Effects of different maternal diets on adipose tissue inflammation and liver tissue oxidative stress in dams and their female offspring

Pregnancy and lactation are important stages of fetal development. Therefore, this study investigated how different maternal diets offered during gestation and lactation periods affect adipose tissue inflammation and liver tissue oxidative stress of dams and their female offspring. Female BALB/c albino mice (60 days old) were randomized into three groups receiving a standard (CONT), hypercaloric (HD), or restricted (RD) diet during the pregnancy. After birth, female offspring weaned at 21 days were divided into two groups that received a standard or restricted diet (CONT/CONT, CONT/RD, RD/CONT, RD/RD, HD/CONT, and HD/RD) until 100 days old. Histological, oxidative parameters and inflammatory infiltrate of dams' and offspring's liver and adipose tissue were evaluated. HD dams presented non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) diagnosis and an increase in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) concentrations when compared to the RD and CONT dams, indicating a pro-inflammatory state. High concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and catalase (CAT) activity in HD when compared to the CONT in the liver. SOD activity decreased in RD mice compared to CONT, and the SOD/CAT ratio was decreased in the RD and HD in comparison to the CONT. The maternal diet leads to an increase in SOD in RD/RD compared to HD/RD. RD-fed dams showed an increase in inflammatory infiltrates compared to CONT, evidencing changes caused by a restrictive diet. In the HD/CONT offspring, we verified an increase in inflammatory infiltrates in relation to the offspring fed a standard diet. In conclusion, HD, and RD, during pregnancy and lactation, altered the liver and adipose tissues of mothers. Furthermore, the maternal diet negatively impacts the offspring's adipose tissue but does not cause liver damage in these animals in adult life.

Frequencies of genetic variants of the Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS and Diego systems of northwest Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

To date, 340 antigen-organized 43 blood group systems are recognized, being ABO, Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS and Diego the most clinically relevant. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of alleles and genotypes of the blood group systems Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, MNS and Diego in 810 blood donors registered in the hemotherapy unit in northwest Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil METHODS: We evaluated the genetic variability of blood groups Rh (c.676G>C and c.307C>T), Kell (c.578C>T), Kidd (c.838A>G), Duffy (c.125A>G and c.1-67T>C), Diego (c.2561C>T) and MNS (c.143T>C) in 810 volunteer blood donors of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. The genetic profiling was performed through allelic discrimination assays using hydrolysis probes (TaqMan®) real-time PCR system.

RESULTS

The most frequent blood group genotypes found in our study population were: RHC*Cc (51.5%), RHC*ee (70.1%), FY*A/FY*B (49.3%), GATA -67T/T (93.5%), KEL*2/KEL*2 (93.4%), JK*A/JK*B (53.2%) and DI*02/DI*02 (95.4%). Some statistical differences were observed on comparing the population of this study with populations from other states in Brazil, mainly with population of Minas Gerais, Bahia and Paraná, which showed some differences from the population of Porto Alegre, which was more similar to those of Santa Catarina and São Paulo CONCLUSION: The frequency of red blood cell polymorphisms in our study is different from that of blood donors in other regions of Brazil. The results showed the importance of extended genotyping in adequate blood screening and the existence of rare genotypes in Brazilian regular blood donors.

Drug Permeability - Best Practices for Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS)-Based Biowaivers: A workshop Summary Report

The workshop "Drug Permeability - Best Practices for Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Based Biowaivers" was held virtually on December 6, 2021, organized by the University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (M-CERSI), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The workshop focused on the industrial, academic, and regulatory experiences in generating and evaluating permeability data, with the aim to further facilitate implementation of the BCS and efficient development of high-quality drug products globally. As the first international permeability workshop since the BCS based biowaivers was finalized as the ICH M9 guideline, the workshop included lectures, panel discussions, and breakout sessions. Lecture and panel discussion topics covered case studies at IND, NDA, and ANDA stages, typical deficiencies relating to permeability assessment supporting BCS biowaiver, types of evidence that are available to demonstrate high permeability, method suitability of a permeability assay, impact of excipients, importance of global acceptance of permeability methods, opportunities to expand the use of biowaivers (e.g. non-Caco-2 cell lines, totality-of-evidence approach to demonstrate high permeability) and future of permeability testing. Breakout sessions focused on 1) in vitro and in silico intestinal permeability methods; 2) potential excipient effects on permeability and; 3) use of label and literature data to designate permeability class.

Cohort profile: the ESC EURObservational Research Programme Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (NSTEMI) Registry

AIMS

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) Registry aims to identify international patterns in NSTEMI management in clinical practice and outcomes against the 2015 ESC Guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes in patients presenting without ST-segment-elevation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consecutively hospitalised adult NSTEMI patients (n = 3620) were enrolled between 11 March 2019 and 6 March 2021, and individual patient data prospectively collected at 287 centres in 59 participating countries during a two-week enrolment period per centre. The registry collected data relating to baseline characteristics, major outcomes (in-hospital death, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, bleeding, stroke/transient ischaemic attack, and 30-day mortality) and guideline-recommended NSTEMI care interventions: electrocardiogram pre- or in-hospital, pre-hospitalization receipt of aspirin, echocardiography, coronary angiography, referral to cardiac rehabilitation, smoking cessation advice, dietary advice, and prescription on discharge of aspirin, P2Y12 inhibition, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, and statin.

CONCLUSION

The EORP NSTEMI Registry is an international, prospective registry of care and outcomes of patients treated for NSTEMI, which will provide unique insights into the contemporary management of hospitalised NSTEMI patients, compliance with ESC 2015 NSTEMI Guidelines, and identify potential barriers to optimal management of this common clinical presentation associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

“Blocked broken heart syndrome”: an unusual case of a complete atrioventricular block complicating a Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Background

Complete heart block is considered a unique and rare complication of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, an otherwise self-resolving disease. When this occurs, there is a double clinical dilemma: first to find out which triggered the other and second, to decide whether or not to implant a permanent pacemaker.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 77 years-old female patient, with previous medical history of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and bifascicular block known since 2013. She came to the emergency department after recurrent syncopal episodes. At admission a complete heart block was diagnosed, and it was implanted a single chamber temporary pacemaker. The patient remained in disproportional acute decompensated heart failure despite pacemaker implantation. She denied chest pain although referring an episode of self-limiting chest pain 2 days before, after an argument with the family. Blood analysis showed an important rise in NTproBNP and troponin levels. Transthoracic echocardiogram showed a dilated left ventricle with akinesia of apical and mid segments, hyperkinesia of basal segments and severely depressed left ventricle ejection fraction. Coronary angiography showed no significant lesions and the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was suspected. During the following days, she recovered her own intrinsic rhythm. Electrocardiogram evolved with deep T-wave inversion and prolonged QT interval and transthoracic echocardiogram showed resolution of the previous alterations. Despite complete reversion of rhythm alteration, it was decided to implant a permanent pacemaker.

Conclusions

We describe a rare, life-threatening and often underdiagnosed complication of the stress cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, we performed a literature revision of this rare complication and discussed the therapeutic challenge encountered in such patients.

What is there to EAARN with a CRT implantation? Predictive factors of mortality or clinical deterioration in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy based on pre-implant factors

Introduction

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and wide QRS complexes has been shown to improve both functional capacity and quality of life, and to decrease hospital admissions and mortality. Mortality in CRT patients has been associated with several pre-implant risk factors and some risk scores, like the EAARN score, have been developed to try and predict mortality and morbidity in this population.

Purpose

Our aim was to assess risk factors for a compositive end-point of admissions for heart failure or cardiovascular death at 5 years, particularly the EAARN SCORE (EF, Age, Atrial Fibrillation (AF), Renal dysfunction, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV), in patients with EF <35% and QRS >130ms submitted to CRT implantation.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis between 2012 and May of 2019 of all patients admitted for CRT implantation due to HFrEF with EF <35% and QRS >130ms in a single expert centre. Medical records were analysed for clinical, procedural data and outcomes. The predictive accuracy of the score was assessed using the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. The association between EAARN and the composite end-point at 5-years was analyzed using a Cox regression model.

Results

Of the 134 patients assessed, 101 patients fulfilled all inclusion criteria. The mean age at implantation was 70.2±10 years with a male preponderance (67.2%).

This population was significantly symptomatic, with 35% in NYHA class II, 58% in NYHA class III and 5% in NYHA class IV. Most had an ischemic etiology (74.2%). 75% of patients were considered responders after implantation (NYHA improvement of at least 1 class and/or increase in 10% in EF). A primary composite end-point occurred in 17.8% of patients. The pre-procedure characteristics associated with an event were an ischemic etiology (OR 4.66; CI 95% 1.52–14.24, p<0.05) and pre-procedure EF (OR 0.81; CI 95% 0.81–0.97, p<0.05). The age, sex, NYHA class, presence of AF, renal function, bundle branch block morphology and responder status were non significant. The EAARN Score showed predictive power for the occurrence of an event (OR 1.95; CI 95% 1.13–3.36, p<0.05) and a reasonable discriminative capacity with the ROC curve analysis (figure 1A) demonstrating an AUC of 0.70. The survival analysis (figure 1B) with a Hazard Ratio of 1.88 (CI 95% 1.158–3.058, p<0.05) signifying an increased risk of an event of 88% per EAARN class increase, with the Kaplan Meier curves widening significantly in the different categories of the score.

Conclusions

In patients who implanted a CRT due to HFrEF with EF <35% and QRS >130ms the EAARN score demonstrated a good predictive power and discriminative capacity for admission for heart failure or cardiovascular death at 5 years although it does not account for the etiology which was also a significant factor.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Epidemiology and impact of frailty in patients with atrial fibrillation in Europe

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a medical syndrome characterised by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. Data regarding the relationship between frailty and atrial fibrillation (AF) are still inconsistent.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to perform a comprehensive evaluation of frailty in a large European cohort of AF patients.

METHODS

A 40-item frailty index (FI) was built according to the accumulation of deficits model in the AF patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry. Association of baseline characteristics, clinical management, quality of life, healthcare resources use and risk of outcomes with frailty was examined.

RESULTS

Among 10,177 patients [mean age (standard deviation) 69.0 (11.4) years, 4,103 (40.3%) females], 6,066 (59.6%) were pre-frail and 2,172 (21.3%) were frail, whereas only 1,939 (19.1%) were considered robust. Baseline thromboembolic and bleeding risks were independently associated with increasing FI. Frail patients with AF were less likely to be treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) (odds ratio 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.55-0.89), especially with non-vitamin K antagonist OACs and managed with a rhythm control strategy, compared with robust patients. Increasing frailty was associated with a higher risk for all outcomes examined, with a non-linear exponential relationship. The use of OAC was associated with a lower risk of outcomes, except in patients with very/extremely high frailty.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of AF patients, there was a high burden of frailty, influencing clinical management and risk of adverse outcomes. The clinical benefit of OAC is maintained in patients with high frailty, but not in very high/extremely frail ones.

Supraventricular arrhythmias in MINOCA patients

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

De novo atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, 5-15% of patients (pts) admitted with suspected acute myocardial infarction have no significant lesions on coronary angiography (>50%) (MINOCA). Contrary to initial beliefs, MINOCA is not a benign disease, given that mortality and incidence of adverse events is similar to ACS.

Objective

To evaluate predictors and prognosis of AF in the setting of MINOCA.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 2013 and 2020. Pts without data on cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. We included 7590 pts with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Between those, 1561 (19.2%) were MINOCA. We divided MINOCA pts in 2 groups (G): GA – MINOCA with de novo AF; GB – MINOCA without de novo AF during in-hospital stay.

Results

MINOCA pts’ mean age was 65±13, 62% were male and 2.1% had de novo AF. GA pts were older (76±10 vs 65±13, p<0.001), had higher rates of Killip-Kimball class (KKC) >I (27.8% vs 9.7%, p=0.027) and kidney function impairment (50% vs 10.2%, p<0.001), lower haemoglobin at admission (13±1.5 vs 13.7±1.8, p=0.038), higher rates of diuretics (56.3% vs 17.6%, p<0.001) and amiodarone usage during hospitalization (31.3% vs 3.6%, p<0.001) and higher rates of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% (47.1% vs 19.1%, p=0.009). The Gs were similar regarding gender, times from symptoms to admission, cardiovascular risk factors and past history of heart failure, stroke or ACS, and heart rate and systolic arterial tension at admission. In the global population, older age (p=0.001, OR 1.87, CI 1.23-2.72), KKC>I (p=0.004, OR 1.76, CI 1.19-2.61) and LVEF<50% (p<0.001, OR 2.25, CI 1.5-3.38) were predictors of AF during hospitalization. In MINOCA pts, only older age (p=0.014, OR 4.2, CI 1.34-13.2) and LVEF<50% (p<0.001, OR 7.44, CI 2.17-25.47) were predictors of de novo AF. Regarding 1 year-prognosis, the occurrence of AF in MINOCA pts was associated with worse outcomes, namely 1year-mortality (log rank=0.002) and 1-year all cause readmission (log rank 0.028)

Conclusion

As expected, AF in the setting of MINOCA is associated with poorer prognosis. Pts with older age and LV dysfunction are at higher risk of de novo AF in this population.

Short-term outcomes in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

The proportion of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is increasing among the acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Reinfarction (RI) is a potential complication in high-risk patients with NSTEMI and it will cause an impact on these patients’ prognosis.

Purpose

Identify high-risk patients with RI and their prognosis in the setting of NSTEMI.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between January 2013 and January 2020. Patients without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Patients were divided in 2 groups (G): G1 – patients without RI; G2 - patients with RI during hospitalization. Logistic regression and survival analysis were performed.

Results

7180 patients were admitted with NSTEMI, RI occurred in 71 pts (0.99%). Regarding epidemiological and past history G2 was older (71±12 vs 66±12, p=0.001), had higher rates of previous stroke (15.9% vs 7.0%, p 0.003) and peripheric arterial disease (6.3% vs 6.1%, p=0.004). The groups were similar regarding arterial hypertension (p=0.74), diabetes type 2 (p=0.11) and dyslipidaemia (p=0.48).

G2 had higher levels of brain natriuretic peptide (45.5% vs 24.5%, p<0.001) and lower levels of haemoglobin (20.3% vs 7.9%, p<0.001). Patients taking prasugrel (2% vs 0.3%, p=0.002) or ticagrelor (6.1% vs 2.2%, p<0.001) previously to the admission were more susceptible to have RI. Patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (3.4% vs 2.6%, p<0.001), need of invasive (2.8% vs 0.8%, p<0.001) or non-invasive (4.2% vs 1.3%, p<0.001) ventilation and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (80.3% vs 64.7%, p0.006) had higher rates of RI.

Logist regression confirmed that PCI (p=0.03, OR 2.22, CI 1.08-4.53), previous stroke (p=0.02, OR 0.58, CI 0.37-0.92) and pts previously taking prasugrel (p=0.02, OR 1.85, CI 1.11-3.10) were predictors of RI in the setting of NSTEMI.

Conclusion

RI in the setting of NSTEMI was associated with PCI, previous stroke and pts previously taking prasugrel. One year prognosis was poorer for patients who suffered RI.

Can we prevent the occurrence of stroke in patients admitted with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Cardio-cerebral vascular diseases are a leading cause of deaths worldwide.

Stroke is a potential complication in high-risk patients who had non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Purpose

Identify high-risk patients with stroke and their prognosis in the setting of NSTEMI.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between January 2013 and January 2020. Patients without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Patients were divided in 2 groups (G): G1 – patients who suffered stroke; G2 - patients without stroke. Logistic regression and survival analysis were performed.

Results

7180 patients were admitted with NSTEMI, stroke occurred in 35 patients (0.49%). Regarding epidemiological and past history G1 was older (72±9 vs 66±12, p= 0.004), had more females (54.3% vs 45.75, p<0.001), had higher rates of type 2 diabetes mellitus (51.3% vs 35.2%, p=0.05), previous strokes / transient ischemic attack (24.2% vs 7.0%, p=0.007) and dementia (3.3% vs 0.8%, p<0.001). Arterial hypertension (77.1 vs 72.8%, p=0.56), dyslipidaemia (61.8% vs 63.0%, p=0.88) and smoking (17.6% vs 26.0%, p=0.27) were similar between groups. Patients who presented with chest pain (72.7% vs 92.0%, p<0.001) and patients who were not revascularized were more likely to suffer a stroke (43.3% vs 17.5%, p<0.001).

Logist regression only confirmed that females were more likely to have a stroke (p<0.001, OR 4.13, CI 1.87-9.15) and patients who presented with chest pain (p=0.001, OR 0.23, CI 0.10-0.54). One year event-free survival was higher in patients who did not have stroke (95.3% vs 80.0%, p=0.005, OR 4.50, CI 1.43-14.15)

Conclusion

Since sex gender and form of presentation of NSTEMI are not modifiable factors we cannot prevent strokes from happening in the context of NSTEMI.

Caloric restriction in mice improves short-term recognition memory and modifies the neuroinflammatory response in the hippocampus of male adult offspring

Restrictive diets (RD) can influence the inflammatory phenotype of dams and their offspring. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of caloric restriction on the neuroinflammatory profile in the hippocampus and the short-term recognition memory of male offspring from RD-fed dams. Mice dams received standard diet ad libitum (CONT) or restrictive diet (RD; 30% reduction of CONT consumption) during pregnancy and lactation. Male pups were weaned at 21 days and randomly divided into two groups that received CONT or RD; groups were named according to maternal/offspring diets: CONT/CONT, CONT/RD, RD/CONT, and RD/RD. At 90 days old, short-term memory was assessed by the object recognition test (ORT); the inflammatory state of the hippocampus was analyzed by gene expression of sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) and inflammasome Nlrp3; and by protein expression of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Our results showed an improvement in short-term memory in RD-fed offspring. The expression of Sirt1 was higher in RD/CONT compared to CONT/CONT and decreased in RD/RD compared to CONT/RD. Nlrp3 gene expression showed an offspring effect, being decreased in RD-fed mice. TLR-4 expression was higher in RD/CONT compared to CONT/CONT, similarly to ZO-1 expression. However, ZO-1 also showed a maternal diet effect and increased expression in the offspring of RD dams. Our findings demonstrate that caloric restriction improved short-term recognition memory. However, a restrictive diet should be applied with caution; depending on the offspring's diet, it may not benefit the neuroinflammatory phenotype or cognition.

Primary care health actions to homeless people during covid-19:an experience report

Objective

Experience report by professionals from Basic Health Care Centers working with homeless people during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Descriptive and reflexive study by professionals and Nursing professors and academics.

Results and discussion

Professionals experience challenges when facing the pandemic considering the life conditions and misinformation of homeless people about COVID-19.Brazil's Unified Public Health System needs to take some measures to promote social distancing, access to toilets, mask and food distribution. Meetings with health teams and clinic on the street teams were held to organize care according to local reality, infrastructure, and users' flow. In a similar vein, intra and intersectoral articulations for joint actions on the street were articulated to provide access to health care and social assistance, and to accommodate and care for those presenting respiratory symptoms till improvement of the condition. Reorganizing actions is a dynamic process because each epidemiological stage demands new strategies as the pandemic advances or recedes. Attendance at Basic Health Care Centers was defined as priority:suspected COVID-19 cases and people with mental suffering or chronic disease.These people were identified to have face-to-face consultations or teleconsultations. In this sense, therapeutic interruption and worsening of conditions were avoided. Some management challenges are listed:information dynamics, the need to publicize, to qualify professionals and to articulate the network;care with the health team, keep away professionals from the group of risk and COVID-19 confirmed cases;training demands, input assurance, and agendas;electronic means to share information and to keep collegiate management.

Conclusions

To face COVID-19 and to work with homeless people it becomes fundamental to share challenges and caring strategies to minimize impacts.Health professionals perform to sensitize users according to their life experiences and singularities.

Key messages

The caring process is built through dialog and reflection.

It is of utmost importance to make the population aware of the COVID-19 prevention.

Left atrial appendage velocity as an instrument of predicting atrial fibrillation recurrence after successful catheter ablation – a useful tool?

Introduction

Catheter ablation for the treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a modality of treatment in growing expansion. However the sustained long term response in preventing AF recurrence is poor for most patients, namely in those with a dilated left atrium.

Purpose

Our aim was to assess the utility of an echocardiographic parameter for left atrium function, the left atrial appendage velocity (LAAV), in predicting recurrences after catheter ablation.

Methods

We performed a 9 year retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent a successful catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and had a valid pre-procedural transesophagic echocardiogram in a single expert centre. Medical records were analysed for demographic, procedural data and outcomes.

Results

Seventy-three (73) patients fulfilled all inclusion criteria and were analysed. The mean age was 62±11 with a male preponderance (58,7%). The majority of patients (82,7%) had preserved left ventricle ejection fraction. Only 46% of patient had a volumetric assessment of the left atrium dimensions prior to ablation, with slight, moderate and severe dilation of the left atrium in 20%; 8,6% and 28,6% of patients. Of the patients subjected to an AF ablation the average LAAV was 50,6±19 cm/s, with 78% of patients with normal atrial appendage velocities.

Patients with low LAAV (<40cm/s) had a higher proportion of AF recurrences at 3 and 6 months (58,3 vs 12,8% and 89% vs 21,7%; p<0,05 for all) with a linear correlation between the presence of recurrences and LAAV (LAAV of 39,1 vs 57,5 cm/s; p<0,05 OR 0,91 (CI 95% = 0,85–0,97); r2=0,34 at 3 months and LAAV of 43,5 vs 59 cm/s; p=0,01; OR 0,94 (CI 95% = 0,89–0,99); r2=0,24 at 6 months respectively). There was a trend towards association with recurrences at 1 year although it did not reach statistical significance. There was no significant difference in the use of antiarritmic drugs, either prior or post ablation, in both groups. It was not possible to assess the additive predictive value to the left atrium dimensions due to the low percentage of volumetric assessment of left atrium prior to AF ablation.

Conclusions

Patients with low left atrial appendage velocities had a lower long term success rate of catheter ablation, with higher rates of recurrence at 3 and 6 months and a trend towards higher recurrences at 1 year, with linear correlation which hypothesises the use of the left atrial appendage velocity as novel predictive parameter for an integrative model.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Antithrombotic strategy in patients with atrial fibrillation and acute coronary syndrome

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is frequent in patients admitted with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The development of this arrhythmia occurs in 2–21% of patients with non ST-elevation ACS and 21% of ST-elevation ACS. According with the most recent European guidelines, a short period up to 1 week of triple antithrombotic therapy (TAT) is recommended, followed by dual antithrombotic therapy (DAT) using a NOAC and a single antiplatelet agent, preferably clopidogrel.

Objective

To compare the antithrombotic strategy (DAT vs TAT) used and its prognostic value in patients with AF and ACS.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients' data admitted with ACS in a multicentric registry between 10/2010–09/2019. TAT was defined as the prescription of dual antiplatelet therapy and one anticoagulant and DAT as one antiplatelet and one anticoagulant. Survival and rehospitalization were evaluated through Kaplan-Meier curve.

Results

1067 patients were included, mean age 67±14 years, 72.3% male. Patients who developed de novo AF during hospitalization due to ACS were older (75±12 vs 66±14 years, p<0.001) and with higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease. AF was more often in patients with ST elevation ACS (53.4%). During hospitalization, AF patients were more often medicated with aspirin, glycoprotein inhibitor, heparin, fondaparinux and vitamin K antagonists. No difference was found regarding P2Y12 inhibitors. AF patients presented more often obstructive coronary disease (normal coronaries 5.4 vs 8.5%, p<0.001) so they were more often submitted to PCI (79.5 vs 70.9%, p<0.001). AF patients presented with higher rates of adverse in-hospital events as re-infarction, heart failure, shock, ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, stroke, major bleeding and death (p<0.001). At discharge, AF patients were less prescribed with aspirin or ticagrelor, but the rate of clopidogrel prescription was higher, such as vitamin K antagonists or any of the new anticoagulants. In the AF group, 21.5% patients were discharged with TAT and 30.3% with DAT. Concerning patients discharged with TAT, 1-year follow-up revealed no significant differences in mortality (p=0.578), re-admission for cardiovascular causes (p=0.301) and total re-admission rates (p=0.291). Patients discharged with DAT had similar mortality (p=0.623) and re-admission for cardiovascular causes rates (p=0.138), but significant differences were identified regarding total re-admissions (p=0.024).

Conclusions

In patients with ACS and de novo AF, a low percentage of patients was discharged with oral anticoagulation (51.8%). In those whose anticoagulation was initiated, DAT was the preferred strategy. 1-year outcomes were not different between the antithrombotic strategy, except for all cause re-admission.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia as a predictor of major adverse cardiac events in acute coronary syndrome patients

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a frequent rhythm disturbance during an ischemic event like acute coronary syndrome (ACS). VT was frequently associated with worse prognosis, then is expected, that its presence is related to a higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Objective

Evaluate if sustained VT was a predictor of MACE in ACS hospitalized patients.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients without VT, and B – patients that presented VT on the hospitalization. VT was defined as a register or more of the VT with at least 30 seconds. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data. MACE was defined as re-infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction, completed atrioventricular block, sustained ventricular tachycardia, cardiac arrest, stroke and hospitalization death. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess if VT in ACS patients was a predictor of MACE.

Results

A total of 29851 patients was analyze and 25725 had information regarding VT. From the group of patients that presented VT, 177 (1.1%) had re-infarction, 2415 (14.1%) had congestive heart failure, 816 (5.0%) had atrial fibrillation, 108 (0.7%) had a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction, 442 (2.7%) had completed atrioventricular block, 458 (2.8%) had cardiac arrest, 101 (0.6%) had stroke and 535 (3.3%) died. VT did not predict re-infarction (p = 0.071), mechanical complication of myocardial infarction (p = 0.979) and stroke (p = 0.500) in ACS hospitalized patients. Logistic regression revealed that VT in ACS patients was a predictor of congestive heart failure (odds ratio (OR) 2.304, p < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.742-3.047), atrial fibrillation (OR 2.078, p < 0.001, CI 1.453-2.973), completed atrioventricular block (OR 1.831, p = 0.012, CI 1.145-2.928), cardiac arrest (OR 15.434, p < 0.001, CI 11.429-20.843) and hospitalization death (OR 6.472, p < 0.001, CI 4.484-9.342).

Conclusions

VT in ACS patients predict MACE, namely congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, completed atrioventricular block, cardiac rest and hospitalization death.

Was the atrioventricular block similar in anterior and inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

The presence of atrioventricular block (AVB) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is more frequently registered when is identified in the inferior leads. However, AVB maybe occurs in anterior STEMI, yet the AVB and STEMI localization maybe had different implications.

Objective

Evaluate the impact and prognosis of AVB according to the STEMI localization.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndrome between 1/10/2010-3/05/2020. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients with anterior STEMI, and B – patients with inferior STEMI. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data regarding AVB occurrence. Logistic regression was performed to assess AVB as a prognostic marker in STEMI patients.

Results

From 32157 patients, was identified 462 with AVB, 72 in group A (15.6%) and 390 in group B (84.4%). Both groups were similar regarding gender (p = 0.710), age (p = 0.068), body mass index (p = 0.535), admitly directly to cat lab (p = 0.635), initial symptons until first medical contact (p = 0.561), smoker status (p = 0.483), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.331), coronary artery disease (p = 0.053), previous stroke (p = 0.332),  peripheral artery disease (p = 0.348), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.425), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.057), multivessel diasease (p = 0.235), new-onset of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.582), cardiac arrest (p = 0.062) and stroke complication (p = 0.685). Group B had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% (16.9 vs 60.7%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, group A had more arterial hypertension (79.7 vs 66.2%, p = 0.027), dislipidaemia (58.2 vs 54.4%, p = 0.038), heart rate at admission (81 ± 20 vs 59 ± 23, p < 0.001), Killip-Kimball class > I (45.7 vs 29.6%, p = 0.008), sinus rhythm at admission (84.5 vs 72.6%, p = 0.035), heart failure complication (65.3 vs 37.1%, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock complication (42.3 vs 24.7%, p < 0.001), ACS mechanical complication (8.3 vs 3.1%, p = 0.047), sustained ventricular tachycardia during ACS hospitalization (19.4 vs 8.5%, p = 0.005) and hospitalization death (52.9 vs 44.7%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that AVB in inferior STEMI was a predictor of new-onset of atrial fibrillation (odds ratio (OR) 3.817, p = 0.038, confidence interval (CI) 1.123-12.975), with a R2 Nagelkerke 24.4. Also, revealed that AVB in anterior STEMI was a predictor of death (OR 0.111, p < 0.001, CI 0.034-0.366), with a R2 Nagelkerke 55.2.

Conclusions

AVB in inferior STEMI was a predictor of new-onset of atrial fibrillation and AVB in anterior STEMI was a predictor of death.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia in acute coronary syndromes the Portuguese experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are frequent and are associated with high levels of comorbidities and complications. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is one of the most danger and stressful situations in ACS.

Objective

Evaluate predictors of ventricular tachycardia in ACS.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided in two groups: A – patients without VT, and B – patients that presented VT on the hospitalization. VT was defined as a register or more of the VT with at least 30 seconds. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of VT in ACS patients.

Results

25361 in group A (98.6%) and 364 in group B (1.4%). Both groups were similar regarding gender, cardiovascular risk factors, except for dyslipidemia (61.7 vs 51.9%, p < 0.001) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) location. Group B was elderly (67 ± 14 vs 70 ± 14, p < 0.001), was admitted directly to the cat lab (10.6 vs 20.4%, p < 0.001), had less time since the onset of symptoms until the admission (383 ± 157 vs 349 ± 121, p = 0.003), but presented higher previous history of heart failure (5.9 vs 10.6%, p < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (5.5 vs 8.4%, p = 0.015), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (4.4 vs 7.9%, p = 0.001) and dementia (1.7 vs 3.2%, p = 0.038). At admission presented higher levels of STEMI (42 vs 67%, p < 0.001), dyspnea (29 vs 18.1%, p < 0.001), syncope (1.3 vs 6.6%, p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (0.4 vs 4.4%, p < 0.001), Killip-Kimball classification > I (14.8 vs 40.5%, p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation at admission (AF) (7.1 vs 15.3%, p < 0.001). Ivabradine (3.7 vs 7.6%, p < 0.001), aldosterone receptor antagonists (10.2 vs 24%, p < 0.001), diuretic (28 vs 57.2%, p < 0.001), amiodarone (5.6 vs 53.5%, p < 0.001), digoxin (1.4 vs 4.7%, p < 0.001) were more prevalent used in the admission. Group B exhibited higher multivessel disease (MVD) (51.5 vs 61.5%, p < 0.001), culprit as common coronary trunk (CT) (1.7 vs 4.2%, p = 0.024), hybrid revascularization (0.8 vs 2%, p = 0.032) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50% (38.7 vs 71%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, the used of beta block (81.4 vs 62.3%, p < 0.001), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor (85.5 vs 74.4%, p < 0.001) and calcium channel blockers (10.1 vs 24%, p < 0.001) since had a protect effect. Regarding reinfarction (0.9 vs 2.5%, p = 0.007), de novo heart failure (15.1 vs 50.3%, p < 0.001), atrioventricular block (2.2 vs 17%, p < 0.001), stroke (1.4 vs 4.9%, p < 0.001) and death (3.4 vs 26.9%, p < 0.001), all were higher in Group B. Logistic regression revealed COPD (odds ratio (OR) 1.9, p = 0.010, confidence interval (CI) 1.17-3.10), STEMI (OR 2.73, p < 0.001, CI 2.00-3.73), AF (OR 2.30, p < 0.001, CI 1.52-3.49), MVD (OR 1.44, p = 0.012, CI 1.08-1.92), CT (OR 2.87, p = 0.003, CI 1.45-5.69) and LVEF < 50%  (OR 3.44, p < 0.001, CI 2.52-4.71) as predictors of VT in ACS.

Conclusions

COPD, STEMI, AF, MVD, CT and LVEF < 50% were predictors of VT in ACS.

Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Coronary Syndrome - early onset impact on MACE

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) complicates approximately 10% of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is, therefore, important to access its impact on ACS patients’ (pts) prognosis.

Objective

To evaluate early onset (≤48h) de novo atrial fibrillation (AF) as predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and in-hospital complications.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/10/2010 and 8/01/2019. Pts were divided in two groups: A – early onset de novo AF (EOAF), and B – late onset de novo AF (LOAF). Patients without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess if LOAF in ACS was a predictor of MACE or complications.

Results

29851 pts had ACS. EOAF occurred in 584 pts (2.0%) and LOAF in 360 pts (1.2%). EOAF were younger (73 ± 13 vs 77 ± 10, p < 0.001) and smokers (21.3% vs 12.1%, p < 0.001). LOAF had higher rates of diabetes mellitus (40.1% vs 30.2%, p < 0.001), angina (30.8% vs 21.4%, p < 0.001), previous ACS (22.5% vs 15.4%, p = 0.006), previous revascularization (percutaneous coronary intervention 14% vs 9.5%, p = 0.032; coronary artery bypass surgery 8.4% vs 3.9%, p = 0.004). ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) rates were higher in EOAF (56.8% vs 46.9%, p = 0.003) and were admitted directly to the cath lab more often (21.7% vs 13.4%, p = 0.001). Non-ST elevation MI rates were higher in LOAF (44.2% vs 37.7%, p = 0.048). LOAF times from first symptoms to admission were longer (420min vs 183%, p < 0.001), mean brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher (579 vs 447, p = 0.009) and diuretics usage was more frequent (72.8% vs 54.3%, p < 0.001). EOAF had higher rates of heart failure (32.1% vs 17.2%, p < 0.001), atrioventricular block (10.5% vs 7.8%, p = 0.006) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (8.1% vs 3.1%, p = 0.001). LOAF had higher in-hospital mortality (14.2% vs 9.6%, p = 0.031) and longer hospital stay (12 days vs 7 days, p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that EOAF was predictive of in-hospital heart failure (p < 0.001, OR 2.15) and atrioventricular block (p = 0.008, OR 7.46). Regarding 1 year-follow-up, EOAF had poorer prognosis comparing to LOAF (59.3% vs 73.0%, p = 0.018, OR 1.62, CI 1.09-2.42)

Conclusion

EOAF is predictive of MACE, namely heart failure and atrioventricular block, and is associated to poorer prognosis comparing to LOAF.

Endocardial left ventricular pacing Where are we a systematic review

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Endocardial left ventricular pacing is a technique used in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), when a coronary sinus implant is not possible, conventional CRT was an unsuccess and in CRT nonresponders. We performed a systemic review to evaluate its risks and benefits.

Objective

Review the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of endocardial left ventricular pacing.

Methods

A systemic research on MEDLINE and PUBMED with the term "endocardial left ventricular pacing", "biventricular pacing" or "endocardial left pacing". 1038 results were identified, however, just publish papers (excluding abstract) with more than 16 patients was admitted in these analyses. Comparisons pre and post CRT regard New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and QRS width was performed. Mean differences (MD) and confidence interval (CI) was used as a measurement of treatment.

Results

Eleven studies were selected, including a total of 560 patients. The studies were performed with different techniques, trans-atrial septal technique, trans-ventricular septal technique and transapical technique. Mean age 66.93 years old, 90.54% male, median ejection fraction of 28.86%, NYHA class of 3.03, QRS width 167,50 mseg. Ischemic etiologic in 43.88%, atrial fibrillation in 45.35% and left bundle branch block in 55.20%. Was reported several complications after the procedure, 8 pocket infection (7 studies), 17 transient ischemic attacks (10 papers), 17 ischemic stroke (all), 35 tromboembolic events (all) and 115 deaths, nevertheless, follow up in the different studies was diverse and heterogeneous. Significant improvement was registered in NYHA class (MD 0.64, CI 0.56-0.72, p < 0.00001, I2 = 89%) (reported in 7 studies), LVEF (MD 6.20, CI 5.09-7.32, p = 0.002, I2 = 69%) %) (reported in 8 studies) and QRS width (MD 31.35, CI 26.11-36.60, p < 0.00001, I2 = 89%) %) (reported in 5 studies), (all p < 0.00001).

Conclusions

Left ventricular endocardial pacing is a feasible alternative to conventional CRT, when the last one is not possible. With clinical, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram improvement in several series. First data regarding this procedure were associated with higher stroke incidence, something contrary to the last study’s results. Nevertheless, at the moment just small series present this technique with heterogenous results and different approaches, being important further investigation.

Cardiac arrest in Acute Coronary Syndrome: predictors and prognosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a potential complication of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is, therefore, important to access its impact on prognosis and identify patients with higher risk of CA in the setting of ACS.

Objective

To evaluate predictors and prognosis of CA in the setting of ACS.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected between 1/10/2010 and 4/09/2019. Patients (pts) without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Pts were divided in 2 groups (G): GA – pts without CA; GB - pts with CA during hospitalization. Logistic regression and survival analysis was performed.

Results

Between 25718 pts with ACS, CA occurred in 651 (2.5%). GB was younger (65 ± 15 vs 67 ± 14, p < 0.001), had higher rates of smoking (35.8% vs 26.4%, p < 0.001), and lower rates of hypertension (62.3% vs 70.9%, p < 0.001), diabetes (25.7% vs 31.7%, p < 0.001), dyslipidaemia (53.8% vs 61.7%, p < 0.001), previous ACS (17.2% vs 20.6%, p = 0.037) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (1.9% vs 5.1%, p < 0.001). Both groups were similar regarding previous heart failure (p = 0.450) and chronic kidney disease (p = 0.560). GB had shorter times from first symptoms to admission (158min vs 243min, p < 0.001). GA had higher rate of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) (78.6% vs 41.4%, p < 0.001), whether GB had higher rates of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (46.7% vs 18.1%, p < 0.001), namely anterior (54.9% vs 46.9%, p < 0.001). GB had lower blood pressure (BP) (122 ± 33 vs 139 ± 28, p < 0.001), higher heart rate (HR) (83 ± 23 vs 77 ± 19, p < 0.001), presented more frequently in Killip-Kimball class (KKC) ≥2 (37.6% vs 14.6%, p < 0.001), in atrial fibrillation (AF) (13.9% vs 7.0%, p < 0.001) and with right bundle block (10.6% vs 5.3%, p < 0.001). GB had higher rates of common trunk culprit lesion (CL) (3.9% vs 1.6%, p < 0.001), anterior descending coronary CL (49% vs 37%, p < 0.001), 1 vessel lesion (53.4% vs 38.5%, p < 0.001), lower CABG rates (4.3% vs 6.3%, p = 0.042), more left ventricle dysfunction (57.7% vs 38.7%, p < 0.001) and needed more frequently mechanical ventilation (35.3% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001), non-invasive ventilation (6.8% vs 1.6%, p < 0.001) and provisory pacemaker (9.4% vs 1.3%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that older age (p < 0.001, OR 1.89, CI 1.35-2.64), higher HR (p < 0.029, OR 1.33, CI 1.03-1.71), lower BP (P < 0.001, OR 2.67, CI 1.94-3.68), KKC ≥2 (p < 0.001, OR 2.35, CI 1.84-3.00), AF at admission (p < 0.001, OR 1.84, CI 1.34-2.51), STEMI (p < 0.001, OR 4.08, CI 3.66-6.77), lower left ventricle function (p = 0.009, OR 1.38, CI 1.08-1.75) were predictors of CA. Event-free survival was higher in GA than GB (92.8% vs 83.3%, OR 1.68, p = 0.008, CI 1.41-2.47).

Conclusion

As expected, CA in the setting of ACS is associated with poorer prognosis. Several characteristics of the pts may help to predict the development of CA during hospitalization, allowing earlier identification and prompt treatment.

Septal vs apical defibrillator electrode placement a systematic review

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

The optimal right ventricular defibrillator lead placement is still a debatable matter. We attempt to performed a systemic review to evaluate whether septal and apical placement had significant differences in the follow-up with an indication for implantation of these devices.

Objective

Review the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of right ventricular apical and septal defibrillator lead placement.

Methods

A systemic research on MEDLINE and PUBMED with the term "septal pacing", "apical pacing" "septal defibrillation" or "apical defibrillation". 309 results were identified, however, after a serious analysis, several articles were excluded. Comparisons between apical and septal placement were performed regarding R wave amplitude, pacing threshold at 0.5 ms, lead impedance, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and lead complication that produced lead re-placement. Mean differences (MD) and confidence interval (CI) was used as a measurement of treatment.

Results

Six studies were selected, including a total of 2180 patients. The studies were performed with different techniques, analyses and goals. The studies presented heterogeneous and diverse results, with a varied follow-up period, that resulted in the exclusion of one of the studies. Mean age 64.51 years old, 76.86% male, a median ejection fraction of 27.84%, NYHA class of 2.65, ischemic etiologic in 51.10% and a follow-up period of 26.49 months. Septal defibrillator lead placement was established in 772 patients, while the apical defibrillator lead placement was performed in 1399 patients. No differences regarding the lead performance on apical and septal placement were detected regarding the R-wave (MD -0.36, CI -0.75 - +0.03, p = 0.68, I2 = 0%) (reported in 3 studies) and lead impedance (MD -23.83, CI -51.36 - +3.69, p = 0.003, I2 = 82%) (reported in 3 studies). Pacing threshold seems to be favor a septal defibrillator lead implantation (MD -0.05, CI -0.09 - -0.02, p = 0.12, I2 = 53%) (reported in 3 studies). Concerning echocardiography parameters during the follow up period, LVEF (MD -0.83, CI -3.05 - +1.38, p = 0.10, I2 = 57%) (reported in 3 studies) and LVEDD (MD -0.51, CI -2.13 - +1.10, p = 0.20, I2 = 38%) (reported in 3 studies) were not significant influenced for the defibrillator lead placement. Lead complications that provoke a lead replacement was not significant between the lead placement (MD 1.25, CI 0.53 – 2.94, p = 0.71, I2 = 0%) (reported in 3 studies).

Conclusions

Just pacing threshold proved to improve the septal defibrillator lead placement. Neither the other lead parameters or the echocardiography results during the follow-up were influenced by the lead placement. For a definitive conclusion is important to further investigation.

Prognosis of new-onset of atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome: Portuguese experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are common diseases in developed countries and in some cases, the first episode of AF can occur during the ACS. A stressful event like an ACS can be a trigger for AF, being important to realize its impact and prognosis in the short and long term.

Objective

Evaluate the impact and prognosis of new-onset AF in ACS.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients without new-onset AF, and B – patients that presented new onset of AF. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data during the admission and the follow-up period. Logistic regression was performed to assess if new-onset AF in ACS was a predictor of major adverse cardiac events and mortality. Kaplan-Meier test was performed to establish the survival rates and re-admission for one year of follow up.

Results

9687 patients suffered ACS and had follow-up at 1 year, 9264 in group A (95.6%) and 423 in group B (4.4%). Both groups were similar regarding dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, previous coronary artery disease, multivessel disease after the cardiac catheterization. Group A had more smokers (28.2 vs 17.8%, p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% (69.2 vs 45.1%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, group B was elderly (67 ± 14 vs 75 ± 12, p < 0.001), female (26.9 vs 34.0%, p < 0.001), arterial hypertension (70.5 vs 77.5%, p = 0.005), was more admitted directly to the cat lab (12.5 vs 17.7%, p = 0.002), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (40.2 vs 49.9%, p < 0.001), Killip-Kimball classification > I (12.8 vs 34.8%, p < 0.001) and hybrid revascularization (0.7 vs 2.4%, p = 0.002). Logistic regression revealed that new-onset of AF in ACS patients was a predictor of congestive heart failure (odds ratio (OR) 1.75, p < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.47-2.09), cardiogenic shock (OR 3.08, p < 0.001, CI 2.37-4.01), sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 2.29, p < 0.001, CI 1.61-3.25) and intrahospital mortality (OR 1.99, p < 0.001, CI 1.51-2.63). Nevertheless, new-onset of AF was not associated with re-infarction (p = 0.361), mechanical complications (p = 0.319), atrioventricular block (p = 0.574), stroke (p = 0.131) and cardiac arrest (p = 0.060) during the hospitalization for ACS. Mortality rates at one year of follow-up showed significant differences, p < 0.001, between the two groups (Figure 1). Similar results were found concerning re-admission for all causes, p = 0.021 (Figure 2), on the other causes, re-admission for cardiovascular causes do not reveal to be significant, p = 0.515.

Conclusions

New-onset of AF in ACS was a predictor of congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sustained ventricular tachycardia and intrahospital mortality. AF was associated with higher mortality rates and re-admission for all causes at one year follow up.

Atrioventricular block in acute coronary syndrome: Portuguese experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

The atrioventricular block (AVB) occurrence in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a potentially life-threatening complication, that demand a rapid and efficient response regarding reperfusion time and rhythm stabilization.

Objective

Evaluate the impact and prognosis of AVB in ACS patients, as well as predictors of AVB.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-3/05/2020. Patients were divided into two groups: A – patients without AVB, and B – patients that presented AVB. Were excluded patients without a previous cardiovascular history or clinical data regarding AVB occurrence. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of AVB in ACS patients.

Results

From 32157 patients, 23774 was included, 23148 in group A (97.4%) and 626 in group B (2.6%). Both groups were similar regarding initial symptons until first medical contact (p = 0.410), smoker status (p = 0.222), arterial hypertension (p = 0.776), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.508), peripheral artery disease (p = 0.479), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.467) and re-infarction during the hospitalization for ACS (p = 0.145). Group A had higher body mass index (27.4 ± 4.4 vs 26.9 ± 4.6, p = 0.005), dislipidaemia (59.6 vs 51.4%, p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (18.9 vs 13.0, p < 0.001), heart rate (78 ± 19 vs 65 ± 25, p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (139 ± 29 vs 119 ± 32, p < 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) >50% (60.1 vs 51.7%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, group B was elderly (66 ± 13 vs 71 ± 13, p < 0.001), female (27.4 vs 32.4%, p < 0.001), previous stroke (6.9 vs 10.9%, p < 0.001), neoplasia (4.9 vs 6.8%, p = 0.031), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (46.2 vs 75.4%, p < 0.001), syncope as major symptom (1.3 vs 10.0%, p < 0.001), Killip-Kimball class > I (15.4 vs 31.6%, p < 0.001), multivessel diasease (52.1 vs 61.4%, p < 0.001), heart failure complication (15.5 vs 40.6%, p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock complication (3.8 vs 24.6%, p < 0.001), new-onset of atrial fibrillation (4.2 vs 14.1%, p < 0.001), ACS mechanical complication (0.6 vs 3.2%, p < 0.001), sustained ventricular tachycardia during ACS hospitalization (1.3 vs 10.0%, p < 0.001), cardiac arrest (2.7 vs 13.3%, p < 0.001), stroke complication (0.6 vs 1.9%, p < 0.001) and hospitalization death (3.5 vs 19.0%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that female gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.422, p = 0.015, confidence interval (CI) 1.072-1.885), age ≥75 years old (OR 1.560, p = 0.002, CI 1.174-2.073), heart rate <60 (OR 6.692, p < 0.001, CI 5.180-8.644) and Killip-Kimball class > I (OR 3.264, p < 0.001, CI 2.446-5.356) were predictors of AVB in ACS patients.

Conclusions

Female gender, age ≥75 years old, heart rate <60 and Killip-Kimball class > I were predictors of AVB in ACS patients.

In-hospital outcomes of sustained ventricular tachycardia in the setting of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction

Sustained ventricular tachycardia (SVT) complicates up to 20% of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is, therefore, important to access its impact on prognosis and identify patients with higher risk of SVT.

Objective

To evaluate predictors of early onset (<48h) and late onset (≥48h) SVT.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/10/2010 and 4/09/2019. Patients (pts) were divided in two groups (G): A – pts that presented early onset SVT (ESVT), and B – pts that presented late onset SVT (LSVT). Pts without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of SVT in ACS.

Results

Between 29851 pts with ACS, 364 (1.2%) presented SVT. ESVT – 251 pts (69%); LSVT – 91 pts (25%). LSVT G was older (74 ± 13 vs 68 ± 14, p = 0.003), was admitted directly to cat lab less frequently (10.1% vs 24.8%, p = 0.003), had longer times from first symptoms to admission (440min vs 261 min, p < 0.001) and had higher rates of previous stroke (14.4% vs 6.8%, p = 0.028). LSVT G had higher rates of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) (35.2% vs 23.1%, p = 0.025) and lower rates of ST-elevation MI (53.8% vs 71.7%, p = 0.002), although both G were similar regarding MI location (anterior – p = 0.135, inferior – p = 0.097). LSVT G had higher systolic blood pression (130 ± 33 vs 122 ± 33, p = 0.050), presented more frequently in Killip-Kimball class ≥2 (52.5% vs 35.5%, p = 0.005) and with atrial fibrillation (21.2% vs 12.4%, p = 0.045), and had higher brain-natriuretic peptide (1075 vs 329, p < 0.001). LSVT G was treated more frequently with diuretics (80.0% vs 47.8%, p < 0.001), amiodarone (62.2% vs 48.8%, p = 0.029), digoxin (8.9% vs 2.4%, p = 0.013) and levosimendan (11.1% vs 2.8%, p = 0.004). ESVT G had higher rates of performed coronarography (88.4% vs 79.1%, p = 0.028) but lower rate of 3 vessels disease (58.5% vs 70.8%, p = 0.017). LSVT G had higher rates of severe (<30%) left ventricle dysfunction (32.9% vs 15.4%, p < 0.001) and need to non-invasive ventilation (23.1% vs 6.8%, p < 0.001). Regarding in-hospital complications, ESVT G had higher rates of heart failure (34.7% vs 19.1%, p = 0.006), atrioventricular block (15.7% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (20.4% vs 7.7%, p = 0.006) and major haemorrhage (5.2% vs 0.0%, p = 0.024). LSVT G had higher rates of in-hospital death (44.4% vs 20.9%, p < 0.001) and in-hospital stay (14 days vs 7 days, p < 0.001). The G were similar regarding re-infarction (p = 0.216), shock (p = 0.179), mechanical complications (p = 1.00), cardiac arrest (p = 0.097) and stroke (0.348) rates. Logistic regression confirmed ESVT was predictive in-hospital heart failure (p = 0.010, OR 2.67) and de novo AF (p = 0.001, OR 5.56), whether LSVT was predictive of in-hospital death (p = 0.002, OR 2.70).

Conclusion

LSVT was associated with higher rates of in-hospital complications, but ESVT was associated with higher in-hospital mortality.

Cardiovascular risk factors as predictors of new onset atrial fibrillation during hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndromes

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are a growing health problem in developed countries, being directly associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurrence and atrial fibrillation (AF). Nevertheless, new onset of AF in context of ACS is a clinical problem with prognostic and therapeutic implications.

Objective

Evaluate the impact of the CVRF in new onset AF during the hospitalization for ACS.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided in two groups: A – without new onset of AF during the hospitalization for ACS and B – with new onset of AF during the hospitalization for ACS. CVFR was defined by body mass index, diabetes, arterial hypertension, smoking, coronary artery disease, neoplasia, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of new onset AF in these patients.

Results

14037 patients were included, 637 in group B (4.8%). Both groups were similar regarding diabetes mellitus (p = 0.116), coronary artery disease (p = 0.264) and neoplasia (p = 0.327). Curiously the group A exhibited higher body mass index (27.5 ± 4.3 vs 27.2 ± 4.4, p < 0.001), smokers (28.1 vs 18.5%, p < 0.001) and dyslipidemia (62.8 vs 56.7%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, group B presented more females (26.4 vs 35.0%, p < 0.001), arterial hypertension (70.0 vs 74.9%, p = 0.002), peripheral arterial disease (5.4 vs 8.4%, p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (6.7 vs 9.5%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that body mass index, smoker status, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, neoplasia, chronic kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease were not predictors of AF during the hospitalization for ACS. Nonetheless, female gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.23, p = 0.025, confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.47), obesity (OR 1.39, p = 0.004, CI 1.11-1.74) and arterial hypertension (OR 1.22, p = 0.049, CI 1.01-1.50) were predictors of new onset of AF during hospitalization for ACS. Conclusions: Female gender, obesity and arterial hypertension were predictors of new onset of AF in during hospitalization for ACS.

Acute heart failure: does etiology matter?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Patients (pts) with acute heart failure (AHF) are a heterogeneous population. The etiology of the heart disfunction may play a role in prognosis. Risk stratification at admission may help predict in-hospital complications and needs.

Objective

To explore predictors of in-hospital mortality (IHM), post discharge early mortality [1-month mortality (1mM)] and late mortality [1-year mortality (1yM)] and early and late readmission, respectively 1-month readmission (1mRA) and 1-year readmission (1yRA), in our center population, using real-life data.

Methods

Based on a single-center retrospective study, data collected from patients (pts) admitted in the Cardiology department with AHF between 2010 and 2017. Pts without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. The pts were divided in 3 groups: ischemic etiology (IE), valvular etiology (VE) and other etiologies (OE), which included hypertensive and idiopathic cardiomyopathies). Statistical analysis used non-parametric tests and Kaplan-Meyer survival analysis.

Results

We included 300 pts admitted with AHF. Mean age was 67.4 ± 12.6 years old and 72.7% were male. 37.7% had previous history of revascularization procedures, 66.9% had hypertension, 41% were diabetic and 38% had dyslipidaemia. The heart failure was of IE in 45%, VE in 22.7% and of OE in 32.3% of the cases.

There were no significant differences between groups regarding body mass index, Killip-Kimball class, systolic blood pressure at admission, blood tests aspects at admission (namely, creatinine, sodium or urea), inotropes’ usage or need of non-invasive or invasive ventilation. However, IE group had higher percentage of males comparing to VE e OE (83.0% vs 55.9% vs 70.1%, respectively, p < 0.001), higher rates of prior revascularization procedures (68.9%, vs 19.1%, vs 7.2%, p < 0.001) and higher rates of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, namely hypertension (74.1% vs 55.9% vs 57.7%, p = 0.014), diabetes mellitus (48.1% vs 27.9% vs 27.8%, p = 0.002) and dyslipidaemia (48.9% vs 30.9% vs 40.2%, p = 0.022). OE group was younger compared to IE and VE (63.9 ± 13.5 vs 68.9 ± 11.1 vs 69.5 ± 13.0 years old, respectively, p = 0.003). VE group had less left ventricle disfunction comparing to IE and VE groups (left ventricle ejection fraction 40.8 ± 14.1 vs 32.2 ± 9.8 vs 31.6 ± 12.8%, respectively, p < 0.001).

The groups showed no significant differences regarding IHM (IE 5.2% vs VE 8.8% vs OE 2.1%, p = 0.146), 1mRA (IE 8.1&, VE 7.4%, OE 3.1%, p = 0.276) or 1yRA (IE 55.6%, VE 54.4%, OE 47.4%, p = 0.449). However, VE group had higher rates of 1mM (VE 13.2% vs IE 8.9% vs OE 3.1%, p = 0.05) and 1yM compared to IE and OE (33.8% vs 30.4% vs 17.5%, respectively, p = 0.34). These aspects are represented in Kaplan Meier survival curves.

Conclusion

In our population, the etiology of heart failure was predictor of early and late post-discharge mortality but not readmission.

Cardiovascular risk factors as predictors of heart failure during hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndromes

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are a growing health problem in developed countries. These patients have a higher prevalence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and as a consequence ACS complication, like heart failure (HF). HF after an ACS is a common complication and CVFR can influence its manifestation.

Objective

Evaluate the impact of the CVRF in HF during the hospitalization for ACS.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided in two groups: A – without new onset of HF during the hospitalization for ACS and B – with new onset of HF during the hospitalization for ACS. CVFR was defined by body mass index, diabetes, arterial hypertension, smoking, neoplasia, dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of new onset HF in these patients.

Results

14717 patients were included, 2287 in group B (15.5%). Both groups were similar regarding body mass index (27.5 ± 4.3 vs 27.2 ± 4.4, p = 0.254). Curiously the group A exhibited higher prevalence of smoking status (29.8 vs 16.6%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, group B presented more females (25.0 vs 35.7%, p < 0.001), arterial hypertension (68.7 vs 78.2%, p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (28.5 vs 43.1%, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (62.2 vs 64.3%, p = 0.023), coronary artery disease (19.6 vs 25.6%, p < 0.001), neoplasia (4.4 vs 7.0%, p < 0.001), peripheral arterial disease (5.2 vs 15.8%, p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (4.6 vs 10.0%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that body mass index, diabetes, arterial hypertension, neoplasia and dyslipidemia were not predictors of HF during the hospitalization for ACS. Nevertheless, female gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.37, p < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.22-1.54), chronic kidney disease (OR 1.59, p < 0.001, CI 1.33-1.90) and peripheral arterial disease (OR 1.54, p < 0.001, CI 1.27-1.86) were predictors of new onset of HF during hospitalization for ACS. Curiously, smoking seems to have a protective effect (OR 0.68, p < 0.001, CI 0.59-0.78) in new onset HF in ACS patients.

Conclusions

Chronic kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease were predictors of new onset of HF in during hospitalization for ACS.

Predictors of early and late re-hospitalization and mortality in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Regarding prognosis, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are heterogeneous. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a subtype of ACS. In-hospital (IH) and post-hospitalization (PH) risk stratification is crucial.

Objective

To identify predictors of IH and PH mortality (early and late), as well as predictors of early and late re-admission (RA) in our center population suffering NSTEMI, using real-life data.

Methods

Based on a single-center retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/01/2018 and 11/12/2019. Patients (pts) who survived the ACS and were discharged from the hospital were included. Concerning prognosis, we assessed 1-month M and RA (1mM and 1mRA), 6-month M and RA (6mM and 6mRA), 1-year M and RA (1yM and 1yRA).

Results

268 pts with ACS, 59.7% were males and mean age was 66.4 ± 12.5 years old. NSTEMI was the diagnosis in 66.4% and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 31%. Mean creatinine was 1.2 ± 1ml/min, mean sodium was 138 ± 3mmol/L, mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was 21 ± 12mg/dL and mean haemoglobin (Hb) was 13.6 ± 1.9g/dL. 88.2% of the pts presented in Killip-Kimball class (KKC) 1, 5.7% in KKC 2, 5.7% in KKC 3 and 0.4% in KKC IV; furthermore, 4.1% of the pts presented de novo AF. Concerning coronary artery disease, 250 were submitted to coronary angiography – 18.8% had no lesions or non-significant lesions (stenosis <50%), 34.8% had one significant lesion, 23.2% had 2 significant lesions and 23.2% had 3 or more. Regarding left ventricle (LV) function, 70.5% of the pts had no LV dysfunction, 15.7% had mild LV impairment (LVI), 9.3% moderate LVI and 4.5% had severe LVI. 8.4% of the patients experienced IH complications, such as auriculoventricular block, heart failure, ventricular tachycardia, stroke, cardiorespiratory arrest and major haemorrhage, during hospitalization. 1mM rate was 1.9% and 1yM rate was 7.8%.

KKC (p = 0.001), BUN (p = 0.007), LV function (p= 0.001) and de novo AF (p = 0.46) were predictors of 1mM. Age (p = 0.004), KKC (p = 0.031), BUN (p = 0.002), sodium (p = 0.037), creatinine (p = 0.001), Hb (p = 0.003), LV function (p < 0.001), de novo AF (p < 0.001) and occurrence of IH complications (p < 0.001) were predictors of 1yM. Age (p = 0.010), male gender (p = 0.19), Hb (p = 0.031), de novo AF (p < 0.001) and occurrence of IH complications (p = 0.001) were predictors of 1mRA. Age (p = 0.004), smoking (p = 0.040), hypertension (p = 0.040), glycemia at admission (p = 0.031), Hb (p = 0.004), LV function (p = 0.019), de novo AF (p < 0.001) and occurrence of IH complications (p < 0.001) were predictors of 1yRA.

Conclusion

This study suggests that de novo AF and occurrence of IH complications are very important prognosis factors regarding early and late mortality and readmission rates.

Acute Coronary Syndrome - reinfarction predictors and outcomes

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction

Reinfarction (RI) is a potential complication of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is, therefore, important to access its impact on prognosis and identify patients with higher risk of RI in the setting of ACS.

Objective

To evaluate predictors and prognosis of RI in the setting of ACS.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/10/2010 and 4/09/2019. Patients (pts) without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Pts were divided in 2 groups (G): GA – pts without RI; GB - pts with RI during hospitalization. Logistic regression and survival analysis were performed.

Results

Between 25718 pts with ACS, RI occurred in 223 (0.87%). Regarding epidemiological factors and past history, GB was older (70 ± 12 vs 67 ± 14, p < 0.001), had higher rates of hypertension (77.4% vs 70.6%, p = 0.028), previous stroke (12.1% vs 7.2%, p = 0.005), peripheric arterial disease (10.0% vs 5.5%, p = 0.004) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (8.6% vs 4.4%, p = 0.003). GB had higher rates of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) (54.3% vs 45.9%, p = 0.012) and GA had higher rates of ST-elevation MI (42.4% vs 35.9%, p = 0.049). The groups were similar regarding blood pressure (p = 0.285), heart rate (p = 0.796) and Killip-Kimball class at admission, but GB had higher levels of brain natriuretic peptide (392 vs 180, p = 0.005). GB had higher rates of multivessel disease (62.8% vs 51.6%, p = 0.002), left ventricle dysfunction (50.0% vs 39.1%, p = 0.002), higher needs of mechanical ventilation (6.3% and vs 1.9%, p < 0.001) non-invasive ventilation (5.4% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that peripheric arterial disease (p = 0.011, OR 1.93, CI 1.17-3.19), multivessel disease (p = 0.003, OR 1.69, CI 1.20-2.39) and lower left ventricle function (p < 0.001, OR 2.42, CI 1.69-3.47) were predictors of RI in the setting of ACS. Event-free survival was similar between groups (p = 0.399).

Conclusion

RI in the setting of ACS was associated multivessel disease and left ventricle disfunction, however, 1-year prognosis was similar to pts who didn’t suffer RI.

Acute heart failure: is ACTION-ICU useful?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Patients (pts) with acute heart failure (AHF) are a heterogeneous population. Risk stratification at admission may help predict in-hospital complications and needs. ACTION ICU score is validated to estimate the risk of complications requiring ICU care in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Objective

To validate ACTION-ICU score in AHF as predictor of in-hospital M (IHM), post discharge early M [1-month mortality (1mM)] and 1-month readmission (1mRA), in our center population, using real-life data.

Methods

Based on a single-center retrospective study, data collected from pts admitted in the Cardiology department with AHF between 2010 and 2017. Pts without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Statistical analysis used non-parametric tests, logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis.

Results

We included 300 pts admitted with AHF. Mean age was 67.4 ± 12.6 years old and 72.7% were male. 37.7% had previous history of revascularization procedures, 66.9% had hypertension, 41% were diabetic and 38% had dyslipidaemia. Mean heart rate was 95.5 ± 27.5bpm, mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131.2 ± 37.0mmHg, mean urea level at admission was 68.8 ± 40.7mg/dL, mean sodium was 137.6 ± 4.7mmol/L, mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 57.1 ± 23.5ml/min. 35.3% were admitted in Killip-Kimball class (KKC) 4. Mean ACTION-ICU score was 10.4 ± 2.3. Inotropes’ usage was necessary in 32.7% of the pts, 11.3% of the pts needed non-invasive ventilation (NIV), 8% needed invasive ventilation (IV). IHM rate was 5% and 1mM was 8%. 6.3% of the pts were readmitted 1 month after discharge.

Older age (p < 0.001), lower SBP (p = 0,035), presenting in KKC 4 (p < 0.001, OR 8.13) and need of inotropes (p < 0.001) were predictors of IHM in our population. Older age (OR 1.06, p = 0.002, CI 1.02-1.10), lower SBP (OR 1.01, p = 0.05, CI 1.00-1.02) and lower left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR 1.06, p < 0.001, CI 1.03-1.09) were predictors of need of NIV. None of the studied variables were predictive of need of IV. LVEF (OR 0.924, p < 0.001, CI 0.899-0.949), lower SBP (OR 0.80, p < 0.001, CI 0.971-0.988), higher urea (OR 1.01, p < 0.001, CI 1.005-1.018) and lower sodium (OR 0.92, p = 0.002, CI 0.873-0.971) were predictors inotropes’ usage.

ACTION-ICU was able to predict IHM (OR 1.51, p = 0.02, CI 1.158-1.977), 1mM (OR 1.45, p = 0.002, CI 1.15-1.81) and inotropes’ usage (OR 1.22, p = 0.002, CI 1.08-1.39), but not 1mRA, the need of IV or NIV.

ROC curve analysis revealed ACTION-ICU performs well when predicting IHM (Area under curve (AUC) 0.729, confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.87), inotropes’ usage (AUC 0.619, CI 0.54-0.70) and 1mM (AUC 0.705, CI 0.58-0.84).

Conclusion

In our population, ACTION-ICU score was able to predict IHM, 1mM and inotropes’s usage.

Acute heart failure: predicting early in-hospital outcomes

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Patients (P) with acute heart failure (AHF) are a heterogeneous population. Risk stratification at admission may help predict in-hospital complications and needs. The Get With The Guidelines Heart Failure score (GWTG-HF) predicts in-hospital mortality (M) of P admitted with AHF. ACTION ICU score is validated to estimate the risk of complications requiring ICU care in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.

Objective

To validate ACTION-ICU score in AHF and to compare ACTION-ICU to GWTG-HF as predictors of in-hospital M (IHM), early M [1-month mortality (1mM)] and 1-month readmission (1mRA), using real-life data.

Methods

Based on a single-center retrospective study, data collected from P admitted in the Cardiology department with AHF between 2010 and 2017. P without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Statistical analysis used chi-square, non-parametric tests, logistic regression analysis and ROC curve analysis.

Results

Among the 300 P admitted with AHF included, mean age was 67.4 ± 12.6 years old and 72.7% were male. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131.2 ± 37.0mmHg, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 57.1 ± 23.5ml/min. 35.3% were admitted in Killip-Kimball class (KKC) 4. ACTION-ICU score was 10.4 ± 2.3 and GWTG-HF was 41.7 ± 9.6. Inotropes’ usage was necessary in 32.7% of the P, 11.3% of the P needed non-invasive ventilation (NIV), 8% needed invasive ventilation (IV). IHM rate was 5% and 1mM was 8%. 6.3% of the P were readmitted 1 month after discharge.

Older age (p < 0.001), lower SBP (p = 0,035) and need of inotropes (p < 0.001) were predictors of IHM in our population. As expected, patients presenting in KKC 4 had higher IHM (OR 8.13, p < 0.001). Older age (OR 1.06, p = 0.002, CI 1.02-1.10), lower SBP (OR 1.01, p = 0.05, CI 1.00-1.02) and lower left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (OR 1.06, p < 0.001, CI 1.03-1.09) were predictors of need of NIV. None of the variables were predictive of IV. LVEF (OR 0.924, p < 0.001, CI 0.899-0.949), lower SBP (OR 0.80, p < 0.001, CI 0.971-0.988), higher urea (OR 1.01, p < 0.001, CI 1.005-1.018) and lower sodium (OR 0.92, p = 0.002, CI 0.873-0.971) were predictors of inotropes’ usage.

Logistic regression showed that GWTG-HF predicted IHM (OR 1.12, p < 0.001, CI 1.05-1.19), 1mM (OR 1.10, p = 1.10, CI 1.04-1.16) and inotropes’s usage (OR 1.06, p < 0.001, CI 1.03-1.10), however it was not predictive of 1mRA, need of IV or NIV. Similarly, ACTION-ICU predicted IHM (OR 1.51, p = 0.02, CI 1.158-1.977), 1mM (OR 1.45, p = 0.002, CI 1.15-1.81) and inotropes’ usage (OR 1.22, p = 0.002, CI 1.08-1.39), but not 1mRA, the need of IV or NIV. ROC curve analysis revealed that GWTG-HF score performed better than ACTION-ICU regarding IHM (AUC 0.774, CI 0.46-0-90 vs AUC 0.731, CI 0.59-0.88) and 1mM (AUC 0.727, CI 0.60-0.85 vs AUC 0.707, CI 0.58-0.84).

Conclusion

In our population, both scores were able to predict IHM, 1mM and inotropes’s usage.

Acute Coronary Syndrome follow up: Portuguese experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

Acute coronary syndrome is a major health problem, with several acute and chronic complications. So, it is imperative identifying factors that can be associated with better and worse prognosis during the follow up these patients.

Objective

Evaluate predictors of mortality, cardiovascular readmission and all causes of readmission at 1 year follow up in ACS patients.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of mortality, cardiovascular readmission and all causes of readmission at 1 year follow up in ACS patients.

Results

1492 patients were included, 141 die during the first year. Age > 75 years old (odds ratio (OR) 2.557, p < 0.001, confidence interval (CI) 1.727-3.785), heart rate < 60 (OR 2.686, p = 0.008, CI 1.296-5.569), cardiogenic shock (OR 6.726, p = 0.012, CI 1.512-29.915), creatinine >2mg/dL (OR 1.956, p = 0.023, CI 1.099-3.480), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (OR 1.911, p = 0.001, CI 1.284-2.844), nitrate (OR 1.589, p = 0.020, CI 1.074-2.351), ivabradine (OR 1.831, p = 0.011, CI 1.146-2.924), aldosterone antagonists (OR 1.632, p = 0.020, CI 1.079-2.468), diuretic (OR 1.625, p = 0.023, CI 1.069-2.472) and mechanical complication d (OR 55.518, p < 0.001, CI 11.516-267.655) were predictors of mortality of 1 year of follow up. Regarding cardiovascular readmission was registered in 291 patients, of a total 1412. Were predictors of cardiovascular readmission previous history of heart failure (OR 1.467, p = 0.003, CI 1.135-1.895), cardiogenic shock (OR 3.447, p = 0.039, CI 1.068-11.128), acetylsalicylic acid previous to ACS (OR 1.751, p = 0.008, CI 1.285-2.385), multivessel disease (OR 1.667, p = 0.002, CI 1.206-2.306), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (OR 1.489, p = 0.003, CI 1.145-1.938), nitrate (OR 1.812, p < 0.001, CI 1.403-2.341), aldosterone antagonists (OR 1.572, p = 0.004, CI 1.155-2.140) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 55.518, p < 0.001, CI 11.516-267.655). On the other hand 411 patients was readmitted (all causes), in 1455 patients with follow up. Were predictors of all causes of readmission previous history of heart failure (OR 1.347, p = 0.025, CI 1.039-1.747), previous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.456, p = 0.041, CI 1.016-2.087), atrial fibrillation (OR 1.439, p = 0.027, CI 1.041-1.988), acetylsalicylic acid previous to ACS (OR 1.473, p = 0.001, CI 1.161-1.869), left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (OR 1.456, p = 0.001, CI 1.166-1.819), nitrate (OR 1.478, p < 0.001, CI 1.192-1.831), aldosterone antagonists (OR 1.493, p = 0.003, CI 1.148-1.943) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (OR 3.792, p = 0.004, CI 1.540-9.337). Conclusions: Left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, nitrate as discharge therapeutic and aldosterone antagonists as discharge therapeutic were predictors of mortality, cardiovascular readmission and readmission for all causes at 1 year follow up.

Stroke in acute coronary syndrome: predictors and prognosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction

Stroke is a potential complication of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and it is, therefore, important to access its impact on prognosis and identify patients with higher risk of stroke in the setting of ACS.

Objective

To evaluate predictors and prognosis of stroke in the setting of ACS.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/10/2010 and 4/09/2019. Patients (pts) without data on previous cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Pts were divided in 2 groups (G): GA – pts without stroke; GB - pts with stroke during hospitalization. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of stroke in ACS. Survival analysis was evaluated through Kaplan Meier curve.

Results

Population – 25711 pts with ACS, CA occurred in 154 (0.6%). Regarding epidemiological factors and past history, GB was older (72 ± 12 vs 67 ± 14, p < 0.001), had higher rates of females (53.2% vs 27.5%, p < 0.001), diabetes (43.9% vs 31.5%, p < 0.001), previous stroke (13.3% vs 7.2%, p = 0.004), peripheric arterial disease (9.2% vs 5.5%, p = 0.044) and dementia (6.8% vs 1.7%, p < 0.001), and had lower rates of smoking (16.6% vs 26.7%, p = 0.005), dyslipidaemia (53.5% vs 61.6%, p = 0.047) and previous ACS (12.7% vs 20.6%, p = 0.017. GB had longer times from first symptoms to admission (340min vs 240min, p = 0.011). The groups were similar regarding diagnosis, namely non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) (p = 0.345) and ST-elevation MI (p = 0.541). GB had higher heart rate (HR) (84 ± 24 vs 77 ± 19, p = 0.001), presented more frequently in Killip-Kimball class (KKC) ≥2 (28.0% vs 15.1%, p < 0.001), in atrial fibrillation (AF) (16.4% vs 7.1%, p < 0.001) and with higher brain-natriuretic peptide levels (545 vs 180, p < 0.001). The groups were similar regarding culprit lesion and number of lesions. GB had more left ventricle (<50%) dysfunction (51.4% vs 39.1%, p < 0.001) and needed more frequently mechanical ventilation (10.4% vs 1.9%, p < 0.001) and provisory pacemaker (8.4% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001).

Logistic regression confirmed that older age (p = 0.018, OR 1.69, CI 1.10-2.60), female gender (p < 0.001, OR 2.09, CI 1.38-3.15), diabetes (p = 0.002, OR 1.91, CI 1.27-2.86), dementia (p = 0.047, OR 2.13, CI 1.01-4.50), AF (p = 0.024, OR 1.87, CI 1.09-3.21) and lower left ventricle function (p = 0.002, OR 2.01, CI 1.29-3.15) were predictors of stroke in the setting of ACS. Event-free survival was higher in GA than GB (79.9% vs 70.5%, OR 1.58, p < 0.001, CI 1.36-1.83).

Conclusion

As expected, stroke in the setting of ACS is associated with poorer prognosis. Several characteristics of the pts may help to predict the occurrence of stroke during hospitalizations, therefore allowing an earlier identification and prompt treatment.

Cardiovascular risk factors as predictors of completed atrioventricular block during hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndromes

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

Portuguese Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background

The presence of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) are directly related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS) occurrence. ACS is a major health problem with multiple complications. Completed atrioventricular block (CAVB) in context of ACS can impact the patient’s prognosis, and is not clarified if its presence can be predicted only by CVFR.

Objective

Evaluate the impact of the CVRF in CAVB during the hospitalization for ACS.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study, based on the Portuguese Registry of ACS between 1/10/2010-4/09/2019. Patients were divided in two groups: A – without CAVB during the hospitalization for ACS and B – with CAVB during the hospitalization for ACS. CVFR was defined by body mass index, diabetes, arterial hypertension, smoking, coronary artery disease, neoplasia, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease and peripheral arterial disease. Logistic regression was performed to assess predictors of CAVB in these patients.

Results

14031 patients were included, 401 in group B (2.9%). Both groups were similar regarding smoking status (p = 0.920), arterial hypertension (p = 0.928), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.249), peripheral arterial disease (p = 0.352) and chronic kidney disease (p = 0.783). Interestingly the group A exhibited higher body mass index (27.4 ± 4.3 vs 26.9 ± 4.5, p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (62.8 vs 53.6%, p < 0.001) and coronary artery disease (20.7 vs 15.0%, p = 0.001). On the other hand, group B presented more females (26.7 vs 31.5%, p = 0.012), mean age (66 ± 13 vs 71 ± 13, p < 0.001) and neoplasia (4.8 vs 7.1%, p = 0.012). Logistic regression revealed that any of the CVRF were a predictor of CAVB during the hospitalization for ACS. Just, age (odds ratio 1.48, p < 0.001, confidence interval 1.16-1.88) has been a predictor of CAVB during hospitalization for ACS.

Conclusions

Any CVFR was a predictor of CAVB in context of ACS. Age was a predictor of CAVB during hospitalization for ACS.

Heart failure in Acute Coronary Syndrome: predictors and prognosis

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf

on behalf of the Investigators of " Portuguese Registry of ACS "

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is a frequent complication of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Therefore, it is important to access its impact on prognosis and identify patients (pts) with higher risk of HF.

Objective

To evaluate predictors and prognosis of HF in the setting of ACS.

Methods

Based on a multicenter retrospective study, data collected from admissions between 1/10/2010 and 4/09/2019. Pts without data on cardiovascular history or uncompleted clinical data were excluded. Pts were divided in 2 groups (G): GA – pts without HF; GB - pts with HF during hospitalization.

Results

HF occurred in 4003 (15.6%) out of 25718 pts with ACS. GB was older (74 ± 12 vs 65 ± 13, p < 0.001), had more females (36.3% vs 26.2%, p < 0.001), had higher rates of arterial hypertension (78.4% vs 69.3%, p < 0.001), dyslipidaemia (64.4% vs 61.1%. p < 0.001), previous ACS (25.6% vs 19.7%, p < 0.001,), previous HF (16.4% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001), previous stroke (11.9% vs 6.4%, p < 0.001), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (17.1% vs 5.5%, p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7.8% vs 3.8%, p < 0.001) and longer times from first symptoms to admission (268min vs 238min, p < 0.001). GA had higher rate of smokers (28.4% vs 16.2%, p < 0.001) and higher rate of non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) (46.5% vs 43.0%, p < 0.001). GB had higher rates of ST-elevation MI (STEMI) (49.2% vs 41.1%, p < 0.001), namely anterior STEMI (58.1% vs 44.9%, p < 0.001). GB had lower blood pressure (130 ± 32 vs 140 ± 28, p < 0.001), higher heart rate (86 ± 23 vs 76 ± 18, p < 0.001), Killip-Kimball class (KKC) ≥2 (63.2% vs 6.7%, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (AF) (15.4% vs 5.7%, p < 0.001), left bundle branch block (7.5% vs 3.1%, p < 0.001) and were previously treated with diuretics (39.1% vs 22.1%, p < 0.001), amiodarone (2.2% vs 1.4%, p < 0.001) and digoxin (2.8% vs 0.7%, p < 0.001). GB had higher rates of multivessel disease (66.0% vs 49.5%, p < 0.001) and planned coronary artery bypass grafting (7.3% vs 6.0%, p < 0.001), reduced left ventricle function (72.3% vs 33.4%, p < 0.001) and needed more frequently mechanical ventilation (8.2% vs 0.9%, p < 0.001), non-invasive ventilation (8.7% vs 0.5%, p < 0.001) and provisory pacemaker (4.5% vs 1.0%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed females (p < 0.001, OR 1.42, CI 1.29-1.58), diabetes (p < 0.001, OR 1.43, CI 1.30-1.58), previous ACS (p < 0.001, OR 1.27, CI 1.10-1.47), previous stroke (p < 0.001, OR 1.35, CI 1.16-1.57), CKD (p < 0.001, OR 1.76, CI 1.50-2.05), COPD (p < 0.001, OR 2.15, CI 1.82-2.54), previous usage of amiodarone (p = 0.041, OR 1.35, CI 1.01-1.81) and digoxin (p < 0.001, OR 2.30, CI 1.70-3.16), and multivessel disease (p < 0.001, OR 1.64, CI 1.67-2.32) were predictors of HF in the setting of ACS. Event-free survival was higher in GA than GB (79.5% vs 58.1%, OR 2.3, p < 0.001, CI 2.09-2.56).

Conclusion

As expected, HF in the setting of ACS is associated with poorer prognosis. Several features may help predict the HF occurrence during hospitalizations, allowing an earlier treatment.

Blood groups in Native Americans: a look beyond ABO and Rh

The study presents comparisons between blood group frequencies beyond ABO and Rh blood systems in Native American populations and previously published data from Brazilian blood donors. The frequencies of Diego (c.2561C>T, rs2285644), Kell (c.578C>T, rs8176058), Duffy (c.125A>G, rs12075, c.1-67T>C, rs2814778) and Kidd (c.838A>G, rs1058396) variants in Kaingang (n=72) and Guarani (n=234) populations from Brazil (1990-2000) were obtained and compared with data from these populations sampled during the 1960s and with individuals of different Brazilian regions. Data showed high frequencies of DI*01 and FY*01 alleles: 11.8% and 57.6% in Kaingang and 6.8% and 75.7% in Guarani groups, respectively. The main results indicated: (1) reduction in genetic distance over time of Kaingang and Guarani in relation to other Brazilian populations is suggestive of ongoing admixture; (2) significant differences in some frequencies of blood group markers (especially Diego, Kidd and Duffy) in relation to Native Americans and individuals from different geographical regions of Brazil. Our study shows that the frequency of red blood cell polymorphisms in two Native American groups is very different from that of blood donors, when we evaluated blood groups different from ABO and Rh systems, suggesting that a better ethnic characterization of blood unit receptors is necessary.

Gene expression evaluation of antioxidant enzymes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: RT-qPCR and bioinformatic analyses

Any condition leading to chronic liver disease is a potential oncogenic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Alterations in the expression of antioxidant enzymes could alter the redox balance. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of the genes GPX1, GPX4, SEP15, SELENOP, SOD1, SOD2, GSR, CAT, and NFE2L2 in patients with HCC. Differential gene expression analysis was performed using RNA-Seq data from the TCGA and GTEx databases, and RT-qPCR data from HCC patient samples. Bioinformatic analysis revealed significant differential expression in most genes. GPX4 expression was significantly increased (p=0.02), while SOD2 expression was significantly decreased (p=0.04) in experimental data. In TCGA samples, alpha-fetoprotein levels (mg/dL) were negatively correlated with the expression of SEP15 (p<0.001), SELENOP (p<0.001), SOD1 (p<0.001), SOD2 (p<0.001), CAT (p<0.001), and NFE2L2 (p=0.004). Alpha-fetoprotein levels were positively correlated with the expression of GPX4 (p=0.02) and SELENOP (p=0.01) in the experimental data. Low expression of GPX1 (p=0.006), GPX4 (p=0.01), SELENOP (p=0.006), SOD1 (p=0.007), CAT (p<0.001), and NFE2L2 (p<0.001), and higher levels of GSR, were associated with low overall survival at 12 months. These results suggest a significant role for these antioxidant enzymes in HCC pathogenesis and severity.

Agression and violent behaviour risk assessment

Introduction

After discharge from forensic psychiatric hospital, rates of violent reoffending are reported to range from 2% to 8% per year in high income countries. Risk assessment informs decisions around admission to and discharge from secure psychiatric hospital and contributes to treatment and supervision Current approaches to assess violence risk in secure hospitals are resource intensive, limited by accuracy and authorship bias. Forensic Violence Oxford (FoVOx) was developed using all forensic psychiatric patients in Sweden, based on the largest forensic psychiatric sample to date, and has the advantage of using routinely available data, which are less liable to bias than interview-based measures.

Objectives

Literature review on the Forensic Psychiatry and Violence Oxford (FoVOx) tool.

Methods

Pubmed and Google Scholar search

Results

The 12 items within the FoVOx tool are sex, age, previous violent crime, previous serious violent crime, primary discharge diagnosis, drug use disorder at point of hospitalization or discharge, any lifetime drug use disorder, alcohol use disorder at point of hospitalization or discharge, personality disorder at discharge, employment at admission, five or more prior inpatient episodes, and whether current length of stay has exceeded one year.

Conclusions

The FoVOx tool is scalable, quick, free to use and available online. Its use could enable clinicians to provide a reasonably accurate risk assessment in a brief and cost-effective way, and free up time to focus on clinical care and risk management rather than risk assessment.

Portuguese version of the fear of COVID-19 scale – psychometric study

Introduction

More than in other conditions, fear is associated with infectious diseases, and is directly associated with its transmission rate, morbidity and mortality. High levels of fear can affect the individual’s ability to think clearly, react proportionately and make rational decisions in the context of COVID-19. Recently, Mertens et al. (2020) developed the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to measure this construct.

Objectives

To analyse the psychometric properties of the FCV-19S Portuguese version, namely construct validity, internal consistency and convergent validity.

Methods

A community sample of 234 adults (75.6% women; mean age= 29.53±12.51; range:16-71) completed an on-line survey with the Portuguese versions of the FCV-19S, the Covid-19 Perceived Risk Scale (CPRS) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21).The total sample was randomly divided in two sub-samples: sample A (n=117) was used to perform an exploratory factor analysis/EFA; sample B (n=117) to make a confirmatory factor analysis/CFA.

Results

EFA resulted in one component. CFA revealed that the unifactorial model presented acceptable fit indexes (X2/df=3.291; CFI=.977; GFI=.932; TLI=.919; p[RMSEA≤.01]=.091). Cronbach alpha was α=.855. The total score significantly correlated with Covid-19 Perceived Risk (r=.529, p<.01) and with anxiety from DASS-21 (r=.132, p<.05).

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity and reliability of the Portuguese version of FCV-19S, which will be used in an ongoing research project on the relationship between fear of Covid-19, personality, cognitive processes and adherence to public health measures to contain the pandemic.

Gender interaction effect on coronary lumen volume to mass ratio after administration of sublingual GTN powder compared to tablet in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Nitroglycerin (GTN) results in improved CCTA image quality and diagnostic accuracy due to vasodilation and improved contrast density. Although studies have shown that sublingual (SL) GTN spray has greater vasodilation and faster onset and duration of action compared to SL tablet, it is not commonly used due to cost. The comparative efficacy of SL GTN powder in CCTA is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine whether SL GTN powder can increase the coronary lumen volume (V) and the coronary lumen volume to left myocardial mass ratio (V/M) compared to SL GTN tablet.

Methods

34 patients (17 females) with 0.8 mg SL GTN powder and 34 patients (17 females) with 0.8 mg SL GTN tablet administration were included in this retrospective case-control study.  GTN was given 5 minutes pre-CCTA on a 256 slice single-heartbeat CT. Inclusion criteria: CAD-RADS 0 or 1, precontrast LM + LAD AJ-130 CAC &lt; 100, heart rate less than 75, phase of the cardiac cycle diastole, successful motion correction, Likert score 4 or 5, right- or co-dominance. The primary outcome assessed was left main plus left anterior descending (LM + LAD) V between GTN powder vs tablet. The secondary outcomes were LM + LAD V divided by 1) length of LM + LAD (derived mean area, A), and  2) M (V/M). The outcomes were measured by blinded PI with 17 yrs CCTA experience on GE workstation, 2020 version.  Categorical variables were compared by Chi-Squared tests and continuous variables were compared between powder and tablet groups by unpaired t-tests if normally distributed, and Mann-Whitney U tests otherwise. Exploratory outcome analyses tested route of administration by sex interactions and main effects by Two-Way ANOVA’s. Further covariate-adjusted analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression models. 

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar between powder and tablet administration. No statistically significant difference in median V, LM + LAD derived A , or median V/M  was observed. A sex main effect demonstrated that females had significantly smaller V (630.6 mm3 vs 951.7 mm3, p&lt; 0.0001) and A (4.2 mm2 vs 6.4 mm2, p&lt; 0.0001) compared to males. These V and A sex differences were also observed when BMI or weight were included as covariates. When V and A were normalized by M, both revealed sex interactions depending on formulation. While males had higher normalized V and A in powder vs tablet (p &lt; 0.04), females had the opposite with higher normalized V and A with tablet compared to powder (p &lt; 0.04). 

Conclusions

SL administration of the GTN powder 5 minutes before CCTA did not result in greater vasodilatory effect compared to the GTN tablet.  However, gender interaction effects were observed, with greater V/M and A/M ratio in males with powder and greater V/M and A/M in women with tablet. These results suggest a potential differential gender effect based on the formulation of GTN.  Prospective studies are warranted to evaluate these findings.

Abstract Figure. LM + LAD Lumen Volume to LV Mass by Sex