Co-existence of COPD and left ventricular dysfunction in vascular surgery patients

Traditional and Advanced Echocardiographic Evaluation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Forgotten Relation

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant preventable and treatable clinical disorder defined by a persistent, typically progressive airflow obstruction. This disease has a significant negative impact on mortality and morbidity worldwide. However, the complex interaction between the heart and lungs is usually underestimated, necessitating more attention to improve clinical outcomes and prognosis. Indeed, COPD significantly impacts ventricular function, right and left chamber architecture, tricuspid valve functionality, and pulmonary blood vessels. Accordingly, more emphasis should be paid to their diagnosis since cardiac alterations may occur very early before COPD progresses and generate pulmonary hypertension (PH). Echocardiography enables a quick, noninvasive, portable, and accurate assessment of such changes. Indeed, recent advancements in imaging technology have improved the characterization of the heart chambers and made it possible to investigate the association between a few cardiac function indexes and clinical and functional aspects of COPD. This review aims to describe the intricate relation between COPD and heart changes and provide basic and advanced echocardiographic methods to detect early right ventricular and left ventricular morphologic alterations and early systolic and diastolic dysfunction. In addition, it is crucial to comprehend the clinical and prognostic significance of functional tricuspid regurgitation in COPD and PH and the currently available transcatheter therapeutic approaches for its treatment. Moreover, it is also essential to assess noninvasively PH and pulmonary resistance in patients with COPD by applying new echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, echocardiography should be used more frequently in assessing patients with COPD because it may aid in discovering previously unrecognized heart abnormalities and selecting the most appropriate treatment to improve the patient's symptoms, quality of life, and survival.

The comparative and added prognostic value of biomarkers to the Revised Cardiac Risk Index for preoperative prediction of major adverse cardiac events and all-cause mortality in patients who undergo noncardiac surgery

BACKGROUND

The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) is a widely acknowledged prognostic model to estimate preoperatively the probability of developing in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. However, the RCRI does not always make accurate predictions, so various studies have investigated whether biomarkers added to or compared with the RCRI could improve this.

OBJECTIVES

Primary: To investigate the added predictive value of biomarkers to the RCRI to preoperatively predict in-hospital MACE and other adverse outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Secondary: To investigate the prognostic value of biomarkers compared to the RCRI to preoperatively predict in-hospital MACE and other adverse outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Tertiary: To investigate the prognostic value of other prediction models compared to the RCRI to preoperatively predict in-hospital MACE and other adverse outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE and Embase from 1 January 1999 (the year that the RCRI was published) until 25 June 2020. We also searched ISI Web of Science and SCOPUS for articles referring to the original RCRI development study in that period.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included studies among adults who underwent noncardiac surgery, reporting on (external) validation of the RCRI and: - the addition of biomarker(s) to the RCRI; or - the comparison of the predictive accuracy of biomarker(s) to the RCRI; or - the comparison of the predictive accuracy of the RCRI to other models. Besides MACE, all other adverse outcomes were considered for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We developed a data extraction form based on the CHARMS checklist. Independent pairs of authors screened references, extracted data and assessed risk of bias and concerns regarding applicability according to PROBAST. For biomarkers and prediction models that were added or compared to the RCRI in ≥ 3 different articles, we described study characteristics and findings in further detail. We did not apply GRADE as no guidance is available for prognostic model reviews.

MAIN RESULTS

We screened 3960 records and included 107 articles.   Over all objectives we rated risk of bias as high in ≥ 1 domain in 90% of included studies, particularly in the analysis domain. Statistical pooling or meta-analysis of reported results was impossible due to heterogeneity in various aspects: outcomes used, scale by which the biomarker was added/compared to the RCRI, prediction horizons and studied populations.  Added predictive value of biomarkers to the RCRI Fifty-one studies reported on the added value of biomarkers to the RCRI. Sixty-nine different predictors were identified derived from blood (29%), imaging (33%) or other sources (38%). Addition of NT-proBNP, troponin or their combination improved the RCRI for predicting MACE (median delta c-statistics: 0.08, 0.14 and 0.12 for NT-proBNP, troponin and their combination, respectively). The median total net reclassification index (NRI) was 0.16 and 0.74 after addition of troponin and NT-proBNP to the RCRI, respectively. Calibration was not reported. To predict myocardial infarction, the median delta c-statistic when NT-proBNP was added to the RCRI was 0.09, and 0.06 for prediction of all-cause mortality and MACE combined. For BNP and copeptin, data were not sufficient to provide results on their added predictive performance, for any of the outcomes. Comparison of the predictive value of biomarkers to the RCRI  Fifty-one studies assessed the predictive performance of biomarkers alone compared to the RCRI. We identified 60 unique predictors derived from blood (38%), imaging (30%) or other sources, such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification (32%). Predictions were similar between the ASA classification and the RCRI for all studied outcomes. In studies different from those identified in objective 1, the median delta c-statistic was 0.15 and 0.12 in favour of  BNP and NT-proBNP alone, respectively, when compared to the RCRI, for the prediction of MACE. For C-reactive protein, the predictive performance was similar to the RCRI. For other biomarkers and outcomes, data were insufficient to provide summary results. One study reported on calibration and none on reclassification. Comparison of the predictive value of other prognostic models to the RCRI   Fifty-two articles compared the predictive ability of the RCRI to other prognostic models. Of these, 42% developed a new prediction model, 22% updated the RCRI, or another prediction model, and 37% validated an existing prediction model. None of the other prediction models showed better performance in predicting MACE than the RCRI. To predict myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest, ACS-NSQIP-MICA had a higher median delta c-statistic of 0.11 compared to the RCRI. To predict all-cause mortality, the median delta c-statistic was 0.15 higher in favour of ACS-NSQIP-SRS compared to the RCRI. Predictive performance was not better for CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂-VASc, R₂CHADS₂, Goldman index, Detsky index or VSG-CRI compared to the RCRI for any of the outcomes. Calibration and reclassification were reported in only one and three studies, respectively.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Studies included in this review suggest that the predictive performance of the RCRI in predicting MACE is improved when NT-proBNP, troponin or their combination are added. Other studies indicate that BNP and NT-proBNP, when used in isolation, may even have a higher discriminative performance than the RCRI. There was insufficient evidence of a difference between the predictive accuracy of the RCRI and other prediction models in predicting MACE. However, ACS-NSQIP-MICA and ACS-NSQIP-SRS outperformed the RCRI in predicting myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest combined, and all-cause mortality, respectively. Nevertheless, the results cannot be interpreted as conclusive due to high risks of bias in a majority of papers, and pooling was impossible due to heterogeneity in outcomes, prediction horizons, biomarkers and studied populations. Future research on the added prognostic value of biomarkers to existing prediction models should focus on biomarkers with good predictive accuracy in other settings (e.g. diagnosis of myocardial infarction) and identification of biomarkers from omics data. They should be compared to novel biomarkers with so far insufficient evidence compared to established ones, including NT-proBNP or troponins. Adherence to recent guidance for prediction model studies (e.g. TRIPOD; PROBAST) and use of standardised outcome definitions in primary studies is highly recommended to facilitate systematic review and meta-analyses in the future.

Comorbidities Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD is characterized by airflow obstruction, causing respiratory symptoms. There are treatments available for COPD; however, COPD has significant extrapulmonary effects, including well-recognized ones as cardiovascular disease and often underdiagnosed ones as osteoporosis. It is imperative to be aware of these comorbidities to optimize COPD patient care.

Assessment of Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction and Structural Changes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can develop left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and geometric changes due to several reasons. We investigated subclinical LV systolic dysfunction and structural features in patients with COPD, and its correlation with the severity of airway obstruction, identified by GOLD classification.

METHODS

We studied 52 patients with COPD and 29 age and sex-matched controls, without any cardiac disease. In addition to conventional echocardiographic evaluation speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) based strain imaging were performed to analyze sub-clinical LV systolic dysfunction. Also LV volumes were measured by using three dimensional real time echocardiography (3DRTE). All patients underwent spirometry.

RESULTS

Conventional echocardiographic parameters (LV wall thickness and diameters, LV EF) and LV volume measurements were similar between the groups. LV global longitudinal peak systolic strain (-14.76 ± 2.69% to -20.27 ± 1.41%, p < 0.001) and strain rate (0.75 ± 0.25 1/s to 1.31 ± 0.41 1/s, p < 0.001) were significantly impaired in patients, compared to controls demonstrating sub-clinical ventricular systolic dysfunction. Significant positive correlation was obtained between LV strain/strain rate and spirometry parameters (FEV 1, FEV%, FEV 1/ FVC, PEF %) (r = 0.78/0,68, p < 0.001; r = 0,83/0.70, p < 0.001); r = 0.74/0.55, p < 0.001; r = 0.72/0.65, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, there was significant negative correlation between LV strain/strain rate and GOLD classification (r = -0.80/ -0.69, p < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Subclinical LV systolic dysfunction can occur in COPD patients despite normal EF. STE is a technique that provides additional information for detailed evaluation of subtle changes in LV myocardial contractility, significantly associated with the severity of the disease in COPD patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Comorbidity of chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: features of pathogenesis, clinic and diagnostics

This article discusses the epidemiology of chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). CHF and COPD are characterized by high prevalence and high mortality, especially when they are combined. The article analyzes the general mechanisms of formation of these diseases: the relationship of COPD with cardiovascular diseases is explained by common risk factors, including smoking, physical inactivity, improper feeding and genetic predisposition. The leading role in the pathogenesis of pathologies is played by the activation and maintenance of systemic inflammation. Article presents the features of the clinical picture and the direction of the diagnostics in case of suspected combined pathology, the possibilities of modern laboratory and instrumental research methods. Diagnostics of comorbidity of CHF and COPD may be difficult, given the above common risk factors, some common pathogenesis mechanisms and similar clinical symptoms. However the caution regarding the comorbidity of the studied conditions, as well as a thorough clinical examination and the appointment of the necessary additional research methods, can reduce the number of diagnostic mistakes and improve the prognosis in such patients.

Prevalence and predictors associated with severe pulmonary hypertension in COPD

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is one of the most common complications of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), but its severe form is uncommon. Various factors play an important role in the occurrence and severity of pulmonary hypertension in patients.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on patients with COPD referred to an emergency department over a one-year period. The tests-including complete blood count (CBC) and arterial blood gas (ABG), pulmonary functional test (PFT) and echocardiography-were performed for all patients to measure mPAP (mean pulmonary artery pressure), ejection fraction (EF) and body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of severe pulmonary hypertension and its associated factors were investigated in these patients.

RESULTS

A total of 1078 patients was included in the study, of whom 628 (58.3%) were male and 450 (41.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients undergoing the study was 70.1±12.2. A total of 136 (13.7%) of them had mPAP (mm Hg)≥40mm Hg as severe pulmonary hypertension. Following multivariable analysis by using the backward conditional method, it was shown that seven variables had a significant correlation with severe PH.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that there is an independent correlation between hypoxia, hypopnea and compensatory metabolic alkalosis, polycythemia, left ventricular dysfunction, emaciation, and cachectic with severe pulmonary hypertension. The prevalence of severe PH in these patients was 13.7%.

Echocardiographic predictors of outcome in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess the relationship between echocardiographic characteristics and mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

We prospectively studied 154 patients (mean age 71 ± 10 years, 71% male) with COPD. All patients underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography within 48 hours of hospital admission. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality during a median period of 22 months.

RESULTS

Mildly elevated tricuspid regurgitation pressure and mitral E/e' ratio were the most commonly encountered echocardiographic abnormalities, observed in 60% and 56% of patients, respectively. In Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival, left atrial enlargement, E/e' ratio > 8, right atrial enlargement, right ventricular dilation, decreased tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, decreased tricuspid annular systolic velocity, and elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity were associated with all-cause mortality (p < 0.05 for all). In the Cox proportional hazards analysis, the mitral E/e' ratio (hazard ratio 1.048; 95% confidence interval 1.001-1.096) remained an independent echocardiographic predictor of survival after adjustment for age, COPD severity, and other baseline echocardiographic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with COPD, an abnormal mitral E/e' ratio was an independent echocardiographic predictor of all-cause mortality. Echocardiographic evaluation of structural and functional cardiac abnormalities provides important prognostic information and should be used routinely in the assessment of patients with COPD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:211-221, 2017.

Assessing the Value of BMI and Aerobic Capacity as Surrogate Markers for the Severity of Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Who Are Obese

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is one of the earliest signs for abnormal cardiac function in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It is important to explore the risk factors that will assist in identifying the severity of the LVDD in this population. We examined the influences of fitness and fatness on the level of left ventricular (LV) impairment in patients with T2DM. Twenty-five patients (age: 64.0 ± 2.5 years, body mass index [BMI] = 36.0 ± 1.5 kg/m(2), mean ± standard error of measurement) with T2DM and preserved systolic function, but impaired diastolic function, mitral valve (MV) E/e', participated in the study. LV function was assessed using a stress echocardiograph, aerobic power was assessed with a sign- and symptom-limited graded exercise test, and the fatness level was assessed using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and BMI. Patients in the higher 50% of BMI had higher lateral and septal MV E/e' (∼34% and ∼25%, respectively, both P < 0.001), compared to those in the lower 50% of BMI, with no difference in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (P > 0.05). In addition, a higher BMI correlated with a higher lateral (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and septal (r = 0.56, P < 0.01) E/e'. There was no such relationship for VO2peak. BMI and VO2peak were not correlated with LV systolic function (ejection fraction). In individuals with T2DM and diastolic dysfunction, a higher BMI was associated with worsening diastolic function independent of their aerobic capacity. The data provide a simple and practical approach for clinicians to assist in the early identification and diagnostics of functional changes in the heart diastolic function in this population.

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: cardiovascular links

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic, progressive lung disease resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke, noxious gases, particulate matter, and air pollutants. COPD is exacerbated by acute inflammatory insults such as lung infections (viral and bacterial) and air pollutants which further accelerate the steady decline in lung function. The chronic inflammatory process in the lung contributes to the extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD which are predominantly cardiovascular in nature. Here we review the significant burden of cardiovascular disease in COPD and discuss the clinical and pathological links between acute exacerbations of COPD and cardiovascular disease.

Impaired left ventricular filling in COPD and emphysema: is it the heart or the lungs? The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis COPD Study

BACKGROUND

COPD and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction overlap clinically, and impaired left ventricular (LV) filling is commonly reported in COPD. The mechanism underlying these observations is uncertain, but may include upstream pulmonary dysfunction causing low LV preload or intrinsic LV dysfunction causing high LV preload. The objective of this study is to determine if COPD and emphysema are associated with reduced pulmonary vein dimensions suggestive of low LV preload.

METHODS

The population-based Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) COPD Study recruited smokers aged 50 to 79 years who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease. COPD was defined by spirometry. Percent emphysema was defined as regions &lt; -910 Hounsfield units on full-lung CT scan. Ostial pulmonary vein cross-sectional area was measured by contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance and expressed as the sum of all pulmonary vein areas. Linear regression was used to adjust for age, sex, race/ethnicity, body size, and smoking.

RESULTS

Among 165 participants, the mean (± SD) total pulmonary vein area was 558 ± 159 mm2 in patients with COPD and 623 ± 145 mm2 in control subjects. Total pulmonary vein area was smaller in patients with COPD (-57 mm2; 95% CI, -106 to -7 mm2; P = .03) and inversely associated with percent emphysema (P &lt; .001) in fully adjusted models. Significant decrements in total pulmonary vein area were observed among participants with COPD alone, COPD with emphysema on CT scan, and emphysema without spirometrically defined COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary vein dimensions were reduced in COPD and emphysema. These findings support a mechanism of upstream pulmonary causes of underfilling of the LV in COPD and in patients with emphysema on CT scan.

Echocardiography, spirometry, and systemic acute-phase inflammatory proteins in smokers with COPD or CHF: an observational study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) may coexist in elderly patients with a history of smoking. Low-grade systemic inflammation induced by smoking may represent the link between these 2 conditions. In this study, we investigated left ventricular dysfunction in patients primarily diagnosed with COPD, and nonreversible airflow limitation in patients primarily diagnosed with CHF. The levels of circulating high-sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), pentraxin 3 (PTX3), interleukin-1β (IL-1 β), and soluble type II receptor of IL-1 (sIL-1RII) were also measured as markers of systemic inflammation in these 2 cohorts. Patients aged ≥50 years and with ≥10 pack years of cigarette smoking who presented with a diagnosis of stable COPD (n=70) or stable CHF (n=124) were recruited. All patients underwent echocardiography, N-terminal pro-hormone of brain natriuretic peptide measurements, and post-bronchodilator spirometry. Plasma levels of Hs-CRP, PTX3, IL-1 β, and sIL-1RII were determined by using a sandwich enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay in all patients and in 24 healthy smokers (control subjects). Although we were unable to find a single COPD patient with left ventricular dysfunction, we found nonreversible airflow limitation in 34% of patients with CHF. On the other hand, COPD patients had higher plasma levels of Hs-CRP, IL1 β, and sIL-1RII compared with CHF patients and control subjects (p < 0.05). None of the inflammatory biomarkers was different between CHF patients and control subjects. In conclusion, although the COPD patients had no evidence of CHF, up to one third of patients with CHF had airflow limitation, suggesting that routine spirometry is warranted in patients with CHF, whereas echocardiography is not required in well characterized patients with COPD. Only smokers with COPD seem to have evidence of systemic inflammation.

Phenotypic patterns of right ventricular dysfunction: analysis by cardiac magnetic imaging

The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to classify the morphological changes and remodeling of the right ventricle (RV) that occur in different clinical situations and that have an impact on RV function. Most literature has traditionally focused on the left ventricle (LV) and as a result, few studies analyze RV behavior and remodeling. The study evaluated all cardiac MRI performed at our center from 2008 to 2010. We retrospectively identified 159 patients who had some sign of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) based on MRI findings. We classified patients according to a combination of criteria for RVD and the presence of left ventricle dysfunction (LVD). We considered RVD as any of the following abnormalities: i) depressed RV function; ii) RV dilatation; iii) RV hypertrophy. LVD was considered when there was atrial dilatation, LV hypertrophy, LV dilatation and/or depressed LV function. We obtained 6 pathophysiological patterns: RV pressure overload (1.9%), RV volume overload (15.7%), RV volume overload + LVD (32.7%), depressed RV function + LVD (42.1%), mixed RV overload + LVD (6.9%) and other (0.6%). The most frequent etiology was congenital heart disease (33.3%), followed by idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (18.2%), left valvular disease (17.6%), ischemic heart disease (15%), pulmonary disease (9.8%), and other (6.1%). This study helps to classify the different patterns that RV can adopt in different clinical situations and can, therefore, help us to understand the RV pathophysiology.

Renin-angiotensin system blockade: a novel therapeutic approach in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers) are already widely used for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and their potential role in other disease states has become increasingly recognized. COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is characterized by pathological inflammatory processes involving the lung parenchyma, airways and vascular bed. The aim of the present review is to outline the role of the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) in the pathogenesis of COPD, including reference to results from fibrotic lung conditions and pulmonary hypertension. The review will, in particular, address the emerging evidence that ACE inhibition could have a beneficial effect on skeletal muscle function and cardiovascular co-morbidity in COPD patients. The evidence to support the effect of RAS blockade as a novel therapeutic approach in COPD will be discussed.

Differences between bisoprolol and carvedilol in patients with chronic heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexists in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is a key factor for beta blocker underprescription and underdosing. This study compared effects of bisoprolol and carvedilol in patients with both conditions.

METHODS

This was a randomized open-label study, of bisoprolol and carvedilol during initiation and uptitration to target or maximal tolerated dose. Pulmonary function testing, 12-lead electrocardiogram, and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide were measured at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

We randomized 63 elderly patients (73 ± 9 years, 81% men, left ventricular ejection fraction 33 ± 7%) with mild to moderate CHF (54% New York Heart Assocation class II) and moderate to severe COPD (76% Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage 2). Target dose was tolerated by 31 (49%) patients and 19 (30%) patients experienced adverse events during follow-up (19% bisoprolol, 42% carvedilol, p = 0.045). Study medication had to be withdrawn in 8 (13%) patients (bisoprolol: 2 due to hypotension, 1 due to bradycardia; carvedilol: 2 due to hypotension and 1 due to wheezing, dyspnoea, and oedema, respectively). Forced expiratory volume in 1(st) second significantly increased in bisoprolol (1561 ± 414 ml to 1698 ± 519 ml, p = 0.046) but not carvedilol (1704 ± 484 to 1734 ± 548, p = 0.44) group. Both agents reduced heart rate (bisoprolol: 75 ± 14 to 68 ± 10, p = 0.007; carvedilol 78 ± 14 to 72 ± 12, p = 0.016) and had no effect on N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Beta blockers frequently caused adverse events, and thus 49% of patients could tolerate the target dose. Bisoprolol induced demonstrable improvement in pulmonary function and caused less adverse events.