Significant Reduction In All-cause Mortality Research Articles

Effects of glucose-lowering agents on cardiovascular and renal outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with external adjudication of events.

To investigate the effects of glucose-lowering agents on all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular and renal outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes. A MEDLINE and EMBASE search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials, published up to 28 February 2022, with a follow-up ≥52 weeks, in which glucose-lowering drugs were compared with either placebo or active comparators. We included only trials reporting formal external adjudication of events. All-cause mortality, 3-point MACE (major cardiovascular events), and hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) were considered as principal outcomes. Doubling of serum creatinine, worsening albuminuria, and renal death were considered as secondary endpoints. We included randomized controlled trials performed on metformin (n=17), pioglitazone (n=20), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (n=9), insulin secretagogues (n=42), dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (n=67), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (n=45) or sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i; n=42) and insulin (n=18). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist and SGLT-2i were associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality [Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (MH-OR), 95% confidence interval: 0.88 (0.83; 0.95) and 0.85 (0.79; 0.91), respectively] and MACE [MH-OR, 95% confidence interval: 0.89 (0.84; 0.94) and 0.90 (0.84; 0.96), respectively]. SGLT-2i was associated with a reduced risk of HHF [MH-OR 0.68 (0.62; 0.75)], worsening albuminuria [MH-OR 0.67 (0.55; 0.80)] and doubling of serum creatinine [MH-OR 0.58 (0.44; 0.79)]. Metformin and pioglitazone were associated with a significantly lower risk of MACE [MH-OR 0.60 (0.47; 0.80) and 0.85 (0.74; 0.97), respectively] and pioglitazone with a higher risk of HHF [MH-OR 1.30 (1.04; 1.62)]. Insulin secretagogues were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality [MH-OR 1.12 (1.01; 1.24)] and MACE [MH-OR 1.19 (1.02; 1.39)]. The results of this updated meta-analysis need to be considered in the choice of drug treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which cannot be merely based on the effect of glucose-lowering drugs on long-term glycaemic control.

The angiotensin receptor and neprilysin inhibitor, LCZ696, in heart failure: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background:LCZ696 is a novel neuroendocrine inhibitor that has been widely used in heart failure (HF). However, its advantage over other neuroendocrine inhibitors, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to provide the latest evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of LCZ696 as compared to other ACEis and ARBs with regards to the treatment of HF.Methods:We systematically searched databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The outcome measures included all-cause mortality, rate of hospitalizations for HF, rate of death from cardiovascular causes, change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and decline of renal function.Results:Five RCTs involving 19,078 patients were identified. The meta-analysis indicated that LCZ696 was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.93; P = .0005), rate of hospitalizations for HF (HR = 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73–0.87; P < .00001), reduction in NT-proBNP levels (rate ratio = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70–0.88; P < .0001), and decline in renal function (odds ratio = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68–0.88; P < .0001) compared with ACEis and ARBs. However, there was no statistical difference in the rate of death from cardiovascular causes (HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72–1.03; P = .09) between LCZ696 and ACEis and ARBs.Conclusion:LCZ696 is superior to ACEis and ARBs in the treatment of HF. Hence, it should be more widely used clinically.

Effectiveness of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Using Real-World Data: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess all-cause mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization with sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) compared to standard HF therapy in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) using real-world data. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for the observational studies published in English exploring the clinical outcomes of S/V use in HFrEF till March 14, 2022. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality and risk of bias of the included studies. A random-effect model was used to combine data. The outcomes assessed were all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization associated with S/V use in comparison to standard HF therapy. A total of 9 observational studies comparing S/V to Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I)/Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) in HFrEF were included in the systematic review, with more than 32000 patients included in the final analysis. Overall, S/V use was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (Risk Ratio [RR] = 0.70, 95% CI 0.53-0.93, I2 = 83%) and HF hospitalization (RR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.80, I2= 94%). Similar to the landmark controlled evidence, real-world data of S/V use in HFrEF demonstrated a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

Comparative Effectiveness of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are the options for revascularization in coronary artery disease (CAD). This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy of CABG and PCI for the management of patients with CAD. The meta-analysis was conducted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched for relevant articles. The reference list of included articles was also searched manually for additional publications. Primary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included myocardial infarction, stroke, and revascularization. In total, 12 randomized control trials (RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis encompassing 9,941 patients (4,954 treated with CABG and 4,987 with PCI). The analysis showed that PCI was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10-1.45) and revascularization (RR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.82-3.21). However, no significant differences were reported between two arms regarding cardiovascular mortality (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.96-1.39), myocardial infarction (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.82-1.67), and stroke (RR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.35-1.16). CABG was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality and revascularization compared to PCI. However, no significant difference was reported in the risk of cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke between the two groups.

Efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AimsThe efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are controversial. Hence, the primary objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan treatment for patients with HFpEF.Methods and resultsWe used the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to search for randomized controlled trials of sacubitril–valsartan in patients with HFpEF. Three studies, involving a total of 7,663 patients, were eligible for inclusion. Sacubitril–valsartan reduced the risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) [odds ratio (OR): 0.78; 95% CI: 0.70–0.88; p < 0.0001] and the incidence of worsening renal function [risk ratio (RR): 0.79, p = 0.002] among patients with HFpEF in the three trials, but there was no significant reduction in all-cause mortality (0.99, 95% CI: 0.84–1.15; p = 0.86) or cardiovascular mortality (0.95, 95% CI: 0.78–1.15; p = 0.16). Moreover, sacubitril/valsartan was associated with an increased risk of symptomatic hypotension (RR: 1.44; p < 0.00001) and angioedema (RR: 2.66; p < 0.04); there was no difference for decreasing the incidence of hyperkalemia (RR: 0.89; p = 0.11).ConclusionCompared with valsartan or individualized medical therapy (IMT), sacubitril/valsartan significantly decreased the risk of hospitalization for HF and reduced the incidence of renal dysfunction.

Do Patients With Non-Viable Myocardium From Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Benefit From Revascularization? A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

BackgroundMyocardial viability assessment is used to select patients who will derive the greatest benefit from revascularization. It remains controversial whether revascularization only benefits patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy who have viable myocardium. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare mortality between patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and non-viable myocardium who underwent revascularization and those who underwent medical therapy alone. MethodsThe MEDLINE database was searched using PubMed to retrieve studies published up to December 2021. Inclusion criteria were 1. studies that evaluated the impact of revascularization (revascularization group) versus medical therapy alone (control group) following myocardial viability assessment; 2. patients who had coronary artery disease that was amenable to coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention; and 3. patients who had non-viable myocardium. The main outcome measure was all-cause mortality. ResultsA total of 12 studies were included, evaluating 1363 patients with non-viable myocardium, of whom 501 patients underwent revascularization and 862 patients received medical therapy alone. There was a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR 0.76, 95 % CI: 0.62–0.93, I2 = 0) in the revascularization group compared to the control group. There was no association between the type of viability imaging modality and the risk of all-cause mortality (P-interaction = 0.58). ConclusionsThe findings of this meta-analysis suggest a benefit from revascularization compared to medical therapy in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy despite the lack of myocardial viability.

Effect of menopausal hormone therapy on methylation levels in early and late postmenopausal women

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death among postmenopausal women but standard primary prevention strategies in women are not as effective as in men. By comparison, the Early versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol (ELITE) study demonstrated that hormone therapy (HT) was associated with significant reduction in atherosclerosis progression in women who were within six years of menopause compared to those who were 10 or more years from menopause. These findings are consistent with other studies showing significant reductions in all-cause mortality and CVD with HT, particularly when initiated in women younger than 60 years of age or within 10 years since menopause. To explore the biological mechanisms underlying the age-related atheroprotective effects of HT, we investigated changes in methylation of blood cells of postmenopausal women who participated in ELITE.ResultsWe first validated the epigenetic data generated from blood leukocytes of ELITE participants by replicating previously known associations between smoking and methylation levels at previously identified CpG sites, such as cg05575921 at the AHRR locus. An epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) evaluating changes in methylation through interactions with time-since-menopause and HT revealed two significantly associated CpG sites on chromosomes 12 (cg19552895; p = 1.1 × 10–9) and 19 (cg18515510; p = 2.4 × 10–8). Specifically, HT resulted in modest, but significant, increases in methylation levels at both CpGs but only in women who were 10 or more years since menopause and randomized to HT. Changes in carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) from baseline to 36 months after HT were not significantly correlated with changes in methylation levels at either cg19552895 or cg18515510. Evaluation of other previously identified CpG sites at which methylation levels in either blood or vascular tissue were associated with atherosclerosis also did not reveal any differences in methylation as a function of HT and time-since-menopause or with changes in CIMT.ConclusionsWe identified specific methylation differences in blood in response to HT among women who were 10 or more years since menopause. The functional consequence of these change with respect to atherosclerosis progression and protective effects of HT remains to be determined and will require additional studies.

Role of low dose computed tomography on lung cancer detection and mortality - an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chest low dose computed tomography (LDCT) is reported to be a sensitive tool for the detection of lung cancer at asymptomatic stage, thus reducing mortality. The review assesses the effect of LDCT screening on all-cause mortality, lung cancer mortality and incidence rates. We conducted literature searches of PubMed, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library from inception through January 2020 to identify relevant studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of LDCT for lung cancer. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for reporting this meta-analysis and review. The inclusion criteria were a) Randomized control trials, b) Comparing LDCT to any other form of screening or standard of care, and (c) Primary outcome studied: all-cause mortality, lung cancer-specific mortality, rate of early detection of lung cancer. A total of 11 studies encompassing 97,248 patients were included. When compared with controls (no screening or CXR), LDCT screening was associated with statistically significant reduction in lung cancer mortality (pooled RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.75-0.98); low heterogeneity was observed (I2= 27.86). However, LDCT screening was not associated with statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR =0.96; 95% CI: 0.92 -1.01). Notably, the LDCT screening was associated with statistically significant increase in lung cancer detection (RR =1.76; 95% CI: 1.14-2.72). LDCT screening has the potential to reduce mortality due to lung cancer among high-risk individuals. LDCT could be considered as a screening modality after careful assessment of other factors like prevalence of TB, proportion of high-risk population, cost, access and availability of LDCT.

Statins and statin intensity in peripheral artery disease.

Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects more than 202 million people worldwide. Several studies have shown that patients with PAD are often undertreated, and that statin utilization is suboptimal. European and American guidelines highlight statins as the first-line lipid-lowering therapy to treat patients with PAD. Our objective with this meta-analysis was to further explore the impact of statins on lower extremities PAD endpoints and examine whether statin dose (high vs. low intensity) impacts outcomes. Patients and methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA guidelines. Any study that presented a comparison of use of statins vs. no statins for PAD patients or studies comparing high vs. low intensity statins were considered to be potentially eligible. We excluded studies with only critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients. The Medline (PubMed) database was searched up to January 31, 2021. A random effects meta-analysis was performed. Results: In total, 39 studies and 275,670 patients were included in this meta-analysis. In total, 136,025 (49.34%) patients were on statins vs. 139,645 (50.66%) who were not on statins. Statin use was associated with a reduction in all cause-mortality by 42% (HR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.49-0.67, p<0.01) and cardiovascular death by 43% (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.74, p<0.01). Statin use was associated with an increase in amputation-free survival by 56% (HR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.30-0.58, p<0.01). The risk of amputation and loss of patency were reduced by 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.41-0.89, p<0.01) and 46% (HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34-0.74, p<0.01), respectively. Statin use was also associated with a reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 35% (HR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.51-0.80, p<0.01) and myocardial infarction rates by 41% (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.33-0.86, p<0.01). Among patients treated with statins, the high-intensity treatment group was associated with a reduction in all cause-mortality by 36% (HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54-0.74, p<0.01) compared to patients treated with low intensity statins. Conclusions: Statin treatment among patients with PAD was associated with a statistically significant reduction in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, MACE, risk for amputation, or loss of patency. Higher statin dose seems to be associated with improved outcomes.

The associations of healthy lifestyle index with breast cancer incidence and mortality in a population-based study.

To investigate how a healthy lifestyle index (HLI) is associated with breast cancer risk and survival in a population-based breast cancer study. The study included 1319 breast cancer cases and 1310 controls from the population-based Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project and its follow-up study where vital status was ascertained using the National Death Index (521 deaths, 210 from breast cancer; median follow-up 214.5months). HLI scores were generated from body mass index, physical activity, intake of plant and animal foods, alcohol consumption, breastfeeding, and smoking, with higher values corresponding to healthier behaviors obtained from baseline questionnaire. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to estimate breast cancer odds ratios (ORs) and mortality hazards ratios (HRs), respectively. Compared to women in the low HLI tertile, a significant reduction in risk of breast cancer was observed for women in the intermediate (OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.93) and high (OR = 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.88) tertiles; a one-point increase in HLI score was associated with a 14% reduction in breast cancer risk (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80-0.93). For survival, a significant reduction in all-cause mortality was also observed in women in the intermediate (HR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.56-0.84) and high (HR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.58-0.88) HLI tertiles with a 17% reduction in all-cause mortality (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.76-0.91) for one-point increase in HLI score. These inverse associations were more prominent among postmenopausal women. A healthy lifestyle is beneficial not only in reducing breast cancer risk but also in improving overall survival after breast cancer diagnosis, especially among postmenopausal women.

869-P: Reductions in Traditional Risk Factors Explain Most of the Cardiovascular Benefit of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: An Analysis Using the BRAVO Risk Engine

Several hypotheses have been proposed that SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists may have additional mechanisms to further reduce risks of cardiovascular complications unexplained by traditional risk factors control. This study aimed to examine and quantify the magnitude of additional protective effects of these two drugs on cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) . Patient characteristics were extracted from four cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) of SGLT2 inhibitors and four CVOTs of GLP-1 receptor agonists completed before Nov 2021. We used the BRAVO simulation model to translate risk factors reductions from the newer drugs into risk reductions in cardiovascular complications, assuming the simulated risk reductions are only driven by traditional risk factors (i.e., A1c, SBP, LDL, and BMI) . We then derived the relative risk (RR) between observed risk reductions and simulated risk-factor-driven risk reductions in study outcomes to determine whether additional cardiovascular benefit of the newer drugs exist that can be explained by improvement of traditional risk factor control. Controlling for effect from traditional risk factors, SGLT2 inhibitor was associated with an additional risk reduction of hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) (RR: 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) : 0.59-0.94) , and a meaningful but not significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.77-1.03) , but an increased risk of stroke (RR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.62) . No additional benefit was observed in preventing MI or CVD mortality from SGLT2 inhibitors. No additional benefit in preventing any study outcomes was associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Except for the benefit on HHF by SGLT2i, improvement in traditional CVD risk factors largely account for all the benefit associated with GLP-1 and SGLT2i to reduce CVD. Disclosure S.Niu: None. D.Guan: None. N.Singh ospina: None. K.Cusi: Consultant; Altimmune, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc., AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly and Company, Fractyl Health, Inc., Genentech, Inc., Hanmi Pharm. Co., Ltd., Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Novo Nordisk. V.Fonseca: Consultant; Abbott, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Bayer AG, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Research Support; Fractyl Health, Inc., Jaguar Gene Therapy, Stock/Shareholder; Abbott, Amgen Inc., BRAVO4Health, Mellitus Health. L.Shi: None. H.Shao: Board Member; BRAVO4HEALTH, LLC.

Tricuspid valve repair versus a conservative approach in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation undergoing mitral valve surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Tricuspid valve repair (TVR) at the time of mitral valve (MV) surgery is still a debatable part of literature whether to do a concomitant valve repair or not, and if TVR is indicated, whether to perform it in patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or mild-to-moderate TR. We assessed the benefits of a concomitant TVR during MV surgery, focusing on mortality and echocardiographic TR-related outcomes. Methods Electronic databases were systematically searched to identify any observational or interventional studies that compared the effects of concomitant TVR during MV surgery on all causes, cardiovascular, non-cardiovascular mortality. Pooled risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effects models. Results 27 studies were included for a total of 5460 patients with mean follow up period of 80 months. During MV surgery doing a concomitant TVR has been associated with significant reduction in all-cause mortality (RR: 0.35, 95% CI [0.21 to 0.52], p&amp;lt;0.00001), cardiac-related mortality (RR: 0.34, 95% CI [0.30 to 0.42], p&amp;lt;0.00001), and non-cardiac related mortality (RR: 0.42, 95% CI [0.31 to 0.72], p=0.005). Furthermore, regarding echocardiographic TR outcomes, the presence of more-than-moderate TR (RR: 0.19; 95% CI [0.11–0.34], p = 0.001), TR progression (RR 0.04; 95% CI [0.01–0.07], p =0.001) were significantly lower in the TV repair group at a mean weighted follow-up of 60 months. Conclusions A concomitant TVR during MV surgery showed a significant improvement not only in cardiac-related mortality, non-cardiac-related mortality, but also in TR echocardiographic outcomes with long period of follow up.

Comparing novel oral anticoagulants to vitamin k antagonists in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common occurrence in Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), reported in approximately one third of cases. The 2011 ACC guidelines for management of HCM with concomitant AF recommend use of Vitamin K Antagonists (VKA); however, new research and randomized clinical trials present data which favor the use of Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOAC) over VKA to prevent serious outcomes. Purpose We aim to identify the difference between NOAC and VKA in preventing ischemic stroke and thromboembolism, and calculate the rate of intracranial hemorrhage, major bleeding and all cause mortality in both treatment groups. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim to answer the following clinical question: What is the efficacy of NOACs vs VKA in preventing thromboembolism and what are the associated risks with each group? We followed PRISMA guidelines. Scientific databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos) were searched using relevant medical subject headings and keywords to retrieve studies published through September 24, 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients over 18 years old, use of NOACs and VKA in atrial fibrillation and HCM. Studies with patients who had catheter ablative therapy were excluded. After an exhaustive review, a total of 6 studies including 2 Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) and 4 retrospective cohort studies were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 to analyze event rate, hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for ischemic stroke/thromboembolism, all-cause mortality, major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. One study was later excluded due to insufficient data. Heterogeneity was assessed by using the I2 statistic. Results A total of 9,168 patients [NOAC 5158 and VKA 4010] were pooled. Meta-analysis showed the NOAC treatment group had a significant improvement in preventing the primary outcome ischemic stroke/thromboembolism [HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.26 -0.63, p = &amp;lt;0.001], as well as secondary outcomes; all cause mortality [HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.19 - 0.73, p = 0.004, p = 0.004], Intracranial hemorrhage [HR 0.43; 95% CI, 0.11 - 1.65, p = 0.22], and Major Bleeding [HR 0.56; CI 95% 0.34 - 0.93, p = 0.02]. Conclusion Anticoagulation of patients with HCM and AF using NOACs was associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke and thromboembolic events in the NOACs group. There was also a statistically significant reduction of all-cause mortality and major bleeding among patients with AF and HCM who had received NOACs as compared to VKA. There was a notable reduction of ICH in the NOACs group as well. Further clinical trials are needed to further assess the long term benefits of using NOACs in these patients.

Digital health intervention in patients with recent hospitalization for acute heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials

AimTo examine the efficacy of digital health interventions (DHI) versus standard of care among patients with prior heart failure (HF) hospitalization. MethodsAn electronic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, OVID, CINHAL and ERIC, databases was performed through August 2021 for randomized clinical trials that evaluated the outcomes with DHI among patients with HF. Data were pooled using the random-effects model. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results10 randomized trials were included in our analysis, with a total of 7204 patients and a weighted follow up duration of 15.6 months. Compared with the reference group, patients in the DHI group had lower all-cause mortality (8.5% vs. 10.2%, risk ratio-RR 0.80; 95% confidence interval-CI 0.66 to 0.96; P = 0.02), as well as lower cardiovascular mortality (7.3% vs. 9.6%, RR 0.76; 95% CI 0.62 to 0.94; P = 0.01). There was no significant difference in HF-related hospitalizations (23.4% vs. 26.2%, RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.66 to 1.02; P = 0.07) and all-cause hospitalizations (48.3% vs. 49.9%, RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.03; P = 0.11) in the DHI versus reference groups. Patients in the DHI group had fewer days lost due to HF-related hospitalizations (mean difference-MD: -1.77; 95% CI -3.06,-0.48, p = 0.01; I2 = 51), but similar days lost to all-cause hospitalizations (MD: -0.76; 95% CI -3.07,-1.55, p = 0.52; I2 = 69) compared with patients in the reference group. ConclusionCompared with usual care, DHI among patients with HF provided significant reduction of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality and had fewer total days lost to HF hospitalizations. There were no differences in all-cause hospitalizations, and HF hospitalizations.

Outcomes With Multidisciplinary Cardiac Rehabilitation in Post-acute Systolic Heart Failure Patients-A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study.

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended for patients with acute heart failure (HF). However, the results of outcome studies and meta-analyses on CR in post-acute care are varied. We aimed to assess the medium- to long-term impact of CR and ascertain the predictors of successful CR.MethodsIn this propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study, records of consecutive patients who survived acute HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <40) and participated in a multidisciplinary HF rehabilitation program post-discharge between May 2014 and July 2019 were reviewed. Patients in the CR group had at least one exercise session within 3 months of discharge; the others were in the non-CR group. After propensity score matching, the primary (all-cause mortality) and secondary (HF readmission and life quality assessment) outcomes were analyzed.ResultsAmong 792 patients, 142 attended at least one session of phase II CR. After propensity score matching for covariates related to HF prognosis, 518 patients were included in the study (CR group, 137 patients). The all-cause mortality rate was 24.9% and the HF rehospitalization rate was 34.6% in the median 3.04-year follow-up. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that the CR group had a significant reduction in all-cause mortality compared to the non-CR group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.490, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.308–0.778). A lower risk of the primary outcome with CR was observed in patients on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, but was not seen in patients who were not prescribed this class of medications (interaction p = 0.014).ConclusionsCardiac rehabilitation participation was associated with reduced all-cause mortality after acute systolic heart failure hospital discharge. Our finding that the benefit of CR was decreased in patients not prescribed RAAS inhibitors warrants further evaluation.

A 2-year follow-up of a novel Fracture Liaison Service: can we reduce the mortality in elderly hip fracture patients? A prospective cohort study.

SummaryOsteoporosis is an underdiagnosed disease that results in bone fragility and risk of fractures. Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) is a secondary prevention model which identifies patients at risk for fragility fractures. The introduction of a FLS protocol showed an increase of anti-osteoporotic drug prescription and significant reduction of all-cause mortality.Introduction Hip fractures are the most severe osteoporotic fracture due to their associated disability and elevated risk of mortality. FLS programs have enhanced the management of osteoporosis-related fractures. Our objective is to analyze the effect of the FLS model over survival and 2-year mortality rate following a hip fracture.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study on patients over 60 years of age who suffered a hip fracture during 3 consecutive years, before and after the implementation of the FLS in our center (i.e., between January 2016 and December 2018). Patients’ information was withdrawn from our local computerized database. Patients were followed for 2 years after the hip fracture. Mortality and re-fracture rates were compared between the two groups using a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.ResultsA total of 1101 patients were included in this study (i.e., 357 before FLS implementation and 744 after FLS implementation). Anti-osteoporotic drugs were more frequently prescribed after FLS implementation (583 (78.4%) vs 44 (12.3%); p < 0.01). There was an increase of adherence to treatment after FLS implementation (227 (38.9%) vs 12 (3.3%); p = 0.03). A total of 222 (29.8%) patients after FLS implementation and 114 (31.9%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.44) died during the follow-up period. A second fracture occurred in 49 (6.6%) patients after FLS implementation and in 26 (7.3%) individuals before FLS implementation (p = 0.65). Patients who were treated with anti-osteoporotic drugs after the implementation of the FLS protocol had a lower all-cause 1-year and 2-year mortality compared with patients managed before the implementation of the FLS protocol (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–0.96; HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69–1.09, respectively).ConclusionsThe implementation of a FLS protocol was associated with an increase of anti-osteoporotic treatment, higher adherence, and greater survival in elderly hip fracture patients. There was a significant reduction of all-cause mortality in the FLS patients treated with anti-osteoporotic. However, the application of the FLS did not affect the risk of suffering a second fragility fracture.

Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Benefit from SAVR with Surgical Ablation Compared to TAVR Alone.

IntroductionIn patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing aortic valve replacement, the addition of surgical ablation to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR-SA) is efficacious and a Class I guideline. We hypothesized that this subgroup may benefit from SAVR-SA compared to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) alone.MethodsMedicare beneficiaries with persistent non-valvular AF who underwent SAVR-SA or TAVR alone between 2012 and 2018 were included. Patients with high-risk surgical comorbidities were excluded. Groups were matched using inverse probability weighting. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were stroke, transient ischemic attack, permanent pacemaker implantation, bleeding, rehospitalization for atrial arrhythmias, and rehospitalization for heart failure. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional-hazards regression were used to compare outcomes. Outcomes were adjusted for variables with a standardized mean difference greater than 0.1.ResultsOf 439,492 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement, 2591 underwent SAVR-SA and 1494 underwent TAVR alone. Weighting resulted in adequately matched groups. Compared to TAVR alone, SAVR-SA was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.53–0.79), permanent pacemaker implantation (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44–0.87), bleeding (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39–1.00), and rehospitalization for heart failure (HR 0.49 (0.36–0.65). There was no difference in the incidence of stroke (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.74–1.54), transient ischemic attack (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.75–1.47), or rehospitalization for atrial arrhythmia.ConclusionSelect patients with persistent non-valvular AF may benefit from SAVR-SA compared to TAVR alone.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40119-022-00262-w.

Direct oral anticoagulants versus warfarin in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients with prior gastrointestinal bleeding: a network meta-analysis of real-world data.

The objective of present study was to compare the safety and efficacy of resuming direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and prior gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception until 2 June 2021 for observational cohort studies in patients with AF, who resumed VKAs or DOACs after a history of GIB. Studies that reported data on clinical outcomes including risk of recurrent GIB, thromboembolic events, or all-cause mortality were included. A network meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and associated 95% credible intervals (CIs), using a random effects model in a Bayesian framework. A total of 10 studies were included in the final analysis, including 59,244 AF patients with prior GIB, of whom 27,793 resumed DOACs, 24,635 resumed warfarin, and 6816 did not resume anticoagulation. Compared with no resumption of anticoagulation, resumption of warfarin was associated with an increased risk of recurrent GIB (HR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.06-1.70), but no increased risk of recurrent GIB was found with resumption of DOACs (HR 1.22, 95% CI: 0.88-1.71); among individual DOACs, only rivaroxaban was associated with an increased risk of recurrent GIB (HR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.16-2.65). Compared with no resumption of anticoagulation, resumption of DOACs and warfarin was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40-0.84; HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44-0.79), but no statistically significant reduction in thromboembolic events (HR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.4-1.2; HR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.55-1.29). In AF patients with prior GIB, resumption of DOACs may be safer, except for rivaroxaban.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Long-Term Prognosis for People with Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Propensity Matching Analysis.

Objectives According to researches, many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) had the higher incidence rate and mortality rate of coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention than those who did not receive percutaneous coronary intervention, while coronary rehabilitation was beneficial for patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention I. This study aims to analyze whether coronary rehabilitation was beneficial to patients with CKD after percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients and Methods. A retrospective survey was used to collect clinical data of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention due to CAD, and CKD patients were screened for further analysis. According to whether patients had received coronary rehabilitation treatment, research subjects were divided into two groups, the coronary rehabilitation group and the noncoronary rehabilitation group. The baseline characteristics of the propensity score matching between the two groups were compared. Survival analysis used the Cox hazard ratio (HR) model as regression method to compare the relative risk of the endpoints in the coronary rehabilitation group and the noncoronary rehabilitation group. Results From January 2007 to January 2012, a total of 246 CKD patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention were included in this study, and 106 of them obtained coronary rehabilitation after surgery. After propensity score matching, there were 89 pairs of patients in the two groups who had no significant difference in demographic and clinical characteristics (all P > 0.05). CKD patients receiving coronary rehabilitation had a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.465, 95% CI 0.233–0.926, P=0.029) and cardiac complications (HR 0.532, 95% CI 0.287–0.984, P=0.044). Survival analysis showed that the survival rate of the coronary rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that of the noncoronary rehabilitation group (P=0.024). Conclusions For CKD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, receiving cardiac rehabilitation can significantly improve long-term survival and reduce cardiac events.

Beta blockers and long-term outcome after coronary artery bypass grafting: a nationwide observational study.

AimsBeta blockers are associated with improved outcomes for selected patients with cardiovascular disease. We assessed long-term utilization of beta blockers after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and its association with outcome.Methods and resultsAll 35 184 patients in Sweden who underwent first-time isolated CABG between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2017 and were followed for at least 6 months were included in a nationwide observational study. Multivariable Cox regression models using time-updated data on dispensed prescriptions were used to assess associations between different types of beta blockers and outcomes. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), a composite of all-cause mortality, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI). Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with and without previous MI, heart failure, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Median follow-up was 5.2 years (range 0–11). At baseline, 33 159 (94.2%) patients were dispensed beta blockers, 30 563 (92.2%) of which were cardioselective beta blockers. After 10 years, the dispensing of cardioselective beta blockers had declined to 73.7% of all patients. Ongoing treatment with cardioselective beta blockers was associated with a slight reduction in MACEs [hazard ratio (HR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.98, P = 0.0063]. The reduction was largely driven by a reduced risk of MI (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.75–0.92, P = 0.0003), while there was no significant reduction in all-cause mortality (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93–1.05) and stroke (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.87–1.05). The reduced risk for MI was consistent in all the investigated subgroups.ConclusionOngoing treatment with cardioselective beta blockers after CABG is associated with a reduction in MACEs, mainly because of reduced long-term risk for MI. The association between cardioselective beta blockers and MI was consistent in patients with and patients without previous MI, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or reduced LVEF.