Troponin T, NT-proBNP, and venous thromboembolism: the Longitudinal Investigation of Thromboembolism Etiology (LITE)

The BNP to Albumin Ratio and Heart Rate in Stroke Complicating Atrial Fibrillation

Heart rate is still a controversial and unclear factor of stroke risk in atrial fibrillation. Indices combining parameters are more accurate predictors than single parameters. This article assessed the association of the BNP-to-albumin ratio (BAR), with the risk of stroke, and evaluated the relationship between heart rate and stroke risk. Data were retrospectively collected from the Zhongnan Hospital electronic records. Binary logistic regression assessed the association between BAR and the prediction of acute stroke in atrial fibrillation. Spearman's correlation analysis evaluated the correlation between heart rate and BAR. The specificity and sensitivity of the BAR index were determined by ROC curve analysis. A total of 197 participants were involved, including 119 cases and 78 controls. The mean BAR was significantly higher for cases than for controls P = 0.00 while the difference in mean heart rate did not reach statistical significance P = 0.08. Using binary logistic analysis, BAR was a significant predictor of stroke in AF, OR = 1.67 95%CI [1.09-2.55] P = 0.018. The correlation between BAR and heart rate was significant, the correlation coefficient was r = 0.15 P = 0.03. ROC curve analysis showed that at a cut-off value of 2.01*10-9 g/L 93% of patients with a BAR of less than 2.01 did not have an acute stroke and only the 60% with a BAR greater than 2.01 experienced an acute stroke. It's been suggested that the BNP to albumin ratio and heart rate could be used to estimate the risk of stroke among hospitalized atrial fibrillation patients, thus contributing to the implementation of appropriate measures.

Ultrasensitive Troponin I and Incident Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

To examine the association of ultrasensitive cTnI (cardiac troponin I) with incident cardiovascular disease events (CVDs) in the primary prevention setting.

METHODS

cTnI was analyzed in the baseline plasma (2008-2012) of CVD-free volunteers from the Paris Prospective Study III using a novel ultrasensitive immunoassay (Simoa Troponin-I 2.0 Kit, Quanterix, Lexington) with a limit of detection of 0.013 pg/mL. Incident CVD hospitalizations (coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiac arrhythmias, deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, heart failure, or arterial aneurysm) were validated by critical review of the hospital records. Hazard ratios were estimated per log-transformed SD increase of cTnI in Cox models using age as the time scale.

RESULTS

The study population includes 9503 participants (40% women) aged 59.6 (6.3) years. cTnI was detected in 99.6% of the participants (median value=0.63 pg/mL, interquartile range, 0.39-1.09). After a median follow-up of 8.34 years (interquartile range, 8.0-10.07), 516 participants suffered 612 events. In fully adjusted analysis, higher cTnI (per 1 SD increase of log cTnI) was significantly associated with CVD events combined (hazard ratio, 1.18 [1.08-1.30]). Among all single risk factors, cTnI had the highest discrimination capacity for incident CVD events (C index=0.6349). Adding log cTnI to the SCORE 2 (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) risk improved moderately discriminatory capacity (C index 0.698 versus 0.685; bootstrapped C index difference: 0.0135 [95% CI, 0.0131-0.0138]), and reclassification of the participants (categorical net reclassification index, 0.0628 [95% CI, 0.023-0.102]). Findings were consistent using the US pooled cohort risk equation.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasensitive cTnI is an independent marker of CVD events in the primary prevention setting.

GDF-15, hs-TnT and NT proBNP for Predicting Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Ambulatory Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in non-cancer patients. However, the performance of these biomarkers in cancer patients is unknown. Our objective was to assess performance of these biomarkers in predicting VTE in cancer patients at intermediate to high risk for VTE (Khorana Score≥2). We used 1-month plasma samples from AVERT trial patients to determine if GDF-15, NT-proBNP and hs-TnT levels are associated with VTE incidence between one- and 7-months from the start of chemotherapy. The minimal Euclidean distance of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to derive optimal cut-offs for GDF-15 and NT-proBNP given there was no evidence of a commonly used cut-off. Logistic and Fine and Gray competing risk regression analysis were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR), respectively, while adjusting for age, sex, anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. We tested in two groups: all patients (n=476, Model 1) and all patients with non-primary brain cancers (n=454, Model 2). In Model 1 and 2, GDF-15 ≥2290.9pg/mL had adjusted ORs for VTE of 1.65 (95%CI: 0.89-3.08), and 2.28 (95%CI: 1.28-4.09), respectively. hs-TnT ≥14.0pg/mL was associated with higher odds of VTE in Model 1 and 2 [adjusted ORs: 2.26 (95%CI: 1.40-3.65), 2.03 (95%CI: 1.07-3.84), respectively]. For NT-proBNP, levels ≥183.5pg/mL was not associated with VTE. Similar results were observed in the Fine and Gray analysis. Our results indicate that increased GDF-15 and hs-TnT levels predicted increased VTE risk.

The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) Study: JACC Focus Seminar 3/8

ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) initiated community-based surveillance in 1987 for myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence and mortality and created a prospective cohort of 15,792 Black and White adults ages 45 to 64 years. The primary aims were to improve understanding of the decline in CHD mortality and identify determinants of subclinical atherosclerosis and CHD in Black and White middle-age adults. ARIC has examined areas including health disparities, genomics, heart failure, and prevention, producing more than 2,300 publications. Results have had strong clinical impact and demonstrate the importance of population-based research in the spectrum of biomedical research to improve health.

Derivation and validation of a nomogram model for pulmonary thromboembolism in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery

Background

A specific risk-stratification tool is needed to facilitate safe and cost-effective approaches to the prophylaxis of acute pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) in lung cancer surgery patients. This study aimed to develop and validate a simple nomogram model for the prediction of PTE after lung cancer surgery using readily obtainable clinical characteristics.

Methods

A total of 14,427 consecutive adult patients who underwent lung cancer surgery between January 2015 and July 2018 in our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Included in the cohort were 136 patients who developed PTE and 544 non-PTE patients. The patients were randomly divided into the derivation group (70%, 95 PTE patients and 380 non-PTE patients) and the validation group (30%, 41 PTE patients and 164 non-PTE patients). A nomogram model was developed based on the results of multivariate logistic analysis in the derivation group. The cut-off values were defined using Youden's index. The prognostic accuracy was measured by area under the curve (AUC) values.

Results

In the derivation group, multivariate logistic analysis was carried out to evaluate the risk score. The risk assessment model contained five variables: age [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.008-1.083, P=0.016], body mass index (95% CI: 1.077-1.319, P=0.001), operation time (95% CI: 1.002-1.014, P=0.008), the serum level of cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) before surgery (95% CI: 1.019-1.111, P=0.005), and the abnormal results of compression venous ultrasonography before surgery (95% CI: 2.819-18.838, P<0.001). All of them were independent risk factors of PTE. To simplify the risk assessment model, a nomogram model was established, which showed a good predictive performance in the derivation group (AUC 0.792, 95% CI: 0.734-0.853) and in the validation group (AUC 0.813, 95% CI: 0.737-0.890).

Conclusions

A high-performance nomogram was established on the risk factors for PTE in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. The nomogram could be used to provide an individual risk assessment and guide prophylaxis decisions for patients. Further external validation of the model is needed in lung cancer surgery patients in other clinical centers.

Clinical factors associated with massive pulmonary embolism and PE-related adverse clinical events

Background

Clinicians evaluating acute PE patients often have to identify risks for massive PE, a measure of hemodynamic instability and its consequence, massive PE related adverse clinical events (PEACE). We investigated the association of these risk factors with massive PE and PEACE in a consecutive PE cohort (n = 364).

Methods

Massive PE was defined as an acute central clot (proximal to the lobar artery) in a patient with right heart strain and systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mg. PEACE was defined as any massive PE who died or required one or more of the following: ACLS, assisted ventilation, vasopressor use, thrombolytic therapy, or invasive thrombectomy, within seven days of PE diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis assessing associations between the risk factors (age, gender, comorbidities, PE provoking risks, and whether the PE was felt to be idiopathic) and massive PE or PEACE were performed. Significance was determined at p < 0.05.

Results

Thirteen percent (n = 48) of patients presented with massive PE, and 9% (n = 32) had PEACE. In the final multivariate model, recent invasive procedure (RR = 7.4, p = 0.007), recent hospitalization (RR = 7.3, p = 0.002), and idiopathic PE (RR = 6.5, p = 0.003) were associated with massive PE. Only idiopathic PE (RR = 5.7, p = 0.005) was significantly associated with PEACE. No comorbidities or other PE provoking risks were associated with massive PE or PEACE.

Conclusions

As a take-home message, recent invasive procedure, recent hospitalization, and idiopathic PE were associated with massive PE, and only idiopathic PE was associated with PEACE. Simultaneously, comorbidities like age or chronic cardiopulmonary disease seem not to be associated with massive PE or PEACE.

Cerebral venous thrombosis: Associations between disease severity and cardiac markers

BACKGROUND

Plasma cardiac troponin (cTn) elevation occurs in acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage and can suggest a poor prognosis. Because acute cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) might lead to venous stasis, which could result in cardiac stress, it is important to evaluate whether cTn elevation occurs in patients with CVT.

METHODS

Inpatients at Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2005 to 2015 meeting the following criteria were included: CVT (ICD-9 codes with radiologic confirmation) and available admission electrocardiogram (ECG) and cTn level. In regression models, presence of ECG abnormalities and cTn elevation (>0.06 ng/mL) were evaluated as dependent variables in separate models, with location and severity of CVT involvement as independent variables, adjusted for age, sex, and hypertension.

RESULTS

Of 81 patients with CVST, 53 (66%) met the inclusion criteria. Participants were, on average, aged 42 years, white (71%), and female (66%). The left transverse sinus was most commonly thrombosed (47%), with 66% having >2 veins thrombosed. Twenty-two (41%) had cTn elevation. Odds of cTn elevation increased per each additional vein thrombosed (adjusted OR 2.79, 95% CI [1.08-7.23]). Of those with deep venous involvement, 37.5% had cTn elevation compared with 4.4% without deep clots (p = 0.02). Venous infarction (n = 15) was associated with a higher mean cTn (0.14 vs 0.02 ng/mL, p = 0.009) and was predictive of a higher cTn in adjusted models (β = 0.15, 95% CI [0.06-0.25]).

CONCLUSIONS

In this single-center cohort study, markers of CVT severity were associated with increased odds of cTn elevation; further investigation is needed to elucidate causality and significance.

Predictors of Overtesting in Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis

BACKGROUND

The benefits of computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnosis must be weighed against its risks, radiation-induced malignancy, and contrast-induced nephropathy. Appropriate use of CTPA can be assessed by monitoring yield, the percentage of tests positive for PE. We identify factors that are associated low CTPA yield, which may predict overtesting.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of six emergency departments between June 2014 and February 2017. The electronic health record was queried for CTPAs ordered for adult patients in the emergency department. We assessed the following patient factors: age, gender, body mass index, number of comorbidities, race, and ethnicity, provider factors: type (resident, fellow, attending, physician assistant) and environment factors: test time of day, season of visit, and crowdedness of the department.

RESULTS

A total of 14,782 CTPAs were reviewed, of which 1366 were found to be positive for PE, resulting in an overall CTPA yield of 9.24%. Provider type was not associated with a difference in yield. Testing was less likely to be positive in younger patients, females, those with lower body mass indexes and those identifying as Asian or Hispanic. Testing was also less likely to be positive when ordered during the overnight shift and during the winter and spring seasons.

CONCLUSION

Our study identified several patient and environmental factors associated with low CTPA yield suggesting potential targets for overtesting. Targeting education and clinical decision support to assist providers in these circumstances may meaningfully improve yields.

Incident Heart Failure and Long-Term Risk for Venous Thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) hospitalization places patients at increased short-term risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Long-term risk for VTE associated with incident HF, HF subtypes, or structural heart disease is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

In the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) cohort, VTE risk associated with incident HF, HF subtypes, and abnormal echocardiographic measures in the absence of clinical HF was assessed.

METHODS

During follow-up, ARIC identified incident HF and subcategorized HF with preserved ejection fraction or reduced ejection fraction. At the fifth clinical examination, echocardiography was performed. Physicians adjudicated incident VTE using hospital records. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between HF or echocardiographic exposures and VTE.

RESULTS

Over a mean of 22 years in 13,728 subjects, of whom 2,696 (20%) developed incident HF, 729 subsequent VTE events were identified. HF was associated with increased long-term risk for VTE (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.13; 95% confidence interval: 2.58 to 3.80). In 7,588 subjects followed for a mean of 10 years, the risk for VTE was similar for HF with preserved ejection fraction (adjusted hazard ratio: 4.71; 95% CI: 2.94 to 7.52) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (adjusted hazard ratio: 5.53; 95% confidence interval: 3.42 to 8.94). In 5,438 subjects without HF followed for a mean of 3.5 years, left ventricular relative wall thickness and mean left ventricular wall thickness were independent predictors of VTE.

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective population-based study, incident hospitalized HF (including both heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction), as well as echocardiographic indicators of left ventricular remodeling, were associated with greatly increased risk for VTE, which persisted through long-term follow-up. Evidence-based strategies to prevent long-term VTE in patients with HF, beyond time of hospitalization, are needed.

The relationship between computed tomographic obstruction index and pulmonary vein cross-sectional area in acute pulmonary embolism

PURPOSE

To investigate whether the increased obstruction of the pulmonary arteries was associated with reduced pulmonary vein areas in acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed a consecutive series of computed tomography pulmonary angiography studies of 107 patients with APE and 101 controls without APE between November 2010 and January 2019. The control and patient groups were compared with each other for differences between the mean cross-sectional areas of pulmonary veins. Further analysis was conducted by dividing the patient group into high-risk patients (≥ 20%) and low-risk patients (< 20%) according to the pulmonary arterial obstruction index. The mean cross-sectional area of the pulmonary veins in these two groups was compared.

RESULTS

The mean cross-sectional areas of the 4 pulmonary veins at the ostium level (CSAPV) were significantly lower for the patient group (mean: 102.6 mm²) compared with the control group (111.8 mm²) (p < 0.001). CSAPV cutoff value for determining the diagnosis of APE that maximized the accuracy was 109.12 mm² (AUC = 0.721; 95% CI 0.649-0.794); its sensitivity and specificity were 78.2% and 69.2%, respectively. CSAPV cutoff value for differentiating high-risk APE that maximized the accuracy was 102.6 mm² (AUC = 0.634; 95% CI 0.525-0.743); its sensitivity and specificity were 61.9% and 53.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a negative correlation between the CSAPV and thrombotic material burden in the pulmonary arteries of patients with APE. Hence, the CSAPV can be used as a diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the presence and severity of pulmonary embolism.

Long-term outcomes in patients with pulmonary embolism: results from a longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) have increased mortality in short-term; however, long-term prognosis is not well defined.

AIM

In this long-term cohort study, we aimed to determine if PE was associated with increased risk of mortality or serious clinical events (SCE). Secondary aims were to ascertain predictors of mortality and SCE.

METHODS

Patients admitted with clinical suspicion of PE were prospectively recruited from July 2002 to May 2003 and followed up until March 2015. Clinical outcomes in patients with PE were compared to those without PE. SCE was defined as composite of mortality, malignancy, cardiovascular events, recurrent venous thromboembolism and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

RESULTS

A total of 501 patients with median follow up of 11.9 years (interquartile range 3.91-12.28) was included. PE was diagnosed in 104 (20.7%) patients. Overall, 45.9% died and 57.1% developed SCE during follow up, with no significant difference in PE and no-PE groups (both P > 0.5). Major determinants of mortality were age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.06 per year, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.08), malignancy (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64-2.91) and congestive heart failure (HR 1.72, 95% CI 1.23-2.42). Factors associated with increased risk of SCE were age (HR 1.05 per year, 95% CI 1.04-1.06), malignancy (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.48-2.52) and congestive heart failure (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.29-2.43). In patients without PE, elevated D-dimer concentration was not found to be associated with diagnosis of malignancy during follow up (HR 1.31, 95% CI 0.55-3.12).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective study, we did not find association between PE and risk of all-cause mortality or SCE. Major determinants of poor clinical outcomes were advancing age and underlying comorbidities.

Circulating ceruloplasmin, ceruloplasmin-associated genes and the incidence of venous thromboembolism in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study

Essentials Ceruloplasmin (CP) is an acute-phase reactant and a potential biomarker of atherothrombotic risk. We assessed associations between CP and venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in 9933 individuals. Higher circulating CP but not CP-related genes were associated with greater incident VTE rates. Circulating CP could be considered a non-causal biomarker of VTE risk in the community. SUMMARY: Background Ceruloplasmin (CP) is an acute-phase reactant and a potential biomarker of atherothrombotic risk. We assessed the associations between CP, CP-associated genetic variants and incident venous thomboembolism (VTE) in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Methods and results In an observational study, 9933 men and women aged 53-75 years without prevalent VTE were included in 1996-1998 and followed through 2011. Circulating CP was measured in stored blood samples obtained in 1996-1998. Polymorphisms rs11708215 and rs13072552, which have been previously associated with CP concentrations, were measured in 8439 participants. VTEs were identified from hospital discharge codes and validated by physician review of medical records and imaging reports. Over a mean of 10.5 years of follow-up, 376 cases of VTE were identified. The association between circulating CP, CP-associated polymorphisms and the incidence of VTE was estimated. After adjustment for traditional risk factors and biomarkers, higher concentrations of circulating CP were associated with greater incident VTE rates (hazard ratio 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.95, comparing the 87.5-100th percentile with the bottom quartile). Both rs11708215 and rs13072552 were associated with CP concentrations but not with VTE risk. Conclusions Even though high CP concentrations were associated with an increased VTE risk, CP-associated genetic variants were not associated with a higher risk of VTE. Our results suggest that circulating CP concentrations may not be causally related to the risk of incident VTE.

Longitudinal increases in blood biomarkers of inflammation or cardiovascular disease and the incidence of venous thromboembolism

Essentials Inflammatory and cardiac diseases are associated with increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Our prospective study assessed rise in inflammatory or cardiac biomarkers and VTE risk. A greater 6-year rise in N-terminal natriuretic peptide is associated with increased VTE incidence. Volume overload or impending cardiac disease may contribute to VTE occurrence.

SUMMARY

Background We previously showed that participants in the population-based Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort with elevated levels of blood biomarkers of inflammation or cardiac disease were at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Objective We hypothesized that ARIC participants with larger 6-year increases in the levels of three biomarkers - C-reactive protein (CRP), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and troponin T - would also have an increased subsequent risk of VTE. Methods We measured changes in the levels of these biomarkers in 9844 participants from 1990-1992 to 1996-1998, and then identified VTEs through 2015. Results A greater 6-year rise in the level of NT-proBNP, but not in that of CRP or troponin T, was significantly associated with increased VTE incidence over a median of 17.6 years of follow-up. After adjustment for other VTE risk factors, those whose NT-proBNP level rose from < 100 pg mL-1 to ≥ 100 pg mL-1 had a hazard ratio for VTE of 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.80), as compared with the reference group with an NT-proBNP level of < 100 pg mL-1 at both times. This hazard ratio was slightly higher (1.66, 95% CI 1.19-2.31) during the first 10 years of follow-up, but was attenuated (1.24, 95% CI 0.99-1.56) after adjustment for prevalent and incident coronary heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions The two most likely explanations for our results are that: (i) an increasing NT-proBNP level reflects increasing subclinical volume overload and potentially increased venous stasis or subclinical PE that had gone unrecognized over time; or (ii) an increasing NT-proBNP level is a risk marker for impending cardiac disease that places patients at risk of VTE.

Predictive value of insufficient contrast medium filling in pulmonary veins in patients with acute pulmonary embolism

This study is to investigate the predictive value of insufficient contrast medium filling (ICMF) in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE).A total of 108 PE patients were enrolled and divided into group A and group B according to the presence of ICMF. PE index and ventricul araxial lengths were measured. Heart cavity volumes were examined and right ventricle (RV) to left ventricle (LV) diameter ratio (RV/LV(d)) and volume ratio (RV/LV(V)) and right atrium (RA) to left atrium (LA) volume ratio (RA/LA(V)) were calculated and compared. Group A was further divided into A1 and A2 based upon the pulmonary vein filling degree and each index was compared.There were no significant differences between group A and B in general condition. PE index of group A was higher than that of group B. LA and LV in group A were smaller than that of group B, whereas RA in group A was larger than that of group B. RV/LV(d), RV/LV(V), and RA/LA(V) in group A were significantly larger than that of group B. Embolism index of group A2 was higher than that of groupA1, but without statistical significant difference. LA in group A2 was smaller than that of group A1, whereas RA, RV/LV(d), and RV/LV(V) were larger than that of group A1, all with significant differences.PE increased with serious ICMF in pulmonary veins could be used as an indicator for risk stratification in patients with acute PE.