Effect of Acute Kidney Injury After Percutaneous Mitral Valve Repair on Outcome

Contrast-free left atrial appendage occlusion in patients using the LAMBRE™ device

BACKGROUND

Advances in imaging have led to procedural optimization of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). Contrast-free approaches, guided merely by echocardiography, have been established, however data on this topic remains scarce. In this analysis, we assessed contrast-free procedural results with the LAMBRE LAAC device.

METHODS

The multicenter retrospective BoBoMa (Bonn/Bordeaux/Mainz)-Registry included a total of 118 patients that underwent LAAC with LAMBRE devices omitting contrast-dye. Baseline and echocardiographic characteristics as well as intra- and postprocedural complications and outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients were at a mean age of 77.5 ± 7.5 years with high thromboembolic and bleeding risk (CHADS-VASc-score 4.6 ± 1.4, HAS-BLED-score 3.7 ± 1.0, respectively). Renal function was impaired with a mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 50 ± 22 ml/min. Mean procedural time was 47.2 ± 37.5  minutes with a mean radiation dose of 4.75 ± 5.25 Gy*cm2. Device success, defined as proper deployment in a correct position, was achieved in 97.5% (115/118) of cases with repositioning of the occluder in 7.6% (9/118) and resizing in 3.4% (4/118) of cases. No relevant peri-device leakage (>3 mm) was observed with 42% of occluders being implanted in an ostial position. Periprocedural complications occurred in 6.8% (8/118) of cases, including two cases of device embolization and one case of clinically-relevant pericardial effusion requiring surgical intervention. Other complications included pericardial effusion (2.5%, 3/118) and vascular access site complications (1.7%, 2/118).

CONCLUSION

Echocardiography-guided contrast-free LAAC using the LAMBRE device is safe and feasible. Further prospective studies including the direct comparison of devices as well as imaging techniques are warranted in contrast-free LAAC.

Low body mass index and risk of mortality after mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair procedure: The "obesity paradox"

BACKGROUND

Most patients undergoing the mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) technique are elderly comorbid patients. Low body mass index (BMI) < 23 kg/m2 has been identified in other elderly populations as a risk factor, but has not been studied sufficiently in mitral TEER.

AIMS

We aimed to study the impact of low BMI (23 kg/m2) on the outcome after mitral TEER.

METHODS

Patients undergoing first-time TEER for mitral regurgitation at a single tertiary center were included, with the exclusion of patients with preprocedural hemodynamic instability or missing BMI. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were long-term major bleeding or admission with heart failure.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients (mean age 76 ± 10 years, 76% men) were included in the study. Thirty-nine (31%) had low BMI. Patients with low BMI had a similar symptomatic benefit as patients with BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 at 1 year regarding decrease in diuretics dose and decrease in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (p > 0.05). In a multivariable Cox regression analysis, BMI as a continuous variable (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.93 [95% confidence interval, CI: 0.87-0.99], p = 0.03) and low BMI (HR: 1.99 [95% CI: 1.12-3.52], p = 0.02) were associated with the primary outcome. Low BMI was not significantly associated with major bleeding (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 2.39 [95% CI: 0.96-5.97], p = 0.06) or admission with heart failure (SHR: 1.06 [95% CI: 0.61-1.88], p = 0.83) during follow-up with univariable competing risk regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

Low BMI is a risk factor for mortality after mitral valve TEER, confirming the presence of an "obesity paradox" in this population and should receive attention in patient selection.

In-hospital complications after MitraClip in patients with heart failure and preserved versus reduced ejection fraction in the United States

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefits of transcatheter edge to edge mitral valve repair have been well established in patients with heart failure and severe mitral regurgitation (MR) who have prohibitive surgical risk. In March of 2019, the FDA approved the MitraClip for treatment of selected patients with HF and severe secondary MR. However, the relative outcomes of patients with HFrEF and HFpEF treated with MitraClip are largely unknown. We therefore sought to investigate the incidence and characteristics of in-hospital mortality in patients with HFpEF and HFrEF following MitraClip.

METHODS

The study sample analyzed was originated from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) registry which includes data from hospitalized patients in the United States (US) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2020. Data were extracted from the entire NIS registry using ICD-9 codes. Patients with the primary or secondary diagnosis of MitraClip were identified. Hospitalizations for HFpEF and HFrEF were identified based on ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes. Demographics, conventional risk factors, and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

23,260 hospitalizations for MitraClip implantation between 2016 and 2020 were analyzed. The HFrEF group had higher absolute rates of complications as well as a higher observed in-hospital mortality (2.4 % vs 1.7 %; OR 0.75 95 % CI 0.44-1.26; p 0.28) which did not meet statistical significance. Absolute rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI) and respiratory failure necessitating invasive mechanical ventilation were observed to be higher among HFrEF patients. Post-procedural shock was significantly more common in patients with HFrEF (9.0 % vs 2.8 %: OR 0.34 95 % CI 0.25-0.48 p < 0.001). Significantly longer hospitalizations were observed in the HFrEF cohort (5.3 ± 11.2 days vs 4.2 ± 7.3 days; p < 0.001) as well as a higher total hospitalization cost (61,723 ± 56,728 USD vs 57,278 ± 46,143).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study of US patients, those with HFrEF were observed to have statistically higher risk of in-hospital post-procedural shock and longer hospitalization length of stay when compared with patients with HFpEF who underwent MitraClip implantation. Additionally, patients with HFrEF undergoing MitraClip procedure were observed to have higher absolute rates of certain post-procedural complications, however these observations did not reach statistical significance. Understanding of the aforementioned differences after MitraClip implantation may be useful in-patient selection, prognostic guidance, and hypothesis generation to propel future large clinical studies.

Frailty, periinterventional complications and outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral and tricuspid valve repair

BACKGROUND

Frailty is common in elderly and multimorbid patients and associated with increased vulnerability to stressors.

METHODS

In a single centre study frailty according to Fried criteria was assessed in consecutive patients before transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve repair. Postprocedural infections, blood transfusion and bleeding and renal failure were retrospectively assessed from records. Median follow-up time for survival was 560 days (IQR: 363 to 730 days).

RESULTS

90% of 626 patients underwent mitral valve repair, 5% tricuspid valve repair, and 5% simultaneous mitral and tricuspid valve repair. 47% were classified as frail. Frailty was associated with a significantly increased frequency of bleeding (16 vs 10%; p = 0.016), blood transfusions (9 vs 3%; p =  < 0.001) and infections (18 vs 10%; p = 0.006), but not with acute kidney injury (20 vs 20%; p = 1.00). Bleeding and infections were associated with longer hospital stays, with a more pronounced effect in frail patients (interaction test p < 0.05, additional 3.2 and 4.1 days in frail patients, respectively). Adjustment for the occurrence of complications did not attenuate the increased risk of mortality associated with frailty (HR 2.24 [95% CI 1.62-3.10]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bleeding complications and infections were more frequent in frail patients undergoing transcatheter mitral and tricuspid valve repair and partly explained the longer hospital stay. Albeit some of the complications were associated with higher long-term mortality, this did not explain the strong association between frailty and mortality. Further research is warranted to explore interventions targeting periprocedural complications to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Implications of Renal Disease in Patients Undergoing Structural Interventions

Percutaneous structural interventions have a major impact on the morbidity, mortality, and quality of life of patients by providing a lower-risk alternative to cardiac surgery. However, renal disease has a significant impact on outcomes of these interventions. This review explores the incidence, outcomes, pathophysiology, and preventative measures of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease on transcatheter aortic valve replacement, transcatheter mitral valve repair, and percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty. Given the expanding indications for percutaneous structural interventions, further research is needed to identify ideal patients with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease who would benefit from intervention.

Comparison of costs associated with transcatheter mitral valve repair: PASCAL vs MitraClip in a real-world setting

AIMS

We aimed to conduct a clinical process cost analysis to evaluate all upcoming costs of mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) treatment using the MitraClip and the PASCAL repair system.

METHODS

First, we prospectively enrolled 107 M-TEER patients treated with either the PASCAL or MitraClip system and compared all upcoming costs during the M-TEER procedure and the associated in-hospital stay. Second, we retrospectively analysed 716 M-TEER procedures with regard to the occurrence of complications and their associated costs. All materials used in the catheterization laboratory for the procedures were evaluated. The cost analysis considered various expenses, such as general in-hospital costs, device costs, catheter laboratory and material costs.

RESULTS

In the prospective study, 51 patients were treated using the PASCAL system, and 56 were treated using the MitraClip system. The two groups had comparable baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The total in-hospital costs were 25 414 (Interquartile range (IQR) 24 631, 27 697) € in the PASCAL group and 25 633 (IQR 24 752, 28 256) € in the MitraClip group (p = 0.515). The major cost driver was initial material expenditure, mostly triggered by device costs, which were similar to the PASCAL and MitraClip systems. Overall intensive care unit and general ward costs did not differ between the PASCAL and MitraClip groups. In the retrospective analysis, M-TEER-related complications were rare but were associated with higher costs, mainly due to prolonged hospitalisation.

CONCLUSION

The major cost driver of M-TEER was the material expenditure, which was mostly triggered by high device costs. The costs of treating patients were similar for the PASCAL and MitraClip systems. M-TEER-related complications are associated with higher costs, mainly due to prolonged hospitalisation. This analysis provides valuable insights into reducing expenses by modifying the process of M-TEER.

Derivation and Validation of Risk Prediction Model for 30-Day Readmissions Following Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) has shown to reduce heart failure (HF) rehospitalization and all cause mortality. However, the 30-day all-cause readmission remains high (∼15%) after TMVr. Therefore, we sought to develop and validate a 30-day readmission risk calculator for TMVr. Nationwide Readmission Database from January 2014 to December 2017 was utilized. A linear calculator was developed to determine the probability for 30-day readmission. Internal calibration with bootstrapped calculations was conducted to assess model accuracy. The root mean square error and mean absolute error were calculated to determine model performance. Of 8339 patients who underwent TMVr, 1246 (14.2%) were readmitted within 30 days. The final 30-day readmission risk prediction tool included the following variables: Heart failure, Atrial Fibrillation, Anemia, length of stay ≥4 days, Acute kidney injury (AKI), and Non-Home discharge, Non-Elective admission and Bleeding/Transfusion. The c-statistic of the prediction model was 0.63. The validation c-statistic for readmission risk tool was 0.628. On internal calibration, our tool was extremely accurate in predicting readmissions up to 20%. A simple and easy to use risk prediction tool identifies TMVr patients at increased risk of 30-day readmissions. The tool can guide in optimal discharge planning and reduce resource utilization.

Utility of frailty as a predictor of acute kidney injury in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with poor outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients (aSAH). Frailty has recently been demonstrated to correlate with elevated mortality and morbidity; its impact on predicting AKI and mortality in aSAH patients has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating risk factors and predictors for AKI in aSAH patients.

METHODS

aSAH patients from a single-center's prospectively maintained database were retrospectively evaluated for development of AKI within 14 days of admission. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. The effect of frailty and other risk factors were evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 213 aSAH patients, 53 (33.1%) were frail and 12 (5.6%) developed AKI. Admission serum creatinine (sCr) and peak sCr within 48 h were higher in frail patients. AKI patients showed a trend towards higher frailty. Mortality was significantly higher in AKI than non-AKI aSAH patients. Frailty was a poor predictor of AKI when controlling for Hunt and Hess (HH) grade or age. HH grade ≥ 4 strongly predicted AKI when controlling for frailty.

CONCLUSION

AKI in aSAH patients carries a poor prognosis. The HH grade appears to have superior utility as a predictor of AKI in aSAH patients than mFI.

Acute Kidney Injury Following Tricuspid Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the incidence and clinical relevance of postprocedural acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) for tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of postprocedural AKI following TEER for TR.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty-eight patients who underwent TEER for TR at 2 centers were retrospectively analyzed. Postprocedural AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dL within 48 hours or ≥50% within 7 days after the procedure compared with baseline. The association between AKI and the composite outcome, consisting of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for heart failure within 1 year after the procedure, was determined.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 79.0 ± 6.8 years, and 43.3% were men. Postprocedural AKI occurred in 42 patients (15.7%). Age, male sex, an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m², and absence of procedural success were associated with the occurrence of AKI. Patients with AKI had a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality than those without AKI (9.5% vs 0.9%; P = 0.006). Moreover, AKI was associated with the incidence of the composite outcome within 1 year after TEER for TR (adjusted HR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.45-3.94; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postprocedural AKI occurred in 15.7% of patients undergoing TEER for TR, despite the absence of iodinated contrast agents, which was associated with worse clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the clinical impact of AKI following TEER for TR and should help in identifying patients at high risk for AKI.

Effect of Chronic Kidney Disease on 5-Year Outcome in Patients With Heart Failure and Secondary Mitral Regurgitation Undergoing Percutaneous MitraClip Insertion

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is strongly related to outcomes in cardiovascular diseases. Limited data are available regarding the independent prognostic role of CKD after transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip. We sought to evaluate the real impact of CKD in a large series of patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) who underwent MitraClip treatment. The study included 565 patients with severe SMR from a multicenter international registry. Patients were stratified into 3 groups according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assessment before MitraClip implantation: normal eGFR (≥60 ml/min/1.73 m²) (n = 196), mild-to-moderate CKD (30 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m²) (n = 267), and severe CKD (<30 ml/min/1.73 m²) (n = 102). The primary end point was a composite of overall death and the first rehospitalization for HF, the secondary end points were overall death, cardiac death, and first rehospitalization for HF. CKD was present in about 2/3 of patients. At 5-year Kaplan-Meier analysis, primary clinical end point occurred in 60% of patients with normal eGFR, compared with 73% cases in patients with mild-to-moderate CKD and 91% in patients with severe CKD (p <0.001). Long-term overall death rate significantly decreased with increasing eGFR, and cardiac death and rehospitalization for HF rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified severe CKD as the strongest independent predictor of adverse outcome (hazard ratio 2.136, 95% confidence interval 1.164 to 3.918, p = 0.014). In conclusion, CKD affected about 2/3 of patients who underwent MitraClip treatment for severe SMR, and it was a strong and independent predictor of 5-year adverse outcomes.

Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair in atrial functional mitral regurgitation: insights from the multi-center MITRA-TUNE registry

BACKGROUND

A-FMR is considered a specific sub-type of secondary MR in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and preserved left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). Aim of the study was to investigate the acute and mid-term outcomes of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) with the MitraClip in atrial functional mitral regurgitation (A-FMR).

METHODS

The study included patients with A-FMR and concomitant AF who underwent to the MitraClip at 7 Italian Centers. Aim of the study was to assess the safety, efficacy and mid-term cardiovascular outcomes.

RESULTS

After reviewing 1153 patients with FMR treated with TMVr from 2009 to 2021, 87 patients (median age 81 years, 61% female) with A-FMR were identified. Technical success was achieved in 97%, 30-day device success in 83% and 30-day procedural success in 80%. All-cause death at 30-day was 5%. Estimated two-year freedom from all-cause death and cardiac death was 60% and 77%, respectively, whereas freedom from all-cause death/heart failure hospitalization was 55%. Residual MR ≤ 2+ was encountered in 89% (n = 47/53) and improvement in NYHA class I/II in 79% (n = 48/61). Post-procedural MR ≥ 2+ (HR 5.400, CI 1.371-21.268) and inter-commissural annular diameter ≥ 35 mm (HR 4.159, CI 1.057-16.363) were independent predictors of all-cause death/heart failure hospitalization during the follow-up. Positive reverse remodeling of left atrium and mitral annular dimensions occurred after TMVr during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

MitraClip resulted to be a safe and effective option to treat A-FMR in elderly patients.

Complications Following MitraClip Implantation

Purpose of Review

To provide a detailed overview of complications associated with MitraClip therapy and its development over time with the aim to alert physicians for early recognition of complications and to offer treatment strategies for each complication, if possible.

Recent Findings

The MitraClip system (MC) is the leading transcatheter technique to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) and has been established as a safe procedure with very low adverse event rates compared to mitral surgery at intermediate to high risk or in secondary MR. Lately, the fourth MC generation has been launched with novel technical features to facilitate device handling, decrease complication rates, and allow the treatment of even complex lesions.

Summary

Although the complication rate is low, adverse events are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The most common complications are bleeding, acute kidney failure, procedure-induced mitral stenosis, and an iatrogenic atrial septal defect with unknown clinical impact.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11886-021-01553-9.

Acute kidney injury following transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Aim of this study was to perform a systematic review a meta-analysis of the literature in order to identify predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) and assess its effect on in-hospital outcomes and mortality. Although iodinated contrast is not typically used in TEER, these patients are still at risk for developing AKI.

METHODS

Studies reporting on the effect of incident AKI on mortality following TEER for MR were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed, comparing clinical outcomes between the patients with or without incident AKI.

RESULTS

Six studies including a total of 2057 patients (377 AKI and 1680 No-AKI) were included and analyzed. AKI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality after TEER (Odds ratio (OR): 8.06; 95% CI: 3.20, 20.30, p < 0.01; I² = 18.4%) and all-cause mortality over a mean follow-up time of 30 months (Hazard ratio (HR): 2.48; 95% CI: 1.89, 3.24, p < 0.01; I² = 23.7%). AKI after TEER was associated with prolonged hospitalization (Mean difference (in days): 1.41; 95% CI: 0.52, 2.31, p < 0.01; I² = 82.4%). Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD), device failure and history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were significant predictors of AKI following TEER (CKD stage 4: OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.18, 4.78, p = 0.02; I² = 0.0%; Device failure: OR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.94, 5.12, p < 0.01; I² = 0.0%; COPD: OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.16, 3.17; I² = 26.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight the renal vulnerability of the TEER population to renal injury and the associated deterioration in clinical outcomes and survival.

Association of Acute Kidney Injury with Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair

INTRODUCTION

Although transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) is a contrast-free procedure, prior single-center studies have demonstrated a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following TMVr. The main objective of this study was to examine risk factors for AKI, and its association with outcomes in patients undergoing TMVr.

METHODS

We queried the National Readmission Database to identify TMVr procedures performed between January 2014 and December 2017. Complex samples multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with AKI, as well as to determine the association between AKI and clinical outcomes (in-hospital mortality, index length of stay (LOS), 30-day all-cause readmissions, and 30-day heart failure [HF] readmissions).

RESULTS

Of 14,623 patients who underwent TMVr during the study period, 2,001 (13.6%) had a diagnosis of AKI. HF, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, fluid/electrolyte disorder, weight loss, nonelective admission, cardiogenic shock, and bleeding/transfusion were independently associated with an increased risk of AKI. In patients undergoing TMVr, AKI was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.92-8.34), 30-day all-cause readmissions (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.49-2.46), 30-day HF readmissions (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.38-3.84), and longer index LOS (adjusted parameter estimate, 5.78; 95% CI, 5.26-6.41).

CONCLUSION

AKI in the setting of TMVr is common and is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine if optimizing renal function prior to TMVr may improve outcomes, as well as to understand the impact of TMVr itself on renal function.

Two year outcome in nonagenarians undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair

Aims

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) has emerged as standard treatment in selected patients with clinically relevant mitral regurgitation (MR) and increased surgical risk. We aimed to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes in nonagenarians undergoing PMVR.

Methods and results

Altogether, 493 patients with severe MR who were treated with PMVR were included in this open‐label prospective study and followed up for 2 years. We treated 25 patients with PMVR aged 90 years or above, 185 patients aged 80–89 years, and 283 patients aged <80 years. PMVR in nonagenarians was safe and did not differ from PMVR in younger patients in terms of safety endpoints. Device success did not differ among the groups (100% in nonagenarians, 95.7% in octogenarians, and 95.1% in septuagenarians, P = 0.100). Unadjusted 2 year mortality was 28% in nonagenarians, 32.4% in octogenarians, and 19.8% in septuagenarians (P = 0.008). Kaplan–Meier curves confirmed similar 2 year survival in the nonagenarian and octogenarian groups (P = 0.657). In the multivariate analysis, age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.031, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.002–1.060, P = 0.034], higher post‐procedural transmitral valve gradients (HR 1.187, 95% CI 1.104–1.277, P = 0.001), and post‐procedural acute kidney injury (HR 2.360, 95% CI 1.431–3.893, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of 2 year mortality. Altogether, 89.4% of the nonagenarians, 85.9% of the octogenarians, and 86.4% of the septuagenarians had MR grade of 2+ or less at 1 year after PMVR (P = 0.910). New York Heart Association functional class improved in the vast majority of patients, irrespective of age (P = 0.129). After 1 year, 9.5% of the nonagenarians, 22.3% of the octogenarians, and 25.2% of the septuagenarians (each P = 0.001 compared with baseline) suffered from New York Heart Association Functional Class III or IV. The rate of heart failure rehospitalization in the first 12 months after PMVR did not differ among the groups (16% in the nonagenarians, 16.7% in the octogenarians, and 17.7% in the septuagenarians) (P = 0.954). Quality of life assessed by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire before and at 1 year after PMVR improved in all age groups (P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Percutaneous mitral valve repair in carefully selected nonagenarians is feasible and safe with intermediate‐term beneficial effects comparable with those in younger patients.

Comparison of Outcomes of Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (MitraClip) in Patients <80 Years Versus ≥80 Years

The influence of age on outcomes of patients selected for transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) remains largely unknown in the United States. This study sought to assess the outcomes of TMVR in highly aged patients (≥80 years). We queried the National Readmission Database from January 2014 to December 2016 for elective TMVR hospitalizations. Propensity-score matching was used to compare in-hospital and 30-day outcomes between highly aged patients and those less than 80 years. Of 6,025 (weighted national estimate) hospitalizations for TMVR, total of 3,368 included highly aged patients (mean age 85.3) and 2,657 included patients less than 80 years (mean age 69). In the Propensity-score matched cohort (age≥ 80, n = 2,185; age <80, n = 2,197), highly aged patients had similar rates of in-hospital mortality (2.2% vs 1.6%; p = 0.22), ischemic stroke (0.5% vs 0.5%; p = 0.83), cardiac tamponade (0.2% vs 0.4%; p = 0.58), cardiogenic shock (1.2% vs 1.7%; p = 0.25), and acute myocardial infarction (0.6% vs 0.4%; p = 0.30), but higher rates of discharge to skilled nursing facility(9.7% vs 4.5%; p <0.001), all-cause 30-day readmissions (14.2% vs 10.5%; p <0.001), and heart failure-related 30-day readmissions (4.7% vs 3.0%; p = 0.006), compared with those less than 80 years. TMVR therapy is safe and is associated with low rates of in-hospital adverse events but higher rate of 30-day readmissions in highly aged patients compared with patients less than 80 years. Evidence-based interventions proven to be effective in reducing the burden of heart failure readmissions should be utilized in these patients to further improve outcomes.

Outcomes of MitraClip Placement in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION

Liver cirrhosis is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Many preoperative risk assessment tools do not take into account the presence or degree of liver cirrhosis prior to surgery. Over recent years, percutaneous mitral valve repair using MitraClip has emerged as an option for patients at high risk of surgical intervention. However, the safety, efficacy and outcomes of this procedure in patients with liver cirrhosis have not yet been evaluated.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study using the 2013-2017 National Inpatient Sample database of adults who were hospitalized for MitraClip repair of mitral valve. All patients were divided into patients with cirrhosis and those without cirrhosis. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality in patient with cirrhosis who underwent MitraClip. The secondary outcomes were to assess length of stay (LOS) and total hospital cost per year in cirrhotic patients compared to non-cirrhotic patients.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was higher in cirrhosis group compared to non-cirrhosis however not statistically significant (8.1% vs 3.2%, OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 0.47-14.28, p-value 0.27). Additionally, neither of the secondary outcomes, LOS and total cost, were found to be statistically significant. However, the incidence of cardiogenic shock was significantly higher in the cirrhosis group 13.3% versus 3.9% (p-value 0.032).

CONCLUSION

Patients with liver cirrhosis who underwent MitraClip repair of MV were at higher risk of developing cardiogenic shock, without any significant increase in in-hospital mortality, LOS or total cost. However, this study showed a trend toward higher rates of mortality, requirement of blood transfusion, mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and cost of care in cirrhosis patients.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on in-hospital outcomes and readmission rate after edge-to-edge transcatheter mitral valve repair

BACKGROUND

Transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) is a treatment option for patients with 3+ or greater mitral regurgitation who cannot undergo mitral valve surgery. Outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end stage renal disease (ESRD) are unclear. We sought to evaluate the TMVR in-hospital outcomes, readmission rates and its impact on kidney function.

METHODS

Data from 2016 National Readmission Database was used to obtain all patients who underwent TMVR. Patients were classified by their CKD status: no CKD, CKD, or ESRD. The primary outcomes were: in-hospital mortality, 30- and 90-day readmission rate, and change in CKD status on readmission. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess in-hospital, readmission outcomes and kidney function stage.

RESULTS

A total of 4,645 patients were assessed (mean age 78.5 ± 10.3 years). In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with CKD (4.0%, odds ratio [OR]:2.01 [95% CI, confidence interval: 1.27-3.18]) and ESRD (6.6%, OR: 6.38 [95% CI: 1.49-27.36]) compared with non-CKD (2.4%). 30-day readmission rate was higher in ESRD versus non-CKD patients (17.8% vs. 10.4%, OR: 2.24 [95% CI: 1.30-3.87]) as was 90-day readmission (41.2% vs. 21% OR: 2.51 [95% CI:1.70-3.72]). Kidney function improved in 25% of patients with CKD stage 3 and in 50% with CKD stage 4-5 at 30-and 90-day readmission. Incidence of AKI, major bleeding, and respiratory failure were higher in CKD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CKD and ESRD have worse outcomes and higher readmission rate after TMVR. In patients who were readmitted after TMVR, renal function improved in some patients, suggesting that TMVR could potentially improve CKD stage.

Implications of Renal Disease in Patients Undergoing Structural Interventions

Chronic kidney disease patients have a high prevalence of severe valvular heart disease, which reduces life expectancy. Transcatheter valve interventions has revamped the way we manage severe valvular heart disease and are an attractive alternative to invasive surgery in patients with chronic kidney disease and severe valvular heart disease. This review summarizes the impact of transcatheter valve interventions in patients with severe valvular heart disease and chronic kidney disease.

Outcomes of urgent/emergent transcatheter mitral valve repair (MitraClip): A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

To describe the outcomes of urgent/emergent transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) and compare the clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural characteristics of survivors and nonsurvivors.

BACKGROUND

TMVr is a treatment strategy for select patients with severe primary or secondary mitral regurgitation. However, knowledge regarding outcomes for urgent/emergent TMVr is limited.

METHODS

All urgent or emergent TMVr procedures using MitraClip performed at the University of Washington Medical Center between January 2018 and March 2019 were identified and clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, procedural, and outcomes data were obtained by chart review. Outcomes included all-cause mortality, hospital mortality, procedural success, periprocedural complications, and hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Of the 20 patients who underwent urgent/emergent TMVr, eight were treated for cardiogenic shock (CS), four for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with hypoxemic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and eight for ADHF with failure of inpatient medical therapy. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) was used in six patients; preceding TMVr in three patients and immediately post-TMVr in three patients. Overall, 30-day mortality and hospital readmission rates were 21 and 13%, respectively. Over a median 153 days (IQR 20-491) of follow-up, 10 patients (50%) died. Preprocedure CS, new or ongoing MCS post-TMVr, refractory respiratory failure post-TMVr, and acute kidney injury post-TMVr were associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In a single-center retrospective analysis, urgent/emergent TMVr in high-risk patients with ADHF or CS was associated with high short-term mortality and periprocedural complications. Prospective studies are warranted to inform patient selection and periprocedural management for urgent/emergent TMVr.

Predicting Acute Kidney Injury after Cardiac Surgery by Machine Learning Approaches

Cardiac surgery-associated AKI (CSA-AKI) is common after cardiac surgery and has an adverse impact on short- and long-term mortality. Early identification of patients at high risk of CSA-AKI by applying risk prediction models allows clinicians to closely monitor these patients and initiate effective preventive and therapeutic approaches to lessen the incidence of AKI. Several risk prediction models and risk assessment scores have been developed for CSA-AKI. However, the definition of AKI and the variables utilized in these risk scores differ, making general utility complex. Recently, the utility of artificial intelligence coupled with machine learning, has generated much interest and many studies in clinical medicine, including CSA-AKI. In this article, we discussed the evolution of models established by machine learning approaches to predict CSA-AKI.

Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury-Definitions, Epidemiology, and Implications

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is the acute onset of renal injury following exposure to iodinated contrast media. Several definitions have been used, which complicates the estimation of the epidemiological relevance of this condition and comparisons in outcome research. The incidence of CI-AKI increases as a function of patient and procedure complexity in coronary, endovascular, and structural interventions. CI-AKI is associated with a high burden of short- and long-term adverse events, and leads to increased healthcare costs. This review will provide an overview of the definitions, epidemiology, and implications of CI-AKI in patients undergoing coronary, endovascular, and structural catheter-based procedures.

Impact of left atrial diameter on outcome in patients undergoing edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: results from the German TRAnscatheter Mitral valve Interventions (TRAMI) registry

BACKGROUND

Left atrial (LA) dimension is a marker of disease severity and outcome in primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. In transcatheter mitral valve repair, LA enlargement might additionally impact on device handling and technical success through an altered anatomy and atrial annular dilatation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from the multicentre German TRAnscatheter Mitral valve Interventions registry (TRAMI) were used to analyse the association of baseline LA diameter by tertiles with efficacy, safety and long-term clinical outcome in patients undergoing edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip. In 520 of 843 patients prospectively enrolled in TRAMI, baseline LA diameter were reported [median (interquartile range) LA diameter in tertiles: 44 (40-46) mm, 51 (48-53) mm and 60 (55-66) mm]. Larger LA diameters were significantly associated with secondary aetiology of mitral regurgitation, lower ejection fraction, larger left ventricle, male sex and atrial fibrillation (all P < 0.05). Technical success was not different across tertiles (96%, 95.4% and 98.4%, respectively; P = 0.43) as were major in-hospital cardiovascular and cerebral adverse events (mortality, myocardial infarction or stroke: 1.8%, 1.2% and 4.4%, respectively; P = 0.11 across tertiles). However, 4-year mortality significantly increased with larger LA diameter (32.9%, 46.4% and 51.7%, respectively; P < 0.01), as did hospitalization in survivors (60%, 67.6% and 78.9%, respectively; P < 0.05). The association between LA diameter and outcome remained significant after multivariable adjustment including baseline left ventricular end-diastolic diameter.

CONCLUSION

Left atrial enlargement is a strong and independent predictor of adverse long-term outcome after transcatheter mitral valve repair. Further study is warranted to examine whether timely intervention may have the potential to modify outcome.

Interrelationship Between Kidney Function and Percutaneous Mitral Valve Interventions: A Comprehensive Review

Percutaneous mitral valve repair is emerging as a reasonable alternative especially in those with an unfavorable surgical risk profile in the repair of mitral regurgitation. At this time, our understanding of the effects of underlying renal dysfunction on outcomes with percutaneous mitral valve repair and the effects of this procedure itself on renal function is evolving, as more data emerges in this field. The current evidence suggests that the correction of mitral regurgitation via percutaneous mitral valve repair is associated with some degree of improvement in cardiac function, hemodynamics and renal function. The improvement in renal function was more significant for those with greater renal dysfunction at baseline. The presence of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in turn has been associated with poor long-term outcomes including increased mortality and hospitalization among patients who undergo percutaneous mitral valve repair. This was true regardless of the degree of improvement in GFR post repair advanced CKD. The adverse impact of CKD on long-term outcomes was consistent across all studies and was more prominent in those with GFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m². It is clear that from these contrasting evidences of improved renal function post mitral valve repair but poor long-term outcomes including increased mortality in patients with CKD, that proper patient selection for percutaneous mitral valve repair is key. There is a need to have better-standardized criteria for patients who should qualify to have percutaneous mitral valve replacement with Mitraclip. In this new era of percutaneous mitral valve repair, much work needs to be done to optimize long-term patient outcomes.