Greater distance between ablation lines reduces the arrhythmia recurrence rate after pulmonary vein isolation

INTRODUCTION

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a recommended strategy for rhythm control in atrial fibrillation (AF), but its success rate remains unsatisfactory. Continuous research is being conducted to explore new technologies and modifications to the existing ablation workflow in order to reduce the arrhythmia recurrence rate.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the influence of the distance between ablation lines (DBL) on AF recurrence rate in patients undergoing their first PVI; and thus to optimize the procedure outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care center in Poland. A total of 146 patients (median age, 62 years; women, 34.3%) referred for a first PVI for either paroxysmal (n = 103) or persistent (n = 43) AF were evaluated. The procedures were performed with the use of a very‑high‑power, short‑duration catheter (QDot MicroTM, Biosense Webster, Inc., Irvine, California, United States) or a conventional, ablation index-guided ThermoCool Smarttouch SF catheter (Biosense Webster, Inc.). Freedom from AF recurrence was used as a primary end point. The impact of DBL on the outcome of PVI, accounting for conventional risk factors, was evaluated.

RESULTS

Greater distance between opposite circumferential PVI lines and its ratio to the transverse diameter of the left atrium (DLB/TD) were associated with a lower risk of AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 0.966; 95% CI, 0.935-0.998 [per 1 mm]; P = 0.04 and HR, 0.968; 95% CI, 0.944-0.993 [per 1%]; P = 0.01, respectively). There was no correlation between DBL or DBL/TD ratio and the impedance level.

CONCLUSIONS

Close distance between PVI lines contributes to AF recurrence; thus, increasing the DBL and ensuring a higher DBL/TD ratio may be an advantageous ablation strategy.

Safety and efficacy of percutaneous atrial appendage closure followed by antiplatelet therapy in a high-risk population: single-center experience with a WATCHMAN device

Introduction

In our everyday practice we encounter many patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with either a contraindication to oral anticoagulation or with its inefficiency.

Aim

To investigate whether left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) followed by post-procedure antiplatelet therapy is safe and efficient in a high-risk population.

Material and methods

Ninety-one (48 males) consecutive patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) underwent an LAAC procedure using a first-generation WATCHMAN 2.5 device followed by antiplatelet therapy. Clinical and transesophageal echocardiography data were collected at baseline and at the follow-up visit.

Results

The median (IQR) CHA2DS2-VASc score was 5 (4.0-6.0) and the HAS-BLED score was 3 (3.0-4.0); the mean (SD) age was 74.4 (8.4). A bleeding history was observed in 89% of patients and 24.2% of patients had a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). The procedure was successful in 98.9%. Post-procedure therapy was dual antiplatelet therapy in 85 patients; 3 patients received single antiplatelet therapy and the therapy was maintained until the follow-up visit. Peri-procedural complications were tamponade (3.3%), pericardial effusion (2.2%) and two deaths (2.2%) with no bleeding or vascular complications. The median follow-up was 67 (52.75-84.75) days. Primary safety endpoint (bleeding BARC type 3 or more, tamponade, pericardial effusion, and device embolization) and primary efficacy endpoint (stroke or TIA, hemorrhagic stroke, peripheral embolism, cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV death) were observed in 2 and 4 patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The LAAC procedure followed by antiplatelet therapy seems to be safe and efficient in the high-risk population. Further studies in this field are required.

Heart team consultations for patients with severe coronary artery disease or valvular heart disease in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: a single-center experience

Introduction

The Heart Team (HT) as a group of experienced specialists is responsible for optimal decision-making for high-risk cardiac patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on HT functioning.

Methods

In this retrospective, single-center study, we evaluated the cooperation of HT in terms of the frequency of meetings, the number of consulted patients, and the trends in choosing the optimal treatment strategies for complex individuals with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) or valvular heart disease (VHD) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland.

Results

From 2016 to May 2022, 301 HT meetings were held, and a total of 4,183 patients with severe CAD (2,060 patients) or severe VHD (2,123 patients) were presented. A significant decrease in the number of HT meetings and consulted patients (2019: 49 and 823 vs. 2020: 44 and 542 and 2021: 45 and 611, respectively, P < 0.001) as well as changes in treatment strategies-increase of conservative, reduction of invasive (2019: 16.7 and 51.9 patients/month vs. 2020: 20.4 and 24.8 patients/month and 2021:19.3 and 31.6 patients/month, respectively, P < 0.001)-were demonstrated with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic slowly receded, the observed changes began to return to the pre-pandemic trends.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decrease in the number of HT meetings and consulted patients and significant reduction of invasive procedures in favor of conservative management. Further studies should be aimed to evaluate the long-term implications of this phenomenon.

Echocardiographic Features of Cardiac Involvement in Myotonic Dystrophy 1: Prevalence and Prognostic Value

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Cardiac involvement is reported in 80% of cases and includes conduction disturbances, arrhythmias, subclinical diastolic and systolic dysfunction in the early stage of the disease; in contrast, severe ventricular systolic dysfunction occurs in the late stage of the disease. Echocardiography is recommended at the time of diagnosis with periodic revaluation in DM1 patients, regardless of the presence or absence of symptoms. Data regarding the echocardiographic findings in DM1 patients are few and conflicting. This narrative review aimed to describe the echocardiographic features of DM1 patients and their prognostic role as predictors of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.

Safety and effectiveness of very-high-power, short-duration ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: Preliminary results

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is at the forefront of rhythm control strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A very-high-power, short-duration (vHPSD) catheter, QDot MicroTM (Biosense Webster) was designed to improve the effectiveness of AF ablation within a shorter procedure time. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of PVI ablation between this vHPSD ablation mode and conventional ablation-index-guided ablation (ThermoCool Smarttouch SF catheter).

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective, observational study enrolled 108 patients with AF, referred for catheter ablation between December 16, 2019 and December 3, 2021. In 54 procedures (mean age: 58.0 ± 12.3; 66.67% male), a QDot MicroTM catheter was used (vHPSD-group), and 54 patients (mean age: 57.2 ± 11.8; 70.37% male) were treated with a ThermoCool SmarttouchTM SF catheter (AI-group). The primary endpoint was freedom from AF 3 months after ablation.

RESULTS

Atrial fibrillation was found to recur in 14.81% of patients in the vHPSD-group and in 31.48% of patients in the AI-group (p = 0.07). There was no difference in treatment-emergent adverse events between the two groups (6.3% vs. 0%; p = 0.10). One severe adverse event (a cerebral vascular accident) was observed in the vHPSD-group. The mean dose of remifentanil was reported to be lower during QDot MicroTM catheter-based PVI (p < 0.01). The vHPSD-based PVI was associated with shorter radiofrequency application time (p < 0.001), fluoroscopy time (p < 0.0001), and total procedure time (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests vHPSD ablation is safe, can reduce the dosage of analgesics during significantly shorter procedures and may enhance the success rate of catheter-based PVI.

Safety and effectiveness of very high-power short duration ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation: early results

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is at the forefront of treatment methods of rhythm control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) (1). The novel contact-force sensing catheter, QDot MicroTM (Biosense Webster) was designed to improve effectiveness of AF ablation and allow better time management due to shorter procedure time. It is a very high power-short duration (vHP-SD) catheter optimized for high density mapping and temperature control, which enables the application of high energy (up to 90W, 4s) (2).

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the QDot MicroTM catheter with the ThermoCool SmarttouchTM SF catheter with regard to the effectiveness and safety of PVI ablation.

Methods

It is a single center, cross-sectional, observational study enrolling 101 consecutive patients suffering from symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent AF, referred for first catheter ablation between 16 December 2019 and 03 December 2021. In 47 procedures (mean age 54 years; 70% male; 77% paroxysmal) the QDot Micro catheter was used (vHP-SD group; Qmode+ 90W, 4s), whereas the remaining 54 patients (mean age 57 years; 70% male; 67% paroxysmal) were treated with the ThermoCool SmarttouchTM SF catheter (control group, Ablation Index guided ablation). The primary endpoint was freedom from AF at 3-months after ablation. The secondary endpoints included the amount of opioids administered as well as the incidence of early-onset treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

Results

AF recurrence was documented in 14.9% patients in vHP-SD group and in 31.5% patients in control group (p=0.06). The mean dose of remifentanil was reported to be lower during Qmode+ catheter-based PVI (0.50 (0.40–0.60) vs. 0.70 (0.55–0.90) mg; p&lt;0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in TEAEs between both groups (6.3 vs. 0%; p=0.10). One severe adverse event (cerebral vascular incident 2 days after PVI – due to thrombus in the left ventricle) was observed in vHP-SD group.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the vHP-SD ablation is safe and enables sedative-analgesic medications demand reduction during procedure. vHP-SD mode may enhance the success rate of catheter-based PVI, however further research is needed to provide additional evidence of its superiority.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Heart rate control and its predictors in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm. Data from the European Society of Cardiology Long-Term Registry

BACKGROUND

Higher resting heart rate (HR) in patients with heart failure (HF) and sinus rhythm (SR) is associated with increased mortality. In patients hospitalized for HF, the aim herein, was to assess the use and dosage of guideline-recommended HR lowering medications, HR control at discharge and predictors of HR control.

METHODS

In the present study, were Polish participants of the European Society of Cardiology HF Long-Term (ESC-HF-LT) Registry. Those selected were hospitalized for HF, with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and SR at discharge (n = 236). The patients were divided in two groups ( < 70 and ≥ 70 bpm). Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of HR ≥ 70 bpm.

RESULTS

Of patients with HFrEF and SR, 59% had HR ≥ 70 bpm at hospital discharge. At discharge, 96% and only 0.5% of the patients with HFrEF and SR received beta-blocker and ivabradine, respectively. In the HF groups < 70 and ≥ 70 bpm, only 11% and 4% of patients received beta-blocker target doses, respectively. There was no difference in the use of other guideline-recommended medications. Age, New York Heart Association class, HR on admission and lack of HR lowering medications were predictors of discharge HR ≥ 70 bpm.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart rate control after hospitalization for HFrEF is unsatisfactory, which may be attributed to suboptimal doses of beta-blockers, and negligence in use other HR lowering drugs (including ivabradine).

An Individualized Approach of Multidisciplinary Heart Team for Myocardial Revascularization and Valvular Heart Disease—State of Art

The multidisciplinary Heart Team (HT) remains the standard of care for highly-burdened patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and valvular heart disease (VHD) and is widely adopted in the medical community and supported by European and American guidelines. An approach of highly-experienced specialists, taking into account numerous clinical factors, risk assessment, long-term prognosis and patients preferences seems to be the most rational option for individuals with. Some studies suggest that HT management may positively impact adherence to current recommendations and encourage the incorporation of patient preferences through the use of shared-decision making. Evidence from randomized-controlled trials are scarce and we still have to satisfy with observational studies. Furthermore, we still do not know how HT should cooperate, what goals are desired and most importantly, how HT decisions affect long-term outcomes and patient’s satisfaction. This review aimed to comprehensively discuss the available evidence establishing the role of HT for providing optimal care for patients with CAD and VHD. We believe that the need for research to recognize the HT definition and range of its functioning is an important issue for further exploration. Improved techniques of interventional cardiology, minimally-invasive surgeries and new drugs determine future perspectives of HT conceptualization, but also add new issues to the complexity of HT cooperation. Regardless of which direction HT has evolved, its concept should be continued and refined to improve healthcare standards.

Optimal Management of Patients with Severe Coronary Artery Disease following Multidisciplinary Heart Team Approach-Insights from Tertiary Cardiovascular Care Center

Background: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate outcomes of patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD) after implementing various treatment strategies following multidisciplinary Heart Team (MHT) discussion. Methods Primary and secondary endpoints and quality of life during a mean (SD) follow-up of 37 (14) months of patients with severe CAD (three-vessel [3-VD] or/and left main [LM] disease) qualified after MHT discussion to optimal medical treatment (OMT) alone, OMT and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or OMT and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were evaluated. As the primary endpoint, major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (i.e., death from any cause, stroke, myocardial infarction, or repeat/need for revascularization) were considered. Result: From 2016 to 2019, 176 MHT meetings were held, and a total of 1286 participants with severe CAD and completely implemented MHT decisions (OMT, CABG, or PCI for 251, 356, and 679 patients, respectively) were included. The occurrence of the primary endpoint was significantly increased in OMT-group (154 (61.4%) vs. CABG and PCI groups—110 (30.9%) and 302 (44.5%) patients, respectively (p < 0.05). For interventional strategies only—CABG was associated with reduced rates of MACCE and repeat revascularization, while the superiority of PCI for stroke and disabling stroke was observed (p < 0.05). The general health status assessed at the end of the follow-up was significantly better for patients who underwent CABG or PCI than in the OMT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In this real-life study, we presented a single-center experience of providing optimal medical care for patients with severe CAD following MHT discussion.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life following implementation of dedicated mitral valve Heart Team decisions for patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation in tertiary cardiovascular care center

BACKGROUND

This study was purposed to investigate which treatment strategy was associated with the most favourable prognosis for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) following Heart Team (HT)-decisions implementation.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, long-term outcomes of patients with severe MR qualified after HT discussion to: optimal medical treatment (OMT) alone, OMT and MitraClip (MC) procedure or OMT and mitral valve replacement (MVR) were evaluated. The primary endpoint was defined as cardiovascular (CV) death and the secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, myocardial infarctions (MI), strokes, hospitalizations for heart failure exacerbation and CV events during a mean (standard deviation [SD]) follow-up of 29 (15) months.

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2019, 176 HT meetings were held and a total of 157 participants (mean age [SD] = 71.0 [9.2], 63.7% male) with severe MR and completely implemented HT decisions (OMT, MC or MVR for 53, 58 and 46 patients, respectively) were included into final analysis. Comparing OMT, MC and MVR groups statistically significant differences between the implemented procedures and occurrence of primary and secondary endpoints with the most frequent in OMT-group were observed (p < 0.05). However, for interventional strategy MC was non-inferior to MVR for all endpoints (p > 0.05). General health status assessed at the end of follow-up were significantly the lowest for MVR, then for MC and the highest for OMT-group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study it was demonstrated that after careful HT evaluation of patients with severe MR at high risk of surgery, percutaneous strategy (MC) can be considered as equivalent to surgical treatment (MVR) with non-inferior outcomes.

Gastrointestinal Incretins-Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) beyond Pleiotropic Physiological Effects Are Involved in Pathophysiology of Atherosclerosis and Coronary Artery Disease-State of the Art

Simple Summary

The presented manuscript contains the most current and extensive summary of the role of the most predominant gastrointestinal hormones—GIP and GLP-1 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease both in animals and humans. We have described GIP and GLP-1 as (1) expressed in many human tissues, (2) emphasized relationship between GIP and GLP-1 and inflammation, (3) highlighted importance of GIP and GLP-1-dependent pathways in atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease and (4) proved that GIP and GLP-1 could be used as markers of incidence, clinical course and recurrence of coronary artery disease, and related to extent and severity of atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia. Our initial review may state a cornerstone for the future, however, there are still many unknowns and understatements on this topic. Due to the widespread growing interest for the potential use of incretins in cardiovascular diseases, we think that further research in this direction is desirable. For the future, we would like to recognize GIP and GLP-1 as widely implemented into clinical practice as new biomarkers of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Abstract

Coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the manifestation of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, is the most common single cause of death and is responsible for disabilities of millions of people worldwide. Despite numerous dedicated clinical studies and an enormous effort to develop diagnostic and therapeutic methods, coronary atherosclerosis remains one of the most serious medical problems of the modern world. Hence, new markers are still being sought to identify and manage CAD optimally. Trying to face this problem, we have raised the question of the most predominant gastrointestinal hormones; glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), mainly involved in carbohydrates disorders, could be also used as new markers of incidence, clinical course, and recurrence of CAD and are related to extent and severity of atherosclerosis and myocardial ischemia. We describe GIP and GLP-1 as expressed in many animal and human tissues, known to be connected to inflammation and related to enormous noncardiac and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. In animals, GIP and GLP-1 improve endothelial function and lead to reduced atherosclerotic plaque macrophage infiltration and stabilize atherosclerotic lesions by directly blocking monocyte migration. Moreover, in humans, GIPR activation induces the pro-atherosclerotic factors ET-1 (endothelin-1) and OPN (osteopontin) but also has anti-atherosclerotic effects through secretion of NO (nitric oxide). Furthermore, four large clinical trials showed a significant reduction in composite of CV death, MI, and stroke in long-term follow-up using GLP-1 analogs for DM 2 patients: liraglutide in LEADER, semaglutide in SUSTAIN-6, dulaglutide in REWIND and albiglutide in HARMONY. However, very little is known about GIP metabolism in the acute phase of myocardial ischemia or for stable patients with CAD, which constitutes a direction for future research. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the impact of GIP and GLP-1 on atherosclerosis and CAD and its potential therapeutic implications.

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of immunosuppression in biopsy-proven virus-negative myocarditis or inflammatory cardiomyopathy (IMPROVE-MC)

BACKGROUND

Myocarditis is frequently associated with poor prognosis as there is no evidence-based treatment. Therefore, current international recommendations indicate that a well-designed prospective trial to confirm benefits from immunosuppressive therapy is highly warranted. The aim of the IMPROVE-MC study is to assess the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive treatment compared with placebo on top of the guideline-recommended medical therapy in patients with biopsy-proven virus-negative myocarditis/inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

The IMPROVE-MC (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04654988) is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter trial that will recruit 100 adults, with biopsy-proven myocarditis/inflammatory cardiomyopathy, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 45% and ≥ 3-month history of symptoms. Patients will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to a group treated with prednisone and azathioprine vs. placebo. Patients will undergo 1-year double-blind therapy followed by a 1-year observation period to assess the long-term effects of the treatment. Apart from a routine clinical work-up, all patients will undergo cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and biopsy during screening and 1 year after applying the therapy. Primary endpoint is a change from baseline in LVEF at 12 months. Secondary endpoints are related to clinical evaluation (including New York Heart Association class, distance in 6-minute walk test, number of patients with the need for hospitalization), laboratory findings (biomarkers of fibrosis and myocardial necrosis, concentration of anti-heart auto-antibodies, heart tissue immunohistologic assessment), diagnostic tools (e.g., changes of echocardiographic, CMR and Holter-ECG parameters) and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPROVE-MC study will provide high-quality scientific data on the efficacy and safety of immunosuppressive therapy for patients with biopsy-proven myocarditis. Trial registration number and date of registration: ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT04654988; 04/12/2020.

Heart Team for Optimal Management of Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis-Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life from Tertiary Cardiovascular Care Center

Background: This retrospective study was proposed to investigate outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) after implementation of various treatment strategies following dedicated Heart Team (HT) decisions. Methods: Primary and secondary endpoints and quality of life during a median follow-up of 866 days of patients with severe AS qualified after HT discussion to: optimal medical treatment (OMT) alone, OMT and transcather aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or OMT and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) were evaluated. As the primary endpoint composite of all-cause mortality, non-fatal disabling strokes and non-fatal rehospitalizations for AS were considered, while other clinical outcomes were determined as secondary endpoints. Results: From 2016 to 2019, 176 HT meetings were held, and a total of 482 participants with severe AS and completely implemented HT decisions (OMT, TAVR and SAVR for 79, 318 and 85, respectively) were included in the final analysis. SAVR and TAVR were found to be superior to OMT for primary and all secondary endpoints (p < 0.05). Comparing interventional strategies only, TAVR was associated with reduced risk of acute kidney injury, new onset of atrial fibrillation and major bleeding, while the superiority of SAVR for major vascular complications and need for permanent pacemaker implantation was observed (p < 0.05). The quality of life assessed at the end of follow-up was significantly better for patients who underwent TAVR or SAVR than in OMT-group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated that after careful implementation of HT decisions interventional strategies compared to OMT only provide superior outcomes and quality of life for patients with AS.

Predictors of mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy in a long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Emery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy (EDMD) is an extremely rare muscular dystrophy due to either emerinopathy (EMD) or laminopathy (LMNA). The main risk for patients is that of cardiovascular complications.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of adverse clinical events in patients with EDMD in long-term follow-up observation.

METHODS

A total of 45 patients with confirmed EMD or LMNA mutation were included in the study. The relationships between clinical parameters, the overall survival rate, and risk factors for disease progression were assessed. The primary endpoint was defined as death, while the secondary endpoint comprised death, resuscitated cardiac arrest (RCA), heart transplant (HTX), stroke, end-stage heart failure (ESHF), and hospitalization due to heart failure (HF).

RESULTS

During a median length of follow-up observation of ten years (interquartile range, 5-15), ten patients (22%) died, one suffered RCA, two had HTX, and six suffered ischemic strokes (13%). Seven patients developed ESHF and eight were hospitalized due to HF. The secondary endpoint occurred in 16 patients (36%). LMNA mutation (hazard ratio [HR], 6.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-22.4; P = 0.008) and higher serum N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.06-1.56 per 100 pg/ml; P = 0.01) increased the risk of death. Higher tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) decreased the risk for the secondary endpoint (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.90 mm; P <0.001). NT-proBNP >257 pg/ml and TAPSE <21 mm may be assumed as the best cut-off values for the primary and secondary endpoints, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LMNA mutation and higher NT-proBNP concentration were associated with increased mortality in EDMD. Lower TAPSE was a predictor of a composite secondary endpoint in EDMD.

Double superior vena cava and left brachiocephalic vein agenesis: a rare systemic vein anomaly and potential source of cardiac implantable electronic device and central venous catheter placement complications

Abnormal systemic vein development produces anomalous veins, which - in the case of persistent left superior vena cava and/or left brachiocephalic vein - exhibit considerable topographic and morphometric differences in comparison with their usual anatomy. The nature and extent of those developmental anomalies - detected during intravenous procedures, such as cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) lead insertion or central venous catheter placement - may hinder the procedure itself and/or adversely affect its outcome, both at the stage of cardiac lead advancement through an abnormally shaped vessel and lead positioning within the heart. This may lead to problems in achieving optimal sensing and pacing parameters and in ensuring that the patient cannot feel the pacing impulses. These events accompanied a de novo CIED implantation procedure in the patient with a double superior vena cava and left brachiocephalic vein agenesis, who ultimately required reoperation.

The prevalence and association of major ECG abnormalities with clinical characteristics and the outcomes of real-life heart failure patients-Heart Failure Registries of the ESC

BACKGROUND

Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities increase the likelihood of heart failure (HF) but have low specificity and their occurrence is multifactorial.

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association of major ECG abnormalities with clinical characteristics and outcomes in a large cohort of real-life HF patients enrolled to HF Registries (Pilot and Long-Term) of the European Society of Cardiology.

METHODS

Standard 12-lead ECG containing at least one of the following simple parameters was considered a major abnormality: abnormal rhythm; > 100 b.p.m.; QRS ≥120 ms; QTc ≥450 ms; pathological Q-wave; left ventricle hypertrophy; left bundle branch block. A cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of the primary (all-cause death) and secondary (all-cause death or hospitalization for worsening HF) endpoints.

RESULTS

Patients with abnormal ECG (1222/1460; 83.7%) were older; more frequently were male and had HF with reduced ejection fraction, valvular heart disease, comorbidities, higher New York Heart Association class or higher concentrations of natriuretic peptides than patients with normal ECG. In a one-year observation the primary and secondary endpoints occurred more frequently in patients with abnormal ECG compared to normal ECG (13.8% vs 8.4%; P = 0.021 and 33.0% vs 24.7%; P = 0.016; respectively). Abnormal rhythm, tachycardia, QRS ≥120 ms and QTc ≥450 ms were significant in univariable (both endpoints) analyses but only tachycardia remained an independent predictor of the primary endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

HF patients with the major ECG abnormalities were characterized by worse clinical status and one-year outcomes. Only tachycardia was an independent predictor of all-cause death.

Expression of versican mRNA transcript to predict cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Adverse left-ventricular remodelling (LVR) is defined as an increase in end-diastolic left-ventricular volume by 20% 6 months after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). LVR is associated with cardiac dysfunction, therefore deteriorating the prognosis.

AIMS

We aimed to compare the concentrations of messenger RNA transcripts in the peripheral blood of patients with and without LVR at 6 months.

METHODS

The study included 75 patients with first ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. Whole blood concentrations of 6 transcripts were determined 24 hours after AMI using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. The correlations between mRNA transcript expression and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and N-terminal-pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 75 patients, 4 were lost to follow-up and 71 were included in the analysis. Seventeen (24%) patients developed LVR at 6 months. Versican (VCAN) mRNA expression was lower in patients who developed LVR, compared to those who did not (P = 0.02), and discriminated between these patients (area under the ROC curve 67%; P = 0.04). Expression of VCAN transcript < 75.3 normalized units predicted LVR with 71% sensitivity and 67% specificity. In a multivariable regression analysis, VCAN expression remained the only independent predictor of LVR (OR 3.475; 95% CI, 1.000-12.075; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Dysregulation of VCAN expression in the acute phase of AMI may contribute to LVR at 6 months. Whether decreased expression of VCAN might be a useful tool to predict LVR in clinical practice remains to be established.

Cardiac Stress in High-Risk Patients Undergoing Major Endovascular Surgery-Focus on Diastolic Function

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the changes in diastolic function and their association with cardiac biomarkers in the perioperative period in patients undergoing complex endovascular aortic repair.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Single-center academic hospital, central teaching hospital in Warsaw, Poland.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 27 high-risk patients scheduled for elective endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm.

INTERVENTIONS

Complex endovascular procedure using branched endograft of the thoracoabdominal aorta. Branches of the stent grafts included renal arteries, the superior mesenteric artery, and the celiac trunk.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was to evaluate changes in diastolic function parameters assessed with transthoracic echocardiography at two and 24 hours postoperatively. The major secondary outcomes were changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin I concentrations, systolic function parameters, hemodynamic parameters at two and 24 hours, length of hospital stay, and 30-day mortality. There was a reduction in e' wave velocity on both the septal and lateral sides at two hours compared with the baseline (p = 0.041 and p = 0.05, respectively). There was an increase in both NT-proBNP and troponin I concentrations after surgery (p = 0.002 and p = 0.034, respectively), with troponin I peaking two hours after surgery and NT-proBNP peaking 24 hours after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing a branched endovascular aortic repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm experience a cardiac insult that manifests with deterioration in diastolic parameters and concomitant increases of troponin and NT-proBNP concentrations. Additional large-scale prospective studies are required to confirm this phenomenon.

Clinical characteristics and risk profile of patients with atrial fibrillation with mid-range ejection fraction, insights from the Polish part of EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) comprises a wide range of patients (pts), from those with preserved to those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). According to 2016 ESC guidelines, pts with LVEF in the range of 40–49% represent a “grey area”, which is defined as heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Not much is known about the clinical characteristics of AF pts with mid-range ejection fraction.

Purpose

To determine the potential differences in the clinical characteristics, risk profile, and the outcomes of AF with moderate systolic dysfunction, measured by LVEF.

Methods

The EURObservational Research Programme on AF (EORP-AF) Long-Term General Registry analyzed consecutive AF patients who have presented to cardiologists in 250 centers from 27 European countries, including 25 centers from Poland. We analyzed data collected at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up visit from 568 Polish patients included in 25 Polish centers in the years 2013–2016. Pts were divided into three groups based on LVEF: the preserved LVEF (pEF) group (LVEF ≥50%), the mid-range LVEF (mrEF) group (40–49%), and the reduced LVEF (rEF) group (&lt;40%).

Results

117/568 pts with rEF represented 20,6%, 105/568 mrEF 18,5% and 346/568 pEF 60,9% of the whole analyzed group. With regard to the most typical risk factors, the mrEF population appeared between rEF and pEF, presenting a moderate risk profile with the exception of hypertension, which was the most common in the mrEF group. While permanent AF was the most common in the rEF group and paroxysmal in the pEF pts, pts with mrEF had a higher rate of long-lasting persistent AF. Taking into account the risk factors profile, surprisingly, pts with AF and mrEF more often presented with dyspnea/shortnes of breath (mrEF 38,1% vs. rEF 18,8% vs. pEF 22,5%; p=0,001) and fatigue (mrEF 38,1% vs. rEF 23,9% vs. pEF 25,4%; p=0,025). AF pts with mrEF also had the highest thrombo-embolic risk estimated with the CHA2DS2-VASc score (mrEF 4 [2–5], n=105; rEF 3 [2–5], n=117, pEF 3 [2–4], n=346, p=0.005). However, this did not translate into the highest number of thromboembolic events after one year which did not significantly differ (mrEF 10.5%, rEF 15.4%, pEF 11.3%, p=0.30) between the three groups.

Conclusions

The risk factor profile of AF pts with mrEF was milder than for those with rEF and more severe than for pEF pts. AF pts with mrEF more often presented HF symptoms. Their estimated thrombo-embolic risk was higher but the number of events in the one year follow-up did not significantly differ between groups.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Comparative effectiveness of torasemide versus furosemide in symptomatic therapy in heart failure patients: Preliminary results from the randomized TORNADO trial

BACKGROUND

Recent reports suggest that torasemide might be more beneficial than furosemide in patients with symptomatic heart failure (HF). The aim was to compare the effects of torasemide and furosemide on clinical outcomes in HF patients.

METHODS

This study pilot consisted of data from the ongoing multicenter, randomized, unblinded endpoint phase IV TORNADO (NCT01942109) study. HF patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) II-IV class with a stable dose of furosemide were randomized to treatment with equipotential dose of torasemide (4:1) or continuation of unchanged dose of furosemide. On enrollment and control visit (3 months after enrollment) clinical examination, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and assessment of fluid retention by ZOE Fluid Status Monitor were performed. The primary endpoint was a composite of improvement of NYHA class, improvement of at least 50 m during 6MWT and decrease in fluid retention of at least 0.5 W after 3-months follow-up.

RESULTS

The study group included 40 patients (median age 66 years; 77.5% male). During follow-up 7 patients were hospitalized for HF worsening (3 in torasemide and 4 in furosemide-treated patients). The primary endpoint reached 15 (94%) and 14 (58%) patients on torasemide and furosemide, respectively (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In HF patients treated with torasemide fluid overload and symptoms improved more than in the furosemide group. This positive effect occurred already within 3-month observation.

P749 Echocardiographic risk factors of functional ischemic mitral regurgitation in patients with first acute myocardial infarction

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the size of acute functional ischemic mitral regurgitation (FIMR) and selected left ventricle echocardiography measurements in patients (pts) with first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with effective primary angioplasty (PCI).

Methods

We analyzed 1578 consecutive hospitalized pts with STEMI (M-914; 66,4 ± 10,2 years) treated with PCI. The echocardiographic examination was performed at up to 3 days after admission. We assessed the frequency and size of FIMR, left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDd), ejection fraction (EF), wall motion score index (WMSI) and systolic sphericity index (Sls). Effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA) was used for quantitative FIMR assessment (mild: &lt;10 mm², moderate: ≥10 and &lt; 20 mm², severe: ≥ 20mm²). The study population was divided into four groups depending on the size of FIMR. Correlation coefficient was used to determine correlations between data sets.

Results

We observed mild FIMR in 550 pts (34,9%) - group I, moderate in 356 pts (22,5%) - group II, severe in 57 pts (3,6%) - group III, no FIMR in 615 pts (39%) – group IV. Mean values of selected echocardiographic parameters in each analyzed group are shown in table 1. The positive good correlations between SIs and size of FIMR were found (r = 0,68) as well as weak correlations between LVEDd, WMSI and FIMR (ro = 0,25, ro = 0,34, respectively). The negative weak correlation between EF and size of IMR was present (ro = - 0,34).

Conclusions

1. FIMR is a common complication in pts with STEMI treated with PCI.

2. We found a statistically significant correlation between SIs and FIMR severity.

Table 1 Group I Group II Group III Group IV p LVEDd (cm) 5,22 ± 0,64 5,42 ± 0,56 5,72 ± 0,64 4,98 ± 0,58 NS EF (%) 48 ± 6 42 ± 8 35 ± 8 51 ± 8 NS WMSI 1,34 ± 0,28 1,42 ± 0,24 1,68 ± 0,32 1,32 ± 0,22 NS SIs 0,22 ± 0,1 0,32 ± 0,1 0,68 ± 0,1 0,18 ± 0,1 0,01 NS - non-significant

Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle - a practical approach for an anaesthetist

Bedside point-of-care echocardiography is being increasingly incorporated in peri-operative assessment and in intensive care units. Because of availability of tissue Doppler imaging in the modern ultrasound machines there has been an increased interest in research of diastolic function of left ventricle. The diastolic function is crucial for the hemodynamically effective function of the heart. Diastolic dysfunction is a well-established risk factor of the major adverse cardiac events during perioperative period, complications during weaning from ventilator and prognostic factor of mortality in septic shock.

Comparative Analysis of Long-Term Outcomes of Torasemide and Furosemide in Heart Failure Patients in Heart Failure Registries of the European Society of Cardiology

PURPOSE

Current clinical recommendations do not emphasise superiority of any of diuretics, but available reports are very encouraging and suggest beneficial effects of torasemide. This study aimed to compare the effect of torasemide and furosemide on long-term outcomes and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class change in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).

METHODS

Of 2019 patients enrolled in Polish parts of the heart failure registries of the European Society of Cardiology (Pilot and Long-Term), 1440 patients treated with a loop diuretic were included in the analysis. The main analysis was performed on matched cohorts of HF patients treated with furosemide and torasemide using propensity score matching.

RESULTS

Torasemide was associated with a similar primary endpoint (all-cause death; 9.8% vs. 14.1%; p = 0.13) occurrence and 23.8% risk reduction of the secondary endpoint (a composite of all-cause death or hospitalisation for worsening HF; 26.4% vs. 34.7%; p = 0.04). Treatment with both torasemide and furosemide was associated with the significantly most frequent occurrence of the primary (23.8%) and secondary (59.2%) endpoints. In the matched cohort after 12 months, NYHA class was higher in the furosemide group (p = 0.04), while furosemide use was associated with a higher risk (20.0% vs. 12.9%; p = 0.03) of worsening ≥ 1 NYHA class. Torasemide use impacted positively upon the primary endpoint occurrence, especially in younger patients (aged < 65 years) and with dilated cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings contribute to the body of research on the optimal diuretic choice. Torasemide may have advantageous influence on NYHA class and long-term outcomes of HF patients, especially younger patients or those with dilated cardiomyopathy, but it needs further investigations in prospective randomised trials.

Differences in clinical characteristics and 1-year outcomes of hospitalized patients with heart failure in ESC-HF Pilot and ESC-HF-LT registries

INTRODUCTION The management of heart failure (HF) has changed significantly in recent decades. OBJECTIVES We analyzed the clinical profile, 1‑year outcomes, predictors of mortality, and hospital readmissions in hospitalized patients enrolled in the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC‑HF Pilot) and Heart Failure Long‑Term Registry (ESC‑HF‑LT). PATIENTS AND METHODS The analysis included hospitalized Polish patients from both registries. The primary endpoint was all‑cause death at 1 year, while the secondary endpoint was all‑cause death or hospitalization for worsening HF at 1 year. RESULTS The study included a total of 1415 hospitalized patients (650 from ESC‑HF Pilot; 765 from ESC‑HF‑LT). The primary endpoint occurred in 89 of the 650 patients (13.7%) and in 120 of the 711 patients (16.9%) from ESC‑HF Pilot and ESC‑HF‑LT, respectively (P = 0.11). The secondary endpoint was more frequent in ESC‑HF Pilot than in ESC‑HF‑LT (201 of 509 [39.5%] vs 222 of 663 [33.5%]; P = 0.04). Compared with ESC‑HF Pilot, patients from the ESC‑HF‑LT registry were older and more often had hypertension, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, and chronic kidney disease, while the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was lower. The percentage of patients receiving drugs for HF (diuretics, angiotensin‑converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β‑blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists), anticoagulants, cardiac resynchronization therapy, and implantable cardioverter‑defibrillator were higher in the ESC‑HF‑LT group in comparison with the ESC‑HF Pilot group. CONCLUSIONS Patients from the ESC‑HF‑LT registry had a lower risk of death or hospitalization for worsening HF despite the fact that they were older and had more comorbidities. The results might suggest an improvement in physicians' adherence to the guidelines on the management of HF in the ESC‑HF‑LT registry.

Effect of β-blockers on 1-year survival and hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation: results from ESC-HF Pilot and ESC-HF Long-Term Registry

Introduction The positive effect of β-blocker therapy in patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has been questioned. Objectives We aimed to assess the effect of β-blockers and heart rate (HR) control on 1-year outcomes in patients with HF and AF. Patients and methods Of the 2019 Polish patients enrolled in ESC-HF Pilot and ESC-HF Long-Term Registry, 797 patients with HF and AF were classified into 2 groups depending on β-blocker use. Additionally, patient survival was compared between 3 groups classified according to HR: lower than 80 bpm, between 80 and 109 bpm, and of 110 bpm or higher. The primary endpoint was all-cause death and the secondary endpoint was all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Results In patients treated with β-blockers, the primary and secondary endpoints were less frequent than in patients not using β-blockers (10.9% vs 25.6%, P = 0.001 and 30.6% vs 44.2%, P = 0.02, respectively). Absence of β-blocker treatment was a predictor of both endpoints in a univariate analysis but remained an independent predictor only of the primary endpoint in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio for β-blocker use, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.31-0.89; P = 0.02). The primary and secondary endpoints were more frequent in patients with a HR of 110 bpm or higher, but the HR itself did not predict the study endpoints in the univariate analysis. Conclusions β-blocker use might decrease mortality in patients with HF and AF, but it seems to have no impact on the risk of HF hospitalization. An HR of 110 bpm or higher may be related to worse survival in these patients.

In-hospital heart rate reduction and its relation to outcomes of heart failure patients with sinus rhythm: Results from the Polish part of the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Pilot and Long-Term Registries

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is no information on whether in-hospital heart rate (HR) reduction has an influence on risk of death or rehospitalization. The study evaluates the relation between inhospital HR reduction in heart failure (HF) patients on mortality and rehospitalization within 1-year observation.

METHODS

The analysis included patients hospitalized in Poland with sinus rhythm from the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Pilot (ESC-HF-Pilot) and ESC Heart Failure Long-Term Registries (ESC-HF-LT), who were divided into two groups: reduced HR and not-reduced HR. HR reduction was defined as a reduced value of HR at discharge compared to admission HR. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause death, the secondary endpoint was 1-year all-cause death or rehospitalization for worsening HF.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 747 patients; 491 reduced HR (65.7%) and 256 not-reduced HR (34.3%). The primary endpoint occurred in 58/476 (12.2%) from reduced HR group and in 26/246 (10.5%) from not-reduced HR group (p = 0.54). In the reduced HR group, independent predictors of primary endpoint were age, New York Heart Association class at admission, serum sodium level at admission and systolic blood pressure at discharge. In the not-reduced HR group the independent predictor of primary endpoint was diastolic blood pressure at discharge. The secondary endpoint was observed in 180 patients, 124/398 (31.2%) from reduced HR and 56/207 (27.1%) from the not-reduced HR group (p = 0.30). In the not-reduced HR group only angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor usage at discharge was independently associated with lower risk of the secondary endpoint.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital HR reduction did not influence on the outcomes of HF patients in sinus rhythm.

Dual antiplatelet therapy is safe and efficient after left atrial appendage closure

BACKGROUND

Despite results of the PROTECT AF trial, many patients undergoing left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) have unconditional contraindications to warfarin.

AIM

We sought to investigate whether double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is safe in patients after LAAC.

METHODS

Forty-four consecutive patients (22 males, mean age 74 ± 7.8 years) with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) underwent LAAC procedure using a Watchman device followed by DAPT (75 mg/d aspirin and 75 mg/d clopidogrel). After the procedure and during 98 days' follow-up including transoesophageal echocardiography, peri-procedural complications and clinical outcomes were investigated.

RESULTS

Mean CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.9 ± 1.5 and mean HAS-BLED score was 3.6 ± 0.8. The main LAAC indication was contraindication to anticoagulation reflected by HAS-BLED score ≥ 3 observed in 95.5% cases (among them history of bleeding in 38 patients, 90.5%). 36.4% of patients have history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The procedure was successful in 97.7%. Peri-procedural complications were tamponade (2.3%) and one death (2.3%) unrelated to the procedure with no bleeding or vascular complications. During follow-up neither stroke nor bleeding were observed, whereas two device related thrombi and two unrelated deaths occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

LAAC followed by DAPT seems to be a safe and efficient alternative for stroke prevention in patients with NVAF who have contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. This strategy may provide a significant reduction of events such as stroke and bleeding versus the score-predicted rate.

Chronic heart failure management in primary healthcare in Poland: Results of a nationwide cross-sectional study

Background: Organizational and educational activities in primary care in Poland have been introduced to improve the chronic heart failure (CHF) management.

Objectives: To assess the use of diagnostic procedures, pharmacotherapy and referrals of CHF in primary care in Poland.

Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2013, involving 390 primary care centres randomly selected from a national database. Trained nurses contacted primary care physicians who retrospectively filled out the study questionnaires on the previous year’s CHF management in the last five patients who had recently visited their office. The data on diagnostic and treatment procedures were collected.

Results: The mean age ± SD of the 2006 patients was 72 ± 11 years, 45% were female, and 56% had left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. The percentage of the CHF patients diagnosed based on echocardiography was 67% and significantly increased during the last decade. Echocardiography was still less frequently performed in older patients (≥80 years) than in the younger ones (respectively 50% versus 72%, Ρ <0.001) and in women than in men (62% versus 71%, P <0.001). The percentage of the patients treated with β-blocker alone was 88%, but those with a combination of angiotensin inhibition 71%. The decade before, these percentages were 68% and 57%, respectively. Moreover, an age-related gap observed in the use of the above-mentioned therapy has disappeared.

Conclusion: The use of echocardiography in CHF diagnostics has significantly improved in primary care in Poland but a noticeable inequality in the geriatric patients and women remains. Most CHF patients received drug classes in accordance with guidelines.

Heart failure patients with a previous coronary revascularization: results from the ESC-HF Registry

BACKGROUND

Coronary revascularization is common in heart failure (HF).

AIMS

Clinical characteristic and assessment of in-hospital and long-term outcomes in patients hospitalized for HF with or without a previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or a coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS

The primary endpoint (PE) (all-cause death) and the secondary endpoint (SE) (all-cause death or hospitalization for HF-worsening) were assessed at one-year in 649 inpatients of the ESC-HF Pilot Survey. Additionally, occurrence of death during index hospitalization was evaluated.

RESULTS

PCI/CABG-patients (32.7%) were more frequently male, smokers, had myocardial infarction, hypertension (HT), peripheral artery disease and diabetes. The non-PCI/CABG-patients more often had a cardiogenic shock and died in-hospital. The PE occurred in 33 of the 212 PCI/CABG-patients (15.6%) and in 56 of the 437 non-PCI/CABG-patients (12.8%; P=0.3). The SE occurred in 82 of the 170 PCI/CABG-patients (48.2%) and in 122 of the 346 non-PCI/CABG-patients (35.3%; P=0.01). Independent predictors of the PE in the PCI/CABG-patients were: lower left ventricular ejection fraction, use of antiplatelets; in the non-PCI/CABG-patients were: age, ACS at admission. Independent predictors of the SE in the PCI/CABG-patients were: diabetes, NYHA (New York Heart Association) class at admission, HT; in the non-PCI/CABG-patients were: NYHA class, haemoglobin at admission. Serum sodium concentration at admission was a predictor of the PE and the SE in both groups. Heart rate at discharge was a predictor of the PE and the SE in the non-PCI/CABG patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The revascularized HF patients had a similar mortality and higher risk of death or hospitalizationsat 12 months compared with the non-PCI/CABG-patients. The revascularized patients had more comorbidities, while the non-PCI/CABG-patients had a higher incidence of cardiogenic shock and in-hospital mortality.

Low-symptomatic skeletal muscle disease in patients with a cardiac disease - Diagnostic approach in skeletal muscle laminopathies

Mild skeletal muscle symptoms might be accompanied with severe cardiac disease, sometimes indicating a serious inherited disorder. Very often it is a cardiologist who refers a patient with cardiomyopathy and/or cardiac arrhythmia and discrete muscle disease for neurological consultation, which helps to establish a proper diagnosis. Here we present three families in which a diagnosis of skeletal muscle laminopathy was made after careful examination of the members, who presented with cardiac arrhythmia and/or heart failure and a mild skeletal muscle disease, which together with positive family history allowed to direct the molecular diagnostics and then provide appropriate treatment and counseling.

Anemia at Hospital Admission and Its Relation to Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure (from the Polish Cohort of 2 European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Registries)

Anemia is a commonly observed co-morbidity in heart failure (HF). The aim of the study was to assess prevalence, risk factors for, and effect of anemia on short- and long-term outcomes in HF. The study included 1,394 Caucasian patients hospitalized for HF, with known hemoglobin concentration on hospital admission, participating in 2 HF registries of the European Society of Cardiology (Pilot and Long-Term). Anemia was defined as hemoglobin concentration of <13 g/dl for men and <12 g/dl for women. Primary end points were (1) all-cause death at 1 year and (2) a composite of all-cause death and rehospitalization for HF at 1 year. Secondary end points included inter alia death during index hospitalization. In addition, we investigated the effect of changes in hemoglobin concentration during hospitalization on prognosis. Anemia occurred in 33% of patients. Predictors of anemia included older age, diabetes, greater New York Heart Association class at hospital admission and kidney disease. During 1-year follow-up, 21% of anemic and 13% of nonanemic patients died (p <0.0001). Combined primary end point occurred in 45% of anemic and in 33% of nonanemic patients (p <0.0001). Anemia was strongly predictive of all the prespecified clinical end points in univariate analyses but not in multivariate analyses. Changes in hemoglobin concentration during hospitalization had no effect on 1-year outcomes. In conclusion, anemia was present in 1/3 of patients with HF. Mild-to-moderate anemia seems more a marker of older age, worse clinical condition, and a higher co-morbidity burden, rather than an independent risk factor in HF.

Quality of care of hospitalised patients with heart failure in Poland in 2013: results of the second nationwide survey

BACKGROUND

Optimal management of heart failure (HF) patients is crucial to reduce both mortality and the number of hospital admissions, at the same time improving patients' quality of life.

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the quality of care of hospitalised patients with HF in Poland in 2013 and compare it with the results of a similar survey performed in 2005.

METHODS

The presented study was conducted from April to November 2013 in a sample of 260 hospital wards in Poland, recruited by stratified proportional sampling. Similarly to the first study edition in 2005, a trained nurse contacted physicians, who filled out the study questionnaires on the last five patients with HF, who had been discharged from an internal or cardiological ward. HF did not have to be a major cause of hospital admission.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 1300 hospitalised patients was 72.1 years, an increase of 2.3 years since the 2005 survey. The proportion of patients classified as New York Heart Association IV decreased from 28.5% in 2005 to 22.1% in 2013. In comparison with 2005, more patients had concomitant disorders such as hypertension (79.5% vs. 71.0%), diabetes (46.2% vs. 33.2%), and chronic renal failure (33.4% vs. 19.4%). Access to echocardiography has improved in recent years: it was available for 98.9% of the surveyed hospital wards (93% in 2005) and it was performed during the hospitalisation in 60.2% of the patients (58.8% in 2005). In 2013 N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was accessible for 80.8% of hospital wards (12.8% in 2005) and the test was performed in 31.3% of the hospitalised patients (3.3% in 2005). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) were administered in 68.9% of HF discharged patients, beta-blockers in 84.8%, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) in 57.9%, diuretics in 85.9%, and digoxin in 23%. The respective numbers in 2005 were 85.9%, 76.0%, 65.4%, 88.9%, and 38.4%. The decrease in prescription of ACEI or ARB resulted from lesser usage of these drugs in internal medicine wards (from 84.3% in 2005 to 55.6% in 2013).

CONCLUSIONS

In comparison to the analogous project run in 2005, an improvement in some areas of HF treatment was observed in Polish hospitals, such as accessibility to echocardiography and natriuretic peptide measurement as well as beta-blocker and MRA use. At the same time, a meaningful decrease in ACEIs or ARBs usage in internal wards was observed, which might be the result of the ageing of the HF population and an increased number of comorbidities.

Diagnosis, Clinical Course, and 1-Year Outcome in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (from the Polish Cohort of the European Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Long-Term Registry)

Compared with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF), the diagnosis of HF with preserved EF (HF-PEF) is more challenging. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of HF-PEF among patients hospitalized for HF, to evaluate the pertinence of HF-PEF diagnosis and to compare HF-PEF and HF-REF patients with respect to outcomes. The analysis included 661 Polish patients hospitalized for HF, selected from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)-HF Long-Term Registry. Patients with an EF of ≥50% were included in the HF-PEF group and patients with an EF of <50% - in the HF-REF group. The primary end point was all-cause death at 1 year. The secondary end point was a composite of all-cause death and rehospitalization for HF at 1 year. HF-PEF was present in 187 patients (28%). Of those 187 patients, mitral inflow pattern was echocardiographically assessed in 116 patients (62%) and classified as restrictive/pseudonormal in 37 patients (20%). Compared with HF-REF subjects, patients with HF-PEF were older, more often female, and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea. Despite lower B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations and lower prevalence of moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation in patients with HF-PEF, congestive symptoms at admission were as severe as in patients with HF-REF. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality between the HF groups. One-year mortality was high in both groups (17% in HF-PEF vs 21% in HF-REF, p = 0.22). There was a trend toward a lower frequency of the secondary end point in the HF-PEF group (32% vs 40%, p = 0.07). In conclusion, in clinical practice, even easily obtainable echocardiographic indexes of diastolic dysfunction are relatively rarely acquired. One-year survival rate of patients with HF-PEF is not significantly better than that of patients with HF-REF.