bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interatrial Block Predicts Atrial Fibrillation and Total Mortality in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Jacobsson J , Carlson J , Reitan C , Borgquist R , Platonov P.G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Interatrial block (IAB) and abnormal P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) are electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) and death. However, their prognostic importance has not been proven in CRT recipients with advanced heart failure (HF).

Purpose
To assess if IAB and abnormal PTFV1 are associated with new-onset AF or death in CRT recipients.

Methods
CRT recipients without AF history before CRT implantation were included (n=210, median age 67 years, 80% male, 55% ischemic heart disease, 70% NYHA Class III/IV, median LVEF 25%, 51% CRT-P). Automated analysis of P-wave duration (PWD) and morphology classified patients as having either No IAB (PWD &lt;120ms), Partial IAB (pIAB: PWD ≥120 ms, positive P waves in leads II and aVF) or Advanced IAB (aIAB: PWD ≥120 ms and biphasic or negative P wave in leads II or aVF). PTFV1 &gt;0.04 mm·s was considered abnormal. Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, NYHA Class, ischemic etiology of HF, LBBB, LVEF and CRT-P vs. CRT-D were performed to assess the impact of IAB and abnormal PTFV1 on the primary endpoint new-onset AF, death or heart transplant (HTx) and the secondary endpoint death or HTx at 5 years of follow up.

Results
IAB was found in 45% (34% pIAB and 11% aIAB) and was associated with both the primary (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9, p=0.004) and the secondary (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–3.4, p=0.006) endpoints. Abnormal PTFV1 was not associated with outcome. See Forest plot for adjusted HRs for individual P-wave indices.

Conclusions
IAB is associated with new-onset AF and death in CRT recipients and may be helpful in risk stratification in the context of HF management. Abnormal PTFV1 did not demonstrate any prognostic value in the setting of CRT-treated patients with advanced HF.
Forest plot

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation
Central and obstructive apneas prevalence in heart failure with reduced, mid-range and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Borrelli C , Sciarrone P , Gentile F , Ghionzoli N , Mirizzi G , Passino C , Emdin M , Giannoni A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Central apneas (CA) and obstructive apneas (OA) are highly prevalent in heart failure (HF) both with reduced and preserved systolic function. However, a comprehensive evaluation of apnea prevalence across HF according to ejection fraction (i.e HF with patients with reduced, mid-range and preserved ejection fraction- HFrEf, HFmrEF and HFpEF, respectively) throughout the 24 hours has never been done before.

Materials and methods
700 HF patients were prospectively enrolled and then divided according to left ventricular EF (408 HFrEF, 117 HFmrEF, 175 HFpEF). All patients underwent a thorough evaluation including: 2D echocardiography; 24-h Holter-ECG monitoring; cardiopulmonary exercise testing; neuro-hormonal assessment and 24-h cardiorespiratory monitoring.

Results
In the whole population, prevalence of normal breathing (NB), CA and OA at daytime was 40%, 51%, and 9%, respectively, while at nighttime 15%, 55%, and 30%, respectively.
When stratified according to left ventricular EF, CA prevalence decreased from HFrEF to HFmrEF and HFpEF: (daytime CA: 57% vs. 43% vs. 42%, respectively, p=0.001; nighttime CA: 66% vs. 48% vs. 34%, respectively, p&lt;0.0001), while OA prevalence increased (daytime OA: 5% vs. 8% vs. 18%, respectively, p&lt;0.0001; nighttime OA: 20 vs. 29 vs. 53%, respectively, p&lt;0.0001).
When assessing moderte-severe apneas, defined with an apnea/hypopnea index &gt;15 events/hour, prevalence of CA was again higher in HFrEF than HFmrEF and HFpEF both at daytime (daytime moderate-severe CA: 28% vs. 19% and 23%, respectively, p&lt;0.05) and at nighttime (nighttime moderate-severe CA: 50% vs. 39% and 28%, respectively, p&lt;0.05). Conversely, moderate-severe OA decreased from HFrEF to HFmrEF to HFpEF both at daytime (daytime moderate-severe OA: 1% vs. 3% and 8%, respectively, p&lt;0.05) and nighttime (noghttime moderate-severe OA: 10% vs. 11% and 30%, respectively, p&lt;0.05).

Conclusions
Daytime and nighttime apneas, both central and obstructive in nature, are highly prevalent in HF regardless of EF. Across the whole spectrum of HF, CA prevalence increases and OA decreases as left ventricular systolic dysfunction progresses, both during daytime and nighttime.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Temporal characteristics of an integrated diagnostics risk score before and after heart failure hospitalizations in a large real-world population of patients with implantable devices
Authors: Koehler J , Ippolito E , Warman E.N , Sarkar S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Diagnostic parameters measured in implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRTD) have been shown to change before and after heart failure (HF) events with fluid overload.

Purpose
We investigated the temporal characteristics of an integrated diagnostic risk score before and after HF events in a large real-world cohort of patients with ICD/CRTD devices.

Methods
We linked a de-identified database of aggregated electronic health record (EHR) data (2007–2017) to a manufacturer's device database with continuous diagnostic monitoring data. Patients with ICD/CRTD implants with intra-thoracic impedance diagnostic feature were included for this study. The previously defined integrated diagnostic risk score was derived by combining daily diagnostic data, including intra-thoracic impedance, night-time heart rate, activity, heart rate variability, and atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, ventricular rate during AF, CRT pacing, ventricular tachycardia episodes and shocks, in a Bayesian Belief Network framework. HF event was defined as an inpatient, emergency department, or observation unit stay in a hospital with primary diagnosis of HF and intravenous diuretic administration. Temporal average of daily risk score across all patients in the 60 days pre and post HF events were compared in HF events with and without readmission within 60 days and with no HF event during pre and post follow-up days.

Results
A total of 17,886 patients with 1.8±1.2 years of follow-up met inclusion criteria. The average age of patients was 66.6±12.3 years, with 72% being males, and 51% with ICD devices. The average integrated diagnostics risk score in HF events with and without readmission and with no events is shown in Figure. A total of 1174 patients had 1425 HF events with no readmission for HF within 60 days and 282 patients had 295 HF events which were followed by readmission for HF within 60 days. A total of 17,839 patients had no HF events over 86,858 follow-up months. The average daily risk score across all patients was higher on all 60 days pre and post HF event with readmission compared to HF events with no readmission (p&lt;0.001) and both were higher compared to follow-up period with no events (p&lt;0.001). The risk score recovers less often after HF events which are followed by readmission within 60 days compared to HF events with no readmission.

Conclusions
In a large real-world population of patients with ICD/CRTD devices, the average integrated diagnostics risk score was higher before and after HF events with readmission compared to HF events with no readmission. Re-admissions are more likely in patients with smaller risk score recovery after HF events.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Private company. Main funding source(s): Medtronic Plc
Strong independent association between hospital bleeding and death in acute coronary syndromes: causal relationship or coexistence of two phenomena?
Authors: Melo M.H.V.M , Pontes B , Bagano G.O.B , Azevedo T.E.A.S , Filgueiras P.H.C.F , Lopes P.O.A.L , Meireles A.C.M , Porto J.V.M.P.O , Oliveira A.L.F.O.J.R , Viana M.S.V , Noya-Rabelo M.M.N.R , Correia L.C.L.C 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Bleeding and hospital death have an independent association in observational records of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), leading to interpretation of this relationship as causal. However, association does not guarantee causality, and better exploitation of this phenomenon is necessary.

Purpose
To describe the association between bleeding and death of patients with ACS, exploring causality through the cascade of events that separate these two phenomena.

Methods
Patients consecutively admitted to Coronary Unit by objective criteria of ACS were included prospectively. Major bleeding during hospitalization was defined according to types 3 and 5 of the Universal Bleeding Classification. Logistic regression and sequence analysis of events were used to evaluate the association between bleeding and death.

Results
A total of 1104 patients were studied, age 65±14 years, 58% male, 23% with ST elevation. The incidence of major bleeding was 4.7% (52 cases). Bleeding patients presented mortality of 31% (16 deaths), compared to 4.7% death in the non-bleeding group (RR=6.6, 95% CI: 4.0–11). Those who bled had a GRACE score significantly higher than those free of bleeding (157±39 versus 121±38, P&lt;0.001). After adjustment for this score, bleeding remained strongly associated with death (OR=4.5, 95% CI: 2.1–9.7, P&lt;0.001). However, among the 16 deaths that occurred after bleeding, in 56% of the patients the death was due to hemorrhage, while the remainder was a consequence of the myocardial injury of the infarct or natural evolution of noncardiac morbidities.

Conclusion
The independent association between major bleeding and death in acute coronary syndromes is only partially mediated by causality. In the same proportion, deaths coexist with bleeding without a causal relationship.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
External validation of the PRECISE-DAPT score in a large nationwide population of myocardial infarction patients: a SWEDEHEART study
Authors: Wester A , Mohammad M.A , Erlinge D , Koul S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement in myocardial infarction (MI) patients has improved ischemic outcomes but increased the risk of bleeding. The PRECISE-DAPT (Predicting bleeding complications in patients undergoing stent implantation and subsequent dual antiplatelet therapy) score has been implemented in recent guidelines to tailor the duration of DAPT based on each patient's individual risk profile. However, to date it has only been externally validated on small data samples or exclusively for subgroups of PCI treated MI patients.

Purpose
To assess the performance of the PRECISE-DAPT score in a nationwide cohort of MI patients undergoing PCI with subsequent DAPT. This will be the world's largest validation of the PRECISE-DAPT score in approximately 20.000 unique real-world MI patients.

Methods
Data from the Swedish Websystem for Enhancement of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) registry on MI patients treated with DAPT after PCI between 2008 and 2016 in Sweden were obtained and merged with the Swedish Patient Registry as well as the Prescribed Drugs Registry that holds data from all Swedish pharmacies. The ability of PRECISE-DAPT to predict bleeding and ischemic outcomes in relation to DAPT duration was determined.

Results
Results are to be announced.

Conclusions
Whether the PRECISE-DAPT score can be validated or not in a large nationwide cohort of MI patients in relation to DAPT duration, has the potential to impact current DAPT guidelines and clinical decision making in everyday practice. Further results and conclusions are to be announced.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Märta Winkler's research foundation and Thorsten Westerström's research foundation
Left ventricle unloading and valvular integrity following microaxial mechanical circulatory support: a two year follow-up study
Authors: Hatzis G , Ahrens H , Karatolios K , Markus B , Divchev D , Syntila S , Schuett H , Schieffer B , Luesebrink U 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Although the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) systems may improve the outcome of patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to myocardial infarction, little is known about its effect on the long-term structural integrity of left-ventricular (LV) valves as well as on the development of LV- architecture.

Methods
84 consecutive patients were monitored over 2 years having received microaxillar MCS device (ImpellaTM CP or 2.5) for complete coronary revascularization followed by optimal medical treatment.

Results
62 patients were treated for severe cardiogenic shock and compared with 22 patients receiving short-term microaxillar MCS for high risk percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). 24 patients of the total population received Impella CP (14F motor pump) and the remaining 60 patients received Impella 2.5 (12F motor pump). Beside a significant increase in LV-ejection fraction after 2 years (p≤0.03 vs. pre implantation) in total cohort, we observed a statistically significant decrease in LV-dilation (p&lt;0.001) and the severity of mitral valve regurgitation (p=0.007) in the 2 year follow-up period suggesting an improved LV-architecture. Neither the duration of support, nor the size of the MCS device or the indication for its use revealed any devastating impact on aortic or mitral valve integrity.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that beside complete revascularization and optimal medical treatment, microaxillar transvalvular MCS device supports the restoration of LV-architecture without detrimental long-term effects on the structural integrity of LV valves regardless of the size of the device or the duration of support.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
The impact of coronary heart disease on productivity in Australia over ten years
Authors: Savira F , Wang B.H , Kompa A.R , Ademi Z , Owen A , Liew D , Zomer E 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the highest individual disease burden in Australia and associated with productivity losses through unplanned absence from work, reduced output while at work and early labour force withdrawal. Approximately eighty per cent of CHD cases in Australia are preventable, suggesting the potential benefit of employing preventive strategies addressing populations at risk of CHD.

Purpose
To determine the preventable productivity burden attributable to CHD over the next ten years, using the novel productivity measure: the “productivity-adjusted life year” (PALY).

Methods
A dynamic life table model was constructed for the total Australian population, separated by CHD status. Analysis was limited to the Australian working-age population (15–69 years) over ten years (2020–2029). Australian age- and sex-specific prevalence, incidence, migration and mortality data was employed, and productivity estimates were sourced from the literature. The PALY was ascribed a financial value in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per equivalent full-time worker. The total number of years lived, total PALYs, and total economic burden (in terms of cost of PALYs) were estimated for each year. The model simulation was repeated assuming incidence was reduced, and the differences represented the preventable productivity burden attributable to CHD. All outcomes beyond the first year were discounted by 5% per annum.

Results
Over the next ten years, the total projected years lived and PALYs among the Australian working-age population (with and without CHD) were approximately 132 million and 83 million, respectively, amounting to A$17.2 trillion (€10.5 trillion) in GDP. We predicted nearly 40,000 new (incident) CHD cases over this ten-year period. If, however, we could prevent these new cases of CHD, a total of 14,000 deaths could be averted, resulting in more than 8,000 years of life saved and 100,000 PALYs gained, equivalent to A$21 billion (€12.9 billion) in GDP.

Conclusion
Prevention of CHD will prolong both years of life lived and productive life years, resulting in substantial economic benefit. Policy makers and employers are encouraged to engage in preventive measures addressing CHD.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None
Proteomic profiling of acute stent thrombi reveals critical involvement of the complement system
Authors: Hofbauer T.M , Distelmaier K , Bileck A , Ondracek A.S , Seidl V , Frueh A , Neuditschko B , Mangold A , Pils D , Gerner C , Lang I.M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Stent thrombosis (ST) is a severe complication after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Apart from procedure- and lesion-related parameters and patient-related factors. However, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of ST are still not fully understood.

Purpose
We aimed to perform in-depth proteomic analysis of ST to understand its pathogenesis.

Methods
We recruited 77 patients suffering from ST after pPCI for myocardial infarction (MI). As controls, we included matched patients suffering from native vessel acute myocardial infarction (NT, n=154). Five cases of acute ST (within 24 h) and six cases of NT thrombi aspirated from the culprit site were subjected to shotgun proteomic analysis. Gene-set analysis was employed to screen for pathways differing between ST and NT. All-cause mortality was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results
9 patients presented with acute ST (&lt;24 h, 11.7%), 18 patients with subacute ST (24 h to 30 days, 23.4%), 11 patients with late ST (30 days to 1 year, 14.3%) and 39 patients with very late ST (&gt;1 year, 50.6%). ST was associated with increased all-cause mortality compared to NT (mean survival 129 vs. 109 months, log-rank p=0.032). We identified a total of 2438 proteins to be expressed in both ST and NT thrombi. Gene set analysis revealed the complement system to be highly active in acute ST compared to NT. Specifically, we found factors of both the classical (complement factor [C]1q, C1s) and alternative pathway (complement factor B) to be increased in ST, along with higher levels of C2, C3, C4a, C4b, C5, C8a and C9.

Conclusion
This hypothesis-generating study highlights a crucial role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of acute ST. Further studies are required to validate these findings in a larger cohort.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Austrian Science Fund
Cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping allows for predicting adverse left ventricular remodeling post-reperfused st-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang L , Guo Y.K , Yang Z.G , Yang M.X , Diao K.Y , Zhou X.Y 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiac magnet resonance (CMR) T1 mapping allows the quantitative characterization of the severity of tissue injury and predict functional recovery in acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Purpose
The study aimed to investigate whether native T1 and ECV of infarct myocardium are influenced by microvascular obstruction (MVO) and have predictive value for adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling post-infarction.

Method
A cohort of 54 patients with successfully reperfused STEMI underwent CMR imaging at a 3T scanner in AMI and 3 months post-infarction. Native T1 data was acquired using a modified Look-Locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) sequence, and ECV maps were calculated using blood sampled hematocrit. Manual regions-of-interest were drawn within the infarct myocardium to measure native T1 and ECV (native T1infarct and ECVinfarct, respectively). MVO identified as a low-intensity area within the infarct zone on LGE was eliminated.

Results
MVO was present in 36 patients (66.67%) in AMI. ECVinfarct in patients with MVO was different from those without (58.66±8.71% vs. 49.64±8.82%, P=0.001), while no significant difference in T1infarct was observed between patients with and without MVO (1474.7±63.5ms vs. 1495.4±98.0ms, P=0.352). ECV correlated well with the change in end-diastolic volume (all patients: r=0.564, P&lt;0.001) and predicted LV remodeling in patients with and without MVO (rMVO absent = 0.626, P=0.005; rMVO present = 0.686, P&lt;0.001; all patients: r=0.622, P&lt;0.001); Native T1 was only associated with a 3-month change in LV end-diastolic volume (rMVO absent= 0.483, P=0.042) and predicted LV remodeling in patients without MVO (rMVO absent = 0.659, P=0.003). Furthermore, ECV had an association with LV remodeling (β=0.312, P=0.007) in multivariable logistic analysis.

Conclusion
Absolute native T1 in infarct myocardium might be affected by MVO but ECV isn't. ECV could predict LV remodeling in MI patients with and without MVO, while native T1 predict it in MI with MVO absent.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): 1·3·5 project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital, Sichuan University
Lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are associated with increased cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving contemporary lipid-lowering therapy
Authors: Nakazawa M , Arashi H , Inagaki Y , Otsuki H , Yamaguchi J , Ogawa H , Hagiwara N 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to elucidate whether high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) at 3-month follow-up for patients receiving contemporary lipid-lowering therapy after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) could predict cardiac events.

Methods
The HIJ-PROPER study was a multicenter, prospective, randomized trial comparing intensive lipid-lowering therapy (pitavastatin + ezetimibe) and conventional lipid-lowering therapy (pitavastatin monotherapy) after ACS. For the present analysis, the entire cohort was divided into three groups according to HDL-C levels at 3-month follow-up (Group 1, HDL-C ≤43 mg/dL; Group 2, 43–53.6 mg/dL; Group 3; HDL-C ≥53.6 mg/dL). Baseline characteristics and the incidence of the primary endpoint (a composite of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, unstable angina pectoris, or ischemia-driven revascularization) were compared among the three groups.

Results
The primary endpoint was reported in 34.8%, 30.1%, and 24.6% of patients in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The incidence of the primary endpoint was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 3 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–1.9; p=0.001). Irrespective of the treatment regimen, Group 1 had a significantly higher rate of the primary endpoint than Group 3 (pitavastatin + ezetimibe therapy: HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.12–2.22; p=0.01 and pitavastatin monotherapy: HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.05–1.98; p=0.02). These trends remained even after adjustment for baseline characteristics and lipid profiles.

Conclusions
Lower levels of HDL-C at 3-month follow-up are associated with higher incidence of the cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving contemporary lipid-lowering therapy.
HDL-C levels and Cardiovascular events

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding source: None