Transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement for patients with severe, symptomatic, aortic stenosis at low to intermediate surgical risk: a clinical practice guideline

Patient preferences for heart valve disease intervention

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine how patients trade-off the benefits and risks of two different types of procedures used to treat heart valve disease (HVD). It also aimed to determine patients' preferences for HVD treatments (predicted uptake) and the relative importance of each treatment attribute.

METHODS

A discrete choice experiment (DCE) was conducted in Australia and Japan with patients who required a heart valve procedure. Patients were stratified into three categories: no prior procedure experience, minimally invasive procedure experience and invasive procedure experience. DCE attributes included risk of mortality; risk of stroke; needing dialysis; needing a new pacemaker; valve durability; independence 1 month after surgery; and out-of-pocket expenses. Participants chose between two hypothetical labelled approaches to therapy ('invasive procedure' and 'minimally invasive procedure'), with a separate opt-out included. A mixed multinomial logit model was used to analyse preferences.

RESULTS

The DCE was completed by 143 Australian and 206 Japanese patients. Both populations demonstrated an overall preference for the minimally invasive procedure over the invasive procedure. All attributes tested significantly predicted choice and were important to patient decision-making. However, patients' choices were most influenced by the durability of the valve and the likelihood of independence postprocedure, irrespective of their prior procedure experience. Differences in preference were observed between Australian and Japanese patients; valve durability was the most important attribute among Australian patients, while Japanese patients emphasised regaining independence postsurgery. Risk of mortality was less important relative to other key attributes in Japan; however, it remained significant to the model.

CONCLUSIONS

HVD patients prefer a minimally invasive procedure over an invasive procedure, irrespective of prior treatment experience. Key attributes contributing to treatment preferences are valve durability and faster recovery. These results can be used to help inform healthcare decision-makers about what features of heart valve procedures patients value most.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

People with lived experience of HVD were included in multiple stages of the design phase of this research. First, patients and doctors were consulted by taking part in qualitative interviews. The qualitative interviews helped inform which treatment attributes to include in the DCE based on what was important to those with lived experience and those who help make treatment decisions on behalf of patients. Qualitative interview participants also assisted with the framing of questions in the online survey to ensure the terminology was patient-friendly and relevant to those with lived experience. Following qualitative interviews, the DCE attribute list was agreed on in expert consultation with a steering committee, which included patient representatives and treating physicians (interventional cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons). The survey was also pilot tested with a small sample of patients and minor adjustments were made to the wording to ensure it was appropriate and meaningful to those with lived experience of HVD.

Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Malnutrition in Older Japanese Adults at High Surgical Risk Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Background The usefulness of preprocedural nutritional status to stratify prognosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation has been evaluated; however, the studies conducted so far have been relatively small and/or focused on a single nutritional index. This study sought to assess the prevalence and prognostic impact of malnutrition in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Methods and Results We applied the Controlling Nutritional Status score, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and Prognostic Nutritional Index to 1040 consecutive older Japanese patients at high surgical risk who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation. According to the Controlling Nutritional Status score, Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and Prognostic Nutritional Index, 16.6%, 60.5%, and 13.8% patients had moderate or severe malnutrition, respectively; 89.3% were at least mildly malnourished by at least 1 score. Worse nutritional status was associated with older age, lower body mass index, higher degree of frailty, worse symptoms and renal function, atrial fibrillation, and anemia. During a median follow-up of 986 days (interquartile range, 556-1402 days), 273 (26.3%) patients died. Compared with normal nutrition, malnutrition was associated with an increased risk for all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio for moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively: 2.19 (95% CI, 1.45-3.31; P<0.001) and 6.13 (95% CI, 2.75-13.70; P<0.001) for the Controlling Nutritional Status score, 2.02 (95% CI, 1.36-3.02; P=0.001) and 3.24 (95% CI, 1.86-5.65; P<0.001) for the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index, and 1.60 (95% CI, 1.06-2.39; P=0.024) and 2.32 (95% CI, 1.50-3.60; P<0.001) for the Prognostic Nutritional Index). Conclusions Malnutrition is common in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation and is associated with increased mortality.

Mid-term impact of underfilling and overfilling of the SAPIEN 3 balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve implantation on mortality and valve function

At present, underfilling or overfilling the volume of the balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valve (THV) is generally utilized in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, no research has assessed the clinical impact of filling volume variations of the current-generation SAPIEN 3 THV. We analyzed the clinical data of 331 patients who underwent TAVI with SAPIEN 3 at our institution. Post-procedural echocardiographic and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scan data and 3-year prognoses according to each filling volume were assessed. The procedural outcomes and 3-year mortality rates were comparable among the underfilling, nominal filling, and overfilling groups. For all THV sizes, the THV area evaluated on post-procedural MDCT scan increased stepwise along with an elevated filling volume, thereby covering a wide range of native annulus area. Compared with patients in the nominal filling and overfilling groups, those with 23-mm THVs in the underfilling group had a smaller effective orifice area (EOA) (1.38 [IQR: 1.18-1.56] vs. 1.57 [IQR: 1.41-1.84] vs. 1.58 [IQR: 1.45-1.71] cm², P = 0.02) and a higher mean transvalvular gradient (13.6 [IQR: 11.0-15.7] vs. 12.1 [IQR: 9.0-14.9] vs. 12.0 [IQR: 8.1-14.8] cm², P = 0.04). In conclusion, by adjusting the filling volume of SAPIEN 3 using THV with limited sizes, continuously distributed native annulus areas were covered. The underfilling implantation technique had a minimal negative effect on the valve function of 23-mm THVs only. In the entire cohort, the filling volume variations did not affect the mid-term prognosis negatively.

Effect of Radiolucent Line-Guided Balloon-Expandable Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Subsequent Pacemaker Rate

In the era of expanding transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) indications for low surgical risk patients, conduction disturbances requiring permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) after TAVI remain a serious concern. We aimed to assess the impact of the radiolucent line-guided technique for the SAPIEN 3 implantation on reducing the rates of new-onset PPI after TAVI. A total of 326 patients treated with the SAPIEN 3 using either the radiolucent line-guided technique (lucent group, 170 patients [52.1%]) or the center marker-guided technique (conventional group, 156 patients [47.9%]) were prospectively included in our database. The prosthesis position, and 30-day and 3-year clinical outcomes were retrospectively assessed. Compared with the conventional group, the lucent group had a higher prosthesis position (1.7 ± 0.9 mm vs 4.2±1.5 mm, p <0.001) and lower 30-day PPI rates (2.9% vs 13.5%, p <0.001). The other periprocedural complications including valve dislodgement and coronary obstruction, and 30-day and 3-year mortality were comparable between the groups. However, the prosthesis frame extending above sinotubular junction was more frequently observed in the lucent group on the side of left coronary sinus (53.4% vs 31.4%, p <0.001) and right coronary sinus (35.0% vs 20.2%, p = 0.001), signifying a potential risk for "subsequent difficulties to access coronary ostia" and "coronary obstruction during future redo TAVI." In conclusion, the radiolucent line-guided technique predictably provided an extremely high position of the SAPIEN 3, reducing the postprocedural PPI rates compared with the center marker-guided technique.

Identifying New Factors Associated With Cognitive Decline and Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Study Protocol

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard-of-care for treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and is also being increasingly recommended for low-risk patients. While TAVI boasts positive post-procedural outcomes, it is also associated with cognitive complications, namely delirium and cognitive decline. There is a pressing need for accurate risk tools which can identify TAVI patients at risk of delirium and cognitive decline, as risk scores designed for general cardiovascular surgery fall short. The present effect-finding exploratory study will assess the utility of various measures in the context of aging and frailty in predicting who will and who will not develop delirium or cognitive impairment following TAVI. The measures we propose include gait, visual symptoms, voice, swallowing, mood and sleep. Methods: This is an observational prospective cohort study focused on identifying pre-procedural risk factors for the development of delirium and cognitive decline following TAVI. Potential risk factors will be measured prior to TAVI. Primary outcomes will be post-procedure cognitive decline and delirium. Secondary outcomes include activities of daily living, quality of life, and mortality. Delirium presence will be measured on each of the first 2 days following TAVI. All other outcomes will be assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-operatively. A series of logistic regressions will be run to investigate the relationship between potential predictors and outcomes (presence vs. absence of either delirium or cognitive decline). Discussion: This study will assess the strengths of associations between a range of measures drawn from frailty and aging literature in terms of association with cognitive decline and delirium following TAVI. Identified measures can be used in future development of TAVI risk prediction models, which are essential for the accurate identification of cognitive at-risk patients and successful application of pre-procedural interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. [https://bit.ly/2PAotP5], [ACTRN12618001114235].

Aortic valve replacement in a patient with sickle cell disease-Are we justified to perform surgery in the TAVI era?

Not all variants of SCD need the same management and this should be decided on a case-by-case basis. Heterozygous SCD patients can undergo cardiac surgery without the need for intraoperative exchange transfusions with good clinical outcomes.

2020 update of the Austrian Society of Cardiology (ÖKG) and the Austrian Society of Cardiac Surgery (ÖGHTG) on the position statement of the ÖKG and ÖGHTG for transcatheter aortic valve implantation 2011

This position statement is an update to the 2011 consensus statement of the Austrian Society of Cardiology (ÖKG) and the Austrian Society of Cardiac Surgery (ÖGTHG) for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation.Due to a number of recently published studies, broadening of indications and recommendations of medical societies and our own national developments, the ÖKG and the ÖGHTG wish to combine the 2017 ESC/EACTS guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease with a national position paper and to focus on certain details for the application in Austria. Thus, this position statement serves as a supplement and further interpretation of the international guidelines.

The current diagnosis and treatment of patients with aortic valve stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the third most frequent cardiovascular abnormality after coronary artery disease and hypertension. A bicuspid aortic valve is the most common cause for AS until seventh decade and calcific valve degeneration is responsible thereafter. In symptomatic patients, The risk of death increases from ≤1%/year to 2%/month. An echo valve area ≤1 cm², peak transaortic velocity ≥4 m/s, mean valve gradient ≥40 mmHg and/or computerized tomography valve calcium score >2000 Agatston units (AU) for males or more than 1200 AU for females indicate severe AS. AS stages and management are discussed. Valve replacement is based on surgical risk, valve durability/hemodynamics, need for anticoagulation and patient preferences. EuroSCORE ≥20%, Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality ≥8% and co-morbidities indicate high surgical risk. Surgery is recommended for low-intermediate risk patients. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation is an alternative in older patients at low, intermediate, high or prohibitive risk. Transaortic valve implantation/replacement trials are summarized.

Patient values and preferences on valve replacement for aortic stenosis: a systematic review

The review aims to summarise evidence addressing patients’ values, preferences and practical issues on deciding between transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for aortic stenosis. We searched databases and grey literature until June 2020. We included studies of adults with aortic stenosis eliciting values and preferences about treatment, excluding medical management or palliative care. Qualitative findings were synthesised using thematic analysis, and quantitative findings were narratively described. Evidence certainty was assessed using CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research) and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). We included eight studies. Findings ranged from low to very low certainty. Most studies only addressed TAVI. Studies addressing both TAVI and SAVR reported on factors affecting patients’ decision-making along with treatment effectiveness, instead of trade-offs between procedures. Willingness to accept risk varied considerably. To improve their health status, participants were willing to accept higher mortality risk than current evidence suggests for either procedure. No study explicitly addressed valve reintervention, and one study reported variability in willingness to accept shorter duration of known effectiveness of TAVI compared with SAVR. The most common themes were desire for symptom relief and improved function. Participants preferred minimally invasive procedures with shorter hospital stay and recovery. The current body of evidence on patients’ values, preferences and practical issues related to aortic stenosis management is of suboptimal rigour and reports widely disparate results regarding patients’ perceptions. These findings emphasise the need for higher quality studies to inform clinical practice guidelines and the central importance of shared decision-making to individualise care fitted to each patient.

Novelties in 3D Transthoracic Echocardiography

Cardiovascular imaging is developing at a rapid pace and the newer modalities, in particular three-dimensional echocardiography, allow better analysis of heart structures. Identifying valve lesions and grading their severity represents crucial information and nowadays is strengthened by the introduction of new software, such as transillumination, which provide detailed morphology descriptions. Chambers quantification has never been so rapid and accurate: machine learning algorithms generate automated volume measurements, including left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, which is extremely important for clinical decisions. This review provides an overview of the latest innovations in the echocardiography field, and is helpful by providing a better insight into heart diseases.

A framework for practical issues was developed to inform shared decision-making tools and clinical guidelines

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to develop and test feasibility of a framework of patient-important practical issues.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Guidelines and shared decision-making tools help facilitate discussions about patient-important outcomes of care alternatives, but typically ignore practical issues patients consider when implementing care into their daily routines. Using grounded theory, practical issues in the HealthTalk.org registry and in Option Grids were identified and categorized into a framework. We integrated the framework into the MAGIC authoring and publication platform and digitally structured authoring and publication platform and appraised its use in The BMJ Rapid Recommendations.

RESULTS

The framework included the following 15 categories: medication routine, tests and visits, procedure and device, recovery and adaptation, coordination of care, adverse effects, interactions and antidote, physical well-being, emotional well-being, pregnancy and nursing, costs and access, food and drinks, exercise and activities, social life and relationships, work and education, travel and driving. Implementation in 15 BMJ Rapid Recommendations added 283 issues to 35 recommendations. The most frequently used category was procedure and device, and the least frequent was social life and relationship.

CONCLUSION

Adding practical issues systematically to evidence summaries is feasible and can inform guidelines and tools for shared decision-making. How this inclusion can improve patient-centered care remains to be determined.

The Association of Economic Outcome and Geriatric Syndromes among Older Adults with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

BACKGROUND

The association of geriatric syndromes and economic outcomes among patients who are undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective observational study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2011 to 2014 was conducted with 7078 patients who were 65 years or older and underwent TAVR. The average hospital cost was US$58 703 (± SD 29 777) and length of stay (LOS) was 8.1 days (±7.20). The rates of delirium, dementia, and frailty were 8.0%, 6.1%, and 10.5%, respectively. From a multivariable generalized linear regression, delirium increased the cost by 31.5% (95% CI 25.41~37.92) and LOS by 70.3% (95% CI 60.20~83.38). Frailty increased the cost by 7.4% (95% CI 3.44~11.53) and the LOS by 22.6% (95% CI 15.15~30.55). Dementia had no significant association with either outcome. When the interactions of the geriatric syndromes were tested for association with the outcomes, delirium in the absence of dementia but presence of frailty showed the strongest association with cost (increase by 45.1%, 95% CI 26.45~66.45), and delirium in the absence of both dementia and frailty showed the strongest association with LOS (increase by 74.5%, 95% CI 62.71~87.13). When the average hospital cost and LOS were predicted using the model with interaction terms, patients with delirium and frailty (but without dementia) had the highest value (total hospital cost US$86 503 and LOS 14.9 days).

CONCLUSION

Among TAVR patients, delirium was significantly associated with increased hospital cost and LOS, and the association was significantly higher in the absence of dementia. The results of this study will be a great asset for health care providers and administrators in planning for efficient care strategy to lower health care expenditure in the hospital for older adults who underwent TAVR.

Remdesivir for severe covid-19: a clinical practice guideline

CLINICAL QUESTION

What is the role of remdesivir in the treatment of severe covid-19? This guideline was triggered by the ACTT-1 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine on 22 May 2020.

CURRENT PRACTICE

Remdesivir has received worldwide attention as a potentially effective treatment for severe covid-19. After rapid market approval in the US, remdesivir is already being used in clinical practice.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The guideline panel makes a weak recommendation for the use of remdesivir in severe covid-19 while recommending continuation of active enrolment of patients into ongoing randomised controlled trials examining remdesivir.

HOW THIS GUIDELINE WAS CREATED

An international panel of patients, clinicians, and methodologists produced these recommendations in adherence with standards for trustworthy guidelines using the GRADE approach. The recommendations are based on a linked systematic review and network meta-analysis. The panel considered an individual patient perspective and allowed contextual factors (such as resources) to be taken into account for countries and healthcare systems.

THE EVIDENCE

The linked systematic review (published 31 Jul 2020) identified two randomised trials with 1300 participants, showing low certainty evidence that remdesivir may be effective in reducing time to clinical improvement and may decrease mortality in patients with severe covid-19. Remdesivir probably has no important effect on need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Remdesivir may have little or no effect on hospital length of stay.

UNDERSTANDING THE RECOMMENDATION

Most patients with severe covid-19 would likely choose treatment with remdesivir given the potential reduction in time to clinical improvement. However, given the low certainty evidence for critical outcomes and the fact that different perspectives, values, and preferences may alter decisions regarding remdesivir, the panel issued a weak recommendation with strong support for continued recruitment in randomised trials.

Gender differences in aortic valve replacement: is surgical aortic valve replacement riskier and transcatheter aortic valve replacement safer in women than in men?

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive and degenerative disease that necessitates valve replacement through either surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Various studies have shown that, unlike for TAVR, SAVR is associated with an elevated risk for women as compared to men. The aim of this review is to better understand the risks and their possible causes, associated with the use of both TAVR and SAVR in female patients. Our systematic review included studies published between 2012 and 2020, identified through specific searches of PubMed. Compatibility of publications, determined by the use of pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria, resulted in 15 articles being used in our review. Overall, more men than women undergo SAVR, but our findings confirmed that SAVR is associated with worse outcomes in women in the short-term. Reasons for a higher 30-day mortality post-SAVR in women include an increased age, higher in-hospital mortality and, possibly baseline comorbidities and anatomical differences. There was no difference observed in 30-day mortality between men and women undergoing TAVR. Female patients appear to have a better longer-term survival post-TAVR than their male counterparts. Understanding the reasons why women have worse outcomes post-SAVR is essential for ensuring appropriate treatment selection for patients with AS, as well as for achieving the best possible long-term and safety outcomes for these patients.

The learning curve in transcatheter aortic valve implantation clinical studies: A systematic review

Background

Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) has become an essential alternative to surgical aortic-valve replacement in the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis, and this procedure requires technical expertise. The aim of this study was to identify prospective studies on TAVI from the past 10 years, and then to analyze the quality of information reported about the learning curve.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of articles published between 2007 and 2017 was performed using PubMed and the EMBASE database. Prospective studies regarding TAVI were included. The quality of information reported about the learning curve was evaluated using the following criteria: mention of the learning curve, the description of a roll-in phase, the involvement of a proctor, and the number of patients suggested to maintain skills.

Results

A total of sixty-eight studies met the selection criteria and were suitable for analysis. The learning curve was addressed in approximately half of the articles (n = 37, 54 percent). However, the roll-in period was mentioned by only eight studies (12 percent) and with very few details. Furthermore, a proctorship was disclosed in three articles (4 percent) whereas twenty-five studies (37 percent) included authors that were proctors for manufacturers of TAVI.

Conclusion

Many prospective studies on TAVI over the past 10 years mention learning curves as a core component of successful TAVI procedures. However, the quality of information reported about the learning curve is relatively poor, and uniform guidance on how to properly assess the learning curve is still missing.

Life expectancy of patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement compared with that of the general population

OBJECTIVES

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) changes the natural history of severe aortic stenosis. However, whether the life expectancy of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing this surgical procedure is fully restored is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess if the life expectancy of patients aged >75 years is fully restored after undergoing surgery for severe aortic stenosis.

METHODS

We compared long-term survival of a group of patients aged >75 years, who underwent SAVR at our institution with the long-term survival of the general population. We matched each patient with 100 simulated individuals (control group) of the same age, sex and geographical region who died as indicated by the National Institute of Statistics. We compared survival curves and calculated hazard ratio (HR) or incidence rate ratio. Statistical significance existed if confidence intervals (CIs) did not overlap or did not include the value 1, as appropriate.

RESULTS

Average life expectancy of surgical patients who survived the postoperative period was 90.91 months (95% CI 82.99-97.22), compared to 92.94 months (95% CI 92.39-93.55) in the control group. One-, 5- and 8-year survival rates for SAVR patients who were discharged from the hospital were 94.9% (95% CI 92.74-96.43%), 71.66% (95% CI 67.37-75.5%) and 44.48% (95% CI 38.14-50.61%), respectively, compared to that of the general population: 95.8% (95% CI 95.64-95.95%), 70.64% (95% CI 70.28%-71%) and 47.91% (95% CI 47.52-48.31%), respectively (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.94-1.22).

CONCLUSION

For patients over the age of 75 years who underwent SAVR and survived the postoperative period, life expectancy and survival rates were similar to that of the general population.

Environmentally responsive hydrogels for repair of cardiovascular tissue

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a serious threat to human health, which are characterized by high disability and mortality rate globally such as myocardial infarction (MI), atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Although stem cells transplantation and growth factors therapy are promising, their low survival rate and loss at the site of injury are major obstacles to this therapy. Recently, the development of hydrogel scaffold materials provides a new way to solve this problem, which have shown the potential to treat CVD. Among these scaffold materials, environmentally responsive hydrogels have great prospects in repairing the microenvironment of cardiovascular tissues and vascular regeneration. They provide a new method for the treatment of cardiovascular tissue repair and space-time control for the release of various therapeutic drugs, including small-molecule drugs, growth factors, and stem cells. Herein, this article reviews the occurrence and current treatment of CVD, as well as the repair of cardiovascular injury by several environmental responsive hydrogels systems currently used, mainly focusing on the delivery of growth factors or the application of cell therapy to revascularization. In addition, we will also discuss the enormous potential and personal perspectives of environmentally responsive hydrogels in cardiovascular repair.

Meta-Analysis of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Versus Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Low Surgical Risk

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is the current standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are at high risk for surgery. However, several recent studies have demonstrated the comparable safety and efficacy of TAVI in low-risk patients as well. We sought to pool the existing data to further assert its comparability. MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Embase databases were evaluated for relevant articles published from January 2005 to June 2019. Studies comparing outcomes of TAVI versus surgical aortic valve replacement in patients who are at low risk for surgery were included. Twelve studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 7 observational studies) totaling 27,956 patients were included. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 5 years. Short-term all-cause mortality, short-term, and 1-year cardiac mortality were significantly lower in the TAVI group. One-year all-cause mortality, short-term, and 1-year stroke and myocardial infarction were similar in both groups. Rate of acute kidney injury and new-onset atrial fibrillation were lower in the TAVI group, whereas permanent pacemaker implantation and major vascular complications were higher in the TAVI group. Subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials showed significantly lower 1-year all-cause mortality in the TAVI group. In conclusion, in severe aortic stenosis patients at low surgical risk, TAVI when compared with surgical aortic valve replacement, demonstrated a lower rate of short-term all-cause mortality, short-term, and 1-year cardiac mortality and similar in terms of 1-year all-cause mortality. TAVI is emerging as a safe and efficacious alternative for low surgical risk patients.

Impact of chronic thrombocytopenia on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare resource utilization after transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

There is little data on the impact of chronic thrombocytopenia (CTP) on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR). Most studies are from single centers and mostly focused on postprocedure thrombocytopenia.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to report on the impact of CTP (>1 year) on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare resource utilization after TAVR.

METHODS

From the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2012 and 2015, we identified patients with CTP who underwent TAVR. A 1:1 propensity-matched cohort was created to examine in-hospital outcomes in patients with and without CTP. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included postprocedure complications, length of stay, total cost, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS

A matched pair of 4,300 patients with and without CTP were identified. Patients with CTP had higher in-hospital mortality as compared to no CTP patients (6.0 vs. 3.3%, p-value .007), increased postprocedure hemorrhage, platelet and blood transfusion, vascular complications, postop sepsis, and acute kidney injury. With regards to resource utilization, CTP patients had a longer length of stay, higher total cost and were more likely to be discharged to a facility (34.1 vs. 27.6%) other than home (All, p-value <.001). Subanalysis, however, revealed this difference in resource utilization was seen when patients developed postprocedure complications.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated higher risk of in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and healthcare resource utilization in patients with baseline CTP undergoing TAVR. Further studies are required to investigate ways to improve the management of these patients.

Cardiovascular Outcomes with Transcatheter vs. Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Low-Risk Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

TAVR is an established treatment option in high and intermediate-risk patients with severe AS. There is less data regarding the efficacy of TAVR in low-risk patients. This meta-analysis evaluated efficacy and safety outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in comparison to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS

Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared TAVR with SAVR for the treatment of low-risk patients with severe AS. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 2953 patients from 5 studies. Compared to SAVR, TAVR was associated with similar mid-term mortality [OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.37-1.21; p = 0.18], as well as similar short-term mortality [OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.24-1.11; p = 0.09]. Randomization to TAVR was associated with a reduced risk of developing acute kidney injury [OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.13-0.52; p < 0.001], short-term major bleeding [OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.12-0.60; p < 0.001] and new-onset atrial fibrillation [OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.14-0.21; p < 0.001]. However, TAVR was associated with a higher risk of requiring permanent pacemaker implantation [OR 4.25; 95% CI 1.86-9.73; p < 0.001]. There was no significant difference in the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, endocarditis or aortic valve re-intervention between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis showed that TAVR has similar clinical efficacy to SAVR, with a more favorable safety profile, in patients with severe AS who are at low-surgical risk.

Age-dependent clinical and echocardiographic manifestations of aortic stenosis in an unselected, non-biased cohort

Background

Age, clinical presentation and echocardiographic parameters are important factors in the decision on an individualized therapeutic strategy for patients with aortic stenosis (AS). Less is known about this information in a non-selected non-biased cohort.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, systematic analysis of patients admitted to our hospital from 1/1/2014 to 1/6/2018 with the diagnosis of AS. We collected demographic, clinical and echocardiographic parameters. All patients were evaluated and treated in one single institution by experienced cardiologists. We classified patients into 4 age groups to compare the above-mentioned variables. Category A: patients younger than 65 years, category B age between 65-74, category C age between 75-84, and category D patients older 85.

Results

We included 321 adults with AS in our study. There was a significant correlation between the aortic valve area, aortic velocity (Vmax), aortic pressure gradients (PMax) and age. The AVA decreased, Vmax and PMax increased with age (P=0.001, P=0.042 and P=0.017, respectively). 74.1% of all patients were symptomatic, but there were no differences between the age categories (P=0.406). The incidence of cardiovascular comorbidities was high throughout all age categories. Forty-four point five percent of all patients had a coronary artery disease, but there were no differences between the age categories (P=0.221). Echocardiographic aspect of AS was similar in all age groups except the right ventricular pressure (RVP): RVP was significantly higher in patients younger than 65 years.

Conclusions

Based on our results, we conclude that age is a weak parameter for making decisions about the optimal AS therapy. AVAs in AS decreases moderately with age. Age does not impact any clinical or echocardiographic parameters. Cardiovascular diseases and symptomatic AS are found in all age categories.

Transcatheter Aortic-Valve Replacement with a Balloon-Expandable Valve in Low-Risk Patients

BACKGROUND

Among patients with aortic stenosis who are at intermediate or high risk for death with surgery, major outcomes are similar with transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic-valve replacement. There is insufficient evidence regarding the comparison of the two procedures in patients who are at low risk.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with severe aortic stenosis and low surgical risk to undergo either TAVR with transfemoral placement of a balloon-expandable valve or surgery. The primary end point was a composite of death, stroke, or rehospitalization at 1 year. Both noninferiority testing (with a prespecified margin of 6 percentage points) and superiority testing were performed in the as-treated population.

RESULTS

At 71 centers, 1000 patients underwent randomization. The mean age of the patients was 73 years, and the mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score was 1.9% (with scores ranging from 0 to 100% and higher scores indicating a greater risk of death within 30 days after the procedure). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the rate of the primary composite end point at 1 year was significantly lower in the TAVR group than in the surgery group (8.5% vs. 15.1%; absolute difference, -6.6 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -10.8 to -2.5; P<0.001 for noninferiority; hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.79; P = 0.001 for superiority). At 30 days, TAVR resulted in a lower rate of stroke than surgery (P = 0.02) and in lower rates of death or stroke (P = 0.01) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (P<0.001). TAVR also resulted in a shorter index hospitalization than surgery (P<0.001) and in a lower risk of a poor treatment outcome (death or a low Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score) at 30 days (P<0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in major vascular complications, new permanent pacemaker insertions, or moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with severe aortic stenosis who were at low surgical risk, the rate of the composite of death, stroke, or rehospitalization at 1 year was significantly lower with TAVR than with surgery. (Funded by Edwards Lifesciences; PARTNER 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02675114.).

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel for acute high risk transient ischaemic attack and minor ischaemic stroke: a clinical practice guideline

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF DUAL ANTIPLATELET THERAPY AFTER HIGH RISK TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACK OR MINOR STROKE? SPECIFICALLY, DOES DUAL ANTIPLATELET THERAPY WITH A COMBINATION OF ASPIRIN AND CLOPIDOGREL LEAD TO A GREATER REDUCTION IN RECURRENT STROKE AND DEATH OVER THE USE OF ASPIRIN ALONE WHEN GIVEN IN THE FIRST 24 HOURS AFTER A HIGH RISK TRANSIENT ISCHAEMIC ATTACK OR MINOR ISCHAEMIC STROKE? AN EXPERT PANEL PRODUCED A STRONG RECOMMENDATION FOR INITIATING DUAL ANTIPLATELET THERAPY WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE ONSET OF SYMPTOMS, AND FOR CONTINUING IT FOR 10-21 DAYS CURRENT PRACTICE IS TYPICALLY TO USE A SINGLE DRUG.

Health-related quality of life following transcatheter aortic valve implantation using transaortic, transfemoral approaches and surgical aortic valve replacement-a single-center study

Objective

To evaluate short- and long-term changes in quality of life (QoL) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to assess differences in patient QoL when using the TAVI transaortic (TAVI TAo) approach compared with the transfemoral approach (TAVI TF) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Methods

Ninety-seven patients were assessed. Thirty-two patients underwent TAVI TAo, 31 underwent TAVI TF and 34 patients underwent SAVR. QoL was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire at baseline, after one month and one year.

Results

Mean patient age was 80 years (range, 61–92 years) and the mean logistic EuroSCORE was 12.45% (range, 1.39%–78.98%). Declared health state at baseline was significantly lower in TAVI TF (P < 0.001) and after one month there were no differences between the three groups (P = 0.99). After one year, SAVR patient results of the EQ-5D-3L index value were lower in comparison to both TAVI patient groups (P < 0.05). The analysis also showed significant differences between the results of EQ-5D-3L index value over the one month and one year follow-up (TAVI TAo, P < 0.001; TAVI TF, P < 0.05; SAVR, P < 0.05). In all groups, the values significantly increased after one-month and one-year of follow-up in comparison to baseline value. Significant differences were also demonstrated between Visual Analogue Scale values (VAS).

Conclusions

A significant improvement in QoL was observed in all three patient groups. Regardless of the TAVI approach, EQ-5D-3L and VAS values were significantly increased after one-month and one-year follow up; the SAVR patients however, reported lower health status when compared to the TAVI patients.

Meta-analysis of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Delirium is a severe and common complication following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of postprocedural delirium in patients aged over 60 years who underwent elective TAVI for aortic stenosis. Overall, 1,051 articles were searched, from which 9 studies were included. The prevalence of delirium following TAVI was higher in studies that assessed delirium for a minimum of 3 consecutive days (24.9%) compared with the studies that did not (2%). There were large effect sizes (d > 0.8) for 3 risk factors: acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] 5, p < 0.001), transapical approach (OR 4, p < 0.001) and carotid artery disease (OR 4, p < 0.001), whilst small effect sizes were found for a history of atrial fibrillation, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, and prior cognitive impairment. In conclusion, 23% of patients 60 years and over who underwent TAVI experience delirium, a preventative cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Recognition of risk factors for delirium after TAVI, such as a history of carotid artery disease, development of acute kidney injury, or use of a transapical approach, provides an opportunity to implement proven delirium preventative measures.

From Rapid Recommendation to Online Preference-Sensitive Decision Support: The Case of Severe Aortic Stenosis

The launch of ‘Rapid Recommendations’ by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) group, in collaboration with Making GRADE the Irresistible Choice (MAGIC) and the British Medical Journal (BMJ), is a very interesting recent development in e-healthcare. Designed to respond quickly to developments that have created new decision situations, their first project resulted from the arrival of minimally invasive Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) as an alternative to Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement (SAVR), for patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The interactive MAGIC decision aid that accompanies a Rapid Recommendation and is the main route to its clinical implementation, represents a major advance in e-health, for a cardiovascular decision in this case. However, it needs to go further in order to facilitate fully person-centred care, where the weighted preferences of the individual person are elicited at the point of decision, and transparently integrated with the best (most personalised) estimates of option performances, to produce personalised, preference-sensitive option evaluations. This can be achieved by inputting the collated GRADE evidence on the criteria relevant in the TAVI/SAVR choice into a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis-based decision support tool, generating a personalised, preference-sensitive opinion. A demonstration version of this add-on to the MAGIC aid, divested of recommendations, is available online as proof of method.

Updates on transcatheter aortic valve replacement: Techniques, complications, outcome, and prognosis

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) initially emerged as a therapeutic option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Advancement in technologies since the first era of TAVRs, experience from previous obstacles, and lessons learned from complications have allowed the evolution of this procedure to the current state. This review focuses on the updates on the most current devices, complications, and outcomes of TAVR.

Producing an evidence-based treatment information website in partnership with people affected by multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In earlier work, we identified that people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can have difficulty finding online treatment information that is up to date, trustworthy, understandable, and applicable to personal circumstances, but does not provoke confusion or negative emotional consequences. The objective was to develop online consumer summaries of MS treatment evidence (derived from Cochrane Reviews) that respond to identified treatment information needs of people affected by MS.

METHODS

A 2-phase mixed-methods project, conducted in partnership with consumers and an MS organisation. Phase 1 included review panels with consumers (Australians affected by MS) and health professionals to test paper-based treatment summaries before development, and pilot testing of the website. Phase 2 involved an online survey after website launch.

RESULTS

Eighty-three participants (85% affected by MS) took part. Phase 1 participants strongly endorsed key review summary components, including layering information, and additional sections to aid personal applicability. Participants additionally suggested questions for health professionals. Participants across both phases were receptive to the idea of being provided with Cochrane Review summaries online but were seeking other types of evidence and information, such as personal experiences and the latest experimental treatments, which could not be provided. While the small survey sample size (n = 58) limits application of the results to a broader population, the website was viewed favourably, as a useful, understandable, and trustworthy information source.

CONCLUSION

We describe a partnership approach to developing online evidence-based treatment information, underpinned by an in-depth understanding of consumers' information needs.

Has evidence-based medicine ever been modern? A Latour-inspired understanding of a changing EBM

Evidence-based health care (EBHC), previously evidence-based medicine (EBM), is considered by many to have modernized health care and brought it from an authority-based past to a more rationalist, scientific grounding. But recent concerns and criticisms pose serious challenges and urge us to look at the fundamentals of a changing EBHC. In this paper, we present French philosopher Bruno Latour's vision on modernity as a framework to discuss current changes in the discourse on EBHC/EBM. Drawing on Latour's work, we argue that the early EBM movement had a strong modernist agenda with an aim to "purify" clinical reality into a dichotomy of objective "evidence" from nature and subjective "preferences" from human society and culture. However, we argue that this shift has proved impossible to achieve in reality. Several recent developments appear to point to a demise of purified evidence in the EBHC discourse and a growing recognition-albeit implicit and undertheorized-that evidence in clinical decision making is relentlessly situated and contextual. The unique, individual patient, not abstracted truths from distant research studies, must be the starting point for clinical practice. It follows that the EBHC community needs to reconsider the assumption that science should be abstracted from culture and acknowledge that knowledge from human culture and nature both need translation and interpretation. The implications for clinical reasoning are far reaching. We offer some preliminary principles for conceptualizing EBHC as a "situated practice" rather than as a sequence of research-driven abstract decisions.

Antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women living with HIV: a clinical practice guideline

Approximately 1.4 million women living with HIV become pregnant every year. Most women use antiretroviral therapy, to reduce the risk of vertical transmission or for personal health reasons. Using the GRADE framework according to the BMJ Rapid Recommendation process, we make recommendations for optimal choice of combination antiretroviral regimen considering patient values and preferences, the balance of desirable and undesirable outcomes, their uncertainty, and practical issues. We suggest a zidovudine and lamivudine-based regimen over one that includes tenofovir or emtricitabine (weak recommendation). We recommend alternatives over the combination of tenofovir, emtricitabine, and lopinavir/ritonavir (strong recommendation).

Antiretroviral therapy for pregnant women living with HIV or hepatitis B: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of various antiretroviral/antiviral regimens in pregnant women living with HIV or hepatitis B virus (HBV).

DESIGN

We performed random effects meta-analysis for HIV-related outcomes and network meta-analysis for HBV outcomes, and used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework to assess quality separately for each outcome.

DATA SOURCES

Embase and Medline to February 2017.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

For maternal outcomes, we considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing tenofovir-based regimens with those with alternative nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). For child outcomes, we included RCTs and comparative observational studies of tenofovir-based regimens versus alternative NRTIs regimens or, for HBV, placebo.

RESULTS

Ten studies (seven RCTs) met the inclusion criteria for maternal and child outcomes, and an additional 33 studies (12 RCTs) met the inclusion criteria for HBV-specific outcomes. The most common comparison was tenofovir and emtricitabine versus zidovudine and lamivudine. There was no apparent difference between tenofovir-based regimens and alternatives in maternal outcomes, including serious laboratory adverse events (low certainty) and serious clinical adverse events (moderate certainty). There was no difference between NRTIs in vertical transmission of HIV: 1 more per 1000, 8 fewer to 10 more, low certainty; or vertical transmission of HBV: 7 fewer per 1000, 10 fewer to 38 more, moderate certainty. We found moderate certainty evidence that tenofovir/emtricitabine increases the risk of stillbirths and early neonatal mortality (51 more per 1000, 11 more to 150 more) and the risk of early premature delivery at <34 weeks (42 more per 1000, 2 more to 127 more).

CONCLUSIONS

Tenofovir/emtricitabine is likely to increase stillbirth/early neonatal death and early premature delivery compared with zidovudine/lamivudine, but certainty is low when they are not coprescribed with lopinavir/ritonavir. Other outcomes are likely similar between antiretrovirals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42017054392.

Corticosteroids in sepsis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis (protocol)

INTRODUCTION

Sepsis is associated with a dysregulated host response to infection and impaired endogenous corticosteroid metabolism. As such, therapeutic use of exogenous corticosteroids is a promising adjunctive intervention. Despite a large number of trials examining this research question, uncertainty persists regarding the effect of corticosteroids on survival in sepsis. Several large randomised controlled trials have been published recently prompting a re-evaluation of the available literature.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A rigorous and reproducible search and screening process from a Cochrane review on the same topic was comprehensive to October 2014. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, the Cochrane trial registry and clinicaltrials.gov for eligible randomised controlled trials investigating the use of corticosteroids in patients with sepsis from September 2014. Outcomes have been chosen by a semi-independent guideline panel, created in the context of a parallel BMJ Rapid Recommendation on the topic. This panel includes clinicians, content experts, methodologists and patient representatives, who will help identify patient-important outcomes that are critical for deciding whether to use or not use corticosteroids in sepsis. Two reviewers will independently screen and identify eligible studies; a third reviewer will resolve any disagreements. We will use RevMan to pool effect estimates from included studies for each outcome using a random-effect model. We will present the results as relative risk with 95% CI for dichotomous outcomes and as mean difference or standardised mean difference for continuous outcomes with 95% CI. We will assess the certainty of evidence at the outcome level using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. We will conduct a priori subgroup analyses, which have been chosen by the parallel BMJ Rapid Recommendation panel.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in patients with sepsis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017058537.