Browsing by Author "Ciftci, Orcun"

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Acute Coronary Syndrome In Geriatric Patients In An Intensive Care Unit
(2021) Keskin, Suzan; Akgun, Arzu Neslihan; Ciftci, Orcun; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun
Objective: The advancing age of acute coronary syndrome and the ageing population are leading to an increase in the number of elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome in our clinical practice. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of acute coronary syndrome in the geriatric patient group. Materials and Method: We retrospectively included geriatric patients who were in intensive care units because of different diagnoses, who also showed an acute coronary syndrome, and who had been diagnosed using the sequential organ failure assessment score. This score is used to describe the condition of a patient with sepsis and the extent of organ damage during treatment in an intensive care unit. We reviewed patients who were at Baskent University Faculty of Medicine between 25 March 2015 and 12 March 2020. Results: We included 63 patients aged 77.27 +/- 7.65 years. There were 40 (63.5%) males and 23 (36.5%) females. A total of 42 (89.4%) patients died in the first 5 months, one (2.1%) died between the 6th and 10th months, two (4.3%) between the 11th and 20th months, and two (4.3%) between the 21st and 30th months. We found a significant relationship between the sequential organ failure assessment score and mortality rate (p<0.05). The sequential organ failure assessment score was reliable in predicting mortality in geriatric patients with acute coronary syndrome, with 57% sensitivity and 75% specificity. Conclusion: Mortality of geriatric patients with acute coronary syndrome can be significantly determined using the sequential organ failure assessment scores.
Adequacy of Infective Endocarditis Prophylaxis Before Dental Procedures among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
(2019) Karacaglar, Emir; Akgun, Arzu; Ciftci, Orcun; Altiparmak, Nur; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 31464231; AAG-8233-2020
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality. The current IE guidelines recommend antibiotic prophylaxis only in patients with certain cardiac conditions and before certain dental procedures. However, there is not enough data about solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the IE prophylaxis in general dental and periodontal surgical procedures among our SOT recipients. Medical records of 191 SOT recipients (32 liver transplant recipients, 54 heart transplant recipients, and 105 kidney transplant recipients) who were admitted to our hospital between January 2016 and January 2018 were evaluated. A total of 65 patients who underwent dental procedures were included in the study. We investigated the adequacy of IE prophylaxis according to the current guidelines. Two groups were created according to whether they received antibiotic prophylaxis or not. The mean age was 44.2 +/- 13.6 years, and 66.1% were male. The majority of patients (67.6%) received antibiotic prophylaxis. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin (48.8%). Among the procedures, 23.1% were classified as invasive and 76.9% were classified as noninvasive. No complication was observed after invasive and noninvasive dental procedures. There were no complications in both antibiotic prophylaxis and no-prophylaxis groups. According to our results, IE prophylaxis has been used appropriately in SOT recipients in our center. No serious infection has been reported. In addition, no complication due to antibiotic use was also observed.
Approach to Patients with Syncope in Emergeny Department - An Evidence-Based Review
(2014) Ciftci, Orcun; Kavalci, Cemil; Durukan, Polat; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8926-9142; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2529-2946; W-5233-2018; AGG-1308-2022
Syncope is an important health problem, constituting 1%-5% of all emergency service admissions and up to 6% of all hospitalizations. Substantial experience with patient history and physical examination and time are required to diagnose syncope in patients presenting with transient loss of consciousness. In addition, only up to 50% of patients with syncope can be diagnosed with a final diagnosis, despite all efforts. Thus, management of syncope in emergency departments has shifted from reaching a final diagnosis and treatment to short-, moderate-, or long-term risk stratification systems, allowing decisions for outpatient management, including specialized branch care, or admission for further work-up. This review discusses the definition of syncope-related transient loss of consciousness, differential diagnosis of syncope, diagnostic methods and algorithms, and the main risk stratification studies. It also incorporates the recommendations of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) 2007 policy statement regarding patients with syncope.
Chronic Renal Disease and hypertension are Significant Predictors of Severe Coronary Artery Disease Among Patients Presenting to Emergency Department with Atrial Fibrillation and Undergoing Coronary Angiography for Presumed Acute Coronary Syndrome
(2017) Ciftci, Orcun; Karacaglar, Emir; Yilmaz, Keremcan; Muderssioglu, Ibrahim Haldun; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0001-8926-9142; ABI-6723-2020; W-5233-2018
Comparison of application of 2013 ACC/AHA guideline and 2011 European Society of Cardiology guideline for the management of dyslipidemias for primary prevention in a Turkish cohort
(2017) Yilmaz, Mustafa; Atar, Ilyas; Hasirci, Senem; Akyol, Kadirhan; Tekin, Abdullah; Karacaglar, Emir; Ciftci, Orcun; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0002-8342-679X; 0000-0002-5658-870X; 0000-0002-2557-9579; 27684519; AAG-8233-2020; ABI-6723-2020; W-5233-2018; AAK-7805-2021; ABD-7304-2021; S-6973-2016
OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a major global cause of death. The common approach in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is to identify patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease. This article analyzes and compares the application of 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guideline and the 2011 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline for the management of dyslipidemias for primary prevention in Turkish population. METHODS: The study included 833 patients (482 women and 351 men). Risk scores were calculated according to both guidelines and indications for statin treatment were determined according to sex and age group. Variables are presented as mean +/- SD or median with interquartile range for continuous data and as proportions for categorical data. Variables were analyzed by unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square or Fischer's exact test as appropriate. RESULTS: The ACC/AHA would suggest statin treatment in 415 patients out of 833 (49.5%), while ESC would recommend statin for 193 patients out of 833 (23.1%)(p<0.001). Statins would be recommended for 40.4% of women and 62.6% of men for primary prevention by the ACC/AHA, while this figure was 12% for women and 38.4% for men according to the ESC guideline (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: When compared to the ESC guideline, the ACC/AHA guideline suggests augmented statin treatment for primary prevention in Turkish population
Comparison Of Inflammation-Based Parameters And MELD-XI Score With 4C Mortality Score In Predicting In-Hospital Mortality In COVID-19
(2022) Celik, Casit Olgun; Ciftci, Orcun; Ozer, Nurtac; Muderrsioglu, Ibrahim Haldun; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7190-5443; AAD-5477-2021
Purpose: In this study, we compared the roles of inflammatory parameters such as neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), C-reactive protein/lymphocyte ratio (CLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil/platelet ratio (NPR), neutrophil/monocyte ratio (NMR), CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), BUN/albumin ratio (BAR), MELD-XI score and 4C mortality score in predicting in-hospital mortality risk in COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A total of 117 patients over 18 years old with a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 between June 2020 and February 2021 were retrospectively included. The roles of parameters for independently predicting in-hospital mortality were determined and compared with each other using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Age, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, acute kidney injury, and length of hospital stay, urea, creatinine, LDH, AST, ferritin, D-dimer, CRP, albumin, Hb, CLR, BAR, CAR, MELD-XI score, and 4C mortality score were significantly correlated to in-hospital mortality. However, only the 4C mortality score and AST independently predicted in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 [OR 2.08 (%95 CI 1.06-2.36), for 4C mortality score, and OR 1.05 (%95 CI 1.00-1.10), for AST]. Conclusion: Unlike other mortality-related inflammatory parameters, the 4C mortality score and AST were independent and strong predictors of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Cost analysis of management of cardiovascular disease comorbidities in Turkey
(2019) Kockaya, Guvenc; Oguzhan, Gulpembe Ergin; Ozin, Bulent; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Ciftci, Orcun; Cavus, Filiz; Sharaf, Mustapha; Buyuktuna, Nazim; Buyukisik, Tansu; Saylan, Mete
Objectives The strongest muscle of human body, the heart, is susceptible to a range of diseases. These diseases involve deterioration of the blood vessels, muscles of heart, malformation of cardiovascular structures, tumour formations, formation of clots, rupturing of vessels and others. Therefore, taking into consideration the direct and indirect burdens of cardiovascular diseases around the globe, the present study was designed to perform a direct cost analysis of managing comorbidities of cardiovascular diseases with reimbursement authority perspective. Methods The cost analysis study conducted in the present article was conducted in three phases. The first phase involved filling of survey questionnaire by five experts practicing in the field of cardiology in Turkey. The second phase comprised of expert panel wherein three out of five experts reviewed the forms filled by all the experts. This was followed by third phase wherein the three experts attending the panel re-filled the questionnaire as per the daily clinical practice. Key Findings The findings showed total annual costs for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) exhibiting myocardial infarction comorbidities for both acute and maintenance treatment as 5622.95 and 1245.04 TL respectively. The total costs for major bleeding events were found to be 1211.95 TL, whereas for minor bleeding events the costs were 496.26 TL. The total cost for intracranial bleeding was 1761.53, and 3595.62 TL for stroke, which followed myocardial infarction. Conclusion The study findings helped gain an insight into the most prominent comorbidities associated with CVDs in the perspective of reimbursement institution including direct costs. Further studies are needed to understand the real cost for reimbursement institution.
Demographics, Management Strategies, and Problems in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction from the Standpoint of Emergency Medicine Specialists: A Survey-Based Study from Seven Geographical Regions of Turkey
(2016) Kayipmaz, Afsin Emre; Ciftci, Orcun; Kavalci, Cemil; Karacaglar, Emir; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 27760229; W-5233-2018; AAG-8233-2020; AAC-2597-2020; ABI-6723-2020
Background This study aimed to explore the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) management practices of emergency medicine specialists working in various healthcare institutions of seven different geographical regions of Turkey, and to examine the characteristics of STEMI presentation and patient admissions in these regions. Methods We included 225 emergency medicine specialists working in all geographical regions of Turkey. We e-mailed them a 20-item questionnaire comprising questions related to their STEMI management practices and characteristics of STEMI presentation and patient admissions. Results The regions were not significantly different with respect to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) resources (p = 0.286). Sixty six point two percent (66.2%) of emergency specialists stated that patients presented to emergency within 2 hours of symptom onset. Forty three point six percent (43.6%) of them contacted cardiology department within 10 minutes and 47.1% within 30 minutes. In addition, 68.3% of the participants improved themselves through various educational activities. The Southeastern Anatolian region had the longest time from symptom onset to emergency department admission and the least favorable hospital admission properties, not originating from physicians or 112 emergency healthcare services. Conclusion Seventy point seven percent (70.7%) of the emergency specialists working in all geographical regions of Turkey comply with the latest guidelines and current knowledge about STEMI care; they also try to improve themselves, and receive adequate support from 112 emergency healthcare services and cardiologists. While inter-regional gaps between the number of primary PCI capable centers and quality of STEMI care progressively narrow, there are still issues to address, such as delayed patient presentation after symptoms onset and difficulties in patient admission.
Double Layer Reconstruction of Exposed Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices in Elderly Patients
(2021) Ozkan, Burak; Albayati, Abbas; Yilmaz, Kerem C.; Ciftci, Orcun; Ozin, Bulent; Uysal, Cagri A.; Ertas, Nilgun Markal; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 33542888; AAJ-1331-2021; W-5233-2018
Background Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities may not be candidates for cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED) explantation in cases of exposition. Excision of all unhealthy and inflamed scar tissue results in a skin defect that must be covered. Small- to moderate-sized local skin flaps and subpectoral placement of CIEDs have been described in the literature. However, these techniques still could not eliminate the risk of recurrence. In terms of minimizing the recurrence risk, we aim to increase the flap dimensions for getting better circulation and tension-free closure after subpectoral placement. Material and methods Six patients who were operated for a dual-layer reconstruction of exposed cardiac implants between 2017 and 2020 were included in the study. All patients were referred to plastic surgery as soon as the wound biopsy culture results were negative after systemic and topical antibiotic treatment by cardiology department. Results No flap loss or wound dehiscence was seen with a mean duration of 11 months follow-up. Early hematoma was encountered in a patient who was managed with irrigation and drain renewal. One patient developed suture abscess in the second month postoperatively. Knots were removed and wound healed without further intervention. Conclusion Double layer closure of exposed cardiac implants with large breast fasciocutaneous flap after subpectoral placement of pulse generator and leads suggest durable and reliable coverage in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities.
Effect of Post-Transplant Cardiac Angiographic Procedures on Post-Transplant Renal Function
(2022) Keskin, Suzan; Ciftci, Orcun; Soy, Ebru Ayvazoglu; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-0993-9917; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 35918191; AAC-5566-2019; AAJ-8097-2021
Background. Cardiac interventions often are performed before and after renal transplant for coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to investigate whether post-transplant cardiac coronary procedures affect post-transplant renal function. Method. We retrospectively included renal transplant recipients who underwent renal transplant procedures at Baskent University between April 28, 1997 and January 20, 2020. We analyzed the effect of cardiac catheterization in renal transplant recipients between 6 and 12 months post-transplant with post-transplant renal function assessed by glomerular filtration rate (GFR). We compared the effect of the type of coronary intervention on GFR change in group 1, whereby group 1 was divided into 2 subgroups (coronary artery bypass grafting [CABG] and stenting). Group 1 included patients who underwent cardiac intervention, whereas group 2 included those who had not undergone cardiac intervention. Results. In all, 108 patients underwent coronary angiography; 45 (41.7%) had normal coronaries or minimal coronary artery disease (CAD); 37 (34.3%) underwent stent implantation; 26 (24.1%) underwent CABG. The mean post- transplantation GFR of all patients after cardiac catheterization was 84.26+25.91 (mL/min/1.73 m(2)). The final, after 12 months mean GFR of all patients was 69.55+27.05. The final GFR was significantly lower than the initial post-renal GFR value in patients who underwent cardiac intervention but not in non-intervened patients. Conclusion. Invasive cardiac revascularization procedures showed a negative effect on posttransplant renal function in renal transplant recipients. All renal transplant recipients who underwent cardiac intervention survived the intervention, and there was no mortality. The reason for this outcome was assumed to be because of the short follow-up period.
The Effect of Renal Transplantation on Cardiac Functions
(2020) Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Akgun, Arzu Neslihan; Keskin, Suzan; Ciftci, Orcun; Moray, Gokhan; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 33229768; AAJ-8097-2021; W-5233-2018; AAJ-1331-2021
Chronic renal failure is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular poor outcome. Despite advances in dialysis and renal transplantation, these patients still have high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the changes in blood parameters and echocardiographic parameters of patients undergoing renal transplantation in our center. One hundred and eighty-three patients who underwent renal transplantation between September 2012 and January 2016 were included in the study. Pre- and postoperative hemoglobin values, lipid profiles, ejection fractions, presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, presence of diastolic dysfunction, and valve pathologies were retrospectively scanned. Data were obtained from all patients in terms of blood parameters, but we compared 92 patients' echocardiographic data because of lack of both pre- and postoperative echocardiography records. In our study, 124 patients (67.8%) were male, and the mean age was 42.6 +/- 14.4 years. Hemoglobin levels (11.2 +/- 1.98, 12.7 +/- 2.2 mg/dL, P <0.001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) values (37.6 +/- 10.5, 46.6 +/- 13.6 mg/dL, P <0.001) were found to be different significantly. In echocardiographic evaluation, there was no difference between pre- and postoperative ejection fractions in 92 patients. However, patients with preoperative ejection fraction <50% had a significant increase in postoperative ejection fraction (40.1 +/- 6.2, 48.4% +/- 9.4%, P = 0.012). Renal transplantation can improve left ventricle ejection fraction in patients with basal ejection fraction less than 50% and also provide a significant increase in hemoglobin and HDL levels in all patients. This suggests that renal transplantation may reverse the process for dilated cardiomyopathy and may improve cardiac function in patients with low ejection fraction. However, transplantation should be performed as early as possible in these patients.
Evaluation of Inflammation-Based Prognostic Risk Scores in Predicting in-Hospital Mortality Risk in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study
(2023) Celik, Casit Olgun; Ozer, Nurtac; Ciftci, Orcun; Torun, Serife; Yavuz Colak, Meric; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; 0000-0002-6530-6153; 0000-0002-7190-5443; 0000-0002-0294-6874; 38633908; ABF-1652-2021; AAD-5477-2021; AAA-4360-2021
Objective: Systemic inflammatory parameters are predictors of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients. This study evaluated whether the prognostic nutritional index, which was also related to nutrition risk and other inflammation-based prognostic scores, was predictive of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional single-center study. Based on the exclusion criteria, 151 patients over 18 years old diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized in the intensive care unit between March 2020 and December 2020 were eligible for this study. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), Prognostic Index (PI), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), and Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII).Results: In the univariate analyses, age, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, hypothyroidism, hospitalization stay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as-partate aminotransferase (AST), D-dimer, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, hemoglobin level, platelet count, urea, creatinine level, PNI, GPS were significantly associated with mortality. However, in the multivariable logistic regression analysis of the inflamma-tion-based prognostic scores, only PNI was statistically significant in predicting in-hospital mortality (OR=0.83; [95% CI=0.71-0.97]; p=0.019).Conclusion: PNI is a more useful and powerful tool among these inflammation-based prognostic risk scores in predicting in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Evaluation of Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Patients Admitted to Emergency Department with Electrical Injury
(2020) Celik, Casit Olgun; Ciftci, Orcun; Muratoglu, Murat; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun
Objective: Prolonged T-peak to T-end (Tp-e), a ventricular repolarization parameter, has been related with ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). Novel electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters of ventricular repolarization have received considerable attention recently. In this study, we sought to investigate ventricular repolarization indexes such as the Tp-e and corrected Tp-e (Tp-ec) intervals, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc, and Tp-ec/QT ratios in patients with electrical injuries (EIs). Methods: Thirty-six patients diagnosed with EIs and 35 age- and sex-matched healthy control patients were included. Admission ECGs of the EI patients were compared with those of the healthy controls. QT and QTc intervals were measured, and the Tp-e and Tp-ec intervals, Tp-e/QT, Tp-ec/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios were then calculated from a 12-lead surface ECG. Results: The QT, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT, Tpe/QTc, Tp-ec/QT were not significantly different between the control group and the EI group (p > 0.05). However, the mean QTc interval was significantly higher in the EI group compared to the control group (412.81 +/- 25.46 vs 396.31 +/- 26.47 ms; p:0.009). Furthermore, the Tp-ec and Tp-ec/QT of the EI subgroup with elevated troponin levels significantly differed from those of the EI patients with normal troponin levels (p:0.033 and p:0.016, respectively). Conclusions: This retrospective study indicated that patients with EIs tend to have a prolonged QTc interval. Additionally, Tp-ec and Tp-ec/QT, which reportedly designate the tendency for VAs, were significantly higher in the EI patients with elevated troponin I levels than the EI patients with normal troponin levels, suggesting that patients with myocardial injury may be prone to VAs.
Experience With Cardiac Implantable Electrical Device Explantation After Cardiac Transplantation: A Report of 16 Cases From a Single Center in a Period of 5 Years
(2018) Ciftci, Orcun; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Sezgin, Atilla; Ozin, Mehmet Bulent; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 29528003; W-5233-2018; AAJ-1331-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Objectives: Cardiac implantable electrical devices are widely used for patients with advanced heart failure and are usually explanted during orthotopic heart transplant. However, lead fragments and the pulse generator are sometimes left after the procedure. Given the concerns of infectious and thromboembolic complications, their removal is recommended. Herein, we report our experience with cardiac implantable electrical device explantation after orthotopic heart transplant. Materials and Methods: We included recipients of heart transplants performed at Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, who underwent lead and pulse generator explantation by manual traction between January 2012 and June 2017. We analyzed patient demographic, clinical, biochemical, and treatment properties. Results: Sixteen patients (11 males, 5 females) with a median age of 45 years (range, 18-52 y) were included. Two patients (12.5%) died during follow-up but not secondary to device explantation. All patients were using immunosuppressives and 50% were receiving antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents. All pulse generators were located at the left prepectoral area, with tips of lead fragments in the superior vena cava or left subclavian vein. No procedural complications were observed. Aspirin was continued uninterrupted perioperatively, warfarin was stopped 2 days before the procedure, and low-molecular-weight heparins were skipped on the morning and evening of the procedure. One patient (6.3%) complained of postoperative pain, and another (6.3%) developed a pocket hematoma, which was treated conservatively. No patient developed fever, clinical infection, or major bleeding. Preoperative and postoperative levels of hemoglobin, white blood cells, and C-reactive protein were similar. No demographic, procedural, or biochemical variable was significantly correlated with postprocedural complications. Conclusions: In our cohort, explantation of lead fragments and pulse generators of cardiac implantable electrical devices was safe after heart transplant. It appears that neither antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents nor immunosuppressives seem to put patients at increased risk of postoperative complications.
Left Atrial Mechanics For Secondary Prevention From Embolic Stroke Of Undetermined Source
(2022) Sade, Leyla Elif; Keskin, Suzan; Can, Ufuk; Colak, Ayse; Yuce, Deniz; Ciftci, Orcun; Ozin, Bulent; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3737-8595; 33206942; AAQ-7583-2021
Aims Anticoagulation is not justified unless atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients. We sought to explore whether left atrial (LA) remodelling is associated with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods and results In this prospective study, we evaluated consecutively 186 patients in sinus rhythm who presented with an acute ischaemic stroke (embolic and non-embolic) and sex- and age-matched controls. We performed continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to capture paroxysmal AF episodes as recommended by the guidelines. After 12 months of follow-up, continuous ECG monitoring was repeated in patients with undetected AF episodes. We quantified LA reservoir and contraction strain (LASr and LASct) by speckle-tracking, LA volumes by 3D echocardiography. Out of 186 patients, 149 were enrolled after comprehensive investigation for the source of ischaemic stroke and divided into other cause (OC) (n = 52) and CS (n = 97) groups. CS patients were also subdivided into AF (n = 39) and ESUS (n = 58) groups. Among CS patients, LA strain predicted AF independently from CHARGE-AF score and LA volume indices. ESUS group, despite no captured AF, had significantly worse LA metrics than OC and control groups. AF group had the worst LA metrics. Moreover, LASr predicted both CS (embolic stroke with and without AF) and ESUS (embolic stroke with no detected AF) independently from LAVImax and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. LASr >26% yielded 86% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 92% positive, and 86% negative predictive values for the identification of ESUS (areas under curve: 0.915, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-0.97). Conclusion Echocardiographic quantification of LA remodelling has great potential for secondary prevention from ESUS.
Markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis do not detect or predict the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation
(2020) Doganozu, Ersin; Ciftci, Orcun; Hasirci, Senem; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Karacaglar, Emir; Sade, Leyla Elif; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; Ozin, Mehmet Bulent; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0002-8342-679X; 0000-0003-3737-8595; 32147650; ABI-6723-2020; W-5233-2018; AAK-7805-2021; AAJ-1331-2021; AAQ-7583-2021
Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the role of hemostatic variables in arterial blood serum in left atrial thrombosis and to define any hemostatic variables, such as serum biomarkers, that could potentially reduce the need for transesophageal echocardiography. Method: This study included patients with non-valvular asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF), either paroxysmal, persistent, or chronic. The presence of an left atrial appendix (LAA) thrombus was used to form 2 groups: thrombus (+) and thrombus (-). The serum levels of the thrombotic/fibrinolytic markers including beta-thromboglobulin, prothrombin fragment 1+2, thrombin/antithrombin complex, human plasminogen activator inhibitor-1/tissue plasminogen activator complex, and D-dimer were compared between 2 groups. Results: The mean age of the study population was 65.6 +/- 12.2 years (range: 30-96 years), and 33 (61.1%) patients were male. Fourteen (25.9%) patients had an LAA thrombus and 40 patients did not. Two groups did not differ significantly with regard to any of the coagulation/fibrinolysis markers. The LAA thrombus (+) group had significantly higher rates of heart failure, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p<0.05). Neither the serum levels of the study markers nor demographic and clinical parameters were predictive of an LAA thrombus in binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: The arterial blood serum markers did not differ significantly between groups with and without an LAA thrombus and did not predict an LAA thrombus in patients presenting with AF.
MELD-XI Score in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients with Cardiac Electronic Devices
(2019) Ciftci, Orcun; Celik, Casit Olgun; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Karacaglar, Emir; Sezenoz, Burak; Ozin, Bulent; Muderrisoglu, I. Haldun
Objective: MELD-XI (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Excluding INR) score predicts mortality in patients with heart failure. Herein, we assessed the role of MELD- XI score in predicting in-hospital mortality among heart failure patients having intracardiac cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator backup (CRT-D) who presented with appropriate device shock or acute decompensated heart failure. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator backup admitted to coronary care unit with acute decompensated heart failure or appropriate implantable device shocks between 01 January 2013 and 01 November 2018. MELD-XI score was compared between the deceased and surviving patients. The correlation of MELD-XI score with in-hospital mortality was sought. Results: There were 106 coronary care unit admissions of 67 patients (52 (77.6%) males and 15 (22.4%) females), who had a mean age of 64.8 (range 19-93) years. Eighty-eight (83.0%) admissions were for acute decompensated heart failure and 18 (17.0%) for appropriate device shock and/or electrical storm. A total of 16 (15.1%) patients died at hospital. The median MELD-XI score of the patients who died at hospital was significantly greater than that of the survivors (11.80 (0.59-28.98) vs 15.24 (9.11-24.64); p<0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that MELD-XI score was a significant independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (X-2=1.229 (%95 CI 1.06-1.43); p<0.05). Conclusion: MELD-XI score successfully predicts in-hospital mortality among patients with ICD or CRT-D admitted with acute decompensated heart failure or appropriate implantable electronic device shocks.
MELD-XI score predicts in-hospital mortality independent of simplified pulmonary embolism severity index among patients with intermediate-to-high risk acute pulmonary thromboembolism
(2019) Ciftci, Orcun; Celik, Casit Olgun; Uzar, Guldeniz; Kupeli, Elif; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; 31709948
Introduction: Acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a highly morbid and fatal condition. Although several risk stratification models exist for prediction of mortality risk in PTE, no study has yet focused on the effect of impaired vital organ function, such as renal or hepatic impairment, on mortality in PTE. MELD-XI (Model for end-stage liver disease excluding INR) score predicts mortality among patients with end-stage hepatic and cardiovascular disorders. Herein, we aimed to test MELD-XI score for predicting in-hospital prognosis of patients with intermediate-to-high risk acute PTE. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the medical records patients older than 18 years hospitalized with intermediate-to-high risk PTE between 01.06.2011 and 01.01.2019. Simplified pulmonary embolism severity index (sPESI) score and MELD-XI score were calculated, and in-hospital mortality determined. MELD-XI score was compared between patients with and without in-hospital mortality and was correlated to sPESI score. The predictive power of MELD-XI score for in-hospital mortality was sought and an in-hospital survival analysis with Kaplan Meier curve and log-rank test was done for MELD-XI score. Results: A total of 104 patients [mean age of 70.8 +/- 15.9 years; 68 (65.4%) females]. Fourteen (13.5%) patients died at hospital. MELD-XI and sPESI scores were significantly correlated to each other and were higher in deceased patients than the survivors [17.3 (IQR 14.3) vs. 10.12 (IQR 2.99); p < 0.05 and 2 (IQR 1) vs. 1 (IQR 1); p < 0.05, respectively]. MELD-XI score and sPESI score were significant predictor of in-hospital mortality in multivariate analysis. A MELD-XI score >= 10.25 had a sensitivity of 78.6% and a specificity of 70.0% for in-hospital mortality. A survival analysis revealed that a high MELD-XI category (MELD-XI score >= 10.2) significantly worsened in-hospital survival (p < 0.01; log rank test). Conclusion: MELD-XI score performs well for mortality prediction among patients with intermediate-to-high risk PTE. This subject needs to be further studied by large, randomized controlled studies.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio As A Predictor of Severe Coronary Artery Disease and Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction of Any Degree in Geriatric Patients Presenting to Emergency Department with Acute Coronary Syndrome
(2017) Ciftci, Orcun; Kayipmaz, Afsin Emre; Aydos, Tolga Resat; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; 0000-0002-1832-9336; 0000-0001-8926-9142; AAJ-7279-2020; AAC-2597-2020; W-5233-2018
Introduction: We examined the role of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for predicting severe coronary artery disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction of any degree in geriatric patients presenting to emergency department with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. Materials and Method: We retrospectively reviewed data for patients aged >= 65 years with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary angiography between April 2011 and January 2016. Patients were divided into Group 1 (101 patients; severe [>50%] lesions in one or more epicardial artery or branch) and Group 2 (65 patients; no severe lesions). The key clinical parameters, including NLR were compared among the groups and the power of NLR as a predictor of severe coronary artery disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction of any degree was determined. Results: Group 1 included more patients who were male, older, or smoked; these had higher troponin I, mass CK-MB, NLR, but a lower left-ventricular ejection fraction. NLR was an independent predictor of severe coronary disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction of any degree with good sensitivity and moderate specificity. Conclusion: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a simple, rapid, and cheap parameter that can predict severe coronary artery disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction of any degree in geriatric patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.
Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Coronary Bare Metal Stent Restenosis
(2017) Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Ciftci, Orcun; Karacaglar, Emir; Bal, Ugur Abbas; Okyay, Kaan; Aydinalp, Alp; Yildirir, Aylin; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; 0000-0002-9446-2518; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0002-3761-8782; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0001-8750-5287; 0000-0001-6134-8826; 0000-0003-3320-9508; AAK-4322-2021; ABI-6723-2020; AAJ-1331-2021; AAD-5841-2021; W-5233-2018; A-4947-2018; AAK-7355-2020