Trends and Outcomes of Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis

Descriptive analysis of long-term survival after aortic valve replacement for dialysis patients: importance of renal pathologies and age

OBJECTIVES

This study analyzed the long-term survival of dialysis patients undergoing AVR using the Japanese National Clinical Database with additional survival data.

METHODS

De-novo AVR for dialysis-dependent patients between 2010 and 2012 who were registered in the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database were included. Concomitant aortic surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement were excluded. An additional questionnaire was sent to each hospital regarding the underlying kidney disease, the duration of dialysis initiation to the surgery, and clinical outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was descriptively shown for all cohorts and each renal pathology. Furthermore, we compared the incidence of bioprosthetic valve failure in patients who were < 65 years old (group Y) and ≧65 years old (group O).

RESULTS

Of these 1529 patients, diabetic nephropathy was 517, chronic glomerulonephritis was 437, and renal sclerosis was 210, regarding renal pathology. 1, 3, and 5-year survival in each pathology was 78.4%, 58.6%, 45.9% in diabetic nephritis, 78.8%, 68.4%, 58.2% in chronic glomerulonephritis, 79.0%, 67.8%, 52.1% in renal sclerosis, and 74.4%, 62.6%, 49.2% in others. Active infectious endocarditis was more prevalent in group Y (O 2.7% vs. Y 9.6%). The incidence of bioprosthetic valve failure requiring re-hospitalization was too small to analyze. 1, 3, and 5-year survival was 76.0%, 63.4%, 49.2% in group O and 74.3%, 64.2%, and 47.7% in group Y.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival of AVR for dialysis-dependent was higher in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and lower in patients with diabetic nephritis than in other pathologies.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement in chronic kidney disease: Meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data

BACKGROUND

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a challenging and understudied population. Specifically, the late outcomes following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with CKD remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To compare overall mortality risk in patients with moderate-to-severe CKD following TAVI versus SAVR.

METHODS

Study-level meta-analysis of reconstructed time-to-event data from Kaplan-Meier curves of studies published by August 2022.

RESULTS

Nine studies met our inclusion criteria. Patients who underwent TAVI had a higher 5-year mortality compared with patients undergoing SAVR in the overall population (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.44-1.69, P < 0.001) and in populations with similar risk scores (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01-1.31, P = 0.035). The landmark analysis revealed a lower risk of 30-day mortality with TAVI (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.41-0.94, P = 0.023), followed by similar risk until 7.5 months (HR 1, 95% CI 0.78-1.27, P = 0.978). In contrast, the landmark analysis beyond 7.5 months yielded a reversal of the HR in favor of SAVR (TAVI with HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.08-1.49 P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CKD, TAVI provides an initial survival benefit over SAVR. However, in the long run, a significant survival benefit of SAVR over TAVI was observed. Our findings highlight the need for randomized controlled trials to investigate outcomes in this special population.

Mechanical vs Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients on Dialysis: Long-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Using the Japan National Clinical Database and additional data, this study is an analysis of long-term survival of dialysis-dependent patients who underwent aortic valve replacement (AVR).

METHODS

Dialysis-dependent patients who underwent de novo AVR between 2010 and 2012 and who were registered in the database were included. Concomitant aortic surgery and transcatheter aortic valve replacement were excluded. Additional data on the underlying kidney disease, the duration of dialysis, and clinical outcomes were registered between October 29, 2019, and August 30, 2020. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were cerebral infarction, cerebral bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, and prosthetic valve failure.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 1016 cases (508 each in the bioprosthetic and mechanical valve groups) were matched. The median follow-up period was 3.29 years (interquartile range [IQR], 0.59 years, 6.25 years). The median survival time was 5.38 years (IQR, 1.20 and 9.26 years) in the mechanical valve group and 4.98 years (IQR, 1.69 and 9.62 years) in the bioprosthetic valve group. The Cox regression model showed no significant difference in long-term survival between the groups (mechanical valve: hazard ratio [HR], 0.895; 95% CI, 0.719-1.113; P = .318). The incidences of cerebral infarction and prosthetic valve failure requiring admission were similar between the groups. Cerebral bleeding (HR, 2.143; 95% CI, 1.125-4.080; P = .002) and gastrointestinal bleeding (HR, 2.071; 95% CI, 1.243-3.451; P = .0005) were more frequent in the mechanical valve group.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival of dialysis-dependent patients was similar regardless of whether mechanical valves or bioprosthetic valves were implanted. The incidences of cerebral and gastrointestinal bleeding were 2-fold higher in the mechanical valve group.

Machine learning using institution-specific multi-modal electronic health records improves mortality risk prediction for cardiac surgery patients

Background

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores are widely used to assess risk of morbidity and mortality in specific cardiac surgeries but may not perform optimally in all patients. In a cohort of patients undergoing cardiac surgery, we developed a data-driven, institution-specific machine learning-based model inferred from multi-modal electronic health records and compared the performance with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons models.

Methods

All adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 2011 and 2016 were included. Routine electronic health record administrative, demographic, clinical, hemodynamic, laboratory, pharmacological, and procedural data features were extracted. The outcome was postoperative mortality. The database was randomly split into training (development) and test (evaluation) cohorts. Models developed using 4 classification algorithms were compared using 6 evaluation metrics. The performance of the final model was compared with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons models for 7 index surgical procedures.

Results

A total of 6392 patients were included and described by 4016 features. Overall mortality was 3.0% (n = 193). The XGBoost algorithm using only features with no missing data (336 features) yielded the best-performing predictor. When applied to the test set, the predictor performed well (F-measure = 0.775; precision = 0.756; recall = 0.795; accuracy = 0.986; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.978; area under the precision-recall curve = 0.804). eXtreme Gradient Boosting consistently demonstrated improved performance over the Society of Thoracic Surgeons models when evaluated on index procedures within the test set.

Conclusions

Machine learning models using institution-specific multi-modal electronic health records may improve performance in predicting mortality for individual patients undergoing cardiac surgery compared with the standard-of-care, population-derived Society of Thoracic Surgeons models. Institution-specific models may provide insights complementary to population-derived risk predictions to aid patient-level decision making.

Mid-term results of surgical aortic valve replacement with bioprostheses in hemodialysis patients

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HD patients underwent SAVR-BP for AS (hospital mortality, 8.8%; 5-year mortality, 42.1%).

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Preoperative risk factors for 5-year mortality: age, hyperlipidemia, LVDd, LVDs, and Japan SCORE.

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Postoperative risk factors for 5-year mortality: length of ICU stay, and albumin level at discharge.

Background

Limited studies have assessed the factors affecting prognosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients who undergo surgical aortic valve replacement with a bioprostheses (SAVR-BP). This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of HD patients who had undergone SAVR-BP for aortic stenosis (AS) and identify the risk factors for mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 57 HD patients who had undergone SAVR-BP for AS between July 2009 and December 2020. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict factors associated with mid-term outcomes and death or survival. Kaplan − Meier curves were also generated for mid-term survival.

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate was 8.8%, and the 5-year mortality rate was 42.1%. The independent predictors of 5-year mortality were preoperative age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.175–2.083, p = 0.002), hyperlipidemia (HR, 0.02; 95% CI, 0.002–0.297, p = 0.004), left ventricular diastolic diameter (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.142–2.649, p = 0.010), left ventricular systolic diameter (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.392–0.939, p = 0.025), and Japan SCORE (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.052–1.563, p = 0.014). The postoperative predictors included intensive care unit stay (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.035–1.194, p = 0.004) and albumin level (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.196–0.725, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

The 5-year prognosis of HD patients undergoing SAVR may be improved by early diagnosis (before the occurrence of LV hypertrophy/enlargement) and nutritional management with oral intake to alleviate postoperative hypoalbuminemia.

Registration number of clinical studies: UMIN000047410.

Three-year survival of transcatheter versus surgical aortic valve replacement in dialysis

To highlight the trends of surgical (open) aortic valve replacement (SAVR) as well as to compare the outcome between transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and SAVR in elderly dialysis patients. TAVR has evolved as an effective alternative to surgery (SAVR) for aortic stenosis. We identified dialysis-dependent patients who underwent SAVR or TAVR from 2000 to 2015 from the United States Renal Data System using ICD-9 codes. We defined high-risk surgical patients as age over 70 or older. The primary endpoint was survival at 3 years and we compared the outcome between SAVR and TAVR groups using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). A total of 4332 and 1280 dialysis patients underwent SAVR and TAVR, respectively, during the study period. Among SAVR cohort, 3312 patients underwent SAVR before June 2012 and 1020 after June 2012. In-hospital mortality was significantly worse before 2012 (14.6% vs. 11.3% after 2012, p = 0.007) as well as estimated 3-year mortality (69.1% vs. 60.3% after 2012, p < 0.001). After June 2012, the TAVR cohort was older and had more comorbidities including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure compared to the SAVR cohort. After IPTW, in-hospital mortality was significantly lower after TAVR versus SAVR (odds ratio 0.38 [95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-0.52], p < 0.001). However, TAVR had a significantly higher risk of 3-year mortality than SAVR (hazard ratio 1.24 [95% CI 1.1-1.39], p < 0.001). TAVR may be a reasonable and potentially preferable alternative to SAVR in the elderly dialysis population in the short-term period.

Strict control of phosphorus concentration of hemodialysis patients may decrease structural valve deterioration after aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVES

The number of hemodialysis patients requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR) is increasing. Although bioprosthetic valves are increasingly popular, they are associated with a risk of structural valve deterioration (SVD). The aim of this study is to examine the outcomes of bioprosthetic valves in hemodialysis patients undergoing AVR and to identify treatment strategies that can decrease the risk of SVD.

METHODS

Between February 2010 and November 2019, 61 patients on hemodialysis underwent AVR using bioprosthetic valves at our hospital. Five patients died while still in the hospital. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed for the remaining 56 patients.

RESULTS

During follow-up, there were six SVD events (10.7%) related to the bioprosthetic valves. The survival rate was 67.9% at 3 years and 39.5% at 5 years. In all SVD cases, SVD was caused by aortic stenosis. The mean interval between AVR and the discovery of SVD was 41.5 months. The SVD-free rate was 88.6% at 3 years and 65.3% at 5 years. Preoperative phosphorus levels are associated with SVD risk. High preoperative phosphorus concentration is associated with elevated SVD risk.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we determined that the risk of SVD can be influenced by preoperative phosphorus level. Strict control of the phosphorus concentration of hemodialysis patients may decrease structural valve deterioration after aortic valve replacement.

Surgical outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement via right mini-thoracotomy for hemodialysis patients

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive valve surgery has become increasingly accepted as an alternative to conventional median sternotomy in low-risk patients. However, there have been no reports regarding the outcomes of this procedure on high-risk hemodialysis patients. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the surgical outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (AVR) via right mini-thoracotomy (MIAVR) in hemodialysis patients compared with those of conventional AVR (CAVR) via full sternotomy.

METHODS

Two hundred and seventy-four patients underwent isolated AVR for severe AS, and 42 hemodialysis patients were included in this study. MIAVR was performed in 17 cases and CAVR in 25 cases. We compared the short-term surgical outcome among the two groups.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the aortic cross-clamp or cardiopulmonary bypass time. However, the procedure time was significantly shorter in the MIAVR group. Patients in the MIAVR group had less bleeding and a smaller amount of transfused red blood cells. There were four hospital deaths (18.2%) in the CAVR group. For postoperative complications, there were 2 (9.1%) cerebrovascular incidents, 2 (9.1%) cases of respiratory failure, 1 (4.5%) re-exploration for bleeding in CAVR group. The postoperative ventilation time was significantly shorter in the MIAVR group. There was no difference in the length of postoperative intensive care unit stay or of postoperative hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

The surgical outcomes of MIAVR in hemodialysis patients were acceptable, with a low incidence of morbidity, reasonable lengths of hospital stay, and no mortality among the patients studied.

Treatment Effect of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Dialysis Patients With ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Patients receiving maintenance dialysis have higher mortality following primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) than patients not receiving dialysis. Whether pPCI confers a similar benefit to patients receiving dialysis remains unknown. We compared the effect of pPCI on in-hospital outcomes among patients hospitalized for STEMI and receiving maintenance dialysis to the effect among patients hospitalized for STEMI but not receiving dialysis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

We used the National-Inpatient-Sample (2016-2018) and included all adult hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of STEMI.

PREDICTORS

Primary exposure was PCI. Confounders included dialysis status, demographics, insurance, household income, comorbidities, and the elective nature of the admission.

OUTCOMES

In-hospital mortality, stroke, AKI, new dialysis requirements, vascular complications, gastrointestinal bleeding, blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, palliative care, and discharge destination.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

The average treatment effect [ATE] of pPCI was estimated using propensity score matching within ESRD and non-ESRD groups independently to explore if the effect is modified by ESRD status. Additionally, the average marginal effect [AME] was calculated accounting for the clustering within hospitals.

RESULTS

4,220 (1.07%) out of 413,500 hospitalizations were for patients receiving dialysis. The dialysis cohort was older (65.2±12.2 vs. 63.4±13.1, p<0.001), had more females (42.4% vs. 30.6%, p<0.001) and more comorbidities, but fewer White patients (41.1% vs. 71.7%, p<0.001). Patients receiving dialysis underwent less angiography (73.1% vs. 85.4%, p<0.001) or pPCI (57.5% vs. 79.8%, p<0.001). pPCI was associated with lower mortality in patients receiving dialysis (15.7% vs. 27.1%, p<0.001) as well as in those who were not (5.0% vs. 17.4%, p<0.001). The ATE on mortality did not differ significantly between patients receiving dialysis (-8.6% [-15.6%, -1.6%], p=0.02) and those who were not (-8.2% [-8.8%, -7.5%], p<0.001 (p-interaction=0.9). The AME method showed similar results (-9.4% [-14.8%, -4.0%], p<0.001) among patients receiving dialysis and those who were not (-7.9% [-8.5%, -7.4%], p<0.001) (p-interaction=0.59). Both the ATE and AME were comparable for other in-hospital outcomes in both groups.

LIMITATIONS

Administrative data, lack of pharmacotherapy and long-term outcome data, and residual confounding.

CONCLUSION

Compared with conservative management, pPCI for STEMI was associated with comparable reductions in short-term mortality among patients irrespective of their receipt of maintenance dialysis.

All-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis with aortic sclerosis and mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis: A cohort study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and aortic sclerosis, a precursor of AS, are associated with mortality in the general population; however, their association in patients undergoing hemodialysis with higher morbidity of AS is unknown. Thus, we investigated the mortality of aortic sclerosis and mild-to-moderate AS in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing hemodialysis at nine dialysis facilities who underwent screening echocardiography between January 2008 and December 2019. We investigated the mortality of patients with aortic sclerosis or mild-to-moderate AS using multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Among 1,878 patients undergoing hemodialysis, those with normal aortic valves, aortic sclerosis, mild AS, moderate AS, severe AS, and prosthetic aortic valves were 844 (45%), 793 (42%), 161 (8.6%), 38 (2.0%), 11 (0.6%), and 31 (1.7%), respectively. After excluding patients with severe AS and prosthetic aortic valves, we performed comparative analysis on 1,836 patients (mean age, 67 years; 66% male). In a median follow-up of 3.6 years, crude death rates (per 100 person-years) were 5.2, 10.6, and 13.0 in patients with normal aortic valves, aortic sclerosis, and mild-to-moderate AS, respectively. Compared with normal aortic valves, both aortic sclerosis and mild-to-moderate AS were associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death: adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.36 (1.13-1.65) and 1.36 (1.02-1.80) for all-cause death; and 1.52 (1.06-2.17) and 1.74 (1.04-2.92) for cardiovascular death, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic sclerosis and mild-to-moderate AS were independent risk factors for all-cause and cardiovascular death in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

The results of aortic arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion in haemodialysis patients: analysis of the Japan cardiovascular surgery database

OBJECTIVES

There have been limited data available regarding aortic arch replacement in dialysis patients. The purpose of this study was to examine real-world data and to determine the impact of preoperative dialysis status and other risks on surgical aortic arch replacement using the Japan Cardiovascular Surgery Database.

METHODS

A total of 5044 patients who underwent elective, isolated aortic arch replacement using antegrade cerebral perfusion during 2014-2017 were eligible for the study. Of these, 89 patients received haemodialysis preoperatively. The patients were divided into 6 groups according to their preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate and dialysis status for comparison. Preoperative and postoperative data were examined using a multivariable regression model.

RESULTS

The overall surgical mortality rates of non-Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) (estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min/1.73 m2), stage 3A, stage 3B, stage 4, stage 5 CKD and dialysis patients were 2.6%, 3.1%, 6.8%, 11.6%, 16.7% and 13.5%, respectively. After risk adjustment, dialysis was shown to be strongly associated with surgical mortality (odds ratio 4.39 and 95% confidence interval 2.22-8.72) and have a trend to be associated with postoperative stroke (odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00-4.10, P = 0.051) when compared to the non-CKD group. As predictors of mortality, male sex, peripheral arterial disease, preoperative liver dysfunction and impaired left ventricular function were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

The Japanese nationwide database revealed the outcomes of aortic arch replacement in dialysis patients. Appropriate counselling and an alternative strategy should be considered for such patients with multiple risks for mortality.

Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Renal Failure on Hemodialysis After Aortic Valve or Root Replacement

The long-term survival and reoperation rate in chronic renal failure (CRF) on hemodialysis (HD) patients after aortic valve/root replacement (AVR/ARR) with a stentless bioprosthesis is unknown. From 1992-2015, 1941 patients underwent AVR/ARR with stentless valve for primary indications of aortic stenosis/insufficiency, root aneurysm, and acute type A aortic dissection, including 93 CRF-HD (64 new-onset postoperative HD, and 29 preoperative HD) and 1848 non-CRF-HD. Data was obtained from the STS database, retrospective chart review, administered surveys and national death index data. Compared to the non-CRF-HD group, the CRF-HD group had significantly higher incidence of diabetes mellitus (28 vs 18%), CAD (49 vs 38%), COPD (31 vs 16%), NYHA class IV (12 vs 4%), atrial fibrillation (24 vs 12%), and previous cardiac surgery (27 vs 16%). Postoperatively, CRF-HD group had a higher reoperation for bleeding (10 vs 4%), length of hospital stays (20 vs 7 days), and operative mortality (23 vs 2.3%), all p < 0.01. The odds ratio of CRF-HD for operative mortality was 8.97. The long-term survival was worse in CRF-HD group than that in non-CRF-HD group [8-year survival: 31% vs 70%, p < 0.0001]. The hazard ratio of CRF-HD for long-term mortality was 2.4. The 10-year cumulative reoperation rate for structural valve deterioration in the CRF-HD group was 6.0% vs 5.0% in the non-CRF-HD group, p = 0.74. Surgeons should consider poor short- and long-term outcomes of patients with high risk of being on dialysis when offering aortic valve/root replacement. Bioprosthesis could be a good option in this patient population.

Valvular heart disease and calcification in CKD: more common than appreciated

Ischaemic heart disease, sudden cardiac death and arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke and peripheral arterial disease make up >50% of the causes of death in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Calcification of the vascular tree and heart valves is partially related to these complications and has received growing attention in the literature. However, the main focus of research has been on the pathophysiology and consequences of vascular calcification, with less attention being paid to valvular calcification (VC) and its impact on the survival of CKD patients. Although VC has long been seen as an age-related degenerative disorder with minimal functional impact, several studies proved that it carries an increased risk of death and clinical consequences different from those of vascular calcification. In dialysis patients, the annual incidence of aortic valve calcification is nearly 3.3% and the reported prevalence of aortic and mitral VC varies between 25% and 59%. Moreover, calcification of both valves occurs 10-20 years earlier in CKD patients compared with the general population. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the pathophysiology and relevance of VC in CKD patients, and to highlight specific clinical consequences and potential therapeutic implications.

Preoperative Clinical Features and High Pulmonary Wedge Pressure with a Discordant Pattern as Prognostic Factor in Hemodialysis Patients with Severe Aortic Valve Stenosis

Hemodialysis (HD) is one of the important risks for the development of cardiovascular disease, including aortic valve stenosis (AS). Although aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a beneficial treatment for AS, HD patients are known to show a high rate of mortality after AVR than non-HD patients.We retrospectively studied 109 patients who underwent AVR for severe AS, 18 of which were HD patients. Survival rate after AVR, preoperative clinical data, and surgical procedure were investigated.In preoperative clinical features, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was larger, intraventricular septum thickness (IVST) was thicker, left ventricular mass index (LVMI) was higher, left ventricular ejection fraction was lower, E/e' was higher, and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) was higher in the HD group than in the non-HD group. During a follow-up period of 3.2 ± 2.3 years after AVR, patients receiving HD had a worse prognosis than those without HD treatment: the 3-year survival rate after surgery in the HD group was 36.2% and that in the non-HD group was 84.9%. With regard to prognostic factors in the whole cohort, significant differences were found in IVST, LVMI, E/e', PAWP, and HD. In patients receiving HD, abnormally high PAWP for their right atrial pressure (RAP) was observed, suggesting that PAWP and RAP were discordant, and univariate analysis revealed that high PAWP was the only predictor of mortality in HD patients after surgery.Preoperative PAWP with a discordant pattern in HD patients might be an important prognostic predictor after AVR.

Aortic stenosis in patients with kidney failure: Is there an advantage for a PD-first policy?

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular disease. It is twice as prevalent in patients with kidney failure as compared to the general population. In addition, AS progresses at a faster rate and is associated with a higher risk of death and poorer quality of life in patients on dialysis. Chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), inflammation, and hemodynamic disturbances contribute to the pathophysiology and progression of AS. Whether the type of dialysis modality, that is, hemodialysis (HD) versus peritoneal dialysis (PD), has a differential impact on the development and progression of AS in patients with kidney failure remains debated. Recent data indicate that the prevalence of valvular calcifications might be lower and the development of AS delayed in PD patients, as compared to those treated with HD. This could be accounted for by several mechanisms including reduced valvular shear stress, better preservation of residual kidney function (with better removal of protein-bound uremic toxins and CKD-MBD profile), and lower levels of systemic inflammation. Given the high morbidity and mortality rates related to interventional procedures in the population with kidney failure, surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement should be considered in selected patients with severe AS. Strategies slowing down the progression of aortic valve remodeling should remain the cornerstone in the management of individuals with kidney failure and mild to moderate AS. This review explores the potential benefits of PD in patients with kidney failure and AS and provides some clues to help clinicians in the decision-making process when options for kidney replacement therapy are considered in patients with AS.

Surgical Therapy for Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis in the Era of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease and is most frequently recognized among elderly people. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the most effective therapy, but its indication is sometimes difficult, and is impossible for high operative risk patients. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was recently approved in Japan for high risk and inoperable patients with severe AS. TAVR is a less invasive method because it does not require a cardiopulmonary bypass and is associated with excellent surgical outcomes. In Western countries, the indication of TAVR has already been extended to moderate operative risk patients with severe AS, and is going to be further extended to low risk patients. The number of patients undergoing TAVR is increasing progressively, and there are effective alternative therapies for patients with severe AS. Selection of these surgical methods will be important in the near future. In regard to low operative risk patients especially, not only operative mortality, but also long-tern mortality and morbidity and quality of life should be taken into consideration. It is considered that some comorbidities in AS patients will be revealed to have an impact on surgical outcomes at the time when these surgical methods are selected. In this review, we examine end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis, functional tricuspid regurgitation, and sigmoid septum, and give an outline of what influence SAVR and TAVR have on the surgical outcomes of severe AS patients.