Browsing by Author "Karacaglar, Emir"

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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.
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 non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants and well-controlled warfarin in octogenarians with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Real-world data from a single tertiary center
(2021) Akgun, Arzu Neslihan; Karacaglar, Emir; Bal, Uğur Abbas; Ozin, Mehmet Bulent; 34236320
Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice, and its prevalence increases with age. Nevertheless, data about the use of oral anticoagulants (OACs) among patients with >= 80 years remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and warfarin in octogenarians with non-valvular AF (NVAF). Methods: Medical records of 387 patients who were >= 80 years and diagnosed with NVAF in our hospital between January 2017 and December 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with NVAF were divided into 2 groups (NOACs and warfarin), and the incidence of stroke/systemic embolism and major bleeding were analyzed. Results: A total of 322 patients were included in the study. The median follow-up duration was 10.9 months for the NOACs group and 12.1 months for the warfarin group. The primary efficacy outcome was stroke/systemic embolism, and the primary safety outcome was major bleeding. A total of 220 patients were taking NOACs, and the most preferred NOACs were apixaban (53.6%), rivaroxaban (29.5%), dabigatran (13.2%), and edoxaban (3.6%) in this order. During a mean follow-up of 302.7 patient-years, the incidence of stroke or systemic embolic events was slightly higher among patients with warfarin but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.862). The incidence rates of major bleeding events were similar between the treatment groups (p=0.824). Conclusion: Our study revealed that the safety and efficacy outcomes are similar between the 2 treatment groups in octogenarians with NVAF.
Coronary Artery Disease Detected by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography is Associated with Red Cell Distribution Width
(2016) Karacaglar, Emir; Bal, Ugur; Hasirci, Senem; Yilmaz, Mustafa; Doganozu, Ersin; Coskun, Mehmet; Atar, Ilyas; Yildirir, Aylin; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0002-9446-2518; 0000-0002-8342-679X; 0000-0002-2557-9579; 0000-0001-8750-5287; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 27774965; ABI-6723-2020; AAK-4322-2021; AAK-7805-2021; S-6973-2016; A-4947-2018; AAG-8233-2020
Objective: Increased red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between CAD detected by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and RDW. Methods: Records of 291 patients who underwent 16-slice CCTA due to the presence of angina-like chest pain were retrospectively evaluated. Exclusion criteria were applied. Clinical characteristics, risk factors for CAD, and RDW values on CCTA were noted. Results: RDW levels in patients with CAD were significantly higher than in those with normal coronary arteries (NCAs) (15.50 +/- 1.57 compared to 14.80 +/- 1.41, p=0.001). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and history of smoking were significantly more common in the CAD group (p=0.018, p=0.007, and p=0.013, respectively). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, RDW (p=0.009 [odds ratio (OR): 1.352; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.081-1.683]), age (p<0.001 [OR: 1.063; 95% CI 1.031-1.090]), and history of smoking (p=0.003 [OR: 2.672; 95% CI: 1.360-5.232]) were shown to be independent predictors for CAD detected by CCTA. Conclusion: The present results suggest that higher RDW levels are independently associated with presence of CAD detected by CCTA in patients without known CAD. Further studies are warranted to clarify the exact role of RDW in risk stratification.
Current clinician perspective on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant use in challenging clinical cases
(2020) Turk, Ugur Onsel; Acar, Rezzan Deniz; Akgun, Taylan; Emren, Volkan; Kanat, Selcuk; Karacaglar, Emir; Kepez, Alper; Kul, Seref; Ozel, Erdem; Simsek, Evrim; Tuluce, Selcen Yakar; Tuluce, Kamil; Camm, A. John; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 32281950; ABI-6723-2020
Objective: The evolution of non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs) has changed the horizon of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (SPAF). All 4 NOACs have been tested against dose-adjusted warfarin in well-designed, pivotal, phase III, randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) and were approved by regulatory authorities for an SPAF indication. However, as traditional RCTs, these trials have important weaknesses, largely related to their complex structure and patient participation, which was limited by strict inclusion and extensive exclusion criteria. In the real world, however, clinicians are often faced with complex, multimorbid patients who are underrepresented in these RCTs. This article is based on a meeting report authored by 12 scientists studying atrial fibrillation (AF) in diverse ways who discussed the management of challenging AF cases that are underrepresented in pivotal NOAC trials. Methods: An advisory board panel was convened to confer on management strategies for challenging AF cases. The article is derived from a summary of case presentations and the collaborative discussions at the meeting. Conclusion: This expert consensus of cardiologists aimed to define management strategies for challenging cases with patients who underrepresented in pivotal trials using case examples from their routine practice. Although strong evidence is lacking, exploratory subgroup analysis of phase III pivotal trials partially informs the management of these patients. Clinical trials with higher external validity are needed to clarify areas of uncertainty. The lack of clear evidence about complex AF cases has pushed clinicians to manage patients based on clinical experience, including rare situations of off-label prescriptions.
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.
Direct aortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation
(2021) Karacaglar, Emir; Akgun, Arzu Neslihan; Aydinalp, Alp; Beyazpinar, Deniz Sarp; Sezgin, Atila; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 34623302
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a safe and effective alternative to surgical valve replacement in intermediate and even in low-risk patient cohorts. Direct aortic (DAo) route may be used in patients with severe peripheral vascular disease. Here, we present an 88-year old patient hospitalized with cardiogenic shock. Echocardiography revealed severe aortic valve stenosis with aortic valve area 0.5 cm(2), mean gradient of 55 mmHg, and peak gradient 92 mmHg. TAVI was considered by the Institutional Heart Team. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) revealed severe peripheral vascular disease, decreased calibration of abdominal aorta, and multiple large vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The patient was scheduled for a DAo TAVI. A 26-mm Medtronic CoreValve Evolut R valve was implanted after predilatation with median sternotomy. The patient was discharged after 96 hours. Although transfemoral (TF) access is used as the default approach for TAVI, it was contraindicated in our patient owing to severe peripheral vascular disease and decreased calibration of the abdominal aorta at its narrowest point (4.5 mm) with multiple large vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Careful preprocedural MSCT evaluation is essential and directly affects the success of the procedure. MSCT is also mandatory to confirm the best cannulation zone that must be met for a successful DAo TAVI.
The Effects of Niacin on Inflammation in Patients with Non-ST Elevated Acute Coronary Syndrome
(2015) Karacaglar, Emir; Atar, Ilyas; Altin, Cihan; Yetis, Begum; Cakmak, Abdulkadir; Bayraktar, Nilufer; Coner, Ali; Ozin, Bulent; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0002-5711-8873; 0000-0003-3821-412X; 0000-0002-7886-3688; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 27122858; ABI-6723-2020; ABD-7321-2021; AAD-9938-2021; Y-8758-2018; AAG-8233-2020
Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of niacin on high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cholesterol levels in non-ST elevated acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients. Methods: In this prospective, open label study, 48 NSTE-ACS were randomized to niacin or control group. Patients continued their optimal medical therapy in the control group. In the niacin group patients were assigned to receive extended-release niacin 500 mg/day. Patients were contacted 1 month later to assess compliance and side effects. Blood samples for hs-CRP were obtained upon admittance to the coronary care unit, in the third day and in the first month of the treatment. Fasting blood samples for cholesterol levels were obtained before and 30 days after the treatment. The primary end point of the study was to evaluate changes in hs-CRP, cholesterol levels, short-term cardiovascular events, and the safety of niacin in NSTE-ACS. Results: Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were similar between the two groups. Logarithmic transformation of baseline and 3rd day hs-CRP levels were similar between the groups; but 1 month later, logarithmic transformation of hs-CRP level was significantly lower in the niacin group (0.43 +/- 0.39 to 0.83 +/- 0.91, p = 0.04). HDL-C level was significantly increased in the niacin group during follow-up. Drug related side effects were seen in 7 patients in the niacin group but no patients discontinued niacin. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that lower dose extended release niacin can be used safely and decreases hs-CRP and lipid parameters successfully in NSTE-ACS patients.
Effects of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin Combination on Mechanical Myocardial and Microvascular Functions: A Transthoracic Doppler Echocardiography and Two-Dimensional Strain Imaging Study
(2015) Altin, Cihan; Elif Sade, Leyla; Demirtas, Saadet; Karacaglar, Emir; Kanyilmaz, Suleyman; Simsek, Vahide; Ayhan, Ali; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 24814007
AimPaclitaxel and carboplatin are frequently used chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Little is known about their effects on left ventricular mechanical and coronary microvascular functions. MethodsThirty consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before and after chemotherapy, to evaluate left ventricular mechanical functions and coronary flow reserve (CFR). A comprehensive TTE, tissue Doppler and two-dimensional (2D) strain imaging were performed and coronary flow velocity was measured at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline diastolic peak flow velocities. Mitral annular velocities by tissue Doppler, peak strain, and systolic strain rate by velocity vector imaging (VVI) were measured. Baseline measurements were compared with healthy controls (n=26). ResultsNo patient developed heart failure (HF) symptoms, no significant change occurred in left ventricular ejection fraction or cardiac output and no significant difference was observed in CFR after chemotherapy. Baseline mean longitudinal peak strain and systolic stain rate were similar between patients and controls: -17.52.6% versus -17.6 +/- 2.2% (P=NS) and -1.04 +/- 0.14/sec versus -1.05 +/- 0.12/sec (P=NS). Peak strain and systolic strain rate decreased significantly after chemotherapy (from -17.5 +/- 2.6% to -16.2 +/- 2.5%, P<0.02; and from -1.05 +/- 0.12/sec to -0.96 +/- 0.11/sec, P=0.01, respectively). However, mean longitudinal velocity did not change significantly. ConclusionPaclitaxel and carboplatin combination did not impair CFR; however, this chemotherapy combination could induce subtle impairment in myocardial mechanical function which can be detected by advanced deformation imaging techniques rather than by tissue Doppler imaging or conventional 2D and Doppler echocardiography.
Effects of right ventricular dysfunction on exercise capacity and quality of life and associations with serum NT-proBNP levels in COPD: an observational study
(2014) Ozdemirel, Tugce Sahin; Ulasli, Sevinc Sarinc; Yetis, Begum; Karacaglar, Emir; Byraktar, Nilufer; Ulubay, Gaye
Objective: During the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) failure may develop due to elevated afterload of the RV. In those patients, exercise capacity is reduced due to pulmonary and cardiac limitations. We investigated relationships between serum N-terminal of proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and RV functions with exercise capacity and quality of life in patients COPD. Methods: An observational case-control study was conducted. We enrolled 31 moderate and severe COPD patients, and 20 subjects without chronic diseases as control group. Parameters reflecting the right ventricular diastolic and systolic functions by echocardiography along with serum NT-proBNP levels were assessed. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were applied. Results: Serum NT-proBNP levels were higher in COPD patients than control group (p=0.003). Serum NT-proBNP level was found to be related with pulmonary arterial pressure. Serum NT-proBNP levels were negatively correlated with anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake (AT VO2) and peak oxygen uptake (PVO2) values. Early ventricular filling velocity (Em) was lower in COPD patients. Em wave was significantly correlated with O-2 pulse. There was a positive relationship between tricuspid E/A ratio and VO2 value at AT. SF-36 domains of physical functioning, general health and role limitation due to physical disorder were significantly correlated with AT VO2, PVO2 and O-2 pulse. Conclusion: Exercise limitation may be predicted by assessment of right ventricule functions and NT-proBNP levels and exercise limitation impairs quality of life in COPD patients.
Fragmented QRS on 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Is Correlated With Severe Coronary Artery Disease and Abnormal Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy Results in Renal Transplant Candidates
(2018) Ciftci, Orgun; Keskin, Suzan; Karacaglar, Emir; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Aktas, Ayse; Sezer, Siren; Moray, Gokhan; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0003-2498-7287; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 30066622; W-5233-2018; ABI-6723-2020; AAJ-1331-2021; AAE-1041-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Objectives: Coronary artery disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity after renal transplant. Fragmented QRS on standard 12-lead electrocardiograms has been proposed as a marker of myocardial scar, mainly due to coronary artery disease. Here, we aimed to investigate fragmented QRS to detect severe coronary artery disease in renal transplant candidates. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 534 patients with end-stage renal failure who were on the deceased-donor renal transplant wait list at Baskent University Faculty of Medicine due to having no living kidney donor available. We evaluated patients with standard 12-lead electrocardiograms, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy, and coronary angiography. We compared fragmented QRS prevalence versus myocardial perfusion scintigraphy abnormalities and severe coronary artery disease. Correlations among these were analyzed. Results: Of 92 renal transplant candidates (median age of 56.5 y; range, 24-80 y), 87 patients (94.6%) had myocardial perfusion defects and 72 (78.3%) had myocardial wall motion abnormalities on myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. Forty-four patients (47.8%) had severe coronary artery disease on coronary angiography, and 51 patients (55.4%) had fragmented QRS. Fragmented QRS was significantly more common among patients with myocardial scar. Coronary artery disease was significantly more common in patients with fragmented QRS (P = .042) and in those with fragmented QRS combined with myocardial perfusion defects (P < .01). Fragmented QRS was significantly correlated with presence of myocardial scar and any perfusion defects. When combined with myocardial perfusion defects, fragmented QRS was significantly correlated with severe coronary artery disease (P < .05). Conclusions: Fragmented QRS was significantly correlated with abnormal myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and severe coronary artery disease in renal transplant candidates.This simple parameter can provide valuable information on severe coronary artery disease and help to prevent excess patient morbidity and mortality from this disease after renal transplant.
Idarucizumab administration in a patient with incarcerated bowel hernia
(2019) Doganozu, Ersin; Sahin, Ilker; Karacaglar, Emir; Hasirci, Senem Has; Buldanli, Mehmet Zeki
Atrial fibrillation is the most common rhythm disorder worldwide. Oral anticoagulants are used in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants have been used more often because of the fact that they are more effective and safer than conventional warfarin therapy. The absence of antidote in the majority of new generation oral anticoagulants leads to some difficulties in clinical usage. Idarucizumab, a recently introduced drug, is used in reversing the dabigatran effect in cases of lethal bleeding or acute surgery and invasive procedures. However, little data are available on the efficacy and safety of idarucizumab in geriatric patients. Here, we present a case of the successful administration of idarucizumab in a geriatric patient with incarcerated bowel hernia.
Implantation of A Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy-Defibrillator Device in A Patient with Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava
(2015) Atar, Ilyas; Karacaglar, Emir; Ozcalik, Emre; Ozin, Bulent; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0003-3821-412X; 26142791; AAG-8233-2020; ABI-6723-2020; AAD-9938-2021
Presence of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is generally clinically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during central venous catheterization. However, PLSVC may cause technical difficulties during cardiac device implantation. An 82-year-old man with heart failure symptoms and an ejection fraction (EF) of 20% was scheduled for resynchronization therapy-defibrillator device (CRT-D) implantation. A PLSVC draining via a dilated coronary sinus into an enlarged right atrium was diagnosed. First, an active-fixation right ventricular lead was inserted into the right atrium through the PLSVC. The stylet was preshaped to facilitate its passage to the right ventricular apex. An atrial lead was positioned on the right atrium free wall, and an overthe- wire coronary sinus lead deployed to a stable position. CRT-D implantation procedure was successfully completed.
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.
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
The Novel CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC-FSH Score is Predictive of Severe Coronary Artery Disease on Coronary Angiography in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Unstable Symptoms
(2019) Ciftci, Orcun; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Karacaglar, Emir; Yilmaz, Mustafa; Ozin, Bulent; Muderrisoglu, Ibrahim Haldun; 31258358
Objective: AF may create confusion about the presence of severe or unstable coronary artery disease in cases with unstable symptoms. Novel scores and markers are needed to determine severe coronary artery disease in such patients. We aimed to test the newly developed CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc-FSH score, developed by adding family history for coronary artery disease, hyperlipidemia, and smoking to the original CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score, in the prediction of severe CAD in patients with AF and unstable symptoms. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 72 patients presenting to Baskent Universtiy School of Medicine Hospital between April 2011 and January 2016. The CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc-FSH score was assessed for the prediction of severe CAD. Results: Seventy-two patients aged 65.7 +/- 11.2 years were enrolled. Thirty-five (48.6%) patients had severe CAD and 11 (15.3%) had unstable CAD. patients with severe coronary artery disease had a significantly greater CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC-FSH score (5 (1-8) vs 3(0-7); p< 0.05). The CHA(2)DS(2)-VASC-FSH score independently predicted severe CAD, with a CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc-FSH score of 3 or greater having a sensitivity of 77.1% and a specificity of 56.8% for severe CAD. Conclusion: Among patients with AF and unstable symptoms, the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc-FSH score independently predicts severe CAD.
Plasma Osteopontin Concentration is Elevated in Patients with Coronary Bare Metal Stent Restenosis
(2018) Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Bal, Ugur Abbas; Karacaglar, Emir; Okyay, Kaan; Aydinalp, Alp; Yildirir, Aylin; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0002-9446-2518; 0000-0002-9635-6313; 0000-0002-3761-8782; 0000-0001-8750-5287; 0000-0001-6134-8826; 0000-0003-3320-9508; 28841817; ABI-6723-2020; AAJ-1331-2021; AAK-4322-2021; AAG-8233-2020; AAD-5841-2021; A-4947-2018; AAK-7355-2020
Objective: Osteopontin is a component of atherosclerotic lesions, secreted by monocytes, macrophages and endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, which together are responsible for neointimal proliferation. We examined whether elevated plasma osteopontin concentration was associated with in-stent restenosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Subjects and methods: We enrolled 91 patients who underwent coronary artery stenting, and 60 control patients with normal findings on coronary angiography, between June 2012 and September 2013. For patients with stents, we measured plasma osteopontin concentration at the first follow-up coronary angiogram. For controls, plasma osteopontin concentration was measured at the time of angiography. Results: Of the 91 patients who had undergone coronary artery stenting, 31 (34.1%) had developed in-stent restenosis and the mean time passed to control coronary angiography was 36.7 months (+/- SD 35.1 months). Mean plasma osteopontin concentration in this group was 2721.4 +/- 1787.8 pg/ml, significantly higher than the 60 patients (65.9%) with no in-stent restenosis (1770.4 +/- 1208.2 pg/ml, p = .011) and the 60 patients with a normal coronary angiogram (1572.4 +/- 904.8 pg/ml, p = .002). There was no significant difference in mean osteopontin concentration between the patients with no in-stent restenosis and the control group (p = .312). Conclusions: Elevated plasma osteopontin concentration is associated with in-stent stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease. Further studies will be needed to establish whether osteopontin can predict in-stent restenosis and guide clinical management strategies.
Posttransplant Pulmonary Hypertension Is Correlated With Acute Rejection and Death Among Cardiac Transplant Recipients: A Single Center Study
(2018) Ciftci, Orcun; Akgun, Neslihan Arzu; Yilmaz, Kerem Can; Karacaglar, Emir; Aydinalp, Alp; Sezgin, Atilla; Muderrisoglu, I. Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0001-8926-9142; 0000-0002-2538-1642; 0000-0002-3761-8782; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 29527998; W-5233-2018; AAJ-1331-2021; ABI-6723-2020; AAD-5841-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Objectives: Endomyocardial biopsy sampling is used to check acute rejection after cardiac transplant. However, it may lead to tricuspid valve injury and cardiac perforation; therefore, less invasive tools may be useful. Right heart catheterization provides valuable information about cardiac hemodynamics. Herein, we aimed to determine the correlation of right heart catheterization parameters with acute rejection and death during cardiac transplant follow-up. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated follow-up right heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy results from 47 adult patients who underwent cardiac transplant at Baskent University Faculty of Medicine between 2004 and 2016. Right heart catheterization parameters were compared between deceased and surviving patients and were correlated with acute cellular and humoral rejection. Averaged right heart catheterization parameters were correlated with death. We used Cox regression analysis to determine risk of death and acute cellular rejection and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine any survival differences associated with pulmonary hypertension. Results: There were 47 patients (38 males, 9 females) with a mean age of 44 +/- 10 years at transplant. In our patient group, 18 patients (38.3%) died at a median time of 11.2 months. Ninety endomyocardial biopsy samples (22.1%) showed cellular rejection, and 61 samples (4.5%) showed humoral rejection. The deceased patients had significantly greater mean and systolic pulmonary artery pressures, which were significantly correlated with acute cellular rejection. Death was significantly correlated with averaged values of mean and systolic pulmonary artery pressures. Our Cox regression analysis revealed that pulmonary hypertension was significantly associated with risk of death and acute cellular rejection. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that pulmonary hypertension was associated with a significantly lower median survival. Conclusions: Pulmonary artery pressures are significantly correlated with acute cellular rejection and death after cardiac transplant. Pulmonary hypertension significantly increases the risk of death and shortens survival after cardiac transplant.