Heart failure in patients is associated with downregulation of mitochondrial quality control genes

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dysfunction is one of key factors causing heart failure. We performed a comprehensive analysis of expression of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) genes in heart failure.

METHODS

Myocardial samples were obtained from patients with ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy in a terminal stage of heart failure and donors without heart disease. Using quantitative real-time PCR, we analysed a total of 45 MQC genes belonging to mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion-fission balance, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), translocase of the inner membrane (TIM) and mitophagy. Protein expression was analysed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The following genes were downregulated in ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy: COX1, NRF1, TFAM, SIRT1, MTOR, MFF, DNM1L, DDIT3, UBL5, HSPA9, HSPE1, YME1L, LONP1, SPG7, HTRA2, OMA1, TIMM23, TIMM17A, TIMM17B, TIMM44, PAM16, TIMM22, TIMM9, TIMM10, PINK1, PARK2, ROTH1, PARL, FUNDC1, BNIP3, BNIP3L, TPCN2, LAMP2, MAP1LC3A and BECN1. Moreover, MT-ATP8, MFN2, EIF2AK4 and ULK1 were downregulated in heart failure from dilated, but not ischemic cardiomyopathy. VDAC1 and JUN were only genes that exhibited significantly different expression between ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy. Expression of PPARGC1, OPA1, JUN, CEBPB, EIF2A, HSPD1, TIMM50 and TPCN1 was not significantly different between control and any form of heart failure. TOMM20 and COX proteins were downregulated in ICM and DCM.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart failure in patients with ischemic and dilated cardiomyopathy is associated with downregulation of large number of UPRmt, mitophagy, TIM and fusion-fission balance genes. This indicates multiple defects in MQC and represents one of potential mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with heart failure.

Prevalence of standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and its relation with outcomes

Background

It has been recently suggested that more than 15% of patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) lack any of the standard modifiable risk factors (cigarette smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension -SMuRFs). This claim implies that other factors play a significant role in development of STEMI and has led to considerable interest in genetic causes of coronary heart disease including family history (FHx)

Purpose

To investigate whether FHx may be a significant driver for STEMI in patients without SMuRFs.

Methods

We analyzed 11,840 patients with ACSs, without evidence of prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) enrolled in the ISACS-TC (International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Transitional Countries) registry between January 2010 to January 2021. Main outcome measures were the adjusted rates of STEMI and 30-day mortality from STEMI using multivariable logistic regression models. Patients presenting with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes served as controls.

Results

Among patients with STEMI, at least 1 of the 4 conventional risk factors was present in 88.1% of women and 86.7% of men. Overall, 3,194 patients (27.0%) self-reported a FHx of CV disease, defined as a first-degree relative with premature CV events (men, age <55 years; women, age <65 years). There were 261 (8.2%) patients with FHx but without SMuRFs and 2,933 (91.8%) patients with FHx and SMuRFs. After adjusting for age, and standard risk factors, FHx was associated with a significantly lower incidence of STEMI in patients with SMuRFs, but not in those without SMuRFs (ORs: 0.87; 95% Cl: 0.79 to 0.97 vs 0.80; 95% Cl: 0.58 to 1.12). Prior use of evidence-based medications (aspirin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/ARBs and statins) did not consistently change prior estimates on FHx and SMuRFs (OR: 0.82 95% Cl: 0.71 to 0.96 and OR 0.89 95% CI: 0.54–1.47). Patients who presented with STEMI had a 46% excess risk of 30-day mortality (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.91; p<0.001) compared with controls

Conclusions

In direct contrast with recent findings, almost 90% of patients with STEMI have SMuRFs. Self-reported FHx is not a significant risk factor for development of STEMI and related high rate of CV mortality in patients without SMuRFs. Although research on genetic causes of heart disease is important, public health policies, and research efforts should place significant emphasis on the 4 SMuRFs and the lifestyle behaviors causing them to reduce the epidemic of STEMI.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Relation between sex and mortality after myocardial infarction in high-income and middle-income European countries

Background

The relationship between female sex and cardiovascular mortality in myocardial infarction (MI) is controversial. Most available data are from high-income countries (HIC) where baseline risk is lower and revascularization procedures are more likely, so the generalizability to other populations is unclear.

Purpose

The main goal of this study was to unravel the relation between patient-specific revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and mortality among women and men.

Methods

Data were drawn from the ISACS-Archives (NCT04008173) which includes a large cohort of patients enrolled in 6 European HIC (Croatia, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Romania, and United Kingdom) and 7 middle-income countries (MIC; Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, and Serbia). Participants were stratified by MI subtypes: STEMI and NSTEMI. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. To yield unbiased sex estimates of the effects of MI on mortality we modeled covariates and outcomes by propensity score-based analytic methods. We calculated the women to men risk ratios (RRs) using weighting with estimates compared by test of interaction on the log scale.

Results

The cohort consisted of 22,087 patients with MI (30.2% women). Patient outcomes varied according to the subtype of MI. Females was associated with a greater excess risk of 30-day mortality in STEMI (RR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.71–2.21) compared with NSTEMI (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.95–1.50; P interaction <0.001). Coronary revascularization reduced the incidence of death among women and men in the overall population. Despite this, the primary outcome of 30-day mortality remained higher in women than men with STEMI (RR: 2.38; 95% CI: 2.00–2.82) whereas it was comparable across sexes in patients with NSTEMI (RR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.79–1.83; P interaction=0.002). Sex differences in mortality from STEMI were more significant in MIC compared with HIC (RRs: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.98–2.68 vs. 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05–1.75; P interaction <0.001). The sex gap in mortality was mitigated by the use of revascularization therapy (RRs: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.68–2.50 in MIC vs. 2.17; 95% CI: 1.48–3.18 in HIC; P interaction=0.40)

Conclusion

Women presenting with STEMI have worse early mortality rates than their male counterparts in both HIC and MIC even in patients undergoing revascularization. By contrast, sex differences are attenuated or no longer apparent in NSTEMI. With no information on the type of MI on admission, sex differences in early outcomes are difficult to be fully understood.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

The case against premature treatment of heart failure patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: results from an institutional registry

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) are gold-standard therapy for primary prevention (PP) of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). According to relevant guidelines, ICDs should be implanted only after patients have been treated with revascularization procedures and/or optimal medical therapy (OMT) [1]. Due to perceived high risk of SCD and low chance of improvement some patients receive ICDs “too early” in the course of the disease [2].

Purpose

To investigate adherence to guidelines in our institution with emphasis on premature ICD implantation and early ICD activation.

Methods

We analysed all ICDs newly implanted for PP in patients with HFrEF in our institution between 2011 and 2017. Follow-up data was collected from hospital medical records.

Results

Total number of 307 ICDs were implanted during the analysed interval, 147 (47.9%) in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and 160 (52.1%) in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Only 57.8% of ICM patients have been treated with OMT at least 3 months before implantation. The proportion was similar in DCM patients (60.0%). However, DCM patients were more commonly implanted at the time of diagnosis (13.8% vs. 0.7% in ICM). It is worth noting that OMT was up-titrated after implantation in 35.2% of patients. In 9 cases patients were treated with ICDs less than 3 months after revascularization procedures or less than 6 weeks after STEMI (6 and 3 cases respectively). Follow-up data revealed that among all the patients who prematurely received an ICD, a device activated to deliver appropriate therapy within 3 months of implantation only in 1 ICM patient (0.7% of ICM patients). That patient had established ICM and was suffering from recurrent unexplained syncopes. One DCM patient with prematurely implanted ICD had early inappropriate ICD activation that was due to supraventricular tachycardia. Early ICD activations were generally uncommon even among patients who were treated according to guidelines (1 ICM and 1 DCM patient).

Conclusion

Results from our institutional ICD registry show that a significant number of patients with HFrEF received premature ICD implants before being treated with OMT. This is even more common in patients newly diagnosed with DCM. Our follow-up data suggests that early ICD activation is extremely rare in all comers and hardly ever happens in patients who received ICD immediately after diagnosis, revascularization or without 3 months of OMT. This data can help improve our future practice and encourage clinicians to follow relevant guidelines when faced with these important decisions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Radiation dose reduction in the setting of cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Cryoballoon (CB) isolation of pulmonary veins (PVI) has become the standard of care for patients suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF). PVI could be achieved by radiofrequency ablation with 3D mapping technology omitting the use of fluoroscopy, so called "0 fluoro" approach. However, CB still requires radiation use. Minimization of radiation exposure is important both for patients and operators.

Purpose

We aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of radiation dose reduction in the setting of CB ablation for AF.

Methods

We have performed a retrospective study on patients that have undergone CB ablation since the beginning of the AF ablation program in our institution. Procedures were performed under conscious sedation. Both femoral veins were punctured and a single introducer was placed in each vein. A single transseptal puncture was performed guided by intracardiac ultrasound and a 28 mm cryoballoon was used. A single 180 seconds freeze strategy was employed. We analyzed 3 groups of 50 consecutive patients. First group (G1) consisted of subjects at the beginning of our AF program in 2015. In that time, we systematically used 3D rotation angiography for left atrium imaging and higher frame rates both for fluoro (4-10 frames per second - (fps)) and cine (7.5-10 fps) modes of diascopy. Second group (G2) consisted of 50 consecutive patients in 2018 when we stopped using rotational angiography and lowered frame rates (fluoro 4-6 fps, cine 4-6 fps). The third group (G3) consisted of the last 50 patients that we performed in 2021 when we stopped using grid for X ray scatter reduction, lowered fluoroscopy to 2-3 fps, and almost completely abandoned the use of cine mode.

Results

We have analyzed in total 150 patients (73% male, 59.4±12.6 years old), 50 in each group. There was a significant decrease of procedure and fluoroscopy time that could be attributed to growing operators’ experience and abandoning the use of 3D rotational angiography. More importantly, there was a major decrease in radiation doses applied during the course of the study. Recently, we are using only 2% of radiation doses applied in the beginning of our study (Table).

Conclusion

By following a few relatively simple steps (omitting the preprocedural imaging, removing grid from the X ray detector and using very low frame rates) CB ablation could be performed with ultralow radiation exposure. However, a certain level of experience is required to be able to perform CB ablation with relatively low X ray image quality and without preprocedural imaging of left atrium.

Intra-procedural three-dimensional rotational angiography in cryoballoon ablation of atrial fibrillation - a randomised clinical trial

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

To facilitate atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures there is a variety of approaches for pre-procedural imaging of pulmonary veins (PV) and left atrium (LA), including CT angiography and cardiac MRI. Intra-procedural three-dimensional rotational angiography (3DRA) is the least employed method and it can be advantageous regarding efficiency and procedural logistics. Data supporting different practices is still evolving and there is an open question whether LA imaging could improve safety and outcomes of CB ablation.

Purpose

The aim of this study is to evaluate possible benefits of 3DRA for procedural success, safety and long-term outcomes of CB ablation.

Methods

We designed a single-centre unblinded randomised clinical trial and recruited 101 patients (65.3% male, 59.3±11.5 years) with paroxysmal (92%) and early-persistent AF. Patients were randomized to no imaging or 3DRA which was performed intra-procedurally after trans-septal puncture. Angiographic images were segmented and overlaid to the fluoroscopy screen to guide the ablation procedure. All patients are followed for 1 year and data concerning procedural characteristics, safety outcomes and AF recurrence are being collected.

Results

Of all the patients recruited, 48 (47%) underwent 3DRA. In patients who received no imaging (non-3DRA group) one PV couldn’t be isolated while in 3DRA group isolation of one PV could not be achieved in 3 patients (OR 3.47, 95% CI 0.35-34.51). The occurrence of left common PV, an anatomical variation that could have potential to influence results, was similar in both groups (25,4% in non-3DRA and 25.0% in 3DRA group). Procedure time was significantly longer when 3DRA was performed (87.4±27.7 min compared to 69.9±23.0 in non-3DRA group, p<0.001). Total radiation dose (148.2±177.7 vs 387.7±203.8 mGy, p<0.001) and contrast administration (42.5±27.1 vs 133.8±26.8 ml, p<0.001) were significantly lower in the control group. Only minor complications were reported in both groups. Three patients developed large haematoma (2 in 3DRA group vs 1 in control group). In each group there was one incident of transient phrenic nerve palsy.

Conclusion

3DRA is a safe and efficient intra-procedural imaging method to guide CB ablation for AF. However, it significantly increases procedure duration, total radiation dose and contrast expenditure. In our trial it did not have any impact on the acute success rate of PV isolation. One-year follow up data is still being collected and will subsequently be presented.

Acute heart failure: a mechanism underscoring sex differences in outcomes following acute coronary syndromes

Background

It remains uncertain whether female sex is itself a strong risk factor for worse outcomes in acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Purpose

We hypothesized that sex differences in vulnerability to heart failure after ACS may modify the association between sex and outcomes.

Methods

Data were drawn from the ISACS-Archives network of registries. The study population consisted of 87,812 patients with known time from symptom onset to hospital presentation. Participants were stratified by ACS subtypes: STEMI and NSTE-ACS Data on presenting heart failure symptoms were collected from medical record abstraction. Heart failure was categorized as Killip class >2. Time from symptom onset to hospital presentation was categorized as early (≤120 minutes) or late (>120 minutes). Primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Estimates were performed using a parametric balancing strategy by weighting and compared by test of interaction on the log scale.

Results

Among the study sample, 30922 (35.2%) patients were women. Patient outcomes varied according to subtype of ACS. The mortality rates at 30-days were significantly higher among women vs men in STEMI (RR:1.65; 95% CI: 1.56–1.73) compared with NSTE-ACS (RR:1.18; 95% CI: 1.09–1.28; P interaction <0.0001). Similarly, the women vs men RR of heart failure was higher in STEMI (RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.20–1.29) compared with NSTE-ACS (RR:1.02; 95% CI: 0.97–1.08; P interaction <0.0001). Sex difference in heart failure rates with STEMI presentation were independent (P<0.0001) of early (34.3% in women vs 24.2% in men) or late (35.5% in women vs 30.7% in men) hospital presentation. The same finding was not seen in NSTE-ACS patients. Overall, women presenting with heart failure was had higher 30-day mortality than did their male counterparts with heart failure (29.8% vs 25.5%; RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.17–1.31).

Conclusions

Women exhibit substantially more vulnerability to heart failure in STEMI than men: a greater percentage of women have heart failure, and women with heart failure have higher 30-day mortality than men with heart failure. This finding was not seen in NSTE-ACS. heart failure on initial assessment is a key feature to explain the sex gap in mortality after ACS.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Is early percutaneous coronary intervention safe in patients ACS and cancer?

Background

Patients with malignancies may have a high pro-thrombotic status as well as a high risk of hemorrhagic events either due to the tumor or its treatment. For this reason, these patients have always been excluded from randomized clinical trial on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Aim

To investigate the safety of PCI in patients with malignancies admitted for an AMI.

Methods and results

Retrospective analysis on an international European ACS registry. Primary endpoint: in-hospital mortality. Secondary endpoint: periprocedural-complications. There were 273 patients (35% women) with AMI and malignancies. Colon (19%), prostate (14%), breast (13%), lung (8%) and blood (8%) malignancies were the most frequents type of cancer. Women and men had similar age (68±11.5 vs 69.1±11.5, p=ns). STEMI was in 56% of patients (with no significant gender difference: 51% men vs 65% women, p=0.09). PCI was performed in 64% of patients (with primary PCI in 75% of STEMI). The rate of complications during cardiac catheterization and intervention was 6.5% (2.1% distal embolization, 2.1% no-reflow, 0.7% acute closure, 0.7% dissection, 0.7% perforation, none major bleeding). Nobody among patients that had cardiac catheterization and intervention complications died during hospital stay. In-hospital mortality was 5.9%. The group of patients treated with PCI had a significantly lower rate of death then that of those treated non invasively (1.7% vs 13.1%, p<0.ehab724.28851). Factors associated with lower probability to receive cardiac catheterization were older age (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97) and absence of typical chest pain at admission (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.18–0.81), but the type of malignancy and gender were not. On multivariable model, age (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.03–1.17) and PCI (OR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.04–0.59) were independently associated with the risk of in-hospital death for ACS (increased and decreased risk, respectively).

Conclusion

These preliminary data from real word support the safety use of PCI in patients with malignancies and ACS, which have always been excluded from randomized clinical trial.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Statins for primary prevention among elderly men and women

Background

The debate about statins in primary prevention of cardiovascular (CV) disease is still alive, especially in old and very old adults.

Purpose

We undertook a propensity match-weighted cohort study to investigate whether statin treatment recommendations translate into improved cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in the current routine clinical care of the elderly.

Methods

We included in our analysis 5,619 people aged 65 years or older from the ISACS (International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndrome) Archives (NCT04008173) who presented to hospital with a first manifestation of CV disease. Participants were stratified as statin users versus nonusers and as old (65 to 75 years) versus very old (76 years or over) adults. We estimated the effects of statins on the most severe clinical manifestation of CV disease, namely ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), using inverse probability of treatment weighting models. Estimates were compared by test of interaction on the log scale.

Results

The risk of STEMI was much lower in statin users than in nonusers in both patients aged 65 to 75 years (14.7% absolute risk reduction; relative risk [RR] ratio: 0.55, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.66) and those aged 76 years and older (13.3% absolute risk reduction; RR ratio: 0.58, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.72). Estimates were similar in patients with and without history of hypercholesterolemia (interaction test; p value= 0.2408). Proportional reductions in STEMI diminished with female sex in the old (p for interaction=0.002), but not in the very old age (p for interaction=0.26). We also observed a remarkable reduction in the risk of 30- day mortality from STEMI with statin therapy in both age groups (10.2% absolute risk reduction; RR ratio: 0.39; 95% CI 0.23 – 0.68 for patients aged 76 or over and 3.8% absolute risk reduction; RR ratio 0.37; 95% CI 0.17 – 0.82 for patients aged 65 to 75 years old; interaction test, p value=0.4570).

Conclusion

Preventive statin therapy in the elderly reduces the risk of STEMI with benefits in mortality from STEMI, irrespective of the presence of a history of hypercholesterolemia. This effect persists after the age of 76 years. Benefits are less pronounced in women.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

His pacing program: a 2-year single-centre experience

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

His bundle pacing (HBP) physiologically activates the ventricles by a direct stimulation of the His-Purkinje cardiac conduction system. It was first described in the 1970s, and the initial feasibility studies were reported in the early 2000s. Later on, technological advances led to its widespread adoption and growing evidence base. 

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to assess implant success rate, feasibility and safety of the His-bundle lead implantation program in our centre.

Methods

All patients who underwent His-bundle lead implantation in our centre from the start of the HBP program in November 2018 until November 2020 were analyzed. Data were collected from existing hospital electronic medical records.

Results

A total of 125 patients (64.8 % male, 65.1 ± 13.9 years) were included in the study. Nearly half of patients (47.2 %) had chronic heart failure and 39.2 % had atrial fibrillation. Indications for pacing included antibradycardia pacing (68.8 %) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (31.2 %). His-bundle lead was successfully implanted in 114 patients (91.2 % acute success), while the rest of the procedures were converted into right ventricle lead placement. 32.8 % of all patients had native narrow QRS complexes. Among patients who received HBP for cardiac resynchronization therapy, QRS duration was reduced from 177.5 ± 26.4 at baseline to 145.8 ± 23.9 after HBP (p < 0.001). However, QRS duration slightly prolonged in the antibradycardia group from 118.8 ± 31.9 at baseline to 130.4 ± 25.3 after HBP (p = 0.011). Seven (8.6 %) patients in the antibradycardia group had late lead disfunction/dislodgement and therefore underwent reoperation with the conventional right ventricle lead placement. Two patients (4.7 %) from the resynchronization group had inappropriate resynchronization response and underwent the conventional coronary sinus lead implantation. Only one patient (0.8 %) had a device-associated infection. 

Conclusion

Our data suggest that HBP is a feasible strategy of physiological pacing and resynchronization with an acceptable success and low complication rates. Our His-bundle implantation program results are similar to data available in the current literature.

Cardioverter-related complications: observations from an institutional implantable cardioverter defibrillator registry

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is gold standard therapy for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. While reducing arrhythmic mortality in patients with left ventricular dysfunction of various causes, inherited primary arrhythmia syndromes and after aborted SCD, these devices can have serious adverse effects including inappropriate shocks and device-related infection.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to create an institutional ICD registry and to examine the major complications after ICD implantation.

Methods

We analysed the data concerning all newly implanted ICDs in our institution from 2011 to 2017. All patients received periprocedural antibiotic prophylaxis according to relevant guidelines. Follow-up data was collected from hospital electronic medical records.

Results

Total number of implanted ICDs was 507 (85.4% male, 57.6 ± 14.0 years-old) and mean follow-up was 34.3 ± 23.8 months. Major complications (infection, large haematoma/hemorrhage, lead displacement/dysfunction) occurred in 18 (3.6%) patients. In 9 (1.8%) cases patients were diagnosed with ICD infection (8 surgical wound/pocket infections and 1 confirmed endocarditis of the lead). Device was explanted in 5 cases (1.0%) while the rest were treated only with antibiotic therapy (empirically or according to swab/blood culture results). All of the infections were successfully resolved and no relapses were noted. Eventually, 3 of 5 devices were reimplanted. One death was recorded 5 month after the explanation. Second most common complication was lead displacement/dysfunction which occurred in 5 (1.0%) patients and was successfully repaired in all cases. Large haematoma and/or hemorrhage at the implantation site were present in 5 (0.8%) patients (2 required surgical revision and transfusion while 2 were managed by needle aspiration). Pneumothorax (2 cases, 0.4%) had to be drained in one patient. There was one case of subclavian vein thrombosis which was treated by anticoagulation.

Conclusion

Despite appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis, the rate of ICD infections in our institution was relatively higher than the one reported in similar registries. The prevalence of other major complications, including lead dysfunction was quite low. Institutional registries could help monitor and plan actions to resolve ICD-related complications to improve patient outcomes.

Mortality, appropriate and inappropriate shocks - observations from an institutional implantable cardioverter defibrillator registry

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is an effective therapy for primary (PP) and secondary prevention (SP) of sudden cardiac death (SCD). ICD adverse events include inappropriate shocks (IS), device infection and failure. 

Methods

We analysed the data concerning all newly implanted ICDs in our institution from 2011 to 2017. Follow-up data was collected until the end of 2019.

Results

In total, 507 ICDs were implanted (85.4% male, 57.6 ± 14.0 years-old), 375 (74.0%) for PP and 132 (26.0%) for SP. The mean follow-up was 34.3 ± 23.8 months. ICD delivered therapy in 42.4% of SP and in 28.8% of PP patients (p = 0.15). In PP, shocks were delivered in 25.7% of non-ischaemic heart disease (NIHD) and in 17.6% ischaemic heart disease (IHD) patients (p = 0.81). IS were significantly more common in NIHD patients (13.8% vs 2.4% in IHD group, p < 0.0001). PP patients with NIHD also had a higher shock burden (average of 8.0 ± 17.4 shocks compared to 2.7 ± 3.0 in the IHD group). However, it failed to reach the level of statistical significance (p = 0.052). In SP, the rate of ICD activation and that of IS were similar in both groups (IHD and NIHD). In total, 32.6% of SP patients received appropriate shock (AS) and 5.3% of them received at least one IS (average number of AS and IS being 8.7 ± 11.5 and 1.1 ± 0.4 respectively). Mortality was significantly higher in SP than in PP (34.8% vs 13.9%, p < 0.001). In PP, significantly more deaths occurred among IHD than NIHD patients (18.8% vs 10.0%, p < 0.001). 

Conclusion

The prevalence of AS and IS was relatively higher than reported elsewhere. Same was true for mortality. Interestingly, the rate of IS was somewhat higher in NIHD than in IHD, which was unexpected. ICD outcomes Primary prevention Secondary prevention Total IHD NIHD Total IHD NIHD Patients, n 375 165 210 132 88 44 Patients with ICD activation, n (%) 108 (28.8) 46 (27.9) 62 (29.5) 56 (42.4) 33 (37.5) 22 (50.0) Patientns with AS, n (%) 60 (16.0) 27 (16.4) 33 (15.7) 43 (32.6) 29 (33.0) 14 (31.8) Patientns with IS, n (%) 33 (8.8) 4 (2.4) 29 (13.8) 7 (5.3) 5 (5.7) 2 (4.5) AS delivered (mean ± SD) 5.6 ± 13.3 2.7 ± 3.0 8.0 ± 17.4 8.7 ± 11.5 9.9 ± 12.2 9.7 ± 17.6 IS delivered (mean ± SD) 3.2 ± 5.1 1.2 ± 0.5 3.5 ± 5.4 1.1 ± 0.4 1.0 ± 0 3.2 ± 5.2 Deaths, n (%) 52 (13.9) 31 (18.8) 21 (10.0) 46 (34.8) 32 (36.4) 14 (31.8) Time to death (months, mean ± SD) 20.3 ± 13.9 19.9 ± 12.6 21.1 ± 16.5 27.1 ± 25.7 28.9 ± 24.9 22.6 ± 28.1 ICD, implantable cardioverter defibrillator; IHD, ischemic heart disease; NIHD, non-ischemic heart disease; AS, appropriate shock; IS, inappropriate shock

Gender differences in acute coronary syndrome: experience from the Croatian branch of the ISACS-CT registry

Background and aim

In recent years, worse outcomes of female acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients have been recognized. The aim was to explore gender differences in ACS in the Croatian branch of the ISACS-CT registry (NCT01218776).

Methods

From January 2012 to May 2018, 3066 ACS patients were enrolled; 50% (n=1539) presenting with STEMI, 35% (n=1071) with NSTEMI, and 15% (n=456) with unstable angina (UA). In-hospital mortality was defined as the primary endpoint.

Results

At admission women were older, more burdened with comorbidities, with a longer delay from symptom onset to admission (Figure 1), but without differences in signs and symptoms or Troponin T levels (p=0.166). During hospitalization, there were no gender difference in the administration of beta blockers, ACE inhibitors or statins in the first 24 hours. Coronary angiography was performed in a smaller percentage of female patients (86 vs. 92%, p<0.001), however, the finding of no significant stenosis was more common in women (6 vs. 2%, p<0.001). Furthermore, less women underwent primary PCI (pPCI) (67 vs. 77%, p<0.001). While there were no gender differences in the number of the treated lesions (p=0.978), women had a higher incidence of procedural pPCI complications compared to men (13 vs. 8%, p=0.001) – predominantly due to higher occurrence of no reflow, side branch loss and new thrombus formation. Multivariate regression showed gender was not associated with the decision not to perform pPCI, whereas age over 65 years (OR=1.75), diabetes (OR=1.30), hypertension (OR=1.55), chronic kidney disease (OR=2.06) and the delay from onset of symptoms to admission >6h (OR=1.61) were associated. At discharge, there were no gender differences in LV ejection fraction <40% (p=0.259). Women with STEMI had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (10 vs. 4%, p<0.001), whereas no gender differences were seen regarding unstable angina and NSTEMI. After multivariate regression, only age over 65 years (OR=3.61), chronic kidney disease (OR=1.85) and primary PCI (OR=0.49) remained associated with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

The findings in the Croatian branch of the ISACS-CT registry demonstrate notable gender differences in ACS. Older age and a substantial burden of comorbidities represent strong influences on disease development, intervention choice and in-hospital mortality when treating women with ACS.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Risk factors, revascularization therapies and cardiovascular mortality in countries with middle and low public health expenditure

Background

Studies from countries with high public health expenditure (PHE) have reported a decline of the rates of mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD).Given that most mortality from CVD occurs in countries with low and middle PHE, there is a need for broader information on the relationship between variability in disease burden and outcomes in such countries.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation among risk factors, revascularization therapies and short-term mortality from acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in patient admitted to hospitals in middle versus low PHE countries.

Methods

Data were derived from 18,704 patients admitted to 41 hospitals referring data to the ISACS-TC registry (NCT0128776). Patients were divided in two groups:low and middle PHE. Bosnia and Herzegovina,Croatia,Hungary,Italy,and Serbia have high PHE values, whereas Macedonia, Romania, Lithuania, Russian Federation, Kosovo,Moldova, and Montenegro, have low values. Main outcome measure was 30-day mortality. We used logistic-regression models to assess the effect of variables on the associations of interest.

Results

There were 18,704 patients admitted to hospital for an ACS. Of these patients, 45% were in the low PHE group and 55% in the middle PHE group. Patients in middle PHE group were older (64% vs 61%), had higher prevalence of traditional risk factors, namely hypertension (75% vs 66%), hypercholesterolemia (55% vs 31%), diabetes (28.58% vs 23.10%), and positive family history of coronary artery disease (45.66% vs 17.56) as compared with patients in the low PHE group.Furthermore, patients in the middle PHE group had more frequently history of prior ischemic heart disease and higher rate of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) as clinical presentation (63.91 vs 61.98). The crude 30-day mortality rate was 6.97% in the middle PHE and 5,82% in the low PHE group. After multivariable adjustment for comorbidities and treatment covariates, patients in the middle PHE group had a better outcome compared with those in the low PHE group (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.45–0.93).As most patients presented to hospital with STEMI we performed separate analyses for such patients and stratified outcomes in function of time to hospital presentation from initial symptom onset. The odds of mortality were still lower in patients in the middle PHE group (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.22–0.76) if they presented within 6 hours from symptom onset.In contrast there were no difference in outcomes between middle and low PHE groups (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.34–1.44) in patients with delayed presentation.This held true even in patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.43–2.39).

Conclusions

There are significant costs and infrastructure limitations that prohibit most countries with low PHE from having timely admission to hospital of patients with suspected ACS. Currently, many of the Eastern European countries are facing an enormous burden of mortality from CVD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

P420Improved real time recordings using the third generation cryoballoon technology - detection of dual fascicle electrograms

Introduction

The third-generation cryoballoon has been designed with a 40% shortened tip length compared with the former second-generation CB device. Ideally, a shorter tip could result with an improved visualization of real-time (RT) recordings in the pulmonary vein (PV) due to a more proximal positioning of the inner lumen mapping catheter. Beside the high incidence of RT recordings, for the first time, we observed dual fascicle electrograms with different isolation time for each fascicle, when using the new device.

Purpose

We sought to analyze the rate of visualization of RT recordings and dual fascicle electrograms in our first series of patients with the third generation cryoballoon device.

Methods

All consecutive patients having undergone CB ablation using the third generation technology were analyzed. Procedures were performed under conscious sedation. A single transeptal puncture was preformed guided by intracardial ultrasound and a 28 mm cryoballoon was used. A single 180 seconds freeze strategy was employed.

Results

A total of 80 consecutive patients (77.5% male, 60.3 ± 10.8 years) were evaluated. Real-time recordings were detected in 275 of 320 PVs (85.9%). Specifically, RT recordings could be visualized in 68 left superior PVs (85%), 69 left inferior PVs (86.2%), 73 right superior PVs (91.2%), and 65 right inferior PVs (81.2%). Furthermore, in 14 of 320 PVs (4.3%) two different fascicles electrograms were detected. A distinctive isolation time for each fascicle could be observed both in sinus rhythm and in atrial fibrillation (Picture). Most commonly, dual fascicles were observed in left superior PV (7.5%) and right inferior PV (6.3%). In the rest of the veins this phenomenon was not so frequent. In 2.5% of right superior PV and in only 1.2% of left inferior PV dual fascicles could be observed.

Conclusion

The rate of visualization of RT recordings is significantly high during third generation CB ablation. Real-time recordings can be visualized in 85.9% of veins with this novel cryoballoon. Furthermore, for the first time, isolation of two different fascicles during a single cryoballoon lesion could be observed. Other that more proximal mapping catheter position, there is second possible explanation for the visualization of dual fascicles with this novel balloon. Shorter tip could result with poorer cryoballoon stability and weaker contact with the atrium wall, hence non-uniform freezing and isolation of different fascicles in different times.

Abstract Figure.

P451Optimizing the EP lab workflow in atrial fibrillation ablation - The use of Z stitch for groin access closure

Introduction

As catheter ablation became the standard therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), the number of AF procedures has risen exponentially. Therefore, workflow optimization is crucial in order to meet the rising demands for EP interventions. Recently, instead of standard groin compression we have started using the "Z stitch" for introducers’ removal. This novel method does not necessitate protamine administration and often lengthy manual compression.

Purpose

We aim to demonstrate utilization of "Z stitch" for groin access closure in cryoballoon (CB) ablation and its impact on EP lab workflow.

Methods

We have analyzed all patients having undergone CB ablation utilizing the "Z stitch" (Z group) and the last 50 consecutive CB patients who received standard groin compression (non-Z group). Procedures were performed under conscious sedation. Both femoral veins were punctured and a single introducer was placed in each vein. A single transeptal puncture was preformed guided by intracardial ultrasound and a 28 mm cryoballoon was used. A single 180 seconds freeze strategy was employed.

In the past, protamine was slowly administered after ablation and at least 15 minute manual groin compression was applied until no visual bleeding could be detected. Elastic bandage was placed around both groins. Later on, the "Z stitch" was used around both introducers without the need for protamine administration, manual compression and bandage placement (Picture). The stitches were removed next morning.

Results

A total of 100 consecutive patients (79% male, 61.2 ± 10.6 years old) were evaluated, 50 in both groups. There was no difference in the mean procedure duration ("skin to skin") between two groups. However, a total lab time was significantly longer in non-Z group. There was no differences in complication rates, which consisted solely of phrenic nerve palsy and groin complications. There was no AV fistula or pseudoaneurysms detected in our cohort (Table).

Conclusion

Utilization of Z stitches for introduces’ removal seems safe and effective way to achieve hemostasis after cryoballoon ablation. It abolishes the need for protamine administration which can cause serious advert events. Manual compression is no longer required. Consequently, EP lab workflow is improved, since the total lab time utilization per patient is significantly shortened.

Results non-Z group Z group p Procedure duration (min) 69.4 ± 20.4 73.4 ± 24.8 0.380 Lab time (min) 129.9 ± 35.3 109.1 ± 30.6 0.002 Complications (N) 5 (2 hematoma) 4 (2 hematoma) NS

Abstract Figure. Z stich

P6419Machine learning in critical care: the role of diabetes and age in acute coronary syndromes

Background

Patients with diabetes and non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) have an increased risk of mortality and adverse outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the impact of early, within 24 hours PCI compared with only routine medical treatment on clinical outcomes in a large international cohort of patients with NSTE-ACS and diabetes.

Methods

We identified 1,250 patients with diabetes and NSTE-ACS from a registry-based population between October 2010 and April 2016. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoint was the composite outcome of 30-day all-cause mortality and left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%). We undertook analyses to explore the heterogeneity of treatment effects using meta-classification (MC) algorithms followed by propensity score matching and inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting (IPTW) from a landmark of 24 hours from hospitalization.

Results

Of 1,250 NSTE-ACS first-day survivors with diabetes (median age 67 years; 59%, men), 470 (37.6%) received early PCI and 780 routine medical treatment. The overall 30-day all-cause mortality rates were higher in the routine medical treatment than the early PCI group (6.3% vs. 2.5%). The prediction results of the MC algorithms accounted for only one interaction term that was statistically significant: age ≥65 years. After propensity-matched analysis as well as IPTW, early PCI was associated with reduced 30-day all-cause mortality in the older age (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.92 and 0.43; 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.86, respectively), whereas younger age had no association with the primary endpoint. Similar results were also obtained for the secondary endpoint.

Conclusions

Among patients with diabetes hospitalized for NSTE-ACS, an early, within 24 hours, PCI strategy is associated with reduced odds of 30-day mortality only for patients aged 65 years or over. MC algorithms provide accurate identification of treatment effect modifiers.

P5484Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for ST-elevation of myocardial infarction in young women

Background

St-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most serious form of clinical presentation of coronary heart disease. Women with STEMI have worse prognosis compared with men. The overall reduction in both incidence of STEMI and active smokers makes it unclear what role smoking continues to play as a risk factor for STEMI in the two sexes.

Purpose

To use the relation between current cigarette smoking and myocardial infarction to quantify the relative risk (RR) ratio of STEMI in women and men.

Methods

Data were derived from 11,925 consecutive patients admitted to 41 hospitals referring data to the International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes in Transitional Countries (ISACS-TC) registry (NCT0128776) from January 2010 to July 2018 with a first acute myocardial infarction. Outcome measures included rates of STEMI at clinical presentation as marker of larger infarctions. Estimates were obtained using logistic-regression and propensity score matching models for current versus never or former smokers. The RR was estimated using men as a reference value.

Results

Smokers experienced myocardial infarction (either STEMI or non-STEMI) much earlier than did non-smokers both in women (59.0±10.2 versus 68.7±11.30 years) and men (55.8±10.3 versus 63.3±11.7 years). Current tobacco smoking was more prevalent in men (50.35% vs 31.75%) and in younger patients (57.71 vs 28.81%). Among younger patients, smoking remained prevalent in men (60.11% vs 49.85%). Smoking was significantly related to STEMI (OR 1.45; 95% CI: 1.32–1.59) compared with non-STEMI. This association was noted in women (OR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.34–1.93) and men (OR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.24–1.56) and was stronger for younger (<65 years) compared with older ages (ORs 1.49; 95% CI: 1.33–1.67 vs 1.34; 95% CI: 1.13–1.59). The risk of STEMI in young women was higher than in young men (ORs 1.63; 95% CI 1.30–2.06 vs 1.45; 95% CI 1.26–1.66,). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed data. Rates of STEMI in young women and young men were 75.8% versus 64.5%, with a significant RR ratio (OR 1.15; CI 1.07–1.23) across outcomes.

Conclusions

Although current smoking still is an important risk factor for STEMI at all ages and sexes, it is especially relevant in younger women. Mechanisms underlying the sex difference are not related to differences in smoking behaviour. This finding is a critical reminder that physicians and society should address in rigorous tobacco-control programs in the general population with a distinctive emphasis on women, particularly in those countries where smoking among young women is increasing in prevalence.

2178Survival differences of left ventricle assist device carriers according to implantation eras - results from the European PCHF-VAD registry

Background

Developments in mechanical circulatory support have established left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) as a mainstay of therapy of advanced heart failure, resulting in improved outcomes in those implanted more recently - described as an “era effect” in the latest INTERMACS registry report. We aimed to study and describe the relevance of the era of device implant on outcomes in a European cohort of LVAD carriers.

Methods

448 patients with continuous flow LVADs have been included in the multicentre PCHF-VAD registry formed by 12 European centres (mean age 52±13 years, 82% male). Patient data were divided to quartiles according to date of LVAD implantation.

Results

Baseline data of patients stratified by implant date quartiles are shown in Table 1. By Cox regression analysis, only the latest quartile was associated with significantly better one year survival, compared to the earliest quartile (Q4 vs. Q1: HR 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22–0.88, p=0.02) (Figure 1). Using a forward stepwise selection process, age and INTERMACS class at implant were the only other significant predictors of outcome; the reduction in all-cause mortality for the patients implanted in the latest quartile remained significant when adjusting for these variables (HR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.95, p=0.035).

Table 1 Q1 (n=112) Q2 (n=112) Q3 (n=113) Q4 (n=111) p-value 6 Dec 2006–2 Jan 2012 3 Jan 2012–8 Dec 2014 9 Dec 2014–20 Jul 2016 21 Jul 2016–4 Apr 2018 CIED-D before VAD implant, n (%) 40 (35.7%) 50 (44.6%) 65 (57.5%) 85 (76.6%) <0.001 Age 47.8±13.8 53.4±11.9 54.0±12.5 54.3±12.9 <0.001 Female gender, n (%) 25 (22.3%) 22 (19.6%) 14 (12.4%) 20 (18.0%) 0.26 Arterial hypertension, n (%) 15 (13.4%) 34 (30.4%) 33 (29.2%) 20 (18.0%) 0.004 Diabetes mellitus, n (%) 13 (11.6%) 20 (17.9%) 26 (23.0%) 31 (27.9%) 0.017 Chronic kidney disease, n (%) 13 (11.6%) 20 (17.9%) 30 (26.5%) 39 (35.1%) <0.001 Coronary artery disease, n (%) 17 (15.2%) 23 (20.5%) 34 (30.1%) 37 (33.3%) 0.005 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, n (%) 1 (0.9%) 10 (8.9%) 14 (12.4%) 17 (15.3%) 0.002 Atrial fibrillation, n (%) 17 (15.2%) 33 (29.5%) 35 (31.0%) 43 (38.7%) 0.001 VAD type, HM2, n (%) 105 (93.8%) 90 (80.4%) 49 (43.4%) 2 (1.8%) <0.001 VAD type, HW, n (%) 0 (0.0%) 18 (16.1%) 42 (37.2%) 34 (30.6%) VAD type, HM3, n (%) 1 (0.9%) 0 (0.0%) 16 (14.2%) 70 (63.1%) VAD type, Other, n (%) 6 (5.4%) 4 (3.6%) 6 (5.3%) 5 (4.5%) VAD intention, BTT, n (%) 91 (86.7%) 88 (80.0%) 61 (58.1%) 65 (59.6%) <0.001 VAD intention, BTD, n (%) 8 (7.6%) 12 (10.9%) 28 (26.7%) 20 (18.3%) VAD intention, DT, n (%) 6 (5.7%) 10 (9.1%) 16 (15.2%) 24 (22.0%) INTERMACS class 1 27 (25.0%) 13 (11.7%) 23 (20.9%) 10 (9.3%) <0.001 INTERMACS class 2 41 (38.0%) 37 (33.3%) 19 (17.3%) 24 (22.2%) INTERMACS class 3 24 (22.2%) 27 (24.3%) 40 (36.4%) 48 (44.4%) INTERMACS class 4–7 16 (14.8%) 34 (30.6%) 28 (25.5%) 26 (24.1%) HM2, Heart Mate II; HW, HeartWare; HM3, HeartMate3; BTT, bridge to transplantation; BTD, bridge to decision; DT, destination therapy.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Despite a larger comorbidity burden, patients implanted most recently have better overall survival than those implanted in the earlier eras. This may be attributed to the increasing expertise of the implanting centres providing care for LVAD patients.

P3844Percutaneous coronary intervention in the age of frailty

Background

Although guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology and American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology recommend early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in all patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction/ unstable angina (NSTE-ACS), in day-to-day practice persists uncertainty as to whether to follow guidelines in patients aged 75 years or older. Indeed, recommendations are based on large randomized trials where patients aged 75 years or older are under-represented.

Purpose

We aimed to investigate whether patients aged 75 years or older would benefit from an early invasive strategy versus a conservative strategy. We also analyzed the factors associated with the choice of an early PCI in this population.

Methods

The research was conducted on the population of the International Survey of Acute Coronary Syndromes (ISACS-TC) registry. The study population consisted of 6826 eligible patients with NSTE-ACS. Of these patients, 1496 were 75 years old or older and were included in the analysis. The primary outcome measure was 30-day mortality. Key secondary outcomes were bleeding complications during the index hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to establish outcomes and factors associated with outcomes. We evaluated specific ranges of ages: 75–79 years, 80–84 years, and 85 years or over. Further, data were sorted by sex and diabetes mellitus status.

Results

The mean age of our study population was 80.0 (interquartile range: 77–82) years old. Elderly patients treated with early PCI and medical therapy were significantly younger than those treated with only medical therapy were (78.9 vs 80.5, p<0.001), with each one-year increase in age corresponding to a 7% reduction in likelihood of receiving invasive treatment (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.96). Crude 30-day mortality was significantly lower in the overall invasively managed population (5.4% vs 13.1%, p<0.001). After multivariable logistic adjustment for demographic and clinical features, early PCI was associated with lower mortality (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.76). No significant differences in outcomes were observed between sexes (interaction, p=0.54) or by the presence of diabetes mellitus (interaction, p=0.61). In addition, no differences were seen among age groups (75–79 vs 80–84, interaction p=0.47; group 80–84 vs ≥85, interaction p=0.69). In early PCI, the group between 75–79 years had 5 (1.6%) major and 5 (1.6%) minor bleeding complications whereas the older groups had 1 (1.1%) and 1 (2.7%) major and 3 (3.2%) and 2 (5.4%) minor bleeding complications for patients aged 80–84 and ≥85, respectively.

Conclusions

In the real-life clinical setting, early PCI is a safe and efficacious treatment option in very elderly patients presenting with NSTE-ACS. Revascularization is better than medical therapy whatever the age is.

P3722Platelet reactivity changes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Introduction

Although recent studies described changes in platelet reactivity (PR) in days following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), precise time course and duration of these changes have not been fully investigated.

Purpose

To investigate PR changes during and after TAVI.

Methods

Study included 42 consecutive patients with severe and symptomatic aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI procedure in our institution. Patients' clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. All patients who did not have chronic dual antiplatelet therapy received loading dose of aspirin and clopidogrel (300 mg) one day before the procedure followed by their standard maintenance doses for next three months. PR was measured in six time points: just before induction of anaesthesia (T1), after heparin administration (T2), at the end of procedure (T3), and on 3rd, 6th and 30th postoperative day (T4–6). PR was measured using impedance aggregometer (Multiplate® analyzer, Roche, Munich, Germany) in response to three platelet aggregation agonists: arachidonic acid (ASPItest), ADP (ADPtest) and thrombin receptor activating peptide-6 (TRAPtest).

Results

Mean patient age was 82.1 years with majority of patients being male 57.1% (N=24). Mean valve area and mean transvalvular gradient prior to procedure were 0.71±0.21 cm2 and 49.1±18.7 mmHg, respectively. All patients underwent successful TAVI procedure using either self-expandable (N=25, 59.5%) or balloon-expandable valve. Two patients (4.7%) underwent transapical TAVI, while transfemoral approach was used in all other patients. Mean postimplantation gradient was 10.2±7.1 mmHg.

Mean PR on T1 was 24.3±23.1 U for ASPItest, 41.6±26.5 U for ADPtest and 90.1±33.3 U for TRAPtest. There was no significant difference in PR on T2. However, on T3, ignificant reduction of PR in all 3 tests was observed (ASPI 9.4±10.1 U (p=0.001), ADP 23.1±15.0 U (p<0.001) and TRAP 64.5±27.3 U (p<0.001)). Lowest PR values for all tests were reached on T4, after which incline in PR has been observed. On T5, value of ASPItest reached levels not significantly different to those on T1 (15.1±17.2 U, p=0.13), while ADPtest and TRAPtest remained significantly lower (27.3±18.5 U, p=0.007 and 68.6±33.2 U, p=0.003, respectively). All PR values returned to initial levels on T6 (figure 1).

Conclusions

Our results show that successful TAVI procedure induces transient decrease in PR regardless of the platelet activation pathway. These findings add new knowledge in understanding complexed relations in intravascular milieu following TAVI. Further research on a larger number of patients is needed to confirm and asses clinical significance of these results.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Croatian Science Foundation

Frequency of COPD in health care workers who smoke

Objective:

COPD is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Health care providers should counsel their smoking patients with COPD to quit smoking as the first treatment step. However, in countries with high prevalences of smoking, health care workers may also be smokers. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and severity of COPD in health care workers who smoke.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. All health care workers who smoke, from nine health care centers in Serbia, were invited to participate in the study and perform spirometry. The diagnosis of COPD was based on a post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio of < 0.70. All patients completed the COPD Assessment Test and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence.

Results:

The study involved 305 subjects, and 47 (15.4%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 49.0 ± 6.5 years. Spirometry revealed obstructive ventilatory defect in 33 subjects (10.8%); restrictive ventilatory defect, in 5 (1.6%); and small airway disease, in 96 (31.5%). A diagnosis of COPD was made in 29 patients (9.5%), 25 (86.2%) of whom were newly diagnosed. On the basis of the Global Initiative for COPD guidelines, most COPD patients belonged to groups A or B (n = 14; 48.2%, for both); 1 belonged to group D (3.6%); and none, to group C. Very high nicotine dependence was more common in those with COPD than in those without it (20.7% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.01).

Conclusions:

In this sample of health care workers, the frequency of COPD was comparable with that in the general population. The presence of COPD in health care workers who smoke was associated with higher nicotine dependence.

Drug-Eluting Balloons-A New Tool in the Treatment of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy: A Case Series

Percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy is burdened with a lot of difficulties. Although they have allowed significant progress in comparison with plain balloon angioplasty and bare metal stents, drug-eluting stents have not fully overcome problems of diffuse lesions and small-vessel disease that are so common in transplant coronary artery disease. There is growing evidence that drug-eluting balloons might be a better choice for patients with small vessel atherosclerotic coronary disease and yet there is no experience with this technology in patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Herein we report a case series of successful percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy.

Synergistic mitotoxicity of chloromethanes and fullerene C60 nanoaggregates in Daphnia magna midgut epithelial cells

Adsorption of non-polar compounds by suspended fullerene nanoaggregates (nC₆₀) may enhance their toxicity and affect the fate, transformation, and transport of non-polar compounds in the environment. The potential of stable fullerene nanoaggregates as contaminant carriers in aqueous systems and the influence of chloromethanes (trichloromethane and dichloromethane) were studied on the midgut epithelial cells of Daphnia magna by light and electron microscopy. The size and shape of fullerene nanoaggregates were observed and measured using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and low vacuum scanning electron microscopy. The nC₆₀ in suspension appeared as a bulk of aggregates of irregular shape with a surface consisting of small clumps 20-30 nm in diameter. The presence of nC₆₀ aggregates was confirmed in midgut lumen and epithelial cells of D. magna. After in vivo acute exposure to chloromethane, light and electron microscopy revealed an extensive cytoplasmic vacuolization with disruption and loss of specific structures of D. magna midgut epithelium (mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, microvilli, peritrophic membrane) and increased appearance of necrotic cells. The degree of observed changes depended on the type of treatment: trichloromethane (TCM) induced the most notable changes, whereas fullerene nanoaggregates alone had no negative effects. Transmission electron microscopy also indicated increased lysosomal degradation and severe peroxidative damages of enterocyte mitochondria following combined exposure to chloromethane and fullerene nanoaggregates. In conclusion, the adsorption of chloromethane by fullerene nanoaggregates enhances their toxicity and induces peroxidative mitochondrial damage in midgut enterocytes.

Sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in patients with COPD and asthma

INTRODUCTION

Nocturnal symptoms are common and important in both asthma and COPD but the relationship between sleep quality and diseases' characteristics has not been fully studied.

OBJECTIVE

To compare sleep quality and daytime sleepiness in asthma and COPD patients and to explore its relation to diseases' characteristics.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we examined 217 consecutive asthma and COPD patients who underwent pulmonary function tests at The Center for Pathophysiology of Breathing and Sleep Medicine of The Institute for Pulmonary Diseases of Vojvodina, Sremska Kamenica, Serbia between July 2014 and January 2015. All patients completed Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).

RESULTS

Study included 117 patients with asthma, 100 patients with COPD, and 102 healthy controls. There was no difference in PSQI and ESS between patients with asthma and COPD (4.9 ± 3.9 vs 5.8 ± 4.3, P = .09 and 4.8 ± 3.4 vs 4.7 ± 3.6, P = .69, respectively). PSQI and ESS did not correlate with lung function parameters. Patients with uncontrolled asthma had higher PSQI scores (uncontrolled 7.0 ± 3.7 vs partially controlled 4.6 ± 3.1 vs controlled 3.2 ± 3.7, P < .001). PSQI scores were higher in COPD group D and B compared to A and C (group D 6.9 ±4.6 vs B 6.8 ± 4.1 vs A 2.9 ± 1.3 vs C 3.1 ± 3.9, P < .001). Compared to asthma, COPD patients had longer sleep latency and used sleep regulating medications more often.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference in sleep quality and level of daytime sleepiness between patients with asthma and COPD. Poor sleep quality is related to level of asthma control and is associated with COPD groups B and D.

Management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with fondaparinux in a patient with left ventricular assist device

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is an immune-mediated serious adverse effect of heparin therapy. It is a relatively frequent complication among patients with mechanical circulatory support. Herein, we present a patient with severe heart failure and sepsis who developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia shortly after implantation of left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation and who was successfully treated with fondaparinux.