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Biomedical subjects

Paul Steendijk

Publications and source records attributed to Paul Steendijk.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

The effect of lung inflation on absolute ventricular volume measurement by conductance.

BACKGROUND: Conductance catheter in vivo ventricular volume measurements during lung ventilation may provide important information on left ventricular (LV) function. Breathing potentially may alter parallel conductance (V(c)), complicating interpretation of the conductance-derived volume signals. The effects of controlled positive pressure lung inflation (PPLI) on measured parallel conductance with dual-field conductance volumetry were investigated. METHODS: Eight anaesthetized pigs were instrumented with an LV dual-field conductance volumetry catheter. V(c) was measured repeatedly, using the hypertonic saline injection method, at three different levels of lung insufflation: continuous positive airway pressure (PPLI) 0, 5, and 10 cm H(2)O. RESULTS: V(c)s measured at PPLI 0, 5 and 10 cm H(2)O were 70.9 +/- 4.8, 70.7 +/- 5.5 and 70.5 +/- 5.9 ml, respectively. The corresponding uncalibrated end-diastolic volumes (EDV(u)) were 115.5 +/- 7.1, 117.0 +/- 7.5 and 117.5 +/- 7.7 ml, respectively. Mean coefficients of variance for V(c) and EDV(u) at all three PPLI levels were 3.8% and 1.25%, respectively. DISCUSSION: Several levels of PPLI demonstrated no systematic change in parallel conductance for LV dual-field conductance volume signal. We concluded that lung inflation at these levels does not generate changes in V(c).

Animals↗

Extent of viability to predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in ischemic heart failure patients.

UNLABELLED: The response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) varies significantly among individuals. Preliminary data suggest that the presence of myocardial viability may be important for response to CRT. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the extent of viability could predict response to CRT after 6 mo. METHODS: Sixty-one consecutive patients with advanced heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%, QRS duration > 120 ms, and chronic coronary artery disease were included. To determine the extent of viability all patients underwent nuclear imaging with 18F-FDG SPECT before implantation. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and after 6 mo of follow-up. RESULTS: The presence of myocardial viability was directly related to an increase in left ventricular ejection fraction after 6 mo of CRT. Furthermore, the extent of viability in responders (n = 38) was significantly larger compared with that of nonresponders (n = 23; 12 +/- 3 vs. 7 +/- 3 viable segments, P < 0.01). Moreover, the optimal cutoff value to predict clinical response to CRT was identified at an extent of 11 viable segments or more (in a 17-segment model), yielding a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 87%. CONCLUSION: The presence of myocardial viability is directly related to response to CRT in patients with ischemic heart failure. Interestingly, using a cutoff level of 11 viable segments or more, the extent of viability could be used to predict response. Therefore, evaluation for myocardial viability may be considered in the selection process for CRT.

Aged↗

Left ventricular dyssynchrony predicts right ventricular remodeling after cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this research was to evaluate right ventricular (RV) remodeling after six months of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy is beneficial in patients with end-stage heart failure. The effect of CRT on RV size is currently unknown. Accordingly, the effects of CRT on RV size, severity of tricuspid regurgitation, and pulmonary artery pressure were evaluated. METHODS: Fifty-six consecutive patients with end-stage heart failure (52% ischemic cardiomyopathy), left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) < or =35%, QRS duration >120 ms, and left bundle branch block were included. Clinical parameters, LV volumes, LVEF, LV dyssynchrony, and RV chamber size were assessed at baseline and after six months of CRT; LV dyssynchrony was assessed using tissue Doppler imaging. RESULTS: Clinical parameters improved significantly; LV dyssynchrony was acutely reduced after CRT and remained unchanged at six-month follow-up. Left ventricular EF improved significantly from 19 +/- 6% to 26 +/- 8% (p < 0.001), and LV end-diastolic volume decreased from 257 +/- 98 ml to 227 +/- 86 ml (p < 0.001). Right ventricular annulus decreased significantly from 37 +/- 9 mm to 32 +/- 10 mm, RV short-axis from 29 +/- 11 mm to 26 +/- 7 mm, and RV long-axis from 89 +/- 11 mm to 82 +/- 10 mm (all p < 0.001). Left ventricular and RV reverse remodeling were only observed in patients with substantial LV dyssynchrony at baseline. Finally, significant reductions in severity of tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary artery pressure were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac resynchronization therapy results in significant reverse LV and RV remodeling after six months of CRT in patients with LV dyssynchrony. Moreover, CRT leads to a reduction of the severity of tricuspid regurgitation and a decrease in pulmonary artery pressure.

Adult↗

Suppression of physiological cardiomyocyte proliferation in the rat pup after neonatal glucocorticosteroid treatment.

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticosteroids (mostly dexamethasone) are widely used to prevent chronic lung disease in premature infants. Neonatal rats treated with dexamethasone have been shown to have reduced cardiac mass and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, suggesting a lower number of cardiomyocytes at adult age, and a severely reduced life expectancy. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that a lower number of cardiomyocytes in later life is caused by a reduced cardiomyocyte proliferation and/or by early cell death (apoptosis). METHODS AND RESULTS: Rat pups received dexamethasone or saline control on day 1, 2 and 3 and were sacrificed at day 0, 2, 4, 7 and 21. The cardiomyocytes of dexamethasone treated pups showed a reduced proliferation as indicated by a lower mitotic index and reduced number of Ki-67 positive cardiomyocytes on day 2 and 4 as compared to day 0 and day 7 and also as compared to the age-matched saline pups. On day 7 and day 21 the mitotic index was not different between groups. From day 2 onward up to day 21 dexamethasone treated pups showed a lower number of cardiomyocytes. The cardiomyocytes showed no signs (<<1%) of apoptosis (Caspase-3 and cleaved-PARP) in any group. CONCLUSION: The temporary suppression of cardiomyocyte hyperplasia found in dexamethasone treated pups eventually leads to a reduced number and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes during adult life.

Animals↗

Diltiazem treatment prevents diastolic heart failure in mice with familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: The cardiac troponin T I79N mutation, linked to familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, carries a high risk of sudden cardiac death even in the absence of significant cardiac hypertrophy. The pathology underlying this mechanism has not yet been identified. AIMS: To study the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon we characterized the left ventricular (LV) performance of transgenic mice carrying the human troponin T mutation I79N under basal and isoproterenol-induced stress conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: LV function was analyzed by recording pressure-volume loops using a microconductance catheter. Despite a hypercontractile systolic function under basal conditions TnT-I79N mice showed a diastolic dysfunction indicated by an increase in end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship (EDPVR), a load-independent factor of LV stiffness (0.06+/-0.01 vs. 0.02+/-0.01; P<0.05), when compared to mice expressing human wild-type troponin T (TnT-WT). TnT-I79N mutants developed severe diastolic heart failure and cardiac sudden death under isoproterenol stress. This was prevented after pretreatment with the L-type Ca2+ channel inhibitor diltiazem. CONCLUSIONS: Diastolic dysfunction due to increased LV stiffness in TnT-I79N mice leads to severe primary diastolic heart failure and finally to cardiac sudden death, which can be prevented by diltiazem.

Analysis of Variance↗

Right atrial and ventricular adaptation to chronic right ventricular pressure overload.

BACKGROUND: Increased mortality in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension has been associated with elevated right atrial (RA) pressure. However, little is known about the effects of chronic right ventricular (RV) pressure overload on RA and RV dynamics or the adaptive response of the right atrium to maintain RV filling. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 7 dogs, RA and RV pressure and volume (conductance catheter) were recorded at baseline and after 3 months of progressive pulmonary artery banding. RA and RV elastance (contractility) and diastolic stiffness were calculated, and RA reservoir and conduit function were quantified as RA inflow with the tricuspid valve closed versus open, respectively. With chronic pulmonary artery banding, systolic RV pressure increased from 34+/-7 to 70+/-17 mm Hg (P<0.001), but cardiac output did not change (P>0.78). RV elastance and stiffness both increased (P<0.05), suggesting preserved systolic function but impaired diastolic function. In response, RA contractility improved (elastance increased from 0.28+/-0.12 to 0.44+/-0.13 mm Hg/mL; P<0.04), and the atrium became more distensible, as evidenced by increased reservoir function (49+/-14% versus 72+/-8%) and decreased conduit function (51+/-14% versus 28+/-8%; P<0.002). CONCLUSIONS: With chronic RV pressure overload, RV systolic function was preserved, but diastolic function was impaired. To compensate, RA contractility increased, and the atrium became more distensible to maintain filling of the stiffened ventricle. This compensatory response of the right atrium likely plays an important role in preventing clinical failure in chronic pulmonary hypertension.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Comparison of effectiveness of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients <70 versus > or =70 years of age.

In the present study, the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in elderly patients were evaluated. The study included 170 consecutive patients whose clinical and echocardiographic improvements were evaluated after 6 months of follow-up. Survival was evaluated up to 2 years. The effects of CRT in elderly patients (age > or =70 years) were compared with those in younger patients (age <70 years).

Age Factors↗

Neonatal glucocorticosteroid treatment causes systolic dysfunction and compensatory dilation in early life: studies in 4-week-old prepubertal rats.

Glucocorticosteroid treatment is widely used to prevent chronic lung disease in premature infants. Recent studies in adult rats, treated with dexamethasone in the neonatal period, report negative long-term effects on the heart and severely reduced life expectancy. We treated neonatal rats with dexamethasone and studied cardiac function after 4 wk (prepubertal age) to investigate whether the late effects as previously described are preceded by detectable alterations in cardiac function at a younger age. Male rat pups (n = 12) were injected intraperitoneally with dexamethasone on d 1, 2, and 3 (0.5, 0.3, and 0.1 mug/g) of life. Control pups (n = 10) received saline. At 4 wk the animals were anesthetized, and a pressure-conductance catheter was introduced into the left ventricle to measure pressure-volume loops. Cardiac function was measured and pressure-volume relations were determined to quantify intrinsic systolic and diastolic function. Subsequently, hearts were excised for histologic examination. Compared with saline-treated animals, dexamethasone-treated rats had a reduced ventricular weight (270 +/- 40 versus 371 +/- 23 mg, p < 0.001) and reduced systolic function (end-systolic elastance: 1.24 +/- 0.43 versus 2.50 +/- 1.39 mm Hg/muL, p = 0.028). Cardiac output was maintained and end-diastolic volume was increased (84 +/- 23 versus 59 +/- 19 microL, p = 0.012) indicating a state of compensatory dilatation. Heart rate, diastolic function, and systemic vascular resistance were unchanged. Neonatal dexamethasone treatment causes cardiac alterations that can be detected in the prepubertal period and that may precede severe cardiac dysfunction later in life. If our findings are confirmed in humans, this may have consequences for a large patient population and cardiac screening at young age may be indicated to enable secondary prevention.

Animals↗

Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on inducibility of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in cardiac arrest survivors with either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.

We evaluated whether long-term cardiac resynchronization therapy affects the inducibility of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in relation to reverse remodeling in cardiac arrest survivors with either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. Clinical, electrophysiologic, and echocardiographic data of 18 patients were obtained before and after 6 months of cardiac resynchronization.

Adult↗

Left ventricular function and chronotropic responses after normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies indicate that normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with intermittent antegrade warm blood cardioplegia (IAWBC) may have metabolic and clinical advantages, but limited data exist on its effects on myocardial function. Therefore, we investigated the acute effects of this approach on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function and on chronotropic responses. METHODS: In 10 patients undergoing isolated CABG we obtained on-line left ventricular pressure-volume loops using the conductance catheter before and after normothermic CPB with IAWBC. Steady state and load-independent indices of left ventricular function derived from pressure-volume relations were obtained during right atrial pacing (80-100-120 beats/min) to determine baseline systolic and diastolic function and chronotropic responses. RESULTS: The mean time of CPB was 105+/-36 min (median 103, range 60-167 min) with a mean aortic cross-clamp time of 75+/-27 min (median 69, range 43-129 min). Baseline (80 beats/min) end-systolic elastance (E(ES)) did not change after CPB (1.22+/-0.53 to 1.12+/-0.28 mm Hg/ml, P>0.2), while the diastolic chamber stiffness constant (k(ED)) significantly increased (0.014+/-0.005 to 0.040+/-0.007 ml-1, P=0.018) and relaxation time constant (tau) significantly decreased (61+/-3 to 49+/-2 ms, P=0.004). Before CPB, incremental atrial pacing had no significant effects on E(ES) and tau but significant negative effects on kED (0.014+/-0.005 to 0.045+/-0.012 ml-1, P=0.013). After CPB, atrial pacing had significant positive effects on E(ES), tau and kED (E(ES): 1.12+/-0.28 to 2.60+/-1.54 mm Hg/ml, P=0.021; tau: 49+/-2 to 45+/-2 ms, P=0.009; kED: 0.040+/-0.007 to 0.026+/-0.005 mm Hg, P=0.010), indicating improved systolic and diastolic chronotropic responses. CONCLUSION: On-pump normothermic CABG with IAWBC preserved systolic function, increased diastolic stiffness, and improved systolic and diastolic chronotropic responses. Normalization of the chronotropic responses post-CPB is likely due to effects of successful revascularization and subsequent relief of ischemia.

Aged↗

Frequency of left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure and a narrow QRS complex.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is considered a major advance in the treatment of patients with heart failure. The presence of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony seems mandatory for a positive response to CRT. Currently, only patients with wide QRS complexes are considered for CRT, although patients with narrow QRS complexes may also have LV dyssynchrony. In the present study, the incidence of LV dyssynchrony was prospectively evaluated in 64 patients with heart failure and narrow QRS complexes using tissue Doppler imaging.

Arrhythmias, Cardiac↗

Left ventricular unloading and concomitant total cardiac output increase by the use of percutaneous Impella Recover LP 2.5 assist device during high-risk coronary intervention.

A number of techniques have been proposed for circulatory support during high-risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), but no single approach has achieved wide acceptance so far. We report on a patient with severe left ventricular (LV) impairment who underwent a PCI with the use of a new left ventricular assist device, the Impella Recover LP 2.5 system. The effects on global cardiac output were determined by thermodilution (TD) and LV pressure-volume loops obtained by conductance catheter. The activation of the pump resulted in a rapid and sustained unloading effect of the LV. At the same time, the continuous expulsion of blood into ascending aorta throughout the cardiac cycle produced by the pump resulted in an increase of systemic overall CO, measured by the TD technique, of 1.43 L/min. The procedure was uncomplicated and the patient remained uneventful at follow-up. Our single experience gives new input for future trials to assess the effect of the Impella Recover LP 2.5 assist device on outcome in this subset of patients.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Acute decrease of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony and improvement of contractile state and energy efficiency after left ventricular restoration.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical left ventricular restoration by means of endoventricular patch aneurysmectomy in patients with postinfarction aneurysm should result in acute improved left ventricular performance by decreasing mechanical dyssynchrony and increasing energy efficiency. METHODS: Nine patients with left ventricular postinfarction aneurysm were studied intraoperatively before and after ventricular restoration with a conductance volume catheter to analyze pressure-volume relationships, energy efficiency, and mechanical dyssynchrony. The end-systolic elastance was used as a load-independent index of contractile state. Left ventricular energy efficiency was calculated from stroke work and total pressure-volume area. Segmental volume changes perpendicular to the long axis were used to calculate mechanical dyssynchrony. Statistical analysis was performed with the paired t test and least-squares linear regression. RESULTS: Endoventricular patch aneurysmectomy reduced end-diastolic volume by 37% (P < .001), with unchanged stroke volume. Systolic function improved, as derived from increased +dP/dt(max), by 42% (P < .03), peak ejection rate by 28% (P < .02), and ejection fraction by 16% (P < .0002). Early diastolic function improved, as shown by reduction of -dP/dt(max) by 34% (P < .006) and shortened tau by 30% (P < .001). Left ventricular end-systolic elastance increased from 1.2 +/- 0.6 to 2.2 +/- 1 mm Hg/mL (P < .001). Left ventricular energy efficiency increased by 36% (P < .002). Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony decreased during systole by 33% (P < .001) and during diastole by 20% (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular restoration induced acute improvements in contractile state, energy efficiency, and relaxation, together with a decrease in left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony.

Aged↗

Acute hemodynamic effects of restrictive mitral annuloplasty in patients with end-stage heart failure: analysis by pressure-volume relations.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies show beneficial long-term effects of restrictive mitral annuloplasty in patients with end-stage heart failure. However, concerns are raised about possible adverse effects on early postoperative systolic and diastolic function, which might limit application of this approach in patients with heart failure. Therefore we evaluated the acute effects of restrictive mitral annuloplasty on left ventricular function by using load-independent pressure-volume relations. METHODS: In 23 patients (heart failure, n = 10; control, n = 13) we determined left ventricular systolic and diastolic function before and after surgical intervention by means of pressure-volume analysis with a conductance catheter. All patients with heart failure underwent stringent restrictive mitral annuloplasty (2 sizes smaller than the measured size), and 4 received additional coronary artery bypass grafting. Transesophageal echocardiography was used for evaluation of valve repair. Patients with preserved left ventricular function who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting served as control subjects. RESULTS: Restrictive mitral annuloplasty (ring size, 25 +/- 1) restored leaflet coaptation (8.0 +/- 0.2 mm) with normal pressure gradients (2.9 +/- 1.8 mm Hg). Restrictive mitral annuloplasty did not change cardiac output (5.0 +/- 1.8 to 5.3 +/- 0.9 L/min, P = .516), left ventricular ejection fraction (29% +/- 5% to 32% +/- 8%, P = .315), or end-systolic elastance (0.86 +/- 0.50 to 0.99 +/- 1.05 mm Hg/mL, P = .688). After restrictive mitral annuloplasty, end-diastolic volume tended to decrease (237 +/- 89 to 226 +/- 52 mL, P = .564), whereas end-diastolic pressure remained unchanged (14 +/- 6 to 15 +/- 5 mm Hg, P = .356). Diastolic chamber stiffness tended to increase (0.027 +/- 0.035 to 0.041 +/- 0.047 mL -1 , P = .542) but not significantly. Peak left ventricular wall stress was unchanged (356 +/- 91 to 346 +/- 85 mm Hg, P = .668). Baseline values in the control group were different, but changes in most parameters after surgical intervention showed similar nonsignificant trends. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve repair by means of restrictive mitral annuloplasty effectively restores mitral valve competence without inducing significant acute changes in left ventricular systolic or diastolic function in patients with end-stage heart failure.

Adolescent↗

Disparity between dobutamine stress and physical exercise magnetic resonance imaging in patients with an intra-atrial correction for transposition of the great arteries.

BACKGROUND: In patients with an intra-atrial correction for transposition of the great arteries (TGA) an abnormal response to stress testing is common. However, hemodynamic responses may vary substantially when different stress tests are used. We compared the hemodynamic response to dobutamine stress with the response to physical exercise in patients and controls. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients and 25 age/sex-matched control subjects underwent either dobutamine stress (15 microg/kg/min) or submaximal physical exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance. End-systolic and end-diastolic right ventricular volumes (ESV; EDV) were determined. Five representative patients underwent both stress tests. For these patients, wall thickening reserve was calculated as systolic wall thickening during stress minus systolic wall thickening at rest. RESULTS: In controls, dobutamine stress and physical exercise showed similar responses: stroke volume, cardiac output, and ejection fraction increased significantly, whereas ESV decreased significantly and EDV was unchanged. In patients, stroke volume did not increase with either dobutamine or exercise (-8.6% vs. 2.9%). Ejection fraction increased significantly with dobutamine (16%, p < 0.001) but tended to decrease during exercise (-2.1%, P = NS). EDV and ESV decreased during dobutamine but were unchanged during exercise. (-22% vs. 5.0%, P < 0.001; -36% vs. 9.0%, P < 0.01 respectively). Wall thickening reserve was higher with dobutamine than with exercise (0.9 mm vs. -0.6 mm, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Dobutamine stress and physical exercise cannot be used interchangeably for assessment of systolic and diastolic function in patients with an intra-atrial correction for TGA. This may have consequences for the use of different stress CMR approaches in the clinical setting.

Adult↗