Independent Predictor Of Long-term Mortality Research Articles

Association of lipoprotein(a) with long-term mortality following coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention.

There is no consistent evidence to suggest the association of plasma lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) with long-term mortality in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Level of Lp(a) is associated with long-term mortality following CAG or PCI. We enrolled 1684 patients with plasma Lp(a) data undergoing CAG or PCI between April 2009 and December 2013. The patients were divided into 2 groups: a low-Lp(a) group (Lp[a] <16.0 mg/dL; n = 842) and a high-Lp(a) group (Lp[a] ≥16.0 mg/dL; n = 842). In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the high and low Lp(a) groups (0.8% vs 0.5%, respectively; P = 0.364). During the median follow-up period of 1.95 years, the high-Lp(a) group had a higher long-term mortality than did the low-Lp(a) group (5.8% vs 2.5%, respectively; P = 0.003). After adjustment of confounders, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a higher Lp(a) level was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio: 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.59, P = 0.029). Our data suggested that an elevated Lp(a) level was significantly associated with long-term mortality following CAG or PCI. However, additional larger multicenter studies will be required to investigate the predictive value of Lp(a) levels and evaluate the benefit of controlling Lp(a) levels for patients undergoing CAG or PCI.

Importance of stratifying acute kidney injury in cardiogenic shock resuscitated with mechanical circulatory support therapy

ObjectiveAlthough the outcomes of patients with cardiogenic shock remain poor, short-term mechanical circulatory support has become an increasingly popular modality for hemodynamic assistance and organ preservation. Because the kidney is exquisitely sensitive to poor perfusion, acute kidney injury is a common sequela of cardiogenic shock. This study examines the incidence and clinical impact of acute kidney injury in patients with short-term mechanical circulatory support for cardiogenic shock. MethodsRetrospective review was performed of 293 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock who were treated with short-term mechanical circulatory support. The well-validated 2014 Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria were used to stage acute kidney injury. Outcomes of interest were long-term mortality and renal recovery. ResultsAcute kidney injury developed in 177 of 293 patients (60.4%), of whom 113 (38.6%) were classified with stage 3 (severe). Kaplan–Meier survival estimates indicated a 1-year survival of 49.2% in the nonsevere (stages 0-2) acute kidney injury cohort versus 27.3% in the severe acute kidney injury cohort (P < .001). Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated that severe acute kidney injury was a predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 1.54; confidence interval, 1.10-2.14; P = .011). Among hospital survivors, renal recovery occurred more frequently (82.4% vs 63.2%, P = .069) and more quickly (5.6 vs 24.5 days, P < .0001) in the nonsevere than in the severe acute kidney injury group. ConclusionsAcute kidney injury is common and frequently severe in patients in cardiogenic shock treated with short-term mechanical circulatory support. Milder acute kidney injury resolves with survival comparable to patients without acute kidney injury. Severe acute kidney injury is an independent predictor of long-term mortality. Nonetheless, many surviving patients with acute kidney injury do experience gradual renal recovery.

Impact of the presence of chronically occluded coronary artery on long-term prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Multivessel disease (MVD) is a significant risk factor in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Whether the presence of chronic total occlusion (CTO) poses an additional hazard is still unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of CTO on survival in STEMI patients. The study group consisted of 836 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coro-nary intervention (PCI). MVD was diagnosed in 52.3%, and CTO in 17.5% of patients. In MVD patients, 30-day mortality was 4.8% (6.8% in the CTO and 3.8% in the non-CTO group, p = 0.167). After 6 years, of the 437 patients with MVD, 56 (38.6%) died in the CTO group, and 74 (25.4%) in the non-CTO group (p = 0.0055). CTO was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.30-3.28, p = 0.002), whereas triple vessel disease was not (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.78-1.97, p = 0.358). The other independent predictors of mortality were: age, anterior myocardial infarction, and PCI failure. The presence of CTO is an independent predictor of the long-term mortality in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. (Cardiol J 2017; 24, 2: 117-124).

Evolution of Australian Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (from the Melbourne Interventional Group [MIG] Registry)

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) continues to evolve with shifting patient demographics, treatments, and outcomes. We sought to document the specific changes observed over a 9-year period in a contemporary Australian PCI cohort. The Melbourne Interventional Group is an established multicenter PCI registry in Melbourne, Australia. Data were collected prospectively with 30-day and 12-month follow-ups. Demographic, procedural, and outcome data for all consecutive patients were analyzed with a year-to-year comparison from 2005 to 2013. National Death Index linkage was performed for long-term mortality analysis; 19,858 procedures were captured over 9 years. Patient complexity and acuity increased with a higher proportion of traditional risk factors and more elderly patients who underwent PCI. Angiographic lesion complexity increased with more multivessel coronary artery disease and more American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association type B2/C lesions proceeding to PCI. The 30-day rate of death, myocardial infarction, or target vessel revascularization has not changed nor has 12-month mortality, myocardial infarction, or major adverse cardiovascular event rates. The strongest independent predictor of long-term mortality was cardiogenic shock at presentation (hazard ratio [HR] 2.95, p <0.01). Drug-eluting stent use (HR 0.83, p <0.01) and a history of dyslipidemia (HR 0.81, p <0.01) were associated with long-term survival. In conclusion, from 2005 to 2013, we observed a cohort of higher risk clinical and angiographic characteristics, with stable long-term mortality.

Pneumonia and inflammation in acute decompensated heart failure: a registry-based analysis of 1939 patients.

The prognostic impact of pneumonia and signs of systemic inflammation in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not been fully elucidated yet. The aim of the present study was thus to investigate the association of pneumonia and the inflammation surrogate C-reactive protein with all-cause mortality in patients admitted for ADHF. We analysed data of 1939 patients admitted for ADHF. Patients were dichotomised according to the presence or absence of pneumonia. The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality was determined by death registry linkage. In total, 412 (21.2%) patients had concomitant pneumonia. Median C-reactive protein levels were higher in patients with compared to patients without pneumonia (24.9 versus 9.8 mg/l, respectively; P<0.001). All-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with pneumonia ( P<0.001). In adjusted Cox regression models, pneumonia as well as C-reactive protein were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Only C-reactive protein remained as independent predictor for long-term mortality. Pneumonia is relatively common in ADHF and a predictor for in-hospital mortality. However, inflammation in general seems to be more important than pneumonia itself for long-term prognosis. Compared to community-acquired pneumonia studies, C-reactive protein levels were rather low and therefore pneumonia might be over-diagnosed in ADHF patients.

Predictors for long-term survival after transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair.

To determine predictors for long-term outcome in high-risk patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) for severe mitral regurgitation (MR). There is no data on predictors of long-term outcome in high-risk real-world patients. From August 2009 to April 2011, 126 high-risk patients deemed inoperable were treated with TMVR in two high-volume university centers. MR could be successfully reduced to grade ≤2 in 92.1% of patients (116/126 patients). Long-term clinical follow-up up to 5 years (95.2% follow-up rate) revealed a mortality rate of 35.7% (45/126 patients). Repeat mitral valve treatment (surgery or intervention) was needed in 19 patients (15.1%). Long-term clinical improvement was demonstrated with 69% of patients being in NYHA class ≤II. In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, the post-procedural grade of MR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55 per grade, P = 0.035), the left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 0.58 for difference between 75th and 25th percentile, P = 0.031) and the glomerular filtration rate (HR 0.33 for 75th vs 25th percentile, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for long-term mortality. Patients with primary MR and a post-procedural MR grade ≤1 had the most favorable long-term outcome. This study determines predictors of long-term clinical outcome after TMVR and demonstrates that the grade of residual MR determines long-term survival. Our data suggest that it might be of benefit reducing residual MR to the lowest possible MR grade using TMVR-especially in selected high-risk patients with primary MR who are not considered as candidates for surgical MVR.

Malperfusion rather than merely timing of operative repair determines early and late outcome in type A aortic dissection

BackgroundAlthough generally better outcomes are reported in patients undergoing early repair of type A aortic dissection, patients who survive the first 48 hours self-select themselves toward better outcomes as well. Malperfusion is another important determinant of outcome in these patients. The aim of this study was to examine the hypothesis that malperfusion, not the timing of operation, is the dominant determinant of outcome in repair of type A aortic dissection. MethodsA total of 205 patients underwent operative repair of acute type A aortic dissection in our hospital over a 17-year period. The time from symptom onset to surgical repair was reliably established in 152 cases. Patients were grouped into those who had undergone surgery within 12 hours of symptom onset (early surgery group; n = 72 [47%]) and those who underwent surgery beyond 12 hours of symptom onset (late surgery group; n = 80 [53%]). ResultsThirty-day mortality was similar in the 2 groups (early surgery: 19.4% [95% confidence interval [CI] 12.0%-30.6%]; late surgery: 13.8% [95% CI, 7.9%-23.5%]; P = .08). The log-rank test for equality of survivor functions was 0.08. However, malperfusion with hemodynamic compromise was more common in the early surgery group (47% vs 31%; P = .029) and was identified as an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.21-5.79; P = .014). ConclusionsMalperfusion at presentation rather than timing of intervention is the major risk factor of death both in the hospital and at long-term follow-up in patients undergoing surgery for type A aortic dissection.

Comparison of Outcome of Possible Versus Definite Infective Endocarditis Involving Native Heart Valves

There are very few data on the prognosis of possible versus definite infective endocarditis (IE). We studied data from 365 consecutive patients with IE involving native heart valve seen in an academic institution from 1990 to 2012. Patients were classified according to the modified Duke criteria for IE: patients with possible IE (n= 101, 28%) and those with definite IE (n= 264, 72%). Patients with possible IE were older than those with definite IE (66 ± 15 vs 62 ± 16, p= 0.05). A causative microorganism was identified in 66% of patients with possible IE versus all patients with definite IE (p <0.0001) and only 41% had major echocardiographic criteria (vs 100%; p <0.0001). Overall, 139 patients died over a mean±SD follow-up of 3.9 ± 4.5years (median 2.2, interquartile range 5.9years). Patients with possible and definite IE had a similar risk of death. Independent predictors of long-term mortality were increasing age (hazard ratio [HR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01 to 1.04; p= 0.0009), vegetation length >15mm (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.06; p=0.01), and stroke (HR 4.10, 95% CI 1.84 to 9.17; p= 0.0006), whereas infection of mitral valve (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.94; p= 0.03) and surgery (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.99; p=0.05) were associated with a better prognosis. Patients with definite IE and those with possible IE who did not undergo surgery had a worse prognosis than their counterparts with surgery. In conclusion, unselected patients with possible IE (Duke criteria) had a similar prognosis than those with definite IE.

Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Long-Term Mortality in Patients Presenting for Coronary Angiography

To understand the current impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on long-term outcomes among patients referred for coronary angiography, we studied 14,337 consecutive patients (5,279 diabetic patients [37%]) referred to coronary angiography for assessment or treatment of coronary artery disease. We investigated long-term all-cause mortality and its interaction with hypoglycemic therapy and presenting coronary status. At baseline, patients with DM had more hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and renal failure; more were women, overweight, and more had previous coronary interventions. Mortality was higher in those with DM and was related to treatment status: multivariate adjusted hazard ratio during a median follow-up period of 78months was 1.41 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.80, p= 0.006) for diet only-treated DM, 1.63 (95% CI 1.51 to 1.77, p <0.001) for DM treated with oral hypoglycemics, and 2.50 (95% CI 2.20 to 2.85, p <0.001) for DM requiring insulin therapy. The earlier findings were similar in magnitude in patients presenting with acute or stable coronary syndromes. In addition, long-term mortality of medically treated DM presenting with a stable coronary syndrome was even higher than that of nondiabetic patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.35, p= 0.001). In conclusion, in patients referred for coronary angiography in the current era, DM remained an independent predictor of long-term mortality regardless of the coronary presentation and mortality increased in direct relation to intensity of hypoglycemic therapy at presentation.

Continuous improvement in outcome after heart transplantation — Long-term follow-up after three decades of experience

AimsHeart transplantation (HTx) has become the standard treatment for patients with end-stage heart disease. We report on the long-term outcome after HTx at our centre and investigate trends in outcome over time. MethodsDuring the period, between 1984 and 2014, a total of 610 HTx procedures were performed in 595 patients (median 48years; IQR 31–57years; range 24days-71years; mean 43years; 75% male) in our institution. Long-term outcome was investigated in the whole cohort, among children (n=76), bridged with mechanical circulatory support (MCS, n=131), re-transplanted (n=17), and concomitant kidney transplantation (n=12). ResultsLong-term survival was at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20years: 86% (95CI 0.83–0.89); 77% (95CI 0.73–0.80); 63% (95CI 0.59–0.68); 48% (95CI 0.43–0.54) and 30% (95CI 0.25–0.36), respectively. The median survival for the whole cohort was 14.1years. Patients transplanted during the most recent time period (2010–2014) had a better survival compared to previous eras, with a 1- and 3-year survival of 94% (95CI 0.89–0.97) and 93% (95CI 0.88–0.96), respectively (p<0.001). However, when survival was analysed for long-term MCS (n=80) versus short term MCS (n=35), there was a significantly poorer survival for the short-term MCS group (p=0.001). Independent predictors of long-term mortality included recipient age (p=0.041); previous smoking (p=0.034); ischemic heart disease (p=0.002); and preoperative ventilator therapy (p=0.004). ConclusionsWe have shown that continuous improvement in outcome after HTx still occurs. In the last time era, direct transplantation from short-term MCS was abandoned, which may have inflicted outcome during the last time era.

SYNTAX Score-II Predicts Long-Term Mortality in Patients Who Underwent Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Treated With Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of the SYNTAX Score-II (SS-II) to predict long-term mortality in patients undergoing left main percutaneous coronary intervention (LM-PCI) treated with second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES).Data from 487 consecutive patients with de novo left main coronary artery disease undergoing PCI were retrospectively studied. The patients were divided into tertiles according to the SS-II: low SS-II tertile (SS-II ≤ 22), intermediate SS-II tertile (SS-II of 23 to 30), and high SS-II tertile (SS-II ≥ 30). The survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to evaluate the possible associations between the SS-II and the rates of long-term mortality. The predictive ability of the SS-II for mortality was assessed and compared with the SYNTAX score (SS) alone by an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC).The overall SS-II was 27.3 ± 9.1. At a mean follow-up of 5.1 years, the long-term mortality was 6.0%. The rates of mortality were 2.4%, 3.4%, and 11.6%, respectively (P < 0.0001) in the low, intermediate, and high SS-II tertiles. The cardiac mortality rates were 1.8%, 1.4%, and 8.1%, respectively (P = 0.002) among patients in the 3 groups. By multivariate analysis, SS-II was an independent predictor of the long-term mortality (hazard ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.05 to 2.32; P = 0.03). The AUC demonstrated a substantially higher predictive accuracy of the SS-II for mortality compared with the SS alone (AUC was 0.689 and 0.596, respectively).In patients with LM-PCI treated with a second-generation DES, the SS-II is an independent predictor of long-term mortality and demonstrates a superior predictability compared with the SS alone.

Prognostic Implications of Chronic Kidney Disease on Patients Presenting with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction with versus without Stent Thrombosis

Background: Limited data is present regarding long-term outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients presenting with stent thrombosis (ST). We evaluated the possible implications of CKD on long-term mortality in patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and its interaction with the presence of ST. Methods: We retrospectively studied 1,722 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. Baseline CKD was categorized as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m² at presentation. The presence of ST was determined using the Academic Research Consortium definitions. Patients were evaluated for the presence of CKD and ST, as well as for long-term mortality. Results: A total of 448/1,722 (26%) patients had baseline CKD. Patients with CKD were older and had more comorbidities and a higher rate of ST (4 vs. 7%, respectively, p < 0.001). In a univariate analysis, long-term mortality was significantly higher among those with CKD compared to those without CKD (17.6 vs. 2.7%, p < 0.001). The presence of ST did not alter long-term mortality in both CKD and no-CKD patients. In a Cox regression model, CKD was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.17-3.56, p = 0.01), while ST as a covariate was not significantly associated with long-term mortality. Conclusion: Among STEMI patients, CKD, but not ST, is a predictor of long-term mortality.

Long-Term Outcomes After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) to an Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) in Cardiogenic Shock: Observations From the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) Registry

Background: Recent trials support the use of PCI with drug eluting stents as an alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in selected stable patients. In cardiogenic shock, urgent revascularisation is optimal. We review the MIG experience on unprotected LMCA PCI in cardiogenic shock. Method: Excluding patients with previous bypass surgery, consecutive patients presenting with cardiogenic shock undergoing PCI from the MIG registry between 2005-2016 were analysed, comparing those with LMCA PCI to non-LMCA PCI. Results: A total of 601 patients (3.2% of all PCI patients without previous CABG) presented in cardiogenic shock. 45 (7.5%) patients had unprotected LMCA PCI. Patients undergoing unprotected LMCA PCI were older (70.1years vs 65.8years, p = 0.01) with the same rate of male predominance (77.8% vs 72.1%, p = 0.75), hypertension (70.5% vs 56.8%, p = 0.08), diabetes (22.7% vs 24.6%, p = 0.78) and hypercholesterolaemia (52.3% vs 47.1%, p = 0.51). In cardiogenic shock, the in hospital mortality with unprotected LMCA PCI is 64.4% compared to 36.5% with non LMCA PCI, with long-term mortality linked to the national death index (NDI) in the LMCA PCI group being 80.0%. Unprotected LMCA PCI in the setting of cardiogenic shock is an independent predictor of long-term mortality (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.003-2.527, p = 0.048). Conclusion: Outcomes after PCI to unprotected LMCA in cardiogenic shock are poor, with the excess in mortality occurring early. It may be beneficial for on table discussions regarding urgent coronary bypass grafting in this setting.

Access to Quaternary Care Surgery: Implications for Accountable Care Organizations

Accountable care organizations (ACOs) attempt to provide the most efficient and effective care to patients within a region. We hypothesized that patients who undergo surgery closer to home have improved survival due to proximity of preoperative and post-discharge care. All (17,582) institutional American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) patients with a documented ZIP code and predicted risk, who underwent surgery at our institution (2005 to 2014), were evaluated. Google Maps calculated travel times, and patients were stratified by 1 hour of travel (local vs regional). Multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the NSQIP risk-adjusted effects of travel time on operative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival. Median travel time was 65 minutes, with regional patients demonstrating significantly higher rates of ascites, hypertension, diabetes, disseminated cancer, >10% weight loss, higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, higher predicted risk of morbidity and mortality, and lower functional status (all p < 0.01). After adjusting for ACS NSQIP-predicted risk, travel time was not significantly associated with 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.06; p= 0.42) or any major morbidities (all p > 0.05). However, survival analysis demonstrated that travel time is an independent predictor of long-term mortality (OR 1.24; p < 0.001). Patients traveling farther for care at a quaternary center had higher rates of comorbidities and predicted risk of complications. Additionally, travel time predicts risk-adjusted long-term mortality, suggesting a major focus of ACOs will need to be integration of care at the periphery of their region.

The impact of admission neutrophil-to-platelet ratio on in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients with infective endocarditis.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with increased neutrophil and reduced platelet counts. We assessed the relationship between the neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR) on admission and adverse outcomes in patients with IE. Patients diagnosed with IE between January 2009 and July 2015 (n=1293) were enrolled, and 1046 were finally entered into the study. Study subjects were categorized into four groups according to NPR quartiles: Q1<18.9 (n=260); Q2: 18.9-27.7 (n=258); Q3: 27.7-43.3 (n=266); and Q4>43.3 (n=262). Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to identify risk factors for long-term mortality; the optimal cut-off was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Risk of in-hospital death increased progressively with NPR group number (1.9 vs. 5.0 vs. 9.8 vs. 14.1%, p<0.001). The follow-up period was a median of 28.8 months, during which 144 subjects (14.3%) died. Long-term mortality increased from the lowest to the highest NPR quartiles (7.6, 11.8, 17.4, and 26.2%, respectively, p<0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that lgNPR (HR=2.22) was an independent predictor of long-term mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that subjects in Q4 had an increased long-term mortality compared with the other groups. Increased NPR was associated with in-hospital and long-term mortality in patients with IE. As a simple and inexpensive index, NPR may be a useful and rapid screening tool to identify IE patients at high risk of mortality.

Midterm Durability and Hemodynamic Performance of a Third-Generation Bovine Pericardial Prosthetic Aortic Valve: The Leipzig Experience

The Trifecta valve (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN) is a stented bovine pericardial bioprosthesis for aortic valve replacement (AVR). Implantation experience and midterm follow-up of this valve have not yet been reported from a large single-center cohort. We retrospectively analyzed data from 918 patients (73.2 ± 6.5 years; logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation [EuroSCORE], 13.2 ± 14.3) who underwent AVR. Analyses addressed implantation safety, short- and long-term survival, and hemodynamic valve performance. Concomitant procedures were performed in 54.9% of the patients. Low cardiac output syndrome, postoperative bleeding requiring transfusion or reoperation, and acute renal failure requiring temporary hemodialysis occurred at rates of 4.3%, 7.0%, and 11.7%, respectively. At discharge, 44 patients (4.8%) were identified with moderate prosthesis-patient mismatch (PPM) and none was identified with severe PPM. Mean follow-up was 2.7 ± 1.6 years (maximum, 7.4 years). Survival at 30days was 88.7% and 92.0% for all patients and patients with isolated AVR, respectively; 5-year overall survival for these groups was 73.4% and 82.2%, respectively. Myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR], 78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.8-294) and inotropic medication (OR, 6.8; 95% CI, 3.2-14.5) were the strongest independent predictors for long-term mortality. Five-year freedom from structural valve deterioration (SVD) was 97.9% ± 1.5%. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after implantation was similar to baseline and was stable over time (range, 58.9%-62.3%). The mean gradient improved substantially (39.3 mm Hg at baseline versus 9.4 mm Hg at 6 months). This large single-center cohort shows the easy and safe implantation, adequate hemodynamic performance, and satisfactory durability of the Trifecta valve at midterm follow-up.

Improved long-term survival and renal recovery after acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients: A 20 year experience.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication of medical and surgical interventions in hospitalized patients and associates with high mortality. Our aim was to examine renal recovery and long-term survival and time trends in AKI survival. Changes in serum creatinine (SCr) were used to define AKI in patients at Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland from 1993 to 2013. Renal recovery was defined as SCr < 1.5× baseline. Out of 25 274 individuals who had their highest measured SCr during hospitalization and an available baseline SCr, 10,419 (41%) had AKI during hospitalization (H-AKI), 19%, 11% and 12% with Stage 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The incidence of H-AKI increased from 18.6 (95% CI, 14.7-22.5) to 29.9 (95% CI, 26.7-33.1) per 1000 admissions/year over the study period. Survival after H-AKI was 61% at 90-days and 51% at one year. Comparing H-AKI patients to propensity score matched individuals the hazard ratio for death was 1.49 (1.36-1.62), 2.17 (1.95-2.41) and 2.95 (2.65-3.29) for Stage 1, 2 and 3, respectively. One-year survival of H-AKI patients improved from 47% in 1993-1997 to 57% in 2008-2013 and the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality improved, compared to the first 5-year period, 0.85 (0.81-0.89), 0.67 (0.64-0.71), and 0.57 (0.53-0.60) for each subsequent 5-year interval. Recovery of renal function was achieved in 88%, 58% and 44% of patients in Stages 1, 2 and 3, respectively, improving with time. Acute kidney injury is an independent predictor of long-term mortality in hospitalized patients but there has been a marked improvement in survival and renal recovery over the past two decades.

Hypoalbuminemia: a risk factor for acute kidney injury development and progression to chronic kidney disease in critically ill patients.

The increased likelihood of poor outcomes in critically ill patients with hypoalbuminemia is well recognized. However, hypoalbuminemia remains poorly defined as an independent predictor of acute kidney injury (AKI) and stage 4 chronic kidney diseases (CKD4). The aim of this study was to assess the role of hypoalbuminemia as an independent risk factor for AKI and CKD4 in critically ill patients. A retrospective cohort study. General intensive care unit (ICU) at Anhui Provincial Hospital, PR China. None. We screened patients admitted to the ICU at Anhui Provincial Hospital between January 1, 2008, and October 31, 2011, and included those aged >18years with available records of serum albumin (SA), baseline serum creatinine, and outcome data. The exclusion criteria were: (1) patients with known AKI and CKD stage 4, 5 before ICU admission; (2) patients lost to follow-up; and (3) patients without research authorization. A total of 588 patients with available data were enrolled in the study, and 62 patients with preexisting CKD stage 4 and CKD stage 5 and 115 with preexisting AKI were excluded. Thirty patients were lost to follow-up. Ultimately, 381 patients were analyzed, 233 (61.2%) of whom developed AKI. Patients with low SA were significantly more likely than those with normal SA (p=0.0003) to develop AKI, and to progress from AKI to CKD4 (p=0.0229). More patients in the AKI group than in the non-AKI group had risk factors such as hypotension, mechanical ventilation (MV), proteinuria, sepsis, nephrotoxin exposure, and high-risk surgery (p<0.01). The difference in duration of MV, ICU days, ICU mortality, hospital days, and hospital mortality between the AKI and non-AKI groups was also significant (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed that hypoalbuminemia was significantly associated with AKI and CKD4 [odds ratio (OR) 1.810, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.102-2.992, and OR 2.494, 95% CI 1.231-5.295, respectively]. After 4years of follow-up, Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that survival in hypoalbuminemia patients was significantly shorter than in patients with normal SA (p=0.0393). In the Cox proportional hazard model, hypoalbuminemia was an independent predictor of long-term mortality (hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.042-2.183, p=0.0291). Hypoalbuminemia in critically ill patients is independently associated with an increased risk of development of AKI and AKI progressing to CKD4.

Long-Term Prognosis in Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Intravenous Thrombolytic Therapy

It remains unclear if intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has an impact on the survival and maintenance of a favorable effect on functional recovery over a long follow-up period. The aim of this study was to assess whether or not IVT treatment has a favorable effect on functional recovery and survival less than 1 year after a stroke. This matched cohort study included 259 patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) who were treated with IVT and standard care and 259 patients treated with standard care alone in the stroke unit between February 2006 and January 2013. After a median follow-up period of 3 years (range, 1-7 years), survival did not differ significantly between the groups; specifically, 56 patients (21.6%) in the thrombolysed group died versus 62 patients (23.94%) in the nonthrombolysed group (log-rank, .240, P = .624). Based on a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, older age (>70 years), stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥ 15), diabetes mellitus, and a history of atrial fibrillation were independent predictors of long-term mortality after stroke. After the follow-up period, 144 patients (55.6%) in the IVT-treated group versus 112 patients (43.2%) in the control group had an excellent outcome, with a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16-2.32). Based on a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model, an excellent 3-month functional recovery was a strong predictor of favorable outcome (HR = 11.27, 95% CI = 6.45-19.63). The results suggest that IVT for acute IS has a favorable effect on functional recovery more than 1 year after stroke.

Depression as Measured by PHQ-9 Versus Clinical Diagnosis as an Independent Predictor of Long-Term Mortality in a Prospective Cohort of Medical Inpatients.

Depression has been associated with higher rates of mortality in medical patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of depression in medical inpatients on the rate of mortality during a prolonged follow-up period. This is a prospective follow-up study of a cohort of medical inpatients assessed during 1997-1998 in medical and surgical units at a tertiary university hospital in Spain and followed-up for a period ranging between 16.5 and 18 years. Eight hundred three patients were included; 420 (52.3%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 41.7 (13.8) years. Main outcome was death for any cause during follow-up. The original full Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was administered at baseline as self-report from which the PHQ-9 was derived. Depressive disorders were assessed using PHQ-9 and a structured clinical interview (Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition). Depressive disorders as defined by PHQ-9 were detected in 206 patients (25.7%), 122 (15.2%) of them fulfilling criteria for major depression. During follow-up, 152 patients (18.9%) died. A PHQ score indicating the presence of major depressive disorder predicted increased mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.44; 95% CI, 1.39-4.29), even after adjusting for important demographic and clinical variables. Similarly, the PHQ-9 score as a continuous measure of depression severity predicted increased mortality (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10). Results were similar for clinical interview diagnoses of major depression (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.04-4.09). Medical inpatients with a PHQ depressive disorder had a nearly 2-fold higher risk of long-term mortality, even after adjustment for several confounders. Depression severity as represented by the PHQ-9 score was also a risk factor.