The prognostic value of positive T-wave in lead aVR in hemodialysis patients

Non-specific electrocardiographic ST-T abnormalities predict mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of non-specific ST-segment and/or T-wave abnormalities in electrocardiography (ECG) for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods

All patients who started PD between November 1, 2005, and February 28, 2017, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were enrolled. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and CVM. The Kaplan-Meier method and a log-rank test were used for the survival analysis. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the risk factors for all-cause mortality and CVM.

Results

A total of 724 eligible PD patients were enrolled, including 401 (55.4%) men. In total, 153 (21.1%) patients died during a mean follow-up period of 27 (interquartile range, 13-41) months, and cardiovascular death was responsible for 84 of these deaths. The patients with non-specific ST-T abnormalities (NSSTTAs) had lower overall and cardiovascular survival rates compared to those free from any ECG abnormalities. According to the multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, (NSSTTAs) are independent risk factors for all-cause mortality and CVM, the hazard ratios are 1.81 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-2.95; p = 0.017) and 2.86 (95% confidence interval, 1.52-5.37; p = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Non-specific ST-T abnormalities can serve as risk markers of all-cause and CVM in PD patients.

The value of ventricular gradient for predicting pulmonary hypertension and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The ventricular gradient optimized for right ventricular pressure overload (VG-RVPO) is sensitive to early changes in right ventricular overload. The study aimed to assess the ability of the VG-RVPO to detect PHT and predict all-cause and cardiac mortality in HD patients. 265 selected HD patients were enrolled. Clinical, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters were evaluated. Patients were divided into normal and abnormal VG-RVPO groups, and were followed-up for 3 years. Abnormal VG-RVPO patients were more likely to be at high or intermediate risk for PHT, were older, had longer HD vintage, higher prevalence of myocardial infarction, higher parathormone levels, shorter pulmonary flow acceleration time, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, higher values of left atrial volume index, left ventricular mass index, and peak tricuspid regurgitant velocity. Both all-cause and CV mortality were higher in abnormal VG-RVPO group. In multivariate Cox analysis, VG-RVPO remained an independent and strong predictor of all-cause and CV mortality. In HD patients, abnormal VG-RVPO not only predicts PHT, but also all-cause and CV mortality.

Heat Shock Protein 27 Is an Emerging Predictor of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury on Patients Subjected to Percutaneous Coronary Interventions

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a serious complication associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27) plays a role in the defense of the kidney tissue against various forms of cellular stress, including hypoxia and oxydative stress, both features associated with CI-AKI. The aim of our study was to evaluate a potential predictive value of HSP27 for CI-AKI in patients subjected to percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Included were 343 selected patients subjected to PCI. Exclusion criteria were conditions that potentially might influence HSP27 levels. HSP27 serum levels were evaluated prior to PCI, together with serum creatinine, the concentration of which was also evaluated twice at 48 and 72 h post PCI. CI-AKI was diagnosed in 9.3% of patients. Patients in whom CI-AKI was diagnosed were older (p < 0.001), were more often females (p = 0.021), had higher prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.011), hypotension during PCI (p < 0.001), albuminuria (p = 0.004) as well as multivessel disease (p = 0.002), received higher contrast volume (p = 0.006), more often received contrast volume (CV) above the maximum allowed contrast dose (MACD) (p < 0.001), and had lower HSP27 level (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, CV > MACD (OR 1.23, p = 0.001), number of diseased vessels (OR 1.27, p = 0.006), and HSP27 (OR 0.81, p = 0.001) remained independent predictors of CI-AKI. Low concentration of HSP27 is an emerging, strong and independent predictor of CI-AKI in patients subjected to PCI.

Effects of upright T-wave in lead aVR on left ventricular volume and function derived from ECG-gated SPECT in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have shown the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and adverse cardiac events. We investigated whether or not the upright T-wave in lead aVR (TaVR) could predict left ventricular (LV) volume and function derived from ECG-gated SPECT in patients with advanced CKD.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixty-one patients with advanced CKD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 45 ml/min/1.73 m²] were enrolled. Upright TaVR was defined as a wave with a positive deflection of > 0 mV. Enlarged LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) was defined as LVEDV index of > 76 ml/m² in men and > 57 ml/m² in women. Reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was defined as LVEF of < 40%.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients (18%) had upright TaVR, and 215 patients (82%) had negative TaVR. Summed redistribution score (SRS) [ 6 (1-12) vs. 2 (0-5), p < 0.001] and summed difference score (SDS) [4 (1-6) vs. 2 (0-4), p = 0.004] were significantly larger in patients with upright TaVR than those with negative TaVR. Patients with upright TaVR had larger LVEDV index (75 ± 33 ml/m² vs. 50 ± 18 ml/m², p < 0.001) and lower LVEF (43 ± 14% vs. 58 ± 11%, p < 0.001) compared to those with negative TaVR. After adjusted for other variables including SRS and SDS, upright TaVR remained a significant predictor of enlarged LVEDV (odds ratio 5.45; 95% CI 2.16-14.22; p < 0.001) and reduced LVEF (odds ratio 4.54; 95% CI 1.70-12.23; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggested that upright TaVR could predict LV volume and function derived from ECG-gated SPECT in patients with advanced CKD.

The prognostic significance of a positive or isoelectric T wave in lead aVR in patients with acute coronary syndrome and ischemic ECG changes in the presenting ECG - Long-term follow-up data of the TACOS study

BACKGROUND

A positive T wave in lead aVR (aVRT+) is an independent prognostic predictor of cardiovascular mortality in the general population as well as in cardiovascular disease.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the prognostic impact of aVRT+ in an ECG recorded as close to hospital discharge as possible in acute coronary syndrome patients (n = 527). We divided the patients into three categories based on the findings in the admission ECG: ST elevation, global ischemia and other ST/T changes.

RESULTS

In the whole study population, and in all the three ECG subgroups, the 10-year all-cause mortality rate was higher in the aVRT+ group than in the aVRT- group. In Cox regression analysis, the age and gender adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for aVRT+ to predict all-cause mortality in the whole study population was 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-1.83; p = 0.004). To predict cardiovascular mortality, the age and gender adjusted HR for aVRT+ was 1.54 (95% CI 1.14-2.07; p = 0.005) in the whole study population and 2.07 (95% CI 1.07-4.03; p = 0.032) in the category with other ST/T changes.

CONCLUSION

In ACS patients with or without ST elevation, but with ischemic ST/T changes in their presenting ECG, a positive or isoelectric T wave in lead aVR in an ECG recorded in the subacute in-hospital stage is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality during long-term follow-up. Clinicians should pay attention to this simple ECG finding at hospital discharge.

Serum heat shock protein 27 levels predict cardiac mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background

Decreased heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) participates in many processes that are involved in cardiovascular (CV) disease. The objective of the study was to evaluate if HSP27 level was predictive of mortality as well as to evaluate factors associated with HSP27 level in a group of patients treated with HD.

Methods

Enrolled to the study were 202 HD patients. Clinical data, biochemical, echocardiographic, and carotid atherosclerosis parameters were evaluated. Patients were splited into groups on the basis of the cut-off lower and higher 50th percentile of serum HSP27 levels, and were followed-up for 28.68 ± 6.12 months.

Results

No significant difference was observed between serum HSP27 levels in patients and controls. Low HSP27 patients were older, had higher left ventricular mass index, lower ejection fraction, higher prevalence of diabetes, myocardial infarction and carotid atherosclerosis, higher C-reactive protein level, and worse oxidant/antioxidant status. The multiple regression analysis identified that HSP27 levels were independently, negatively associated with serum oxidized LDL and the number of carotid plaques. Using the Kaplan–Meier analysis it was shown that the cumulative incidences of both CV and sudden cardiac death (SCD) mortality were higher in low HSP27 group in comparison with high serum HSP27 group. A multivariate Cox analysis showed that HSP27 level is an independent and strong predictor of CV as well as SCD mortality.

Conclusions

Low serum HSP27 level is independently associated with both CV and SCD mortality but not with all-cause mortality. Low serum HSP27 level is associated with carotid atherosclerosis and oxidative stress.

Impact of T wave amplitude in lead aVR on predicting cardiac events in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator

BACKGROUND

T wave amplitudes during ventricular repolarization in the lead aVR (TAaVR) are shown to be associated with adverse cardiac events in patients with several cardiovascular diseases, such as postmyocardial infarction. However, the utility of TAaVR has not been previously evaluated in patients with cardiomyopathy who have received implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD). Patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM or NICM, respectively) and who received an ICD may experience worsening of their condition due to the introduction of electric shock during treatment. This study aimed to investigate the utility of TAaVR in the prediction of cardiac events in ICM or NICM patients with ICD.

METHODS

Ninety-three consecutive ICM or NICM patients with ICD were retrospectively analyzed (median age: 64 years; male: 77.4%; ICD for secondary prevention: 76.3%; NICM: 64.5%). The median follow-up period was 31 months. The primary endpoint was defined as composite cardiac events, including cardiac death, major ventricular arrhythmic events (MVAE), or hospitalization due to heart failure (HHF).

RESULTS

Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that less negative TAaVR (-0.1 mV ≤ TAaVR <0 mV and 0 mV ≤ TAaVR) was independently associated with the primary endpoint (HR: 3.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-23.7; p = .04). Kaplan-Meier curve also revealed that the event free survival rate in the less negative TAaVR group was significantly lower than that in the normal TAaVR group (<-0.1 mV) (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

TAaVR is useful in risk stratification for cardiac events in ICM or NICM patients with ICD.

Association of Lead aVR T-wave Amplitude With Cardiovascular Events or Mortality Among Prevalent Dialysis Patients

In dialysis patients, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common. However, the associations between the T-wave of the lead aVR (aVRT) amplitude and cardiovascular (CV) events or total mortality are unknown. We performed a prospective, observational cohort study of prevalent hemodialysis patients (N = 474), followed for 4 years. Outcomes were composite CV events and all-cause mortality. Predictors were baseline aVRT and other ECG findings. ECG parameters were analyzed in three models: model 1, univariate; model 2, basic adjustments; and model 3, model 2 plus serum albumin, C-reactive protein level, and NT-proBNP. By Cox analysis, aVRT was best associated with both endpoints through model 1 to 3 compared to other ECG findings. Patients categorized according to aVRT amplitude showed a step-by-step increase in hazard ratios for both endpoints. The aVRT amplitude level was significantly associated with not only composite CV events but also with all-cause mortality in prevalent dialysis patients.

Syndecan-4 Is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause as Well as Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Background

Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated withincreased mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients.Syndecan-4 plays a role in many processes that are involved in the heart fibrosis and hypertrophy.We designed this study to prospectively determine whether syndecan-4 was predictive of mortality in a group of HD patients.

Methods

In total, 191 HD patients were included. Clinical, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters were recorded. HD patients were followed-up for 23.18 ± 4.02 months.

Results

Syndecan-4 levels correlated strongly with geometrical echocardiographic parameters and ejection fraction. Relations with pressure-related parameters were weak and only marginally significant. Using the receiver operating characteristics the optimal cut-off points in predicting all-cause as well as cardiovascular (CV) mortality were evaluated and patients were divided into low and high syndecan-4 groups. A Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the cumulative incidences of all-cause as well as CV mortality were higher in high serum syndecan-4 group compared with those with low serum syndecan-4 (p<0.001 in both cases).A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed syndecan-4 concentration to be an independent and significant predictor of all-cause (hazard ratio, 2.99; confidence interval, 2.34 to 3.113; p<0.001)as well as CV mortality (hazard ratio, 2.81;confidence interval, 2.28to3.02; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Serum syndecan-4 concentration reflects predominantly geometrical echocardiographic parameters. In HD patients serum syndecan-4 concentration is independently associated with all-cause as well as CV mortality.

T-wave reversal in the augmented unipolar right arm electrocardiographic lead is associated with increased risk of sudden death

BACKGROUND

Repolarization abnormalities are associated with ventricular arrhythmias, and published studies report that a reversal of T wave polarity (positive or flat T wave) in lead aVR may be linked to increased cardiovascular mortality. We evaluated whether a positive or flat T wave in aVR is a risk marker for sudden cardiac death (SCD).

METHODS

SCD cases from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study (catchment population ~1 million) were compared to geographic controls with coronary artery disease and no history of SCD. Archived electrocardiograms performed prior and unrelated to the SCD event were evaluated.

RESULTS

SCD cases (n = 691, 67.6 ± 14.9 years, 69% male) were more likely than controls (n = 663, 66.2 ± 11.6 years, 67% male) to have diabetes (40 vs 32%; p < 0.01), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% (27 vs 11 %; p < 0.01), prolonged QTc (≥450 ms; 54 vs 28%; p < 0.01) and positive (19 vs 13%; p < 0.01) or flat T wave (14 vs 7%; p < 0.01) in aVR. On multivariable analysis, a positive/flat T wave in aVR was independently associated with SCD (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.8, p < 0.01). However, a positive T wave alone lost statistical significance in patients with LVEF ≤ 35% and QTc ≥ 450 ms. In a subgroup analysis among patients with normal LVEF, QTc, and no diabetes, a positive T wave in aVR (but not a flat T wave) remained associated with SCD (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.1, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

A positive or flat T wave in lead aVR was associated with SCD in subsets of patients. This simple ECG marker in this often-ignored lead may contribute to enhancement of SCD risk stratification, and warrants further evaluation.