Sacubitril/valsartan reduces indications for arrhythmic primary prevention in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: insights from DISCOVER-ARNI, a multicenter Italian register

Aims

This sub-study deriving from a multicentre Italian register [Deformation Imaging by Strain in Chronic Heart Failure Over Sacubitril-Valsartan: A Multicenter Echocardiographic Registry (DISCOVER)-ARNI] investigated whether sacubitril/valsartan in addition to optimal medical therapy (OMT) could reduce the rate of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) indications for primary prevention in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) according to European guidelines indications, and its potential predictors.

Methods and results

In this observational study, consecutive patients with HFrEF eligible for sacubitril/valsartan from 13 Italian centres were included. Lack of follow-up or speckle tracking data represented exclusion criteria. Demographic, clinical, biochemical, and echocardiographic data were collected at baseline and after 6 months from sacubitril/valsartan initiation. Of 351 patients, 225 (64%) were ICD carriers and 126 (36%) were not ICD carriers (of whom 13 had no indication) at baseline. After 6 months of sacubitril/valsartan, among 113 non-ICD carriers despite having baseline left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 35% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) class = II-III, 69 (60%) did not show ICD indications; 44 (40%) still fulfilled ICD criteria. Age, atrial fibrillation, mitral regurgitation > moderate, left atrial volume index (LAVi), and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) significantly varied between the groups. With receiver operating characteristic curves, age ≥ 75 years, LAVi ≥ 42 mL/m2 and LV GLS ≥-8.3% were associated with ICD indications persistence (area under the curve = 0.65, 0.68, 0.68, respectively). With univariate and multivariate analysis, only LV GLS emerged as significant predictor of ICD indications at follow-up in different predictive models.

Conclusions

Sacubitril/valsartan may provide early improvement of NYHA class and LVEF, reducing the possible number of implanted ICD for primary prevention in HFrEF. Baseline reduced LV GLS was a strong marker of ICD indication despite OMT. Early therapy with sacubitril/valsartan may save infective/haemorrhagic risks and unnecessary costs deriving from ICDs.

Usefulness of myocardial work assessment for the understanding of mechanisms underlying sacubitril/valsartan efficacy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

 Sacubitril/valsartan has shown the ability in reducing the risk of death and of hospitalization in patients with HF (heart failure) and is recommended in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who remain symptomatic despite conventional therapies. Strain imaging derived myocardial work (MW) is an emerging tool for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) mechanics by incorporating both systolic deformation and afterload burden in the analysis.

Aim of the study

To evaluate in a prospective fashion the impact of sacubitril/valsartan therapy in HF patients on MW derived parameters in relation with standard echocardiographic indices.

Methods

We recruited thirteen HF patients with indication to sacubitril/valsartan therapy according to current guidelines. Sacubitril/valsartan therapy titrated at the maximum tolerated dose. A comprehensive echo-Doppler exam, including speckle tracking derived assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) (in absolute value), was performed before and after a three months therapy with sacubitril/valsartan. Parameters of MW such as global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW) global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE) were calculated according to standardized procedures. Patients with more than mild aortic and mitral stenosis and/or regurgitation were excluded. Other exclusion criteria included permanent and/or persistent atrial fibrillation and inadequate echo images.

Results

The 13 patients (M/F = 11/2, age: 57 ± 8.2 years, aetiology: idiopathic in 3 patients, ischaemic in 7 patients and chemotherapy related cardiotoxicity in 3 patients, NYHA Class: II in 7 and III in 6 patients). All patients tolerated sacubitril/valsartan therapy. After the three months therapy an improvement of  LVEF (from 32.3 ± 2% to 36.2± 6%, p = 0.015), GLS (from 9.8 ± 1% to 11.6 ± 2%, p = 0.019), GWI (from 845.0 ± 175.0 mmHg% to 1091.6 ± 336.8 mmHg%, p = 0.003), GCW (from  993.4± 211.6 mmHg% to 1262.7 ± 404 mmHg%, p = 0.002) and GWE (from 77 ± 11% to 81 ± 10%, p = 0.002) was observed, without significant changes in GWW (from 190 ± 121 mmHg% to 211 ± 145 mmHg%, p = 0.307). We also found a positive correlation between the magnitude of LVEF improvement and the baseline values of GCW (r = 0.66, p = 0.014). This relation remained significant even after adjusting for the extent of systolic blood pressure reduction (r = 0.54, p = 0.033).

Conclusion

Three months sacubitril/valsartan therapy significantly improves standard and advanced indices of LV systolic function. This improvement is due to the increase of constructive work more than to the reduction of wasted work and the increase of LVEF can be predicted by the global constructive work levels at baseline. MW assessment may help to understand the mechanisms underlying the sacubitril/valsartan therapy efficacy in HF patients.

Abstract Figure.

Right ventricular dysfunction parallels left ventricular functional involvement in women with breast cancer experiencing subclinical cardiotoxicity

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Cancer therapy related cardiac toxicity disease (CRCTD) of the left ventricle (LV)can influence the outcome of oncologic patients. Little is known on CRCTD related right ventricular (RV)dysfunction even though RV involvement has been proven to be a remarkable prognosticator in heart failure.

Purpose

To analyse parallel changes in LV and RV function occurring during the course of cancer therapy in women affected by breast cancer by using both standard and speckle tracking echocardiography.

Methods

Fifty Her-2 positive breast cancer women (age = 53.6 ± 11.7 years) underwent sequential cancer therapy protocol including anthracycline (ANT) epirubicine + cyclophosphamide (4 cycles) followed by a total amount of 18 cycles with trastuzumab (TRZ) + paclitaxel. A complete echo-Doppler exam, including LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS)as well as RV septal and free wall longitudinal strain (SLS and FWLS respectively) assessment, was performed at baseline, after ANT end and after TRZ completion. Patients with overt heart failure and LV ejection fraction < 50%, coronary artery disease,atrial fibrillation, hemodinamically significant valve disease and inadequate echo were excluded. Overt CRCTD was defined according guidelines and both subclinical LV and RV CRCTD as a LV and RV GLS drop from baseline >15%.

Results

None of the patients experienced overt CTCRD but 6 patients (14%) showed subclinical LV dysfunction and 33 (66%) had a significant drop of RV longitudinal function.The comparison of standard echo-Doppler exam at baseline and after ANT and TRZ completion did not show significant changes of LV and RV systolic and diastolic parameters. Conversely, a progressive significant reduction of RV GLS (p < 0.002 after TRZ), SLS and FWLS and, with a lower extent, of LV GLS (p < 0.02 after TRZ) was observed after ANT and TRZ completion (Figure). Percentage reduction in RV GLS (DRV GLS) from baseline to ANT end correlated with LV GLS both at EC end (r=-0.40, p = 0.006) and after TRZ completion (r=-0.62, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Detrimental cardiac effects of cancer therapy involve both LV and RV systolic longitudinal function. Progressive RV dysfunction is evident through ANT and TRZ treatment. Early RV dysfunction parallels LV involvement and predicts subsequent LV subclinical dysfunction. A comprehensive LV and RV longitudinal function assessment might better predict the onset of CRCTD in breast cancer patients.

Abstract Figure.

77 Routine outpatients visits during SARS-CoV2 global pandemic

Aims

The inability to carry office visits was collateral damage caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Tele-health is a relatively new, and yet fundamental amid the current crisis, resource to bridge the gap between phisicians and patients.

Methods and results

We report our experience with telemedicine and describe the major events occured in our patients. 121 consecutive adult patients with arterial hypertension (F/M: 56/65; mean age: 66.8 years) were enrolled. 33 patients (27%) had also diabetes, 94 (78%) were also affected from dyslipidemia and 11 (9%) had CAD. They all referred to our ambulatory of hypertension, in most of case for several years. Given the impossibility to continue routine outpatient visits during lockdown, they were all phone called by three residents in order to detect their state of health or any events they could have experienced over this period. They were all asked about their own blood pressure values, the occurrence of new symptoms and of new-onset both cardiovascular and non cardiovascular events. We also followed a self-made preset form. 31 of them (26%) experienced cardiovascular symptoms/events during this period: 11 had hypertensive peaks, in one case associated with nausea and vomiting while 2 of them had hypotensive episodes; 10 had typical angina and/or dyspnoea while 4 had atypical angina; 6 had palpitations; 1 of them developed new onset atrial fibrillation resolved with pharmacologic cardioversion during hospitalization; 1 had syncope; 1 patient reported new onset peripheral oedema; 2 patients died during lockdown for non cardiovascular causes. 17 of them also developed non cardiovascular symptoms, 7 of whom were severe anxiety and/or panic attacks. Almost all patients had important lifestyle changes, in 15 cases (12.3%) associated with weight increase.

Conclusion

The impossibility to access to routine outpatient visits during lockdown due to global pandemic of SARS-CoV2, has brought out the risk of underestimating consequences of chronic disease, in absence of appropriate Follow-up. Nevertheless, the two deaths we report were not related to cardiovascular disease. The risk is that both the missing of cardiovascular control visit and the extension of the waiting list, could provoke serious complications in patients suffering from chronic cardiovascular disease.

Impact of diastolic blood pressure on speckle tracking derived myocardial work components in a population of normotensive and untreated hypertensive patients

Background

Arterial hypertension deeply influences left ventricular (LV) mechanics and global longitudinal strain (GLS). The effect of blood pressure (BP), in particular systolic BP burden, on speckle tracking derived myocardial work (MW) was demonstrated in both hypertensive and healthy subjects.

Purpose

Aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of diastolic BP (DBP) on MW components in a population of newly-diagnosed, never treated hypertensive patients and healthy subjects.

Methods

The study population included 105 newly-diagnosed, never treated hypertensive patients (M/F= 62/43; age=46.1±13.0 years, BP=145.1±10/89.8±7.4 mmHg), and 105 healthy normotensive subjects (BP=121.6±9.8/73.7±7.4mmHg), matched for age and sex. All participants underwent standard echo exam, including GLS evaluation (in absolute value). Cuff BP was employed as a surrogate of LV peak pressure for the assessment of global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE). Exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, overt heart failure, valve heart disease, primary cardiomyopathies, atrial fibrillation and inadequate echo imaging. The study population was divided into two groups according to DBP threshold of normalcy defined by 2018 ESH/ESC guidelines: the first group including individuals with normal DBP (n=135, DBP<90mmHg) and the second group including patients with abnormal DBP (n=75, DBP ≥90 mmHg).

Results

The two groups were comparable for sex prevalence, age and heart rate. Body mass index (BMI), systolic and mean BP were higher in the group with abnormal DBP (all p<0.0001). Among echo data, no significant intergroup difference was found in LV mass index, relative wall thickness, ejection fraction and diastolic parameters. GLS was lower in patients with abnormal DBP (20.4±1.9 vs. 22.1±2.1%, p<0.0001). GWI (2443.0±403.1 vs. 2277.3±359.6 mmHg%, p<0.002), GCW (2733.5±406.0 vs. 2556.9±405.6 mmHg%, p=0.003) and GWW (112.8±84.4 vs. 76.8±45.1 mmHg%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with abnormal DBP, whereas GWE (95.3±2.8 vs. 96.2±1.7%, p<0.002) was lower in this group. In the pooled population, DBP was positively related to GWI, GCW (both r=0.30, p<0.0001) and GWW (r=0.26, p<0.0001), while negatively correlated with GLS (r=−0.37, p<0.0001) and GWE (r=−0.21, p<0.002). By separate multiple linear regression analyses, GWI (β=0.45, p<0.0001), GCW (β=0.47, p<0.0001), GWW (β=0.20, p=0.007) and GWE (β=−0.15, p<0.05) were all independently associated with DBP, after adjusting for male sex, age, BMI, heart rate, GLS and E/e' ratio.

Conclusions

In a population of untreated hypertensive patients and healthy subjects, increased DBP affects longitudinal function and MW. In particular, elevated diastolic BP induces an increase of wasted work which is only partially balanced by the increased constructive work, thus provoking a clear reduced efficiency of myocardial mechanics.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Right ventricular dysfunction parallels left ventricular functional involvement in women with breast cancer experiencing subclinical cardiotoxicity

Background

Cancer therapy related cardiac toxicity disease (CRCTD) of the left ventricle (LV)can influence the outcome of oncologic patients. Little is known on CRCTD related right ventricular (RV)dysfunction even though RV involvement has been proven to be a remarkable prognosticator in heart failure.

Purpose

To analyse parallel changes in LV and RV function occurring during the course of cancer therapy in women affected by breast cancer by using both standard and speckle tracking echocardiography.

Methods

Fifty Her-2 positive breast cancer women (age = 53.6±11.7 years) underwent sequential cancer therapy protocol including anthracycline (ANT) epirubicine + cyclophosphamide (4 cycles) followed by a total amount of 18 cycles with trastuzumab (TRZ) + paclitaxel. A complete echo-Doppler exam, including LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS)as well as RV septal and free wall longitudinal strain (SLS and FWLS respectively) assessment, was performed at baseline, after ANT end and after TRZ completion. Patients with overt heart failure and LV ejection fraction <50%, coronary artery disease,atrial fibrillation, hemodinamically significant valve disease and inadequate echo were excluded. Overt CRCTD was defined according guidelines and both subclinical LV and RV CRCTD as a LV and RV GLS drop from baseline >15%.

Results

None of the patients experienced overt CTCRD but 6 patients (14%) showed subclinical LV dysfunction and 33 (66%) had a significant drop of RV longitudinal function.The comparison of standard echo-Doppler exam at baseline and after ANT and TRZ completion did not show significant changes of LV and RV systolic and diastolic parameters. Conversely, a progressive significant reduction of RV GLS (p<0.002 after TRZ), SLS and FWLS and, with a lower extent, of LV GLS (p<0.02 after TRZ) was observed after ANT and TRZ completion (Figure). Percentage reduction in RV GLS (DRV GLS) from baseline to ANT end correlated with LV GLS both at EC end (r=−0.40, p=0.006) and after TRZ completion (r=−0.62, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Detrimental cardiac effects of cancer therapy involve both LV and RV systolic longitudinal function. Progressive RV dysfunction is evident through ANT and TRZ treatment. Early RV dysfunction parallels LV involvement and predicts subsequent LV subclinical dysfunction. A comprehensive LV and RV longitudinal function assessment might better predict the onset of CRCTD in breast cancer patients.

LV and RV strain during cancer therapy

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Prominent involvement of basal left ventricular longitudinal strain in patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

Background

In cardiac amyloidosis the application of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography allows to identify a specific left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) pattern characterized by “apical sparing”, with a prominent involvement of basal and middle segments and normal LS of apical cap. The pattern of regional LS has been never investigated in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a condition which can predispose to cardiac amyloidosis.

Purpose

To compare LV regional LS patterns and LS base-to-apex behaviour of patients affected by MGUS in comparison with healthy subjects.

Methods

We enrolled 40 patients affected by MGUS (M/F=20/20; age 62.6±13.8 years), asymptomatic for cardiac symptoms, and a control group of 40 healthy subjects, matched for sex and age. Nineteen (47%) MGUS patients showed prevalent free K light chain and 21 (53%) had prevalent free λ light chain. Participants underwent standard echo-Doppler exam, including Speckle Tracking of the three apical views. Global longitudinal strain (GLS), the average LS of six basal (BLS), six middle (MLS), and six apical (ALS) segments (considered in absolute values) and relative regional strain ratio RRSR [=ALS/(BLS+MLS)] were computed. Exclusion criteria were overt heart failure, LV ejection fraction <53%, coronary artery and congenital heart disease, moderate to severe valvular disease, primary cardiomyopathies, atrial fibrillation and inadequate echo imaging.

Results

The two groups were comparable for body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate. LV mass index, relative wall thickness, left atrial volume index and Doppler-derived LV diastolic parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups. LV ejection fraction was also similar in MGUS and healthy controls. GLS resulted significantly lower in MGUS group than in controls (20.5±3.0 vs. 22.4±2.0%, p<0.02). BLS (17.1±3.7 vs. 19.2±2.2%, p=0.004), MLS (24.9±3.8 vs. 27.1±3.6%, p<0.01) and ALS (25.1±3.8 vs. 27.1±3.5%, p<0.01) were significantly lower in MGUS than in controls. The intergroup difference of RRSR (0.60±0.05 vs. 0.58±0.04) did not achieve the statistical significance (p=0.26) and none of the MGUS patients had RRSR>1. The figure depicts a LS bull'eye of a MGUS patient showing the prominent involvement of LV basal segments.

Conclusions

In presence of a normal LV ejection fraction, MGUS patients show a subclinical LV longitudinal systolic dysfunction. This is testified by a reduction of GLS and of regional LS which involves mainly LV basal segments, without substantial changes of relative regional strain ratio. LV regional longitudinal dysfunction could be useful to monitor LV myocardial mechanics during follow-up of MGUS patients.

LS bull's eye in a MGUS patient

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

433 Independent impact of metabolic syndrome on left ventricular longitudinal dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

The risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is highly heterogeneous and an adequate risk stratification is needed. CV risk mainly depends on concomitant risk factors, combined in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Echocardiography is an useful tool for diagnosis of cardiac organ damage and CV risk stratification in T2DM.

Purpose

To investigate the effects of MetS on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients with T2DM with normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and without overt coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure symptoms/signs.

Methods

We prospectively recruited 384 consecutive, uncomplicated T2DM patients. All patients underwent clinical exam, blood sampling and complete echo-Doppler exam, including determination of 2D-echo derived global longitudinal strain (GLS). LV mass index ≥45 g/m^2.7 in women and ≥49 g/m^2.7 in men was used to characterize LV hypertrophy. LV longitudinal dysfunction was assumed for GLS < 20% in absolute values. LV diastolic dysfunction was identified according to 2016 ASE/EACVI recommendations. MetS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III criteria. Significant CAD including previous myocardial infarction, LV systolic dysfunction (= LVEF <50%), hemodinamically significant valvular heart disease, primary cardiomyopathies, permanent atrial fibrillation, glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min and inadequate echo images were exclusion criteria. The study population was divided according to presence of MetS.

Results

66% of the patients (254/384) met the criteria for MetS diagnosis. They had comparable age and heart rate with controls. Diabetic patients with MetS had higher glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (7.2 ± 1.3 vs. 6.9 ± 1.0%, p = 0.023) and uric acid (5.5 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 1.3 mg/dl, p = 0.001) than those without, and lower glomerular filtration rate (69.5 ± 15.0 vs 74.0 ± 12,1 ml/min, p = 0.004). MetS patients showed a higher LV mass index (p < 0.0001) and a greater prevalence of both LV hypertrophy (31.9 vs 12.5%, p < 0.0001) and diastolic dysfunction (52.6 vs. 32.8%, p = 0.007) (Figure). T2DM patients with MetS also had lower GLS (20.6 ± 2.1 vs. 21.9 ± 2.2%, p = 0.001), with a greater prevalence of LV longitudinal dysfunction (38.2 vs. 24.7%, p = 0.049) (Figure). After adjusting for age, T2DM duration, sex, HbA1c, uric acid, LV mass index and LV diastolic dysfunction by a multiple regression analysis in the pooled population, GLS reduction was independently associated with MetS (β coefficient = -0.184, p < 0.02) and LV mass index (β= -0.94, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

In patients with T2DM, the presence of MetS induces a greater prevalence not only of LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction but also of LV longitudinal deformation impairment. GLS reduction in diabetic patients is associated with MetS independently of confounders including glycemic control and diabetic duration.

Abstract 433 Figure. Rate of LV alterations according to MetS

1033 Prominent longitudinal strain involvement of left ventricular basal segments in native hypertensive patients without clear-cut hypertrophy

Background

Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is able to detect an early subclinical dysfunction and it has been demonstrated to be a prognosticator in arterial hypertension. Information of regional longitudinal strain (LS) pattern has not been investigated in this clinical setting.

Purpose

We analyzed regional LV patterns of LS and base-to-apex behaviour of LS in newly diagnosed and never-treated hypertensive patients (HTN) without clear-cut LV hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

166 HTN (M/F = 107/59; age 43.9 ± 14.3 years, blood pressure [BP] = 146.5± 10.7/90.1 ± 7.5 mmHg) and a control group of 94 healthy subjects (M/F = 58/36; age 41.2 ± 15.0 years) underwent standard echo-Doppler exam, including speckle tracking quantification of regional LS and GLS (considered in absolute values). The average LS of six basal (BLS), six middle (MLS), and six apical (ALS) segments and relative regional strain ratio - RRSR = [ALS/(BLS + MLS)] - were also computed. Exclusion criteria were LVH (LV mass index ≥45 g/m^2.7 in females and ≥49 g/m^2.7 in males), diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, overt heart failure, hemodynamically significant valve heart disease, primary cardiomyopathies, atrial fibrillation and inadequate echo imaging.

Results

The two groups were comparable for sex, age, heart rate and LV ejection fraction (EF). Body mass index (BMI), systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP) and mean BP (MBP) (all p < 0.0001), LV mass index (p = 0.03), relative wall thickness (RWT) (p < 0.02) and E/e’ ratio (p < 0.01) were higher, and GLS lower (21.6 ± 2.0 vs. 22.2 ± 2.1%, p < 0.02) in HTN. By analyzing regional LS, BLS (18.2 ± 2.1% vs. 19.2 ± 2.1%, p < 0.0001) and MLS (20.7 ± 2.0 vs. 21.4 ± 2.1%, p = 0.007) resulted significantly lower in HTN, without significant difference in ALS (26.0 ± 3.6 vs. 25.9 ± 3.8%, p = 0.98). Accordingly, RRSR was higher in HTN (0.67 ± 0.09 vs. 0.64 ± 0.09, p < 0.01). Even after excluding patients with LV concentric remodeling (RWT > 0.42) (n = 34), BLS (p < 0.0001) and MLS (p < 0.002) were again lower and RRSR (p < 0.01) higher in HTN than in controls. In the pooled population, BLS negatively correlated with SBP (r=-0.22), DBP (r=-0.25) and MBP (r=-0.26) (Figure) (all p < 0.0001). By a multiple linear regression analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI and RWT, the association between BLS and MBP remained significant (β coefficient=-0.23, p < 0.0001), with an additional significant impact of male sex (β=-0.33, p < 0.0001) (cumulative R²=0.18, SEE = 1.9%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Besides normal LV EF, GLS is lower in HTN. LS dysfunction involves basal and, with a lower extent, middle myocardial segments, with a compensation of apical segments. RRSR appears to be significantly higher in HTN. These results are even confirmed in hypertensive patients with normal LV geometry. The association of BLS and BP appears to be independent on several confounders. Regional LS pattern might be useful to detect very early LV systolic abnormalities in arterial hypertension.

Abstract 1033 Figure. Relation between MBP and BLS

Strain-oriented strategy for guiding cardioprotection initiation of breast cancer patients experiencing cardiac dysfunction

Aims

This study assessed the impact of the strain-guided therapeutic approach on cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) and rate of cancer therapy (CT) interruption in breast cancer.

Methods and results

We enrolled 116 consecutive female patients with HER2-positive breast cancer undergoing a standard protocol by EC (epirubicine + cyclophosphamide) followed by paclitaxel + trastuzumab (TRZ). Coronary artery, valvular and congenital heart disease, heart failure, primary cardiomyopathies, permanent or persistent atrial fibrillation, and inadequate echo-imaging were exclusion criteria. Patients underwent an echo-Doppler exam with determination of ejection fraction (EF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) at baseline and every 3 months during CT. All patients developing subclinical (GLS drop >15%) or overt CTRCD (EF reduction <50%) initiated cardiac treatment (ramipril+ carvedilol). In the 99.1% (115/116) of patients successfully completing CT, GLS and EF were significantly reduced and E/e′ ratio increased at therapy completion. Combined subclinical and overt CTRCD was diagnosed in 27 patients (23.3%), 8 at the end of EC and 19 during TRZ courses. Of these, 4 (3.4%) developed subsequent overt CTRCD and interrupted CT. By cardiac treatment, complete EF recovery was observed in two of these patients and partial recovery in one. These patients with EF recovery re-started and successfully completed CT. The remaining patient, not showing EF increase, permanently stopped CT. The other 23 patients with subclinical CTRCD continued and completed CT.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the usefulness of ‘strain oriented’ approach in reducing the rate of overt CTRCD and CT interruption by a timely cardioprotective treatment initiation.

Gender-differences in glycemic control and diabetes related factors in young adults with type 1 diabetes: results from the METRO study

PURPOSE

To describe gender differences concerning glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, diabetic complications, concomitant pathologies, and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), in a population of young adults with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We collected data from 300 consecutively patients (168 males and 132 females), aged 18-30 years, among those admitted at Diabetes Unit of University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (Naples, Italy) from March 2012 to January 2017. Circulating levels of seven EPCs phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

As compared to men, women with type 1 diabetes had a significantly higher HbA1c levels (%, 8.4 ± 1.3 vs. 8.1 ± 1.3, P = 0.020), body mass index (Kg/m², 24.8 ± 4.2 vs. 23.9 ± 3.9, P = 0.034), HDL-cholesterol (mg/dL, 61.7 ± 13.7 vs. 54.7 ± 13.9, P < 0.001), and a lower count of both CD133+KDR+ and CD34+KDR+CD133+ EPCs (P = 0.022, P < 0.001, respectively). A higher proportion of women had overweight/obesity, and thyroiditis; smoking and sexual dysfunctions were more prevalent in men than in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults with type 1 diabetes present gender differences with regard to glycemic control, prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors, sexual dysfunctions and circulating levels of EPCs, most often to the detriment of women.

TSH oscillations in young patients with type 1 diabetes may be due to glycemic variability

PURPOSE

A relationship between thyroid dysfunction and diabetes mellitus has been described by several authors but the role of glycemic variability is still unclear. We planned the present study to evaluate the influence of glycemic variability on thyroid hormones and TSH concentrations in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

METHODS

Seventy-seven young patients with T1DM were enrolled and evaluated for basal glucose concentrations, HbA1c, thyroid hormones and TSH concentrations. Glucose variability was investigated by considering the standard deviation of blood glucose readings and by calculating the mean amplitude of glycemic excursions and continuous overlapping net glycemic action (CONGA). The low (LBGI) and high (HBGI) blood glucose indices were also calculated. The correlations between TSH, thyroid hormones, glycemia and HbA1c were studied in patients and in controls, whereas those between TSH, thyroid hormones and indices of glucose variability only in patients.

RESULTS

No correlations were observed in T1DM patients between free thyroid hormones and glycemic values, HbA1c and indices of glucose variability, while an inverse correlation was observed between TSH levels and glycemic values (r = -0.27; p = 0.01), CONGA index (r = -0.35; p = 0.001) and HBGI (r = -0.28; p = 0.01) but not with HbA1c (r = -0.1; p = 0.47).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a direct action of glycemic excursions on TSH secretion, regardless of variations of thyroid hormone concentrations. Thus, the evaluation of thyroid function through the assay of TSH concentrations in these patients should be made, if possible, by multiple samples on patients in euglycemic state to avoid underestimation or overestimation of thyroid dysfunction due to a wrong diagnosis of euthyroidism or dysthyroidism with consequent inappropriate choice of therapeutic options.

The Effects of Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Versus Multiple Insulin Injections on Glucose Variability in Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: The 2-Year Follow-Up of the Observational METRO Study

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetic patients have high instability of daily glucose levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) therapy, compared with multiple daily injections of insulin (MDI), on glucose variability, in young type 1 diabetic patients transitioned to the adult diabetes care.

METHODS

Patients aged 18-30 years and considered eligible for insulin pump therapy were included in the study. Ninety-eight patients who started CSII therapy and 125 who remained in MDI completed a 2-year follow-up. Glucose variability was assessed with continuous glucose monitoring using blood glucose standard deviation (BGSD), mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE), continuous overall net glycemic action (CONGA-2 h), low blood glucose index, high blood glucose index, and average daily risk range.

RESULTS

MAGE and BGSD decreased in both groups, with adjusted differences at 2 years of -0.74 mM (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.22 to -0.26, P = 0.003) and -0.3 (CI -0.52 to -0.1, P = 0.005) favoring the pump-therapy group. No significant differences between groups in the other variability indexes were observed. HbA1c decreased in both groups without significant difference (0.05%, -0.26, 0.35, P = 0.77); fasting glucose, insulin dose, and overall hypoglycemia (daily, nocturnal, and severe) decreased more in patients with CSII, compared with those with MDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Among young adults with type 1 diabetes transitioning from the pediatric care, the use of CSII is associated with lower glucose variability, fasting glycemia, and overall hypoglycemic events than MDI during a 2-year period of follow-up.

Reducing glucose variability with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion increases endothelial progenitor cells in type 1 diabetes: an observational study

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are involved in the repairing mechanisms of vascular damage. Glucose variability may contribute to the development of chronic vascular complications of diabetes. We evaluated whether reducing glucose variability with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) would increase circulating levels of EPCs in type 1 diabetes. The study population consisted of 106 type 1 diabetic patients: 41 subjects considered eligible for CSII completed a 6-month follow-up. Sixty-five patients on intensified insulin therapy with multiple daily injections served as control group. Seven EPCs phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry, and glucose variability by mean amplitude of glycemic excursions (MAGE). Both CD34+KDR+ [difference between groups 32.0, 95 % CI (19.6-44.4) number/10(6) cells, P < 0.001] and CD34+KDR+CD133+ [12.5 (5.5-19.5), P < 0.001)] cell count increased at endpoint in the CSII group, associated with a reduction of MAGE [-1.1 (-2.1 to -0.1), P = 0.026]. No changes occurred in the control group. In multivariate analyses, changes in MAGE were independently associated with changes in both CD34+KDR+ (P = 0.019) and CD34+KDR+CD133+ (P = 0.022) cell count. Reducing glucose variability with CSII in type 1 diabetes increases circulating EPCs levels, suggesting a novel mechanism of vascular damage by oscillating glucose.