Impact of Diabetes on Outcomes After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in Heart Failure: COAPT Trial

OBJECTIVES

This paper sought to determine whether diabetes influences the outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) in patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is associated with worse outcomes in patients with HF.

METHODS

The COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial randomized HF patients with 3+ or 4+ SMR to MitraClip plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone. Two-year outcomes were evaluated in patients with versus without diabetes.

RESULTS

Of 614 patients, 229 (37.3%) had diabetes. Diabetic patients had higher 2-year rates of death than those without diabetes (40.8% vs 32.3%, respectively; adjusted P = 0.04) and tended to have higher rates of HF hospitalization (HFH) (HFH: 50.1% vs 43.0%, respectively; adjusted P = 0.07). TMVr reduced the 2-year rate of death consistently in patients with (30.3% vs 49.9%, respectively; adjusted HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.81) and without (27.0% vs 38.3%, respectively; adjusted HR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.39-0.84) diabetes (P_interaction = 0.72). TMVr also consistently reduced the 2-year rates of HFH in patients with (32.2% vs 54.8%, respectively; adjusted HR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.28-0.58) and without (41.5% vs 59.0%, respectively; adjusted HR: 0.54: 95% CI 0.35-0.82) diabetes (P_interaction = 0.33). Greater movements in quality-of-life (QOL) and exercise capacity occurred with TMVr than with GDMT alone, regardless of diabetic status.

CONCLUSIONS

Among HF patients with severe SMR in the COAPT trial, those with diabetes had a worse prognosis. Nonetheless, diabetic and nondiabetic patients had consistent reductions in the 2-year rates of death and HFH and improvements in QOL and functional capacity following TMVr treatment using the MitraClip than with maintenance on GDMT alone. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Baseline Functional Capacity and Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in Heart Failure With Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic utility of baseline functional status and its impact on the outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) in patients with heart failure (HF) with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

BACKGROUND

The COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial demonstrated that TMVr with the MitraClip in patients with HF with moderate to severe or severe SMR improved health-related quality of life. The clinical utility of a baseline assessment of functional status for evaluating prognosis and identifying candidates likely to derive a robust benefit from TMVr has not been previously studied in patients with HF with SMR.

METHODS

The COAPT study was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, parallel-group, open-label trial of TMVr with the MitraClip plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) versus GDMT alone in patients with HF, left ventricular ejection fraction 20% to 50%, and moderate to severe or severe SMR. Baseline functional status was assessed by 6-min walk distance (6MWD).

RESULTS

Patients with 6MWD less than the median (240 m) were older, were more likely to be female, and had more comorbidities. After multivariate modeling, age (p = 0.005), baseline hemoglobin (p = 0.007), and New York Heart Association functional class III/IV symptoms (p < 0.0001) were independent clinical predictors of 6MWD. Patients with 6MWD <240 m versus ≥240 m had a higher unadjusted and adjusted rate of the 2-year composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization (64.4% vs. 48.6%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.19 to 1.98; p = 0.001). However, there was no interaction between baseline 6MWD and the relative effectiveness of TMVr plus GDMT versus GDMT alone with respect to the composite endpoint (p = 0.633).

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline assessment of functional capacity by 6MWD was a powerful discriminator of prognosis in patients with HF with SMR. TMVr with the MitraClip provided substantial improvements in clinical outcomes for this population irrespective of baseline functional capacity.

Bucindolol Decreases Atrial Fibrillation Burden in Patients With Heart Failure and the ADRB1 Arg389Arg Genotype

[Figure: see text].

Natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations and risk of cardiovascular versus non-cardiovascular events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Insights from the PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE trials

BACKGROUND

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma concentrations are independent prognostic markers in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether a differential risk association between NT-proBNP plasma concentrations and risk of cardiovascular (CV) vs non-CV adverse events exists is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

To assess if there is a differential proportional risk of CV vs non-CV adverse events by NT-proBNP plasma concentrations.

METHODS

In this post hoc combined analysis of PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE trials, proportion of CV vs non-CV mortality and hospitalizations were assessed by NT-proBNP levels (<400, 400-999, 1000-1999, 2000-2999, and >3000 pg/mL) at baseline using Cox regression adjusting for traditional risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 14,737 patients with mean age of 62 ± 8 years (24% history of atrial fibrillation [AF]) were studied. For CV deaths, the event rates per 1000 patient-years steeply increased from 33.8 in the ≤400 pg/mL group to 142.3 in the ≥3000 pg/mL group, while the non-CV death event rates modestly increased from 9.0 to 22.7, respectively. Proportion of non-CV deaths decreased across the 5 NT-proBNP groups (21.1%, 18.4%, 17.9%, 17.4%, and 13.7% respectively). Similar trend was observed for non-CV hospitalizations (46.4%, 42.6%, 42.9%, 42.0%, and 36.9% respectively). These results remained similar when stratified according to the presence of AF at baseline and prior HF hospitalization within last 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute CV event rates per patient years of follow-up were greater and had higher stepwise increases than non-CV event rates across a broad range of NT-proBNP plasma concentrations indicating a differential risk of CV events at varying baseline NT-proBNP values. These results have implications for future design of clinical trials.

Development and external validation of prognostic models to predict sudden and pump-failure death in patients with HFrEF from PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE

Background

Sudden death (SD) and pump failure death (PFD) are the two leading causes of death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Objective

Identifying patients at higher risk for mode-specific death would allow better targeting of individual patients for relevant device and other therapies.

Methods

We developed models in 7156 patients with HFrEF from the Prospective comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial, using Fine-Gray regressions counting other deaths as competing risks. The derived models were externally validated in the Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure (ATMOSPHERE) trial.

Results

NYHA class and NT-proBNP were independent predictors for both modes of death. The SD model additionally included male sex, Asian or Black race, prior CABG or PCI, cancer history, MI history, treatment with LCZ696 vs. enalapril, QRS duration and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy. While LVEF, ischemic etiology, systolic blood pressure, HF duration, ECG bundle branch block, and serum albumin, chloride and creatinine were included in the PFD model. Model discrimination was good for SD and excellent for PFD with Harrell’s C of 0.67 and 0.78 after correction for optimism, respectively. The observed and predicted incidences were similar in each quartile of risk scores at 3 years in each model. The performance of both models remained robust in ATMOSPHERE.

Conclusion

We developed and validated models which separately predict SD and PFD in patients with HFrEF. These models may help clinicians and patients consider therapies targeted at these modes of death.

Trial registration number

PARADIGM-HF: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01035255, ATMOSPHERE: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00853658.

Graphics abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00392-021-01888-x.

Relationship Between Residual Mitral Regurgitation and Clinical and Quality-of-Life Outcomes After Transcatheter and Medical Treatments in Heart Failure: COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

In the randomized COAPT trial (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation), among 614 patients with heart failure with 3+ or 4+ secondary mitral regurgitation (MR), transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with the MitraClip reduced MR, heart failure hospitalizations, and mortality and improved quality of life compared with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) alone. We aimed to examine the prognostic relationship between MR reduction and outcomes after TMVr and GDMT alone.

METHODS

Outcomes in COAPT between 30 days and 2 years were examined on the basis of the severity of residual MR at 30 days.

RESULTS

TMVr-treated patients had less severe residual MR at 30 days than GDMT-treated patients (0/1+, 2+, and 3+/4+: 72.9%, 19.9%, and 7.2% versus 8.2%, 26.1%, and 65.8%, respectively [P<0.0001]). The rate of composite death or heart failure hospitalizations between 30 days and 2 years was lower in patients with 30-day residual MR of 0/1+ and 2+ compared with patients with 30-day residual MR of 3+/4+ (37.7% versus 49.5% versus 72.2%, respectively [P<0.0001]). This relationship was consistent in the TMVr and GDMT arms (P_interaction=0.92). The improvement in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score from baseline to 30 days was maintained between 30 days and 2 years in patients with 30-day MR ≤2+ but deteriorated in those with 30-day MR 3+/4+ (-0.3±1.7 versus -9.4±4.6 [P=0.0008]) consistently in both groups (P_interaction=0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

In the COAPT trial, reduced MR at 30 days was associated with greater freedom from death or heart failure hospitalizations and improved quality of life through 2-year follow-up whether the MR reduction was achieved by TMVr or GDMT. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01626079.

Effect of empagliflozin on exercise ability and symptoms in heart failure patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction, with and without type 2 diabetes

AIMS

The EMPERIAL (Effect of EMPagliflozin on ExeRcise ability and HF symptoms In patients with chronic heArt faiLure) trials evaluated the effects of empagliflozin on exercise ability and patient-reported outcomes in heart failure (HF) with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (EF), with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D), reporting, for the first time, the effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibition in HF with preserved EF (HFpEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

HF patients with reduced EF (HFrEF) (≤40%, N = 312, EMPERIAL-Reduced) or preserved EF (>40%, N = 315, EMPERIAL-Preserved), with and without T2D, were randomized to empagliflozin 10 mg or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) change to Week 12. Key secondary endpoints included Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Total Symptom Score (KCCQ-TSS) and Chronic Heart Failure Questionnaire Self-Administered Standardized format (CHQ-SAS) dyspnoea score. 6MWTD median (95% confidence interval) differences, empagliflozin vs. placebo, at Week 12 were -4.0 m (-16.0, 6.0; P = 0.42) and 4.0 m (-5.0, 13.0; P = 0.37) in EMPERIAL-Reduced and EMPERIAL-Preserved, respectively. As the primary endpoint was non-significant, all secondary endpoints were considered exploratory. Changes in KCCQ-TSS and CHQ-SAS dyspnoea score were non-significant. Improvements with empagliflozin in exploratory pre-specified analyses of KCCQ-TSS responder rates, congestion score, and diuretic use in EMPERIAL-Reduced are hypothesis generating. Empagliflozin adverse events were consistent with those previously reported.

CONCLUSION

The primary outcome for both trials was neutral. Empagliflozin was well tolerated in HF patients, with and without T2D, with a safety profile consistent with that previously reported in T2D. Hypothesis-generating improvements in exploratory analyses of secondary endpoints with empagliflozin in HFrEF were observed.

Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure with Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a sensitive marker of LV function and may help identify patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation who would have a better prognosis and are more likely to benefit from edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic utility of baseline LV GLS during 2-year follow-up of patients with HF with secondary mitral regurgitation enrolled in the Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation trial.

METHODS

Patients with symptomatic HF with moderate to severe or severe secondary mitral regurgitation who remained symptomatic despite maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) were randomized to transcatheter mitral valve repair plus GDMT or GDMT alone. Speckle-tracking-derived LV GLS from baseline echocardiograms was obtained in 565 patients and categorized in tertiles. Death and HF hospitalization at 2-year follow-up were the principal outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Patients with better baseline LV GLS had higher blood pressure, greater LV ejection fraction and stroke volume, lower levels of B-type natriuretic peptide, and smaller LV size. No significant difference in outcomes at 2-year follow-up were noted according to LV GLS. However, the rate of death or HF hospitalization between 10 and 24 months was lower in patients with better LV GLS (P = .03), with no differences before 10 months. There was no interaction between GLS tertile and treatment group with respect to 2-year clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline LV GLS did not predict death or HF hospitalization throughout 2-year follow-up, but it did predict outcomes after 10 months. The benefit of transcatheter mitral valve repair over GDMT alone was consistent in all subgroups irrespective of baseline LV GLS.

Feasibility of remote speech analysis in evaluation of dynamic fluid overload in heart failure patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment

Aims

This study aimed to assess the ability of a voice analysis application to discriminate between wet and dry states in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients undergoing regular scheduled haemodialysis treatment due to volume overload as a result of their chronic renal failure.

Methods and results

In this single‐centre, observational study, five patients with CHF, peripheral oedema of ≥2, and pulmonary congestion‐related dyspnoea, undergoing haemodialysis three times per week, recorded five sentences into a standard smartphone/tablet before and after haemodialysis. Recordings were provided that same noon/early evening and the next morning and evening. Patient weight was measured at the hospital before and after each haemodialysis session. Recordings were analysed by a smartphone application (app) algorithm, to compare speech measures (SMs) of utterances collected over time. On average, patients provided recordings throughout 25.8 ± 3.9 dialysis treatment cycles, resulting in a total of 472 recordings. Weight changes of 1.95 ± 0.64 kg were documented during cycles. Median baseline SM prior to dialysis was 0.87 ± 0.17, and rose to 1.07 ± 0.15 following the end of the dialysis session, at noon (P = 0.0355), and remained at a similar level until the following morning (P = 0.007). By the evening of the day following dialysis, SMs returned to baseline levels (0.88 ± 0.19). Changes in patient weight immediately after dialysis positively correlated with SM changes, with the strongest correlation measured the evening of the dialysis day [slope: −0.40 ± 0.15 (95% confidence interval: −0.71 to −0.10), P = 0.0096].

Conclusions

The fluid‐controlled haemodialysis model demonstrated the ability of the app algorithm to identify cyclic changes in SMs, which reflected bodily fluid levels. The voice analysis platform bears considerable potential as a harbinger of impending fluid overload in a range of clinical scenarios, which will enhance monitoring and triage efforts, ultimately optimizing remote CHF management.

Effect of Mitral Valve Gradient After MitraClip on Outcomes in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Results From the COAPT Trial

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to evaluate the association between mean mitral valve gradient (MVG) and clinical outcomes among patients who underwent MitraClip treatment for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) in the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial.

BACKGROUND

In the COAPT trial, patients with heart failure (HF) and severe SMR who remained symptomatic despite guideline-directed medical therapy had marked 2-year reductions in mortality and HF hospitalizations after treatment with MitraClip.

METHODS

MitraClip-treated patients were divided into quartiles (Q) based on discharge echocardiographic MVG (n = 250). Endpoints including all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization, and health status measures at 2 years were compared between quartiles.

RESULTS

Mean MVG after MitraClip was 2.1 ± 0.4 mm Hg, 3.0 ± 0.2 mm Hg, 4.2 ± 0.5 mm Hg, and 7.2 ± 2.0 mm Hg in Q1 (n = 63), Q2 (n = 61), Q3 (n = 62), and Q4 (n = 64), respectively. There was no difference across quartiles in the 2-year composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization (43.2%, 49.2%, 40.6%, and 40.9%, respectively; p = 0.80), nor in improvements in New York Heart Association functional class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score, or 6-min walk time. Results were similar after adjustment for baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, post-procedure MR grade, and number of clips (all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization Q4 [44.6%] vs. Q1 to Q3 [40.3%]; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.60 to 2.51; p = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

Among HF patients with severe SMR, higher MVGs on discharge did not adversely affect clinical outcomes following MitraClip. These findings suggest that in select patients with HF and SMR otherwise meeting the COAPT inclusion criteria, the benefits of MR reduction may outweigh the effects of mild-to-moderate mitral stenosis after MitraClip.

Association of Effective Regurgitation Orifice Area to Left Ventricular End-Diastolic Volume Ratio With Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of the COAPT Trial

Importance

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) plus maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) reduced heart failure (HF) hospitalizations (HFHs) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in symptomatic patients with HF and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) compared with GDMT alone in the Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation (COAPT) trial but not in a similar trial, Multicenter Study of Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair MitraClip Device in Patients With Severe Secondary Mitral Regurgitation (MITRA-FR), possibly because the degree of SMR relative to the left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) was substantially lower.

Objective

To explore contributions of the degree of SMR using the effective regurgitation orifice area (EROA), regurgitant volume (RV), and LVEDVi to the benefit of TMVr in the COAPT trial.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc secondary analysis of the COAPT randomized clinical trial performed December 27, 2012, to June 23, 2017, evaluated a subgroup of COAPT patients (group 1) with characteristics consistent with patients enrolled in MITRA-FR (n = 56) (HF with grade 3+ to 4+ SMR, left ventricular ejection fraction of 20%-50%, and New York Heart Association function class II-IV) compared with remaining (group 2) COAPT patients (n = 492) using the end point of ACM or HFH at 24 months, components of the primary end point, and quality of life (QOL) (per the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire overall summary score) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). The same end points were evaluated in 6 subgroups of COAPT by combinations of EROA and LVEDVi and of RV relative to LVEDVi.

Interventions

Interventions were TMVr plus GDMT vs GDMT alone.

Results

A total of 548 participants (mean [SD] age, 71.9 [11.2] years; 351 [64%] male) were included. In group 1, no significant difference was found in the composite rate of ACM or HFH between TMVr plus GDMT vs GDMT alone at 24 months (27.8% vs 33.1%, P = .83) compared with a significant difference at 24 months (31.5% vs 50.2%, P < .001) in group 2. However, patients randomized to receive TMVr vs those treated with GDMT alone had significantly greater improvement in QOL at 12 months (mean [SD] Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary scores: group 1: 18.36 [5.38] vs 0.43 [4.00] points; P = .01; group 2: 16.54 [1.57] vs 5.78 [1.82] points; P < .001). Group 1 TMVr-randomized patients vs those treated with GDMT alone also had significantly greater improvement in 6MWD at 12 months (mean [SD] paired improvement: 39.0 [28.6] vs -48.0 [18.6] m; P = .02). Group 2 TMVr-randomized patients vs those treated with GDMT alone tended to have greater improvement in 6MWD at 12 months, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (mean [SD] paired improvement: 35.0 [7.7] vs 16.0 [9.1] m; P = .11).

Conclusions and Relevance

A small subgroup of COAPT-resembling patients enrolled in MITRA-FR did not achieve improvement in ACM or HFH at 24 months but had a significant benefit on patient-centered outcomes (eg, QOL and 6MWD). Further subgroup analyses with 24-month follow-up suggest that the benefit of TMVr is not fully supported by the proportionate-disproportionate hypothesis.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01626079.

Implications of Atrial Fibrillation on the Mechanisms of Mitral Regurgitation and Response to MitraClip in the COAPT Trial

[Figure: see text].

Pulmonary Hypertension in Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: The COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension worsens prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine whether baseline pulmonary hypertension influences outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) in patients with HF with SMR.

METHODS

In the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial, 614 patients with HF with moderate-to-severe or severe SMR were randomized to TMVr with the MitraClip plus guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) (n = 302) versus GDMT alone (n = 312). Baseline pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) estimated from echocardiography was categorized as substantially increased (≥50 mm Hg) versus not substantially increased (<50 mm Hg).

RESULTS

Among 528 patients, 184 (82 TMVr, 102 GDMT) had PASP of ≥50 mm Hg (mean: 59.1 ± 8.8 mm Hg) and 344 (171 TMVr, 173 GDMT) had PASP of <50 mm Hg (mean: 36.3 ± 8.1 mm Hg). Patients with PASP of ≥50 mm Hg had higher 2-year rates of death or HF hospitalization (HFH) compared to those with PASP of <50 mm Hg (68.8% vs. 49.1%; adjusted hazard ratio: 1.52; 95% confidence interval: 1.17 to 1.97; p = 0.002). Rates of death or HFH were reduced by TMVr versus GDMT alone, irrespective of baseline PASP (p_interaction = 0.45). TMVr reduced PASP from baseline to 30 days to a greater than GDMT alone (adjusted least squares mean: -4.0 vs. -0.9 mm Hg; p = 0.006), a change that was associated with reduced risk of death or HFH between 30 days and 2 years (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.91 per -5 mm Hg PASP; 95% confidence interval: 0.86 to 0.96; p = 0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated PASP is associated with a worse prognosis in patients with HF with severe SMR. TMVr with the MitraClip reduced 30-day PASP and 2-year rates of death or HFH compared with GDMT alone, irrespective of PASP.

3-Year Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

In the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial, transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) resulted in fewer heart failure hospitalizations (HFHs) and lower mortality at 24 months in patients with heart failure (HF) with mitral regurgitation (MR) secondary to left ventricular dysfunction compared with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) alone.

OBJECTIVES

This study determined if these benefits persisted to 36 months and if control subjects who were allowed to cross over at 24 months derived similar benefit.

METHODS

This study randomized 614 patients with HF with moderate-to-severe or severe secondary MR, who remained symptomatic despite maximally tolerated GDMT, to TMVr plus GDMT versus GDMT alone. The primary effectiveness endpoint was all HFHs through 24-month follow-up. Patients have now been followed for 36 months.

RESULTS

The annualized rates of HFHs per patient-year were 35.5% with TMVr and 68.8% with GDMT alone (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37 to 0.63; p < 0.001; number needed to treat (NNT) = 3.0; 95% CI: 2.4 to 4.0). Mortality occurred in 42.8% of the device group versus 55.5% of control group (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.85; p = 0.001; NNT = 7.9; 95% CI: 4.6 to 26.1). Patients who underwent TMVr also had sustained 3-year improvements in MR severity, quality-of-life measures, and functional capacity. Among 58 patients assigned to GDMT alone who crossed over and were treated with TMVr, the subsequent composite rate of mortality or HFH was reduced compared with those who continued on GDMT alone (adjusted HR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.78; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with HF and moderate-to-severe or severe secondary MR who remained symptomatic despite GDMT, TMVr was safe, provided a durable reduction in MR, reduced the rate of HFH, and improved survival, quality of life, and functional capacity compared with GDMT alone through 36 months. Surviving patients who crossed over to device treatment had a prognosis comparable to those originally assigned to transcatheter therapy. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Remote Hemodynamic-Guided Therapy of Patients With Recurrent Heart Failure Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Background

Patients with recurring heart failure (HF) following cardiac resynchronization therapy fare poorly. Their management is undecided. We tested remote hemodynamic‐guided pharmacotherapy.

Methods and Results

We evaluated cardiac resynchronization therapy subjects included in the CHAMPION (CardioMEMS Heart Sensor Allows Monitoring of Pressure to Improve Outcomes in New York Heart Association Class III Heart Failure Patients) trial, which randomized patients with persistent New York Heart Association Class III symptoms and ≥1 HF hospitalization in the previous 12 months to remotely managed pulmonary artery (PA) pressure‐guided management (treatment) or usual HF care (control). Diuretics and/or vasodilators were adjusted conventionally in control and included remote PA pressure information in treatment. Annualized HF hospitalization rates, changes in PA pressures over time (analyzed by area under the curve), changes in medications, and quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores) were assessed. Patients who had cardiac resynchronization therapy (n=190, median implant duration 755 days) at enrollment had poor hemodynamic function (cardiac index 2.00±0.59 L/min per m²), high comorbidity burden (67% had secondary pulmonary hypertension, 61% had estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m²), and poor Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (57±24). During 18 months randomized follow‐up, HF hospitalizations were 30% lower in treatment (n=91, 62 events, 0.46 events/patient‐year) versus control patients (n=99, 93 events, 0.68 events/patient‐year) (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51–0.96; P=0.028). Treatment patients had more medication up‐/down‐titrations (847 versus 346 in control, P<0.001), mean PA pressure reduction (area under the curve −413.2±123.5 versus 60.1±88.0 in control, P=0.002), and quality of life improvement (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire decreased −13.5±23 versus −4.9±24.8 in control, P=0.006).

Conclusions

Remote hemodynamic‐guided adjustment of medical therapies decreased PA pressures and the burden of HF symptoms and hospitalizations in patients with recurring Class III HF and hospitalizations, beyond the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00531661.

Impact of Tricuspid Regurgitation on Clinical Outcomes: The COAPT Trial

BACKGROUND

The presence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) may affect prognosis in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR).

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to determine the impact of TR on outcomes in patients with heart failure and severe secondary MR randomized to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) or edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip in the COAPT (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation) trial.

METHODS

A total of 614 patients with symptomatic heart failure with moderate to severe (3+) or severe (4+) secondary MR were randomized to maximally tolerated GDMT plus MitraClip or GDMT alone; 599 had core laboratory evaluable echocardiograms. Patients were divided into 2 groups by baseline TR severity: none/trace/mild TR (≤Mild TR) (n = 501 [83.6%]) and moderate/severe TR (≥Mod TR) (n = 98 [16.4%]). Two-year composite endpoints of death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH) and the individual endpoints were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with ≥Mod TR were more likely to be New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (p < 0.0001) and have a Society of Thoracic Surgeons score of ≥8 (p < 0.0001), anemia (p = 0.02), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.003), and higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (p = 0.02) than those with ≤Mild TR. Patients with ≥Mod TR had more severe MR (p = 0.0005) despite smaller left ventricular volumes (p = 0.005) and higher right ventricular systolic pressure (p < 0.0001). At 2 years, the composite rate of death or HFH was higher in patients with ≥Mod TR compared with ≤Mild TR treated with GDMT alone (83.0% vs. 64.3%; hazard ratio: 1.74; 95% confidence interval: 1.24 to 2.45; p = 0.001) but not following MitraClip (48.2% vs. 44.0%; hazard ratio: 1.14; 95% confidence interval: 0.71 to 1.84; p = 0.59). Rates of death or HFH, as well as death and HFH alone, were reduced by MitraClip compared with GDMT, irrespective of baseline TR grade (p_interaction = 0.16, 0.29, and 0.21 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with severe secondary MR who also had ≥Mod TR had worse clinical and echocardiographic characteristics and worse clinical outcomes compared to those with ≤Mild TR. Within the COAPT trial, MitraClip improved outcomes in patients with and without ≥Mod TR severity compared with GDMT alone. (Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients With Functional Mitral Regurgitation [COAPT]; NCT01626079).

Prognostic Models Derived in PARADIGM-HF and Validated in ATMOSPHERE and the Swedish Heart Failure Registry to Predict Mortality and Morbidity in Chronic Heart Failure

Importance

Accurate prediction of risk of death or hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF) may allow physicians to explore how more accurate decisions regarding appropriateness and timing of disease-modifying treatments, advanced therapies, or the need for end-of-life care can be made.

Objective

To develop and validate a prognostic model for patients with HF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multivariable analyses were performed in a stepwise fashion. Harrell C statistic was used to assess the discriminative ability. The derivation cohort was Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure trial (PARADIGM-HF) participants. The models were validated using the Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure Trial (ATMOSPHERE) study and in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF). A total of 8399 participants enrolled in PARADIGM-HF. Data were analyzed between June 2016 and June 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, and the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization at both 1 and 2 years.

Results

Complete baseline clinical data were available for 8011 patients in PARADIGM-HF. The mean (SD) age of participants was 64 (11.4) years, 78.2% were men (n = 6567 of 8399), and 70.6% were New York Heart Association class II (n = 5919 of 8399). During a mean follow-up of 27 months, 1546 patients died, and 2031 had a cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization. The common variables were: male sex, race/ethnicity (black or Asian), region (Central Europe or Latin America), HF duration of more than 5 years, New York Heart Association class III/ IV, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus, β-blocker use at baseline, and allocation to sacubitril/valsartan. Ranked by χ2, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide was the single most powerful independent predictor of each outcome. The C statistic at 1 and 2 years was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.71-0.76) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.70-0.73) for the primary composite end point, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.71-0.75) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.73) for cardiovascular death, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.67-0.74) for all-cause death, respectively. When validated in ATMOSPHERE, the C statistic at 1 and 2 years was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.72) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68-0.71) for the primary composite end point, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.69-0.72) for cardiovascular death, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68-0.72) for all-cause death, respectively. An online calculator was created to allow calculation of an individual's risk (http://www.predict-hf.com).

Conclusions and Relevance

Predictive models performed well and were developed and externally validated in large cohorts of geographically representative patients, comprehensively characterized with clinical and laboratory data including natriuretic peptides, who were receiving contemporary evidence-based treatment.

Wireless Hemodynamic Monitoring in Patients with Heart Failure

Purpose of Review

Wireless hemodynamic monitoring in heart failure patients allows for volume assessment without the need for physical exam. Data obtained from these devices is used to assist patient management and avoid heart failure hospitalizations. In this review, we outline the various devices, mechanisms they utilize, and effects on heart failure patients.

Recent Findings

New applications of these devices to specific populations may expand the pool of patients that may benefit. In the COVID-19 pandemic with a growing emphasis on virtual visits, remote monitoring can add vital ancillary data.

Summary

Wireless hemodynamic monitoring with a pulmonary artery pressure sensor is a highly effective and safe method to assess for worsening intracardiac pressures that may predict heart failure events, giving lead time that is valuable to keep patients optimized. Implantation of this device has been found to improve outcomes in heart failure patients regardless of preserved or reduced ejection fraction.

A current and future outlook on upcoming technologies in remote monitoring of patients with heart failure

Heart failure is a major health and economic challenge in both developing and developed countries. Despite advances in pharmacological and device therapies for patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure, their quality of life and exercise capacity are often persistently impaired, morbidity and mortality remain high and the health economic and societal costs are considerable. For patients with heart failure and preserved LVEF, diuretic management has an essential role for controlling congestion and symptoms, even if no intervention has convincingly shown to reduce morbidity or mortality. Remote monitoring might improve care delivery and clinical outcomes for patients regardless of LVEF. A great variety of innovative remote monitoring technologies and algorithms are being introduced, including patient self-managed testing, wearable devices, technologies either integrated into established clinically indicated therapeutic devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, or as stand-alone are in development providing the promise of further improvements in service delivery and clinical outcomes. In this article, we will discuss unmet needs in the management of patients with heart failure, how remote monitoring might contribute to future solutions, and provide an overview of current and novel remote monitoring technologies.

Transvenous Phrenic Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Central Sleep Apnea: Five-Year Safety and Efficacy Outcomes

BACKGROUND

The remedē System Pivotal Trial was a prospective, multi-center, randomized trial demonstrating transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation (TPNS) therapy is safe and effectively treats central sleep apnea (CSA) and improves sleep architecture and daytime sleepiness. Subsequently, the remedē System was approved by FDA in 2017. As a condition of approval, the Post Approval Study (PAS) collected clinical evidence regarding long-term safety and effectiveness in adults with moderate to severe CSA through five years post implant.

METHODS

Patients remaining in the Pivotal Trial at the time of FDA approval were invited to enroll in the PAS and consented to undergo sleep studies (scored by a central laboratory), complete the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire to assess daytime sleepiness, and safety assessment. All subjects (treatment and former control group) receiving active therapy were pooled; data from both trials were combined for analysis.

RESULTS

Fifty-three of the original 151 Pivotal Trial patients consented to participate in the PAS and 52 completed the 5-year visit. Following TPNS therapy, the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), central-apnea index (CAI), arousal index, oxygen desaturation index, and sleep architecture showed sustained improvements. Comparing 5 years to baseline, AHI and CAI decreased significantly (AHI baseline median 46 events/hour vs 17 at 5 years; CAI baseline median 23 events/hour vs 1 at 5 years), though residual hypopneas were present. In parallel, the arousal index, oxygen desaturation index and sleep architecture improved. The ESS improved by a statistically significant median reduction of 3 points at 5 years. Serious adverse events related to implant procedure, device or delivered therapy were reported by 14% of patients which include 16 (9%) patients who underwent a pulse generator reposition or lead revision (primarily in the first year). None of the events caused long-term harm. No unanticipated adverse device effects or related deaths occurred through 5 years.

CONCLUSION

Long-term TPNS safely improves CSA, sleep architecture and daytime sleepiness through 5 years post implant.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01816776.

Treatment of HF in an Era of Multiple Therapies: Statement From the HF Collaboratory

The treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) has changed considerably over time, particularly with the sequential development of therapies aimed at antagonism of maladaptive biologic pathways, including inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system. The sequential nature of earlier HFrEF trials allowed the integration of new therapies tested against the background therapy of the time. More recently, multiple heart failure therapies are being evaluated simultaneously, and the number of therapeutic choices for treating HFrEF has grown considerably. In addition, implementation science has lagged behind discovery science in heart failure. Furthermore, given there are currently >200 ongoing clinical trials in heart failure, further complexities are anticipated. In an effort to provide a decision-making framework in the current era of expanding therapeutic options in HFrEF, the Heart Failure Collaboratory convened a multi-stakeholder group, including patients, clinicians, clinical investigators, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, industry, and payers who met at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration campus on March 6, 2020. This paper summarizes the discussions and expert consensus recommendations.