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Odd Geiran

Publications and source records attributed to Odd Geiran.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Treatment of cardiac failure with an intra-aortic balloon pump].

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic shock is associated with high mortality. This retrospective study examined the effect of an intra aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with decompensated heart failure and hypotension, with or without cardiogenic shock. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 94 patients were treated with IABP from January 1998 to December 2002, at the Department of Cardiology, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. The indications for use of IABP were decompensated heart failure with hypotension with or without cardiogenic shock in patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 41), ventricular septal rupture or mitral insufficiency as a complication to acute cardiac failure (n = 23), severe heart failure waiting for heart transplant (n = 10), unstable angina pectoris (n = 8), myocarditis (n = 6) and miscellaneous (n = 6). RESULTS: Mortality after 30 days was 24 % for all patients, with little variation between the above-mentioned subgroups. Median duration for IABP was 96 hours. Systolic blood pressure and diuresis per hour increased significantly from before to after application of IABP (35 +/- 34 mL/hour versus 95 +/- 77 mL/hour, p < 0.001 and 90 +/- 20 mmHg versus 115 +/- 22 mmHg, p < 0.001). The rate of complications requiring treatment was low with use of IABP (5 out of 94 patients). INTERPRETATION: Treatment with IABP in patients with decompensated heart failure and hypotension is an efficient stabilising treatment and safe to use.

Adult↗

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as an indicator of disease severity in a heterogeneous group of patients with chronic precapillary pulmonary hypertension.

N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is well established as a predictor of prognosis in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Although a similar prognostic significance has been suggested in 1 study of right ventricular failure and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, NT-pro-BNP has not been assessed as a marker of disease severity in a more heterogenous group of patients with chronic precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). Hence, this study assessed plasma NT-pro-BNP and other clinical variables in 61 consecutively recruited patients with various forms of chronic precapillary PH. Right-sided cardiac catheterization and cardiopulmonary exercise testing were performed at baseline, and the prognostic significance of NT-pro-BNP was investigated with a mean follow-up of 25 months. Compared with age-matched controls (n = 10), plasma NT-pro-BNP was significantly greater in those with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (n = 16), chronic precapillary PH associated with other diseases (n = 26), and chronic thromboembolic disease (n = 19) and was correlated with hemodynamic variables and functional capacity. In 17 medically treated patients, the significant decrease in NT-pro-BNP levels correlated with improved hemodynamics. During follow-up, 15 patients died from cardiopulmonary causes. Baseline NT-pro-BNP was an independent predictor of mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis according to the median value of NT-pro-BNP (168 pmol/L) demonstrated a significantly higher mortality rate in those with supramedian values than in those with low plasma levels (p = 0.010). In conclusion, these findings suggest that in a heterogenous group of patients with chronic precapillary PH, plasma NT-pro-BNP can be used to determine the clinical severity of disease and is independently associated with long-term mortality.

Biomarkers↗

Aetiology-specific patterns in end-stage heart failure patients identified by functional annotation and classification of microarray data.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to use gene expression profiling, functional annotations and classification to identify aetiology-specific biological processes and potential molecular markers for different aetiologies of end-stage heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Individual left ventricular myocardial samples from eleven coronary artery disease and nine dilated cardiomyopathy transplant patients were co-hybridized with pooled RNA from four non-failing hearts on custom-made arrays of 7000 human genes. Significance analysis identified differential expression of 153 and 147 genes, respectively, in coronary artery disease or dilated cardiomyopathy versus non-failing hearts. Analysis of Gene Ontology biological process annotations indicated aetiology-specific patterns, primarily related to genes involved in catabolism and in regulation of protein kinase activity. Gene expression classifiers were obtained and used for class prediction of random samples of coronary artery diseased and dilated cardiomyopathic hearts. Best classifiers frequently included matrix metalloproteinase 3, fibulin 1, ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B member 1 and iroquois homeobox protein 5. CONCLUSION: Combining functional annotation from microarray data and classification analysis constitutes a potent strategy to identify disease-specific biological processes and gene expression markers in e.g. end-stage coronary artery disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.

Adult↗

Decreased endomyocardial RANKL expression in transplant coronary artery disease.

Transplant-associated coronary artery disease (TxCAD) appears to be initiated by endothelial cell activation and inflammation involving inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear Factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) have been implicated in cardiovascular disease progression and we measured the expression of these mediators in serum and myocardial biopsies taken serially during the first year after heart transplantation (HTx), relating them to the development of TxCAD. Serum OPG as well as myocardial gene expression of RANK and OPG, but not RANKL, were highest early after HTx and declined progressively. Importantly, patients who develop TxCAD or experience episodes of acute rejection showed a lower myocardial RANKL expression throughout the first year after transplantation than patients without these complications. Our findings may suggest an unrecognized role RANKL in maintaining myocardial and/or endothelial integrity and suggest that RANKL should be further investigated as a parameter that may predict development of TxCAD.

Adolescent↗

Bacterial diversity in aortic aneurysms determined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms are common vascular conditions that cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the condition remains limited. Recently, infection has been suggested as possible contributor in the development of the disease. The aim of the present study was to examine aortic aneurysms for the presence of bacterial DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, followed by cloning and sequencing. METHODS: Universal eubacterial primers were used to amplify 16S rRNA bacterial genes in 10 specimens from arterial walls of aortic aneurysms. Subsequently, PCR amplicons were cloned into Escherichia coli and sequencing of the cloned inserts was used to determine species identity or closest relatives by comparison with known sequences in GenBank. RESULTS: Sequences of Stenotrophomonas spp., including S. maltophilia (formerly Pseudomonas homology group V) were detected in six aneurysm samples. Propionibacterium acnes was identified in five samples, and Brevundimonas diminuta (formerly P. diminuta) in four samples. Other species previously assigned to the Pseudomonas genus such as Comamonas testosteroni, Delftia acidovorans, Burkholderia cepacia, Herbaspirillum sp., and Acidovorax sp. were also detected. Some clones fell into other environmental species, including Methylobacterium sp. and Bradyrhizobium elkanii, and others represented bacteria that have not yet been cultivated. DNA sequences from oral bacteria, including Streptococcus sanguinis, Tannerella forsythia, and Leptotrichia buccalis were detected. Sequences from Prevotella melaninogenica and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, which are commonly found in both mouth and gastrointestinal tract, were also detected. Additional species included Dermacoccus spp. and Corynebacterium vitaeruminis. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of bacteria, including oral bacteria, was found to colonize aortic aneurysms and may play a role in their development. Several of these microorganisms have not yet been cultivated. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although Chlamydophila pneumoniae has been detected in aneurysmal walls, its exact role in the condition remains inconclusive. Overall, there is scarce information about the role of microorganisms in aneurysmal disease. In the present study, we used molecular genetics to detect a diversity of bacteria in arterial walls of aortic aneurysms. The presence of multiple microorganisms in aneurysmal disease may have implications for chemoprophylaxis and antibiotic treatment if directed only at C.pneumoniae.

Adult↗

Lung transplantation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a national cohort is without obvious survival benefit.

BACKGROUND: The objective in lung transplantation is to prolong life, but the survival effect in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or alpha1-anti-trypsin deficiency emphysema is still unresolved. This study assesses the impact of diagnosis, single-lung transplantation (SLT) vs bilateral lung transplantation (BLT) and timing of transplantation on survival in a national cohort. METHODS: In 219 consecutive patients accepted onto the lung transplantation waiting list in Norway, 1990 to 2003, we assessed predictors of death: (1) on the waiting list; (2) 90 days after transplantation. For each period we used Cox regression, including age, gender, diagnosis, baseline pulmonary function tests, cardiac catheterization data, exercise capacity and transplant type, as potential predictors. Survival benefit was assessed graphically by combining adjusted survival curves after transplantation with the curve for those waiting, modeling transplantation after 6, 12 or 24 months. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 49 years (SD 10), with 55% women. High forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) percentage predicted death on the waiting list. Diagnoses other than COPD/emphysema and receiving SLT were associated with death 90 days after transplantation. In COPD/emphysema, there was no clear survival benefit from BLT or SLT. For patients in the "Other" group, the data suggest a survival benefit from BLT. CONCLUSIONS: In COPD/emphysema, there was no obvious survival benefit from lung transplantation, which questions prolongation of life as the primary motivation for the procedure.

Adult↗

[Call police?].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Cause of Death↗

[Giant cell myocarditis--a rare, but dangerous disease].

BACKGROUND: Myocarditis is defined as an inflammatory or infectious disease of the myocardium causing damage through production of a toxin or by immunologically mediated destruction. A rare type is idiopathic giant cell myocarditis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present data from Rikshospitalet University Hospital in Norway, with two case reports and a discussion of the diagnostics and treatments currently available. The investigation is retrospective and includes 11 patients, two women and nine men with histologically verified idiopathic giant cell myocarditis. RESULTS: Median age was 46; four patients had autoimmune co-morbidity. The major onset symptom was rapid progressive heart failure; 64% had concomitant ventricular arrhythmias. Five patients received immunosuppressives in addition to conventional treatment for heart failure. Eight underwent cardiac transplantation and two patients had recurrence of idiopathic giant cell myocarditis in the graft. Mean interval from time of diagnosis to death or cardiac transplantation was six months. INTERPRETATION: Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis is a rare inflammatory disease of the myocardium that often affects previously healthy young adults. Co-morbidity with autoimmune disorders has been reported. Idiopathic giant cell myocarditis is characterised by a history of rapid progression of severe heart failure associated with refractory ventricular arrhythmias. The diagnosis is made by endomyocardial biopsy. Treatment includes immunosuppressives, and the indication for cardiac transplantation should be evaluated early, as one should bear in mind an increased risk of recurrence in the graft.

Adolescent↗

Detection of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans but not bacteria of the red complex in aortic aneurysms by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND: Aortic aneurysms affect an increasing number of elderly patients and cause considerable morbidity and mortality. The understanding of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms is unclear and little is known about the role of microorganisms in the development of the condition. The aim of the present study was to examine aortic aneurysm samples for the presence of four putative periodontal pathogens: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythensis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. METHODS: Fifty-six samples from the aneurysm wall were obtained from patients undergoing aneurysm repair. DNA was extracted from tissue by conventional methods. Universal eubacterial primers for general detection of bacteria and species specific primers for detection of the periodontal pathogens were used to amplify part of the 16S rRNA gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Bacterial DNA was detected in 50 of the 56 aneurysm samples (89.2%). A. actinomycetemcomitans was found in four samples (7.1%). None of the samples was positive for T. denticola, T. forsythensis, or P. gingivalis. CONCLUSION: Bacteria are commonly present in aortic aneurysms and may play a role in the development of the condition. Periodontal pathogens are also present.

Adult↗

Functional serotonin 5-HT4 receptors in porcine and human ventricular myocardium with increased 5-HT4 mRNA in heart failure.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) increases contractile force and elicits arrhythmias through 5-HT(4) receptors in porcine and human atrium, but its ventricular effects are unknown. We now report functional 5-HT(4) receptors in porcine and human ventricle. 5-HT(4) mRNA levels were determined in porcine and human ventricles and contractility studied in ventricular trabeculae. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) activity was measured in porcine ventricle. Porcine and human ventricles expressed 5-HT(4) receptor mRNA. Ventricular 5-HT(4(b)) mRNA was increased by four times in 20 failing human hearts compared with five donor hearts. 5-HT increased contractile force maximally by 16% (EC(50)=890 nM) and PKA activity by 20% of the effects of (-)-isoproterenol (200 microM) in ventricular trabeculae from new-born piglets in the presence of the phosphodiesterase-inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. In ventricular trabeculae from adult pigs (3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine present) 5-HT increased force by 32% (EC(50)=60 nM) and PKA activity by 39% of (-)-isoproterenol. In right and left ventricular trabeculae from failing hearts, exposed to modified Krebs solution, 5-HT produced variable increases in contractile force in right ventricular trabeculae from 4 out of 6 hearts and in left ventricular trabeculae from 3 out of 3 hearts- range 1-39% of (-)-isoproterenol, average 8%. In 11 left ventricular trabeculae from the failing hearts of four beta-blocker-treated patients, pre-exposed to a relaxant solution with 0.5 mM Ca(2+) and 1.2 mM Mg(2+) followed by a switch to 2.5 mM Ca(2+) and 1 mM Mg(2+), 5-HT (1-100 microM, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine present) consistently increased contractile force and hastened relaxation by 46% and 25% of (-)-isoproterenol respectively. 5-HT caused arrhythmias in three trabeculae from 3 out of 11 patients. In the absence of phosphodiesterase inhibitor, 5-HT increased force in two trabeculae, but not in another six trabeculae from 4 patients. All 5-HT responses were blocked by 5-HT(4) receptor antagonists. We conclude that phosphodiesterase inhibition uncovers functional ventricular 5-HT(4) receptors, coupled to a PKA pathway, through which 5-HT enhances contractility, hastens relaxation and can potentially cause arrhythmias.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Predictors of exercise capacity and the impact of angiographic coronary artery disease in heart transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Maximal exercise capacity is limited in patients after heart transplantation. The extent to which transplant coronary artery disease contributes to exercise intolerance in these patients has not been well defined. METHODS: This prospective study examined exercise capacity among 174 heart transplant recipients who underwent 358 exercise tests 0.3 to 13 years after surgery. Data were collected as part of routine posttransplantation treatment that each year consist of clinical and hemodynamic measurements (including ejection fraction, cardiac index, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, and the presence of coronary artery disease) and cardiopulmonary exercise test (including measures of peak VO2). The mean follow-up was 3.5 +/- 0.2 years after transplantation. Serial exercise test data were available in 102 patients RESULTS: Peak VO2 was 19.4 +/- 0.4 mL/kg per minute, representing 70% +/- 1.3% of the age-predicted value. Exercise capacity increased significantly after transplantation and then remained stable throughout long-term follow-up. Only age, maximal systolic blood pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and body mass index were independent determinants of exercise capacity (R2 = 0.51), whereas specific transplant factors such as denervation, hemodynamic variables, donor characteristics, immunosuppressive drugs, biochemical parameters, and transplant coronary artery disease (TxCAD) did not contribute to the explanation of reduced exercise capacity. Although TxCAD was not related to exercise capacity in the multivariate analysis, exercise capacity declined by 17.1% (P <.05) among those in whom CAD developed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise capacity is reduced among heart transplant recipients, and age is the strongest determinant of aerobic performance. Specific transplant-related factors, including TxCAD, do not contribute significantly to the explanation of exercise capacity. However, the occurrence of TxCAD may contribute to reduced exercise capacity during follow-up, since peak VO2 appears to decline only among those who have TxCAD.

Coronary Angiography↗

Improvement of coronary artery fistula surgery by intraoperative imaging.

Complete surgical closure of coronary artery fistulas may be difficult because of complex anatomy and often multiple sites of origin. This study therefore assessed whether intraoperative fistula imaging would contribute to and improve the final surgical result. Seven adult patients underwent operation for coronary arteriovenous fistula during a 10-year period. In all 4 patients who had image guidance, the operation was guided by immediate imaging to achieve complete and persistent closure. In contrast, 2 of 3 patients who underwent operation without image guidance had residual left-to-right shunts at follow-up. Image guidance was helpful and increased the success rate of surgical closure of coronary artery fistulas.

Adult↗

Coronary artery aneurysms mimicking cardiac tumor.

AIMS: To discuss the diagnosis of giant coronary aneurysms. METHODS AND RESULTS: We describe three patients in whom initial echocardiographic findings suggested cardiac tumors in the right atrium. Additional examination proved the tumor-like structures to be giant atherosclerotic coronary aneurysms of either the right coronary artery or its saphenous vein coronary bypass graft. CONCLUSION: Giant coronary aneurysms are an important differential diagnosis for cardiac tumors.

Aged↗

[Pulmonary arterial hypertension treated with prostacyclin or calcium blockers].

BACKGROUND: Until recently, medical treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Norway has included diuretics, anticoagulation and calcium channel blockers. We describe our experience with prostacyclin (epoprostenol) in the treatment of this disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After diagnostic procedures, 11 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension in functional class III or IV were treated with oral calcium channel blockade or intravenous epoprostenol. Choice of medical agent was based on right heart catheterisation with acute vasodilator testing. Functional capacity and haemodynamics were assessed at referral and after three months of therapy. RESULTS: Acute vasodilator testing revealed a much greater improvement in haemodynamics in the two patients subsequently treated with nifedipine than in the nine patients found to be candidates for epoprostenol. In the latter group, a significant median reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure of 23% and pulmonary vascular resistance of 59% together with a significant increase in cardiac index of 90% and mixed venous oxygen saturation of 17% was found after three months of treatment. All 10 survivors significantly improved their functional class to I or II and peak exercise oxygen consumption by 60%. INTERPRETATION: Epoprostenol is a valuable agent in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension for non-responders to acute vasodilator testing. The treatment is complex and demands considerable patient involvement.

Administration, Oral↗

[Lung transplantation--established treatment, uncovered need].

BACKGROUND: Lung transplantation has been a therapeutic option for end-stage pulmonary disease in Norway since 1990 and there has been an increasing shortage of donor lungs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study evaluates the assessment of a total of 409 patients (212 men and 197 women) referred in the period between 1990 and 2001. RESULTS: The most frequent diagnoses were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (45%), a1-antitrypsin deficiency with emphysema (15%), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (14%), cystic fibrosis (7%) and sarcoidosis (6%). Among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 53% were female. Numbers of referred and transplanted patients per 100 000 inhabitants did not differ significantly between the five health regions of Norway. The number of transplantations has been stable, 10-15 per year, while the number of patients on the waiting list has gradually increased to 30-40. Mean waiting time has increased to 500-600 days. Total mortality rate during assessment and on the waiting list was 41%. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis had significantly higher mortality than patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and a1-antitrypsin deficiency with emphysema (63%, 72%, 26%, 21% respectively). Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis died after a median of 188 days on the waiting list, while patients with cystic fibrosis died after a median of 729 days. INTERPRETATION: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis should be referred earlier and patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cystic fibrosis should be given higher priority on the waiting list.

Adolescent↗

Myocardial gene expression of inflammatory cytokines after heart transplantation in relation to the development of transplant coronary artery disease.

Long-term success of cardiac transplantation is mainly limited by the development of transplant coronary artery disease (CAD); it is generally accepted that it is immune mediated, involving cytokines and growth factors. We show that development of transplant CAD is associated with a particular cytokine profile in myocardial biopsies characterized by a late (i.e., 1 year) increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma gene expression, which precede and potentially contribute to the development of allograft vasculopathy, further supporting a role for inflammation and the pathogenesis of transplant CAD in humans.

Adult↗

Plasma C-reactive protein as a marker of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVES: This study was initiated to determine whether heart transplant recipients (HTRs) with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) have increased levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and to examine whether an increase in hsCRP after heart transplantation predicts the development of CAV. Furthermore, the effect of pravastatin on plasma levels of hsCRP in HTRs was investigated. BACKGROUND: The relationship between CAV and hsCRP, as well as the effect of statins on hsCRP in HTRs, has not been well established. METHODS: On referral for their annual angiographic control study, 150 consecutive HTRs (mean 6.5 years since transplantation) were included. Plasma levels of hsCRP were measured before angiography and compared with patients with (n = 52) and without (n = 98) CAV. In 49 of these patients, we additionally analyzed hsCRP in blood samples stored from their six-month visit after the transplantation procedure. Furthermore, in a randomized, crossover study, hsCRP was analyzed in 17 male HTRs before and after six weeks of treatment with 20 mg pravastatin. RESULTS: Median levels of CRP were elevated among patients with CAV compared with those with normal angiograms [3.86 (1.78 to 7.00) vs. 1.08 (0.72 to 2.13) mg/l, p < 0.001]. Prospectively evaluated hsCRP levels from six months to follow-up were significantly higher among those who developed CAV compared with those with normal angiograms [+2.76 (1.56 to 5.00) vs. +0.07 (-0.57 to 0.41) mg/l, p < 0.001]. On multivariate analysis, the increase in hsCRP was the only significant predictor of CAV. Six weeks of treatment with pravastatin significantly reduced hsCRP levels by 25%, without any relation to changes in lipid values. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated plasma levels of CRP are associated with angiographic evidence of CAV, and the increase in hsCRP is a strong predictor of development of CAV. Statin treatment reduces levels of hsCRP and should be used in HTRs, regardless of their lipid levels.

Adult↗

Multiple bacteria in aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to reexamine the possibility that bacteria, particularly anaerobes, are present in aortic aneurysms. METHODS: From December 2000 to November 2001, 53 samples from aneurysm walls were collected from 49 patients during reconstructive surgery. The tissue specimens were sectioned and cultured under anaerobic conditions. Twenty-eight specimens were also subjected to scanning or transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Anaerobic cultivation yielded bacteria in 14 of the 53 samples (26.4%). All bacteria were gram-positive cocci or rods from nine genera and 12 species. Five cultures (35%) were mixed, containing two bacterial species. Mixed aerobic and anaerobic species were found in four samples (28.5%). Anaerobic bacteria were recovered from 10 of 14 positive cultures (71%). Among anaerobes found were Propionibacterium acnes, Propionibacterium granulosum, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Eggerthella lenta. Coaggregating bacteria of different sizes and structure were found on the aneurysm walls and inside the intravascular plaque at electron microscopy. Bacteria were found in 20 of the 28 samples (71%) examined with scanning or transmission electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Multiple bacteria, many of which did not belong to the indigenous skin microflora, colonize aortic aneurysms. It is not clear whether the bacteria contribute to weakening of the aortic wall by eliciting inflammation or whether they are secondary colonizers of aneurysms.

Actinomyces↗