| 1. |
- Ahmed, Abdulla, et al.
(author)
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Adrenomedullin peptides and precursor levels in relation to haemodynamics and prognosis after heart transplantation
- 2023
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In: ESC Heart Failure. - 2055-5822. ; 10:4, s. 2427-2437
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: Heart failure (HF) is a frequent condition in the elderly, further complicated by associated pulmonary hypertension (PH), with impact on morbidity and mortality. Plasma proteins associated with cardiovascular disease, related to inflammation, neurohormonal changes, and myocyte stress, pathways recognized in the pathophysiology of HF, may provide information on disease severity and prognosis. We aimed to investigate such cardiovascular proteins and their relationship to haemodynamics before and 1 year after heart transplantation (HT), as well as their prognostic value in advanced HF with PH.METHODS AND RESULTS: In 20 healthy controls and 67 patients with HF and PH, before and 1 year after HT, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and 18 cardiovascular proteins were analysed with proximity extension assay. Right heart catheterization was used to measure the haemodynamics of the HF patients pre-operatively and at 1 year follow-up after HT. Prognosis was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. Out of 18 plasma proteins, 11 proteins including adrenomedullin peptides and precursor levels (ADM) and protein suppression of tumourigenicity 2 receptor were elevated before HT compared with healthy controls and had decreased 1 year after HT. The decrease in plasma levels 1 year after HT was towards the healthy controls' levels. The decrease in ADM levels before vs. after HT correlated with decreased mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.61; P = 0.0077), decreased NT-proBNP (rs = 0.75; P = 0.00025), and decreased stroke volume index (rs = -0.52; P = 0.022). High levels of pre-operative plasma ADM were associated with worse event-free survival (HT or death), as well as survival compared with low ADM levels (log-rank P value = 0.023 and 0.0225, respectively). Univariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated that ADM levels were associated with survival, hazard ratio (HR) 1.007 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00-1.015, P = 0.049), and the association remained after adjusting for NT-proBNP, HR 1.01 (95% CI: 1.00-1.021, P = 0.041).CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma levels of ADM may be a marker of pressure/volume overload in HF patients with PH, as well as long-term prognosis after HT. In line with previous studies, our findings additionally confirm that ADM may be a marker of venous congestion in HF. Further studies are encouraged to establish a deeper understanding of the properties of ADM and its relationship with HF and PH, in order to potentially facilitate clinical management of HF and associated PH.
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| 2. |
- Ahmed, Abdulla, et al.
(author)
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Elevated plasma sRAGE and IGFBP7 in heart failure decrease after heart transplantation in association with haemodynamics
- 2020
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In: ESC Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 2055-5822. ; 7:5, s. 2340-2353
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: Metabolic derangement is implicated in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) and pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to identify the dynamics of metabolic plasma proteins linked to end-stage HF and associated PH in relation to haemodynamics, before and after heart transplantation (HT).METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one metabolic plasma proteins were analysed with proximity extension assay in 20 controls and 26 patients before and 1 year after HT. Right heart catheterizations were performed in the HF patients pre-operatively and 1 year after HT. Plasma levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) were higher in HF patients compared with controls (P < 0.0001) and decreased after HT (P < 0.0001), matching controls' levels. The decrease in sRAGE after HT correlated with improved mean pulmonary arterial pressure (rs = 0.7; P < 0.0001), pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (rs = 0.73; P < 0.0001), pulmonary vascular resistance (rs = 0.65; P = 0.00062), and pulmonary arterial compliance (rs = -0.52; P = 0.0074). The change in plasma IGFBP7 after HT correlated with improved mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.71; P = 0.00011) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (rs = 0.71; P < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that plasma sRAGE may reflect passive pulmonary vascular congestion and the 'mechanical' state of the pulmonary vasculature in HF patients with or without related PH. Furthermore, sRAGE and IGFBP7 may provide additional insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms in HF and associated PH. Their potential clinical and therapeutic relevance in HF and associated PH need further investigation.
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| 3. |
- Ahmed, Abdulla, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of the European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society derived three-and four-strata risk stratification models in pulmonary arterial hypertension : Introducing an internet-based risk stratification calculator
- 2023
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In: European Heart Journal Open. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2752-4191. ; 3:2
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Estimation of prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has been influenced by that various risk stratification models use different numbers of prognostic parameters, as well as the lack of a comprehensive and time-saving risk assessment calculator. We therefore evaluated the various European Society of Cardiology (ESC)-/European Respiratory Society (ERS)-based three-and four-strata risk stratification models and established a comprehensive internet-based calculator to facilitate risk assessment. Methods and results: Between 1 January 2000 and 26 July 2021, 773 clinical assessments on 169 incident PAH patients were evaluated at diagnosis and follow-ups. Risk scores were calculated using the original Swedish Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Registry (SPAHR)/Comparative, Prospective Registry of Newly Initiated Therapies for Pulmonary Hypertension (COMPERA) three-strata model, the updated SPAHR three-strata model with divided intermediate risk, and the simplified three-parameter COMPERA 2.0 four-strata model. The original SPAHR/COMPERA and the updated SPAHR models were tested for both 3-6 and 7-11 available parameters, respectively. Prognostic accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC)] and Uno's cumulative/time-dependent C-statistics (uAUC) were calculated for 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality. At baseline, both the original SPAHR/COMPERA and the updated SPAHR models, using up to six parameters, provided the highest accuracy (uAUC = 0.73 for both models) in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality. At follow-ups, the updated SPAHR model with divided intermediate risk (7-11 parameters) provided the highest accuracy for 1-, 3-, and 5-year mortality (uAUC = 0.90), followed by the original SPAHR/COMPERA model (7-11 parameters) (uAUC = 0.88) and the COMPERA 2.0 model (uAUC = 0.85). Conclusions: The present study facilitates risk assessment in PAH by introducing a comprehensive internet-based risk score calculator (https://www.svefph.se/risk-stratification). At baseline, utilizing the original or the updated SPAHR models using up to six parameters was favourable, the latter model additionally offering sub-characterization of the intermediate risk group. Our findings support the 2022 ESC/ERS pulmonary hypertension guidelines' strategy for risk stratification suggesting the utilization of a three-strata model at baseline and a simplified four-strata model at follow-ups. Our findings furthermore support the utility of the updated SPAHR model with divided intermediate risk, when a more comprehensive assessment is needed at follow-ups, complementing the three-parameter COMPERA 2.0 model. Larger multi-centre studies are encouraged to validate the utility of the updated SPAHR model. Take home message: By introducing an internet-based risk score calculator (https://www.svefph.se/risk-stratification), risk assessment is facilitated. Our results support the 2022 ESC/ERS pulmonary hypertension guidelines' risk stratification strategy, additionally suggesting the updated SPAHR three-strata model with divided intermediate risk, as a promising complement to the new simplified three-parameter COMPERA 2.0 four-strata strategy, when a more comprehensive overview is needed.
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| 4. |
- Ahmed, Abdulla, et al.
(author)
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Plasma ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor in diagnosis and prediction of prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension
- 2021
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In: Pulmonary Circulation. - : Wiley. - 2045-8932 .- 2045-8940. ; 11:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To improve outcome in pulmonary arterial hypertension, earlier diagnosis and better prognostic assessments are required. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of plasma proteins related to pathways recognized in pulmonary arterial hypertension including coagulation, inflammation, and metabolism. Forty-two proteins were analysed with proximity extension assay from plasma of 20 healthy controls and 150 patients, including (pulmonary arterial hypertension, n = 48, whereof 33 also during early treatment follow-ups); chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH, n = 20); pulmonary hypertension (PH) due to heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF-PH, n = 31); PH due to HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF-PH, n = 36); and HF without PH (Dyspnoea/HF-non-PH, n = 15). Patients’ haemodynamics were assessed by right heart catheterization. Plasma ADAMTS13 in incident pulmonary arterial hypertension was lower compared to the healthy controls (p = 0.055), as well as CTEPH (p < 0.0001), HFrEF-PH (p < 0.0001), HFrEF-PH (p < 0.0001), and Dyspnoea/HF-non-PH (p < 0.0001). Adjusted for age and sex, ADAMTS13 discriminated pulmonary arterial hypertension from the other disease groups with an AUC of 0.91 (sensitivity = 87.5%, and specificity = 78.4%). Higher plasma von Willebrand factor was associated with worse survival (log-rank p = 0.0029), and a higher mortality rate (adjusted hazard ratio 1.002, 95% confidence interval 1–1.004; p = 0.041). Adjusted for age, sex, and combined with the ESC/ERS risk score, von Willebrand factor predicted mortality (median follow-up 3.6 years) in pulmonary arterial hypertension with an AUC of 0.94 (sensitivity = 81.3%, and specificity=93.8%). ADAMTS13 may be a promising biomarker for early detection of PAH and von Willebrand factor as a candidate prognostic biomarker. The putative additional value of von Willebrand factor to the European multiparametric risk assessment strategy remains to be elucidated.
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| 5. |
- Ahmed, Abdulla, et al.
(author)
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Prognostisk riskstratifiering vid pulmonell arteriell hypertension
- 2023
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In: Lakartidningen. - 0023-7205. ; 120
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The 2022 ESC/ERS pulmonary hypertension guidelines recommend multiparametric risk stratification at diagnosis and follow-up to guide treatment in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The goal is to maintain or achieve a low-risk status, corresponding to a 1-year mortality < 5%. Risk assessment is, however, underutilized in clinical practice, and applied only by 60% of clinicians. To overcome the barrier of underutilization and facilitate risk assessment, we have established a comprehensive internet-based risk stratification calculator (https://www.svefph.se/risk-stratification).
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| 6. |
- Ahmed, Abdulla, et al.
(author)
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Prolargin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 in heart failure after heart transplantation and their association with haemodynamics
- 2020
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In: ESC Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 2055-5822. ; 7:1, s. 224-235
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: Remodelling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a key mechanism involved in the development and progression of heart failure (HF) but also functional in associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). Our aim was to identify plasma ECM proteins associated to end-stage HF and secondary PH in relation to haemodynamics, before and after heart transplantation (HT).METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty ECM plasma proteins were analysed with proximity extension assay in 20 controls and 26 HF patients pre-HT and 1 year post-HT. Right heart catherization haemodynamics were assessed in the patients during the preoperative evaluation and at the 1 year follow-up post-HT. Plasma levels of prolargin and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were elevated (P < 0.0001) in HF patients compared with controls and decreased (P < 0.0001) post-HT towards controls' levels. The decrease in prolargin post-HT correlated with improved mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.63; P = 0.00091), stroke volume index (rs = -0.73; P < 0.0001), cardiac index (rs = -0.64; P = 0.00057), left ventricular stroke work index (rs = -0.49; P = 0.015), and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (rs = 0.7; P < 0.0001). The decrease in MMP-2 post-HT correlated with improved mean pulmonary artery pressure (rs = 0.58; P = 0.0025), mean right atrial pressure (rs = 0.56; P = 0.0046), pulmonary artery wedge pressure (rs = 0.48; P = 0.016), and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (rs = 0.56; P = 0.0029).CONCLUSIONS: The normalization pattern in HF patients of plasma prolargin and MMP-2 post-HT towards controls' levels and their associations with improved haemodynamics indicate that prolargin and MMP-2 may reflect, in part, the aberrant ECM remodelling involved in the pathophysiology of HF and associated PH. Their potential clinical use as biomarkers or targets for future therapy in HF and related PH remains to be investigated.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Ahmed, Salaheldin, et al.
(author)
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Andfåddhet potentiellt allvarligt – kräver strukturerad utredning
- 2022
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In: Lakartidningen. - 0023-7205. ; 119
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Dyspnea is a common distressing symptom which may be a sign of a critically threatening condition and has been linked with increased hospitalizations, reduced exercise tolerance and increased mortality. The current neuropsychological model suggests that dyspnea arises due to an imbalance between respiratory drive and achieved ventilation. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) are rare but detrimental conditions, with high morbidity and mortality, where early diagnosis and treatment initiation significantly improve outcome. These conditions are often accompanied by a diagnostic delay, which for PAH has not improved since the 1980s, underlining the importance of early evaluation and referral to specialists. In the present work, differential diagnoses of dyspnea are discussed along with a proposal on how a structured evaluation should be performed early to minimize the diagnostic delay in PAH and CTEPH and improve outcome.
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| 10. |
- Ahmed, Salaheldin, et al.
(author)
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Data on plasma tumour and metabolism related proteins’ potential in differentiation of HFpEF-PH from PAH and in prognosis of left heart failure patients with pulmonary hypertension
- 2022
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In: Data in Brief. - : Elsevier BV. - 2352-3409. ; 40
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The data in the current paper constitutes supplementary material to our article entitled “Plasma tumour and metabolism related biomarkers AMBP, LPL and Glyoxalase I differentiate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with pulmonary hypertension from pulmonary arterial hypertension” Ahmed et al. (2021). The study investigated 69 plasma tumour- and metabolism related proteins in healthy controls (n = 20) and in 115 patients of whom 48 had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; n = 48) and 67 with left heart failure with pulmonary hypertension (LHF-PH) [heart failure with- preserved ejection fraction-PH (HFpEF-PH; n = 31) and reduced ejection fraction-PH (HFrEF-PH; n = 36)]. The haemodynamic data were obtained with right heart catheterization, and clinical data from medical records. The present article describe the plasma levels of tumour- and metabolism related proteins, analyzed with proximity extension assay, along with their uni- and multivariable diagnostic and prognostic potential. High sRAGE levels univariably emerged as a negative prognostic marker in LHF-PH.
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