bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P3384Left atrial appendage pseudo-thrombus as an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Nicol E , Semple T , Baleswaran S , Wong T O M
Published: October 2019

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) pseudo-thrombus is a well recognised phenomenon in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardiovascular CT (CCT). The clinical significance of LAA pseudothrombus on CCT, in those with non-valvular AF (NVAF) is unknown.

Objectives

To determine the association of LAA pseudo-thrombus in those with NVAF and ischaemic stroke.

Methods

216 consecutive patients with NVAF, referred for CCT (with both standard and 60-second delayed acquisitions) were assessed for the LAA pseudo-thrombus, LA and LAA dimensions and morphology, cardiovascular risk factors, treatment, and ischaemic stroke risk

Results

Mean age (±SD) was 65.0±10.6 years (range 32–89) and 70.8% were male. LAA pseudo-thrombus was present in 59/216 (27%) patients. Ischaemic stroke is more frequent with increasing age (OR 1.10 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.06, 1.16), p<0.0001), vascular disease (3.21 (1.18, 8.75) p=0.023), pseudo-thrombus on CCT (4.18 (1.97, 8.88) p<0.0001), cauliflour LAA morphology (4.93 (1.06, 22.09) p=0.042), and increased LAA ostial area: LAA tortuosity (4.64 (1.57, 13.71) p=0.006).

Age (1.09 (1.03, 1.15) p<0.0001), vascular disease (4.07 (1.19, 13.98) p=0.026), cauliflour LAA morphology (15.01 (2,93, 76.81) p=0.001) and pseudothrombus on CCT (3.62 (1.38, 9.50), p=0.009) were independently associated with ischaemic stroke. Pseudothrombus remained an independent risk factor even after CHA2DS2-VASc was included (3.21 (1.22, 8.41), p=0.018).

Conclusion

Pseudothrombus on CCT is a common finding in patients with NVAF and has a strong positive association with ischaemic stroke. Inclusion of pseudothrombus on CCT in risk assessment is additive to CHA2DS2-VASc in prediction of ischaemic stroke risk in patients with NVAF.
P3390Relationship of thrombus healing to underlying plaque characteristics in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Cao M , Yang G , Fang S , Jia H , Hou J , Yu B
Published: October 2019

Background

Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is typically characterized by an occlusive coronary thrombus propagation on a disrupted or eroded atherosclerotic plaque. A variable period of plaque instability and thrombus formation occur days or weeks old in approximately 50% of patients with STEMI. Presence of late stage (older) thrombi in aspirated coronary material is an independent predictor of 1-year and long-term mortality in STEMI patients. However, the relationship between coronary thrombus healing to underlying plaque morphology and characteristics in vivo still remains largely unknown.

Purpose

Our objective was to assess differences in thrombus healing between ruptured and eroded plaques in vivo and evaluate the impact of underlying plaque characteristics on thrombus healing using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Methods

Analyzable coronary material was obtained during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 135 patients with STEMI within 12h of symptom onset. Thrombi were morphologically classified as either early or late stage (lytic changes or organization). Of the 135 patients, 110 were eligible for culprit lesion evaluation using OCT. Quantitative and qualitative underlying plaque characteristics were assessed by OCT.

Results

Late-stage thrombi were found in 49 of 110 (44.5%) culprit plaques. Patients with eroded plaques more frequently had late-stage thrombi compared with ruptured plaques (59.0% vs. 36.6%, p<0.001). Subgroup analysis was performed between plaque rupture, identified in 71 patients (64.5%) and plaque erosion in 39 patients (35.5%). In plaque ruptures, patients with late-stage thrombi had larger lipid core length (12.4±3.3 vs. 14.5±3.8, p=0.020), larger rupture cavity length [1.5 (1.0, 2.0) vs. 1.9 (1.5, 2.8), p=0.034] and increased residual thrombus length [7.8 (6.3, 11.2) vs. 10.3 (7.8, 13.8), p=0.021] assessed by OCT compared with early thrombus group. However, in plaque erosions, late stage thrombi were associated with decreased residual thrombus burden compared with patients with early thrombus group [16.8 (12.8, 20.4) vs. 13.4 (10.7, 14.8), p=0.012]. No significant difference was found between thrombus healing with peak creatine kinase concentration or maximum NT-pro BNP in subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

Coronary thrombi in STEMI patients exhibited diverse phases of healing, depending on the etiology of the underlying culprit plaque in vivo. These observations indicate entirely distinct mechanisms of thrombus propagation, maturation and healing between plaque rupture and erosion, illustrating an opportunity for more tailored treatment in patients with different plaque type.
P3401Comparison of APACHE II, SAPS II and GRACE 2.0 risk scores to estimate early and late mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Silva-Obregon A , Arroyo Espliguero R , Viana-Llamas M C , Estrella-Alonso A , Saboya-Sanchez S , Uribe-Heredia G , Arriero-Fernandez N , Eguileor-Marin Z , Toran-Martinez C , Garcia-Magallon B , Castillo-Sandoval A , Marian-Crespo C
Published: October 2019

Background

Many specific prognostic risk scores have been validated for myocardial infarction (MI), such as the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) 2.0. Other general risk scores are used in intensive care units (ICUs), such as the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II.

Purpose

Compare the ability of GRACE 2.0, APACHE II and SAPS II risk scores to estimate in-hospital, 3- and 12-month mortality after primary angioplasty (PA) for ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI).

Methods

Retrospective cohort of 427 consecutive STEMI patients (64 years [55–75]; 78% men) admitted to a general ICU between November-2013 and February-2017. We used Area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) analysis to asses performance of risk scores, and the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) goodness of fit test and the Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) to assess calibration.

Results

All risk scores were associated with in-hospital, 3- and 12-month mortality (P<0.001). SAPS II had the highest sensitivity for short-term mortality and the highest AUC for in-hospital, 3- and 12-month mortality (Figure). SAPS II had the highest calibration and the less underestimation of mortality in all follow-up periods analysed (Table).

Performance of prognostic risk scores Youden index (J) Sensitivity (%) Specificity (%) AUC (95% CI) H-L (P value) SMR In-Hospital mortality (5.4%)   SAPS II 32 87.0 89.4 0.938 (0.887–0.988) 1.826 (0.969) 1.64   GRACE 2.0 150 86.9 83.7 0.922 (0.865–0.979) 8.111 (0.423) 1.77   APACHE II 17 82.6 93.8 0.896 (0.841–0.986) 11.941 (0.154) 1.92 3-month mortality (5.6%)   SAPS II 32 79.2 89.1 0.913 (0.854–0.973) 3.635 (0.821) 1.85   GRACE 2.0 150 79.1 85.4 0.902 (0.842–0.962) 5.149 (0.742) 2.0   APACHE II 17 79.1 93.8 0.882 (0.792–0.971) 9.244 (0.322) 2.0 12-month mortality (7.0%)   SAPS II 32 73.3 89.7 0.880 (0.809–0.951) 1.994 (0.960) 1.58   GRACE 2.0 150 76.7 84.1 0.878 (0.816–0.941) 4.073 (0.850) 2.31   APACHE II 17 70.0 92.4 0.824 (0.722–0.927) 7.464 (0.487) 2.14 AUC: Area under the curve; H-L: Hosmer-Lemeshow; SMR: Standardized Mortality Ratio.

Area under the ROC curves (AUC)

Conclusions

SAPS II represents the best model to estimate mortality in this cohort of STEMI patients, with an appropriate calibration and less underestimation of mortality. Underestimation of mortality showed by all risk scores suggests the need of creating new risk prediction models that improve identification of high risk STEMI patients.
P3403Clinical utility of the integration of Life Simple 7 designed by the American Heart Association and the model for cardiovascular risk prediction IberScore
Authors: Ruilope L M , Calvo-Bonacho E , Quevedo-Aguado L , Catalina-Romero C , Valdivielso P , Sanchez-Chaparro M A , Fernandez-Labandera C
Published: October 2019

Background/Introduction

Practice guidelines are agreed on the importance of lifestyle advice for cardiovascular risk reduction as well as cardiovascular risk prediction in planning preventive strategies.

Purpose

To assess the clinical usefulness of the application of the predictive model of cardiovascular risk (CVR) IberScore combined with the recommendations of “Life's Simple 7” (LS7) of the American Heart Association (AHA) in a working population.

Methods

IberScore model is a predictive function for fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular (CV) events derived from a cohort of 774,404 workers (70.4% of the target population) between 16–65 years (average of 35.7 (SD = 10.7)) without CV disease at admission, which was followed for a period of 10 years. Age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL, SBP, glycemia, obesity and a history of dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes were used as factors of CVR. Using this model, patients were classified into 4 risk levels. It was also assessed the ideal health status according to the recommendations of “Life's Simple 7” (which includes healthy diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, BMI <25 kg/m2, total cholesterol without treatment <200mg/dl, blood pressure without treatment <120/80 mmHg and basal glycemia <100 mg/dl). Finally, these classifications were compared with the appearance of CV events in a 10-year follow-up.

Results

The results showed a high sensitivity (given that the predictive capacity reached 82% of the cardiovascular events) by using the IberScore, a logistic flexible parametric model to predict 10-year cardiovascular risk. Likewise, the clinical usefulness of the “Life's Simple 7” recommendations could be verified in order to reduce the incidence of total CV events (fatal and non-fatal).

Conclusions

The integration of the predictive model IberScore with the preventive recommendations “Life's simple 7” of the AHA applied to the working population would allow a more efficient cardiovascular prevention.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This project received a research grant from the Carlos III Health Institute (Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, Spain). Ref. PI18/01809
P3414Differences in total life expectancy and life expectancy with and without non-communicable diseases within the reference range of thyroid function
Authors: Bano A , Chaker L , Mattace-Raso F U S , Peeters R P , Franco O H
Published: October 2019

Background

Variations in thyroid function within the reference ranges are associated with an increased risk of diseases and death. However, the impact of thyroid function on life expectancy (LE) and the number of years lived with and without non-communicable diseases (NCD) remains unknown.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the association of thyroid function with total LE and LE with and without NCD among euthyroid subjects.

Methods

Participants of the Rotterdam Study without known thyroid disease and with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels within the reference ranges were eligible. NCD were defined as the presence of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus type 2, or cancer. We used multistate life tables to calculate the total LE and LE with and without NCD among TSH and FT4 tertiles, in men and women. LE estimates were obtained using prevalence, incidence rates and hazard ratios for three transitions (healthy to NCD, healthy to death and NCD to death). Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of 7644 participants was 64.5 (9.7) years and 52.2% were women. Over a median follow-up of 8 years, we observed 1396 incident NCD events and 1422 deaths. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, men and women in the highest TSH tertile lived 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8; 2.3) and 1.5 (95% CI, 0.8; 2.2) years longer, respectively; of which 1.4 (95% CI, 0.5; 2.3) and 1.3 (95% CI, 0.3; 2.1) years with NCD. Compared with those in the lowest tertile, the difference in LE for men and women in the highest FT4 tertile was −3.7 (95% CI, −5.1 to −2.2) and −3.3 (95% CI, −4.7; −1.9), respectively; of which −1.8 (95% CI, −3.1 to −0.7) and −2.0 (95% CI, −3.4 to −0.7) years without NCD.

Life expectancy in TSH and FT4 tertiles

Conclusions

There are meaningful differences in total LE, LE with and without NCD within the reference ranges of thyroid function. People with low-normal thyroid function live more years with and without NCD than those with high-normal thyroid function. These findings support a reevaluation of the current reference ranges of thyroid function.
P3434Galectin-3 identifies healthy subjects at risk of developing (pre-)diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Gehlken C , Hummel Y M , De Boer R A , Meijers W C
Published: October 2019

Background/Introduction

Biomarkers might be useful to identify healthy subjects who are at risk of developing diastolic dysfunction. Cardiac remodeling, in particular fibrosis, is a hallmark of diastolic dysfunction. Previous (pre)clinical studies have linked galectin-3 to fibrogenesis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether galectin-3 would be able to identify apparently healthy individuals who are at risk of developing pre-clinical diastolic dysfunction.

Purpose

To study whether galectin-3 is able to identify healthy subjects who are at risk of developing pre-clinical diastolic dysfunction over time.

Methods

We measured both galectin-3 and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in 1.500 participants of the population study LifeLines. Based upon the biomarker profile, we selected 88 subjects with elevated galectin-3 (>14.3 ng/mL; n=42) and with low galectin-3 (<9.8 ng/mL; n=46) values, while all participants demonstrated low BNP. We matched these groups so other confounding variables like age, sex, kidney function (creatinine), body weight (BMI) and blood pressure were comparable between both groups. After approximately five years follow up, we invited those 88 participants to determine the level of diastolic dysfunction using echocardiography. Statistical analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and StataMP 13.

Results

We included 88 participants at a median age of 50 years (standard deviation ± 11 years) in this case-control study. Besides the galectin-3 levels, all other variables were adequately matched and fully comparable between both groups. Obviously, galectin-3 levels (median, IQR) were markedly different between the groups (galectin-3 levels 7.35 ng/L (6.9 - 8.6) vs 16.4 ng/L (15.1- 17.8), P<0.001).

Subjects with elevated galectin-3 demonstrated signs of structural cardiac remodeling: enlarged left atrial diameter (35.3 mm vs. 37.3 mm P=0.034), and larger diastolic interventricular septum thickness (IVS) (9.4 mm vs. 10.1 mm P=0.038), and a smaller left ventricular end-diastolic internal dimension index (LVIDd Index) (2.3 cm/m2 vs. 2.2 cm/m2 P=0.026), a smaller left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV) (98.9 mL vs. 89.9 mL P=0.025). In addition, they exhibited several indicators of worse diastolic function, such as a higher E/e' ratio (5.2 vs. 5.9, P=0.046), while there was no significant difference in the left ventricular ejection fraction (60.8% vs. 59.9%, P=0.110).

Conclusion

Elevated galectin-3, when fully matched for confounding factors, is associated with the development of preclinical-diastolic dysfunction before onset of clinical symptoms. Our data suggest that substantial elevations of galectin-3 in apparently healthy subjects hint towards preclinical cardiac dysfunction.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Dutch Heart Foundation 2015T034; NWO VIDI, grant 917.13.350; ERC CoG 818715, SECRETE-HF
P3443Myotonic dystrophy type 1 in childhood: benign from a cardiac perspective?
Authors: Hajra A , Wacher J , Field E , Walsh H , Norrish G , Kaski J P , Sarkozy A H , Cervi E
Published: October 2019

Introduction/Purpose

Patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM1) have an increased risk of cardiac conduction disease and ventricular tachycardia associated with sudden cardiac death. Whilst this is well-established in adults, there is little published data on cardiac abnormalities in paediatric patients. To our knowledge this is the largest described cohort of children with DM1. The aim of this study is to better understand the prevalence and type of cardiac abnormalities in paediatric patients with DM1.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients referred to our paediatric quaternary institution between 31 December 2000 and 31 January 2019. The electronic patient record was reviewed for the presence of cardiac manifestations, including clinical assessment in clinic, echocardiogram, 12 lead ECG and 24-hour ECG.

Results

60 children were identified with a diagnosis of DM1, 56 (93%) with the congenital form of the disease. The median age at diagnosis was 2.4 (IQR 1.2–24, n=52) months. 51 (85%) were under regular formal cardiac follow up. Cardiac symptoms (syncope, palpitations or chest pain) were present in 6 (10%). 12 lead ECGs were available in 50 (83%) and there was at least one echocardiogram performed in 57 (95%). There were 3 deaths (5%), 2 sudden and unexplained (aged 11 and 6.5 years old). 1 child (2%) underwent pacemaker implantation due to the presence of syncope and evidence of progressive conduction disease (Mobitz II AV block).

During the period of follow-up, 37 (62%) patients had evidence of conduction disease on 12 lead ECG or Holter: 1st degree or higher AV block (35%, n=21), trifascicular block (6.7%, n=4), intraventricular conduction delay (32%, n=19), prolonged QTc (15%, n=9) and junctional rhythm (5% n=3). In addition to abnormalities of conduction, 27 (45%) patients had axis deviation and 12 (20%) abnormal repolarisation.

Abnormalities were present in 8 (14%) of those with an echocardiogram. 2 (3.5%) had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other abnormalities included bicuspid aortic valve, aortic root dilatation, dyskinetic septal motion, pericardial effusion, mitral valve thickening and perimembranous VSD.

24 (40%) patients had a signal averaged ECG of which 14 (58%) were positive in 1 or more vector. 3 (5%) patients had an exercise test with no arrhythmia or progression of conduction abnormalities. 1 patient had an invasive EP study showing a prolonged HV interval but no inducible ventricular tachycardia.

Conclusions

There appears to be a high incidence of cardiac involvement in children with DM1. Adverse events (death and pacemaker implantation) are represented in our cohort. More studies are required in order to establish how we might better identify those at risk of progression of conduction disease and ventricular arrhythmia. Regular and lifelong cardiac follow up is advisable but risk stratification and device implantation remains challenging.
P3458Sex, myocardial infarction, critical state and long-term outcome
Authors: Kanic V , Suran D , Krajnc I , Balevski I , Naji F H , Kompara G
Published: October 2019

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the most common cause of heart failure (HF). Data on sex-related critical state in patients with MI who underwent PCI and their long-term outcome, are missing.

Purpose

We evaluated whether there is a sex difference in critical state and if sex is associated with long-term survival in these patients.

Methods

We defined critical state as cardiogenic shock and/or mechanical ventilation and/or intra-aortic balloon pump and/or ejection fraction≤30%. We analyzed data on 5669 patients with MI treated with percutaneous interventions (PCI). The criteria for critical state were fulfilled by 539 (9.5%) patients, of whom 172 (31.9%) were women. Long-term mortality was observed. The median follow-up time was 5.0 (25th, 75th percentile: 3,8) years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The incidence of critical state was similar in both sexes [172 (9.8%) women compared to 367 (9.4%) men]. The women were older, suffered more diabetes and renal dysfunction, presented more often in cardiogenic shock, and had a higher maximal troponin/body surface area level. After adjustment, female sex was associated with critical state (adjusted OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.77; p=0.013). However, similar unadjusted long-term mortality was observed [111 (64.5%) of women died compared to 244 (66.5%) men, p=0.70]. Furthermore, after adjustment for potential confounders, female sex was associated with a 24% lower risk of dying in the long term (adjusted HR 0.76; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.98; p=0.037) compared to men (Figure 1). Other predictors of long-term mortality in patients with critical state were age, hyperlipidemia, renal dysfunction, and dual antiplatelet therapy.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Female sex was associated with critical state. However, the unadjusted long-term mortality was similar in both sexes. In addition, female sex was associated with better long-term survival in patients with critical state. Further investigation is required to answer these associations.
P3468Tentative criteria of a combined RV3+SV3 voltage for early diagnosis of pediatric patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yoshinaga M , Iwamoto M , Horigome H , Sumitomo N , Ushinohama H , Izumida N , Tauchi N , Yoneyama T , Abe M , Kato T , Hokosaki T , Kato Y , Nagashima M
Published: October 2019

Background

A high voltage in midprecordial leads, termed the Katz-Wachtel sign, is a surrogate marker of left- or bi-ventricular hypertrophy. Asymmetrical interventricular hypertrophy is a characteristic feature of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In Japan, a school-based electrocardiographic (ECG) screening program was developed for all 1st, 7th, and 10th graders. Our hypothesis is that a combined voltage of RV3+SV3 {V3(R+S)} is a marker to screen pediatric HCM.

Purpose

[1] To develop V3(R+S) voltage criteria in 1st, 7th, and 10th graders at the screening program and [2] to determine whether the criteria are useful for the early diagnosis of HCM.

Methods

[1] Overall, 48,401 digitally stored ECGs from 16,773 1st graders (6-year-olds), 18,126 7th graders (12-year-olds), and 13,502 10th graders (15-year-olds) were obtained after excluding ECGs of subjects with underlying diseases, arrhythmias, and ST/T changes. The prevalence of HCM in children is estimated at 2.9 per 100,000 (1/34,000). The screening points were assumed to be between 1/2,000 and 1/5,000 to exclude the possibility of false negatives. [2] In 12 HCM patients (males/females=10/2) who were diagnosed after 12 years of age (one case was diagnosed at 9 years of age), the ECGs at the screening program of their first grade (at 6 years of age) were retrospectively examined.

Results

[1] The V3(R+S) criteria were 6.0 mV, 6.0 mV, and 5.5 mV for 1st, 7th, and 10th grader males, and 5.0 mV, 4.5 mV, and 4.0 mV for 1st, 7th, and 10th grade females, respectively. The number of subjects (and prevalence in parentheses) selected by the criteria were 2 (1/4175), 3 (1/2981), and 1 (1/6477) for 1st, 7th, and 10th grade males, and 2 (1/4212), 3 (1/3061), and 1 (1/3513) for 1st, 7th, and 10th grade females, respectively. [2] Four of 12 cases fulfilled the criteria. Of these, one suddenly died at 18 years of age, one experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest at 16 years of age, and one already had an interventricular thickness of 19 mm at 12 years of age.

Conclusions

These tentative V3(R+S) voltage criteria may be useful for the early diagnosis of pediatric HCM patients, particularly severe patients. The children and adolescents who were screened can be followed at 2–3-year intervals with ECGs and echocardiography. Early diagnosis and intervention including lifestyle modification and medication may prevent them expiring from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or sudden death. Finally, the criteria should be validated in clinical settings.

Acknowledgement/Funding

A Health and Labour Sciences Grant from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (H27-019)
P3501Oral administration of donepezil markedly prevents the progression of chronic heart failure in renal artery stenosis-induced hypertensive rats
Authors: Li M , Zheng C , Kawada T , Inagaki M , Uemura K , Sugimachi M
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Parasympathetic activation by donepezil has been shown to improve prognosis in chronic heart failure (CHF) rats following myocardial infarction. We examined whether donepezil is effective in the treatment of another CHF model complicated with renal artery stenosis (RAS)-induced hypertension.

Methods

RAS was created by ligating the left renal artery up to 50% in SD rats, at the same time, we implanted a blood pressure (BP) transmitter for confirming RAS-induced hypertension (7-week post-RAS: systolic BP = 154±7 mmHg; diastolic BP = 115±8 mmHg). At the 11th week after induction of RAS, surviving animals were randomly assigned to untreated (UT, n=10) or donepezil treated [DT, n=10, dissolved in drinking water (3mg/kg/day)] group. After a 6-week treatment, the effects of donepezil were evaluated by hemodynamics, blood levels of neurohumoral markers, and morphology.

Results

Compared with UT, DT significantly prevented the progression of the left kidney atrophy (2.38±0.13 vs. 1.51±0.34 g/kg, P<0.05). DT also significantly improved cardiac remodeling, through suppressing the progression of cardiac hypertrophy (2.30±0.06 vs. 2.57±0.08 g/kg, P<0.01), cardiac dysfunction [cardiac index: 102±3 vs. 86±3ml/min/kg, P<0.05; left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure: 12±2 vs. 20±2 mmHg, P<0.05; LV dp/dtmin: 5856±259 vs. 4924±227 mmHg/sec, P<0.05]. DT not only decreased serum levels of creatinine (0.54±0.02 vs. 0.63±0.03 mg/dl, P<0.05) and uric acid (1.4±0.2 vs. 1.9±0.2 mg/dl, P<0.05); but also decreased plasma levels of norepinephrine (273±38 vs. 846±242, P<0.01), angiotensin II (17±2 vs. 23±2 pg/ml, P<0.05), AVP (2729±347 vs. 4783±695 pg/ml, P<0.05) and BNP (360±13 vs. 460±39 pg/ml, P<0.05), and suppressed the systemic inflammation (CRP: 190±12 vs. 382±58 mg/ml, P<0.01).

Conclusions

Donepezil treatment markedly prevented the progression of cardiac remodeling and renal dysfunction, and improved the neurohumoral markers in the CHF rat model complicated with RAS-induced hypertension, suggesting that donepezil may be used as a new pharmacotherapy for CHF patients complicated with RAS-induced hypertension.
P3520Admission hyperglycemia is a predictor of mortality of acute heart failure: comparison between patients with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cho J Y , Kim K H , Lee S E , Lee H Y , Choi J O , Jeon E S , Kim M S , Kim J J , Hwang K K , Chae S C , Kang S M , Choi D J , Yoo B S , Cho M C , Oh B H
Published: October 2019

Background

Regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM), admission hyperglycemia is not uncommon in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Although DM is a well-known predictor of mortality in AHF, the impacts of admission hyperglycemia on clinical outcomes in non-DM patients with AHF have been poorly studied. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare the impact of admission hyperglycemia on long-term clinical outcomes in AHF patients with or without DM.

Methods

Among 5,625 AHF patients enrolled in a nationwide registry, a total of 5,541 patients were enrolled and divided into 2 groups; DM group (n=2,125, 70.4±11.4 years) vs. non-DM group (n=3,416, 67.3±16.0 years). Each group were further divided into 2 groups according to the presence of admission hyperglycemia (admission serum glucose level >200mg/dl); admission hyperglycemia (n=248) and no hyperglycemia (n=3,168) in non-DM; admission hyperglycemia (n=799) and no hyperglycemia (n=1,326) in DM. All-cause death and hospitalization due to HF (HHF) during 1-year follow-up were compared.

Results

Death was developed in 1,220 patients (22.2%) including 269 inhospital deaths (4.9%) during 1-year of follow-up. Death rate were significantly higher in DM than in non-DM group (24.8% vs 20.5%, p<0.001), however there was no difference in inhospital death (5.1% vs 4.7%, p=0.534). Both inhospital death (7.6% vs. 4.2%, p<0.001) and 1-year death (26.2% vs. 21.3%, p=0.001) were more frequent in AHF patients with hyperglycemia. On Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis, however, admission hyperglycemia was associated with significantly higher death (p<0.001 by log-rank test) and rehospitalization (p=0.006 by log-rank test) in non-DM group, but not in DM group. In non-DM group, admission hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of 1-year mortality (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10–1.93, p=0.009).

Conclusion

DM was a significant predictor of long-term mortality in patients with AHF. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with both higher inhospital and 1-year mortality. The present study also demonstrated that admission hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of mortality in non-DM patients with AHF, but not in DM patients. In addition to the presence of DM, admission hyperglycemia would be a useful marker in the risk stratification of AHF, especially in non-DM patients.
P3521Predicting 30-day mortality and 30-day re-hospitalization risks in patients with heart failure
Authors: Gambassi G , Li L , Baek J , Jesdale B M , Hume A , Caretti D , Goldberg R J , Lapane K L
Published: October 2019

Background

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization among persons aged ≥65 years. In the USA, nearly one-quarter of these patients are discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). These patients are typically older, and have greater mortality and re-hospitalization risks compared with those discharged home. Despite the importance of SNFs as a post-acute care setting for patients with HF, little is known about factors that predict short-term mortality and re-hospitalization in these high risk patients.

Purpose

To develop and validate separate predictive models for 30-day all-cause mortality and 30-day all-cause re-hospitalization among HF patients discharged from acute care hospitals to SNF.

Methods

Using a nationwide dataset including Medicare claims data cross-linked with Minimum Data Set 3.0 (2011–2013), we identified 77,670 hospitalized patients with HF discharged to 11,529 SNFs; we randomly split the patients into development (2/3 of the sample) and validation (1/3 of the sample) cohorts. Using data on patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, health service use, functional status, and facility-level factors, we developed separate prediction models for 30-day mortality and 30-day re-hospitalization using logistic regression models in the development cohort.

Results

In the development cohort, the median age of patients was 84 years, 39.6% were men, 83.4% were Caucasian whites. The median Charlson index was 4 and the median length of hospital stay was 6 days. Functional disabilities were prevalent: 80.0% had moderate-to-severe physical limitations and 35.9% moderate or severe cognitive impairment. After admission to SNF, 6.8% died and 24.2% were re-hospitalized within 30 days in the development cohort. Of those who died, 56.1% were re-hospitalized and 13.6% were discharged to home or self-care before their death. Of those who were re-hospitalized, 18.5% were discharged to home or self-care before their readmission. Of 48 potential predictors, 13 patient-level factors remained in the final model for 30-day mortality and 10 patient-level factors for re-hospitalization with good calibration. Among the selected predictors, developing symptoms of dyspnea, having physical limitations, depression severity, BMI, Charlson index, number of hospitalizations in past 6 months and length of hospital stay contributed most. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.71 for 30-day mortality and 0.63 for re-hospitalization in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

Among HF patients discharged to SNFs, our predictive model based on administrative data may be used to identify those at risk for death within 30 days, which could aid clinicians in improving care during this vulnerable period. Further work identifying factors for re-hospitalization remains needed.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None
P3538Effect of beta-blockers on mortality in heart failure with mid-range and preserved ejection fraction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Fukuta H , Ohte N
Published: October 2019

Background

Despite the high mortality rate, there is no established therapy to improve survival in heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) or in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). An individual patient-level analysis of major randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted by the Beta-Blockers in Heart Failure Collaborative Group (BB-HF) did not show clear mortality benefit of beta-blockers (BBs) in HFmrEF or HFpEF. However, due to the strict enrollment criteria, the patients who participated in these trials might represent a selected group of patients that is poorly representative of patients treated in routine clinical practice. In contrast, clinical characteristics of real-world patients are similar to those of patients enrolled in observational cohort studies (OCSs). Although many OCSs have examined the prognostic effect of BBs in HFmrEF/HFpEF, results are inconsistent due to limited power with small sample sizes and/or inadequate adjustment for known prognostic factors.

Purpose

We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of OCSs and RCTs to determine the effect of BBs on mortality in HFmrEF/HFpEF.

Methods

A search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted in November 2018. Clinical studies reporting the outcome of mortality for HF patients with EF≥0.40, being assigned to BB treatment and non-BB control group, were included.

Results

Seven OCSs with propensity score (PS) analysis (16,295 patients), 6OCSs without PS analysis (15,275 patients), and 4RCTs (1222 patients) were included for this meta-analysis. Forest plot of the effect of BBs on mortality is shown in Figure 1. Use of BBs was associated with reduced risk of mortality in the pooled analysis of OCSs with PS analysis (RR [95% CI] = 0.83 [0.74–0.92], P<0.001) and in that of OCSs without PS analysis (0.70 [0.52–0.94], P<0.05), but not in that of RCTs (0.88 [0.62–1.24], P=0.45). Overall, use of BBs was associated with reduced risk of mortality (RR [95% CI] = 0.82 [0.75–0.89], P<0.001). No evidence of publication bias was found either in visual inspection of funnel plots or using the Egger test (P>0.1).

Figure 1

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis showed that treatment with BBs for the HF patients with EF≥0.40 was associated with reduced risk of mortality. Our findings emphasize the importance of conducting new well-designed studies such as registry-based RCTs to confirm our observed potential survival benefit of BBs in HFmrEF or HFpEF.
P3540The predictive value of global longitudinal strain in patients with heart failure mid-range ejection fraction
Authors: Wei-Ting C , Liao C T , Chen Z C
Published: October 2019

Background

Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) was defined as the typical symptoms of HF with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 41% to 49%. However, till now the progression of LV function and the subsequent prognosis remains largely unknown. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a novel method to detect the early myocardial dysfunction and has been used to differentiate the outcomes of different phenotypes of cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose

Herein, we aim to investigate the application of STE in HFmrEF and its predictive values.

Methods

Retrospectively, we collected the medical records and echocardiography imaging of 250 patients diagnosed as HFmrEF during 2014 to 2018. LV longitudinal strain at diagnosis was evaluated and compared with the changes of LV during the follow-up period. Also, mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including myocardial infarction, heart failure requiring admission were recorded.

Results

Our result indicated that a reduced LV longitudinal strain at baseline was significantly associated with a subsequent declined LVEF beneath 40%. Also, the lower strain a baseline implied the higher mortality and MACE. Using −12% as the cut-off value LV strain presented the most significant impact on the prognosis compared with the other echocardiographic parameters in the logistic regression Regarding the guideline directed medications, blockers of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system most significantly improved the cardiac remodeling compared with the others.

Conclusion

STE can predict the subsequent changes of LVEF and the cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HFmrEF.
P3556Segmental intramyocardial CMR Fast-SENC objectively quantifies cardiac dysfunction that causes symptoms based on NYHA classification before global longitudinal strain or ejection fraction
Authors: Montenbruck M , Kelle S , Esch S , Andre F , Korosoglou G , Steen H
Published: October 2019

Background

Global longitudinal strain (GLS) has become an alternative to ejection fraction (EF) in identifying reduced cardiac function. However, these global metrics are not able to characterize patients in which symptoms occur even while the heart compensates for regional dysfunction. More sensitive metrics are needed to detect subclinical regional dysfunction and determine the relationship to symptoms that may or may not be associated with cardiac causes. Fast-SENC intramyocardial strain (fSENC) is a unique cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) modality that measures intramyocardial contraction in 1 heartbeat per image plane. This prospective registry compares segmental fSENC to global metrics GLS and LVEF based on NYHA classification.

Methods

A single center, prospective registry of MRI scans acquired with a 1.5T scanner were evaluated for conventional CMR diagnostics including biventricular EF, volumes and mass. In addition, fSENC scans were acquired and processed with the MyoStrain software to quantify intramyocardial LV & RV strain. Three short axis scans (basal, midventricular, & apical) were used to calculate strain in 16 LV & 6 RV longitudinal segments while three long axis scans (2-, 3- & 4-chamber) were used to calculate 21 LV & 5 RV circumferential segments. All metrics were compared based on NYHA classification.

Results

A total of 977 scans in 779 patients were included in the study; this population included 210 myocarditis, 46 dilated cardiomyopathy, and 30 ischemic cardiomyopathy cases. Patients had an average (± stdev) age of 55 (17) yrs and BMI of 26 (5) kg/m2; 48% had arterial hypertension, 12% diabetes mellitus, 33% valve disease, 24% cancer, 7% atrial fibrillation, 13% pulmonary disease, 5% left bundle branch block, 35% hypercholesterolemia, and 24% coronary artery disease. Figure 1 shows the relationship between segmental strain, calculated as the percent of normal LV segments (longitudinal & circumferential) based on intramyocardial fSENC <−17%, versus GLS and LVEF. All metrics were compared based on NYHA classification.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Segmental fSENC identified changes in NYHA classification well before changes in EF or GLS. Measuring segmental fSENC provides an objective view of symptomatic heart failure progression and can serve as surrogate endpoints for trials instead of purely relying on quality of life and subjective symptom perception.
P3567Genetic screening for monogenic hypertension in hypertensive individuals in a clinical setting
Authors: Bao M , Zhong J , Cai J , Yang X
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Monogenic hypertension describes a series of hypertension syndromes inherited by Mendelian law and present with complex phenotypes.

Methods

1179 cases with monogenic hypertension potential were evaluated by sequencing 37 causative genes. Pathogenic variants were classified by using American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Additionally, 49 variants of unknown significance were selected to receive functional analysis. The yield of combined genetic and functional analysis was evaluated.

Results

21 deleterious variants were identified in 33 of 1179 (2.80%). Functional analysis for 49 unknown significant variants showed 32 variants harbored by 61 individuals led to abnormally expressed protein levels. Overall, combining genetic screening with functional analysis promoted diagnostic yield to 8.73%. The main etiology established was primary aldosteronism, with CACNA1H harboring the greatest mutation burden. Logistic regression analysis showed hypertension complicated with special manifestations had the strongest correlation with disease causing variants detection (p=0.03).

Sequencing Results Summary Number of variants Number of individuals* Percentage† Individuals with no variant 0 524 44.44% Individuals with variants identified 592 655 55.56% Individuals with single contributing variant 297 480 40.71% Individuals with two or multiple contributing variants 295 175 14.84% Number of variants identified   Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants 21 33 2.80%   Variants of unknown significance 570 634 53.77%   Benign or likely benign variants 1 1 0.08% Type of variant   Frameshift deletion 8 15 1.27%   Frameshift insertion 5 5 0.42%   Nonframeshift deletion 10 10 0.85%   Nonframeshift insertion 6 12 1.02%   Nonsynonymous SNV 546 607 51.48%   Stopgain SNV 18 30 2.54% WES, whole-exome sequencing. *The statistics in this table was based on 1179 individuals. †The percentage was calculated by the number of individuals in each category.

A flow chart of this study.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate an enhanced diagnostic ability by combining genetic analysis with functional evaluation and enables targeted treatment and prevention of hypertension.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This work was supported by National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, 2014CB542300, 2014CB542302).
P3573Different contribution of sympathetic nerve activity to pulse wave velocity and arterial velocity pulse index in healthy subjects
Authors: Sugimoto H , Murai H , Hamaoka T , Mukai Y , Inoue O , Okabe Y , Tokuhisa H , Takashima S , Kato T , Usui S , Furusho K , Takamura M
Published: October 2019

Background

Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) is associated with the net effect of arterial stiffness and sympathetic nerve activity. Recent study demonstrated the significant relationship between PWV and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). Arterial Velocity pulse Index (AVI) is a newly developed parameter, which could evaluate vascular reflected wave, regardless of aortic form. Vascular reflected wave is considered to be associated with sympathetic nerve activity, however little is known about the relationship between AVI and MSNA.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between AVI or PWV and MSNA in healthy subject.

Method

21 healthy subjects were included in this study. AVI was measured by NAS-1000 (Nihon Koden, Japan), calculated from the time series of occlusive cuff pressure in the left upper arm. Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) was measured by BP-203RPEIII (Omron Healthcare, Japan). MSNA was recorded from left peroneal nerve by microneurography using tungsten microelectrode. All measurements were performed in the same day morning.

Results

The mean age was 31+5 years and body mass index (BMI) 22.5+3.0 kg/m2. In regression analysis, baPWV was significantly associated with age (r=0.64 P<0.05) but not with MSNA or BMI. AVI was significantly associated with MSNA (r=0.73, P<0.05) but not with age and BMI.

Conclusion

We found that different contribution of MSNA to baPWV and AVI and revealed that AVI was associated with MSNA in healthy subjects. These results suggest that AVI could reflect sympathetic nerve activity compared to baPWV.
P3586Influence of morphological features of intracoronary thrombi on ST segment resolution in patients with STEMI after primary PCI
Authors: Besh D , Sokolov M , Zerbino D , Kyyak Y
Published: October 2019

Background

Coronary artery thrombosis is a key element in the onset of STEMI and its further course. Coronary clots significantly vary in their morphological features and types. Perhaps, it may be caused by individual differences in thrombus formation that could have a strong influence on STEMI course and prognosis.

Purpose

To elucidate the influence of morphological features of intracoronary thrombi (IT) on ST-segment resolution (the outcome) after primary PCI in patients with STEMI.

Methods

The study included 100 patients with STEMI (female 22%, male 78%) aged 57.81±10.26 years, who underwent PCI with manual thromboaspiration within the first 12 hours (mean 7.22±3.74 h) after the onset of symptoms. The obtained ITs were examined morphologically after hematoxylin & eosin staining by the standard method and by the method proposed by prof. Zerbino that allows determining the antiquity of fibrin according to its color. Each IT was classified by five morphological features: 1) “old” or “fresh” (according to Zerbino's staining); 2) with or without layered structure; and presence or absence of 3) microchannels, 4) peripheral infiltration with neutrophil leukocytes, 5) elements of atherosclerotic plaque. Correlations between these features and incidence of ST-segment resolution in 60 minutes after primary PCI for more than 50% from baseline were analyzed.

Results

Neither IT antiquity nor presence of the atherosclerotic plaque elements had any significant correlations with ST-segment resolution. Significant positive correlation was revealed with peripheral neutrophil infiltration (r=0.42, p<0.05), and negative correlations were found with layered arrangement IT (r=−0.31, p<0.05) and presence of microchannels (r=−0.56, p<0.05). Statistically significant mathematical prognostic model of ST-segment resolution was obtained after analysis of the co-influence of all five morphological features on the outcome using logistic regression method. It included three IT features significantly correlating with ST-segment resolution:

Z = 1.13 − 0.51*V1 − 0.57*V2 − 0.94*V3

where V1 – IT with layered arrangement of fibrin, V2 – IT with microchannels' formation, V3 – IT with peripheral areas of infiltration by the neutrophil leukocytes (1 for the presence of the feature, 0 for its absence).

“Old” IT with layered structure

Conclusions

Morphological features of IT in patients with acute STEMI appear to have significant influence on the primary PCI outcomes. They may be important predictors of the disease course and treatments efficacy. Further investigations of the IT peculiarities and their influences on the course of STEMI may help to improve therapy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Study financial support was made by authors