Dubious effect of the high biventricular paced beats percentage itself on the cardiac resynchronization efficacy in patients with atrial fibrillation. The randomized Pilot-CRAfT Study results

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Cardiology statutory grant

Background

The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients is common and AF is a marker of poorer CRT response. The negative influence of AF on CRT efficacy is belived to be mediated mainly by the drop of effectively captured biventricular paced beats percentage (BiVp%). According to observational trials, the minimal BiVp associated with better outcomes is 95-98%, however there is lack of randomized trials to confirm this findings.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of BiVp% itself on the clinical outcomes in the population CRT patients with atrial fibrillation in a prospective, randomized cohort.

Methods

The study included the prospective Pilot-CRAfT study participants that is patients with CRT and permanent or persistent AF lasting for ≥6 months that were randomly assigned to rhythm or rate control strategy. We divided the whole study population according to their BiVp at the 12 month follow-up with two borderline BiVp values (BiVp >98% vs <98% and >95% vs <95%) and analysed the echocardiographic indices, exercise tolerance and quality of life between the prespecified groups.

Results

The study included 43 CRT patients (97,7% males) aged 68,4 (SD: ±8,3) years with mean BiVp% 82,4% ±9,7% at baseline. The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were: 30 ±8%, 65 ±8 mm, 14 ±5 mL/(kg*min), respectively. In both of the study arms the BiVp% raised significantly reaching 98,1 ±2,3% and 96,3 ±3,9% in the rhythm control and the rate control arms respectively (P=0,093). As a result the were overall 21 patients with BiVp >98% and 29 patients with BiVp >95% at the end of the study. The BiVp groups >98% vs <98% and >95% vs <95% did not differ as to baseline characteristics and we have not observed any differences in the mean LVEF, mean LVEDD, mean VO2max, and quality of life in the prespecified BiVp% groups at the end of the follow up. Moreover no linear correlations between the BiVp% and LVEF, LVEDD, VO2max values were observed. However, in the rate control group patients with AVNA performed had lower LVEDD at the end of the study (57,7 ±3,0 vs 65,4 ±7,0 p=0,007) and significant decrease in the LVEDD after AVNA was observed (-8,6 95%CI [-14,9; -2,3]).

Conclusions

The BiVp >98% or >95% alone does not seem to warrant good response to cardiac resynchronization in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation as assessed in the prospective randomized cohort. However, performing AVNA in this group of patients may be beneficial in terms of LVEDD decrease.

Last before-death transmission in patients with heart failure and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator followed by remote monitoring - insights from the COMMIT-HF registry

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background 

Remote monitoring (RM) of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) in patients with heart failure allows to regularly analyze the devices" and patients" conditions. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this study was evaluation of the ultimate transmissions sent before death in patients monitored remotely. 

Methods 

The last transmissions delivered by the devices in patients enrolled into COMMIT-HF Registry (NCT02536443) who died when monitored remotely have been retrospectively analysed. The characteristics and contents of the transmissions and clinical reactions undertaken have been obtained from the RM systems of four major RM providers. 

Results 

Of 1,306 patients with CIEDs who were enrolled at the RM programme in our centre, 267 died and their last transmission occurred less than 90 days before death, of which 133 (49.8%) were scheduled and 134 (50.2%) alert-triggered. The median period between transmission and death was 31 days for scheduled and 8 days for alert-triggered transmissions. The most frequent alert-triggered transmissions were atrial fibrillation/flutter (35.8%) and ventricular tachyarrhythmias (24.6%). A clinical reaction has been undertaken after 9.8% of planned and 67.1% of alert-triggered transmissions and consisted mainly of telephone consultations and referrals for hospital admissions. 

Conclusions 

This is the first analysis of the ultimate transmissions delivered by CIEDs before death. In approximately 50% of patients, the last transmission has been alert-triggered. Hence, an appropriate organization of the RM facility, which should immediately analyse and react to the transmission, seems mandatory to obtain clinical benefit in patients with HF and RM. Causes of alerts and clinical reactionsCause of alertAll alert-triggered transmissions (N = 134)AF/AFL episode, n (%)48 (35.8%)Ventricular tachycardia, n (%)18 (13.4%)Ventricular fibrillation, n (%)15 (11.2%)Biventricular pacing percentage reduction, n (%)15 (11.2%)Others38 (28.3%)Congestion monitor indications, n (%)14 (10.4%)Clinical reactionPlanned transmission (N = 133)Alert-triggered transmission (N = 134)Telephone consultation10 (7.5%)58 (43.2%)Referral to the GP or outpatient specialist clinic visit2 (1.5%)12 (8.9%)Referral for hospital admission1 (0.7%)18 (13.4%)Pharmacotherapy modificationN/A2 (1.5%)Abstract Figure.

Rhythm or rate control strategy in CRT recipients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation - preliminary results of the PilotCRAfT study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw Statutory Grant

Background

The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients is common and AF is a marker of poorer CRT response. The negative influence of AF on CRT efficacy is mediated mainly by the drop of the effectively captured biventricular paced beats percentage (BiVp%) which should exceed 95-98% to warrant good CRT response.  Sinus rhythm (SR) restoration may improve CRT efficacy which in turn may protect AF recurrence. However, there is lack of randomized studies comparing rhythm and rate control strategies in these patients.

Purpose

The purpose of the Pilot-CRAfT study (NCT01850277) was to compare the efficacy of rhythm vs rate control strategy in CRT patients with long-standing persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation.

Methods

The study included patients with CRT and permanent or persistent AF lasting for ≥6 months, resulting in BiVp% <95%, who were randomly assigned to rhythm or rate control strategy. The rhythm control strategy comprised of external electrical cardioversion (EEC). The rate control strategy included pharmacotherapy and atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) as needed. Both of the study arms received amiodarone. The follow-up lasted 12 months. The primary endpoint was the 12-month BiVp%. The patients underwent ECHO, cardiopulmonary test, quality of live (QoL) and clinical outcomes assessment.  

Results

The study included 43 CRT patients (97,7% males) aged 68,4 (SD: ±8,3) years with mean BiVp% 82,4% ±9,7% at baseline. The mean duration of AF paroxysm was 25 ±19 months. The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrium area and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were: 30 ±8%, 33 ±7 cm2, 14 ±5 mL/(kg*min), respectively. The EEC was performed in 19 out of 22 patients assigned to the rhythm control arm. The immediate success rate of EEC was 58%. 42% of  the rhythm control arm patients remained in SR after 12 months. In the rate control group 1 person underwent AVNA and in 1 patient spontaneous SR resumption was observed. After 12 months there was significant BiVp% increase in both the rhythm and the rate control arms (98,1 ±2,3 vs 96,3 ±3,9%, respectively. The BiVp% differences between the groups were not significant (P = 0,093). However, in the per protocol analysis, the rhythm control group had greater LVEF after 12 months as opposed to the rate control arm (36,8% vs 29,9% respectively, P = 0,039). The LVEF raised significantly in the rhythm control group (ΔLVEF 5,0 (95%CI: 1,54; 8,46)). No significant differences between the groups in the VO2max, QoL, clinical and safety end-points were noticed.

Conclusions

Structured follow-up of CRT patients with long-standing persistent or permanent AF leads to significant BiVp% increase exceeding 95%. The rate control strategy did not improve CRT effectivness, irrespective of high BiVp%. However limited in the efficacy, the rhythm control strategy may improve CRT outcome in these patients, resulting in LVEF increase.

P429The efficacy of electrical cardioversion of long-standing persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation in cardiac resynchronization therapy recipients

Funding Acknowledgements

Institute of Cardiology statutory grant (grant no.: 2.30/VII/13)

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) often co-exist and influence each other. The presence of AF is often regarded as a marker of HF severity.  Moreover, AF in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) recipients hinders the CRT effectiveness in HF treatment by the reduction of the percentage of biventricular paced beats (BiVp%). Sinus rhythm (SR) restoration makes CRT more effective in HF treatment which may protect AF recurrence.

Purpose

To establish the effectiveness of electrical external cardioversion (EEC) in CRT patients with long-standing persistent AF or permanent, pre-treated with amiodarone.

Methods

The population of the study comprised of the Pilot-CRAfT study participants (NCT01850277), that is patients with CRT, long-standing persistent or considered as permanent AF and BiVp ≤ 95% who were randomly assigned to the "rhythm control" or the "rate control" strategy. The inclusion criteria included an AF paroxysm lasting at least 6 months. Both treatment arms received amiodarone beginning with the loading dose. Subsequently, patients assigned to the rhythm control strategy underwent electrical cardioversion. Rate control strategy included pharmacotherapy and atrioventricular node ablation, as needed. The follow up visit was performed 3 months after the enrolment visit. The EEC effectiveness, an AF recurrence within the 3 month period, BiVp% changes, the EEC parameters  and the EEC related complications were analysed.

Results

Out of 48 participants enrolled in the Pilot-CRAfT study, 25 patients were assigned to the rhythm control arm. The mean age of the rhythm control arm patients was 69,5 years , the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 30,6% , the mean left atrium diameter was 53 mm and the median duration of persistent AF was 16 months. SR was obtained in 12 out of 20 (60%) patients who underwent the EEC . On the 3 month visit 8 patients remained in SR (40%). In patients with an AF paroxysm lasting less than 1 year the success rate was 100% vs 50% in the AF lasting 1 year at least (p = 0,11 ). After 3 months, SR remained in 100% vs 25% of patients, respectively (p =0,015.).  The effectiveness of anterior-posterior EEC electrodes placement was 20% and it was 71% for the anterior-lateral patch location . The EEC resulted in significant BiVp% rise - also in the whole intention-to-treat (ITT) group:  88,58%  before the EEC vs 96,68% after the EEC  (p = 0,002). No severe adverse events of the EEC were observed.

Conclusions

The electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation lasting more than 6 months in patients with severe HF and treated with CRT is characterised by modest success rate, even after the amiodarone pre-treatment. However, the ECC ensures significant rise in BiVp% close to 97%, even in the whole EEC group based on the ITT principle. The AF paroxysm duration <1 year and the anterior-posterior patch placement may ensure better EEC efficacy in this group of patients.

P956Management of coronary artery disease in elderly patients with ischemic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction - insights from the COMMIT-HF study

Background

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most important global health problems in developed and ageing societies. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common etiologic factor, related to poor outcomes. Data on CAD management in HF is scarce, especially when addressing subpopulations often omitted in randomized trials, such as the elderly.

Purpose

With a large cohort of HF patients (n=2730) we have decided to assess the clinical profile, treatment modalities and outcomes in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We analyzed a large single-center all-comer registry of HF patients (left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF≤35%) treated in a large-volume cardiovascular center (2009–2015). Acute coronary syndromes on admission were excluded. Patients with ischemic etiology were selected for further analysis (n=1703) and subsequently divided into the elderly (≥75 y.o., n=346) and young (<75 y.o., n=1357) subgroups.

Results

The elderly group had understandably a worse clinical profile (mean age 79,1±3,5 vs 61,2±8,2, p<0,001; male 75,2 vs 85,4%, p<0,001; NYHA III & IV 60,3 vs 49,6%, p=0,07; diabetes 50,3 vs 44,9%, p=0,07; AF 35,8 vs 22,0%; p≤0,001; anemia 52,6 vs 36,7%, p<0,001; chronic kidney disease stage III-V 54,1 vs 28,9%, p<0,001; severe mitral insufficiency 13,3 vs 8,7%, p=0,01; history of myocardial infarction 68,8 vs 67,4%, p=0,62).ICD or CRT-D were implanted less frequently in the elderly (56,1 vs 68,5%; p<0,001). Echo analysis revealed significantly better LVEF (27,95,3± vs 25,9±6,0%, p<0,001) and less ventricular dilation (LVEDV 159±61 vs 205±82 ml, p<0,001).

Coronary angiography was performed frequently in both groups (78,6 vs 74,9%, p=0,15). Significant lesions were observed in 73,5 and 65,0% of cases respectively (p=0,008). The elderly were insignificantly less frequently qualified for CABG (9,0 vs 12,5%, p=0,17). Proportion of patients qualified for medical management of CAD was similar (23,5 vs 20,7%, p=0,40). PCI was performed frequently in both groups (59,5 vs 57,9%, p=0,69), often as multi-vessel procedures (34,4 vs 32,4%, p=0,67). There was a trend towards more complete revascularization in the younger patients (50,0 vs 59,5%, p=0,06). 12-month all-cause mortality was significantly higher in the elderly (20,3 vs 7,8%, p<0,001). Periprocedural compilications were very low and comparable (bleeding and/or need for transfusion, stroke and myocardial infarction). PCI itself was not a factor influencing long term outcomes (HR 0,75, 95% CI 0,51–1,1, p=0,15). Cox regression analysis revealed that prior stroke, ejection fraction, ICD and beta-blockers were the factors influencing survival (figure 1).

Conclusions

The analysis shows that PCI is a viable treatment option in the elderly population and when indicated can be performed safely, with good short and long term results. Interventions such as ICD implantation or optimal medical therapy of HF should always be considered.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None