Frailty is associated with delirium and mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Incidence of post-operative delirium increases as severity of frailty increases

OBJECTIVE

The surgical population is ageing and often frail. Frailty increases the risk for poor post-operative outcomes such as delirium, which carries significant morbidity, mortality and cost. Frailty is often measured in a binary manner, limiting pre-operative counselling. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between categorical frailty severity level and post-operative delirium.

METHODS

We performed an analysis of a retrospective cohort of older adults from 12 January 2018 to 3 January 2020 admitted to a tertiary medical center for elective surgery. All participants underwent frailty screening prior to inpatient elective surgery with at least two post-operative delirium assessments. Planned ICU admissions were excluded. Procedures were risk-stratified by the Operative Stress Score (OSS). Categorical frailty severity level (Not Frail, Mild, Moderate, and Severe Frailty) was measured using the Edmonton Frail Scale. Delirium was determined using the 4 A's Test and Confusion Assessment Method-Intensive Care Unit.

RESULTS

In sum, 324 patients were included. The overall post-operative delirium incidence was 4.6% (15 individuals), which increased significantly as the categorical frailty severity level increased (2% not frail, 6% mild frailty, 23% moderate frailty; P < 0.001) corresponding to increasing odds of delirium (OR 2.57 [0.62, 10.66] mild vs. not frail; OR 12.10 [3.57, 40.99] moderate vs. not frail).

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of post-operative delirium increases as categorical frailty severity level increases. This suggests that frailty severity should be considered when counselling older adults about their risk for post-operative delirium prior to surgery.

Frailty and transcatheter valve intervention: A narrative review

Frailty is a common clinical syndrome that portends poor peri-procedural outcomes and increased mortality following transcatheter valve interventions. We reviewed frailty assessment tools in transcatheter intervention cohorts to recommend a pathway for preprocedural frailty assessment in patients referred for transcatheter valve procedures, and evaluated current evidence for frailty interventions and their efficacy in transcatheter intervention. We recommend the use of a frailty screening instrument to identify patients as frail, with subsequent referral for comprehensive geriatric assessment in these patients, to assist in selecting appropriate patients and then optimizing them for transcatheter valve interventions. Interventions to reduce preprocedural frailty are not well defined, however, data from limited cohort studies support exercise-based interventions to increase functional capacity and reduce frailty in parallel with preprocedural medical optimization.

Does Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Delirium? A Quasi-experimental Study in Older Adults Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Purpose

Postoperative delirium (POD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is frequent in older adults and associated with multiple negative outcomes including a higher mortality. We aimed to investigate whether a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) prior to TAVI reduces the odds of POD and results in a positive change in self-care ability, intended to lay a foundation for future geriatric comanagement.

Patients and methods

We used a retrospective, single-center study with a quasi-experimental design enrolling patients aged 70 years and older undergoing CGA before elective TAVI, and a nonrandomized comparison group without preoperative CGA. Data on POD occurrence during the first 5 days after TAVI (primary outcome) and change in self-care ability index (SPI) between admission and discharge (secondary outcome) were collected from electronic health records and CGA data (exposure) by clinical assessment. To explore associations between (1) CGA and POD, and (2) CGA and SPI, multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models were applied adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and number of medications.

Results

Among 435 patients (mean age 81.0 ± 5.6 years, 43.6% women, median [IQR] SPI at baseline 40 [39, 40] points), POD incidence was 14.3% in the CGA group vs 18.8% in the non-CGA group (P 0.219). Undergoing CGA before TAVI was not associated with the odds for POD (OR: 1.15; 95%CI: 0.65-2.04) or improved SPI (P 0.073).

Conclusion

We observed no association of CGA prior to TAVI with POD incidence or postoperative self-care, highlighting the need for additional studies investigating the effect of POD preventive measures in older TAVI patients integrated into a comprehensive geriatric comanagement program.

Postoperative delirium in 47 379 individuals undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The study aims to discuss the assessment methods used for the incidence of in-hospital postoperative delirium (IHPOD) in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients and explore possible strategies for preventing and reducing postoperative complications in the geriatric population.

Methodology

An electronic search of PubMed, Embase, BioMedCentral, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted up to August 2021, to identify studies on the IHPOD following TAVR in patients above 70 years. The primary objective of the study was to determine the incidence of delirium following TAVR and procedures like transfemoral (TF) and non-TF approaches. The secondary objectives were to determine the incidence of stroke and incidence according to the confusion assessment method (CAM) diagnostic tool. The authors only included studies published in English and excluded patients with comorbidities and studies with inaccessible full-text.

Results

Among the selected 42 studies with 47 379 patients, the incidence of IHPOD following TAVR was 10.5% (95% CI: 9.2-11.9%, I2=95.82%, P<0.001). Incidence based on CAM was 15.6% (95% CI: 10.5-20.7%, I2=95.36%, P<0.001). The incidence of IHPOD after TF-TAVR was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.6-11.0%, I2=94.52%, P<0.001), and after non-TF TAVI was 25.3% (95% CI: 15.4-35.1%, I2=92.45%, P<0.001). The incidence of stroke was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.9-4.5%, I2=89.76%, P<0.001). Meta-regression analyses between mean age (P=0.146), logistic EuroSCORE (P=0.099), or percentage of participants treated using the TF approach (P=0.276) were nonsignificant while stroke (P=0.010) was significant. When considering these variables, the residual heterogeneity remained high indicating that other variables influence the heterogeneity.

Conclusion

IHPOD following TAVR was observed in 10.5% of individuals and in 15.6% using CAM. Its incidence was found to be three times higher after non-TF TAVR (25.3%) compared to TF TAVR (9.3%). Stroke showed an incidence of 3.7% after TAVR and was found to be significantly associated with the risk of developing delirium following TAVR. Further studies are needed to evaluate possible causes and risk factors responsible for delirium and to assess the role of anesthesia and cerebral embolic protection in preventing delirium after TAVR.

Incidence of postoperative delirium in older adults undergoing surgical procedures: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

With the increase in life expectancy around the globe, the incidence of postoperative delirium (POD) among older people (≥65 years) is growing. Previous studies showed a wide variation in the incidence of POD, from 4% to 53%, with a lack of specific evidence about the incidence of POD by specific surgery type among older people. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the incidence of POD by surgery type within populations 65 years and over.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and CINAHL were searched until October 2020. Due to the relatively higher number of meta-analyses undertaken in this area of research, a streamlined systematic meta-analysis was proposed.

RESULTS

A total of 28 meta-analyses (comprising 284 individual studies) were reviewed. Data from relevant individual studies (n = 90) were extracted and included in the current study. Studies were grouped into eight surgery types and the incidence of POD for orthopedic, vascular, spinal, cardiac, colorectal, abdominal, urologic, and mixed surgeries was 20%, 14%, 13%, 32%, 14%, 30%, 10%, and 26%, respectively. POD detection instruments were different across the studies, with Confusion Assessment Method (CAM & CAM-ICU) being the most frequently adopted.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

This study showed that POD incidence in older people undergoing surgery varied widely across surgery type. The more complex surgeries like cardiac and abdominal surgeries were associated with a higher risk of POD. This highlights the need to include the level of surgery complexity as a risk factor in preoperative assessments.

The prognostic impacts of frailty on clinical and patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery or valvular surgeries/procedures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Frailty is emerging as an important prognostic indicator for patients undergoing cardiac surgeries/procedures. We sought to evaluate the prognostic and differential impacts of frailty on patients undergoing coronary artery or valvular surgical procedures of different levels of invasiveness, and to explore the differential predictability of various frailty measurement models.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched for prospective cohort studies that have adopted validated measure(s) of frailty and reported clinical, healthcare service utilization, or patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery or valvular surgeries/procedures.

RESULTS

Sixty-two articles were included (N = 16,679). Frailty significantly predicted mortality (short-term [≤ 30 days]: odds ratio [OR]: 2.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.28-4.26; midterm [6 months to 1 year]: OR: 3.93, 95%CI: 2.65-5.83; long-term [>1 year]: HR: 2.23, 95%CI: 1.60-3.11), postoperative complications (ORs: 2.54-3.57), discharge to care facilities (OR: 5.52, 95%CI: 3.84-7.94), hospital readmission (OR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.15-3.50), and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL; standardized mean difference: -0.74, 95%CI: -1.30 to -0.18). Subgroup analyses showed that frailty exerted a greater impact on short-term mortality in patients undergoing open-heart surgeries than those receiving transcatheter procedures. Multidimensional and physical-aspect-focused frailty measurements performed equally in predicting mortality, but multidimensional measurements were more predictive of hospital readmission than physical-aspect-focused measurements.

CONCLUSION

Frailty was predictive of postoperative mortality, complications, increased healthcare service utilization, and reduced HRQoL. The impact of frailty on short-term mortality was more prominent in patients undergoing open-heart surgeries than those receiving transcatheter procedures. Multidimensional measures of frailty enhanced prognostic risk estimation, especially for hospital readmission.

Frailty and delirium in hospitalized older adults: A systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

to estimate the prevalence and synthesize diverse evidence about the relationship between frailty and delirium in hospitalized older adults.

METHOD

a systematic review with meta-analysis in which observational studies conducted with older adults about frailty, delirium and hospitalization, were selected without time of language restrictions. The search was conducted in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases during August 2021. The precepts set forth by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) - Evidence Synthesis Groups were followed. The meta-analysis model estimated the relative risk corresponding to the prevalence of frailty and delirium. The inverse variance method for proportions was used to estimate the prevalence values and relative risks for binary outcomes.

RESULTS

initially, 1,244 articles were identified, of which 26 were included in the meta-analysis (n=13,502 participants), with 34% prevalence of frailty (95% CI:0.26-0.42; I 2=99%; t 2=0.7618, p=0) and 21% for delirium (95% CI:0.17-0,25; I 2=95%; t 2=0.3454, p<0.01). The risk for hospitalized older adults to develop delirium was 66% (RR: 1.66; 95% CI:1.23-2.22; I2=92%; t2=0.4154; p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

34% prevalence of frailty and 21% of delirium in hospitalized older adults, with frailty being an independent risk factor for developing delirium, with an increased chance of 66% when compared to non-frail individuals.

Mortality after chronic subdural hematoma is associated with frailty

PURPOSE

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological disease often affecting the elderly. Long-term excess mortality for patients after CSDH has been suggested but causes of death are unknown. We hypothesize that excess mortality of CSDH patients is related to frailty. In this article, we describe mortality rates and causes of death of CSDH patients compared with the general population and assess the association of frailty with mortality.

METHODS

A cohort study in which consecutive CSDH patients were compared to the general population regarding mortality rates. Furthermore, the association of six frailty indicators (cognitive problems, frequent falling, unable to live independently, unable to perform daily self-care, use of benzodiazepines or psychotropic drugs, and number of medications) with mortality was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 1307 CSDH patients were included, with a mean age of 73.7 (SD ± 11.4) years and 958 (73%) were male. Median follow-up was 56 months (range: 0-213). Compared with controls CSDH patients had a hazard ratio for mortality of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.2-1.5). CSDH patients more often died from cardiovascular diseases (37% vs. 30%) and falls (7.2% vs. 3.7%). Among CSDH patients frequent falling (HR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), inability to live independently (HR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8), inability to perform daily self-care (HR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9), and number of medications used (HR 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0-1.1) were independently associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

CSDH patients have higher mortality rates than the general population. Frailty in CSDH patients is associated with higher mortality risk. More attention for the frailty of CSDH patients is warranted.

Fragilidad y delirium en adultos mayores hospitalizados: revisión sistemática con metanálisis

Resumen Objetivo: estimar la prevalencia y sintetizar evidencias sobre la relación entre fragilidad y delirium en adultos mayores hospitalizados. Método: revisión sistemática con metanálisis en el que se seleccionaron estudios observacionales realizados con adultos mayores sobre fragilidad, delirium y hospitalización, sin recorte temporal ni de idioma. La búsqueda se realizó en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science y CENTRAL en agosto de 2021. Se siguieron los preceptos del Instituto Joanna Briggs (Joanna Briggs Institute, JBI) - Evidence Synthesis Groups. El modelo de metanálisis estimó el riesgo relativo de la prevalencia de fragilidad y delirium. Se utilizó el método de la varianza inversa para proporciones para estimar la prevalencia y el riesgo relativo de los desenlaces binarios. Resultados: inicialmente se identificaron 1.244 artículos, se incluyen en el metanálisis 26 (n=13.502 participantes), la prevalencia de fragilidad fue del 34% (IC 95% 0,26 a 0,42; I 2=99%; t 2= 0,7618, p=0) y de delirium del 21% (IC 95% 0,17 a 0,25; I 2=95%; t 2= 0,3454, p<0,01). El riesgo de que el adulto mayor frágil hospitalizado desarrolle delirium fue del 66% (RR 1,66; IC 95% 1,23 a 2,22; I2=92%; t2=0,4154; p<0,01). Conclusión: los adultos mayores hospitalizados tienen una prevalencia de fragilidad del 34% y de delirium del 21%, la fragilidad es un factor de riesgo independiente para el desarrollo de delirium, cuando se compara a los frágiles con los no frágiles, la probabilidad de delirium de los primeros es de un 66% más.

Fragilidade e delirium em idosos hospitalizados: revisão sistemática com metanálise

Resumo Objetivo: estimar a prevalência e sintetizar evidências sobre a relação entre fragilidade e delirium em idosos hospitalizados. Método: revisão sistemática com metanálise na qual foram selecionados estudos observacionais realizados com idosos sobre fragilidade, delirium e hospitalização, sem recortes temporais e de idioma. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science e CENTRAL durante o mês de agosto de 2021. Foram seguidos os preceitos estabelecidos pelo Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) - Grupos de Síntese de Evidências.. O modelo de metanálise estimou risco relativo da prevalência de fragilidade e delirium. Utilizou-se método da variância inversa para proporções para estimar as prevalências e risco relativo para desfechos binários. Resultados: identificaram-se, inicialmente, 1.244 artigos, 26 incluídos na metanálise (n=13.502 participantes), sendo a prevalência de fragilidade 34% (IC 95% 0,26 a 0,42; I 2=99%; t 2= 0,7618, p=0) e delirium 21% (IC 95% 0,17 a 0,25; I 2=95%; t 2= 0,3454, p<0,01). O risco do idoso frágil hospitalizado desenvolver delirium foi de 66% (RR 1,66; IC 95% 1,23 a 2,22; I2=92%; t2=0,4154; p<0,01). Conclusão: prevalência de 34% de fragilidade e 21% de delirium em idosos hospitalizados, sendo a fragilidade um fator de risco independente para desenvolvimento de delirium, com um aumento de chance de 66% comparado aos não frágeis.

Intraoperative hypotension and delirium among older adults undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequently observed complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The effects of intraoperative hypotension (IOH) on POD occurrence are currently unclear.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study of patients who underwent TAVR was conducted. We predefined IOH as area under the threshold (AUT) of five mean arterial blood pressures (MBP), varying from <100 to <60 mmHg. The AUT consisted of the combination of duration and depth under the MBP thresholds, expressed in mmHg*min. All MBP AUTs were computed based on the complete procedure, independent of procedural phase or duration.

Results

This cohort included 675 patients who underwent TAVR under general anesthesia (n = 128, 19%) or procedural sedation (n = 547, 81%). Delirium occurred mostly during the first 2 days after TAVR, and was observed in n = 93 (14%) cases. Furthermore, 674, 672, 663, 630, and 518 patients had at least 1 min intraoperative MBP <100, <90, <80, <70, and <60 mmHg, respectively. Patients who developed POD had higher AUT based on all five MBP thresholds during TAVR. The penalized adjusted odds ratio varied between 1.08 (99% confidence interval [CI] 0.74–1.56) for the AUT based on MBP < 100 mmHg and OR 1.06 (99% CI 0.88–1.28) for the AUT based on MBP < 60 mmHg.

Conclusions

Intraoperative hypotension is frequently observed during TAVR, but not independently associated with POD after TAVR. Other potential factors than intraoperative hypotension may explain the occurrence of delirium after TAVR.

The Pandora's Box of Frailty Assessments: Which Is the Best for Clinical Purposes in TAVI Patients? A Critical Review

Frailty assessment is recommended before elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to determine post-interventional prognosis. Several studies have investigated frailty in TAVI-patients using numerous assessments; however, it remains unclear which is the most appropriate tool for clinical practice. Therefore, we evaluate which frailty assessment is mainly used and meaningful for ≤30-day and ≥1-year prognosis in TAVI patients. Randomized controlled or observational studies (prospective/retrospective) investigating all-cause mortality in older (≥70 years) TAVI patients were identified (PubMed; May 2020). In total, 79 studies investigating frailty with 49 different assessments were included. As single markers of frailty, mostly gait speed (23 studies) and serum albumin (16 studies) were used. Higher risk of 1-year mortality was predicted by slower gait speed (highest Hazard Ratios (HR): 14.71; 95% confidence interval (CI) 6.50–33.30) and lower serum albumin level (highest HR: 3.12; 95% CI 1.80–5.42). Composite indices (five items; seven studies) were associated with 30-day (highest Odds Ratio (OR): 15.30; 95% CI 2.71–86.10) and 1-year mortality (highest OR: 2.75; 95% CI 1.55–4.87). In conclusion, single markers of frailty, in particular gait speed, were widely used to predict 1-year mortality. Composite indices were appropriate, as well as a comprehensive assessment of frailty.

Predictors of clinical outcome following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the treatment of choice for patients with symptomatic aortic valve stenosis considered to be at increased or high surgical risk. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of postoperative adverse events in older adults undergoing TAVI.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study of patients who were referred to a geriatric outpatient clinic for a geriatric assessment prior to TAVI was conducted. The outcomes were mortality and hospital readmission within 3 months of TAVI and the occurrence of major postoperative complications during hospitalisation according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. These three outcomes were also combined to a composite outcome. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of the outcomes and composite outcome of adverse events.

RESULTS

This cohort included 490 patients who underwent TAVI (mean age 80.7±6.2 years, 47.3% male). Within 3 months of TAVI, 19 (3.9%) patients died and 46 (9.4%) patients experienced a hospital readmission. A total of 177 (36.1%) patients experienced one or more major complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification during hospitalisation and 193 patients (39.4%) experienced the composite outcome of adverse events. In multivariate analyses, cognitive impairment was identified as an independent predictor of major postoperative complications (OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.14 to 4.19) and the composite outcome of adverse events (OR 2.40; 95% CI 1.21 to 4.79). No association was found between the other variables and the separate outcomes and composite outcome.

CONCLUSION

Cognitive impairment is associated with postoperative adverse events in older patients undergoing TAVI. Therefore, it is important to screen for cognitive impairment prior to TAVI and it is recommended to include this in current TAVI guidelines.

Identifying New Factors Associated With Cognitive Decline and Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Study Protocol

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become the standard-of-care for treatment of severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and is also being increasingly recommended for low-risk patients. While TAVI boasts positive post-procedural outcomes, it is also associated with cognitive complications, namely delirium and cognitive decline. There is a pressing need for accurate risk tools which can identify TAVI patients at risk of delirium and cognitive decline, as risk scores designed for general cardiovascular surgery fall short. The present effect-finding exploratory study will assess the utility of various measures in the context of aging and frailty in predicting who will and who will not develop delirium or cognitive impairment following TAVI. The measures we propose include gait, visual symptoms, voice, swallowing, mood and sleep. Methods: This is an observational prospective cohort study focused on identifying pre-procedural risk factors for the development of delirium and cognitive decline following TAVI. Potential risk factors will be measured prior to TAVI. Primary outcomes will be post-procedure cognitive decline and delirium. Secondary outcomes include activities of daily living, quality of life, and mortality. Delirium presence will be measured on each of the first 2 days following TAVI. All other outcomes will be assessed at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-operatively. A series of logistic regressions will be run to investigate the relationship between potential predictors and outcomes (presence vs. absence of either delirium or cognitive decline). Discussion: This study will assess the strengths of associations between a range of measures drawn from frailty and aging literature in terms of association with cognitive decline and delirium following TAVI. Identified measures can be used in future development of TAVI risk prediction models, which are essential for the accurate identification of cognitive at-risk patients and successful application of pre-procedural interventions. Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. [https://bit.ly/2PAotP5], [ACTRN12618001114235].

Delirium in older patients undergoing aortic valve replacement: incidence, predictors, and cognitive prognosis

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement is increasingly performed in frail older patients who were previously ineligible for a standard surgical procedure. The objectives of this study are to determine delirium incidence, predictors, and relationship with cognitive performance at 3-month follow-up in older patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Methods

Patients (N = 93) aged 70 years and older, undergoing transcatheter (TAVR, N = 66) or surgical (SAVR, N = 27) aortic valve replacement in an academic medical center were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 7. Data on patients’ socio-demographics, functional status (including instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and surgical risk scores (including Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) risk score), were collected at baseline. Cognitive status was assessed with the Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) at baseline and 3 months after AVR.

Results

Delirium occurred in 21 (23%) patients, within the first three postoperative days in 95% (20/21) of the cases. Delirium incidence was lower in TAVR (13/66 = 20%) than SAVR (8/27 = 30%) patients, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = .298). Patients with delirium had lower baseline cognitive performance (median MMSE score 27.0 ± 3.0 vs 28.0 ± 3.0, p = .029), lower performance in IADL (7.0 vs 8.0, p = .038), and higher STS risk scores (4.7 ± 2.7 vs 2.9 ± 2.3, p = .020). In multivariate analyses, patients with intermediate (score > 3 to ≤8) and high (score > 8) STS risk scores had 4.3 (95%CI 1.2–15.1, p = .025) and 16.5 (95%CI 2.0–138.2, p = .010), respectively, higher odds of incident delirium compared to patients with low (score ≤ 3) STS risk scores. At 3-month follow-up (N = 77), patients with delirium still had lower MMSE score (27.0 ± 8.0 vs 28.0 ± 2.0, p = .007) but this difference did not remain significant once adjusting for baseline MMSE (β-coefficient 1.11, 95%CI [− 3.03–0.80], p = .248).

Conclusions

Delirium occurred in about one in five older patients undergoing AVR, almost essentially within the first three postoperative days. Beside cognitive performance, STS risk score could enhance the identification of high-risk older patients to better target preventative interventions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02100-5.

The Association Between Frailty and Delirium Among Hospitalized Patients: An Updated Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our meta-analysis was to update evidence for the association between frailty and delirium in different types of hospitalized patients, given the large volume of new studies with inconsistent results.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

In this updated meta-analysis, we searched 3 databases (Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library) for observational studies, exploring the association between frailty and delirium from database inception to September 21, 2020, among hospitalized patients. Relevant data were extracted from the studies that were included. A random effects model was conducted to synthesize and pool the effect size of frailty on delirium due to different frailty score instruments, different countries, and various delirium assessments that were used. The participants enrolled in this meta-analysis were hospitalized patients.

MEASURES

Delirium risk due to frailty.

RESULTS

A total of 30 independent studies from 9 countries, consisting of 217,623 patients, was identified, and the prevalence of frailty ranged from 16.20% to 78.00%. Frail patients exhibited an increased risk for delirium compared to those without frailty [odds ratio (OR) 2.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36-3.71]. In addition, different types of hospitalized patients had various OR values, which were 2.43 for selective surgical patients (95% CI 1.88-3.14), 3.61 for medical patients (95% CI 3.61-7.89), 3.76 for urgent surgical patients (95% CI 2.88-4.92), and 6.66 for emergency or critical illness patients (95% CI 1.41-31.47). Subgroup analysis based on the frailty score instrument showed the association still existed when using the Clinical Frailty Scale (OR 4.07, 95% CI 2.71-6.11), FRAIL Scale (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.56-5.13), Frailty Index (OR 6.15, 95% CI 3.75-10.07), frailty phenotype (OR 2.30, 95%CI 1.35-5.66), or Erasmus Frailty Score (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.63-4.77). However, an association between frailty and delirium was not observed when the Edmonton Frail Scale was used (OR 1.45, 95% CI 0.91-2.30).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

A 2.96-fold incremental risk of delirium in frail patients underscores the need for early screening of frailty and comprehensive delirium prevention. Appropriate interventions by clinicians should be performed to manage delirium, potentially reducing adverse clinical outcomes for hospitalized patients.

Six-Minute Walk Test Predicts Postoperative Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium (POD) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and to evaluate the association between preoperative conditions, particularly frailty, and POD.

DESIGN

Observational, case-control study.

SETTING

Single-center university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study comprised 124 patients who underwent TAVR and were divided into the following two groups: group D (patients diagnosed with POD) and group C (patients without POD).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients (21.7%) developed POD (95% confidence interval 14.9%-30.1%). POD was defined as a diagnosis of delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit scale during the patients' intensive care unit stay. Preoperative and postoperative data of patient characteristics were obtained from their medical records. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed using variables associated with POD incidence. Frailty scores were significantly higher in group D than in group C. The distance covered in the six-minute walk test (6MD) was significantly shorter in group D than in group C. The risk of developing POD was significantly higher in patients with a 6MD shorter than 220 m. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a shorter 6MD was an independent risk factor for POD (odds ratio 5.66; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, POD was seen in 21.7% of the patients who underwent TAVR. A 6MD shorter than 220 m was an independent preoperative risk factor for POD. For patients at high risk of POD, more careful management in the perioperative period may reduce POD.

Physical Performance and Risk of Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults Undergoing Aortic Valve Replacement

Background

Delirium is a major risk factor for poor recovery after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is unclear whether preoperative physical performance tests improve delirium prediction.

Objective

To examine whether physical performance tests can predict delirium after SAVR and TAVR, and adapt an existing delirium prediction rule for cardiac surgery, which includes Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), depression, prior stroke, and albumin level.

Design

Prospective cohort, 2014-2017.

Setting

Single academic center.

Subjects

A total of 187 patients undergoing SAVR (n=77) or TAVR (n=110).

Methods

The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score was calculated based on gait speed, balance, and chair stands (range: 0-12 points, lower scores indicate poor performance). Delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method. We fitted logistic regression to predict delirium using SPPB components and risk factors of delirium.

Results

Delirium occurred in 35.8% (50.7% in SAVR and 25.5% in TAVR). The risk of delirium increased for lower SPPB scores: 10-12 (28.2%), 7-9 (34.5%), 4-6 (37.5%) and 0-3 (44.1%) (p-for-trend=0.001). A model that included gait speed <0.46 meter/second (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-6.4), chair stands time ≥11.2 seconds (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.0-12.4), MMSE <24 points (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.3-6.4), isolated SAVR (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 2.1-13.8), and SAVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (OR, 15.8; 95% CI, 5.5-45.7) predicted delirium better than the existing prediction rule (C statistics: 0.71 vs 0.61; p=0.035).

Conclusion

Assessing physical performance, in addition to cognitive function, can help identify high-risk patients for delirium after SAVR and TAVR.

Preoperative physical performance-related postoperative delirium in patients after cardiovascular surgery

OBJECTIVES

This investigation clarified the relationship between a short physical performance battery (SPPB) that can comprehensively and safely evaluate balance function, walking ability, lower limb muscle strength, and postoperative delirium.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study performed at Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital. Patients who underwent surgery at the Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery from August 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017 were included. Preoperative physical functions were obtained. Those showing positive results using the confusion assessment method for intensive care unit (ICU) during the ICU stay were considered as the delirium group, and the postoperative and non-postoperative delirium groups were compared. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with the presence or absence of onset of delirium as the dependent variable and the SPPB total score and age as dependent variables.

RESULTS

There were 193 subjects in this study (120 males and 73 females). Sixteen patients (8.4 %) had postoperative delirium. The age in the postoperative delirium group was significantly higher than in the postoperative delirium group (77.8 (7.0) years vs. 70.0 (11.1) years). BMI and SPPB total score were significantly lower in the postoperative delirium group. From the multiple logistic regression, the SPPB total score (OR: 0.754, 95 % CI: 0.643-0.883, p < 0.001) was extracted as a factor related to postoperative delirium onset.

CONCLUSION

It was illuminated that in patients with cardiovascular surgery, preoperative low physical function was not affected by age and became a risk factor of postoperative delirium onset.

Prevalence and Prognostic Implications of Frailty in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Assessment of frailty has become engrained in the preprocedural evaluation of older adults referred for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Addition of frailty and disability to clinical risk scores results in improved discrimination for short- and midterm mortality and identifies patients less likely to be discharged home and more likely to report worsening quality of life over the ensuing 6 to 12 months. In clinical practice, frailty can be evaluated by a tiered approach starting with a brief screening tool such as the Essential Frailty Toolset.

Sex differences in aortic stenosis: from pathophysiology to treatment

Introduction: In aortic stenosis (AS), there are clear sex differences in clinical presentation, left ventricular (LV) response to pressure overload, and pathophysiology of valvular calcification. These differences may affect outcome following valve intervention.Area covered: This review aims to discuss sex differences in clinical presentation, pathophysiology of aortic valve calcification, LV remodeling in view of historic and recent echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging studies, and outcome after valve intervention. In addition, it will also provide some brief insights on the exercise physiology in women and men with AS.Expert commentary: Women at presentation are often older, have higher prevalence of hypertension and diastolic dysfunction, while men are younger, and more often have a bicuspid aortic valve and higher atherosclerotic disease burden. Men have more valve calcification than women for a given severity of AS and develop different patterns of LV remodeling and myocardial fibrosis. Although women tend to walk shorter on treadmill and achieve lower metabolic equivalents, they achieve similar peak heart rates and blood pressure, and the frequency of revealed symptoms during exercise test is comparable in both sexes. Men are more likely to undergo a surgical AVR with better outcome, while women have generally better outcome after TAVI.

Incidence, determinants and consequences of delirium in older patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND

delirium is an event leading to negative health outcomes and increased mortality in patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence, determinants and consequences of post-operative delirium (POD) in older patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

The TAVI Care and Cure program is a prospective, observational registry in patients referred for TAVI at Erasmus University Medical Centre. The presence of delirium was evaluated by daily clinical assessment by a geriatrician pre- and up to 3 days post-TAVI. Mortality data were obtained from the Dutch Civil Registry.

RESULTS

A total of 543 patients underwent TAVI between January 2014 and December 2017. Overall, the incidence of POD was 14% (75/543 patients) but declined from 18% in 2014 to 7% in 2017 (P = 0.009). Patients who developed POD were older (81.9 ± 5.8 versus 78.6 ± 8.3 years, P < 0.001), had higher prevalence of renal dysfunction and prior stroke (54% versus 40%, P = 0.02; 31% versus 18%, P = 0.01) and were more often frail (32% versus 25%, P = 0.02). From a procedural perspective, general anesthesia (odds ratios (OR), 2.31; 95% CI, 1.40-3.83; P = 0.001), non-transfemoral access (OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.20-4.70; P = 0.01) and longer procedural time (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with POD. One-year survival rate was 68% among patients who had suffered a POD and was 85% in patients without a POD (hazard ratio's 1.8 (95% CI 1.01-3.10), P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

POD frequently occurs after TAVI and is associated with increased mortality. It might be speculated that patient selection and the minimalistic approach of TAVI may reduce the frequency of delirium.

Changes in cognitive functions and quality of life in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Introduction

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, an association between cognitive functions (CF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in TAVI patients is still unclear.

Aim

To assess the long-term changes in CF and HRQoL in elderly patients with AS after TAVI.

Material and methods

A total of 259 patients who underwent cardiological and psychological TAVI qualification were enrolled and divided into the normal (n = 174) and impaired cognition group (n = 85). CF and HRQoL characteristics assessed at baseline and 13 months were compared between groups. The analysis of multiple linear regression was performed to identify the association between HRQoL and CF and to assess the influence of TAVI on HRQoL.

Results

There was no difference in CF between baseline and follow-up. However, an improvement in attention functions and memory skills in the cognitively impaired group was noted at follow-up. In addition, HRQoL scores increased in both groups. An independent predictor associated with HRQoL was global CF (β = –213, p = 0.01), which explained 7% of CF variation. Improvements in all five dimensions of HRQoL, from 4.8% in self-care and up to 33.6% in pain/discomfort, were found. At follow-up, 60% of TAVI patients had improved health, 12% had worse health, 4% showed no change and 24% had a “mixed” change.

Conclusions

TAVI is associated with positive changes in the functioning of elderly patients at long-term follow-up.

Delirium is prevalent in older hospital inpatients and associated with adverse outcomes: results of a prospective multi-centre study on World Delirium Awareness Day

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common severe neuropsychiatric condition secondary to physical illness, which predominantly affects older adults in hospital. Prior to this study, the UK point prevalence of delirium was unknown. We set out to ascertain the point prevalence of delirium across UK hospitals and how this relates to adverse outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study across 45 UK acute care hospitals. Older adults aged 65 years and older were screened and assessed for evidence of delirium on World Delirium Awareness Day (14th March 2018). We included patients admitted within the previous 48 h, excluding critical care admissions.

RESULTS

The point prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual on Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) delirium diagnosis was 14.7% (222/1507). Delirium presence was associated with higher Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS): CFS 4-6 (frail) (OR 4.80, CI 2.63-8.74), 7-9 (very frail) (OR 9.33, CI 4.79-18.17), compared to 1-3 (fit). However, higher CFS was associated with reduced delirium recognition (7-9 compared to 1-3; OR 0.16, CI 0.04-0.77). In multivariable analyses, delirium was associated with increased length of stay (+ 3.45 days, CI 1.75-5.07) and increased mortality (OR 2.43, CI 1.44-4.09) at 1 month. Screening for delirium was associated with an increased chance of recognition (OR 5.47, CI 2.67-11.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Delirium is prevalent in older adults in UK hospitals but remains under-recognised. Frailty is strongly associated with the development of delirium, but delirium is less likely to be recognised in frail patients. The presence of delirium is associated with increased mortality and length of stay at one month. A national programme to increase screening has the potential to improve recognition.

Impact of a Claims-Based Frailty Indicator on the Prediction of Long-Term Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Medicare Beneficiaries

Background Prospectively collected frailty markers are associated with an incremental 1-year mortality risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) compared with comorbidities alone. Whether information on frailty markers captured retrospectively in administrative billing data is similarly predictive of long-term mortality after TAVR is unknown. We sought to characterize the prognostic importance of frailty factors as identified in healthcare billing records in comparison to validated measures of frailty for the prediction of long-term mortality after TAVR. Methods and Results Adult patients undergoing TAVR between August 25, 2011, and September 29, 2015, were identified among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. The Johns Hopkins Claims-based Frailty Indicator was used to identify frail patients. We used nested Cox regression models to identify claims-based predictors of mortality up to 4 years post-procedure. Four groups of variables, including cardiac risk factors, noncardiac risk factors, patient procedural risk factors, and nontraditional markers of frailty, were introduced sequentially, and their integrated discrimination improvement was assessed. A total of 52 338 TAVR patients from 558 clinical sites were identified, with a mean follow-up time period of 16 months. In total, 14 174 (27.1%) patients died within the study period. The mortality rate was 53.9% at 4 years post-TAVR. A total of 34 863 (66.6%) patients were defined as frail. The discrimination of each of the 4 models was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.59-60), 0.65 (95% CI, 0.64-0.65), 0.68 (95% CI, 0.67-0.68), and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.69-0.70), respectively. The addition of nontraditional frailty markers as identified in claims improved mortality prediction above and beyond traditional risk factors (integrated discrimination improvement: 0.019; P<0.001). Conclusions Risk prediction models that include frailty as identified in claims data can be used to predict long-term mortality risk after TAVR. Linkage to claims data may allow enhanced mortality risk prediction for studies that do not collect information on frailty.

Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Under General Anesthesia: Incidence, Predictors, and Relation to Long-Term Survival

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Prospectively collected data on postoperative delirium (POD) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce. The aim of this study was to report the incidence and risk factors of delirium after TAVI under general anesthesia and to assess the association of POD with clinical outcome and short‐ and long‐term survival.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 703 subsequent patients undergoing TAVI under general anesthesia between 2008 and 2017.

MEASUREMENTS

Delirium was assessed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM‐IV), criteria. Outcomes were postprocedural clinical outcome and short‐ and long‐term survival (30 days and 5 years, respectively).

RESULTS

POD was observed in 16.5% (116/703), was the strongest independent predictor of long‐term mortality (hazard ratio = 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36‐2.70), and was associated with impaired 30‐day and 5‐year survival (92.2% vs 96.8% [P = .025] and 40.0% vs 50.0% [P = .007], respectively). Stroke and new onset of atrial fibrillation were more often observed in delirious patients (6.9% vs 1.9% and 12.1% vs 5.1%, respectively). Strongest independent predictors of POD were prior delirium (odds ratio [OR] = 2.56; 95% CI = 1.52‐4.31) and aortic valve area less than 0.75 cm² (OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.53‐3.74).

CONCLUSION

One in six patients experienced POD after TAVI under general anesthesia. POD was the strongest predictor of long‐term mortality and was associated with impaired short‐ and long‐term survival. Prior delirium and a more calcified aortic valve were the strongest independent predictors of POD. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2325–2330, 2019

The value of screening for cognition, depression, and frailty in patients referred for TAVI

Background: Current surgical risk assessment tools fall short of appreciating geriatric risk factors including cognitive deficits, depressive, and frailty symptoms that may worsen outcomes post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study hypothesized that a screening tool, SMARTIE, would improve detection of these risks pre-TAVI, and thus be predictive of postoperative delirium (POD) and 30-day mortality post-TAVI. Design: Prospective observational cohort study, using a historical cohort for comparison. Participants: A total of 234 patients (age: 82.2±6.7 years, 59.4% male) were included. Half were screened using SMARTIE. Methods: The SMARTIE cohort was assessed for cognitive deficits and depressive symptoms using the Mini-Cog test and PHQ-2, respectively. Measures of frailty included activities of daily living inventory, the Timed Up and Go test and grip strength. For the pre-SMARTIE cohort, we extracted cognitive deficits, depression and frailty symptoms from clinic charts. The incidence of POD and 30-day mortality were recorded. Bivariate chi-square analysis or t-tests were used to report associations between SMARTIE and pre-SMARTIE groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify independent predictors of POD and 30-day mortality. Results: More patients were identified with cognitive deficits (χ2=11.73, p=0.001), depressive symptoms (χ2=8.15, p=0.004), and physical frailty (χ2=5.73, p=0.017) using SMARTIE. Cognitive deficits were an independent predictor of POD (OR: 8.4, p<0.01) and 30-day mortality (OR: 4.04, p=0.03). Conclusion: This study emphasized the value of screening for geriatric risk factors prior to TAVI by demonstrating that screening increased identification of at-risk patients. It also confirmed findings that cognitive deficits are predictive of POD and mortality following TAVI.

Meta-analysis of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Delirium After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Delirium is a severe and common complication following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of postprocedural delirium in patients aged over 60 years who underwent elective TAVI for aortic stenosis. Overall, 1,051 articles were searched, from which 9 studies were included. The prevalence of delirium following TAVI was higher in studies that assessed delirium for a minimum of 3 consecutive days (24.9%) compared with the studies that did not (2%). There were large effect sizes (d > 0.8) for 3 risk factors: acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] 5, p < 0.001), transapical approach (OR 4, p < 0.001) and carotid artery disease (OR 4, p < 0.001), whilst small effect sizes were found for a history of atrial fibrillation, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, and prior cognitive impairment. In conclusion, 23% of patients 60 years and over who underwent TAVI experience delirium, a preventative cause of cognitive impairment and dementia. Recognition of risk factors for delirium after TAVI, such as a history of carotid artery disease, development of acute kidney injury, or use of a transapical approach, provides an opportunity to implement proven delirium preventative measures.

The impact of preoperative frailty status on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: An update of systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a syndrome of impaired physiologic reserve and decreased resistance to stressors and can often be seen in high-risk patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Preoperative frailty status is thought to be related to adverse outcomes after TAVR. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of preoperative frailty status on outcomes among patients after TAVR.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies through January 2018. Fourteen articles (n = 7489) meeting the inclusion criteria were finally included. Possible effects were calculated using meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The pooled risk ratios (RRs) of late mortality (>6 months) and acute kidney injury after TAVR in frail group were 2.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.90-4.15, P < .001, I = 84%) and 1.41 (95% CI 1.02-1.94, P = .04, I = 24%), respectively. Compared with non-frail group, significantly higher incidence of 30-day mortality (RR 2.03, 95% CI 1.63-2.54, P < .001, I = 0%) and life threatening or major bleeding after TAVR (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.82, P < .001, I = 14%) was found in frail group. There was no significant association between frailty and incidence of stroke after TAVR (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.53-1.63, P = .80, I = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative frailty status is proved to be significantly associated with poor outcomes after TAVR. Our findings may remind doctors in the field of a more comprehensive preoperative evaluation for TAVR candidates. More well-designed and large-sample sized prospective studies are further needed to figure out the best frailty assessment tool for patients undergoing TAVR.

Postoperative Delirium in Individuals Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incidence of in-hospital postoperative delirium (IHPOD) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

Elective procedures PARTICIPANTS: Individuals undergoing TAVR.

MEASUREMENTS

A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, BioMedCentral, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to December 2017). All observational studies reporting the incidence of IHPOD after TAVR (sample size > 25) were included in our meta-analysis. The reported incidence rates were weighted to obtain a pooled estimate rate with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of 96 potentially relevant articles, 31 with a total of 32,389 individuals who underwent TAVR were included in the meta-analysis. The crude incidence of IHPOD after TAVR ranged from 0% to 44.6% in included studies, with a pooled estimate rate of 8.1% (95% CI=6.7-9.4%); heterogeneity was high (Q = 449; I = 93%; p_{heterogeneity}  < .001). The pooled estimate rate of IHPOD was 7.2% (95% CI=5.4-9.1%) after transfemoral (TF) TAVR and 21.4% (95% CI=10.3-32.5%) after non-TF TAVR.

CONCLUSION

Delirium occurs frequently after TAVR and is more common after non-TF than TF procedures. Recommendations are made with the aim of standardizing future research to reduce heterogeneity between studies on this important healthcare problem. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2417-2424, 2018.

Frailty and Delirium in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between frailty and delirium.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

SETTING

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles on frailty and delirium published on or before October 31, 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Two authors independently reviewed all English-language citations, extracted relevant data, and assessed studies for potential bias. Articles involving pediatric or neurosurgical populations, alcohol or substance abuse, psychiatric illness, head trauma, or stroke, as well as review articles, letters, and case reports were excluded. Studies underwent qualitative or quantitative analysis according to specified criteria. Using a random-effects or fixed-effects model, relative risk (RR) was calculated for the effect of frailty as a predictor of subsequent delirium. Heterogeneity was tested using Q and I² statistics.

RESULTS

We identified 1,626 articles from our initial search, of which 20 fulfilled the selection criteria (N=5,541 participants, mean age 77.8). Eight studies were eligible for meta-analysis, showing a significant association between Q2 frailty and subsequent delirium (RR = 2.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.65-2.91). There was low variability among studies in the measures of association between frailty and delirium (I² 2.24, p-value Q-statistic = .41) but high heterogeneity in the methods used to assess the two conditions.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis supports the existence of an independent relationship between frailty and delirium, although there is notable methodological heterogeneity between the methods used to assess the 2 conditions. Future studies are needed to better delineate the dynamics between these syndromes.

Frailty and Exercise Training: How to Provide Best Care after Cardiac Surgery or Intervention for Elder Patients with Valvular Heart Disease

The aim of this literature review was to evaluate existing evidence on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as a treatment option for elderly frail patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). Pubmed database was searched for articles between 1980 and January 2018. From 2623 articles screened, 61 on frailty and VHD and 12 on exercise-based training for patients with VHD were included in the analysis. We studied and described frailty assessment in this patient population. Studies reporting results of exercise training in patients after surgical/interventional VHD treatment were analyzed regarding contents and outcomes. The tools for frailty assessment included fried phenotype frailty index and its modifications, multidimensional geriatric assessment, clinical frailty scale, 5-meter walking test, serum albumin levels, and Katz index of activities of daily living. Frailty assessment in CR settings should be based on functional, objective tests and should have similar components as tools for risk assessment (mobility, muscle mass and strength, independence in daily living, cognitive functions, nutrition, and anxiety and depression evaluation). Participating in comprehensive exercise-based CR could improve short- and long-term outcomes (better quality of life, physical and functional capacity) in frail VHD patients. Such CR program should be led by cardiologist, and its content should include (1) exercise training (endurance and strength training to improve muscle mass, strength, balance, and coordination), (2) nutrition counseling, (3) occupational therapy (to improve independency and cognitive function), (4) psychological counseling to ensure psychosocial health, and (5) social worker counseling (to improve independency). Comprehensive CR could help to prevent, restore, and reduce the severity of frailty as well as to improve outcomes for frail VHD patients after surgery or intervention.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Sequelae of Post-kidney Transplant Delirium

Background Frail kidney transplant (KT) recipients may be particularly vulnerable to surgical stressors, resulting in delirium and subsequent adverse outcomes. We sought to identify the incidence, risk factors, and sequelae of post-KT delirium.Methods We studied 125,304 adult KT recipients (1999-2014) to estimate delirium incidence in national registry claims. Additionally, we used a validated chart abstraction algorithm to identify post-KT delirium in 893 adult recipients (2009-2017) from a cohort study of frailty. Delirium sequelae were identified using adjusted logistic regression (length of stay ≥2 weeks and institutional discharge [skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility]) and adjusted Cox regression (death-censored graft loss and mortality).Results Only 0.8% of KT recipients had a delirium claim. In the cohort study, delirium incidence increased with age (18-49 years old: 2.0%; 50-64 years old: 4.6%; 65-75 years old: 9.2%; and ≥75 years old: 13.8%) and frailty (9.0% versus 3.9%); 20.0% of frail recipients aged ≥75 years old experienced delirium. Frailty was independently associated with delirium (odds ratio [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02 to 4.13; P=0.04), but premorbid global cognitive function was not. Recipients with delirium had increased risks of ≥2-week length of stay (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 2.76 to 10.66; P<0.001), institutional discharge (OR, 22.41; 95% CI, 7.85 to 63.98; P<0.001), graft loss (hazard ratio [HR], 2.73; 95% CI, 1.14 to 6.53; P=0.03), and mortality (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.76 to 5.54; P<0.001).Conclusions Post-KT delirium is a strong risk factor for subsequent adverse outcomes, yet it is a clinical entity that is often missed.

Improvement of Risk Prediction After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement by Combining Frailty With Conventional Risk Scores

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate whether frailty improves mortality prediction in combination with the conventional scores.

BACKGROUND

European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) or Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score have not been evaluated in combined models with frailty for mortality prediction after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

This prospective cohort comprised 330 consecutive TAVR patients ≥70 years of age. Conventional scores and a frailty index (based on assessment of cognition, mobility, nutrition, and activities of daily living) were evaluated to predict 1-year all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression (providing hazard ratios [HRs] with confidence intervals [CIs]) and measures of test performance (providing likelihood ratio [LR] chi-square test statistic and C-statistic [CS]).

RESULTS

All risk scores were predictive of the outcome (EuroSCORE, HR: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.45 to 2.48], LR chi-square test statistic 19.29, C-statistic 0.67; STS score, HR: 1.51 [95% CI: 1.21 to 1.88], LR chi-square test statistic 11.05, C-statistic 0.64; frailty index, HR: 3.29 [95% CI: 1.98 to 5.47], LR chi-square test statistic 22.28, C-statistic 0.66). A combination of the frailty index with either EuroSCORE (LR chi-square test statistic 38.27, C-statistic 0.72) or STS score (LR chi-square test statistic 28.71, C-statistic 0.68) improved mortality prediction. The frailty index accounted for 58.2% and 77.6% of the predictive information in the combined model with EuroSCORE and STS score, respectively. Net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement confirmed that the added frailty index improved risk prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study showing that the assessment of frailty significantly enhances prediction of 1-year mortality after TAVR in combined risk models with conventional risk scores and relevantly contributes to this improvement.

Comprehensive update on the new indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement in the latest 2017 European guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease

New European guidelines on the management of valvular heart disease—supported by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Association of CardioThoracic Surgery (EACTS)—were recently published. Although these guidelines are very comprehensive, these typically are not very inviting to read. In this document, we aimed to distil all the information about transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in the new 2017 ESC/EACTS guidelines to the essential and give additional comments on the position of TAVR in 2017.

Editor's Choice - Frailty and the management of patients with acute cardiovascular disease: A position paper from the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association

Frailty is increasingly seen among patients with acute cardiovascular disease. A combination of an ageing population, improved disease survival, treatable long-term conditions as well as a greater recognition of the syndrome has accelerated the prevalence of frailty in the modern world. Yet, this has not been matched by an expansion of research. National and international bodies have identified acute cardiovascular disease in the frail as a priority area for care and an entity that requires careful clinical decisions, but there remains a paucity of guidance on treatment efficacy and safety, and how to manage this complex group. This position paper from the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association presents the latest evidence about frailty and the management of frail patients with acute cardiovascular disease, and suggests avenues for future research.

Is Delirium the Cognitive Harbinger of Frailty in Older Adults? A Review about the Existing Evidence

Frailty is a clinical syndrome defined by the age-related depletion of the individual’s homeostatic reserves, determining an increased susceptibility to stressors and disproportionate exposure to negative health changes. The physiological systems that are involved in the determination of frailty are mutually interrelated, so that when decline starts in a given system, implications may also regard the other systems. Indeed, it has been shown that the number of abnormal systems is more predictive of frailty than those of the abnormalities in any particular system. Delirium is a transient neurocognitive disorder, characterized by an acute onset and fluctuating course, inattention, cognitive dysfunction, and behavioral abnormalities, that complicates one out of five hospital admissions. Delirium is independently associated with the same negative outcomes of frailty and, like frailty, its pathogenesis is usually multifactorial, depending on complex inter-relationships between predisposing and precipitating factors. By definition, a somatic cause should be identified, or at least suspected, to diagnose delirium. Delirium and frailty potentially share multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms and pathways, meaning that they could be thought of as the two sides to the same coin. This review aims at summarizing the existing evidence, referring both to human and animal models, to postulate that delirium may represent the cognitive harbinger of a state of frailty in older persons experiencing an acute clinical event.

Incidence of Postoperative Delirium and Its Impact on Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

There are limited data on the occurrence of postoperative delirium after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to investigate the incidence of delirium after TAVI and its impact on clinical outcomes. A total of 148 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI were enrolled. Of these patients, 141 patients survived hospital stay. The incidence of delirium was assessed in these patients for the first 4 days after the index procedure. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of delirium. Baseline characteristics, procedural and long-term outcomes, and frailty and quality-of-life indexes were compared among the groups. Of the 141 patients analyzed, 29 patients developed delirium. The transapical access was more common in patients with delirium (51.7% vs 8.9%, p <0.001). A greater median contrast volume load in the delirium group was noted (75 vs 100 ml, p = 0.001). Significantly more patients with delirium were considered as frail before TAVI. Thirty-day and 12-month all-cause mortality rates were higher in the delirium group (0.0% vs 17.2%, p <0.001; and 3.6% vs 37.9%, p <0.001, respectively). Differences in mortality were significant even after adjustment for baseline characteristics. The quality of life at 12 months, assessed by the 3-level version of the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire, was similar in both groups. Despite a relatively minimally invasive character of TAVI as compared with surgery, some patients experience delirium after TAVI. Importantly, the occurrence of delirium after TAVI may help to identify patients with worse short- and long-term outcomes.