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Biomedical subjects

Ken Nagao

Publications and source records attributed to Ken Nagao.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Reperfusion strategy for acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients aged 75 to 80 years.

The increasing elderly population will influence the treatment policies adopted in cases of acute myocardial infarction. Considering reperfusion therapy in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, we compared three strategies, as follows: primary percutaneous coronary intervention (primary PCI: n = 26), facilitated PCI with half the standard dose of mutant tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) (half + PCI: n = 24), and facilitated PCI with a standard dose of mutant t-PA (standard + PCI: n = 15) between patients 75 and 80 years of age. The rate of acquisition of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI-3) flow on initial coronary arteriography was significantly lower in the primary PCI group than in the other two groups (7.7% in the primary PCI group vs 60% in the half + PCI and 66.7% in the standard + PCI group). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications including blood transfusion was not significantly different between primary PCI and facilitated PCI. Considering reperfusion therapy in elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, we concluded that facilitated PCI may be effective in elderly patients aged 75-80 years.

Aged↗

Prognostic value of blood glucose in patients with cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Although an elevated blood glucose has prognostic value in cardiovascular disease, few data are available regarding its prognostic value for patients across the spectrum of cardiogenic shock. METHOD AND RESULTS: A total of 81 patients with cardiogenic shock whose blood glucose and adrenaline were measured on arrival at the emergency room (ER) were enrolled in this prospective study. The primary endpoint was death from any cause in hospital. The rate of death was 12.3% (10/81), and the glucose level was lower among patients who were discharged alive than among those who died (8.7+/-3.7 mmol/L vs 13.8+/-6.7 mmol/L, p<0.001). The unadjusted rate of death increased in a stepwise fashion among patients in increasing quartiles of glucose level (p<0.05). The blood glucose level of 9.2 mmol/L had the highest combined sensitivity and specificity for the identification of death. In the multiple logistic-regression analysis for the primary outcome, the adjusted odd ratio for a glucose level of 9.2 mmol/L or more was 5.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.0-32.8, p=0.047). There was a significant positive correlation between the glucose and adrenaline levels (R=0.726, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The measurement of blood glucose level on ER arrival provides predictive information for use in risk stratification across the spectrum of cardiac emergencies complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Aged↗

Pure ventricular septal myocardial infarction in a young man with coronary artery ectasia.

The case of a 30-year-old man with myocardial infarction localized in the interventricular septum is described. Coronary angiography performed on day 28 after the onset of symptoms revealed ectasia in the right and left coronary arteries, but no overt stenotic or occlusive lesions were present. Spasm was induced in the first septal branch of the left anterior descending artery by an acetylcholine provocation test, and single photon emission computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging showed a reduced thallium-201 uptake localized in the interventricular septum.

Adult↗

Predictive factors of TIMI-3 flow before percutaneous coronary intervention in facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction.

The outcome for facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is known to be more favorable in cases in which TIMI-3 flow is obtained before PCI. We investigated factors that affect the acquisition of TIMI-3 flow before PCI. Facilitated PCI was performed on 178 patients divided into two groups, a group in which TIMI-3 flow was acquired before conducting PCI and another in which it was not, and their background factors and short-term outcomes were investigated. The hemoglobin concentrations, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and HbA1c values were significantly lower in the group in which TIMI-3 flow was acquired before PCI and significantly more had a history of past smoking. According to the results of logistic analysis, WBC count (odds ratio [OR], 0.865, P = 0.0077), hemoglobin concentration (OR, 0.77, P = 0.0257), and smoking history (OR, 0.266, P = 0.0021) were independent factors that predicted acquisition of TIMI-3 flow. The WBC count and hemoglobin value on arrival at the emergency room and history of smoking were shown to be independent factors for acquisition of TIMI-3 flow before PCI in facilitated PCI.

Aged↗

Effect of pravastatin on malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein levels and coronary plaque regression as determined by three-dimensional intravascular ultrasound.

We hypothesized that a reduction in atherogenic malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) levels, which may antagonize the action of atheroprotective high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, leads to coronary plaque regression. This study investigated the effects of pravastatin on the serum levels of MDA-LDL and coronary atherosclerosis. In a 6-month prospective study, 75 patients with stable coronary artery disease were randomly assigned to a pravastatin-treatment group (n = 52) or a control group (n = 23). Volumetric analyses were performed in matched coronary artery segments by 3-dimensional intravascular ultrasound. Pravastatin therapy for 6 months resulted in a decrease in coronary plaque volume (14.4%, p <0.0001) and a corresponding reduction in serum MDA-LDL levels (12.7%, p = 0.0001). In the pravastatin treatment group, the percentage of change in plaque volume correlated with changes in the MDA-LDL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (r = 0.52 and -0.55, respectively, p <0.0001) but not with the changes in any other lipid levels. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that a reduced MDA-LDL level is an independent predictor of plaque regression, as was an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In conclusion, these results suggest that the reduction in the MDA-LDL levels induced by pravastatin may serve as a novel marker of coronary atherosclerosis regression.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

Takotsubo-shaped cardiomyopathy with type I CD36 deficiency.

A transient left ventricular apical ballooning (so-called "ampulla" or "Takotsubo-shaped" cardiomyopathy) with type I CD36 deficiency is described in a 71-year-old woman. The patient was referred because of chest pain and worsening of dyspnea. Electrocardiogram showed T-wave inversions on the precordal leads, and acute coronary syndrome was suspected. Left ventricular apical ballooning was observed by echocardiogram and left ventriculography, and coronary arteriography did not reveal any significant stenosis. Left ventricular motion normalized at the follow-up period and there were no increases in specific markers for myocardial damage, such as myocardial band fraction of creatine kinase and troponin T, through out the admission. 123I-metaiodobengylguanidine myocardial single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) revealed decreased accumulation areas at the apex, while 201Tl SPECT showed normal accumulation. An abnormal metabolism of cardiac free fatty acid was suggested by lack of accumulation of 123I beta-methyliodophenyl pentadecanoic acid (BMIPP) SPECT. No CD36 expression in either platelets or monocytes/macrophages was shown using flow cytometer analysis and type I CD36 deficiency was diagnosed. DNA sequencing showed that the patient had compound heterozygosity of the CD36 gene (a nucleotide change in C478T and an adenine insertion at nucleotide 1159 in exon 10). Although CD36 deficiency is thought to be involved with many cardiovascular disease and metabolic abnormalities, Takotsubo-shaped cardiomyopathy with CD36 deficiency had not been reported. Further studies of Takotsubo-shaped cardiomyopathy and CD36 deficiency may reveal an association between this cardiomyopathy and specific genetic profiles.

Aged↗

Efficacy of multislice computed tomography for the detection of acute coronary syndrome in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), especially non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina in the emergency department (ED) still remains a challenge. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) allows assessment of not only coronary artery stenoses and occlusions, but also assessment of coronary artery plaques and myocardial perfusion status. METHODS AND RESULTS: MSCT was performed in 31 patients who were admitted to the ED because of chest pain persisting at least 30 min and non-diagnostic ECG changes and normal serum enzyme concentrations. Using MSCT, ACS was defined by coronary artery stenosis > or = 75% accompanied by computed tomography (CT)-low-density plaques, and/or by the presence of myocardial perfusion defects. ACS was confirmed by coronary stenosis > or = 75% by coronary angiography and/or subsequent elevation of troponin I concentration. In total, 22 patients were diagnosed as having ACS. MSCT detected stenoses with CT-low-density plaques in 21 and non-transmural myocardial perfusion defect in 3 patients. There was 1 false-positive and 1 false-negative result. The sensitivity and specificity of MSCT to identify ACS was 95.5% and 88.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: MSCT provides diagnostic operating characteristics suitable for triage of patients with ACS in the ED.

Acute Disease↗

Regulation of arginine vasopressin in the human heart.

BACKGROUND: The role of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the heart has yet to be determined. The present study was designed to examine whether AVP is regulated in the human heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: The subjects were 93 patients who underwent coronary angiography and left ventriculography. Blood samples were collected at the aortic root (AO) and the coronary sinus (CS) to measure the plasma levels of AVP. The patients who showed increases in AVP levels at the CS and AO were assigned to the increased AVP group and those who showed no change or a decrease were assigned to the non-increased AVP group. Cardiac function was compared between these 2 groups. There was a significant difference (p<0.0234) in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index between the increased AVP group (125.5 +/-53.4 ml/m2) and the non-increased AVP group (102.2+/-30.6 ml/m2). There was also a significant difference (p<0.0137) in left ventricular stroke volume index between the increased AVP group (66.6+/-23.2 ml/m2) and the non-increased AVP group (54.4+/-18.6 ml/m2). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that both the production of AVP and synthesis with its receptors may be enhanced at regional sites of the human heart in the volume load.

Aged↗

Relationship between heart-type fatty acid-binding protein levels and the risk of death in patients with serious condition on arrival at the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: Although heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a cardiac marker useful for early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), few data are available on its prognostic value. The objective of this study is to clarify the prognostic value of H-FABP in patients with a serious condition. METHODS AND PATIENTS: We conducted a prospective study of 617 patients who presented to the emergency department with a serious condition. The H-FABP levels on arrival at the emergency department were divided into four groups using their quartiles. The endpoint was death from any causes in-hospital. RESULTS: H-FABP ranged from 1.2 to 2,300 ng/ml, with a median of 19.9 ng/ml, a 25%-value of 6.7 ng/ml and 75%-value of 54.0 ng/ml. The unadjusted rate of the mortality increased progressively with increasing H-FABP quartile point (11% for quartile-I, 22% for quartile-II, 36% for quartile-III, and 38% for quartile-IV; p<0.001). After adjustment for age, gender, systolic blood pressure and the presence or absence of cardiovascular disease, H-FABP was the independent factor to predict the mortality. CONCLUSION: H-FABP has proven to be an independent factor for prognosis in patients with a serious condition on arrival at the emergency department.

Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins↗

Relationship between the generation and the facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute myocardial infarction--analysis based on the fibrinolysis and subsequent transluminal trial--.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in comparing young and elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present study enrolled 168 initial myocardial infarction patients within 12 h of the symptom onset between 40 and 80 years of age who were indicated on the fibrinolysis and subsequent transluminal (FAST-3) trial. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to their age, peak creatine kinase (CK), peak CK-MB and peak troponin T (Tn-T) levels, and cardiac function were compared between the 4 groups. There were no differences between the 4 groups in terms of the time from arrival at the emergency room (ER) to the achievement of TIMI-3 patency. There were also no significant differences between the 4 groups in terms of the peak CK, peak CK-MB or peak Tn-T levels. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between the 4 groups in terms of the mortality rate or the incidence of hemorrhagic complications at 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Facilitated PCI is considered to have an important potential role in the treatment of myocardial infarction in Japan, in which the age of the population is steadily increasing.

Adult↗

Relationship between the door-to-TIMI-3 flow time and the infarct size in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction: analysis based on the fibrinolysis and subsequent transluminal (FAST-3) trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to use the findings of a fibrinolysis and subsequent transluminal trial (FAST-3) to evaluate the association between the target time for obtaining a thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI)-3 flow after arrival at the emergency room with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the degree of myocardial salvage. METHODS AND RESULTS: The FAST-3 trial was administered to 100 patients suffering from AMI. Ranges in the door-to-TIMI-3 flow time (D-T3-time: TIMI-3 flow after arrival at the emergency room) according to quartile were as follows: 30-54 min (quartile 1), 55-77 min (quartile 2), 78-120 min (quartile 3) and 121-330 min (quartile 4). Peak creatine kinase (CK), peak CK-MB, and peak troponin-T values increased in a stepwise fashion across the increasing quartiles of D-T3-time. The left ventricular end diastolic volume index at 30 days after the start of treatment showed low values for quartile 1. In multiple logistic regression analyses for independent predictors of myocardial damage, the adjusted odds ratios for myocardial damage (peak CK>3,000 U/L) in quartiles 3 and 4 of the D-T3-time were 4.0 (95% CI: 1.0-16.1) and 7.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-36.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that physicians should monitor the D-T3-time for at least 55 min.

Aged↗

B-type natriuretic peptide as a marker of resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest outside the hospital.

BACKGROUND: Although the circulating concentration of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has both a prognostic and diagnostic value in heart disease, no data are available regarding its resuscitative value for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present study was a prospective study of 401 patients whose BNP was measured on arrival at the emergency room after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with a cardiac cause. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge. The unadjusted rate of survival to hospital discharge decreased in a stepwise fashion among patients in increasing quartiles of BNP concentration (p<0.001). After adjusting for independent predictors of resuscitation, the odds ratios for survival to hospital discharge in the second, third and fourth quartiles of BNP were 0.13 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04-0.46), 0.10 (95% CI, 0.03-0.41), and 0.004 (95% CI, 0.00-0.16), respectively. The BNP cutoff value of 100 pg/ml for survival had a sensitivity of 83% and a negative predictive value of 96%. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of BNP was found to provide valuable predictive information for survival to hospital discharge in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of cardiac etiology.

Adult↗

Efficacy of calcium channel blocker in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction--retrospective analysis of the 10-year prognosis or coronary thrombolysis-treated patients.

BACKGROUND: Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) may have a positive influence on the long-term prognosis of Japanese patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effect of nifedipine-retard (NR) (n=202) compared with that of non-CCB treatment (n=92) on the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI) was retrospectively investigated in patients who had survived acute MI between 1987 and 1996. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of cardiac death or non-fatal MI. The median follow-up was 6.3+/-2.4 years. The incidence of cardiac events was 8.9% in the NR group and 14.1% in the non-CCBs group (p=0.14, odds ratio (OR): 0.584, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.286-1,193). However, subanalysis revealed that NR significantly reduced the incidence of cardiac events in patients aged less than 55 years (4.2 vs 18.2%, p=0.016, OR: 0.180, 95%CI: 0.045-0.721) and those who did not smoke (8.6 vs 16.4%, p=0.048, OR: 0.462, 95%CI: 0.203-0.999). CONCLUSION: Although this was a retrospective analysis, it showed that NR did not cause an increase in the incidence of cardiac events in post-MI patients; it even prevented cardiac events, especially in those who were less than 55 years of age and in non-smokers, suggesting the potential usefulness of CCBs in the secondary prevention of MI in Japan.

Aged↗

Mismatch between results of myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements and myocardial perfusion SPECT for identification of the severity of ischemia: pitfall of FFR in patients with prior myocardial infarction.

We experienced two rare cases of mismatch between the results of FFR and myocardial perfusion SPECT for identification of myocardial ischemia after myocardial infarction. If a FFR cutoff value of 0.75 is applied as in angina patients to patients with myocardial infarction, the severity of ischemia may be underestimated.

Aged↗

Effect of pravastatin on coronary plaque volume.

A volumetric analysis by 3-dimensional intravascular ultrasound revealed that lipid-lowering therapy with pravastatin significantly reduced coronary plaque volume. The changes in plaque volume were inversely correlated with the changes in plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not with changes in levels of total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Adult↗