Prevalence of pre-eclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with pre-existing cardiomyopathy: a multi-centre retrospective cohort study

Pre-eclampsia is associated with postnatal cardiac dysfunction; however, the nature of this relationship remains uncertain. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 55%) and explore the relationship between pregnancy outcome and pre-pregnancy cardiac phenotype. In this cohort of 282 pregnancies, pre-eclampsia prevalence was not significantly increased (4.6% [95% C.I 2.2-7.0%] vs. population prevalence of 4.6% [95% C.I. 2.7-8.2], p = 0.99); 12/13 women had concurrent obstetric/medical risk factors for pre-eclampsia. The prevalence of preterm pre-eclampsia (< 37 weeks) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) was increased (1.8% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.03; 15.2% vs. 5.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). Neither systolic nor diastolic function correlated with pregnancy outcome. Antenatal ß blockers (n = 116) were associated with lower birthweight Z score (adjusted difference - 0.31 [95% C.I. - 0.61 to - 0.01], p = 0.04). To conclude, this study demonstrated a modest increase in preterm pre-eclampsia and significant increase in FGR in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction. Our results do not necessarily support a causal relationship between cardiac dysfunction and pre-eclampsia, especially given the population's background risk status. The mechanism underpinning the relationship between cardiac dysfunction and FGR merits further research but could be influenced by concomitant ß blocker use.

Perturbations in cardiac metabolism in a human model of acute myocardial ischaemia

INTRODUCTION

Acute myocardial ischaemia and the transition from reversible to irreversible myocardial injury are associated with abnormal metabolic patterns. Advances in metabolomics have extended our capabilities to define these metabolic perturbations on a metabolome-wide scale.

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to identify cardiac metabolic changes in serum during the first 5 min following early myocardial ischaemia in humans, applying an untargeted metabolomics approach.

METHODS

Peripheral venous samples were collected from 46 patients in a discovery study (DS) and a validation study (VS) (25 for DS, 21 for VS). Coronary sinus venous samples were collected from 7 patients (4 for DS, 3 for VS). Acute myocardial ischaemia was induced by transient coronary occlusion during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Plasma samples were collected at baseline (prior to PCI) and at 1 and 5 min post-coronary occlusion. Samples were analyzed by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in an untargeted metabolomics approach.

RESULTS

The study observed changes in the circulating levels of metabolites at 1 and 5 min following transient coronary ischaemia. Both DS and VS identified 54 and 55 metabolites as significant (P < 0.05) when compared to baseline levels, respectively. Fatty acid beta-oxidation and anaerobic respiration, lysoglycerophospholipids, arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, tryptophan metabolism and sphingosine-1-phosphate were identified as mechanistically important.

CONCLUSION

Using an untargeted metabolomics approach, the study identified important cardiac metabolic changes in peripheral and coronary sinus plasma, in a human model of controlled acute myocardial ischaemia. Distinct classes of metabolites were shown to be involved in the rapid cardiac response to ischemia and provide insights into diagnostic and interventional targets.

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia with an update on cholesterol management

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant condition that increases the risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Despite advances in treatment, it remains under detected and under treated. As an inherited condition, it poses a risk to the patient and family members. Most cases are due to defective low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) activity. Heterozygous mutations are common (1:250-1:300). Homozygous FH is very rare (2-3 in a million), with higher circulating cholesterol levels and a poorer cardiovascular prognosis. We present the management of a case of homozygous hypercholesterolemia due to homozygous LDLR mutation. The patient subsequently developed severe coronary artery and aortic valve disease despite aggressive lipid-lowering therapy. We review advanced lipid management options that include lipoprotein apheresis, Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibition, and the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor lomitapide.

Perioperative intravenous contrast administration and the incidence of acute kidney injury after major gastrointestinal surgery: prospective, multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the impact of preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast for CT and the risk of developing postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre cohort study included adults undergoing gastrointestinal resection, stoma reversal or liver resection. Both elective and emergency procedures were included. Preoperative exposure to intravenous contrast was defined as exposure to contrast administered for the purposes of CT up to 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of AKI within 7 days. Propensity score-matched models were adjusted for patient, disease and operative variables. In a sensitivity analysis, a propensity score-matched model explored the association between preoperative exposure to contrast and AKI in the first 48 h after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5378 patients were included across 173 centres. Overall, 1249 patients (23·2 per cent) received intravenous contrast. The overall rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery was 13·4 per cent (718 of 5378). In the propensity score-matched model, preoperative exposure to contrast was not associated with AKI within 7 days (odds ratio (OR) 0·95, 95 per cent c.i. 0·73 to 1·21; P = 0·669). The sensitivity analysis showed no association between preoperative contrast administration and AKI within 48 h after operation (OR 1·09, 0·84 to 1·41; P = 0·498).

CONCLUSION

There was no association between preoperative intravenous contrast administered for CT up to 7 days before surgery and postoperative AKI. Risk of contrast-induced nephropathy should not be used as a reason to avoid contrast-enhanced CT.

THU0438 INADEQUATE CARE FOR PATIENTS HOSPITALISED WITH GOUT: EVIDENCE THAT EULAR GUIDANCE IS NOT UTILISED

Background:

Hospitalisations due to gout have increased over the last decade, in direct contrast to declining admissions for other inflammatory arthritides including RA [1]. Gout is a treatable condition with recently published EULAR guidelines [2, 3]. Admissions could be avoided with effective use of urate-lowering therapies (ULT).

Objectives:

We hypothesised that the majority of patients attending hospital with acute gout attacks would not be on ULT. Furthermore, we hypothesised that the majority of patients would not be provided with a plan for ULT commencement and/or uptitration on discharge, leaving them at risk of further hospitalisations.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed electronic health records for all patients presenting acutely with a primary admission diagnosis of gout (ICD-10 code: M10) at two hospitals in London, UK, from January – December 2017. Analyses of in-hospital gout management were performed for these patients, including to ascertain the number and proportion of patients who: i) had a known history of gout; ii) were receiving ULT at time of attendance; iii) were provided with a discharge plan for ULT commencement and/or uptitration.

Results:

Over a 12-month period, there were 234 emergency attendances for gout in 225 individuals. 80% were male, with a mean age of 58 years. 70/234 (30%) attendances resulted in admission to hospital (mean length of stay: 2 days; range: 0-31 days). 211 patients had routinely captured clinical data available for further analysis. 90/211 (43%) patients had prior diagnoses of gout, of whom 38% were on ULT at presentation (32 allopurinol, 2 febuxostat). 38% of patients were discharged with a plan for ULT commencement and/or uptitration. 20 patients re-presented to hospital with acute gout within 12 months (17/20 were not receiving ULT).

Conclusion:

Most patients hospitalised with gout were not receiving ULT, even those with a prior history of gout attacks. Few were provided with a ULT plan, leaving them at risk of re-admission to hospital. Hospital admissions are unpleasant for patients and incur a high economic burden for health services; if they are to be prevented, there must be a concerted effort to implement and follow gout management guidelines to ensure patients receive ULT at appropriate doses.

References:

[1]Russell M,et al. Return of the King: Rising Incidence of Acute Hospital Admissions due to Gout. J Rheum 2019 Sep 15.

[2]Richette P, et al. 2016 updated EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the management of gout. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:29-42.

[3]Richette P, et al. 2018 updated European League Against Rheumatism evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of gout. Ann Rheum Dis 2020;79:31-38.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

Impact of somatic molecular profiling on clinical trial outcomes in rare epithelial gynecologic cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

Conducting clinical trials in rare malignancies is challenging due to the limited number of patients and differences in biologic behavior. We investigated the feasibility and clinical utility of using genomic profiling for rare gynecologic malignancies.

METHODS

Rare epithelial gynecologic cancer patients were analyzed for somatic variants through an institutional molecular profiling program using the Sequenom MassArray platform or the TruSeq Amplicon Cancer Panel on the MiSeq platform. Clinical trial outcomes by RECIST 1.1, and time on treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

From March 2012 to November 2015, 767 gynecologic patients were enrolled and 194 (27%) were classified as rare epithelial malignancies. At least one somatic mutation was identified in 72% of patients, most commonly in TP53 (39%), KRAS (28%) and PIK3CA (27%). A total of 14% of patients were treated on genotype-matched trials. There were no significant differences in overall response rate between genotype-matched versus unmatched trials, nor in median time on treatment between genotype trials and the immediate prior systemic standard treatment. Among 13 evaluable Low Grade Serous ovarian cancer patients treated on genotype-matched trials with MEK inhibitor-based targeted combinations, there were four partial responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Somatic molecular profiling is feasible and enables the identification of patients with rare gynecologic cancers who are candidates for genotype-matched clinical trials. Genotype-matched trials, predominantly MEK-based combinations in KRAS and/or NRAS mutant Low Grade Serous ovarian cancer patients, and genotype-unmatched trials, have shown potential clinical activity. Prospective trials with integrated genotyping are warranted to assess the clinical utility of next generation sequencing tests as a standard clinical application in rare malignancies.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in the evaluation of liver disease in adults who have had the Fontan operation

BACKGROUND

Liver disease (LD) is a long-term complication in patients with a single ventricle who have had the Fontan operation. A decline in cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) variables is associated with increased risk of hospitalization, but its association with LD is unknown.

AIM

To determine the association between CPET variables and LD in adults who have had the Fontan operation.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from two tertiary institutions.

RESULTS

We identified 114 adults (≥18 years; mean 30.9±7.4 years) who had undergone the Fontan operation: 56% were women; 63% had total cavopulmonary connection; 66% had New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I status; 42% had arrhythmias; 22% had systemic right ventricle; and 35% had ventricular dysfunction. Of 81 patients with liver-imaging data, 41% had LD (i.e. imaging evidence of cirrhosis, with or without portal hypertension, splenomegaly or varices). There were no differences in clinical or echocardiographic variables between those with and without LD. Among the 58 patients with CPET data, mean peak oxygen consumption (VO₂) was 18.6±5.7mL/kg/min, per-cent-predicted peak VO₂ was 53.9±15.5%, peak oxygen pulse was 9.3±2.9mL/beat and per-cent-predicted peak oxygen pulse was 82.6±21.5%. Of the 44 patients with liver and CPET data, each standard deviation decrease in per-cent-predicted peak VO₂ (16%) and per-cent-predicted peak oxygen pulse (22%) was associated with a 2.3-fold increase in the odds of LD, after adjusting for NYHA, institution and Fontan type (P=0.04). Similarly, each standard deviation decrease in per-cent-predicted peak VO₂ and oxygen pulse was associated with an estimated 5.9-year and 4.9-year earlier onset of LD, respectively (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Decline in per-cent-predicted peak VO₂ and oxygen pulse was associated with increased odds of LD in adults who had undergone the Fontan operation. Our study supports more rapid hepatic evaluation among patients with abnormal or worsening CPET variables.

Cardiovascular, obstetric and neonatal outcomes in women with previous fontan repair

OBJECTIVES

To determine cardiovascular, obstetric and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies in women who have a Fontan circulation.

METHODS

A retrospective case note review of all women with a Fontan circulation who attended the joint obstetric cardiac antenatal clinic at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester (UK) between 2004 and 2016 was performed.

RESULTS

In total, there were 19 pregnancies in 9 women with a history of Fontan repair. 23 women with univentricular physiology attended in this time period. 10 pregnancies (53%) resulted in live births; 1 in a stillbirth at 31 weeks gestation and 8 in miscarriage. Cardiovascular complications occurred in 2 pregnancies (11%). There were no thrombotic events, arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, or endocarditis in the antenatal or postnatal period. Obstetric complications included miscarriage (26% first trimester, 16% second trimester), along with premature delivery (24-36⁺⁶) (80%) and fetal growth restriction (70%). The majority of women were delivered by caesarean section (60%).

CONCLUSIONS

Women who become pregnant following a Fontan repair carry an increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Fetal and neonatal complication rates are high and emphasize the importance of thorough, multidisciplinary, pre-conceptual assessment and counseling to allow patients to make informed decisions regarding future pregnancy.

Maternal heart rate during the first 48h postpartum: a retrospective cross sectional study

OBJECTIVES

1) Describe the distribution of heart rate in the first 48h postpartum in women with no evidence of sepsis, anaemia or haemorrhage. 2) Investigate the relationship between postpartum heart rate and other maternal factors.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cross-sectional study of postpartum women who delivered between July 2012 and June 2015 in a tertiary hospital. Data was analysed from the local maternity system and electronic vital signs database. The main outcome measures: Heart rate at 6, 12, 24 and 48h postpartum.

RESULTS

Data were obtained on 11401 women. After exclusion of women with possible sepsis, anaemia or haemorrhage, 7627 heart rate readings from 5164 women were analysed. Mean heart rate (+2SD/+3SD) at 6h was 83.6 (108.2/120.6), 12h 84.5 (109.4/121.9), 24h 85.4 (110.4/122.9), and 48h 84.3 (109.7/122.4). There was statistical correlation of post partum heart rate with body mass index (BMI), age and discharge haemoglobin.

CONCLUSION

This study describes the distribution of maternal heart rate in the early postpartum period, in women with no evidence of sepsis, anaemia or major haemorrhage. This will facilitate identification and appropriate investigation of women with abnormal heart rates. Although correlation with BMI, age and discharge haemoglobin was demonstrated, the differences were small and not clinically meaningful. Further work investigating the relationship between postpartum heart rate and poor maternal outcomes is required.

Dual Arterial Access for Stenting of Aortic Coarctation in Patients with Near-Total Descending Aortic Interruption

Endovascular stenting is a recognized treatment strategy for the treatment of coarctation of aorta (COA) in adults. The aortic coarctation is usually crossed retrogradely from the descending aorta via the femoral approach. We report three patients who had near-total descending aortic interruption and underwent successful stenting of severe COA using a combined radial/brachial and femoral approach due to difficulty in crossing the lesion retrogradely via a femoral approach. There were no procedural complications and no adverse events during 6 months of follow-up.

Incidence and mechanisms of longitudinal stent deformation associated with Biomatrix, Resolute, Element, and Xience stents: Angiographic and case-by-case review of 1,800 PCIs

BACKGROUND

There is conflicting evidence regarding the incidence of longitudinal stent deformation (LSD) in contemporary practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To assess the incidence and mechanism of LSD across commonly used DES platforms, we performed a case-by-case review of 1,800 PCI cases involving 450 consecutive procedures using Biomatrix Flex, Resolute Integrity, Promus Element, and Xience V stents, respectively, between January 2009 and December 2011. LSD was detected in a higher proportion with Promus Element [15 (3.1%)] compared with other platforms (Xience V [4 (0.9%)], Biomatrix [3 (0.7%)], Resolute [3 (0.7%)]; P = 0.002). LSD was characterized as guide catheter/guide extension induced, or as impact from secondary devices such as postdilatation balloons or IVUS catheters. The incidence of guide catheter/guide extension LSD was similar across platforms; (Promus Element [5 (1.1%)], Xience V [4 (0.9%)], Biomatrix [3 (0.7%)], Resolute [3 (0.7%)]; P = 0.85). Secondary device LSD occurred exclusively with Promus Element (9/450 cases [2%] (P < 0.0001). Re-entering the deformed stent was more difficult in cases of secondary device LSD (6/9 compared with 0/12 treated cases; P < 0.001). Univariate predictors of LSD were previous CABG, culprit vessel, ostial involvement, and lesion tortuosity. Multivariate predictors of LSD were the Promus Element stent (OR 5.53 CI[1.54-19.85]), Guideliner use (OR 22.09 CI[4.73-103]), postdilation balloons (OR 5.47 CI[1.31-22.81]) and number of stents deployed (OR 2.06 CI[1.45-2.9].

CONCLUSION

LSD is more common than previously reported. LSD by a guide catheter/guide extension occurred equally with all platforms, however, LSD associated with secondary devices only occurred with the Element stent. These findings have important implications regarding current and future stent designs.

The effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist therapy on markers of inflammation in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: the MRC-ILA Heart Study

AIMS

Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) are driven by inflammation within coronary plaque. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has an established role in atherogenesis and the vessel-response to injury. ACS patients have raised serum markers of inflammation. We hypothesized that if IL-1 is a driving influence of inflammation in non-ST elevation ACS (NSTE-ACS), IL-1 inhibition would reduce the inflammatory response at the time of ACS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A phase II, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, study recruited 182 patients with NSTE-ACS, presenting <48 h from onset of chest pain. Treatment was 1:1 allocation to daily, subcutaneous IL-1receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) or placebo for 14 days. Baseline characteristics were well matched. Treatment compliance was 85% at 7 days. The primary endpoint (area-under-the-curve for C-reactive protein over the first 7 days) was: IL-1ra group, 21.98 mg day/L (95%CI 16.31-29.64); placebo group, 43.5 mg day/L (31.15-60.75) (geometric mean ratio = 0.51 mg/L; 95%CI 0.32-0.79; P = 0.0028). In the IL-1ra group, 14-day achieved high-sensitive C-reactive protein (P < 0.0001) and IL-6 levels (P = 0.02) were lower than Day 1. Sixteen days after discontinuation of treatment (Day 30) high-sensitive C-reactive protein levels had risen again in the IL-1ra group [IL-1ra; 3.50 mg/L (2.65-4.62): placebo; 2.21 mg/L (1.67-2.92), P = 0.022]. MACE at Day 30 and 3 months was similar but at 1 year there was a significant excess of events in the IL-1ra group.

CONCLUSION

IL-1 drives C-reactive protein elevation at the time of NSTE-ACS. Following 14 days IL-1ra treatment inflammatory markers were reduced. These results show the importance of IL-1 as a target in ACS, but also indicate the need for additional studies with anti-IL-1 therapy in ACS to assess duration and safety.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION EUCTR

2006-001767-31-GB: www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2006-001767-31/GB.

Early diagnosis of cardiac implantable electronic device generator pocket infection using ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT

AIMS

To examine the utility of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) in the early diagnosis of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) generator pocket infection.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 86 patients with CIEDs were evaluated with (18)F-FDG PET/CT imaging: 46 with suspected generator pocket infection and 40 without any history of infection. (18)F-FDG activity in the region of the generator pocket was expressed as a semi-quantitative ratio (SQR)-defined as the maximum count rate around the CIED divided by the mean count rate between normal right and left lung parenchyma. All patients underwent standard clinical management, independent of the PET/CT result. Patients with suspected generator pocket infection that required CIED extraction (n = 32) had significantly higher (18)F-FDG activity compared with those that did not (n = 14), and compared with controls (n = 40) [SQR: 4.80 (3.18-7.05) vs. 1.40 (0.88-1.73) vs. 1.10 (0.98-1.40), respectively; P < 0.001]. On receiver operator characteristic analysis, SQR had a high diagnostic accuracy (area under curve = 0.98) for the early identification of patients with confirmed infection (i.e. those ultimately needing extraction)-with an optimal SQR cut-off value of >2.0 (sensitivity = 97%; specificity = 98%).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the potential benefits of evaluating patients with suspected CIED generator pocket infection using (18)F-FDG PET/CT. In this study, (18)F-FDG PET/CT had a high diagnostic accuracy in the early diagnosis of CIED generator pocket infection, even where initial clinical signs were underwhelming.

Risk stratification and hierarchy of antenatal care

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of maternal death in the UK. The triennial maternal mortality reports have repeatedly highlighted failure to recognise the level of risk as a major contributing factor to the deaths of these women. Once the level of risk has been recognised, services then need to be organised in a way that supports the needs of the highest risk women, but avoids unnecessary intervention for women at lower risk. Risk scoring systems and lesion-specific indicators may help predict maternal and neonatal outcomes. Care can then be planned accordingly, to optimise the outcome for the woman and her baby.

The Influence of Posture on Perineal Ultrasound Imaging Parameters

A prospective clinical study was carried out to evaluate the influence of posture on perineal ultrasound imaging parameters. One hundred and thirty-two consecutive women presenting with symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction were examined by multichannel videourodynamics and perineal ultrasound, both supine and standing. Ultrasound included color Doppler imaging when available, i.e. in a subgroup of 99 patients. The position of the bladder neck at rest was higher in the supine position (P<0.001) and it descended further on Valsalva (P < 0.001), to reach an almost identical final position. There was a higher degree of urethral rotation on supine imaging (P = 0.001). Urethral funneling on Valsalva was more likely in the erect position (P < 0.001), as was urine leakage documented by color Doppler imaging (P < 0.001). The effect of a pelvic floor contraction was not significantly influenced by posture. Imaging of the urethrovesical junction should be undertaken in both supine and erect positions to document optimally both hypermobility and funneling or leakage.

Generic Feature Selection with Short Fat Data

Consider a regression problem in which there are many more explanatory variables than data points, i.e., p ≫ n. Essentially, without reducing the number of variables inference is impossible. So, we group the p explanatory variables into blocks by clustering, evaluate statistics on the blocks and then regress the response on these statistics under a penalized error criterion to obtain estimates of the regression coefficients. We examine the performance of this approach for a variety of choices of n, p, classes of statistics, clustering algorithms, penalty terms, and data types. When n is not large, the discrimination over number of statistics is weak, but computations suggest regressing on approximately [n/K] statistics where K is the number of blocks formed by a clustering algorithm. Small deviations from this are observed when the blocks of variables are of very different sizes. Larger deviations are observed when the penalty term is an L^q norm with high enough q.