Risk assessment in inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension

Background

Our objective was to investigate an abbreviated version of the the current European PH guidelines, noninvasive French model, an abridged version of the REVEAL 2.0 risk score calculator, REVEAL Lite 2, and a refined 4-strata risk assessment model, COMPERA 2.0 for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Methods

We enrolled inoperable CTEPH patients from 8 PAH centers from December 2009 to June 2020 (n=123). 70% of patients were treated with PAH therapies. Noninvasive French model comprising WHO functional class (FC), 6-minute walk distance (6 MWD), and N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) or BNP was used for 63 patients. REVEAL Lite 2 including FC, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, 6MWD, BNP/NT-pro BNP, and estimated glomerular filtration rate was used for 71 patients. COMPERA 2.0 including FC, 6MWD and BNP/NT-pro BNP was used for 71 patients. Patients were grouped into three categories according to the French model and REVEAL Lite 2 scores, and into four categories according to COMPERA 2.0. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival was assessed in each risk group with all-cause mortality as the end point. Log-rank test was used to compare estimates.

Results

The mean age was 64±13 years at diagnosis. The median follow-up was 22.7 months. 26 patients had died. None of the patients had balloon pulmonary angioplasty. Most patients had received monotherapy (55%). 23.8% of patients were WHO FC I-II, 65.6% III, and 10.7% IV at initial evaluation (Table 1). All models discriminated risk in our cohort. Patients having none of low-risk criteria or high risk profiles by REVEAL Lite 2 and COMPERA 2.0 at follow-up had the worst survival. Figure 1 demonstrates KM survival curves for noninvasive French model (A), REVEAL Lite 2 (B), and COMPERA 2.0 (C). 37.3% of patients achieved 2 or more low risk criteria at follow-up. 44.8% of patients were in low risk at follow-up (REVEAL lite 2). 52.1% of patients were in low and intermediate-low risk at follow-up (COMPERA 2.0). The estimated survival rate at 5 years of patients meeting 2 and more low-risk criteria was 86% vs. 55% for patients meeting 0 low-risk criterion (p=0.04). The corresponding survival rate was 45% for high-risk patient, 79% for intermediate-risk patient, and 82% for low-risk patient (REVEAL lite 2) (p=0.029). The corresponding survival rates were 51.1% for high-risk patient and 91.6% for intermediate-low risk patient (COMPERA 2.0) (p=0.017). COMPERA 2.0 seems more accurate based on c-index. Survival was similar between patients treated and not treated with PAH therapies (p=0.735).

Conclusions

Noninvasive French model, REVEAL Lite 2, and COMPERA 2.0 may provide a simplified method of risk assessment for inoperable CTEPH. This analysis also supports the value of goal-oriented treatment in CTEPH. Patients who have not achieved low risk category at follow-up may benefit from escalation of their treatment regimen.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Utility of left atrial strain imaging for the determination of diastolic dysfunction in patients with STEMI

Introduction

Since echocardiographic parameters indicating increased left ventricular filling pressure were validated in patients with stable coronary artery disease and patients with acute coronary syndrome were excluded, the utility of these parameters in ACS patients is not clarified. Recent studies suggest that left atrial strain imaging is a reliable method for the assessment of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Purpose

In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical utility of left atrial strain imaging for the detection of increased LVFP.

Methods

We prospectively included patients diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who were treated with primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI). Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was measured following the procedure. Comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation was performed within 24 hours of pPCI. Patients with atrial fibrillation and severe valvular heart disease were excluded. Normal LV end-diastolic pressure was accepted as <18 mmHg.

Results

76 patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to LVEDP value. Group 1 patients included patients with normal LVEDP (42 patients) and the rest of the patients included into group 2 (27 patients). Comorbidities including hypertension (p: 0.408), diabetes (p: 0.696) and dyslipidaemia (p: 0.336) were similar between groups. Anterior myocardial infarction was more prevalent in group 2 patients (p: 0.012). Troponin and pro-BNP values were significantly higher in group 2 patients (p: 0.001 and p: 0.03 respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular global strain values were significantly lower in group 2 patients (p: 0.048 and p: 0.025 respectively). Table 1 represents the comparison of strain values between groups. Left atrial reservoir strain rates were lower in group 2 patients (p: 0.09). Correlation analyses revealed that there is a statistically significant relationship between left atrial strain values and LVEDP (p: 0.003 and r: 0.238).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study has demonstrated that left atrial strain imaging is a useful non-invasive method for the assessment of increased LVEDP in patients with STEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Echocardiographic variables

Risk assessment tool implementation in congenital heart disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension

Background

Risk assessment is recommended for patients with congenital heart disease associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (CHD-PAH). Patients in intermediate or high risk may need intensified therapies to improve their survival.

Purpose

To compare an abbreviated version of the risk assessment strategy proposed by the current European PH guidelines, noninvasive French model, and an abridged version of the REVEAL 2.0 risk score calculator, REVEAL Lite 2.

Methods

We enrolled a mixed prevalent and incident cohort of patients with CHD-PAH from 6 PAH centers from January 2006 to December 2019 (n=126). Noninvasive French model comprising WHO functional class (FC), 6-minute walk distance (6 MWD), and N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) or BNP was used. REVEAL Lite 2 includes FC, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, 6MWD, BNP/NT-pro BNP, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Patients were grouped into three categories according to the number of non-invasive low-risk criteria (French model) and REVEAL Lite 2 scores. Risk was calculated based on the last available assessment at 12 months' follow-up, starting from enrollment. Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival was assessed in patients in each risk group with all-cause mortality as the end point. Log-rank test was used to compare estimates.

Results

The mean age was 32±16 years at diagnosis. The mean follow up was 99.41±58.2 months. 32 patients had died. Most patients were Eisenmenger Syndrome (39.4%) and simple defects (19.7%). Most patients had received monotherapy (74.5%). 66.6% of patients were WHO FC I–II, 29.3% III, and 3.9% IV (Table). Both models effectively discriminated risk in our cohort (p=0.0001). Patients achieving two or more noninvasive low-risk criteria or low risk category by REVEAL Lite 2 at follow-up had a significantly reduced risk of death. Figure demonstrates KM survival curves for noninvasive French model (A) and REVEAL Lite 2 (B). 51% of patients achieved 2 or more low risk criteria at follow-up. 56% of patients were in low risk at follow-up (REVEAL lite 2). The estimated survival rate at 5 years of patients meeting 2 and more low-risk criteria at follow-up was 100% vs. 86.8% for patients meeting 1 low-risk criterion and 59.6% for patients meeting 0 low-risk criterion. The corresponding survival rate was 65% for high-risk patient, 76.2% for intermediate-risk patient, and 100% for low-risk patient (REVEAL lite 2) (p=0.0001 by log-rank test; Figure). REVEAL Lite 2 approximates noninvasive French model at discriminating among patients at low, intermediate, or high risk based on c-index.

Conclusions

Both noninvasive French model and REVEAL Lite 2 provide a simplified and robust method of risk assessment for CHD-PAH. This analysis also supports the value of goal-oriented treatment in CHD-PAH. Patients who have less than 2 low-risk criteria or who have not achieved low risk category at follow-up may benefit from escalation of their treatment regimen.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Effects of obesity on survival in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Background

Studies have shown that increased body weight and obesity may be associated with an increased risk of arrhythmic events. However, studies conducted in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) have found that low body mass index (BMI) is associated with higher mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of obesity on the risk of arrhythmic events, hospitalization and death in patients receiving ICD therapy for primary or secondary prevention.

Methods

The study was designed as a single-center prospective and observational. Patients with BMI <30 kg/m2 were classified as non-obese and patients with ≥30 kg/m2 as obese. The primary endpoints were all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, and cardiac rehospitalization.

Results

Among the total of 340 patients, 78.2% were male, 21.8% were female, and the mean age of the patients was 60.9 years. Among all patients, there were 30.6% normal weight, 47.4% overweight and 22.1% obese patients. AF recording was significantly higher in obese patients compared to the normal weight patient group (p=0.02). Shock, appropriate shock, and liquid load sensing were statistically higher in obese than non-obese patients (p=0.042, p=0.011 and p=0.007). In the primary prevention group, all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality rates were lower in the obesity group (p=0.022, p=0.037).

Conclusion

Our findings showed that although cardiac arrhythmic events are more common in obese patients, mortality and hospitalization events are less common in obese patients. These findings are consistent with the reverse epidemiology that has been demonstrated previously between obesity and mortality

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Events obtained from device controlSurvival normal weight and overweight

Comparison of upper extremity versus lower extremity vein injections of bubble contrast in assessment of patent foramen ovale

Background

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is one of the causes of cardioembolism and closure of PFO is recommended by the current guidelines in patients with recurrent stroke. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) using bubble-contrast study is the gold standard imaging modality for the assessment of interatrial septum. Upper-extremity veins are the most common way of injection, however, the presence of Eustachian valve and flow dynamics when bubble-contrast injection performed via upper extremity veins limits the assessment of interatrial septum in several cases. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of bubble-contrast study between upper extremity injection and lower extremity injection.

Material/Methods

Patients with a suspicion of cardioembolism who were undergoing TEE study were included in this study. After routine assessment of cardiac structures, the bubble-contrast study was performed using agitated saline from both upper-extremity vein and lower-extremity vein with Valsalva manoeuvre. Right-to-left shunt and numbers of bubbles transmitted from the septum were recorded.

Results

We prospectively included 45 patients and 21 PFOs were detected. There were 9 patients with prominent Eustachian valve and in 6 patients Eustachian valve hampered the complete opacification of the right atrium. In 3 patients flow from the superior vena cava was directed towards the tricuspid valve and hampered the complete opacification. Among 21 patients with PFO, in 6 patients right-to-left shunt was not observed when agitated-saline was injected via the upper-extremity vein, however, the shunt was observed when the agitated-saline was injected via the lower-extremity vein. In 14 patients amount of bubbles passing through the interatrial septum were significantly higher when the injection was performed via the lower-extremity vein especially in patients with prominent Eustachian valve.

Conclusion

Our preliminary results indicated that compared to upper-extremity veins, injection via the lower-extremity veins provides better opacification of right atrial septum and assessment of interatrial septum. Therefore, injection through the lower-extremity veins would be the preferred choice particularly in patients with prominent Eustachian valve or downward directed flow from the superior vena cava.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

The clinical significance and prognostic value of early second peak of hs-troponin t in patients successfully treated with primary pci

Background

It was previously demonstrated that in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) high-sensitive troponin-T (Hs-cTnT) makes two peaks. However, the clinical significance of the second peak (early vs late) in patients undergoing successful primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) is not known. We investigated the role of early second peak on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients who underwent successful pPCI were included. Baseline characteristics, angiographic variables and kinetics of Hs-cTnT levels following pPCI were recorded. Second peak of Hs-cTnT was defined as re-elevation of troponin levels above plateau levels. The second peak of Hs-cTnT is defined as early second peak, if re-elevation is detected earlier than 72 hours after the diagnosis and late second peak, when re-elevation is detected later than 72 hours.

Results

We included 250 patients divided into two groups; patients with early second peak as group 1 (n=118) and rest of the patients as group 2 (n=132). Baseline characteristics and comorbidities were similar. Peak level of Hs-cTnT, Hs-CRP and pro-BNP levels were significantly lower in group 1 patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher in group 1 patients (47.48±7.7 vs 43.80±9.3, p-value: 0.001). There was no significant difference with respect to new-onset heart failure (24% vs %28, p: 0.503) between groups however cardiac mortality was significantly lower in group 1 patients (%2 vs %11, p: 0.007).

Conclusion

The early second peak of Hs-cTnT in patients with STEMI is associated with successful reperfusion and predictors of better clinical outcome. Moreover, early second peak of Hs-cTnT is associated with decreased cardiac mortality and has a potential to be used as a marker of good prognosis.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Evaluation of the REVEAL 2.0 simplified three-category model in a pulmonary arterial hypertension cohort enriched with congenital heart disease

Objectives

Despite a remarkable progress in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) over the past decade, PAH still has a poor long-term outlook and remains an incurable condition. Risk assessment continues to be refined to identify patients at risk of early morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate a new model, the US Registry to Evaluate Early and Long-Term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL) 2.0 risk score proposed for the follow-up of patients in our cohort.

Methods

We enrolled a mixed prevalent and incident cohort of patients with idiopathic PAH (20%), heritable (2.5%), congenital heart disease (CHD) (59.2%), and connective tissue diseases (18.3%) subsets (n=121) from 4 PAH centers from March 2007 to January 2019. Individual patient REVEAL 2.0 risk scores were applied at 12 months after the diagnosis (follow-up). Risk scores were calculated with 7 or more variables. Kaplan-Meier survival was estimated for a simplified three-category (low, intermediate, and high risk) model up to 60 months from 1 year after the diagnosis, with all-cause mortality as the end point. Log-rank test was used to compare estimates.

Results

The mean age was 46±16 years (78.5% women). 2/3 of the patients were CHD. The median survival was 60 months. 25 patients had died. The majority of the patients were NYHA FC II (48.8%) and III (42.1%) at follow-up. Figure 1 demonstrates KM 12- and 60- month survival in our cohort according to the simplified three-category (low, intermediate, and high risk) REVEAL 2.0 model. Overall, 58.7%, 15.7%, and 25.6% of the patients were classified as low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively, at follow-up. The REVEAL 2.0 model effectively discriminated risk in our cohort. Both 1 year- and 5 year-survival differed significantly between the 3 risk categories: 12-month mortality estimates were 1.41% for low risk, 5.3% for intermediate risk, and 16.1% for high risk (log-rank, P=0.013); and 60- month mortality estimates were 2.8% for low risk, 10.5% for intermediate risk, and 51.6% for high risk (log-rank, P=0.0001).

Conclusions

The REVEAL 2.0 simplified three-category model can be applied for risk assessment of the PAH subsets, particularly congenital heart disease at follow-up.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

FRI0237 COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION SCREENING ALGORITHMS IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Background:

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Different screening algorithms have been proposed for identifying patients who have a high probability of PH and require right heart catheterization (RHC), which is the gold standard for diagnosing PH.

Objectives:

To compare the performance of PH screening algorithms in our patients with SSc.

Methods:

Sixty-nine consecutive pts fulfilling ACR/EULAR 2013 SSc criteria have been screened for PH until now, using the 2015 ESC/ERS, DETECT and ASIG algorithms. Pulmonary function tests (PFT), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), trans-thoracic echocardiography, serum NT-proBNP and uric acid assay and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were performed as needed. Patients with known PH, severe interstitial lung disease and severe left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) were not included. RHC was performed in all patients with positive screening according to any one of the screening algorithms. Pts with PH were classified according to the updated PH classification criteria. Sensitivity and specificity of the 3 screening algorithms were evaluated according to the established cut-off value of 25 mmHg for mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure and for the recently proposed cut-off value of 20 mmHg.

Results:

Among the 69 SSc pts, 27 were excluded due to ILD(n=6), LVD(n=6), already diagnosed PH(n=4) no measurable TRV(n=5), lung cancer (n=2), pulmonary embolism (n=1) and nephrotic syndrome (n=1). Among the remaining 42 patients, 17 required RHC according to at least one of the screening algorithms (Table 1). Number of patients who had suspected pulmonary hypertension and required RHC according to ESC/ERS 2015, DETECT and ASIG were 7 (%17), 13 (%31), and 12 (%29) respectively (Figure 1). Among the 17 pts. who had RHC, PH was present in 3 pts according to the 25-mmHg cut-off (Group 2 in 2, Group 3 in 1) and in 9 pts according to the 20-mmHg cut-off (Group 1 in 5, Group 2 in 3, Group 3 in 1). The sensitivity and specificities were presented in Table 2. ASIG and DETECT had better sensitivity for 25-mmHg cut-off and was better with ASIG for 20 mmHg cut-off. The specificity was better with ESC/ERS for both cut-off values.

Conclusion:

The ASIG algorithm has a better sensitivity and ESC/ERS algorithm has a better specificity for detecting PH in patients with SSc. A limitation of this study was that RHC was not performed in patients who did not fulfill criteria according to any of the screening algorithms. The sensitivities may be lower than what we propose if there are patients with PH who are asymptomatic and not captured with any of the algorithms.

Disclosure of Interests:

Mustafa Erdogan: None declared, Burcak Kilickiran Avci: None declared, Cansu Ebren: None declared, Yagmur Ersoy: None declared, Zeki Ongen: None declared, Gul Ongen: None declared, Vedat Hamuryudan Speakers bureau: Pfizer, AbbVie, Amgen, MSD, Novartis, UCB, Gulen Hatemi Grant/research support from: BMS, Celgene Corporation, Silk Road Therapeutics – grant/research support, Consultant of: Bayer, Eli Lilly – consultant, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Mustafa Nevzat, Novartis, UCB – speaker

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome among Turkish adults

OBJECTIVE

To determine prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in a sample representing Turkish population using United States Adult Treatment Panel-3 guidelines.

DESIGN

The study included random samples from both urban and rural populations in the seven geographical regions of Turkey. The population for this analysis were 2108 men (1372 in urban and 736 in rural areas) and 2151 women (1423 in urban and 728 in rural areas) with a mean age of 40.9+/-14.9 years (range 20-90).

RESULTS

The prevalence of the MS diagnosed using the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria was 33.9% (1442 of 4259) and differed significantly in men (28%) and women (39.6%). The prevalence of syndrome increased with age in men, from 10.7% in subjects aged 20-29 years to 49% in those aged over 70 years. The prevalence increased with age in women, from 9.6% in subjects aged 20-29 years to 74.6% in those aged 60-69 years, and decreased to 68.6% in those over 70 years of age. The prevalence of the syndrome was similar in urban (33.8%) and rural (33.9%) population. We found 26.8, 26.4, 19.3, 10.9 and 3.6% of the population had at least 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 components, respectively. We found 57.2, 32.3 and 10.6% of the subjects with MS had 3, 4 and 5 components, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of the MS in the adult Turkish population is very high, especially in women. Our findings have important implications for public health in Turkey.

Frequency of cytochrome P450 CYP2C9 variants in a Turkish population and functional relevance for phenytoin

AIMS

The genetically polymorphic cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2C9 metabolizes many important drugs. We studied the frequency of the amino acid variants cysteine144 (CYP2C9*2 ) and leucine359 (CYP2C9*3 ) in a Turkish population and the correlation between genotype and phenotype using phenytoin as probe drug.

METHODS

CYP2C9 alleles *2 and *3 were measured in 499 unrelated Turkish subjects by PCR and restriction fragment length pattern analysis. Phenotyping was performed in a subgroup of 101 volunteers with a single oral dose of 300 mg phenytoin and concentration analysis in serum drawn 12 h after dosage.

RESULTS

CYP2C9 allele frequencies in 499 unrelated Turkish subjects were 0.794 for CYP2C9*1, 0.106 for CYP2C9*2 and 0. 100 for CYP2C9*3. Mean phenytoin serum concentrations at 12 h after dosage were 4.16 mg l-1 (95% CI 3.86-4.46) in carriers of the genotype CYP2C9*1/1, 5.52 mg l-1 (4.66-6.39) in CYP2C9*1/2, and 5.65 mg l-1 (4.86-6.43) in CYP2C9*1/3. These differences were significant and accounted for 31% of total variability in phenytoin trough levels. Mean 12 h concentration ratios of 5-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin/phenytoin (p-HPPH/P) were 0. 43 (0.39-0.47) for CYP2C9*1/1 compared with 0.26 (0.21-0.31) for CYP2C9*1/2, 0.14 (0.13-0.14) for CYP2C9*2/2, 0.21 (0.18-0.24) for CYP2C9*1/3, and 0.02 for CYP2C9*3/3; all mutant genotypes were significantly different compared with CYP2C9*1/1.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequency of the two CYP2C9 variants in Turkish subjects was in a similar range as in other Caucasian populations. A significant proportion of the interindividual variability in phenytoin trough levels is explained by the genotypes. The 12 h serum concentrations after a single phenytoin dose may be used for routine phenotyping of CYP2C9 mediated metabolic clearance and the p-HPPH/P ratios may be even more sensitive indicators of CYP2C9 activity.