No abstract

Abstract. Jaumdally RJ, Goon PKY, Varma C, Blann AD, Lip GYH (City Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom). Effects of atorvastatin on circulating CD34+ ⁄ CD133+ ⁄ CD45) progenitor cells and indices of angiogenesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and the angiopoietins 1 and 2) in atherosclerotic vascular disease and diabetes mellitus. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 385-393.

South Asian patients were more likely to require re-admission to treat clinical restenosis of the index lesion. There was no significant long-term difference in all-cause mortality between SA and WE patients.

Grade 1C)'. It assumes equal risk for a lumbar plexus block when compared with an upper limb plexus block and does not consider the potential benefits of ultrasound in mitigating vascular injury.In the absence of robust evidence, it is our assertion that, by identifying current practice across the country, confidence can be gained that we are operating in a way similar to our colleagues. Thus, it allows the application of the Bolam principle. For upper limb blocks, the authors recommend:(i) ultrasound-guided technique in patients with altered coagulation; (ii) INR ,2.5 (88% concordance); (iii) platelet count ≥50 000 (65% concordance); (iv) concomitant use of clopidogrel is not necessarily a contraindication (50% concordance); (v) a national audit project similar to the Royal College of Anaesthetists' third national audit project, identifying major complications of central neuraxial blockade, would be of benefit.

The results suggest that the preprocedural neutrophil count could be used in global risk factor assessment of patients with advanced PVD who are being considered for PTA. The neutrophil count may reflect the burden of atherosclerosis and tissue damage, and so could identify patients who need more aggressive intervention for advanced PVD.

For patients awaiting angiography, stress, and lack of social support are important predictors of self-reported cardiac symptoms, irrespective of actual disease severity. Intervention could focus on reducing perceived stress by encouraging reappraisal and a support seeking, rather than a ruminative, anger coping style.

Atherosclerosis remains the underlying cause of cardiovascular disease and is a dynamic process involving inflammation, haemostasis, endothelial dysfunction, and angiogenesis. Studies of circulating factors from peripheral blood can provide an insight into this pathophysiology but may remain indicative of a more generalized, systemic process. More localized interaction(s) within the heart may be better studied from coronary blood samples. Indeed, an increasing number of prospective studies show good correlation between indices of these processes and clinical outcomes. As local sampling offers a unique way of assessing the local cardiac milieu, this may prove useful in the monitoring of both local/systemic drug therapies and interventional technologies.

Anemia is a common comorbid condition in patients with advanced PVD. Preprocedural hemoglobin could be used in clinical practice to risk stratify patients with advanced PVD who are being considered for PTA. Correction of anemia before PTA in patients with Rutherford category 4 and 5 PVD may improve long-term outcome. Further investigation is needed regarding the optimization of preprocedural hemoglobin.