The Taiwan Heart Registries: Its Influence on Cardiovascular Patient Care

Taiwanese heart registries for the main cardiovascular diseases have been conducted in the past 10 years, with the goal of examining the quality of cardiovascular patient care, which cannot be guaranteed by the universal Taiwan National Health Insurance. The results show suboptimal adherence to guideline recommendations. Door-to-balloon time and dual antiplatelet therapy use in acute coronary syndrome, standard medications for management of heart failure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in dyslipidemia, anticoagulant agent use in atrial fibrillation, and the understanding of sudden arrhythmia death syndrome were all found to be inadequate. However, all were improved, either by changing National Health Insurance policy or through continuous education for physicians and patients. Thus, specific cardiovascular disease registries could help examine the status of real-world practice, find inadequacies in guideline implementation and understanding of rare diseases, facilitate lobbying to policy makers and education for physicians and patients, and influence and improve cardiovascular patient care.

SIRT1 gene polymorphisms are associated with nondiabetic type 1 cardiorenal syndrome

Type 1 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS1) is characterized by acute cardiac disease (e.g., acute heart failure [AHF]), leading to acute kidney injury. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD⁺ -dependent deacylase, has been found to be associated with CRS1. To confirm whether a correlation exists between SIRT1 variants and the risk of CRS1, the association between the prevalence of CRS1 and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SIRT1 gene was investigated in AHF patients. A total of 316 Chinese AHF participants (158 patients with CRS1 and 158 age- and sex-matched controls) were recruited for the present observational study to investigate the association between nine common SIRT1 SNPs (i.e., rs7895833 G > A, rs10509291 T > A, rs3740051 A > G, rs932658 A > C, rs33957861 C > T, rs7069102 C > G, rs2273773 T > C, rs3818292 A > G, and rs1467568 A > G) and the susceptibility to CRS1. Significant differences in genotype distribution between the control and CRS1 groups were found for rs7895833 and rs1467568. After applying a Bonferroni adjustment, the A allele of rs7895833 was still found to be protective (p = 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 0.77) against CRS1 in this study population. The AA genotype of rs7895833 and the GA genotype of rs1467568 were associated with a significantly reduced risk of CRS1 (OR = 0.23 and 0.49, respectively). rs7895833 and rs1467568 were further analyzed as a haplotype, and the GA haplotype (rs7895833-rs1467568) exhibited a significant association with CRS1 (p = 0.008), while the AA haplotype showed a significant protective effect (p = 0.022). Our study showed that SIRT1 rs7895833 and rs1467568 polymorphisms had a significant effect on the risk of developing CRS1 in a population in China.

Transcatheter Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Trends in Utilization and Propensity-Matched Analysis of In-Hospital Outcomes

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of patients requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR) have undergone prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Reoperative heart surgery is associated with increased risk. Data on relative utilization and comparative outcomes of transcatheter (TAVR) versus surgical AVR (SAVR) in patients with prior CABG are limited.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We queried the 2012 to 2014 National Inpatient Sample databases to identify isolated AVR hospitalizations in adults with prior CABG. In-hospital outcomes of TAVR versus SAVR were compared using propensity-matched analysis. Of 147 395 AVRs, 15 055 (10.2%) were in patients with prior CABG. The number of TAVRs in patients with prior CABG increased from 1615 in 2012 to 4400 in 2014, whereas the number of SAVRs decreased from 2285 to 1895 (P_trend<0.001). There were 3880 records in each group in the matched cohort. Compared with SAVR, TAVR was associated with similar in-hospital mortality (2.3% versus 2.4%; P=0.71) but lower incidence of myocardial infarction (1.5% versus 3.4%; P<0.001), stroke (1.4% versus 2.7%; P<0.001), bleeding complications (10.6% versus 24.6%; P<0.001), and acute kidney injury (16.2% versus 19.3%; P<0.001). Requirement for prior permanent pacemaker was higher in the TAVR cohort, whereas the incidence of vascular complications and acute kidney injury requiring dialysis was similar in the 2 groups. Average length of stay was shorter in patients undergoing TAVR.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR is being increasingly used as the preferred modality of AVR in patients with prior CABG. Compared with SAVR, TAVR is associated with similar in-hospital mortality but lower rates of in-hospital complications in this important subset of patients.

Inconsistency in aortic stenosis severity between CT and echocardiography: prevalence and insights into mechanistic differences using computational fluid dynamics

Objectives

The aims of this study were to evaluate the inconsistency of aortic stenosis (AS) severity between CT aortic valve area (CT-AVA) and echocardiographic Doppler parameters, and to investigate potential underlying mechanisms using computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Methods

A total of 450 consecutive eligible patients undergoing transcatheter AV implantation assessment underwent CT cardiac angiography (CTCA) following echocardiography. CT-AVA derived by direct planimetry and echocardiographic parameters were used to assess severity. CFD simulation was performed in 46 CTCA cases to evaluate velocity profiles.

Results

A CT-AVA>1 cm² was present in 23% of patients with echocardiographic peak velocity≥4 m/s (r=−0.33) and in 15% patients with mean Doppler gradient≥40 mm Hg (r=−0.39). Patients with inconsistent severity grading between CT and echocardiography had higher stroke volume index (43 vs 38 mL/m², p<0.003) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) flow rate (235 vs 192 cm³/s, p<0.001). CFD simulation revealed high flow, either in isolation (p=0.01), or when associated with a skewed velocity profile (p=0.007), as the main cause for inconsistency between CT and echocardiography.

Conclusion

Severe AS by Doppler criteria may be associated with a CT-AVA>1 cm² in up to a quarter of patients. CFD demonstrates that haemodynamic severity may be exaggerated on Doppler analysis due to high LVOT flow rates, with or without skewed velocity profiles, across the valve orifice. These factors should be considered before making a firm diagnosis of severe AS and evaluation with CT can be helpful.

Right Ventricle Function in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Concomitant Undiagnosed Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently undiagnosed in patients with ischemic heart disease. Nowadays, it is still unknown whether undiagnosed concomitant COPD is related to early structural changes of the heart, as detectable by trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE). Starting from the study population of the Screening for COPD in ACS Patients (SCAP) trial, we sought to investigate potential differences in echocardiographic parameters in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), with or without undiagnosed concomitant COPD. Overall, 137 patients were included. Undiagnosed COPD was detected by spirometry in 39 (29%) patients. TTE was performed at inclusion (before hospital discharge) and after six months. Several echocardiographic parameters including fractional area change (FAC) and RV strain (RVS), were measured. Patients with undiagnosed COPD, as compared to those without COPD, showed lower FAC and reduced RVS both at inclusion (37 ± 6% vs. 44 ± 9%, p < 0.001; -15 ± -4 vs. -20 ± -5, p < 0.001, respectively) and after six months (38 ± 7% vs. 45 ± 9%, p < 0.001; -16 ± -4 vs. -20 ± -5, p < 0.001, respectively). After multivariate analysis undiagnosed COPD was independently associated with lower FAC and reduced RVS at baseline and at TTE after six months. Early impairment of RV function can be detected in ACS patients with concomitant undiagnosed COPD. If these alterations may be changed by an early diagnosis and an early treatment, should be evaluated in future studies. Clinical trial registration: NCT02324660.

Mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction: Impella CP/5.0 versus ECMO

Background:

Short-term mechanical circulatory support devices are increasingly used in cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction. As no randomised evidence is available, the choice between high-output Impella or extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is still a matter of debate. Real-life data are necessary to assess adverse outcomes and to help guide the treatment decision between the different devices. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and clinical outcomes of Impella CP/5.0 with ECMO support in patients with cardiogenic shock from myocardial infarction.

Methods:

A retrospective, two-centre study was performed on all cardiogenic shock from myocardial infarction patients with Impella CP/5.0 or ECMO support, from 2006 until 2018. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Potential baseline imbalance between the groups was adjusted using inverse probability treatment weighting, and survival analysis was performed with an adjusted log-rank test. Secondarily, the occurrence of device-related complications (limb ischaemia, access site-related bleeding, access site-related infection) was evaluated.

Results:

A total of 128 patients were included (Impella, N=90; ECMO, N=38). The 30-day mortality was similar for both groups (53% vs. 49%, P=0.30), also after adjustment for potential baseline imbalance between the groups (weighted log-rank P=0.16). Patients with Impella support had significantly fewer device-related complications than patients treated with ECMO (respectively, 17% vs. 40%, P<0.01).

Conclusions:

Patients treated with Impella CP/5.0 or ECMO for cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction did not differ in 30-day mortality. More device-related complications occurred with ECMO compared to Impella support.

The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Two independent authors systematically searched online database including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until April 30, 2019. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I² ) statistic. Pooling effect sizes from studies showed a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG; weighted mean difference [WMD]: -10.31; 95% confidence interval, CI [-16.21, -4.42]) and insulin concentrations (WMD: -0.53; 95% CI [-0.62, -0.44]) following the administration of spirulina. Pooled analysis showed also a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -20.50; 95% CI [-38.25, -2.74]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: -19.02; 95% CI [-36.27, -1.78]), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations (WMD: -6.72; 95% CI [-9.19, -4.26]) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD: 1.42; 95% CI [0.16, 2.68]) following spirulina therapy. This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on improving FPG, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C levels in patients with MetS and related disorders.

[Heart failure networks and centers : What does everyday life look like?]

The German Cardiac Society (DGK) and the German Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (DGTHG) jointly advocated the initiation and certification of heart failure (HF) networks in a position statement in 2016. In these networks, supraregional HF centers cooperate with specialized regional HF clinics and registered cardiologists to improve intersectoral treatment of patients with HF. So far predominantly supraregional HF centers have achieved certification but more recently regional clinics as well as registered cardiologists have applied for certification, now enabling the comprehensive establishment of HF networks. In this article the background, the current situation and the future perspectives of HF networks are assessed and approaches for better networking are discussed.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare and potentially life-threatening disease that occurs toward the end of pregnancy or in the months following delivery in previously heart-healthy women. The incidence varies widely depending on geographical region and ethnic background, with an estimated number of 1 in 1000–1500 pregnancies in Germany. The course of the disease ranges from mild forms with minor symptoms to severe forms with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock. The understanding of the etiology of PPCM has evolved in recent years. An oxidative stress-mediated cleaved 16-kDa fragment of the nursing hormone prolactin is thought to damage endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. Bromocriptine, a dopamine-receptor agonist, effectively blocks prolactin release from the pituitary gland. In addition to standard heart failure therapy, this disease-specific treatment reduces morbidity and mortality in PPCM patients. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PPCM and the disease-specific treatment options.

Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants and Risk of Serious Liver Injury

BACKGROUND

Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are relatively new drugs used for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, there are concerns that their use may be associated with hepatotoxic effects.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of NOACs is associated with an increased risk of serious liver injury compared with the use of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in NVAF patients with and without prior liver disease.

METHODS

Using the administrative databases of the Canadian province of Quebec's health insurances, the authors conducted a cohort study among patients newly diagnosed with NVAF between January 2011 and December 2014. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of serious liver injury (defined as either a hospitalization or related death) were estimated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models, comparing current use of NOACs to current use of VKAs separately among patients with or without prior liver disease.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 51,887 patients, including 3,778 with prior liver disease. During 68,739 person-years of follow-up, 585 patients experienced a serious liver injury. Compared with current use of VKAs, current use of NOACs was not associated with an increased risk of serious liver injury in patients without or with prior liver disease (adjusted HR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.45; and adjusted HR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.37, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with VKAs, NOACs were not associated with an increased risk of serious liver injury irrespective of baseline liver status. Overall, these results provide reassurance regarding the hepatic safety of NOACs.

Propranolol Versus Metoprolol for Treatment of Electrical Storm in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

BACKGROUND

Electrical storm (ES), characterized by unrelenting recurrences of ventricular arrhythmias, is observed in approximately 30% of patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and is associated with high mortality rates.

OBJECTIVES

Sympathetic blockade with β-blockers, usually in combination with intravenous (IV) amiodarone, have proved highly effective in the suppression of ES. In this study, we compared the efficacy of a nonselective β-blocker (propranolol) versus a β₁-selective blocker (metoprolol) in the management of ES.

METHODS

Between 2011 and 2016, 60 ICD patients (45 men, mean age 65.0 ± 8.5 years) with ES developed within 24 h from admission were randomly assigned to therapy with either propranolol (160 mg/24 h, Group A) or metoprolol (200 mg/24 h, Group B), combined with IV amiodarone for 48 h.

RESULTS

Patients under propranolol therapy in comparison with metoprolol-treated individuals presented a 2.67 times decreased incidence rate (incidence rate ratio: 0.375; 95% confidence interval: 0.207 to 0.678; p = 0.001) of ventricular arrhythmic events (tachycardia or fibrillation) and a 2.34 times decreased rate of ICD discharges (incidence rate ratio: 0.428; 95% CI: 0.227 to 0.892; p = 0.004) during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, after adjusting for age, sex, ejection fraction, New York Heart Association functional class, heart failure type, arrhythmia type, and arrhythmic events before ICU admission. At the end of the first 24-h treatment period, 27 of 30 (90.0%) patients in group A, while only 16 of 30 (53.3%) patients in group B were free of arrhythmic events (p = 0.03). The termination of arrhythmic events was 77.5% less likely in Group B compared with Group A (hazard ratio: 0.225; 95% CI: 0.112 to 0.453; p < 0.001). Time to arrhythmia termination and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in the propranolol group (p < 0.05 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of IV amiodarone and oral propranolol is safe, effective, and superior to the combination of IV amiodarone and oral metoprolol in the management of ES in ICD patients.

Balance of Active, Passive, and Anatomical Cardiac Properties in Doxorubicin-Induced Heart Failure

Late-onset heart failure (HF) is a known side effect of doxorubicin chemotherapy. Typically, patients are diagnosed when already at an irreversible stage of HF, which allows few or no treatment options. Identifying the causes of compromised cardiac function in this patient group may improve early patient diagnosis and support treatment selection. To link doxorubicin-induced changes in cardiac cellular and tissue mechanical properties to overall cardiac function, we apply a multiscale biophysical biomechanics model of the heart to measure the plausibility of changes in model parameters representing the passive, active, or anatomical properties of the left ventricle for reproducing measured patient phenotypes. We create representative models of healthy controls (N = 10) and patients with HF induced by (N = 22) or unrelated to (N = 25) doxorubicin therapy. The model predicts that HF in the absence of doxorubicin is characterized by a 2- to 3-fold stiffness increase, decreased tension (0–20%), and ventricular dilation (of order 10–30%). HF due to doxorubicin was similar but showed stronger bias toward reduced active contraction (10–30%) and less dilation (0–20%). We find that changes in active, passive, and anatomical properties all play a role in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity phenotypes. Differences in parameter changes between patient groups are consistent with doxorubicin cardiotoxicity having a greater dependence on reduced cellular contraction and less anatomical remodeling than HF not caused by doxorubicin.

Device therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction-cardiac resynchronization therapy and more

In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), optimal medical treatment includes beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensinreceptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and ivabradine when indicated. In device therapy of HFrEF, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have been established for many years. CRT is the therapy of choice (class I indication) in symptomatic patients with HFrEF and a broad QRS complex with a left bundle branch block (LBBB) morphology. However, the vast majority of heart failure patients show a narrow QRS complex or a non-LBBB morphology. These patients are not candidates for CRT and alternative electrical therapies such as baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) and cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) may be considered. BAT modulates vegetative dysregulation in heart failure. CCM improves contractility, functional capacity, and symptoms. Although a broad data set is available for BAT and CCM, mortality data are still lacking for both methods. This article provides an overview of the device-based therapeutic options for patients with HFrEF.

Multidisciplinary transcatheter aortic valve replacement heart team programme improves mortality in aortic stenosis

Objectives

To analyse the effect of the implementation of a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and multidisciplinary heart team programme on mortality in severe aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

A retrospective, observational cohort study was performed using the echocardiography, cardiothoracic surgery and TAVR databases between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016. Outcomes were compared between the pre- and post-TAVR programme eras in a tertiary referral centre providing transcatheter and surgical interventions for AS.

All-cause mortality within 5 years from diagnosis was determined for 3399 patients with echocardiographically defined severe AS.

Results

Of 3399 patients, there were 210 deaths (6.2%) at 30 days and 1614 deaths (47.5%) at 5 years.

Overall, patients diagnosed in the post-TAVR programme era were older, with a lower ejection fraction and more severe AS, but were less comorbid.

Among 705 patients undergoing intervention, those in the post-TAVR programme era were older, with a lower ejection fraction and more severe AS but no significant differences in comorbidities.

Using an inverse probability weighted cohort and a Cox proportional hazards model, a significant mortality benefit was noted between eras alone (HR=0.86, 95% CI 0.77 to 0.97, p=0.015). When matching for age, comorbidities and valve severity, this benefit was more evident (HR=0.82, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.92, p=0.001).

After adjusting for the presence of aortic valve intervention, a significant benefit persisted (HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.75 to 0.95, p=0.005).

Conclusion

The implementation of a TAVR programme is associated with a mortality benefit in the population with severe AS, independent of the expansion of access to intervention.

Kerala Atrial Fibrillation Registry: a prospective observational study on clinical characteristics, treatment pattern and outcome of atrial fibrillation in Kerala, India, cohort profile

PURPOSE

Limited published data exist on the clinical epidemiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) in South Asia including India. Most of the published data are from the Western countries and the Far East. The Kerala AF registry was initiated to collect systematic, prospective data on clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment pattern and outcomes of consecutive AF patients who consulted cardiologists across the state of Kerala, India.

PARTICIPANTS

All newly diagnosed and previously reported patients aged ≥18 years with documented evidence of AF on ECG were included. Patients with transient AF due to infection, acute myocardial infarction, alcohol intoxication, metabolic abnormalities and AF seen in postoperative cases and critically ill patients with life expectancy less than 30 days were excluded.

FINDINGS TO DATE

A total of 3421 patients were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala from April 2016 to April 2017. There were 51% (n=1744) women. The median age of the cohort was 65 (IQR 56-74) years. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia were present in 53.8%, 34.5% and 42.2% patients, respectively. Chronic kidney disease was observed in 46.6%, coronary artery disease in 34.8% and heart failure (HF) in 26.5% of patients. Mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of the cohort was 2.9, and HAS-BLED score was 1.7. Detailed information of antithrombotic and antiarrhythmic drugs was collected at baseline and on follow-up. During 1-year follow-up, 443 deaths (12.9%) occurred of which 332 (9.7%) were cardiac death and 63 (1.8%) were due to stroke. There were 578 (16.8%) hospitalisations mainly due to acute coronary syndrome, arrythmias and HF.

FUTURE PLANS

Currently, this is the largest prospective study on AF patients from India, and the cohort will be followed for 5 years to observe the treatment patterns and clinical outcomes. The investigators encourage collaborations with national and international AF researchers.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CTRI/2017/10/010097.

Statins in the Prevention and Treatment of Heart Failure: a Review of the Evidence

Purpose of Review

We summarize the best evidence for statins in the prevention and treatment of heart failure.

Recent Findings

In patients with cardiovascular risk factors or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (but without heart failure), statins reduce the risk of incident heart failure—mainly by preventing myocardial infarction although an additional benefit from reducing myocardial ischemia cannot be excluded. However, in patients with established heart failure, statins do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, which is mainly caused by pump failure and ventricular arrhythmias. Retrospective analyses, however, suggest that statins may reduce the rate of heart failure hospitalization and atherosclerotic events (which are proportionately much less common in these patients than heart failure hospitalization or death).

Summary

Statin therapy should probably be continued in patients with coronary artery disease developing heart failure, although the weak evidence and small benefit may not justify the use of this treatment in very elderly patients with a short life expectancy and in which polypharmacy is a problem.

Relationship between drug application and mortality rate in Chinese older coronary artery disease/chronic heart failure patients with and without low glomerular filtration rate

Background

This analysis was designed to investigate the relationship between drug application and mortality rate in Chinese older coronary artery disease (CAD)/chronic heart failure (CHF) patients with and without low glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Methods

All 1050 Chinese hospitalized patients with diagnosed CAD were included in this analysis, and Cox Regression was used to analyze the relationship between drug application and mortality rate after multivariate adjustment. Low GFR was defined as GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m².

Results

There were 372 patients (35.4%) with low GFR in patients with CAD (1050 patients), and 168 patients (51.4%) in patients with CHF (327 patients). In CAD patients without low GFR, clopidogrel [P = 0.028, odds ratio (OR): 0.620, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.404–0.951] rather than aspirin (P = 0.173) was significantly associated with lower mortality rate. Statins (P < 0.001, OR: 0.287, 95% CI: 0.180–0.456) were significantly associated with lower mortality rate. In CAD patients with low GFR, aspirin, clopidogrel and statins had no significant relationship with mortality rate (P > 0.05 for all). In CHF patients without low GFR, statins were significantly associated with lower mortality rate (P < 0.001, OR: 0.220, 95% CI: 0.098–0.490). In CHF patients with low GFR, statins had no significant relationship with mortality rate (P > 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Clopidogrel but not aspirin was beneficial in Chinese older CAD patients without low GFR rather than those with low GFR, and statins benefited for Chinese older CAD/CHF patients without low GFR rather than those with low GFR. These discoveries might offer some help for the therapy of Chinese older patients with cardiovascular/renal diseases.

Considerations when restarting anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation after bleeding

Introduction: Oral anticoagulants (OACs) are established treatments to reduce thromboembolic risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Due to their mechanisms of action, they are associated with increased bleeding risk. Evaluation with bleeding risk scores may be useful to identify patients at high risk. However, the approach in patients who have suffered a recent bleeding event while on OACs is a contentious issue. If a decision is made to re-initiate OACs, the optimal timing for this remains controversial. Areas covered: Bleeding risk scores were designed to evaluate risk in patients with AF and indications for OACs. Some practical schemes were created to manage bleeding in this population. The types of bleeding were classified as minor, major non-life-threatening and major life-threatening bleeding. In AF patients suffering from severe acute bleeding, it is recommended to withhold OACs until the underlying cause is identified and treated. Each case will require an individualized decision to restarting OAC therapy after consideration of the risks, benefits, alternatives and patient's choice in the matter. Expert opinion: Management of major bleeding and restarting OACs in patients with a recent major bleeding poses a special challenge due to high bleeding and thrombotic risk. This will be discussed in this review.

Transcatheter mitral valve repair: review of the clinical evidence

Over the past decade, different transcatheter repair techniques have been developed to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) with less invasive approaches in order to address the unmet clinical need of untreated patients with MR. The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the currently available transcatheter mitral repair options, focusing on the evidence reported so far.

Arterial Stiffness Assessed by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index

Arterial stiffness is an age-related disorder. In the medial layer of arteries, mechanical fracture due to fatigue failure for the pulsatile wall strain causes medial degeneration vascular remodeling. The alteration of extracellular matrix composition and arterial geometry result in structural arterial stiffness. Calcium deposition and other factors such as advanced glycation end product-mediated collagen cross-linking aggravate the structural arterial stiffness. On the other hand, endothelial dysfunction is a cause of arterial stiffness. The biological molecular mechanisms relating to aging are known to involve the progression of arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness further applies stress on large arteries and also microcirculation. Therefore, it is closely related to adverse outcomes in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a promising diagnostic tool for evaluating arterial stiffness. The principle is based on stiffness parameter β, which is an index intended to assess the distensibility of carotid artery. Stiffness parameter β is a two-dimensional technique obtained from changes of arterial diameter by pulse in one section. CAVI applied the stiffness parameter β to all of the arterial segments between heart and ankle using pulse wave velocity. CAVI has been commercially available for a decade and the clinical data of its effectiveness has accumulated. The characteristics of CAVI differ from other physiological tests of arterial stiffness due to the independency from blood pressure at the time of examination. This review describes the pathophysiology of arterial stiffness and CAVI. Molecular mechanisms will also be covered.

Can men with atrial fibrillation really rest easy with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0?

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke depending on various risk factors. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is used widely to improve stratification of AF-related stroke to identify for whom anticoagulation could be safely withheld. As upstream therapy, the management of lifestyle for AF and related stroke prevention has been ongoing for past decades.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 56-year-old male was taken to our hospital because of acute ischemic stroke. Without intracranial vascular malformation and angiostenosis, two small emboli were successfully taken out from the left middle cerebral artery by mechanical thrombectomy. During the hospitalisation, no apparent abnormalities were found in various laboratory tests, echocardiogram or the coronary computed tomography angiography. However, asymptomatic paroxysmal AF was first diagnosed and was presumed to be responsible for his stroke. Noticeable, he was always in good fitness benefiting from the formed good habits of no smoking and drinking. With a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0, he had no history of any known diseases or risk factors associated with AF and related stroke. Instead of lacking exercise, he persisted in playing table tennis faithfully 3-4 times a week and 2-3 h each time over the past 30 years, and, in fact, has won several amateur table tennis championships.

CONCLUSION

In view of the possible pathophysiological mechanisms resulting from the long-term vigorous endurance exercise, it may be a potential risk factor for developing AF and even for subsequent stroke. Not merely should strengthen the screening for AF in specific individuals as sports enthusiasts, but the necessity of oral anticoagulant for those with a CHA2DS2-VASc score of 0 might deserve the further investigation.

Medication management needs information and communications technology-based approaches, including telehealth and artificial intelligence

Life expectancy is rising in most parts of the world as is the prevalence of chronic diseases. Suboptimal adherence to long-term medications is still rather the norm than the exception, although it is well known that suboptimal adherence compromises the therapeutic effectiveness. Information and communications technology provides new concepts for improving adherence to medications. These so-called telehealth concepts or services help to implement closed-loop healthcare paradigms and to establish collaborative care networks involving all stakeholders relevant to optimising the overall medication therapy. Together with data from Electronic Health Records and Electronic Medical Records, these networks pave the way to data-driven decision support systems. Recent advances in machine learning, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence allow further steps towards fully autonomous telehealth systems. This might bring advances in the future: disburden healthcare professionals from repetitive tasks, enable them to timely react to critical situations, and offer a comprehensive overview of the patients' medication status. Advanced analytics can help to assess whether patients have taken their medications as prescribed, to improve adherence via automatic reminders. Ultimately, all relevant data sources need to be collated into a basis for data-driven methods, with the goal to assist healthcare professionals in guiding patients to obtain the best possible health status, with a reasonable resource utilisation and a risk-adjusted safety and privacy approach. This paper summarises the state-of-the-art of telehealth and artificial intelligence applications in medication management. It focuses on 3 major aspects: latest technologies, current applications, and patient related issues.

Efficacy and Safety of Cryoballoon Ablation in Patients With Heart Failure and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction - A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Second-generation cryoballoon (CB2)-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study sought to assess data on the safety, efficacy and clinical success of CB2-based PVI in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

CB2-based PVI was performed in 551 consecutive patients in 3 highly experienced EP centers. Patients with HF and LVEF ≤40% were included (HFrEF group, n=50/551, 9.1%). Data were compared with propensity score-matched patients without HF and preserved left ventricular EF (LVEF) (n=50, control group). The median LVEF was HFrEF: 37% (35, 40) and control: 55% (55, 55), P<0.0001. Major periprocedural complications were registered in 4/50 (8%, HFrEF group) and 3/50 (6%, control group), P=0.695. The 12-month freedom from AF recurrence was 73.1% (95% confidence interval (CI): 61-88, HFrEF group) and 72.6% (95% CI: 61-87, control group), P=0.25. NYHA class decreased from 2.4±0.8 (baseline) to 1.7±0.8 at 12-month follow-up (P<0.0001). LVEF improved from a median of 37% (35, 40) prior to ablation to a median of 55% (40, 55), P<0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

CB2-based PVI in patients with HFrEF appeared to be safe, was associated with comparable periprocedural complications and showed promising clinical success rates equal to those for patients with preserved LVEF. NYHA class and LVEF significantly improved at 12-month follow-up.

Prior History and Incidence of Cancer Impacts on Cardiac Prognosis in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) and cancer (CA) are becoming increasingly prevalent as the population ages. We aimed to evaluate prior history and occurrence of CA and its prognostic impact on HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutive hospitalized HF patients (n=2,103) were divided into 2 groups according to prior history of CA: non-prior-CA group (n=1,828) and prior-CA group (n=275). Compared with the non-prior-CA group, the prior-CA group were older, and had higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease, anemia, and atrial fibrillation (P<0.05). In contrast, sex, other comorbidities, levels of natriuretic peptide and ejection fraction were comparable between groups. We focused on newly diagnosed CA after discharge for HF. In the follow-up period (median 623 days), 114 (6.2%) patients in the non-prior-CA and 17 (6.2%) patients in the prior-CA groups were newly diagnosed as having CA. Additionally, 83 (3.9%) CA-related patient deaths occurred (median 776 days). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis (median 1,037 days), not only all-cause death but also cardiac event rate was significantly higher in the prior-CA group than in the non-prior-CA group (log-rank P<0.01). In the Cox proportional hazard analysis, CA history was a predictor of cardiac event rate (HR 1.450, 95% CI 1.134-1.822), as well as all-cause death (HR 2.483, 95% CI 2.034-3.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior-CA history was associated with high cardiac event and mortality rates. CA is notable comorbidity in HF patients.

Echocardiographic assessment of functional mitral regurgitation: opening Pandora's box?

Two recent trials of transcatheter mitral-valve repair in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) presented opposing results for the MitraClip® compared to medical therapy alone. The conflicting results gave rise to intensive discussions about assessment of mitral valve regurgitation (MR). A recent editorial viewpoint provided a potential explanation presenting a new pathophysiologic concept. However, the echocardiographic characterization of both trials' patients is inconsistent and the discussed concepts appear to suffer from plausibility weaknesses. It is well conceivable that limitations in the echocardiographic assessment of the trial patients introduced a bias regarding the selection of patients with severe (or less severe) MR that may be a more plausible explanation for the differences in outcome. We here illustrate our viewpoint regarding the two MitraClip trials and also illustrate the difficulties in assessing functional MR properly. It may indeed be "opening Pandora's box", but we will also make an attempt to provide a solution.

CRT Optimization: What Is New? What Is Necessary?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has proven to improve quality of life, reduce heart failure hospitalization, and prolong life in selected heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, on optimal medical therapy and with electrical dyssynchrony. To ensure maximal benefit for CRT patients, optimization of care should be implemented. This begins with appropriate referring as well as selecting patients, knowing that the presence of left bundle branch block and QRS ≥ 150 ms is associated with the greatest reverse remodeling. The LV lead, preferably quadripolar, is best targeted in a postero-lateral position. After implantation, optimal device programming should aim for maximal biventricular pacing and in selected cases further electrical delay optimization might be of use. Even as important, is the implementation of thorough multidisciplinary heart failure care with medication uptitration, remote monitoring, rehabilitation, and patient education. The role of newer pacing strategies as endocardial or His-bundle pacing remains the subject of ongoing investigation.

Background pharmacological therapy in the ANTHEM-HF: comparison to contemporary trials of novel heart failure therapies

AIMS

Clinical trials of new heart failure (HF) therapies administer guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) as background pharmacologic treatment (BPT). In the ANTHEM-HF Pilot Study, addition of autonomic regulation therapy to GDMT significantly improved left ventricular function, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, 6 min walk distance, and quality of life in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A post hoc analysis was performed to compare BPT in ANTHEM-HF with two other trials of novel HF therapies: the PARADIGM-HF study of sacubitril-valsartan and the SHIFT study of ivadrabine. All three studies evaluated patients with HFrEF, and the recommendations for use of GDMT were similar. A left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40% was required for entry into ANTHEM-HF and PARADIGM-HF and ≤35% for SHIFT. NYHA 2 or 3 symptoms were required for entry into ANTHEM-HF, and patients with predominantly NYHA 2 or 3 symptoms were enrolled in PARADIGM-HF and SHIFT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data on BPT were obtained from peer-reviewed publications and the public domain. Pearson's χ² test was used to evaluate differences in proportions, and Student's unpaired t-test was used to evaluate differences in mean values. The minimum period of stable GDMT required before randomization was longer in ANTHEM-HF: 3 months vs. 1 month in PARADIGM-HF and SHIFT, respectively. When compared with PARADIGM-HF and SHIFT, more patients in ANTHEM-HF received beta-blockers (100% vs. 93% and 89%, P < 0.04 and P < 0.007) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (75% vs. 55% and 61%, P < 0.002 and P < 0.03). More patients in PARADIGM-HF received an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker than in ANTHEM-HF or SHIFT (100% vs. 85%, P < 0.0001, and 100% vs. 91%, P < 0.001), which was related to PARADIGM's design. When beta-blocker doses in ANTHEM-HF and SHIFT were compared, significantly fewer patients in ANTHEM-HF received doses ≥100% of target (10% vs. 23%, P < 0.02), and fewer patients tended to receive doses ≥50% of target (17% vs. 26%, P = 0.11). When ANTHEM-HF and PARADIGM-HF were compared, more patients in ANTHEM-HF tended to receive doses ≥100% of target (10% vs. 7%, P = 0.36), and fewer patients tended to receive doses ≥50% of target (17% vs. 20%, P = 0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Background treatment with GDMT in ANTHEM-HF compared favourably with that in two other contemporary trials of new HF therapies. The minimum period of stable GDMT required before randomization was longer, and GDMT remained unchanged for the study's duration. These findings serve to further support the potential role of autonomic regulation therapy as an adjunct to GDMT for patients with HFrEF.

Hand-held cardiac ultrasound examinations performed in primary care patients by nonexperts to identify reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Early identification of patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) could facilitate the care of patients with suspected heart failure (HF). We examined if (1) focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) performed with a hand-held device (Vscan 1.2) could identify patients with LVEF < 50%, and (2) the distribution of HF types among patients with suspected HF seen at primary care clinics.

METHODS

FCU performed by general practitioners (GPs)/GP registrars after a training programme comprising 20 supervised FCU examinations were compared with the corresponding results from conventional cardiac ultrasound by specialists. The agreement between groups of estimated LVEF < 50%, after visual assessment of global left ventricular function, was compared. Types of HF were determined according to the outcomes from the reference examinations and serum levels of natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP).

RESULTS

One hundred patients were examined by FCU that was performed by 1-4 independent examiners as well as by the reference method, contributing to 140 examinations (false positive rate, 19.0%; false negative rate, 52.6%; sensitivity, 47.4% [95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.3-68.3]; specificity, 81.0% [95% CI: 73.1-87.0]; Cohen's κ measure for agreement = 0.22 [95% CI: 0.03-0.40]). Among patients with false negative examinations, 1/7 had HF with LVEF < 40%, while the others had HF with LVEF 40-49% or did not meet the full criteria for HF. In patients with NT-proBNP > 125 ng/L and fulfilling the criteria for HF (68/94), HF with preserved LVEF (≥50%) predominated, followed by mid-range (40-49%) or reduced LVEF (< 40%) HF types (53.2, 11.7 and 7.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

There was poor agreement between expert examiners using standard ultrasound equipment and non-experts using a handheld ultrasound device to identify patients with reduced LVEF. Asides from possible shortcomings of the training programme, the poor performance of non-experts could be explained by their limited experience in identifying left ventricular dysfunction because of the low percentage of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction seen in the primary care setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02939157). Registered 19 October 2016.

Intervendor Discordance of Fetal and Neonatal Myocardial Tissue Doppler and Speckle-Tracking Measurements

BACKGROUND

Fetal and neonatal studies report a wide range of cardiac parameters derived by pulsed-wave Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) imaging. The use of different ultrasound systems and their vendor-specific software compromises the ability to compare echocardiographic findings among various studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate intervendor reproducibility as well as intra- and interobserver repeatability of DTI and STE measurements in normal-term fetuses and neonates.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted of term fetuses (n = 196) from uncomplicated pregnancies assessed days before the onset of labor and a few hours after birth. Fetal and neonatal DTI and STE parameters were obtained and analyzed using vendor-specific software on three ultrasound systems: Toshiba Aplio MX versus GE Vivid E9 and GE Vivid E9 versus Philips EPIQ. A reproducibility study in fetuses and neonates (n = 118) was performed by systematic scanning with head-to-head comparison.

RESULTS

DTI reproducibility showed moderate to good correlation, with good agreement for fetuses and neonates on Toshiba versus GE (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.4-0.8). Correlation of DTI measurements on GE versus Philips was poor to moderate for fetuses (ICC = 0.1-0.6) and moderate to good for neonates (ICC = 0.5-0.8), with wider limits of agreement. Fetal and neonatal STE parameters revealed very poor correlation (ICC = 0.1-0.3) and agreement among ultrasound vendors. Intra- and interobserver repeatability demonstrated good to excellent correlation of all fetal and neonatal DTI and STE measurements, with good agreement irrespective of the ultrasound platform used.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate reliable assessment of fetal and neonatal DTI and STE measurements when performed on the same ultrasound platform, whereas ultrasound machines and software from different vendors give significantly divergent estimates of DTI and STE parameters in fetuses and neonates. These intervendor discrepancies have significant clinical and research implications and should be considered when interpreting and comparing study findings, establishing reference standards, or performing systematic reviews.

[Stability of chronic heart failure from the position of a doctor and a patient: in search of contact points]

Actuality. The results of the EPOCH study showed that in 16 years in the Russian Federation the number of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) of I-IV FC increased significantly. The main objectives of the treatment of CHF are the stabilization of the patient's condition and the reduction of the risks of cardiovascular mortality, decompensation and repeated hospitalizations for heart failure. But a single concept of "stable" CHF does not exist either in Russian or in foreign recommendations.

OBJECTIVE

To assess how ofen the subjective assessment of a doctor regarding the stability of a patient with CHF coincides with the subjective opinion of the patient with CHF regarding the stability of his condition; and to identify those parametrs that have a leading influence on the assessment of the stability of the state from the point of view of the physician and the patient.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data collection was carried out in the form of interviews among general practitioners and cardiologists in outpatient clinics (OC) of Nizhny Novgorod, which were randomly selected by the method of blind envelopes. In parallel, a survey was conducted of patients with CHF who applied for outpatient medical care about this syndrome to this OC, which the doctors were not informed about, because patient interviews were conducted after the end of outpatient admission in a separate room. Answers of doctors about a patient with CHF were compared with the answers of the corresponding patient; for this, a single code was assigned to both questionnaires. The study included 211 patients with CHF of any etiology older than 18 years. The study involved 25 doctors. The study was conducted from 11/01/17 to 11/30/17.

RESULTS

Analysis of the data suggests that the doctor is more likely to consider the patient more stable in cases when the patient notes a decrease in the severity of shortness of breath, weakness and does not detect edema, while the fact of therapy with loop diuretics (LD) or an increase in them did not affect assessment of stability from the point of view of the doctor. From the point of view of the patient, the absence of the first three signs also testifies to the stability of the condition, however, unlike doctors, patients more often (p &lt;0.001) considered themselves unstable in those cases when they needed LD therapy or an increase in LD dose. A logit regression analysis and ROC analysis based on selected signs and symptoms of CHF confirmed that a model that combines questions about persistent weakness and edema is best suited to predict the patient's subjective assessment of patient's stability from a doctor's point of view (61.8% of the results can be correctly predicted), and at the cutoff threshold of 0.5, it has the highest sensitivity of 64.9%. To predict the subjective assessment of stability in relation to the patient, the optimal model turned out to be the one that includes answers to the questions of "shortness of breath", "weakness" and "intake of loop diuretics", which allows to predict 66.7% of the results correctly at the cut‑off threshold 0, 5 has a better balance of sensitivity and specificity (54.9 and 78.6, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Reducing the severity of dyspnea, weakness and lack of edema of the lower extremities are important signs of the stability of the condition, both in the opinion of the doctor and in the opinion of the patient. Unlike the doctor, the patient is more likely to be classified as unstable in those cases when he is forced to receive therapy with loop diuretics at the outpatient stage or to increase their dose. The model for assessing the stability of a patient with CHF from the point of view of a physician more often allows one to confirm the patient's stable condition, while the model used by patients more often allows to identify patient instability and worsening of the course of CHF.

Potential missed opportunities to prevent ischaemic stroke: prospective multicentre cohort study of atrial fibrillation-associated ischaemic stroke and TIA

OBJECTIVE

We report on: (1) the proportion of patients with known atrial fibrillation (AF); and (2) demographic, clinical or radiological differences between patients with known AF (and not treated) and patients with newly diagnosed AF, in a cohort of patients who presented with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) not previously treated with anticoagulation.

DESIGN

We reviewed cross-sectional baseline demographic and clinical data from a prospective observational cohort study, (CROMIS-2).

SETTING

Patients were recruited from 79 hospital stroke centres throughout the UK and one centre in the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients were eligible if they were adults who presented with ischaemic stroke or TIA and AF and had not been previously treated with oral anticoagulation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Proportion of patients with known AF before index ischaemic stroke or TIA from a cohort of patients who have not been previously treated with oral anticoagulation. Secondary analysis includes the comparison of CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores and other demographics and risk factors between those with newly diagnosed AF and those with previously known AF.

RESULTS

Of 1470 patients included in the analysis (mean age 76 years (SD 10)), 622 (42%) were female; 999 (68%) patients had newly diagnosed AF and 471 (32%) patients had known AF. Of the 471 patients with known AF, 68% had a strong indication for anticoagulation and 89% should have been considered for anticoagulation based upon CHA2DS2-VASc score. Patients with known AF were more likely to have a prior history of dementia (4% vs 2%, p=0.02) and had higher HAS-BLED scores (median 3 vs 2). CHA2DS2-VASc, other risk factors and demographics were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

About 1/3 of patients who present with stroke and have AF who have not been treated with oral anticoagulation have previously known AF. Of these patients, at least 68% were not adequately treated with oral anticoagulation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02513316.

Noncoding RNAs in exercise-induced cardio-protection for chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF) has long been a major medical care burden on society due to its high morbidity and mortality. Although lots of evidence has demonstrated the beneficial impacts of exercise on CHF, termed exercise-induced cardioprotection (EIC), the underlying mechanisms and applicability of EIC are elusive and controversial, and thus, clinical applications are difficult. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are potential therapeutic targets for CHF. Increasing number of ncRNAs were found to play a role in EIC and CHF. The purpose of this review is to illustrate the current knowledge of ncRNAs in EIC for CHF as well as their prospective and limitations in clinical application.

Contribution of Levosimendan in Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Purpose

Mechanically ventilated patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are at risk of weaning failure. We hypothesized that optimization of cardiovascular function might facilitate the weaning process. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of levosimendan in difficult-to-wean patients with impaired LV performance.

Materials and Methods

Nineteen mechanically ventilated patients, with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) 34 ± 8%, difficult-to-wean from the ventilator, were assessed by transthoracic echocardiography before the start and at the end of a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) (first SBT). Eight patients successfully weaned. The remaining 11 failed-to-wean patients received a 24-hour infusion of levosimendan, and they were reassessed during a second SBT.

Results

After levosimendan administration, LVEF increased from 30 ± 10 to 36 ± 3% (p=0.01). End-SBT peak e′ velocity increased from 7 to 9 cm/s (p=0.02). E/e′ increased from 10.5 to 12.9 during the first SBT, whereas it remained constant at 10 throughout the second SBT (p=0.01). During the second SBT, partial pressure of arterial oxygen and central venous oxygen saturation improved, compared to the first one (93 ± 34 vs. 67 ± 28 mmHg, p=0.03, and 66 ± 11% vs. 57 ± 9%, p=0.02, respectively). Nine of the 11 patients were successfully weaned from the ventilator.

Conclusions

In difficult-to-wean from mechanical ventilation patients with LV dysfunction, levosimendan might contribute to successful weaning by improving both systolic and diastolic LV function.

Use of DOACs in real-world challenging settings: a Delphi Consensus from Italian cardiologists

BACKGROUND

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) represent the first therapeutic option for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). However, phase 3 trials that demonstrated higher safety and at least similar efficacy of DOACs compared to Warfarin, included a selected population, not entirely representative of real-world. The present Consensus document was aimed at overcoming the uncertainties about DOAC use in challenging setting where data are conflicting or sparse or where a gap between trials and real world exists.

METHODS

The Delphi method was used to achieve consensus on DOAC use in AF patients throughout 104 Cardiologists in Piedmont, Italy. A questionnaire on 6 commonly encountered clinical settings was administered: 1) the elderly; 2) the "frail" patient; 3) interactions with food/drugs; 4) low-dosages; 5) cancer patients; 6) patients with acute coronary syndrome.

RESULTS

DOAC use over Warfarin was investigated in the elderly population, in the frail patients and in those with cancer, and clinical consensus was reached on its preferential use. Drug interactions should always be considered when a DOAC is prescribed and dosage should respect the Summary of Product Characteristics. No consensus was reached in patients with severe renal impairment and in those with dynamic clinical characteristics ("borderline patients"). DOACs should be considered as the first-line anticoagulation therapy in patients with high intracranial bleeding risk.

CONCLUSIONS

DOACs should represent the first-line anticoagulation therapy in non-valvular AF patients in the majority of challenging settings, underexplored by literature. Caution in their prescription is needed in case of severe renal impairment. Dose choice should follow the SmPC, although this is matter of debate in borderline patients.

Adherence to ESC guideline-recommended medications over a 36-month follow-up period after hospitalization for heart failure: Results from the EPICAL2 cohort study

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to describe the trajectories of oral medication prescriptions in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) over 3 years after discharge from hospitalization for heart failure. We then evaluated the adherence of these prescriptions to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline-recommended medications and identified patient characteristics associated with nonadherence.

METHODS

We used data from the EPICAL2 cohort study. HFrEF patients who had completed prescriptions at discharge and at 6-month follow-up were included and followed for 36 months. The following medication agents were considered adherent to guidelines: renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers [angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB)] plus a β-blocker (BB) or RAS blocker plus BB plus mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). The evolution of drug prescriptions and the adherence to ESC guidelines were assessed by using sequence analysis and clustering approaches. Patient characteristics associated with nonadherence were identified by logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A typology of four therapeutic clusters was obtained, among which two clusters were adherent to recommendations and two were not. The adherent clusters consisted of bitherapy (RAS blockers-BB) and tritherapy (RAS blockers-BB-MRA) for about 64% of patients and remain stable over time. The nonadherent clusters consisted of nonprescription of BB for about 22% of patients or nonprescription of RAS blocker for about 14%. The main reason for nonprescription of BB was a concomitant obstructive airway disease (asthma or COPD) but was a concomitant chronic kidney disease for nonprescription of RAS blocker.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to guideline-recommended medications while being hospitalized is of great importance because prescriptions are quite stable over time after discharge. HFrEF patients are most often older, with various comorbidities, such as chronic kidney disease or asthma/COPD, which importantly limit physicians' ability to prescribe recommended drugs, leading to suboptimal adherence to guidelines.

In-hospital left ventricular thrombus following ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

In-hospital left ventricular (LV) thrombus following acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been evaluated on a national scale and was the focus of this investigation.

METHODS

We used the 2003 to 2013 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to identify adults ≥18 years old with a principal diagnosis code of ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Patients were divided into two groups defined by the presence or absence of LV thrombus. Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes were studied using relevant statistics. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with LV thrombus.

RESULTS

Of 1,035,888 STEMI patients hospitalized in the U. S from 2003 to 2013, 1982 (0.2%) developed acute in-hospital LV thrombus. Compared to no LV thrombus, patients with LV thrombus were more likely to have in-hospital complications; acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, acute renal failure, gastrointestinal bleed, cardiogenic shock, in-hospital cardiac arrest and mortality. They also had longer mean length of stay and higher hospital charges. Factors associated with LV thrombus included: anterior/anterolateral STEMI, acute or chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, atrial fibrillation, LV aneurysm, Left heart valvular disease, acute or chronic deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism and alcohol abuse. Patients with LV thrombus were less likely to be female [AOR 0.66, 95% CI (0.51-0.84)].

CONCLUSION

The identification of factors associated with early development of LV thrombus following STEMI, will help direct resources for specific high-risk group and prompt cost-effective therapies. Gender variability in LV thrombus development warrants further investigations.

A novel score in the prediction of rhythm outcome after ablation of atrial fibrillation: The SUCCESS score

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to assess the predictive value of the CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, R₂CHADS₂, and APPLE scores for rhythm outcome in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation.

Methods:

The cohort of the present study consisted of 192 patients with AF who underwent a total of 265 ablations. Rhythm outcome was documented between 3 and 24 month after ablation. The mentioned scores were calculated for every patient.

Results:

Of the patients, 139 (72%) were successfully treated having freedom of any atrial tachyarrhythmia, whereas 21 (11%) had partial success, and 32 (17%) had failure. For univariate analysis, the APPLE score was the only significant predictor of outcome after ablation with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.485 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.075–2.052, p-value 0.017]. A multivariate binary regression corrected for possible confounders showed that the APPLE score (OR 1.527, 95% CI 1.082–2.153, p-value 0.016) along with the number of previous ablations (OR 5.831, 95% CI 1.356–25.066, p-value 0.018) is a significant predictor of outcome. A novel score (SUCCESS) was created by adding one point to the APPLE score for each previously performed ablation. This novel score demonstrated an improvement in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (area under the curve 0.657 vs. 0.620). However, these findings were not significant in our study (p-value 0.219).

Conclusion:

Both the APPLE and the novel SUCCESS scores are superior to the CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, and R₂CHADS₂ scores in predicting AF recurrence after catheter ablation. The SUCCESS score appears to have a higher predictive value than the APPLE score and might be a valuable tool to estimate the risk of AF recurrence in patients eligible for catheter ablation.

Impact of left atrial appendage morphology on indication and procedural outcome after interventional occlusion: results from the prospective multicentre German LAARGE registry

AIMS

Interventional left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) is an emerging alternative to oral anticoagulation (OAC) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) in concomitance with a contraindication for standard OAC. This sub-analysis of the LAARGE registry aimed to investigate differences between different LAA morphologies in a real-world setting.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective, multicentre, observational registry included 562 patients from 37 centres with ineligibility for long-term OAC between April 2014 and January 2016. Baseline characteristics, indications, procedural data and complications were registered according to each LAA morphology (i.e., chicken wing, cauliflower, windsock, cactus and atypical morphologies). Implantation success was high across the four typical anatomies (≥97.5%, p=n.s.); only atypical anatomies exhibited a lower success rate (94%). The cactus-shaped LAA was linked to a trend indicating a shorter fluoroscopy time, while the atypical LAA was linked to a significantly prolonged fluoroscopy time (p=0.089 and p=0.025 versus the overall mean, respectively). Periprocedural and intra-hospital complications were generally rare, with no differences among the different morphologies (p=n.s.).

CONCLUSIONS

Procedural success as well as the complication rates of LAAC were not different among the four typical LAA morphologies. A lower implantation success rate was only obvious in patients with atypical LAA morphologies.