Invasive hemodynamics and cardiac biomarkers to predict outcomes after percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in patients with severe heart failure

Correlation of hepatic venous saturation and mixed venous saturation: pooled analyses

INTRODUCTION

In critical care, monitoring adequate tissue oxygenation is essential. Mixed venous oxygen saturation has traditionally been considered the gold standard for measuring cardiac output, which represents systemic oxygen delivery. Studies have shown that hepatic vein saturation is correlated with mixed venous oxygen saturation and mortality. The primary aim of this study was to determine the correlation between hepatic vein saturation and mixed venous saturation, and the impact of clinical characteristics on this correlation.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify manuscripts. They must have included patients who received simultaneous mixed venous saturations and hepatic vein saturations, and the data for both must have been explicitly shared. Data were pooled from these studies to analyze the correlation between mixed venous saturation and the corresponding hepatic vein saturation.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 13 studies with 333 patients were included in the final analyses. The average age across these studies was 60.3±5.2. The pooled correlation between the mixed venous saturation and hepatic vein saturation was 0.88, demonstrating a strong correlation between the two. The average mixed venous saturation was 73.3±5.0 while the average hepatic vein saturation was 59.5±11.1.

CONCLUSIONS

In these pooled analyses, hepatic vein saturation has a strong correlation with mixed venous saturation. This correlation is not significantly impacted by patient age, weight, or clinical setting. Nonetheless, further prospective studies are needed for confirmation.

Predictive Factors of Cardiac Mortality Following TEER in Patients with Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

Background: Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) has emerged as a viable approach to addressing substantial secondary mitral regurgitation. In the contemporary landscape where ultimate heart failure-specific therapies, such as cardiac replacement modalities, are available, prognosticating a high-risk cohort susceptible to early cardiac mortality post-TEER is pivotal for formulating an effective therapeutic regimen. Methods: Our study encompassed individuals with secondary mitral regurgitation and chronic heart failure enlisted in the multi-center (Optimized CathEter vAlvular iNtervention (OCEAN)-Mitral registry. We conducted an assessment of baseline variables associated with cardiac death within one year following TEER. Results: Amongst the 1517 patients (median age: 78 years, 899 males), 101 experienced cardiac mortality during the 1-year observation period after undergoing TEER. Notably, a history of heart failure-related admissions within the preceding year, utilization of intravenous inotropes, and elevated plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels emerged as independent prognosticators for the primary outcome (p < 0.05 for all). Subsequently, we devised a novel risk-scoring system encompassing these variables, which significantly stratified the cumulative incidence of the 1-year primary outcome (16%, 8%, and 4%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study culminated in the development of a new risk-scoring system aimed at predicting 1-year cardiac mortality post-TEER.

Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Hypertension, Right Ventricular Function and Tricuspid Regurgitation on Mortality After Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are commonly present in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and known to impair prognosis. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prognostic value of PH, RV function, and TR on mortality after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR).

METHODS

A systematic search was performed to identify studies investigating PH, RV function, or TR in patients who underwent TMVR. Studies were included for pooled analysis if hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality were given.

RESULTS

A total of 8,672 patients from 21 selected studies were included (PH, 11 studies; RV function, nine studies; TR, 10 studies). Mean follow-up was 2.7±1.6 years. The HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality of PH (dichotomised: HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.00-2.87; per 10 mmHg increase in systolic PAP: HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07-1.29), RV function (dichotomised: HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.45-2.38; per 5 mm decrease in TAPSE: HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.97-1.43) and TR (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.28-1.79) indicated a significant association.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis after TMVR is worse in patients with significant MR when concomitant PH, RV dysfunction, or TR are present. Careful assessment of these parameters should therefore precede clinical decision-making for TMVR. The current results encourage investigation into whether (1) intervention at an earlier stage of MR reduces incidence of PH, RV dysfunction, and TR; and (2) transcatheter treatment of concomitant TR can improve clinical outcome and prognosis for these patients.

Postdischarge-to-30-Day Mortality Among Patients Receiving MitraClip: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

MitraClip (MC) implantation is the recommended treatment for severe symptomatic mitral regurgitation in patients not responding to medical therapy and at prohibitive surgical risk. It is important to quantify immediate mortality during postdischarge-to-30-day period so as to improve the procedural outcomes. Hence, we aim to identify the incidence of postdischarge-to-30-day mortality and its associated predictors using the technique of meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases from inception until July 3, 2019 for studies reporting mortality prior to discharge, at 30 days and 1 year after MC implantation. The primary outcome was postdischarge-to-30-day all-cause mortality.

Results

Of 2394 references, 15 studies enrolling 7498 patients were included. Random effects analysis showed that all-cause cumulative inpatient, 30-day, and 1-year mortality was 2.40% (2.08, 2.77; I² = 0%), 4.31% (3.64, 5.09, I² = 41.9%), and 20.71% (18.32; 23.33, I² = 81.5%), respectively. The postdischarge-to-30-day mortality was 1.70% (95% confidence interval: 1.0, 2.70; I² = 84%). A total of 71.50% of deaths (95% confidence interval: 36.80-91.50, I² = 63%) in the postdischarge-to-30-day period were due to cardiac etiology. On meta-regression, pre-MC left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.003), Log.Euroscore (p = 0.047), Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (p < 0.001), and prolonged ventilation >48 ​hours (p < 0.001) were found to be its significant predictors.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis reports an additional mortality of ∼2% immediately after MC implantation during the postdischarge-to-30-day period. Majority of deaths occurred due to cardiac causes. Pre-MC left ventricular ejection fraction, Log.Euroscore, Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score, and prolonged ventilation were found to be its significant predictors. Further studies are needed to better understand the causes of this early mortality to maximize benefits of this important therapy.

Re-do MitraClip in patients with functional mitral valve regurgitation and advanced heart failure

Aim

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) via MitraClip implantation is a therapeutic option for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in advanced stages of heart failure (HF). However, progressive left ventricular dilation in these patients may lead to recurrent MR after PMVR and consequent re‐do MitraClip implantation. Here, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of this clinical scenario.

Methods and results

Patients with systolic HF and functional MR undergoing a re‐do MitraClip procedure were retrospectively analysed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, technical, device and procedural success at first MitraClip procedure, functional MR and systolic HF with an ejection fraction (EF) of <45%. Seventeen out of 684 patients undergoing PMVR with the MitraClip device at our institution between September 2009 and July 2019 were included. All patients displayed advanced HF with an EF of 20% (±9.9) and highly elevated N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide. Technical success of the re‐do MitraClip procedure was 100%, whereas procedural and device success were only achieved in 11 patients (65%). Unsuccessful re‐do procedures were related to lower EF and implantation of more than one clip at initial procedure. However, despite reduction in MR grade and no occurrence of significant mitral stenosis after the procedure, the mortality during 12 months follow‐up remained high (8 of 17; 47%).

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients with advanced HF undergoing PMVR, re‐do MitraClip procedure was feasible, but procedural success was unsatisfactory and morbidity and mortality remained high, possibly reflecting the advanced stage of HF in these patients.

Exercise Hemodynamic Profiling Is Associated With Outcome in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) in high-risk patients is currently controversial, especially in those with secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). Exercise pulmonary hemodynamics may help to unmask cardiac dysfunction as well as the dynamic impact of MR. The present study sought to explore the clinical impact of preprocedural exercise right heart catheterization (RHC) for the selection of patients who could most benefit from PMVR.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with symptomatic primary and secondary MR and exercise RHC before PMVR were included in this retrospective analysis of the association of exercise RHC parameters with survival and improvement in New York Heart Association class within 12 months.

RESULTS

Median patient age was 77 years (±8.5), 37% were female, and 81% presented with New York Heart Association class III. A total of 65% of the patients had left ventricular ejection fraction <55%. MR was severe in 49% and moderate-to-severe in 51%. Twenty-two patients (32%) died within the follow-up period of 19 months (interquartile range, 9-32); they had a lower rise (Δ) in the V-wave on pulmonary artery wedge pressure tracings. Patients with ΔV-wave ≥17 mm Hg had a reduced risk of death after PMVR (hazard ratio, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.04-0.33], P<0.001), independent of age, frailty index, and workload during RHC. A higher ΔV-wave was also associated with New York Heart Association improvement (odds ratio, 1.14 [95% CI, 1.07-1.24]; P<0.001), and 79% of patients with ∆V-wave ≥15 mm Hg were in New York Heart Association class I or II at follow-up (<15 mm Hg: 28%). These results were for the most part confirmed in the subgroup of patients with secondary MR (65%).

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort of patients with indication for PMVR, preprocedural exercise RHC was able to identify patients with an unfavorable outcome. Further studies with larger patient numbers are warranted before this approach can be implemented in a structured diagnostic workup of patients under evaluation for PMVR.

Current Use of Cardiac Biomarkers in Various Heart Conditions

Biomarkers are increasingly recognized to have significant clinical value in early identification and progression of various cardiovascular diseases. There are many heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure (CHF), ischemic heart diseases (IHD), and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), and cardiac remodeling, in which the severity of the cardiac pathology can be mirrored through these cardiac biomarkers. From the emergency department (ED) evaluation of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or suspected acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with cardiac marker Troponin to the diagnosis of chronic conditions like Heart Failure (HF) with natriuretic peptides, like B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-B- type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) and mid regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR- proANP), their use is continuously increasing. Their clinical importance has led to the discovery of newer biomarkers, such as the soluble source of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), galectin-3 (Gal-3), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), and various micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs). Since cardiac pathophysiology involves a complex interplay between inflammatory, genetic, neurohormonal, and biochemical levels, these biomarkers could be enzymes, hormones, and biologic substances showing cardiac injury, stress, and malfunction. Therefore, multi-marker approaches with different combinations of novel cardiac biomarkers, and continual assessment of cardiac biomarkers are likely to improve cardiac risk prediction, stratification, and overall patient wellbeing. On the other hand, these biomarkers may reflect coexisting or isolated disease processes in different organ systems other than the cardiovascular system. Therefore, knowledge of cardiac biomarkers is imperative. In this article, we have reviewed the role of cardiac biomarkers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of various cardiovascular diseases from different investigations conducted in recent years.

Initial experience with percutaneous mitral valve repair in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) is a therapeutic option for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with heart failure due to differential aetiologies. However, only little is known about the safety and efficacy of this procedure in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy.

METHODS

Five patients with cardiac amyloidosis and moderate to severe or severe MR undergoing PMVR were analysed retrospectively and compared to seven patients with cardiac amyloidosis and severe MR without intervention. Clinical and functional data, renal function and cardiac biomarkers as well as established risk scores for cardiac amyloidosis were assessed. Primary endpoint was the reduction in MR one year after PMVR. Secondary endpoints were safety, overall mortality after 12 months compared with the control group, as well as changes in clinical and functional parameters.

RESULTS

Amyloidosis risk assessment documented amyloid cardiomyopathy at an advanced stage in all patients. Procedural, technical and device success of PMVR were all 100% and residual MR remained mild to moderate at 12 months follow-up (P = .038 vs before PMVR). Differences in survival compared with the control (no PMVR) group pointed to a possible survival benefit in the PMVR group (P = .02).

CONCLUSION

PMVR is a feasible and safe procedure in patients with cardiac amyloidosis and might carry a possible survival benefit in this patient group.

"Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Risk Score" for mortality prediction in patients undergoing MitraClip

BACKGROUND

Reliable risk scores in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) are lacking. Heart failure is common in these patients, and risk scores derived from heart failure populations might help stratify TMVR patients.

METHODS

Consecutive patients from three Heart Centers undergoing TMVR were enrolled to investigate the association of the "Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Risk Score" (comprising the variables systolic blood pressure, urea nitrogen, blood sodium, age, heart rate, race, history of chronic obstructive lung disease) with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among 815 patients with available data 177 patients died during a median follow-up time of 365 days. Estimated 1-year mortality by quartiles of the score (0-37; 38-42, 43-46 and more than 46 points) was 6%, 10%, 23% and 30%, respectively (p < 0.001), with good concordance between observed and predicted mortality rates (goodness of fit test p = 0.46). Every increase of one score point was associated with a 9% increase in the hazard of mortality (95% CI 1.06-1.11%, p < 0.001). The score was associated with long-term mortality independently of left ventricular ejection fraction, NYHA class and NTproBNP, and was equally predictive in primary and secondary mitral regurgitation.

CONCLUSION

The "Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Risk Score" showed a strong association with mortality in patients undergoing TMVR with additive information beyond traditional risk factors. Given the routinely available variables included in this score, application is easy and broadly possible.

MitraClip implantation followed by insertion of a left ventricular assist device in patients with advanced heart failure

Aims

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is common in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) via MitraClip (MC) has emerged as a feasible treatment strategy for these high‐risk patients. However, as HF often further progresses, there is a frequent need for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in these patients. We aimed to investigate whether prior MC implantation affects the subsequent LVAD implantation and outcome.

Methods and results

Thirty‐seven patients with advanced HF and significant MR who underwent LVAD implantation were retrospectively analysed. Follow‐up data were collected at 1 year after LVAD implantation. Primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality. Secondary endpoint included peri‐operative parameters and clinical development depicted as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) level. Seventeen patients initially received a MC device (MC group), resulting in a significant reduction in MR grade. After MC, NYHA class and INTERMACS level further worsened, leading to subsequent LVAD implantation after a median time of 475 days in the MC group. At LVAD implantation, overall characteristics were comparable with those of the patients undergoing LVAD implantation without prior MC placement (no‐MC group). Procedural data revealed a higher incidence of right ventricular (RV) failure needing mechanical RV assistance and a longer need for nitric oxide ventilation in the MC group after LVAD implantation. One‐year survival was slightly better in the no‐MC group compared with the MC group [41% (n = 7/17) vs. 65% (n = 13/20); P = 0.15], albeit event‐free survival was comparable between both groups, MC and no‐MC.

Conclusions

LVAD implantation after MC is feasible and safe. However, in patients with advanced HF and severe MR, PMVR may only delay a needed LVAD implantation and thereby lead to poorer peri‐operative RV function and impaired outcome. Arguably, these patients might benefit from the timely management of advanced HF by the means of early LVAD implantation or heart transplantation.

Functional Role of Natriuretic Peptides in Risk Assessment and Prognosis of Patients with Mitral Regurgitation

The management of mitral valve regurgitation (MR), a common valve disease, represents a challenge in clinical practice, since the indication for either surgical or percutaneous valve replacement or repair are guided by symptoms and by echocardiographic parameters which are not always feasible. In this complex scenario, the use of natriuretic peptide (NP) levels would serve as an additive diagnostic and prognostic tool. These biomarkers contribute to monitoring the progression of the valve disease, even before the development of hemodynamic consequences in a preclinical stage of myocardial damage. They may contribute to more accurate risk stratification by identifying patients who are more likely to experience death from cardiovascular causes, heart failure, and cardiac hospitalizations, thus requiring surgical management rather than a conservative approach. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the available evidence on the role of NPs in the management, risk evaluation, and prognostic assessment of patients with MR both before and after surgical or percutaneous valve repair. Despite largely positive evidence, a series of controversial findings exist on this relevant topic. Recent clinical trials failed to assess the role of NPs following the interventional procedure. Future larger studies are required to enable the introduction of NP levels into the guidelines for the management of MR.

Prophylactic use of levosimendan in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Background

The administration of levosimendan prophylactically to patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains a controversial practice, and few studies have specifically assessed the value of this approach in pediatric patients. This study therefore sought to explore the safety and efficacy of prophylactic levosimendan administration to pediatric patients as a means of preventing low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) based upon hemodynamic, biomarker, and pharmacokinetic readouts.

Methods

This was a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Patients ≤ 48 months old were enrolled between July 2018 and April 2019 and were randomly assigned to groups that received either placebo or levosimendan infusions for 48 h post-surgery, along with all other standard methods of care. LCOS incidence was the primary outcome of this study.

Results

A total of 187 patients were enrolled, of whom 94 and 93 received levosimendan and placebo, respectively. LCOS incidence did not differ significantly between the levosimendan and placebo groups (10 [10.6%] versus 18 [19.4%] patients, respectively; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.19–1.13; p = 0.090) nor did 90-day mortality (3 [3.2%] versus 4 [4.3%] patients, CI 0.14–3.69, p = 0.693), duration of mechanical ventilation (median, 47.5 h and 39.5 h, respectively; p = 0.532), ICU stay (median, 114.5 h and 118 h, respectively; p = 0.442), and hospital stay (median, 20 days and 20 days, respectively; p = 0.806). The incidence of hypotension and cardiac arrhythmia did not differ significantly between the groups. Levels of levosimendan fell rapidly without any plateau in plasma concentrations during infusion. A multiple logistic regression indicated that randomization to the levosimendan group was a predictor of LCOS.

Conclusions

Prophylactic levosimendan administration was safe in pediatric patients and had some benefit to postoperative hemodynamic parameters, but failed to provide significant benefit with respect to LCOS or 90-day mortality relative to placebo.

Trial registration

Name of the registry: Safety evaluation and therapeutic effect of levosimendan on the low cardiac output syndrome in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass. Trial registration number: ChiCTR1800016594. Date of registration: 11 June 2018. URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx

Usefulness of Age (≥85 Years) and Residual Mitral Regurgitation (>1+/4+) for the Prediction of Adverse Outcomes in Patients Receiving the MitraClip

The goal of this study was to determine the predictors of adverse clinical outcomes in patients treated with the MitraClip for significant mitral regurgitation (MR) with a focus on acute changes in hemodynamics and cardiac function. This retrospective study included 63 patients (mean age 82 ± 8 years, 48% male) with moderate to severe or severe MR. Cardiac catheterization was performed before and immediately after MitraClip repair. Volumetric and functional changes were assessed in both ventricles. A major adverse cardiac event was defined as a composite of cardiac death and readmission for heart failure. Patients were followed up on average for 380 days. MR was improved in 92% of patients after MitraClip therapy from an average grade of 4+ to <2+ (p <0.001). The pulmonary capillary wedge pressure decreased from 22 ± 7 mm Hg to 19 ± 6 mm Hg (p <0.001), and the cardiac stroke volume increased by 28% from 102 ± 53 ml to 131 ± 54 ml (p <0.001). The left ventricular end-diastolic volume was significantly reduced 24 hours after MitraClip therapy compared to that at baseline (p = 0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportion hazard regression model, an age ≥85 years (p <0.001) and residual MR >1+ (p <0.048) were predictors of an adverse prognosis at follow-up. In conclusion, a reduced left ventricular end-diastolic volume and improved hemodynamics occurred early after MitraClip therapy. An advanced age (≥85 years) and residual MR >1+ were associated with an increased risk of mortality and heart failure.

A novel risk score to predict survival in advanced heart failure due to cardiac amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiac amyloidosis, caused by deposition of immunoglobulin light chains (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR), carries a poor prognosis. Established risk scores for amyloidosis may not predict outcomes in those patients who develop advanced heart failure and who are potential candidates for heart transplantation. Here, we aimed to identify predictive parameters for patients with severe heart failure due to amyloidosis.

METHODS

Out of > 1000 patients with cardiac amyloidosis (AL or ATTR) admitted to our centre between September 1998 and January 2016, a cohort of 120 patients with a complete cardiac assessment at diagnosis, including right heart catheterization, echocardiography and biomarkers, was analysed retrospectively in this study. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. We performed univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, generated risk scores to predict outcomes in AL and ATTR amyloidosis and compared those to established risk models for amyloidosis.

RESULTS

In the Cox multivariate model, high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT; hazard ratio (HR) 1.003; confidence interval (CI) 1.001-1.005; p = 0.009) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (HR 1.061; CI 1.024-1.100; p = 0.001) were found to significantly and independently predict outcomes for AL amyloidosis, whereas QRS duration (HR 1.021; CI 1.004-1.039; p = 0.013), hsTnT (HR 1.021; CI 1.006-1.036; p = 0.006) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (HR 1.0003; CI 1.0001-1.0004; p = 0.002) were the best predictors for ATTR amyloidosis. A simple risk score ("HeiRisk") including these parameters for AL and ATTR allowed a more precise risk stratification in our patient population compared to established risk models.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk stratification for cardiac amyloidosis with the newly developed "HeiRisk" score may be superior to other staging systems for patients with advanced heart failure due to amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Mitral valve leaflet repair with the new PASCAL system: early real-world data from a German multicentre experience

AIMS

To examine the clinical experience and practical use of the PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA, USA) and to report some of the first clinical results.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 18 consecutive patients with severe, symptomatic mitral regurgitation (MR) were included in this German multicentre registry. All patients underwent clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory assessment prior to the PASCAL procedure and before hospital discharge. MR was classified as functional in 6 patients, degenerative in 2, and combined in 10. All except one received a single PASCAL implant. The preprocedural severe MR present in all patients was reduced: grade 0 in 4 (22.2%), grade I in 11 (61.1%), grade II in 3 (16.7%). The v-wave was significantly reduced from 31.7 ± 9.5 to 18 ± 7.7 mmHg (p < 0.001). Independent leaflet capture, performed in 4 (22.2%) of the patients, wide clasps, and the 10-mm central spacer are features of the PASCAL device to optimize mitral leaflet repair. There were no periprocedural complications.

CONCLUSION

PASCAL is a safe and effective mitral valve repair device for the treatment of severe MR. Device-specific features allow valve repair tailored to the individual anatomy of the underlying mitral pathology in each patient.