Acute phase reactants in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenonKoroner yavaş akım fenomeni olan hastalarda akut faz reaktanları 416ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, we sought to investigate the serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT proBNP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocyte, thyroid hormone and fibrinogen levels in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). Methods: A total of 82 patients with angiographically proven normal coronary arteries and slow coronary flow in all three coronary vessels (45 males and 37 females, mean age 59±11 years) and 34 patients with normal coronary arteries and normal coronary flow (19 males and 15 females, mean age 56±10 years) with similar risk profiles were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Coronary flow rates of all patients and control subjects were documented by Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count, serum level of Hs-CRP, NT proBNP, sedimentation, leukocyte, free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and fibrinogen levels were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using t test for independent samples, Chi-square test and Pearson correlation analysis.Results: Hs-CRP (0.88±0.86 vs 0.36±0.35 mg/L, p<0.001) and NT proBNP (117.83±163.2 vs 47.33±30.6 ng/ml, p<0.01) were found to be significantly higher in patients with coronary slow flow compared with normal control group. There were no significant differences regarding thyroid hormones, fibrinogen, sedimentation rate and leukocyte count between two groups. The mean TIMI frame counts were positively correlated (r=0.454, p=0.001 and r=0.554, p=0.001, respectively) with plasma Hs-CRP levels and NT-proBNP levels.

SUMMARYAtrial fibrillation (AF) has been treated with DC shocks delivered transthoracically, but in 5-30% of patients, the procedures fail to restore sinus rhythm (SR). We hypothesized that applying high energy shock waves to the chest may overcome the inadequate penetration of electrical shock to the atrium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of higher energy external DC shock for the treatment of refractory AF coexisting with cardiovascular disease using a synchronized double external defibrillator.Fifteen patients (mean age 65 ± 8) with refractory AF to standard DC cardioversion (CV) underwent higher energy DC shock using a double external defibrillator. Concomitant heart disease was present in all patients. Warfarin and amiodarone (600 mg/day), were administered for at least three weeks duration before DC CV. Sedation was performed with IV midazolam. Two defibrillator paddles were positioned on the anterior and posterior chest wall in a right lateral decubitus position. Defibrillators were synchronized to the R waves and simultaneously 720 joules of energy was administered to the patients. Amiodarone (200 mg/day) was continuously administered after DC shock to maintain SR.Sinus rhythm was obtained in 13 patients. Sinus rhythm was persistent in 11 patients for six months duration. Creatine kinase MB fractions were normal at 4 (22 ± 4 IU/L) and 12 hours (18 ± 4 IU/L). None of the patients developed significant hemodynamic compromise or congestive heart failure, higher AV block, stroke, or transient ischemic cerebral events.The results indicate that higher energy DC shock application using a double external defibrillator is an effective and safe method for the cardioversion of refractory AF. We believe this procedure should be performed before internal atrial cardioversion. (Jpn Heart J 2004; 45: 929-936)

No abstract