Socio-economic factors determine maternal and noenatal outcomes in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy: a study of the ESC EORP PPCM registry

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a global disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyse to what extent country- and individual-level socioeconomic factors were associated with maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

In 2011, >100 national and affiliated member cardiac societies of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) were contacted to contribute to a global registry on PPCM, under the auspices of the ESC EORP Programme. Country-level sociodemographic factors were Gini coefficient (GINI), health expenditure (HE) and human developmental index (HDI). Individual-level sociodemographic factors were income and educational attainment. We investigated the characteristics and outcomes of women with PPCM and their babies according to individual and country-specific socioeconomic status.

Results

739 women from 49 countries were enrolled (Europe [33%], Africa [29%], Asia-Pacific [15%], Middle East [22%]). Overall, 142 (19%) of women were from countries with low HDI, 307 (42%) medium HDI and 290 (39%) high HDI. Patients of Black African ethnicity were almost all from low HDI countries (99.3%), Middle Eastern and Asian patients from medium HDI (37.7% and 26.2%), and Caucasian patients were mostly from high HDI (72%, p<0.001). Women from countries with low HDI had lower income and educational attainment. They also underwent fewer Caesarian sections, but breastfed for longer (20 versus 6 months, p<0.001). Low HDI and low GINI were associated with greater LV dilatation at time of diagnosis (p<0.001), but LV ejection fraction (LVEF) did not differ according to HDI, HE or GINI. Countries with low HE prescribed guideline-directed heart failure therapy less frequently. Low HE was associated with more frequent mortality (p<0.002), whereas HDI and GINI were not. Women from countries with low HDI and low HE had significantly less recovery of LV function. Analysis of maternal outcome as per highest level of educational attainment (i.e., primary [n=154], secondary [n=342], tertiary [n=126]), showed significant differences in LVEF at 6 months (43.7+12.9, 46.5+13.0 and 48.9+11.7 respectively, p=0.022). Low maternal income, irrespective of region of origin, was independently associated with poor outcome (composite of maternal death, re-hospitalization, or LV non-recovery). Neonatal death was more prevalent in countries with low HE (p=0.009) and low HDI (p=0.023) but was not influenced by maternal sociodemographic parameters.

Conclusion

Maternal and neonatal outcomes depended on country-specific socioeconomic characteristics, with a greater prevalence of maternal and neonatal deaths in women from countries with low HE. Globally, women with low income and lower levels of educational attainment had poorer outcomes, irrespective of region. Attempts should be made to improve patient education, and allocation of adequate health resources to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in PPCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): 1. EurObservational Research Programme in conjunction with the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Study Group on Peripartum Cardiomyopathy2. Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

Point-of-care NT-proBNP for the screening of PREGnancy-related Heart Failure – the PREG-HF study

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of maternal mortality worldwide. However, diagnosing heart failure (HF) during pregnancy remains challenging. Patients with HF present with symptoms that are often attributed to the physiological changes of pregnancy. Although the measurement of natriuretic peptides (such as NT-proBNP) has been recommended as a cost-effective screening test for HF, its value in predicting underlying structural heart disease on echocardiography during pregnancy is unclear.

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of point-of-care (POC) NT-proBNP to predict echocardiographic evidence of structural heart disease in pregnant women.

Methods

All consecutive consenting pregnant women with symptoms of HF (New York Heart Association functional class [NYHA FC] II–IV), who underwent echocardiography at Groote Schuur Hospital (a tertiary hospital in South Africa) between 1 March 2021 and 15 March 2022 were recruited and compared with asymptomatic pregnant women (NYHA FC I). Demographic and obstetric data were collected, as well as clinical and echocardiographic parameters. POC NT-proBNP was measured; a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the level of NT-proBNP that would have the best predictive value for detecting structural heart disease on echocardiography.

Results

We included 121 women with a median age of 31.3 years (IQR 24.9–36.4) and a median gravidity of 3 (2–4), mostly in their third trimester of pregnancy (75.2%). Symptomatic women (66.1%) presented mainly with dyspnoea (92.5%) and fatigue (73.8%). Most common signs of HF were peripheral oedema (46.8%), jugular venous distension (17.7%) and pulmonary crackles (17.7%). Overall, the median POC NT-proBNP was 98pg/ml (60–506) but was not statistically different between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. However, NT-proBNP levels were significantly elevated in those with left ventricular (LV) dilatation (376 [86–744] vs 65 [60–191], p=0.001), left atrial enlargement (395 [65–744] vs 60 [59–108], p<0.001), LV systolic dysfunction (510 [113–1668] vs 65 [60–210], p<0.001), diastolic dysfunction (300 [77–1450] vs 78 [60–257], p=0.031), mitral regurgitation (167 [60–672] vs 78 [60–243], p=0.038) and pericardial effusion (440 [81–1031] vs 71 [60–243], p=0.011) (Figure 1). An NT-proBNP of <200pg/ml had the highest negative predictive value (83%) to rule out structural heart disease (AUC 0.68 [0.59–0.77]). Patients with NT-proBNP of ≥200pg/ml were at increased risk of having echocardiographic evidence of structural heart disease (diagnostic odds ratio 4.9 [95% confidence interval 2.0–11.7]).

Conclusion

In this cohort of pregnant women with symptoms suggestive of HF, POC NT-proBNP identified those with structural heart disease with acceptable discrimination. POC NT-proBNP testing might be particularly useful as a screening test in settings where pregnant women do not readily have access to echocardiography.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): World Heart Federation Salim Yusuf Emerging Leaders Programme

Exploratory proteome profiling in patients with peripartum cardiomyopathy – a biomarker study on the EORP cohort

Background

The diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) remains challenging as heart failure symptoms may also occur during normal pregnancy. This is further aggravated by the absence of biomarkers specific for diagnosis or prognosis of women with PPCM. Indeed, current evidence from the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Registry, an ongoing prospective, international, multicentre, observational registry for women with PPCM, report that the time to diagnosis after symptom onset varies from 19.4 to 38.3 days.

Aims

We performed exploratory serum proteome profiling on patients with PPCM, as compared with healthy postpartum mothers, to uncover novel protein biomarkers that would further our understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease and enhance diagnostic evaluation.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data, as well as serum samples were collected from 84 patients with PPCM from seven EORP participating countries and 29 healthy controls (HC) from South Africa. Serum proteomic profiling was conducted using DIA-based label-free quantitative (LFQ) LC-MS at the time of diagnosis from depleted serum samples. Mass spectrometry data were analyzed by Spectronaut v15 using a study-specific spectral library. Proteomic statistical analysis was performed using Perseus version 2.0.3.0 (FDR=0.05; S=0.1).

Results

Patients with PPCM had advanced heart failure (50% had New York Heart Association functional classes III/IV, mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] of 33.5%±9.3 [vs 57.0±8.8 in HC, p<0.001]). Amongst the 329 proteins that were identified in the serum samples, 17 proteins were significantly differentially upregulated and 18 downregulated in patients with PPCM as compared to the HC (all p<0.05; Figure 1). Adiponectin (log fold change 1.378, p=0.001), pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1 (1.207, p=0.022), disintegrin metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 12 (1.185, p=0.039), peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (1.182, p=0.031) and sulfhydryl oxidase 1 (1.101, p=0.004) were among the upregulated proteins, whilst immunoglobulin kappa variable 2–29 (0.856, p=0.029), ficolin-3 (0.898, p=0.001), platelet basic protein (0.917, p=0.006) and thrombospondin-1 (0.930, p=0.043) were among the downregulated. Gene ontology indicated that thrombospondin receptor activity, fibronectin-binding, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 binding among the most significant regulated molecular functions. The area under the curve (AUC) of the top 10 up-regulated biomarkers ranged from 0.61–0.68 (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Salient biological themes related to immune response proteins, inflammation, fibrosis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and blood coagulation were identified to be predominant in PPCM versus HC. This indicates the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of PPCM. The newly identified proteins warrant further studies to evaluate their potential use as diagnostic and prognostic markers for PPCM.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): 1. EurObservational Research Programme in conjunction with the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology Study Group on Peripartum Cardiomyopathy2. Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Prognostic value of NT-pro-BNP for myocardial recovery in peripartum cardiomyopathy

Background

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an important cause of pregnancy-associated heart failure and occurs in women towards the end of pregnancy or within the first five months post-partum. Though PPCM is mostly associated with left ventricular (LV) recovery, many affected women develop chronic heart failure with persistently reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Despite recent advances in the treatment of PPCM, clinical predictors of myocardial recovery remain sparse.

Purpose

N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is the only clinically established biomarker with diagnostic value in PPCM. However, its prognostic value for LV recovery in PPCM remains uncertain. We aimed to establish whether NT-pro-BNP could serve as a predictor of LV recovery in PPCM, and if so, which levels would help with such risk stratification.

Methods

Women with PPCM seen at the Cardiomyopathy Clinic at Groote Schuur Hospital were recruited between 2012 and 2018. Clinical details and echocardiographic features were recorded at baseline and follow-up, and NT-pro-BNP was measured at baseline. LV recovery was defined as an LVEF of ≥50% at 12-month follow-up.

Results

This cohort of 42 women with PPCM had a mean age of 29.3±5.8 years and median parity of 2 (IQR 1–4). Almost half (45.2%) presented with a NYHA functional class III/IV. The median systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 117mmHg (IQR 105–133) and 75mmHg (IQR 68–85) respectively. The median heart was 94bpm (IQR 74–103). At diagnosis, mean LVEF was 31.1±8.4% and LV end-diastolic dimension (EDD) of 59mm (IQR 53–64), which improved to LVEF 44.5%±14.5 (p=0.001) and LVEDD 53.6mm (p=0.007) at 1 year. Median NT-pro-BNP at presentation was 915.8pg/mL (IQR 613.6–2422.5). Patients presenting with sinus tachycardia (heart rate >100 bpm) had significantly higher NT-pro-BNP values (1815 vs. 728pg/mL, p=0.009) at the time of diagnosis. At presentation, NT-pro-BNP tended to correlate with LVEDD (R 0.33, p=0.04) and was inversely correlated with LVEF (R −0.39, p=0.01). Whereas initial LVEDD and LVEF did not predict LV recovery at 1 year, NT-pro-BNP at the time of diagnosis had prognostic significance. Patients without LV recovery had a significantly higher NT-pro-BNP at diagnosis (1694.1pg/mL vs. 613.1pg/mL, p=0.02). As shown in Figure 1, NT-pro-BNP of >900pg/mL was associated with lower probability of LV recovery (OR 0.19 [95% CI 0.05–0.73], p=0.018).

Conclusion

We show, for the first time, that NT-pro-BNP has a prognostic value for LV recovery in PPCM. NT-pro-BNP may be useful in the risk stratification in PPCM and may be used to recommend more intensive follow-up of patients who have a NT-pro-BNP >900pg/mL at diagnosis.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by the South African Medical Research Council and National Research Foundation of South Africa.

2371Electrocardiographic features and their echocardiographic correlates in peripartum cardiomyopathy based on the EURObservational registry on PPCM

Background

Cardiac disease remains an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally. Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), defined as heart failure secondary to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in previously healthy women towards the end of pregnancy or up to five months following delivery, can result in cardiogenic shock due to severe LV dysfunction or arrhythmias leading to sudden cardiac death. Cardiac electrical activity and its relationship to cardiac dysfunction have not yet been interrogated in large multi-centre studies.

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the ECG abnormalities associated with PPCM; their relationship with echocardiographic structural and functional abnormalities and explore regional and ethnic differences in ECG features.

Methods

We included the first 411 patients enrolled into the EURObservational PPCM registry (EORP). Baseline demographic, clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. ECGs were analysed for rate; rhythm; QRS width, axis and morphology; and QTc interval.

Results

Mean age of the women (from >40 countries) was 30.7±6.4 years. More than two thirds of patients presented with NYHA class III or IV (with no regional differences). The median QRS rate was 102bpm (IQR 87–117). More than half presented with sinus tachycardia (QRS rate >100bpm), whereas atrial fibrillation was rare (2.27%). The mean QRS width was 90.1ms ±21.5, with regional differences (ESC 93.8ms ±21.7 vs. non-ESC 86.8ms ±20.8, P<0.001). Left bundle branch block (LBBB) was reported in 9.30% with no regional or ethnic differences. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was present in a quarter of the cohort, and more prevalent amongst African (59.62%) and Asian (23.17%) than Caucasians (7.63%, P<0.001). The median QTc by Bazett was 456.7ms (IQR 409–490.7) and almost half (47.11%) had prolonged QTc (>460ms). The median LVEDD was 60mm (IQR 55–65) on echocardiography. Compared with their Asian and Caucasian counterparts, African patients were more likely to have LV dilatation (LVEDD>53mm: 70.11%, 79.31% and 89.42% respectively; P=0.004). The median LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 32.50% (IQR 25–39) with no significant regional or ethnic differences. Sinus tachycardia predicted poor systolic function (OR 1.85 [95% CI 1.20–2.85], p=0.006). LVEF <35% was associated with a significantly higher QRS rate (median rate 107 vs. 98bpm, p=0.002). Women with LVEDD ≥53mm had a longer mean QRS duration (92.0±22.4 vs. 82.4±15.4ms, p<0.001) and frequency of LBBB (11.15% vs 1.54%, p=0.016). LBBB was a predictor of LVEDD >53mm (sensitivity 11.15%; specificity 98.46%; PPV 97.14%; NPV 19.10%; OR 8.02 [95% CI 1.08–59.66], p=0.042).

Conclusion

Patients with PPCM commonly present with sinus tachycardia, LVH, and/or prolonged QTc interval on their ECG. Wide QRS and/or LBBB, were associated with LVEDD>53mm. Sinus tachycardia, however, was associated with LVEF<35%. Risk of arrhythmia in those with prolonged QTc remains to be ascertained.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Heart Failure Association of the ESC

Concussion knowledge and attitudes among amateur South African rugby players

Background: The South African Rugby Union’s BokSmart programme currently educates coaches and referees on concussion. Rugby players are often more familiar with their teammates than the coach or referee. Therefore they are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in rugby safety if they have adequate knowledge to identify subtle signs and abnormal behaviour displayed by a concussed teammate. However, no programme focuses on concussion education among South African rugby players and there is a dearth of literature on concussion education programmes among rugby players which could lead to safer return to play (RTP) habits.Objectives: To evaluate South African rugby players’ concussion knowledge and attitudes/behaviours regarding RTP following a concussion.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used. Participants (n=294) were divided into junior amateur high school (JAHS) (n=216) and senior amateur club (SAC) (n=78) players. The modified RoCKAS-ST questionnaire was used to evaluate their concussion knowledge index (CKI) and concussion attitudes/behaviours index (CAI) regarding RTP.Results: On average, 62% (JAHS) and 60% (SAC) of the CKI questions were answered correctly. JAHS participants correctly identified 66% of concussion symptoms, similarly to the SAC participants (63%), rendering similar (p=0.37) overall CKI scores when comparing the two groups. The CAI questions yielded similar (p=0.98) results between the groups, reporting safe responses in 66% (JAHS) and 67% (SAC) of the items.Discussion and conclusion: Junior and senior South African amateur rugby players lacked approximately one-third of essential concussion knowledge, which may lead to a display of unsafe attitudes/behaviours to concussion and RTP. Further research is warranted to inform educational programmes on concussion among rugby players.

Concussion knowledge and attitudes among amateur South African rugby players

Background: The South African Rugby Union’s BokSmart programme currently educates coaches and referees on concussion. Rugby players are often more familiar with their teammates than the coach or referee. Therefore they are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in rugby safety if they have adequate knowledge to identify subtle signs and abnormal behaviour displayed by a concussed teammate. However, no programme focuses on concussion education among South African rugby players and there is a dearth of literature on concussion education programmes among rugby players which could lead to safer return to play (RTP) habits.Objectives: To evaluate South African rugby players’ concussion knowledge and attitudes/behaviours regarding RTP following a concussion.Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used. Participants (n=294) were divided into junior amateur high school (JAHS) (n=216) and senior amateur club (SAC) (n=78) players. The modified RoCKAS-ST questionnaire was used to evaluate their concussion knowledge index (CKI) and concussion attitudes/behaviours index (CAI) regarding RTP.Results: On average, 62% (JAHS) and 60% (SAC) of the CKI questions were answered correctly. JAHS participants correctly identified 66% of concussion symptoms, similarly to the SAC participants (63%), rendering similar (p=0.37) overall CKI scores when comparing the two groups. The CAI questions yielded similar (p=0.98) results between the groups, reporting safe responses in 66% (JAHS) and 67% (SAC) of the items.Discussion and conclusion: Junior and senior South African amateur rugby players lacked approximately one-third of essential concussion knowledge, which may lead to a display of unsafe attitudes/behaviours to concussion and RTP. Further research is warranted to inform educational programmes on concussion among rugby players.

MRSA bacteraemia complicating amphotericin B treatment of cryptococcal meningitis

Intravenous amphotericin B is a key component of the antifungal therapy for cryptococcal meningitis recommended in South African and international guidelines. Unfortunately, its use is associated with significant toxicity including deterioration in renal function, electrolyte disturbance, anaemia and infusion reactions. Chemical phlebitis is common following administration via peripheral cannulae. This can be complicated by bacterial infection, resulting in localised cellulitis or bacterial sepsis. Here we describe two patients with cryptococcal meningitis who developed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia during, or shortly after treatment with amphotericin B. These cases illustrate the dangers of line-related sepsis in hospitalised individuals and some of the difficulties encountered during treatment of this condition.

The tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism gene shows locus homogeneity on chromosome 15q11-q13 and evidence of multiple mutations in southern African negroids

Tyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinism (ty-pos OCA) is an autosomal recessive disorder of the melanin pigmentary system. South African ty-pos OCA individuals occur with two distinct phenotypes, with or without darkly pigmented patches (ephelides, or dendritic freckles) on exposed areas of the skin. These phenotypes are concordant within families, suggesting that there may be more than one mutation at the ty-pos OCA locus. Linkage studies carried out in 41 families have shown linkage between markers in the Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome (PWS/AS) region on chromosome 15q11-q13 and ty-pos OCA. Analysis showed no obligatory crossovers between the alleles at the D15S12 locus and ty-pos OCA, suggesting that the D15S12 locus is very close to or part of the disease locus, which is postulated to be the human homologue, P, of the mouse pink-eyed dilution gene, p. Unlike caucasoid "ty-pos OCA" individuals, negroid ty-pos OCA individuals do not show any evidence of locus heterogeneity. Studies of allelic association between the polymorphic alleles detected at the D15S12 locus and ephelus status suggest that there was a single major mutation giving rise to ty-pos OCA without ephelides. There may, however, be two major mutations causing ty-pos OCA with ephelides, one associated with D15S12 allele 1 and the other associated with D15S12 allele 2. The two loci, GABRA5 and D15S24, flanking D15S12, are both hypervariable, and many different haplotypes were observed with the alleles at the three loci on both ty-pos OCA-associated chromosomes and "normal" chromosomes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The CEPH consortium linkage map of human chromosome 15q

The CEPH consortium map of chromosome 15q is presented. The map contains 41 loci defined by genotypes generated from CEPH family DNAs with 45 different probe and restriction enzyme combinations contributed by 10 laboratories. A total of 29 loci have been placed on the map with likelihood support of at least 1000:1. The map extends from 15q13 to 15q25-qter. Multipoint linkage analyses provided estimates that the male, female, and sex-averaged maps extend for 127, 190, and 158 cM, respectively. The largest interval is 21 cM and is between D15S37 and D15S74. The on-average locus spacing is 5.6 cM and the mean genetic distance between the 21 uniquely placed loci is 8 cM.