Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pulmonary Hypertension Patients: Insights from the BNP-PL National Database

We aimed to evaluate the clinical course and impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the rate of diagnosis and therapy in the complete Polish population of patients (pts) with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-1134) and CTEPH (570 pts) treated within the National Health Fund program and reported in the national BNP-PL database. Updated records of 1704 BNP-PL pts collected between March and December 2020 were analyzed with regard to incidence, clinical course and mortality associated with COVID-19. Clinical characteristics of the infected pts and COVID-19 decedents were analyzed. The rates of new diagnoses and treatment intensification in this period were studied and collated to the proper intervals of the previous year. The incidence of COVID-19 was 3.8% (n = 65) (PAH, 4.1%; CTEPH, 3.2%). COVID-19-related mortality was 28% (18/65 pts). Those who died were substantially older and had a more advanced functional WHO class and more cardiovascular comorbidities (comorbidity score, 4.0 ± 2.1 vs. 2.7 ± 1.8; p = 0.01). During the pandemic, annualized new diagnoses of PH diminished by 25–30% as compared to 2019. A relevant increase in total mortality was also observed among the PH pts (9.7% vs. 5.9% pre-pandemic, p = 0.006), whereas escalation of specific PAH/CTEPH therapies occurred less frequently (14.7% vs. 21.6% pre-pandemic). The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the diagnosis and treatment of PH by decreasing the number of new diagnoses, escalating therapy and enhancing overall mortality. Pulmonary hypertension is a risk factor for worsened course of COVID-19 and elevated mortality.

An expert opinion of the Polish Cardiac Society Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation on screening for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients after acute pulmonary embolism: Update

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare complication of acute pulmonary embolism (APE). Both pharmacological and invasive treatments for CTEPH are available in Poland, and awareness of the disease among physicians is growing. It has been suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic may increase the incidence of CTEPH and facilitate disease detection during more advanced stages of the illness. Thus, the Polish Cardiac Society's Working Group on Pulmonary Circulation, in cooperation with independent experts in this field, launched the updated statement on the algorithm to guide a CTEPH diagnosis in patients with previous APE. CTEPH should be suspected in individuals after APE with dyspnea, despite at least 3 months of effective anticoagulation, particularly when specific risk factors are present. Echocardiography is the main screening tool for CTEPH. A diagnostic workup of patients with significant clinical suspicion of CTEPH and right ventricular overload evident on echocardiography should be performed in reference centers. Pulmonary scintigraphy is a safe and highly sensitive screening test for CTEPH. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography with precise detection of thromboembolic residues in the pulmonary circulation is important for the planning of a pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Right heart catheterization definitively confirms the presence of pulmonary hypertension and direct pulmonary angiography allows for the identification of lesions suitable for thromboendarterectomy or balloon pulmonary angioplasty. In this document, we propose a diagnostic algorithm for patients with suspected CTEPH. With an individualized and sequential diagnostic strategy, each patient can be provided with suitable and tailored therapy provided by a dedicated CTEPH Heart Team.

Left Atrial Thrombus in Atrial Fibrillation/Flutter Patients in Relation to Anticoagulation Strategy: LATTEE Registry

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter (AFl) increase the risk of thromboembolism. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of left atrial thrombus (LAT) in AF/AFl in relation to oral anticoagulation (OAC). Methods: LATTEE (NCT03591627) was a multicenter, prospective, observational study enrolling consecutive patients with AF/AFl referred for transesophageal echocardiography before cardioversion or ablation. Results: Of 3109 patients enrolled, 88% were on chronic, 1.5% on transient OAC and 10% without OAC. Of patients on chronic OAC, 39% received rivaroxaban, 30% dabigatran, 14% apixaban and 18% vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Patients on apixaban were oldest, had the worst renal function and were highest in both bleeding and thromboembolic risk, and more often received reduced doses. Prevalence of LAT was 8.0% (7.3% on chronic OAC vs. 15% without OAC; p < 0.01). In patients on VKA, prevalence of LAT was doubled compared to patients on non-VKA-OACs (NOACs) (13% vs. 6.0%; p < 0.01), even after propensity score weighting (13% vs. 7.5%; p < 0.01). Prevalence of LAT in patients on apixaban was higher (9.8%) than in those on rivaroxaban (5.7%) and dabigatran (4.7%; p < 0.01 for both comparisons), however, not after propensity score weighting. Conclusions: The prevalence of LAT in AF is non-negligible even on chronic OAC. The risk of LAT seems higher on VKA compared to NOAC, and similar between different NOACs.

Efficacy and safety of antazoline for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: propensity score matching analysis of multicenter registry (CANT II Study)

INTRODUCTION

Due to safety concerns about available anti-arrhythmic drugs (AAD), reliable agents for termination of atrial fibrillation (AF) are requisite.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antazoline, a first generation antihistamine, for cardioversion of recent-onset AF in the setting of emergency department.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This multicentre retrospective registry covered 1365 patients (median age 69.0 (61.0-76.0) years, 53.1% men) with new-onset AF submitted to urgent pharmacological cardioversion. AAD allocation was selected by attending physician: antazoline alone was utilized in 600 patients (44%), amiodarone in 287 (21%), propafenone in 150 (11%) and ≥2 AAD in 328 patients (24%). Antazoline in monotherapy or combination was administered to 897 patients (65.7%). Matched antazoline and non-antazoline groups were identified using propensity score matching (PSM, N = 330). The primary endpoint was return of sinus rhythm within 12 hours after initiation of treatment.

RESULTS

Before PSM, antazoline alone was superior to amiodarone [78.3% vs 66.9%; relative risk (RR) 1.17;95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.28, P <0.001) and comparable to propafenone (vs 72.7%, RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97-1.20; P = 0.14) in terms of rhythm conversion rate. In the post-PSM population, antazoline alone had higher rhythm conversion rate than non-antazoline group (84.2% vs 66.7%, RR 1.26; 95% CI 1.11-1.43, P <0.001) and comparable risk of adverse events (P = 0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Antazoline appears to be an efficacious agent for termination of AF in real-world setting. Randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate its safety in specific patient populations.

Association between common cardiovascular risk factors and clinical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EurObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry

AIMS

The interaction between common cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is poorly studied. We sought to explore the relation between CVRF and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCM enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1739 patients with HCM were studied. The relation between hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), body mass index (BMI), and clinical traits was analysed. Analyses were stratified according to the presence or absence of a pathogenic variant in a sarcomere gene. The prevalence of HT, DM, and obesity (Ob) was 37, 10, and 21%, respectively. HT, DM, and Ob were associated with older age (P<0.001), less family history of HCM (HT and DM P<0.001), higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P<0.001), atrial fibrillation (HT and DM P<0.001; Ob p = 0.03) and LV (left ventricular) diastolic dysfunction (HT and Ob P<0.001; DM P = 0.003). Stroke was more frequent in HT (P<0.001) and mutation-positive patients with DM (P = 0.02). HT and Ob were associated with higher provocable LV outflow tract gradients (HT P<0.001, Ob P = 0.036). LV hypertrophy was more severe in Ob (P = 0.018). HT and Ob were independently associated with NYHA class (OR 1.419, P = 0.017 and OR 1.584, P = 0.004, respectively). Other associations, including a higher proportion of females in HT and of systolic dysfunction in HT and Ob, were observed only in mutation-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Common CVRF are associated with a more severe HCM phenotype, suggesting a proactive management of CVRF should be promoted. An interaction between genotype and CVRF was observed for some traits.

Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) improves prognosis in AMI survivors with pre-existing heart failure: A propensity score matching analysis of Polish nationwide program of comprehensive post-MI care

BACKGROUND

Despite improvement in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treatment, post-discharge mortality remains high. The outcomes are supposed to be even worse in patients with post-MI heart failure (HF), as only a half of patients with newly diagnosed HF survive four years.

AIMS

The study aimed to analyze whether managed care after acute myocardial infarction (MC-AMI) is associated with better survival in AMI survivors with a pre-existing diagnosis of HF.

RESULTS

The study included 7228 patients with a pre-existing diagnosis of HF who survived the hospitalization for AMI in Poland between November 2017 and December 2020, of whom 2268 (31.4%) were referred for the MC-AMI program. The median follow-up was 1.5 (0.7-2.3) years. In the unmatched analysis, patients without MC-AMI had more than twice higher 12-month mortality (21.8% vs. 9.9%; P <0.01) than MC-AMI participants. The difference remained significant after propensity score matching (16,8% vs. 10.0%; P <0.01). In multivariable analysis, participation in MC-AMI was an independent factor of 12-month survival. MC-AMI participants had a lower stroke rate (1.5% vs. 3.0%; P <0.01) and fewer hospital admissions due to HF (22.9% vs. 27.6%; P <0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

After propensity score matching, participation in MC-AMI was associated with lower rates of stroke, HF hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality in the 12-month follow-up and was an independent factor of 12-month survival in AMI survivors with pre-existing HF.

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a multicentre registry

BACKGROUND

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a promising therapy for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are ineligible for pulmonary endarterectomy.

AIMS

The present study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BPA for CTEPH using the first multicentre registry of a single European country.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Database of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Polish Population (NCT03959748), a prospective, multicentre registry of adult and paediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and CTEPH, for a total of 236 patients with confirmed CTEPH (124 women; mean age 67 years) who underwent 1,056 BPA procedures at eight institutions in Poland.

RESULTS

In 156 patients who underwent follow-up assessments after a median of 5.9 (IQR: 3.0-8.0) months after final BPA, the mean pulmonary arterial pressure decreased from 45.1±10.7 to 30.2±10.2 mmHg (p<0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance from 642±341 to 324±183 dynes (p<0.001), and the six-minute walking test (6MWT) improved from 341±129 to 423±136 m (p<0.001). Pulmonary injury related to the BPA procedure occurred in 6.4% of all sessions. Eighteen patients (7.6%) died during follow-up, including 4 (1.7%) who died within 30 days after BPA. Overall survival was 92.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87.6%-94.9%) three years after the initial BPA procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

This multicentre registry confirmed significant improvement of haemodynamic, functional, and biochemical parameters after BPA. Complication rates were low and overall survival comparable to the results of another registry. Therefore, BPA may be an important therapeutic option in patients with CTEPH in Poland.

Angiopoietin-2 as a biomarker of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with or without type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a novel marker of coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes (DM). The aim was to evaluate Ang-2 as a potential new biomarker of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with or without type 2 DM (T2DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a multi-center, prospective study that included 138 (males: 91/66%) consecutive patients hospitalized due to NSTEMI, T2DM, or different cardiac disorders. The subjects were divided into four study groups: group A: 28 patients with NSTEMI and T2DM; group B: 47 patients with NSTEMI without T2DM; group C: 31 patients with T2DM, without a history of CAD; group D: 32 patients as a control group. Patients with NSTEMI underwent urgent coronarography. Clinical characteristics including biomarkers (hs-CRP, hsTnT, NT-proBNP, VEGF, HbA_1c), SYNTAX SCORE, type of intervention (PCI vs. CABG), and number of implanted stents were taken into account in the analysis.

RESULTS

Serum Ang-2 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with NSTEMI (group A: 1769 pg/ml; group B: 1757 pg/ml) and patients with T2DM (group C: 1993 pg/ml) as compared to the patients without CAD and without T2DM (group D: 866.8 pg/ml; p < 0.05). The prognostic accuracy of Ang-2 in NSTEMI diagnosis was determined with the area under the ROC curve (area under curve (AUC) = 0.63).

CONCLUSIONS

Angiopoietin-2 serum concentration is elevated in the presence of NSTEMI in patients with and without T2DM and does not correspond to the degree of myocardial injury and hemodynamic status. Ang-2 remains elevated also in patients with T2DM without a history of CAD.

Isoprostane-8 and GDF-15 as novel markers of post-PE syndrome: Relation with prothrombotic factors

BACKGROUND

Post-pulmonary embolism (PE) syndrome occurs in up to 50% of PE patients. The pathophysiology of this syndrome is obscure.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether enhanced oxidative stress and prothrombotic state may be involved in post-PE syndrome.

METHODS

We studied 101 normotensive noncancer PE patients (aged 56.5 ± 13.9 years) on admission, after 5-7 days and after a 3-month anticoagulation, mostly with rivaroxaban. A marker of oxidative stress, 8-isoprostane, endogenous thrombin potential, fibrinolysis proteins, clot lysis time (CLT) and fibrin clot permeability (K_s ), along with PE biomarkers, were determined.

RESULTS

Patients who developed the post-PE syndrome (n = 31, 30.7%) had at baseline 77.6% higher N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide and 46.8% higher growth differentiation factor 15, along with 14.1% longer CLT associated with 34.4% higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 as compared to subjects without post-PE syndrome (all P < .05). After 5-7 days, only hypofibrinolysis was noted in post-PE syndrome patients. When measured at 3 months, prolonged CLT and reduced K_s were observed in post-PE syndrome patients, accompanied by 23.8% higher growth differentiation factor 15 and 35.8% higher plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (all P < .05). 8-isoprostane levels ≥108 pg/ml (odds ratio=4.36; 95% confidence interval 1.63-12.27) and growth differentiation factor 15 ≥ 1529 pg/ml (odds ratio=3.89; 95% confidence interval 1.29-12.16) measured at 3 months were associated with higher risk of developing post-PE syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced oxidative stress and prothrombotic fibrin clot properties could be involved in the pathogenesis of the post-PE syndrome. Elevated growth differentiation factor 15 assessed at 3 months might be a new biomarker of this syndrome.

Cardiac implantable electronic devices procedures and their recipients characteristic during COVID-19 pandemic: 3.8 million population analysis

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disorganised healthcare systems and has caused a reduction in the number of hospitalizations and procedures. Cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedure rates and clinical characteristics of their recipients were compared in corresponding weeks of 2019 and 2020 were analyzed.

Methods

The database of the National Health Fund (NHF) in Poland was retrospectively analyzed. 3206 patients who underwent CIED implantation in the Silesia — a region in Southern Poland comprising an adult population of 3.8 million between 12^th and 31^st week of 2020. Patients were classified into groups: the recipient of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator or cardiac resynchronization therapy group (ICD/CRT) or pacemaker group (PM).

Results

During the pandemic a reduction of 39.38% of implantations was observed compared to the same period in 2019 (1210 vs. 1996 patients) and had impacted both groups. Two phases lasting 10 weeks each could be distinguished: total lockdown (maximal reduction) and the recovery phase with growing numbers of procedures. Patient baseline characteristics (sex, age, comorbidities) who were implanted during the COVID-19 pandemic did not differ from the 2019 period. The rate of peri-procedural mortality was also similar.

Conclusions

During COVID-19 pandemic period a reduction in CIED implantations of all types was observed. Despite the decreased number of performed CIED implants, no differences in baseline patient characteristics were observed.

De novo and pre-existing atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndromes: impact on prognosis and cardiovascular events in long-term follow-up

AIMS

The aim of the study was to compare in-hospital and long-term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and de novo vs. pre-existing atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of serious adverse events including death in patients with ACS. However, it is unclear whether de novo and pre-existing AF portend a different risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed the incidence, clinical characteristics, and in-hospital and long-term outcomes in patients with AF and ACS based on combined data from Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome (PL-ACS) (n = 581 843) and SILICARD (n = 852 063) databases. Atrial fibrillation at admission was diagnosed in of 6.16% patients [de novo: 1129 (2.46%); pre-existing: 1691 (3.7%)]. Groups were compared (N = 1023 vs. 1023) after matching for relevant clinical factors. De novo and pre-existing AF differed in in-hospital diuretic (52% vs. 58%; P = 0.008) and aldosterone inhibitor (27.5% vs. 32.5%; P = 0.02) use, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow before percutaneous coronary intervention (P = 0.016), and diuretic (52.1% vs. 58%; P = 0.008) and oral anticoagulant (27.5% vs. 32.5%; P = 0.018) use at discharge. In-hospital mortality in the de novo AF group was significantly higher (13.1% vs. 8.31%; P = 0.0005). Post-discharge 12-month survival was similar between groups (14.5% vs. 15.3%, P = 0.63). Long-term re-hospitalization due to heart failure (22.7% vs. 17.2%; P < 0.005) and medical contact due to AF (48.4% vs. 26.1%, P < 0.0001) rates were higher in the group with pre-existing AF, without the difference of stroke or myocardial infarction occurrence.

CONCLUSION

De novo AF accounts for 40% of all AF cases in ACS patients and is an unfavourable in-hospital prognostic factor. The occurrence of de novo AF during ACS should require special attention and caution in the treatment of these patients.

Prediction of early death after myocardial infarction in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The search for new indications for cardioverter-defibrillator implantation (ICD)

BACKGROUND

The highest rate of death is in the first few weeks after myocardial infarction (MI). However, the assessment of indications for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation should be postponed until at least 40 days after MI.

AIMS

Our aim was to identify the subgroup of high-risk patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who would benefit from primary prevention ICD implantation within 40 days of MI.

METHODS

Out of 205 606 patients with MI, in this study, we included 18 736 patients treated invasively, with LVEF <40%, who survived until hospital discharge. Patients were divided into two groups according to the survival status at 40 days - patients who died within this period (n = 1331) and patients who survived (n = 17405).

RESULTS

Among all patients who died within 12-months after MI, 37.7% did die during the first 40 days. Patients with cardiac arrest before hospital admission or within the first 48 hours of hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.82-3.98; P <0.0001], cardiogenic shock before admission or during hospitalization (HR, 3.06; 95% CI, 2.62-3.59; P <0.0001), unsuccessful percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI; HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 2.11-2.84; P <0.0001), LVEF <20% (ref. LVEF ≥30%; HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 2.25-3.36; P <0.0001) had approximately threefold and patients with chronic kidney disease almost 1.5-times (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.47-3.59; P = 0.0053) higher 40-day mortality compared to patients without these risk factors. The most striking differences in mortality between these subgroups were observed shortly after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

The highest risk of death in patients with reduced LVEF who survived until hospital discharge occurred within the first 40 days after MI. There is a possibility to select patients with the worst prognosis and treat them more aggressively.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppression in biopsy-proven virus-negative myocarditis or inflammatory cardiomyopathy (IMPROVE-MC)

BACKGROUND

Myocarditis is frequently associated with poor prognosis as there is no evidence-based treatment. Therefore, current international recommendations indicate that a well-designed prospective trial to confirm benefits from immunosuppressive therapy is highly warranted. The aim of the IMPROVE-MC study is to assess the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive treatment compared with placebo on top of the guideline-recommended medical therapy in patients with biopsy-proven virus-negative myocarditis/inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

The IMPROVE-MC (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04654988) is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial that will recruit 100 adults, with biopsy-proven myocarditis/inflammatory cardiomyopathy, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% and ≥ 3-month history of symptoms. Patients will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to a group treated with prednisone and azathioprine vs. placebo. Patients will undergo 1-year double-blind therapy followed by a 1-year observation period to assess the long-term effects of the treatment. Apart from a routine clinical work-up, all patients will undergo cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and biopsy during screening and 1 year after applying the therapy. Primary endpoint is a change from baseline in LVEF at 12 months. Secondary endpoints are related to clinical evaluation (including New York Heart Association class, distance in 6-minute walk test, number of patients with the need for hospitalization), laboratory findings (biomarkers of fibrosis and myocardial necrosis, concentration of anti-heart auto-antibodies, heart tissue immunohistologic assessment), diagnostic tools (e.g., changes of echocardiographic, CMR and Holter-ECG parameters) and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPROVE-MC study will provide high-quality scientific data on the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive therapy for patients with biopsy-proven myocarditis. Trial registration number and date of registration: ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT04654988; 04/12/2020.

Usefulness of telemedicine devices in patients with severe heart failure with implanted cardiac resynchronisation therapy system during two years of observation

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) remains a disease with poor prognosis. Telemonitoring is a medical service aimed at remote monitoring of patients.

AIM

The study aimed to identify the clinical relevance of non-invasive telemonitoring devices in HF patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients 66.1 (11) years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 26.3 (6.8)% underwent cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) implantation. They were randomly allocated to the control (standard medical care) or study (standard medical care + telemonitoring device) group. During follow‑up (24 months) the patients' physiological data (body mass, blood pressure, electrocardiogram) were provided by patients in the study group on a daily basis. The data were transferred to themonitoring centre and consulted by cardiologist. Transthoracic echocardiography and 6‑minute walk test were performed before and 24 months after CRT implantation.

RESULTS

During the two-year observation, the composite endpoint (death or HF hospitalisation) occurred in 21 patients, more often in the control group (46.8% vs. 21.4%; P<0.03). Inunivariate analysis: the use of telemetry (hazard ratio [HR], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.7; P=0.004), thepresence of coronary heart disease (HR, 41.4; 95% CI, 3.1-567.7; P=0.005), hypertension (HR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.07-0.90; P = 0.035) and patient's body mass (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14-0.92; P = 0.03) were related with the occurrence of the composite endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a telemonitoring device in CRT recipients improved theprognosis in2-year observation and contributed to the reduction of HF hospitalisation.

Transient out-of-range impedance in "hybrid" implantable cardioverter-defibrilator (ICD) system: a case series

A retrospective analysis of 60 patients with hybrid ICD systems: Boston Scientific device paired with non-Boston leads. In 10 (17%) patients transient, out-of-range peaks of ventricular pace impedance trend were observed. Probable cause is header-lead interaction incompatibility. This matter is known mainly for pacemakers systems but not for ICDs. Investigation this issue is crucial because consequences in ICD systems are unpredictable and risk might be higher than in pacing systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Total Occlusion of the Infarct-Related Artery in Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)-How Can We Identify These Patients?

Background and Objectives: Regardless of the improvement in key recommendations in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the prevalence of total occlusion (TO) of infarct-related artery (IRA), and the impact of TO of IRA on outcomes in patients with NSTEMI, remain unclear. Aim: The study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of TO of IRA in patients with NSTEMI, and its clinical significance. Material and Methods: The study was a single-center retrospective cohort analysis of 399 consecutive patients with NSTEMI (293 male, mean age: 71 ± 10.1 years) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The study population was categorized into patients with TO and non-TO of IRA on coronary angiography. In-hospital and one-year mortality were analyzed. Results: TO of IRA in the NSTEMI population occurred in 138 (34.6%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent predictors of TO of IRA: left ventricular ejection fraction (odds ratio (OR) 0.949, p < 0.001); family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 2.652, p < 0.001); and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (OR 0.972, p = 0.002). In-hospital and one-year mortality were significantly higher in the TO group than the non-TO group (2.8% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.007 and 18.1% vs. 6.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). The independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were: left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at admission (OR 0.768, p = 0.004); and TO of IRA (OR 1.863, p = 0.005). Conclusions: In the population of patients with NSTEMI, TO of IRA represents a considerably frequent phenomenon, and corresponds with impaired outcomes. Therefore, the utmost caution should be paid to prevent delay of coronary angiography in NSTEMI patients with impaired left ventricular systolic function, metabolic disturbances, and a family history of CAD, who are at increased risk of TO of IRA.

The impact of transvenous lead extraction complications on the 12-month prognosis: insights from the SILCARD registry

BACKGROUND

Scant data exist on long-term outcomes including death in patients with transvenous lead extractions (TLE) related complications.

AIMS

We sought to characterize the population and examine the outcomes including risk factors for in-hospital complications and 12-month mortality and morbidity related to the complications in a large administrative database of patients undergoing TLE.

RESULTS

From the database of patients hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases and included in the Silesian Cardiovascular Database (SILCARD) registry, we selected the admissions of those who underwent TLE according to the appropriate ICD-9 codes. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they did or did not manifest any complications during their hospitalization for the TLE procedure. Between 2007 and 2019, we found a total of 835 patients who underwent TLE. TLE-related complications occurred in 56 patients (6.7%) of Complications-Yes, while no complications were recorded in 779 (93.3%) patients of Complications-No group. A significant difference in the rate of all-cause mortality (23.9% vs 6.5%; P < 0.001) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (58.7% vs 39.4%; P = 0.01) between the Complications-Yes and Complications-No group were recorded. A multivariable analysis of the entire study population revealed that prior dialysis, chronic kidney disease, and ventricular tachycardia were independent factors of a higher risk of TLE-related in-hospital complications. A multivariable analysis of the patients discharged from the hospital after the TLE procedure showed that TLE-related complications, the history of heart failure, and older age independently affected 12-month mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of TLE-related in-hospital complications increased 12-month mortality.

Atrial functional mitral regurgitation in patients qualified for pulmonary vein isolation: a negative prognostic factor for catheter ablation efficacy

Background

Atrial functional mitral regurgitation (AF-MR) related to atrial fibrillation (AF) could affect the effectiveness of the sinus rhythm restoring procedures.

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of AF-MR on pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) efficacy.

Methods

One hundred thirty-six patients (65.4% males; mean age 56±11 years) with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF qualified for PVI were enrolled into the study. AF-MR assessment was performed in transthoracic (TTE) and transesophageal (TEE) echocardiography before PVI procedure. PVI efficacy was evaluated in 3-month and long-term follow-up.

Results

AF-MR was diagnosed in 74.3% patient in transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) (trace: 26.5%, mild: 43.4%, moderate: 3.7%, severe 0.7%) and 94.9% in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) (trace: 17.6%, mild: 59.6%, moderate: 16.2%, severe: 1.5%). PVI 3-month efficacy was 75.7% in 3-month and 64% in the long-term observation.

Severe AF-MR in TEE at baseline was associated with lower 3-month PVI efficacy (P=0.012) while moderate to severe AF MR in TEE was related to inefficient PVI assessed in long-term follow-up (P=0.041). In Kaplan- Meier analysis only moderate to severe AF-MR diagnosed in TEE had an impact on long-term procedure outcome (P=0.048).

Conclusions

Significant AF-MR confirmed by TEE predicts 3-month as well as long-term PVI efficacy.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The institutional budget of the First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland

Atherosclerosis risk factors may be underestimated in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease – results of Polish snapshot registry

Introduction

Classic risk factors of atherosclerosis may contribute to cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients (pts) with pulmonary hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (PAH-CHD), but their prevalence is poorly studied.

Purpose

We evaluated a large cohort of Polish PAH-CHD patients (PAHpts) treated with specific therapies with regard to prevalence of classic risk factors for atherosclerosis.

Methods

A multicenter observational snapshot registry was conducted under the auspices of Polish Cardiac Society to study PAH pts, identified in centers treating &gt;5 such pts in years 2008–2018. The analysis included 250 PAH-CHD pts, including non-corrected CHD – predominantly Eisenmenger Syndrome (Gr. 1, 224 pts, mean age 42±2 years, 63% females) and pts after heart disease correction (Gr. 2, 26 pts, mean age 42±6.5 years, 62% females). The incidence of classic CV risk factors was compared in both groups.

Results

The prevalence of risk factors was considerable considering young age of the cohort and statistically similar in both groups (Figure). Hypertension was present in 14% in Gr. 1 and 15% in Gr. 2. The incidence of diabetes was comparable in both groups (3% vs. 4%). Hyperlipidemia was nearly numerically twice as frequent in Gr. 1 (23% vs. 12%, p=0.18). Current smokers (1%) were only present in Gr. 1, while history of smoking was 4% in both groups. Symptomatic atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries was twice as frequent in Gr. 1 (8% vs. 4%, p=0,71). There was no difference regarding prior stroke (3,6% vs 4%, p=0,63). Chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation were one and a half more often in Gr. 1 (respectively, 12% vs. 8%, p=0,81; 12% vs. 8%, p=0.75). Mean heart rate was 72±2 bpm in Gr. 1 and 77±7 bpm in Gr. 2. Gastrointestinal bleeding was reported only in Gr. 1 (2.7%). SCORE calculated risks were low due to low age, but high risk was identified in 9.3% of Gr. 1 and 20% of Gr. 2 (p=0.096).

Conclusions

Based on our data from national survey, classic atherosclerosis CV risk factors are not uncommon in the population of relatively young patients with PAH-CHD, parallel to improved longevity. Selected pts from both groups present with elevated risk of death from atherosclerotic complications. This finding may influence the overall mortality risk in PAH-CHD population and reflects new challenges in management despite progress in specific therapies of pulmonary hypertension.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

CHLD score, a new score based on traditional risk factor evaluation and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with systemic sclerosis

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) without pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Methods

The study comprised 68 patients with SSc who were followed up for the median time of 97 (74.5; 105) months. The main exclusion criteria involved tricuspid regurgitation maximal velocity &gt;2.8 m/s and structural heart disease. At baseline the patients underwent clinical assessment of cardiovascular risk factors, 6-minute walk test, transthoracic echocardiography and biomarker testing for fetuin-A, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. The primary composite endpoint was onset of MACE defined as death, myocardial infarction, myocardial revascularization and hospitalization for heart failure. The follow-up consisted of outpatient visits at 1 year intervals and telephone interview every 6 months.

Results

The baseline analysis revealed that chronic kidney disease (HR 28.13, 95% CI: 4.84–163.38), lung fibrosis on high resolution computed tomography (HR 4.36, 95% CI: 1.04–18.26) and GDF-15 concentration (unit HR 1.0006, 95% CI: 1.0002–1.0010) were independent predictors of MACE occurrence. CHLD score was formulated which assigned 1 point for the presence of arterial hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. After inclusion of CHLD score in Cox proportional model, it remained the only independent predictor of MACE onset (unit HR per 1 point 3.46; 95% CI: 2.06–5.82, p&lt;0.0001). Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis (Figure 1) showed that CHLD score accurately predicted MACE (AUC 0.839; 95% CI: 0.745–0.932, p&lt;0.0001) and death (AUC 0.914, 95% CI: 0.849–0.978, p&lt;0.0001) on follow-up.

Conclusion

Joint assessment of traditional risk factors in the form of CHLD score may serve as a reliable predictor of long-term outcome in patients with SSc without pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland Figure 1

Impact of COVID-19 pandemics upon pulmonary hypertension patients: insights from BNP-PL national database

Introduction

COVID-19 pandemic has caused not only an increase in overall and cardiovascular mortality, but also hindered access to health care, diagnosis and treatment of diseases other than coronavirus infection.

Aim

Assessment of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the rate of diagnosis and therapy of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in Poland, along with an analysis of the incidence and course of COVID-19 among patients (pts) diagnosed with PH, treated under the National Health Fund program, registered in the national BNP-PL database.

Methods

The records of the complete population of Polish pts treated under the National Drug Program of PH (PAH and CTEPH), registered in the national database of BNP-PL, updated on an ongoing basis by all PH centers, were analyzed. The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections, the clinical severity of their course and the mortality were reviewed, taking into account the specific therapies used. The basic clinical characteristics of the group of sick and deceased patients were compared to the remaining patients registered in the BNP-PL database. The rate of increase of new diagnoses ended with inclusion in the Drug Program between March and December 2020, compared to the corresponding periods of the previous year, and the change in the treatment profile were compared.

Results

The analysis included 1704 pts (PAH 1134, CTEPH 570). The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections was 3.8% (n=65), including PAH 2.7% (n=46) and CTEPH 3,2% (n=18). 32 patients (49%) required hospitalization. Mortality rate was 28% (18/65) – including 7/18 outside of hospital. Those who died due to COVID-19 were older (mean age 68.4±15.8 vs. 50.8±18.8 yrs; p&lt;0,001), had higher WHO class and more cardiovascular comorbidities (4±2,06 vs. 2,66±1,8; p=0,01) (Table 1). During the pandemic the number of new diagnoses of PH markedly decreased compared to the corresponding period in 2019 (total 150 vs. 203, PAH 90 vs. 123, CTEPH 60 vs. 80, respectively). A significant increase in total mortality was also observed in the PH group (9,72 vs. 5,85%). Moreover, escalation of specific PH therapy decreased significantly (14,7% vs. 21,6%). Incidence of COVID-19 study group was lower than estimated for general Polish adult population (3,8% vs. 6,5%).

Conclusions

COVID-19 pandemic deeply influenced the diagnostic and therapeutic process of pulmonary hypertension by reducing the number of new diagnoses, escalation therapy and increased overall mortality in this population. This may be due in part to the conversion of some PAH centers into hospitals treating patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, as well as to patients' fear of admitting to hospital despite clinical deterioration. Pulmonary hypertension is linked to markedly increased mortality in COVID-19, similarly for PAH and CTEPH. Intriguing finding of lower infection rate may be linked to protective lifestyle or specific therapies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.