| 1. |
- Ahmeti, Artan, et al.
(author)
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Quality of life questionnaire predicts poor exercise capacity only in HFpEF and not in HFrEF
- 2017
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In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2261 .- 1471-2261. ; 17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is the most widely used measure of quality of life (QoL) in HF patients. This prospective study aimed to assess the relationship between QoL and exercise capacity in HF patients.Methods: The study subjects were 118 consecutive patients with chronic HF (62 +/- 10 years, 57 females, in NYHA I-III). Patients answered a MLHFQ questionnaire in the same day of complete clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic assessment. They also underwent a 5 min walk test (6-MWT), in the same day, which grouped them into; Group I: <= 300 m and Group II: > 300 m. In addition, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF), divided them into: Group A, with preserved EF (HFpEF) and Group B with reduced EF (HFrEF).Results: The mean MLHFQ total scale score was 48 (+/- 17). The total scale, and the physical and emotional functional MLHFQ scores did not differ between HFpEF and HFpEF. Group I patients were older (p = 0.003), had higher NYHA functional class (p = 0.002), faster baseline heart rate (p = 0.006), higher prevalence of smoking (p = 0.015), higher global, physical and emotional MLHFQ scores (p < 0.001, for all), larger left atrial (LA) diameter (p = 0.001), shorter LV filling time (p = 0.027), higher E/e' ratio (0.02), shorter isovolumic relaxation time (p = 0.028), lower septal a' (p = 0.019) and s' (p = 0.023), compared to Group II. Independent predictors of 6-MWT distance for the group as a whole were increased MLHFQ total score (p = 0.005), older age (p = 0.035), and diabetes (p = 0.045), in HFpEF were total MLHFQ (p = 0.007) and diabetes (p = 0.045) but in HFrEF were only LA enlargement (p = 0.005) and age (p = 0.013. A total MLHFQ score of 48.5 had a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 63% (AUC on ROC analysis of 72%) for limited exercise performance in HF patients.Conclusions: Quality of life, assessment by MLHFQ, is the best correlate of exercise capacity measured by 6-MWT, particularly in HFpEF patients. Despite worse ejection fraction in HFrEF, signs of raised LA pressure independently determine exercise capacity in these patients.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(author)
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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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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 218, s. 126-135
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 4. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(author)
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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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In: Coronary Artery Disease. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0954-6928 .- 1473-5830. ; 29:3, s. 204-215
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)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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| 5. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(author)
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Echo- and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide-Guided Follow-Up versus Symptom-Guided Follow-Up : Comparison of the Outcome in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients
- 2018
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In: Cardiology Research and Practice. - : HINDAWI LTD. - 2090-8016 .- 2090-0597.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guidelines did not recommend biomarker-guided therapy in the management of heart failure (HF) patients. Combination of echo- and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may be an alternative approach in guiding ambulatory HF management. Our aim was to determine whether a therapy guided by echo markers of left ventricular filling pressure (LVFP), lung ultrasound (LUS) assessment of B-lines, and BNP improves outcomes of HF patients. Consecutive outpatients with LV ejection fraction (EF) <= 50% have been prospectively enrolled. In Group I (n=224), follow-up was guided by echo and BNP with the goal of achieving E-wave deceleration time (EDT) >= 150 ms, tissue Doppler index E/e' < 13, B-line numbers < 15, and BNP <= 125 pg/ml or decrease > 30%; in Group II (n=293), follow-up was clinically guided, while the remaining 277 patients (Group III) did not receive any dedicated follow-up. At 60 months, survival was 88% in Group I compared to 75% in Group II and 54% in Group III (chi(2) 53.5; p<0.0001). Survival curves exhibited statistically significant differences using Mantel-Cox analysis. The number needed to treat to spare one death was 7.9 (Group I versus Group II) and 3.8 (Group I versus Group III). At multivariate Cox regression analyses, major predictors of all-cause mortality were follow-up E/e' (HR: 1.05; p=0.0038) and BNP > 125 pg/ml or decrease <= 30% (HR: 4.90; p=0.0054), while BNP > 125 pg/ml or decrease <= 30% and B-line numbers >= 15 were associated with the combined end point of death and HF hospitalization. Evidence-based HF treatment guided by serum biomarkers and ultrasound with the goal of reducing elevated BNP and LVFP, and resolving pulmonary congestion was associated with better clinical outcomes and can be valuable in guiding ambulatory HF management.
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| 6. |
- Bajraktari, G. Gani, et al.
(author)
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LA diameter more than 40 mm predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation after trans-catheter ablation : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2017
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : European Society of Cardiology. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 19:S1, s. 431-432
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Aim: Left atrial (LA) enlargement is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence and outcome. Trans-catheter ablation of AF has now become a conventional treatment of AF but its recurrence remains of clinical significance. The predictive role of the LA size in AF treatment is still controversial, hence the aim of this meta-analysis was to analyze the potential association between LA diameter and AF recurrence after ablation.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry, up to December 2016 in order to select clinical trial and observational studies, which assessed the predictive role of LA diameter in AF recurrence after catheter-ablation. 13.573 patients from 61 studies with paroxysmal AF (PAF), persistent (PeAF) or longstanding persistent AF (L-PeAF) were included.Results: The pooled analysis showed that after a follow-up period of 19± 7.74 months, patients with AF recurrence had larger LA size compared with those without AF recurrence, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.49 ([95% CI 0.39 to 0.59], P < 0.001), irrespective of the type of AF. A subgroup analysis showed LA diameter to be different; WMD was 2.29 ([95% CI 1.31 to 3.26], P < 0.001) in PAF and 1.51 ([95% CI 1.10 to 1.93], P < 0.001) in PeAF/L-PeAF, the difference between these two subgroups was not significant (Chi2=2.04, I2=51.1%, p=0.15). LA diameter ≥40 mm predicted AF recurrence HR:1.08 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.14], P=0.006), but the best cut-off value, in all included patients, was ≥50mm HR:2.73 [95% CI 1.64 to 4.55], P<0.001).Conclusions: Increased LA diameter significantly predicts recurrence of AF after ablation procedure. While a diameter of 40 mm predicts recurrence, a diameter more than 50 mm is the most accurate predictor.
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| 7. |
- Bajraktari, G. Gani, et al.
(author)
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Reduced LA strain predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after catheter ablation : a systematic review and meta-analysis
- 2017
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : European Society of Cardiology. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 19:S1, s. 430-431
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and Aim: Despite the improved outcome of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who undergo catheter ablation, recurrence of the arrhythmia remains a concern. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the potential association between left atrial (LA) strain and AF recurrence after ablation.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed-Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry, up to December 2016 in order to identify clinical trial and observational studies, which assessed the predictive role of LA strain in AF recurrence after catheter-ablation. The search identified 898 patients form 10 studies, with paroxysmal AF (PAF) and persistent AF (PeAF).Results: The pooled analysis showed that after a follow-up period of 11.8± 8.1 months, patients with AF recurrence had reduced LA strain compared with those without AF, with a weighted mean difference (WMD) -7.04% ([95% CI -9.62 to -4.45], P < 0.0001). A subgroup analysis showed that LA strain was reduced regardless of AF type; WMD was -5.47% ([95% CI -9.82% to -1.13%], P=0.003) in PAF and -7.88% ([95% CI -11.19% to -4.56%], P < 0.001) in PAF/PeAF, the difference between these two subgroups was not significant (Chi2=0.75, I2=0.0%, p=0.39). A cut off value of 21% [6% to 30%], was 79% [65-86%] sensitive and 77% [66% to 91%] specific for predicting AF recurrence.Conclusions: Reduced LA strain significantly predicts recurrence of AF after ablation procedure, irrespective of AF type. This emphasizes the impact of LA wall remodeling on successful ablation.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Bajraktari, Gani, et al.
(author)
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The clinical dilemma of quantifying mechanical left ventricular dyssynchrony for cardiac resynchronization therapy : segmental or global?
- 2015
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In: Echocardiography. - : Wiley. - 0742-2822 .- 1540-8175. ; 32:1, s. 150-155
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Heart failure (HF) represents a serious clinical and public cause of mortality, morbidity, as well as healthcare expenditures. Guidelines for treatment of HF join in recommending multimedical regimen at targeted doses as the best medical strategy, despite that a significant percentage of patients remain symptomatic. Studies have shown that these patients might benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), particularly those presenting with broad QRS duration, >135 msec. Trials have already shown that CRT results in improved morbidity and survival of these patients particularly those in New York Heart Association class III-IV HF, but almost 30% do not show any symptomatic or survival benefit, hence are classified as nonresponders. Exhaustive efforts have been made in using noninvasive methods of assessing left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony in predicting nonresponders to CRT, including Doppler echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and even single photon emission computed tomography analysis, but only with modest success. In this report, we aimed to review the available evidence for assessing markers of mechanical LV dyssynchrony by various echocardiographic modalities and their respective strength in predicting favorable response to CRT treatment, comparing global with segmental ones. While the accuracy of segmental markers of dyssynchrony in predicting satisfactory response to CRT remains controversial because of various technical limitations, global markers seem easier to measure, reproducible, and potentially accurate in reflecting overall cavity response and its clinical implications. More studies are needed to qualify this proposal.
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