bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5230Association of cardiac output during targeted temperature management with mortality after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Grand J , Kjaergaard J , Bro-Jeppesen J , Wanscher M , Hassager C 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Myocardial dysfunction and low cardiac output are common after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) as part of the post-cardiac arrest syndrome. This study investigates the association of cardiac output during targeted temperature management (TTM) with mortality. We hypothesized that low cardiac output during TTM is associated with mortality.

Methods
In the TTM-trial, which randomly allocated patients to TTM of 33°C or 36°C for 24 hours, we prospectively and consecutively monitored 171 patients with protocolized measurements from pulmonary artery catheters (PAC). Clinical and hemodynamic variables were registered at pre-specified time points in addition to 30-day survival status. Lactate, heart rate and cardiac index were measured at 3 time-points during TTM and averaged. We defined low cardiac output as a cardiac index during TTM <2.4 l/min/m2 in the TTM36-group and <1.8 l/min/m2 in the TTM33-group, since hypothermia affects cardiac output. We further stratified patients according to serum lactate (above/below 2 mmol/L) and heart rate (above/below median, which was 65 beats/min.).

Results
Of 152 patients with available hemodynamic measurements, 71 (47%) had low cardiac output during TTM (TTM33: 38 (49%), TTM36: 33 (44%)). Low cardiac output was not associated with mortality in univariate analysis (hazard ratio (HR): 1.47 [0.83–2.59], p=0.19) or multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders (HRadjusted: 0.74 [0.38–1.44], p=0.37). Low cardiac output combined with HR>65 was associated with increased mortality (HR: 2.69 [1.51–4.79], p=0.0007) in univariate, but not in multivariate analysis (p=0.22) (Figure). Low cardiac output and HR<65 was associated with decreased mortality in multivariate analysis (HRadjusted: 0.36 [0.14–0.93], p=0.03). Low cardiac output and lactate>2mmol/L was associated with increased mortality (HR: 2.73 [1.49–4.99], p=0.001) in univariate, but not in multivariate analysis (p=0.53), whereas patients with low cardiac output and lactate<2mmol/L had low mortality (HRadjusted: 0.58 [0.27–1.24], p=0.16) compared to the rest of the population (Figure).
Figure 1

Conclusion
This study found, that a frequent symptom during TTM is low cardiac output, which was not associated with mortality. However, patients with low cardiac output combined with either increased lactate or heart rate seems to be a population at risk. Whether low cardiac output should be corrected by inotropes or mechanical support to reduce mortality remains to be studied in prospective trials, but the efficacy of goal-directed therapy to increase cardiac output during TTM may be modest, especially if lactate and heart rate are normal.

Acknowledgement/Funding
The research fund Gangstedfonden and the Research fund of Rigshospitalet has supported this study with unrestricted salary in Dr. Grand's PhD project.
5951The impact of regulatory T lymphocytes on long-term survival in patients with ischemic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Sulzgruber P , Koller L , Blum S , Hammer A , Kazem N , Huelsmann M , Wojta J , Hengstenberg C , Niessner A 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Heart failure with reduce ejection fraction (HFrEF) constitutes a global health issue representing a prevalent clinical syndrome. While pro-inflammatory cytokines proved to have a pivotal role in the development and progression of HFrEF, less attention has been paid to the cellular immunity. Regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs) seem to have an important role in the induction and maintenance of immune homeostasis especially in patients after acute coronary syndrome and coronary vessel disease. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of Tregs on the outcome of patients presenting with ischemic HFrEF.

Methods
We prospectively enrolled 112 patients with HFrEF defined by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class >II and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%. Patients were stratified in ischemic (iHFrEF, n=57) and dilated etiology (dHFrEF, n=55). Cells from fresh heparinized blood were stained and analyzed using BD FACS Canto II flow cytometry. Cox regression hazard analysis was used to assess the influence of Tregs on survival. The multivariate model was adjusted forage and gender.

Results
Comparing patients with iHFrEF to dHFrEF we found a significantly lower fraction of Tregs within lymphocytes in the ischemic subgroup (0.42% vs. 0.56%; p=0.009). After a mean follow-up time of 4.5 years 32 (28.6%) patients died due to cardiovascular causes. We found that Tregs were significantly associated with cardiovascular survival in the entire study cohort with an adjusted HR per one standard deviation (1-SD) of 0.60 (95% CI 0.39–0.92; p=0.017). Interestingly while there was no association with cardiovascular survival independently in the dHFrEFsubgroup (adj. HR per 1-SD of 0.62 (95% CI 0.17–2.31); p=0.486), we found a significant inverse association of Tregs and cardiovascular survival in patients with iHFrEFwith an adj. HR per 1-SD of 0.59 (95% CI 0.36–0.96; p=0.034).
Figure 1. Survival Curves of Cardiovascular Mortality. Kaplan-Meier plots showing survival free of cardiovascular mortality in the total study collective (A) and patients stratified in ischemic CMP (B) as well dilative CMP (C) according to tertiles of frequencies of regulatory T cells. Tertile 1 = high; Tertile 2 = mid; Tertile 3 = low.

Conclusion
Our results indicate a potential influence of Tregs in the pathogenesis and progression of iHFrEF, fostering the implication of cellular immunity in iHFrEF pathophysiology and proving Tregs as a predictor for long-term survival among iHFrEF -patients.
6068Role of the circumferential right ventricle function in the right ventricle to pulmonary circulation coupling and functional capacity
Authors: Bandera F , D'Alesio G , Ghizzardi G , Losito M , Boveri S , Alfonzetti E , Guazzi M 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Right ventricle to pulmonary circulation (RV-PC) coupling plays a central role during the physical effort. The RV-PC uncoupling can be easily identified by the TAPSE/SPAP ratio, a prognostic marker based on RV longitudinal function and its afterload (SPAP).We sought to explore the relationship between the functional capacity (peak VO2 and VE/VCO2) and the RV-PC coupling, using both a standard and 3D-based echocardiographic assessment of RV.

Methods
Forty-four patients (age 71±10 years; LV EF 54±15%) received rest echocardiography with 3D RV assessment and cardiopulmonary exercise test. RV EF was measured using the 4D RV TomTec software. The 3D mesh of the RV model was post-processed using a custom developed software providing longitudinal (EFlong) and circumferential (EFcirc) components of EF. RV-PC coupling was assessed with the TAPSE/SPAP ratio and with similar parameters obtained using 3D components of RV systolic function over SPAP (EF/SPAP, EFlong/SPAP and EFcirc/SPAP ratio). All variables were correlated with peakVO2 and VE/VCO2.

Results
Correlations between peakVO2 and TAPSE (0.409, p=0.006), SPAP (−0.597, p<0.001), RV EF (0.555, p<0.001), RV EFlong (0.327, p=0.03), RV EFcirc (0.587, p<0.001) were modest, while TAPSE/SPAP (0.641, p<0.001), EF/SPAP (0.751, p<0.001), EFlong/SPAP (0.610, p<0.001) and EFcirc/SPAP (0.775, p<0.001) showed stronger correlations. VE/VCO2 showed a similar relationships although the correlations were weaker [TAPSE (−0.531, p<0.001), SPAP (0.614, p<0.001), RV EF (−0.409, p=0.006), RV EFlong (−0.232, p=0.129), RV EFcirc (−0.454, p=0.002), TAPSE/SPAP (−0.561, p<0.001), EF/SPAP (−0.516, p=0.001), EFlong/SPAP (−0.417, p=0.008) and EFcirc/SPAP (−0.534, p<0.001)].

Conclusions
RV-PC coupling is associated with both peak VO2 and VE/VCO2. The use of 3D-derived markers of RV-PC coupling showed a better correlation with the peak VO2 while there were no differences for VE/VCO2. The circumferential component of RV systolic function seems to emerge as a dominant determinant of RV-PC coupling, as well of functional capacity.
6074Cardiorespiratory fitness, socioeconomic status and mortality in middle-aged men: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Jae S Y , Kurl S , Franklin B A , Choo J , Kim H J , Kunutsor S K , Laukkanen J A 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Although both low socioeconomic status (SES) and poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are associated with increased chronic disease and a heightened risk of death, it remains unclear whether moderate-to-high levels of CRF confer survival benefits in low SES populations.

Purpose
The present study evaluated the hypothesis that SES and CRF predict all-cause mortality (ACM), cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and sudden cardiac death (SCD), and that moderate-to-high levels of CRF may attenuate the associations between low SES and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods
This prospective study was based on a population-based sample of 2,368 men aged 42 to 61 years, who were followed in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease cohort. CRF was directly measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during progressive exercise testing to volitional fatigue. SES was characterized using self-reported questionnaires via combined measures of income, education, occupation, occupational prestige, material standard of living, and housing conditions. CRF and SES were divided into tertiles, and 4 combined groups (Fit-high SES, Fit-low SES, Unfit-high SES, and Unfit-low SES) based on the median values of CRF and SES.

Results
During a 25 year median follow-up (interquartile ranges: 18–27 years), 1116 ACM, 512 CVD mortality and 221 SCD events occurred. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, smoking, alcohol, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glucose, diabetes, hypertensive medication, family history of coronary heart disease, and physical activity), the lowest levels of SES were at significantly increased risk for ACM (hazard ratio (HR) 1.49, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.30–1.71), CVD mortality (HR 1.38, 1.13–1.69) and SCD (HR 1.34, 0.97–1.84). In contrast, higher levels of CRF were associated with lower risks of ACM (HR 0.56, 0.46–0.67), CVD mortality (HR 0.53, 0.40–0.71) and SCD (HR 0.53, 0.34–0.83). In combined associations of SES and CRF with mortality, unfit-low SES had significantly higher risks of ACM (HR 2.12, 1.75–2.57), CVD mortality (HR 2.20, 1.64–2.94) and SCD (HR 2.95, 1.79–4.86), but fit-low SES was not associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular mortality or SCD (CVD mortality, 1.03, 0.73–1.46; SCD, 1.54, 0.87–2.72) as compared with their fit-high SES counterparts (reference).

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that both SES and CRF are independently associated with the risk of death; however, moderate-to-high levels of CRF appear to attenuate the risk of CVD mortality and SCD in low SES men. These unique data have important implications for public health interventions designed to enhance survival in underserved population cohorts.
6082A prospective, multicenter, nationwide, observational study of flecainide controlled release on the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation in Greece, the REFLEC-CR study
Authors: Tzeis S , Tsiachris D , Kourouklis S P , Patsourakos F , Karlis D , Kouskos G , Gavriilidou M , Koufaki P , Vatkalis N , Kapetanios K , Papadimitriou G , Taxiarchou E , Giannakoulas G 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia with a considerable impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). Flecainide acetate, is a class Ic antiarrhythmic agent, recommended as first line treatment in AF patients without underlying structural heart disease.

Purpose
This prospective, multicenter, nationwide, observational study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral treatment with controlled-release (CR) flecainide administered once daily on AF patients' QoL and treatment compliance during a 12-week period.

Methods
A total of 70 cardiologists participated in the study enrolling consecutive adult patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF, treated with flecainide CR in the context of a rhythm control strategy. The effect on QoL was assessed by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Severity of Atrial Fibrillation scale (CCS-SAF) measured at baseline and at 12 weeks of treatment.

Results
In total, 679 patients (53.2% females, mean age 65.9±11.7 years, 86.9% paroxysmal AF) were included in the analysis. At least one prior antiarrhythmic treatment was documented in 43.8% of patients. The initial daily dose of flecainide CR was 100mg in 71.7% of the patients, with a titration to 200mg by the end of study achieved in 67%. In 93.6% of patients an excellent compliance score (100%) to treatment was recorded at the end of the study period. Treatment with flecainide CR resulted in a significant improvement in QoL as presented in the table.
Table 1 CCS-SAF score Baseline (Week 0) End of study visit (Week 12) N=679 N=634 Class 1 (minimal effect on QoL) 343 (50.5) 464 (73.2) Class 2 (minor effect on QoL) 253 (37.2) 140 (22.1) Class 3 (moderate effect on QoL) 73 (10.8) 28 (4.4) Class 4 (severely impairs QoL) 10 (1.5) 2 (0.3) CCS-SAF continuous score   Mean ± SD 1.64±0.73 1.32±0.57 Change from baseline‡   Mean (95% CI) −0.325 (−0.379, −0.271)   p-value <0.0001 ‡Paired t-test is used.

Conclusions
This prospective, multicenter, observational study demonstrated that treatment of AF patients with flecainide CR, was associated with a significant improvement of QoL and excellent compliance to treatment.

Acknowledgement/Funding
Sponsored by WinMedica S.A.
6119Correction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement induced left bundle branch block by His bundle pacing
Authors: De Pooter J , Calle S , Coeman M , Philipsen T , Gheeraert P , Jordaens L , Kayaert P , Timmermans F , Vanheuverswyn F 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) occurs frequently after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and is associated with increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation, heart failure hospitalization and sudden cardiac death. This pilot study explored the feasibility of TAVR-induced LBBB correction with His bundle pacing (HBP).

Methods
Patients with TAVR -induced LBBB and postoperative need for permanent pacemaker implant were planned for electrophysiology study and HBP. Patients with persistent high degree AV-block were excluded. HBP was performed using the Select Secure pacing lead, delivered through a fixed curve or a deflectable sheath. Successful HBP was defined as correction of LBBB by selective or non-selective HBP with LBBB correction thresholds less than 3.5V at 1.0ms at implant.

Results
The study enrolled 6 patients (mean age 85±2.5 years, 50% male). Mean QRS duration was 152±10ms, PR-interval 212±12ms AH-interval 166±16ms and HV-interval 62±12ms. Successful HBP was achieved in 5/6 (83%) patients. Mean QRS duration decreased from 153±11ms to 88±14ms (p=0.002). At implantation, mean threshold for LBBB correction was 1.6±1.0V (unipolar) and 2.2±1.3V (bipolar) at 1.0ms. Periprocedural, two complete AV-blocks occurred, both spontaneously resolved by the end of the procedure. Thresholds remained stable at 1 month follow up: 1.8±1.0V (unipolar) and 2.3±1.5V (bipolar) at 1.0ms.
Figure 1

Conclusion
Permanent His bundle pacing can safely correct TAVR-induced LBBB in the majority of patients. Further studies are needed to assess potential benefits of His bundle pacing over conventional right ventricular pacing in this population.
6120Anatomical investigation of the sinus node artery and the radiofrequency application sites for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Suzuki T , Eguchi S , Ishihara D 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Circumferential pulmonary vein isolation is an established therapy for selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Three-dimensional imaging modalities can be useful to establish the mechanism of a procedure-related complication.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to investigate the course of the sinus node artery (SNA) and the coronary arterial injury during catheter ablation of AF.

Methods
In the 254 consecutive patients, the courses of the SNA were recorded using multislice computed tomography.

Results
The visualization rate was 96.9% (246/254). Of 246 patients, 287 SNAs were detected among which 114 (44.9%) originated from the right coronary artery, 91 (35.9%) from the left circumflex (Cx) artery, and 41 (16.1%) from both the right and Cx artery. Only SNAs originated from the Cx artery coursed along the left atrium. Only in 2 patients, SNAs coursed endocardial surface of the left atrium. In one of these 2 patients, sinus node dysfunction developed just after the ablation of the right superior pulmonary vein ostium, requiring a permanent pacemaker implantation. The SNA originated from the distal Cx artery, and precisely coursed endocardial surface at the radiofrequency application site. Coronary angiography revealed the occlusion of the SNA at that site, and the SNA occlusion was presumed the cause of the sinus node dysfunction in this patient.

Conclusion
The recognition of the course of the SNA is important in minimizing the risk of sinus node dysfunction during catheter ablation of AF.
6122Pulmonary vein isolation by different setting of high-power short-duration radiofrequency application: feasibility, short term efficacy and safety in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Castrejon Castrejon S , Martinez Cossiani M , Ortega Molina M , Escobar Cervantes C , Froilan Torres C , Gonzalo Bada N , Diaz De La Torre M , Suarez Parga J M , Batlle M , Gonzalez Davia R , Lopez Sendon J L , Merino J L 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
Pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) by point-by-point radiofrequency application (PPRF) results in longer procedures than cryoballoon ablation. In addition, it is associated with more esophageal lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of PVI by high power short duration (HPSD) PPRF in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods
PPRF around the PVs was done in 125 consecutive patients distributed in two chronologically successive groups. Conventional PPRF with 30W for ≤30 s under luminal esophageal temperature monitoring was performed in the first 47 patients (Group 1). 68 patients were enrolled in the HPSD (Group 2). Power was set to 50 W and delivered to reach a predefined lesion index value (LSI ≥5 or Abl-I ≥350) in the first 18 patients (Group 2A). 30 patients underwent PPRF with 60W for 7–10 s (Group 2B) and the last 30 patients underwent PPRF with 70W for 9 s (Group 2C). Esophageal endoscopy was performed after ablation in all patients.

Results
PVI of all targeted veins was achieved in 96% and 100% of patients of groups 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.6). Total RF time was 30 [27–43], 25 [20–29], 16 [14–20] and 14 [11–16] min in groups 1, 2A and 2B and 2C respectively (p<0.001). RF was delivered for 12 [9–17] s vs 9 [8–9]s vs 9 [8–9] per application in groups 2 A, 2B and 2C respectively (p<0.001). Total number of RFa to completely isolate all PV was 105 [90–126] in group 2A, 113 [90–135] in group 2B and 94 [79–112] in group 2C (p=0.12).
First-pass PVI was achieved in 56%, 57% and 85% of left PV (p=0.038) and in 56%, 60% and 82% of right PV (p=0.13) in groups 50W, 60W and 70W respectively. The carina was the most frequent location of persistent conduction when first-pass failed. Reconnections occurred in 6%, 3% and 11% of left PV (p=0.6) and in 6%, 7% and 4% (p=0.63) of right PV in groups 50W, 60W and 70W respectively. Adenosine test was systematically used in groups 60W and 70W: the incidence of dormant conduction was 23% and 22% (p=0.9) in left PV and 20% and 22% (p=0.8) in right PV respectively.
The incidence of esophageal lesions was 28% in Group 1, 2% in Group 2A, and 0% in groups 2B and 2C (p<0.001). No other intraprocedural complications occurred in the high-power group.
Total RF time

Conclusions
PVI is feasible with HPSD PPRF in most patients using shorter total RF times. This approach appears associated with very low incidence esophageal damage than the conventional one, especially when 60W/70W and shorter application time are used.

Acknowledgement/Funding
Grant of the Spanish Society of Cardiology
6129Temporal trends and patterns in cause-specific mortality and hospitalisations after incident heart failure: a longitudinal analysis of 86,000 individuals
Authors: Conrad N , Judge A , Canoy D , Cleland J G , McMurray J J V , Rahimi K 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
The past two decades have brought considerable improvements in heart failure care. Clinical trials have demonstrated effectiveness of several different treatments in reducing mortality and hospitalisations, and observational studies have shown that these treatments are increasingly being used in many countries. Little is known about whether these changes have been reflected in patient outcomes in routine clinical settings.

Methods
We used anonymised electronic health records that link information from primary care, secondary care, and the national death registry to investigate 86,000 individuals with newly diagnosed heart failure between 2002 and 2013 in the UK. We computed all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates and number of hospitalisations in the first year following diagnosis. We used Poisson regression models to calculate category-specific rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting for patients' age, sex, region, socioeconomic status and 17 major comorbidities.

Findings
One year after initial heart failure diagnosis, all-cause mortality rates were high (32%) and did not change significantly over the period of study (adjusted rate ratio (RR) 2013 vs 2002: 0.94 [0.88, 1]). Overall rates masked diverging trends in cause-specific outcomes: a decline in cardiovascular mortality (RR: 0.74 [0.68, 0.81]) was offset by an increase in non-cardiovascular mortality (RR: 1.28 [1.17, 1.39]), largely due to infections and chronic respiratory conditions. Sub-group analyses further showed that overall mortality declined among patients under 80 years of age (RR 2013 vs 2002: 0.79 [0.71, 0.88]), although not in older age groups (RR 2013 vs 2002: 0.97 [0.9, 1.06]). After cardiovascular causes (43%), the major causes of death identified in 2013 were neoplasms (15%), respiratory conditions (12%), and infections (11%). Hospital admissions within a year of heart failure diagnosis were common (1.15 hospitalisations per patient-year at risk), changed little over time (RR: 0.96 [0.92, 0.99]), and were largely (60%) due to non-cardiovascular causes.

Interpretation
Despite increased use of life-saving interventions, overall mortality and hospitalisations following a new diagnosis of heart failure have changed little over the past decade. Improved prognosis among young and middle-aged patients marks an important achievement and attests of complex barriers to progress in elderly patients. The shift from cardiovascular to non-cardiovascular causes of death suggest that management of associated comorbidities might offer additional opportunities to improve patients' prognosis.

Acknowledgement/Funding
British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health Research, UK Research and Innovation.