bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of significant preprocedural mitral regurgitation on mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Karmpalioti M , Drakopoulou M , Oikonomou G , Simopoulou C , Soulaidopoulos S , Apostolos A , Toskas P , Stathogiannis K , Synetos A , Latsios G , Tsioufis C , Toutouzas K 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Mitral regurgitation (MR) is commonly encountered in patients with severe aortic stenosis scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The presence of significant pre-procedural MR, however, has not been accounted in pivotal trials of TAVI and data regarding its independent impact on outcome are contradictory.

Methods
Patients with severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis [effective orifice area (EOA) ≤1cm2] referred for TAVI at our institution were consecutively enrolled. Prospectively collected demographic, laboratory and echocardiographic data were retrospectively analysed. Patients were stratified into two groups according to MR severity: ≤ grade 1 were defined as non-significant and ≥ grade 2 as significant. Change in MR was determined by comparison between baseline and 30-day echocardiogram. Primary clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality, as defined by the criteria proposed by the Valve Academic Research Consortium2.

Results
A total of 331 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study: 247 (74.6%) had non-significant MR and 84 (25.4%) patients had significant MR at baseline. Patients with significant pre-procedural MR had lower baseline ejection fraction (47.7±10.4% versus 51.2±8.4%, p=0.002), higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (52±14.3mmHg versus 42.5±11.1mmHg, p&lt;0.0001) and higher rates of moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (50% versus 19.4%) compared to patients with non-significant MR. Of all patients, mitral regurgitation improved in 9.5%, remained the same in 83.9%, and worsened in 6.6% 30 days after TAVR. In a multivariable analysis, pre-procedural TR severity was predictor of improved mitral regurgitation [OR 3.003,(95% CI 1.216–7.417, p=0.017)].
The primary clinical end point occurred in 44.7% of all patients during a follow-up period of 36.6.±25.9 months. Patients with significant pre-procedural MR had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality compared to patients with non-significant (54.7% and 41.3%, respectively; log rank p=0.015). Performing a multivariable analysis demonstrated that preprocedural MR severity could independently predict cumulative mortality [OR 0.480, (95% CI 0.247–0.932, p=0.03)].

Conclusion
Significant pre-procedural MR is common in patients undergoing TAVI and is associated with increased all-cause mortality. TAVI is associated with a significant improvement in MR, especially in severe types. These data provide new insights in the crucial role of mitral regurgitation in the risk assessment of TAVI candidates.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Predictors of in-hospital mortality, 20-year survival and reflection on risk scoring in patients with impaired left ventricular function undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Di Tommaso E , Bruno V D , Sankanahalli Annaiah A , Dixon L K , Ascione R 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a risk factor for mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Limited data is available on survival after 5 years and sensitivity of preoperative risk scoring systems in this high-risk population.

Purpose
To investigate in-hospital mortality, 20-year survival, predictors of early and late mortality and sensitivity of available risk-scoring systems in a large population with moderate to poor baseline LVEF and undergoing isolated CABG.

Methods
Patients presenting with moderate to poor LVEF and undergoing isolated CABG between 1996 and 2015 were selected for the purpose of this study. LVEF was defined moderate if between 30–39% and poor if &lt;30%. Data collection was prospective and retrospectively analysed. Early and long-term mortality was derived from the NHS National Mortality Tracking system. Exclusion criteria included reoperations and combined procedures only. Patients undergoing urgent and emergency CABG procedures were included. Key outcome measures included 30-day health outcome, long-term survival, impact of incomplete revascularization (IC) and off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery, independent predictors of poor in-hospital outcome and long-term mortality and reliability of Euroscore in predicting mortality in this high-risk population. Comparative analysis was conducted with Student t-test or Mann-whithney test fro numerical variable and Chi-Square for categorical variables. Survival were compared and reported using Log rank test and Kaplan Meier methods. A Cox Proportional Hazard model was developed to identify risk factors for long term mortality.

Results
5016 patients with reduced LVEF were identifiedL1024 (20.4%) with poor and 3992 (79.6%) with moderate LVEF. After excluding reoperations and combined procedures, the final sample consisted of 3867 patients. Average age was68 years, 83% were male, 40% had NYHA IV; 12.5% of patients received IC and 44% underwent OPCAB surgery. 30-day mortality was 4.4%, stroke 1.4% and renal failure requiring dialysis of 2.9%. Survival at 1, 5, 10 and 20 years was 91.1%, 76.7%, 55.1% and 22.1% respectively (Figure). OPCAB surgery was not associated with long-term mortality. Independent predictors of late mortality as shown in Table. Additive Euroscore and Logistic Euroscore appeared to overestimate mortality in this patient population (AUC 0.78).

Conclusions
In patients with reduced LVEF the use of CABG is associated with low rates of in-hospital mortality, key post-operative complications and excellent long-term survival. Incomplete revascularization but not OPCAB surgery are surgical predictors of long-term mortality. Euroscore appears to overestimate the risk of mortality in this population.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Cox Hazard Ratio Table
Relationship between year-to-year blood pressure variability and target organ damage in the general population
Authors: Takase H , Hayashi K , Ohno K , Takayama S , Machii M , Sugiura T , Ohte N , Dohi Y 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background/Introduction
Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability (BPV) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events as well as target organ damage (TOD) in hypertension. However, effects of year-to-year BPV on the development of TOD have not been investigated in the general population.

Purpose
The present study was designed to investigate a possible relationship between year-to-year BPV and TOD in the general population.

Methods
Consecutive 5542 subjects (male=3771, 58.6±10.7 yea-old) who visited our hospital for an annual physical check-up for 5 years in a row during 2008 and 2013 were enrolled. The average, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and average real variability (ARV) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) were calculated using data during the period. Other baseline data were obtained in 2013; left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH; Sokolow-Lyon voltage &gt;3.8 mV and/or Cornell product &gt;2440 mm ms) and kidney impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate; eGFR&lt;60) were taken as TOD. Then, subjects without TOD at baseline (2013) (n=3801, male=2584, 57.4±10.4 yea-old) were followed up until 2019 (median = 5 years) and the impact of BPV on the development of TOD was investigated.

Results
The average, SD, CV and ARV of SBP were 123.8 mmHg, 8.04 mmHg, 6.50%, and 9.19 mmHg, respectively. At baseline, these parameters were higher in subjects with TOD than those without TOD (Table 1-A). During the follow-up of subjects without TOD at baseline, LVH and kidney impairment developed in 425 and 623 subjects (24.7 and 35.8 per 1000 person-year), respectively. In retrospective analysis, the average, SD, and ARV were higher in subjects with than without future TOD (Table 1-B). Although some indices of year-to-year BPV predicted future development of TOD in univariate Cox-hazard analysis, only the average of SBP predicted incident TOD after adjustment.

Conclusions
Year-to-year BPV is a marker of the incident TOD in the general population. However, these indices do not independently predict the onset of TOD and, thus, there may be unknown pathway that links TOD and BPV.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. BP variability and TODTable 2. Cox-hazard analyses
Association of common carotid artery measurements with the incidence of hypertension: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sasaki N , Maeda R , Ozono R , Nakano Y , Higashi Y 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Diameter, intima–media thickness (IMT), and flow parameters, including resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI), in the common carotid artery (CCA) are markers of arterial remodeling, atherosclerosis, and vascular resistance, respectively. These CCA parameters have usually been evaluated as markers of target organ damage. Little is known about whether these parameters predict a new onset of hypertension.

Purpose
In this study, we investigated the association of CCA parameters including IMT, diameter, RI, and PI with the incidence of hypertension.

Methods
This is an observational study involving 1249 participants (656 women, mean age 69.6 years) without hypertension, who underwent carotid artery ultrasonography at baseline. The participants were divided into elderly group (defined as age ≥70 years) and a middle-aged group. We defined obesity as BMI ≥25 kg/m2. CCA diameter was defined as the distance between the adventitia–media interface on the near wall and the media–adventitia interface on the far wall. IMT was defined as the distance between the lumen–intima and media–adventitia interfaces. RI was calculated as [peak systolic velocity (PSV)- end-diastolic velocity (EDV)]/PSV. PI was calculated as (PSV-EDV)/Vmean. Larger CCA diameter, increased IMT, high RI, and high PI were determined based on the optimal cutoff values from ROC curve analysis.

Results
Over a mean 5.1-year follow-up period, 524 participants developed hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that larger CCA diameter and increased IMT were significant predicators for incident hypertension in elderly group, but not in middle-aged group. High RI, and high PI were significant predicators for incident hypertension in both the two groups. CCA diameter, IMT, and RI predicted the incidence of hypertension only in nonobesity group, whereas PI predicted it in both obesity and nonobesity groups (Table).

Conclusion
CCA parameters assessed by ultrasonography are useful markers to estimate the risk of hypertension. In particular, PI is a better predictor for the incidence of hypertension.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Sex differences in sudden cardiac death: a nationwide study of 54,028 deaths in Denmark
Authors: Skjelbred T , Rajan D , Svane J , Lynge T H , Winkel B G , Tfelt-Hansen J 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a leading cause of death. SCD is more common among males. In women SCD is, however, still the leading cause of death. The SCD epidemiology among women is less studied.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to examine how incidence rates, clinical characteristics and causes of SCD vary between males and females.

Methods
All deaths in Denmark in the 2010 (54,028) were included in the study. Autopsy reports, death certificates, discharge summaries and nationwide health registries were reviewed to identify cases of SCD. Sex and age specific SCD incidence rates in the general population were calculated, and age-adjusted clinical characteristics were compared using logistic regression.

Results
A total of 6,867 SCD cases were identified, of which 3,859 (56%) were males and 3,008 (44%) were females. Incidence rates increased with age and was higher for males across all age groups in the adult population. Average age of SCD was 71.3±14.3 years among males compared to 79.4±13.3 among females (mean ± standard deviation, p&lt;0.0001). The greatest difference in incidence between males and females was found among the 35–50-year group with an incidence rate ratio of 3.7 (95% confidence interval: 2.8–4.8). Although the males were younger, males more often had cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus prior to SCD. Among autopsied cases, coronary artery disease (CAD) was the leading cause of death among both sexes. Structural causes of SCD, other than CAD, were more common among women (p&lt;0.01).

Conclusion
In this nationwide study of sex differences in SCD across all age groups, the differences in incidence rates between males and females were greatest among young adults and the middle-aged. Incidence rates of SCD among older females approached that of the male population, despite significantly more cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in the male population in the 10 years prior to SCD.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Potential low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cardiovascular risk and costs reduction with evolocumab: a simulation in patients with a recent myocardial infarction in Spain
Authors: Escobar-Cervantes C , Fernandez-Delgado M , Roldan C , Sicras-Mainar A , Villa G 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background/Introduction
FOURIER included 5,711 patients with a recent myocardial infarction (MI) and a median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 90 mg/dL. Reducing LDL-C with evolocumab reduced the risk of major cardiovascular (CV) events by 2.1%, in absolute terms, over 2.3 years. Further research may be conducted to understand the potential benefits of evolocumab in the real world.

Purpose
Simulate the potential LDL-C, CV risk and costs reduction among a cohort of patients with a recent MI in Spain.

Methods
We considered data from a retrospective observational study using the BIG-PAC database, with anonymized electronic medical records from 1.9 million inhabitants from 7 regions in Spain. Eligible patients were adults, hospitalized for an MI (index date) between January 2015 and December 2017, treated with high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy, and with LDL-C available at baseline and at the end of follow-up (up to 18 months). For each patient, we 1) predicted their CV risk using the REACH equation; 2) simulated their LDL-C reduction based on FOURIER and assessed whether they had achieved the 2019 ESC/EAS LDL-C goals; 3) simulated their relative CV risk reduction (RRR) based on the key secondary endpoint in FOURIER and calculated their absolute CV risk reduction (ARR) over 2 years. Costs (direct and indirect), excluding medication, were computed based on achieved LDL-C categories, before and after evolocumab treatment. We conducted separate analyses for patients with LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL (current reimbursement recommendation in Spain) and LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL.

Results
LDL-C, CV risk and costs, before and after evolocumab treatment, are presented in Table 1. We included 1,941 patients with LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL and 3,725 patients with LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL. Median absolute LDL-C reduction was 73 mg/dL and 59 mg/dL for patients with LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL and LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL, respectively. 53% and 65% of the patients achieved LDL-C &lt;55 mg/dL, respectively. Median ARR was 3% and 2% over 2 years, respectively. Mean costs were reduced by 1,565 EUR and 1,296 EUR, respectively.

Conclusions
The sub-cohort of evolocumab users with LDL-C ≥70 mg/dL had similar baseline LDL-C and CV risk than patients enrolled in FOURIER, and therefore CV risk reduction was also consistent. Evolocumab reduced LDL-C, CV risk and costs in the two sub-cohorts analysed, but the clinical and economic benefit was larger in patients with LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Amgen
Characterization of cholesterol efflux capacity in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with coronary artery disease: comparison between acute coronary syndrome and stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Funabashi S , Kataoka Y , Ogura M , Kuyama N , Otsuka F , Asaumi Y , Noguchi T 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Type 2 diabetic patients more likely exhibit a lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Given a greater glycation and oxidative stress in diabetic subjects, these atherogenic characteristics could cause dysfunctional HDL including a reduced cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), which may account for an increased risk of diabetic macrovascular disease including acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, it remains to be fully elucidated characteristics of HDL-mediated CEC in type 2 diabetic patients, in association with clinical presentation of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Purpose
To characterize CEC in CAD subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
The current study prospectively analyzed 87 statin-naive patients with CAD. CEC was measured by using the collected apolipoprotein B-depleted serum. Liquid scintillation counting (Perkin-Elmer Analytical Sciences, MA, US) was used to quantify the efflux of radioactive cholesterol from J774 cells. Clinical characteristics and CEC were compared in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects.

Results
The averaged HbA1c in diabetic patients was 6.7±1.2, and 66.7% of them achieved HbA1c &lt;7.0%. Diabetic subjects more likely exhibited a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and multi-vessel disease (Table). Moreover, a lower CEC level was observed in diabetic patients, accompanied by a lower HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I levels with a higher level of triglyceride (Table). HDL-C (r=0.62, p-value&lt;0.01) and Apolipoprotein A-I (r=0.70, p-value &lt;0.01) were associated with CEC, whereas there was no significant difference in CEC between subjects with HbA1c &lt;7.0% vs. ≥7.0% (0.74±0.07 vs. 0.78±0.08, p=0.22). On multivariate analysis, type 2 diabetes mellitus was an independent contributor to CEC &lt;0.79 (median) (HR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.11–6.82, p=0.03). Interestingly in particular, CEC was substantially lower in diabetic patients with ACS compared to those with stable CAD (Figure). By contrast, clinical presentation of CAD did not affect CEC in non-diabetic subjects (Figure).

Conclusions
A lower CEC level was observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In particular, this HDL functionality was profoundly diminished in those presenting ACS. Our findings suggest functionality of HDL as a potential therapeutic target in diabetic patients experiencing ACS.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Table 1Figure 1
Cardiac rehabilitation in COVID-19 pandemic period
Authors: Costa J C , Mouici I , Bichon-Treulet L , Nazeyrollas P , Metz D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background
The current COVID-19 pandemic constitutes a challenge in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. Little is known on how the virus impacts cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs (CRP) safety and efficacy.

Aim
To evaluate the efficacy of basic sanitary procedures to limit the risk of virus spreading in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation in ambulatory setting.

Methods
From august to October 2020, all patients admitted in a single ambulatory CR program were screened for COVID-19 infection before and after CR. Negative naso-pharyngeal swab through RT-PCR was mandatory within seven days before starting the program, and advised after leaving the program. Serologic tests were also advised before and after the CRP. Number of patients were reduced from 9 to 4 in each group, 2 meters distancing respected, and all patients and staff had to wear surgical mask during sessions. Regular hand washing and hydro-alcoholic solutions use were mandatory for both patients and health professionnals. Material disinfection was systematic before and after each session.

Results
Among the 81 patients included, 63 (76%) were male, mean age was 57±11 years (see table). Sanitary protection measures were well applied and tolerated, especially use of surgical mask during exercice sessions. After RT-PCR on nasal swab, none (0%) were positive before entering CR and only 2 (2.7%) were tested positive after CR. These two patients were asymptomatic. The other patients in the same group as those having positive nasal test after CR were tested negative and were asymptomatic. According to serological analysis, the same 3 patients (3.8%) had anti-bodies against SARS-COV-2 before and after participating CR (see graph). These 3 patients were negative on nasal swab before and after CR. No seroconversion was observed. Mean delay between first and second RT-PCR on nasal swab and serological analysis were 30±15 and 32±15 days, respectively. In total (before and after CR), 5 patients (6.0%) were tested positive with SARS-COV-2. Those 5 patients were younger (mean age 51 years old versus 58, p=0.2), with better functional capacity before and after CR: respectively 7.1 METs (versus 5.2 METs, p=0.014) and 8.3 METs (versus 6.3 METs, p=0.03). In COVID+ patients, improvement of functional capacity was similar to COVID− patients: respectively 0.8 METs (p=0.9) and 15 Watts (p=0.9).

Conclusion
During COVID-19 pandemic, cardiac rehabilitation is not associated with risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, provided that basic sanitary measures are stricly applied. It is also associated with functionnal capacity improvement, especially in patients who previously had COVID-19.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None. Patients baseline characteristics in CRPatients COVID-19 status in CR