bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P2828Survival after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest decrease over time in all Utstein categories. The importance of a long follow-up
Authors: Baldi E , Buratti S , Contri E , Canevari S , Molinari S , Pagani M , Lusona B , Mojoli F , Bertona R , Osti R , Palo A , Oltrona Visconti L , De Ferrari G M , Savastano S 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Survival beyond 1-month after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is still considered a challenge for OHCA registries and it is often unexplored. However, a longer follow-up could help to better comprehend the long-term issues of OHCA survivors.

Purpose
Our aim was to evaluate the long-term outcome after OHCA via an Utstein-based cardiac arrest registry with a long follow-up (up to 5 years).

Methods
We enrolled all the people with an OHCA of any aetiology in our Province (about 55ehz748.1138 inhabitants in northern Italy) in whom CPR was attempted. The primary endpoint was the survival at 1 month, and the secondary endpoints were the survival at 6 months and then every year until 5 years after OHCA.

Results
In the first 45 months (October 2014–June 2018) 1774 resuscitation attempts for confirmed OHCAs were enrolled. Baseline characteristics: male 59.7%; mean age of 73.4±16 years; mean EMS response time was 11:31±5:09 mins; home location 78.8%; bystander-witnessed events were 56.1%; EMS witnessed event 15.6%; bystander CPR 39.5%; AED use before EMS arrival 2.5%; medical etiology 93%; first shockable rhythm 18.2% (90.7% VF, 2.5% VT without pulse, 6.8% AED shockable). When considering survival from the event (Figure 1 – left panel), survival was significantly higher for shockable Utstein categories (p<0.001). Considering only those patients discharged alive (Figure 1 – right panel) long term survival was significantly higher (p<0.01) once again for shockable rhythms. Interestingly, in this category survival continued to decrease over time ranging about from 90% in the first year to about 80% at four years.
Figure 1

Conclusions
Our results demonstrated that survival after OHCA can change over the time in all the Utstein categories, so we believe that a longer follow-up should be encouraged by next Utstein style revision.
P2830Clinical and genetic findings in relatives to young sudden cardiac death victims without post-mortem examination (autopsy)
Authors: Kjerrumgaard A , Jacobsen E M , Hansen B L , Winkel B G , Christensen A H , Bundgaard H 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Guidelines recommend clinical assessment of relatives to young sudden cardiac death (SCD) victims (<50 years) to protect the surviving relatives by pre-symptomatic interventions, in case the SCD was due to an inherited cardiac disorder. The etiology is an inherited cardiac disease in about 50% of young SCD cases. The work-up of relatives is generally guided by findings in the SCD victim. If post-mortem examinations (autopsies) have not been performed the work-up of relatives is challenged. The diagnostic hit-ratio of screening of relatives under these circumstances is unclear.

Purpose
To assess the diagnostic yield of inherited cardiac diseases of cardiac work-up in relatives of SCD victims, where no autopsy had been performed.

Methods
This retrospective study consecutively included families referred to our tertiary referral centre, specialised in hereditary cardiac diseases, during the period 2005 to 2018 due to SCD in the family. No autopsy had been performed in any of the SCD victims. The relatives underwent standard cardiac work-up according to guidelines. Based on the findings in the relatives the families were categorised into: 1) definite diagnosis, 2) borderline diagnosis or 3) undiagnosed.

Results
We assessed 149 relatives (43±16 age, 48% men) to 84 SCD un-autopsied cases (44±11 age, 79% men). In 11 (13%) families a definite diagnosis was established, in 8 (10%) families a borderline diagnosis was found and the remaining 65 (77%) families remained undiagnosed. The most common diagnosis was premature IHD (36%) followed by cardiomyopathies (27%) and channelopathies (27%). A disease-causing mutation was identified in 3 families out of 15 genetically examined families.

Conclusion
Systematic cardiac work-up of relatives to not-autopsied SCD victims, revealed a definite hereditary cardiac disease in 13% of the referred families, and a borderline diagnosis in additionally 10% of the families. Despite a reduced diagnostic yield in family members of non-autopsied SCD victims, work-up of relatives is clearly still justified.
P2840Discrimination between sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation/flutter: reliability of seven different built-in automatic-diagnostic computer programs in a cohort of >2000 12-lead electrocardiograms
Authors: Diemberger I , Martignani C , Massaro G , Lorenzetti S , De Bie J 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation and flutter (AF/AFl) are the more common sustained arrhythmias in the elderly. ESC guidelines underline the need for large-scale screening strategies, especially to improve primary prevention of thromboembolic complications. However, the current gold-standard for identification of AF/AFl is a 12-lead ECG reviewed by an appropriately trained physician. The availability of automatic discrimination between AF/AFl and sinus rhythm (SR) by automatic- diagnostic computer programs (ACP) implemented in current 12-lead ECG recorders is a possible solution to improve this process.

Aim
To assess the reliability and agreement of the main world-wide available ACPs implemented in current 12-lead ECG recorders in discriminating between AF/AFl vs. SR in a large dataset of real-world ECGs.

Methods
We assessed seven ECG interpretation programs from seven different manufacturers (GE 12SL, Glasgow, MEANS, Midmark, Mortara VERITAS, Philips DXL and Schiller). We created a large set of representative ECGs converted from previously recorded digital ECGs acquired with equipment that complied with the requirements of International Electrotechnical Commission standard IEC 60601–2-51:2003 and were representative of those in hospital settings. We excluded ECGs from pacemaker carriers. We used a specific device for playing back ECGs to 12-lead ECG recorders implementing the seven programs. Each statement from automatic diagnosis provided by each device was recorded and combined appropriately for the purpose of this analysis: identification of AF/AFl vs. SR. Gold standard was built by independent re-assessment by three different reviewers.

Results
We collected 2064 10s 12-lead ECGs with SR (1882) or AF/AFl (182) that were analyzed by seven different ACP. ECG's with other arrhythmias were excluded for this analysis (to increase transferability of the results). All seven programs agreed on SR in 1645 (87.4%) and AF/AFl in 139 cases (76.4%) (Figure 1, panel A). In 280 cases (13.6%), at least one program did not agree with the others. After revision by cardiologists 237 were found to be SR and 43 AF/AFl. Sensitivity for AF/AFl ranged between 90%-97% and false positive diagnosis ranged between 3.4% and 0.4%. Notably, the chance of obtaining at least a wrong diagnosis from one device was 280/2064 (13.6%), with a number of possible false AF/AFl greater than real prevalence of AF/AFl (Figure 1, panel B).
Figure 1

Conclusions
Despite a general good reliability of each single ACP for AF/AFl recognition the chance of between-device discordance is not negligible and the risk of false positive automatic diagnosis of AF/AFl should be considered when managing real-world patients especially when deciding to start oral anticoagulation.
P2846Focal impulse and rotor modulation ablation versus pulmonary vein isolation for the treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (FIRMAP AF study)
Authors: Tilz R , Lenz C L , Sommer P S , Sawan N , Meyer-Saraei R , Shpun S , Sarver A , Heeger C , Hindricks G , Vogler J , Eitel C 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Based on the assumption of trigger elimination, pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) currently presents the gold standard of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. Recently, rapidly spinning rotors or focal impulse formation has been raised as a crucial sustaining mechanism of AF. Ablation of these rotors may potentially obviate the need for trigger elimination with PVI.

Purpose
This study sought to compare the safety and effectiveness of Focal Impulse and Rotor Modulation (FIRM) guided catheter ablation only with the gold standard of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Methods
This was a post-market, prospective, single-blinded, randomized, multi-center trial. Patients were enrolled at three centers and equally (1:1) randomized between those undergoing conventional RF ablation with PVI (PVI group) vs. those treated with FIRM-guided RF ablation without PVI (FIRM group). Data was collected at enrollment, procedure, and at 7-day, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. The study was closed early by the sponsor. At the time of study closure, any pending follow-up visits were waived.

Results
From February 2016 until February 2018, a total of 51 (out of a planned 170) patients (mean age 63±10.6 years, 57% male) were enrolled and randomized. Four patients withdrew from the study prior to treatment, resulting in 23 patients allocated to the FIRM group and 24 in the PVI group. Only 13 patients in the FIRM group and 11 patients in the PVI group completed the 12-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was not completed given the small number of patients.
Single-procedure effectiveness (freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia recurrence after blanking period) was 52.9% (9/17) in the FIRM group and 85.7% (12/14) in the PVI group at 6 months; and 31.3% (5/16) in the FIRM group and 80% (8/10) in the PVI group at 12 months. Repeat procedures were performed in 45.8% (11/24) patients in the FIRM group and 7.4% (2/27) in the PVI group.
The acute safety endpoint [freedom from procedure-related serious adverse events (SAE)] was achieved in 87% (20/23) of FIRM group patients and 100% (24/24) of PVI group patients. Procedure related SAEs occurred in three patients in the FIRM group: 1 femoral artery aneurysm and 2 injection site hematomas. No additional procedure-related SAEs were reported >7 days post-procedure.

Conclusions
These partial study effectiveness results reinforce the importance of PVI in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation patients and suggest that FIRM-guided ablation alone (without PVI) is not an effective strategy for treatment of paroxysmal AF in most patients. Further study is needed to understand the effectiveness of adding FIRM-guided ablation as an adjunct to PVI in this patient group.

Acknowledgement/Funding
Abbot
P2852Risk factors for death and survival after TLE in the groups of eighty- and ninety-year-olds
Authors: Jachec W , Polewczyk A , Segreti L , Bongiorni M G , Kutarski A 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Despite the fact that the transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is the method of choice of treatment for pacing complications, these procedures are not often performed in the elderly. The prognosis after TLE in these groups of patients is uncertain.

Aim
Evaluation of risk factors for death of patients who underwent TLE over the age 80 and 90 years.

Methods
3368 patients with complete follow-up data (mean age at the time of procedure; 65.38±15.64 years old, 1198 female) who underwent TLE procedures in two high volume experienced European centers. Risk factors for death in patients divided in to three groups depending on the age: below the age of 80 (group A, n=2854) and in groups of eighty-years-old (group B, n=484) and ninety-years old (group C, n=30) were determined using the Cox multivariable model.
The survival of eighty-year-olds and ninety-year-olds was worse compared to younger patients and they did not differ between themselves (Figure 1).

Results
815 deaths occurred during 3.87±2.76 years of follow-up; 611 (21.4%) in group A, 192 (39.7%) in group B (p<0,001) and 12 (40%) in group C (p<0.001) (B, C vs A, χ2 test). Results of multivariable Cox regression analysis are present in Table 1.
Table 1 Group A Group B Group C Age <80 years old Age between 80–90 years old Age ≥90 years old HR (95% CI) HR (95% CI) HR (95% CI) Female (y/n) 1.026; (0.851–1.238) 1.202 (0.874–1.654) 1.332; (0.428–4.146) Age in TLE (year) 1.021; (1.013–1.029) 1.053 (0.996–1.114) 0.997; (0.701–1.418) NYHA class (by one) 1.391; (1.240–1.561) 1.409 (1.134–1.750) 1.312; (0.698–2.466) LVEF (1%) 0.974; (0.967–0.980) 0.993 (0.982–1.005) 1.003; (0.947–1.063) Hypertension (y/n) 1.062; (0.889–1.268) 0.595 (0.428–0.828) 0.679; (0.203–2.271) Diabetes (y/n) 1.384; (1.152–1.662) 1.333 (0.951–1.868) 1.522; (0.398–5.821) Creatinin level (umol/l) 1.045; (1.020–1.070) 1.608 (1.385–1.866) 2.247; (0.704–7.171) Atrial fibrillation (y/n) 1.402; (1.169–1.682) 1.066 (0.783–1.451) 1.278; (0.380–4.296) ICD (y/n) 0.994; (0.825–1.198) 0.942 (0.618–1.437) 1.922; (0.419–8.830) Infectious indications (y/n) 1.137; (0.913–1.415) 1.014 (0.671–1.533) 1.104; (0.298–4.091) Lead related endocarditis 1.511; (1.174–1.945) 1.576 (1.004–2.474) 1.942; (0.385–9.804)

Conclusion
The survival of eighty-year-olds and ninety-year-olds did not differ between themselves in long term follow-up after TLE. There were no specific risk factors affecting the risk of mortality in long-term observation after TLE in nanogenarius
P2855Unexpectedly high rate of lead failure of the Microport (formerly Sorin/Livanova) Beflex and Vega pacemaker electrodes: A single centre experience
Authors: Anwander M , Kueffer T , Branca M , Sweda R , Nozica N , Asatryan B , Lam A , Baldinger S , Haeberlin A , Seiler J , Servatius H , Tanner H , Reichlin T , Roten L , Noti F 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Pacing leads remain the weak link of current pacemaker systems. Various differences in design and material exist among companies. Lead performance is mainly assessed via post-marketing studies of the manufacturing companies. Reliable independent reports are rare. We aimed to study the early and long-term performance of the Microport (formerly Sorin/Livanova) Beflex and Vega leads at our centre, for which a lead survival >99% at 3 years has been reported by the company.

Method
In this single centre, retrospective study we analysed the performance of all right ventricular Microport pacemaker leads implanted at our centre between January 2014 and January 2018. Only first pacemaker implants were considered. Lead failure was defined as any lead issue requiring reintervention during follow-up (dislocation, perforation, electrical abnormalities such as lead noise or excessively high thresholds).

Results
A total of 271 Microport right ventricular pacing leads were implanted (233 Beflex and 38 Vega leads). Mean patient age was 76±13.1 years (66% men). Dual chamber pacemakers were implanted in 162 patients (60%) and single chamber in 109 (40%). Mean threshold at implant was 0.6V/0.5ms (range 0.3–1.2V), mean R wave 13.2 mV (range 1.5–30mV) and mean impedance 816 Ohm (range 469–1639 Ohm). Patients without available follow-up information were excluded (N=18, 6.6%). The remaining 253 patients (93.4%) were analysed. Median follow-up was 1.26 years, IQR [25%=0.91 and 75%=2.24]. We observed a total of 25 lead failures (10%). Lead dislocation occurred in 2 cases (0.8%), lead perforation in 5 cases (2%), electrical abnormalities in 6 cases (2.4%) and excessively high threshold in 12 cases (4.8%; mean voltage 4V, range 2–7.5V; mean pulse width 0.75ms, range 0.35–1ms). Yearly incidence of lead failure per 100 leads was 6.1% (95%-CI [4.09–8.98] with a failure rate of 12.74% at 3 year in Kaplan-Meier analysis (Figure).
Figure 1

Conclusion
We found an unexpectedly high rate of lead failure of the Microport Beflex and Vega pacing leads at our centre. The two main reasons for premature lead failure were excessively high thresholds as well as electrical abnormalities during follow-up. Comparison of lead performance with other centres and against other leads are needed to further assess the magnitude of the problem.
P2858Cardiac implantable device malfunctions during radiotherapy courses up to 10 Gy: a double-center, prospective, randomized, in-vitro evaluation
Authors: Di Girolamo E , Marini M , Faustino M , Furia N , Appignani M , Genovesi D , Di Carlo C , Delana A , Barbareschi A , Falco M D 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Exposure to radiotherapy in patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), both pacemakers (PMs) or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), seems to be still troubleshooting. Unlike magnetic resonance imaging, high dose photon radiation at even less than 6MV power, notoriously a non-neutron-producing setting, may transiently or permanently affect normal device function. Malfunctions may be harmfull and life-threatening in high risk patients, such as PM-dependent or ICD ones.

Purpose
To evaluate CIED malfunctions by direct exposure to doses more than 2Gy in oncologic radiotherapy, 162 CIEDs (116 PMs and 46 ICDs) from two different centers, with at least 4 months to Elective Replacement Indicator (E.R.I.) were evaluated.

Methods
All CIEDs had a baseline telemetry interrogation. Single chamber devices were programmed in the VVI/40 mode and dual or triple chamber devices were programmed in the DDD/40 mode. Rate adaptive function was disabled. In ICDs, antitachycardia therapies were disabled with the ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation monitor still enabled. To build the corresponding treatment plan a centering Computed Tomography was performed and CIEDs were blinded randomized (4:4:4) to either 2, 5 or 10 Gy direct exposure by a low photon-energy LINAC (6MV) in a water phantom. An in-vivo dosimetry assessed the effective dose received by the CIEDs. All CIEDs had a telemetry-interrogation, using manufacturer specific equipment, immediately after exposure and monthly for a four-month follow-up.

Results
Immediately after exposure, 1 reset to emergency mode was observed in a PM (0.6% overall; 0.9% among PMs)), while 7 PMs reached the E.R.I immediately after exposure (4.3% overall; 6% among PMs). 10 ICDs (6.2% overall; 21.8% among ICDs) reporded multiple ventricular fibrillation detection stored in the device memory. During follow-up, 3 PMs (1.9% overall; 2.6% among PMs) and 1 ICD (0.6% overall; 2.2% among ICDs) reached the E.R.I. and 1 PM (0.6% overall; 0.9% among PMs) switched to emergency mode. All reported events occurred regardless of either 2, 5, or 10 Gy direct exposure. Malfunctions were observed in only older CIEDs.

Conclusions
Our data suggest recent CIEDs withstanding direct oncologic radiotherapy exposure up to 10 Gy, commonly considered not recommended or even unsafe by manufacturer statements and clinical guidelines. Malfunctions occurred in only older devices.

Acknowledgement/Funding
None
P2861Elevated cc chemokine receptor 2 expression and higher migratory activity of monocytes in atrial fibrillation patients with progressive structural remodeling
Authors: Miyosawa K , Iwata H , Takano A , Hayashi H , Funamizu T , Doi S , Tabuchi H , Sekita G , Matsushita S , Amano A , Daida H 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Inflammation in atrial tissue underlies structural remodeling of left atrium, which is a hallmark of atrial fibrillation (AF). Activated monocytes mediate inflammation; however, the role of monocytes in AF pathogenesis has not been extensively examined. In this study, we thus investigated the association between structural remodeling of left atrium, represented by left atrial dimension (LAD), and characteristics of peripheral monocytes in patients with AF.

Methods
Blood samples were collected from patients undergone catheter ablation between July 2017 and October 2018, including AF patients (n=152) and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) patients, which serves as a control non-AF group (n=22). AF patients were further divided into two groups by the median of LAD (normal LAD group: LAD <40 mm, n=77, large LAD group: LAD ≥40 mm, n=75). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated to analyze monocyte subsets by flow cytometry. In a subset of patients, we further isolated monocytes from PBMC by using magnetic bead-based negative selection method then gene products associated with inflammation or monocyte functions were evaluated. We also examined migratory activity of monocytes toward monocyte chemotactic protein-1, a ligand for CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), using a modified Boyden chamber method. Finally, we performed immunofluorescence staining of monocytes and macrophages in left atrial appendages resected from patients underwent coronary bypass graft surgery (CABG) complicated by AF.

Results
There were no differences in age, body mass index and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels among three groups, including non-AF, normal LAD and large LAD groups, except that more female subjects were included in non-AF group. We found that proportions of classical CD14++CD16- and nonclassical CD14+CD16++ monocytes were higher (non-AF: 71.2±7.3% vs. AF: 75.5±8.3%, p<0.05) and lower (non-AF: 16.4±5.9% vs. AF: 13.2±5.5%, p<0.05), respectively, in all AF patients compared with those in non-AF group, while no significant difference was observed between normal and large LAD groups. In monocytes from large LAD group, mRNA levels of CCR2, a receptor to mediate monocyte chemotaxis, were significantly higher compared to those in normal LAD group (Figure A, p<0.05). Furthermore, monocytes isolated from large LAD group exhibited higher migratory capacity compared to normal LAD group (Figure B, p<0.01). Finally, higher monocyte/macrophage infiltrations to left atrial appendages were implicated in patients with large LAD, shown by immunofluorescence staining.

Conclusions
Monocytes in AF patients with enlarged left atrium expressed higher CCR2 mRNA and were more active in chemotaxis to MCP-1, suggesting the proactive roles of activated monocytes in the pathogenesis of arterial remolding in AF.