Ethnic Disparities and Outcomes of Edwards Sapien Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Kuwait

Abstract

Introduction: Clinical outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have not been reported in the Gulf region. This study aims to identify baseline characteristics of patients undergoing TAVI, based on nationality, and analyze their overall outcomes at a single center in Kuwait. Methods: A retrospective study of 61 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI between 2018 and 2021 in Sabah Al Ahmad Cardiac Centre in Kuwait. Clinical and baseline demographics data along with preprocedural computed tomography (CT) and echocardiography were reviewed. Postprocedural outcomes, including conduction disturbances and inhospital mortality rates, were analyzed. Patients were analyzed according to Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti citizens' status. Results: The mean age of Kuwaiti patients was 72.2 ± 9.2, whereas the mean age of non-Kuwaiti citizens was 78.8 ± 5.5. No significant differences were observed between Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti in electrocardiogram (ECG) and CT parameters (P > 0.05). A statistically significant difference among Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti patients was observed only laboratory parameters, white blood cell (WBC) count, international normalized ratio (INR), and C-reactive protein (CRP). The mean value of WBC count (WBC), INR, and CRP was higher among non-Kuwaiti patients when compared to Kuwaiti patients (P < 0.05). Inhospital mortality was low 1/61 (1.6%). Conclusion: Cumulative inhospital mortality in TAVI was 1.6%. TAVI experience in Kuwait with Edwards SAPIEN valve is comparable to international cohorts. No significant differences in procedural outcomes, including conduction disturbance and mortality, were observed between the two subgroups.