Combined Endpoint Of Mortality Research Articles

Role of preexisting right ventricular remodeling in symptoms and prognosis after transcatheter tricuspid valve repair.

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with chronic volume overload and right ventricular remodeling (RVR). Transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVr) reduces TR and can improve quality of life (QoL), but the role of preprocedural RVR on TTVr outcomes remains unclear. To investigate the role of RVR on outcomes after TTVr for severe TR. Consecutive patients undergoing TTVr (61% edge-to-edge vs. 39% direct annuloplasty) for severe TR were retrospectively compared by preexisting RVR which was defined as dilation of RV mid-level diameter (> 35mm) according to guidelines. QoL was evaluated using NYHA class, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and 6-min walking distance (6MWD) 1-month after TTVr. Mid-term mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization were assessed through 1year. RVR was present in 137 of 223 patients (61%). Symptoms and QoL improved equally in both groups: ≥ 1 NYHA class (57% vs. 65% of patients with vs. without RVR, respectively), 6MWD (36% vs. 34%), MLHFQ (81% vs. 69%), and SF-36 (68% vs. 65%) improvement. One-year mortality and HF hospitalization were significantly higher in patients with RVR (24% and 30%, respectively) than in patients without (8% and 13%, both p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, RVR was independently associated with mortality (HR 2.3, 95%CI (1.0-5.0), p = 0.04) and the combined endpoint of mortality or rehospitalization (HR 2.0, 95%CI (1.1-3.8), p = 0.03). TTVr was associated with significant QoL improvement after 1month, irrespective of RVR. Despite increased mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure, TTVr in the presence of RVR still provides substantial symptomatic benefit for patients with severe TR.

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in adults with congenital heart disease

Abstract Background Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICD) are an established treatment option for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, data in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD), especially in direct comparison to other patient groups (e.g. cardiomyopathies) are scarce. Methods Retrospective single-center study of all patients receiving a S-ICD in the time-period 2012-2020. ACHD patients were compared to non-ACHD patients. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome was a combined endpoint of all-cause mortality and appropriate shocks. Results Altogether, 79 patients (11 ACHD, 68 non-ACHD patients) with a mean age of 40.6 ± 16.0 years (29.1% female) were included. There was no significant difference for age and sex between both groups. Secondary prevention of SCD was more often the indication for a S-ICD in ACHD (81.8%) than in non-ACHD patients (48.5%; p=0.040). Betablockers were more commonly used in ACHD patients (100% vs. 64.7%; p=0.018). There was no significant difference for other heart failure medications. During a median follow up of 3.4 years [IQR 1.7-5.2], the primary endpoint occurred in 36.4% of ACHD vs. 2.9% of non-ACHD patients (p&amp;lt;0.001). The secondary endpoint occurred also more often in the ACHD patient group compared to non-ACHD patients (54.5% vs. 17.6%, p=0.007). There was a numerically higher number of inappropriate shocks in the ACHD group (27.3% vs. 9.0%), albeit without a statistically significant difference (p=0.078). Conclusions In ACHD patients with a S-ICD, mortality as well as a combined endpoint of mortality and appropriate shocks were more common than in non-ACHD patients. The numerically higher number of inappropriate shocks deserves further attention.

Abstract 14576: Circulating Bone Morphogenetic Protein 10 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Heart Failure: A BIOSTAT-CHF Study

Introduction: Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) plays a central role in cardiac embryogenesis and is known to facilitate cardiac repair after myocardial injury in adults. The prognostic value of BMP10 in heart failure (HF) remains largely unknown. Objectives: To identify biological processes related to elevated BMP10 concentrations and to investigate the prognostic utility of circulating BMP10 in HF patients. Methods: Serum BMP10 concentrations were measured in 2085 chronic HF patients from the European BIOSTAT cohort using a prototype electrochemiluminescence immunoassay developed by Roche Diagnostics. First, we performed gene set enrichment analysis to identify biological pathways related to elevated BMP10. Next, we examined the predictive value of BMP10 for all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization and a combined endpoint of mortality and/or HF hospitalization on top of an established risk score, atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke using Cox-regression analysis after log-transformation and standardization. Results were validated in an independent cohort of HF patients (n=1487). Results: High BMP10 was related to pathways of growth and growth factor activity, regulation of bone, extracellular region, and response to hormones/glucocorticoids. After adjusting for the BIOSTAT risk scores, AF and stroke, log-BMP10 remained a strong predictor of 2-year all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR] =1.17, Confidence Interval [CI]= 1.06-1.28), HF hospitalization (HR [CI]=1.13 [1.03-1.25]) and the combined endpoint (HR [CI]=1.10 [1.02-1.19]). Similar trends were seen in the validation cohort (Figure 1). Conclusions: BMP10 is an independent predictor of HF-rehospitalization and all-cause mortality in patients with HF.

#2879 EFFECT OF THE RATE OF ALBUMIN DECREASE ON LONG-TERM PROGNOSIS IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims The malnutrition is often prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients, and the risk of mortality is strongly correlated with malnutrition. We assume the dynamic change and trend of albumin in HD patients are mortality essential, however there is not enough information on these data. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of long-term prognosis and decrease rate of albumin for one-year. Method We enrolled HD patients in six centers to a retrospective follow-up study. All patients had received HD from January 2014 to December 2014 and serum albumin data were collected every month in this period. We defined decrease rate in serum albumin as (average of albumin value for the year - decrease value for the year) / average of albumin value for the year. We categorized these patients into two groups according to the median value of the decrease rate. Then these patients were observed for three years. The primary and secondary outcome of this study was all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint of mortality and major cardio-cerebrovascular adverse events (MACCE). To evaluate cut-off value in decrease rate of serum albumin, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Moreover, restricted cubic splines were used to detect the possible nonlinear dependency of the relationship between decrease rate in serum albumin and mortality. Results Six-hundred twenty-one HD patients were enrolled into this study. The median rate of decrease in albumin in the enrolled patients was 7.5%. Compared to the low decrease fluctuation group(n = 321), the high decrease fluctuation group (n = 300) was significantly older (67 vs 66 years; p = 0.03), more frequently had diabetes mellitus (51.7 vs 39.3%; p = 0.02), had lower serum creatinine (9.34 vs 10.69 mg/dl; p &amp;lt;0.001) and lower body mass index (20.3 vs 21.3; p = 0.01). The mean follow-up period was 31.0±10.1 months. During the follow-up period, there were 121 cases (19.5%) in all cause death and 191 cases (30.5%) in combined endpoint, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that high decrease fluctuation in serum albumin group had a significantly worse prognosis in both all-cause mortality (Log-rank, p = 0.01) and combined endpoint (Log-rank, p = 0.002) than low decrease fluctuation group (Figure 1). Multi-variate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that high decrease fluctuation in serum albumin was a significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and combined endpoint (hazard ratio 1.47 (95%CI: 1.02-2.13), p = 0.03, hazard ratio 1.49 (95%CI:1.11-1.99), p = 0.007). The cut-off value for all-cause mortality in decrease rate of serum albumin was 8.4% by ROC curve analysis. Moreover, through multivariable restricted cubic spline regression, continuous variation in decrease rate in serum albumin was found to be related to all-cause mortality in a nonlinear manner (Figure 2). Conclusion In HD patients, high decrease fluctuation in serum albumin was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared low decrease fluctuation in serum albumin. Our findings suggest that regarding serum albumin, we might need to pay attention not only to its monthly value, but also to its decreasing fluctuation.

Diagnostic and prognostic relevance of using large gene panels in the genetic testing of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

It was previously suggested that increasing the number of genes on diagnostic gene panels could increase the genetic yield in patient with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We explored the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of testing DCM patients with an expanded gene panel. The current study included 225 consecutive DCM patients who had no genetic diagnosis after a 48-gene cardiomyopathy-panel. These were then evaluated using an expanded gene panel of 299 cardiac-associated genes. A likely pathogenic/pathogenic (P/LP) variant was detected in 13 patients. Five variants were reclassifications of variants found in genes which were already detected using the 48 gene panel. Only one of the other eight variants could explain the phenotype of the patient (KCNJ2). The panel detected 186 VUSs in 127 patients (of which 6 also had a P/LP variant). The presence of a VUS was significantly associated with the combined end-point of mortality, heart failure hospitalization, heart transplantation or life-threatening arrhythmias(HR, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.15 to 3.65]; p = 0.02). The association of a VUS with prognosis remained when we only included VUSs in robust DCM-associated genes (high suspicious VUSs), but disappeared when we only included VUSs in non-robust DCM-associated genes (low suspicious VUSs), highlighting the importance of weighing of VUSs. Overall, the use of large gene panels for genetic testing in DCM does not increase the diagnostic yield, although a VUS in a robust DCM-associated gene is associated with an adverse prognosis. Altogether, current diagnostic gene panels should be limited to the robust DCM-associated genes.

Low Prognostic Nutritional Index Predicts Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The association of low prognostic nutritional index (PNI) with adverse outcomes remains conflicting in heart failure patients. To address these knowledge gaps, we performed this meta-analysis to investigate the predictive value of PNI in patients with heart failure (HF). PubMed and Embase databases were comprehensively searched until January 19, 2023, to identify studies that evaluated the predictive role of PNI in HF patients. Outcomes of interest included all-cause mortality and/or combined endpoint of mortality and re-hospitalization. Twelve studies involving 9365 patients with HF were included and analyzed. Comparison of the lowest with the highest PNI, the pooled multivariate adjusted risk ratio (RR) was 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.40-2.30) and 2.67 (95% CI 1.92-3.71) for long-term all-cause mortality and combined endpoint of mortality and re-hospitalization, respectively. Furthermore, per unit reduction in PNI was associated with 8% higher risk of all-cause mortality. However, there was no clear association of low PNI with in-hospital mortality. Low PNI may be an independent predictor of long-term all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization in patients with HF. Estimation of nutritional state using the PNI may provide an important clue for risk stratification in these patients.

Systematic lung ultrasound in Omicron-type vs. wild-type COVID-19.

Preliminary data suggested that patients with Omicron-type-Coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) have less severe lung disease compared with the wild-type-variant. We aimed to compare lung ultrasound (LUS) parameters in Omicron vs. wild-type COVID-19 and evaluate their prognostic implications. One hundred and sixty-two consecutive patients with Omicron-type-COVID-19 underwent LUS within 48 h of admission and were compared with propensity-matched wild-type patients (148 pairs). In the Omicron patients median, first and third quartiles of the LUS-score was 5 [2-12], and only 9% had normal LUS. The majority had either mild (≤5; 37%) or moderate (6-15; 39%), and 15% (≥15) had severe LUS-score. Thirty-six percent of patients had patchy pleural thickening (PPT). Factors associated with LUS-score in the Omicron patients included ischaemic-heart-disease, heart failure, renal-dysfunction, and C-reactive protein. Elevated left-filling pressure or right-sided pressures were associated with the LUS-score. Lung ultrasound-score was associated with mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.18; P = 0.03] and with the combined endpoint of mortality and respiratory failure (OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.07-1.22; P < 0.0001). Patients with the wild-type variant had worse LUS characteristics than the matched Omicron-type patients (PPT: 90 vs. 34%; P < 0.0001 and LUS-score: 8 [5, 12] vs. 5 [2, 10], P = 0.004), irrespective of disease severity. When matched only to the 31 non-vaccinated Omicron patients, these differences were attenuated. Lung ultrasound-score is abnormal in the majority of hospitalized Omicron-type patients. Patchy pleural thickening is less common than in matched wild-type patients, but the difference is diminished in the non-vaccinated Omicron patients. Nevertheless, even in this milder form of the disease, the LUS-score is associated with poor in-hospital outcomes.

Echocardiography and computed tomography predictors of successful transcatheter direct annuloplasty for mitral regurgitation

Abstract Background Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is associated with adverse outcomes and the optimal treatment modality remains challenging due to extensive variety in the pathology of SMR. Percutaneous direct annuloplasty using the Cardioband system emerged as a promising treatment in selected patients. However, success predictors of this intervention and their association with prognosis remain unclear. Purpose To investigate the role of echocardiographic and computed tomography (CT) data in patients with SMR undergoing percutaneous direct annuloplasty. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent catheter-based direct annuloplasty with the Cardioband system for SMR at five tertiary centres in Germany and Switzerland between 2013 and 2020. Patients with procedural success (defined as postprocedural MR grade ≤2+) were compared to those with MR &amp;gt;2+ with respect to baseline echocardiographic data and outcome. Results We included 130 patients (median age 75.5 [71–79], 37% female). Most patients were severely symptomatic (NYHA class III/IV 86.9%), had a median EF of 39 (29–52) with an ischaemic etiology in 39%. Procedural success was achieved in 68%. Procedural time was 178.5 (147.5–214.5) minutes. Patients with and without procedural success differed significantly in measures of MR severity (defined as postprocedural SMR severity (grade, vena contracta (VC), effective regurgitation orifice area and regurgitation volume), annular dilatation (leaflet length, LA sphericity index at end-systole and CT-derived intercommissural distance) and leaflet tethering (tenting area, regurgitation jet direction). In multivariable analysis of echocardiographic parameters including significant measures of annular dilatation and leaflet tethering, predictors of procedural treatment success were tenting area (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.33–0.98 per mm2, p=0.016) and central regurgitation jet direction (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.06–8.25, p=0.038). After adding CT data in the multivariable model, intercommissural distance proved to be the most significant predictor (OR 0.96; 0.92–0.99, p=0.009), whereas VC was the only echo predictor (OR 0.84; 0.73–0.98, p=0.03). NYHA class III/IV at last follow up was significantly different between groups, with 34.1% vs. 55.2% of patients with vs. without procedural success, respectively (p=0.04). The combined endpoint of mortality or reintervention at 1 year was significantly lower in patients with procedural success (27% vs. 63%, p=0.002), whereas the association of procedural success with 1-year mortality was of borderline significance (13% vs. 32%, p=0.05). Conclusion Two thirds of patients undergoing transcatheter direct annuloplasty for SMR had procedural success. Careful patient selection by assessment of mitral valve anatomy is helpful to predict procedural success, which translates into less symptom burden and better clinical outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Atrial Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation: Novel Definition and Impact on Prognosis.

Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation (atrial TR) has received growing recognition as a TR entity with a distinct cause owing to its independence from valvular tethering as the predominant mechanism underlying TR. However, characterization of atrial TR varies, and a universal definition is lacking. In total, 651 patients with significant functional TR were analyzed, including 438 conservatively treated individuals and 213 patients who received transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR). Based on a clustering approach, we defined atrial TR as tricuspid valve (TV) tenting height ≤10 mm, midventricular right ventricular diameter ≤38 mm, and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%. Patients with atrial TR were more often females, had higher right ventricular fractional area change, higher left ventricular ejection fraction, and lower LV end-diastolic diameter, TV tenting area and height, lower right ventricular and tricuspid annular size, enlarged, but lower right atrial area and lower TV effective regurgitant orifice area (all P<0.05). Patients with atrial TR had significantly better long-term survival than non-atrial TR in the conservatively treated TR cohort (P<0.01, n=438). Atrial TR was independently associated with a lower rate of the combined end point of mortality and heart failure hospitalization at 1-year follow-up in the TTVR cohort (hazard ratio, 0.39; P<0.05, n=213). TR degree was significantly reduced after TTVR in non-atrial and atrial TR (P<0.01). Functional parameters significantly improved following TTVR independent of TR cause (P<0.05). An echocardiography-based atrial TR definition is associated with prognostic relevance in patients with functional TR in conservatively treated TR and after TTVR.

46 ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITORS/ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTOR BLOCKER IMPROVES CLINICAL OUTCOMES IN COVID-19 PATIENTS: A META-ANALYSIS

Objective: It is speculated that patients with pre-existing use of ACEi/ARB increase the infection risk and severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. Otherwise, the contrasting hypothesis stated that the use of ACEi/ARB might protect against virally induced lung and cardiac injury. We aimed to investigate association between pre-existing use of ACEi/ARB with the severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search from several databases in concordance to PRISMA algorithm. The population was COVID-19 pneumonia. Mortality was defined as in-hospital mortality; the severity of disease was categorized as severe versus non-severe based on the guidelines issued by National Health Commission of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19. Population with pre-existing use of ACEi/ARB and without the use of ACEi/ARB were compared. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were combined endpoint of mortality and severity. Results: A total of 2,496 patients recruited from 8 eligible studies. This meta-analysis demonstrated that pre-existing use of ACEi/ARB is associated with a lower mortality (RR = 0.81, 95%CI 0.67 to 0.98, p = 0.03, I2 = 0%). There was no association solely with severity of disease. The use of ACEi/ARB is also associated with the combined endpoint of mortality and severity (RR = 0.87, 95%CI 0.76 to 0.99, p = 0.04, I2 = 32%). Conclusion: The pre-existing use of ACEi or ARB is associated with lower mortality and the combined endpoint of severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Prevalence and prognostic impact of cognitive frailty in elderly patients with heart failure: sub-analysis of FRAGILE-HF.

AimsAlthough evidence suggests that cognitive decline and physical frailty in elderly patients with heart failure (HF) are associated with prognosis, the impact of concurrent physical frailty and cognitive impairment, that is, cognitive frailty, on prognosis has yet to be fully investigated. The current study sought to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of cognitive frailty in elderly patients with HF.Methods and resultsThis study is a sub‐analysis of FRAGILE‐HF, a prospective multicentre observational study involving patients aged ≥65 years hospitalized for HF. The Fried criteria and Mini‐Cog were used to diagnose physical frailty and cognitive impairment, respectively. The association between cognitive frailty and the combined endpoint of mortality and HF rehospitalization within 1 year was then evaluated. Among the 1332 patients identified, 1215 who could be assessed using Mini‐Cog and the Fried criteria were included in this study. Among those included, 279 patients (23.0%) had cognitive frailty. During the follow‐up 1 year after discharge, 398 combined events were observed. Moreover, cognitive frailty was determined to be associated with a higher incidence of combined events (log‐rank: P = 0.0146). This association was retained even after adjusting for other prognostic factors (hazard ratio: 1.55, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–2.13). Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis using grip strength, short physical performance battery, and gait speed to determine physical frailty instead of the Fried criteria showed similar results.ConclusionsThis cohort study found that 23% of elderly patients with HF had cognitive frailty, which was associated with a 1.55‐fold greater risk for combined events within 1 year compared with patients without cognitive frailty.

Oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea en el paciente COVID-19: resultados del Registro Español ECMO-COVID de la Sociedad Española de Cirugía Cardiovascular y Endovascular

Background and aimCOVID-19 patients with severe heart or respiratory failure are potential candidates for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Indications and management of these patients are unclear. Our aim is to describe the results of a prospective registry of COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO. MethodsAn anonymous prospective registry of COVID-19 patients treated with veno-arterial (V-A) or veno-venous (V-V) ECMO was created on march 2020. Clinical, analytical and respiratory preimplantation variables, implantation data and post-implantation course data were recorded. The primary endpoint was all cause in-hospital mortality. Secondary events were functional recovery and the combined endpoint of mortality and functional recovery in patients followed at least 3 months after discharge. ResultsThree hundred and sixty-six patients from 25 hospitals were analyzed, 347 V-V ECMO and 18 V-A ECMO patients (mean age 52.7 and 49.5 years respectively). Patients with V-V ECMO were more obese, had less frequently organ damage other than respiratory failure and needed less inotropic support; Thirty three percent of V-A ECMO and 34.9% of V-A ECMO were discharged (P=NS). Hospital mortality was non-significantly different, 56.2% versus 50.9% respectively, mainly during ECMO therapy and mostly due to multiorgan failure. Other 51 patients (14%) remained admitted. Mean follow-up was 196± 101.7 days (95%CI: 170.8-221.6). After logistic regression, body weight (OR 0.967, 95%CI: 0.95-0.99, P=0.004) and ECMO implantation in the own centre (OR 0.48, 95%CI: 0.27-0.88, P=0.018) were protective for hospital mortality. Age (OR 1.063, 95%CI: 1.005-1.12, P=0.032), arterial hypertension (3.593, 95%CI: 1.06-12.19, P=0.04) and global (2.44, 95%CI: 0.27-0.88, P=0.019), digestive (OR 4,23, 95%CI: 1.27-14.07, P=0.019) and neurological (OR 4.66, 95%CI: 1.39-15.62, P=0.013) complications during ECMO therapy were independent predictors of primary endpoint occurrence. Only the post-discharge day at follow-up was independent predictor of both secondary endpoints occurrence. ConclusionsHospital survival of severely ill COVID-19 patients treated with ECMO is near 50%. Age, arterial hypertension and ECMO complications are predictors of hospital mortality, and body weight and implantation in the own centre are protective. Functional recovery is only predicted by the follow-up time after discharge. A more homogeneous management of these patients is warranted for clinical results and future research optimization.

Neurovascular abnormalities in patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome type III

The aim of this article is to describe neurovascular findings in patients with Loeys Dietz syndrome type III and their possible clinical impact. Loeys Dietz syndrome type III, caused by pathogenic SMAD3 variants, is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by aneurysms and arterial tortuosity in combination with osteoarthritis. Neurovascular abnormalities have been described in other heritable aortic syndromes, however, reliable data in Loeys Dietz syndrome type III is missing.In our tertiary center, all adult patients with confirmed Loeys Dietz syndrome type III are followed in a standardized aorta outpatient clinic including Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the head and neck region at baseline and (tri) yearly during follow-up. We performed an analysis of the neurovascular imaging findings and clinical follow-up. The primary outcome was a combined endpoint of mortality, dissection, cerebral vascular event and intervention. In addition, tortuosity and vascular growth were assessed. In total 26 patients (mean age 38.4 years, 38.5% males) underwent 102 (mean 3.9 (1-8) per patient) neurovascular Computed Tomography Angiography scans between 2010 and 2021. In 84.6% some form of neurovascular abnormality was found. The abnormalities at baseline were aneurysm (26.9%) dissection flap (7.7%), arterial tortuosity (61.5%), arterial coiling (23.1%) and arterial kinking (3.8%). During follow up (mean 8.85 (1-11) years) one patient suffered from sudden death and one patient needed a neuro-radiological intervention. No cerebral bleeding or stroke occurred.In conclusion, neurovascular imaging in Loeys Dietz syndrome type III patients revealed abnormalities such as aneurysm, tortuosity, coiling and kinking in the vast majority of patients, but clinical events were rare. Neurovascular screening and follow up is advised in all Loeys Dietz syndrome type III patients.

Impact of malnutrition on the relationship between obesity and mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation

Abstract Introduction A protective effect of obesity has been previously reported in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) – the so-called `obesity paradox”. Nutritional status could behave as a confounding factor, but there are no studies that analyze the interaction of malnutrition in the relationship between obesity and mortality in AF patients. Aim The objective of this study was to determine the impact of nutritional status on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and mortality in AF patients. Methods A retrospective, multicenter, population-based cohort study of patients with diagnosis of AF from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017, in Vigo, Spain, was conducted. We created three separate groups according to BMI (normal-weight, overweight, and obesity) and three separate cohorts based on nutritional status according to CONUT score (good nutrition, mild malnutrition, and moderate-severe malnutrition). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included embolic events (systemic embolism and stroke) and major bleeding. A combined endpoint of mortality, embolic and haemorrhagic events was assessed (clinical net outcome). Results A total of 14,849 AF patients aged ≥75 years (75.6±10.3 years, 50.9% women) were followed-up during 44.4±1.8 years. Overweight and obesity was observed in 42.6% and 46.0%, respectively, whereas malnutrition was observed in 34.3%. Malnutrition rates were lower as BMI increased: from 48.1% in patients with underweight, to 36.8%, 35.1% and 33.0% in patients with normal weight, overweight, and obesity, respectively (p-value &amp;lt;0.001 for the trend). BMI was inversely associated with mortality (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.97; p&amp;lt;0.001) in the univariate analysis; however, this association was lost when adjusted analysis by nutritional status was performed (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00; p=0.285). Thus, neither overweight nor obesity were predictors of mortality nor net outcome when we adjusted by nutritional status: after stratifying for presence of malnutrition, survival of patients with a BMI&amp;gt;25 kg/m2 was similar to that of patients with BMI ≤25 kg/m2. Regarding to nutritional status, both mild and moderate-severe malnutrition were associated with higher rates of mortality, stroke/systemic embolism and bleeding in all BMI groups (normal-weight, overweight and obesity). In this real-world observational study, we have assessed the interaction of nutritional status in the association between BMI and prognosis of AF patients. We concluded that 1) Malnutrition is common in AF patients, even among patients with overweight and obesity; 2) Malnutrition is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with AF; and 3) BMI was not associated with worse prognosis after adjusting for nutritional status. Conclusion The analysis of a large population of AF patients showed that the association between improved mortality and obesity/overweight is confounded by malnutrition status. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Impact of nutrition status and weightClinical outcomes in different groups

Evaluation of percutaneous annuloplasty for treatment of functional mitral regurgitation: A retrospective study.

The management of severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) in patients with heart failure (HF) and low ejection fraction is controversial, but percutaneous transcatheter procedures are promising. In this retrospective analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy of the Carillon Mitral Contour System in patients with "inoperable" severe FMR. Seventy three patients (mean age 66.89, range 31-90 years) with congestive heart failure (CHF), severe FMR, and reduced ejection fraction (<35%) who underwent Carillon device implantation were examined. The study group consisted of patients with successfully implanted devices whereas the control group comprised patients in whom the device could not be deployed. The primary endpoint was combined all-cause mortality and first hospitalization for HF (whichever came first). The median (Q1, Q3) follow-up was 31 (11-49) months. The device was deployed successfully in 50 patients (implant group) and not in 23 patients (non-implant group). Both the primary endpoint and all-cause mortality were lower in the "implant" group, but the differences were not significant. The median to primary endpoint was 21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 8.8-33.2] and six (95% CI 0.1-11.9) months for the implant group and the non-implant group, respectively (p=0.078). Carillon Mitral Contour System implantation is a safe procedure and results in the reduction of all-cause mortality and combined endpoint of mortality and hospitalizations for HF in inoperable patients with severe FMR and low ejection fraction, although the difference did not meet the significance level.

Mitral Regurgitation International Database (MIDA) Score Predicts Outcome in Patients With Heart Failure Undergoing Transcatheter Edge‐to‐Edge Mitral Valve Repair

BackgroundOptimizing risk stratification in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair is an ongoing challenge. The Mitral Regurgitation International Database (MIDA) score represents a user‐friendly mortality risk stratification tool that is validated on a large‐scale registry of patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). We here assessed the potential benefit of the MIDA risk score for patients with functional or degenerative MR undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair.Methods and ResultsIn total, 680 patients undergoing MitraClip implantation were stratified according to MIDA score tertiles into a low (0–7), intermediate (8–9), and a high (10–12) MIDA score group. MR was assessed in follow‐up echocardiograms in 416 patients at 323±169 days after transcatheter mitral valve repair. During 2‐year follow‐up, 8.2% (15/182) of patients with low, 21.3% (64/300) with intermediate, and 26.3% (52/198) with high MIDA score died (log‐rank test P<0.001). Hazard of all‐cause mortality increased by 13% (95% CI, 3%–25%) with every additional point of the MIDA score. Subanalysis of 431 patients with functional MR showed similar results. Furthermore, rates of a combined end point of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure were higher with increasing MIDA score (30% [54/182], 38% [113/300] and 48% [94/198], respectively, log‐rank test P=0.001). Frequency of residual MR ≥II at follow‐up increased with increasing MIDA score group (33%, 44%, and 59%, respectively, P<0.001).ConclusionsThe MIDA mortality risk score maintains its predictive utility in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair, regardless of MR cause. Moreover, it was predictive of worse event‐free survival regarding a combined end point of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure, and was associated with postprocedural residual MR ≥II and MR recurrence.

Prognostic value of elevated lactate dehydrogenase in patients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThis meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic performance of elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients with COVID-19.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and EuropePMC on 19 November...

Mechanical Dispersion as a powerful echocardiographic predictor of outcomes after Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Introduction Several studies have addressed the importance of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in risk prediction of subsequent adverse events after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). While several traditional echo parameters have a well-established prognostic value, data derived from 2D-Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (2DSTE) needs further investigation. Objectives To determine if 2DSTE parameters provide additional information beyond conventional echocardiography to predict long-term adverse outcomes in patients admitted with STEMI Methods Retrospective, single-center study, that included all patients without previous cardiovascular events admitted with STEMI (who underwent primary coronary angioplasty) between 2015 and 2017. Patients with poor acoustic windows, severe valvular disease, irregular heart rhythm, and those who died during hospital stay were excluded. We reviewed all pre-discharge TTE to assess conventional parameters of LV systolic and diastolic function and data obtained by 2DSTE: global longitudinal strain (GLS) and peak strain dispersion (PSD), an index that is the standard deviation from time to peak strain of all segments over the entire cardiac cycle. Demographic and clinical data was obtained through electronic hospital records. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular re-admission at follow-up. Survival analysis was used to determine independent predictors of the primary endpoint. Results 377 patients were included, mean age 62±13 years, 72% male. Mean LVEF was 50±10% with 19% of patients having LVEF &amp;lt;40%. Mean indexed left atrium volume (LAVi) was 33±10 ml/m2, mean GLS was −14±4%, and PSD was 60±22 msec. Average follow-up was 36±11 months, with a combined endpoint of mortality and hospitalization of 27% (n=102) Univariate analysis of echocardiographic variables revealed an association between heart rate, LVEF, indexed LV end-systolic volume, indexed stroke volume, LAVi, GLS and PSD with the endpoint. However, on multivariate analysis only LAVi [HR 1.030 (95% CI 1.009 - 1.051), p-value = 0.005] and PSD [HR 1.011 (95% CI 1.002 - 1.020), p-value = 0.012] remained independent predictors of the primary endpoint. We determined that a PSD value higher than 52 msec has a sensitivity of 76% and a negative predictive value of 83% for mortality and hospitalization, and that this cut-off point discriminates patients at a higher risk of events in Kaplan-Meier Survival analysis with a Log-Rank p-value=0.001. Conclusion PSD derived by longitudinal strain analysis is a promising prognostic predictor after STEMI. PSD outperformed conventional echocardiographic parameters in the risk stratification of STEMI patients at discharge. Kaplan-Meier Survival Curves Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Contemporary utilization patterns and outcomes of thrombolytic administration for ischemic stroke among patients with cancer.

Thrombolytic therapy significantly improves outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke. While cancer outcomes have dramatically improved, the utilization, safety, and mortality outcomes of patients with cancer who receive thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke are unknown. Using a national database, we identified all hospitalizations for acute ischemic stroke requiring thrombolytic therapy between 2003 and 2015. Patients with contraindications to thrombolytic therapy were excluded. Following propensity score matching for comorbidity burden, trends in thrombolytic therapy use and its effect on in-hospital mortality, intracranial or all-cause bleeding, and the combined endpoint of mortality and all-cause bleeding, by presence/absence of cancer were evaluated. We also evaluated 30- and 90-day readmission rates post-thrombolytic therapy administration. We identified 237,687 acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations requiring thrombolytic therapy, of which 26,328 (11%) had an underlying cancer. Over the study period, thrombolytic therapy use increased across all acute ischemic stroke admissions, irrespective of cancer presence (12.4/1000 in 2003 to 81.1/1000 in 2015, P < 0.0001). However, thrombolytic therapy utilization differed by cancer presence (4.8% cancer vs.·5.1% non-cancer, P = 0.001). There was no difference in intracranial bleeding (9.6% vs. 9.7%), all-cause bleeding (13.2% vs. 13.2%), or in-hospital mortality (7.6% vs. 7.2%). While there was no difference in 30-day readmission rates by cancer presence (24% vs. 29%, P = 0.40), at 90-days, cancer patients saw higher readmission rates (17.2% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.02). Contemporary thrombolytic therapy use for acute ischemic stroke has risen, irrespective of presence of cancer. Yet, patients with comorbid cancer appear to see lower rates of thrombolytic therapy use for acute ischemic stroke, despite no difference in the rate of intracranial bleeding or mortality after adjustment for comorbidities.

Adjunctive Rifampin Therapy For Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis in the Veterans Health Administration

Among patients diagnosed with diabetes, the lifetime incidence of foot ulcers is 15%. Infection is a common complication of foot ulcers, and 20% to 60% of infections result in diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). Current treatment guidelines do not endorse any specific antibiotic agent for DFO, but small clinical trials suggest the addition of rifampin to antimicrobial regimens results in improved cure rates for osteomyelitis. To compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated for DFO in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) with and without adjunctive rifampin. This observational cohort study used VHA databases to identify index DFO cases from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2013, and analyzed patients alive and without high-level amputation at 90 days after diagnosis in whom antibiotic therapy was initiated within 6 weeks of diagnosis. Patients with death or major amputation within 90 days of diagnosis, who were not treated with systemic antibiotics dispensed by the VHA within 6 weeks of diagnosis, or who were treated at facilities where rifampin was not dispensed for DFO were excluded. The retrospective cohort to inform the planning of a multisite randomized clinical trial was first investigated in spring 2015; retrospective analysis was performed from February 2017 through September 2019. Patients initiating rifampin therapy within 6 weeks of the DFO diagnosis and receiving the drug for at least 14 days within 90 days of diagnosis were considered treated with rifampin. Patients not administered rifampin within 90 days of diagnosis served as the comparator group. A combined end point of mortality or amputation within 2 years of diagnosis was analyzed. Differences in times to event were evaluated using log-rank tests. Differences in event rates were compared using χ2 tests and multivariable logistic regression. The analysis population included 130 patients treated with rifampin and 6044 treated without rifampin (total of 6174; 6085 men [98.6%]; mean [SD] age, 64.9 [9.7] years). Lower event rates were observed among the rifampin group (35 of 130 [26.9%] vs 2250 of 6044 [37.2%]; P = .02). Patients treated with rifampin were younger (mean [SD] age, 62.2 [9.4] vs 64.9 [9.6] years), had fewer comorbidities (mean [SD] Charlson comorbidity index score, 3.5 [1.8] vs 4.0 [2.2]), had more infectious disease specialty consultations (63 of 130 [48.5%] vs 1960 of 6044 [32.4%]), and more often had Staphylococcus aureus identified in cultures (55 of 130 [42.3%] vs 1755 of 6044 [29.0%]) than patients not treated with rifampin. A logistic regression estimating the odds of events and controlling for these and other covariates yielded a significant association of rifampin (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-0.96; P = .04). In this cohort study, patients administered rifampin experienced lower rates of death and amputation than patients not treated with rifampin, which remained significant after adjustment for confounders. These results coupled with existing evidence from small clinical trials suggest the addition of rifampin to current treatment regimens may be a useful antimicrobial option in the treatment of DFO.