Multipolar pacing by cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillators treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus failing heart patients: impact on responders rate, and clinical outcomes

Association between single-point insulin sensitivity estimator and heart failure in older adults: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a condition caused by a malfunction of the heart's pumping function. The single-point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) index is a novel indicator for assessing insulin resistance in humans. However, the connection between the SPISE index and the risk of HF in the elderly is unknown. Therefore, our study aims to evaluate the connection between the SPISE index and HF in older adults.

METHODS

The study was based on data collected from the 1999-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database and included 6165 participants aged ≥60 years. The multivariable linear regression model and the smooth fitting curve model were applied to investigate the connection between the SPISE index and HF in the elderly. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis was performed to investigate the interactive factors.

RESULTS

In this study, the mean age of the population was 69.38 years. After adjusting for all covariates, we observed that the SPISE index was inversely related to the prevalence of HF (OR = 0.87, 95 % CI = 0.80-0.94, P < 0.001) in older adults. The interaction analysis showed that the association might be affected by diabetes mellitus and smoking status. Additionally, an inflection point between the SPISE index and HF was found among older women.

CONCLUSIONS

An inverse correlation was detected between the SPISE index and HF in the elderly. This could provide new insight into the prevention and management of HF in the elderly population.

Protective effect of Galectin-3 inhibitor against cardiac remodelling in an isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in type 2 diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has the potential to impair cardiac function and cause heart failure. We aimed to study the cardioprotective influence of Galactin-3 (Gal-3) inhibitor; modified citrus pectin (MCP) in isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction (MI) in T2DM rats. Forty rats were allocated into 4 groups; groups I and II served as control. T2DM was provoked in groups III and IV by serving them high fat diet followed by a single low dose of Streptozotocin (STZ), then group IV were administered MCP in drinking water for 6 weeks. Groups III and IV were then subcutaneously injected isoprenaline hydrochloride once daily on the last 2 successive days to induce MI. MCP restored echocardiographic parameters with significant decline in Gal-3 area % in cardiac tissue alongside protection against cardiac remodelling. our data showed that there is a protective potential for Gal-3 inhibitor (MCP) against cardiac injury in isoprenaline induced MI in T2DM.

Investigating the clinical utility of global and regional myocardial work parameters in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction

Background

Previous studies have indicated that despite adhering to current patient selection guidelines, there remains a 30% to 40% subset of patients who do not experience improvement in heart failure (HF) after receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We aim to utilize echocardiographic myocardial work parameters to serve as predictors of responsiveness to CRT in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients who underwent CRT at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from June 2019 to September 2022. Comprehensive preoperative information, clinical laboratory data, conventional echocardiographic parameters and myocardial work were collected for all participants, as well as follow-up data 6 months after CRT.

Results

Twenty-five patients (67.6%) showed response to CRT treatment, while twelve patients (32.4%) had no response. Compared with the non-response group, the response group had larger region constructive work [RCW: the sum of constructive work (CW) in the 9 segments of the basal, mid, and apical segments of the anterior, lateral, and posterior walls], region wasted work [RWW: the sum of wasted work (WW) in the 6 segments of the basal and mid segments of the anterior septum, posterior septum and anterior walls], and the combination of RCW and RWW (RCW + RWW) in baseline (RCW: 9,695.68±2,955.40 vs. 5,219.50±2,207.68 mmHg%, P<0.001; RWW: 3,612.08±1,723.80 vs. 1,674.33±995.23 mmHg%, P=0.001; RCW + RWW: 13,307.76±3,857.71 vs. 6,893.83±2,592.83 mmHg%, P<0.001). Furthermore, global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), GCW + GWW, RCW, RWW, and RCW + RWW had areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) of 0.870, 0.770, 0.860, 0.890, 0.870, and 0.910, respectively, for predicting CRT responsiveness.

Conclusions

The global and regional myocardial work parameters are associated with CRT response in CRT candidates. Particularly regional myocardial work parameters appear to be promising parameters to improve selection for CRT of patients with HFrEF.

A risk stratification model modified from the U.S. guideline could be applied in an Asian population with or without ASCVD: Validation study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a modified U.S. (MUS) model for risk prediction of cardiovascular (CV) events in Asian patients and compare it to European and Japanese models.

METHODS

The MUS model, based on the US ACC/AHA 2018 lipid treatment guideline, was employed to stratify patients under primary or secondary prevention. Two multi-center prospective observational registry cohorts, T-SPARCLE and T-PPARCLE, were used to validate the scoring system, and the primary outcome was the time to first occurrence/recurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). The MUS model's performance was compared to other models from Europe and Japan.

RESULTS

A total of 10,733 patients with the mean age of 64.2 (SD: 11.9) and 36.5% female were followed up for a median of 5.4 years. The MUS model was validated, with an AUC score of 0.73 (95% CI 0.68-0.78). The European and Japanese models had AUC scores ranging from 0.6 to 0.7. The MUS model categorized patients into four distinct CV risk groups, with hazard ratios (HRs) as follows: very high- vs. high-risk group (HR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.53-2.39), high- vs. moderate-risk group (HR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.60-2.69), and moderate- vs. low-risk group (HR = 3.14, 95% CI 1.63-6.03). After adjusting for the MUS model, a history of atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD) was not a significant predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes within each risk group.

CONCLUSION

The MUS model is an effective tool for risk stratification in Asian patients with and without ASCVD, accurately predicting MACEs and performing comparably or better than other established risk models. Our findings suggest that patient management should focus on background risk factors instead of solely on primary or secondary prevention.

Efficacy and safety of novel left ventricular pacing leads: 1-year analysis of the NAVIGATOR trial

OBJECTIVES

Assess safety and performance of novel quadripolar preshaped left ventricular (LV) leads: NAVIGO 4LV 2D ('S shaped') and NAVIGO 4LV ARC ('U shaped').

METHODS

Patients indicated for cardiac resynchronisation therapy were enrolled in a multicentre, prospective, controlled study (NAVIGATOR, NCT03279484). Patients were implanted with either a NAVIGO 4LV 2D or ARC lead, and assessed at 10 weeks, 6, 12 and 24 months post-implant. Co-primary safety and performance endpoints were assessed at 10 weeks. Safety endpoint was the patients' rate free from lead-related complications. Performance endpoint was the rate of patients with successful lead performance, defined as LV pacing threshold ≤2.5 V at 0.5 ms on at least one pacing vector, and the absence of phrenic nerve stimulation at the final programmed configuration. Lead-related complications and electrical parameters were monitored throughout study.

RESULTS

A NAVIGO 4LV lead was successfully implanted in 211 out of 217 patients (97.2%). The safety endpoint was met, with 100% and 96.1% of patients free from complications for NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC, respectively. The performance endpoint was met with 98.1% and 98.9% of patients with a successful lead performance for NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC, respectively. Over 12 months, the global complication-free rate for both leads was 97.1% (95% CI: 93.71% to 98.70%), with a mean pacing capture threshold of 1.23 V±0.73 V and a mean impedance of 951 Ω±300.1 Ω.

CONCLUSION

A high implantation success rate and low complication rate was reported for the novel NAVIGO 4LV 2D and ARC leads, along with successful performance up to 12 months.

Role of monocytes and dendritic cells in cardiac reverse remodelling after cardiac resynchronization therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Monocytes and dendritic cells (DC) are both key inflammatory cells, with recognized effects on cardiac repair. However, there are distinct subsets of monocytes with potential for beneficial or detrimental effects on heart failure (HF) pathogenesis. The connection between reverse cardiac remodelling, the potential anti-inflammatory effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and monocytes and DC homeostasis in HF is far from being understood. We hypothesized that monocytes and DC play an important role in cardiac reverse remodelling and CRT response. Therefore, we aimed to assess the potential role of baseline peripheral levels of blood monocytes and DC subsets and their phenotypic and functional activity for CRT response, in HF patients. As a secondary objective, we aimed to evaluate the impact of CRT on peripheral blood monocytes and DC subsets, by comparing baseline and post CRT circulating levels and phenotypic and functional activity.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with advanced HF scheduled for CRT were included in this study. The quantification and phenotypic determination of classical (cMo), intermediate (iMo) and non-classical monocytes (ncMo), as well as of myeloid (mDC) and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) were performed by flow cytometry in a FACSCanto™II (BD) flow cytometer. The functional characterization of total monocytes and mDC was performed by flow cytometry in a FACSCalibur flow cytometer, after in vitro stimulation with lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli plus interferon (IFN)-γ, in the presence of Brefeldina A. Comparisons between the control and the patient group, and between responders and non-responders to CRT were performed.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, HF population presented a significantly lower frequency of pDC at baseline and a higher proportion of monocytes and mDC producing IL-6 and IL-1β, both before and 6-months after CRT (T6). There was a remarkable decrease of cMo and an increase of iMo after CRT, only in responders. The responder group also presented higher ncMo values at T6 compared to the non-responder group. Both responders and non-responders presented a decrease in the expression of CD86 in all monocyte and DC populations after CRT. Moreover, in non-responders, the increased frequency of IL-6-producing DC persisted after CRT.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides new knowledge about the possible contribution of pDC and monocytes subsets to cardiac reverse remodelling and response to CRT. Additionally, CRT is associated with a reduction on CD86 expression by monocytes and DC subsets and in their potential to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, contributing, at least in part, for the well described anti-inflammatory effects of CRT in HF patients.

Device-evaluated autonomic nervous function for predicting ventricular arrhythmias and all-cause mortality in patients who underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator

Introduction: Autonomic nervous system (ANS) function quantified by heart rate variability (HRV) was associated with long-term prognosis, but it was rarely used in the evaluation of patients with heart failure, especially those with cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation. This study aimed to describe the changes in ANS function among patients who underwent CRT-D with remote home monitoring function, and explore predictive value of HRV for ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTAs) and all-cause mortality. Method: Patients who underwent CRT-D implantation were included. Device-measured all-day HR, night-time HR, and HRV (measured by the standard deviation of the atrial-atrial sensed intervals) were used to quantify ANS function. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of VTAs or all-cause mortality in relation to ANS function at baseline and 6 months post-implantation. The cutoff value was determined using restrictive cubic splines. Multivariable logistic regression was further established to determine factors influencing postoperative HRV. Results: A total of 170 patients treated with CRT-D were eligible for analysis. During a median follow-up period of 50.8 months, 61 patients died and 69 patients experienced at least one spontaneous episode of VTAs. At 6 months after CRT implantation, 114 patients showed improvement in HRV, increasing from 66.4 ± 19.4 ms to 76.7 ± 21.2 ms. The postoperative HRV was associated with both all-cause mortality (HRs: 0.983; 95% CI: 0.968 to 0.998, p = 0.012) and VTAs (HRs: 0.973; 95% CI: 0.954 to 0.993, p = 0.008), and the relative risk would significantly increase when the postoperative HRV lower than 75 ms. After adjusting for basic ANS function and possible influencing factors, patients without diabetes (p = 0.018) and with higher daily physical activity (p = 0.041) could maintain higher postoperative HRV after CRT implantation. Conclusion: More than two-thirds of heart failure patients showed improvement in ANS function following CRT treatment. However, patients with diabetes and low daily physical activity levels have difficulty maintaining a higher postoperative HRV, which is associated with a worse clinical outcome.

Endothelial Dysfunction Drives CRTd Outcome at 1-Year Follow-Up: A Novel Role as Biomarker for miR-130a-5p

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) causes worse prognoses in heart failure (HF) patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRTd). ED triggers the downregulation of microRNA-130 (miR-130a-5p), which targets endothelin-1 (ET-1). Thus, we evaluated ED and the response to CRTd by assessing miR-130a-5p and ET-1 serum levels. We designed a prospective multi-center study with a 1-year follow-up to evaluate ED, ET-1, and miR-130a-5p in CRTd patients with ED (ED-CRTd) vs. patients without ED (NED-CRTd). Clinical outcomes were CRTd response, HF hospitalization, cardiac death, and all-cause death. At 1-year follow-up, NED-CRTd (n = 541) vs. ED-CRTd (n = 326) patients showed better clinical statuses, lower serum values of B type natriuretic peptide (BNP: 266.25 ± 10.8 vs. 297.43 ± 16.22 pg/mL; p < 0.05) and ET-1 (4.57 ± 0.17 vs. 5.41 ± 0.24 pmol/L; p < 0.05), and higher values of miR-130a-5p (0.51 ± 0.029 vs. 0.41 ± 0.034 A.U; p < 0.05). Compared with NED-CRTd patients, ED-CRTd patients were less likely to be CRTd responders (189 (58%) vs. 380 (70.2%); p < 0.05) and had higher rates of HF hospitalization (115 (35.3%) vs. 154 (28.5%); p < 0.05) and cardiac deaths (30 (9.2%) vs. 21 (3.9%); p < 0.05). Higher miR-130a-5p levels (HR 1.490, CI 95% [1.014−2.188]) significantly predicted CRTd response; the presence of hypertension (HR 0.818, CI 95% [0.669−0.999]), and displaying higher levels of ET-1 (HR 0.859, CI 98% [0.839−0.979]), lymphocytes (HR 0.820, CI 95% [0.758−0.987]), LVEF (HR 0.876, CI 95% [0.760−0.992]), and ED (HR 0.751, CI 95% [0.624−0.905]) predicted CRTd non-response. Higher serum miR-130a-5p levels (HR 0.332, CI 95% [0.347−0.804]) and use of ARNI (HR 0.319, CI 95% [0.310−0.572]) predicted lower risk of HF hospitalization, whereas hypertension (HR 1.818, CI 95% [1.720−2.907]), higher BNP levels (HR 1.210, CI 95% [1.000−1.401]), and presence of ED (HR 1.905, CI 95% [1.238−2.241]) predicted a higher risk of HF hospitalization. Hence, serum miR-130a-5p could identify different stages of ED and independently predict CRTd response, therefore representing a novel prognostic HF biomarker.

Case report: An unusual case of phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient with single chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator

Background

Phrenic nerve stimulation is a well-recognized complication related to cardiac implantable electronic devices, in particular with left ventricular coronary sinus pacing leads for cardiac resynchronization therapy.

Case presentation

We report an unusual case of symptomatic phrenic nerve stimulation due to inadvertent placement of a right ventricular defibrillation lead in coronary sinus posterior branch in a patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction with a recently implanted single-chamber cardioverter defibrillator.

Discussion

Phrenic nerve stimulation is a relatively common complication of left ventricular pacing. Inadvertent placement of a right ventricular lead in a coronary sinus branch is a rare but possible cause of phrenic nerve stimulation. Careful evaluation of intraprocedural fluoroscopic and electrocardiographic appearance of pacing and defibrillation leads during implantation may prevent inadvertent placement of a right ventricular lead in the coronary sinus.

Anti-inflammatory role of SGLT2 inhibitors as part of their anti-atherosclerotic activity: Data from basic science and clinical trials

Atherosclerosis is a progressive inflammatory disease leading to mortality and morbidity in the civilized world. Atherosclerosis manifests as an accumulation of plaques in the intimal layer of the arterial wall that, by its subsequent erosion or rupture, triggers cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes mellitus is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis. Indeed, Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients have an increased risk of atherosclerosis and its associated-cardiovascular complications than non-diabetic patients. Sodium-glucose co-transport 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), a novel anti-diabetic drugs, have a surprising advantage in cardiovascular effects, such as reducing cardiovascular death in a patient with or without diabetes. Numerous studies have shown that atherosclerosis is due to a significant inflammatory burden and that SGLT2i may play a role in inflammation. In fact, several experiment results have demonstrated that SGLT2i, with suppression of inflammatory mechanism, slows the progression of atherosclerosis. Therefore, SGLT2i may have a double benefit in terms of glycemic control and control of the atherosclerotic process at a myocardial and vascular level. This review elaborates on the anti-inflammatory effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors on atherosclerosis.

The Protective Effects of Lipid-Lowering Agents on Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Maintenance Dialysis Patients: Propensity Score Analysis of a Population-Based Cohort Study

Lipid-lowering agents display limited benefits on cardiovascular diseases and mortality in patients undergoing dialysis. Therefore, they are not routinely recommended for dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of lipid-lowering agents on clinical outcomes in dialysis patients on the basis of real-world evidence. This research used Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database to identify dialysis patients from January 2009 to December 2015; patients were then categorized into a case group treated with lipid-lowering agents (n = 3,933) and a control group without lipid-lowering agents (n = 24,267). Patients were matched by age, sex, and comorbidities in a 1:1 ratio. This study used the Cox regression model to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) for events recorded until December 2017. During a mean follow-up period of approximately 3.1 years, 1726 [43.9%, incidence 0.123/person-year (PY)] deaths and 598 (15.2%, incidence 0.047/PY) MACEs occurred in the case group and 2031 (51.6%, incidence 0.153/PY) deaths and 649 (16.5% incidence 0.055/PY) MACEs occurred in the control group. In the multivariable analysis of the Cox regression model, lipid-lowering agent users showed a significantly lower risk of death [HR: 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70–0.80] and MACEs (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78–0.98) than lipid-lowering agent non-users. Moreover, the survival benefit of lipid-lowering agents was significant across most subgroups. Dialysis patients treated with lipid-lowering agents display a 25 and 12% reduction in their risk of mortality and MACEs, respectively. Therefore, lipid-lowering agents might be considered when treating dialysis patients with hyperlipidemia.

Trends in all-cause mortality and major causes of death between 2007 and 2018 among patients with diabetes in Taiwan

Optimal control of diabetes and relevant risk factors substantially reduce the risks of chronic complications and mortality. We investigated all-cause mortality rate and major causes of death between 2007 and 2018 in patients with diabetes in Taiwan. This study was conducted using data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We selected patients with diabetes diagnosed between 2007 and 2017 (grouped according to the year of diabetes diagnosis 2007-2010 vs. 2011-2017). Information on mortality and causes of death by the end of 2018 was confirmed through linking to the National Death Registry. Standardized mortality rate (SMR) were calculated by weighting the World Health Organization (WHO) standard population (WHO 2000-2025). More than 2.7 million of patients with diabetes were analyzed and a total of 566121 deaths were identified. Overall, the SMR was 11.72 per 1000 person-years. Patients with diabetes diagnosed in 2011-2017 had a lower SMR (8.42 vs. 12.92 per 1000 person-years) than those diagnosed in 2007-2010. Similar finding were noted regarding the major causes of death (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hypertensive disease, and cerebrovascular disease). Compared with patients who were diagnosed in 2008-2010, those who were diagnosed in 2011-2014 and 2015-2018 had a higher 3-year survival rate (0.9356 vs. 0.9438 vs. 0.946, log-rank test p<0.001) after the diagnosis of diabetes. Patients who were diagnosed with diabetes after 2011 had a lower rate of all-cause mortality and major causes of death, compared with those who were diagnosed before 2010 in Taiwan.

Efficacy and Safety of TCMI in Patients With Combined Coronary Heart Disease and Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of conventional treatments (CTs) to those that included traditional Chinese medicine injections (TCMIs) in patients with combined coronary heart disease and heart failure (CHD-HF). Methods: Eight electronic literature databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database) were searched from their inceptions to May 18, 2021, to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes analyzed included the total effectiveness rate and adverse events (ADRs). The secondary outcomes analyzed included the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and 6-min walk test (6MWT). Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess quality of the analyzed RCTs. Stata and OpenBUGS software were used to prior to the systematic review and network meta-analysis. Results: Sixty-one eligible trials involved 5,567 patients and one of the following 15 TCMIs: Shuxuetong, Shenmai, Shenfu, Shengmai, Danshenduofenyansuan, Danhong, Dazhuhongjingtian, Xinmailong, Dengzhanxixin, Gualoupi, Shuxuening, Xuesaitong, Yiqi Fumai, Shenqi Fuzheng, Huangqi. Network meta-analysis revealed that Shuxuetong injection + CT group was superior to CT only in improving the total effectiveness rate [odds ratio (OR): 7.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-27.41]. Shenmai injection + CT was superior to CT only for LVEF (OR: 8.97, CI: 4.67-13.18), Xinmailong injection + CT was superior to CT only for NT-proBNP (OR: -317.70, CI: -331.10-303.10), Shenqi Fuzheng injection + CT was superior to CT only for BNP (OR: -257.30, CI: -308.40-242.80); and Danhong injection + CT was superior to CT only for 6MWT (OR: 84.40, CI: 62.62-106.20). Different TCMIs had different toxicity spectrums. Conclusion: TCMIs combined with CT are better than CT alone in treating CHD-HF. Different TCMIs improve different outcomes. Additional properly designed RCTs are needed to conduce a more refined comparison of various TCMIs. Systematic Review Registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/], identifier [CRD42021258263].

Effectiveness of multipoint cardiac resynchronizing therapy in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is an important validated technique for patients with dyssynchrony and heart failure. However, the response rate to conventional resynchronization is approximately 50%; therefore, new techniques and schedules have emerged. This study aimed to evaluate the different clinical and echocardiographic variables of conventional versus multipoint cardiac resynchronization therapy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD

A systematic review was conducted of randomized clinical trials in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases on cardiac resynchronization intervention with multipoint stimulation clinical and echocardiographic outcomes evaluated before and 3 months after the intervention.

RESULTS

Three studies (N = 139) were ultimately selected, and 100% of patients had a New York Heart Association functional class of II-IV, QRS > 120 ms, and a left ventricular ejection fraction < 35%. Significantly greater improvement was observed in the functional class of patients who underwent multipoint versus conventional therapy. The final systolic volume and ejection fraction improved in the multipoint group, but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The literature lacks sufficient randomized controlled studies to enable conclusions regarding cardiac resynchronization therapy responses using different strategies. Moreover, the improvement in functional class in the multipoint pacing group involved few patients and had slight statistical relevance.

Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Shensong Yangxin Capsule-Amiodarone Combination on Heart Failure Complicated by Ventricular Arrhythmia: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Shensong Yangxin capsule (SSYX) is a well-known traditional Chinese patent medicine for treating arrhythmia. Recently, a flurry of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SSYX combined with amiodarone (SSYX-amiodarone) was reported in the treatment of heart failure (HF) complicated by ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in China. However, these RCTs have not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SSYX-amiodarone in the treatment of heart failure complicated by ventricular arrhythmia (HF-VA). Methods: Seven electronic literature databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, China Biomedical database web, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases, Chinese Scientific Journal database and Wanfang database) were searched from their inceptions to June 1, 2020 to identify RCTs of SSYX-amiodarone in the treatment of HF-VA. The primary outcomes included the total effective rate and adverse events (ADRs). The secondary outcomes included the frequency of ventricular premature complexes, left ventricular ejection fraction, N terminal pro Btype natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and QT dispersion (QTd). The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. All data was analyzed using RevMan 5.3 software. The registration number of this protocol is PROSPERO CRD42020196689. Results: There are Eighteen trials involving 1,697 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that SSYX-amiodarone group was superior to the amiodarone group in improving the total effective rate [RR = 1.21; 95%CI (1.16, 1.27); p < 0.01], meanwhile reducing the ADRs [RR = 0.65; 95%CI (0.45, 0.95); p = 0.03], VPCs [MD = 170.96; 95%CI (159.88, 182.04); p < 0.01] and QTd [MD = 8.39; 95%CI (6.91, 9.87); p < 0.01]. No significant difference of enhancing LVEF [MD = 4.32; 95%CI (-0.56, 9.20); p = 0.08] and reducing NT-proBNP [SMD = 0.17; 95%CI (-0.81, 1.14); p = 0.73] was observed between SSYX-amiodarone and amiodarone group. Conclusions: Despite the apparent positive findings reported, the evidence provided by this meta-analysis was still insufficient to support the routine use of SSYX-amiodarone for HF-VA due to the poor methodological quality of included studies. The overall effect should to be verified in further through more well-design clinical studies with reasonable sample and good methodological quality.

A Role of Glucose Overload in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy in Nonhuman Primates

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) plays a major role in the development of heart failure. Patients with T2D have an increased risk to develop HF than healthy subjects, and they always have very poor outcomes and survival rates. However, the underlying mechanisms for this are still unclear. To help develop new therapeutic interventions, well-characterized animal models for preclinical and translational investigations in T2D and HF are urgently needed. Although studies in rodents are more often used, the research findings in rodents have often failed to be translated into humans due to the significant metabolic differences between rodents and humans. Nonhuman primates (NHPs) serve as valuable translational models between basic studies in rodent models and clinical studies in humans. NHPs can recapitulate the natural progress of these diseases in humans and study the underlying mechanism due to their genetic similarity and comparable spontaneous T2D rates to humans. In this review, we discuss the importance of using NHPs models in understanding diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) in humans with aspects of correlations between hyperglycemia and cardiac dysfunction progression, glucose overload, and altered glucose metabolism promoting cardiac oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction, glucose, and its effect on cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-d), the currently available diabetic NHPs models and the limitations involved in the use of NHP models.

Oral Health Messiers: Diabetes Mellitus Relevance

This article aims to narrate the various oral complications in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. Google search for "diabetes mellitus and oral complications" was done. The search was also carried out for "diabetes mellitus" and its oral complications individually. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that is a global epidemic and a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today. Currently, there are about 422 million cases of diabetes mellitus worldwide. Diabetic patients can develop different complications in the body such as retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiovascular disease. Complications in the oral cavity have been observed in individuals suffering from diabetes mellitus. A study noted that more than 90% of diabetic patients suffered from oral complications. Another research has shown a greater prevalence of oral mucosal disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus than non-diabetic population: 45-88% in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to 38.3-45% in non-diabetic subjects and 44.7% in type 1 diabetic individuals compared to 25% in the non-diabetic population. Oral complications in people with diabetes are periodontal disease, dental caries, oral infections, salivary dysfunction, taste dysfunction, delayed wound healing, tongue abnormalities, halitosis, and lichen planus. The high glucose level in saliva, poor neutrophil function, neuropathy, and small vessel damage contribute to oral complications in individuals with uncontrolled diabetes. Good oral health is imperative for healthy living. Oral complications cause deterioration to the quality of life in diabetic patients. Complications like periodontal disease having a bidirectional relationship with diabetes mellitus even contribute to increased blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. This article intends to promote awareness regarding the oral health of diabetics and to stress the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene, taking preventive measures, early detection, and appropriate management of oral complications of these patients through a multidisciplinary approach.

Inflammatory Related Cardiovascular Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Targets

Inflammation is a pathogenic response to multiple factors, that causes over-activation of different molecules and pro-inflammatory cellular lines. Different behavioral factors and risk factors might enhance the inflammatory stress, and this might cause cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the world's leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and it is represented by hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies. In this context, inflammation is both a cause and an aggravating factor in CVD, as well as a mediator of its worst prognostic. The mechanisms that link inflammation to CVD are multiple, complex and multi-factorial. To date, the role of inflammation in the genesis and progression of CVD has been extensively analyzed in recent studies. However, in the last decades, new biomarkers are joining the already known inflammatory biomarkers, such as Creactive protein, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor alpha and nitrotyrosine. Among these new biomarkers, we have to report sirtuins, microRNAs, ST2 protein, apolipoprotein E protein, adiponectin, and others. These biomarkers are preferentially expressed locally in the target tissue of inflammation, but also released in peripheral blood and then used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Indeed, these biomarkers might also predict future adverse cardiovascular events and worse prognosis in patients with CVD. Furthermore, these new inflammatory biomarkers can also be analyzed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy in patients with CVD. Furthermore, this might open up new fields and interesting research concerning the link between inflammation and CVD.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy and its effects in patients with type 2 DIAbetes mellitus OPTimized in automatic vs. echo guided approach. Data from the DIA-OPTA investigators

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRTd) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) optimized via automatic vs. echocardiography-guided approach.

Background

The suboptimal atrio-ventricular (AV) and inter-ventricular (VV) delays optimization reduces CRTd response. Therefore, we hypothesized that automatic CRTd optimization might improve clinical outcomes in T2DM patients.

Methods

We designed a prospective, multicenter study to recruit, from October 2016 to June 2019, 191 consecutive failing heart patients with T2DM, and candidate to receive a CRTd. Study outcomes were CRTd responders rate, hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) worsening, cardiac deaths and all cause of deaths in T2DM patients treated with CRTd and randomly optimized via automatic (n 93) vs. echocardiography-guided (n 98) approach at 12 months of follow-up.

Results

We had a significant difference in the rate of CRTd responders (68 (73.1%) vs. 58 (59.2%), p 0.038), and hospitalizations for HF worsening (12 (16.1%) vs. 22 (22.4%), p 0.030) in automatic vs. echocardiography-guided group of patients. At multivariate Cox regression analysis, the automatic guided approach (3.636 [1.271–10.399], CI 95%, p 0.016) and baseline highest values of atrium pressure (automatic SonR values, 2.863 [1.537–6.231], CI 95%, p 0.006) predicted rate of CRTd responders. In automatic group, we had significant difference in SonR values comparing the rate of CRTd responders vs. non responders (1.24 ± 0.72 g vs. 0.58 ± 0.46 g (follow-up), p 0.001), the rate of hospitalizations for HF worsening events (0.48 ± 0.29 g vs. 1.18 ± 0.43 g, p 0.001), and the rate of cardiac deaths ( 1.13 ± 0.72 g vs. 0.65 ± 0.69 g, p 0.047).

Conclusions

Automatic optimization increased CRTd responders rate, and reduced hospitalizations for HF worsening. Intriguingly, automatic CRTd and highest baseline values of SonR could be predictive of CRTd responders. Notably, there was a significant difference in SonR values for CRTd responders vs. non responders, and about hospitalizations for HF worsening and cardiac deaths.

Clinical trial ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04547244.

Differential effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus: a long-term retrospective cohort study

AIMS

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an important therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The effect of diabetes on long-term outcome in these patients is controversial. We assessed the effect of diabetes on long-term outcome in CRT patients and investigated the role of diabetes in ischaemic and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients undergoing CRT implantation at our institution between November 2000 and January 2015 were enrolled. The study endpoints were (i) a composite of ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, heart transplantation, or all-cause mortality; and (ii) reverse remodelling (improvement of LVEF ≥ 10% or reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume ≥ 15%). Median follow-up of the 418 patients (age 64.6 ± 11.6 years, 22.5% female, 25.1% diabetes) was 4.8 years [inter-quartile range: 2.8;7.4]. Diabetic patients had an increased risk to reach the composite endpoint [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.48 [95% CI 1.12-2.16], P = 0.041]. Other factors associated with an increased risk to reach the composite endpoint were a lower body mass index or baseline LVEF (aHR 0.95 [0.91; 0.98] and 0.97 [0.95; 0.99], P < 0.01 each), and a higher New York Heart Association functional class or creatinine level (aHR 2.14 [1.38; 3.30] and 1.04 [1.01; 1.05], P < 0.05 each). Early response to CRT, defined as LVEF improvement ≥ 10%, was associated with a lower risk to reach the composite endpoint (aHR 0.60 [0.40; 0.89], P = 0.011). Reverse remodelling did not differ between diabetic and non-diabetic patients with respect to LVEF improvement ≥ 10% (aHR 0.60 [0.32; 1.14], P = 0.118). However, diabetes was associated with decreased reverse remodelling with respect to a reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume ≥ 15% (aHR 0.45 [0.21; 0.97], P = 0.043). In patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy, survival rates were not significantly different between diabetic and non-diabetic patients (HR 1.28 [0.83-1.97], P = 0.101), whereas in patients with non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, diabetic patients had a higher risk of reaching the composite endpoint (HR 1.65 [1.06-2.58], P = 0.027). The latter effect was dependent on other risk factors (aHR 1.47 [0.83-2.61], P = 0.451). The risk of insulin-dependent patients was not significantly higher than in patients under oral antidiabetic drugs (HR 1.55 [95% CI 0.92-2.61], P = 0.102).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up revealed diabetes mellitus as independent risk factor for all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, or VAD in heart failure patients undergoing CRT. The detrimental effect of diabetes appeared to weigh heavier in patients with non-ischaemic compared with ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

Calcium inhibitor inhibits high glucose‑induced hypertrophy of H9C2 cells

The aim of the present study was to explore whether the hypertrophy of H9C2 cardiomyocytes was induced by high glucose, to investigate whether the calcium channel inhibitor (Norvasc) could inhibit this process and to clarify the possible signaling pathways. The morphology of H9C2 cells was observed under an optical microscope, and the cell surface area was measured by Image Pro Plus 6.1 software. Furthermore, fluorescence spectrophotometry was used to detect intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i). ELISA was performed to detect calcineurin (CaN) activity; reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of CaN Aβ subunit (CnAβ), nuclear factor of activated T cells 3 (NFAT3) and β type myosin heavy chain (β-MHC). Cell size was increased with the increase in glucose concentration of culture medium at 48 and 72 h, respectively, and decreased with the addition of Norvasc compared with those without Norvasc (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in cell size with the addition of Norvasc compared with cells cultured with 5 mM glucose (P>0.05). The average [Ca²⁺]i activity of single cells in the 48- and 72-h culture groups treated with 50 mM glucose was significantly higher than cells treated with 5 mM glucose (P<0.05); and the fluorescent value of average [Ca²⁺]i activity of single cells was lower, following the addition of Norvasc than that without Norvasc (P<0.05). CaN activity in the 48- and 72-h culture group treated with 50 mM glucose was markedly higher than that treated with 5 mM glucose, and the activity of CaN notably decreased with the addition of Norvasc compared with those without Norvasc. The mRNA and protein expression levels of CnAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC in the 48- and 72-h culture groups treated with 50 mM glucose were all significantly higher than those treated with 5 mM glucose (P<0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of CnAβ, NFAT3 and β-MHC cultured with 50 mM glucose were significantly decreased following the addition of Norvasc (P<0.05). Thus, the calcium channel inhibitor Norvasc may inhibit high glucose-induced hypertrophy of H9C2 cardiomyocytes by inhibiting the Ca²⁺-CaN-NFAT3 signaling pathway.

Comparison of Echocardiographic and Electrocardiographic Mapping for Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Optimisation

Study hypothesis

We sought to investigate the association between echocardiographic optimisation and ventricular activation time in cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) patients, obtained through the use of electrocardiographic mapping (ECM). We hypothesised that echocardiographic optimisation of the pacing delay between the atrial and ventricular leads-atrioventricular delay (AVD)-and the delay between ventricular leads-interventricular pacing interval (VVD)-would correlate with reductions in ventricular activation time.

Background

Optimisation of AVD and VVD may improve CRT patient outcome. Optimal delays are currently set based on echocardiographic indices; however, acute studies have found that reductions in bulk ventricular activation time correlate with improvements in acute haemodynamic performance.

Materials and methods

Twenty-one patients with established CRT criteria were recruited. After implantation, patients underwent echo-guided optimisation of the AVD and VVD. During this procedure, the participants also underwent noninvasive ECM. ECM maps were constructed for each AVD and VVD. ECM maps were analysed offline. Total ventricular activation time (TVaT) and a ventricular activation time index (VaT_10-90) were calculated to identify the optimal AVD and VVD timings that gave the minimal TVaT and VaT_10-90 values. We correlated cardiac output with these electrical timings.

Results

Echocardiographic programming optimisation was not associated with the greatest reductions in biventricular activation time (VaT_10-90 and TVaT). Instead, bulk activation times were reduced by a further 20% when optimised with ECM. A significant inverse correlation was identified between reductions in bulk ventricular activation time and improvements in LVOT VTI (p < 0.001), suggesting that improved ventricular haemodynamics are a sequelae of more rapid ventricular activation.

Conclusions

EAM-guided programming optimisation may achieve superior fusion of activation wave fronts leading to improvements in CRT response.

Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation-A key role in heart failure therapy?

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are epidemic cardiac diseases and are often detected in the same patient. Recent evidence suggests that this is not a mere coincidence but that the strategy of AF treatment may impact HF development. This review comprehensively summarizes current trial data on rhythm and rate control strategies in atrial fibrillation with a special focus on catheter ablation of AF in HF patients. For a long time, rate and rhythm control strategies for AF have been regarded as equal regarding long term mortality. Decision making has been based on the symptoms of patients. Current trials, however, show that the treatment strategy of AF and its effectiveness may significantly impact survival of HF patients. The benefits of rhythm control in HF patients may have been masked by side effects of antiarrhythmic drugs. If rhythm control, however, is achieved by catheter ablation, a reduction of HF related mortality can be observed. As catheter ablation of AF may reduce mortality in HF patients, AF ablation should be preferred over medical treatment in HF patients. In general, HF patients may profit most from rigorous AF treatment.

Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Current and Future Therapies. Beyond Glycemic Control

Diabetes mellitus and the associated complications represent a global burden on human health and economics. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in diabetic patients, who have a 2–5 times higher risk of developing heart failure than age-matched non-diabetic patients, independent of other comorbidities. Diabetic cardiomyopathy is defined as the presence of abnormal cardiac structure and performance in the absence of other cardiac risk factors, such coronary artery disease, hypertension, and significant valvular disease. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance mediate the pathological remodeling of the heart, characterized by left ventricle concentric hypertrophy and perivascular and interstitial fibrosis leading to diastolic dysfunction. A change in the metabolic status, impaired calcium homeostasis and energy production, increased inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as an accumulation of advanced glycation end products are among the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. Despite a growing interest in the pathophysiology of diabetic cardiomyopathy, there are no specific guidelines for diagnosing patients or structuring a treatment strategy in clinical practice. Anti-hyperglycemic drugs are crucial in the management of diabetes by effectively reducing microvascular complications, preventing renal failure, retinopathy, and nerve damage. Interestingly, several drugs currently in use can improve cardiac health beyond their ability to control glycemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system through a direct effect on myocardium, beyond their ability to lower blood glucose levels. In recent years, great improvements have been made toward the possibility of modulating the expression of specific cardiac genes or non-coding RNAs in vivo for therapeutic purpose, opening up the possibility to regulate the expression of key players in the development/progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This review summarizes the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy, with particular focus on structural and molecular abnormalities occurring during its progression, as well as both current and potential future therapies.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRTd) in failing heart patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and treated by glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) therapy vs. conventional hypoglycemic drugs: arrhythmic burden, hospitalizations for heart failure, and CRTd responders rate

Objectives

To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes, treated by cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator (CRT-d), and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in addition to conventional hypoglycemic therapy vs. CRTd patients under conventional hypoglycemic drugs.

Background

Patients with diabetes treated by CRTd experienced an amelioration of functional New York Association Heart class, reduction of hospital admissions, and mortality, in a percentage about 60%. However, about 40% of CRTd patients with diabetes experience a worse prognosis.

Materials and methods

We investigated the 12-months prognosis of CRTd patients with diabetes, previously treated with hypoglycemic drugs therapy (n 271) vs. a matched cohort of CRTd patients with diabetes treated with GLP-1 RA in addition to conventional hypoglycemic therapy (n 288).

Results

At follow up CRTd patients with diabetes treated by GLP-1 RA therapy vs. CRTd patients with diabetes that did not receive GLP-1 RA therapy, experienced a significant reduction of NYHA class (p value < 0.05), associated to higher values of 6 min walking test (p value < 0.05), and higher rate of CRTd responders (p value < 0.05). GLP-1 RA patients vs. controls at follow up end experienced lower AF events (p value < 0.05), lower VT events (p value < 0.05), lower rate of hospitalization for heart failure worsening (p value < 0.05), and higher rate of CRTd responders (p value < 0.05). To date, GLP-1 RA therapy may predict a reduction of AF events (HR 0.603, CI [0.411–0.884]), VT events (HR 0.964, CI [0.963–0.992]), and hospitalization for heart failure worsening (HR 0.119, CI [0.028–0.508]), and a higher CRT responders rate (HR 3.707, CI [1.226–14.570]).

Conclusions

GLP-1 RA drugs in addition to conventional hypoglycemic therapy may significantly reduce systemic inflammation and circulating BNP levels in CRTd patients with diabetes, leading to a significant improvement of LVEF and of the 6 min walking test, and to a reduction of the arrhythmic burden. Consequently, GLP-1 RA drugs in addition to conventional hypoglycemic therapy may reduce hospital admissions for heart failure worsening, by increasing CRTd responders rate.

Trial registration NCT03282136. Registered 9 December 2017 “retrospectively registered”

Type 2 diabetes is independently associated with all-cause mortality secondary to ventricular tachyarrhythmias

OBJECTIVES

The study sought to assess the prognostic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias on admission.

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the prognostic outcome of diabetics presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias is limited.

METHODS

A large retrospective registry was used including all consecutive patients presenting with ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF) on admission from 2002 to 2016. Patients with type 2 diabetes (diabetics) were compared to non-diabetics applying multivariable Cox regression models and propensity-score matching for evaluation of the primary prognostic endpoint of long-term all-cause mortality at 2 years. Secondary prognostic endpoints were cardiac death at 24 h, in-hospital death at index, all-cause mortality at 30 days, all-cause mortality in patients surviving index hospitalization at 2 years (i.e. "after discharge") and rehospitalization due to recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias at 2 years.

RESULTS

In 2411 unmatched high-risk patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias, diabetes was present in 25% compared to non-diabetics (75%). Rates of VT (57% vs. 56%) and VF (43% vs. 44%) were comparable in both groups. Multivariable Cox regression models revealed diabetics associated with the primary endpoint of long-term all-cause mortality at 2 years (HR = 1.513; p = 0.001), which was still proven after propensity score matching (46% vs. 33%, log rank p = 0.001; HR = 1.525; p = 0.001). The rates of secondary endpoints were higher for in-hospital death at index, all-cause mortality at 30 days, as well as after discharge, but not for cardiac death at 24 h or rehospitalization due to recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

CONCLUSION

Presence of type 2 diabetes is independently associated with an increase of all-cause mortality in patients presenting with ventricular tachyarrhythmias on admission.

Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Wenxin Keli-Amiodarone Combination on Heart Failure Complicated by Ventricular Arrhythmia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Objectives: To evaluate possible adverse effects and efficacy of Wenxin keli (WXKL)-amiodarone combination on heart failure complicated by ventricular arrhythmia. Methods: Nine electronic literature databases (the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, IPA, AMED, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and WanFang) were searched up to February 2018. Two authors extracted data and assessed risk of bias of the included studies independently. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs about WXKL-amiodarone combination and amiodarone alone were eligible for comparison. Results: Thirteen trials involving 1,126 patients were included. Risk of bias was assessed as high in three studies and unclear in the remaining 10 studies. Six trials reported adverse events (AE). There was no obvious difference between WXKL-amiodarone combination group and amiodarone group in reported AEs (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.39-1.07). The total effective rate of WXKL-amiodarone combination group was greater than that of amiodarone group (RR 1.22; 95%CI 1.16-1.29). The pooled results showed that the combination group was more effective in reducing heart rate (MD -2.25; 95%CI -2.61 to -1.88, P = 0.46, I2 = 0%), the frequency of ventricular premature complexes (MD -2.03; 95%CI -2.41 to -1.65) and QT dispersion (MD 5.59; 95%CI 3.60-7.58). Conclusion: The WXKL-amiodarone combination is safe and shows more protective effects on heart failure combined with ventricular arrhythmia compared with amiodarone alone. Further research is warranted, ideally involving large, prospective, rigorous trials, in order to confirm these findings.

Prediction of clinical outcome in patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy - the role of NT-ProBNP and a combined response score

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established therapy for appropriately selected patients with heart failure. Response to CRT has been heterogeneously defined using both clinical and echocardiographic measures, with poor correlation between the two.

METHODS

The study cohort was comprised of 202 CRT-treated patients and CRT response was defined at 6 months post-implant. Echocardiographic response (E+) was defined as a reduction in LVESV ≥ 15%, clinical response as an improvement of ≥ 1 NYHA class (C+), and biomarker response as a ≥ 25% reduction in NT-proBNP(B+). The association of response measures (E+, B+, C+; response score range 0-3) and clinical endpoints at 3 years was assessed in landmarked Cox models.

RESULTS

Echo and clinical responders demonstrated greater declines in NT-proBNP than non-responders (median [E+/B+]: -52%, [E+]: -27%, [C+]: -39% and [E-/C-]: -13%; p = 0.01 for trend). Biomarker (HR 0.43 [95% CI: 0.22-0.86], p = 0.02) and clinical (HR 0.40 [0.23-0.70] p = 0.001) response were associated with a significantly reduced risk of the primary endpoint. When integrating each response measure into a composite score, each 1 point increase was associated with a 31% decreased risk for a composite endpoint of mortality, LVAD, transplant and HF hospitalization (HR 0.69 [95% CI: 0.50-0.96], p = 0.03), and a 52% decreased risk of all-cause mortality (HR 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26-0.89], p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Serial changes in NT-proBNP are associated with clinical outcomes following CRT implant. Integration of biomarker, clinical, and echocardiographic response may discriminate CRT responders versus non-responders in a clinically meaningful way, and with higher accuracy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The cohort was combined from study NCT01949246 and the study based on local review board approval 2011/550 in Lund, Sweden.

Metformin restores electrophysiology of small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels in the atrium of GK diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SK channels) play a critical role in action potential repolarization in cardiomyocytes. Recently, the potential anti-arrhythmic effect of metformin in diabetic patients has been recognized, yet the underlying mechanism remains elusive.

METHODS

Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were untreated or treated with metformin (300 mg/kg/day) for 12 weeks, and age-matched Wistar rats were used as control (n = 6 per group). Electrocardiography, Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson's trichome staining were performed to assess cardiac function, histology and fibrosis. The expression levels of the SK channels in the myocardium were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting. The electrophysiology of the SK channels in the cardiomyocytes isolated from the three groups of rats was examined by patch clamp assay, with specific blockade of the SK channels with apamin.

RESULTS

Metformin treatment significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and alleviated arrhythmia in the diabetic rats. In the atrial myocytes from control, GK and metformin-treated GK rats, the expression of KCa2.2 (SK2 channel) was down-regulated and the expression of KCa2.3 (SK3 channel) was up-regulated in the atrium of GK rats as compared with that of control rats, and metformin reversed diabetes-induced alterations in atrial SK channel expression. Moreover, patch clamp assay revealed that the SK current was markedly reduced and the action potential duration was prolonged in GK atrial myocytes, and the SK channel function was partially restored in the atrial myocytes from metformin-treated GK rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggests an involvement of the SK channels in the development of arrhythmia under diabetic conditions, and supports a potential beneficial effect of metformin on atrial electrophysiology.

Is there a C-reactive protein value beyond which one should consider infection as the cause of acute heart failure?

Background

Heart Failure (HF) is a low grade inflammatory condition. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is an established marker of inflammation. A cut-off value of hsCRP beyond which an infection should be sought has never been studied in HF. We aimed to determine the best hsCRP cut-off for infection prediction in acute HF.

Methods

We analyzed patients included in an acute HF registry – EDIFICA (Estratificação de Doentes com InsuFIciência Cardíaca Aguda). Admission hsCRP measurement was available as part of the registry’s protocol. Patients with acute coronary syndrome as the cause of acute HF were excluded from the registry. Infection was considered according to the diagnosis registered in the discharge record. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the best hsCRP cut-off for infection prediction.

Results

We studied 615 patients. Mean age was 76 years, 45.2% were male, 60.3% had systolic dysfunction. Median admission hsCRP was 20.3 (9.5–55.5)mg/L; in 41.6% the cause of decompensation was an infection. The area under the ROC curve for admission hsCRP in the prediction of infection was 0.79 (0.76–0.83); the best hsCRP cut-off was 25 mg/L with a sensitivity of 72.7%, specificity 77.2%, positive predictive value 69.4% and negative predictive value 79.9%. Age and elevated hsCRP independently associated with an infection as the precipitant of acute HF.

Conclusions

We suggest 25 mg/L as a cut-off beyond which an infection should be sought underlying acute HF. Almost 80% of the patients with hsCRP< 25 mg/L are not infected and 69.4% of those with higher hsCRP have a concomitant infection.