Use Of Cardiac Medications Research Articles

Assessing agreement between population-level administrative pharmaceutical databases and patient-reported medication dispensation in cardiac rehabilitation patients

BackgroundPharmacoepidemiology has emerged as a crucial field in evaluating the use and effects of medications in large populations to ensure their safe and effective use. This study aimed to assess the agreement of cardiac medication use between a provincial medication database, the Pharmaceutical Information Network (PIN), and reconciled medication data from confirmation through patient interviews for patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation. MethodsThe study included data from patients referred to the TotalCardiology Rehabilitation CR program, and medication data was available in both TotalCardiology Rehabilitation charts and PIN. The accuracy of medication data obtained from patient interviews was compared to that obtained from PIN with proportions and kappa statistics to evaluate the reliability of PIN data in assessing medication use. ResultsPatient-reported usage was higher for statins (41.6 %) vs. 38.4 %), ACE/ARB, beta-blockers (75.7 %) vs. 73.7 %), DOAC (3.5 %) vs. 2.6 %), and ADP-receptor antagonists (71.0 %) vs. 68.1 %) than if PIN was used. Patient-reported usage data was lower for Ezetimibe (4.7 vs. 4.8 %), Aldosterone antagonists (5.4 %) vs. 5.5 %), digoxin (0.9 %) vs. 1.0 %), calcium channel blockers (19.2 vs. 19.9 %) and warfarin (7.2 %) vs. 8.1 %). The results indicated that the differences between the two sources were very small, with an average agreement of 95.3 % and a kappa of 0.70. ConclusionThe studyʼs results, which show a high level of agreement between PIN and patient self-reporting, affirm the reliability of PIN data as a source for obtaining an accurate assessment of medication use. This finding is crucial in the context of pharmacoepidemiology research, where the accuracy of data is paramount. Further research to explore the complementary use of both data sources will be valuable.

Diuretics in pregnancy: Data from the ESC Registry of Pregnancy and Cardiac disease (ROPAC).

Data on diuretic use in pregnancy are limited and inconsistent, and consequently it remains unclear whether they can be used safely. Our study aims to evaluate the perinatal outcomes after in-utero diuretic exposure. The Registry Of Pregnancy And Cardiac disease (ROPAC) is a prospective, global registry of pregnancies in women with heart disease. Outcomes were compared between women who used diuretics during pregnancy versus those who did not. Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the impact of diuretic use on the occurrence of congenital anomalies and foetal growth. Diuretics were used in 382 (6.7%) of the 5739 ROPAC pregnancies, most often furosemide (86%). Age >35 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-2.0), other cardiac medication use (OR 5.4, 95% CI 4.2-6.9), signs of heart failure (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.2), estimated left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.0-4.2), New York Heart Association class >II (OR 3.4, 95% CI 2.3-5.1), valvular heart disease (OR 6.3, 95% CI 4.7-8.3) and cardiomyopathy (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.6-5.7) were associated with diuretic use during pregnancy. In multivariable analysis, diuretic use during the first trimester was not significantly associated with foetal or neonatal congenital anomalies (OR 1.3, 95% CI 0.7-2.6), and diuretic use during pregnancy was also not significantly associated with small for gestational age (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.9). Our study does not conclusively establish an association between diuretic use during pregnancy and adverse foetal outcomes. Given these findings, it is essential to assess the risk-benefit ratio on an individual basis to guide clinical decisions.

Drug Related Problems among Older Inpatients at a Tertiary Care Setting.

Background: Older persons are more likely to have multiple chronic diseases, leading to the simultaneous use of many medications. This situation results in increased drug-related problems (DRPs), which are the causes of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and associated risk factors for exposure to >1 criterion of DRPs among older adults admitted to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 357 participants aged ≥60 years admitted to Ramathibodi Hospital from 1 February 2022 to 30 November 2022. The participants were evaluated for baseline characteristics, medications and DRPs and were classified into two groups, according to their exposure to DRPs: patients with exposure to ≤1 criteria and patients with exposure to >1 criterion of DRPs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for exposure to >1 criterion of DRPs. Results: Overall, 205 (57.4%) patients experienced >1 criterion of DRPs. Approximately 67.8%, 71.7% and 7.6% of the participants were exposed to at least one potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), drug-drug interaction (DDI) and adverse drug events (ADE), respectively. The most frequently prescribed PIMs were proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (17.3%). Antineoplastics (48.1%) were the most frequently drug class related to ADEs. Overall, 37% of the ADEs in the current study were considered preventable ADEs. After adjustment for potential confounders, polypharmacy and the use of proton pump inhibitors, hypoglycemics, diuretics, psycholeptics, psychoanaleptics and cardiac therapy medications were correlated with a higher risk of exposure to > 1 criterion of PIMs, DDIs or ADEs. Conclusions: Therefore, comprehensive medication reviews and careful medication prescriptions are recommended in the geriatric population.

Has the use of concomitant cardiac medications improved over time in primary prevention ICD patients? Insights from the APPRAISE ATP study

Abstract Introduction Patients (pts) implanted with an ICD for a primary prevention (PP) typically receive concomitant medications (meds) to treat LV dysfunction. However, It is not well established whether compliance with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) has improved over time in this population. Methods Data were drawn from the MADIT-RIT (2009-2012) and APPRAISE ATP (2016-present) studies. Both studies were global in scope and enrolled pts who were implanted with an ICD for PP indications. Meds prescribed at baseline were compared between the two studies. Meds of interest included: evidence-based beta blockers [(BB-EV) defined as carvedilol, metoprolol, and bisoprolol], ACE inhibitors, ARBs, ARNIs, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). SGLT2i were introduced into GDMT after the study APPRAISE ATP started and were not included. Meds were analyzed both individually and in combination as GDMT, defined as joint use of BB-EV, ACE/ARB/ARNI, and MRA. Differences were compared with a t-test for continuous variables, a Chi-square test for categorical data and a Cochran-Armitage trend test for ordinal categorical data. Results Demographics for the two studies were compared for pts who received ICDs in MADIT-RIT (n=742) and APPRAISE ATP (n=2627 enrolled with n=2596 randomized) and are shown in the table below. When compared to MADIT-RIT, APPRAISE ATP pts were significantly older with a greater prevalence of diabetes. Comparison of baseline meds are shown in both the table and in the figure. Although BB-EV and ACE/ARB use was slightly but significantly lower in APPRAISE ATP, these declines were offset by a significant increase in MRA use in APPRAISE ATP. A marked shift was seen over time with significant decline in use of ACE-I that was matched by a significant increase in use of ARBs, either alone or in combination with ARNIs. When considering meds used in combination for GDMT, pts in APPRAISE ATP were significantly more likely to meet GDMT recommendations than pts who were enrolled in MADIT-RIT (36.7% vs 27.2%, respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusions In the APPRAISE ATP study, compliance with GDMT in PP ICD pts has significantly improved when compared to the MADIT-RIT study conducted 10 years previously. These changes have been characterized by greater use of MRAs as well as a shift away from ACE inhibitors towards use of ARBs and ARNIs. Although there was considerably greater compliance with GDMT, with approximately one third of pts fulfilling GMDT, opportunities still remain for improvement. Further investigation is needed to determine what influence greater compliance with GDMT may have on improved clinical outcomes such as reductions in VT/VF event rates and all-cause mortality.

Longitudinal association between positive affect and blood lipids in patients following acute myocardial infarction.

Unfavorable blood lipid profiles are robust risk factors in predicting atherosclerotic disease. Studies have shown that positive affect (PA) is associated with a favorable lipid profile. However, longitudinal studies regarding the course of PA and lipid profiles in myocardial infarction (MI) patients are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prospectively explore the association between PA and blood lipid levels across three inv estigations over 12 months following acute MI. Patients following an acute MI were examined at hospital admission (n = 190), and at 3 months (n = 154) and 12 months (n = 106) thereafter. Linear mixed effect regression models were used to evaluate the relation between PA, assessed with the Global Mood Scale, and blood lipid levels. Potential confounding variables were controlled for in the analysis. Higher PA was significantly associated with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and a lower total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C ratio over time, independent of demographic factors, indices of cardiac disease severity, comorbidity, medication use, health behaviors, serum cortisol and negative affect (p≤0.040). No association was found between PA and the two blood lipids low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Positive affect was independently associated with HDL-C levels and the TC/HDL-C ratio in patients up to 1 year after MI. The findings support a potential role of PA for cardiovascular health through an association with a favorable blood lipid profile.

Prophylactic use of cardiac medications for delay of left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Epidemiological support for prophylactic treatment of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is limited. We used retrospective, population-based surveillance data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network to evaluate whether prophylaxis delays LVD onset. We analyzed 455 males born during 1982-2009. Age at first abnormal echocardiogram (ejection fraction <55% or shortening fraction <28%) determined LVD onset. Prophylaxis was defined as cardiac medication use at least 1 year prior to LVD. Corticosteroid use was also coded. Kaplan-Meier curve estimation and Cox Proportional Hazard modeling with time-varying covariates describe associations. LVD was identified among 40.7%; average onset age was 14.2 years. Prophylaxis was identified for 20.2% and corticosteroids for 57.4%. Prophylaxis showed delayed LVD onset (p < .001) and lower hazard of dysfunction (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.39, 95%CL = 0.22, 0.65) compared to untreated. Compared to no treatment, continuous corticosteroids only (aHR = 1.01, 95%CL = 0.66, 1.53) and prophylaxis only (aHR = 0.67, 95%CL = 0.25, 1.50) were not cardioprotective, but prophylaxis plus continuous corticosteroids were associated with lower hazard of dysfunction (aHR = 0.37, 95%CL = 0.15, 0.80). Proactive cardiac treatment and monitoring are critical aspects of managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Consistent with clinical care guidelines, this study supports clinical benefit from cardiac medications initiated prior to documented LVD and suggests further benefit when combined with corticosteroids.

Burden with No Benefit: Prior Authorization in Congenital Cardiology

Prior authorization is a process that health insurance companies use to determine if a patient’s health insurance will cover certain medical treatments, procedures, or medications. Prior authorization requests are common in adult congenital and pediatric cardiology (ACPC) due to need for advanced diagnostics, complex procedures, disease-specific medications, and the heterogeneity of the ACPC population. Prior authorizations in ACPC are rarely denied, but nonetheless, they are often accompanied by significant administrative burden on clinical care teams and delays in patient care. Prior authorizations have been implicated in worsening care inequities. The prior authorization process is insurer specific with differences between commercial and public insurers. Prior authorization rejections were previously found to be more common for women, racial minorities, those with low education, and in low-income groups. Prior authorization unduly burdens routine diagnostics, routine interventional and surgical procedures, and routine cardiac specific medication use in the ACPC population. This manuscript highlights the burdens of prior authorization and advocates for the elimination of prior authorization for ACPC patients.

(51) Taking ACTION. Creation of a Prospective Registry of Boys with Dystrophinopathy and Ventricular Dysfunction to Define Cardiac Medication Use and Optimize Guideline Directed Medical Therapy

(51) Taking ACTION. Creation of a Prospective Registry of Boys with Dystrophinopathy and Ventricular Dysfunction to Define Cardiac Medication Use and Optimize Guideline Directed Medical Therapy

Anesthetic implications for transurethral resection of prostate in a COVID-19 survivor with Stanford-A aortic dissection with acute urinary retention due to metastatic carcinoma prostate: a case report

BackgroundAortic dissection is a new addition to the long COVID-19 complication catalog. We report this rare and novel complication, which can be missed without a high index of suspicion in the ever-burgeoning population of COVID-survivors presenting for un-related surgery. We emphasize the importance of recording blood pressure in both the upper limbs in COVID-survivors during pre-anesthetic checkup, especially in patients with a dilated aorta on the chest radiograph to identify any interarm blood pressure discrepancy characteristic of aortic dissection. Discontinuation of antihypertensive based on low/normal blood pressure in left upper limb can precipitate concealed and catastrophic rise in blood pressure in the right upper-limb propagating the dissection of aorta to a fatal conclusion. The cardinal anesthetic consideration is to mitigate the effect of hemodynamic perturbations on the dissected aorta.Case presentationWe report the successful management of the case of a 76-year-old male prostatic cancer patient with COVID-induced aortic-dissection and acute urinary retention, posted for transurethral resection of prostate. CT angiography revealed an intimal flap in the ascending aortic lumen and aortic arch till the origin of left subclavian artery resulting in a double-barreled aorta. An arterial line was secured in right radial artery and non-invasive blood pressure recorded in left arm simultaneously (202/60 mmHg in right upper-limb and 92/70 mmHg in the left upper-limb on wheeling into the operation theatre). He underwent transurethral prostatic resection and bilateral orchidectomy under low-dose subarachnoid block with prophylactic use of labetalol infusion.ConclusionsThe importance of recording blood pressure in both the upper limbs in COVID survivors maintaining a high index of suspicion for aortic dissection cannot be overemphasized. Transurethral prostatic resection surgery under low-dose subarachnoid block is possible under the umbrella of judicious selection and optimal use of cardiac medication with an interventional cardiologist as standby in patients with aortic dissection.

Abstract 11652: What is the Relative Risk for Elevated Liver Function Tests of Single and Combined Statin and Alcohol Use and Implications for Management?

Introduction: Statins play a critical role in primary and secondary ASCVD prevention. Although uncommon, myalgias and abnormal liver function tests (LFTs) may limit statin use. Alcohol consumption also is a common cause of LFT elevations. It is unknown whether or to what extent concurrent alcohol and statin use may alter elevated LFT risk and impact management. Methods: Patients (pts) enrolled in the Intermountain INSPIRE registry who completed a health questionnaire for alcohol and other socioeconomic, dietary, and physical activity data were studied. Demographics, anthropometrics, cardiac risk factors, comorbidities, medication use, and laboratory results were obtained from electronic health records. Associations of alcohol and statin use with high ALT (females, &gt;40 U/L; males, &gt;55 U/L) were tested. Alcohol categories were: non-drinkers (ND; n=2797), moderate drinkers (MD; ≤7 drinks/week, n=980), and heavy drinkers (HD; &gt;7 drinks/week, n=164). Results: High ALT was found in 18.9%, 12.6%, and 10.5% of HD, MD, and ND respectively (p=0.002) and in 11.3% of both statin (n=2154) and non-statin users (n=1787) (p=0.97). After adjustment, HD vs. ND had OR=2.19 (CI: 1.44, 3.33; p&lt;0.001), and MD vs ND had OR=1.09 (CI: 0.86, 1.37; p=0.49). Pts not on statins had high ALT in 15.4% of HD (OR=1.47, CI: 0.73, 2.95; p=0.28) and 12.0% of MD (OR=1.10, CI: 0.79, 1.54; p=0.57) compared to 11.0% of ND. In parallel, pts on statins had high ALT in 21.2% of HD (OR=2.58, 95% CI: 1.52, 4.36; p&lt;0.001) and 13.0% of MD (OR=1.16, CI: 0.85, 1.59; p=0.34) vs. 10.2% of ND. Despite these trends, no formal interaction was found between statin use with HD (p-interaction=0.27) or with MD (p-interaction=0.43). Results for high AST (&gt;40 U/L) and low ALP (&lt;40 U/L) were similar to the ALT findings. Conclusions: In this prospective database, statin use was not associated with abnormal LFT findings, whereas risk was higher with increasing alcohol consumption. Concurrent statin and alcohol use was associated with a modestly elevated risk of abnormal LFT, but the interaction was not significant. Reducing alcohol consumption rather than reducing or discontinuing statins may reverse abnormal LFT while preserving the preventive benefit of statins. This hypothesis deserves further prospective testing.

Abstract P300: Patterns Of Adherence To Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Men And Women In The Electronic Framingham Heart Study

Blood pressure (BP) measures in women more sharply increase with age compared with men, with a widening disparity in older women. The use of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) among women may improve this inequity. However, sex-related differences in adherence to HBPM are not well understood. We analyzed data from electronic Framingham Heart Study participants who were given a Withings digital BP cuff and instructed to perform HBPM weekly for 1 year. Adherence was defined as ≥1 BP measurement per week, averaged over 4-week segments. HTN status was self-reported. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) was used to identify trajectory patterns of adherence. We investigated the association of 3 adherence patterns with HTN status stratified by sex using multinomial logistic models adjusting for age group, marital status, education, employment status, income, non-BP cardiac medication use, subjective health, depression and anxiety. Among 1,048 participants (59% female, mean age 53±9 years, 25% with HTN), we identified 3 trajectory groups corresponding to distinct patterns of HBPM adherence: early discontinuation (N = 458, 58% female, 21% HTN), gradual decrease (N = 360, 60% female, 27% HTN), and high adherence (N = 230, 57% female, 31% HTN, Figure 1 ). Women with HTN compared to women without HTN had 80% higher odds of being in the high adherence group versus early discontinuation group (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.02-3.17). This pattern was not observed for men (aOR 1.12; 95% CI 0.68-1.63). In this middle-aged eCohort, HTN was associated with high adherence to HBPM in women but not men. The targeted prescription of HBPM for woman should be studied to see if it can reduce sex disparities in BP control.

Using Medicinal Plants among Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and Their Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The use of medicinal plants (MP) is increasing among the general population and patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Simultaneous use of MP and cardiac medications can cause drug interactions and serious complications. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency of MP use and its related factors among patients with CVD. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients with CVD in 2018. The patients were consecutively recruited from the cardiac care clinic in an Educational and Medical Center in Kashan City, Iran. The study data were collected using an MP use questionnaire, the related factors of the MP use questionnaire, and the belief and attitudes about herbal medicine inventory. For data analysis, the logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The mean ± SD age of the participants was 56.91±10.64 years. Their mean ± SD time passed from CVD diagnosis was 8.30±9.07 years. The frequency of MP use over the past year was 90.5% (95% CI; 86.4%–94.6%). The significant related factors of MP use were female gender (OR = 4.80, 95% CI; 1.43–16.1, P = 0.011), positive family history of MP use (OR = 8.84, 95% CI; 2.62–29.86, P = 0.0001), and knowledge about herbal medicine (OR = 1.93, 95% CI; 1.13–3.30, P = 0.017). Conclusion: MP use is highly prevalent among patients with CVD. MP-related counseling services should be provided to patients with CVD.

Characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in adult cancer patients: Tertiary cancer center experience.

e13601 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to deteriorated outcomes among immunocompromised patients, significantly impacting cancer patients. However, little is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer patients in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, we sought to investigate the characteristics and clinical outcomes of cancer patients with COVID-19 treated at a single institution. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for cancer patients treated at King Hussein Cancer Center. Patients who were diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by Real-time Polymerase chain reaction test between April 2020 and October 2020 were identified. Results: Overall, 327 COVID-19-infected cancer patients were included. At the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, the median age was 55 years (range, 18-87 years), 146 patients (45%) were males. The most common neoplasms were breast cancer (n = 90, 27.5%), gastrointestinal cancers (n = 60, 18.3%), and lymphoma (n = 36, 11%). The majority of patients had comorbidities (n = 200, 61%), of which hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common. Testing reason was presence of symptoms in 183 (56%) patients, previous exposure in 10 (3.1%), and before elective procedure in 142 (43.4%). 118 patients (56.5%) were hospitalized and 18 patients (5.5%) required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). At the time of the last follow-up, 76% (n = 249) remained alive, and 24% (n = 78) died, among which death was considered to be COVID related in 41 (52.5% of deaths). Mortality was significantly increased in patients with comorbidities (29%, vs 15.7 %; p = 0.008), the use of cardiac medications (34.3% vs. 18.1%; p = 0.001), active cancer status vs. remission (28.2% vs 11.6% p = 0.002), receiving chemotherapy in the last four weeks (27.6% vs 16.4%, p = 0.028), and when testing reason was the presence of symptoms vs exposure and elective (37.7% vs. 10% and 7.7% p = &lt; 0.001) respectively. Chemotherapy was delayed in 109 (33.4%) patients and permanently discontinued in 57 (17.5%) patients. Among patients required hospitalization and needed ICU admission, mortality rates were 55.1% and 88.9% respectively. Conclusions: COVID-19 infection is associated with significant mortality and negatively affects treatment plans in cancer patients. A follow-up study will be needed to evaluate the effect of vaccination on the outcomes.

Obesity and loss of ambulation are associated with lower extremity oedema in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have multiple risk factors for lower extremity oedema. This study sought to define the frequency and predictors of oedema. Patients aged 15years and older were screened by patient questionnaire, and the presence of oedema was confirmed by subsequent physical exam. Twenty-four of 52 patients (46%) had oedema, 12 of whom had swelling extending above the foot and two with sores/skin breakdown. There was no significant difference in age, frequency, or duration of glucocorticoid use, non-invasive respiratory support use, forced vital capacity, cardiac medication use, or ejection fraction between patients with and without oedema (all p > 0.2). Those with oedema had a greater time since the loss of ambulation (8.4years versus 3.5years; p = 0.004), higher body mass index (28.3 versus 24.8; p = 0.014), and lower frequency of deflazacort use (67% versus 89%; p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed a longer duration of loss of ambulation (p = 0.02) and higher body mass index (p = 0.009) as predictors of oedema. Lower extremity oedema is common in Duchenne muscular dystrophy but independent of cardiac function. Interventions focused on minimising body mass index increases over time may be a therapeutic target.

Selected clinical and demographic factors and all-cause mortality among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network

Population-based estimates of survival among individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) living in the United States are lacking. It is also unclear whether the association between glucocorticoid use and all-cause mortality persists in the context of other common treatments (cardiac medication, cough-assist, bilevel positive airway pressure, and scoliosis surgery) observed to delay mortality. Among 526 individuals identified by the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network, the estimated median survival time from birth was 23.7 years. Current glucocorticoid users had a lower hazard of mortality than non-users. Individuals who ever had scoliosis surgery had a lower hazard of mortality than individuals who did not have scoliosis surgery. Individuals who ever used cough assist had a lower hazard of mortality than individuals who never used cough assist. Non-Hispanic Black individuals had a higher hazard of mortality than non-Hispanic White individuals. No differences in hazards of mortality were observed between ever versus never use of cardiac medication and ever versus never use of bilevel positive airway pressure. The glucocorticoid observation is consistent with the 2018 Care Considerations statement that glucocorticoid use continues in the non-ambulatory phase. Our observations may inform the clinical care of individuals living with DMD.

The impact of genotype on outcomes in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A systematic review.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with progressive muscle weakness, loss of ambulation (LOA), and early mortality. In this review we have synthesized published data on the clinical course of DMD by genotype. Using a systematic search implemented in Medline and Embase, 53 articles were identified that describe the clinical course of DMD, with pathogenic variants categorizable by exon skip or stop-codon readthrough amenability and outcomes presented by age. Outcomes described included those related to ambulatory, cardiac, pulmonary, or cognitive function. Estimates of the mean (95% confidence interval) age at LOA ranged from 9.1 (8.7-9.6) years among 90 patients amenable to skipping exon 53 to 11.5 (9.5-13.5) years among three patients amenable to skipping exon 8. Although function worsened with age, the impact of genotype was less clear for other outcomes (eg, forced vital capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction). Understanding the distribution of pathogenic variants is important for studies in DMD, as this research suggests major differences in the natural history of disease. In addition, specific details of the use of key medications, including corticosteroids, antisense oligonucleotides, and cardiac medications, should be reported.

The Spectrum, Severity and Outcomes of Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease in Pregnant Women in Australia and New Zealand

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) poses significant perinatal risks. We aimed to describe the spectrum, severity and outcomes of rheumatic mitral valve disease in pregnancy in Australia and New Zealand. A prospective, population-based cohort study of pregnant women with RHD recruited 2013-14 through the hospital-based Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System. Outcome measures included maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were undertaken to test for predictors of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Of 274 pregnant women identified with RHD, 124 (45.3%) had mitral stenosis (MS) and 150 (54.7%) had isolated mitral regurgitation (MR). One woman with mild MS/moderate MR died. There were six (2.2%) stillbirths and two (0.7%) neonatal deaths. Babies born to women with MS were twice as likely to be small-for-gestational-age (22.7% vs 11.4%, p=0.013). In women with MS, use of cardiac medication (AOR 7.42) and having severe stenosis (AOR 16.35) were independently associated with adverse cardiac outcomes, while New York Heart Association (NYHA) class >1 (AOR 3.94) was an independent predictor of adverse perinatal events. In women with isolated MR, use of cardiac medications (AOR 7.03) and use of anticoagulants (AOR 6.05) were independently associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. Careful monitoring and specialist care for women with RHD in pregnancy is required, particularly for women with severe MS, those on cardiac medication, and those on anticoagulation, as these are associated with increased risk of adverse maternal cardiac outcomes. In the context of pregnancy, contraception and preconception planning are important for young women diagnosed with RHD.

Cardiac medication use in patients with suspected ischaemia without obstructive coronary arteries: sex differences and psychological distress.

BackgroundIschaemia without obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is more prevalent in women and associated with psychological distress. Pharmacological treatment goals are angina relief and cardiovascular risk management. The present study aims to examine sex differences in cardiac and non-cardiac medication use, as well as medication and sex differences related to consistent psychological distress in patients with suspected INOCA.DesignA TweeSteden mild stenosis observational cohort study in patients with suspected INOCA as detected by ischaemic reason for referral and non-obstructive arteries based on coronary angiography or computed tomography.MethodsMedication documented in the hospital records of 488 patients (53% women) was coded as angina relief medication, blood-pressure-lowering medication, antithrombotics, statins, and non-cardiac medication, using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical code. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were recoded as ‘consistent distress’ (above the cut-off score for depression and anxiety on validated questionnaires), ‘inconsistent distress’ (above the cut-off for depression or anxiety) or ‘no distress’ (below the cut-off).ResultsNo sex differences were observed in cardiac medication use. Women used anxiolytic benzodiazepines more often (12% vs 4%, p = 0.002) compared to men. Consistent distress was more prevalent in women (22% vs 15%, p = 0.004) and was related to the use of more angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and diuretics in women and to calcium antagonist use as well as lower adherence levels in men. Women who reported chest pain more often received angina relief medication and blood-pressure-lowering medication than men.ConclusionNo sex differences were observed in cardiac medication use in patients with suspected INOCA. Psychological distress may reflect hypertension and subsequent medication use in women, and experiencing chest pain and subsequent medication use in men.

Factors Affecting Health-Related Quality of Life After the Arterial Switch Operation.

Long-term morbidity and mortality outcomes of the arterial switch operation (ASO) in patients with transposition of the great arteries and Taussig-Bing anomaly are excellent. With an increasing number of patients reaching adolescence and adulthood, more attention is directed toward quality of life. Our study aimed to determine the health-related quality of life (hrQoL) outcomes in patients after the ASO and identify factors influencing their hrQoL. In this cross-sectional study, hrQoL of patients after ASO was assessed with the German version of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the potential association of specified clinical factors was analyzed. Patients of at least 14 years of age who underwent ASO in our institution from 1983 were considered eligible. Of the 355 questionnaires sent to eligible patients, 261 (73%) were available for analysis. Compared to the reference population, patients who had undergone ASO had a significantly higher score in all subscales of the SF-36 except for vitality (P < .01). Patients with an implanted pacemaker (P = .002), patients who required at least one reoperation (P < .001), and patients currently taking cardiac medication (P < .004) or oral anticoagulation (P = .036) had lower physical component scores compared to patients without these factors. Patients' self-assessed and self-reported hrQoL after ASO (using German version of the Short Form 36) is very good. In this population, hrQoL is influenced by reoperation, the need for a pacemaker, and current cardiac medication or anticoagulant use. The development of strategies designed to mitigate or minimize the requirements for, and/or impact of these factors may lead to better hrQoL in this patient population.

Abstract 15246: Sex-Biased Preoperative Circulating MicroRNA Levels in Patients Who Developed Postoperative Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Acute postoperative heart failure (PoHF) is encountered in 20-35% of elderly patients after cardiac surgery but predictors are not well defined. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) predict HF or postoperative atrial fibrillation, yet, their role in identifying those at risk for PoHF with preserved LV function and gender-related differences is not known. Hypothesis: miRNAs involved in CVD can identify patients who develop PoHF in gender-specific manner. Methods: Preoperative blood samples from patients with preserved LV function undergoing cardiac surgery with no prior history of HF, supraventricular, or ventricular tachycardia was used for RNA isolation. Differences in relative plasma levels of miRNA between PoHF vs. No-PoHF were assessed using qPCR. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed to assess risk factors for PoHF. Results: Out of 68 patients (mean age 68.3±12.4), 13 (19%) developed PoHF (54% males; mean age 64.1±15.1; p=0.23), while 55 (51% males; mean age 69.3y ± 11.6) remained free of PoHF. Although all patients had preserved LV function, those who developed PoHF had lower LVEF, (52 vs 58; P&lt;0.05). No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, COPD, or the use of cardiac medications. Out of 13 miRNAs analyzed, stepwise discriminant analysis showed miR-423 (11-fold), -187 (6-fold), -26a2 (4-fold), and -15b (-1.9-fold) were significantly (p&lt;0.05) altered in patients who developed PoHF. When miRNAs were assessed for gender differences, levels of only four miRNAs [miR-423(P&lt;0.01), -23b2(p&lt;0.05), -15b1(p&lt;0.01), and -29b (p&lt;0.05)] principally involved in TGFβ1-SMAD 2/3 regulated extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover pathways were significantly altered in male but not in female patients who developed PoHF compared to No-PoHF group. Conclusions: The differences in preoperative miRNA expression in pathways involved in ECM turnover in male patients who develop PoHF is suggestive of pathophysiological substrate differences between males and females and identifies a group at risk of PoHF with preserved LV function.