Phd in ANGIO-CARDIO-THORACIC PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND IMAGING

Thesis title: VALUE OF OXIDATIVE-STRESS PARAMETERS ON CARDIAC FUNCTION AND CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in NOX2, a marker of oxidative stress, in patients before and after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR). Methods: We enrolled 63 patients in our centre in 2023 and investigated the correlations between changes in oxidative stress, improvements in echocardiographic parameters, and clinical endpoints. NOX2 levels were measured at baseline, 48 hours, and 1 month post-TAVR. Results: Oxidative stress, as indicated by NOX2 levels, was significantly reduced at 48 hours and 1 month after TAVR. Despite these substantial reductions, no differences were observed in cardiovascular mortality at 6 months or in improved transprosthetic gradients. However, a significant association was found between the marked improvement in oxidative stress and the enhancement of ejection fraction. Conclusions: TAVR significantly reduces oxidative stress shortly after the procedure. While these reductions are not linked to decreased cardiovascular mortality or improved transprosthetic gradients at 6 months, they are associated with better ejection fraction outcomes, suggesting a beneficial impact on cardiac function.