| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Comparison of drug-eluting balloon versus drug-eluting stent treatment of drug-eluting stent in-stent restenosis : A meta-analysis of available evidence
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 218, s. 126-135
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 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.
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| 3. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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Complete revascularization for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel coronary artery disease : a meta-analysis of randomized trials
- 2018
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Ingår i: Coronary Artery Disease. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0954-6928 .- 1473-5830. ; 29:3, s. 204-215
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Despite the recent findings in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with limited sample sizes and the updates in clinical guidelines, the current available data for the complete revascularization (CR) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are still contradictory.Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis of the existing RCTs was to assess the efficacy of the CR versus revascularization of infarct-related artery (IRA) only during primary PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease (MVD).Patients and methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases aiming to find RCTs for patients with STEMI and MVD which compared CR with IRA-only. Random effect risk ratios (RRs) were calculated for efficacy and safety outcomes.Results: Ten RCTs with 3291 patients were included. The median follow-up duration was 17.5 months. Major adverse cardiac events (RR=0.57; 0.43-0.76; P<0.0001), cardiac mortality (RR=0.52; 0.31-0.87; P=0.014), and repeat revascularization (RR=0.50; 0.30-0.84; P=0.009) were lower in CR compared with IRA-only strategies. However, there was no significant difference in the risk of all-cause mortality, recurrent nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding events, and contrast-induced nephropathy.Conclusion: For patients with STEMI and MVD undergoing primary PCI, the current evidence suggests that the risk of major adverse cardiac events, repeat revascularization, and cardiac death is reduced by CR. However, the risk for all-cause mortality and PCI-related complications is not different from the isolated culprit lesion-only treatment. Although these findings support the cardiac mortality and safety benefit of CR in stable STEMI, further large trials are required to provide better guidance for optimum management of such patients.
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| 4. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Normal ranges of left ventricular strain in children : a meta-analysis
- 2015
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Ingår i: Cardiovascular Ultrasound. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1476-7120. ; 13
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aims: The definition of normal values of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography derived left ventricular (LV) deformation parameters, is of critical importance for the routine application of this modality in children. The objectives of this study were to perform a meta-analysis of normal ranges for longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain/strain rate values and to identify confounders that may contribute to differences in reported measures. Methods and Results: A systematic search was conducted. Studies describing normal healthy subjects and observational studies that used control groups as a comparison were included. Data were combined using a random-effect model. Effects of demographic, clinical and equipment variables were assessed through meta-regression. The search identified 1,192 subjects form 28 articles. Longitudinal strain (LS) normal mean values varied from -12.9 to -26.5 (mean, -20.5; 95 % CI, -20.0 to -21.0). Normal mean values of circumferential strain (CS) varied from -10.5 to -27.0 (mean, -22.06; 95 % CI, -21.5 to -22.5). Radial strain (RS) normal mean values varied from 24.9 to 62.1 (mean, 45.4; 95 % CI, 43.0 to 47.8). Meta-regression showed LV end diastolic diameter as a significant determinant of variation for LS. Longitudinal systolic strain rate (LSRs) was significantly determined by the age and RS by the type of vendor used. Conclusion: Variations among different normal ranges were dependent on the vendor used, LV end-diastolic diameter and age. Vendor-independent software for analyzing myocardial deformation in children, using images from different vendors would be the ideal solution for strain measurements or else using the same system for patient's follow up.
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| 5. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(författare)
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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 trials
- 2020
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Ingår i: IJC Heart & Vasculature. - : Elsevier. - 2352-9067. ; 29
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- 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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| 6. |
- Ibrahimi, Pranvera, et al.
(författare)
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Global dyssynchrony correlates with compromised left ventricular filling and stroke volume but not with ejection fraction or QRS duration in HFpEF
- 2014
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Ingår i: International Cardiovascular Forum Journal. - : Barcaray International Publishing. - 2410-2636 .- 2409-3424. ; 1:3, s. 147-151
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and Aim: Mechanical global left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony reflected as prolonged total isovolumic time(t-IVT) has been introduced as a potential mechanism behind compromised stroke volume in heart failure (HF). It has alsobeen shown to be superior to other markers of dyssynchrony in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT), but its application in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains unknown. The aim of this study was toassess the role of t-IVT in explaining symptoms in HFpEF.Methods: In 55 symptomatic HFpEF patients (age 60±9 years, NYHA class II-IV; LV EF ≥45%) and 24 age and gendermatched controls, a complete Doppler echocardiographic study was performed including mitral annulus peak systolicexcursion (MAPSE) and myocardial velocities as well as LV filling, outflow tract velocity time integral (VTI) and stroke volumemeasurements. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed by t-IVT [in s/min; calculated as: 60 - (total ejection time + total fillingtime)], Tei index (t-IVT/ejection time) and pre-ejection time difference between LV and RV.Results: Patients had reduced lateral and septal MAPSE (p=0.009 and p=0.01, respectively) lower lateral and septal s’(p=0.002 and p=0.04, respectively) and e’ (p<0.001, for both) velocities and higher E/e’ ratio (p=0.01) compared to controls.They also had longer t-IVT (p<0.001), higher Tei index (p=0.04), but similar pre-ejection time difference and LVEF to controls.T-IVT correlated with LV filling time (r=0.44, p<0.001), stroke volume (r=-0.41; p=0.002), MAPSE (lateral: r=-0.36, p=0.007 andseptal: r=-0.31; p=0.02), but not with LV mass index, LVEF, E/e’ ratio or QRS duration.Conclusion: Patients with HFpEF have exaggerated global mechanical dyssynchrony shown by prolonged t-IVT, comparedwith healthy age and gender matched controls. The relationship between t-IVT, LV filling and stroke volume suggests anassociation, more important than with ejection fraction or electrical dyssynchrony. These results support the importance ofthe individualistic approach for optimum HFpEF patient management.
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| 7. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Coarctation repair normalizes left ventricular function and aorto-septal angle in neonates
- 2017
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Ingår i: Congenital Heart Disease. - : Computers, Materials and Continua (Tech Science Press). - 1747-079X .- 1747-0803. ; 12:2, s. 218-225
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background and aims: Patients with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) have increased left ventricular (LV) afterload that has been shown to impact the LV and ascending aortic function. We aimed to examine the effect of coarctation on LV function and aorto-septal angle (AoSA) before and after surgical repair.Methods: We retrospectively studied 21 patients with surgically repaired CoA at a median age of 9 (2-53) days at three time points: (1) just before intervention, (2) at short-term follow-up, and (3) at medium-term follow-up after intervention. AoSA was measured from the parasternal long axisview, at three time points during the cardiac cycle: (1) end diastole, (2) beginning of systole, and (3) at peak ejection in the descending aorta. In addition to conventional LV structure and function, global longitudinal strain, and strain rate were measured using STE technique and Tomtec soft-ware. Three groups of age matched healthy children served as controls at each time point.Results: AoSA was significantly wider before intervention, in particular at peak ejection in the descending aorta (1448 6 6.48 vs. 1368 6 4.18; P < .0001), and correlated with CoA pressure gradi-ent. After intervention, AoSA normalized and significantly correlated with the increase of LV cavity function and overall LV deformation parameters.Conclusions: AoSA is abnormally wide in neonates with CoA and is associated with severity ofobstruction, LV dysfunction and compromised LV global deformation.
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| 8. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Left ventricular response to pressure afterload in children : aortic stenosis and coarctation A systematic review of the current evidence
- 2015
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 178, s. 203-209
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Congenital aortic stenosis (CAS) and Coarctation of Aorta (CoA) represent two forms of pressure afterload that affect the left ventricle (LV), hence require regular echocardiographic monitoring. Subclinical dysfunction of the LV exists even in asymptomatic patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), implying low sensitivity of EF in predicting optimum time for intervention. In this article we review patterns of LV myocardial deformation before and after correction of CAS and CoA in infants, children and adolescents, showing their important role in monitoring the course of LV dysfunction. A systematic search using PubMed was performed and suitable studies are presented on a narrative form. Normal EF and/or fractional shortening (FS), with subclinical myocardial dysfunction are reported in all studies before intervention. The short-term results, after intervention, were related to the type of procedure, with no improvement or further deterioration related to surgery but immediate improvement after balloon intervention. Long term follow-up showed further improvement but still subnormal function. Thus correction of CAS and CoA before irreversible LV dysfunction is vital, and requires longitudinal studies in order to identify the most accurate parameter for function prognostication. Until then, conventional echocardiographic parameters together with myocardial velocities and deformation parameters should continue to provide follow-up reproducible measures of ventricular function.
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| 9. |
- Jashari, Haki, et al.
(författare)
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Persistent reduced myocardial deformation in neonates after CoA repair
- 2016
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Ingår i: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 221, s. 886-891
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a safe procedure in children, however the condition is known for its potential recurrence and other related complications. The available evidence shows abnormal intrinsic properties of the aorta in CoA, thus suggesting additional effect, even after CoA repair, on left ventricular (LV) function. Accordingly, we sought to obtain a better understanding of LV myocardial mechanics in very early-corrected CoA using two-dimensional STE.METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrospectively studied 21 patients with corrected CoA at a median age of 9 (2-53) days at three time points: 1) just before intervention, 2) at short-term follow-up and 3) at medium-term follow-up after intervention and compared them with normal values. Speckle tracking analysis was conducted via vendor independent software, Tomtec. After intervention, LV function significantly improved (from -12.8±3.9 to -16.7±1.7; p<0.001), however normal values were not reached even at medium term follow-up (-18.3±1.7 vs. -20±1.6; p=0.002). Medium term longitudinal strain correlated with pre intervention EF (r=0.58, p=0.006). Moreover, medium term subnormal values were more frequently associated with bicuspid aortic valve (33.3% vs. 66.6%; p<0.05).CONCLUSION: LV myocardial function in neonates with CoA can be feasibly evaluated and followed up by speckle tracking echocardiography. LV subendocardial dysfunction however, remains in early infancy coarctation long after repair. Long-term follow-up through adulthood using myocardial deformation measurements should shed light on the natural history and consequences of this anomaly.
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| 10. |
- Jashari, Haki, 1986-
(författare)
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The effect of pressure afterload due to aortic coarctation on left ventricular function in children
- 2016
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background:Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart disease which represents a narrowing of the proximal descending aorta, hence increasing pressure afterload to the left ventricle (LV). Conventional treatment of native CoA is surgical repair, however potential recurrence or other related complications e.g. aortic rupture, heart failure and cerebrovascular events are common. Thus, lifelong follow-up of these patients is required. Echocardiography is the most patient’s friendly method to evaluate CoA and in particular its effect on LV function. Moreover, the novel speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is an important method to assess subclinical LV dysfunction, a technique that promises better evaluation of LV function in these patients.The aims of this thesis were to review the literature on LV function in children with CoA using myocardial deformation imaging technologies, hence, to better understand the current knowledge and vagueness of the scientific evidence. We also aimed to study the effect of early CoA repair on the structure and function of LV and ascending aorta. In addition, we wished to establish in a meta-analysis format normal values of speckle tracking derived strain and strain rate values.Methods:Study 1. We have systematically searched the PubMed, and studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were critically analyzed and presented on a narrative form.Study 2 and 3. In addition to conventional echocardiographic measures of LV and ascending aorta, we measured longitudinal strain and strain rate of the LV using a vendor independent software, TomTec. We have also measured the aorto-septal angle (AoSA). Data was compared with normal healthy controls.Study 4. Electronic databases were systematically searched and suitable studies were meta analyzed using Comprehensive meta-analysis version 3 software.Results:Study 1. In 7/4945 included articles, 123 and 76 patients with congenital aortic stenosis (CAS) and CoA were reported, respectively. Normal conventional LV function, with subclinical myocardial dysfunction were reported in all studies before intervention. After intervention, a consistent improvement of myocardial deformation parameters was documented, even though not reaching normal values.Study 2. In 21 patients with CoA, LV function significantly improved after intervention (p <0.001), however normal values were not reached even at medium-term follow-up (p = 0.002). Medium-term longitudinal strain correlated with pre intervention LV ejection faction (EF) (r = 0.58, p = 0.006). Medium-term subnormal values were more frequently associated with Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) (33.3% vs. 66.6%; p <0.05).Study 3. AoSA was abnormally wide before intervention, in particular at peak ejection in the descending aorta (p <0.0001), and correlated with CoA pressure gradient. After intervention, AoSA normalized and significantly correlated with the increase of LV cavity function and overall LV deformation parameters.Study 4. In a meta-analysis of 28/282 studies including 1192 subjects, strain and strain rate values were established. Longitudinal strain normal mean values varied from -12.9 to -26.5 (mean, -20.5; 95 % CI, -20.0 to -21.0). Normal mean values of circumferential strain varied from -10.5 to -27.0 (mean, -22.06; 95 % CI, -21.5 to -22.5). Radial strain normal mean values varied from 24.9 to 62.1 (mean, 45.4; 95 % CI, 43.0 to 47.8). Meta-regression showed LV end-diastolic diameter as a significant determinant of variation of longitudinal strain. Longitudinal systolic strain rate was significantly determined by age and radial strain was influenced by the type of vendor used.Conclusion:The systematic review showed subclinical LV dysfunction in children with CoA before and after correction. However, since most of the patients were operated at an older age and had preserved LV EF, the effect of early intervention on LV function was only speculated. Our children with CoA who were operated at an earlier age showed LV subclinical dysfunction even at medium- term after intervention while the AoSA returned to normal shortly after intervention. Lower longitudinal strain values were found in patients with LV dysfunction (LV EF <50%) before intervention and BAV. Finally, normal range values for strain and strain rate have been established and seem to be influenced by patients’ age, LV end-diastolic diameter and vendor used.
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| 11. |
- Perçuku, Luan, et al.
(författare)
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Exaggerated systolic hypertensive response to exercise predicts cardiovascular events : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2019
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Ingår i: Polish Archives of Internal Medicine. - : Medycyna Praktyczna. - 0032-3772 .- 1897-9483. ; 129:12, s. 855-863
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: The pathophysiology of exaggerated systolic hypertensive response to exercise (SHRE) is not fully understood, with contradictory data on its role in predicting cardiovascular (CV) events. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review and meta-analysis was to assess the association of SHRE with CV clinical outcomes in healthy normotensive individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, RefWorks, and Google Scholar to identify clinical studies that reported data on CV event rates and outcomes for patients with SHRE on exercise stress testing. Sensitivity and specificity analysis for assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the SHRE cutoff associated with CV events was estimated using hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: We included 8 studies with 47 188 participants and a median follow-up of 19.3 years. Exaggerated SHRE was found in patients with composite events (CV mortality and coronary artery disease; hazard ratio [HR], 1.363; 95% CI, 1.135-1.604; P < 0.001), in those with coronary artery events (HR, 1.532; 95% CI, 1.240-1.893; P < 0.001), and in those with CV mortality (HR, 1.286; 95% CI, 1.075-1.539; P = 0.006), as compared with individuals with normal response. An exercise systolic blood pressure of 196 mm Hg predicted CV events with a sensitivity of 62% (54%-69%) and specificity of 75% (60%-86%), with a positive likelihood ratio of less than 3 and a strong correlation (r = -0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the clinical relevance of exaggerated SHRE as a predictor of composite and individual CV clinical outcome. These findings should be considered as thought-provoking evidence for better stratification and, consequently, for optimal management of this high-risk population.
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| 12. |
- Spahiu, Lidvana, et al.
(författare)
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Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome - Finish Type
- 2016
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Ingår i: Medicinski arhiv. - : ScopeMed. - 0350-199X .- 1986-5961. ; 70:3, s. 232-234
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- INTRODUCTION: Identification of the NPHS1 gene, which encodes nephrin, was followed by many studies demonstrating its mutation as a frequent cause of congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS). While this gene is found in 98% of Finnish children with this syndrome, non-Finnish cases have lower level of incidence ranging from 39 to 80%.CASE REPORT: This report describes the clinical presentation of a two-week-old neonate who presented with periorbital and lower extremities edema, abdominal distention, heavy proteinuria, serum hypoproteinemia and failure to thrive. Genetic analysis revealed NHPS1 gene mutation leading to CNS-Finnish type diagnosis.CONCLUSION: Through this case we want to create awareness about diagnosis and treatment challenges in developing countries for rare congenital diseases.
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| 13. |
- Spahiu, Lidvana, et al.
(författare)
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Hashimoto thyroiditis and nephrocalcinosis in a child with down syndrome
- 2016
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Ingår i: Acta Informatica Medica. - : ScopeMed. - 0353-8109 .- 1986-5988. ; 24:2, s. 143-145
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Hypothyroidism has been reported to affect renal function and structure. However, the association of hypothyroidism with distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) is rarely reported in children.Case Presentation: We present a 6-year-boy with Down syndrome admitted in our department due to vomiting, weakness, polyuria, polydipsia, irritability and weight loss in the last few weeks. Investigations revealed features of hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis and alkaline urine consistent with dTRA. Abdominal ultrasound found nephrocalcinosis. In addition, Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies were positive, suggesting an autoimmune background for the pathogenesis of the tubular dysfunction. Treatment for dRTA and hypothyroidism was started and symptomatic improve was noticed.Conclusion: DRTA should be excluded in children with autoimmune disorders who develop weakness, polyuria, polydipsia or growth failure. Early diagnosis would reduce long-term complications.
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| 14. |
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