Impact of Cirrhosis in Patients Who Underwent Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement

In-Hospital Outcomes and 30-Day Readmission Rate After Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Liver Cirrhosis: A Contemporary Propensity-Matched Analysis

Background

Liver cirrhosis is not included in surgical risk prediction models despite being a significant risk factor associated with high periprocedural morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Limited contemporary data exists assessing the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

Patients with cirrhosis who underwent TAVR or SAVR were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Propensity-score matched analysis was performed to compare the clinical characteristics, in-hospital, and 30-day outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Between 2016 and 2019, 4047 patients with cirrhosis underwent TAVR (n = 3298) or SAVR (n = 749). TAVR adoption sharply rose, doubling the number of cases performed during the study period. Following propensity matching among 718 patients, the TAVR group consistently exhibited significantly lower rates of in-hospital mortality (2.2 vs. 7.5%; p = 0.002), bleeding (14.5 vs. 52.9%; p < 0.001), vascular complications (1.4 vs. 5%; p = 0.011), hepatorenal syndrome (3.3 vs. 8.9%; p = 0.003), cardiogenic shock (2.8 vs. 7%; p = 0.015), mechanical circulatory support utilization (0.6 vs. 4.7%; p = 0.001), 30-day all-cause readmission rates (10.3 vs. 18.1%; p = 0.005), and 30-day unplanned readmission rates (10 vs. 16.6%; p = 0.015) compared to the SAVR group. The TAVR group had significantly shorter median hospital stays, lower non-home disposition rates, and reduced hospital costs.

Conclusions

TAVR is associated with significantly lower rates of in-hospital mortality, bleeding, vascular complications, hepatorenal syndrome, cardiogenic shock, mechanical circulatory support utilization, and 30-day readmission rates compared to SAVR and represents a safe therapeutic option for aortic valve replacement in patients with cirrhosis.

Trends in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Utilization, Outcomes, and Healthcare Resource Use in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Decade of Insights (2011-2020)

It is well known that individuals with liver cirrhosis are considered at high risk for cardiac surgery, with an increased risk for morbidity and mortality as the liver disease progresses. In the last decade, there have been considerable advances in transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) as an alternative to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in individuals deemed to be at high risk for surgery. However, research surrounding TAVI in the setting of liver cirrhosis has not been as widely studied. In this national population-based cohort study, we evaluated the trends of mortality, complications, and healthcare utilization in liver cirrhotic patients undergoing TAVI, as well as analyzed the basic demographics of these individuals. We found that from 2011 to 2020, the amount of TAVI procedures conducted in cirrhotic patients was increasing annually, while mortality, procedural complications, and healthcare utilization trends in these cirrhotic patients undergoing TAVI decreased. Overall, TAVI does seem to be reasonable management for aortic stenosis patients with liver cirrhosis who need aortic valve replacement.

Optimizing cardiac status in the preliver transplant candidate

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Liver transplant is a widely accepted therapy for end-stage liver disease. With advances in our understanding of transplant, candidates are increasingly older with more cardiac comorbidities. Cardiovascular disease also represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality posttransplant.

RECENT FINDINGS

Preoperative cardiac risk stratification and treatment may improve short-term and long-term outcomes after liver transplant. Importantly, the appropriate frequency of surveillance has not been defined. Optimal timing of cardiac intervention in end-stage liver disease is likewise uncertain.

SUMMARY

The approach to risk stratification of cardiovascular disease in end-stage liver disease is outlined, incorporating the AHA/ACC scientific statement on evaluation of cardiac disease in transplant candidates and more recent expert consensus documents. Further study is needed to clarify the ideal timing and approach for cardiovascular interventions.

The Effect of Liver Cirrhosis on Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of liver cirrhosis (LC) on postoperative complications and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent cardiac surgery. Three databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, were searched on July 24, 2022. A total of 1,535,129 patients were enrolled in the seven included studies for analysis. According to our analysis, LC was a risk factor for postoperative overall complications (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.81, I2 = 90.35%, P = 0.00 < 0.1). For various complications, more patients developed pulmonary (OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.21 to 2.87, I2 = 90.79%, P = 0.00 < 0.1), gastrointestinal (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.32 to 3.11, I2 = 0.00%, P = 0.00 < 0.05), renal (OR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.41 to 3.45, I2 = 91.60%, P = 0.00 < 0.1), neurological (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.26, I2 = 7.35%, P = 0.01 < 0.05), and infectious (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.17 to 3.50, I2 = 92.37%, P = 0.01 < 0.1) complications after surgery in the LC group. As for cardiovascular (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.85 to 1.35, I2 = 75.23%, P = 0.58 > 0.1) complications, there was no statistical significance between the 2 groups. As for long-term outcomes, we found that in-hospital death (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.86 to 3.20, I2 = 44.58%, P = 0.00 < 0.05) and death (OR = 3.31, 95% CI = 1.54 to 5.07, I2 = 93.81%, P = 0.00 < 0.1) in the LC group were higher than the non-LC group. LC was a risk factor for cardiac surgery. Patients with LC who would undergo cardiac surgery should be fully assessed for the risks of cardiac surgery. Similarly, the surgeon should assess the patient's liver function before surgery.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Restoring Candidacy for Liver Transplant in Patients With Cirrhosis

Guidelines for preoperative workup for an orthotopic liver transplant often rule out patients with severe aortic stenosis as transplant candidates. This case illustrates the potential of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as a bridge for liver transplants in cirrhotic patients with severe aortic stenosis. The 1-year and 2-year post-liver transplant follow-ups showed no complications in the patient's prosthetic aortic valves, and graft survival was 100% with no evidence of rejection. Notable post-transplant recovery involved medical complications that were not related to the liver function or surgical procedure.

Guidance document: risk assessment of patients with cirrhosis prior to elective non-hepatic surgery

As a result of the increasing incidence of cirrhosis in the UK, more patients with chronic liver disease are being considered for elective non-hepatic surgery. A historical reluctance to offer surgery to such patients stems from general perceptions of poor postoperative outcomes. While this is true for those with decompensated cirrhosis, selected patients with compensated early-stage cirrhosis can have good outcomes after careful risk assessment. Well-recognised risks include those of general anaesthesia, bleeding, infections, impaired wound healing, acute kidney injury and cardiovascular compromise. Intra-abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery are particularly high-risk interventions. Clinical assessment supplemented by blood tests, imaging, liver stiffness measurement, endoscopy and assessment of portal pressure (derived from the hepatic venous pressure gradient) can facilitate risk stratification. Traditional prognostic scoring systems including the Child-Turcotte-Pugh and Model for End-stage Liver Disease are helpful but may overestimate surgical risk. Specific prognostic scores like Mayo Risk Score, VOCAL-Penn and ADOPT-LC can add precision to risk assessment. Measures to mitigate risk include careful management of varices, nutritional optimisation and where possible addressing any ongoing aetiological drivers such as alcohol consumption. The role of portal decompression such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunting can be considered in selected high-risk patients, but further prospective study of this approach is required. It is of paramount importance that patients are discussed in a multidisciplinary forum, and that patients are carefully counselled about potential risks and benefits.

Cirrhosis and non-hepatic surgery in 2023 - a precision medicine approach

INTRODUCTION

Patients with liver disease and portal hypertension frequently require surgery carrying high morbidity and mortality. Accurately estimating surgical risk remains challenging despite improved medical and surgical management.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to outline a comprehensive approach to preoperative assessment, appraise methods used to predict surgical risk, and provide an up-to-date overview of outcomes for patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgery.

EXPERT OPINION

Robust preoperative, individually tailored, and precise risk assessment can reduce peri- and postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis. Established prognostic scores aid stratification, providing an estimation of postoperative mortality, albeit with limitations. VOCAL-Penn Risk Score may provide greater precision than established liver severity scores. Amelioration of portal hypertension in advance of surgery may be considered, with prospective data demonstrating hepatic venous pressure gradient as a promising surrogate marker of postoperative outcomes. Morbidity and mortality vary between types of surgery with further studies required in patients with more advanced liver disease. Patient-specific considerations and practicing precision medicine may allow for improved postoperative outcomes.

The importance of liver function assessment before cardiac surgery: A narrative review

The demand for cardiac surgery procedures is increasing globally. Thanks to an improvement in survival driven by medical advances, patients with liver disease undergo cardiac surgery more often. Liver disease is associated with the development of heart failure, especially in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Cardiovascular risk factors can also contribute to the development of both cardiomyopathy and liver disease and heart failure itself can worsen liver function. Despite the risk that liver disease and cirrhosis represent for the perioperative management of patients who undergo cardiac surgery, liver function is often not included in common risk scores for preoperative evaluation. These patients have worse short and long-term survival when compared with other cardiac surgery populations. Preoperative evaluation of liver function, postoperative management and close postoperative follow-up are crucial for avoiding complications and improving results. In the present narrative review, we discuss the pathophysiological components related with postoperative complications and mortality in patients with liver disease who undergo cardiac surgery and provide recommendations for the perioperative management.

Approach to the patient with decompensated cirrhosis and aortic stenosis during liver transplantation evaluation

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular disease and is reported to be present in 2%-7% of people over the age of 65. Risk factors for aortic stenosis and NASH overlap; thus, as the population ages, there is an increased likelihood that patients undergoing liver transplantation evaluation may have severe aortic stenosis. There is a high mortality rate associated with cardiac surgeries in patients with cirrhosis. Further, there are no guidelines that assist in the decision making process for patients with cirrhosis and AS. In this review, we highlight key studies that compare transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with cirrhosis. We propose an algorithm as to how to approach the patient with aortic stenosis and considerations unique to patients with cirrhosis (i.e., anticoagulation, EGD for variceal assessment; need to determine timing after TAVI before listing).

In-hospital outcomes of transcatheter versus surgical mitral valve repair in patients with chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) using MitraClip is a treatment option for patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation who are not surgical candidate. Liver cirrhosis is associated with higher operative morbidity and mortality; however, it is not part of preoperative risk assessments calculators. We sought to evaluate the in-hospital outcomes in TEER and surgical mitral valve repair (SMVR) in liver cirrhosis.

METHODS

National Inpatient Database from 2013 to 2017 was used to obtain all patients with cirrhosis who underwent TEER or SMVR using ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. The primary outcome is to compare inpatient mortality between TEER and SMVR. Secondary outcomes were assessed including length of stay (LOS) and rate of complications including cardiogenic shock, blood transfusion and prolonged ventilation.

RESULTS

A total of 875 patients with cirrhosis who underwent TEER (n = 123) or SMVR (n = 752) were identified in our analysis. Patients with TEER had significantly higher comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In-hospital mortality was lower in TEER group (8.2% vs 16%, P = .04). TEER was associated with lower rates of blood transfusion (30.3% vs 61.2%, P = .02) and reduced rates of prolonged mechanical ventilation (1.2% vs 17.2%, P = .042). In multivariate regression analysis, both blood transfusion and prolonged mechanical ventilation were significant predictors of mortality in liver cirrhosis.

CONCLUSIONS

TEER was associated with lower rate of in-hospital mortality, LOS, blood transfusion and prolonged mechanical ventilation in cirrhosis patients. TEER can be considered as a viable option for cirrhosis patient with severe mitral regurgitation.

Long-Term Outcomes After Transcatheter and Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Guide for the Hepatologist

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatologists often determine whether transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is preferred for patients with cirrhosis and severe aortic stenosis. The goal of this cohort study is to compare outcomes following TAVR and SAVR in patients with cirrhosis to inform the preferred intervention.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Prospectively collected data on 105 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR (n = 55) or SAVR (n = 50) between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Two control groups were included: 2,680 patients without cirrhosis undergoing TAVR and SAVR and 17 patients with cirrhosis who received medical therapy alone. Among the 105 patients with cirrhosis, the median Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 3.8% (1.5, 6.9), and the median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 11.6 (9.4, 14.0). The TAVR group had similar in-hospital (1.8% vs. 2.0%) and 30-day mortality (3.6% vs. 4.2%) as the SAVR group. During the median follow-up of 3.8 years (95% confidence interval, 3.0-6.9), there were 63 (60%) deaths. MELD score (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.21; P = 0.002) was an independent predictor of long-term survival. In the subgroup of patients with MELD score <12, the TAVR group had reduced survival compared with the SAVR group (median survival of 2.8 vs. 4.4 years; P = 0.047). However, in those with MELD score ≥12, survival after TAVR, SAVR, and medical therapy was similar (1.3 vs. 2.1 vs. 1.6 years, respectively; P = 0.53).

CONCLUSION

In select patients with cirrhosis, both TAVR and SAVR have acceptable and comparable short-term outcomes. MELD score, but not Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, independently predicts long-term survival after TAVR and SAVR. For patients with MELD score <12, SAVR is a preferred procedure; however, neither procedure appears superior to medical therapy in patients with MELD score ≥12.

Perioperative Evaluation and Management of Patients With Cirrhosis: Risk Assessment, Surgical Outcomes, and Future Directions

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. We provide a narrative review of the available data regarding perioperative morbidity and mortality, risk assessment, and management of patients with cirrhosis undergoing non-hepatic surgical procedures.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature from 1998-2018 and identified 87 studies reporting perioperative outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. We extracted elements of study design and perioperative mortality by surgical procedure, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score reported in these 87 studies to support our narrative review.

RESULTS

Overall, perioperative mortality is 2-10 times higher in patients with cirrhosis compared to patients without cirrhosis, depending on the severity of liver dysfunction. For elective procedures, patients with compensated cirrhosis (CTP class A, or MELD <10) have minimal increase in operative mortality. CTP class C patients (or MELD >15) are at high risk for mortality; liver transplantation or alternatives to surgery should be considered. Very little data exist to guide perioperative management of patients with cirrhosis, so most recommendations are based on case series and expert opinion. Existing risk calculators are inadequate.

CONCLUSIONS

Severity of liver dysfunction, medical comorbidities and the type and complexity of surgery, including whether it is elective versus emergent, are all determinants of perioperative mortality and morbidity in patients with cirrhosis. There are major limitations to the existing clinical research on risk assessment and perioperative management that warrant further investigation.

Impact of Cirrhosis on Morbidity and Mortality After Spinal Fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective large database study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the impact of cirrhosis on perioperative outcomes and resource utilization in elective spinal fusion surgery.

METHODS

Elective spinal fusion hospitalizations in patients with and without cirrhosis were identified using ICD-9-CM codes between the years of 2009 and 2011 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Main outcome measures were in-hospital neurologic, respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, renal and urinary, pulmonary embolism, wound-related complications, and mortality. Length of stay and inpatient costs were also collected. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to compare the in-hospital outcomes of patients with and without cirrhosis undergoing spinal fusion.

RESULTS

A total of 1 214 694 patients underwent elective spinal fusions from 2009 to 2011. Oh these, 6739 were cirrhotic. Cirrhosis was a significant independent predictor for respiratory (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43, confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.58; P < .001), gastrointestinal (OR = 1.72, CI 1.48-2.00; P < .001), urinary and renal (OR = 1.90, CI 1.70-2.12; P < 0.001), wound (OR = 1.36, CI 1.17-1.58; P < 0.001), and overall inpatient postoperative complications (OR = 1.43, CI 1.33-1.53; P < .001). Cirrhosis was also independently associated with significantly greater inpatient mortality (OR = 2.32, CI 1.72-3.14; P < .001). Cirrhotic patients also had significantly longer lengths of stay (5.35 vs 3.35 days; P < .001) and inpatient costs ($36 738 vs $29 068; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cirrhosis is associated with increased risk of perioperative complications, mortality and greater resource utilization. Cirrhotic patients undergoing spinal fusion surgeries should be counseled on these increased risks. Current strategies for perioperative management of cirrhotic patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery need improvement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) as bridge therapy restoring eligibility for liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients

Severe aortic stenosis is a widespread valve disease, constituting a contraindication to organ transplantation due to cardiovascular morbidity and projected mortality. Mortality after conventional surgical aortic valve replacement in cirrhotic patients depends upon the Child-Pugh class. In the past few years, transcatheter aortic valve replacement has progressively become the treatment of choice for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Here, we report the cases of 3 cirrhotic patients who became eligible for liver transplantation after successful transcatheter aortic valve replacement as bridge therapy.

The impact of cirrhosis in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a retrospective observational cohort study

PURPOSE

Patients with cirrhosis and concomitant coronary/valvular heart disease present a clinical dilemma. The therapeutic outcome of major cardiac surgery is significantly poorer in patients with cirrhosis compared with patients without cirrhosis. To address this, we aimed to identify associations between the severity of cirrhosis and post-cardiac surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A historical cohort analysis of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at the University of Alberta Hospital from January 2004 to December 2014 was used to identify and propensity score-match 60 patients with cirrhosis to 310 patients without cirrhosis. The relationships between cirrhosis and i) mortality, ii) postoperative complications, and iii) requirement of healthcare resources were evaluated.

RESULTS

Ten-year mortality was significantly higher in cirrhotic patients compared with propensity score-matched non-cirrhotic patients (40% vs 20%; relative risk [RR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 2.9; P = 0.001). Cirrhotic patients had more complications (63% vs 48%; RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.7; P = 0.02), longer median [interquartile range (IQR)] intensive care unit stays (5 [3-11] vs 2 [1-4] days; P < 0.001), time on mechanical ventilation (median [IQR] 2 [1-5] vs 1 [0.5-1.2] days; P < 0.001) and more frequently required renal replacement therapy (15% vs 6%; RR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 5.2; P = 0.02) postoperatively. After adjusting for other covariates, presence of cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.1) and intraoperative transfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.6 to 6.3) were independently associated with increased mortality.

CONCLUSION

Despite having low median model for end-stage liver disease scores, this small series of cirrhotic patients undergoing cardiac surgery had significantly higher mortality rates and required more organ support postoperatively than propensity score-matched non-cirrhotic patients. Impact de la cirrhose chez les patients subissant une chirurgie cardiaque : une étude de cohorte observationnelle et rétrospective.

Clinical Outcomes of Transcatheter vs Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis

Background: Chronic liver disease increases cardiac surgical risk, with 30-day mortality ranging from 9% to 52% in patients with Child-Pugh class A and C, respectively. Data comparing the outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in patients with liver disease are limited. Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for relevant studies and assessed risk of bias using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results: Five observational studies with 359 TAVR and 1,872 SAVR patients were included in the analysis. Overall, patients undergoing TAVR had a statistically insignificant lower rate of in-hospital mortality (7.2% vs 18.1%; odds ratio [OR] 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25, 1.82; I²=61%) than patients receiving SAVR. In propensity score-matched cohorts, patients undergoing TAVR had lower rates of in-hospital mortality (7.3% vs 13.2%; OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.27, 0.98; I²=13%), blood transfusion (27.4% vs 51.1%; OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.21, 0.60; I²=31%), and hospital length of stay (10.9 vs 15.7 days; mean difference -6.32; 95% CI -10.28, -2.36; I²=83%) than patients having SAVR. No significant differences between the 2 interventions were detected in the proportion of patients discharged home (65.3% vs 53.9%; OR 1.3; 95% CI 0.56, 3.05; I²=67%), acute kidney injury (10.4% vs 17.1%; OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.29, 1.07; I²= 0%), or mean cost of hospitalization ($250,386 vs $257,464; standardized mean difference -0.07; 95% CI -0.29, 0.14; I²=0%). Conclusion: In patients with chronic liver disease, TAVR may be associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality, blood transfusion, and hospital length of stay compared with SAVR.

Does liver cirrhosis lead to inferior outcomes following cardiac surgery?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: Do patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing cardiac surgery have inferior clinical outcomes? Altogether, 1627 papers were found using the reported search, of which 8 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. We conclude that these studies demonstrate that cirrhotic patients have significantly poorer clinical outcomes following cardiac surgery than would be predicted by conventional risk scoring systems. This includes both in-hospital mortality and rates of major complications (bleeding, cardiac, infective, renal and respiratory), which would likely lead to an increased hospital length of stay and, therefore, an associated cost. Evidence supports that the Model for End-stage Liver Disease and Child-Turcotte-Pugh cirrhosis severity scoring systems can be used to stratify risk in cirrhotic patients undergoing cardiac surgery and should be considered for inclusion in future cardiac surgery risk scoring systems.