Predictor Of Major Adverse Events Research Articles

Pro-Substance P for Evaluation of Risk in Acute Myocardial Infarction

BackgroundPro-substance P (ProSP) is a stable surrogate marker for labile substance P, which has pro-inflammatory effects, increases platelet aggregation and clot strength, and reduces fibrinolysis. ObjectivesThis study assessed whether ProSP was associated with poor prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to identify novel pathophysiological mechanisms. MethodsProSP was measured in 1,148 AMI patients (825 men, mean age 66.2 ± 12.8 years). Endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (composite of death, reinfarction, and heart failure [HF] hospitalization), death/reinfarction, and death/HF. GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) scores were compared with ProSP for death and/or reinfarction at 6 months. ResultsDuring 2-year follow-up, there were 140 deaths, 112 HF hospitalizations, and 149 re-AMI. ProSP levels were highest on the first 2 days after admission and related to estimated glomerular filtration rate, age, history of diabetes, ischemic heart disease or hypertension, Killip class, left ventricular wall motion index, and sex. Multivariate Cox regression models showed ProSP level was a predictor of major adverse events (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10 to 1.54; p < 0.002), death and/or AMI (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.68; p < 0.0005), death and/or HF (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.67; p < 0.001). ProSP levels with GRACE scores were independent predictors of 6-month death and/or reinfarction (p < 0.0005 for both). ProSP-adjusted GRACE scores reclassified patients significantly (overall category-free net reclassification improvement of 31.6 (95% CI: 14.3 to 49.0; p < 0.0005) mainly by down-classifying those without endpoints. ConclusionsProSP levels post-AMI are prognostic for death, recurrent AMI, or HF, and they improve risk prediction of GRACE scores, predominantly by down-classifying risk in those without events.

Risk predictors of stroke and mortality after ablation for atrial fibrillation: the California experience 2005-2009.

Ablation (ABL) is a second-line therapy for the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Single-center studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of ABL; however, the low event rates render it difficult to assess predictors of major adverse events. The purpose of this study was to determine the population-based incidence of data and risk factors for both stroke <30 days and death after AF ABL. Patients (n = 6207) identified as having undergone AF ABL between 2005 and 2009 by the California Ambulatory Surgery Database in 97 nonfederal hospitals in California were linked to the California Patient Discharge Database and to a master death registry. Data from these patients were analyzed for primary outcomes of 30-day death and ischemic stroke. Independent risk factors for these end-points were determined. Mean patient age was 61.9 years, and the majority of the patients were men. Thirty-day mortality and stroke after ABL were 0.39% and 0.61%, respectively. Independent predictors of death were age ≥80 years (odds ratio [OR] 8.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-43) and heart failure (OR 9.2, 95% CI 3.0-28). Prior stroke/transient ischemic attack/stroke was the only independent predictor for stroke (OR 6.3, 95% CI 3-13). In our large population-based study, we found higher procedure-related mortality but comparable stroke rate after AF ABL than previously reported. Age ≥80 years and heart failure was each independently associated with >8-fold increase in odds of death. The only significant predictor of stroke was prior stroke/transient ischemic attack. These findings may aid in patient selection for AF ABL.

Comparison of the Use of Hemodynamic Support in Patients ≥80 Years Versus Patients

The outcomes of hemodynamic support during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention in the very elderly are unknown. We sought to compare outcomes between the patients ≥80years versus patients <80years enrolled in the PROTECT II (Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial of Hemodynamic Support with the Impella 2.5 versus Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in Patients undergoing High Risk Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) randomized trial. Patients who underwent high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention with an unprotected left main or last patent conduit and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% or with 3-vessel disease and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤30% were randomized to receive an intra-aortic balloon pump or the Impella 2.5; 90-day (or the longest follow-up) outcomes were compared between patients ≥80years (n= 59) and patients <80years (n= 368). At 90 days, the composite end point of major adverse events and major adverse cerebral and cardiac events were similar between patients ≥80 and <80years (45.6% vs 44.1%, p= 0.823, and 23.7% vs 26.8%, p= 0.622, respectively). There were no differences in death, stroke, or myocardial infarction rates between the 2 groups, but fewer repeat revascularization procedures were required in patients ≥80years (1.7% vs 10.4%, p= 0.032). Bleeding and vascular complication rates were low and comparable between the 2 age groups (3.4% vs 2.4%, p= 0.671, and 6.8% vs 5.4%, p= 0.677, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that age was not an independent predictor of major adverse events (odds ratio= 1.031, 95% confidence interval 0.459-2.315, p= 0.941), whereas Impella 2.5 was an independent predictor for improved outcomes irrespective of age (odds ratio= 0.601, 95% confidence interval 0.391-0.923, p= 0.020). In conclusion, the use of percutaneous circulatory support is reasonable and feasible in a selected octogenarian population with similar outcomes as those of younger selected patients. Irrespective of age, the use of Impella 2.5 was an independent predictor of favorable outcomes.

Clinical Impact of Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance in Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Disease: Pooled Analysis at the Patient-Level of 4 Registries

This study sought to investigate the clinical impact of the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) during revascularization of patients with left main coronary artery (LM) disease with drug-eluting stents (DES). Whether the use of IVUS during the procedure adds a clinical benefit remains unclear. There is only 1 previous observational study, with relevant limitations, supporting the value of this strategy. We performed a patient-level pooled analysis of 4 registries of patients with LM disease treated with DES in Spain. A propensity score-matching method was used to obtain matched pairs of patients with and without IVUS guidance. A total of 1,670 patients were included, and 505 patients (30.2%) underwent DES implantation under IVUS guidance (IVUS group). By means of the matching method, 505 patients without the use of IVUS during revascularization were selected (no-IVUS group). Survival free of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 3 years was 88.7% in the IVUS group and 83.6% in the no-IVUS group (p= 0.04) for the overall population, and 90% and 80.7%, respectively (p= 0.03), for the subgroups with distal LM lesions. The incidence of definite and probable thrombosis was significantly lower in the IVUS group (0.6% vs. 2.2%; p= 0.04). Finally, IVUS-guided revascularization was identified as an independent predictor for major adverse events in the overall population (hazard ratio: 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.52 to 0.99; p= 0.04) and in the subgroup with distal lesions (hazard ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.34 to 0.90; p= 0.02). The results of this pooled analysis show an association of IVUS guidance during percutaneous coronary intervention with better outcomes in patients with LM disease undergoing revascularization with DES.

Abstract T MP35: Difference in Long-Term Survival After Carotid Endarterectomy Between Standard and High Risk Patients

Background: Large randomized controlled trials have shown that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in carefully selected patients reduced the risk of stroke and death compared to existing medical therapy alone. Early and long-term mortality after CEA and the predictive factors of major adverse events (MAEs) should be considered when deciding on this procedure. Methods: We enrolled the patients who underwent consecutive CEA procedures. Perioperative (≤30 days) and long-term outcome in standard-risk (SR) and high-risk (HR) procedures was obtained. MAE was defined as the occurrence of stroke, death, or myocardial infarction out to 174 months. Results: A total of 247 patients underwent 271 CEA procedures. Of these, 157 patients had SR and 90 patients had HR. The 30-day rate of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke was 4.5% among all patients (3.2% for SR vs. 6.7% for HR). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant lower survival rate in HR patients (p=0.002). At 5 year, survival rate was 68.1% in SR patients and 28.6% in HR patients, respectively. The most single significant predictor of MAE was coronary artery disease (HR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.8-5.5). Conclusion: In this study of patients underwent CEA, a substantial reduction in long-term survival was observed in high risk patients compared with standard risk patients. Therefore, evaluation and treatment for coronary disease is strongly recommended before and after CEA.

Refining risk assessment in cardiac sarcoidosis: a role for burden of late gadolinium enhancement and right ventricular function

Background The presence of myocardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients with sarcoidosis is a powerful predictor of major adverse events (MAE: death, ventricular tachycardia, or appropriate ICD therapy). In this study, we aim to determine if the burden of LGE, left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volume index (EDVi & ESVi) and ejection fraction (EF) can be used to improve risk stratification in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Methods We identified 25 consecutive subjects with a diagnosis of CS (biopsy-proven extra-cardiac sarcoidosis and presence of LGE on cardiovascular magnetic resonance). Imaging was performed on a 1.5T scanner. Short axis cines (6 mm thickness, 4 mm gap, temporal resolution 5 standard deviations above the mean SI of normal remote myocardium. The total amount of LGE as a percentage of LV mass (%LGE) was determined using Diagnosoft Virtue software (Figure 1). Medical records were reviewed to identify MAE. Area under the curve (AUC) was determined from receiver-operator characteristics demonstrating the ability of %LGE, LVEDVi, LVESVi, LVEF, RVEDVi, RVESVi, and RVEF to detect MAE. Patients were divided into 2 groups; with MAE and without MAE. Each parameter was evaluated using unpaired T-tests. Continuous variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results The mean age was 58 ±7y ears, 18 (72%) were female. Mean follow up was 39 ± 15 months. Six (24%) of patients had MAE. There was a significant difference in %LGE, RVEF and RVESVi but not LVEF, LVESVi, LVEDVi or RVEDVi between those who had MAE and those who did not (Table 1). The AUC for each of the following parameter’s ability to predict MAE was: LVEF 0.54, LVEDVi 0.58, LVESVi 0.62, LGE 0.67, RVEDVi 0.76, RVESVi 0.85, and RVEF 0.56. Notably, in terms of predicting death, the AUC for %LGE, RVEDVi and RVESVi were high at 0.87, 0.86 and 0.89 respectively, while that for LVEF was 0.61, RVEF 0.61, LVEDVi 0.54 and LVESVi 0.55. Conclusions The burden of LGE and RV size and function (not LV size and function) further improve prediction of death and significant ventricular arrhythmia in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis Funding None.

Risk factors for major adverse events of video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy for lung cancer.

Aims: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for major adverse events of VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery) lobectomy for primary lung cancer.Methods: 1806 Patients (1032 males, 57.1%) planned to undergo VATS lobectomy for stage IA-IIIA lung cancer from July 2007 to June 2012. The Thoracic Morbidity and Mortality Classification TM&M system was used to evaluate the presence and severity of complications. Postoperative complications were observed during a 30-day follow up. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the independent risk factors for major adverse events.Results: Successful rate of VATS lobectomy was 97.6% (1763/1806). Major complications occurred in 129 patients (7.3%), with a mortality of 0.3% (5/1763). Pulmonary complications contribute up to 90.7% of the major complications and 80% of mortality. Logistic regression indicated that comorbidities, elder age ≥70y, operative time ≥240min and hybrid VATS were predictors for major adverse events (P<0.05). Hybrid and converted VATS lobectomy result in higher major adverse events compared with complete VATS, 15.1%, 20.9% and 7.4% respectively (P=0.013).Conclusions: The overall complication rate and mortality of VATS lobectomy are low, while major complications sometimes occur. Pulmonary complications are the most common major complications and cause of mortality. Age ≥70y, comorbidities, operative time ≥240min and Hybrid VATS are predictors of major adverse events.

Proenkephalin and Prognosis After Acute Myocardial Infarction

The goal of this research was to assess the prognostic value of proenkephalin (PENK) levels in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by using N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) scores as comparators and to identify levels that might be valuable in clinical decision making. PENK is a stable analyte of labile enkephalins. Few biomarkers predict recurrent AMI. We measured PENK in 1,141 patients (820 male subjects; mean age 66.2 ± 12.8 years) with AMI. Endpoints were major adverse events (composite of death, myocardial infarction [MI], and heart failure [HF] hospitalization) and recurrent MI at 2 years. GRACE scoring was used for comparisons with PENK for the death and/or MI endpoint at 6 months. During follow-up, 139 patients died, and there were 112 HF hospitalizations and 149 recurrent AMIs. PENK levels were highest on admission and were related to estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular wall motion index, sex, blood pressure, and age. Multivariable Cox regression models found that the PENK level was a predictor of major adverse events (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19 to 1.94]), death and/or AMI (HR:1.76 [95% CI: 1.34 to 2.30]), and death and/or HF (HR: 1.67 [95% CI: 1.24 to 2.25]) (all comparisons p< 0.001), as well as recurrent AMI (HR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.07 to 1.91];p< 0.01). PENK levels were independent predictors of 6-month death and/or MI compared with GRACE scores. PENK-adjusted GRACE scores reclassified patients significantly (overall category-free net reclassification improvement [>0] of 21.9 [95% CI: 4.5 to 39.4]; p< 0.014). PENK levels<48.3 pmol/l and >91 pmol/l detected low- and high-risk patients, respectively. PENK levels reflect cardiorenal status post-AMI and are prognostic for death, recurrent AMI, or HF. Cutoff values define low- and high-risk groups and improve risk prediction of GRACE scores.

Different Mid-Term Prognostic Predictors of Major Adverse Events in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Peripheral Artery Disease Presenting With Critical Limb Ischemia

We compared midterm prognostic predictors of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with or without diabetes mellitus (DM) presenting with critical lower limb ischemia (CLI). A total of 172 patients with PAD (109 DM; 63 non-DM) were enrolled. The major adverse events (MAEs) were death or amputation. The diabetic group had a higher MAE rate (39% vs 22%, P = .042) with a mean follow-up duration of 30 ± 19 months. In a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, revascularization (odds ratio = 0.289, P = .006) and higher serum cholesterol (odds ratio=0.988, P = .027) predicted a lower MAE rate in the DM group. In contrast, the presence of severe chronic kidney disease (stage 4 or 5, odds ratio = 5.238, P = .025) was a positive predictor of MAEs in the nondiabetic group. In conclusion, the prognostic predictors of MAE in diabetic and nondiabetic patients with PAD and CLI were different.

Intraoperative Plasma Lactate as an Early Indicator of Major Postoperative Events in Pediatric Cardiac Patients

Hyperlactatemia and unmeasured anions (UMA) have been suggested to be useful predictors of outcomes after pediatric cardiac surgery in the ICU. However, if we detect high-risk patient in the operating room, we could practice early intervention to decrease mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the intraoperative lactate or UMA levels can predict adverse outcomes in pediatric cardiac patients with undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). We studied 102 patients with congenital heart disease. Arterial blood samples were obtained after inducing anesthesia, 5 min after weaning from CPB and after chest closure. Major adverse events (MAEs) were defined as cardiac compression, re-sternotomy due to hemodynamic instability, extra-corporeal membrane oxygenator support, creatinine levels greater than 2 mg/dL, or death. Patients were divided into MAE group (8 patients, 7.8%) and non-MAE group. Six patients with MAEs died. Importantly, the lactate levels (mmol/L) at weaning from CPB (4.19 vs 2.1; MAE group vs non-MAE group), chest closure (5.76 vs 2.39; MAE group vs non-MAE group) and the intraoperative increases in lactate levels were significantly higher in the MAE group than in the non-MAE group. However, there was no significant difference in the UMA levels or their changes between the groups. The increase in the lactate level from CPB weaning to chest closure was the best predictor of MAEs (AUC: 0.810). In conclusion, the intraoperative plasma lactate levels were more closely associated with MAEs, and they are more useful for predicting the outcome of pediatric cardiac patients than the UMA levels.

Accuracy of an expanded early warning score for patients in general and trauma surgery wards

Early warning scores (EWS) may aid the prediction of major adverse events in hospitalized patients. Recently, an expanded EWS was introduced in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between this EWS and the occurrence of major adverse clinical events during hospitalization of patients admitted to a general and trauma surgery ward. This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted to the general and trauma surgery ward of a university medical centre (March-September 2009). Follow-up was limited to the time the patient was hospitalized. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the EWS and the occurrence of the composite endpoint consisting of death, reanimation, unexpected intensive care unit admission, emergency surgery and severe complications. Performance of the EWS was analysed using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. A total of 572 patients were included. During a median follow-up of 4 days, 46 patients (8.0 per cent) reached the composite endpoint (two deaths, two reanimations, 17 intensive care unit admissions, 44 severe complications, one emergency operation). An EWS of at least 3, adjusted for baseline American Society of Anesthesiology classification, was associated with a significantly higher risk of reaching the composite endpoint (odds ratio 11·3, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 5·5 to 22·9). The area under the ROC curve was 0·87 (95 per cent c.i. 0·81 to 0·93). When considering an EWS of at least 3 to be a positive test result, sensitivity was 74 per cent and specificity was 82 per cent. An EWS of 3 or more is an independent predictor of major adverse events in patients admitted to a general and trauma surgery ward.

TCT-420: Predictors of Major Adverse Events in Female Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction undergoing Primary PCI: Three Year Results from the HORIZONSAMI Study

TCT-420: Predictors of Major Adverse Events in Female Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction undergoing Primary PCI: Three Year Results from the HORIZONSAMI Study

Characterization of peri-infarct zone by CMR is a robust predictor of major adverse events and is strongly associated with systemic inflammatory response post-myocardial infarction

While previous studies suggest that the peri-infarct zone (PIZ) may be an important arrhythmogenic substrate and may be associated with an unfavorable outcome post-MI, to date, there is no convincing mechanistic explanation to support that relationship. Systemic inflammatory response (SIR) in the acute phase post-MI has also been associated an adverse prognosis.Furthermore, a strong SIR may lead to greater heterogeneity of the infarcted myocardium. We hypothesized that the PIZ extent would be associated with the severity of the post-MI SIR. We further sought to determine if prognostic information provided by PIZ extent and SIR would complement classical markers of adverse outcome post-MI.

Risk of Adverse Events After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft and Subsequent Noncardiac Surgery

Coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs) are increasingly performed in elderly patients. Risk factors and outcomes are poorly described for those undergoing noncardiac surgery within 1 year after CABG. Our objectives were to assess the risk and predictors of major adverse events associated with noncardiac surgery within 1 year after CABG. In a retrospective review of medical records at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA), over a period of 5 years, we identified patients who underwent noncardiac procedures within 1 year post-CABG. All events that occurred within 30 days after noncardiac surgery and deaths within 1 year after noncardiac surgery were considered to be related to CABG. We identified 211 patients; of these, 21 patients had 24 adverse events. Within 1 year, 11 died, and within the first 30 days, three myocardial infarctions, six acute congestive heart failure episodes, three cerebrovascular accidents and one deep vein thrombosis episode had occurred. Predictors of an adverse event included emergency operation (odds ratio: 6.8), ejection fraction less than 45% (p < 0.001) and elevated right ventricular systolic pressure by 40 mmHg or more (p = 0.03). After the noncardiac procedure, patients requiring dialysis (p = 0.02), ventilatory support (p = 0.03) and longer hospital stay (p = 0.03) had greater rates of adverse outcomes. Post-CABG, preoperative ejection fraction less than 45%, right ventricular systolic pressure of 40 mmHg or more, as well as emergent noncardiac surgery, were predictors of adverse outcomes after the noncardiac procedure. Longer postoperative hospital stay, dialysis, as well as ventilatory support, were predictors of adverse outcomes after CABG.

Evaluation of Global Registry of Acute Cardiac Events and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scores in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome

Purposes We aimed to evaluate the Global Registry of Acute Cardiac Events (GRACE) and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) scores in patients with suspected but not proven acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Basic procedures We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the RATPAC trial. Standardized data were collected from 2263 patients presenting to 6 emergency departments with suspected but not proven ACS. Patients were followed up by record review and postal questionnaire at 30 and 90 days after recruitment to identify major adverse events, defined as death, emergency revascularization, life-threatening arrhythmia, hospitalization for ACS, or nonfatal acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Main findings Data were available for 2243 patients (mean age, 54.5 years; 58% male). The major adverse event rate was 43 (2%) of 2243 after 30 days and 62 (3%) of 2243 after 90 days. The c statistics for 30-day events were 0.717 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.698-0.735) for GRACE and 0.682 (95% CI, 0.662-0.701) for TIMI. The corresponding 90-day c statistics were 0.726 (95% CI, 0.707-0.745) for GRACE and 0.693 (95% CI, 0.674-0.712) for TIMI. The c statistic for patient age alone was 0.656 for 30-day events and 0.689 for 90-day events. Principal conclusions The GRACE and TIMI scores are little better than age alone as predictors of major adverse events in patients with suspected but not proven ACS, and thus add little to prognostic assessment of such patients.

Circulation: Clinical Summaries

<i>Circulation:</i> Clinical Summaries

Cystatin C and Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Cystatin C (CyC) is more sensitive than serum creatinine (sCr) to rapidly detect acute changes in renal function. We measured CyC together with sCr in 410 consecutive patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing either coronary and/or peripheral angiography and/or angioplasty. sCr was assessed at baseline and 24 and 48 hours after contrast media exposure. CyC was assessed at baseline and at 24 hours. Major adverse events (including death of any cause and dialysis) at 12 months were assessed. At 48 hours after contrast media exposure, contrast-induced acute kidney injury (defined as a sCr increase > or =0.3 mg/dL) occurred in 34 patients (8.2%). A CyC increase concentration > or =10% at 24 hours after contrast media exposure was detected in 87 patients (21.2%). This was the best CyC cutoff for the early identification of patients at risk for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (negative predictive value=100%; positive predictive value=39.1%). According to the defined cutoffs (that is, increase in CyC > or =10% and sCr > or =0.3 mg/dL), major adverse events occurred in 16 of 297 patients (5.4%) without any cutoffs satisfied (group 1), in 9 of 49 patients (18.4%) with only a CyC increase > or =10% (group 2), and in 9 of 31 patients (29%) with both cutoffs satisfied (group 3). By logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of major adverse events at 1 year were group 2 (odds ratio=2.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.17 to 5.41; P=0.02), group 3 (odds ratio=4.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.72 to 11.54; P=0.002), and baseline glomerular filtration rate (odds ratio=0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.88 to 0.95; P<0.001). In patients with chronic kidney disease, CyC seems to be a reliable marker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

Clinical Profile and Predictors of Complications in Peripartum Cardiomyopathy

Background Clinical profile and predictors of major adverse events (MAE) associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) have not been characterized. Methods and Results A retrospective review and analysis of clinical data of 182 patients with PPCM. Forty-six patients had ≥1 MAE, including death (13), heart transplantation (11), temporary circulatory support (4), cardiopulmonary arrest (6), fulminant pulmonary edema (17), thromboembolic complications (4), and defibrillator or pacemaker implantation (10). Diagnosis of PPCM was delayed ≥1 week in 48% of patients with MAE that preceded the diagnosis in 50% of these patients. Seven (32%) of the surviving patients who had MAE and did not undergo heart transplantation had residual brain damage. Significant predictors of MAE were: left ventricular ejection fraction ≤25% (HR 4.20, CI 2.04–8.64) and non-Caucasian background(HR 2.16, CI 1.17– 3.97). These predictors in addition to diagnosis delay (HR 5.51, CI 1.21–25.04) were also associated with death or heart transplantation. Conclusions 1. PPCM may be associated with mortality or severe and lasting morbidity. 2. Incidence of MAE is higher in non-Caucasians and in women with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤25%. 3. Diagnosis of PPCM is often delayed and preceded by MAE. 4. Increased awareness of PPCM is required for early diagnosis and aggressive therapy in an attempt to prevent complications.

Endovascular treatment of acute and chronic aortic dissection: Midterm results from the Talent Thoracic Retrospective Registry

This study examined midterm results after treatment with the endovascular Talent thoracic stent graft (Medtronic/AVE, Santa Rosa, Calif) in patients with acute or chronic aortic dissection. In the Talent Thoracic Retrospective Registry, 180 patients were treated for acute or chronic aortic dissection (mean age: 59.6 +/- 13.0 years). Thirty-seven (20.6%) patients had acute aortic complications with signs of rupture, distal malperfusion, or persistent pain; the remainder were in stable condition. Aortic diameter was 53.5 +/- 14.3 mm, the distance from the left subclavian artery to the proximal entry tear was 44.1 +/- 41.9 mm, and dissection extended beyond the celiac axis in 88.3% of cases. Length of covered aorta measured 138.9 +/- 45.7 mm, with one stent graft used in 125 (69.4%) patients. Procedural success was 98.3%. Nine patients died within 30 days, yielding an overall early mortality of 5.0%. For in-hospital outcome, multivariate analysis showed that age greater than 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 4,9; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.6-15.1; P = .006), American Society of Anesthesiologists class greater than III (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.0-7.5; P = .04), and emergency status (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-8.9; P = .01) were independent predictors of major adverse events. Compared with electively treated patients, emergency status was associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality (13.5% vs 2.1%; P = .003) and neurologic events (16.2% vs 4.2%; P = .01). However, patients with acute dissection had a smaller baseline diameter and were less often identified to have secondary endoleaks and progressive enlargement. Average follow-up for hospital survivors was 22.3 +/- 17.0 months with an estimated survival of 94.9% +/- 1.7% at 30 days, 90.6% +/- 2.3% at 12 months, 90.6% +/- 2.3% at 24 months, and 81.8% +/- 4.8 % at 36 months. During follow-up, 30 patients required a total of 32 secondary interventions including 12 open and 20 endovascular procedures, accounting for an estimated 71.5% freedom from reinterventions at 36 months. Follow-up imaging revealed stable or decreasing thoracic aortic diameter in 80.5% of patients. Endovascular treatment for aortic dissection is associated with reasonably low morbidity and mortality. Long-term surveillance is crucial to define more comprehensively the durability of stent graft treatment of aortic dissection and to determine which patients are appropriate candidates for stent graft therapy.

Endovascular Repair for Diverse Pathologies of the Thoracic Aorta: An Initial Decade of Experience

Endovascular grafts have rapidly evolved as a minimally invasive treatment for a variety of acute and chronic disorders of the thoracic aorta. Application of this technology at a single center is reported. Between 1998 and 2007, 197 patients underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Primary indications included degenerative aneurysms (n = 121), type B aortic dissection (n = 44), mycotic aneurysms (n = 9), traumatic disruptions (n = 9), intramural hematoma (n = 5), pseudoaneurysm (n = 4), and miscellaneous pathology (n = 5). An analysis of patient demographics, periprocedural records, complications, reinterventions, and survival was conducted. Thirty-day mortality was 6%, which was lowest among patients undergoing treatment for a degenerative thoracic aortic aneurysm (2.4%, 3 of 121). Major adverse events included stroke in 3%, spinal cord ischemia in 2%, peripheral vascular repair in 4.5%, renal failure in 4.5%, and open conversion in one patient (0.5%). Both preoperative serum creatinine (odds ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.04, p = 0.039) and number of endograft components (odds ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.01, p = 0.043) were predictors of major adverse events. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a reduction in late survival among patients with preoperative creatinine >or=1.8 mg/dL (p < 0.001). One- and 5-year intervention-free survivals were 77%+/-3% and 41%+/-6%, respectively. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair represents an effective treatment for a variety of pathologic states. But the risk-benefit analysis for thoracic endovascular aortic repair should carefully consider the extent of disease, pathologic condition, and renal function.