Arrhythmic Risk in Biventricular Pacing Compared With Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing: Results From the I-CLAS Study

BACKGROUND

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) may be associated with greater improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and reduction in death or heart failure hospitalization compared with biventricular pacing (BVP) in patients requiring cardiac resynchronization therapy. We sought to compare the occurrence of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) and new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing BVP and LBBAP.

METHODS

The I-CLAS study (International Collaborative LBBAP Study) included patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% who underwent BVP or LBBAP for cardiac resynchronization therapy between January 2018 and June 2022 at 15 centers. We performed propensity score-matched analysis of LBBAP and BVP in a 1:1 ratio. We assessed the incidence of VT/VF and new-onset AF among patients with no history of AF. Time to sustained VT/VF and time to new-onset AF was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards survival model.

RESULTS

Among 1778 patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (BVP, 981; LBBAP, 797), there were 1414 propensity score-matched patients (propensity score-matched BVP, 707; propensity score-matched LBBAP, 707). The occurrence of VT/VF was significantly lower with LBBAP compared with BVP (4.2% versus 9.3%; hazard ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.29-0.74]; P<0.001). The incidence of VT storm (>3 episodes in 24 hours) was also significantly lower with LBBAP compared with BVP (0.8% versus 2.5%; P=0.013). Among 299 patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers (BVP, 111; LBBAP, 188), VT/VF occurred in 8 patients in the BVP group versus none in the LBBAP group (7.2% versus 0%; P<0.001). In 1194 patients with no history of VT/VF or antiarrhythmic therapy (BVP, 591; LBBAP, 603), the occurrence of VT/VF was significantly lower with LBBAP than with BVP (3.2% versus 7.3%; hazard ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.26-0.81]; P=0.007). Among patients with no history of AF (n=890), the occurrence of new-onset AF >30 s was significantly lower with LBBAP than with BVP (2.8% versus 6.6%; hazard ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.16-0.73]; P=0.008). The incidence of AF lasting >24 hours was also significantly lower with LBBAP than with BVP (0.7% versus 2.9%; P=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

LBBAP was associated with a lower incidence of sustained VT/VF and new-onset AF compared with BVP. This difference remained significant after adjustment for differences in baseline characteristics between patients with BVP and LBBAP. Physiological resynchronization by LBBAP may be associated with lower risk of arrhythmias compared with BVP.

Acute performance of stylet driven leads for left bundle branch area pacing: A comparison with lumenless leads

Background

Lumenless leads (LLLs) are widely used for left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP). Recently, stylet-driven leads (SDLs) have also been used for LBBAP.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute performance of SDLs during LBBAP in comparison with LLLs.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing LBBAP for bradycardia or cardiac resynchronization therapy indications at 2 high-volume, early conduction system pacing adopters, tertiary centers were included from January 2019 to July 2023. Patients received either SDLs or LLLs at the discretion of the implanting physician. Acute performance and follow-up data of both lead types were evaluated.

Results

A total of 925 LBBAP implants were included, 655 using LLLs and 270 using SDLs. Overall, LBBAP acute success was significantly higher with LLLs than SDLs (95.3% vs 85.1%, respectively; P <.001) even after the learning curve (97% vs 86%; P = .013). LLLs were implanted in more mid-basal septal positions in comparison with SDLs, which tended to be implanted in more inferior and mid-apical septal positions. Acute lead-related complications were higher with SDLs than LLLs (15.9% vs 6.1%, respectively; P <.001) with 15 cases of lead damage during implant (4.4% vs 0.5%; P <.001) but decreased with acquired experience and were comparable in the last 100 patients included in each group. Lead implant and fluoroscopy times were shorter for SDLs, with lead dislodgment occurring in 0.9% with LLLs and 1.5% with SDLs (P = .489).

Conclusion

Acute lead performance proved to be different between LLLs and SDLs. A specific learning curve should be considered for SDLs even for implanters with extensive previous experience with LLLs.

Comparison of Left Bundle-Branch Area Pacing to Biventricular Pacing in Candidates for Resynchronization Therapy

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing (BVP) is a well-established therapy in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), heart failure, and wide QRS or expected frequent ventricular pacing. Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has recently been shown to be a safe alternative to BVP.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between BVP and LBBAP among patients undergoing CRT.

METHODS

This observational study included patients with LVEF≤35% who underwent BVP or LBBAP for the first time for Class I or II indications for CRT between Jan 2018 to June 2022 at 15 international centers. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of time to death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH). Secondary outcomes included endpoints of death, HFH, and echocardiographic changes. .

RESULTS

A total of 1778 patients met inclusion criteria: BVP 981, LBBAP 797. The mean age was 69±12 years, female 32%, CAD 48%, and LVEF 27±6%. Paced QRSd in LBBAP was significantly narrower than baseline (128±19 vs 161±28ms, p<0.001) and significantly narrower compared to BVP (144±23ms, p<0.001). Following CRT, LVEF improved from 27±6% to 41±13% (p<0.001) with LBBAP compared to an increase from 27±7% to 37±12% (p<0.001) with BVP with significantly greater change from baseline with LBBAP (13±12% vs 10±12%, p<0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, the primary outcome was significantly reduced with LBBAP compared BVP (20.8% vs 28%; HR 1.495; CI 1.213-1.842; p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

LBBAP improved clinical outcomes when compared to BVP in patients with CRT indications and may be a reasonable alternative to BVP.

Clinical outcomes of conduction system pacing compared to biventricular pacing in patients requiring cardiac resynchronization therapy

BACKGROUND

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing (BVP) is well-established therapy in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and bundle branch block or indication for pacing. Conduction system pacing (CSP) using His-bundle pacing (HBP) or left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has been shown to be a safe and more physiological alternative to BVP.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between CSP and BVP among patients undergoing CRT.

METHODS

This observational study included consecutive patients with LVEF ≤35% and class I or II indications for CRT who underwent successful BVP or CSP at 2 major health care systems. The primary outcome was the composite endpoint of time to death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH). Secondary outcomes included subgroup analysis in left bundle branch block as well as individual endpoints of death and HFH.

RESULTS

A total of 477 patients (32% female) met inclusion criteria (BVP 219; CSP 258 [HBP 87, LBBAP 171]). Mean age was 72 ± 12 years, and mean LVEF was 26% ± 6%. Comorbidities included hypertension 70%, diabetes mellitus 45%, and coronary artery disease 52%. Paced QRS duration in CSP was significantly narrower than BVP (133 ± 21 ms vs 153 ± 24 ms; P <.001). LVEF improved in both groups during mean follow-up of 27 ± 12 months and was greater after CSP compared to BVP (39.7% ± 13% vs 33.1% ± 12%; P <.001). Primary outcome of death or HFH was significantly lower with CSP vs BVP (28.3% vs 38.4%; hazard ratio 1.52; 95% confidence interval 1.082-2.087; P = .013).

CONCLUSION

CSP improved clinical outcomes compared to BVP in this large cohort of patients with indications for CRT.

Modern-Day Nationwide Utilization of Intravascular Ultrasound and Its Impact on the Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Coronary Atherectomy in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) and coronary atherectomy (CA) are useful modalities in managing calcified coronary lesions. Considering an inadequacy of data, we aimed to compare the outcomes with versus without IVUS assistance in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) with CA.

METHODS

From the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample data set for the years 2012 to 2014, we identified adult patients undergoing PCI and CA with or without IVUS assistance using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We assessed the impact of IVUS on procedural outcomes, length of stay, total hospital charges, and predictors of IVUS utilization by multivariable analyses. Discharge weights were used to calculate national estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 46,095 PCIs with CA procedures were performed from 2012 to 2014, of these, 4800 (10.4%) procedures were IVUS-assisted. IVUS-assisted procedures showed lower odds of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.57; P = .024) but higher odds of any cardiac complication (odds ratio, 1.25; P = .025). Total hospital charges were higher in IVUS-assisted procedures without any substantial difference in the length of stay between the groups. Cardiac complication rates declined (from 16.2% to 14.8%) from 2012 to 2014, whereas inpatient mortality increased (1.1%-4.4%) in IVUS-assisted procedures during the same period. The odds of IVUS utilization were higher in Asian/Pacific Islander and urban teaching and western region hospitals. Comorbidities, including hypertension, obesity, and chronic pulmonary disease, raised odds of IVUS utilization.

CONCLUSIONS

IVUS-assisted procedures showed lower in-hospital mortality and higher iatrogenic and overall cardiac complications. The mortality rate in patients undergoing IVUS-assisted PCI with CA was on the rise, with declining cardiac complication rates from 2012 to 2014.

In-hospital outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease in cannabis users: a nationwide propensity-matched analysis in the United States

Background

Literature suggests the role of cannabis (marijuana) as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, the impact of recreational marijuana usage on in-hospital outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains indistinct. We assessed the outcomes of Crohn's disease (CD) as well as ulcerative colitis (UC) with vs. without recreational marijuana usage using a nationally illustrative propensity-matched sample.

Methods

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample datasets (2010-2014) were queried to identify adults with CD and UC hospitalizations with cannabis use and linked complications using ICD-9 CM codes. Categorical and continuous variables were compared between propensity-matched cohorts using Chi-square and Student's t-test, respectively. Primary endpoints were in-hospital complications, whereas secondary endpoints were the discharge disposition, mean length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges.

Results

Propensity-matched cohorts included 6,002 CD (2,999 cannabis users & 3,003 non-users) and 1,481 UC (742 cannabis users & 739 non-users) hospitalizations. In CD patients, prevalence of colorectal cancer (0.3% vs. 1.2%, P<0.001), need for parenteral nutrition (3.0% vs. 4.7%, P=0.001) and anemia (25.6% vs. 30.1%, P<0.001) were lower in cannabis users. However, active fistulizing disease or intraabdominal abscess formation (8.6% vs. 5.9%, P<0.001), unspecific lower gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage (4.0% vs. 2.7%, P=0.004) and hypovolemia (1.2% vs. 0.5%, P=0.004) were higher with recreational cannabis use. The mean hospital stay was shorter (4.2 vs. 5.0 days) with less hospital charges ($28,956 vs. $35,180, P<0.001) in cannabis users. In patients with UC, cannabis users faced the higher frequency of fluid and electrolyte disorders (45.1% vs. 29.6%, P<0.001), and hypovolemia (2.7% vs. <11) with relatively lower frequency of postoperative infections (<11 vs. 3.4%, P=0.010). No other complications were significant enough for comparison between the cannabis users and non-users in this group. Like CD, UC-cannabis patients had shorter mean hospital stay (LOS) (4.3 vs. 5.7 days, P<0.001) and faced less financial burden ($30,393 vs. $41,308, P<0.001).

Conclusions

We found a lower frequency of colorectal cancer, parenteral nutrition, anemia but a higher occurrences of active fistulizing disease or intraabdominal abscess formation, lower GI hemorrhage and hypovolemia in the CD cohort with cannabis usage. In patients with UC, frequency of complications could not be compared between the two cohorts, except a higher frequency of fluid and electrolyte disorders and hypovolemia, and a lower frequency of postoperative infections with cannabis use. A shorter LOS and lesser hospital charges were observed in both groups with recreational marijuana usage.

A Nationwide Assessment of the "July Effect" and Predictors of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Sepsis at Urban Teaching Hospitals in the United States

Background/Aims

To analyze the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) sepsis in the early (July to September) and later (October to June) academic months to assess the “July effect”.

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (2010–2014) was used to identify ERCP-related adult hospitalizations at urban teaching hospitals by applying relevant procedure codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification. Post-ERCP outcomes were compared between the early and later academic months. A multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the odds of post-ERCP sepsis and its predictors.

Results

Of 481,193 ERCP procedures carried out at urban teaching hospitals, 124,934 were performed during the early academic months. The demographics were comparable for ERCP procedures performed during the early and later academic months. A higher incidence (9.4% vs. 8.8%, p<0.001) and odds (odds ratio [OR], 1.07) of post-ERCP sepsis were observed in ERCP performed during the early academic months. The in-hospital mortality rate (7% vs. 7.5%, p=0.072), length of stay, and total hospital charges in patients with post-ERCP sepsis were also equivalent between the 2 time points. Pre-ERCP cholangitis (OR, 3.20) and post-ERCP complications such as cholangitis (OR, 6.27), perforation (OR, 3.93), and hemorrhage (OR, 1.42) were significant predictors of higher post-ERCP sepsis in procedures performed during the early academic months.

Conclusions

The July effect was present in the incidence of post-ERCP sepsis, and academic programs should take into consideration the predictors of post-ERCP sepsis to lower health-care burden.

Impact of gout on in-hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome-related hospitalizations and revascularizations: Insights from the national inpatient sample

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have established a role of gout in predicting risk and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, large-scale data on the impact of gout on inpatient outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS)-related hospitalizations and post-revascularization is inadequate.

AIM

To evaluate the impact of gout on in-hospital outcomes of ACS hospitalizations, subsequent healthcare burden and predictors of post-revascularization inpatient mortality.

METHODS

We used the national inpatient sample (2010-2014) to identify the ACS and gout-related hospitalizations, relevant comorbidities, revascularization and post-revascularization outcomes using the ICD-9 CM codes. A multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the predictors of post-revascularization in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

We identified 3144744 ACS-related hospitalizations, of which 105198 (3.35%) also had gout. The ACS-gout cohort were more often older white males with a higher prevalence of comorbidities. Coronary artery bypass grafting was required more often in the ACS-gout cohort. Post-revascularization complications including cardiac (3.2% vs 2.9%), respiratory (3.5% vs 2.9%), and hemorrhage (3.1% vs 2.7%) were higher whereas all-cause mortality was lower (2.2% vs 3.0%) in the ACS-gout cohort (P < 0.001). An older age (OR 15.63, CI: 5.51-44.39), non-elective admissions (OR 2.00, CI: 1.44-2.79), lower household income (OR 1.44, CI: 1.17-1.78), and comorbid conditions predicted higher mortality in ACS-gout cohort undergoing revascularization (P < 0.001). Odds of post-revascularization in-hospital mortality were lower in Hispanics (OR 0.45, CI: 0.31-0.67) and Asians (OR 0.65, CI: 0.45-0.94) as compared to white (P < 0.001). However, post-operative complications significantly raised mortality odds. Mean length of stay, transfer to other facilities, and hospital charges were higher in the ACS-gout cohort.

CONCLUSION

Although gout was not independently associated with an increased risk of post-revascularization in-hospital mortality in ACS, it did increase post-revascularization complications.

Alarming Increasing Trends in Hospitalizations and Mortality With Heyde's Syndrome: A Nationwide Inpatient Perspective (2007 to 2014)

We studied the trends and outcomes of patients with intestinal angiodysplasia-associated gastrointestinal bleeding (Heyde's syndrome [HS]) with aortic stenosis (AS) who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) versus transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The National Inpatient Sample (2007 to 2014) and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to identify HS hospitalizations, pertinent co-morbidities, and outcomes of SAVR versus TAVI from 2011 to 2014. The incidence of HS with AS was 3.1%. The trends in hospitalizations and all-cause inpatient mortality showed relative surges of 29.16% (from 48 to 62 per 100,000) and 22.7% (from 3.7 to 4.54 per 100,000) from 2007 to 2014. HS patients were older (mean age ∼80 vs 77 years) females (54.3% vs 52.2%) compared with AS without HS. The all-cause mortality (6.9% vs 4.1%), length of stay (LOS) (∼7.0 vs 5.8 days), and hospitalization charges ($58,519.31 vs $57,598.67) were higher in HS (p<0.001). No differences were reported in all-cause mortality and hospital charges in HS patients who underwent either SAVR or TAVI. However, the TAVI cohort showed lower rates of stroke (1.7% vs 10.0%) and blood transfusion (1.7% vs 11.7%), a shorter LOS (18.3 vs 23.9 days; p<0.001), and more routine discharges (21.7% vs 14.8%, p = 0.01). An older age, male gender, Asian race, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, fluid and/or electrolytes disorders, chronic pulmonary disease, and renal failure raised the odds of mortality in HS patients. In conclusion, we observed increasing rates of hospitalizations with HS and higher inpatient mortality from 2007 to 2014. The HS patients who underwent TAVI had fewer complications without any difference in the all-cause mortality compared with SAVR.

Predictors of blood transfusion and in-hospital outcomes in patients with gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE): a nationwide population-based analysis

Background

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) is a rare cause of chronic non-variceal upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and can turn into life-threatening bleed in some patients. Packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions are often required in these patients during hospitalization. We aimed to investigate the hospitalization outcomes and predictors of PRBC transfusions in patients with GAVE lesions.

Methods

Using the ICD-9-CM codes (537.82, 537.83), we queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) [2010-2014] to recognize hospitalized GAVE patients. A 1:2 random sample was obtained from the non-GAVE cohort and these groups were compared (GAVE vs. non-GAVE). The predictors of PRBC transfusion in GAVE cohort were analyzed with multivariate analysis by using SPSS Statistics 22.0.

Results

We included weighted 89,081 GAVE and 178,550 non-GAVE hospitalized patients. The GAVE patients were tended to be older, female and white. Significantly higher proportions of comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, liver disease, renal failure, Sjogren syndrome, systemic sclerosis and portal hypertension, etc. were present in these patients. The all-cause inpatient mortality was found to be 1.4%. The mean hospital charges and length of stay (LOS) per GAVE hospitalization were $36,059 and 4.63±5.3 days, respectively. A total of 6,276 (weighted 31,102) (34.9%) of these patients received at least one PRBC transfusion during hospitalization. Advanced age, multiple comorbidities, non-elective admissions, male gender, and African American race were the independent factors associated with higher chances of receiving PRBC transfusion.

Conclusions

Our analysis showed that hospitalized patients with GAVE lesions had lower overall mortality rate despite having multiple comorbidities. There was no difference in the LOS and hospital charges between the two cohorts. Nearly 35% of the GAVE patients received at least one PRBC transfusion.

Racial and sex disparities in resource utilization and outcomes of multi-vessel percutaneous coronary interventions (a 5-year nationwide evaluation in the United States)

Background

There is a paucity of data regarding the racial and sex disparities in the outcomes of multi-vessel percutaneous coronary interventions (MVPCI).

Methods

The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was examined for the years 2010 to 2014 to incorporate adult MVPCI-related hospitalizations using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) procedure codes. We excluded patients with the missing race or gender data from the final scrutiny. Discharge weights were used to obtain the national estimations. The principal outcomes were MVPCI-related racial and gender disparities in terms of the in-hospital mortality and complications, and diagnostic and therapeutic healthcare resource utilization. Secondary outcomes were the length of hospital stay (LOS) and hospitalization charges. We used the Chi-square test and t-test/ANOVA test to equate dichotomous and continuous variables respectively. A two-tailed P of <0.05 was considered clinically significant.

Results

An estimated 769,502 MVPCI-related hospitalizations were recorded from 2010 to 2014 after excluding patients with the missing data (70,954; 8.4%). Black male and female were the youngest (62±13, 64±14 years). The highest non-elective admissions (M: 72.8%, F: 71.2%) were reported among Hispanics. Non-whites showed a higher proportion of comorbidities with lower resource utilization than whites. Hispanic males (OR 1.23) showed the highest odds of the in-hospital mortality whereas among females, Asians (OR 1.51), blacks (OR 1.35), followed by Hispanics (OR 1.22) revealed higher odds of in-hospital mortality. Odds of cardiac complications were highest amongst Asians (M: OR 1.19, F: OR 1.40). Black (6±8 days) and Hispanic (7±9 days) showed the highest length of stay among males and females respectively. Total hospitalization charges were highest among Asians. There was a greater increase in the all-cause mortality in non-whites from 2010 to 2014.

Conclusions

This study determines the existence of racial disparities in resource utilization and outcomes in MVPCI. There is an instant need for interventions designed to govern these healthcare discrepancies.

The burden and impact of arrhythmia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Insights from the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze the burden and predictors of arrhythmias and in-hospital mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related hospitalizations using the nationwide cohort.

METHODS

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) (2010-2014) databases to identify adult COPD hospitalizations with arrhythmia. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using Chi-square and Student's t-test/ANOVA. Predictors of any arrhythmia including AF and in-hospital mortality were evaluated by multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Out of 21,596,342 COPD hospitalizations, 6,480,799 (30%) revealed co-existent arrhythmias including 4,767,401 AF-arrhythmias (22.1%) and 1,713,398 non AF-arrhythmias (7.9%). The AF or non-AF arrhythmia cohort consisted mostly of older (mean age~ 75.8 & 69.1 vs. 67.5 years) white male (53.3% & 51.9% vs. 46.9%) patients compared to those without arrhythmias (p < 0.001). The all-cause mortality (5.7% & 5.2 vs. 2.9%), mean length of stay (LOS) (6.4 & 6.5 vs. 5.3 days), and hospital charges ($52,699.49 & $58,102.39 vs. $41,208.02) were higher with AF and non AF-arrhythmia compared to the non-arrhythmia group (p < 0.001). Comorbidities such as cardiomyopathy (OR 2.11), cardiogenic shock (OR 1.88), valvular diseases (OR 1.60), congestive heart failure (OR 1.48) and pulmonary circulation disorders (OR 1.25) predicted in-hospital arrhythmias. Invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 6.41), cardiogenic shock (OR 5.95), cerebrovascular disease (OR 3.95), septicemia (OR 2.30) and acute myocardial infarction (OR 2.24) predicted higher mortality (p < 0.001) in the COPD-arrhythmia cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

About 30% of COPD hospitalizations revealed co-existent arrhythmias (AF 22.1%). All-cause mortality, LOS and hospital charges were significantly higher with arrhythmias. We observed racial and sex-based disparities for arrhythmias and related mortality.

The burden of cardiac arrhythmias in sarcoidosis: a population-based inpatient analysis

Background

Cardiac involvement in the sarcoidosis is known to ensue with diverse clinical forms and its investigation is challenging at times. This article features the under-perceived burden, patterns, and outcomes of different arrhythmias, which may have a prognostic significance in patients with sarcoidosis.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2010-2014 to recognize sarcoidosis, arrhythmia, and comorbidities affecting hospitalizations. The nationwide estimates were attained using discharge records. We assessed incidence and trends in sarcoidosis-related arrhythmia and consequential inpatient mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), hospitalization charges and predictors of mortality with multivariate analysis.

Results

We identified 369,285 sarcoidosis-related hospitalizations. Of these, nearly one-fifth suffered from arrhythmias (n=73,424). The sarcoidosis patients developing arrhythmias were older (61.9 vs. 56.0 years) compared to those without. Males had the higher incidence of arrhythmias compared to females. Atrial fibrillation (Afib) (10.97%) was the most common subtype, followed by ventricular tachycardia (1.97%). There was a rising trend in arrhythmia-related hospital admissions and mortality among sarcoidosis, with Afib incidence displaying the highest increase. Traditional cardiac comorbidities were higher in the sarcoid-arrhythmia group. The arrhythmia group had significantly higher mortality (3.7% vs. 1.5%), mean hospital LOS (6.4 vs. 5.2 days) and hospital charges ($64,118 vs. $41,565) compared to non-arrhythmia group (P<0.001). Incident arrhythmia significantly increased the mortality odds in sarcoidosis (adjusted odds ratio, 2.06).

Conclusions

The growing trend, deteriorating outcomes and higher mortality associated with sarcoid-related arrhythmias highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and aggressive management in this population.