Browsing by Author "Okan, T."

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Association of Plasma BNP Levels at Different Times With Cardioversion Success, Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm and Severity of Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
(Clinics Cardive Publ Pty Ltd, 2024) Ozturk, A.; Okan, T.
Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained cardiac arrhythmia in adults worldwide, exerting a substantial impact on health, society and healthcare economics. Despite the current management strategies involving direct-current cardioversion (DCCV) and anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, recurrence of AF remains a significant challenge. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), a crucial neurohormone, has been associated with AF recurrence; however, existing studies have yielded inconclusive results. Diastolic dysfunction, assessed using echocardiography, has also been implicated in AF recurrence. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between BNP levels, echocardiographic parameters and cardioversion success in patients with persistent AF. Methods: This prospective, observational study enrolled 31 patients with persistent AF. Transthoracic (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography, alongside BNP measurements, were performed at various intervals: before cardioversion, 30 minutes post cardioversion and during a one-month follow up. Electrocardiography and TTE were conducted at the one-month mark, categorising patients based on diastolic dysfunction. Results: Of the 31 patients, 28 successfully converted to sinus rhythm after DCCV. Baseline BNP levels correlated with heart rate and peak E/Em ratio. Patients with early AF recurrence had higher 30-minute BNP levels. Basal BNP levels were not found to be useful in predicting early AF recurrence, whereas BNP levels at the 30th minute after cardioversion were significantly higher in the group with AF recurrence (318 ± 39.7 vs 153 ± 11.9 pg/ml; p = 0.05). Patients with or without mild diastolic dysfunction showed significantly lower BNP levels than those with moderate-to-severe dysfunction. Conclusion: The study concluded that BNP levels, measured 30 minutes after DCCV, were more indicative of maintaining sinus rhythm than baseline levels. The correlation between baseline BNP and diastolic dysfunction parameters suggests a potential combined assessment for guiding rhythm-control strategies in patients with AF. Copyright © 2025 Clinics Cardive Publishing. All Rights Reserved.
Citation - WoS: 6
Citation - Scopus: 2
Association of Ratios of Monocyte/High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Neutrophil/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol With Atherosclerotic Plaque Type on Coronary Computed Tomography
(Clinics Cardive Publ Pty Ltd, 2024) Okan, T.; Topaloglu, C.
Objectives: The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) and neutrophil/HDL-C ratio (NHR) are markers for inflammation and dyslipidaemia, which are important factors in atherosclerosis. Studies have linked MHR and NHR to the prediction, severity and prognosis of coronary artery disease. However, no study has explored their connection to plaque stability, specifically its calcific or soft/mixed content. Methods: Monocyte, neutrophil and HDL-C levels were examined in 99 patients who had coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) between January and August 2023. They were divided into three groups: a group of 42 healthy individuals (group 0) with no coronary artery plaque and an Agatson score of 0, an unstable plaque group (group 1) with 31 patients displaying mixed and/or soft plaque on CTA, and a stable plaque group (group 2) with 26 patients showing only calcific plaque. Results: White blood cell (WBC), monocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in group 1 patients compared to group 0 patients (group 0: WBC = 6.31 ± 0.97 × 103 cells/ µl, monocytes = 0.40 ± 0.09 × 103 cells/µl, neutrophils = 3.32 ± 0.81 × 103 cells/µl; and group 1: WBC = 7.61 ± 1.95 × 103 cells/µl, monocytes = 0.50 ± 0.11 × 103 cells/µl, neutrophils = 4.19 ± 1.36 103 cells/µl; p < 0.05). MHR and NHR were significantly higher in group 1 patients compared to group 0 patients (group 0: MHR = 0.0079 ± 0.0029, NHR = 0.063 ± 0.023 and group 1: MHR = 0.0102 ± 0.003, NHR = 0.085 ± 0.036, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The significant differences in MHR and NHR between the three groups were due to the differences between groups 0 and 1. MHR and NHR were significantly higher in group 1 patients, although there was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2. Copyright © 2024 Clinics Cardive Publishing. All Rights Reserved.