumic time − t-IVT [in s/min; calculated as: 60 − (total ejection time − total filling time)] and Tei index (t-IVT/ejection time). Patients were divided into two groups according to gender, which were again divided into two subgroups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: ≤ 300 m, and Group II: > 300 m).

    Results Female patients were younger (p = 0.02), and had higher left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction — EF (p = 0.007) but with similar 6-MWT distance to male patients (p = 68). Group I male patients had lower hemoglobin level (p = 0.02) and lower EF (p = 0.03), compared with Group II, but none of the clinical or echocardiographic variables differed between groups in female patients. In multivariate analysis, only t-IVT [0.699 (0.552–0.886), p = 0.003], and LV EF [0.908 (0.835–0.987), p = 0.02] in males, and NYHA functional class [4.439 (2.213–16.24), p = 0.02] in females independently predicted poor 6-MWT distance (< 300 m).

    Conclusion Despite similar limited exercise capacity, gender determines the pattern of underlying cardiac disturbances; ventricular dysfunction in males and subjective NYHA class in female heart failure patients.

  • 40.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Clinical Physiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Left ventricular global dyssynchrony is exaggerated with age2013In: International Cardiovascular Forum, ISSN 2410-2636, Vol. 1, no 1, p. 47-51Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and Aim. Total isovolumic time (t-IVT) and Tei index both reflect global left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony. They have been shown to be sensitive in responding to myocardial revascularization and in predicting clinical outcome in heart failure patients. Since most these patients are senior, determining the exact effect of age on such parameters remains mandatory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of age on LV t-IVT and Tei index compared with conventional systolic and diastolic parameters in normal individuals.

    Methods. We studied 47 healthy individuals, mean age 62±12 years (24 female), who were arbitrarily classified into three groups: M (middle age), S (seniors), and E (elderly), using spectral Doppler echocardiography and tissue-Doppler imaging. We studied the interrelation between age, LV systolic and diastolic function parameters as well as t-IVT [60 – (total ejection time + total filling time) in s/min], and Tei index (T-IVT/ejection time).

    Results. LV ejection fraction was 68±6%, E/A ratio 1±0.4, filling time 538±136ms, ejection time 313±26ms, t-IVT 7.7±2.6 s/min and Tei index 0.41±0.14. Age strongly correlated with t-IVT (r=0.8, p<0.001) and with Tei index (r=0.7, p<0.001) but not with QRS duration. Age also correlated with E/A ratio (r=-0.6, p<0.001), but not with global or segmental systolic function measurements. Mean values for t-IVT were 5.5 (95% CI, 4.6-6.3 s/min) for M, 6.9 (95% CI, 6.0-7.8 s/min) for S and 9.5 (95% CI, 8.4-10.6 s/min) for E groups. The corresponding upper limit of the t-IVT 95% normal CI (calculated as mean ±2SD) for the three groups was 8.3 s/min, 10.5 s/min and 14.5 s/min, respectively. The upper limit of normal t-IVT 95% CI was significantly shorter in the S compared with the E group (p=0.001). T-IVT correlated with A wave (r=0.66, p<0.001), E/A ratio (r=-0.56, p<0.001), septal e’ (r=-0.49, p=0.001) and septal a’ (r=0.4, p=0.006), but not with QRS.

    Conclusions. In normals, age is associated with exaggerated LV global dyssynchrony and diastolic function disturbances, but systolic function remains unaffected. The strong relationship between age and t-IVT supports its potential use as a marker of global LV dyssynchrony. In addition, variations in the upper limit of normal values, particularly in the elderly may have significant clinical applications in patients recommended for CRT treatment.

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  • 41.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindqvist, Per
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Total isovolumic time correlates with limited exercise capacity in HFpEF - its shortening with stress suggests significant rise of filling pressure2014In: European Heart Journal, ISSN 0195-668X, E-ISSN 1522-9645, Vol. 35, no Supplement 1, Meeting abstract P6544, p. 1179-1179Article in journal (Other academic)
  • 42.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology and Angiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.
    Nicoll, Rachel
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology and Angiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.
    Jashari, Fisnik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology and Angiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo.
    Schmermund, Axel
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Coronary calcium score correlates with estimate of total plaque burden2013In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 167, no 3, p. 1050-1052Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 43.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Heart Centre, Umeå.
    Pugliese, Nicola Riccardo
    D'Agostino, Andreina
    Rosa, Gian Marco
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine. Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Heart Centre, Umeå.
    Perçuku, Luan
    Miccoli, Mario
    Galeotti, Gian Giacomo
    Fabiani, Iacopo
    Pedrinelli, Roberto
    Henein, Michael
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Heart Centre, Umeå.
    Dini, Frank L.
    Echo- and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide-Guided Follow-Up versus Symptom-Guided Follow-Up: Comparison of the Outcome in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients2018In: Cardiology Research and Practice, ISSN 2090-8016, E-ISSN 2090-0597, article id 3139861Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Recent European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guidelines did not recommend biomarker-guided therapy in the management of heart failure (HF) patients. Combination of echo- and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be an alternative approach in guiding ambulatory HF management. Our aim was to determine whether a therapy guided by echo markers of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP), lung ultrasound (LUS) assessment of B-lines, and BNP improves outcomes of HF patients. Consecutive outpatients with LV ejection fraction (EF) <= 50% have been prospectively enrolled. In Group I (n=224), follow-up was guided by echo and BNP with the goal of achieving E-wave deceleration time (EDT) >= 150 ms, tissue Doppler index E/e' < 13, B-line numbers < 15, and BNP <= 125 pg/ml or decrease > 30%; in Group II (n=293), follow-up was clinically guided, while the remaining 277 patients (Group III) did not receive any dedicated follow-up. At 60 months, survival was 88% in Group I compared to 75% in Group II and 54% in Group III (chi(2) 53.5; p<0.0001). Survival curves exhibited statistically significant differences using Mantel-Cox analysis. The number needed to treat to spare one death was 7.9 (Group I versus Group II) and 3.8 (Group I versus Group III). At multivariate Cox regression analyses, major predictors of all-cause mortality were follow-up E/e' (HR: 1.05; p=0.0038) and BNP > 125 pg/ml or decrease <= 30% (HR: 4.90; p=0.0054), while BNP > 125 pg/ml or decrease <= 30% and B-line numbers >= 15 were associated with the combined end point of death and HF hospitalization. Evidence-based HF treatment guided by serum biomarkers and ultrasound with the goal of reducing elevated BNP and LVFP, and resolving pulmonary congestion was associated with better clinical outcomes and can be valuable in guiding ambulatory HF management.

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  • 44.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Rönn, Folke
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jashari, Fisnik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jensen, Steen M.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Combining electrical and global mechanical markers of LV dyssynchrony optimizes patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy2014Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
  • 45.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Rönn, Folke
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jashari, Fisnik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Lindmark, Krister
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Jensen, Steen M
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Combined electrical and global markers of dyssynchrony predict clinical response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy2014In: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal, ISSN 1401-7431, E-ISSN 1651-2006, Vol. 48, no 5, p. 304-310Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    AIM: To assess potential additional value of global left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony markers in predicting cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response in heart failure (HF) patients. METHODS: We included 103 HF patients (mean age 67 +/- 12 years, 83% male) who fulfilled the guidelines criteria for CRT treatment. All patients had undergone full clinical assessment, NT-proBNP and echocardiographic examination. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed using total isovolumic time (t-IVT) and Tei index. On the basis of reduction in the NYHA class after CRT, patients were divided into responders and non-responders. RESULTS: Prolonged t-IVT [0.878 (range, 0.802-0.962), p = 0.005], long QRS duration [0.978 (range, 0.960-0.996), p = 0.02] and high tricuspid regurgitation pressure drop [1.047 (range, 1.001-1.096), p = 0.046] independently predicted response to CRT. A t-IVT >= 11.6 s/min was 67% sensitive and 62% specifi c (AUC 0.69, p = 0.001) in predicting CRT response. Respective values for a QRS >= 151 ms were 66% and 62% (AUC 0.65, p = 0.01). Combining the two variables had higher specifi city (88%) in predicting CRT response. In atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, only prolonged t-IVT [0.690 (range, 0.509 -0.937), p = 0.03] independently predicted CRT response. CONCLUSION: Combining prolonged t-IVT and the conventionally used broad QRS duration has a significantly higher specifi city in identifying patients likely to respond to CRT. Moreover, in AF patients, only prolonged t-IVT independently predicted CRT response.

  • 46.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    et al.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina”, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Zhubi-Bakija, Fjolla
    Ndrepepa, Gjin
    Alfonso, Fernando
    Elezi, Shpend
    Rexhaj, Zarife
    Bytyçi, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Bajraktari, Artan
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Poniku, Afrim
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Disease Treated with Percutaneous Angioplasty versus Bypass Grafting: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials2020In: Journal of Clinical Medicine, E-ISSN 2077-0383, Vol. 9, no 7, article id 2231Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Background and Aim: Treatment of patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCA) with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains controversial. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with unprotected LMCA treated randomly by PCI or CABG. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov database searches identified five randomized trials (RCTs) including 4499 patients with unprotected LMCA comparing PCI (n= 2249) vs. CABG (n= 2250), with a minimum clinical follow-up of five years. Random effect risk ratios were used for efficacy and safety outcomes. The study was registered in PROSPERO. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of death from any cause, myocardial infarction or stroke. Results: Compared to CABG, patients assigned to PCI had a similar rate of MACE (risk ratio (RR): 1.13; 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.36;p= 0.19), myocardial infarction (RR: 1.48; 95% CI: 0.97 to 2.25;p= 0.07) and stroke (RR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.23;p= 0.42). Additionally, all-cause mortality (RR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.28;p= 0.48) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality (RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.43;p= 0.31) were not different. However, the risk of any repeat revascularization (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.15;p< 0.00001) was higher in patients assigned to PCI. Conclusions: The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that the long-term survival and MACE of patients who underwent PCI for unprotected LMCA stenosis were comparable to those receiving CABG, despite a higher rate of repeat revascularization.

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  • 47. Ballo, Piercarlo
    et al.
    Nistri, Stefano
    Galderisi, Maurizio
    Mele, Donato
    Mondillo, Sergio
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Impact of physical training on normal age-related changes in left ventricular longitudinal function2015In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 184, p. 68-70Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 48. Ballo, Piercarlo
    et al.
    Nistri, Stefano
    Mele, Donato
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology.
    Simplified vs comprehensive echocardiographic grading of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in primary care2016In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 214, p. 244-246Article in journal (Refereed)
  • 49. Batalli, Arlind
    et al.
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, "Rrethi i Spitalit", p.n., Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Bytyçi, Ibadete
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Medicine.
    Ahmeti, Artan
    Haliti, Edmond
    Elezi, Shpend
    Henein, Michael Y
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St George University London, London, United Kingdom.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Clinic of Cardiology, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, “Rrethi i Spitalit”, p.n., Prishtina, Kosovo; Medical Faculty, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo.
    Different determinants of exercise capacity in HFpEF compared to HFrEF2017In: Cardiovascular Ultrasound, E-ISSN 1476-7120, Vol. 15, no 1, article id 12Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    BACKGROUND: Quality of life is as important as survival in heart failure (HF) patients. Controversies exist with regards to echocardiographic determinants of exercise capacity in HF, particularly in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine echocardiographic parameters that correlate and predict functional exercise capacity assessed by 6 min walk test (6-MWT) in patients with HFpEF.

    METHODS: In 111 HF patients (mean age 63 ± 10 years, 47% female), an echo-Doppler study and a 6-MWT were performed in the same day. Patients were divided into two groups based on the 6-MWT distance (Group I: ≤ 300 m and Group II: >300 m).

    RESULTS: Group I were older (p = 0.008), had higher prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.027), higher baseline heart rate (p = 0.004), larger left atrium - LA (p = 0.001), longer LV filling time - FT (p = 0.019), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.037), shorter pulmonary artery acceleration time - PA acceleration time (p = 0.006), lower left atrial lateral wall myocardial velocity (a') (p = 0.018) and lower septal systolic myocardial velocity (s') (p = 0.023), compared with Group II. Patients with HF and reduced EF (HFrEF) had lower hemoglobin (p = 0.007), higher baseline heart rate (p = 0.005), higher NT-ProBNP (p = 0.001), larger LA (p = 0.004), lower septal s', e', a' waves, and septal mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE), shorter PA acceleration time (p < 0.001 for all), lower lateral MAPSE, higher E/A & E/e', and shorter LVFT (p = 0.001 for all), lower lateral e' (p = 0.009), s' (p = 0.006), right ventricular e' and LA emptying fraction (p = 0.012 for both), compared with HFpEF patients. In multivariate analysis, only LA diameter [2.676 (1.242-5.766), p = 0.012], and diabetes [0.274 (0.084-0.898), p = 0.033] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance in the group as a whole. In HFrEF, age [1.073 (1.012-1.137), p = 0.018] and LA diameter [3.685 (1.348-10.071), p = 0.011], but in HFpEF, lateral s' [0.295 (0.099-0.882), p = 0.029], and hemoglobin level [0.497 (0.248-0.998), p = 0.049] independently predicted poor 6-MWT performance.

    CONCLUSIONS: In HF patients determinants of exercise capacity differ according to severity of overall LV systolic function, with left atrial enlargement in HFrEF and longitudinal systolic shortening in HFpEF as the the main determinants.

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  • 50. Batalli-Këpuska, Arbnora
    et al.
    Bajraktari, Gani
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre and Internal Medicine Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo.
    Zejnullahu, Murat
    Azemi, Mehmedali
    Shala, Mujë
    Batalli, Arlind
    Ibrahimi, Pranvera
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Jashari, Fisnik
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Henein, Michael Y.
    Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Cardiology. Umeå Heart Centre.
    Abnormal systolic and diastolic myocardial function in obese asymptomatic adolescents2013In: International Journal of Cardiology, ISSN 0167-5273, E-ISSN 1874-1754, Vol. 168, no 3, p. 2347-2351Article in journal (Refereed)
    Abstract [en]

    Structural and functional cardiac changes are known in obese adults. We aimed to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cardiac function in overweight and obese asymptomatic adolescents. Ninety three healthy adolescents, aged 12.6±1.2years, received weight, height, BMI, waist, hips, waist/hips ratio assessment, hematology and biochemistry tests and an echocardiogram. Based on BMI, subjects were divided into: lean (L, n=32), overweight (Ov, n=33) and obese (Ob, n=32). Interventricular septal and LV posterior wall thickness were increased parallel to the BMI (L: 0.84±0.1cm, Ov: 0.88±0.1cm, Ob: 0.96±0.1cm, p<0.001, and L: 0.78±0.1cm, Ov: 0.8±0.1cm, Ob: 0.94±0.1cm, p<0.001, respectively) as were relative wall thickness (RWT) and mass index (LVMI) (L: 0.34±0.05, Ov: 0.34±0.05, Ob: 0.40±0.04, p<0.001, and L: 47.7±8.4g/m(2), Ov: 51.9±8.3g/m(2), Ob: 65.2±13.3g/m(2), p=0<001, respectively). LV early diastolic (E') lateral and septal velocities (L: 15.3±3.9cm/s, Ov: 13.6±4cm/s, Ob: 10.5±3.4cm/s, p<0.001, and L: 12.2±2.3cm/s, Ov: 11.1±2.4cm/s, Ob: 9.8±3.1cm/s, p=0.003, respectively), and systolic (S') velocities (L: 9.2±1.4cm/s, Ov: 9.3±2.3cm/s, Ob: 8.04±1.5cm/s, p=0.018, and L: 9.05±2.3cm/s, Ov: 9±2.4cm/s, Ob: 7.6±1.1cm/s, p=0.014, respectively) were all reduced, only in obese adolescents. LV lateral E' (r=-0.44, p<0.001) and S' (r=-0.29, p=0.005) correlated with BMI. In asymptomatic adolescents, LV wall is thicker and diastolic function impaired and correlate with BMI. These findings demonstrate early cardiac functional disturbances which might explain the known obesity risk for cardiac disease.

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