Independent Predictor Of 1-year Mortality Research Articles

P3520Admission hyperglycemia is a predictor of mortality of acute heart failure: comparison between patients with and without diabetes mellitus

Abstract Background Regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM), admission hyperglycemia is not uncommon in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Although DM is a well-known predictor of mortality in AHF, the impacts of admission hyperglycemia on clinical outcomes in non-DM patients with AHF have been poorly studied. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the impact of admission hyperglycemia on long-term clinical outcomes in AHF patients with or without DM. Methods Among 5,625 AHF patients enrolled in a nationwide registry, a total of 5,541 patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups; DM group (n=2,125, 70.4±11.4 years) vs. non-DM group (n=3,416, 67.3±16.0 years). Each group were further divided into 2 groups according to the presence of admission hyperglycemia (admission serum glucose level >200mg/dl); admission hyperglycemia (n=248) and no hyperglycemia (n=3,168) in non-DM; admission hyperglycemia (n=799) and no hyperglycemia (n=1,326) in DM. All-cause death and hospitalization due to HF (HHF) during 1-year follow-up were compared. Results Death was developed in 1,220 patients (22.2%) including 269 inhospital deaths (4.9%) during 1-year of follow-up. Death rate were significantly higher in DM than in non-DM group (24.8% vs 20.5%, p<0.001), however there was no difference in inhospital death (5.1% vs 4.7%, p=0.534). Both inhospital death (7.6% vs. 4.2%, p<0.001) and 1-year death (26.2% vs. 21.3%, p=0.001) were more frequent in AHF patients with hyperglycemia. On Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, however, admission hyperglycemia was associated with significantly higher death (p<0.001 by log-rank test) and rehospitalization (p=0.006 by log-rank test) in non-DM group, but not in DM group. In non-DM group, admission hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10–1.93, p=0.009). Conclusion DM was a significant predictor of long-term mortality in patients with AHF. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with both higher inhospital and 1-year mortality. The present study also demonstrated that admission hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of mortality in non-DM patients with AHF, but not in DM patients. In addition to the presence of DM, admission hyperglycemia would be a useful marker in the risk stratification of AHF, especially in non-DM patients.

P2655ST-elevation myocardial infarction in women: a more satisfactory outcome?

Abstract Background Despite all the advances registered in the last decade regarding acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) treatment, this entity remains prevalent and highly lethal. Women constitute a lower proportion of STEMI patients, however, they show important differences when compared to men. Thanks to the lower representation of women in STEMI trials, less is know about this patient subpopulation. Purpose To determine and understand gender differences in patients admitted with STEMI in a coronary care unit (CCU). Methods Observational retrospective study of patients admitted with STEMI in a CCU, between 2006 and 2017. Patients were split between groups according to gender and were assessed in terms of risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, complications and mortality. Results A total of 2516 patients were included in the study. 1833 were men (72.9%) and 682 were women (27.1%). Mean age was superior in women (73.3±13.2 vs. 64.1±12.8 years, p<0.001), and displayed a greater cardiovascular comorbidity burden such as hypertension (79.6% vs. 66.2%, p<0.001) and diabetes (55.8% vs. 45.3%, p<0.001). At admission time women registered a higher mean TIMI (2.79 vs. 2.62, p=0.009) and GRACE score (166.3 vs. 146.3, p<0.001) which did not reflect in a higher hospital stay (mean 4.75 vs. 5.29 days, p=0.043). Before admission women were less treated with aspirin (26.4% vs. 33.2%, p=0.014) and statins (36.8% vs. 46.5%, p=0.001). There were no differences regarding access to revascularization (98% vs. 96.5%, p=0.105) but women presented more normal coronary angiographies (10.2% vs. 3.6%, p<0.001). During hospital stay, women evolved more to Killip-Kimball (KK) class III (4.5% vs. 1.9%, p<0.001) and KK class IV (15.9% vs. 11.2%, p<0.001). Intra-hospital (13.9% vs. 8.2%, p<0.001), 1-month (18.4% vs. 13.2%, p<0.001), 6-month (22.2% vs. 16.1%, p<0.001) and 1-year mortality (25.7% vs. 17.8%, p<0.01) was superior in women. After multivariate analysis heart failure on admission (OR 9.2, CI 95% 6.7–12.8), intravenous amiodarone use (OR 3.5, CI 95% 2.5–4.8), diabetes (OR 2.3, CI 95% 1.8–2.8), female gender (OR 1.6, CI 95% 1.3–2.0) and peak serum creatinine during hospital stay (OR 1.7, CI 95% 1.6–1.9) were independent predictors of 1-year mortality. After adjustment for age, diabetes, hypertension, previous acute myocardial infarction and initial KK, female gender maintained its potency as a significant 1-year mortality predictor. Conclusions Women presenting with STEMI register poorer outcomes compared to men. In our study, female gender was considered a good independent predictor of short-term and long-term mortality.

Temporal Trends in the Characteristics, Management and Outcomes of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome According to Their Killip Class

Based on the historical Killip Classification, higher Killip class is associated with increased mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), yet data on current prognosis are lacking. We sought to examine temporal trends in the management and outcomes of patients admitted with an ACS by Killip class and to assess its contemporary prognostic value. Time-dependent analysis (early-period 2000 to 2008 vs late-period 2010 to 2016) in patients with lower (=1) and higher (≥2) Killip classes in a national ACS survey. Clinical outcomes included 30d MACE (death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, stent thrombosis, urgent revascularization) and 1-year mortality. Included were 9,736 and 5,288 patients in the early and late time-periods of which 18.5% and 11.5% were categorized as higher Killip class, respectively (p <0.001). Baseline co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia) were more prevalent in the late versus early time periods in both study groups (p <0.001). Rates of 30d MACE decreased in both Killip classes (p <0.001), yet 1-year mortality decreased only in patients with lower Killip class (p = 0.02), and remained extremely high (30%) in patients with higher Killip class (p = 0.75). Killip class was a significant independent predictor for 1-year mortality, both in the early (adjusted hazard ratio 3.23, confidence interval 2.8, 3.7) and late (adjusted hazard ratio 4.13, confidence interval 3.21, 5.32) time periods. In conclusion, even in the current era, patients presenting with ACS and higher Killip class have poor 1-year survival. Efforts should focus on improving the adherence to guideline-recommended therapies. The Killip classification system is still a reliable prognostic tool.

The chronic ICU patient: Is intensive care worthwhile for patients with very prolonged ICU-stay (≥ 90 days)?

BackgroundDue to medical advances, an increasing number of patients are surviving the acute critical illness. However, some patients require a prolonged critical care treatment. Data on outcome and functional status of patients with an ICU-stay ≥90 days are scarce. MethodsSingle-center retrospective study including all adult patients with ICU stay ≥90 days treated at the department of intensive care medicine at the university medical center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany, between January 1st 2008 and December 31st 2016. ResultsOut of 65,249 patients, we identified 96 (0.1%) patients with a very prolonged ICU stay. Median age was 61 (49.8–67) years, 30 (31%) patients were female. Patients were admitted to ICU due to abdominal (28%) reasons, followed by sepsis (23%) and transplantation (15%). Fourteen patients received organ-transplantation: 9 received liver-, 4 lung- and 1 heart-transplantation. All patients needed mechanical ventilation (MV), median duration was 74.1 (55–95.1) days. Sixty-Three (66%) patients survived the ICU-stay and 1-Year survival rate was 28%. Overall eight (8%) patients had a favourable outcome after 1-Year. Severity of illness (SOFA, SAPS II) on admission were comparable. Length of MV, use of renal replacement therapy (both p < .01) and maximum lactate (5.3 vs 11.5 mmol/l; p < .001) were significantly higher in ICU non-survivors. ICU-stay was significantly longer in ICU non-survivors (137 vs 107 days; p < .05). Cox-regression-model revealed age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04, p < .05) and surgical admission (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.90, p < .05) as independent predictors of 1-year mortality. ConclusionsOnly a small number of patients requires a very prolonged ICU stay. Two-third of patients survive the ICU stay and about one-third 1-Year. However, about 10% of patients have a remarkable recovery with a favourable overall outcome after 1-Year.

Mortality after inpatient stay for proximal humeral fractures

A proximal humeral fracture is well established as a fracture of fragility in elderly patients. However, this injury does not receive the same emphasis on post-injury management as a femoral neck fracture. The objectives of this study were to establish the influence of sustaining a proximal humeral fracture on mortality and to identify the variables predictive of 5-year mortality. Between January 2007 and January 2011, 288 consecutive patients who were admitted after sustaining a proximal humeral fracture were identified from the clinical coding department. Data were retrospectively collected and included patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, anemia, physical and social independence, length of inpatient stay, management, and mortality. Of the patients, 13 (4.5%) had died at 1 month; 28 (9.7%), at 3 months; 46 (16.0%), at 1 year; and 117 (40.6%), at 5 years. A Cox proportional hazards regression identified male sex, comorbidities, unemploymentor retirement, and nonoperative management as independent predictors of 5-year mortality. Elderly patients who require admission after sustaining a proximal humeral fracture are frail and subject to a greater-than-average risk of mortality for their age. The risk of mortality is greater for those of male sex who have comorbidities and a loss of physical and social independence.

Prevalence, mortality and healthcare utilization among Medicare beneficiaries with Hepatitis C in Haemodialysis units.

Hepatitis C (HCV) is more common among patients with end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis compared to the general population. Thus, we aimed to assess trends in prevalence, health resource utilization and mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with HCV on haemodialysis. This is a retrospective study of outpatient and inpatient claims for Medicare beneficiaries receiving haemodialysis (2005-2016). A total of 291663 subjects on haemodialysis were included (67.3±15.2years, 55% male, 55% white, 49% age-based eligibility). The prevalence of HCV in subjects on haemodialysis was stable and was significantly higher (mean 4.2% in 2005-2016, P=0.50 for the trend) than in subjects not on haemodialysis (<1%). In multivariate analysis, liver cirrhosis (odds ratio=3.4 (95% CI=3.3-3.6)) was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality among haemodialysis patients. Mean total inpatient payments in dialysis patients with HCV remained stable during 2005 ($73803) through 2016 ($72133) (trend P=0.54) while mean total outpatient payment decreased from 2005 ($53497) to 2016 ($35439; trend P=0.0013). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, gender, race and location, both HCV and cirrhosis remained significant contributors to greater spending [HCV: inpatient +22.1% (+19.2%-25%), HCV: outpatient +18.4% (+14.6%-22.2%), cirrhosis: inpatient +59.7% (+56.9%-62.6%), cirrhosis: outpatient +9.4% (+6.2%-12.6%)]. In conclusion, HCV-infected Medicare patients receiving haemodialysis incur greater resource utilization; mortality is higher in patients with cirrhosis only. Although HCV prevalence in Medicare haemodialysis recipients is higher than in patients without haemodialysis, these rates are lower than reported, suggesting potential under-screening for HCV in this high-risk population.

Sarcopenia Is Associated With Development of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis Receiving Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt.

INTRODUCTION:Muscle mass has been shown to be a prognostic marker in patients with liver cirrhosis. Transversal psoas muscle thickness normalized by height (TPMT/height) obtained by routine computed tomography is a simple surrogate parameter for sarcopenia. TPMT/height, however, is not sex specific, which might play a role in risk stratification. Its association with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has not been established yet. ACLF is associated with systemic inflammatory dysregulation. This study aimed at evaluating the role of sarcopenia in ACLF development of patients with decompensated cirrhosis receiving transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) using sex-specific TPMT/height.METHODS:One hundred eighty-six patients from the prospective Non-invasive Evaluation Program for TIPS and Follow Up Network cohort (observational, real-world TIPS cohort with structured follow-up) were analyzed. TPMT/height was measured from routine computed tomography. The sex-specific cutoff was determined to classify patients as sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic for 1-year mortality after TIPS. Clinical outcome was compared. Primary end points were ACLF and 1-year mortality after TIPS. Secondary end points were development of decompensations (hepatic encephalopathy and ascites) after TIPS.RESULTS:The sex-specific cutoff increases the diagnostic accuracy with regard to primary and secondary end points compared with the unisex cutoff. Sex-specific sarcopenia classification is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality and ACLF development in patients with cirrhosis receiving TIPS. Patients in the sarcopenia group showed significantly higher rates of mortality, ascites, overt hepatic encephalopathy, and ACLF after TIPS compared with the nonsarcopenia group. The Chronic Liver Failure Consortium Acute Decompensation score as a marker of systemic inflammation was significantly higher in sarcopenic patients.CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates for the first time that sarcopenia is related to ACLF development and systemic inflammation. The prognostic value of TPMT/height can be improved by using sex-specific cutoffs. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03584204.

Sarcopenia for predicting mortality among elderly nursing home residents: SARC-F versus SARC-CalF.

Little is known about the prognostic value of the strength, assistance walking, rise from a chair, climb stairs, and falls questionnaire (SARC-F) and SARC-F combined with calf circumference (SARC-CalF) among elderly nursing home residents.To compare the prognostic value of SARC-F and SARC-CalF for mortality in this population.We conducted a prospective study in four nursing homes in western China. Sarcopenia was estimated using SARC-F and SARC-CalF, respectively. Nutrition status, activities of daily living, and other covariates were evaluated. The survival status was collected via medical records and telephone interviews at the 12th month after the baseline investigation. We used multivariate Cox proportional-hazard models to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for 1-year all-cause mortality by SARC-F-defined sarcopenia and SARC-CalF-defined sarcopenia, separately.We included 329 participants (median age: 85 years). The prevalences of SARC-F-defined sarcopenia and SARC-CalF-defined sarcopenia were 39.8% and 46.8%, respectively. During the 1-year follow-up period, 73 participants (22.7%) died. The mortality was 29.0% and 18.3% in the participants with or without SARC-F-defined sarcopenia, respectively (P = .025). The mortality was 26.6% and 19.0% in the participants with or without SARC-CalF-defined sarcopenia, respectively (P = .105). After adjusted for the relevant confounders including malnutrition, SARC-F-defined sarcopenia was independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year mortality (adjusted HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.27-3.42). However, SARC-CalF-defined sarcopenia was not an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (adjusted HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 0.95-2.47).Sarcopenia is highly prevalent in Chinese elderly nursing home residents according to SARC-F or SARC-CalF. SARC-F-defined sarcopenia appears to be better for predicting the 1-year mortality of Chinese nursing home residents than SARC-CalF-defined sarcopenia.

Pre-dialysis acute care hospitalizations and clinical outcomes in dialysis patients.

BackgroundPatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), a precursor of end stage renal disease (ESRD), face an increasing burden of hospitalizations. Although mortality on dialysis is highest during the first year, the impact of pre-dialysis acute hospitalizations on clinical outcomes in dialysis patients remains unknown.MethodsWe evaluated 170,897 adult patients who initiated dialysis between 1/1/2010 and 12/31/2014 with linked Medicare claims from the United States Renal Data System. Using logistic regression models, we examined the association of 2-year pre-dialysis hospitalization on the primary outcome of 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included 90-day mortality, type of initial dialysis modality and type of vascular access at hemodialysis initiation.ResultsMean age was 72.7 ± 11.0 years. In the study sample, 76.0% of patients had at least one pre-dialysis hospitalization. Compared to patients with no pre-dialysis hospitalization, the adjusted 1-year mortality was higher with pre-dialysis cardiovascular related hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–1.68), infection related hospitalization (OR, 1.51; CI, 1.45–1.57), both cardiovascular and infection hospitalization (OR, 1.91; CI, 1.83–1.99), and neither-cardiovascular nor-infection hospitalization (OR, 1.23; CI, 1.19–1.27). Additionally, the adjusted odds of hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis as the initial dialysis modality were higher, whereas adjusted odds to initiate hemodialysis with an arteriovenous access vs. central venous catheter were lower in patients with any type of hospitalization.ConclusionPre-dialysis hospitalization is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in dialysis patients. Reducing the risk of pre-dialysis hospitalization may provide opportunities to improve quality of care in ESRD.

Prevalence and outcome of diuretic resistance in heart failure.

Diuretic resistance (DR) is common in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF), and is associated with adverse outcomes. To determine the prevalence of DR and its impact on survival among patients with decompensated HF, we prospectively evaluated the prevalence and influence on prognosis of DR (defined as persistent congestion despite ≥ 80mg of furosemide per day) in a cohort of elderly patients from the Spanish HF registry (RICA) admitted for an acute decompensation of HF. Patients with new-onset HF were excluded. From the global cohort of 2067 patients, 435 (21%; 95% CI 19.3%-22.7%) patients met criteria for DR. Patients with DR had more comorbidities (hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, valvular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer) and a worse functional status compared to patients without DR. In addition, patients with DR had a higher proportion of ischemic etiology, more advanced functional class and lower left ventricular ejection fraction values. After 1year of follow-up, all-cause mortality was higher in patients with DR with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.37 (95% CI 1.06-1.79; p = 0.018). The prevalence of DR in a cohort of elderly patients admitted for acute HF decompensation is 21%. DR is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis in Medicare Population: The Impact on Mortality and Resource Use.

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a disease of small bile ducts, which can lead to morbidity and mortality. Our aim was to assess recent trends in mortality and healthcare use of PBC patients in the Medicare program. Data from Medicare beneficiaries between 2005 and 2015 (5% random samples) were used. The diagnosis of PBC was established with International Classification of Diseases-9 code 571.6 used for both primary and secondary diagnoses. Mortality was assessed by Medicare-linked death registry. Healthcare use included episodes of care, length of stay, and total charges/payments. Independent predictors of outcomes were evaluated in multiple generalized linear or logistic regression models. The study cohort included a total of 6,375 inpatient/outpatient Medicare beneficiaries (mean age 69.8 years, 17% male, 88% white, and 18% with disability). Over the study period, 1-year mortality remained stable (9.1% to 14.3%, P = 0.11). Independent predictors of 1-year mortality were older age, male gender, black race, the presence of ascites, encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, and higher Charlson score. Outpatient total yearly charges and payments per beneficiary with PBC increased from $3,065 and $777 (2005) to $5,773 and $967 (2014), respectively. Similarly, inpatient total yearly charges and payments per beneficiary with PBC increased from $59,765 and $19,406 (2007), to $98,941 and $27,948 (2013), respectively (P < 0.05). The presence of ascites, portal hypertension, and higher Charlson score were independent predictors of higher payments for both inpatient and outpatient resource use, and the presence of hepatic encephalopathy was an additional predictor of higher inpatient resource use (all P < 0.02). Conclusion: The prevalence of PBC among the Medicare beneficiaries has increased. Despite stable mortality rates, resource use for Medicare patients with PBC continues to rise.

Nutritional risk index as a predictor of mortality in acutely decompensated heart failure.

BackgroundWe investigated the role of nutritional risk index (NRI) in predicting 1-year mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).MethodsAmong 5,625 cohort patients enrolled in Korean Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) Registry, a total of 5,265 patients who were possible to calculate NRI [NRI = (1.519 x serum albumin [g/dl]) + (41.7 x weight [kg]/ideal body weight [kg])] were enrolled. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the NRI quartile; Q1 <89 (n = 1121, 69.9 ± 14.5 years, 632 males), Q2 89–95 (n = 1234, 69.7 ± 14.4 years, 677 males), Q3 95–100 (n = 1199, 68.8 ± 14.0 years, 849 males), Q4 >100 (n = 1711, 65.6 ± 14.5 years, 779 males). Primary end-point was all-cause mortality at 1-year clinical follow-up.ResultsThe 1-year mortality was significantly increased as the NRI quartile decreased, and the lowest NRI quartile was associated with the highest 1-year mortality (Q1: 27.5% vs. Q2: 20.9% vs. Q3: 12.9% vs. Q4: 8.7%, linear p <0.001). On Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the significant inter-quartile difference was observed (p <0.001 for all). In multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard regression, the lowest NRI quartile was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in patients with ADHF.ConclusionsPoor nutritional status as assessed by NRI and quartile grading of NRI was associated with 1-year mortality in Korean patients with ADHF. The assessment of nutritional status by NRI may provide additional prognostic information and thus would be useful in the risk stratification of the patients with ADHF.

Self-Expanding Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis

ObjectivesThe authors sought to compare clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in patients receiving transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for low-gradient (LG) aortic stenosis in the CoreValve EUS (Expanded Use Study) versus those with high-gradient (HG) aortic stenosis from the CoreValve U.S. Pivotal Extreme Risk Trial and CAS (Continued Access Study). BackgroundThe EUS examined the impact of TAVR in patients unsuitable for surgical aortic valve replacement who were excluded from the U.S. Pivotal Extreme Risk Trial due to LG aortic stenosis. MethodsEUS patients were stratified by left ventricular ejection fraction: normal (≥50%, LG–normal ejection fraction), and low (<50%, did not respond to dobutamine by generating a mean gradient >40 mm Hg and/or velocity >4.0 m/s, “nonresponders”), and compared with extreme-risk patients from U.S. Pivotal and CAS that had either low resting gradient and responded to dobutamine (“responders”), or a high resting gradient (HG) or velocity. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or major stroke at 1 year. Hemodynamics and quality of life are reported at 30 days and 1 year. ResultsAt 30 days, patients with LG/low left ventricular ejection fraction (nonresponders and responders) had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality or major stroke, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular mortality than both HG and LG–normal ejection fraction patients. At 1 year, only the responders had higher rates of these outcomes in comparison to the other 3 groups. Mean gradient and effective orifice area improved significantly in all patients and were maintained through 1 year. New York Heart Association functional classification and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary scores improved (p < 0.05) in all cohorts through 1 year. When all 4 subgroups were pooled, both decreasing mean gradient and stroke volume index were associated with increased mortality. Pre-procedural mean gradient was the only hemodynamic independent predictor of 1-year mortality by multivariate analysis. ConclusionsIn this study, TAVR provided EUS patients significant hemodynamic relief with both 1-year survival and quality of life outcomes comparable to Pivotal and CAS patients (Safety & Efficacy Study of the Medtronic CoreValve System-Treatment of Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis With Significant Comorbidities in Extreme Risk Subjects Who Need Aortic Valve Replacement, NCT01675440; Safety and Efficacy Study of the Medtronic CoreValve System in the Treatment of Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis in High Risk and Very High Risk Subjects Who Need Aortic Valve Replacement, NCT01240902; Safety and Efficacy Continued Access Study of the Medtronic CoreValve System in the Treatment of Symptomatic Severe Aortic Stenosis in Very High Risk Subjects and High Risk Subjects Who Need Aortic Valve Replacement, NCT01531374)

Outcomes after transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation: long-term findings from the European ROUTE†.

There is lack of data regarding the longer-term outcomes of patients undergoing transaortic (TAo) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to provide a contemporary snapshot of the types and frequencies of events in the year following TAo-TAVI. The Registry of the Utilization of the TAo-TAVI approach using the Edwards SAPIEN Valve (ROUTE) is a multicentre, European, prospective, observational registry of aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAo-TAVI. Patients were grouped according to the composite end point death, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, major vascular complications, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury (AKI) and/or cardiovascular rehospitalization. Two hundred and fifty-three patients with a mean age of 81.5 ± 5.8 years were included, of whom 89 (35.2%) patients met the composite end point (the event group) and 164 (64.8%) patients did not (the event-free group). New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV (85.2% vs 71.8%, P = 0.017), Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class III/IV (22.6% vs 11.4%; P = 0.021), pulmonary disease (32.6% vs 18.9%; P = 0.015) and renal insufficiency (15.7% vs 3.0%; P < 0.001) were more common in the event group. At 1 year, the most common event was death (19.1%), followed by AKI stage II or III (14.7%). The baseline renal insufficiency was the strongest independent predictor of composite end point achievement [odds ratio (OR) 7.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.33-24.56], followed by NYHA class III/IV (OR 2.316, 95% CI 1.06-5.06) and pulmonary disease (OR 2.91, 95% CI 1.45-5.85). Pulmonary disease was also an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.34-6.75). Long-term outcomes after TAo-TAVI appear to be similar to those for TAVI via other non-transfemoral access routes. Awareness of characteristics associated with poorer outcomes may aid patient selection and identification of those requiring closer post-procedural monitoring. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01991431.

Outcome of the multidimensional prognostic index in ultra-octogenarian patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases

The multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) is a validated tool for prognostic stratification in acute and chronic setting of geriatric patients. However, only few data are available on patients with cardiovascular diseases. To evaluate the potential role of MPI as predictor of 1-year and long-term outcome in ultra-octogenarians patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases. We conducted a prospective study on 216 patients (mean age 85 ± 4 years) hospitalized for cardiovascular disease enrolled from September 2011 to February 2014 in both Cardiology and Internal Medicine Departments. The mean follow-up was 33 ± 7 months. The primary end-point was 1-year all-cause mortality. In addition, 3-year all-cause mortality was also assessed in the overall cohort and outcome prediction was then evaluated separately in patients with a primary diagnosis of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. At admission, 53% of patients had a MPI-1 low risk, 34% had a MPI-2 moderate risk and 13% had a MPI-3 high risk (13%). Internal medicine inpatients had worse risk profile and higher MPI risk class than patients admitted to the cardiovascular department. Fifty-four patients (25%) experienced the primary end-point. In the multivariate logistic regression model MPI score [hazard ratio (HR) 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23-2.71, P = 0.003], serum creatinine (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.54, P < 0.001) and serum albumin (HR 0.43, 95% CI, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of 1-year mortality. The area under the receiver operating characteristic combining the MPI score with serum creatinine and albumin was 0.83 (CI 0.15-0.59, P < 0.001). In ultra-octogenarian inpatients hospitalized for cardiovascular disease, MPI score independently predicts a poorer outcome. An integrated model including MPI, serum creatinine and albumine might aid the prognostic stratification of hospitalized elderly populations.

Lower admission blood pressure as an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in elderly patients experiencing a first hospitalization for acute heart failure

BackgroundSystolic blood pressure (SBP) is an acknowledged prognostic factor in patients with heart failure (HF). Admission SBP should be a risk factor for 1-year mortality even in elderly patients experiencing a first admission for HF, and this risk may persist in the oldest subset of patients. DesignMethods: We reviewed the medical records of 1031 patients aged 70 years or older admitted within a 3-year period for a first episode of acute heart failure (AHF). The cohort was divided according to admission SBP values in quartiles. We analyzed all-cause mortality as a function of these admission SBP quartiles. ResultsMean age was 82.2 ± 6 years; their mean admission SBP was 138.6 ± 25 mmHg. A statistically significant association was present between mortality at 30 (p < 0.0001), 90 (p < 0.0001), and 365 days (p < 0.0001) after hospital discharge and lower admission SBP quartiles. One-year mortality ranged from 14.7% for patients within the upper SBP quartile to 41.4% for those in the lowest quartile. The multivariate analysis confirmed this association (HR: 0.884; 95% CI: 0.615-0.76; p = 0.0001), which remained significant when admission SBP was evaluated as a continuous variable (HR: 0.980; 95% CI: 0.975–0.985; p = 0.0001). The association between SBP and 1-year mortality remained when the sample was divided into old (70–82 years) and “oldest-old” (>82 years) patients. ConclusionsLower SBP at admission is an independent predictor of midterm postdischarge mortality for elderly patients experiencing a first admission for AHF.

Observational cohort study of outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) are often referred to the intensive care unit (ICU) for non-invasive respiratory support. To describe the characteristics of patients with AECOPD admitted to ICU focusing on the performance of ICU prognostic systems, decisions to limit medical therapy and mortality outcomes. Retrospective review of patients admitted between 2009 and 2016, separately in patients with active treatment and limitation or withdrawal of medical therapy. ICU acuity scores, blood gas analyses and ICU, in-hospital and 1-year mortality were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. A total of 403 patients was studied with an overall ICU mortality of 6.4%. The predicted risk of death in hospital using ICU scoring systems was 19% compared to the observed mortality of 15%. One-year mortality was 34%. Patients with limitation of medical therapy represented 32% of the total cohort and had higher mortality in ICU (13%), in hospital (30%) and at 1-year follow up (53%). Withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy occurred in 4% of patients who all died in ICU. Decreased arterial oxygenation and bicarbonate concentration as well as increased arterial carbon dioxide levels were overall associated with an increased likelihood of in-hospital mortality but no independent predictors of 1-year mortality were identified. In patients admitted to ICU for AECOPD, limitations of medical therapy are frequent and associated with significant mortality. Involving palliative care in addition to respiratory physicians and intensivists in the management of AECOPD patients admitted to ICU needs to be explored further.

Preinjury Patient Characteristics and Postinjury Neurological Status Are Associated With Mortality Following Spinal Cord Injury.

Retrospective cohort study. This study investigates the association between spinal cord injuries (SCI) and post-injury mortality. SCIs) are severe conditions treated in the acute trauma setting. Owing to neurological deficits, unstable spinal columns, and associated injuries, these patients often have complex inpatient hospitalizations with significant morbidity and mortality. It is assumed that a high rate of postinjury mortality would follow such severe injuries; however, the effect of SCI and its treatment on predictors of longevity remain largely unknown. Patients seen at a regional referral center for SCI were reviewed from a prospectively maintained database. Four hundred and twenty-six patients with SCI and varying degrees of injury between 2004 and 2009 were collected. Injury characteristics, including injury severity score, level of SCI, and type of SCI were retrieved. To determine independent predictors of 5-year mortality, a logistic regression using patient and injury characteristics at the time of presentation was performed. Average age was 47.4 years (range: 14-95), and 74.5% (318/426) were male. Half of the cohort sustained low-energy mechanisms of injury (220/426; 52.4%). The 30-day, 90-day, 1-year, 2-year, and 5-year mortality rates in the SCI cohort were 6.6% (28/426), 9.2% (39/426), 12.0% (51/426), 15.0% (64/426), and 17.8%, respectively (76/426). Logistic regression demonstrated that increasing age (B = 1.06, P < 0.001), increasing ICU length-of-stay (B = 1.06; P = 0.002), decreased motor score at presentation (B = 0.98; P = 0.004), and lack of surgical intervention (B = 0.38; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality at 5 years. There is substantial mortality associated with SCI. A significant proportion of the mortalities occurred acutely after injury. Mortality was associated with neurological deficit and severity of injury, as well as with preinjury patient characteristics. To combat this high rate of death, efforts are needed to address the concomitant disease processes associated with neurological deficits. 3.

18F-FDG PET-MRI with T1 MOLLI mapping to detect systemic sclerosis bowel inflammation and fibrosis

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis-associated gastrointestinal tract involvement (SSc-GIT) is an independent predictor of 2-year mortality in early SSc. Availability of non-invasive investigations will facilitate early diagnosis and monitoring. HypothesisWe investigate the role of 18F-FDG-PET-MRI in SSc-GIT, hypothesizing that i) higher bowel FDG-PET uptake, a surrogate biomarker for inflammation, distinguishes healthy bowel from inflamed SSc-GIT; ii) MRI T1-MOLLI mapping, a surrogate biomarker for cardiac fibrosis, distinguishes healthy bowel from fibrotic SSc-GIT. MethodsIn this prospective study, 16 SSc patients and 15 healthy controls were recruited. All SSc patients and 5 controls underwent PET-MRI (with T1-MOLLI mapping) on a Siemens 3T mMR; 10 controls underwent MRI without PET. Manual segmentation of the large and small bowels was performed jointly by two trained analysts in order to report T1 and PET values. Control dataset was used to assess normal healthy range. Mean T1 values, mean Tissue-to-Background (TBR) PET values, as well as amount of supposedly abnormal bowel (measured using the healthy ranges) was compared using Student’s t-test and Cohen’s d effect size. ResultsMean T1 values in large (1113 ± 182 ms vs 856 ± 176 ms; p-value < 0.001) and small bowel (1331 ± 239 ms vs 1169 ± 118 ms; p = 0.02) were higher in SSc patients than controls. 87.5% of the SSc patients’ bowel had at least a grade 3 segmental FDG-PET uptake, while no controls showed more than a grade 2 segmental uptake. Patients had higher large bowel mean PET TBR (1.12 ± 0.22) than controls (0.82 ± 0.20, p = 0.02). Using PET and T1 thresholds defined using the control PET-MR data, the percentage of supposedly healthy (non-fibrotic and non-inflamed) tissue was significantly lower in SSc patients (81.1 ± 13.1%) than controls (95.7 ± 3.1%, p = 0.03) for the large bowel. ConclusionOur novel study of FDG-PET-MRI in SSc-GIT demonstrated promising results in non-invasively evaluating concurrently bowel inflammation and fibrosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the setting of left atrial appendage thrombus†

Left atrial appendage thrombus (LAT) was an exclusion criterion in the seminal transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) trials; however, such patients do undergo TAVR in the 'real-world' setting. This study sought to analyse outcomes after TAVR in patients with LAT or spontaneous echo contrast (SEC). All patients undergoing TAVR at our institution between March 2009 and December 2014 were prospectively analysed. The presence of LAT or SEC was determined via a retrospective chart review. Primary outcomes included 30-day and 1-year neurological events as well as mortality. Of the 369 patients undergoing TAVR, 3.8% (14) were found to have LAT and 6.8% (25) were found to have SEC, and they were separately compared to patients who did not have LAT or SEC. Significant differences were noted between groups with regard to preoperative renal function, atrial fibrillation and ejection fraction. Preoperative atrial fibrillation was the only independent predictor of LAT. No perioperative complications were associated with the presence of LAT or SEC. Specifically, no patient with LAT or SEC experienced a postoperative neurological event. While neither LAT nor SEC was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, LAT was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (odds ratio 3.573, 95% confidence interval 1.040-12.28; P = 0.042). The current study suggests that TAVR may be performed in patients with LAT and SEC with a low risk of embolic complications. While neither was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality, LAT was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality. Larger studies are needed to better study this phenomenon.