Why and how should the patient perform a correct home blood pressure measurement?

Home blood pressure (BP) measurement is a medical prescription. The interpretation of the results must be left to the physician. This method is complementary to the classical office BP measurement and the 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement. It must be proposed to some selected patients on the basis of their capacity of learning and understanding the place of the technique for the diagnosis and the treatment compliance. It allows a more active contribution of the patient to the management of her chronic disease and, this, may improve the prevention of cardiovascular complication. A normal blood pressure during self BP measurement is equal or lower to 135/85 mmHg or even lower in high cardiovascular risk patients. This new technique, already largely used by patients, needs adequate education and good advice for buying a validated device.L’automesure de la pression artérielle est un acte médical. Sa prescription et l’interprétation de ses données sont à réaliser par le médecin. Ce pré-requis étant dit, cette technique, complémentaire de la mesure au cabinet de consultation et de celle ambulatoire de la pression artérielle, apporte, chez les sujets sélectionnés, des informations pour la confirmation d’un diagnostic d’hypertension artérielle et pour l’appréciation de la qualité de son traitement. Elle permet de responsabiliser le patient dans sa prise en charge d’un problème souvent asymptomatique jusqu’à sa révélation lors d’une complication. La pression artérielle normale est, en automesure, inférieure à 135/85 mmHg, voire plus basse chez le patient à haut risque cardiovasculaire. Cette technique, fréquemment utilisée de nos jours par le patient, mérite qu’une éducation correcte de ce dernier soit faite après lui avoir conseillé d’acheter un appareil validé.Peer reviewe

Impact of timing administration of mesenchymal stromal cells on serum creatinine following renal ischemia/ reperfusion in rats

peer reviewedExperimental models of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) have suggested protective effects of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) therapy. Still, param- eters of MSC injection, including volume, route and timing of cell administration, remain largely debated. Particularly, MSC infusion in mouse has been shown to be beneficial “a priori” but deleterious “a posteriori” of renal I/R injury. In order to further investigate the influence of the timing of MSC administration, we used 10-week-old Lewis rats categorized in 4 groups. Groups 1 (MSC D-7, n = 10) and 2 (MSC D + 1, n = 7) received caudal i.v. injection of MSC (1.5 9 106 in 1 ml of saline) 7 days before or 1 day after renal I/R, respectively. Control groups 3 (saline D-7, n = 6) and 4 (saline D + 1, n = 6) received equal volume of saline at similar time points. Left renal ischemia (by clamping of the renal pedicle) lasted 45 min. Right nephrectomy was simultaneously performed. Blood sample was collected from inferior vena cava at 48 h post reperfusion. MSC phenotype was confirmed by FACS analysis. In groups 1 and 3, serum creatinine (SCr) reached 1.4 ` 0.7 versus 2.4 ` 0.8 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.05). In groups 2 and 4, SCr was 4.9 ` 0.7 versus 3.3 ` 0.9 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.001). Furthermore, SCr levels were statistically worse when MSC were administered after renal I/R in comparison to a priori infusion (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, MSC administration 7 days prior to renal I/R attenuates kidney injury in comparison to (i) saline infusion or (ii) MSC infusion 1 day after renal I/R. Conversely, on the basis of SCr levels, MSC therapy performed after renal I/R worsens kidney injury in rats

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Therapy in Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) represents a worldwide public health issue of increasing incidence. IRI may virtually affect all organs and tissues and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Particularly, the duration of blood supply deprivation has been recognized as a critical factor in stroke, hemorrhagic shock, or myocardial infarction, as well as in solid organ transplantation (SOT). Pathophysiologically, IRI causes multiple cellular and tissular metabolic and architectural changes. Furthermore, the reperfusion of ischemic tissues induces both local and systemic inflammation. In the particular field of SOT, IRI is an unavoidable event, which conditions both short- and long-term outcomes of graft function and survival. Clinically, the treatment of patients with IRI mostly relies on supportive maneuvers since no specific target-oriented therapy has been validated thus far. In the present review, we summarize the current literature on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and their potential use as cell therapy in IRI. MSC have demonstrated immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and tissue repair properties in rodent studies and in preliminary clinical trials, which may open novel avenues in the management of IRI and SOT

Human Stool Metabolome Differs upon 24 h Blood Pressure Levels and Blood Pressure Dipping Status: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

: Dysbiosis of gut microbiota (GM) has been involved in the pathophysiology of arterial hypertension (HT), via a putative role of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Its role in the circadian regulation of blood pressure (BP), also called “the dipping profile”, has been poorly investigated. Sixteen male volunteers and 10 female partners were subjected to 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring and were categorized in normotensive (NT) versus HT, as well as in dippers versus non-dippers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was performed on stool samples. A 5-year comparative follow-up of BP profiles and stool metabolomes was done in men. Significant correlations between stool metabolome and 24 h mean BP levels were found in both male and female cohorts and in the entire cohort (R2 = 0.72, R2 = 0.79, and R2 = 0.45, respectively). Multivariate analysis discriminated dippers versus non-dippers in both male and female cohorts and in the entire cohort (Q2 = 0.87, Q2 = 0.98, and Q2 = 0.68, respectively). Fecal amounts of acetate, propionate, and butyrate were higher in HT versus NT patients (p = 0.027; p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively), as well as in non-dippers versus dippers (p = 0.027, p = 0.038, and p = 0.036, respectively) in the entire cohort. SCFA levels were significantly different in patients changing of dipping status over the 5-year follow-up. In conclusion, stool metabolome changes upon global and circadian BP profiles in both gender

Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in renal ischemic preconditioning.

Kidney transplantation represents the best treatment of end-stage renal disease. In addition to the degree of human leukocyte antigen matching, long-term graft survival is influenced by the quality of the graft before its transplantation. Quality criteria include the level of ischemic damage caused by the transplantation per se. Renal ischemic preconditioning (IP) consists of different approaches to prevent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage induced by the interruption and recovery of renal circulation, as observed during transplantation. Distinct animal models show promising results regarding the efficiency of PCI to preserve kidney structure and function in I/R conditions. Characterizing the cellular cascades involved in I/R led to the identification of putative targets of renal IP, including the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a ubiquitous energy sensor, which has been implicated in the maintenance of epithelial cell polarization under energy deprivation. Among others, the anti-diabetic drug, metformin, is a potent activator of AMPK. Here, we summarize the in vitro and in vivo data about the role of AMPK in renal IP. Defining the pharmacological conditions of IP would help to improve the quality of the renal graft before its transplantation, thereby increasing its long-term survival.Peer reviewe

The use of the CNIC-Polypill in real-life clinical practice: opportunities and challenges in patients at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease – expert panel meeting report

Although the cardiovascular (CV) polypill concept is not new and several guidelines state that a CV polypill should be considered an integral part of a comprehensive CV disease (CVD) prevention strategy, there are still some barriers to its implementation in the real-world setting, mainly in secondary CV prevention. As the CNIC-polypill is the only one approved for secondary CV prevention in patients with atherosclerotic CVD in 27 countries worldwide, a panel of four discussants and 30 participants from 18 countries conveyed in a virtual meeting on April 21, 2022, to discuss key clinical questions regarding the practical use of the CNIC-Polypill and barriers to its implementation. Data presented showed that, although the use of the CV polypill is not explicitly mentioned in the current 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines on CVD prevention, it may be used in any patient for secondary CVD prevention tolerating all their components to improve outcomes through different aspects. The favourable results of the Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in the Elderly (SECURE) trial now reinforce this recommendation. The panellists presented algorithms on how to switch from any baseline regimen when starting treatment with the CNIC-polypill in different situations, including patients with hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and a previous CV event; at discharge after a cardiovascular event; in chronic ischemic conditions; and in cases of polypharmacy. The panellists and expert discussants did agree that available studies conducted so far with the CNIC-polypill demonstrate that it is as efficacious as the monocomponents, equipotent drugs, or other therapies; reduces the risk of experiencing recurrent major CV events; improves medication adherence; reduces health care costs and resources compared to patients treated with loose drugs; and the patients prefer it over the multipill strategy. In conclusion, the data presented by the participants provided the evidence behind the use of the CNIC-polypill to help fulfil the goal of encouraging its adoption by physicians.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Importance of a bad adherence to the antihypertensive treatment in the hypertensive population. How to improve it?

peer reviewedS’il est unanimement admis que le traitement de l’hypertension artérielle améliore le pronostic cardiovasculaire des patients qui en sont atteints, force est de constater que la moitié des patients traités n’ont pas leur pression artérielle normalisée. Un des facteurs responsables de ce relatif échec est la mauvaise adhésion au traitement (non médicamenteux et pharmacologique). Ce problème d’observance est multifactoriel. Interviennent le patient, sa maladie, son traitement et l’environnement thérapeutique où la relation médecin-malade joue un grand rôle. Pour améliorer l’observance, comme d’ailleurs la persistance du traitement, il faut d’abord y penser. Le dialogue avec le patient sur l’observance doit être mené à chaque consultation. Une excellente relation médecin-patient, une éducation sur l’hypertension, ses risques et les moyens d’éviter les complications, le choix de schémas de traitement bien tolérés, simplifiés et introduits progressivement, la recherche et la limitation des effets secondaires générés, le partenariat de la famille et du pharmacien dans la prise en charge, la stimulation de l’automesure de la pression artérielle par le patient sont autant de pistes importantes pour améliorer ce paramètre. Ceci permettrait, à coup sûr, de réduire les complications cardiovasculaires liées à l’hypertension et le coût pour la société

Hypertensive crisis

Hypertensive crisis has fortunately become rarer due to a better diagnosis and management of arterial hypertension. However, its development needs urgent management with adapted therapy according to the severity of the blood pressure levels and the associated clinical signs. After confirmation of severe hypertension (blood pressure above or equal to 180/120 mmHg), target organ lesions have to be looked for and according to their presence, an urgent hospitalization has to be immediately organized. Starting active drug therapy often occurs in intensive units with the intravenous route of administration. © 2018 Revue Medicale de Liege. All rights reserved

Diagnostic Algorithm in the Management of Acute Febrile Abdomen in Patients with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Acute febrile abdomen represents a diagnostic challenge in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Although criteria have been proposed for cyst infection (CyI) and hemorrhage (CyH), there is a lack of comparative assessments. Furthermore, distinguishing cystic from non-cystic complications remains problematic.ADPKD patients presenting with abdominal pain and/or fever between 01/2005 and 06/2015 were retrospectively identified in a systematic computerized billing database. CyH was defined as spontaneous intracystic density above 50 Hounsfield units on computed tomography (CT). CyI was definite if confirmed by cyst puncture, and probable if 4 criteria were met: 3-day fever, loin/liver tenderness, C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels >50mg/L and no CT evidence for CyH. Other episodes were grouped as inflammation of unknown origin (IUO).Among a cohort of 173 ADPKD patients, 101 presented with 205 episodes of abdominal pain (n = 172) and/or fever (n = 33). 20 patients experienced 30 CyH, whereas 16 presented 23 episodes of definite (n = 11) or probable (n = 12) CyI. 35 IUO were observed in 31 patients. Clinically, fever was observed in 7% vs. 100% vs. 66% of CyH, CyI and IUO, respectively. Biologically, CRP cut-off at 70 mg/dl showed 92% sensitivity and 81% specificity in CyI diagnosis. Urine or blood cultures remained sterile in >90% of CyH, but were contributive in 53.4% of CyI and IUO, with a 74.2% prevalence for E. coli. Radiologically, ultrasounds, CT and magnetic resonance diagnosed CyI in 2.6%, 20% and 16.7% of cases, respectively. 18F-FDG positron-emission tomography (PET)/CT was done within a median period of 7 days post antibiotics, and significantly changed patient management in 71.4%.This retrospective single-center series underscores the usefulness of clinical-fever-and biological-CRP-parameters, but emphasizes the limitations of bacteriological and radiological investigations in cases of acute febrile abdomen in ADPKD patients. 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging may be helpful in such condition