Oxidation-reduction imaging of myoglobin reveals two-phase oxidation in the reperfused myocardium

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a serious acute cardiovascular syndrome that causes myocardial injury due to blood flow obstruction to a specific myocardial area. Under ischemic-reperfusion settings, a burst of reactive oxygen species is generated, leading to redox imbalance that could be attributed to several molecules, including myoglobin. Myoglobin is dynamic and exhibits various oxidation-reduction states that have been an early subject of attention in the food industry, specifically for meat consumers. However, rarely if ever have the myoglobin optical properties been used to measure the severity of MI. In the current study, we develop a novel imaging pipeline that integrates tissue clearing, confocal and light sheet fluorescence microscopy, combined with imaging analysis, and processing tools to investigate and characterize the oxidation-reduction states of myoglobin in the ischemic area of the cleared myocardium post-MI. Using spectral imaging, we have characterized the endogenous fluorescence of the myocardium and demonstrated that it is partly composed by fluorescence of myoglobin. Under ischemia-reperfusion experimental settings, we report that the infarcted myocardium spectral signature is similar to that of oxidized myoglobin signal that peaks 3 h post-reperfusion and decreases with cardioprotection. The infarct size assessed by oxidation-reduction imaging at 3 h post-reperfusion was correlated to the one estimated with late gadolinium enhancement MRI at 24 h post-reperfusion. In conclusion, this original work suggests that the redox state of myoglobin can be used as a promising imaging biomarker for characterizing and estimating the size of the MI during early phases of reperfusion.

[Natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis and monitoring of heart failure]

NATRIURETIC PEPTIDES IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MONITORING OF CARDIAC FAILURE. Heart failure (HF) is a serious and common disease requiring a prompt diagnosis for appropriate management. Natriuretic peptides, such as BNP and NT-proBNP, play a crucial role in diagnosing HF due to their s pecificity and reproducibility. It is important to measuring natriuretic peptides, especially in cases of acute dyspnea, to differentiate cardiac causes from others. Specific thresholds are recommended, with high values strongly suggest HF, while normal levels rule out the diagnosis. Clinical characteristics, such as age, renal function, atrial fibrillation, obesity, and gender, influence natriuretic peptides levels and should be considered in interpretation. For diabetic, hypertensive, and obese patients, early screening for HF through natriuretic peptides measurement is crucial. Furthermore, these natriuretic peptides are useful for monitoring chronic heart failure patients. They assist in confirming decompensation, titrating treatment, evaluating treatment response, and establishing prognosis. However, it's essential to choose a single biomarker (BNP or NT-proBNP) to avoid confusion.

What underlies sex differences in heart failure onset within the first year after a first myocardial infarction?

Background

Women are more likely to develop heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction. However, diagnosis and reperfusion are often delayed.

Objectives

To compare the prevalence of HF after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI)-treated ST segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) between sexes and to study its associations with comorbidities, infarct size, and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunctions (DD).

Methods

The patients with PPCI-treated anterior STEMI, from the CIRCUS study cohort, were followed up for 1 year and HF events were recorded. Evaluation of ejection fraction (LVEF) and DD were performed at baseline and at 1 year. The elevated LV filling pressure (LVFP) included Grades 2 and 3 DD.

Results

Of the 791 patients from the CIRCUS study, 135 were women. At 1 year, the proportion of patients who developed HF was 21% among men and 34% among women (p = 0.001). In the subset of 407 patients with available diastolic parameters, the rate of HF was also higher in women. HF during the initial hospitalization was comparable between the sexes. However, women had a higher incidence of rehospitalization for HF within the first year after STEMI (14.1% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.005). Women were older with a higher prevalence of hypertension. The infarct size and LVEF were similar between the sexes. Elevated LVFP was observed more frequently in women than in men during the initial hospitalization and at 1 year (26% vs. 12%, p = 0.04, and 22% vs. 12%, p = 0.006, respectively). Interestingly, only initial elevated LVFP (HR 5.9, 95% CI: 2.4-14.5, p < 0.001), age, and hypertension were independently associated with rehospitalization for HF.

Conclusions

After PPCI-treated anterior STEMI, despite comparable infarct size and LVEF, women presented a higher proportion of rehospitalization for HF than men. That was likely due to a greater DD associated with older age and hypertension.

Colchicine in acute myocardial infarction: cardiovascular events at 1-year follow up

OBJECTIVE

In the COVERT-MI randomised placebo-controlled trial, oral administration of high-dose colchicine at the time of reperfusion and for 5 days in acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction did not reduce infarct size but was associated with a significant increase in left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in comparison to placebo. We aimed to assess the 1-year clinical outcomes of the study population.

METHODS

This study is a follow-up analysis of the COVERT-MI study on prespecified secondary clinical endpoints at 1 year. The primary endpoint of this study was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including all-cause death, acute coronary syndromes, heart failure events, ischaemic strokes, sustained ventricular arrhythmias and acute kidney injury at 1-year follow-up. The quality of life (QOL) and the drug therapy prescription were also assessed.

RESULTS

At 1 year, 192 patients (101 patients in the colchicine group, 91 in the placebo group) were followed up. Seventy-six (39.6%) MACEs were reported in the study population. There was no significant difference regarding the number of MACEs between groups: 36 (35.6%) in the colchicine group and 40 (44.1%) in the placebo group (p=0.3). There were no differences in the occurrence of ischaemic strokes between the colchicine group and the control group (3 (3%) vs 2 (2.2%), respectively, p=0.99). There was a trend towards fewer heart failure events in the colchicine group compared with the placebo group (12 (11.9%) vs 18 (19.8%), p=0.20). There was no significant difference in QOL scores at 1 year (75.8±15.7 vs 72.7±16.2 respectively, p=0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference between the colchicine and placebo groups at 1 year regarding MACEs, especially concerning deaths or ischaemic strokes. No excess of ischaemic adverse events was observed despite the initial increase in LVT in the colchicine group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT0315681.

Comparison of healthcare costs before and after a STEMI: A French national health data system-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have investigated real-world healthcare costs following a myocardial infarction (MI) and, to our knowledge, none after an ST-elevation MI (STEMI) specifically. Producing such data is important in order to help evaluate the economic burden of STEMI, but also to feed economic evaluation models and eventually show the economic interest of reducing STEMI incidence. The aim of this study was to estimate the healthcare cost in the year preceding and the year following a STEMI in France, in order to estimate the surplus in healthcare resource consumption after a STEMI.

METHODS

This study was conducted from the healthcare system perspective. The individual data from the HIBISCUS-STEMI cohort, which included patients with acute STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, were matched with the French national health data system (Système National des Données de Santé, SNDS) using a probabilistic method. All expenses (in- and out-hospital) presented for reimbursement were taken into account to estimate a mean annual healthcare cost.

RESULTS

A total 258 patients from the HIBISCUS-STEMI cohort were included in this economic study. The total mean healthcare cost was estimated at €3516 before the STEMI, and at €9980 after the STEMI. Hospitalizations constituted the largest cost item, 27 % of the total cost before the STEMI and 41.8 % after the STEMI (Δ + 338.8 %). Follow-up and rehabilitative care represented the second largest cost item (25.9 % before and 18 % after the STEMI, Δ + 96.7 %). Treatments represented 19.4 % of the total cost before the STEMI and 17.2 % after (Δ + 150.8 %).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a significant surplus (threefold) of healthcare resource consumption in the year following a STEMI compared to the year preceding the STEMI.

Silent myocardial infarction fatty scars detected by coronary calcium score CT scan in diabetic patients without history of coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of intra-myocardial fatty scars (IMFS) most likely indicating previous silent myocardial infarction (SMI), as detected on coronary artery calcium (CAC) computed tomography (CT) scans in diabetic patients without history of coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

Diabetic patients screened for silent coronary insufficiency in a tertiary-care, university hospital between Jan-2015 and Dec-2016 were categorized according to their CAC score in two groups comprising 242 patients with CACS = 0 and 145 patients with CACS ≥ 300. CAC-CT scans were retrospectively evaluated for subendorcardial and transmural IMFS of the left ventricle. Adipose remodeling, patients' characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic profile were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-three (21%) patients with IMFS were identified, 55 (37.9%) in the group CACS ≥ 300 and 28 (11.6%) in the CACS = 0 (OR = 4.67; 95% CI = 2.78-7.84; p < 0.001). Total and average surface of IMFS and their number per patient were similar in both groups (p = 0.55; p = 0.29; p = 0.61, respectively). In the group CACS ≥ 300, patients with IMFS were older (p = 0.03) and had longer-lasting diabetes (p = 0.04). Patients with IMFS were older and had longer history of diabetes, reduced glomerular filtration rate, more coronary calcifications (all p < 0.05), and higher prevalence of carotid plaques (OR = 3.03; 95% CI = 1.43-6.39, p = 0.004). After correction for other variables, only a CACS ≥ 300 (OR = 5.12; 95% CI = 2.66-9.85; p < 0.001) was associated with an increased risk of having IMFS.

CONCLUSIONS

In diabetic patients without known CHD, IMFSs were found in patients without coronary calcifications, although not as frequently as in patients with heavily calcified coronary arteries. It remains to be established if this marker translates in an upwards cardiovascular risk restratification especially in diabetic patients with CACS = 0.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

In diabetic patients without history of coronary heart disease, intramyocardial fatty scars, presumably of post-infarction origin, can be detected on coronary artery calcium CT scans more frequently, but not exclusively, if the coronary arteries are heavily calcified as compared to those without calcifications.

KEY POINTS

• Intramyocardial fatty scars (IMFS), presumably of post-infarction origin, can be detected on coronary artery calcium (CAC) CT scans more frequently, but not exclusively, in diabetic patients with CACS ≥ 300 as compared to patients CACS = 0. • Patients with IMFS were older and had longer history of diabetes, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and more coronary calcifications. • Carotid plaques and CACS ≥ 300 were associated with an increased risk of having IMFS, about three and five folds respectively.

Beta-blocker management in patients admitted for acute heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: a review and expert consensus opinion

The role of the beta-adrenergic signaling pathway in heart failure (HF) is pivotal. Early blockade of this pathway with beta-blocker (BB) therapy is recommended as the first-line medication for patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Conversely, in patients with severe acute HF (AHF), including those with resolved cardiogenic shock (CS), BB initiation can be hazardous. There are very few data on the management of BB in these situations. The present expert consensus aims to review all published data on the use of BB in patients with severe decompensated AHF, with or without hemodynamic compromise, and proposes an expert-recommended practical algorithm for the prescription and monitoring of BB therapy in critical settings.

Prognostic impact of precipitated cardiac decompensation in symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and severe secondary mitral regurgitation

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to assess the distribution of primary (with no trigger) and secondary (with a decompensation trigger) heart failure events in a severe heart failure population and their association with 2-year all-cause mortality in the Mitra.Fr study.

METHODS

We included 304 patients with symptomatic heart failure, and severe mitral regurgitation and guideline directed medical therapy randomized to medical therapy alone or medical therapy with percutaneous mitral valve repair. According to the follow-up, we defined 3 categories of events: follow-up without any heart failure event, at least 1 decompensation starting with a primary heart failure decompensation or starting with a precipitated secondary heart failure event. The primary outcome was 2-years all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 179 patients (59 %) had at least 1 heart failure decompensation within 24-months of follow-up. 129 heart failure decompensations (72%) were a first primary heart failure and 50 (28%) were a first secondary decompensation. Finally, 30 patients had both types of decompensations but these were not taken into account for the comparison of primary and secondary decompensations. Primary decompensations were 3-times more frequent than secondary decompensations, but the mean number of heart failure decompensations was similar in the "Primary heart failure group" compared to the "Secondary heart failure group": (1.94 ± 1.39 vs 1.80 ± 1.07 respectively; P = .480). Compared to patients without heart failure decompensation, patients with "Only primary decompensation" or with "Only secondary decompensation" had a significantly increased risk of death (HR = 4.87, 95% CI [2.86, 8.32] and 2.68 95%CI [1.64, 4.37] respectively). All-cause mortality, was not significantly different between these 2 type of decompensations (HR = 1.82, 95% CI [0.93, 3.58]; P = .082), but each additional heart failure recurrence was associated with a significant increase in mortality risk (HR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.08; 1.50]; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and severe secondary mitral regurgitation patients, primary heart failure decompensations were 3-times more frequent compared to precipitated decompensations with a nonsignificant trend in increased risk of all-cause mortality. Our results fail to support the differentiation between primary and secondary decompensations as they seem to portend the same outcome impact.

A Multimodal Cardioprotection Strategy During Cardiac Surgery: The ProCCard Study

OBJECTIVE

The ProCCard study tested whether combining several cardioprotective interventions would reduce the myocardial and other biological and clinical damage in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

SETTING

Multicenter tertiary care hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

210 patients scheduled to undergo aortic valve surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

A control group (standard of care) was compared to a treated group combining five perioperative cardioprotective techniques: anesthesia with sevoflurane, remote ischemic preconditioning, close intraoperative blood glucose control, moderate respiratory acidosis (pH 7.30) just before aortic unclamping (concept of the "pH paradox"), and gentle reperfusion just after aortic unclamping.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was the postoperative 72-h area under the curve (AUC) for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hsTnI). Secondary endpoints were biological markers and clinical events occurring during the 30 postoperative days and the prespecified subgroup analyses. The linear relationship between the 72-h AUC for hsTnI and aortic clamping time, significant in both groups (p < 0.0001), was not modified by the treatment (p = 0.57). The rate of adverse events at 30 days was identical. A non-significant reduction of the 72-h AUC for hsTnI (-24%, p = 0.15) was observed when sevoflurane was administered during cardiopulmonary bypass (46% of patients in the treated group). The incidence of postoperative renal failure was not reduced (p = 0.104).

CONCLUSION

This multimodal cardioprotection has not demonstrated any biological or clinical benefit during cardiac surgery. The cardio- and reno-protective effects of sevoflurane and remote ischemic preconditioning therefore remain to be demonstrated in this context.

Pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock: A multicentre analysis of clinical profiles, management and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

There is still uncertainty about the management of patients with pheochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock (PICS). This study aims to investigate the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of patients with PICS.

METHODS

We collected, retrospectively, the data of 18 patients without previously known pheochromocytoma admitted to 8 European hospitals with a diagnosis of PICS.

RESULTS

Among the 18 patients with a median age of 50 years (Q1-Q3: 40-61), 50% were men. The main clinical features at presentation were pulmonary congestion (83%) and cyclic fluctuation of hypertension peaks and hypotension (72%). Echocardiography showed a median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 25% (Q1-Q3: 15-33.5) with an atypical- Takotsubo (TTS) pattern in 50%. Inotropes/vasopressors were started in all patients and temporary mechanical circulatory support (t-MCS) was required in 11 (61%) patients. All patients underwent surgical removal of the pheochromocytoma; 4 patients (22%) were operated on while under t-MCS. The median LVEF was estimated at 55% at discharge. Only one patient required heart transplantation (5.5%), and all patients were alive at a median follow-up of 679 days.

CONCLUSIONS

PICS should be suspected in case of a CS with severe cyclic blood pressure fluctuation and rapid hemodynamic deterioration, associated with increased inflammatory markers or in case of TTS progressing to CS, particularly if an atypical TTS echocardiographic pattern is revealed. T-MCS should be considered in the most severe cases. The main challenge is to stabilize the patient, with medical therapy or with t-MCS, since it remains a reversible cause of CS with a low mortality rate.

Pixel-wise statistical analysis of myocardial injury in STEMI patients with delayed enhancement MRI

Objectives

Myocardial injury assessment from delayed enhancement magnetic resonance images is routinely limited to global descriptors such as size and transmurality. Statistical tools from computational anatomy can drastically improve this characterization, and refine the assessment of therapeutic procedures aiming at infarct size reduction. Based on these techniques, we propose a new characterization of myocardial injury up to the pixel resolution. We demonstrate it on the imaging data from the Minimalist Immediate Mechanical Intervention randomized clinical trial (MIMI: NCT01360242), which aimed at comparing immediate and delayed stenting in acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients.

Methods

We analyzed 123 patients from the MIMI trial (62 ± 12 years, 98 male, 65 immediate 58 delayed stenting). Early and late enhancement images were transported onto a common geometry using techniques inspired by statistical atlases, allowing pixel-wise comparisons across population subgroups. A practical visualization of lesion patterns against specific clinical and therapeutic characteristics was also proposed using state-of-the-art dimensionality reduction.

Results

Infarct patterns were roughly comparable between the two treatments across the whole myocardium. Subtle but significant local differences were observed for the LCX and RCA territories with higher transmurality for delayed stenting at lateral and inferior/inferoseptal locations, respectively (15% and 23% of myocardial locations with a p-value <0.05, mainly in these regions). In contrast, global measurements were comparable for all territories (no statistically significant differences for all-except-one measurements before standardization / for all after standardization), although immediate stenting resulted in more subjects without reperfusion injury.

Conclusion

Our approach substantially empowers the analysis of lesion patterns with standardized comparisons up to the pixel resolution, and may reveal subtle differences not accessible with global observations. On the MIMI trial data as illustrative case, it confirmed its general conclusions regarding the lack of benefit of delayed stenting, but revealed subgroups differences thanks to the standardized and finer analysis scale.

Outcome of patients admitted with oxygen mismatch and myocardial injury or infarction in emergency departments

AIMS

To describe the outcomes and associated factors in a population of patients admitted to emergency departments with at least one condition of oxygen supply/demand imbalance, regardless of the troponin result or restrictive criteria for type 2 myocardial infarction.

METHODS

We constituted a retrospective cohort of 824 patients. Medical records of patients having undergone a troponin assay were reviewed for selection and classification, and data including in-hospital stay and readmissions were collected. The reported outcomes are in-hospital mortality, 3-year mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events.

RESULTS

Patients with myocardial infarction or injury, either chronic or acute, were older, with more history of hypertension and chronic heart or renal failure but not for other cardiovascular risk factors and medical history. Acute myocardial injury and type 2 myocardial infarction were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 3.71 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.90-7.33 and OR 3.15 95% CI 1.59-6.28, respectively]. However, the long-term mortality does not differ in comparison with patients presenting chronic myocardial injury or nonelevated troponin, ranging from 26.9 to 34.3%. Patients with chronic myocardial injury and type 2 myocardial infarction had more long-term major cardiovascular events (39.3 and 38.8%), but only for acute heart failure, and none was associated with this outcome after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Among patients admitted to emergency departments with an oxygen supply/demand imbalance, acute myocardial injury and type 2 myocardial infarction are strongly associated with in-hospital mortality. However, they are not associated with higher long-term mortality or major cardiovascular events after discharge, which tend to occur in elderly people with comorbidities.

Challenges and Opportunities in Titrating Disease-Modifying Therapies in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction and Chronic Kidney Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), representing a major factor of adverse outcomes. In clinical practice, it is one of the main reasons for not initiating, not titrating, and even withdrawing efficient heart failure drug therapies in patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite limited data, studies show that HFrEF therapies maintain their benefits on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD. Most HF drugs cause acute renal haemodynamic changes, but with stabilisation or even improvement after the acute phase, thus with no long-term worsening of the renal function. In this expert opinion-based paper, we challenge the pathophysiology misunderstandings that impede HF disease-modifying therapy implementation in this setting and propose a strategy for HF drug titration in patients with moderate, severe, and end-stage chronic kidney disease.

Sequencing and titrating approach of therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction following the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines: an international cardiology survey

AIMS

In symptomatic patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), recent international guidelines recommend initiating four major therapeutic classes rather than sequential initiation. It remains unclear how this change in guidelines is perceived by practicing cardiologists versus heart failure (HF) specialists.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An independent academic web-based survey was designed by a group of HF specialists and posted by email and through various social networks to a broad community of cardiologists worldwide 1 year after the publication of the latest European HF guidelines. Overall, 615 cardiologists (38 [32-47] years old, 63% male) completed the survey, of which 58% were working in a university hospital and 26% were HF specialists. The threshold to define HFrEF was ≤40% for 61% of the physicians. Preferred drug prescription for the sequential approach was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors first (74%), beta-blockers second (55%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists third (52%), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (53%) fourth. Eighty-four percent of participants felt that starting all four classes was feasible within the initial hospitalization, and 58% felt that titration is less important than introducing a new class. Age, status in training, and specialization in HF field were the principal characteristics that significantly impacted the answers.

CONCLUSION

In a broad international cardiology community, the 'historical approach' to HFrEF therapies remains the preferred sequencing approach. However, accelerated introduction and uptitration are also major treatment goals. Strategy trials in treatment guidance are needed to further change practices.

Elaboration of a French version of the Duke Activity Status Index questionnaire and performance to predict functional capacity

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend detecting poor functional capacity (VO_2max < 14 ml.kg^-1.min^-1) to assess preoperative cardiac risk. This screening is performed via a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), the self-reported inability to climb two flights of stairs, or the use of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire, which has shown a significant correlation with VO_2max and postoperative outcomes. The objectives of the present study were: 1) to create a French version of the DASI questionnaire (FDASI); 2) to assess its diagnostic performance in predicting functional capacity.

METHODS

Consecutive adult patients undergoing CPET for medical or preoperative evaluation were prospectively included between May 2020 and March 2021. All patients were asked to complete FDASI as a self-questionnaire and report their inability to climb two flights of stairs.

RESULTS

122 patients were included. Test-retest reliability was 0.88 and 23 (19%) patients experienced a VO_2max < 14 ml.kg^-1.min^-1. There was a significant positive relationship between FDASI and VO_2max: r² = 0.32; p <  0.001. ROC_AUC was 0.81 [95%CI: 0.73-0.89]. The best FDASI score threshold was 36 points, leading to sensitivity and specificity values of 87% [74-100] and 68% [56-79], respectively. Besides, sensitivity and specificity were 35% [17-56] and 92% [86-97] for the self-reported inability to climb two flights of stairs.

CONCLUSION

A FDASI score of 36 represents a reliable threshold the clinicians could routinely use to identify patients with a VO_2max < 14 ml.kg^-1.min^-1. FDASI could advantageously replace the self-reported inability to climb two flights of stairs.

Anti-Inflammatory Drug Candidates for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

Incidence and mortality rates for cardiovascular disease are declining, but it still remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Drug treatments to slow the progression of atherosclerosis focus on reducing cholesterol levels. The paradigm shift to consider atherosclerosis an inflammatory disease by itself has led to the development of new treatments. In this article, we discuss the pathophysiology of inflammation and focus attention on therapeutics targeting different inflammatory pathways of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. In atherosclerosis, colchicine is included in new recommendations, and eight randomized clinical trials are testing new drugs in different inflammatory pathways. After a myocardial infarction, no drug has shown a significant benefit, but we present four randomized clinical trials with new treatments targeting inflammation.

Cardioprotective effects of shock wave therapy: A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study on acute ischemia-reperfusion injury

Introduction

Cardioprotection strategies remain a new frontier in treating acute myocardial infarction (AMI), aiming at further protect the myocardium from the ischemia-reperfusion damage. Therefore, we aimed at investigating the mechano-transduction effects induced by shock waves (SW) therapy at time of the ischemia reperfusion as a non-invasive cardioprotective innovative approach to trigger healing molecular mechanisms.

Methods

We evaluated the SW therapy effects in an open-chest pig ischemia-reperfusion (IR) model, with quantitative cardiac Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging performed along the experiments at multiple time points (baseline (B), during ischemia (I), at early reperfusion (ER) (∼15 min), and late reperfusion (LR) (3 h)). AMI was obtained by a left anterior artery temporary occlusion (50 min) in 18 pigs (32 ± 1.9 kg) randomized into SW therapy and control groups. In the SW therapy group, treatment was started at the end of the ischemia period and extended during early reperfusion (600 + 1,200 shots @0.09 J/mm2, f = 5 Hz). The MR protocol included at all time points LV global function assessment, regional strain quantification, native T1 and T2 parametric mapping. Then, after contrast injection (gadolinium), we obtained late gadolinium imaging and extra-cellular volume (ECV) mapping. Before animal sacrifice, Evans blue dye was administrated after re-occlusion for area-at-risk sizing.

Results

During ischemia, LVEF decreased in both groups (25 ± 4.8% in controls (p = 0.031), 31.6 ± 3.2% in SW (p = 0.02). After reperfusion, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) remained significantly decreased in controls (39.9 ± 4% at LR vs. 60 ± 5% at baseline (p = 0.02). In the SW group, LVEF increased quickly ER (43.7 ± 11.4% vs. 52.4 ± 8.2%), and further improved at LR (49.4 ± 10.1) (ER vs. LR p = 0.05), close to baseline reference (LR vs. B p = 0.92). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in myocardial relaxation time (i.e. edema) after reperfusion in the intervention group compared to the control group: ΔT1 (MI vs. remote) was increased by 23.2±% for SW vs. +25.2% for the controls, while ΔT2 (MI vs. remote) increased by +24.9% for SW vs. +21.7% for the control group.

Discussion

In conclusion, we showed in an ischemia-reperfusion open-chest swine model that SW therapy, when applied near the relief of 50' LAD occlusion, led to a nearly immediate cardioprotective effect translating to a reduction in the acute ischemia-reperfusion lesion size and to a significant LV function improvement. These new and promising results related to the multi-targeted effects of SW therapy in IR injury need to be confirmed by further in-vivo studies in close chest models with longitudinal follow-up.

Remote ischemic conditioning in septic shock: the RECO-Sepsis randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

To determine whether remote ischemic conditioning (RECO), compared to standard care, limits the severity and the consequences of multiple organ failure in patients with septic shock.

METHODS

The RECO-Sepsis trial, a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel group trial with blinded assessment of the outcome, was conducted at six intensive care units in France in adult patients with septic shock. Within 12 h after the onset of septic shock, patients were randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive either RECO applied by inflating/deflating (200/0 mmHg for 5/5 min) 4 times a cuff around an arm or a sham procedure every 12 h for 24 h. The primary endpoint was the severity of multiple organ failure assessed by the mean daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score from inclusion to the fourth day after inclusion (day 4). Patients were followed for 90 days.

RESULTS

Among 180 randomized patients, 178 completed the trial (RECO group: 87; control group: 91) and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (108 men [60.7%], median age 68 [59-75] years). There was no significant difference in the mean daily SOFA score between the intervention group and the control group (7.2 points [5.2-10.7] versus 7.6 points [4.9-10.7], respectively; p = 0.919). Cumulative mortality within 90 days was 27.6% in the RECO group and 39.6% control group (Log-rank test, p = 0.10; adjusted hazard ratio 0.59, 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.99; p = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with septic shock, RECO failed to reduce the severity of organ failures assessed by mean daily SOFA score from inclusion to day 4. Adequately powered trials are needed to assess potential delayed benefits of RECO.

Association of Blood Biomarkers of Inflammation With Penumbra Consumption After Mechanical Thrombectomy in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between blood biomarkers of inflammation and lesion growth within the penumbra in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

METHODS

The HIBISCUS-STROKE cohort enrolled patients admitted in the Lyon Stroke Center for an anterior circulation AIS treated with MT after brain MRI assessment. Lesion growth within the penumbra was assessed on day 6 MRI using a voxel-based nonlinear coregistration method and dichotomized into low and high according to the median value. C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I, soluble form suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), soluble P-selectin, vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were measured in sera at 4 time points within the first 48 hours. Reperfusion was considered as successful if Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score was 2b/2c/3. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to detect any association between area under the curve (AUC) of these biomarkers within the first 48 hours and a high lesion growth within the penumbra.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were included. The median lesion growth within the penumbra was 2.3 (0.7-6.2) mL. On multivariable analysis, a high sST2 AUC (OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.36-10.46), a high baseline DWI volume (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.32-10.12), and a lack of successful reperfusion (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.92) were associated with a high lesion growth within the penumbra. When restricting analyses to patients with successful reperfusion (n = 76), a high sST2 AUC (OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.64-15.40), a high baseline DWI volume (OR 3.74, 95% CI 1.22-11.53), and a high penumbra volume (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.10-9.57) remained associated with a high lesion growth within the penumbra.

DISCUSSION

High sST2 levels within the first 48 hours are associated with a high lesion growth within the penumbra.

Overview of the RGD-Based PET Agents Use in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review

Studies using arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD)-PET agents in cardiovascular diseases have been recently published. The aim of this systematic review was to perform an updated, evidence-based summary about the role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases to better address future research in this setting. Original articles within the field of interest reporting the role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review. A systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane library databases was performed until October 26, 2021. Literature shows an increasing role of RGD-based PET agents in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Overall, two main topics emerged: the infarcted myocardium and atherosclerosis. The existing studies support that α_vβ₃ integrin expression in the infarcted myocardium is well evident in RGD PET/CT scans. RGD-based PET radiotracers accumulate at the site of infarction as early as 3 days and seem to be peaking at 1–3 weeks post myocardial infarction before decreasing, but only 1 study assessed serial changes of myocardial RGD-based PET uptake after ischemic events. RGD-based PET uptake in large vessels showed correlation with CT plaque burden, and increased signal was found in patients with prior cardiovascular events. In human atherosclerotic carotid plaques, increased PET signal was observed in stenotic compared with non-stenotic areas based on MR or CT angiography data. Histopathological analysis found a co-localization between tracer accumulation and areas of α_vβ₃ expression. Promising applications using RGD-based PET agents are emerging, such as prediction of remodeling processes in the infarcted myocardium or detection of active atherosclerosis, with potentially significant clinical impact.

MO464: Long-Term Renal Outcomes After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated by Percutaneaous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), short- and long-term renal function evaluations are of prime importance. Most studies have focused on short-term renal dysfunction and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence after STEMI treated by PCI, which is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and especially the occurrence of heart failure. However, few studies have focused on long-term renal outcomes.

We aimed to describe renal function evolution and to determine predictors of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline one year after STEMI is treated by PCI.

METHOD

From May 2016 to July 2020, 322 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent PCI revascularization were enrolled prospectively.

Serum creatinine (SCr) concentration was routinely measured at patient admission, after 48 h or hospital discharge, then during systematic 1-month and 1-year clinical check-ups, AKI was determined according to the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) definition. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD EPI) formula. The evolution of renal function was evaluated by the difference between admission and 1-month or 1-year eGFR. Rapid progression was defined as a decline in eGFR of more than 5 mL/min/1.73m² per year. Determinants of eGFR decline ≥ 10 mL/min/1.73m² per year were analyzed with multivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

The mean age was 59.6 years, 29.5% of patients had a medical history of hypertension, 13.8% had diabetes and 52.8% presented with anterior myocardial infarction. Median admission SCr concentration was 71 µmol/L, with an eGFR of 96.5 mL/min/1.73m² [inter quartile range (IQR): 84.4–105.1]. A total of 38 patients (11.8%) developed AKI.

In the whole population median eGFR decline was 7.7 mL/min/1.73 m² (1.2–14.4) and 8 mL/min/1.73 m² [1.3–15.9] 1-month and 1-year after STEMI respectively (Figure 1). Rapid eGFR decline was found in 59.7% of the total population and 44.6% of patients presented a 1-year eGFR decline of at least 10 mL/min/1.73 m². AKI patients had significant lower eGFR at 1-month and 1-year follow up (median 1-year eGFR of 74.5 mL/min/1.73m² (52.4–96.4) versus 88.1 mL/min/1.73m² (74.0–100.3) in non-AKI patients, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference between AKI and non-AKI patients regarding rates of eGFR decline at both 1-month and 1-year after inclusion.

Multivariate analysis (Table 1) showed that age and 1-month eGFR decline was significantly associated with 1-year eGFR decline ≥ 10 mL/min/1.73m². Especially, 1-month eGFR decline greater than 10 mL/min/1.73m² was an independent and stratified predictor of 1-year eGFR decline with an odds ratio (OR) of 7.45 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.76–22.81, P &lt; 0.01). AKI occurrence and peak hs-I troponin were not found as predictors of 1-year eGFR decline.

CONCLUSION

Among STEMI patients treated by PCI, a large majority of patients present a significant decline in renal function 1-year after STEMI, regardless of AKI occurrence or infarct size. One-month eGFR decline is a strong predictor of 1-year eGFR evolution and could help identify high-risk patients and adjust nephrological care. Our findings bear important clinical implications and underline the need for longitudinal follow-up of renal function after STEMI is treated by PCI.

Practical outpatient management of worsening chronic heart failure

Management of worsening heart failure (WHF) has traditionally been hospital‐based, but with the rising burden of heart failure (HF), the pressure on healthcare systems exerted by this disease necessitates a different strategy than long (and costly) hospital stays. A strategy for outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic treatment of WHF has been developed in certain American centres in the past 10 years, whereas European centres have been mostly favouring ‘classic’ in‐hospital management of WHF. Embracing novel, outpatient approaches for treating WHF could substantially reduce the burden on healthcare systems while improving patient's satisfaction and quality of life. The present article is intended to provide essential knowledge and practical guidelines aimed at helping clinicians implement these new ambulatory approaches using day hospital and/or at‐home hospitalization. The topics addressed by our group of HF experts include the pathophysiological background of diuretic therapy, the most suitable profile of WHF that may be managed in an ambulatory setting, the pharmacological protocols that can be used, as well as a detailed description of healthcare structures that can be proposed to deliver these ambulatory care interventions. The practical aspects of day hospital and hospital‐at‐home IV diuretic administration are specifically emphasized. The algorithm provided along with the practical IV diuretic protocols should assist HF clinicians in implementing this new approach in their local clinical setting.

Impact of Age on Systemic Inflammatory Profile of Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Aging is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammatory state. This condition may affect the acute inflammatory response involved in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to compare the profile of a set of circulating inflammatory markers between young and older patients admitted for STEMI or AIS.

METHODS

HIBISCUS-STEMI (Cohort of Patients to Identify Biological and Imaging Markers of Cardiovascular Outcomes in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) and HIBISCUS-STROKE (Cohort of Patients to Identify Biological and Imaging Markers of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Stroke) are 2 cohort studies that enrolled patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention in the cardiac intensive care unit of Lyon and patients with AIS treated with mechanical thrombectomy in the Lyon Stroke Center, respectively from 2016 to 2019. Patients were classified as older if they were ≥65 years and as young if they were <65 years. In both cohorts, CRP (C-reactive protein), IL (interleukin)-6, IL-8, IL-10, MCP (monocyte chemoattractant protein), sTNF-RI (soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I), sST2 (soluble form suppression of tumorigenicity 2), and VCAM-1 (vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1) were measured on serum collected at 5 time points using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to detect an association between area under the curve of circulating inflammatory markers within the first 48 hours and older age.

RESULTS

A total of 260 patients with STEMI and 164 patients with AIS were included. Of them, there were 76 (29%) and 105 (64%) older patients with STEMI and AIS, respectively. Following multivariable analysis, a high area under the curve of IL-6 and sTNF-RI, a low lymphocyte count, and a high neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio at 24 hours were associated with older age in patients with STEMI and AIS.

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients had higher IL-6 and sTFN-RI levels within the first 48 hours associated with a lower lymphocyte count and a higher neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio at 24 hours in both cohorts.

Does the Brush-Sign Reflect Collateral Status and DWI-ASPECTS in Large Vessel Occlusion?

Introduction

The relevance of the brush-sign remained poorly documented in large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aimed to assess the relationship between the brush-sign and collateral status and its potential impact on baseline diffusion-weighted imaging–Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients eligible to mechanical thrombectomy (MT).

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted in the Lyon Stroke Center with anterior circulation AIS due to intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and/or M1 or M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion eligible for MT were included. The brush-sign was assessed on T2-gradient-echo MRI. Collateral status was assessed on digital subtraction angiography according to the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) score.

Results

In this study, 504 patients were included, among which 171 (33.9%) patients had a brush-sign. Patients with a brush-sign more frequently had a poor collateral status [72 (42.1%) vs. 103 (30.9%); p = 0.017]. In univariable analysis, a DWI-ASPECTS < 7 was associated with a brush sign. Following multivariable analysis, the brush-sign no longer affected DWI-ASPECTS < 7 while the latter remained associated with younger age [odds ratio (OR) 0.97, 95% CI.96–0.99], male sex (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.08–2.99), a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.1–1.21), a poor collateral status (OR 9.35, 95% CI 5.59-16.02), MCA segment (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.25–5.38), and intracranial ICA (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.16–8) occlusion.

Conclusions and Relevance

The brush-sign may be a marker of poor collateral status but did not independently predict a lower DWI-ASPECTS.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04620642.

Ventricular septal rupture: insights into an old disease

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a serious complication of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and surgery is the reference treatment. We aimed at describing trends in management and mortality during the last four decades and reporting mortality predictors in these patients. We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients sustaining a VSR from 1981 to 2020. We screened 274 patients and included 265 for analysis. The number of patients decreased over the years: 80, 88, 56, and 50 in each 10-year time span. In-hospital mortality decreased significantly since 1990 (logrank 0.007). The median age was 72.0 years IQR [66-78] and 188 patients (70.9%) were operated on. IABP was used more routinely (p < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was assessed at 66.8% (177 patients) and main predictors of death were a time from MI to surgery < 8 days HR 2.7 IC95% [1.9-3.8] p < 0.0001, a Killip class > 2 HR 2.5 IC [1.9-3.4] p < 0.0001 and Euroscore 2 > 20 HR 2.4 IC [1.8-3.2] p < 0.0001. A "time from MI to surgery" of 8 days offers the best ability to discriminate between patients with or without mortality. The ability of "Euroscore 2 and Killip" to detect the patients most likely to wait 8 days for surgery was at 0.81 [0.73-0.89] p < 0.0001. Mortality remains high over the years. Euroscore 2, Killip class, and time from MI to surgery are the main mortality predictors. Patients with a Killip < 3 and a Euroscore < 20 should be monitored at least 8 days since MI before being referred to surgery.

Fractional Flow Reserve to Guide Treatment of Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence that fractional flow reserve (FFR) is effective in guiding therapeutic strategy in multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) beyond prespecified percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary graft surgery candidates.

OBJECTIVES

The FUTURE (FUnctional Testing Underlying coronary REvascularization) trial aimed to evaluate whether a treatment strategy based on FFR was superior to a traditional strategy without FFR in the treatment of multivessel CAD.

METHODS

The FUTURE trial is a prospective, randomized, open-label superiority trial. Multivessel CAD candidates were randomly assigned (1:1) to treatment strategy based on FFR in all stenotic (≥50%) coronary arteries or to a traditional strategy without FFR. In the FFR group, revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention or surgery) was indicated for FFR ≤0.80 lesions. The primary endpoint was a composite of major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events at 1 year.

RESULTS

The trial was stopped prematurely by the data safety and monitoring board after a safety analysis and 927 patients were enrolled. At 1-year follow-up, by intention to treat, there were no significant differences in major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events rates between groups (14.6% in the FFR group vs 14.4% in the control group; hazard ratio: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.69-1.36; P = 0.85). The difference in all-cause mortality was nonsignificant, 3.7% in the FFR group versus 1.5% in the control group (hazard ratio: 2.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.97-5.18; P = 0.06), and this was confirmed with a 24 months' extended follow-up. FFR significantly reduced the proportion of revascularized patients, with more patients referred to exclusively medical treatment (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with multivessel CAD, we did not find evidence that an FFR-guided treatment strategy reduced the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events or death at 1-year follow-up. (Functional Testing Underlying Coronary Revascularisation; NCT01881555).

Prognosis value of serum soluble ST2 level in acute ischemic stroke and STEMI patients in the era of mechanical reperfusion therapy

BACKGROUND

Soluble form suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is known to have prognostic value in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and could impact mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, before considering sST2 as a therapeutic target, the kinetics of release and its association with adverse clinical events in both STEMI and AIS patients have to be determined.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled 251 STEMI patients, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, and 152 AIS patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. We evaluated the level of sST2 in patient sera at five time point (admission, 4, 24, 48 h and 1 month from admission for STEMI patients and admission, 6, 24, 48 h and 3 months from admission for AIS patients). Major adverse clinical events (MACE) (all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or hospitalization for heart failure) in STEMI patients and all-cause death in AIS patients were recorded during a 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean age of the study population was 59 ± 12 and 69 ± 15 years in STEMI and AIS patients, respectively. In STEMI patients, sST2 peaked 24 h after admission (25.5 ng/mL interquartile range (IQR) [14.9-29.1]) whereas an earlier and lower peak was observed in AIS patients (16.8 ng/mL IQR [15.2-18.3] at 6 h). Twenty-five (10.0%) STEMI patients experienced a MACE and 12 (7.9%) AIS patients had all-cause death within the first 12 months. A high level of sST2 at 24 h was associated with MACE in STEMI patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.1-5.6], p = 0.03) and all-cause death in AIS patients (HR = 11.7; 95% CI [3.8-36.2], p < 0.01) within the first 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights that sST2 levels at 24 h are associated with an increased risk to adverse clinical events in both diseases.

Early and short-term intensive management after discharge for patients hospitalized with acute heart failure: a randomized study (ECAD-HF)

AIMS

Hospitalization for acute heart failure (HF) is followed by a vulnerable time with increased risk of readmission or death, thus requiring particular attention after discharge. In this study, we examined the impact of intensive, early follow-up among patients at high readmission risk at discharge after treatment for acute HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hospitalized acute HF patients were included with at least one of the following: previous acute HF < 6 months, systolic blood pressure ≤ 110 mmHg, creatininaemia ≥ 180 µmol/L, or B-type natriuretic peptide ≥ 350 pg/mL or N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide ≥ 2200 pg/mL. Patients were randomized to either optimized care and education with serial consultations with HF specialist and dietician during the first 2-3 weeks, or to standard post-discharge care according to guidelines. The primary endpoint was all-cause death or first unplanned hospitalization during 6-month follow-up. Among 482 randomized patients (median age 77 and median left ventricular ejection fraction 35%), 224 were hospitalized or died. In the intensive group, loop diuretics (46%), beta-blockers (49%), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (39%) and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (47%) were titrated. No difference was observed between groups for the primary endpoint (hazard ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.74-1.26), nor for mortality at 6 or 12 months or unplanned HF rehospitalization. Additionally, no difference between groups according to age, previous HF and left ventricular ejection fraction was found.

CONCLUSIONS

In high-risk HF, intensive follow-up early post-discharge did not improve outcomes. This vulnerable post-discharge time requires further studies to clarify useful transitional care services.

Serum Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors 1 and 2 Are Early Prognosis Markers After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background: As inflammation following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is both beneficial and deleterious, there is a need to find new biomarkers of STEMI severity.

Objective: We hypothesized that the circulating concentration of the soluble tumor necrosis factor α receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) might predict clinical outcomes in STEMI patients.

Methods: We enrolled into a prospective cohort 251 consecutive STEMI patients referred to our hospital for percutaneous coronary intervention revascularization. Blood samples were collected at five time points: admission and 4, 24, 48 h, and 1 month after admission to assess sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 serum concentrations. Patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 1 month.

Results: sTNFR1 concentration increased at 24 h with a median of 580.5 pg/ml [95% confidence interval (CI): 534.4–645.6]. sTNFR2 increased at 48 h with a median of 2,244.0 pg/ml [95% CI: 2090.0–2,399.0]. Both sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 peak levels were correlated with infarct size and left ventricular end-diastolic volume and inversely correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients with sTNFR1 or sTNFR2 concentration above the median value were more likely to experience an adverse clinical event within 24 months after STEMI [hazards ratio (HR): 8.8, 95% CI: 4.2–18.6, p < 0.0001 for sTNFR1; HR: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.5 –10.5, p = 0.0003 for sTNFR2]. Soluble TNFR1 was an independent predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events and was more powerful than troponin I (p = 0.04 as compared to the troponin AUC).

Conclusion: The circulating sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 are inflammatory markers of morphological and functional injury after STEMI. sTNFR1 appears as an early independent predictor of clinical outcomes in STEMI patients.

Heart failure in COVID-19: the multicentre, multinational PCHF-COVICAV registry

Aims

We assessed the outcome of hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with heart failure (HF) compared with patients with other cardiovascular disease and/or risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidaemia). We further wanted to determine the incidence of HF events and its consequences in these patient populations.

Methods and results

International retrospective Postgraduate Course in Heart Failure registry for patients hospitalized with COVID‐19 and CArdioVascular disease and/or risk factors (arterial hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidaemia) was performed in 28 centres from 15 countries (PCHF‐COVICAV). The primary endpoint was in‐hospital mortality. Of 1974 patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, 1282 had cardiovascular disease and/or risk factors (median age: 72 [interquartile range: 62–81] years, 58% male), with HF being present in 256 [20%] patients. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 25% (n = 323/1282 deaths). In‐hospital mortality was higher in patients with a history of HF (36%, n = 92) compared with non‐HF patients (23%, n = 231, odds ratio [OR] 1.93 [95% confidence interval: 1.44–2.59], P < 0.001). After adjusting, HF remained associated with in‐hospital mortality (OR 1.45 [95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.06], P = 0.041). Importantly, 186 of 1282 [15%] patients had an acute HF event during hospitalization (76 [40%] with de novo HF), which was associated with higher in‐hospital mortality (89 [48%] vs. 220 [23%]) than in patients without HF event (OR 3.10 [2.24–4.29], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hospitalized COVID‐19 patients with HF are at increased risk for in‐hospital death. In‐hospital worsening of HF or acute HF de novo are common and associated with a further increase in in‐hospital mortality.

Haemodynamic parameters associated with renal function prior to and following heart transplantation

Aims

Abnormal renal function is a common feature in patients on heart transplant waiting lists. This study aimed to identify the haemodynamic parameters associated with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients listed for heart transplantation (HT) and renal function improvement following HT.

Methods and results

A total of 176 adults (52 years old, 81% men) with available right heart catheterization (RHC) listed in our centre for HT between 2014 and 2019 were studied. Cardiac catheterization measurements were obtained at time of HT listing evaluation. Changes in renal function were assessed between RHC and 6 months after HT. Median eGFR was 63 mL/min/1.73 m² at time of RHC. Central venous pressure > 10 mmHg was associated with a two‐fold increase in the likelihood of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² at time of RHC (adjusted odd ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.7; P = 0.04). In the 134 patients (76%) who underwent HT during follow‐up, eGFR decreased by 7.9 ± 29.7 mL/min/1.73 m² from RHC to 6 months after HT. In these patients, low cardiac index (<2.1 L/min/m²) at initial RHC was associated with a (adjusted) 6 month post‐HT eGFR improvement of 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m² (P = 0.018). Patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and low cardiac index at time of RHC exhibited the greatest eGFR improvement (delta eGFR = 18.3 mL/min/1.73 m²) while patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² and normal cardiac index had a marked decrease in eGFR (delta eGFR = −27.7 mL/min/1.73 m², P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Central venous pressure is the main haemodynamic parameter associated with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² in patients listed for HT. Low cardiac index prior to HT is associated with post‐transplant renal function recovery.

Effect of Colchicine on Myocardial Injury in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Inflammation is a key factor of myocardial damage in reperfused ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that colchicine, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, may reduce infarct size (IS) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling at the acute phase of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods:

In this double-blind multicenter trial, we randomly assigned patients admitted for a first episode of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction referred for primary percutaneous coronary intervention to receive oral colchicine (2-mg loading dose followed by 0.5 mg twice a day) or matching placebo from admission to day 5. The primary efficacy outcome was IS determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 5 days. The relative LV end-diastolic volume change at 3 months and IS at 3 months assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging were among the secondary outcomes.

Results:

We enrolled 192 patients, 101 in the colchicine group and 91 in the control group. At 5 days, the gadolinium enhancement–defined IS did not differ between the colchicine and placebo groups with a mean of 26 interquartile range (IQR) [16–44] versus 28.4 IQR [14–40] g of LV mass, respectively (P=0.87). At 3 months follow-up, there was no significant difference in LV remodeling between the colchicine and placebo groups with a +2.4% (IQR, –8.3% to 11.1%) versus –1.1% (IQR, –8.0% to 9.9%) change in LV end-diastolic volume (P=0.49). Infarct size at 3 months was also not significantly different between the colchicine and placebo groups (17 IQR [10–28] versus 18 IQR [10–27] g of LV mass, respectively; P=0.92). The incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events during the treatment period was greater with colchicine than with placebo (34% versus 11%, respectively; P=0.0002).

Conclusions:

In this randomized, placebo-controlled trial, oral administration of high-dose colchicine at the time of reperfusion and for 5 days did not reduce IS assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Registration:

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03156816.

Kinetics and prognostic value of soluble VCAM-1 in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND

Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) is a biomarker of endothelial activation and inflammation. There is still controversy as to whether it can predict clinical outcome after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Our aim was to assess the sVCAM-1 kinetics and to evaluate its prognostic predictive value.

METHOD

We prospectively enrolled 251 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent coronary revascularization in our university hospital. Blood samples were collected at admission, 4, 24, 48 h and 1 month after admission. sVCAM-1 serum level was assessed using ELISA assay. All patients had cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 1-month for infarct size (IS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessment. Clinical outcomes were recorded over 12 months after STEMI.

RESULTS

sVCAM-1 levels significantly increased from admission up to 1 month and were significantly correlated with IS, LVEF, and LV end-systolic and diastolic volume. (H48 area under curve (AUC) ≥ H48 median) were associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical events during the 12-month follow-up period with a hazard ratio (HR) = 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] of ratio = 1.2-5.6, p = .02). The ability of H48 AUC for sVCAM-1 to discriminate between patients with or without the composite endpoint was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics with an AUC at 0.67 (0.57-0.78, p = .004). This ability was significantly superior to H48 AUC creatine kinase (p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In STEMI patients, high sVCAM-1 levels are associated with a poor clinical outcome. sVCAM-1 is an early postmyocardial infarction biomarker and might be an interesting target for the development of future therapeutic strategies.