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Nicolas Danchin

Publications and source records attributed to Nicolas Danchin.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Central pulse pressure and atherosclerotic alterations of coronary arteries.

Central pulse pressure is more likely to reflect the haemodynamic conditions to which the heart and coronary arteries are subjected than is peripheral pulse. We reviewed the data currently available on the correlations between central pulse pressure and both the presence and extent of coronary artery disease, as well as clinical outcomes. Five clinical studies have reported an association between central pulse pressure and the presence of coronary artery disease documented by coronary angiography. Four studies, including three of the previous ones, also found a correlation between central pulse pressure and the extent of coronary artery disease. In one of these studies, however, the correlation was present only in men, whereas no link was found between pulse pressure and coronary artery disease in women. After coronary angioplasty, increased central pulse pressure has been found correlated with the occurrence of restenosis after balloon angioplasty, but not after stent implantation. Finally, the ASCOT-CAFE trial found a positive correlation between pulse pressure and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, confirming the prognostic significance of this parameter.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

The second Euro Heart Survey on acute coronary syndromes: Characteristics, treatment, and outcome of patients with ACS in Europe and the Mediterranean Basin in 2004.

AIMS: Our study aimed to examine the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in Europe and the Mediterranean basin, and to compare adherence to guidelines with that reported in the first Euro Heart Survey on ACS (EHS-ACS-I), 4 years earlier. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective survey conducted in 2004 (EHS-ACS-II), data describing the characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 6385 patients diagnosed with ACS in 190 medical centres in 32 countries were collected. ACS with ST-elevation was the initial diagnosis in 47% of patients, no ST-elevation in 48%, and undetermined electrocardiographic pattern in 5% of patients. Comparison of data collected in 2000 and 2004 showed similar baseline characteristics, but greater use of recommended medications and coronary interventions in EHS-ACS-II. Among patients with ST-elevation, the use of primary reperfusion increased slightly (from 56 to 64%), with a significant shift from fibrinolytic therapy to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The use of PPCI rose from 37 to 59% among those undergoing primary reperfusion therapy. Analysis of data in 34 centres that participated in both surveys showed even greater improvement with respect to the use of recommended medical therapy, interventions, and outcome. CONCLUSION: Data from EHS-ACS-II suggest an increase in adherence to guidelines for treatment of ACS in comparison with EHS-ACS-I.

Acute Disease↗

Clinical benefits of a metabolic approach with trimetazidine in revascularized patients with angina.

As patients with coronary artery disease live longer and more often reach the stage where further myocardial revascularization procedures can no longer be performed, efficacious and well-tolerated antianginal medications are needed. Metabolic agents offer the advantage of controlling symptoms without untoward hemodynamic effects. This article reviews the epidemiology of stable angina and the use of antianginal medications in patients who have undergone myocardial revascularization. It also describes the clinical data on the anti-ischemic effects of metabolic agents in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty, the latter in the setting of acute myocardial infarction and elective procedures. Lastly, the effects of trimetazidine on exercise tests in previously revascularized patients treated with beta-blockers, such as documented in the subgroup analysis of the Second Trimetazidine in Poland (TRIMPOL II) trial, are reported. In all, metabolic agents are likely to be beneficial in revascularized patients, with a documented anti-ischemic effect during myocardial revascularization procedures and the ability to improve exercise tolerance and symptoms in patients with chronic stable angina, despite myocardial revascularization.

Angina Pectoris↗

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with coronary artery disease and absence of heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction: an overview of long-term randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Results of randomized trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and preserved left ventricular function are conflicting. We undertook this study to determine whether long-term prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors decreases major cardiovascular events and mortality in patients who have CAD and no evidence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and IPA databases, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (1990-2004), and reports from scientific meetings (2003-2004), and we reviewed secondary sources. Search terms included angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, coronary artery disease, randomi(s)zed controlled trials, clinical trials, and myocardial infarction. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials in patients who had CAD and no heart failure or left ventricular dysfunction, with follow-up omicronf 2 years or longer. Of 1146 publications screened, 7 met our selection criteria and included a total of 33 960 patients followed up for a mean of 4.4 years. RESULTS: Five trials included only patients with documented CAD. One trial included patients with documented CAD (80%) or patients who had diabetes mellitus and 1 or more additional risk factors, and another trial included patients who had CAD, a history of transient ischemic attack, or intermittent claudication. Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors decreased overall mortality (odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.93), cardiovascular mortality (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.90), myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-0.89), and stroke (odds ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-0.88). Other end points, including resuscitation after cardiac arrest, myocardial revascularization, and hospitalization because of heart failure, were also reduced. CONCLUSION: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce total mortality and major cardiovascular end points in patients who have CAD and no left ventricular systolic dysfunction or heart failure.

Aged↗

Impact of age and gender on in-hospital and late mortality after acute myocardial infarction: increased early risk in younger women: results from the French nation-wide USIC registries.

AIMS: To determine whether sex differences of in-hospital and after-discharge mortality differ according to the age. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data of 4347 consecutive patients hospitalized within 48 h of the onset of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were analysed. Patients were classified according to median age (68 years): Group 1 (G1) (308 women, 30-67 years), G2 (1878 men, 30-67 years), G3 (860 women, 68-89 years), and G4 (1301 men, 68-89 years). In both age groups, women were older, had more frequent co-morbidities, lower rate of reperfusion therapy, and received less anti-platelet agents, beta-blockers, and statins than men. The overall 1-year mortality was higher in women (25% vs. 16% in men, P<0.0001). After adjustment, in-hospital mortality was higher only for the women in the younger age group. (G1 vs. G2: OR=2.2, 95%CI=1.3-3.8; G3 vs. G4: OR=1.1, 95%CI=the risk of death, after hospital discharge, was no longer related to gender in any age group. CONCLUSION: The higher 1-year mortality following AMI in women is explained by the higher risk of death in young women during the first days of hospitalization. Further investigations are crucial to determine the cause in order to improve the chance of survival in younger women.

Adult↗

Clinical perspectives of heart rate slowing for coronary event reduction and heart failure.

Heart rate is a major determinant of myocardial oxygen consumption. There is ample evidence of an association between high heart rate and poor outcome in numerous clinical settings. Experimental studies in monkeys have shown a link between increased heart rate and development of atherosclerosis. In the clinical setting, increased heart rate has been found associated with coronary plaque rupture. A causal relationship is further supported by the fact that Beta-blockers have a well-documented efficacy after myocardial infarction, although the other properties of these agents may also participate in their protective effect. Beyond the potential benefits of heart rate lowering in patients with coronary artery disease, medications capable of decreasing heart rate without altering left ventricular function, such as the I(f) current inhibitor ivabradine, might prove particularly helpful in patients with chronic heart failure associated with coronary artery disease, but also in heart failure without systolic dysfunction, or in patients needing inotropic support for acute heart failure.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

[Metabolic syndrome: prevalence, risk factors and mortality in a French population of 62 000 subjects].

We evaluated the prevalence, risk factors and impact on all-cause mortality of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in a large French population. The study population consisted of subjects aged 40 years or more who volunteered for a free health check-up at the IPC Center (Investigations Préventives et Cliniques, Paris) between 1999 and 2002. There were 40 977 men (53.2 +/- 9.1 years) and 21 277 women (55.9 +/- 10.3 years). The cutoff date for mortality data was March 2004. The mean follow-up period was 3.57 +/- 1.12 years. During this period, 271 men and 87 women died. MetS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the risk of death [hazards ratio (95% CI)]. MetS was present at baseline in 11.8% of men and 7.6% of women. The prevalence of MetS increased from 9% in men aged 40 to 49 years to 12.5% in men aged 70 years. In women, the prevalence rose from 4.9% to 11.3%, respectively. From 1999 to 2002, the prevalence of MetS increased from 11.0% to 12.8% in men and from 7.2% to 8.8% in women. The following clinical and biological parameters were significantly associated with MetS in men and women, after adjustment for age: lower physical activity, lower vital capacity ratio, higher pulse pressure and heart rate, higher gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, ASA and ALA transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels, higher uricemia, leukocyte and globulin levels, dental and gingival inflammation, and higher stress and depression scores. After adjustment for age, the excess risk of all-cause mortality in subjects with MetS compared to subjects without MetS was 1.82 (1.35-2.43) in men and 1.80 (1.01-3.19) in women. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, cholesterol, physical activity, socioeconomic status and prior cardiovascular disease, the risk of all-cause mortality was 1.69 (1.28-2.22) in the entire population. In order to evaluate the impact of each Mets component, and combinations of three MetS components, on all-cause mortality, a control group of subjects with no MetS components was used. After adjustment for age and gender, the risk of death associated with each MetS component was 2.36 (1.65-3.37) for high waist circumference, 2.08 (1.44-3.01) for elevated triglyceride levels, 1.71 (1.07-2.72) for low HDL-cholesterol levels, 1.75 (1.29-2.38) for elevated arterial pressure, and 2.93 (2.04-4.22) for elevated glucose levels. Waist circumference + elevated triglycerides + elevated glucose was the three-component combination with the strongest impact [HR = 4.95 (2.92-8.37)]. In this large French population, in which MetS was moderate, MetS was associated with other hemodynamic, hepatic, inflammatory and psychological risk factors, and with a 70% increase in all-cause mortality. The three-component combination most strongly associated with mortality was high waist circumference + elevated glucose + elevated triglycerides.

Adult↗

Implementation of reperfusion therapy in acute myocardial infarction. A policy statement from the European Society of Cardiology.

Reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most important component of treatment, as it strongly influences short- and long-term patient outcome. The main objective of healthcare providers should be to achieve at least 75% of reperfusion therapy applied to patients suffering from STEMI in a timely manner, and preferably within the first 3 h after onset of symptoms. Establishing networks of reperfusion at regional and national level, implying close collaboration between all the actors involved in reperfusion therapy, namely hospitals, departments of cardiology, PCI centres, emergency medical systems (EMS), (para)medically staffed ambulances, private cardiologists, primary care physicians, etc., is a key issue. All forms of reperfusion, depending on local facilities, need to be available to patients. Protocols must be written and agreed for the strategy of reperfusion to be applied within a network. Early diagnosis of STEMI is essential and is best achieved by rapid ECG recording and interpretation at first medical contact, wherever this contact takes place (hospital or ambulance). Tele-transmission of ECG for immediate interpretation by experienced cardiologists is an alternative. Primary PCI is the preferred reperfusion option if it can be performed by experienced staff within 90 min after first medical contact. Thrombolytic treatment, administered if possible in the pre-hospital setting, is a valid option if PCI cannot be performed in a timely manner, particularly within the first 3 h following onset of symptoms. Thrombolysis is not the end of the reperfusion therapy. Rescue PCI must be performed in the case of thrombolysis failure. Next-day PCI after successful thrombolysis has been proven efficacious. Quality control is important for monitoring the efficacy of networks of reperfusion. All elements that influence time to reperfusion must be taken into account, particularly transfer delays, in-hospital delays, and door-to-balloon or door-to-needle times. The rate of reperfusion achieved must also be taken into consideration. Professional organizations such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have the responsibility to impart this message to the cardiology community, and inform politicians and health authorities about the best possible strategy to achieve reperfusion therapy.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

[Choosing the right medication for the right patient].

Over the past 15 years, the efficacy of several classes of medications on the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis has been documented. The objectives of medical therapy are triple: to avoid or control the evolution of the atherosclerotic process, control associated risk factors, and, whenever appropriate, to control symptoms. Four classes of medications have documented a major clinical benefit by decreasing mortality and severe adverse cardiovascular events: antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers, statins and ACE inhibitors. These medications should therefore constitute first line therapy. Beside the use of medications, life style changes (Mediterranean diet, physical exercise, smoking cessation) are also necessary.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Key factors associated with the under-prescription of statins in elderly coronary heart disease patients: Results from the ELIAGE and ELICOEUR surveys.

INTRODUCTION: The reasons why statins are under-utilized in elderly patients remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify the reasons given by cardiologist for the non-prescription of statins in elderly CHD patients. METHODS: Two cross-sectional pharmaco-epidemiological surveys were carried out among French cardiologists. The sample consisted of 1148 coronary patients aged 35 to 69 years and 1489 patients aged > or =70 years. Patients' risk factors, medical history, treatments, lipid values and the physicians' various motives for the non-prescription of statins were recorded. RESULTS: Patients not treated with statins reached 37% in the age-group > or =70 years and 14% in the age-group 35-69 years. The main reason given for statin non-prescription was the lack of a medical indication (2.5% of the age-group 35-69 years and 14% of the age-group > or =70 years). Among patients > or =70 years, the lack of indication was more often cited in the following conditions: 1) in very old patients (36% of lack of indication in the age-group >85 years vs. 10% in 70-75 years), 2) when lipid values were not available (20% when data were not available vs. 9%) and 3) when the patient had no prior history of myocardial infarction (MI) (20% when no history of MI vs. 7%). These factors were not associated with lack of indication among patients <70 years. History of intolerance or side effect was given for 1.3% and 14% of patients for each of the groups (35-69 and > or =70) and poor overall patient adherence was cited in 1% and 2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The primary reason for the under-prescription of statins in elderly coronary patients is the perceived lack of indication, which stresses the need of extensive guidelines for prescription in elderly patients. Several factors associated with this perception seem to be specific to the elderly.

Adult↗

Recommendations for the structure, organization, and operation of intensive cardiac care units.

Two major changes in patient characteristics and management occurred recently that demand distinctive alterations in the function of the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU). These changes include the introduction of an early invasive strategy for the treatment of acute coronary syndromes, enabling early recuperation and shorter need for intensive care on the one hand, while the number of older and sicker patients requiring prolonged and more complex intensive care is steadily increasing. A task force of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Acute Cardiac Care was set to give a modern updated comprehensive recommendations concerning the structure, organization, and function of the modern ICCUs and intermediate cardiac units. These include the statement that specially trained cardiologists and cardiac nurses who can manage patients with acute cardiac conditions should staff the ICCUs. The optimum number of physicians, nurses, and other personal working in the unit is included. The document indicates the desired architecture and structure of the units and the intermediate cardiac unit and their relations to the other facilities in the hospital. Specific recommendations are also included for the minimal number of beds, monitoring system, respirators, pacemaker/defibrillators, and necessary additional equipment. The desired function is discussed, namely, the patients to be admitted, the length of stay, and the relocation policy. A uniformed electronic chart for ICCUs is advised, anticipating a common European database.

Coronary Care Units↗

Effect of early initiation of statins on survival in patients with acute myocardial infarction (the USIC 2000 Registry).

We evaluated the association of statin initiation within 48 hours of admission for an acute myocardial infarction with a 1-year prognosis on a nationwide scale. Patients who received a statin within 48 hours of admission but not before hospitalization had an improved prognosis (hazard ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.38 to 0.86, p <0.007) after adjustment for covariates and propensity score.

Aged↗