bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P5487Premature coronary artery disease among Egyptian patients with acute coronary syndrome; data from the cross-sectional cardio-risk project
Authors: Reda A , Ashraf M , Bendary A , Elbahry A , Farag E , Bendary M , Tabl M A , Mostafa T , Wadie M , Selim M
Published: October 2019

Background

Egypt is the most populous country in Middle East and North Africa and has one of the highest rates of the cardiovascular (CV) deaths in the region. Despite governmental primary preventive efforts, very little is known about the prevalence and characteristics of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) among Egyptian patients with Acute Coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

From November 2015 to August 2018, data were collected from 3224 patients with ACS in 30 coronary care centers covering 11 governorates across Egypt, spanning the Mediterranean coast, Nile Delta, and Upper Egypt, with focus on premature CAD (defined as ACS before age 55 years in males and 65 years in females).

Results

The prevalence of premature CAD was 51%. They were significantly more females (35% versus 16%, P<0.001) with significantly higher level of education. Risk factors' (RFs) distribution showed a significantly higher prevalence of Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus (6% versus 4%, P=0.005), obesity (42% versus 33%, P<0.001) and smoking (50% versus 47%, P<0.001) in patients with premature CAD when compared to others. Interestingly, rates of documented dyslipidemia were similar between groups (49% versus 47%, P=0.45) with no significant difference in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (131.7±48.5 versus 130.2±45.2 mg/dl, P=0.4). Patients with premature CAD tended to present more frequently with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (50% versus 46%, P=0.035), with higher rates of treatment using primary percutaneous coronary intervention compared to others (48% versus 44%, P=0.04). They were also significantly less likely to receive Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (4% versus 6.5%, P=0.003).

Conclusion

Prevalence of premature CAD is high among Egyptian patients with ACS, due to noticeably larger burden of traditional CV RFs especially smoking and possibly familial hypercholesterolemia. Much effort is still needed in screening for early detection of RFs of atherosclerosis together with more widespread adoption of diagnostic scores for FH such as Dutch Lipid Network criteria.

Acknowledgement/Funding

AstraZeneca
P5495Sex differences in marital status and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 7,881,040 individuals
Authors: Nie J , Wang Y
Published: October 2019

Background

Marital status has been identified as an important social factor associated with mortality. In current epidemiologic research, being unmarried was observed to be a suboptimal health status in the global population. The growing number of unmarried people has health implications, in light of evidence suggesting that it is associated with an increase in the incidence of various diseases and high mortality. Few attempts have been made to produce an overall estimate and sufficiently clarified of the sex difference between unmarried status and mortality risks, this is still a matter of debate.

Purpose

To ascertain whether sex differences exist in the relationship between marital status and cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, all-cause mortality in the general population and to explore the potential effect of age, location, the duration of follow-up and publication years on these outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE from inception through to April 2018 and review of references. We used the sex-specific RRs (relative risk) to derive the women-to-men ratio of RRs (RRR) and 95% CIs from each study. Subsequently, the RRR for each outcome was pooled with random effects meta-analysis weighted by the inverse of the variances of the log RRRs.

Results

Twenty-one studies with 7,881,040 individuals were included for meta-analysis. Compared with married individuals, being unmarried was significantly associated with all-cause mortality, cancer mortality, CVD mortality and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality, especially for singles, for both sexes (Figure 1). However, the association with death from all-cause and CVD was significantly stronger in men. Compared with women who were divorced/separated, divorced/separated men had significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality, cancer mortality and CVD mortality. Moreover, never married men had 31% and 9% higher excess risk of stroke mortality and all-cause mortality, respectively, compared with never married women. No sex differences were observed concerning the impact of any unmarried status on CHD mortality.

Conclusions

Being unmarried (widowed, divorced/separated or never married) conferred higher excess risk of stroke mortality and all-cause mortality for men than women. Moreover, divorced/separated men had significantly higher risk of cancer mortality and CVD mortality. Further studies are warranted to clarify the biological, behavioral, and/or social mechanisms involved in sex differences driving these associations.
P5511Markers of vascular damage in cardiovascular events prediction: results from cluster analysis
Authors: Babaeva A R , Tarasov A A , Davidov S I , Gordeeva M A , Reznikova E A , Solodenkova K S
Published: October 2019

Background

As a low grade systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis-associated diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM) there is an interest in the relevance of circulating markers of immune inflammation to clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in the setting of DM.

Purpose

Purpose of our investigation was to assess the predictive value of numerous immune markers (pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-connective tissue antibodies) in relation with circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in persons with documented ischemic heart disease (IHD), DM, and asymptomatic atherosclerosis (AA).

Methods

393 persons (147 pts with IHD, 126 pts with T2DM, 120 pts with AA) were observed during 3-year period. The baseline levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL1β, IL6, TNF-α), antibodies against connective tissue components (collagen – antiC-ab, hyaluronic acid – antiHA-ab, chondroitin sulfate antiCS-ab), soluble markers of ED: von Willebrand factor (vWf), endothelin 1 (ET-1), endogenous NO synthase (eNOs) were evaluated by ELISA. The incidence and severity of cardiovascular events (CVE) in the relation with baseline levels of measured markers were evaluated by cluster analysis in 4 cohorts formed according to presence of AA, current IHD and T2DM (AA, IHD, T2DM, IHD+T2DM). From 2 to 4 clusters were separated depending on the incidence and severity of CVE.

Results

We have defined that in AA the numerous of circulating markers: ET-1, IL-1β, TNFα, antiC-ab, antiCS-ab was associated with clinically significant CVE. In IHD the most severe clinical manifestations were documented in cluster, characterized by increased ET1, vWf, IL6, antiC-ab levels and decreased eNOs, In T2DM without evidenced IHD CVE were associated with next profile: ET1, eNOs, IL-6, antiC-ab, and antiHA-ab. In combination of IHD with T2DM the worst cluster was presented with raised levels of vWf, TNF-α, IL-6, antiC-ab, anti-HA and CRP as well as decreased eNOs.

Conclusions

Circulating markers of ED and immune-mediated inflammation reflect the clinical manifestation of IHD in high-risk persons with AA and T2DM. Cluster analysis has demonstrated the relationship between specific baseline profile of investigated biomarkers and clinical significant CVE. Obtained data broads our understanding regarding the inflammatory mechanism of atherosclerosis and also suggest a set of circulating markers as predictors of adverse cardiovascular events.
P5520Evaluation of the impact of the implementation of a pre-hospital ambulance system on acute myocardial infarction mortality in a developing country
Authors: Vieira R C P , Marcolino M S , Silva-E-Silva L G , Jorge A O , Ribeiro A L
Published: October 2019

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The effective management of patients with AMI is directly linked to time, and approximately one-half of the deaths attributed to AMI occur from cardiac arrest in the out-of-hospital setting, reinforcing the importance of the prehospital care. Contemporary data remain particularly lacking about the use of prehospital care in the setting of AMI, particularly from the more generalizable perspective of a community-based investigation, as well as information about the hospital outcomes of patients transported by ambulance.

Purpose

To assess the impact the implementation of a nationwide ambulance service (Serviço de Atendimento Médico de Urgência, SAMU) on AMI mortality and number of hospitalizations, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Methods

Retrospective, ecological study, which assessed data from the Brazilian Universal Health System (SUS), from all 853 municipalities of Minas Gerais, from 2008 to 2016. SAMU implementation dates were obtained from the state government and SAMU local coordinators. Data on the population of each municipality was obtained from Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), the Brazilian official demographic institute. Excessive skewness of general and in-hospital mortality rates were smoothed using the Empirical Bayes method The relationship between SAMU care in each municipality and the mortality due to AMI in the general population, in-hospital mortality and number of hospitalizations for AMI was assessed using the Poisson hierarchical model, and the analyzed rates were corrected by the age structure and detrended by seasonal influences.

Results

AMI mortality rates showed a decreasing tendency throughout the study, on average 2% per year, and seasonal variation, being higher during winter months. Age-corrected AMI in-hospital mortality also showed a decreasing trend, from 13.81% in 2008 to 11.43% in 2016. SAMU implementation was associated with decreased AMI mortality (odds ratio [OR]=0.967, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.936–0.998) and AMI in-hospital mortality (OR=0.914, 95% CI 0.845–0.986) with no relation with the number of hospitalizations (OR 1.003, 95% CI 0.927–1.083). There was no seasonal variation in the number of AMI hospitalizations.

Conclusion

SAMU implementation was related to a modest but significant decrease in AMI in-hospital mortality. This finding reinforces the main role of prehospital care in AMI care and reinforces the need for investment in improving the service throughout the country.
P5532Predictive value of objective nutritional scores for contrast-induced acute kidney injury in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lin K , Chen L , Chen L , Han C , Han C , Wang S , Wang S , Yu H , Yu H , Liu D , Liu D , Guo Y , Guo Y , Zhu P , Zhu P
Published: October 2019

Background

Age >75 years had been generally considered to be an important and independent risk factor of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), while these patients often suffer from malnutrition. However, the predictive value of objective nutritional status for CI-AKI in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the association of two kinds of objective nutritional indices includes controlling nutritional (CONUT) score and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) with CI-AKI in elderly patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

In a single center prospective cohort study,we enrolled 714 consecutive patients who aged >75 years undergoing PCI between January 2012 and December 2015 were screened based on their serum albumin, lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol measures.

Patients were stratified into different groups according to two kinds of objective nutritional scores. Patients were divided into low-PNI (PNI <35), middle-PNI (35 ≤ PNI <38), and high-PNI (PNI ≥38). They were also divided into four groups according to CONUT score: normal-CONUT (0–1), mild-CONUT (2–4), moderate-CONUT (5–8), and severe-CONUT (≥9). CI-AKI was defined as an increase in the serum creatinine levels of ≥50% or 0.3 mg/dL above the baseline level within 48hrs after contrast medium exposure.

Results

Overall, 55 (7.7%) had moderate-severe CONUT scores, and 35 (4.9%) had low-middle PNI scores,while 93 (13.0%) patients developed CI-AKI. Patients with a lower PNI score or higher CONUT score had significantly higer incidence of CI-AKI [PNI score: high (11.8%), middle (33.3%), and low (45.5%), respectively; P<0.0001; CONUT score: normal (9.6%), mild (12.7%), moderate (30.2%), and severe (100%), respectively; P<0.0001]. After adjusting 6 confounders, including age, serum creatinine (SCR) >1.5mg/dl, left ventricular ejection fraction (LEVF) <45%, myocardial infarction, peri-hypotension and the contrast volume >200 ml, multivariate analysis showed that worse objective nutritional status (either lower PNI scores or higer CONUT scores) was associated with an increased CI-AKI risk (Low PNI vs High PNI: OR: 5.274, P=0.015; Moderate-Severe CONUT vs Normal CONUT: OR: 2.891, P=0.007).

Incidence of CIAKI

Conclusions

Worse objective nutritional status was associated with CI-AKI in elderly patients after PCI.
P5539Genetic heterogeneity of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD)
Authors: Giuliani L , Di Toro A , Disabella E , Grasso M , Serio A , Urtis M , Pilotto A , Repetto A , Valentini A , Calliada F , Favalli V , Prati F , Arbustini E
Published: October 2019

Introduction

SCAD is a rare coronary event that may cause acute coronary syndromes (ACS). SCAD predominantly occurs in apparently healthy, young to middle aged women (up to 95% of cases). The known causes include: heritable connective tissue diseases, fibromuscular dysplasia, arteritis, contraceptives, cocaine abuse and chest trauma. A variable proportion of patients manifests progression to longer segments of the same vessel or recurrence of dissection in other coronary arteries. SCAD can be the first manifestation of a previously unrecognised systemic disease.

Methods

In 2010 we started collecting consecutive SCAD, as first clinical manifestation, in patients addressed to our attention for investigation of genetic or non genetic causes, after successful management of the acute phase and exclusion of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. All patients underwent genetic visit and counselling, collection of clinical reports and imaging records, clinical cardiologic evaluation with pan-angio CT scan, biochemical testing including coagulation-related tests, and and genetic testing of genes causing connective tissue diseases. Parallel clinical family screening and genetic testing were systematically performed.

Results

The series is constituted of 35 patients (28F and 7M) (age at onset, mean ± SD, 44±7.6 years) with ACS-SCAD (20 STEMI and 15 NSTEMI) and 9 second dissections in a different coronary artery. Two sisters had ACS-SCAD caused by dissection of the same coronary artery.

We identified pathologic mutations (n=19/35, 54%) in COL3A1 (n=3), FBN1 (n=1), FBN1+TGFBR1 (n=1), TGFBR1 (n=2), TGFBR2 (n=1), MYLK (n=1), SMAD3 (n=1), COL5A1 (n=1 homozygous), COL5A2 (n=1), MYH11 (n=1), TGFB2 (n=1), ABCC6 (1 homozygous), ELN (2 homozygous sisters and 1 heterozygous unrelated patient), NOTCH1 (n=1). In 8 (23%) patients we identified VUS classified as C3 because previously unreported and predicted as uncertain on the basis of in silico analyses. In the remaining 8 patients we only identified C2 variants. A second SCAD (14 days to 78 months after the first event) occurred in 9 patients (9/35, 25%) (COL3A1 (n=2), FBN1 (n=1), FBN1+TGFBR1 (n=1), MYLK (n=1), COL5A2 (n=1), NOTCH1 (n=1) COL5A2 (n=1) and 1 with a C2 variant in COL3A1. Two patients with thrombocytosis were carriers of the somatic JAK2 V617F mutation. Extra-coronary arterial dilations/aneurysms occurred in 13 families; in the follow-up 2 patients demonstrate dissection in non-coronary arteries.

Conclusions

Our series, with the potential bias of a referral centre for inherited cardiovascular disease, demonstrated that SCAD is the possible first manifestation of a genetic disorder and that neither disease gene or mutation predicts the risk of a second coronary event. SCAD is a potentially fatal coronary event associated with ACS, warning for familial disease and unpredictable risk of recurrence.
P5542Predictors of the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with unstable angina with conservative treatment strategy
Authors: Lazareva I , Medvedeva E , Gelis L , Rousskikh I , Shibeka N
Published: October 2019

Objective

To identify independent predictors of the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients (pts) with unstable angina (UA) in a conservative treatment strategy.

Material and methods

The study involved 236 patients with UA with low risk according to GRACE scale and conservative treatment strategy. The end points were: recurrent UA, myocardial infarction (MI), death. The mean age was 60.2±7.3 years. All pts were performed general blood analysis, determination of troponin I, BNP, C-reactive protein, myeloperoxidase, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, antithrombin III and also the performance of the thrombin generation test, aggregatogram on aggregometry Multiplate impedance and ECG, EchoCG, Holter ECG.

Results

Cardiovascular events developed in 104 (44%) pts during 5 years of follow-up, and in the first year of follow - up-in 58 people (24.6%), followed annually by 10–14% of events for the year. MI developed in 21 pts (8.9%), recurrent angina in 75 (31.8%) pts, 51 (21.6%) pts underwent coronary artery stenting, and 26 (11%) pts underwent coronary bypass surgery, 8 (3.4%) patients died. Having studied all the objective data of the observed patients, we concluded that independent predictors of the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events were: previous MI (RR=2,8; 95% CI 1,32–6,08; p=0,0028), type II Diabetes (RR=3,1; 95% CI 1,78- 5,37; p=0,0001), first-time angina pectoris (RR=3,7; 95% CI 2,68–5,85; p=0,001, smoking (RR=2,1; 95% CI 1,21–3,74; p=0,0129), baseline myeloperoxidase >316 pmol/l (RR=3,1; 95% CI 1,29–4,74; p=0,029), high sensitive CRP >3,8 g/l (RR=3,9; 95% CI 2, 44–6,14; p=0,0001), mean platelet volume >9,6fl (RR=2,9; 95% CI 1,49–5,52; p=0,0006), area under the curve ADP- test AUC >60 U (RR=3,4; 95% CI 2, 3–5,2; p=0,002).

Conclusions

Cardiovascular events developed in 44% of pts over 5 years of follow-up. Independent predictors of adverse outcomes in pts with UA with low risk according to GRACE scale were: previous MI, type II Diabetes mellitus, first-time angina pectoris, smoking, baseline myeloperoxidase levels>316 pmol/l, highly sensitive CRP>3.8 g/l, MPV>9.6fl, and the area under the ADP test curve >60 U.
P5557Cardiac autoantibodies and ventricular arrhythmias in patients with biopsy-proved myocarditis
Authors: Peretto G , Caforio A L P , Marcolongo R , Rizzo S , Thiene G , Basso C , Della Bella P , Sala S
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiac autoandibodies have been associated with dilatative cardiomyopathy in subjects with inflammatory heart disease. However, their association with ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with autoimmune myocardits has never been investigated so far.

Purpose

To evaluate the association between cardiac autoantibodies and both baseline and FU VA in patients with a de novo diagnosis of biopsy-proved autoimmune myocarditis.

Methods

We enrolled 44 consecutive patients (59% males, mean age 44±13y, mean LVEF 50±10%) presenting with symptomatic VA (VF, VT, NSVT, >1ehz746.0501 PVC/24h) and a de novo diagnosis of biopsy-proved autoimmune myocarditis according to the ESC criteria. Serum anti-heart (AHA) and anti-intercalated disk (AIDA) autoantibodies were assessed at a referral center at the time of the index hospitalization. Complete baseline data, including ECG, arrhythmia telemonitoring, echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and blood biomarkers (T-troponin, NT-proBNP) were collected. The endpoint of the study was the occurrence of major VA (VT, VF, appropriate ICD shocks) at 5y FU, as assessed by 2/y Holter ECG monitoring and (when applicable) ICD interrogation.

Results

At baseline evaluation, 24 (55%) and 23 patients (52%) were AHA+ and AIDA+, respectively. Clinical onset with major VA was documented in 24 patients (55%): 9 AHA+ vs. 15 AHA- (p=0.017) and 13 AIDA+ vs. 11 AIDA- (p=0.547). At presentation, no significant differences were found between AHA+ vs. AHA- and AIDA+ vs. AIDA- patients in LVEDV, LVEF, T-troponin and NT-proBNP values (all p=n.s.). Positive (2/3) Lake Louise criteria at CMR were found in 33 patients (75%; p=n.s. among different subgroups). Before discharge, 27 subjects (61%) underwent ICD implant. Optimal medical treatment was started in all of the cases, with no significant differences in betablockers, antiarrhythmic drugs and immunsuppressive therapy, among different subgroups (all p=n.s.). Overall, 10 patients (23%) experienced major VA by 5y FU: 3 AHA+ vs. 7 AHA- (p=0.147) and 9 AIDA+ vs. 1 AIDA- (p=0.013). In particular, 18 events were documented (range 1–3 episodes per patient at 2.2±1.7 y mean FU), including 3 VT episodes and 15 appropriate ICD shocks. Taking together baseline and FU data, multiple (>1) major VA episodes occurred in 8 patients: 3 AHA+ vs. 5 AHA- (p=0.436) and 8 AIDA+ vs. 0 AIDA- (p=0.005). Of note, 3/3 AHA+ patients with multiple major VA espisodes were also AIDA+ (double positivity).

Conclusion

In biopsy-proved autoimmune myocarditis presenting with VA, major VA occurrence by 5y FU, as well as arrhythmias recurrences, are more common among AIDA+ patients. By converse, none of the isolated AHA+ cases experienced multiple episodes of major VA. These findings may suggest distinct pathophysiological mechanisms involving the different molecular targets of cardiac autoimmunity.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None
P5567Clinical characteristics, diagnosis and risk stratification of pulmonary hypertension in severe tricuspid regurgitation and implications for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair
Authors: Lurz P , Rommel K P , Orban M , Besler C , Braun D , Schlotter F , Noack T , Desch S , Borger M , Massberg S , Hausleiter J , Thiele H
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess the role of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) in severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and its implications for transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR).

Background

PHT patients are often excluded from surgical TR therapies. TTVR with the MitraClipTM technique is a novel treatment option for these patients.

Methods

A total of 164 patients at high surgical risk (median age 78 years) and TR underwent TTVR at two centers. Seventy patients were grouped as iPHT+, defined as invasive systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAPs) >50 mmHg. Patients were similarly stratified according to echocardiographic PAPs (ePHT). The occurrence of the combined clinical endpoint (death, heart failure hospitalization, reintervention) was investigated.

Results

iPHT+ patients were at higher pre-operative risk (p<0.01), had more severe symptoms (p=0.01), higher NT-pro-BNP levels (p<0.01) and more impaired biventricular function (left: p=0.03; right: p=0.02).

Procedural TTVR success was achieved in 86 vs. 82% in iPHT+ and iPHT- patients respectively (p=0.52). Tricuspid valve effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) was reduced from 0.49 cm2 to 0.20 cm2 (p<0.01) similarly in both groups.

While iPHT+ conveyed risk (HR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1–2.8), p=0.03) for the occurrence of the clinical endpoint, ePHT+ paradoxically conveyed protection (HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.36–0.98), p=0.04). This discrepancy was explained by the highest event rates in patients with iPHT+/ePHT- (n=28). Conversely, iPHT+/ePHT+ patients had comparable outcomes to iPHT- patients.

Conclusions

PHT in TR is associated with worse clinical status and advanced HF, but not procedural failure. Symptomatic benefit can be achieved irrespective of PHT status by TTVR. Although echocardiographic PHT diagnosis is unreliable, the combination of echocardiographic and invasive assessment may identify ideal candidates for TTVR among PHT patients.
P5571MitraClip implantation impairs functional echocardiographic parameters of the left atrium in patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation
Authors: Meindl C , Hamerle M , Rogalski D , Paulus M , Schach C , Maier L , Debl K , Birner C , Unsoeld B
Published: October 2019

Background

MitraClip implantation induces hemodynamic unloading and reverse remodeling of the left atrium (LA) and the left ventricle (LV). However little data exist concerning the effects of MitraClip implantation on LA and LV strain reflecting LA and LV function.

Methods and results

From August 2017 to September 2018 62 patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation were prospectively enrolled in our single-center RETORT-MR trial (Regensburg Trial on TMVR Techniques in Mitral Regurgitation). All included patients were treated using the MitraClip procedure. Two dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) of the LA as well as of the LV could be performed in 35 patients with follow-up 2DSTE at four weeks and/or three months after MitraClip implantation. In 25.7% of patients primary mitral regurgitation was present (n=9) and in 74.3% of subjects a secondary entity of mitral regurgitation had been diagnosed (n=26). 57.1% of patients (n=20) suffered from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and 42.9% of patients (n=15) had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was reduced at baseline (−15.3%), at four-week (−14.5%, n=27) and at three-month follow-up (−13.9%, n=28) with no statistically significant differences indicating a sustained mechanical impairment of LV. In contrast significant deterioration was observed in the peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) representing LA reservoir function (15.3% at baseline vs. 11.8% at four-week follow-up, n=25, p=0.015 and 16.0% at baseline vs. 13.2% at three-month follow-up, n=25, p=0.03). Similarly to LA reservoir function LA booster function indicating left atrial active contraction was significantly reduced after MitraClip implantation (12.5% at baseline vs. 8.0% at four-week follow-up, n=10, p=0.028). Contrary to LA functional parameters LA size did not change significantly after MitraClip implantation (LA volume index at baseline 74.5 ml/m2 vs. 70.1 ml/m2 at four-week follow-up, n=27, p=0.489).

Conclusion

The present study revealed a deterioration of LA functional parameters (LA reservoir and LA booster function) after MitraClip insertion. It is known that severe mitral regurgitation can cause structural changes of the LA such as fibrosis. MitraClip insertion leads to a significant reduction of regurgitant volumes but structural changes of the LA may not be reversible. In addition MitraClip implantation increases afterload in the LA potentially explaining the observed deterioration of LA functional parameters.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None
P5573Disproportionate functional mitral regurgitation: advancing a conceptual framework from bench to bedside
Authors: Bartko P E , Heitzinger G , Arfsten H , Pavo N , Spinka G , Andreas M , Mascherbauer J , Hengstenberg C , Huelsmann M , Goliasch G
Published: October 2019

Introduction

A recently proposed conceptual framework seeks to rearrange the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and regurgitant volume (RegVol) cut-offs according to left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in functional mitral regurgitation introducing “disproportionate FMR” to describe clinically meaningful FMR. The conceptual framework, however, remains hypothetical.

Purpose

To test the significance of disproportionate FMR.

Methods

Data of 291 heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) under guideline directed therapy were embedded into this conceptual framework (Figure 1A). The black line represents the relationship when the degree of FMR is proportionate to LVEDV with a regurgitant fraction of (RegFrac) of 50%. The dashed lines represent the degree of uncertainty determined by the imprecision inherent to the measurement of RegFrac defined as 2SD for inter- and intraobserver variability by Bland-Altmann analysis (equals ±6.6%). Cox-regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis were applied to assess the association between FMR proportionality and mortality.

Results

Median age was 68 years (IQR 61–75), 77% were male. Median LVEF was 25% (IQR 18–33) and LVEDV was 214ml (IQR 165–267). Disproportionate FMR was present in 71 patients (24%) (red dots Figure 1A) with a median EROA of 0.26cm2 (IQR 0.18–0.34) and a median RegVol of 42ml (IQR 28–52), proportionate FMR (yellow dots Figure 1 A) in 81 patients (28%) with a median EROA of 0.12cm2 (IQR 0.09–0.17) and a median RegVol of 18ml (IQR 14–27). During 7-years follow-up, 166 patients died. Disproportionate FMR was associated with excess mortality compared to patients with non-severe FMR (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.04–0.71, P<0.001), whereas proportionate FMR was not associated with increased long-term mortality (HR 1.04, 95% CI −1.53–0.71, P=0.83, Figure 1B).

Figure 1. Panel A and B

Conclusion

Every fifth patient suffers from disproportionate FMR which conveys a two-fold increased risk of mortality. Disproprtionate FMR corresponds to an EROA of roughly 0.3cm2 and a RegVol of 45ml – the unifying intersection between ESC and ACC/AHA guidelines to define severe FMR. The RegFrac provides a measure proportionated to left ventricular size and function supporting its use to define clinically relevant FMR. However, RegFrac is subject to compound error due to imputation of multiple measurements limiting its use as the leading contender for FMR grading. Regardless of the term used to describe clinically significant FMR, the conceptual framework emphasizes the unmet clinical need for recalibrated cut-offs for FMR severity condensed to an algorithm that combines the strengths of several measurements of FMR severity in an integrated manner.
P5574Prognostic impact of left atrial function following transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Ledwoch J , Fellner C , Poch F , Olbrich I , Thalmann R , Kossmann H , Dommasch M , Dirschinger R , Stundl A , Laugwitz K L , Kupatt C , Hoppmann P
Published: October 2019

Background

Left atrial (LA) function predicts clinical outcome in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. However, limited data is available in the setting of mitral regurgitation (MR).

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess potential changes in LA ejection fraction (LA-EF) and its prognostic value in patients following transcatheter mitral valve repair using the mitraclip.

Methods

A total of 88 consecutive patients undergoing mitraclip implantation with complete echocardiography at baseline and follow-up between 3 and 6 months post-procedure were enrolled.

Results

LA-EF improved in 58% of the population. Change in LA-EF was associated with residual MR, residual transmitral gradient and left ventricular ejection fraction (LV-EF) changes. Compared to their counterparts, patients with residual MR ≥ grade 2 (−6% [−9 to 1%] vs. 4% [−5 to 15%]; p=0.05) and with residual transmitral gradient ≥5 mmHg (−2% [−9 to 9%] vs. 5% [−4 to 16%]; p=0.03) showed a decline in LA-EF, respectively. Furthermore, LA-EF significantly correlated with changes in LV-EF (r=0.40; p=0.001). With regards to clinical outcome, heart failure symptoms as assessed by NYHA class were more severe in patients with worsened LA-EF at follow-up. Finally, LA-EF change was identified as independent predictor of all-cause mortality (HR 0.94 [0.90–0.98]; p=0.008).

Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival

Conclusion

The present analysis showed changes in LA function in patients undergoing mitraclip implantation to be associated with important measures including residual MR, elevated transmitral gradient and LV function. Importantly, LA function alterations represent a strong predictor for all-cause mortality.
P5581In patients with aortic valve regurgitation, left ventricular geometry and strain, more than pulmonary artery systolic pressure, affect right ventricular function
Authors: Abdelgawad H , Abdelhay M A , Ashour S , Shehata M , Previato M , Cucchini U , Muraru D , Badano L
Published: October 2019

Background

Left ventricular (LV) overload due to aortic valve (AR) regurgitation may affect right ventricular (RV) function. Elevation of pulmonary artery pressures secondary to isolated AR is not common. Thus, the effects of chronic LV overload due to AR on RV function remains to be clarified.

Purpose

To assess the determinants of RV dysfunction in chronic AR.

Methods

We studied 36 patients with moderate or severe AR (53±18 years, 81% were men). We used 3D echocardiography to acquire multi-beat, full-volume data sets of LV and RV and to measure volumes and EF. RV fractional area change (FAC) was calculated. LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV peak longitudinal strain (RVLS) were assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.

Results

RV EF and RV FAC were 40±6% and 34±9%. LV GLS and peak RVLS were reduced (Table). LV EDVi showed negative correlations with RV function (RV EF: r=−0.545, p<0.001; RV FAC: r=−0.816, p<0.001). LV sphericity index showed negative correlations with RV function (RVFAC: r=−0.608, P=0.001; RV EF: r=−0.469, P=0.004). Moreover, LV GLS and RVLS correlated positively with RV function (FAC: for GLS: r=0.475, p=0.003 and for RVLS: r=0.389, p=0.019) (RV EF: for GLS: r=0.526, p=0.001 and for RVLS: r=0.475, p=0.003). On multivariable linear regression analysis, LV EDVi, LV sphericity index, LV GLS and peak RVLS were found to be the only independent predictors of RV EF and FAC.

Left and right ventricular volumes and function in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation AR (n=36) Control (n=25) p value LV end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 106±36 56±8 <0.001 LV end-systolic volume (ml/m2) 50±28 22±4 <0.001 LV ejection fraction (%) 54±10 60±4 <0.001 LV sphericity index 0.53±0.11 0.38±0.08 <0.001 Pulmonary artery systolic pressure (mm Hg) 27±8 RV end-diastolic volume (ml/m2) 59±12 35±7 <0.001 RV end-systolic volume (ml/m2) 31±9 17±3 <0.001 RV ejection fraction (%) 40±6 50±4 <0.001 RV fractional area change (%) 34±9 44±6 <0.001 LV GLS (%) −18±3 21±1 <0.001 Peak RVLS (%) −26±5 −31±3 <0.001

Conclusions

RV remodeling in chronic LV overload due to AR occurs independent on PASP values. LV size, shape and strain are the only independent predictors of RV function.
P5589Patterns of extended apixaban treatment for unprovoked venous thromboembolism in routine clinical practice
Authors: Keshishian A , Lee T , Wygant G , Rosenblatt L , Hlavacek P , Mardekian J , Wiederkehr D , Sah J , Sun X , Luo X
Published: October 2019

Background

Current CHEST guidelines recommend extended anticoagulation therapy without a scheduled stop in patients with unprovoked VTE and low bleeding risk following initial anticoagulation treatment of 3 months. AMPLIFY-EXT suggests that extended treatment with apixaban beyond 6 months reduces the risk of recurrent VTE without increasing major bleeding rates. This study evaluated patterns of extended apixaban treatment among unprovoked VTE patients.

Methods

Utilizing 4 US commercial claims databases, this retrospective study assessed unprovoked VTE patients (VTE events that were not preceded by a provoked factor or event) who initiated apixaban within 30 days from the VTE event (01SEPT2014–31MAR2018). Patients were required to have ≥6 months continuous apixaban treatment (without a gap of >30 days). Characteristics of patients treated beyond 6 months and those who discontinued at 6 months were evaluated respectively. An additional analysis was conducted to assess proportion with apixaban treatment for ≥3 months.

Results

Among unprovoked VTE patients, 60.8% and 34.6% had apixaban treatment for ≥3 and ≥6 months, respectively. Of those treated for ≥6 months (3,015 after applying additional selection criteria), 75.6% continued treatment beyond 6 months and 24.4% discontinued at 6 months. Younger age and having thrombophilia were associated with a higher likelihood of treatment beyond 6 months (Table). Among patients with treatment beyond 6 months, 7.5% of patients switched from apixaban 5mg to 2.5mg, 36.5% discontinued therapy, and 1.1% switched to another oral anticoagulant (Figure).

Baseline characteristics Variables Discontinued at 6 months Continued treatment beyond 6 months P-value N=735 N=2,280 Age, Mean (SD) 63.0 (15.2) 61.7 (14.3) 0.037 Gender – Female, n (%) 307 (41.8%) 892 (39.1%) 0.203 Setting of Unprovoked VTE Event – Ambulatory, n (%) 592 (80.5%) 1,834 (80.4%) 0.950 VTE Diagnosis – DVT Only, n (%) 494 (67.2%) 1,498 (65.7%) 0.452 Deyo-Charlson Comorbidity Index, Mean (SD) 1.3 (1.9) 1.3 (1.8) 0.305 Thrombophilia, n (%) 54 (7.3%) 296 (13.0%) <0.001 Coagulation Defects, n (%) 38 (5.2%) 153 (6.7%) 0.136 Baseline Bleed, n (%) 77 (10.5%) 210 (9.2%) 0.309

KM curve after 6 months of apixaban use

Conclusion

Among unprovoked VTE patients treated with apixaban, a large proportion did not receive ≥3 months of treatment. Although AMPLIFY-EXT showed beneficial effects of extended treatment, the percentage of patients with ≥6 months of treatment was low. Thrombophilia was the only meaningful predictor of treatment beyond 6 months.

Acknowledgement/Funding

This study was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc
P5626The clinical impact of the angle of OCT detected irregular protrusion after primary PCI at the STEMI culprit lesions
Authors: Kyodo A , Soeda T , Kamon D , Hashimoto Y , Ueda T , Watanabe M , Saito Y
Published: October 2019

Background and introduction

The percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) shows worse clinical outcomes than that for stable angina. As the one of the reasons, a recent optical coherence tomography (OCT) registry showed that the presence of irregular protrusion (IP)after coronary stenting was the worse predictor of 1-year device-oriented clinical end points. However, the impact of the quantitative findings on IP has not been well investigated in ACS patients.

Aim

To investigate the clinical impact of the post stent OCT findings, especially IP, detected by OCT after coronary stenting in ACS patients.

Methods

Consecutive 256 ACS lesions treated with OCT-guided PCI in our Medical University Hospital from January 2013 to November 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. In 256 lesions, 173 lesions were enrolled which had ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) with the onset to recanalization time within 720 minutes. In 170 lesions, the OCT images were available. In OCT image, IP was detected in 140 lesions (82.3%). Quantitative analysis of IP in post-procedure OCT imaging was observed to identify the OCT predictors for clinical endpoint including cardiac death, target vessel revascularization ant stent thrombosis in 1 year after index PCI.

Result

In post-procedure OCT findings, stent edge dissection was detected in 32.4% of lesions. Incomplete stent apposition was detected in 74.1%. Maximum angle of irregular protrusion was 194±86 degree and the incidence of maximum IP angle >180 degree was 52.9%. Maximum height of IP was 0.26±0.11mm. Small minimal stent area, defined as a lesion with minimal stent area <5.0 mm2 in a drug-eluting stent or <5.6 mm2 in a bare metal stent, was observed in 32.4% of lesions. Maximum IP angle and that of >180degree was significantly associated with the clinical endpoint (p=0.0259 and 0.0429, respectively).

Conclusion

In STEMI patients, IP was frequently observed in post-procedure OCT imaging during primary PCI. The maximum angle of IP was significantly associated with the clinical end points. The prognostic impact of maximum IP angle in STEMI patient needs further investigations.
P5635Predictive ability of lipdic burden for FFR-derived physiological measures: insights from near-infrared spectroscopy imaging analysis
Authors: Murai K , Kataoka Y , Hirayama A , Hosoda H , Nakashima T , Honda S , Fujino M , Nakao K , Yoneda S , Otsuka F , Nishihira K , Kanaya T , Asaumi Y , Noguchi T , Yasuda S
Published: October 2019

Background

Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has enabled to physiologically assess the myocardial ischemia of coronary artery with intermediate stenosis. Mechanistically, not only the severity of coronary stenosis but also the extent of maximal vasodilatation within the entire coronary artery potentially affects this physiological measure. Since the accumulation of lipidic materials within vessel wall increases vascular stiffness via inducing endothelial dysfunction, the presence of lipidic atheroma burden may affect physiological measures.

Purpose

To investigate the association of FFR with lipidic coronary atheroma by near-infrared spectroscopy/intravascular ultrasound (NIRS/IVUS) imaging, which quantitatively visualize lipidic burden in vivo.

Methods

We analyzed 61 coronary arteries (LAD/RCA/LCX=52/5/4) with FFR≤0.80 in 59 stable coronary artery disease subjects receiving PCI. Following FFR measurement, NIRS/IVUS imaging was conducted to evaluate the extent of atheroma burden (maximum percent plaque area=max%PA) and lipidic materials (lipid core burden index within the entire vessel=LCBIvessel). The analyzed vessels were stratified according to FFR: definite FFR group (FFR≤0.74, n=34) and gray-zone FFR group (0.75≤FFR≤0.80, n=27).

Results

NIRS/IVUS imaging analysis (analyzed longitudinal length=77±7mm) was more likely to exhibit a significantly higher LCBIvessel and a larger max%PA in the definite FFR group (Table). Of note, FFR was significantly correlated to LCBIvessel (ρ=-0.299, p=0.02), but not max%PA (ρ=-0.255, p=0.07). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that an independent determinant of FFR≤0.74 was LCBIvessel [odds ratio (OR)=1.016, 95% confidential interval (CI)=1.002–1.031, p=0.02], but not max%PA [OR=1.084, 95% CI=0.994–1.182, p=0.07]. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis elucidated that the addition of LCBIvessel to angiography- and IVUS-derived measures resulted in a significant improvement for detecting FFR≤0.74 (picture).

Definite FFR Group (FFR≤0.74, n=34) Gray-zone FFR Group (0.75≤FFR≤0.80, n=27) p value Fractional flow reserve (FFR) 0.68±0.05 0.78±0.02 <0.01 Percent diameter stenosis (%) 56.2±13.1 51.9±7.8 0.16 Maximum percent plaque area (max%PA, %) 84.3±6.9 79.9±7.2 0.01 Lipid core burden index within the entire vessel (LCBIvessel) 102.0±60.2 65.6±51.6 0.01

ROC analysis for detecting FFR≦0.74

Conclusion

The propagation of lipidic burden associates with the physiological measures. The present findings indicate the possibility that vessel characteristics or instability may have influence for causing ischemia on the coronary artery.
P5640How to decide to implant an ICD in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors with bad neurological outcome. CPC is an option?
Authors: Baldi E , Savastano S , Buratti S , Rordorf R , Vicentini A , Sanzo A , Petracci B , Demarchi A , Cornara S , Astuti M , Frigerio L , Marioni A , Oltrona Visconti L , De Ferrari G M
Published: October 2019

Background

According to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines secondary prevention ICD implantation is a class I indication only for those patients with an estimated survival >1 year with a good functional status. However, it is not specified how to assess the functional status and its evaluation could be quite difficult in the case of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) survivors. Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale is the most widespread scale to define the neurological and functional outcome, but it is not known if it can be used to guide ICD implantation.

Purpose

To evaluate whether the presence of a bad neurological outcome (CPC >2) in OHCA survivors at discharged could be used as a prognostic index in order to evaluate the implantation of an ICD.

Methods

We considered all the patients enrolled in the Cardiac Arrest Registry of our Province (55ehz746.0583 inhabitants in northern Italy) from the 1 October 2014 to the 31 January 2018 presenting a CPC >2 at discharge. We evaluated the survival and the neurological status variation at 1-year.

Results

In the study period CPR was attempted in 1565 confirmed OHCA (60.2% males, 73.4±15.8 years). Of these, 119 (7.6%) were discharged and 26 of them (21.8%) showed a CPC more than 2 (13 CPC = 3, 11 CPC = 4 and 2 CPC A). 1-year survival of CPC>2 patients was significantly lower than those with a CPC≤2 (46.1% vs 92.5% p<0.001). Only 12/26 patients discharged with a CPC >2 survived at 1 year; a good cerebral performance (CPC 1) was recovered in 2 of them, whilst a moderate cerebral disability (CPC 2) was present in 1 of them. A severe cerebral disability (CPC 3 or 4) persisted in the other 9 patients. The neurological prognosis of patients based on CPC at hospital discharge is presented in Figure 1.

Figure 1

Conclusions

Our results highlight that 1-year survival is quite low in patients with a CPC >2 at discharge and an improvement in cerebral performance occur in a minority of them. The prognosis of the patients was very variable and unpredictable for all the CPC scale values at hospital discharge. This evidence suggest that an ICD implantation should carefully evaluated in this kind of patients and a clinical and neurological re-evaluation can be reasonable some time after the event to decide if implant an ICD.
P5644Hypoglycemic episodes increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac arrest in patients with type 2 diabetes - a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hsieh Y C , Liao Y C , Li C H , Lin J C , Weng C J , Lin C C , Lo C P , Huang K C , Huang J L , Lin C H , Wu T J , Sheu W H
Published: October 2019

Background

Hypoglycemic episode (HE) increases the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The impact of HE on the risk of sudden death remains unclear. We hypothesized that HE increases the risks of ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and that anti-diabetic agents (ADAs) causing hypoglycemia also increase the risks of VA and SCA.

Methods

Patients aged ≥20 years with newly diagnosed diabetes were identified from the Taiwan National Insurance Database. HE was defined as the presentation of hypoglycemic coma or specified/unspecified hypoglycemia. For control group, we included diabetic patients without HE, and they were frequency-matched to the HE group at a 4:1 ratio. The primary outcome was the occurrence of any event of VA (including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation) and SCA during the defined follow-up periods. Multivariate Cox hazards regression model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for VA or SCA.

Results

A total of 54,303 diabetic patients were screened with 1,037 of them in the HE group, and 4,148 in the control group. During a mean follow-up period of 3.3±2.5 years, 29 VA/SCA events had occurred. Compared to the control group, the HE group had a higher incidence of VA/SCA (adjusted HR: 2.42, p=0.04). Diabetic patients medicated with insulin for glycemic control increased the risk of VA/SCA compared to those without insulin (adjusted HR: 3.05, p=0.01).

Kaplan-Meier survival curves

Conclusions

HEs in patients with diabetes increased the risks of VA and SCA compared to those without. Their use of insulin also independently increased the risk of VA/SCA.