Identification Drug Targets for Oxaliplatin-Induced Cardiotoxicity without Affecting Cancer Treatment through Inter Variability Cross-Correlation Analysis (IVCCA)

The successful treatment of side effects of chemotherapy faces two major limitations: the need to avoid interfering with pathways essential for the cancer-destroying effects of the chemotherapy drug, and the need to avoid helping tumor progression through cancer promoting cellular pathways. To address these questions and identify new pathways and targets that satisfy these limitations, we have developed the bioinformatics tool Inter Variability Cross-Correlation Analysis (IVCCA). This tool calculates the cross-correlation of differentially expressed genes, analyzes their clusters, and compares them across a vast number of known pathways to identify the most relevant target(s). To demonstrate the utility of IVCCA, we applied this platform to RNA-seq data obtained from the hearts of the animal models with oxaliplatin-induced CTX. RNA-seq of the heart tissue from oxaliplatin treated mice identified 1744 differentially expressed genes with False Discovery Rate (FDR) less than 0.05 and fold change above 1.5 across nine samples. We compared the results against traditional gene enrichment analysis methods, revealing that IVCCA identified additional pathways potentially involved in CTX beyond those detected by conventional approaches. The newly identified pathways such as energy metabolism and several others represent promising target for therapeutic intervention against CTX, while preserving the efficacy of the chemotherapy treatment and avoiding tumor proliferation. Targeting these pathways is expected to mitigate the damaging effects of chemotherapy on cardiac tissues and improve patient outcomes by reducing the incidence of heart failure and other cardiovascular complications, ultimately enabling patients to complete their full course of chemotherapy with improved quality of life and survival rates.

Moving towards establishing centres of excellence in cardiac amyloidosis: an International Cardio-Oncology Society statement

The prevalence of amyloidosis has been increasing, driven by a combination of improved awareness, evolution of diagnostic pathways, and effective treatment options for both transthyretin and light chain amyloidosis. Due to the complexity of amyloidosis, centralised expert providers with experience in delineating the nuances of confirmatory diagnosis and management may be beneficial. There are many potential benefits of a centre of excellence designation for the treatment of amyloidosis including recognition of institutions that have been leading the way for the optimal treatment of this condition, establishing the expectations for any centre who is engaging in the treatment of amyloidosis and developing cooperative groups to allow more effective research in this disease space. Standardising the expectations and criteria for these centres is essential for ensuring the highest quality of clinical care and community education. In order to define what components are necessary for an effective centre of excellence for the treatment of amyloidosis, we prepared a survey in cooperation with a multidisciplinary panel of amyloidosis experts representing an international consortium. The purpose of this position statement is to identify the essential elements necessary for highly effective clinical care and to develop a general standard with which practices or institutions could be recognised as a centre of excellence.

Risk profiles and incidence of cardiovascular events across different cancer types

BACKGROUND

Cancer survivors are at increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) disease, although additional data are needed to better understand the incidence of CV events across different malignancies. This study sought to characterize the incidence of major adverse CV events [myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina (MACE), or heart failure (HF)] across multiple cancer types after cancer diagnosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were identified from a USA-based administrative claims database who had index cancer diagnoses of breast, lung, prostate, melanoma, myeloma, kidney, colorectal, leukemia, or lymphoma between 2011 and 2019, with continuous enrollment for ≥12 months before diagnosis. Baseline CV risk factors and incidence rates of CV events post-index were identified for each cancer. Multivariable Cox hazards models assessed the cumulative incidence of MACE, accounting for baseline risk factors.

RESULTS

Among 839 934 patients across nine cancer types, CV risk factors were prevalent. The cumulative incidence of MACE was highest in lung cancer and myeloma, and lowest in breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma. MACE cumulative incidence for lung cancer was 26% by 4 years (2.7-fold higher relative to breast cancer). The incidence of stroke was especially pronounced in lung cancer, while HF was highest in myeloma and lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

CV events were especially increased following certain cancer diagnoses, even after accounting for baseline risk factors. Understanding the variable patient characteristics and associated CV events across different cancers can help target appropriate CV risk factor modification and develop strategies to minimize adverse CV events and improve patient outcomes.

Advances in Screening for Radiation-Associated Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Radiation is foundational to the treatment of cancer and improves overall survival. Yet, it is important to recognize the potential cardiovascular effects of radiation therapy and how to best minimize or manage them. Screening-both through imaging and with biomarkers-can potentially identify cardiovascular effects early, allowing for prompt initiation of treatment to mitigate late effects.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cardiac echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography, and measurements of troponin and natriuretic peptides serve as the initial screening tests of choice for RICD. Novel imaging applications, including positron emission tomography and specific MRI parameters, and biomarker testing, including myeloperoxidase, growth differentiation factor 15, galectin 3, micro-RNA, and metabolomics, hold promise for earlier detection and more specific characterization of RICD. Advances in imaging and novel applications of biomarkers have potential to identify subclinical RICD and may reveal opportunities for early intervention. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal imaging screening modalities, biomarkers, and surveillance strategies.

Adding Pharmacist-Led Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring to Usual Care for Blood Pressure Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Health systems have been quickly adopting telemedicine throughout the United States, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are limited data on whether adding pharmacist-led home blood pressure (BP) telemonitoring to office-based usual care improves BP. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase for randomized controlled trials from January 2000 until April 2022, comparing studies on pharmacist-led home BP telemonitoring with usual care. Six randomized controlled trials, including 1,550 participants, satisfied the inclusion criteria. There were 774 participants in the pharmacist-led telemonitoring group and 776 in the usual care group. The addition of pharmacist-led telemonitoring to usual care was associated with a significant decrease in systolic BP (mean difference -8.09, 95% confidence interval -11.15 to -5.04, p <0.001, I2 = 72%) and diastolic BP (mean difference -4.19, 95% confidence interval -5.58 to -2.81, p <0.001, I2 = 42%) compared with usual care. In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that adding pharmacist-led home BP telemonitoring to usual care achieves better BP control than usual care alone.

Cardiovascular toxicities after anthracycline and VEGF-targeted therapies in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Cancer survival rates have been steadily improving in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population, but survivors are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline therapy have been well studied. However, the cardiovascular toxicity associated with newer therapies, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, is less well understood.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study of AYA cancer survivors sought to gain insight into their burden of cardiovascular toxicities (CT) following initiation of anthracycline and/or VEGF inhibitor therapy.

METHODS

Data were extracted from electronic medical records over a fourteen-year period at a single institution. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to examine risk factors for CT within each treatment group. Cumulative incidence was calculated with death as a competing risk.

RESULTS

Of the 1,165 AYA cancer survivors examined, 32%, 22%, and 34% of patients treated with anthracycline, VEGF inhibitor, or both, developed CT. Hypertension was the most common outcome reported. Males were at increased risk for CT following anthracycline therapy (HR: 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.73). The cumulative incidence of CT was highest in patients who received both anthracycline and VEGF inhibitor (50% at ten years of follow up).

CONCLUSIONS

CT was common among AYA cancer survivors who received anthracycline and/or VEGF inhibitor therapy. Male sex was an independent risk factor for CT following anthracycline treatment. Further screening and surveillance are warranted to continue understanding the burden of CVD following VEGF inhibitor therapy.

Oxaliplatin-induced cardiotoxicity in mice is connected to the changes in energy metabolism in the heart tissue

Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based alkylating chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer treatment. At high cumulative dosage, the negative effect of oxaliplatin on the heart becomes evident and is linked to a growing number of clinical reports. The aim of this study was to determine how chronic oxaliplatin treatment causes the changes in energy-related metabolic activity in the heart that leads to cardiotoxicity and heart damage in mice. C57BL/6 male mice were treated with a human equivalent dosage of intraperitoneal oxaliplatin (0 and 10 mg/kg) once a week for eight weeks. During the treatment, mice were followed for physiological parameters, ECG, histology and RNA sequencing of the heart. We identified that oxaliplatin induces strong changes in the heart and affects the heart's energy-related metabolic profile. Histological post-mortem evaluation identified focal myocardial necrosis infiltrated with a small number of associated neutrophils. Accumulated doses of oxaliplatin led to significant changes in gene expression related to energy related metabolic pathways including fatty acid (FA) oxidation, amino acid metabolism, glycolysis, electron transport chain, and NAD synthesis pathway. At high accumulative doses of oxaliplatin, the heart shifts its metabolism from FAs to glycolysis and increases lactate production. It also leads to strong overexpression of genes in NAD synthesis pathways such as Nmrk2. Changes in gene expression associated with energy metabolic pathways can be used to develop diagnostic methods to detect oxaliplatin-induced cardiotoxicity early on as well as therapy to compensate for the energy deficit in the heart to prevent heart damage.

Clinicopathological classification of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis: possible refinement by measuring macrophage abundance

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis is associated with high morbidity and mortality. While endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is considered a gold standard for diagnosis, the sensitivity of EMB is not well defined. Additionally, the pathological features that correlate with the clinical diagnosis of ICI-associated myocarditis remain incompletely understood.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified and reviewed the clinicopathological features of 26 patients with suspected ICI-associated myocarditis based on institutional major and minor criteria. Seventeen of these patients underwent EMB, and the histopathological features were assessed by routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for CD68, a macrophage marker.

RESULTS

Only 2/17 EMBs obtained from patients with suspected ICI myocarditis satisfied the Dallas criteria. Supplemental IHC staining and quantification of CD68⁺ macrophages identified an additional 7 patients with pathological features of myocardial inflammation (> 50 CD68⁺ cells/HPF). Macrophage abundance positively correlated with serum Troponin I (P = 0.010) and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, P = 0.047) concentration. Inclusion of CD68 IHC could have potentially changed the certainty of the diagnosis of ICI-associated myocarditis to definite in 6/17 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

While the Dallas criteria can identify a subset of ICI-associated myocarditis patients, quantification of macrophage abundance may expand the diagnostic role of EMB. Failure to meet the traditional Dallas Criteria should not exclude the diagnosis of myocarditis.

In-hospital mortality of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in end-stage kidney disease. A retrospective national population-based cohort study

AIM

Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and end stage kidney disease (ESKD) are independent conditions associated with increased mortality and morbidity, however, whether ESKD is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in HIT admissions is not well studied. Therefore, we aimed to compare in-hospital mortality in HIT admissions based on their ESKD status.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of HIT hospitalizations aged 18 and older using the 2016-2019 national inpatient sample (NIS) database.

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2019 we had 12 161 admissions for HIT among 28 484 087 total hospitalizations. The annual incidence rate for HIT admissions per 100 000 admissions were: 47, 46, 41.1, and 36.6, respectively (p < .001) in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 respectively. Among HIT admissions, the mean age was 64.3 years, 46.8% were females, 68% were Whites and 16% were Blacks. Black patients have a significantly higher likelihood of in-hospital mortality than White patients (aOR 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.48; p = .007). Patients who did not have any insurance or self-pay had higher mortality compared to Medicare (aOR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.38; p = .009). ESKD status was not associated with higher or lower in-hospital mortality among HIT admissions (aOR 1.002; 95% CI: 0.84, 1.19; p = .981) after adjusting for age, sex, race, and insurance status.

CONCLUSION

There are no higher or lower odds of in-hospital mortality in the ESKD subgroup in HIT admissions in adults. Decreasing incidence of HIT hospitalizations was seen over the years from 2016 to 2019.

Recent Advances in Serum Biomarkers for Risk Stratification and Patient Management in Cardio-Oncology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Following significant advancements in cancer therapeutics and survival, the risk of cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity (CTRC) is increasingly recognized. With ongoing efforts to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in cancer patients and survivors, cardiac biomarkers have been studied for both risk stratification and monitoring during and after therapy to detect subclinical disease. This article will review the utility for biomarker use throughout the cancer care continuum.

RECENT FINDINGS

A recent meta-analysis shows utility for troponin in monitoring patients at risk for CTRC during cancer therapy. The role for natriuretic peptides is less clear but may be useful in patients receiving proteasome inhibitors. Early studies explore use of myeloperoxidase, growth differentiation factor 15, galectin 3, micro-RNA, and others as novel biomarkers in CTRC. Biomarkers have potential to identify subclinical CTRC and may reveal opportunities for early intervention. Further research is needed to elucidate optimal biomarkers and surveillance strategies.

Sex-based disparities and in-hospital outcomes of patients hospitalized with atrial fibrillation with and without dementia

Study objective

We sought to evaluate the sex-based disparities and comparative in-hospital outcomes of principal AF hospitalizations in patients with and without dementia, which have not been well-studied.

Design

This is a non-interventional retrospective cohort study.

Setting and participants

We identified principal hospitalizations of AF in the National Inpatient Sample in adults (≥18 years old) between January 2016 and December 2019.

Main outcome measure

In-hospital mortality.

Results

Of 378,230 hospitalized patients with AF, 49.2 % (n = 186,039) were females and 6.1 % (n = 22,904) had dementia. The mean age (SD) was 71 (13) years. Patients with dementia had higher odds of in-hospital mortality {adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.48, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.34, 1.64, p < 0.001} and nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (aOR: 1.60, 95 % CI: 1.04, 2.47, p = 0.032), but they had lower odds of catheter ablation (0.39, 95 % CI: 0.35, 0.43, p < 0.001) and electrical cardioversion (aOR: 0.33, 95 % CI: 0.31, 0.35, p < 0.001). In patients with AF and dementia, compared to males, females had similar in-hospital mortality (aOR: 1.00, 95 % CI: 0.93, 1.07, p = 0.960), fewer gastrointestinal bleeds (aOR: 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.85, 0.99, p = 0.033), lower odds of getting catheter ablation (aOR: 0.79, 95 % CI: 0.76, 0.81, p < 0.001), and less likelihood of getting electrical cardioversion (aOR: 0.78, 95 % CI: 0.76, 0.79, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with AF and dementia have higher mortality and a lower likelihood of getting catheter ablation and electrical cardioversion.

All-cause and In-hospital Mortality after Aspirin Use in Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

With the results of the largest randomized controlled trial (RECOVERY) and the most extensive retrospective cohort study on COVID-19 recently published, we performed a meta-analysis on the association of aspirin with mortality of COVID-19. We aimed to investigate the role of aspirin in COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies from January 1, 2020, until July 20, 2022, that compared aspirin versus non-aspirin use in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We excluded case reports, review articles, and studies on non-hospitalized COVID-19 infections. We used the inverse variance method and random effects model to pool the individual studies.

Results

Ten observational studies and one randomized controlled trial met the criteria for inclusion. There were 136,695 total patients, of which 27,168 were in the aspirin group, and 109,527 were in the non-aspirin group. Aspirin use was associated with a 14% decrease in all-cause mortality compared to non-aspirin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 (RR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76-0.97, P = 0.002, I²= 64%). Among subgroups of studies reporting in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 hospitalizations, aspirin use was associated with a 16% decrease in in-hospital mortality compared to non-aspirin use (RR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71-0.99, P = 0.007, I²= 64%).

Conclusion

Our study shows that aspirin decreases in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Further studies are needed to assess which COVID-19 patient populations benefit most, such as patients on aspirin for primary vs. secondary prevention of atherosclerotic disease. In addition, significant bleeding also needs to be considered when assessing the risk-benefit of aspirin use.

Radiation-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction: Optimizing Radiation Delivery and Postradiation Care

Radiation therapy (RT) is part of standard-of-care treatment of many thoracic cancers. More than 60% of patients receiving thoracic RT may eventually develop radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction (RICD) secondary to collateral heart dose. This article reviews factors contributing to a thoracic cancer patient's risk for RICD, including RT dose to the heart and/or cardiac substructures, other anticancer treatments, and a patient's cardiometabolic health. It is also discussed how automated tracking of these factors within electronic medical record environments may aid radiation oncologists and other treating physicians in their ability to prevent, detect, and/or treat RICD in this expanding patient population.

Distribution of Coronary Artery Calcium by Age, Sex, and Race Among Patients 30-45 Years Old

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a measure of atherosclerotic burden and is well-validated for risk stratification in middle- to older-aged adults. Few studies have investigated CAC in younger adults, and there is no calculator for determining age-, sex-, and race-based percentiles among individuals aged <45 years.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the probability of CAC >0 and develop age-sex-race percentiles for U.S. adults aged 30-45 years.

METHODS

We harmonized 3 datasets-CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), the CAC Consortium, and the Walter Reed Cohort-to study CAC in 19,725 asymptomatic Black and White individuals aged 30-45 years without known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. After weighting each cohort equally, the probability of CAC >0 and age-sex-race percentiles of CAC distributions were estimated using nonparametric techniques.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CAC >0 was 26% among White males, 16% among Black males, 10% among White females, and 7% among Black females. CAC >0 automatically placed all females at >90th percentile. CAC >0 placed White males at the 90th percentile at age 34 years compared with Black males at age 37 years. An interactive webpage allows one to enter an age, sex, race, and CAC score to obtain the corresponding estimated percentile.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of U.S. adults aged 30-45 years without symptomatic atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the probability of CAC >0 varied by age, sex, and race. Estimated percentiles may help interpretation of CAC scores among young adults relative to their age-sex-race matched peers and can henceforth be included in CAC score reporting.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P &lt; 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction: Practical implications

Radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction is a critical healthcare concern facing survivors of thoracic cancers treated with radiation therapy. Despite cardiac-sparing advances in radiation therapy delivery, many patients with thoracic cancers receiving modern radiation therapy will still have incidental radiation exposure to the heart. Therefore, it is imperative that cardiovascular healthcare providers take appropriate measures to prevent, screen, and manage radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction in patients with a history of thoracic radiation therapy. In this review, we aim to provide healthcare providers with foundational information about radiation-induced cardiac pathophysiology and a chronology of advances in radiation technology. Subsequently, we provide an up-to-date review of treatment- and host-related factors that can influence a patient's risk for radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction. Finally, we culminate our discussion by detailing current screening and management guidelines to aid healthcare providers in caring for their patients with a history of thoracic radiation therapy.

Implementing a Machine-Learning-Adapted Algorithm to Identify Possible Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy at an Academic Medical Center

Background:

Wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a frequently under-recognized cause of heart failure (HF) in older patients. To improve identification of patients at risk for the disease, we initiated a pilot program in which 9 cardiac/non-cardiac phenotypes and 20 high-performing phenotype combinations predictive of wild-type ATTR-CM were operationalized in electronic health record (EHR) configurations at a large academic medical center.

Methods:

Inclusion criteria were age >50 years and HF; exclusion criteria were end-stage renal disease and prior amyloidosis diagnoses. The different Epic EHR configurations investigated were a clinical decision support tool (Best Practice Advisory) and operational/analytical reports (Clarity™, Reporting Workbench™, and SlicerDicer); the different data sources employed were problem list, visit diagnosis, medical history, and billing transactions.

Results:

With Clarity, among 45 051 patients with HF, 4006 patients (8.9%) had ⩾1 phenotype combination associated with increased risk of wild-type ATTR-CM. Across all data sources, 2 phenotypes (cardiomegaly; osteoarthrosis) and 2 combinations (carpal tunnel syndrome + HF; atrial fibrillation + heart block + cardiomegaly + osteoarthrosis) generated the highest proportions of patients for wild-type ATTR-CM screening.

Conclusion:

All EHR configurations tested were capable of operationalizing phenotypes or phenotype combinations to identify at-risk patients; the Clarity report was the most comprehensive.

Defining cardiovascular toxicities of cancer therapies: an International Cardio-Oncology Society (IC-OS) consensus statement

The discipline of Cardio-Oncology has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. It is devoted to the cardiovascular (CV) care of the cancer patient, especially to the mitigation and management of CV complications or toxicities of cancer therapies, which can have profound implications on prognosis. To that effect, many studies have assessed CV toxicities in patients undergoing various types of cancer therapies; however, direct comparisons have proven difficult due to lack of uniformity in CV toxicity endpoints. Similarly, in clinical practice, there can be substantial differences in the understanding of what constitutes CV toxicity, which can lead to significant variation in patient management and outcomes. This document addresses these issues and provides consensus definitions for the most commonly reported CV toxicities, including cardiomyopathy/heart failure and myocarditis, vascular toxicity, and hypertension, as well as arrhythmias and QTc prolongation. The current document reflects a harmonizing review of the current landscape in CV toxicities and the definitions used to define these. This consensus effort aims to provide a structure for definitions of CV toxicity in the clinic and for future research. It will be important to link the definitions outlined herein to outcomes in clinical practice and CV endpoints in clinical trials. It should facilitate communication across various disciplines to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients with CV diseases.

Echocardiographic and clinical predictors of cardiac amyloidosis: limitations of apical sparing

Aims

The accuracy of an apical‐sparing strain pattern on transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for predicting cardiac amyloidosis (CA) has varied in prior studies depending on the underlying cohort. We sought to evaluate the performance of apical sparing and other TTE strain findings to screen for CA in an unselected population and determine the frequency that patients with echocardiographic concern for CA undergo evaluation for amyloidosis in clinical practice.

Methods and results

As strain is routinely performed at our institution on all clinical TTEs, we identified all TTEs performed from 2016 through 2019 with reported concern for CA or apical sparing. We determined the performance characteristics for echocardiographic strain findings in discriminating CA including apical sparing, the ejection fraction to global longitudinal strain ratio (EF/GLS), and the septal apical–septal basal ratio (SA/SB); other clinical predictors of confirmed CA; and predictors of patients who underwent complete evaluation for CA. CA was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy or diagnostic cardiac imaging. A total of 547 TTEs, representing 451 patients, reported concern for CA and had adequate strain for analysis. A total of 111 patients underwent complete evaluation for amyloidosis with 100 patients undergoing complete cardiac evaluation for CA. In those 100 patients, multivariable predictors of confirmed CA were age [odds ratio (OR) 3.37 per 5 years], a visual apical‐sparing pattern (OR 10.85), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)/GLS > 4.1 (OR 35.37). CA was less likely in those with coronary artery disease (OR 0.04), hypertension (OR 0.18), and increased systolic blood pressure (OR 0.60 per 5 mm Hg increase). SA/SB [area under the curve (AUC) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.84] and LVEF/GLS (AUC 0.72, 95% CI 0.60–0.84) both had improved discrimination for CA compared with the apical‐sparing ratio (AUC 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.79). Many patients with suggestive TTE findings did not receive an evaluation for amyloidosis. Complete evaluation was more likely with Caucasian race (OR 2.1), increased septal thickness (OR 1.4), increased body mass index (OR 1.2), and if the report specifically stated ‘amyloid’ (OR 1.9). Evaluations were less likely in patients with comorbidities. While hypertension reduced the likelihood of evaluating for CA, 34% of patients with CA had hypertension (>130/80 mm Hg) at time of diagnosis.

Conclusions

In a broad population of patients undergoing TTE, apical sparing on strain imaging increased the likelihood of CA diagnosis but with modest sensitivity and specificity. GLS/EF ratio may be a more reliable tool to screen for CA. The low rate of complete evaluation in patients with concerning TTE findings indicates a strong need for practice improvement and enhanced disease awareness.

Predictors of Coronary Artery Calcium and Long-Term Risks of Death, Myocardial Infarction, and Stroke in Young Adults

Background Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is well-validated for cardiovascular disease risk stratification in middle to older-aged adults; however, the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines state that more data are needed regarding the performance of CAC in low-risk younger adults. Methods and Results We measured CAC in 13 397 patients aged 30 to 49 years without known cardiovascular disease or malignancy between 1997 and 2009. Outcomes of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; MI, stroke, or cardiovascular death), and all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models, controlling for baseline risk factors (including atrial fibrillation for stroke and MACE) and the competing risk of death or noncardiac death as appropriate. The cohort (74% men, mean age 44 years, and 76% with ≤1 cardiovascular disease risk factor) had a 20.6% prevalence of any CAC. CAC was independently predicted by age, male sex, White race, and cardiovascular disease risk factors. Over a mean of 11 years of follow-up, the relative adjusted subhazard ratio of CAC >0 was 2.9 for MI and 1.6 for MACE. CAC >100 was associated with significantly increased hazards of MI (adjusted subhazard ratio, 5.2), MACE (adjusted subhazard ratio, 3.1), stroke (adjusted subhazard ratio, 1.7), and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.1). CAC significantly improved the prognostic accuracy of risk factors for MACE, MI, and all-cause mortality by the likelihood ratio test (P<0.05). Conclusions CAC was prevalent in a large sample of low-risk young adults. Those with any CAC had significantly higher long-term hazards of MACE and MI, while severe CAC increased hazards for all outcomes including death. CAC may have utility for clinical decision-making among select young adults.

Postoperative outcomes in oesophagectomy with trainee involvement

BACKGROUND

The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting.

METHODS

Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups.

RESULTS

Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Cardiovascular Manifestations From Therapeutic Radiation: A Multidisciplinary Expert Consensus Statement From the International Cardio-Oncology Society

Radiation therapy is a cornerstone of cancer therapy, with >50% of patients undergoing therapeutic radiation. As a result of widespread use and improved survival, there is increasing focus on the potential long-term effects of ionizing radiation, especially cardiovascular toxicity. Radiation therapy can lead to atherosclerosis of the vasculature as well as valvular, myocardial, and pericardial dysfunction. We present a consensus statement from the International Cardio-Oncology Society based on general principles of radiotherapy delivery and cardiovascular risk assessment and risk mitigation in this population. Anatomical-based recommendations for cardiovascular management and follow-up are provided, and a priority is given to the early detection of atherosclerotic vascular disease on imaging to help guide preventive therapy. Unique management considerations in radiation-induced cardiovascular disease are also discussed. Recommendations are based on the most current literature and represent a unanimous consensus by the multidisciplinary expert panel.

•

Radiation therapy leads to short- and long-term cardiovascular adverse effects of the vasculature and the heart, including valvular, myocardial, and pericardial disease.

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Computed tomography scans conducted for radiation planning or cancer staging provide an available opportunity to detect asymptomatic atherosclerosis and direct preventive therapies.

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Additional practical screening recommendations for cardiovascular disease based on anatomical exposure are provided.

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There are unique considerations in the management of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease; contemporary percutaneous treatment is often preferred over surgical options.

Past, Present, and Future of Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Refinements in Targeting, Surveillance, and Risk Stratification

Radiation therapy is an important component of cancer therapy for many malignancies. With improvements in cardiac-sparing techniques, radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction has decreased but remains a continued concern. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution of radiotherapy techniques in thoracic cancers and associated reductions in cardiac risk. We also highlight data demonstrating that in some cases radiation doses to specific cardiac substructures correlate with cardiac toxicities and/or survival beyond mean heart dose alone. Advanced cardiac imaging, cardiovascular risk assessment, and potentially even biomarkers can help guide post-radiotherapy patient care. In addition, treatment of ventricular arrhythmias with the use of ablative radiotherapy may inform knowledge of radiation-induced cardiac dysfunction. Future efforts should explore further personalization of radiotherapy to minimize cardiac dysfunction by coupling knowledge derived from enhanced dosimetry to cardiac substructures, post-radiation regional dysfunction seen on advanced cardiac imaging, and more complete cardiac toxicity data.

Interim Analysis of the Phase II Study: Noninferiority Study of Doxorubicin with Upfront Dexrazoxane plus Olaratumab for Advanced or Metastatic Soft-Tissue Sarcoma

PURPOSE

To report the interim analysis of the phase II single-arm noninferiority trial, testing the upfront use of dexrazoxane with doxorubicin on progression-free survival (PFS) and cardiac function in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with metastatic or unresectable STS who were candidates for first-line treatment with doxorubicin were deemed eligible. An interim analysis was initiated after 33 of 65 patients were enrolled. Using the historical control of 4.6 months PFS for doxorubicin in the front-line setting, we tested whether the addition of dexrazoxane affected the efficacy of doxorubicin in STS. The study was powered so that a decrease of PFS to 3.7 months would be considered noninferior. Secondary aims included cardiac-related mortality, incidence of heart failure/cardiomyopathy, and expansion of cardiac monitoring parameters including three-dimensional echocardiography. Patients were allowed to continue on doxorubicin beyond 600 mg/m2 if they were deriving benefit and were not demonstrating evidence of symptomatic cardiac dysfunction.

RESULTS

At interim analysis, upfront use of dexrazoxane with doxorubicin demonstrated a PFS of 8.4 months (95% confidence interval: 5.1-11.2 months). Only 3 patients were removed from study for cardiotoxicity, all on > 600 mg/m2 doxorubicin. No patients required cardiac hospitalization or had new, persistent cardiac dysfunction with left ventricular ejection fraction remaining below 50%. The median administered doxorubicin dose was 450 mg/m2 (interquartile range, 300-750 mg/m2).

CONCLUSIONS

At interim analysis, dexrazoxane did not reduce PFS in patients with STS treated with doxorubicin. Involvement of cardio-oncologists is beneficial for the monitoring and safe use of high-dose anthracyclines in STS.See related commentary by Benjamin and Minotti, p. 3809.

Comparison of short-term outcomes from the International Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA), the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG), and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA)

BACKGROUND

The Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) have set standards in reporting outcomes after oesophagectomy. Reporting outcomes from selected high-volume centres or centralized national cancer programmes may not, however, be reflective of the true global prevalence of complications. This study aimed to compare complication rates after oesophagectomy from these existing sources with those of an unselected international cohort from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA).

METHODS

The OGAA was a prospective multicentre cohort study coordinated by the West Midlands Research Collaborative, and included patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April and December 2018, with 90 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

The OGAA study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. Comparisons with the ECCG and DUCA found differences in baseline demographics between the three cohorts, including age, ASA grade, and rates of chronic pulmonary disease. The OGAA had the lowest rates of neoadjuvant treatment (OGAA 75.1 per cent, ECCG 78.9 per cent, DUCA 93.5 per cent; P < 0.001). DUCA exhibited the highest rates of minimally invasive surgery (OGAA 57.2 per cent, ECCG 47.9 per cent, DUCA 85.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts (OGAA 63.6 per cent, ECCG 59.0 per cent, DUCA 62.2 per cent), with no statistically significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grades (P = 0.752). However, a significant difference in 30-day mortality was observed, with DUCA reporting the lowest rate (OGAA 3.2 per cent, ECCG 2.4 per cent, DUCA 1.7 per cent; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in rates of co-morbidities, oncological treatment strategies, and access to minimal-access surgery, overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts.

Cardiac Amyloidosis for the Primary Care Provider: A Practical Review to Promote Earlier Recognition of Disease

Cardiac amyloidosis is increasingly recognized as an underdiagnosed cause of heart failure. Diagnostic delays of up to 3 years from symptom onset may occur, and patients may be evaluated by more than 5 specialists prior to receiving the correct diagnosis. Newly available therapies improve clinical outcomes by preventing amyloid fibril deposition and are usually more effective in early stages of disease, making early diagnosis essential. Better awareness among primary care providers of the clinical presentation and modern treatment landscape is essential to improve timely diagnosis and early treatment of this disease. In this review, we provide practical guidance on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of transthyretin and light chain cardiac amyloidosis to promote earlier disease recognition among primary care providers.

Cardio-Oncology Education and Training: JACC Council Perspectives

The innovative development of cancer therapies has led to an unprecedented improvement in survival outcomes and a wide array of treatment-related toxicities, including those that are cardiovascular in nature. Aging of the population further adds to the number of patients being treated for cancer, especially those with comorbidities. Such pre-existing and developing cardiovascular diseases pose some of the greatest risks of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Addressing the complex cardiovascular needs of these patients has become increasingly important, resulting in an imperative for an intersecting discipline: cardio-oncology. Over the past decade, there has been a remarkable rise of cardio-oncology clinics and service lines. This development, however, has occurred in a vacuum of standard practice and training guidelines, although these are being actively pursued. In this council perspective document, the authors delineate the scope of practice in cardio-oncology and the proposed training requirements, as well as the necessary core competencies. This document also serves as a roadmap toward confirming cardio-oncology as a subspecialty in medicine.

Cardio-oncology care in the era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: An International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS) statement

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has given rise to a pandemic of unprecedented proportions in the modern era because of its highly contagious nature and impact on human health and society: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and established CV disease (CVD) are among those initially identified at the highest risk for serious complications, including death. Subsequent studies have pointed out that patients with cancer are also at high risk for a critical disease course. Therefore, the most vulnerable patients are seemingly those with both cancer and CVD, and a careful, unified approach in the evaluation and management of this patient population is especially needed in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of the unique implications of the viral outbreak for the field of cardio-oncology and outlines key modifications in the approach to this ever-increasing patient population. These modifications include a shift toward greater utilization of cardiac biomarkers and a more focused CV imaging approach in the broader context of modifications to typical practice pathways. The goal of this strategic adjustment is to minimize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (or other future viral outbreaks) while not becoming negligent of CVD and its important impact on the overall outcomes of patients who are being treated for cancer.

The independent reduction in mortality associated with guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

AIMS

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is underutilized in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, there are no studies evaluating the impact of GDMT adherence on mortality among patients with CAD and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We sought to investigate the association of GDMT adherence with long-term mortality in patients with CAD and HFrEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Surgical Treatment for Ischaemic Heart Failure (STICH) was a trial of patients with an left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% and CAD amenable to coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) who were randomized to CABG plus medical therapy (N = 610) or medical therapy alone (N = 602). Median follow-up time was 9.8 years. We defined GDMT for the treatment of CAD and HFrEF as the combination of at least one antiplatelet drug, a statin, a beta-blocker, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Assessment of the independent association between GDMT and mortality was performed using multivariable Cox regression with GDMT as a time-dependent covariate. In the CABG arm, 63.6% of patients were on GDMT throughout the study period compared to 66.5% of patients in the medical therapy arm (P = 0.3). GDMT was independently associated with a significant reduction in mortality (hazard ratio 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.56-0.76; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

GDMT is associated with reduced mortality in patients with CAD and HFrEF independent of revascularization with CABG. Strategies to improve GDMT adherence in this population are needed to maximize survival.

Plasma Hepatocyte Growth Factor for Diagnosis and Prognosis in Light Chain and Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

BACKGROUND

Delays in diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis are common, usually resulting from nonspecific findings on clinical examination and testing. A discriminatory plasma biomarker could result in earlier diagnosis and improve prognosis assessment.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in light chain and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

METHODS

188 patients with cardiac amyloidosis, amyloidosis without cardiac involvement, or symptomatic heart failure with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) or reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were enrolled prospectively. Serum biomarkers were measured at study enrollment, and all patients with amyloidosis were followed for all-cause mortality, cardiac transplant, or left ventricular assist device implant. Multinomial logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival estimates tested the association of biomarker levels with cardiac amyloidosis and clinical outcomes, respectively. Harrell's C-statistic and the likelihood ratio test compared the prognostic accuracy of plasma biomarkers.

RESULTS

HGF was significantly higher in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (p<0.001). An HGF level of 205 pg/mL discriminated cardiac amyloidosis from LVH and HFrEF with 86% sensitivity, 84% specificity, and an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.94). In patients with amyloidosis, elevated HGF levels were associated with worse event-free survival over a median follow-up period of 2.6 years (p<0.001) with incremental prognostic accuracy over NT-proBNP and troponin-T (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HGF discriminates light chain and transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis from patients with symptomatic HF with LVH or HFrEF, and is associated with worse cardiac outcomes. Confirmation of these findings in a larger, multi-center study enrolling confirmed and suspected cases of cardiac amyloidosis is underway.

Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (Propensity Score) using the Military Health System Data Repository and National Death Index

When randomized controlled trials are not feasible, retrospective studies using big data provide an efficient and cost-effective alternative, though they are at risk for treatment selection bias. Treatment selection bias occurs in a non-randomized study when treatment selection is based on pre-treatment characteristics that are also associated with the outcome. These pre-treatment characteristics, or confounders, can influence evaluation of a treatment's effect on the outcome. Propensity scores minimize this bias by balancing the known confounders between treatment groups. There are a few approaches to performing propensity score analyses, including stratifying by the propensity score, propensity matching, and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). Described here is the use of IPTW to balance baseline comorbidities in a cohort of patients within the US Military Health System Data Repository (MDR). The MDR is a relatively optimal data source, as it provides a contained cohort in which nearly complete information on inpatient and outpatient services is available for eligible beneficiaries. Outlined below is the use of the MDR supplemented with information from the national death index to provide robust mortality data. Also provided are suggestions for using administrative data. Finally, the protocol shares an SAS code for using IPTW to balance known confounders and plot the cumulative incidence function for the outcome of interest.

P3584Optimal medical therapy improves survival in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy: an analysis of the STICH trial

Background

Prior studies have demonstrated underuse of optimal medical therapy (OMT) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after revascularization. However, there are limited studies assessing compliance with OMT on long-term survival in patients with CAD and no studies evaluating the impact of OMT in patients with severe CAD and reduced left ventricular (LV) function. The Surgical Treatment for Ischaemic Heart Failure (STICH) Trial was a randomized clinical trial that compared coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) with medical therapy versus medical therapy alone in the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Purpose

This study sought to determine compliance with OMT over time and the impact of OMT compliance on survival in patients with or without revascularization.

Methods

STICH was a multicenter, randomized clinical trial of patients with an LV ejection fraction of 35% or less and CAD amenable to CABG who were randomized to CABG plus medical therapy (N=610) or medical therapy alone (N=602). A medication history was obtained at hospital discharge or 30 days after enrollment, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years. OMT was defined as the combination of at least 1 antiplatelet drug, a statin, a beta-blocker, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Comparison of mortality between the OMT and non-OMT groups was performed using multivariate Cox regression modeling with OMT as a time-dependent covariate.

Results

Of the 1212 patients randomized, at a median follow-up of 9.8 years, all-cause mortality was 58.9% in the CABG group and 66.1% in the medical therapy group. In the CABG arm, 63.6% of patients were on OMT throughout the study period compared to 66.5% of patients in the medical therapy arm (p=0.3). Those on OMT were younger (59.6 vs. 61.4 years, p<0.001); were more often in NYHA class I-II (67.4% vs. 56%, p<0.001); and lower rates of atrial fibrillation (9.4% vs. 18.1%, p<0.001), current smoking (18.6% vs. 24.5%, p=0.015), and depression (4.8% vs. 8.8%, p=0.005). Those on OMT had higher rates of hyperlipidemia (63.8% vs. 54.4%, p=0.001) and prior myocardial infarction (79.4% vs. 73.1%, p=0.01). There was no difference in sex, diabetes, and hypertension between those on OMT and non-OMT. In multivariate survival analysis, OMT was associated with a significant reduction in mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.81; p<0.001). The treatment effect with OMT (31% relative reduction in mortality over 10 years) was numerically greater than the treatment effect of CABG (24% relative reduction in mortality with CABG versus medical therapy alone).

Conclusions

OMT improves long-term survival in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy regardless of revascularization status. Strategies to improve OMT use and adherence in this population is needed to maximize survival.

Impact of Statins on Cardiovascular Outcomes Following Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

BACKGROUND

Compared with traditional risk factors, coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores improve prognostic accuracy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) outcomes. However, the relative impact of statins on ASCVD outcomes stratified by CAC scores is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to determine whether CAC can identify patients most likely to benefit from statin treatment.

METHODS

The authors identified consecutive subjects without pre-existing ASCVD or malignancy who underwent CAC scoring from 2002 to 2009 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The primary outcome was first major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE), a composite of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The effect of statin therapy on outcomes was analyzed stratified by CAC presence and severity, after adjusting for baseline comorbidities with inverse probability of treatment weights based on propensity scores.

RESULTS

A total of 13,644 patients (mean age 50 years; 71% men) were followed for a median of 9.4 years. Comparing patients with and without statin exposure, statin therapy was associated with reduced risk of MACE in patients with CAC (adjusted subhazard ratio: 0.76; 95% confidence interval: 0.60 to 0.95; p = 0.015), but not in patients without CAC (adjusted subhazard ratio: 1.00; 95% confidence interval: 0.79 to 1.27; p = 0.99). The effect of statin use on MACE was significantly related to the severity of CAC (p < 0.0001 for interaction), with the number needed to treat to prevent 1 initial MACE outcome over 10 years ranging from 100 (CAC 1 to 100) to 12 (CAC >100).

CONCLUSIONS

In a largescale cohort without baseline ASCVD, the presence and severity of CAC identified patients most likely to benefit from statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Coronary Artery Calcium and Long-Term Risk of Death, Myocardial Infarction, and Stroke: The Walter Reed Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the long-term risk of death and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) outcomes, including stroke, in a real-world cohort that underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring.

BACKGROUND

Large-scale, long-term studies assessing the independent relationship of CAC for prediction of ASCVD events, to include stroke, in young, low-risk patients are uncommon outside of the clinical trial setting.

METHODS

A total of 23,637 consecutive subjects without ASCVD who underwent CAC scoring from 1997 to 2009 were studied. Subjects were assessed for myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (e.g., MI, stroke, or cardiovascular death), and all-cause mortality. Outcomes were extracted from the Military Data Repository and the National Death Index and assessed using Cox proportional hazards models, controlling for baseline risk factors, atrial fibrillation, and competing mortality.

RESULTS

Patients (mean age 50.0 ± 8.5 years) were followed over a median of 11.4 years. The relative adjusted subhazard ratio (aSHR) for CAC 1 to 100, 101 to 400, and >400 was 2.2, 3.8, and 5.9 for MI; 1.2, 1.4, and 1.9 for stroke; 1.4, 2.0, and 2.8 for MACE; and 1.2, 1.5 and 2.1 for death (p < 0.0001). The addition of CAC score to risk factors significantly improved the prognostic accuracy for all outcomes by the likelihood ratio test. Area under the curve increased from 0.658 to 0.738 for MI, 0.703 to 0.704 for stroke, 0.685 to 0.705 for MACE, and 0.759 to 0.767 for mortality. Among subjects without traditional risk factors (n = 6,208; mean age 43.8 ± 4.4 years), the presence of any CAC (>0; n = 848) was associated with an increased risk of MACE (aSHR: 1.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.16 to 2.39).

CONCLUSIONS

CAC scoring significantly improved long-term prognostic accuracy for MACE events and mortality, irrespective of age and risk factors. These results support CAC screening for improving individual ASCVD risk assessment and prevention in low-risk, young adults.

Validation of the International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism Bleeding Risk Score

BACKGROUND

Recent guidelines recommend assessing medical inpatients for bleeding risk prior to providing chemical prophylaxis for VTE. The International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism (IMPROVE) bleeding risk score (BRS) was derived from a well-defined population of medical inpatients but it has not been validated externally. We sought to externally validate the IMPROVE BRS.

METHODS

We prospectively collected characteristics on admission and VTE prophylaxis data each hospital day for all patients admitted for a medical illness to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center over an 18-month period. We calculated the IMPROVE BRS for each patient using admission data and reviewed medical records to identify bleeding events.

RESULTS

From September 2009 through March 2011, 1,668 inpatients met the IMPROVE inclusion criteria. Bleeding events occurred during 45 separate admissions (2.7%); 31 events (1.9%) were major and 14 (0.8%) were nonmajor but clinically relevant. Two hundred fifty-six patients (20.7%) had an IMPROVE BRS ≥ 7.0. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a higher cumulative incidence of major (P = .02) and clinically important (major plus clinically relevant nonmajor) (P = .06) bleeding within 14 days in patients with an IMPROVE BRS ≥ 7.0. An IMPROVE BRS ≥ 7.0 was associated with major bleeding in Cox-regression analysis adjusted for administration of chemical prophylaxis (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-5.9; P = .03); there was a trend toward a significant association with clinically important bleeding (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 0.9-3.7; P = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

The IMPROVE BRS calculated at admission predicts major bleeding in medical inpatients. This model may help assess the relative risks of bleeding and VTE before chemoprophylaxis is administered.

Quantifying the impact of environmental variables upon catch per unit effort of the blue shark Prionace glauca in the western English Channel

The effect of environmental variables on blue shark Prionace glauca catch per unit effort (CPUE) in a recreational fishery in the western English Channel, between June and September 1998-2011, was quantified using generalized additive models (GAMs). Sea surface temperature (SST) explained 1·4% of GAM deviance, and highest CPUE occurred at 16·7° C, reflecting the optimal thermal preferences of this species. Surface chlorophyll a concentration (CHL) significantly affected CPUE and caused 27·5% of GAM deviance. Additionally, increasing CHL led to rising CPUE, probably due to higher productivity supporting greater prey biomass. The density of shelf-sea tidal mixing fronts explained 5% of GAM deviance, but was non-significant, with increasing front density negatively affecting CPUE. Time-lagged frontal density significantly affected CPUE, however, causing 12·6% of the deviance in a second GAM and displayed a positive correlation. This outcome suggested a delay between the evolution of frontal features and the subsequent accumulation of productivity and attraction of higher trophic level predators, such as P. glauca.

Thromboprophylaxis and VTE rates in soldiers wounded in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

OBJECTIVES

US soldiers suffer catastrophic injuries during combat. We sought to define risk factors and rates for VTE in this population.

METHODS

We gathered data each hospital day on all patients injured in Afghanistan or Iraq who were admitted to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC). We analyzed prophylaxis rates and efficacy and identified risk factors for VTE.

RESULTS

We recorded data on 506 combat casualties directly admitted to WRAMC after medical air evacuation. The average injury severity score for the group was 18.4 ± 11.7, and the most common reason for air evacuation was injury by improvised explosive device (65%). As part of the initial resuscitation, patients received 4.7 ± 9.0 and 4.00 ± 7.8 units of packed RBCs and fresh frozen plasma, respectively, and 42 patients received factor VIIa. Forty-six patients (9.1%) were given a diagnosis of VTE prior to discharge, 18 (3.6%) during air evacuation, and 28 (5.5%) during the hospital stay. In Cox regression analysis, administration of 1 unit of packed RBCs was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.04 (95% CI, 1.02-1.07; P = .002), and enoxaparin, 30 mg bid, administered subcutaneously for the majority of hospital days was associated with a HR of 0.31 (95% CI, 0.11-0.86; P = .02) for VTE during the hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who suffer traumatic injuries in combat overseas are at high risk for VTE during evacuation and recovery. Those with large resuscitations are at particularly high risk, and low-molecular-weight heparin is associated with a decrease in VTE.

The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR): a novel imaging score for prognostication in cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

Anecdotally, liver size is important in determining prognosis in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD).

AIMS

To assess if a ratio of liver area and abdominal area on cross-sectional imaging could accurately predict mortality in ESLD.

METHODS

A retrospective-prospective cohort study was performed on patients with ESLD in a training set. The censor point used was date of patient death or liver transplant (LT). The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) was calculated using the formula {LAAR = [liver area (cm(2))/abdominal area (cm(2))] × 100}. A validation set was collected from a different institution.

RESULTS

Three hundred and sixteen patients were identified. Complete imaging and survival data were available in 158 subjects, 100 male (63%). The LAAR score detected progression to death/LT in our cohort (P < 0.003). Its prognostic accuracy at 90, 360 and 720 days, using the optimal cut-off (32.1), from baseline CT date to death/LT using the log-rank test was P = 0.28, P = 0.06 (OR 1.347, 95% CI 0.94-1.94) and P < 0.0001 (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.25-2.85) respectively. On multivariate analysis, LAAR (P = 0.008), MELD (P = 0.004) and MELD-Na (P = 0.03) were independently associated with the primary study outcome measurement at 720 days. The validation set of 52 patients confirmed the utility of the LAAR to determine risk of death or need for LT, AUROC 0.89 (0.78-0.97), and P < 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

The liver to abdominal area ratio (LAAR) score offers a new paradigm in disease modelling in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and offers prognostic accuracy at 2 years from computer tomography (CT) imaging.

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease

BACKGROUND

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) is a possible disease modifying therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, which is also known as motor neuron disease (MND)).

OBJECTIVES

To examine the efficacy of rhIGF-I in affecting disease progression, impact on measures of functional health status, prolonging survival and delaying the use of surrogates (tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation) to sustain survival in ALS. Occurrence of adverse events was also reviewed.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Disease Group Specialized Register (21 November 2011), CENTRAL (2011, Issue 4), MEDLINE (January 1966 to November 2011) and EMBASE (January 1980 to November 2011) and sought information from the authors of randomised clinical trials and manufacturers of rhIGF-I.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered all randomised controlled clinical trials involving rhIGF-I treatment of adults with definite or probable ALS according to the El Escorial Criteria. The primary outcome measure was change in Appel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Rating Scale (AALSRS) total score after nine months of treatment and secondary outcome measures were change in AALSRS at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 months, change in quality of life (Sickness Impact Profile scale), survival and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Each author independently graded the risk of bias in the included studies. The lead author extracted data and the other authors checked them. We generated some missing data by making ruler measurements of data in published graphs. We collected data about adverse events from the included trials.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of rhIGF-I, involving 779 participants, for inclusion in the analysis. In a European trial (183 participants) the mean difference (MD) in change in AALSRS total score after nine months was -3.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) -8.68 to 2.08). In a North American trial (266 participants), the MD after nine months was -6.00 (95% CI -10.99 to -1.01). The combined analysis from both RCTs showed a MD after nine months of -4.75 (95% CI -8.41 to -1.09), a significant difference in favour of the treated group. The secondary outcome measures showed non-significant trends favouring rhIGF-I. There was an increased risk of injection site reactions with rhIGF-I (risk ratio 1.26, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.54). . A second North American trial (330 participants) used a novel primary end point involving manual muscle strength testing. No differences were demonstrated between the treated and placebo groups in this study. All three trials were at high risk of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis revealed a significant difference in favour of rhIGF-I treatment; however, the quality of the evidence from the two included trials was low. A third study showed no difference between treatment and placebo. There is no evidence for increase in survival with IGF1. All three included trials were at high risk of bias.