The Predictive Value and Evolution of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Following Transcutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation

Carbohydrate antigen 125-guided pre-TAVI medical optimization: impact on quality of life and clinical outcomes

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), a biomarker associated with fluid overload, has proven useful in managing diuretic therapy in heart failure. We aimed to evaluate the impact of diuretic optimization guided by CA125 before transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) on outcomes.

METHODS

This prospective interventional study enrolled patients scheduled for TAVI, in whom baseline CA125 was measured 2 weeks before TAVI. Patients with CA125 ≥ 20 U/mL underwent diuretic up-titration before TAVI. Three groups were included: group I) baseline CA125 <20 U/mL; IIa) CA125 ≥ 20 U/mL that decreased after treatment, and IIb) CA125 ≥ 20 U/mL that did not decrease. The primary outcome was changes in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire at 3 and 12 months. The secondary endpoint was clinical events.

RESULTS

The study included 184 patients (115 group I, 46 IIa, and 23 IIb). Groups I and IIa exhibited early and sustained improvements in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (group I: 18.9 points [95%CI, 15.7-22.1; P <.001] at 90 days, and 18.1 [95%CI, 14.9-21.4, P <.001] at 1 year; group IIa: 21.1 points [95%CI, 15.4-26.7; P <.001] and 19.5 [95%CI, 13.9-25.1; P <.001] respectively). In contrast, in group IIb there was no significant improvement at 90 days (P=.12), with improvement being significant only at 1 year (17.8 points, 95%CI, 5.9-29.6; P=.003). Over a median follow-up of 20.7 months, there were 63 (27.83%) deaths or heart failure admissions. Multivariate analysis showed a lower risk of events in group I vs IIb (HR, 0.28; 95%CI, 0.14-0.58; P <.001), and IIa vs IIb (HR, 0.24; 95%CI, 0.11-0.55; P <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with persistently high CA125 despite diuretic therapy pre-TAVI showed slower functional recovery and poorer clinical outcomes after TAVI.

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation and relationship with long-term outcomes

Background

Blood levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been suggested as a future guidance tool for the selection of patients for aortic valve replacement. This study aimed to examine how levels of NT-proBNP pre-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is associated with one-year rates of heart failure (HF) admission and mortality following TAVI.

Methods

With Danish nationwide registries, we identified all patients undergoing TAVI from 2014 to 2021 who had at least one recorded NT-pro-BNP measurement within one year before TAVI. Patients were compared by quartiles of pre-TAVI NT-proBNP: quartile 4 (high NT-proBNP group) vs quartile 1-3 (low NT-proBNP group). Comparisons of all-cause mortality and HF-admissions were conducted using Kaplan-Meier analysis, cumulative incidence, and Cox analysis, as appropriate.

Results

We identified 1,140 patients undergoing first-time TAVI with a recorded NT-pro-BNP; 846 (74.2 %) with a low NT-proBNP (<420 pmol/L) (55.0 % male, median age 81 year) and 294 (25.8 %) with a high NT-proBNP (≥420 pmol/L) (53.1 % male, median age 82 year). A high versus low NT-proBNP was associated with increased one-year cumulative incidence of HF-admissions (9.1 % vs. 23.1 %, adjusted HR 2.00 [95 % CI, 1.40-2.85]) and all-cause mortality (6.0 % vs. 14.6 %, adjusted HR 1.95 [95 % CI: 1.24-3.07]). A high NT-proBNP was associated with higher rates of outcomes irrespective of previously known atrial fibrillation, HF, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing TAVI, a baseline NT-proBNP ≥ 420 pmol/L was associated with increased one-year rates of HF-admission and mortality post-TAVI and may be utilized to identify a high-risk population.

Baseline NT-proBNP Accurately Predicts Symptom Response to Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background

Up to 30% of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) experience minimal symptomatic benefit or die within 1 year, indicating an urgent need for enhanced patient selection. Previous analyses of baseline NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide) and TAVI outcomes have assumed a linear relationship, yielding conflicting results. We reexamined the relationship between baseline NT‐proBNP and symptomatic improvement after TAVI.

Methods and Results

Symptom status, clinical and echocardiographic data, and baseline NT‐proBNP were reviewed from 144 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The primary end point was change in New York Heart Association functional class at 1 year. There was a nonlinear, inverted‐U relationship between log‐baseline NT‐proBNP and post‐TAVI change in NYHA class (R²=0.4559). NT‐proBNP thresholds of <800 and >10 000 ng/L accurately predicted no symptomatic improvement at 1 year (sensitivity 88%, specificity 83%, positive predictive value 72%, negative predictive value 93%). In adjusted analyses, baseline NT‐proBNP outside this “sweet‐spot” range was the only factor independently associated with poor functional outcome (high: NT‐proBNP >10 000 ng/L, odds ratio [OR], 65; 95% CI, 6–664; low: NT‐proBNP <800 ng/L, OR, 73; 95% CI, 7–738).

Conclusions

Baseline NT‐proBNP is a useful prognostic marker to predict poor symptom relief after TAVI and may indicate when intervention is likely to be futile. Both low (<800 ng/L) and very high (>10 000 ng/L) levels are strongly associated with poor functional outcome, suggesting an alternative cause for symptoms in the former scenario and an irrevocably diseased left ventricle in the latter. Further evaluation of this relationship is warranted.

Meta-Analysis of Impact of Baseline N-TerminalPro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels on SurvivalAfter Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation for Aortic Stenosis

We performed a meta-analysis of currently available studies investigating impact of baseline N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for aortic stenosis (AS). MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through August 2018 using PubMed and OVID. Studies considered for inclusion met the following criteria: the design was a study researching impact of baseline NT-proBNP levels on survival; the study population was patients underwent TAVI for AS; outcomes included all-cause mortality. For each study, we directly extracted odds ratio (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality (for high vs low baseline NT-proBNP); and generated ORs using mortality rates in both patients with high and low levels of baseline NT-proBNP. Study-specific estimates were combined using inverse variance-weighted averages of logarithmic ORs/HRs in the random-effects model. We identified 16 eligible studies including a total of 3,679 patients who underwent TAVI for AS. Pooled analyses demonstrated that high levels of baseline NT-proBNP were associated with a statistically nonsignificant increase in early (30-day or 2-month) mortality (pooled OR, 1.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.84 to 3.04; p = 0.15) and a statistically significant increase in midterm (6-month to 4-year) mortality (pooled OR/HR, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.54 to 2.28; p < 0.00001). Although funnel-plot asymmetry suggesting publication bias was detected, adjusting for funnel-plot asymmetry indicated an association of high levels of baseline NT-proBNP with a still significant increase in midterm mortality. In conclusion, high levels of baseline NT-proBNP predict increased midterm, not early, mortality after TAVI for AS.

Early changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and its impact on long-term mortality

BACKGROUND

N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels correlate with higher peri-procedural mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The long-term prognostic value of NT-proBNP within the first days after TAVR, however, remains unclear. This study examined early changes in NT-proBNP prior to and within 6 days after TAVR, the diagnostic value of this biomarker regarding aortic regurgitation (AR), and its prognostic value regarding one-year mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in 504 consecutive patients undergoing transapical (TA) or transfemoral (TF) TAVR before and directly after TAVR as well as 4 h and 1, 2, 3, and 6 days after TAVR. The follow-up period was 1 year. NT-proBNP was elevated in all patients at baseline (median 2141 ng/L [IQR 1021-5319 ng/L]). NT-proBNP changes in the first 6 days after TAVR showed significant differences depending on the approach, with a greater and more prolonged rise evident in TA-TAVR patients. NT-proBNP was an independent predictor of mortality in TA patients with AR, with an AUC of 0.794 (95% CI 0.663-0.925; P = 0.003) when measured on day 3 after TAVR. For TF patients with AR and reduced left ventricular systolic function, the AUC for prediction of mortality was 0.897 (95% CI 0.778-1.0; P = 0.004) on day 2.

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic information of early post-procedural NT-proBNP concentrations is superior to pre-procedural values regarding all-cause mortality within 1 year. Post-procedural NT-proBNP must be interpreted in relation to the TAVR approach. NT-proBNP predicts mortality in TF-TAVR patients with AR and reduced left ventricular function.

Is elevation of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at discharge associated with 2-year composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation? Insights from a multicentre prospective OCEAN-TAVI registry in Japan

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the 2-year prognostic impact of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at discharge following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

DESIGN

Multicentre prospective observational study.

SETTINGS

Seven institutions from multicentre, observational registry of symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who undergo TAVI.

PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled 500 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI with measurements of NT-proBNP at discharge between 2013 and 2016. Study patients were stratified into two groups according to survival classification and regression tree (CART) analysis: high versus low NT-proBNP groups.

INTERVENTIONS

The impact of high NT-proBNP on a 2-year composite endpoint consisting of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation was evaluated using a multivariable Cox model.

RESULTS

Median age was 86 years (quartile 82-89), and 24.2% of the study population were men. Median Society of Thoracic Surgeon score was 7.1 (5.1-9.8), and NT-proBNP at discharge was 1381 (653-3136) pg/mL. The composite endpoint incidence was 13.0% (95% CI 9.5% to 16.3%) at 1 year and 22.3% (95% CI 16.1%-27.9%) at 2 years. The survival CART analysis revealed that the NT-proBNP level required to discern the 2-year composite endpoint was 4288 pg/mL. Elevated NT-proBNP had a statistically significant impact on outcomes, with adjusted HR of 2.21 (95% CI 1.21 to 4.04, p=0.010), and with a significant sex difference (P for interaction=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Elevation of NT-proBNP at discharge is associated with higher incidence of the 2-year composite endpoint after TAVI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

000020423.

Rise and fall of NT-proBNP in aortic valve intervention

Objectives

To describe the dynamics of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from preoperative evaluation to 6-month follow-up in patients undergoing aortic valve intervention, and to evaluate NT-proBNP with regard to 1-year mortality.

Methods

At preoperative evaluation, we prospectively included 462 patients accepted for aortic valve intervention. The median time to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR; n=336) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI; n=126) was 4 months. NT-proBNP was measured at enrolment for preoperative evaluation, on the day of surgery, postoperatively on day 1, day 3 and at the 6-month follow-up. Subgroups of patients undergoing SAVR with aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis with and without coronary artery bypass were also analysed.

Results

NT-proBNP remained stable in all subgroups during the preoperative waiting period, but displayed a substantial transient early postoperative increase with a peak on day 3 except in the TAVI group, which peaked on day 1. At the 6-month follow-up, NT-proBNP had decreased to or below the preoperative level in all groups. In the SAVR group, NT-proBNP preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 3 revealed significant discriminatory power with regard to 1-year mortality (area under the curve (AUC)=0.79, P=0.0001; AUC=0.71, P=0.03; and AUC=0.79, P=0.002, respectively). This was not found in the TAVI group, which had higher levels of NT-proBNP both preoperatively and at the 6-month follow-up compared with the SAVR group.

Conclusions

The dynamic profile of NT-proBNP differed between patients undergoing TAVI and SAVR. NT-proBNP in the perioperative course was associated with increased risk of 1-year mortality in SAVR but not in TAVI.

Improvement in Risk Stratification in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Using a Combination of the Tumor Marker CA125 and the Logistic EuroSCORE

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Conventional risk scores have not been accurate in predicting peri- and postprocedural risk of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Elevated levels of the tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have been linked to adverse outcomes after TAVI. We studied the additional value of CA125 to that of the EuroSCORE in predicting long-term mortality after TAVI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 59 weeks, 115 of 422 patients (27%) died after TAVI. Mortality was higher with elevated CA125 (> 30 U/mL) and EuroSCORE (> median) (47% vs 20%, P<.001 and 38% vs 16%, P<.001, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, CA125 (> 30 U/mL) remained an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.16; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.48-3.15; P<.001) and improved the predictive capability of the model (C-statistic: 0.736 vs 0.731) and the net reclassification index (51% 95%CI, 33-73) with an integrated discriminative improvement of 3.5% (95%CI, 0.5-8.4). A new variable (CA125-EuroSCORE) was created, with the combinations of the 2 possible binary states of these variables (+, elevated, -, not elevated; C1: CA125- EuroSCORE-; C2: CA125+ EuroSCORE-; C3: CA125- EuroSCORE+; C4: CA125+ EuroSCORE+). Patients in C1 exhibited the lowest cumulative mortality rate (14% [26 of 181]). Mortality was intermediate for C2 (CA125 > 30 U/mL and EuroSCORE ≤ median) and C3 (CA125 ≤ 30 U/mL and EuroSCORE > median): 27% (8 of 30) and 28% (37 of 131), respectively. Patients in C4 (CA125 > 30 U/mL and EuroSCORE > median) exhibited the highest mortality (55% [44 of 80], P-value for trend<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

CA125 offers additional prognostic information beyond that obtained by the EuroSCORE. Elevation of both markers was associated with a poor prognosis.

Midregional Proadrenomedullin Improves Risk Stratification beyond Surgical Risk Scores in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Conventional surgical risk scores lack accuracy in risk stratification of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Elevated levels of midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) levels are associated with adverse outcome not only in patients with manifest chronic disease states, but also in the general population.

Objectives

We investigated the predictive value of MR-proADM for mortality in an unselected contemporary TAVR population.

Methods

We prospectively included 153 patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR from September 2013 to August 2014. This population was compared to an external validation cohort of 205 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. The primary endpoint was all cause mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 258 days, 17 out of 153 patients who underwent TAVR died (11%). Patients with MR-proADM levels above the 75^th percentile (≥ 1.3 nmol/l) had higher mortality (31% vs. 4%, HR 8.9, 95% CI 3.0–26.0, P < 0.01), whereas patients with EuroSCORE II scores above the 75^th percentile (> 6.8) only showed a trend towards higher mortality (18% vs. 9%, HR 2.1, 95% CI 0.8–5.6, P = 0.13). The Harrell’s C-statistic was 0.58 (95% CI 0.45–0.82) for the EuroSCORE II, and consideration of baseline MR-proADM levels significantly improved discrimination (AUC = 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.92, P = 0.01). In bivariate analysis adjusted for EuroSCORE II, MR-proADM levels ≥1.3 nmol/l persisted as an independent predictor of mortality (HR 9.9, 95% CI (3.1–31.3), P <0.01) and improved the model’s net reclassification index (0.89, 95% CI (0.28–1.59). These results were confirmed in the independent validation cohort.

Conclusions

Our study identified MR-proADM as a novel predictor of mortality in patients undergoing TAVR. In the future, MR-proADM should be added to the commonly used EuroSCORE II for better risk stratification of patients suffering from severe aortic stenosis.

Effect of B-type natriuretic peptides on long-term outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are elevated in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and decrease acutely after replacement of the stenotic valve. The long-term prognostic value of BNP after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and the relative prognostic utility of single versus serial peri-interventional measurements of BNP and N-terminal prohormone BNP (NT-pro-BNP) are unknown. This study sought to determine the impact of BNP levels on long-term outcomes after TAVI and to compare the utility of BNP versus NT-pro-BNP measured before and after intervention. We analyzed 340 patients with severe AS and baseline pre-TAVI assessment of BNP. In 219 patients, BNP and NT-pro-BNP were measured serially before and after intervention. Clinical outcomes over 2 years were recorded. Patients with high baseline BNP (higher tertile ≥591 pg/ml) had increased risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 3.16, 95% confidence interval 1.84 to 5.42; p <0.001) and cardiovascular death at 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio 3.37, 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 6.39; p <0.001). Outcomes were most unfavorable in patients with persistently high BNP before and after intervention. Comparing the 2 biomarkers, NT-pro-BNP levels measured after TAVI showed the highest prognostic discrimination for 2-year mortality (area under the curve 0.75; p <0.01). Baseline-to-discharge reduction, but not baseline levels of BNP, was related to New York Heart Association functional improvement. In conclusion, high preintervention BNP independently predicts 2-year outcomes after TAVI, particularly when elevated levels persist after the intervention. BNP and NT-pro-BNP and their serial periprocedural changes provide complementary prognostic information for symptomatic improvement and survival.

Anesthetic management of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVE

To compare 2 anesthetic techniques, general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care, performed by the same cardiac anesthesiologists for transcatheter aortic valve implantation in the authors' institution.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

A single specialized cardiac surgery center.

PARTICIPANTS

Ninety-eight patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and a high logistic EuroSCORE considered not eligible to undergo conventional aortic valve replacement.

INTERVENTION

General anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

General anesthesia was used in 57 and monitored anesthesia care in 41 patients. The authors compared the following parameters: Duration of procedure, transfusion requirements, cardiac indices, superior vena cava saturation (ScVO2) before and after the aortic valve implantation, hospital length of stay and 30-day mortality. The only significant differences between the groups concerned were the duration of anesthesia (p<0.001) and ScVO2 values. Anesthesia duration was prolonged significantly when general anesthesia was administered, and ScVO2 was significantly higher both before and after the valve implantation in the general anesthesia group. Thirty-day mortality was 5.3% in the general anesthesia group and 4.9% in the monitored anesthesia group.

CONCLUSIONS

It would appear that both anesthetic techniques may be used for patients with a high logistic EuroSCORE undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Long-term prognostic value and serial changes of plasma N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Little is known about the usefulness of evaluating cardiac neurohormones in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the baseline values and serial changes of N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) after TAVI, its related factors, and prognostic value. A total of 333 consecutive patients were included, and baseline, procedural, and follow-up (median 20 months, interquartile range 9 to 36) data were prospectively collected. Systematic NT-proBNP measurements were performed at baseline, hospital discharge, 1, 6, and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Baseline NT-proBNP values were elevated in 86% of the patients (median 1,692 pg/ml); lower left ventricular ejection fraction and stroke volume index, greater left ventricular mass, and renal dysfunction were associated with greater baseline values (p <0.01 for all). Higher NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with increased long-term overall and cardiovascular mortalities (p <0.001 for both), with a baseline cut-off level of ∼2,000 pg/ml best predicting worse outcomes (p <0.001). At 6- to 12-month follow-up, NT-proBNP levels had decreased (p <0.001) by 23% and remained stable up to 4-year follow-up. In 39% of the patients, however, there was a lack of NT-proBNP improvement, mainly related to preprocedural chronic atrial fibrillation, lower mean transaortic gradient, and moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation (p <0.01 for all). In conclusion, most patients undergoing TAVI presented high NT-proBNP levels, and a lack of improvement was observed in >1/3 of the patients after TAVI. Also, higher NT-proBNP levels predicted greater overall and cardiac mortalities at a median follow-up of 2 years. These findings support the implementation of NT-proBNP measurements for the clinical decision-making process and follow-up of patients undergoing TAVI.

Tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 predicts adverse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to predict the value of tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for all-cause death and a composite endpoint of death, admission for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke (major adverse cardiac events [MACE]).

BACKGROUND

Risk stratification after TAVI remains challenging. The use of biomarkers in this setting represents an unmet need.

METHODS

CA125 was measured in 228 patients before and after TAVI. The association with outcomes was assessed using parametric Cox regression and joint modeling for baseline and longitudinal analyses, respectively. CA125 was evaluated as logarithm transformation and dichotomized by its median value (M1 ≤15.7 U/ml vs. M2 >15.7 U/ml).

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 183 days (interquartile range: 63 to 365) and 144 days (interquartile range: 56 to 365), 50 patients (22%) died and 75 patients (33%) experienced MACE. A 3-fold increase in the rates for death and MACE was observed in patients above the median (M2 vs. M1) of CA125 (5.2 vs. 1.6 per 10 person-years and 8.3 vs. 3.3 per 10 person-years, respectively; p for both <0.001). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for logistic EuroSCORE, New York Heart Association functional class III/IV, and device success, baseline values of CA125 (M2 vs. M1) independently predicted death (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11 to 4.26; p = 0.023) and MACE (HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.98; p = 0.031). In the longitudinal analysis, lnCA125 as a time-varying exposure, was highly associated with both endpoints: HR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01 to 2.14; p = 0.043 and HR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.28 to 3.98; p = 0.005, for death and MACE, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum levels of CA125 before and after TAVI independently predict death and MACE.

A systematic review of transapical aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) through a transapical approach (TAAVI) for severe aortic stenosis becomes the procedure of choice in cases where patients have peripheral artery disease and unfeasible access due to excessive atherosclerotic disease of the iliofemoral vessels and aorta. The present systematic review aimed to assess the safety, success rate, clinical outcomes, hemodynamic outcomes, and survival benefits of TAAVI.

METHODS

Electronic searches were performed in 6 databases from January 2000 to February 2012. The primary end points included feasibility and safety. Other end points included echocardiographic findings, functional class improvement, and survival.

RESULTS

After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 48 out of 154 shortlisted potentially relevant articles were selected for assessment. Of these, 26 studies from 24 centers including total number of 2,807 patients were included for appraisal and data extraction. The current evidence on TAAVI for aortic stenosis is limited to observational studies. Successful TAAVI implantation occurred in >90% of patients. On average, the procedure took between 64 to 154 minutes to complete. The incidence of major adverse events included 30-day mortality (4.7-20.8%); cerebrovascular accident (0-16.3%); major tachyarrhythmia (0-48.8%); bradyarrhythmia requiring permanent pacemaker insertion (0-18.7%); cardiac tamponade (0-11%); major bleeding (1-17%); myocardial infarction (0-6%); aortic dissection/rupture (0-5%); moderate to severe paravalvular leak (0.7-24%); cardiopulmonary bypass support (0-15%); conversion to surgery (0-9.5%); and valve-in-valve implantation (0.6-8%). Mean aortic valve area improved from 0.4-0.7 cm(2) before TAAVI to 1.4-2.1 cm(2) after TAAVI. The peak pressure gradient across the aortic valve decreased from >70 mmHg to <20 mmHg after TAAVI. One-year survival ranged from 49.3% to 82% and the 3-year survival was 58% in 2 series.

CONCLUSIONS

TAAVI appears to be feasible with a reasonable safety and efficacy portfolio. Randomised controlled trials are required to compare transapical vs. transfemoral TAVI when both techniques are equally feasible.

Correlation of brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing operative valve replacement or percutaneous transcatheter intervention with clinical, echocardiographic, and hemodynamic factors and prognosis

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a marker of systolic and diastolic dysfunction and a strong predictor of mortality in heart failure patients. The present study aimed to assess the relationship of BNP with aortic stenosis (AS) severity and prognosis. The cohort comprised 289 high-risk patients with severe AS who were referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Patients were divided into tertiles based on BNP level: I (n = 96); II (n = 95), and III (n = 98). Group III patients were more symptomatic, had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons and EuroSCORE scores, and had a greater prevalence of renal failure, atrial fibrillation, and previous myocardial infarction; lower ejection fraction and cardiac output; and higher pulmonary pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure. The degree of AS did not differ among the 3 groups. Stepwise forward multiple regression analysis identifies ejection fraction and pulmonary artery systolic pressure as independent correlates with plasma BNP. Mortality rates during a median follow-up of 319 days (range 110 to 655) were significantly lower in Group I compared with Groups II and III, p <0.001. After multivariable adjustment, the strongest correlates for mortality were renal failure (hazard ratio 1.44, p = 0.05) and medical/balloon aortic valvuloplasty (HR 2.2, p <0.001). Mean BNP decreased immediately after balloon aortic valvuloplasty from 1,595 ± 1,229 to 1,252 ± 1,076, p = 0.001 yet increased to 1,609 ± 1,264, p = 0.9 at 1 to 12 months. After surgical aortic valve replacement, there was a nonsignificant, immediate decrease in BNP level from 928 ± 1,221 to 896 ± 1,217, p = 0.77, continuing up to 12 months 533 ± 213, p = 0.08. After transcatheter aortic valve implantation, there was no significant decrease in BNP immediately after the procedure; however, at 1-year follow-up, the mean BNP level decreased significantly from 568 ± 582 to 301 ± 266 pg/dl, p = 0.03. In conclusion, a high BNP level in high-risk patients with severe AS is not an independent marker for higher mortality. BNP level does not appear to be significantly associated with the degree of AS severity but does reflect heart failure status.

Comparison 30-day clinical complications between transfemoral versus transapical aortic valve replacement for aortic stenosis: a meta-analysis review

Background

Since 2002, transapical aortic valve replacement has been developed as a clinical pathway for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However the appropriate role of TA in the AS population versus TF remains unclear. We performed a meta-analysis to assess if TF has any benefit in reduction of 30-day clinical complications in AS.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search on pub-med and web of knowledge from 2002 through September 2012 using following terms: aortic stenosis, aortic valve replacement, transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI, trans-artery, transfemoral, trans-apical. Studies in the original research or review articles were also considered. Included studies must meet the preconditioned criterias. Two investigators independently browsed the studies by title and abstract, finally making decision according to full-text. Disagreements were discussed in group.

Results

A total of 20 studies met inclusion criteria’s and were included in the analysis (including 4267 patients in TF group, 2242 in TA group). No random clinical trial, one was a retrospective study, others were prospective trials. Our meta-analysis found that TF had the low incidence of 30-day mortality compared with TA procedure (7.5% versus 11.3%). The incidence of stroke at ≤ 30 days was relatively low (3.8% in TF versus 4.0% in TA). Although the incidence of post-operative heart block was high (8.5% versus 7.5%), but no differences were indicated [1.06,95% CI(0.85,1.33)].

Conclusions

The result of our meta-analysis suggested that TF may have a low risk for 30-day mortality against TA procedure. No difference was found in the incidence of post-operative stroke and heart block.

Prognostic utility of biomarkers in predicting of one-year outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis treated with transcatheter or surgical aortic valve implantation

Objectives

The aim of the work was to find biomarkers identifying patients at high risk of adverse clinical outcomes after TAVI and SAVR in addition to currently used predictive model (EuroSCORE).

Background

There is limited data about the role of biomarkers in predicting prognosis, especially when TAVI is available.

Methods

The multi-biomarker sub-study included 42 consecutive high-risk patients (average age 82.0 years; logistic EuroSCORE 21.0%) allocated to TAVI transfemoral and transapical using the Edwards-Sapien valve (n = 29), or SAVR with the Edwards Perimount bioprosthesis (n = 13). Standardized endpoints were prospectively followed during the 12-month follow-up.

Results

The clinical outcomes after both TAVI and SAVR were comparable. Malondialdehyde served as the best predictor of a combined endpoint at 1 year with AUC (ROC analysis) = 0.872 for TAVI group, resp. 0.765 (p<0.05) for both TAVI and SAVR groups. Increased levels of MDA, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP1), ferritin-reducing ability of plasma, homocysteine, cysteine and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine were all predictors of the occurrence of combined safety endpoints at 30 days (AUC 0.750–0.948; p<0.05 for all). The addition of MDA to a currently used clinical model (EuroSCORE) significantly improved prediction of a combined safety endpoint at 30 days and a combined endpoint (0–365 days) by the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (p<0.05).

Cystatin C, glutathione, cysteinylglycine, asymmetric dimethylarginine, nitrite/nitrate and MMP9 did not prove to be significant. Total of 14.3% died during 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

We identified malondialdehyde, a marker of oxidative stress, as the most promising predictor of adverse outcomes during the 30-day and 1-year follow-up in high-risk patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis treated with TAVI. The development of a clinical “TAVIscore” would be highly appreciated. Such dedicated scoring system would enable further testing of adjunctive value of various biomarkers.

Patient selection for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: patient risk profile and anatomical selection criteria

Patient selection plays a crucial role in the success of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It requires meticulous attention to the smallest of details and needs to be performed in a systematic manner for every patient. In essence, the patient must be assessed from access to implantation site. Becoming over "complacent" and "routine" may lead to failure and impact patient safety. TAVI is indicated for high or prohibitive surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Some patients, however, are too high risk even for TAVI. In addition to patient risk evaluation, anatomical selection criteria need to be considered. Multimodality imaging, using a combination of angiography, echocardiography and multislice computed tomography, is necessary to determine the anatomical suitability for the procedure.