Objective To investigate the clinical value of serum cystatin C in the early renal function impairment in elderly patients wtih chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). Methods Serum cystafin Cwas measured in 60 cases with chronic CHF (CHF group), 40 cases with cardiovascular diseases and compensated heart function (compensated heart function group), and other 20 elderly normal volunteers(controlgroup). The correlation between cystafin C, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and LVEF was evaluated. Results The levels of eystatin C in CHF group [(1.86±0.37)mg/L]was higher than that in compensated heart function group [(1.32±0.56) mg/L]and control group [(1.05±0.43) mg/L], P < 0.01. Cystatin C was positively correlated with BNP (r = 0.528,P< 0.01)and negatively correlated with LVEF (r=-0.463, P<0.01). In CHF group, the level of cystatin C and the incidence rate of renal failure was higher in the patients with BNP≥500 ng/L than those with BNP < 500 ng/L. Conclusions Cystatin C is a marker dearly impairment of renal function in elderly patients with chronic CHF. The more severe the heart failure, the more obvious the glomorular filtration function impairment shows.

Objective To investigate the correlation between enlarged perivascular space (EPVS) and post-stroke depression (PSD) in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods Consecutive patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to hospital from March 2010 to March 2014 were enroled prospectively. The patients completed head MRI examination after admission and performed EPVS grading. At 3 months after symptom onset, they performed PSD assessment according to Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disorders in China, 3rd edition (CCMD-3). The relationship between EPVS and PSD was analyzed. Results A total of 249 patients were enroled; including 62 patients (4. 9% ) experienced PSD at 3 months. There were significant differences in the proportions of the EPVS classification patients of the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ( the median [interquartile range]; 4 [3 - 6] vs. 3 [2 - 5]; Z = - 2. 950, P = 0. 003), centrum semiovale (χ2 = 14. 370, P = 0. 001), and periventricular (χ2 = 11. 590, P = 0. 003)between the PSD group and the non-PSD group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that centrum semiovale EPVS grade 2 (odds ratio [OR] 3. 89, 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1. 59 - 9. 56) and grade 3 (OR 3. 28, 95% CI 1. 04 - 10. 33) were significantly correlated with PSD; periventricular EPVS grade 2 (OR 0. 72, 95% CI 0. 27 - 1. 91) and grade 3 (OR 2. 24, 95% CI 0. 68 - 7. 37) were not correlated with PSD. Conclusions Centrum semiovale EPVS is independently associated with PSD, and periventricular EPVS is not.