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Primary Prevention Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Therapy in Heart Failure with Recovered Ejection Fraction. J Card Fail 2021; 27:585-596. [PMID: 33636331 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Given recent advances in both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies for improving outcomes related to chronic systolic heart failure, heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF) is now recognized as a distinct clinical entity with increasing prevalence. In many patients who once had an indication for active implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy, questions remain regarding the usefulness of this primary prevention strategy to protect against syncope and cardiac arrest after they have achieved myocardial recovery. Early, small studies provide convincing evidence for continued guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in segments of the HFrecEF population to promote persistent left ventricular myocardial recovery. Retrospective data suggest that the risk of sudden cardiac death is lower, but still present, in HFrecEF as compared with HF with reduced ejection fraction, with reports of up to 5 appropriate ICD therapies delivered per 100 patient-years. The usefulness of continued ICD therapy is weighed against the unfavorable effects of this strategy, which include a cumulative risk of infection, inappropriate discharge, and patient-level anxiety. Historically, many surrogate measures for risk stratification have been explored, but few have demonstrated efficacy and widespread availability. We found that the available data to inform decisions surrounding the continued use of active ICD therapies in this population are incomplete, and more advanced tools such as genetic testing, evaluation of high-risk structural cardiomyopathies (such as noncompaction), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have emerged as vital in risk stratification. Clinicians and patients should engage in shared decision-making to evaluate the appropriateness of active ICD therapy for any given individual. In this article, we explore the definition of HFrecEF, data underlying continuation of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients who have achieved left ventricular ejection fraction recovery, the benefits and risks of active ICD therapy, and surrogate measures that may have a role in risk stratification.
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2017 AHA/ACC/HRS guideline for management of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Heart Rhythm 2018; 15:e73-e189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, Bryant WJ, Callans DJ, Curtis AB, Deal BJ, Dickfeld T, Field ME, Fonarow GC, Gillis AM, Granger CB, Hammill SC, Hlatky MA, Joglar JA, Kay GN, Matlock DD, Myerburg RJ, Page RL. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. Circulation 2018; 138:e272-e391. [PMID: 29084731 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - William G Stevenson
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - William J Bryant
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - David J Callans
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Anne B Curtis
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Barbara J Deal
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Timm Dickfeld
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Michael E Field
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Gregg C Fonarow
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Anne M Gillis
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Christopher B Granger
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Stephen C Hammill
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Mark A Hlatky
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - José A Joglar
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - G Neal Kay
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Daniel D Matlock
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Robert J Myerburg
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
| | - Richard L Page
- Writing committee members are required to recuse themselves from voting on sections to which their specific relationships with industry may apply; see Appendix 1 for detailed information. †ACC/AHA Representative. ‡HRS Representative. §ACC/AHA Task Force on Performance Measures Liaison/HFSA Representative. ‖ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines Liaison
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Al-Khatib SM, Stevenson WG, Ackerman MJ, Bryant WJ, Callans DJ, Curtis AB, Deal BJ, Dickfeld T, Field ME, Fonarow GC, Gillis AM, Granger CB, Hammill SC, Hlatky MA, Joglar JA, Kay GN, Matlock DD, Myerburg RJ, Page RL. 2017 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for Management of Patients With Ventricular Arrhythmias and the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society. J Am Coll Cardiol 2018; 72:e91-e220. [PMID: 29097296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.10.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 672] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Kaufmann D, Rozwadowska K, Kempa M, Lewicka E, Raczak G. Microvolt T-wave alternans and autonomic nervous system parameters can be helpful in the identification of low-arrhythmic risk patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196812. [PMID: 29723261 PMCID: PMC5933691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in all consecutive patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% is still a matter of hot debate due to the fact that the population of these patients is highly heterogeneous in terms of the SCD risk. Nevertheless, reduced LVEF is still the only established criterion during qualification of patients for ICD implantation in the primary prevention of SCD, therefore identification of persons with particularly high risk among patients with LVEF ≤35% is currently of lesser importance. More important seems to be the selection of individuals with relatively low risk of SCD in whom ICD implantation can be safely postponed. The aim of the study was to determine whether well-known, non-invasive parameters, such as microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and short-term heart rate variability (HRV), can be helpful in the identification of low-arrhythmic risk patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. METHODS In 141 patients with coronary artery disease and LVEF ≤ 35%, MTWA testing, as well as BRS and short-term HRV parameters, were analysed. During 34 ± 13 months of follow-up 37 patients had arrhythmic episode (EVENT): SCD, non-fatal sustained ventricular arrhythmia (ventricular tachycardia [VT] or ventricular fibrillation [VF]), or adequate high-voltage ICD intervention (shock) due to a rapid ventricular arrhythmia ≥200/min. LVEF, non-negative MTWA (MTWA_non-neg), BRS and low frequency power in normalized units (LFnu) turned out to be associated with the incidence of EVENT in univariate Cox analysis. The cut-off values for BRS and LFnu that most accurately distinguished between patients with and without EVENT were 3 ms/mmHg and 23, respectively. The only variable that provided 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for EVENT was negative MTWA result (MTWA_neg), but solely for initial 12 months of the follow-up; the NPVs for other potential predictors of the EVENT were lower. The cut-off values for BRS and LFnu that provide 100% NPV for EVENT during 12 and 24 months were higher: 6.0 ms/mmHg and 73 respectively, but the gain in the NPV occurred at an expense of the number of identified patients. However, the number of identified non-risk patients turned out to be higher when the predictive model included MTWA_neg and the lower cut-off values for ANS parameters: 100% NPV for 12 and 24 months of follow-up was obtained for combination MTWA_neg and BRS ≥ 3 ms/mmHg, for combination MTWA_neg and LFnu ≥ 23 100% NPV was obtained for 12 months. CONCLUSION Well-known, non-invasive parameters, such as MTWA, BRS and short-term HRV indices may be helpful in the identification of individuals with a relatively low risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias among patients with ischemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction; in such persons, implantation of ICD could be safely postponed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damian Kaufmann
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Rozwadowska
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Maciej Kempa
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Predictors of poor outcome in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A single center study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193245. [PMID: 29684090 PMCID: PMC5912712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disorder with unfavorable prognosis despite implementation of specific PAH-oriented therapy. The aim of the study was to define predictors of poor prognosis in patients from one center treated according to the Polish National Health Fund program. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-seven consecutive patients (30 women; aged 39±17 years) with PAH diagnosis were enrolled to the study. Clinical assessment, laboratory measurements, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, 6-minute walk test, 24-hour Holter monitoring, cardiopulmonary exercise test and microvolt T-wave alternans test were performed during routine visits. Eight patients died during 2.6±1.7 years follow-up. RESULTS Parametrs which differentiated patients who died were brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentration ≥330 pg/mL (sensitivity 88%, specificity 92%, area under the ROC curve [AUC] 0.92); bilirubin concentration ≥1.2 mg/dL (sensitivity 88%, specificity 81%, AUC 0.85); right atrial area ≥21 cm2 (sensitivity 86%, specificity 69%, AUC 0.84), right ventricular (RV) dimension in the apical 4-chamber view ≥47 mm (sensitivity 86%, specificity 86%, AUC 0.85) and RV to left ventricular diastolic diameter ratio ≥1.5 (sensitivity 83%, specificity 84%; AUC 0.85). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were higher BNP (p = 0.04) and bilirubin level (p = 0.03), higher right atrial area (p = 0.02) and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS In PAH patients treated with specific PAH-oriented therapy right atrial enlargement, impaired right ventricular systolic function, as well as increased BNP and bilirubin concentration was associated with an increased mortality risk.
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Abstract
Objective: To determine the values of microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) in children and adolescents with Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) and controls. Methods: Thirteen were included in the study. After analyzing the 24-h ECG recordings, MTWA was considered using three leads (V5, V1, and aVF). Right heart catheterization and 6-minute walk test (6-MWD) were applied to the patients and pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were assessed; echocardiographic parameters were obtained from both the groups and the results were compared. Results: The MTWA value in lead V5 was 81.08±10.73 µV in the patient group (63.50±18.78 µV in the control group), in lead V1 was 75.00±16.86 µV (73.94±16.77 µV in the control group), and in lead aVF was 73.77±17.81 µV (72.61±16.21 µV in the control group). Comparison of MTWA values between patients and controls revealed that only lead V5 values were statistically different in the ES group. The 6-MWD scores significantly correlated with lead V5. Right atrial volume and right ventricular fractional area change were significantly correlated with lead V1. The Tei index was significantly correlated with lead aVF. Conclusion: The MTWA lead V5 value was significantly higher in children with ES than in controls and was also correlated with decreased exercise tolerance.
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Disertori M, Gulizia MM, Casolo G, Delise P, Di Lenarda A, Di Tano G, Lunati M, Mestroni L, Salerno-Uriarte J, Tavazzi L. Improving the appropriateness of sudden arrhythmic death primary prevention by implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy in patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction. Point of view. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2016; 17:245-55. [PMID: 26895401 PMCID: PMC4768631 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 01/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the current guidelines for the primary prevention of sudden arrhythmic death, which are based on ejection fraction, do not allow the optimal selection of patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction of ischemic and nonischemic etiology for implantation of a cardioverter-defibrillator. Ejection fraction alone is limited in both sensitivity and specificity. An analysis of the risk of sudden arrhythmic death with a combination of multiple tests (ejection fraction associated with one or more arrhythmic risk markers) could partially compensate for these limitations. We propose a polyparametric approach for defining the risk of sudden arrhythmic death using ejection fraction in combination with other clinical and arrhythmic risk markers (i.e. late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance, T-wave alternans, programmed ventricular stimulation, autonomic tone, and genetic testing) that have been validated in nonrandomized trials. In this article, we examine these approaches to identify three subsets of patients who cannot be comprehensively assessed by the current guidelines: patients with ejection fraction of 35% or less and a relatively low risk of sudden arrhythmic death despite the ejection fraction value; patients with ejection fraction of 35% or less and high competitive risk of death due to evolution of heart failure or noncardiac causes; and patients with ejection fraction between 35 and 45% with relatively high risk of sudden arrhythmic death despite the ejection fraction value.
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MESH Headings
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/etiology
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/mortality
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/physiopathology
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/prevention & control
- Death, Sudden, Cardiac/etiology
- Death, Sudden, Cardiac/prevention & control
- Defibrillators, Implantable
- Humans
- Primary Prevention/methods
- Stroke Volume/physiology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/complications
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/physiopathology
- Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Disertori
- Cardiology Department, S. Chiara Hospital – Healthcare Research and Innovation Program, PAT-FBK, Trento
| | | | | | - Pietro Delise
- Division of Cardiology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda (VR)
| | - Andrea Di Lenarda
- Cardiovascular Center, Azienda Servizi Sanitari N.1 – University of Trieste, Trieste
| | | | - Maurizio Lunati
- Cardiology Department, Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Denver AMC, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jorge Salerno-Uriarte
- Department of Heart Science, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, University of Insubria, Varese
| | - Luigi Tavazzi
- GVM, Maria Cecilia Hospital, Care and Research – ES Health Science Foundation, Cotignola (RA), Italy
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Abstract
Electromuscular incapacitating devices (EMDs) are high-voltage, low-current stimulators causing involuntary muscle contractions and sensory response. Existing evidence about cardiac effects of EMD remains inconclusive. The aim of our study was to analyze electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) changes induced by EMD discharge. We examined 26 volunteers (22 men; median age 30 years) who underwent single standard 5-second duration exposure to TASER X26 under continuous echocardiographic and electrocardiographic monitoring. Microvolt T-wave alternans testing was performed at baseline (MTWA-1), as well as immediately and 60 minutes after EMD exposure (MTWA-2 and MTWA-3, respectively). Mean heart rate (HR) increased significantly from 88 ± 17 beats per minute before to 129 ± 17 beats per minute after exposure (P < 0.001). However, in 2 individuals, an abrupt decrease in HR was observed. In one of them, interval between two consecutive beats increased up to 1.7 seconds during the discharge. New onset of supraventricular premature beats was observed after discharge in 1 patient. Results of MTWA-1, MTWA-2, and MTWA-3 tests were positive in one of the subjects, each time in a different case. Standard EMD exposure can be associated with a nonuniform reaction of HR and followed by heart rhythm disturbances. New MTWA positivity can reflect either the effect of EMD exposure or a potential false positivity of MTWA assessments.
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Abstract
Ventricular repolarization is a complex electrical phenomenon which represents a crucial stage in electrical cardiac activity. It is expressed on the surface electrocardiogram by the interval between the start of the QRS complex and the end of the T wave or U wave (QT). Several physiological, pathological and iatrogenic factors can influence ventricular repolarization. It has been demonstrated that small perturbations in this process can be a potential trigger of malignant arrhythmias, therefore the analysis of ventricular repolarization represents an interesting tool to implement risk stratification of arrhythmic events in different clinical settings. The aim of this review is to critically revise the traditional methods of static analysis of ventricular repolarization as well as those for dynamic evaluation, their prognostic significance and the possible application in daily clinical practice.
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Monitillo F, Leone M, Rizzo C, Passantino A, Iacoviello M. Ventricular repolarization measures for arrhythmic risk stratification. World J Cardiol 2016; 8:57-73. [PMID: 26839657 PMCID: PMC4728107 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v8.i1.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ventricular repolarization is a complex electrical phenomenon which represents a crucial stage in electrical cardiac activity. It is expressed on the surface electrocardiogram by the interval between the start of the QRS complex and the end of the T wave or U wave (QT). Several physiological, pathological and iatrogenic factors can influence ventricular repolarization. It has been demonstrated that small perturbations in this process can be a potential trigger of malignant arrhythmias, therefore the analysis of ventricular repolarization represents an interesting tool to implement risk stratification of arrhythmic events in different clinical settings. The aim of this review is to critically revise the traditional methods of static analysis of ventricular repolarization as well as those for dynamic evaluation, their prognostic significance and the possible application in daily clinical practice.
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Paavola J, Väänänen H, Larsson K, Penttinen K, Toivonen L, Kontula K, Laine M, Aalto-Setälä K, Swan H, Viitasalo M. Slowed depolarization and irregular repolarization in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia: a study from cellular Ca2+ transients and action potentials to clinical monophasic action potentials and electrocardiography. Europace 2015; 18:1599-1607. [PMID: 26705554 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euv380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Spontaneous Ca2+ release leads to afterdepolarizations and triggered arrhythmia in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT). Irregular Ca2+ release is hypothesized to manifest as slowed depolarization and irregular repolarization. Our goal was to study depolarization and repolarization abnormalities in CPVT, as they remain largely uninvestigated. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied intracellular Ca2+ handling and action potentials (APs) in an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of CPVT. Induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes from a RyR2-P2328S patient showed increased non-alternating variability of Ca2+ transients in response to isoproterenol. β-Agonists decreased AP upslope velocity in CPVT cells and in monophasic AP recordings of CPVT patients. We compared 24 h electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 19 CPVT patients carrying RyR2 mutations and 19 healthy controls. Short-term variability (STV) of the QT interval was 6.9 ± 0.5 ms in CPVT patients vs. 5.5 ± 0.4 ms in controls (P < 0.05) and associated with a history of arrhythmic events. Mean T-wave alternans (TWA) was 25 ± 1.4 µV in CPVT patients vs. 31 ± 2.0 µV in controls (P < 0.05). Older CPVT patients showed lower maximal upslope velocity of the ECG R-spike than control patients. CONCLUSION Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia patients show higher STV of repolarization but lower TWA on the 24 h ECG than control patients, which is likely to reflect increased non-alternating variability of Ca2+ release by mutant RyR2s as observed in vitro. β-Agonists slow depolarization in RyR2-mutant cells and in CPVT patients. These findings may constitute a marker of arrhythmogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jere Paavola
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland .,Division of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center HUS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Väänänen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Kim Larsson
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Biomeditech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kirsi Penttinen
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Biomeditech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Lauri Toivonen
- Division of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center HUS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kimmo Kontula
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Laine
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland.,Division of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center HUS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katriina Aalto-Setälä
- School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Biomeditech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.,Heart Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Heikki Swan
- Division of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center HUS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Viitasalo
- Division of Cardiology, Heart and Lung Center HUS, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Burattini L, Man S, Fioretti S, Di Nardo F, Swenne CA. Heart Rate-Dependent Hysteresis of T-Wave Alternans in Primary Prevention ICD Patients. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2015; 21:460-9. [PMID: 26671620 DOI: 10.1111/anec.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-wave alternans (TWA) is usually performed at accelerated heart rates (HR) during exercise, while recovery TWA is typically not analyzed. Consequently, it is still unknown if TWA shows a HR-dependent hysteresis or not. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate TWA dependency on HR during both the exercise and recovery phases of an ergometer test, and to evaluate if recovery TWA may contribute to identify subjects at increased risk of arrhythmic events. METHODS Our HR adaptive match filter was used to identify TWA from electrocardiographic recordings acquired during a bicycle ergometer test in 266 patients with implanted cardio-defibrillator. During the 4-year follow-up, 76 patients developed tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation (ICD_Cases) and 190 did not (ICD_Controls). RESULTS TWA was statistically lower during exercise than recovery for HRs between 75 and 110 bpm (16-21 μV vs 20-27 μV; P < 0.05), and reverse for HRs between 120 and 130 bpm (41-51 μV vs 28 μV; P < 0.05). ICD_Cases and ICD_Controls showed significantly different TWA at 80 bpm (20 μV vs 15 μV; P < 0.05) and 140 bpm (15 μV vs 22 μV; P < 0.05) during exercise, and at 90 bpm (38 μV vs 21 μV; P < 0.05) and 95 bpm (33-24 μV vs 28 μV; P < 0.05) during recovery. CONCLUSIONS TWA shows a HR-dependent hysteresis and there is a different behavior of TWA in ICD_Cases and ICD_Controls groups. Consequently, beside exercise TWA also recovery TWA may contribute to identify subjects at increased risk of arrhythmic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Burattini
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sumche Man
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sandro Fioretti
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Nardo
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cees A Swenne
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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14
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Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Szwoch M, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A, Dudziak M, Kozłowski D, Raczak G. Usefulness of microvolt T-wave alternans testing in the assessment of all-cause mortality and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia risk in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. Arch Med Sci 2015; 11:945-51. [PMID: 26528334 PMCID: PMC4624729 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2013.37936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% are eligible for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement in the primary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Nevertheless, other risk factors facilitating the selection of individuals with highest mortality are still sought. The aim of the study was to verify the usefulness of microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) testing in the assessment of all-cause mortality and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (EVENTs) in these patients. Previous data from the literature are inconclusive. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with LVEF ≤ 35% were eligible if they did not have a history of sustained ventricular arrhythmias, and were treated with β-blockers. Participants underwent MTWA testing and were subsequently followed. RESULTS The group consisted of 139 patients. MTWA results were classified as non-negative (MTWA_non-neg) in 93 and negative (MTWA_neg) in 46 patients. During the 14.3 ±8.6 months of follow-up, EVENTs were observed in 21 patients. The 1-year EVENT rate was 16.4% among MTWA_non-neg patients, and 2.6% among MTWA_neg patients (p = 0.006). The sensitivity of the MTWA test was 95.24%, the specificity - 38.14%, the positive predictive value - 21.51% and the negative predictive value - 97.83%. CONCLUSIONS In the group of patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with the exclusion of patients with the history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia and individuals not being on chronic β-adrenolytic therapy, the abnormal result of MTWA testing is associated with significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia during 1 year of follow-up, thus identifying the individuals at the highest risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Małgorzata Szwoch
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Maria Dudziak
- Department of Noninvasive Cardiac Diagnostics, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dariusz Kozłowski
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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15
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Floré V, Claus P, Vos MA, Vandenberk B, Van Soest S, Sipido KR, Adriaenssens T, Bogaert J, Desmet W, Willems R. T-Wave Alternans Is Linked to Microvascular Obstruction and to Recurrent Coronary Ischemia After Myocardial Infarction. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2015; 8:484-92. [PMID: 26350221 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-015-9649-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between T-wave alternans (TWA), infarct size and microvascular obstruction (MVO) and recurrent cardiac morbidity after ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). One hundred six patients underwent TWA testing 1-12 months and 57 patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the first 2-4 days after STEMI. During follow-up (3.5 ± 0.5 years), death (n = 2), ventricular tachycardia (n = 3), supraventricular tachycardia (n = 4), heart failure (n = 3) and recurrent coronary ischemia (n = 25) were observed. After multivariate analysis, positive TWA (HR2.59, CI1.10-6.11, p0.024) and larger MVO (HR1.08, CI1.01-1.16, p0.034) were associated with recurrent angina or ACS. Presence of MVO was correlated with TWA (Spearman rho 0.404, p0.002) and the impairment of LVEF (-0.524, p < 0.001). Patients after STEMI remain at a high risk of symptoms of coronary ischemia. The presence of MVO and TWA 1-12 months after STEMI is related to each other and to recurrent angina or ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Floré
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Division of Clinical Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - P Claus
- Division of Imaging and Cardiovascular Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M A Vos
- Department of Medical Physiology, Division of Heart and Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B Vandenberk
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Van Soest
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - K R Sipido
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - T Adriaenssens
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - J Bogaert
- Department of Imaging and Pathology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - W Desmet
- Division of Clinical Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - R Willems
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Division of Clinical Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Stojkovic S, Ristl R, Moser FT, Wolzt M, Wojta J, Schmidinger H, Pezawas T. T-Wave Variability for the Prediction of Fast Ventricular Arrhythmias. Circ J 2015; 79:318-24. [DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-14-1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stojkovic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Robin Ristl
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Fabian T. Moser
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Michael Wolzt
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Johann Wojta
- Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster for Cardiovascular Research
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Herwig Schmidinger
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Thomas Pezawas
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna
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17
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Lewicka E, Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz L, Dąbrowska-Kugacka A, Zięba B, Zagożdżon P, Raczak G. Microvolt T-wave alternans profile in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Int J Cardiol 2014; 176:1294-6. [PMID: 25115244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.07.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Lewicka
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.
| | | | | | - Bożena Zięba
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paweł Zagożdżon
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Raczak
- Department of Cardiology and Electrotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland
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18
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Iacoviello M, Monitillo F. Non-invasive evaluation of arrhythmic risk in dilated cardiomyopathy: From imaging to electrocardiographic measures. World J Cardiol 2014; 6:562-576. [PMID: 25068017 PMCID: PMC4110605 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i7.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant ventricular arrhythmias are a major adverse event and worsen the prognosis of patients affected by ischemic and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The main parameter currently used to stratify arrhythmic risk and guide decision making towards the implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator is the evaluation of the left ventricular ejection fraction. However, this strategy is characterized by several limitations and consequently additional parameters have been suggested in order to improve arrhythmic risk stratification. The aim of this review is to critically revise the prognostic significance of non-invasive diagnostic tools in order to better stratify the arrhythmic risk prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy patients.
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19
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Kim R, Cingolani O, Wittstein I, McLean R, Han L, Cheng K, Robinson E, Brinker J, Schulman SS, Berger RD, Henrikson CA, Tereshchenko LG. Mechanical alternans is associated with mortality in acute hospitalized heart failure: prospective mechanical alternans study (MAS). Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2014; 7:259-66. [PMID: 24585716 DOI: 10.1161/circep.113.000958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute hospitalized heart failure (AHHF) is associated with 40% to 50% risk of death or rehospitalization within 6 months after discharge. Timely (before hospital discharge) risk stratification of patients with AHHF is crucial. We hypothesized that mechanical alternans (MA) and T-wave alternans (TWA) are associated with postdischarge outcomes in patients with AHHF. METHODS AND RESULTS A prospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive cardiac care unit and enrolled 133 patients (59.6±15.7 years; 65% men) admitted with AHHF. Surface ECG and peripheral arterial blood pressure waveform via arterial line were recorded continuously during the intensive cardiac care unit stay. MA and TWA were measured by enhanced modified moving average method. All-cause death or heart transplant served as a combined primary end point. MA was observed in 28 patients (25%), whereas TWA was detected in 33 patients (33%). If present, MA was tightly coupled with TWA. Mean TWA amplitude was larger in patients with both TWA and MA when compared with patients with lone TWA (median, 37 [interquartile range, 26-61] versus 22 [21-23] μV; P=0.045). After a median of 10-month postdischarge, 42 (38%) patients died and 2 had heart transplants. MA was associated with the primary end point in univariable Cox model (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-3.40; P=0.05) and after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association HF class, and implanted implantable cardioverter defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (hazard ratio, 2.12 95% confidence interval, 1.13-3.98; P=0.020). TWA without consideration of simultaneous MA was not significantly associated with primary end point (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.77-2.64; P=0.260). CONCLUSIONS MA is independently associated with outcomes in AHHF. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01557465.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kim
- Whiting School of Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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20
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A combined anatomic and electrophysiologic substrate based approach for sudden cardiac death risk stratification. Am Heart J 2013; 166:744-52. [PMID: 24093856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2013.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is the primary determinant for sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification, in isolation, LVEF is a sub-optimal risk stratifier. We assessed whether a multi-marker strategy would provide more robust SCD risk stratification than LVEF alone. METHODS We collected patient-level data (n = 3355) from 6 studies assessing the prognostic utility of microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) testing. Two thirds of the group was used for derivation (n = 2242) and one-third for validation (n = 1113). The discriminative capacity of the multivariable model was assessed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (c-index). The primary endpoint was SCD at 24 months. RESULTS In the derivation cohort, 59 patients experienced SCD by 24 months. Stepwise selection suggested that a model based on 3 parameters (LVEF, coronary artery disease and MTWA status) provided optimal SCD risk prediction. In the derivation cohort, the c-index of the model was 0.817, which was significantly better than LVEF used as a single variable (0.637, P < .001). In the validation cohort, 36 patients experienced SCD by 24 months. The c-index of the model for predicting the primary endpoint was again significantly better than LVEF alone (0.774 vs 0.671, P = .020). CONCLUSIONS A multivariable model based on presence of coronary artery disease, LVEF and MTWA status provides significantly more robust SCD risk prediction than LVEF as a single risk marker. These findings suggest that multi-marker strategies based on different aspects of the electro-anatomic substrate may be capable of improving primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator treatment algorithms.
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21
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Disertori M, Quintarelli S, Mazzola S, Favalli V, Narula N, Arbustini E. The need to modify patient selection to improve the benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention of sudden death in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. Europace 2013; 15:1693-701. [PMID: 23946316 DOI: 10.1093/europace/eut228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% is a major determinant for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy for primary prevention of sudden death (SD) in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). However, as a risk marker for SD, low LVEF has limited sensibility and specificity. Selecting patients according to the current guidelines shows that most DCM patients do not actually benefit from ICD implantation and may suffer collateral effects and that many patients who are at risk of SD are not identified because a large proportion of SD patients exhibit only mildly depressed LVEF. Identifying patients who are at risk of SD on the sole basis of LVEF appears to be an over-simplification which does not maximize the benefit of ICD therapy. Owing to the complexity of the substrates underlying SD, multiple risk factors used in combination could probably predict the risk of SD better than any individual risk marker. Among non-invasive tests, microvolt T-wave alternans and cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement may contribute to a better SD risk stratification by their high negative predictive value. Genetics may further contribute because approximately one-third of DCM patients have evidence of familial disease, and mutations in some known disease genes, including LMNA, have been associated with a high risk of SD. In this review, we critically analyse the current indications for ICD implantation and we explore existing knowledge about potentially predicting markers for selecting DCM patients who are at high and low risk of SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Disertori
- Healthcare Research and Innovation Program, IRCS-FBK, 38123, Trento, Italy
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22
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Burattini L, Man S, Sweene CA. The power of exercise-induced T-wave alternans to predict ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implanted cardiac defibrillator. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2013; 4:167-84. [PMID: 23778010 DOI: 10.1260/2040-2295.4.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The power of exercise-induced T-wave alternans (TWA) to predict the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias was evaluated in 67 patients with an implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD). During the 4-year follow-up, electrocardiographic (ECG) tracings were recorded in a bicycle ergometer test with increasing workload ranging from zero (NoWL) to the patient's maximal capacity (MaxWL). After the follow-up, patients were classified as either ICD_Cases (n = 29), if developed ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, or ICD_Controls (n = 38). TWA was quantified using our heart-rate adaptive match filter. Compared to NoWL, MaxWL was characterized by faster heart rates and higher TWA in both ICD_Cases (12-18 μ V vs. 20-39 μ V; P < 0.05) and ICD_Controls (9-15 μ V vs. 20-32 μ V; P < 0.05). Still, TWA was able to discriminate the two ICD groups during NoWL (sensitivity = 59-83%, specificity = 53-84%) but not MaxWL (sensitivity = 55-69%, specificity = 39-74%). Thus, this retrospective observational case-control study suggests that TWA's predictive power for the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias could increase at low heart rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Burattini
- Department of Information Engineering, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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23
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Jackson CE, Myles RC, Tsorlalis IK, Dalzell JR, Rocchiccioli JP, Rodgers JR, Spooner RJ, Greenlaw N, Ford I, Gardner RS, Cobbe SM, Petrie MC, McMurray JJV. Spectral microvolt T-wave alternans testing has no prognostic value in patients recently hospitalized with decompensated heart failure. Eur J Heart Fail 2013; 15:1253-61. [PMID: 23703105 DOI: 10.1093/eurjhf/hft085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) testing identifies beat-to-beat fluctuations in T-wave morphology, which have been linked to ventricular arrhythmias. However, clinical studies have produced conflicting results and data in heart failure (HF) have been limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and incremental prognostic value of spectral MTWA testing in an unselected cohort of patients recently hospitalized with HF. METHODS AND RESULTS Consecutive admissions with confirmed HF were recruited, and survivors were invited to attend 1 month post-discharge for MTWA testing. A total of 648 of 1003 enrolled patients returned for MTWA testing (58% male, mean age 71 years). Forty-nine per cent were ineligible due to AF, pacemaker dependency, or inability to exercise. Of the 330 MTWA test results, 30% were positive, 24% negative, and 46% indeterminate. Overall, 268 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 3.1 (interquartile range 1.9-3.9) years. Of the ineligible patients, 48% died vs. 35% of eligible patients (P < 0.001). Of those patients with positive, negative, and indeterminate tests, 27, 35, and 40%, respectively, died (P = 0.12). Even when analysed as non-negative (positive/indeterminate) vs. negative, there was still no between-group difference in mortality (P = 0.95). MTWA results categorized as positive, negative, or indeterminate showed no incremental prognostic value in a multivariable model, which included BNP. Paradoxically, when compared in a binary fashion with a non-negative result, a negative test was an independent predictor of death, as was ineligibility for MTWA testing. CONCLUSION Spectral MTWA testing was not widely applicable and failed to predict mortality, and so cannot be endorsed as a risk stratification tool in HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette E Jackson
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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T wave alternans in experimental myocardial infarction: Time course and predictive value for the assessment of myocardial damage. J Electrocardiol 2013; 46:263-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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25
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Microvolt T-wave alternans testing provides a reliable means of guiding anti-arrhythmic therapy. Am Heart J 2012; 164:e7; author reply e9-e10. [PMID: 23067926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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