1.Research progress on polydopamine in the treatment of oral diseases
LU Xiangxiang ; JIANG Zhen ; XING Aili ; ZHAO Bin ; SUN Bin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(3):302-3014
Due to the moist environment in the mouth, there are many challenges that arise, such as difficult biofilm removal, short drug retention time, and low tissue repair efficiency, while treating dental caries, periodontal disease, and other oral diseases. As a biomimetic biomaterial, polydopamine (PDA) possesses multifunctional properties, including mussel-inspired adhesion and stimuli-responsive drug release. PDA adhesion properties originate from its surface catechol and amino functional groups, which maintain strong wettability in aqueous environments. With smart responsiveness encompassing photothermal, pH, and enzymatic stimuli, PDA enables controlled drug release under specific conditions. Additionally, PDA exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteoblast-promoting functions, thus demonstrating significant application potential in the treatment of oral diseases. In hard tissue therapies, specifically for dental caries, PDA promotes enamel remineralization by inducing hydroxyapatite crystal growth and enhances dentin collagen mineralization through Ca2+ chelation while inhibiting cariogenic bacteria. In mandibular defect repair, functionalized PDA coatings on bone implants facilitate mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and differentiation, activate osteogenic signaling pathways, and synergistically promote vascularization to improve bone-implant integration. For soft tissue treatments, specifically for periodontitis, PDA alleviates alveolar bone resorption via antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects coupled with osteoclast inhibition. In denture stomatitis management, PDA’s strong wet adhesion prolongs drug retention, while its photothermal effect and reactive oxygen generation provide both broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and wound healing promotion. This review summarizes PDA’s synthesis mechanisms and biological functions, with an emphasis on its therapeutic applications in oral diseases, providing innovative strategies for oral healthcare.
2.Effect and Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Prescription on Pulmonary Fibrosis via Inhibiting Macrophage Polarization Through Wnt3a/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Yanxia LIANG ; Xuelian YU ; Wenwen WANG ; Guangsen LI ; Hongfei XING ; Maorong FAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):112-123
ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether Bushen Tongluo prescription inhibits macrophage polarization by regulating the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby reducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and excessive extracellular matrix deposition, in order to elucidate the anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo prescription and provide a new theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. MethodsFifty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank group, model group, pirfenidone group, and high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups. Except for the blank group, the pulmonary fibrosis model was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Intervention was initiated on day 28 after modeling. The high- and low-dose Bushen Tongluo prescription groups were administered Bushen Tongluo prescription at doses of 30.88, 15.44 g·kg-1, respectively, by intragastric gavage. The pirfenidone group was administered pirfenidone capsules at 110 mg·kg-1 by intragastric gavage. The blank and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage, once daily for 90 days. After treatment, the level of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Morphological changes in lung tissue and the collagen volume fraction were compared. The protein distribution and expression of E-cadherin, cytokeratin 19, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin, collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ), and collagen type Ⅲ (Col Ⅲ) in lung tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein distribution and expression of CD68, arginase-1 (Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were detected by immunofluorescence. The protein expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue was detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared with the blank group, a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue in the model group, with obvious fibrous tissue hyperplasia. The level of TGF-β1 in BALF was significantly increased. The protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue was decreased, whereas the protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ was increased. The fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue were increased. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the airway walls, alveolar spaces, and interstitial tissue, decreased TGF-β1 levels in BALF, increased protein expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 in lung tissue, decreased protein expression of α-SMA, Vimentin, Col Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ, decreased fluorescence-positive area ratios of CD68, Arg-1, iNOS, Wnt3a, and β-catenin in lung tissue, and decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in lung tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo prescription can improve bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and reducing excessive extracellular matrix deposition. The mechanism may be related to inhibition of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway and the macrophage polarization mediated by this pathway.
3.Analysis of clinical infection characteristics of multidrug-resistant organisms in hospitalized patients in a tertiary sentinel hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023
Qi MAO ; Tenglong ZHAO ; Xihong LYU ; Zhiyuan GU ; Bin CHEN ; Lidi ZHAO ; Xifeng LI ; Xing ZHANG ; Liang TIAN ; Renyi ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):156-159
ObjectiveTo understand the infection characteristics of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in hospitalized patients in a tertiary sentinel hospital in Shanghai, so as to provide an evidence for the development of targeted prevention and control measures. MethodsData of MDROs strains and corresponding medical records of some hospitalized patients in a hospital in Shanghai from 2021 to 2023 were collected, together with an analysis of the basic information, clinical treatment, underlying diseases and sources of sample collection. ResultsA total of 134 strains of MDROs isolated from hospitalized patients in this hospital were collected from 2021 to 2023 , including 63 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 57 strains of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and 14 strains of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Of the 134 strains, 30 strains were found in 2021, 47 strains in 2022 and 57 strains in 2023. The male-to-female ratio of patients was 2.05∶1, with the highest percentage (70.90%) in the age group of 60‒<90 years. The primary diagnosis was mainly respiratory disease, with lung and respiratory tract as the cheif infection sites. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different genders and infection sites (P>0.05). However, the differences in the distribution of strains between different ages and primary diagnosis were statistically significant (P<0.05). Patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), had urinary tract intubation, were not artery or vein intubated, were not on a ventilator, were not using immunosuppresants or hormones, and were not applying radiotherapy or chemotherapy were in the majority. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains for whether received radiotherapy or chemotherapy or not (P>0.05), while the differences in the distribution of strains with ICU admission history, urinary tract intubation, artery or vein intubation, ventilator use, and immunosuppresants or hormones use or not were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The type of specimen was mainly sputum, the hospitalized ward was mainly comprehensive ICU, the sampling time was mainly in the first quarter throughout the year, the number of underlying diseases was mainly between 1 to 2 kinds, the application of antibiotics ≥4 kinds, and those who didn’t receive any surgery recently accounted for the most. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of strains between different specimen types, wards occupied and history of ICU stay (P<0.05), but no statistically significant difference in the distribution of strains between different sampling times, number of underlying diseases and types of antibiotics applied (P>0.05). ConclusionThe situation of prevention and control on MDROs in this hospital is still serious. Focus should be placed on high-risk factors’ and infection monitoring and preventive measures should be strengthened to reduce the incidence rate of MDROs infection.
4.Effect of Modified Zhigancao Granules (炙甘草汤加味颗粒) on Early Recurrence Following Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation of Qi-Yin Deficiency Syndrome:A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Yucai HU ; Boyong QIU ; Jingjing WEI ; Bin LI ; Zuoying XING ; Huixia PENG ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yongxia WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2460-2466
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of Modified Zhigancao Granules (炙甘草汤加味颗粒) for preventing the early recurrence following radiofrequency ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) of qi-yin deficiency syndrome. MethodsA multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed. A total of 116 patients with atrial fibrillation of qi-yin deficiency syndrome who underwent radiofrequency ablation for the first time were enrolled from 3 centers, and they were randomly divided into a treatment group (59 cases) and a control group (57 cases). Both groups received basic western medicine treatment after surgery. In addition, the treatment group was given oral Modified Zhigancao Granules, while the control group was given oral placebo granules. The dosage for both groups was 20 g each time, twice a day, with continuous treatment for 12 weeks. The recurrence of atrial fibrillation in both groups was recorded at 24 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery. The serum levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected before treatment and 12 weeks after treatment in both groups. The scores of Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life (AFEQT) Questionnaire (including scores of the daily life dimension, symptom dimension, treatment worry dimension, treatment satisfaction dimension, and total score) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were compared before treatment and at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks between groups. Safety indicators such as blood routine, urine routine, liver function, and renal function were monitored before and after treatment. ResultsNine of the treatment group and seven of the control group dropped out. Finally, 50 patients in each group were included in the statistical analysis. At 24 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery, the recurrence rates of AF in the treatment group were 2.0% (1/50), 2.0% (1/50), 4.0% (2/50), and 10.0% (5/50), respectively; while those in the control group were 2.0% (1/50), 26.0% (13/50), 28.0% (14/50), and 34.0% (17/50), respectively. Compared with the control group at the same time points, the early recurrence rates of AF in the treatment group were significantly lower at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after surgery (P<0.01). Compared with the baseline within group, BNP, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α in the treatment group all decreased after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05); the difference in hs-CRP levels (before vs. after treatment) in the treatment group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). Compared with the baseline within group, both groups showed decreases in the total score of AFEQT Questionnaire, scores of the daily life dimension, treatment worry dimension, symptom dimension, and TCM syndrome scores at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after treatment. Meanwhile, the score of the treatment satisfaction dimension of AFEQT increased in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvements in all the above scores in the treatment group were superior to those in the control group at all time points (P<0.05 or P<0.01). All safety indicators of patients in both groups were within the normal range before treatment and at 12 weeks after treatment, and no adverse reactions or adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionModified Zhigancao Granules can reduce the early recurrence rate following radiofrequency ablation in AF patients with qi-yin deficiency syndrome, improve clinical symptoms and quality of life, suppress inflammatory response, and show good safety.
5.Relationship between serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 and hemorrhagic transformation occurs and prognosis in patients with large artery atherosclerotic cerebral infarction after thrombolysis
Wenming XU ; Xing WEI ; Dacai GONG ; Bin GE ; Chunling GAO
International Journal of Laboratory Medicine 2025;46(16):1933-1940
Objective To investigate the relationship between serum microRNA(miRNA,miR)-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 and hemorrhagic transformation(HT)occurs and prognosis in patients with large ar-tery atherosclerotic cerebral infarction(ACI-LAA)after thrombolysis.Methods A total of 265 patients with ACI-LAA admitted to the hospital from April 2021 to November 2023 were selected as the research objects.According to whether HT occurred after intravenous thrombolysis,they were divided into non-HT group and HT group,and the expression levels of serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 were compared between the two groups.The general data of patients with ACI-LAA were collected.Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of HT occurs in patients with ACI-LAA after thrombolysis.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacy of serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 expression levels in predicting HT occurs after thrombolysis in patients with ACI-LAA.The patients with ACI-LAA were followed up for 90 d.According to the modified Rankin scale(mRS)score,the patients were divided into a good prognosis group and a poor prognosis group,and the expression levels of serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 were compared between the two groups.Univa-riate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the influencing factors of poor progno-sis in patients with ACI-LAA.ROC curve was used to analyze the efficacy of serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 expression levels in predicting poor prognosis of patients with ACI-LAA.Results HT occurred in 74(27.92%)of 265 patients with ACI-LAA after thrombolysis.Compared with the non-HT group,the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)score atadmission,the proportion of hypertension,the proportion of infarct size ≥10 cm2,and the expression levels of serum miR-21-5p and miR-206 were significantly in-creased in the HT group(P<0.05).However,the expression level of serum miR-9-5p was decreased(P<0.05).Hypertension,high NIHSS score at admission,the proportion of infarct size ≥10 cm2,high expression of miR-21-5p and miR-206 were risk factors for HT occurs in patients with ACI-LAA after intravenous thrombolysis,and high expression of miR-9-5p was a protective factor(P<0.05).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve(AUC)and 95%CI of single and combined detection of serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 for predicting HT occurs were 0.796(0.726-0.866),0.779(0.711-0.846),0.784(0.714-0.854),0.891(0.839-0.943),respectively.Among 265 patients with ACI-LAA,83 patients(31.32%)had poor prognosis at 90 d of follow-up.Compared with the good prognosis group,the age,NIHSS score at admis-sion,the proportion of HT,the proportion of infarct size ≥10 cm2,and the expression levels of serum miR-21-5p and miR-206 were increased(P<0.05),and the expression level of serum miR-9-5p was decreased(P<0.05)in the poor prognosis group.Advanced age,high NIHSS score at admission,HT,infarct size ≥10 cm2,high expression of miR-21-5p,and high expression of miR-206 were risk factors for poor prognosis of ACI-LAA patients,and high expression of miR-9-5p was a protective factor(P<0.05).The ROC curve showed that The AUC(95%CI)of single and combined detection of serum miR-9-5p,miR-21-5p and miR-206 for predicting poor prognosis were 0.754(0.691-0.818),0.779(0.719-0.838),0.792(0.815-0.919),0.931(0.902-0.960),respectively.Conclusion Low expression of serum miR-9-5p,high expression of miR-21-5p and high expression of miR-206 are associated with the HT occurs and poor prognosis in patients with ACI-LAA after thrombolysis,and the combined detection of the three indicators has a high predictive value for the HT occurs and poor prognosis.
6.Application and Production of Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Preclinical Studies in the Field of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wenya WANG ; Chengyang JING ; Lanjun SHI ; Bin MA ; Xing LIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1333-1339
Preclinical studies include pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacokinetics research of animal experiments and in vitro experiments, which are crucial steps in the pre-marketing drugs and medical products, and are essential for exploring the mechanisms of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapeutic mechanism and promoting clinical translation. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of preclinical studies in the field of TCM can comprehensively integrate preclinical evidence, consolidate research findings, assess the quality and risk of bias of included studies, enhance the utilization of research results, reduce resource waste, and promote the iterative optimization of TCM research models and evaluation indicators. This article introduced the process and methodology of conducting systematic review and meta-analyses of preclinical studies in TCM from nine steps, defining the research question, forming a research team, writing and registering a study protocol, conducting a comprehensive search, screening literature, evaluating included studies, extracting data, synthesizing data (meta-analysis), and reporting systematic reviews. It aims to provide methodological references for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of preclinical studies in TCM and to promote the establishment and improvement of the evidence system in the field of TCM.
7.Establishment and evaluation of a lipopolysaccharide-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome model in minipigs
Chuang-Ye WANG ; Ran WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Ling-Xiao QIU ; Bin QING ; Heng YOU ; Jin-Cheng LIU ; Bin WANG ; Nan-Bo WANG ; Jia-Yu LI ; Xing LIU ; Shuang WANG ; Jin HU ; Jian WEN ; Quan LI ; Xiao-Ou HUANG ; Kun ZHAO ; Shuang-Lin LIU ; Gang LIU ; Mei-Ju WANG ; Qing XIANG ; Hong-Mei WU ; Xiao-Rong SUN ; Tao GU ; Dong ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Zhi XU
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(9):1154-1161
Objective To establish a stable,reliable,and clinically relevant porcine model of endotoxin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods Ten 8-month-old male Bama minipigs were deeply sedated,followed by invasive mechanical ventilation and electrocardiographic monitoring.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was intravenously pumped at 600 μg/(kg·h)for 3 hours,then maintained at 15 μg/(kg·h)thereafter.Dynamic monitoring was performed at five time points after LPS injection(LPS 0,1,3,5,and 8 h),including arterial blood gas analysis and chest computed tomography(CT)scans.Pathological examination of lung tissues obtained via bronchoscopic biopsy(HE staining and transmission electron microscopy)was conducted.These indicators were comprehensively used to evaluate the success of the animal model.Results At 5 hours after LPS administration,8 minipigs developed symptoms such as skin cyanosis,elevated body temperature,and respiratory distress.The oxygenation index decreased to<300 mmHg.Chest CT scans showed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.Histopathology revealed alveolar edema and hyaline membrane formation.Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated disruption of pulmonary blood-air barrier,depletion of lamellar bodies in type Ⅱ pneumocytes,inflammatory cell infiltration,and exudation of plasma proteins and fibrin.Compared with LPS 0 h,at LPS 8 h,the oxygenation index and arterial blood pH were significantly decreased(P<0.001),while blood lactic acid and serum potassium were significantly increased(P<0.05);serum calcium and base excess were significantly decreased(P<0.05),and the lung injury score based on HE-stained lung sections was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion The porcine ARDS model established by continuous LPS injection can dynamically simulate the pathophysiological characteristics and typical pathological manifestations of clinical septic ARDS,making it an effective tool to study the pathogenesis,prevention,and treatment strategies of septic ARDS.
8.Protocol for clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fracture through integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine
Lyuyu LI ; Chuan LI ; Dan XING ; Bin WANG ; Ning LI ; Yan YAN ; Weiheng CHEN ; Yongqing XU ; Wei DONG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(3):253-258
Osteoporotic distal radius fracture (ODRF), a common fragility fracture in elderly patients, poses a significant threat to patients′ life and health due to its high incidence and disability rate. Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine have accumulated extensive clinical experience in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of ODRF. However, there is currently a lack of specific guideline on how to effectively integrate the strengths of the two medical systems. To standardize the collaborative diagnosis and treatment of ODRF using integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine, the Clinical Practice Guideline Working Group for the clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic distal radius fracture through integrated traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine was established in September 2024, led by the Third Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese medicine (Kunming Hospital of Chinese Medicine) with the participation of many medical institutions across China. Protocol for the guideline was then formulated to detail each key aspect in the development of the guideline and explain the related procedures, aiming to ensure a standardized, orderly and transparent development.
9.Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique (version 2025)
Sihao HE ; Junchao XING ; Tongwei CHU ; Zhengqi CHANG ; Xigao CHENG ; Fei DAI ; Xiaobing JIANG ; Jie HAO ; Jiang HU ; Jinghui HUANG ; Tianyong HOU ; Fei LUO ; Bo LIAO ; Changqing LI ; Lei LIU ; Guodong LIU ; Peng LIU ; Sheng LU ; Weishi LI ; Yang LIU ; Zhen LIU ; Wei MEI ; Peifu TANG ; Bing WANG ; Bing WANG ; Ce WANG ; Hongli WANG ; Liang WANG ; Shengru WANG ; Xiaobin WANG ; Yang WANG ; Yingfeng WANG ; Zheng WANG ; Jianzhong XU ; Guoyong YIN ; Haiyang YU ; Qiang YANG ; Zhaoming YE ; Bin ZHANG ; Chengmin ZHANG ; Jun ZOU ; Qiang ZHOU ; Min ZHAO ; Rui ZHOU ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Yongfei ZHAO ; Zhongrong ZHANG ; Zehua ZHANG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Trauma 2025;41(11):1035-1047
For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.
10.The Valvular Heart Disease-specific Age-adjusted Comorbidity Index (VHD-ACI) score in patients with moderate or severe valvular heart disease.
Mu-Rong XIE ; Bin ZHANG ; Yun-Qing YE ; Zhe LI ; Qing-Rong LIU ; Zhen-Yan ZHAO ; Jun-Xing LV ; De-Jing FENG ; Qing-Hao ZHAO ; Hai-Tong ZHANG ; Zhen-Ya DUAN ; Bin-Cheng WANG ; Shuai GUO ; Yan-Yan ZHAO ; Run-Lin GAO ; Hai-Yan XU ; Yong-Jian WU
Journal of Geriatric Cardiology 2025;22(9):759-774
BACKGROUND:
Based on the China-VHD database, this study sought to develop and validate a Valvular Heart Disease- specific Age-adjusted Comorbidity Index (VHD-ACI) for predicting mortality risk in patients with VHD.
METHODS & RESULTS:
The China-VHD study was a nationwide, multi-centre multi-centre cohort study enrolling 13,917 patients with moderate or severe VHD across 46 medical centres in China between April-June 2018. After excluding cases with missing key variables, 11,459 patients were retained for final analysis. The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality, with 941 deaths (10.0%) observed during follow-up. The VHD-ACI was derived after identifying 13 independent mortality predictors: cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, low body weight, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, renal insufficiency, moderate/severe hepatic dysfunction, heart failure, cancer, NYHA functional class and age. The index exhibited good discrimination (AUC, 0.79) and calibration (Brier score, 0.062) in the total cohort, outperforming both EuroSCORE II and ACCI (P < 0.001 for comparison). Internal validation through 100 bootstrap iterations yielded a C statistic of 0.694 (95% CI: 0.665-0.723) for 2-year mortality prediction. VHD-ACI scores, as a continuous variable (VHD-ACI score: adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.263 (1.245-1.282), P < 0.001) or categorized using thresholds determined by the Yoden index (VHD-ACI ≥ 9 vs. < 9, adjusted HR (95% CI): 6.216 (5.378-7.184), P < 0.001), were independently associated with mortality. The prognostic performance remained consistent across all VHD subtypes (aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid valve disease, mixed aortic/mitral valve disease and multiple VHD), and clinical subgroups stratified by therapeutic strategy, LVEF status (preserved vs. reduced), disease severity and etiology.
CONCLUSION
The VHD-ACI is a simple 13-comorbidity algorithm for the prediction of mortality in VHD patients and providing a simple and rapid tool for risk stratification.


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