This study shows that in spite of undergoing therapy, the subsequent QoL scores did not improve significantly, indicating that CVD continued to negatively affect the patient's life.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) risk scores for prediction of postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) development in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation. Methods The population of this observational study consisted of 370 patients undergoing CABG operation. CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and ATRIA risk scores were calculated for all patients and their association with postoperative AF (AF episode lasting > 5 min) were evaluated. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results During follow-up, 110 patients (29.7%) developed postoperative AF. With multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for postoperative AF were determined: ATRIA risk score (odds ratio [OR] 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.36; P <0.001), fasting glucose level (OR 1.006; 95% CI 1.004-1.009; P <0.001), and 24-hour drainage amount (OR 1.002; 95% CI; 1.001-1.004; P <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and ATRIA risk scores were significant predictors for new-onset AF (C-statistic 0.648; 95% CI 0.59-0.69; P <0.001; and C-statistic 0.664; 95% CI 0.61-0.71; P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and ATRIA risk scores predict new AF in patients undergoing CABG.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the newly defined C-Reactive Protein (CRP)/Albumin Ratio (CAR) in determining the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison with other inflammatory markers, such as Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (N/L) Ratio and Platelet/Lymphocyte (P/L) Ratio, in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS The population of this observational study consisted of 415 patients undergoing CABG. The study cohort was subdivided into two groups based on the development of AF. Complete blood counts, serum CRP, and serum albumin levels were evaluated before the CABG. The CAR, N/L, and P/L ratios of all the patients were calculated. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis (MLRA). RESULTS During follow-up, 136 patients (32.8%) developed postoperative AF. With MLRA, independent risk factors for postoperative AF were determined as follows: fasting glucose level (OR: 1.01; 95 % CI: 1.00-1.01, P <0.001), age (OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 1.07-1.17, P <0.001), left ventricle ejection fraction (OR: 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.87-0.94, P <0.001), male gender (OR: 3.32; 95 % CI: 1.39-7.90, P = 0.007), 24-hour drainage amount (OR: 1.004; 95 % CI: 1.002-1.005, P <0.001), and CAR (OR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.53-2.16, P <0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that CAR (C-statistic: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.71-0.79, p< 0.001) was a significant predictor of AF. CONCLUSION Novel inflammatory marker CAR can be used as a reliable marker to predict the development of AF following CABG.

IntroductionMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as an association between diabetes, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with several cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, ischemic stroke and increased mortality. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used to estimate thromboembolic risk in AF. However, the association among MAC, MetS and thromboembolic risk is unknown and was evaluated in the current study.MethodsThe study group consisted of 94 patients with MAC and 86 patients with MetS. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without MAC.ResultsPatients with MAC had a higher MetS rate (P<0.001). In patients with MAC, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores and the rate of cerebrovascular accident and AF were significantly higher compared to those without MAC (P<0.001, for both parameters). The results of the multivariate regression analysis showed that history of smoking, presence of MetS and high CHA2DS2-VASc scores were associated with the development of MAC. ROC curve analyses showed that CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significant predictors for MAC (C-statistic: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.706-0.855, P<0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that MAC was positively correlated with the presence of MetS and CHA2DS2-VASc score (P=0.001, r=0.264; P<0.001, r=0.490).ConclusionWe have shown that CHA2DS2-VASc score and presence of MetS rates were significantly higher in patients with MAC compared without MAC. Presence of MAC was correlated with CHA2DS2-VASc score, presence of MetS, AF and left atrial diameter and negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the newly defined C-Reactive Protein (CRP)/Albumin Ratio (CAR) in determining the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in comparison with other inflammatory markers, such as Neutrophil/Lymphocyte (N/L) Ratio and Platelet/Lymphocyte (P/L) Ratio, in patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) surgery. METHODS The population of this observational study consisted of 415 patients undergoing CABG. The study cohort was subdivided into two groups based on the development of AF. Complete blood counts, serum CRP, and serum albumin levels were evaluated before the CABG. The CAR, N/L, and P/L ratios of all the patients were calculated. Predictors of postoperative AF were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis (MLRA). RESULTS During follow-up, 136 patients (32.8%) developed postoperative AF. With MLRA, independent risk factors for postoperative AF were determined as follows: fasting glucose level (OR: 1.01; 95 % CI: 1.00-1.01, P <0.001), age (OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 1.07-1.17, P <0.001), left ventricle ejection fraction (OR: 0.90; 95 % CI: 0.87-0.94, P <0.001), male gender (OR: 3.32; 95 % CI: 1.39-7.90, P = 0.007), 24-hour drainage amount (OR: 1.004; 95 % CI: 1.002-1.005, P <0.001), and CAR (OR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.53-2.16, P <0.001). Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that CAR (C-statistic: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.71-0.79, p< 0.001) was a significant predictor of AF. CONCLUSION Novel inflammatory marker CAR can be used as a reliable marker to predict the development of AF following CABG.

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of classical technique, electrocautery, and ultrasonic dissection on endothelial integrity, function, and preparation time for harvesting the radial artery (RA) during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).MethodsForty-five patients who underwent isolated CABG and whose RA was suitable for use were studied and divided into three groups: Group 1, classical method (using sharp dissection); Group 2, electrocautery; and Group 3, ultrasonic cautery. Levels of prostacyclin and nitric oxide derivatives were examined biochemically; vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthetase (eNOS) values were assessed using immunohistochemical staining. RA preparation time, RA length/harvesting time ratio, and drainage amounts at the site of RA removal were compared.ResultsDifferences in RA preparation time (Group 1: 25±6 min, Group 2: 18±3 min, Group 3: 16±3 min, P<0.001) and length/harvesting time ratio (Group 1: 0.76±0.19 cm/min, Group 2: 0.98±0.16 cm/min, Group 3: 1.13±0.09 cm/min, P<0.001) were statistically significant among the groups. Levels of prostacyclin and nitric oxide derivatives were not statistically significant different, VCAM-1 and eNOS expressions were observed to be similar among the groups, and endothelial damage was detected in only one patient per group.ConclusionUse of ultrasonic cautery during RA preparation considerably reduces the preparation time and postoperative drainage amount. However, the superiority of one method over the others could not be demonstrated when the presence of endothelial damage with both biochemical and histopathological evaluations was considered.

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to demonstrate the clinical utility of CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation risk scores in the assessment of one year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. METHODS:We designed a retrospective cohort study using data from Suleyman Demirel University Hospital for the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm. The study included 120 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent aortic computed tomography.Patients were divided into two groups according to presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm and the development of mortality. Predictors of mortality were determined by multiple logistic regression analysis.RESULTS: Multivariate regression analysis showed that CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score, advanced age, female gender and elevated white blood cell counts were independent predictors of abdominal aortic aneurysm development while CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score and elevated glucose levels were independent predictors of one year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. The concordance statistics for anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation risk Score and CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc risk score respectively were 0.96 and 0.97 and could significantly predict one year mortality in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc and anticoagulation and risk factors in atrial fibrillation risk scores are easily obtained in an emergency setting and can accurately predict one year mortality as a noninvasive follow-up in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. These simple scores could be used as a point of care decision aid to help the clinician in counseling patients presenting with abdominal aortic aneurysm and their families on treatment protocols.

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