Predictors of long term tricuspid regurgitation after pulmonary valve replacement: a single center study on the cohort of significant preoperative tricuspid regurgitation

Background

Almost one-third of repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and pulmonary stenosis (PS) patients referred for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) have at least moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Predictors of long term TR in this population are not well defined and the role of Tricuspid Annuloplasty (TA) in addition to PVR in this setting is controversial.

Purpose

Patients with preoperative severe TR or moderate TR with dilated tricuspid annulus (>40mm) undergo TA at the time of PVR as per protocol in our instititution. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the long term results of this approach and to identify predictors of significant TR at the end of follow-up.

Material and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 35 repaired TOF and PS patients who underwent surgical PVR with (n=17, group 1) or without (n=18, group 2) TA in a single tertiary hospital between June-2009 and June-2021. Pre- and postoperative echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance data were assessed for TR severity and right ventricle size and systolic function. Baseline and clinical follow up data were collected. Uni- and multivariable tests were used to analyze predictors of at least moderate TR after PVR.

Results

Mean age at PVR and baseline image parameters were comparable between groups, except for TR grade (p 0.006), tricuspid annulus size (p 0.018) and right ventricle outflow tract diameter (p 0.04) which were greater in group 1. TA did not confer and increased risk of surgical and peroperative complications. Intensive care unit (p 0.94) and total hospital admission days (p 0.59) did not differ among groups. At one year, TR grade significantly improved regardless of TA. At the end of follow-up (5.29±2.9 years), the degree of TR increased in both groups with no differences between groups (p 0.38) (see table 1). In univariable analysis, two independent predictors of at least moderate TR at end of follow-up were identified; mixed TR mechanism (OR 12.5, p 0.006) and severe preoperative TR grade (OR 10.21, p 0.003). Mixed TR mechanism (OR 15.78, p 0.01) and a right ventricle ejection fraction below 45% (OR 1.47, p 0.01) were identified as risk factors of significant TR in multivariable analysis (see Table 2).

Conclusions

TA seems a reasonable approach at the time of PVR in patients with severe TR or moderate TR with dilated annulus. Mixed TR mechanism and a worse right ventricular function have been identified as independent predictors factors of long term significant postoperative TR in our study cohort.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Optimal opportunistic screening of atrial fibrillation using pulse palpation in cardiology outpatient clinics: Who and how

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remain a prevalent undiagnosed condition frequently encountered in primary care.

Objective

We aimed to find the parameters that optimize the diagnostic accuracy of pulse palpation to detect AF. We also aimed to create a simple algorithm for selecting which individuals would benefit from pulse palpation and, if positive, receive an ECG to detect AF.

Methods

Nurses from four Cardiology outpatient clinics palpated 7,844 pulses according to a randomized list of arterial territories and durations of measure and immediately followed by a 12-lead ECG, which we used as the reference standard. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of the palpation parameters. We also assessed whether diagnostic accuracy depended on the nurse’s experience or on a list of clinical factors of the patients. With this information, we estimated the positive predictive values and false omission rates according to very few clinical factors readily available in primary care (age, sex, and diagnosis of heart failure) and used them to create the algorithm.

Results

The parameters associated with the highest diagnostic accuracy were palpation of the radial artery and classifying as irregular those palpations in which the nurse was uncertain about pulse regularity or unable to palpate pulse (sensitivity = 79%; specificity = 86%). Specificity decreased with age. Neither the nurse’s experience nor any investigated clinical factor influenced diagnostic accuracy. We provide the algorithm to select the ≥40 years old individuals that would benefit from a pulse palpation screening: a) do nothing in <60 years old individuals without heart failure; b) do ECG in ≥70 years old individuals with heart failure; c) do radial pulse palpation in the remaining individuals and do ECG if the pulse is irregular or you are uncertain about its regularity or unable to palpate it.

Conclusions

Opportunistic screening for AF using optimal pulse palpation in candidate individuals according to a simple algorithm may have high effectiveness in detecting AF in primary care.

1164 St Andrew’s COVID Surgery Safety (StACS) Study: Skin Cancer

Background

Skin cancer represents the most common malignancy worldwide and it is imperative that we develop strategies to ensure safe and sustained delivery of cancer care which are resilient to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

Objective

This study prospectively evaluates the COVID-19 related patient risk and skin cancer management at a single tertiary referral centre, which rapidly implemented national COVID-safety guidelines.

Method

A prospective cohort study was performed in all patients who underwent surgery for elective skin cancer service management, during the UK COVID-19 pandemic peak (April-May 2020). ‘Real-time’ 30-day hospital database deceased data were collected. Random selection was undertaken for patients who either underwent operative (surgery group) management or remained on the waiting list (control group); these groups were also prospectively followed-up within a controlled cohort study design and telephoned at the end of June 2020 for the control group or 30 days post-operatively.

Results

Of the 767 patients who had operations, there were no COVID-19 related deaths. Both the surgery (n = 384) and control (n = 100) groups were matched for age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, presence of comorbidities, smoking and positive COVID-19 contact. There were no differences in post-operative versus any symptom development (1.3%, 5/384 vs. 4%, 4/100, p = 0.093), or proportion of positive tests (8.6%, 33/384 vs. 8%, 8/100; p = 0.849), between the surgery and control groups.

Conclusions

These data support continued and safe service provision, and no increased risk to skin cancer patients who require surgical management, which is vital for continuation of cancer treatment in the context of a pandemic.

Substrate characterization of the right ventricle in repaired tetralogy of Fallot using late enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance

BACKGROUND

Three-dimensional (3D) substrate characterization by high-resolution late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LE-CMR) is useful for guiding ventricular tachycardia ablation of the left ventricle in ischemic heart disease.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to validate the substrate characterization and 3D reconstruction of LE-CMR images of the right ventricle (RV) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and to identify the algorithm that best fits with electroanatomic mapping (EAM).

METHODS

RV LE-CMR images were compared with RV EAM in 10 patients with rTOF. RV LE-CMR images were postprocessed and analyzed to identify fibrotic tissue on 3D color maps. The 3D RV substrate reconstructions were created using an adjustable percentage of the maximum voxel signal intensity (MSI) of the scar region to define the threshold between core, transitional zone (TZ), and healthy tissue. Extensions of the core and TZ areas were compared with the scar (<0.5 mV) and low-voltage (0.5-1.5 mV) areas obtained by RV EAM. Agreement on anatomic isthmi identification was quantified.

RESULTS

The best match between core and scar was obtained at 65% MSI cutoff (mean areas 17.4 ± 9.9 cm² vs 16.9 ± 10.0 cm², respectively; r = 0.954; P <.001). Agreement on anatomic isthmi identification was best at 60% MSI cutoff, which identified 95% of isthmi and achieved a total fit in 90% of patients.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that characterization of the RV substrate by postprocessing LE-CMR images in rTOF patients is feasible and validates the technique against RV EAM, which could help in planning target ablation.

Clinical features and outcomes of adult patients with single ventricle physiology not undergoing Fontan repair

Background

Adult patients with single ventricle (SV) physiology who had not undergone Fontan palliation are uncommon. Little is known about their clinical features and outcomes.

Objective

This study aims to describe the clinical features, cardiovascular outcomes and long-term survival of patients with SV physiology without Fontan palliation.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from SV physiology patients followed in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) units of five tertiary referral centers. None of them had Fontan palliation. Baseline data were recorded on the first visit at ACHD unit. Death was considered as main endpoint. Other outcomes such as atrial or ventricular arrhythmias, endocarditis, ICD or pacemaker implantation, admission for heart failure and heart transplant were also collected and analyzed. Association between clinical/analytical baseline variables and death was also evaluated by univariate Cox regression.

Results

128 patients were included. On the first visit, mean age was 32.3±10.9 years, being the most common defect double inlet left ventricle (63p, 49.2%). The single ventricle had left morphology in 106 cases (82.8%). At baseline mean heaemglobin was 19.1±2.8 g/dl, mean O2 Sat 83±6.9% and 46 patients (36%) had a NYHA status III or IV. 4 different groups were found: a) Unrestricted pulmonary flow with Eisenmenger physiology (24p, 18.8%); b) Restricted forward pulmonary flow with or without pulmonary banding (46p, 35.9%); c) Aortopulmonary shunts as a source of pulmonary flow (20p, 15.5%) and d) cavopulmonary shunt (Glenn) as a definitive palliation (38p, 29.7%). After 7.3±4.1 years follow-up, mortality was 22.7% (29 patients), being sudden death (9p, 7%) the most frequent cause. Survival rate at 5 and 10 years of follow-up were 85% and 76% respectively (Figure 1). About of the rest of the outcomes, highlighting a high rate of atrial tachycardia (38.3%), admission for heart failure (23.4%), stroke (17.2%), endocarditis (9.4%), pacemaker/ICD implantation (11.8%). Baseline variables associated with higher mortality were: older age (HR=1.1 [1.004–1–087]); NYHA III or IV (HR=5.5 [2.4–12.4]); thrombocytopenia (HR=1.01 [1.001–1.003]); anticoagulant treatment (HR=2.6 [1.7–3.9]); glomerular filtration rate below 60 ml/min (HR=3.77 [1.5–9.6]); QRS width (HR=1.03 [1.01–1.05]); atrial arrhythmias (HR=3.1 [1.5–6.5]); moderate or severe AV valve regurgitation (HR=1.5 [1.15–1.97]) and ventricular ejection fraction (HR=0.94 [0.91-0.97]).

Conclusions

Adults survivors with SV physiology without Fontan palliation have a high mortality and frequently suffer from serious cardiovascular events. Several clinical (NYHA status, previous atrial arrhythmias, anticoagulant treatment), analytical (renal function, thrombocytopenia), ECG (QRS width) and echocardiography (AV valve regurgitation and EF) factors can identify patients at higher risk of death.

Figure 1. Survival curve

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Long term outcome of single ventricle physiology with pulmonary restriction not undergoing Fontan repair

Background

Patients with univentricular physiology who do not complete the palliation to Fontan are a heterogeneous group with unknown long term outcome.

Aims

This study aimed at describing the clinical course and long-term survival of patients with SV physiology with restricted pulmonary flow that had not undergone a Fontan type of repair.

Methods

From the prospectively maintained databases of the adult congenital cardiac units of five tertiary referral centers, data from all SV physiology patients were obtained. Patients completing a Fontan type palliation or developing Eisenmenger physiology and segmental pulmonary hypertension were excluded. Baseline data were recorded on the first visit at adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) unit. The primary end point was death.

Results

101 patients (50.5% females) were identified. Mean age at end of follow up was 39.3±11.3 years. Of these, 45 (44.6%) were unoperated (group 1, restricted forward pulmonary flow with or without pulmonary banding), 38 (37.6%) had undergone a cavopulmonary shunt as a definitive palliation (group 2) and 18 (17.8%) had aortopulmonary shunts (group 3). The main diagnosis was double inlet left ventricle (DILV) (N: 52, 51.5%) and most of the ventricle was left (82.2%). The principal reason for not performing a Fontan repair was mean pulmonary artery pressure &gt;18 mmHg. At initial visit at the ACHD unit patients were 32.2±11.1 years of age. 35% of the patients were in NYHA class III-IV, with no differences between groups. However, patients in group 2 had worse oxygen saturation (p=002) and higher haemoglobin (p=0.037). After a mean follow-up of 7.3±4.1 years, mortality was 20.8% (21 patients), being sudden death (7p, 6.9%) the most frequent cause. Patients in group 3 showed worse ventricular function (p=0.0001) and a trend to higher mortality that did not reach statistical significance (HR 2.7, CI 95% 0.91–8.14, P=0.07).

Conclusions

Patients with single ventricle physiology not undergoing Fontan repair are a population of high risk, with sudden death as main driver of mortality. Patients palliated with aortopulmonary shunts are prone to worse ventricular function and a trend to higher mortality.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public hospital(s)

Safety and efficacy of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for prevention of thromboembolism in adults with systemic right ventricle: Results from the NOTE international registry

BACKGROUND

Patients with systemic right ventricle (sRV), including transposition of great arteries (TGA) after atrial switch procedure and congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries (ccTGA), may require anticoagulation for thromboembolism (TE) prevention. In the absence of data on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) remain the agent of choice. We investigated the safety, efficacy and feasibility of NOACs treatment in adults with sRV in a worldwide study.

METHODS

This is an international multicentre prospective study, using data from the NOTE registry on adults with sRV taking NOACs between 2014 and 2019. The primary endpoints were TE and major bleeding (MB). The secondary endpoint was minor bleeding.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients (42.5 ± 10.0 years, 76% male) with sRV (74% TGA, 26% ccTGA) on NOACs were included in the study. During a median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR1.5-3.9), TE events occurred in 3 patients (4%), while no MB episodes were reported. Minor bleeding occurred in 9 patients (12%). NOAC treatment cessation rate was 1.4% (95%CI:0.3-4%) during the first year of follow-up. All the patients with TE events had a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score ≥ 2 and impaired sRV systolic function at baseline. The total incidence of major events during follow-up was significantly lower compared to historical use of VKAs or aspirin before study inclusion (1.4% (95%CI:0.29-4%) vs 6,9% (95%CI:2.5-15.2%); p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective study, NOACs appear to be well-tolerated, with excellent efficacy and safety at mid-term in patients with sRV.

P921Feasibility of multipoint, high-definition mapping with grid cathether of SVTs in patients with D-Transposition of the great arteries treated with atrial switch surgery

Introduction

 Patients with D-transposition of the great arteries (TGA) treated with Senning or Mustard surgery develop supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs) that require treatment with ablation. The use of multipoint, high-density, wavefront-activation-orientation independent mapping catheters hasn’t been reported in literature.

Purpose

To describe the feasibility of using a specific mapping catheter in SVTs in this set of patients.

Methods

Prospective observational study in patients with history of SVT and atrial switch surgery, that underwent EP study and electroanatomic (EA) mapping with a new 8Fr deflectable, multipoint (16 equidistant electrodes along 4 splines), with magnetic sensor, wavefront-activation-orientation independent catheter, in a third level hospital since April 2018 until May 2019, with medium-term follow-up. 

Results

A total of 8 EPS (electrophysiologic studies) were performed in 7 patients (clinical data in Table 1). One patient had a tachycardia recurrence, accounting for a second EPS. The pulmonary venous atrium (PVA) was mapped in all procedures, whereas the systemic venous atrium (SVA) was mapped only in 75% of them, A total of 15 EA maps were obtained, with a ratio of 1.9 maps/patient, and an average of 20 375 ± 13 045 total points per patient. In all cases, PVA mapping was performed via retrograde transaortic approach, without transbaffle puncture. Tachycardia was induced in 5 out of 8 procedures, obtaining 6 different tachycardias (4 CTI dependent macro-reentry: 3 w/anticlockwise activation; 1 localized re-entry in SVA; 1 focal AT in SVA).  No arrhythmia was induced in the other 3 procedures, however, in a patient with a previous CTI ablation, evidence of a gap in the ablation line on the voltage map was found. Ablation was performed with an irrigated, contact force, 3.5 mm catheter in 6 of the 8 procedures (75%). A retrograde transaortic approach was used in 3 of CTI dependent macro-reentries (75%). In one patient (who underwent two procedures) ablation was performed through a baffle leak. We report an acute success rate of ablation of 100%, and a recurrence rate of 20% on medium-term follow up. There were no major complications; nonetheless, one patient with history of morbid obesity had a minor vascular complication on the femoral puncture site treated medically.

Conclusions

it’s feasible and safe to use this new mapping catheter in patients with history of atrial switch surgery, both via retrograde and anterograde approach on the PVA and SVA respectively. The most frequent tachycardia observed in this study was anticlockwise CTI-dependent atrial flutter.

Abstract Figure. Patient characteristics

Safe and Efficacious Use of 1-Month Triple Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and High Bleeding Risk Undergoing PCI

BACKGROUND

The impact of short or prolonged use of triple therapy (TT) on outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and high risk of bleeding undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unclear. We compared clinical outcomes according to the duration of TT in patients with AF and HAS-BLED ≥ 3 at 1 year of follow-up.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort enrolled 735 patients with AF between 2010 and 2015. Of these, 521 (70.9%) had HAS-BLED ≥ 3 and 380 (72.9%) were discharged on TT. TT was prescribed for 1 month in 233 patients (61.3%). The primary endpoint was the incidence of Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC ≥ 3). The secondary endpoint was the occurrence of ischemic events (cardiac death, MI, stroke, or stent thrombosis).

RESULTS

Patients on 1-month TT had a higher median HAS-BLED. Intracraneal hemorrhage was twofold more frequently in patients on > 1-month TT but without statistical significance (0.9% vs 2.1%, p = 0.20). Rates of the primary endpoint (bleeding BARC ≥ 3) were 8.2% vs 10.9% and did not differ between groups, while secondary endpoint did not occur more frequently in the 1-month TT group compared with the > 1-month TT group (26.6% vs 23.1%). In adjusted multivariate analyses, patients receiving 1-month TT had a similar risk of the primary endpoint compared to those with > 1-month TT (HR 1.47; 95% CI 0.48-4.47, p = 0.50). No difference was found in the secondary ischemic endpoint (HR 1.24; 95% CI 0.77-2.00, p = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AF undergoing PCI at lower ischemic risk and higher bleeding risk, 1 month of TT seems safe and efficacious. Further studies are warranted in patients at high ischemic risk.

Determinants of long-term outcome of repaired pulmonary valve stenosis

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Although pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) is considered a low risk congenital heart disease, there have been reports of complications and the need for reintervention throughout follow-up. The aims of this study were to evaluate the long-term outcome of repaired PVS and to identify predictors of cardiovascular complications and reintervention.

METHODS

We studied 158 adult patients with repaired PVS (repair procedures performed from 1957 to 2010) receiving active follow-up in a tertiary referral center.

RESULTS

A total of 95 patients (60%) received surgical treatment, and 63 patients (40%) received percutaneous pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty. At the end of follow-up (27 years, IQR, 20-33 years), most patients (n=134, 84.8%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I, but 61 patients (38.6%) required a reintervention, mainly pulmonary valve replacement (17.7%, n=28), and 19 patients (12%) had at least one cardiovascular complication: 13 (8.2%) supraventricular arrhythmias, 6 (3.8%) heart failure, 5 (3.2%) stroke, 1 (0.6%) death, 1 (0.6%) thromboembolism, and 1 (0.6%) ventricular arrhythmia. Multivariate analysis showed that age at PVS repair (HR, 1.08; 95%CI, 1.04-1.12; P <.001) and the presence of cyanosis before PVS repair (HR, 5.23; 95%CI, 1.99-13.78; P=.001) were independent predictors for cardiovascular complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Good long-term outcome can be expected after PVS repair, but complications and the need for reintervention may appear. Older age and the presence of cyanosis at PVS repair emerged as predictors of cardiovascular complications and identified a population that may merit stricter control.

Intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia in patients with congenital heart disease: factors associated with disease severity

Aim

Intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART) is a common complication in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and is related to increased morbidity and mortality. Few reports have been published about factors associated to IART severity. The aim of this study is to analyse factors associated to severe clinical presentation of IART.

Methods and Results

Observational study of all consecutive CHD patients who underwent a first IART ablation from January 2009 to December 2015 (94 patients, 39.4% female, and age: 36.55 ± 14.9 years). Severe clinical presentation was defined as heart failure, syncope, shock, electromechanical dissociation (EMD), or aborted sudden death. The majority of patients had moderately or highly complex cardiac defect (90.4%). Types of IART included cavotricuspid isthmus(CTI) dependent in 51% (48), non-CTI-related in 22.3% (20), and both types in 27.7% (26). In 38 patients (40.4%), a severe event occurred and in 16 (17%), the symptoms included shock, syncope, sudden death, or EMD. In 21 (22.3%), severe symptoms were the first manifestation of IART. In multivariate analysis, transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with right systemic ventricle (OR 5.32, 95% C.I. 1.6-7.02, P = 0.0005) and severe dilation of the venous atrium (VsA) (OR 4.17; 95% CI 1.4-8.12, P = 0.0009) were factors independently associated with severity.

Conclusion

In our series of 94 CHD patients with a high proportion of moderately to highly complex cardiac defects, severe consequences of IART were frequent. Transposition of the great arteries with systemic right ventricle and severe dilation of VsA were independently associated to severity. Early invasive procedures should be considered for these high-risk patients.

DNAJC17 is localized in nuclear speckles and interacts with splicing machinery components

DNAJC17 is a heat shock protein (HSP40) family member, identified in mouse as susceptibility gene for congenital hypothyroidism. DNAJC17 knockout mouse embryos die prior to implantation. In humans, germline homozygous mutations in DNAJC17 have been found in syndromic retinal dystrophy patients, while heterozygous mutations represent candidate pathogenic events for myeloproliferative disorders. Despite widespread expression and involvement in human diseases, DNAJC17 function is still poorly understood. Herein, we have investigated its function through high-throughput transcriptomic and proteomic approaches. DNAJC17-depleted cells transcriptome highlighted genes involved in general functional categories, mainly related to gene expression. Conversely, DNAJC17 interactome can be classified in very specific functional networks, with the most enriched one including proteins involved in splicing. Furthermore, several splicing-related interactors, were independently validated by co-immunoprecipitation and in vivo co-localization. Accordingly, co-localization of DNAJC17 with SC35, a marker of nuclear speckles, further supported its interaction with spliceosomal components. Lastly, DNAJC17 up-regulation enhanced splicing efficiency of minigene reporter in live cells, while its knockdown induced perturbations of splicing efficiency at whole genome level, as demonstrated by specific analysis of RNAseq data. In conclusion, our study strongly suggests a role of DNAJC17 in splicing-related processes and provides support to its recognized essential function in early development.

A pragmatic approach for mortality prediction after surgery in infective endocarditis: optimizing and refining EuroSCORE

OBJECTIVE

To simplify and optimize the ability of EuroSCORE I and II to predict early mortality after surgery for infective endocarditis (IE).

METHODS

Multicentre retrospective study (n = 775). Simplified scores, eliminating irrelevant variables, and new specific scores, adding specific IE variables, were created. The performance of the original, recalibrated and specific EuroSCOREs was assessed by Brier score, C-statistic and calibration plot in bootstrap samples. The Net Reclassification Index was quantified.

RESULTS

Recalibrated scores including age, previous cardiac surgery, critical preoperative state, New York Heart Association >I, and emergent surgery (EuroSCORE I and II); renal failure and pulmonary hypertension (EuroSCORE I); and urgent surgery (EuroSCORE II) performed better than the original EuroSCOREs (Brier original and recalibrated: EuroSCORE I: 0.1770 and 0.1667; EuroSCORE II: 0.2307 and 0.1680). Performance improved with the addition of fistula, staphylococci and mitral location (EuroSCORE I and II) (Brier specific: EuroSCORE I 0.1587, EuroSCORE II 0.1592). Discrimination improved in specific models (C-statistic original, recalibrated and specific: EuroSCORE I: 0.7340, 0.7471 and 0.7728; EuroSCORE II: 0.7442, 0.7423 and 0.7700). Calibration improved in both EuroSCORE I models (intercept 0.295, slope 0.829 (original); intercept -0.094, slope 0.888 (recalibrated); intercept -0.059, slope 0.925 (specific)) but only in specific EuroSCORE II model (intercept 2.554, slope 1.114 (original); intercept -0.260, slope 0.703 (recalibrated); intercept -0.053, slope 0.930 (specific)). Net Reclassification Index was 5.1% and 20.3% for the specific EuroSCORE I and II.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of simplified EuroSCORE I and EuroSCORE II models in IE with the addition of specific variables may lead to simpler and more accurate models.

Cell lines authentication and mycoplasma detection as minimun quality control of cell lines in biobanking

Establishment of continuous cell lines from human normal and tumor tissues is an extended and useful methodology for molecular characterization of cancer pathophysiology and drug development in research laboratories. The exchange of these cell lines between different labs is a common practice that can compromise assays reliability due to contamination with microorganism such as mycoplasma or cells from different flasks that compromise experiment reproducibility and reliability. Great proportions of cell lines are contaminated with mycoplasma and/or are replaced by cells derived for a different origin during processing or distribution process. The scientific community has underestimated this problem and thousand of research experiment has been done with cell lines that are incorrectly identified and wrong scientific conclusions have been published. Regular contamination and authentication tests are necessary in order to avoid negative consequences of widespread misidentified and contaminated cell lines. Cell banks generate, store and distribute cell lines for research, being mandatory a consistent and continuous quality program. Methods implementation for guaranteeing both, the absence of mycoplasma and authentication in the supplied cell lines, has been performed in the Andalusian Health System Biobank. Specifically, precise results were obtained using real time PCR detection for mycoplasma and 10 STRs identification by capillary electrophoresis for cell line authentication. Advantages and disadvantages of these protocols are discussed.

Life-threatening and life-saving inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead dislodgement into the right atrium is a dangerous situation, particularly in patients in atrial fibrillation because atrial fibrillation can be sensed as ventricular fibrillation and true ventricular fibrillation induced with an inappropriate shock. In the presence of shocks, ICD interrogation should be performed as soon as possible.

Plasma bilirubin values on admission and ventricular remodeling after a first anterior ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

Bilirubin may elicit cardiovascular protection and heme oxygenase-1 overexpression attenuated post-infarction ventricular remodeling in experimental animals, but the association between bilirubin levels and post-infarction remodeling is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 145 patients with a first anterior ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), we assessed whether plasma bilirubin on admission predicted adverse remodeling (left ventricular end-diastolic volume [LVEDV] increase ≥20% between discharge and 6 months, estimated by magnetic resonance imaging).

RESULTS

Patients' baseline characteristics and management were comparable among bilirubin tertiles. LVEDV increased at 6 months (P < 0.001) with respect to the initial exam, but the magnitude of this increase was similar across increasing bilirubin tertiles (10.8 [30.2], 10.1 [22.9], and 12.7 [24.3]%, P = 0.500). Median (25-75 percentile) bilirubin values in patients with and without adverse remodeling were 0.75 (0.60-0.93) and 0.73 (0.60-0.92) mg/dL (P = 0.693). Absence of final TIMI flow grade 3 (odds ratio 3.92, 95% CI 1.12-13.66) and a history of hypertension (2.04, 0.93-4.50), but not admission bilirubin, were independently associated with adverse remodeling. Bilirubin also did not predict the increase in ejection fraction at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Admission bilirubin values are not related to LVEDV or ejection fraction progression after a first anterior STEMI and do not predict adverse ventricular remodeling. Key messages Bilirubin levels are inversely related to cardiovascular disease, and overexpression of heme oxygenase-1 (the enzyme that determines bilirubin production) has prevented post-infarction ventricular remodeling in experimental animals, but the association between bilirubin levels and the progression of ventricular volumes and function in patients with acute myocardial infarction remained unexplored. In this cohort of patients with a first acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction receiving contemporary management, bilirubin levels on admission were not predictive of the changes in left ventricular volumes or ejection fraction at 6 months measured by serial cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The data are contrary to a significant protective effect of bilirubin against post-infarction ventricular remodeling.

European quality system for tissue banking

AIM

The aims of this project were to analyze the factors that influence quality and safety of tissues for transplantation and to develop the method to ensure standards of quality and safety in relation to tissue banking as demanded by European Directive 2004/23/EC and its technical annexes. It is organized in 4 Working Groups, the objectives of each one being focused in a specific area.

STANDARDS

The Guide of Recommendations for Tissue Banking is structured into 4 parts: (1) quality systems that apply to tissue banking and general quality system requirements, (2) regulatory framework in Europe, (3) standards available, and (4) recommendations of the fundamental quality and safety keypoints.

REGISTRY

This Working Group handled design of a multinational musculoskeletal tissue registry prototype.

TRAINING

This Working Group handled design and validation of a specialized training model structured into online and face-to-face courses. The model was improved with suggestions from students, and 100% certification was obtained.

AUDIT

The Guide for Auditing Tissue Establishments provides guidance for auditors, a self-assessment questionnaire, and an audit report form. The effectiveness and sustainability of the outputs were assessed. Both guides are useful for experienced tissue establishments and auditors and also for professionals that are starting in the field. The registry prototype proves it is possible to exchange tissues between establishments throughout Europe. The training model has been effective in educating staff and means having professionals with excellent expertise. Member states could adapt/adopt it. The guides should be updated periodically and perhaps a European organization should take responsibility for this and even create a body of auditors.

Community-acquired pneumonia in patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyse the possible differences, especially those regarding mortality, between patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the risk factors related to mortality in the COPD group.

METHODS

710 patients with CAP were included in a prospective multicenter observational study. 244 of the patients had COPD confirmed by spirometry.

RESULTS

COPD was associated with mortality in patients with CAP (OR=2.62 CI: 1.08-6.39). Patients with COPD and CAP had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate as compared to patients without COPD. Multivariate analysis showed that PaO(2)< or =60 mmHg (OR=7.95; 95% CI: 3.40-27.5), PaCO(2)> or =45 mmHg (OR=4.6; CI: 2.3-15.1); respiratory rate > or =30/min (OR=12.25; CI: 3.45-35.57), pleural effusion (OR=8.6; 95% CI: 2.01-24.7), septic shock (OR=12.6; 95% CI: 3.4-45.66) and renal failure (OR=13.4; 95% CI: 3.2-37.8) were significantly related to mortality. Purulent sputum and fever were considered as protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

COPD was an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with CAP. Hypoxemia and hypercapnia are associated with mortality in patients with CAP with and without COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and PaCO(2) value could be useful prognostic factors and should be incorporated in risk stratification in patients with CAP.

Self-perceived memory impairment and cognitive performance in an elderly independent population with age-related white matter changes

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether self-perceived memory impairment is associated with the severity of white matter changes (WMC) and is related to cognitive impairment.

METHODS

Data were drawn from the multinational Leukoaraiosis and Disability Study (LADIS), which investigates the impact of WMC on global functioning. WMC severity was rated using the Fazekas scale. Medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) was scored visually and mean values were calculated. The neuropsychological battery consisted of the Mini-Mental State Examination, a modified version of the VADAS-Cog, Trail making and Stroop tests. A question about self-perceived memory impairment was used as a measure for presence of memory complaints. Cognitive performance was analysed test-by-test and in three main domains: memory, executive functions and speed/motor control. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used as a measure of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Six hundred and thirty-eight subjects were included in this study. No association was found between memory complaints and the severity of WMC. Subjects with memory complaints (n = 399) had a higher GDS score [t((637)) = -7.15; p<0.02] and performed worse on almost all cognitive tests and on the three cognitive domains. Multiple linear regression showed that the worse performance on the memory domain was associated with memory complaints independently of depressive symptoms, WMC severity and MTA (R(2) = 0.183; F = 17.09, beta = -0.126; p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

In a sample of non-disabled elderly subjects with WMC, self-perceived memory impairment is significantly associated with objective memory impairment independently of the WMC severity, depressive symptoms and MTA.

Design and validation of a specialized training model for tissue bank personnel as a result of the European Quality System for Tissue Banking (EQSTB) project

The main objective of European Quality System for Tissue Banking (EQSTB) project was to analyze throughout different working areas the factors that may influence the final tissue quality and safety for transplantation, providing greater benefit to recipients. Fifteen national organizations and tissue establishments from 12 European countries took part in this project. The Sanco-EQSTB project was organized in four Working Groups. The objectives of each was focused on a specific area. The Standards Working Group analyzed different standards or guides used in various European tissue banks as a quality and safety system. The Registry Working Group created a Tissue Registry through a multinational European network database. The Education Working Group created a specialized training model for tissue bank personnel. The Audit Working Group created an European model of Auditing for tissue establishments. The aim of this article was to describe the activities of Working Group 3 in designing and validating a specialized training model among tissue bank personnel that could become the approved education system recommended by European Union members.

[Opinion survey on renal donation from living donor]

Spain is the leader country in cadaver kidney transplantation. However the percentage of those transplants coming from living donors represents only a 2% of the total activity. To analyze the cause of this situation the Spanish Society of Nephrology and the National Transplant Organization carried out an opinion pole between patients and health professionals including nephrologists, surgeons/urologists and nurses implicated in kidney transplantation. 60% out the patients consider that the time into the waiting list is to long and 59% don't have any information about living donor kidney transplantation. All the health professionals believe that living donor share better results than get cadaver donors and that the number of the procedure are not enough. Considering that scarcely motivation of professionals and the family of the patients are the main cause. Parents, brothers and sister were considered the best match between donor and recipients and non genetically/emotionally-related donors were accepted by only 2.5%. A 55.7% out of the health professionals considered that the nephrologists are the people that must inform the patients and family about living kidney donation.

Disparities in access to liver transplantation in Spain

BACKGROUND

The maintenance of an equitable system for access to transplantation is a matter of concern to all professionals involved in this field. Any national system must ensure equity.

METHODS

The rates of indication for liver transplantation have been reviewed for all Spanish regions. The time to transplantation was evaluated with respect to different recipient characteristics and donor rates. The indication rates for liver transplantation are similar in the different countries with liver transplant programs but are far from similar among different regions in Spain. This suggests that there is not equity in the access to liver transplantation.

RESULTS

A review of the factors affecting the waiting times to transplantation after being registered for the waiting list shows that some groups of patients are currently waiting less time than others. Shorter waiting times occur in patients of the AB group, children, patients with hepatocarcinoma, and patients living in the zone of Valencia, despite similar organ donation rates in all transplant zones.

CONCLUSION

Neither the rate nor the probability of liver transplantation is affected exclusively by the organ donation rate in Spain but also depends on the number of patients admitted to the waiting list. Despite the existence of an organ allocation system that is center-oriented, liver patients are receiving grafts mainly based on the severity of the illness, because clearance rates from the waiting list of both dead patients and grafted patients are the same.

Optimizing cadaveric organ procurement: the catalan and Spanish experience

The need to face the increasing gap between the supply and the demand of transplants has led to the development of a permanent network of trained medical staff responsible for the organ donation and removal process in all centers accredited for that process. In Spain, this activity received a specific budget, like any other medical activity in hospitals, and the responsible staff became accountable for performance. This system dramatically increased the number of potential donors referred, not only young donors with trauma, but also elderly donors dying from stroke. The effect was that the donation rate increased by more than 100% in 10 years (from 14 to 34 donors per million population). Consequently, so did all the transplant figures. In some areas, such as Catalonia, it has been demonstrated that sustained kidney transplant activity of over 60 procedures per million population can maintain or slightly decrease the waiting list, despite increasing incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal failure. Quality monitoring of the donation and retrieval process shows that there are still opportunities for improvement if all potential donors are referred and all technical problems are overcome. Living donation and nonheart beating organ retrieval should also be promoted.