Clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with venous thromboembolism according to diagnosis on weekends versus weekdays: from the COMMAND VTE Registry

Background/Introduction

The medical systems of hospitals often differs between on weekends and weekdays. These differences could lead different clinical outcomes for patients with acute medical conditions that require complex treatment strategies. However, the effect of the time of diagnosis on clinical outcomes in patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), is still controversial.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with VTE comparing on weekends and weekdays in a large observational database of VTE in Japan.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 3027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTE objectively confirmed by imaging examination or by autopsy among 29 centers in Japan between January 2010 and August 2014. In the current analysis, diagnosis on weekends was defined as diagnosis during the period from 00:00 hours on Saturday to 24:00 on Sunday. All other times were defined as weekdays. We divided the entire cohort into 2 groups; diagnosis on weekends and diagnosis on weekdays groups, and we compared the clinical characteristics, management strategies and 30-day outcomes between the 2 groups.

Results

The current study population consisted of 337 patients diagnosed on weekends and 2690 patients diagnosed on weekdays. The median days from onset to diagnosis were shorter in the patients diagnosed on weekends than in those diagnosed on weekdays (2 days vs. 4 days, P<0.001). The patients diagnosed on weekends presented with PE more frequently (72% vs. 55%, P<0.001), and they showed more severe condition for PE with a higher simplified pulmonary embolism severity index score. The vast majority of PE patients were diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography in both groups (97% vs. 97%, P=0.67). The patients diagnosed on weekends more often received initial parenteral anticoagulation therapy and thrombolysis than those diagnosed on weekdays. The cumulative 30-day incidence of all-cause death was not significantly different between the 2 groups among PE patients (diagnosis on weekends: 6.2% vs. diagnosis on weekdays: 6.5%, P=0.87), as well as among DVT patients (0.0% vs. 1.5%, P=0.24) (Figure). After adjusting the confounders, the risk of diagnosis on weekends relative to diagnosis on weekdays for all-cause death among PE patients was still insignificant (adjusted HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.42–1.28). The most frequent cause of deaths was fatal PE in both groups among PE patients. The risks for recurrent VTE and major bleeding at 30 days were not significantly different between the 2 groups among PE patients nor DVT patients.

Conclusions

The VTE patients diagnosed on weekends presented with PE more frequently, and they showed more severe condition for PE, although the risks for short-term mortality were not significantly different between patients diagnosed on weekends and weekdays.

Kaplan-Meier curves for all-cause death

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Impact of chronic kidney disease on mid-term prognosis of stable angina patients with high-dose or low-dose pitavastatin treatment: REAL-CAD sub-study

Background

We previously demonstrated that high-dose (4 mg/day) compared with low-dose (1 mg/day) pitavastatin therapy significantly reduced cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease in the Randomized Evaluation of Aggressive or Moderate Lipid Lowering Therapy with Pitavastatin in Coronary Artery Disease (REAL-CAD) study. However, little is known about whether the advantage of high-dose statins over low-dose statins is consistent among non-, mild, and moderate to severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of high-dose statins on cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with or without CKD.

Methods

The REAL-CAD study is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, physician-initiated superiority trial. In this sub-analysis of REAL-CAD study, patients were categorized into three groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Patients on hemodialysis were excluded in this study. The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergency hospitalization. A secondary composite endpoint was defined as a composite of the primary endpoint event or clinically-indicated coronary revascularization excluding target-lesion revascularization.

Results

The total population of the REAL-CAD study was 12,413 patients. After exclusion of patients lacking eGFR data, the numbers of patients categorized into non-CKD (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73m2), mild CKD (eGFR; 45–60), and moderate to severe CKD (eGFR <45) were 7,778 (64%), 3,176 (26%), and 1,164 (10%), respectively. The median follow-up period was 3.9 years. The baseline characteristics and medications were well balanced between the two groups in each CKD group. While high-dose compared to low-dose pitavastatin significantly reduced the primary endpoint in non-CKD patients, the effect was not observed in mild CKD and moderate to severe CKD patients (Figure 1). High-dose compared with low-dose pitavastatin did not significantly reduce the secondary composite endpoint in both mild and moderate to severe CKD patients as well. High-dose pitavastatin significantly reduced the risks of MI and any coronary revascularization in non-CKD patients, however, the effects were diminished in mild CKD and moderate to severe CKD patients. There was no significant difference between high-dose and low-dose pitavastatin treatment in the risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergency hospitalization in patients with or without CKD.

Conclusion

Although high-dose pitavastatin therapy significantly reduced cardiovascular events in non-CKD patients with stable angina compared to low-dose pitavastatin, such beneficial effects had diminished in Japanese patients with mild or moderate to severe CKD patients.

Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier Curves for Endpoints

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Clinical Research of Lifestyle-Related Disease of the Public Health Research Foundation

Predictive factors of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia after multiple procedures of radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation Registry (KPAF)

Background

The predictors of arrhythmia recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) have not yet been fully evaluated.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a risk scoring system to predict the incidence of recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after the final RFCA for PAF.

Methods

The study population consisted of 3223 consecutive patients undergoing first-time RFCA for PAF from November 2011 to March 2014 in 26 cardiovascular centers in Japan who were enrolled in the Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation (KPAF) registry. We developed a scoring system in a derivation cohort with 2149 patients and assessed its reproducibility in a validation cohort with 1074 patients. The primary endpoint was recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting for ≥30 seconds after 91 days post the final ablation.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 3.1 years, 404 (18.8%) patients of the derivation cohort had AF recurrence after the final RFCA. The baseline patient characteristics of the derivation cohort were as follows: mean age 64.7 years, male 1480 (68.9%), mean body mass index (BMI) 23.6 kg/m2, hypertension 1122 (52.2%), prior heart failure 182 (8.5%), diabetes mellitus 203 (9.5%), prior stroke and/or transient ischemic attack 21 (1.0%), prior vascular disease 209 (9.7%), prior valvular disease 105 (4.9%), median CHADS2 score 1.1, median CHA2DS2-VASc score 2.1, mean number of ineffective antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) 0.80, median duration of history of AF episodes 2.1 years, mean left atrial diameter (LAD) 38.2 mm, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 65.3%, and mean eGFR 68.7 mL/min/1.73m2. There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between derivation and validation cohorts. The results of the multivariate logistic regression models identified 5 independent variables of recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmia after the final RFCA: female (odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, p=0.0017), BMI <25 kg/m2 (OR=1.40, p=0.0081), duration of AF history 3 years≤ (OR=1.39, p<0.0034), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR=2.1, p=0.005, for stage 2/3CKD, OR=2.6, p=0.018 for stage 4/5 CKD), and LVEF (OR=2.1, p=0.039 for LVEF <50%, OR=1.5, p=0.022 for LVEF 50–60%). The predictive score for each factor was 3 points for CKD stage 4/5, 2 for CKD stage2/3 and LVEF <50%, and 1for the others (11 points in total). The arrhythmia-free rates after the final RCFA in the derivation cohort according to the score were as follows: 0–2 points = 91.7%, 3–4 = 80.7%, 5< = 72.6%, respectively. The similar results were reproduced in the validation cohort (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Our newly developed scoring system, composed of female, BMI, AF duration, CKD, and LVEF, could reproducibly predict arrhythmia recurrence after the final RFCA for PAF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Predictive ability of modified Ottawa score for recurrence in patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolisms: from the COMMAND VTE Registry

Background/Introduction

Patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) have a markedly higher risk of recurrence as well as bleeding, compared to those without, leading to difficulty in achieving a good risk-to-benefit balance with anticoagulation therapy. Thus, the assessment of the risk of recurrence in an individual patient is essential. The modified Ottawa score has been developed to predict the risk of recurrence in patients with cancer-associated VTEs during anticoagulation therapy, however, the validity of the score is still controversial.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the utility and limitations of the modified Ottawa score in the risk stratification of recurrent VTEs in patients with cancer-associated VTEs.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter retrospective registry enrolling 3027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTEs among 29 Japanese centers between January 2010 and August 2014. The present study population consisted of 614 cancer-associated VTE patients with anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after the diagnosis, who were divided into 3 groups; High-risk group with a modified Ottawa score ≥1, Intermediate-risk group with a score = 0, and Low-risk group with a score ≤−1. To evaluate the discriminating power of the modified Ottawa score for recurrence, we described the receiver operating characteristic curve with a C-statistic, and evaluated the positive likelihood ratio as the predictive performance of the score for recurrence in each subgroup.

Results

The high-risk group accounted for 202 patients (33%), intermediate-risk group for 269 (44%), and low-risk group for 143 (23%). During the first 6 months of anticoagulation therapy, recurrent VTEs occurred in 39 patients. The cumulative incidence of recurrent VTEs substantially increased in the higher risk categories by the modified Ottawa score (High-risk group: 13.6%, Intermediate-risk group: 5.9%, and Low-risk group: 3.0%, Log-rank P=0.02) (Figure 1). The discriminating power of the score was modest with a C-statistic of 0.63 (95% CI 0.55–0.71). The positive likelihood ratios as the predictive performance of the score were 1.71 in the high-risk group, 0.81 in the intermediate-risk group, and 0.42 in the low-risk group. Women and patients with prior VTEs had numerically higher cumulative 6-month incidences of recurrent VTEs compared with those without, while patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, and without metastasis had numerically lower cumulative 6-month incidences of recurrent VTEs. Depending on the presence or absence of each score component, the risks of recurrence seemed to differ in the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups.

Conclusions

The risks of recurrence in patients with cancer-associated VTEs substantially increased in the higher risk categories by using the modified Ottawa score, but the discriminating power of the score for recurrence was modest with a widely variable impact of each score component on recurrence.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Change of the pulmonary vein anatomy after cryoballoon ablation reflecting left atrial reverse remodeling

Background

Cryoballoon ablation (CBA) is a widely used procedure for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the anatomical change of pulmonary veins (PVs) and the risk factors of PV stenosis is less clear. We aimed to decipher the prevalence and the predictive factors for PV stenosis after CBA.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 320 PVs from 80 patients who underwent CBA for AF (age: 62±10 years, 59 males, 75 paroxysmal AF). All patients underwent pre- and post-procedural cardiac computed tomography (mean 6.7±3.3 months after ablation). We defined the PV stenosis when the cross sectional area of PV was less than 50% compared with that of PV before the CBA.

Results

The average cross sectional PV area decreased significantly after CBA (pre- vs. post-CBA; 2.4±1.0cm2 vs. 2.3±1.1cm2, P<0.001), whereas the volume of left atrium (LA) also decreased significantly (pre- vs. post-CBA; 75.0±23.2cm3 vs. 70.7±21.9cm3, P<0.001). There was a weak but significant correlation between the reduction rate of PV area and that of LA volume (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.411, p<0.001). Only 6 PV stenosis were revealed, in which area reduction of more than 75% and 50–75% were observed in 2 PVs and 4 PVs, respectively. The incidence of PV stenosis was greater in female (male vs. female; 0.8% vs. 4.8%, P=0.043) and tend to be frequent in left PVs (left PVs vs. right PVs; 3.1% vs. 0.6%: P=0.107). Moreover, patients who developed PV stenosis tended to have lower weight and shorter height (PV stenosis group vs. non-PV stenosis group; 58.2±12.4kg vs. 67.7±13.0kg: P=0.078, 161.2±9.1cm vs. 167.2±8.8cm: P=0.094). There were no significant differences in the number of freezing, minimum temperature and total freezing time between PV stenosis group and non-PV stenosis group.

Conclusions

The ostial PV area decreased significantly but little after CBA, possibly due to LA reverse remodeling. The PV stenosis was more common in women and tend to be frequent in left PVs, lower weight, and shorter height patients, though severe stenosis after CBA was not observed in this study.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Usefulness of collaboration between mathematical models and cell engineering for elucidating complex disease mechanisms and discover effective drugs

Background

A missense mutation, CACNA1C-E1115K, located in the cardiac L-type calcium channel (LTCC), was recently reported to be associated with diverse arrhythmias. Several studies reported in-vivo and in-vitro modeling of this mutation, but actual mechanism and target drug of this disease has not been clarified due to its complex ion-mechanisms.

Objective

To reveal the mechanism of this diverse arrhythmogenic phenotype using combination of in-vitro and in-silico model.

Methods and results

Cell-Engineering Phase: We generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) from a patient carrying heterozygous CACNA1C-E1115K and differentiated into cardiomyocytes. Spontaneous APs were recorded from spontaneously beating single cardiomyocytes by using the perforated patch-clamp technique.

Mathematical-Modeling Phase: We newly developed ICaL-mutation mathematical model, fitted into experimental data, including its impaired ion selectivity. Furthermore, we installed this mathematical model into hiPSC-CM simulation model.

Collaboration Phase: Mutant in-silico model showed APD prolongation and frequent early afterdepolarization (EAD), which are same as in-vitro model. In-silico model revealed this EAD was mostly related to robust late-mode of sodium current occurred by Na+ overload and suggested that mexiletine is capable of reducing arrhythmia. Afterward, we applicated mexiletine onto hiPSC-CMs mutant model and found mexiletine suppress EADs.

Conclusions

Precise in-silico disease model can elucidate complicated ion currents and contribute predicting result of drug-testing.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists

Biodegradable-polymer versus durable-polymer drug eluting stents for coronary artery disease: systematic review and a meta-analysis

Background

Biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) has been developed to overcome the potential drawbacks of the first-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DES). However, it is still under debate whether BP-DES is associated with superior efficacy and safety over DP-DES.

Purpose

We sought to compare the effects of BP-DES and DP-DES in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods

We performed systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing BP-DES and DP-DES on clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease using CE-mark approved drug-eluting stents (DES) with at least 1-year follow-up. We included 32 studies involving 39,686 patients (BP-DES: 21,439 patients, and DP-DES: 18,247 patients). Primary outcome measure was target vessel failure (TVF; equivalent to the composite of cardiac death, target-vessel myocardial infarction, or ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). We performed subgroup analysis according to the DP-DES generations (newer-generation DP-DES: 15,179patients, and first-generation DP-DES: 3,068 patients), and the effects of newer-generation DP-DES was compared with the BP-DES according to the BP-DES strut thickness (Ultra-thin strut [<80μm]: 7,572 patients, Thin-strut [80–100μm]: 5,465 patients, and Thick-strut [≥80μm]: 5,876 patients).

Results

The odds for TVF was not significantly different between the BP-DES group and the DP-DES group in the entire study population (odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.90–1.02], P=0.20). The odds for TVF was significantly low in the BP-DES group relative to the first-generation DP-DES group, however the odds were comparable between the BP-DES group and the newer-generation DP-DES group (BP-DES versus first-generation DP-DES: OR 0.82, 95% CI [0.73–0.92], P<0.001, and BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 1.00, 95% CI [0.93–1.08], P=0.99). We also found no significant differences between the BP-DES and newer-generation DP-DES, in all subgroups stratified by the BP-DES strut thickness (Ultra-thin strut BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 0.88, 95% CI [0.76–1.02], P=0.10, Thin-strut BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 1.01, 95% CI [0.90–1.13], P=0.89, and Thick strut BP-DES versus newer-generation DP-DES: OR 1.11, 95% CI [0.99–1.25], P=0.08).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating clinical outcomes, there was no significant differences between BP-DES and DP-DES. We found beneficial effects of BP-DES relative to the first-generation DP-DES, however, there was no statistical differences between BP-DES and newer-generation DP-DES, irrespective of the BP-DES strut thickness.

Pooled odds ratios for clinical outcomes

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

NRSF-GNAO1-CaMK2 axis exacerbates cardiac remodeling and progresses heart failure by impairing Ca2+ homeostasis

Background

In the development of heart failure, pathological intracellular signaling reactivates fetal cardiac genes, which leads to maladaptive remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. We previously reported that a transcriptional repressor, neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) represses fetal cardiac genes and maintains normal cardiac function under normal conditions, while hypertrophic stimuli de-repress this NRSF mediated repression via activation of CaMKII. Molecular mechanisms by which NRSF maintains cardiac systolic function remains to be determined, however.

Purpose

To elucidate how NRSF maintains normal cardiac homeostasis and identify the novel therapeutic targets for heart failure.

Methods and results

We generated cardiac-specific NRSF knockout mice (NRSF cKO), and found that these NRSF cKO showed cardiac dysfunction and premature deaths accompanied with lethal arrhythmias, as was observed in our previously reported cardiac-specific dominant-negative mutant of NRSF transgenic mice (dnNRSF-Tg).

By cDNA microarray analysis of dnNRSF-Tg and NRSF-cKO, we identified that expression of Gnao1 gene encoding Gαo, a member of inhibitory G proteins, was commonly increased in ventricles of both types of mice.

ChIP-seq analysis, reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay identified that NRSF transcriptionally regulates Gnao1 gene expression.

Genetic Knockdown of Gαo in dnNRSF-Tg and NRSF-cKO by crossing these mice with Gnao1 knockout mice ameliorated the reduced systolic function, increased arrhythmogenicity and reduced survival rates.

Transgenic mice expressing a human GNAO1 in their hearts (GNAO1-Tg) showed progressive cardiac dysfunction with cardiac dilation. Ventricles obtained from GNAO1-Tg have increased phosphorylation level of CaMKII and increased expression level of endogenous mouse Gnao1 gene. These data suggest that increased cardiac expression of Gαo is sufficient to induce pathological Ca2+-dependent signaling and cardiac dysfunction, and that Gαo forms a positive regulatory circuit with CaMKII and NRSF.

Electrophysiological analysis in ventricular myocytes of dnNRSF-Tg revealed that impaired Ca2+ handling via alterations in localized L-type calcium channel (LTCC) activities; decreased T-tubular and increased surface sarcolemmal LTCC activities, underlies Gαo-mediated cardiac dysfunction.

Furthermore, we also identified increased expression of Gαo in ventricles of two different heart failure mice models, mice with transverse aortic constriction and mice carrying a mutant cardiac troponin T, and confirmed that genetic reduction of Gαo prevented the progression of cardiac dysfunction in both types of mice.

Conclusions

Increased expression of Gαo, induced by attenuation of NRSF-mediated repression forms a pathological circuit via activation of CaMKII. This circuit exacerbates cardiac remodeling and progresses heart failure by impairing Ca2+ homeostasis. Gαo is a potential therapeutic target for heart failure.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grants-in –Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Sex differences in door-to-balloon time and long-term adverse events after percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome: a sub-study from the Prospective JAMIR study

Background

Shortening of onset to admission time (OAT) and door-to-balloon time (DBT) is associated with lower adverse cardiac event after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Bleeding event also results in poor outcome in patients with AMI after primary PCI. Little is known about sex differences in DBT and ischemic, bleeding events after AMI.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the sex differences of OAT, DTB and adverse cardiac event, incident of bleeding event after primary PCI in patients with AMI.

Methods

The Japan AMI Registry (JAMIR) is a multicenter, nationwide, prospective registry enrolling patients with AMI from 50 institutes between December 2015 and May 2017. Primary endpoints of this study were ischemic event (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke) and bleeding event (BARC type 3 or 5,).Median follow-up period was 12 months.

Results

A total of 3,411 patients were enrolled at first. Among them, 329 patients without treated with PCI and 199 patients missing OAT time were excluded from this study. A total 2883 patients of men (n=2240, 77.7%) and women (n=643, 22.3%) were enrolled. OAT and DBT of women were significantly longer than that of men (OAT: 130min, interquartile range 62–300 min vs. 155 min, interquartile range 69–350 min, p=0.040, DBT: 67 min, interquartile range 50–95 min vs. 75 min, interquartile range 53–120 min, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in ischemic events between men and women (7.1% vs. 7.5%, log-rank p=0.741, Figure 1). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed female sex was significantly associated with lower ischemic event (hazard ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.38–0.85; p=0.007). Bleeding event of women was significantly higher than that of men (BARC type 3 or 5: 3.8% vs. 7.8%, p<0.001, Figure 2).

Conclusion

The real-world database of the JAMIR showed that the female sex was significant factor for the delay in primary percutaneous coronary intervention and high incident of bleeding, however, ischemic event was lower than that of male sex. Sex difference appears to be associated with ischemic and bleeding event after acute myocardial infarction.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Sex differences in the predictors of recurrent atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: insights from the Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation (KPAF) registry

Background

The impact of sex differences on the clinical outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) is controversial. We previously reported that females experienced more frequent AF recurrences than males after the index and last RFCA procedures.

Purpose

To identify the risk factors associated with recurrent AF in females and males after RFCA of AF.

Methods

We conducted a large-scale, prospective, multicenter, observational study (Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation Registry). We enrolled 5010 consecutive patients who underwent an initial RFCA of AF at 26 centers (64±10 years; 1369 [27.3%] females; non-paroxysmal AF, 35.7%). The median follow-up duration was 2.9 years.

Results

The incidence of AF recurrences after a single procedure was 43.3% in females and 39.0% in males. After a multivariate adjustment at baseline, the significant predictors of AF recurrence in females after the index RFCA were non-paroxysmal AF (hazard ration [HR],1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.31–1.93, p<0.0001), a history of AF ≥2 years (HR,1.47; 95% CI,1.24–1.74, p<0.0001), coronary artery disease (HR,1.43; 95% CI,1.03–1.98, p=0.0035), and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 mL/min/1.73m2 (HR,1.46; 95% CI,1.10–1.95, p=0.0086). On the other hand, significant predictors of AF recurrence in males after the index RFCA were non-paroxysmal AF (HR,1.54; 95% CI,1.37–1.73, p<0.0001), a history of AF ≥2 years (HR,1.40; 95% CI,1.26–1.56, p<0.0001), the number of antiarrhythmic drugs (HR,1.06; 95% CI,1.003–1.13, p=0.040), a left atrial diameter≥40mm (HR,1.13; 95% CI,1.007–1.27, p=0.038), and dilated cardiomyopathy (HR,1.55; 95% CI,1.07–2.26, p=0.021), however, an eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m2 was not associated with AF recurrence in males (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.88–1.13, p=0.97).

Conclusion

The Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation Registry revealed a distinct sex difference in terms of the predictors of recurrent AF after RFCA. Non-Paroxysmal AF and a long history of AF were common risk factors both in females and males. However, renal dysfunction was a significant predictor of AF recurrence in females, while it was not a risk of recurrence in males.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Research Institute for Production Development in Kyoto, Japan.

The impact of catheter ablation for patients with asymptomatic atrial fibrillation: subanalysis of kansai plus atrial fibrillation (kpaf) registry

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) for symptomatic patients improves the quality of life and prognosis of patients with heart failure. However, the impact of CA for asymptomatic patients is still controversial.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of CA of AF for asymptomatic patients compared to those for symptomatic patients.

Methods

A total of 5,013 patients from the Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation (KPAF) Registry who underwent CA were screened. The patients were divided into three groups by type of AF; paroxysmal (PAF), persistent (PEAF) and long standing (LSAF) and the patients in each type of AF were divided into two groups: asymptomatic and symptomatic. The primary endpoint was recurrent supraventricular tachyarrhythmias lasting for more than 30 seconds during follow-up 4 years after CA. The secondary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular, cerebral, and gastrointestinal events during follow-up 4 years after CA. The incidence of complications related to CA between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients was also evaluated. Kaplan–Meier analysis was employed to estimate the primary and secondary endpoints. The statistical differences in primary and secondary endpoints between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were evaluated using a log–rank test. The impact of symptom due to AF on the primary and secondary endpoint was evaluated using a Cox hazard analysis. The difference in incidence of complications between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients was evaluated using a chi–square test.

Results

In this study population, PAF was the most frequent at 64.4%, followed by PEAF (22.7%) and LSAF (13.0%). There were some significant differences in the baseline characteristics between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients in each type of AF. The proportion of male was significantly higher in asymptomatic patients than symptomatic patients in PAF (81.2% versus 67.2%, p<0.001) and PEAF (86.4% versus 74.3%, p<0.001). Left atrial diameter was larger in asymptomatic patients than symptomatic patients only in PAF (40±6mm versus 38±6mm, p<0.001). In all types of AF, there was no significant difference in primary endpoint between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients as follows: 37.5% versus 40.6% (p=0.6) in PAF, 45.2% versus 55.1% (p=0.09) in PEAF and 59.3% versus 63.6% (p=1.0) in LSAF. There was also no significant difference in secondary endpoint between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients: 7.1% versus 6.8% (p=0.7) in PAF, 5.4% versus 8.7% (p=0.3) in PEAF and 4.4% versus 5.1% (p=0.5) in LSAF. In a Cox hazard analysis, the symptom did not affect both of the primary and secondary endpoints in each type of AF. In regard to the incidence of complications related to CA, there was no significant difference between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients in each type of AF.

Conclusion

CA of AF for asymptomatic patients can be safe and can lead to equivalent outcomes as well as symptomatic patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Risk factors for major bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated venous thromboembolisms: from the COMMAND VTE registry

Background/Introduction

Patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolisms (VTEs) are at a high risk for recurrent VTEs and are recommended to receive prolonged anticoagulation therapy if they are at a low risk for bleeding. However, there are no established risk factors for bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy.

Purpose

We aimed to identify the risk factors for major bleeding during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in cancer-associated VTE patients.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter retrospective registry enrolling 3027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic VTEs among 29 Japanese centers between January 2010 and August 2014. After excluding those without active cancer (N=2332), patients with major bleeding (N=15), death (N=17), and lost to follow-up (N=10) within 10 days after the diagnosis, and those without anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after the diagnosis (N=61), the present study population consisted of 592 cancer-associated VTE patients with anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days after the diagnosis. The outcome measurement was International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH) major bleeding during anticoagulation therapy beyond 10 days, which occurred before the first discontinuation of the anticoagulation therapy. We constructed a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the potential risk factors for major bleeding. As a sensitivity analysis, we used Fine and Gray's method to estimate the HR and 95% CI, taking into account the competing risk of all-cause death.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 199 days, major bleeding occurred in 72 patients (31 patients within 3 months; 41 beyond 3 months). The cumulative incidence of major bleeding was 5.8% at 3-months, 13.8% at 1-year, 17.5% at 2-year, and 28.1% at 5-years. The most frequent major bleeding site was gastrointestinal (47%), followed by intracranial (17%) and genitourinary (11%). Major bleeding tended to occur from the sites of the cancer, however, the sites of the cancer and sites of major bleeding were not necessarily concordant. The multivariable Cox regression model demonstrated that terminal cancer (adjusted HR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.22–7.85, P<0.001), chronic kidney disease (adjusted HR, 1.89; 95% CI 1.06–3.37, P=0.031), and gastrointestinal cancer (adjusted HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.04–3.04, P=0.037) were independently associated with an increased risk of major bleeding. After taking into account the competing risk of all-cause death, the multivariable Cox regression model demonstrated almost consistent results with the main analysis.

Conclusions

Major bleeding events were common during prolonged anticoagulation therapy in real-world cancer-associated VTE patients. Terminal cancer, chronic kidney disease, and gastrointestinal cancer were the independent risk factors for major bleeding.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

Visualization of ferroaxial domains in an order-disorder type ferroaxial crystal

Ferroaxial materials that exhibit spontaneous ordering of a rotational structural distortion with an axial vector symmetry have gained growing interest, motivated by recent extensive studies on ferroic materials. As in conventional ferroics (e.g., ferroelectrics and ferromagnetics), domain states will be present in the ferroaxial materials. However, the observation of ferroaxial domains is non-trivial due to the nature of the order parameter, which is invariant under both time-reversal and space-inversion operations. Here we propose that NiTiO₃ is an order-disorder type ferroaxial material, and spatially resolve its ferroaxial domains by using linear electrogyration effect: optical rotation in proportion to an applied electric field. To detect small signals of electrogyration (order of 10⁻⁵ deg V⁻¹), we adopt a recently developed difference image-sensing technique. Furthermore, the ferroaxial domains are confirmed on nano-scale spatial resolution with a combined use of scanning transmission electron microscopy and convergent-beam electron diffraction. Our success of the domain visualization will promote the study of ferroaxial materials as a new ferroic state of matter.

The presence of ferroaxial domain states is recently experimentally demonstrated by a nonlinear optical technique, which lacks high spatial resolution to visualize ferroaxial domains. Here, the authors visualize spatial distributions of ferroaxial domains in NiTiO₃ showing an order-disorder type ferroaxial transition.

In-vitro fertilisation-embryo-transfer complicates the antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum using MRI: a retrospective analysis

AIM

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 95 patients with placenta previa or low-lying placenta who underwent MRI at Osaka University Hospital for the antenatal diagnosis of PAS between January 2013 and December 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. The antenatal MRI signs suggesting PAS were assessed. Patients were divided into two groups depending on whether they were diagnosed with PAS. Factors that affected PAS diagnosis were identified using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for detecting PAS was as follows: 71.4% sensitivity, 96.4% specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.839 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.91). The diagnostic accuracy was lower in patients with in-vitro fertilisation with embryo transfer (IVF-ET): 22.2% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity, and AUC=0.578 (95% CI: 0.417-0.724). On multivariate analysis, only IVF-ET showed a significant association with false-positive or -negative MRI diagnosis of PAS (adjusted odds ratio: 26.5; 95% CI: 2.42-289.4; p=0.007).

CONCLUSION

IVF-ET affects the antenatal diagnosis of PAS using MRI.

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis identifies promoter hypermethylation in canine malignant melanoma

Canine malignant melanoma is a common cancer with a high mortality rate. Although previous studies have evaluated various aspects of this tumour, the exact mechanism of tumourigenesis remains unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, have recently gained attention as aetiological factors for neoplasia in humans. This study aimed to analyse genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in canine malignant melanoma based on next-generation sequencing data. A total of 76,213 CpG sites, including 29,482 sites in CpG islands (CGIs), were analysed using next-generation sequencing of methylation-specific signatures, obtained by sequential digestion with enzymes, to compare normal oral mucosal samples from four healthy dogs, four canine melanoma cell lines (3 oral cavity and 1 skin), and five clinical samples of oral canine melanoma. Malignant melanoma showed increased methylation at thousands of normally unmethylated CpG sites in CGIs and decreased methylation at normally methylated CpG sites in non-CGIs. Interestingly, the promoter regions of 81-393 genes were hypermethylated; 23 of these genes were present in all melanoma cell lines and melanoma clinical samples. Among these 23 genes, six genes with "sequence-specific DNA binding" annotation were significantly enriched, including three Homeobox genes-HMX2, TLX2, and HOXA9-that may be involved in the tumourigenesis of canine malignant melanoma. This study revealed widespread alterations in DNA methylation and a large number of hypermethylated genes in canine malignant melanoma.

Antiferromagnetic fluctuations and charge carrier localization in ferromagnetic bilayer manganites: electrical resistivity scales exponentially with short-range order controlled by temperature and magnetic field

The compound La2-2xSr1+2xMn2O7,x= 0.30-0.40, consists of bilayers of ferromagnetic metallic MnO2sheets that are separated by insulating layers. The materials show colossal magnetoresistance-a reduction in resistivity of up to two orders of magnitude in a field of 7 T-at their three-dimensional ordering temperatures,TC= 90-126 K, and are the layered analogues of the widely studied pseudo-cubic perovskite manganites, R1-xAxMnO3(R = rare earth, A = Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb). Two distinct short-range orderings-antiferromagnetic fluctuations and correlated polarons, which are related to the magnetic and the lattice degrees of freedom respectively-have previously been discovered in La2-2xSr1+2xMn2O7,x= 0.40, and have each been qualitatively connected to the resistivity. Here, in a comprehensive study as a function of both temperature and magnetic field for the different hole-concentrations per Mn site ofx= 0.30 and 0.35, we show that antiferromagnetic fluctuations also appear at temperatures just aboveTC, and that the intensities of both the antiferromagnetic fluctuations and polaron correlations closely track the resistivity. In particular, forx= 0.35 we show that there is a simple scaling relation between the intensities of the antiferromagnetic fluctuations and the in-plane resistivity that applies for the temperatures and magnetic fields used in the experiments. The results show that antiferromagnetic fluctuations are a common feature ofLa2-2xSr1+2xMn2O7with ferromagnetic bilayers, and that there is a close connection between the antiferromagnetic fluctuations and polarons in these materials.

Efficacy of guselkumab in a subpopulation with pustulotic arthro-osteitis through week 52: an exploratory analysis of a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Japanese patients with palmoplantar pustulosis

Background

Previous studies of guselkumab have demonstrated clinical benefits in patients with plaque‐type psoriasis, generalized pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).

Objective

The aim of this exploratory analysis of a double‐blind, multicenter, placebo‐controlled, phase 3 study in Japanese patients with PPP was to evaluate the efficacy of guselkumab in the subset of patients with pustulotic arthro‐osteitis (PAO).

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive guselkumab 100 or 200 mg at weeks 0, 4, 12 and every 8 weeks, or placebo with cross‐over to guselkumab 100 or 200 mg at week 16 (placebo group). Efficacy endpoints were changes from baseline in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score, EuroQOL‐5 dimensions (EQ‐5D) index score, EQ‐5D pain/discomfort dimension score and C‐reactive protein (CRP, mg/L) level in all PAO patients through week 52. Data from both guselkumab groups were combined and presented as results for a single overall guselkumab group.

Results

Among 159 patients with PPP, 66 with PAO were randomized across treatment groups. For patients with MRI data for all regions assessed, the proportion of patients in the guselkumab group with PAO characterized as severe decreased from 23.8% (10/42) at baseline to 5.4% (2/42) at week 52. The mean (SD) change from baseline at week 52 in EQ‐5D index score was 0.20 (0.17) among PPP patients with PAO and 0.15 (0.17) among those without PAO in the guselkumab group. Among all PAO patients, the proportions with an EQ‐5D pain/discomfort dimension score of no or slight pain/discomfort in the guselkumab group increased from baseline to week 52 [33.3% (7/21) vs. 87.5% (35/40)]. The mean (SD) CRP levels decreased in all PAO patients in the guselkumab group at week 52 compared to baseline [−1.71 (8.16) mg/L].

Conclusion

Guselkumab treatment showed beneficial outcomes for PAO signs and symptoms in Japanese patients with PPP.

Dependence of the V/III Ratio on Indium Incorporation in InGaN Films Grown by Metalorganic Vapour Phase Epitaxy

InGaN epitaxial layers were grown on c-plane sapphire substrates using the metalorganic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE) system at 760 °C. By varying the total flow rate of group-III sources (TMI+TEG) with a fixed molar ratio of group-III sources [TMI/(TMI+TEG)], the influence of V/III ratio were investigated from 4500 to 20000. The grown N-polar InGaN layers were investigated by atomic force microscopy and it is found that the surface roughness decreases with increasing the V/III ratios. High resolution X-ray diffraction analyses show that the phase separation decreases with increasing the V/III ratios. Photoluminescence measurements reveal that the peak position of the band-edge emission shifted toward the shorter wavelength with increasing the V/III ratios. Reciprocal space mapping (RSM) analyses were carried out on InGaN films. At low V/III ratio, the phase separation can be detected in InGaN films.

Excess length of hospital stay, mortality and cost attributable to Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection and recurrence: a nationwide analysis in Japan

Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of infectious diarrhoea in hospitalised patients, representing a substantial economic burden driven mainly by increased length of hospital stay (LoS). Currently in Japan, limited evidence on CDI-associated excess LoS is available. We conducted a retrospective, matched-cohort study using a large, Japanese, hospital-based administrative database. CDI was defined as CDI treatment plus either CDI diagnosis or positive enzyme immunoassay result. Propensity score matching at the time of CDI or recurrent CDI (rCDI) onset was applied to adjust baseline confounding and immortal time bias. The analysis included 5 994 054 hospitalisation records during 2008-2017, of which 11 823 were identified as CDI and 1359 as rCDI. The median excess LoS attributable to CDI and rCDI was 3 days and 6.5 days, respectively. The excess mortality attributable to CDI was 6.9%; there was no excess mortality attributable to rCDI (-1.9%). The median difference in costs attributable to CDI and rCDI during the residual stay was JPY 130 296 (USD 1185) and JPY 81 054 (USD 737) per hospitalisation, respectively. By adjusting the biases, the burden of CDI in Japan was evaluated. The findings could support decision making and resource allocation for CDI management in Japanese hospitals.

P762 Preserved mitral apparatus dynamics predict the improvement of acute ischemic mitral regurgitation: four-dimensional quantitative echocardiographic study

Background

We sought to evaluate the predictive value of acute stage mitral apparatus geometry and dynamics for the reduction of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) in the remote phase after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) by using real-time 3D-transthoracic echocardiography (3D-TTE).

Methods

We performed 2D and 3D-TTE in consecutive 44 first acute MI patients with more than mild IMR within 3 days after successful pPCI. 3DTTE of left ventricle (LV) volumes and mitral apparatus dynamics through the cardiac cycle were quantified offline. We compared the 3D geometric and dynamic parameters in the acute phase between 1)20 remained MR group and 2)24 improved MR group in 6-to-12 months after MI onset.

Results

Ejection fraction (EF) was preserved in the improved MR group compared to the remained MR group (49.0 ± 11.2 vs. 56.5 ± 7.0%, p = 0.013). Mitral valve annulus area, leaflet tenting length and papillary muscles spatial position had no significant difference between the two groups (all p > 0.05) throughout cardiac cycle. In contrast, mitral annulus saddle shape was preserved in the improved MR group than the remained MR group (p = 0.010) and annular area changed dynamically through early- to late-systole in the improved MR group (phasic p = 0.017) despite it was adynamic in remained MR group (phasic p = 0.201). Conclusions: IMR improvement in the remote phase after AMI associated with preserved EF, mitral annulus saddle shape and dynamics during systole in the acute phase of MI. 4D dynamics of the mitral apparatus can be clinically useful predictor of the improvement in acute IMR and may contribute to the clinical decision making including surgical or percutaneous intervention for IMR.

P292 The risk of adverse outcome with ischemic mitral regurgitation at 6-month after myocardial infarction: possible benefit of early intervention by transcatheter mitral-valve repair

Background

The latest study has demonstrated the better outcomes of transcatheter mitral-valve repair in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether earlier intervention for mitral regurgitation (MR) can improve the outcome of myocardial infarction (MI).

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of ischemic MR (IMR) at 6-month after MI for the later incidence of HF and death.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 723 MI patients who were admitted to our hospital. 95.5% of the patients were treated by primary coronary intervention. Patients were clinically followed-up at 6-month after the onset of MI, and divided into 3 groups according to the degree of IMR, i.e. No/Trivial IMR group (n = 528), Mild IMR group (n= 154) and ≥Moderate IMR group (n= 41). We compared the later incidence of hospitalization for HF and all-cause death at 3-year for each group.

Results

The studied population had preserved ejection fraction (EF) (56.9 ± 10.7%, average) and mostly asymptomatic at 6-month after MI. All-cause mortality within 3-year was higher in patients with ≥Moderate IMR (p < 0.001), and the incidence of hospitalization for HF was significantly higher depends on the degree of IMR at 6-month (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed EF and the degree of IMR were the independent predictor for the hospitalization for HF.

Conclusions

IMR at 6-month after MI was associated with the later adverse events despite relatively preserved LV contraction without heart failure symptoms at the index examination. Early intervention for IMR potentially benefit for the better outcome.

Abstract P292 Figure. Caplan-Meier estimates on adverse events

P34 The effect of sex on the efficacy and safety of dabigatran dual therapy in atrial fibrillation after PCI: a subgroup analysis from the RE-DUAL PCI trial

Funding Acknowledgements

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH

On Behalf

The Re-DUAL PCI Investigators

Background

The RE-DUAL PCI study (NCT02164864) compared dabigatran dual antithrombotic therapy (D-DAT) with warfarin triple antithrombotic therapy (W-TAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). As previously reported D-DAT reduced bleeding compared with W-TAT and was non-inferior with regard to thromboembolic events. 

Aim 

The aim of this subgroup analysis of RE-DUAL was to assess the relationship between sex and treatment effects of D-DAT and W-TAT on bleeding and thromboembolic outcomes.

Methods

Patients were randomized to receive W-TAT (warfarin, clopidogrel or ticagrelor, and aspirin) or D-DAT (dabigatran 110 or 150 mg twice daily with clopidogrel or ticagrelor; D110- or D150-DAT). Younger patients (aged < 80 yrs. [< 70 yrs. in Japan]) and US patients irrespective of age received D110-DAT, D150-DAT or W-TAT; older patients (aged ≥ 80 yrs. in non-US countries [≥ 70 yrs. in Japan]) received only D110-DAT or W-TAT. Bleeding and thromboembolic outcomes were assessed according to treatment group and by sex (female vs. male).

Results

A total of 2725 patients were randomized; 2070 patients were male (76.0%) and 655 (24.0%) were female. Overall females were older at time of PCI than males (73.2 ± 7.9 vs. 70.0 ± 8.8 years). The mean CHA2DS2-VASc and modified HAS-BLED scores were higher in women at 4.5 and 2.8, respectively, than in men at 3.3 and 2.7, respectively. 

For the primary endpoint of major bleeding events or clinically relevant non-major bleeding events, treatment effects of D110-DAT vs. W-TAT were consistent for female and male patients (females: HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.47-1.01, males HR 0.46, 95%CI 0.37-0.59, interaction p-value 0.084). Similarly, consistent treatment effects were seen for the primary endpoint with D150-DAT vs W-TAT in female and male patients (females HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.48-1.16, males HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.56-0.90, interaction p value 0.83). 

No interaction between sex and treatment was observed for D110- or D150-DAT vs W-TAT with regard to the composite efficacy endpoint of death, thromboembolic events or unplanned revascularization (interaction p values 0.73 and 0.72, respectively) (figure).

Conclusion

The treatment effect of dabigatran 110 mg and 150 mg dual therapy vs warfarin triple therapy was consistent across sex groups. This suggests that female and male patients with AF undergoing PCI should be treated equally in terms of the dosage of dabigatran selected for dual therapy strategies.

Abstract P34 Figure. Re-DUAL sex subgroup analysis

1182 Clinical evidence of the mitral valve leaflet remodeling after st-elevation acute myocardial infarction: longitudinal observation using real-time 3D echocardiography

Background

Mitral valve (MV) leaflet remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been proposed as biological and physiological reaction under the ischemic environment mainly by animal experiments. Clinical evidence of leaflet growth after AMI is lacking.

Purpose

We aimed to assess the clinical evidence of the mitral valve leaflet remodeling after acute myocardial infarction by serial 2D/3D transthoracic echocardiography.

Methods

Sixty-six patients with first-onset ST-elevation MI (33 anterior and 33 inferior) were serially examined by 2D/3D-transthoracic echocardiography. MV complex geometry including leaflet surface area and leaflet thickness was quantitatively analyzed in acute phase and 6-month follow-up.

Results

3D-leaflet surface area was significantly increased in 6-month follow-up (anterior MI; 5.58 [4.93-6.00] versus 5.98 [5.68-6.40] cm²/m²; P < 0.001, inferior MI; 5.48 [4.69-6.07] versus 5.79 [4.74-6.37] cm²/m²; P < 0.001). In anterior MI, both anterior and posterior leaflet lengths significantly increased (anterior leaflet; 12.78 [11.55-13.55] versus 13.63 [12.52-14.15] mm/m²; P = 0.001, posterior leaflet; 9.61 [8.73-10.77] versus 9.84 [8.94-10.96] mm/m²; P = 0.037). In inferior MI, posterior leaflet length significantly increased (9.18 [8.50-10.38] versus 10.00 [8.56-10.85] mm/m²; P = 0.029), while there was no significant change in anterior leaflet length (12.54 [11.61-13.56] versus 12.56 [12.08-14.06] mm/m²; P = 0.214). Leaflet thickness was found to become greater in both groups in 6-month follow-up (anterior MI; 1.08 [0.92-1.21] versus 1.32 [1.25-1.45] mm; P < 0.001, inferior MI; 1.14 [0.98-1.25] versus 1.32 [1.21-1.49] mm; P < 0.001) (Figure).

Conclusions

In six months from the onset of AMI, MV enlarged in area and increased in thickness. Anterior leaflet mainly enlarged in anterior MI, while posterior leaflet enlarged in inferior MI. This is the first clinical evidence of the MV remodeling after AMI, and long-year follow-up should contribute to assess the course of valve growth with relation to ischemic mitral regurgitation.

Abstract 1182 Figure. 3D analysis of the mitral valve

P737Endothelial ERK2/thromboxane receptor pathway induces endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance and steatohepatosis through superoxide with high fat high sucrose diet

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is well known as the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with endothelial dysfunction and induces steatohepatosis. Insulin resistance is a major character of MetS, which affects intracellular signaling pathways and endothelial function. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a major component of insulin signal and many of vasoactive peptides, which were released in MetS, can activate it in endothelium. However, the role of endothelial ERK in nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity in MetS in in vivo has been unknown.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to clarify the role of endothelial ERK2 on NO bioactivity in mice model of MetS.

Methods and results

We created endothelial specific ERK2 knock out mice (EE2KO) crossing Tie2-Cre mice and ERK2 flox mice and fed them with normal or high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFHSD) for 24 weeks. Serum glucose and insulin levels and HOMA-IR were lowered in EE2KO with HFHSD without changing body weight. In wild type mice (WT) with HFHSD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score, fibrosis score and serum ALT level were increased, all of which were blunted in EE2KO. EE2KO with HFHSD lowered systolic blood pressure (WT: 123.7±5.83 mmHg, EE2KO: 101.4±3.66 mmHg, P<0.01, N=8) without changing heart rate, which was increased to the same levels with L-NAME, an endothelial NO synthase inhibitor, in both groups. Serum NO levels measured with serum nitrite/nitrate concentrations were increased in EE2KO with HFHSD (WT: 23.10±3.74 μmol/l, EE2KO: 41.71±6.73 μmol/l, P<0.05, N=12). Endothelial function was assessed with the isometric tension measurement of aortic rings with acetylcholine (ACh). ACh-induced relaxation was improved in EE2KO with HFHSD. Superoxide production of aorta from EE2KO was lowered than WT with HFHSD in dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. S18886, an antagonist of the thromboxane A2-prostanoid (TP) receptor, decreased superoxide production of aorta in DHE staining resulting in improving endothelial function in the isometric tension measurement of aortic rings. Oral administrations of S18886 decreased systolic blood pressure, serum fasting glucose and insulin levels, and surprisingly improved steatohepatosis by decreasing NAFLD activity score and fibrosis score.

Relaxation of aortic rings with ACh

Conclusions

Endothelial ERK2/TP receptor pathway increases superoxide production and decreased NO bioactivity, resulting in deteriorating endothelial function, insulin resistance and steatohepatosis, which were improved by antagonist of the TP receptor in mice model of MetS. The present study indicates that ERK2/TP pathway could be a therapeutic target for complications of MetS.

P832LDL-C levels on statins and cardiovascular event risk in stable coronary artery disease: An observation from the REAL-CAD study

Background

The relation between very low on-treatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and the cardiovascular event risk is still unclear in patients receiving the same doses of statins.

Methods

From the REAL-CAD study comparing high-dose with low-dose pitavastatin therapy in Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease, 11105 patients without reported non-adherence for the study drug were divided into 3 groups according to the on-treatment LDL-C level at 6-month (<70 mg/dL, 70–100 mg/dL, and ≥100 mg/dL; N=1016, N=3078, and N=1665 in the pitavastatin 1 mg/day stratum; N=2431, N=2524, and N=391 in the pitavastatin 4 mg/day stratum). Primary outcome measure was a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergent admission.

Results

In the pitavastatin 1 mg/day stratum, cumulative 4-year incidence of the primary outcome measure was not significantly different across the 3 groups (5.0%, 5.7%, and 5.2%, P=0.51), while in the 4 mg/day stratum, it was significantly higher in the LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL group than in other groups (4.5%, 3.4%, and 9.1%, P<0.001). The adjusted risks of the LDL-C <70 mg/dL group relative to the LDL-C 70–100 mg/dL group (reference) remained insignificant for the primary outcome measure in both 1 mg/day and 4 mg/day strata (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.58–1.18, P=0.32, and HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.88–1.79, P=0.22). The adjusted risk of LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL group relative to the reference group was not significant for the primary outcome measure in the 1 mg/day stratum (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60–1.11, P=0.21), while it was highly significant in the 4 mg/day stratum (HR 3.32, 95% CI 2.08–5.17, P<0.001). In the on-treatment LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL group in the 4 mg/day stratum, LDL-C increased by 6.3 mg/dL from baseline to 6-month despite dose escalation of pitavastatin from 1 mg/day to 4 mg/day, suggesting the presence of unreported poor adherence in this small subgroup.

Adjusted Effects of On-treatment LDL-C

Conclusions

Very low on-treatment LDL-C level (<70 mg/dL) was not associated with lower cardiovascular event risk compared with moderately low on-treatment LDL-C level (70–100 mg/dL) in patients receiving the same doses of statins. Too much emphasis on the target LDL-C strategy might mislead the clinical practice.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Comprehensive Support Project for Clinical Research of Lifestyle-Related Disease of the Public Health Research Foundation.

P2238Prognostic value and incremental benefit of ischaemic myocardial burden subtended by non-invasive CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) significant stenoses

Background

Fractional flow reserve derived from CT-coronary angiography (FFRCT) accurately identifies ischaemic vessels which may be associated with clinical outcomes. Its predictive value in grey zone FFRCT values between 0.7–0.8 is not defined. The technique permits estimation of burden of ischaemic myocardium subtended by FFRCT significant vessels.

Purpose

To evaluate the prognostic value and incremental benefit of FFRCT defined ischaemic myocardial burden when compared to FFRCT alone.

Methods

This is a subanalysis of NXT (Analysis of Coronary Blood-Flow Using CTA:Next-Steps), a prospective study of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients referred for invasive angiography (ICA) undergoing invasive FFR, CTA and FFRCT in whom treating physicians had been blinded to FFRCT results. Primary endpoint, defined as a composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction and any revascularisation, was determined in 206 patients (age 64±9.5 years, 64% male) and 618 vessels. Burden of ischaemic myocardium was defined as percentage of myocardium subtended beyond the point at which a vessel's FFRCT becomes ≤0.8 as estimated by APPROACH score (FFRCT-APPROACH). In significant FFRCT vessels, the predictive value and incremental benefit of FFRCT-APPROACH was compared with significant FFRCT (≤0.8) for primary endpoint as measured by area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC). Significant ischaemic myocardial burden was defined as >10%. The incidence and relationship between the primary endpoint with each 10% increase in FFRCT-APPROACH and 0.05-unit decrease in FFRCT values ≤0.8 was determined.

Results

Significant FFRCT was identified in 52.9% of patients (109/206) and 29.3% of vessels (181/618). At 4.7 years median follow-up the incidence of the primary endpoint in vessels with significant FFRCT-APPROACH was 58.9% (96/163) which was comparable with vessels with significant FFRCT (55.2%,100/181; P=0.50). The predictive value of FFRCT-APPROACH for the primary endpoint was comparable with FFRCT (AUC 0.72 [95% CI 0.65–0.79] vs 0.71 [0.63–0.78], P=0.79). When combined, there was significant predictive improvement compared with FFRCT alone (AUC 0.77 [0.70–0.84]; P=0.01). The largest incremental benefit upon FFRCT was observed in vessels with FFRCT values in the grey zone between 0.70–0.80 (AUC 0.76 [0.65–0.86] vs 0.62 [0.48–0.74]; P<0.01). Each 10% increase in FFRCT-APPROACH (Adjusted-HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.16–1.60; P<0.001) and each 0.05-unit FFRCT decrease (Adjusted-HR 1.42; 1.19–1.70; P<0.001) were independently associated with significant increase in the incidence of the primary-endpoint.

Conclusion

In patients with stable CAD referred for ICA, the burden of ischaemic myocardium subtended by FFRCT significant vessels predicted non-fatal myocardial infarction and future revascularisation. This provided significant incremental benefit when used in combination with FFRCT particularly at FFRCT values in the grey zone between 0.7 to 0.8.

P985The long-term impact of maintaining sinus rhythm on the risk for death or heart failure after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in a real world clinical practice

Background

Catheter ablation has been rapidly spread as a first line therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). A recent randomized trial have shown that AF ablation reduces the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF). However, the impact of maintained sinus rhythm (SR) on long-term risk of death or HF hospitalization has not been adequately evaluated.

Purpose

To investigate the impact of maintaining SR by AF ablation on long-term risk of all-cause death or HF hospitalization.

Methods

The long-term clinical outcomes were compared between patients with maintained SR and those with recurrent AF using a landmark analysis in which the landmark point was set at 1.5-year after the 1st ablation.

Results

Among consecutive 1467 patients who underwent AF ablation in our institution between February 2004 and December 2017, the study population consisted of 1311 patients after excluding 150 patients because of death or lost to follow-up. Mean age was 67.9±0.3 and paroxysmal AF was 67%. Among 460 patients who had AF recurrence within 1.5 years after the 1st ablation, 328 underwent 2nd ablation. Therefore, at 1.5-year after the 1st AF ablation, 1145 patients had maintained SR rhythm (SR-group), and 166 patients had recurrent AF episodes (AF-group). During 4.7±2.4 years of follow-up, the cumulative 5-year incidence of death or HF beyond 1.5 years after the 1st ablation was 5.1% in SR-group and 15.6% in AF-group (log rank P<0.001). After adjusting for baseline confounders, the lower risk of SR-group relative to AF-group for death or HF was still statistically significant (HR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11–3.58, P=0.02).

Risks for a Composite of Death or HF Hazard Ratio (95% CI) Crude HR P value Adjusted HR P value AF recurrence 2.59 (1.43–4.43) 0.002 2.05 (1.11–3.58) 0.02 Age>75 years old 2.55 (1.56–4.10) <0.001 2.32 (1.39–3.81) 0.002 Female 0.85 (0.49–1.43) 0.56 0.73 (0.40–1.25) 0.26 PeAF 1.25 (0.68–2.16) 0.45 0.98 (0.52–1.75) 0.94 LSAF 1.10 (0.46–2.23) 0.82 0.70 (0.28–1.53) 0.39 LVEF>50% 0.27 (0.16–0.48) <0.001 0.57 (0.31–1.09) 0.09 Past history of HF 7.06 (4.18–11.6) <0.001 4.67 (2.51–8.41) <0.001 CKD 4.74 (2.08–9.39) <0.001 2.23 (0.94–4.69) 0.07 AF, Atrial fibrillation; PeAF, Persistent AF; LSAF; Long standing AF; HF, Heart failure; CKD, Chronic kidney disease.

Figure 1

Conclusions

Successfully maintained SR was associated with reduced long-term risk for death or HF hospitalization in real world patients undergoing AF ablation.

1136Prognostic impact of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure

Background

The favourable effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) on mortality was established in patients with stable heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF). However, its prognostic effect of MRAs in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) including HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) was unclear.

Purpose

This study sought to investigate the long-term impact of MRA on the post-discharge outcomes in patients with ADHF.

Methods

From the consecutive 3717 patients hospitalized for ADHF and discharged alive in the KCHF registry, we developed the propensity score (PS) for MRA use and constructed the PS-matched cohort. We compared the effect of MRA use on the primary outcome measure of all-cause death or HF hospitalization.

Results

A total of 1678 patients (45%) received MRA at discharge from the index hospitalization. Median follow-up was 470 days with 96% 1-year follow-up rate. In the PS-matched cohort (N=1034 in each group), the cumulative 1-year incidence of the primary outcome measure was significantly lower in the MRA group than in the no MRA group (28.4% vs. 33.9%, P=0.003) (Figure 1). The cumulative 1-year incidence of HF hospitalization was significantly lower in the MRA group than in the no MRA group (18.7% vs. 24.8%, P<0.001), while there was no difference in mortality between the 2 groups (15.6% vs. 15.8%, P=0.85). There was no interaction between the effect of MRA and the 3 subgroups stratified by EF (EF <40%, EF 40–49%, EF ≥50%) (interaction P=0.12).

Figure 1

Conclusion

The use of MRA was associated with lower risk for the primary composite outcome of all-cause death or HF hospitalization in patients hospitalized for ADHF including HFpEF, which was mainly driven by the lower risk for HF hospitalization.

P4544Impact of hyponatremia improvement on one-year outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

Background

Impact of hyponatremia improvement on prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains unclear.

Methods

Patients hospitalized for ADHF at 19 hospitals in Japan were enrolled between October 2014 and March 2016. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium concentration less than 135 mmol/l. Primary endpoint was composite of all-cause death and heart failure rehospitalization one year after discharge.

Results

Among 3805 patients enrolled, 486 patients with hyponatremia at admission showed higher in-hospital mortality (13.3% vs. 5.4%, p<0.001). Of 486 hyponatremic patients, 396 patients were discharged alive. One hundred forty-three patients showed persistent hyponatremia at discharge (group P), whereas 253 patients showed improvement of hyponatremia (group I). Baseline characteristics are shown in the table. Patients in group I showed higher sodium concentration at admission (132±3 mmol/l vs. 130±4 mmol/l, p<0.001) and more increase in serum sodium concentration at discharge (7±4 mmol/l vs. 1±5 mmol/l, p<0.001). One-year survival rate free from primary endpoint was not different between the groups (56.4% in group P vs. 58.5% in group I, p=0.79). After adjusting for confounders, improvement of hyponatremia was not associated with better prognosis (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.70–1.45, p=0.99). Hyponatremia improvement showed significant interaction with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40% (p=0.01). In patients with LVEF<40%, improvement of hyponatremia was associated with better prognosis (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.85, p=0.01) whereas not in patients LVEF≥40%.

Patient characteristics Group P (n=143) Group I (n=253) p value Age (years) 81 (72–86) 81 (72–87) 0.73 Female 71 (49.7) 110 (43.5) 0.24 Ischemic etiology 42 (29.4) 81 (32.0) 0.58 Prior hospitalization 62 (43.7) 98 (39.5) 0.42 SBP at admission (mmHg) 140±36 144±38 0.40 HR at admission (bpm) 92±23 95±29 0.27 Atrial Fibrillation 47 (32.9) 103 (40.7) 0.12 NYHA class IV 60 (42.2) 138 (54.8) 0.02 Intravenous inotropic use 35 (24.5) 59 (23.3) 0.80 LVEF <40% 54 (37.8) 95 (37.6) 0.97 Values are median (interquartile range), mean ± standard deviation or number (%).

Conclusion

Improvement of hyponatremia at discharge was not associated with better prognosis in patients hospitalized for ADHF.

P5593The association of recurrence and bleeding events with mortality after venous thromboembolism: from the COMMAND VTE Registry

Background/Introduction

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), has a long-term risk for recurrence, which can be prevented by anticoagulation therapy. The duration of anticoagulation therapy after VTE should be based on the balance between risks of recurrent VTE and bleeding. However, there is uncertainty about the impact of these events on subsequent mortality.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the impact of recurrent VTE events and bleeding events on subsequent mortality in patients with VTE in a large retrospective observational database in Japan.

Methods

We evaluated the association of recurrent VTE and major bleeding with mortality among 3026 patients in the COMMAND VTE Registry. We estimated the risks of recurrent VTE events and major bleeding events for subsequent all-cause death with the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. We incorporated the recurrent VTE events and major bleeding events during follow-up into the multivariable Cox model as time-updated covariates together with the clinically-relevant 16 risk-adjusting factors. We expressed the adjusted risks of each covariate as hazard ratios (HR) and their 95%confidence intervals (CI). Furthermore, to assess the risks of recurrent PE and recurrent DVT events for subsequent all-cause death respectively, we divided recurrent VTE events into recurrent PE (PE with or without DVT) and recurrent DVT (DVT only), and incorporated these events as well as major bleeding events into the multivariable Cox model as time-updated covariates.

Results

In the current study population, the mean age was 67 years, 61% were women, and mean body weight and body mass index were 57.9 kg and 23.2 kg/m2, respectively. During the median follow-up period of 1,218 days, 763 patients died, 225 patients developed recurrent VTE events, and 274 patients developed major bleeding events. The time-updated multivariable Cox proportional hazard model revealed that both the recurrent VTE events and the major bleeding events were strongly associated with subsequent mortality risk (recurrent VTE events: HR 3.24, 95% CI 2.57–4.08, P<0.001; major bleeding events: HR 3.53, 95% CI 2.88–4.31, P<0.001). Both the recurrent PE events and the recurrent DVT events were associated with subsequent mortality risk with the numerically greater magnitude of effect with the recurrent PE events than with the recurrent DVT events (recurrent PE events: HR 4.42, 95% CI 3.28–5.95, P<0.001; recurrent DVT events: HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.75–3.36, P<0.001).

Conclusions

In the real-world patients with VTE, both recurrent VTE events and major bleeding events were strongly associated with subsequent mortality risk with the comparable effect size. Recurrent PE and recurrent DVT events were also associated with increased risks for mortality, although the magnitude of the effect on mortality was numerically greater with the recurrent PE events than with the recurrent DVT events.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

P5652Catheter ablation outcome and heart failure hospitalization in atrial fibrillation patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: insights from the Kansai plus atrial fibrillation (KPAF)

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and AF is an independent prognostic factor in HF patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF is effective to maintain sinus rhythm.

Purpose

We sought to clarify incidence of HF hospitalization and whether AF ablation outcome influenced incidence of HF hospitalization after the procedures in patients with preserved LVEF.

Methods

We conducted a large-scale, prospective, multicenter, observational study. A total of 4522 consecutive patients with normal LVEF (>/- 50%) who underwent an initial RFCA for AF in 26 centers were enrolled (average age, 64±10 years; non-paroxysmal AF, 33.7%). The median follow-up duration was 2.9 years.

Results

The 3-year cumulative incidence of AF recurrence after a single procedure was 40.3%. Hospitalization for HF was observed in 60 patients (1.3%) and was significantly higher in patients with AF recurrence than those without it (2.63% vs 0.44%, log-rank p<0.001). After adjustment by age ≥65 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤60ml/min, history of HF, and female, all of which were statistically associated with a risk of HF hospitalization, AF recurrence after the index RFCA was an independent predictor of HF hospitalization (hazard ratio; 4.75, 95% confidence interval; 2.59–9.42, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Recurrence after RFCA for AF was a significant risk of HF hospitalization among AF patients with preserved LVEF.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was supported by the Research Institute for Production Development in Kyoto, Japan.

P5025Structural insights into catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia-associated RyR2 mutant channels using a three-dimensional in silico model

Background

The cardiac ryanodine receptors (RyR2) are large tetrameric calcium-permeant ion channels found in cardiac muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum, which play an important role in the control of intracellular Ca2+ release and cardiac contraction. Mutations in the RYR2 gene are associated with lethal arrhythmia diseases including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) resulting from increased diastolic Ca2+ leak from mutant channels. RyR2 is a huge protein that each subunit of tetramer is comprised of 4967 amino acids, which hampers the detailed in vitro analysis of RyR2 mutant channels.

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the structural features of RyR2 mutant channels identified in our cohort with inherited arrhythmias using RyR2 three-dimensional (3D) in silico model to reveal the arrhythmogenic mechanisms.

Methods

A targeted next-generation sequencing panel for inherited arrhythmias was employed for genetic diagnosis of the patients. Then, we mapped the identified mutations on RyR2 3D structural model developed by cryo-EM images (PDB: 5go9, 5goa, Peng Science 2016) and investigated the relationship between the location of the mutations and specific functional sites.

Results

As a result of genetic analysis, we identified 93 RYR2 mutations from 112 probands with CPVT (n=93) or long-QT syndrome (LQTS) (n=19).64 of 93 (69%) RYR2 mutations are located in three “hot-spot” area (N-terminal (residues 77–466), central (2246–2534), and channel (3778–4959) hotspot. RyR2 3D in silico modeling revealed that the mutations are regionally distributed mainly in three parts: N-terminal, periphery, and channel part (Figure A). In N-terminal part (1–642 amino acid), 9 of 13 mutations alter the charges of the amino acids (Figure B). Especially, R169L, R169Q, and G172E are close to the interface between two neighboring subunits (∼20Å). These mutations which change the amino acid charge may cause a complete disruption of the ionic pair network and result in largest structural changes, which facilitates RyR2 channel opening. In periphery part (643–3528aa), 22 of 33 mutations are close to the two predicted binding sites of FKBP12.6, a stabilizer of RyR2 (∼5–40Å, Figure C). The mutations are supposed to disturb the binding affinity to the FKBP12.6 resulting in RyR2 channel instability. In channel part (3613–4968aa), 16 of 40 mutations are located near two interface. (FigureD) 12 mutations are close to the Ca2+ sensor and the other 4 mutations are adjacent to the pore-forming segment. Especially, V4821I is just located on this segment and strongly expected to impair the channel function. Above all, RyR2 3D in silico modeling revealed that 63 of all 93 (68%) identified mutations are supposed to be pathogenic.

Location of RYR2 mutations in 3D model

Conclusion

3D structural model of RyR2 is useful for the investigation of the pathogenic mechanisms of CPVT-related mutations. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between the location of the mutations and clinical phenotypes.

P5320Reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by pitavastatin was associated with improved outcomes in Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease: results from REAL-CAD study

Background

The effect of statins on lowering high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as well as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular events in patients with elevated hs-CRP. However, it remains unclear whether this statin effect applies to low-risk patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). In this pre-specified sub-study within the REAL-CAD trial, we explored the association between achieved LDL-C/hs-CRP levels and cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with stable CAD who were treated with pitavastatin 1 mg or 4 mg/day.

Methods

The REAL-CAD trial randomly allocated 13,054 patients with stable CAD to pitavastatin 1 mg or 4 mg/day. LDL-C and hs-CRP were measured at baseline and at 6 months after randomization. We excluded those patients without 6-month data and those with endpoint events before 6 months (N=1915). The primary endpoint of the study was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergency hospitalization. Outcomes were assessed by landmark analysis beyond 6 months among 4 groups that were configured based on LDL-C (median) and hs-CRP (median) targets: achieving neither target, achieving LDL-C target only, achieving hs-CRP target only, and achieving both targets. Data were adjusted for baseline characteristics including age, gender, diabetes and baseline values of LDL-C and hs-CRP.

Results

Median LDL-C and hs-CRP levels were 88 mg/dL and 0.52 mg/L at baseline and 80 mg/dL and 0.48 mg/L after 6 months, respectively. There was no correlation between the change in LDL-C and hs-CRP levels from baseline to 6 months (correlation coefficient: 0.009, P=0.331). Of the 11,677 patients included in the study, 25.1% (N=2799) achieved both LDL-C and hs-CRP targets, 25.3% (N=2282) met neither target, 24.8% (N=2765) met only the hs-CRP target, and 24.7% (N=2753) met only the LDL-C target. Risk of primary endpoint occurrence was significantly lower in those achieving either or both targets than in those meeting neither target (Figure A). In the subgroup analysis stratified by the randomized dose of pitavastatin, the risk for the primary endpoint was significantly lower in patients achieving both targets in both the 1mg and 4 mg arms, and in patients achieving only hs-CRP target in the 1 mg arm (Figure B, C).

Figure 1

Conclusions

In this subanalysis of the REAL-CAD trial, the hs-CRP lowering effect of pitavastatin was independent from LDL-C lowering. Lower achieved hs-CRP was associated with lower risk for cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with stable CAD.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Public Health Research Foundation, The company manufacturing the study drug (Kowa Pharmaceutical Co Ltd) was one of the entities providing financial s

P772Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers for heart failure patients with different left ventricular ejection fraction categories: from the KCHF Registry

Background

The current guidelines recommend different medical treatment strategies for heart failure (HF) patients according to category of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARB) is an established medical treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), whereas its usefulness remains to be elucidated for non-HFrEF, especially for heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF).

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the difference in association between ACE-I/ARB and clinical outcomes depending on LVEF category.

Methods

The Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure (KCHF) Registry is a multicentre registry without any exclusion criteria which included consecutive patients hospitalized for congestive HF in Japan. In each LVEF group (HFrEF, HFmrEF and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]), we compared those who were prescribed ACE-I/ARB as discharge medication and those not, and assessed their 1-year clinical outcomes. We defined the primary outcome measure as a composite of all-cause death and HF hospitalization. We constructed a multivariable Cox regression model incorporating 24 clinically relevant factors. We assessed adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of those with ACE-I/ARB relative to those not, and also interaction between ACE-I/ARB prescription at discharge and LVEF category.

Results

A total of 3717 patients were included in this study, where the number of patients in each LVEF group were as follows; 1383 patients with HFrEF, 703 with HFmrEF and 1631 with HFpEF, respectively (Figure). As shown in the table, the HRs for the primary outcome measure were significant in the HFrEF and HFmrEF groups, whereas the HR in the HFpEF group was insignificant. The interaction between ACE-I/ARB prescription and LVEF category for the primary outcome measure was statistically significant.

Hazard ratios by LVEF category Outcome measures HFrEF HFmrEF HFpEF P interaction HR (95% CI) P value HR (95% CI) P value HR (95% CI) P value All-cause death + HF hospitalization 0.66 (0.54–0.79) <0.001 0.61 (0.45–0.82) 0.001 0.95 (0.80–1.14) 0.61 0.01 All-cause death 0.62 (0.48–0.81) <0.001 0.52 (0.35–0.77) 0.001 0.73 (0.58–0.93) 0.01 0.10 HF hospitalization 0.73 (0.57–0.92) 0.009 0.59 (0.40–0.87) 0.007 1.14 (0.90–1.44) 0.28 0.07 Hazard ratios of ACE-I/ARB relative to non-ACE-I/ARB for primary outcome measures in each LVEF category.

Study flowchart

Conclusions

The risk ratios of those who were prescribed ACE-I/ARB relative to those not were significantly low in HFmrEF as well as HFrEF, whereas the risk ratios were insignificant in HFpEF. ACE-I/ARB could be a potential choice of treatment for HFmrEF patients.

P3847Deep vein thrombosis in upper extremities: clinical characteristics, management strategies and long-term outcomes from the COMMAND VTE Registry

Background/Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is caused by blockage of pulmonary arteries by thrombus. The sources of thrombus are thought to be mostly veins in lower extremities, whereas deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in upper extremities rarely occurs spontaneously. Recent studies reported that DVT in upper extremities might have significant complications, and DVT in upper extremities could be increasing. However, there is a paucity of data on patients with DVT in upper extremities, leading to uncertainty in optimal treatment strategies including anticoagulation therapy.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management strategies, and long-term outcomes of patients with DVT in upper extremities in a large observational database in Japan.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 3027 consecutive patients with acute symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) objectively confirmed by imaging examination or by autopsy among 29 centers in Japan between January 2010 and August 2014. The current study population consisted of 2498 patients with DVT in upper or lower extremities, after excluding 381 patients with PE only, 144 patients who had thrombus in locations other than upper or lower extremities, and 4 patients with DVT in both upper and lower extremities. The study patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with DVT in upper extremities and patients with DVT in lower extremities. We compared the clinical characteristics, management strategies and long-term outcomes between the 2 groups.

Results

There were 74 patients (3.0%) with upper extremities DVT and 2498 patients (97%) with lower extremities DVT. Patients with upper extremities DVT more often had active cancer at diagnosis (58%) and central venous catheter use (22%). The proportion of concomitant PE at diagnosis was lower in patients with upper extremities DVT than in those with lower extremities DVT (14% and 51%, P<0.001). Discontinuation of anticoagulation therapy was more frequent in patients with upper extremities DVT (63.8% and 29.8% at 1-year, P<0.001). The cumulative 3-year incidence of recurrent VTE was not different between the 2 groups (9.8% and 7.4%, P=0.43) (Figure). After adjusting confounders, the risks of upper extremities DVT relative to lower extremities DVT for recurrent VTE remained insignificant (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.36–2.01, P=0.89).

Kaplan-Meier event curves for recurrence

Conclusions

The prevalence of patients with DVT in upper extremities was 3.0% in the current large-scale real-world registry. Patients with DVT in upper extremities more often had active cancer at diagnosis and central venous catheter use as a transient risk factor for VTE, and less often had concomitant PE. Patients with DVT in upper extremities had similar long-term risk for recurrent VTE as those with DVT in lower extremities despite shorter duration of anticoagulation.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Research Institute for Production Development, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation

P2560Metalloprotease nardilysin controls heart rate through the transcriptional regulation of ion channels critical for sinus automaticity

Acknowledgement/Funding

KAKENHI (17K09575)

4968Increased Gao expression underlies cardiac dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias accompanied with abnormal Ca2+ handling

Background

We previously demonstrated that a transcriptional repressor, neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), maintains normal cardiac function and electrical stability. Transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NRSF in their hearts (dnNRSF-Tg) exhibit systolic dysfunction with cardiac dilation and premature death due to lethal arrhythmias like human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Underlining mechanisms remain to be elucidated, however.

Purpose

We studied underling mechanisms by which NRSF maintains normal cardiac function to identify novel therapeutic targets for heart failure.

Methods and results

We generated cardiac-specific NRSF knockout mice (NRSFcKO) and confirmed that cardiac phenotypes of NRSFcKO are similar to those of dnNRSF-Tg.

cDNA microarray analysis revealed that cardiac gene expression of GNAO1 that encodes Gαo, a member of inhibitory G protein Gαi family, is increased in both dnNRSF-Tg and NRSFcKO ventricles.

We confirmed that GNAO1 is a direct target of NRSF through ChIP-seq analysis, reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

In dnNRSF-Tg, pharmacological inhibition of Gαo with pertussis toxin improved systolic dysfunction and knockdown of Gαo by crossing with GNAO1 knockout mice improved not only systolic function but also frequency of ventricular arrhythmias and survival rates.

Electrophysiological and biochemical analysis in ventricular myocytes obtained from dnNRSF-Tg demonstrated that genetic reduction of Gαo ameliorated abnormalities in Ca2+ handling, which include increased current density in surface sarcolemmal L-type Ca2+ channel, reduced content of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ and lowered peak of Ca2+ transient. Furthermore, genetic reduction of Gαo attenuated increased phosphorylation levels of CAMKII in dnNRSF-Tg ventricles, which presumably underlies the improvement in Ca2+ handling. In addition, we identified increased Gαo expression in ventricles of heart failure model mice induced by transverse aortic constriction and cardiac troponin T mutant DCM model mice, in both of which, genetic reduction of Gαo ameliorated cardiac dysfunction.

Figure 1

Conclusions

We found that increased expression of Gαo, induced by attenuation of NRSF-mediated repression, plays a crucial role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias by evoking Ca2+ handling abnormality. These data demonstrate that Gαo is a potential therapeutic target for heart failure.

P3846The association between statin prescription, recurrent venous thromboembolism and bleeding events: from the COMMAND VTE Registry

Background

Statin prevents occurrence and recurrence of atherosclerotic events. With regard to venous thromboembolism (VTE), a randomized controlled trial suggested that statin reduced occurrence of VTE, whereas its usefulness as secondary prevention of VTE remains to be elucidated.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the association between statin prescription, recurrent VTE and bleeding events in patients with VTE.

Methods

The COMMAND VTE Registry is a multicentre registry enrolling consecutive 3027 patients with acute symptomatic VTE among 29 centres in Japan. We divided the cohort into the patients who were prescribed statin (N=437) and those not (N=2590), and compared the two groups. We assessed hazard ratios (HRs) of those with statin relative to those without for long-term clinical outcomes (recurrent symptomatic VTE and International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis [ISTH] major bleeding). Because the durations of anticoagulation therapy were widely different between the two groups, we constructed Cox's proportional hazard model incorporating status of anticoagulation during the follow-up period as a time-varying covariate. Also, because the incidences of death were strikingly different between the two groups due to the difference in the prevalence of active cancer, we used Fine-Gray's subdistribution hazard model in the presence of competing risks. We incorporated clinically relevant factors into these two models as covariates (10 factors for recurrent VTE and 11 for major bleeding).

Results

The statin group was significantly older than the non-statin group (statin 71.2±11.8 vs. non-statin 66.5±15.8, P<0.001). The prevalence of active cancer in the statin group was less than one-half of that in the non-statin group (12% vs. 25%, P<0.001), and the cumulative 3-year incidence of death was significantly lower in the statin group than in the non-statin group (12.8% vs. 26.1%, log-rank P<0.001). The table shows the adjusted HRs of the statin group relative to the non-statin group. The HRs of the statin group relative to non-statin group for recurrent VTE were significantly low, but those for major bleeding were insignificant.

Adjusted hazard ratios Outcome measures Model 1 P value Model 2 P value Adjusted HR [95% CI] Adjusted HR [95% CI] Recurrent VTE 0.59 [0.36–0.98] 0.042 0.53 [0.32–0.89] 0.02 Major bleeding 0.87 [0.60–1.24] 0.43 0.997 [0.69–1.43] 0.99 Model 1 derived from Cox's model with time-varying covariate of anticoagulation status. Model 2 derived from Fine-Gray's model.

Study flowchart

Conclusions

Prescription of satin was associated with significantly low risks for recurrent VTE, whereas that was not for major bleeding events. Statin could be a potential treatment option for secondary prevention of VTE.

P1029Catheter ablation outcome and heart failure hospitalization in atrial fibrillation patients: insights from the Kansai plus atrial fibrillation (KPAF) registry

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF is effective to maintain sinus rhythm.

Purpose

We sought to clarify whether AF ablation outcome influenced incidence of HF hospitalization after the procedures.

Methods

We conducted a large-scale, prospective, multicenter, observational study. A total of 5010 consecutive patients who underwent an initial RFCA for AF in 26 centers were enrolled (average age, 64±10 years; non-paroxysmal AF, 35.6%). The median follow-up duration was 2.9 years.

Results

The 3-year cumulative incidence of AF recurrence after a single procedure was 40.2%. The 3-year incidence of hospitalization for HF was observed in 92 patients (1.8%) and was significantly higher in patients with AF recurrence than those without it (3.3% vs 0.84%, log-rank p<0.001). After adjustment by advanced age,(≥65 years), reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (≤50%), low estimated glomerular filtration rate (≤60ml/min), and history of HF, all of which were statistically associated with a risk of HF hospitalization (p<0.1, respectively), AF recurrence after the index RFCA was an independent predictor of HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR]; 3.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 2.06–5.04, p<0.001).Even after multiple procedures (1425 re-ablation sessions in 1274 patients [25.4%]), AF recurrence after the last procedure was an independent predictor of HF hospitalization (HR; 2.83, 95% CI; 1.89–4.24, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Among AF patients receiving RFCA, those with AF recurrence were at greater risk of heart failure hospitalization than were patients without AF recurrence. These differences should be noted when treating AF patients in actual clinical practice.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was supported by the Research Institute for Production Development in Kyoto, Japan.

P5650Improvement in ejection fraction predicts heart failure after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: from the KPAF registry

Introduction

The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is associated with increased risks of mortality and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Although prior studies reported that catheter ablation (CA) for AF in low LVEF patients reduced risks of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, the predictors of worsening HF after ablation has not been adequately evaluated.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of improvement in LVEF after AF ablation on the incidence of subsequent HF hospitalization in patients with low LVEF.

Methods

The Kansai Plus Atrial Fibrillation (KPAF) Registry is a multicenter registry enrolling 5,013 consecutive patients undergoing first-time ablation for AF. The current study population consisted of 1,031 patients with reduced LVEF of <60%. We divided the study population into 3 groups according to LVEF at follow-up; 678 patients (65.8%) with improved LVEF (≥5 U change in LVEF), 288 patients (27.9%) with unchanged LVEF (−5 U ≤ change in LVEF <5 U) and 65 patients (6.3%) with worsened LVEF (<−5 U change in LVEF).

Results

During the median follow-up of 1067 [879–1226] days, patients improved LVEF had lower rate of HF hospitalization, compared with those with unchanged and worsened LVEF (2.1%, 8.0%, and 21.5%, respectively, P<0.0001). Recurrent atrial tachyarrhythmias were documented in 43.5%, 47.2% and 67.7%, respectively (P=0.0008).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Among patients with reduced LVEF undergoing AF ablation, patients with subsequently improved LVEF in association with maintained sinus rhythm had markedly lower risk of HF hospitalization during follow-up as compared with those with unchanged or worsened LVEF.