47CRT-D versus CRT-P: are we on the right track?

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) have both proven to reduce mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, randomised trials comparing CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P) vs CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) are lacking. Understanding a patient’s primary mode of death is therefore important as this may guide the proper use of CRT systems and avoid risks that are associated with under -or overtreatment with an ICD. 

Purpose 

This study aims to analyse the mode of death and the occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients who received a CRT-P or CRT-D. This may help in the future selection for an appropriate cardiac device in patients with HF. 

Methods 

Patients with HF undergoing CRT-P or CRT-D implantation in a tertiary hospital between January 2008 and December 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. CRT indications were in compliance with the ESC guidelines. The decision to implant CRT-D or CRT-P in primary prevention was left at the discretion of the treating physician but was based on ESC clinical guidance. Life threatening VAs (sustained ventricular tachycardia > 30s not requiring therapy or appropriate therapy for VAs) and mode of death were analysed. 

Results 

511 patients were implanted with a CRT (CRT-D/CRT-P; n = 311/200) of which 410 (CRT-D/CRT-P; n= 245/165) were followed in our centre for 63,5 ± 38,1 months. Patients with CRT-P were older (77,6 ± 8,1 vs 66,8 ± 9,5 years; p <0,001), more often female (39,4 vs 26,9%; p 0,006), had more a non-ischaemic cause (61,2 vs 44,9%; p 0,001) and a significant higher comorbidity burden. They also received less treatment with neurohumoral blockers. Baseline LVEF was higher in the CRT-P group (33,1 ± 8,9 vs 28,0 ± 7,6%, p <0,001). 6 months follow-up showed a similar increase in LVEF in the CRT-P vs CRT-D group (+10,3 ± 9,6 vs +11,4 ± 10,8%, p 0,38).

Main reasons to choose for CRT-P were RV-pacing induced cardiomyopathy (CMP) (26,1%), multiple comorbidities (18,8%), HF complicated by high degree AV block or AV junction ablation (18,2%), non-ischaemic CMP with suspected good CRT response (10,3%), age (7,3%), other (19,3%).

6/165 patients with CRT-P (3,6%), of which 5 were detected by remoted telemonitoring, vs 51/245 with CRT-D (20,8%) experienced episodes of life-threatening arrhythmias (p <0,001). All-cause mortality was higher in the CRT-P vs CRT-D group (36,4 vs 25,3%, p 0,005). However, the CRT-P group had a predominant non-cardiac mode of death (70,9 vs 43,3%, p <0,001). Death secondary to a tachyarrhythmic event was present in only 1 patient (1,7%) in the CRT-P group. 

Conclusions

Guided by clinical parameters and presence of competitive non-cardiac causes of death, adequate decision between CRT-P or CRT-D implantation can be made. In our cohort, sudden cardiac death in the CRT-P group occurred only once. Remote monitoring is able to identify a subgroup of patients potentially benefiting from an upgrade from CRT-P to CRT-D.

P356Effect of catheter ablation on left and right ventricular function in patients with frequent premature ventricular contractions and preserved ejection fraction

INTRODUCTION

Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after catheter ablation (CA) in patients with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) of the outflow tract (OT) has been reported. However, many patients with PVCs of the OT have a normal LVEF. The effect of CA on the left and right ventricular function in these patients is not well established.  

PURPOSE 

This study aims to evaluate the effect of CA on improvement of left and right ventricular function in patients with a preserved LVEF (EF > 50%) and frequent PVCs originating from the OT. 

METHODS 

We retrospectively examined clinical, electrophysiological and echocardiographic measurements in 95 patients with a preserved LVEF and frequent PVCs from the OT who underwent CA, dating from January 2014 till December 2018. Two dimensional TTE was performed at baseline and follow up. LV volumes and LVEF were calculated using the Simpson’s method. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall longitudinal strain were calculated by 2D speckle tracking.  The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the normal distribution of all variables. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to compare the evolution of the categorical and continuous variables between the TTE at baseline and follow-up. 

RESULTS 

Mean age of our study population was 52.8 ± 16.6 years, 49% was female. Mean burden of PVC before ablation was 18423 (2496-54000)/24h; 23.2% had a burden of less than 10.000 PVCs/24h. Mean burden of PVC after ablation was 1403 (0-27349)/24h. Median time between ablation and follow-up TTE was 117,8 days. There was a significant amelioration of LVEF (54.0 ± 4.0 vs 58.0 ± 3.8%, p <0.001) and LV GLS (18.4 ± 2.2 vs 20.4 ± 2.0 %, p < 0.001) as well as TAPSE (24.8 ± 3.5 vs 25.2 ± 3.1mm, p 0.013) and RV strain (25.4 ± 3.9 vs 27.6 ± 3.7%, p <0.001). There was no significant difference in LV end diastolic diameter (50.1 ± 5.6 vs 49.6 ± 5.3mm, p 0.06) or LV end diastolic volume (109.7 ± 27.8 vs 107.2 ± 24.9mm, p 0.25), but there was a significant reduction in LV end systolic volume  (50.7 ± 13.9 vs 44.7 ± 11.1mm, p < 0.001). RV basal diameter was not different (33.8 ± 4.5mm vs 33.6 ± 4.2mm, p 0.30).In the patient group with VES <10000/24h, there was no significant difference in LVEF (55,2 ± 4,6 vs 55,9 ± 4,6%, p 0,12), but there was a significant amelioration of GLS (18.4 ± 2.2 vs 19.9 ± 2.1%, p < 0.001) and RV strain (24.1 ± 4.3 vs 25.9 ±3.3%, p0.003). In the patient group with VES >10000/24h, beneficial effects were noticed in LVEF (53.6 ± 3.8 vs 58.7 ±3.2%, p < 0.001), GLS (18.4 ± 2.2 vs 20.5 ± 2.0%, p < 0.001) and RV strain (25.8 ± 3.7 vs 28.1 ± 3.7%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Frequent PVCs from the OT can induce subtle cardiac dysfunction in patients without apparent cardiomyopathy. CA can improve left and right ventricular function in these patients, which can be detected by conventional TTE parameters but also in an earlier stage by 2D speckle tracking.

P365Does papillary muscle ablation affect mitral valve function: a single centre experience

Introduction

Ventricular arrhythmias from papillary muscles (PMs) often require extensive catheter ablation (CA). Not much is known about the mitral valve (MV) function after these extensive catheter ablations.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to determine the impact of papillary muscle CA on MV function. 

Methods

We retrospectively examined echocardiographic measurements in 21 patients with frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) originating from the mitral PMs who underwent CA, dating from October 2012 till November 2018. We assessed MV function at baseline, 6 month and last follow-up. Degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) was graded as mild (ERO <0,2 cm2, regurgitation volume (RV) <30ml), moderate (ERO 0,2-0,4cm2, RV 30-59ml) or severe (ERO ≥0,4cm2, RV  ≥60ml). Significant MR was defined as a 2+ change.

Results

Mean age of the study population was 59,7 (27-80)years, 52,4% was female.

2 patients were known with ischemic heart disease. There was a family history of sudden cardiac death in 3 patients. Main symptoms at presentation were palpitations (66,7%), fatigue (33,3%), dyspnea (33,3%, all NYHA 2), dizziness (28,6%), angina pectoris (14,3%) and syncope (4,8%). Beta blocker (71,4%), flecaïnide (23,8%), amiodarone (9,5%), sotalol (4,8%) and propafenon (4,8%) were the most frequent medical therapies before CA.

Mean burden of PVC before ablation was 15 574 (2000-39700)/24h. In 28,6% non sustained VT was documented, 1 patient suffered a sustained episode of VT.  After ablation, mean burden of PVC was reduced to 1331 (0-14200)/24h. Redo ablation was necessary in 28,6% of patients. PVCs orginated from the anterolateral PM in 33,3% and from the posteromedial PM in 66,7%. Mean troponin release was 9.4 ± 5.3 µg/l, mean troponin hs (since 2016) was 1591.0 ±658.6ng/ml. CMR was done in 14/21 (66,7%) patients before CA. In 5 out of 14 patients (35,7%), delayed enhancement at the papillary muscles was noticed. In 5 patients without delayed enhancement, CMR was repeated after CA. In all these 5 patients, delayed enhancement was noticed at the level of the papillary muscles. 

At baseline, 15/21 had mild, 5/21 moderate and  1/21 severe MR. There was no significant chance in MR at 6m follow-up with 15/21 having mild and  6/21 moderate MR (p 0.58) with 1 patient having a significant MR 2+ change. At last follow-up (23.7 ± 22.6 months) there was also no significant chance in MR with 15/21 having mild and 6/21 moderate MR (p 0.58) without a significant MR 2+ change. 

Complications occurred in 1 patient (transient AV blok). No patients died during follow up. 

Conclusions

Although PM ablation was associated with time extensive ablation, significant troponine release and documented delayed enhancement on post ablation MRI, there was no risk of additional valvular dysfunction after CA in this study. Larger studies will be necessary to confirm these findings.

Nintedanib in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases-subgroup analyses by interstitial lung disease diagnosis in the INBUILD trial: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial

BACKGROUND

The INBUILD trial investigated the efficacy and safety of nintedanib versus placebo in patients with progressive fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) other than idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We aimed to establish the effects of nintedanib in subgroups based on ILD diagnosis.

METHODS

The INBUILD trial was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial done at 153 sites in 15 countries. Participants had an investigator-diagnosed fibrosing ILD other than IPF, with chest imaging features of fibrosis of more than 10% extent on high resolution CT (HRCT), forced vital capacity (FVC) of 45% or more predicted, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) of at least 30% and less than 80% predicted. Participants fulfilled protocol-defined criteria for ILD progression in the 24 months before screening, despite management considered appropriate in clinical practice for the individual ILD. Participants were randomly assigned 1:1 by means of a pseudo-random number generator to receive nintedanib 150 mg twice daily or placebo for at least 52 weeks. Participants, investigators, and other personnel involved in the trial and analysis were masked to treatment assignment until after database lock. In this subgroup analysis, we assessed the rate of decline in FVC (mL/year) over 52 weeks in patients who received at least one dose of nintedanib or placebo in five prespecified subgroups based on the ILD diagnoses documented by the investigators: hypersensitivity pneumonitis, autoimmune ILDs, idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia, unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and other ILDs. The trial has been completed and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02999178.

FINDINGS

Participants were recruited between Feb 23, 2017, and April 27, 2018. Of 663 participants who received at least one dose of nintedanib or placebo, 173 (26%) had chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 170 (26%) an autoimmune ILD, 125 (19%) idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia, 114 (17%) unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and 81 (12%) other ILDs. The effect of nintedanib versus placebo on reducing the rate of FVC decline (mL/year) was consistent across the five subgroups by ILD diagnosis in the overall population (hypersensitivity pneumonitis 73·1 [95% CI -8·6 to 154·8]; autoimmune ILDs 104·0 [21·1 to 186·9]; idiopathic non-specific interstitial pneumonia 141·6 [46·0 to 237·2]; unclassifiable idiopathic interstitial pneumonia 68·3 [-31·4 to 168·1]; and other ILDs 197·1 [77·6 to 316·7]; p=0·41 for treatment by subgroup by time interaction). Adverse events reported in the subgroups were consistent with those reported in the overall population.

INTERPRETATION

The INBUILD trial was not designed or powered to provide evidence for a benefit of nintedanib in specific diagnostic subgroups. However, its results suggest that nintedanib reduces the rate of ILD progression, as measured by FVC decline, in patients who have a chronic fibrosing ILD and progressive phenotype, irrespective of the underlying ILD diagnosis.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim.

A review of the potential applications and controversies of non-invasive testing for biomarkers of aspiration in the lung transplant population

Despite improvements in one-yr survival following lung transplantation, five-yr survival lags significantly behind the transplantation of other solid organs. The contrast in survival persists despite advancements in anti-rejection regimens, suggesting a non-alloimmune mechanism to chronic lung transplant failure. Notably, markers of aspiration have been demonstrated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid concurrent with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). This recent evidence has underscored gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and its associated aspiration risk as a non-alloimmune mechanism of chronic lung transplant failure. Given the suggested safety and efficacy of laparoscopic anti-reflux procedures in the lung transplant population, identifying those at risk for aspiration is of prime importance, especially concerning the potential for long-term improvements in morbidity and mortality. Conventional diagnostic methods for GER and aspiration, such as pH monitoring and detecting pepsin and bile salts in BAL fluid, have gaps in their effectiveness. Therefore, we review the applications and controversies of a non-invasive method of defining reflux injury in the lung transplant population: the detection of biomarkers of aspiration in the exhaled breath condensate. Only by means of assay standardization and directed collaboration may such a non-invasive method be a realization in lung transplantation.

Comparison of antiplatelet effect of loading dose of clopidogrel versus abciximab during coronary intervention

Randomized clinical trials have evidently shown that the addition of thienopyridines or abciximab to standard aspirin results in a significant reduction of ischaemic complications after coronary stent implantation. A head-to-head comparison of these antithrombotic drug regimens during coronary intervention is, however, lacking, and this was the main aim of the present study. Thirty-nine patients with angina pectoris who were scheduled for coronary stent implantation were assigned to either group 1 (160 mg aspirin + 500 mg ticlopidine post-stent), group 2 (160 mg aspirin + abciximab + 500 mg ticlopidine post-stent) or group 3 (160 mg aspirin + loading dose (375/450 mg) clopidogrel pre-stent and 75 mg clopidogrel post-stent). A loading dose of 450 mg clopidogrel was found to be more effective than the standard loading dose of 375 mg. Platelet aggregation induced by 4 micromol/l adenosine diphosphate (ADP) was assessed in samples collected before intervention and 10 min, 4 h and 20 h after intervention. Before intervention, a moderate antiplatelet effect because of aspirin intake was observed (ADP aggregation level, +/- 50%) in all study groups. After intervention, platelet aggregation tended to be enhanced in group 1 while it was strongly inhibited in the groups pre-treated with clopidogrel or abciximab: ADP induced an aggregation level early after intervention of 60 +/- 12% in group 1 (ticlopidine post-stenting) versus 30 +/- 10% in group 3 (loading dose clopidogrel) versus 3 +/- 6% in group 2 (abciximab). Abciximab achieved a more complete inhibition of aggregation than clopidogrel (P = 0.007). The overall complication rate was low with only one major bleeding and one death due to side-branch occlusion with re-infarction occurring, both in the abciximab group. Platelet aggregation during coronary intervention is strongly inhibited by both abciximab and by high loading dose of clopidogrel. Although abciximab showed a stronger antiplatelet effect than clopidogrel, it remains to be established whether this ex vivo superiority of abciximab also translates into an overall clinical benefit in patients with elective stent implantation.

Unsuccessful long-term outcome after treatment of a vein graft false aneurysm with a polytetrafluoethylene-coated Jostent

We describe a case in which a stented ulcerated plaque in an old vein graft ruptured to a huge false aneurysm. By the use of a PTFE-coated Jostent, the false aneurysm could be percutaneously closed. However, 6 months later, a new false aneurysm, probably due to focal perforation of the covered Jostent, developed.

Computerizing records for continuing education

The system was devised as a joint project by members of the Nursing Education Department, secretarial staff, and Information Services. The nursing education department members identified needed outcomes. The secretaries described what was necessary to simplify data entry. The information services personnel had the technical expertise to interpret the input from the others and put the system together. All members of this project were essential to its development. The reports provide information about classes, attendees, and educational budgets. The reports also meet requirements of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and state continuing education regulations.