Compared Performance of the 2023 Duke-International Society for Cardiovascular Infectious Diseases, 2000 Modified Duke, and 2015 European Society of Cardiology Criteria for the Diagnosis of Infective Endocarditis in a French Multicenter Prospective Cohort

BACKGROUND

The 2023 Duke-International Society for Cardiovascular Diseases (ISCVID) criteria for infective endocarditis (IE) were proposed as an updated diagnostic classification of IE. Using an open prospective multicenter cohort of patients treated for IE, we compared the performance of these new criteria to that of the 2000 Modified Duke and 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) criteria.

METHODS

Cases of patients treated for IE between January 2017 and October 2022 were adjudicated as certain IE or not. Each case was also categorized as either definite or possible/rejected within each classification. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were estimated with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Of the 1194 patients analyzed (mean age, 66.1 years; 71.2% males), 414 (34.7%) had a prosthetic valve and 284 (23.8%) had a cardiac implanted electronic device (CIED); 946 (79.2%) were adjudicated as certain IE; 978 (81.9%), 997 (83.5%), and 1057 (88.5%) were classified as definite IE in the 2000 modified Duke, 2015 ESC, and 2023 Duke-ISCVID criteria, respectively. The sensitivity of each set of criteria was 93.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.6-94.8), 95.0% (95% CI, 93.7-96.4), and 97.6% (95% CI, 96.6-98.6), respectively (P < .001 for all 2-by-2 comparisons). Corresponding specificity rates were 61.3% (95% CI, 55.2-67.4), 60.5% (95% CI, 54.4-66.6), and 46.0% (95% CI, 39.8-52.2), respectively. In patients without CIED, sensitivity rates were 94.8% (95% CI, 93.2-96.4), 96.5% (95% CI, 95.1-97.8), and 97.7% (95% CI, 96.6-98.8); specificity rates were 59.0% (95% CI, 51.6-66.3), 56.6% (95% CI, 49.3-64.0), and 53.8% (95% CI, 46.3-61.2), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the 2023 Duke-ISCVID criteria had a significantly higher sensitivity but a significantly lower specificity compared with older criteria. This decreased specificity was mainly attributable to patients with CIED.

Cardiogenic shock and chronic kidney disease: Dangerous liaisons

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, closely interrelated with cardiovascular diseases, ultimately leading to the failure of both organs - the so-called "cardiorenal syndrome". Despite this burden, data related to cardiogenic shock outcomes in CKD patients are scarce.

METHODS

FRENSHOCK (NCT02703038) was a prospective registry involving 772 patients with cardiogenic shock from 49 centres. One-year outcomes (rehospitalization, death, heart transplantation, ventricular assist device) were analysed according to history of CKD at admission and were adjusted on independent predictive factors.

RESULTS

CKD was present in 164 of 771 patients (21.3%) with cardiogenic shock; these patients were older (72.7 vs. 63.9years) and had more comorbidities than those without CKD. CKD was associated with a higher rate of all-cause mortality at 1month (36.6% vs. 23.2%; hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.9; P=0.04) and 1year (62.8% vs. 40.5%, hazard ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.77; P<0.01). Patients with CKD were less likely to be treated with norepinephrine/epinephrine or undergo invasive ventilation or receive mechanical circulatory support, but were more likely to receive renal replacement therapy (RRT). RRT was associated with a higher risk of all-cause death at 1month and 1year regardless of baseline CKD status.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiogenic shock and CKD are frequent "cross-talking" conditions with limited therapeutic options, resulting in higher rates of death at 1month and 1year. RRT is a strong predictor of death, regardless of preexisting CKD. Multidisciplinary teams involving cardiac and kidney physicians are required to provide integrated care for patients with failure of both organs.

Sex disparities in cardiogenic shock: Insights from the FRENSHOCK registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe form of acute heart failure. Discrepancies have been reported between sexes regarding delays, pathways and invasive strategies in CS complicating acute myocardial infarction. However, effect of sex on the prognosis of unselected CS remains controversial.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to analyze the impact of sex on aetiology, management and prognosis of CS.

METHODS

The FRENSHOCK registry included all CS admitted in 49 French Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU) between April and October 2016.

RESULTS

Among the 772 CS patients included, 220 were women (28.5%). Women were older, less smokers, with less history of ischemic cardiac disease (20.5% vs 33.6%) than men. At admission, women presented less cardiac arrest (5.5 vs 12.2%), less mottling (32.5 vs 41.4%) and higher LVEF (30 ± 14 vs 25 ± 13%). Women were more often managed via emergency department while men were directly admitted at ICU/ICCU. Ischemia was the most frequent trigger irrespective of sex (36.4% in women vs 38.2%) but women had less coronary angiogram and PCI (45.9% vs 54% and 24.1 vs 31.3%, respectively). We found no major difference in medication and organ support. Thirty-day mortality (26.4 vs 26.5%), transplant or permanent assist device were similar in both sexes.

CONCLUSION

Despite some more favorable parameters in initial presentation and no significant difference in medication and support, women shared similar poor prognosis than men. Further analysis is required to cover the lasting gap in knowledge regarding sex specificities to distinguish between differences and inequalities. NCT02703038.

Optimal Heart Failure Medical Therapy and Mortality in Survivors of Cardiogenic Shock: Insights From the FRENSHOCK Registry

BACKGROUND

The effects of pharmacological therapy on cardiogenic shock (CS) survivors have not been extensively studied. Thus, this study investigated the association between guideline-directed heart failure (HF) medical therapy (GDMT) and one-year survival rate in patients who are post-CS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FRENSHOCK (French Observatory on the Management of Cardiogenic Shock in 2016) registry was a prospective multicenter observational survey, conducted in metropolitan French intensive care units and intensive cardiac care units. Of 772 patients, 535 patients were enrolled in the present analysis following the exclusion of 217 in-hospital deaths and 20 patients with missing medical records. Patients with triple GDMT (beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) at discharge (n=112) were likely to have lower left ventricular ejection fraction on admission and at discharge compared with those without triple GDMT (n=423) (22% versus 28%, P<0.001 and 29% versus 37%, P<0.001, respectively). In the overall cohort, the one-year mortality rate was 23%. Triple GDMT prescription was significantly associated with a lower one-year all-cause mortality compared with non-triple GDMT (adjusted hazard ratio 0.44 [95% CI, 0.19-0.80]; P=0.007). Similarly, 2:1 propensity score matching and inverse probability treatment weighting based on the propensity score demonstrated a lower incidence of one-year mortality in the triple GDMT group. As the number of HF drugs increased, a stepwise decrease in mortality was observed (log rank; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In survivors of CS, the one-year mortality rate was significantly lower in those with triple GDMT. Therefore, this study suggests that intensive HF therapy should be considered in patients following CS.

Characteristics, management, and mid-term prognosis of older adults with cardiogenic shock admitted to intensive care units: Insights from the FRENSHOCK registry

BACKGROUND

The incidence of heart failure and cardiogenic shock (CS) in older adults is continually increasing due to population aging. To date, prospective data detailing the specific characteristics, management and outcomes of CS in this population are scarce.

METHODS

FRENSHOCK is a prospective registry including 772 CS patients from 49 centers. We studied 1-month and 1-year mortality among patients over 75-year-old, adjusted for independent predictors of 1-month and 1-year mortalities.

RESULTS

Out of 772 patients included, 236 (30.6%) were 75 years old or more (mean age 81.9 ± 4.7 years, 63.6% male). Compared to patients <75 years old, older adults had a higher prevalence of comorbidities including hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and history of heart disease. Older adults were characterized by a lower blood pressure, as well as higher creatinine and lower haemoglobin levels at presentation. Yet, they were less likely to be treated with norepinephrine, epinephrine, invasive ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. They showed a higher 1-month (aHR: 2.5 [1.86-3.35], p < 0.01) and 1-year mortality (aHR: 2.01 [1.58-2.56], p < 0.01). Analysis of both 1-month and 1-year mortality stratified by age quartiles showed a gradual relationship between aging and mortality in CS patients.

CONCLUSION

A third of patient with CS in critical care unit are older than 75 years and their risk of death at one month and one year is more than double compared to the younger ones. Further research is essential to identify best therapeutic strategy in this population. NCT02703038.

Characteristics, management, and outcomes of active cancer patients with cardiogenic shock

AIMS

Characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with active cancer admitted for cardiogenic shock remain largely unknown. This study aimed to address this issue and identify the determinants of 30-day and 1-year mortality in a large cardiogenic shock cohort of all aetiologies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicenter observational registry conducted in French critical care units between April and October 2016. 'Active cancer' was defined as a malignancy diagnosed within the previous weeks with planned or ongoing anticancer therapy. Among the 772 enrolled patients (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male), 51 (6.6%) had active cancer. Among them, the main cancer types were solid cancers (60.8%), and hematological malignancies (27.5%). Solid cancers were mainly urogenital (21.6%), gastrointestinal (15.7%), and lung cancer (9.8%). Medical history, clinical presentation, and baseline echocardiography were almost the same between groups. In-hospital management significantly differed: patients with cancers received more catecholamines or inotropes (norepinephrine 72% vs. 52%, P = 0.005 and norepinephrine-dobutamine combination 64.7% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.005), but had less mechanical circulatory support (5.9% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.016). They presented a similar 30-day mortality rate (29% vs. 26%) but a significantly higher mortality at 1-year (70.6% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, active cancer was not associated with 30-day mortality but was significantly associated with 1-year mortality in 30-day survivors [HR 3.61 (1.29-10.11), P = 0.015].

CONCLUSION

Active cancer patients accounted for almost 7% of all cases of cardiogenic shock. Early mortality was the same regardless of active cancer or not, whereas long-term mortality was significantly increased in patients with active cancer.

Pancreas: An Organ-at-Risk to Consider in Future Pediatric Abdominal Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Irradiation to the pancreas during pediatric radiotherapy is associated with secondary late effects, yet the pancreas is not typically considered an organ-at-risk (OAR) during radiotherapy planning. This audit investigated incidental pancreatic doses to estimate the relative risk (RR) of developing diabetes in later life.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Incidental pancreas doses were audited from 92 patients aged 2 to 19 historically treated with photons for craniospinal irradiation (CSI, N = 73) and for abdominal neuroblastoma (N = 19). Prescription doses ranged 21-36 Gy and 21-39 Gy (with boost to spine up to 50 Gy) for neuroblastoma and CSI patients, respectively. The pancreas was segmented on all planning CT scans following RTOG guidelines. Furthermore, the pancreas was split into its sub-volumes (head, body and tail) for abdominal cases only, since these scans were acquired with contrast enhancement. The RR of developing subsequent diabetes was estimated as a function of dose (D): RR = 1+0.65 × D × exp(-0.3 × D). Dose to the pancreas tail was used for neuroblastoma cases, whereas dose to the whole pancreas was used for CSI patients given that the pancreas could not be split in non-contrast scans.

RESULTS

The mean dose delivered to the whole pancreas was 15.4±7.5 Gy for all patients, 12.7±4.7 Gy for CSI patients and 25.9±7.4 Gy for abdominal patients. Pancreas V10Gy was 61.2% for all patients, 51.5% for CSI, and 98.6% for abdominal patients; V30Gy = 0% in all cases. These doses represented an estimated diabetes RR of 7.3±1.5, 6.6±1.3, and 8.7±0.6, respectively; RR>5 in 88%, 85% and 100% of all patients, CSI and abdominal patients audited, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Current incidental doses were associated with a diabetes RR>5 in all patients treated for abdominal neuroblastoma and the majority who received CSI. These findings suggest the pancreas should be routinely delineated and considered as an OAR in radiotherapy planning. This may help to identify higher risk patients and inform late-effect monitoring during survivorship. Further work in underway to assess if proton therapy could reduce the RR of diabetes particularly in abdominal cases. Improved availability of high-quality imaging during radiotherapy planning, such as contrast administration or planning MRI, is becoming more necessary to accurately delineate subsegments of the pancreas for improved RR estimations.

Evaluation of Radiotherapy Dose and Survival Outcomes for Teenagers, and Young Adults with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in UK and Ireland

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) follows a bimodal distribution with a smaller incidence peak in teenagers and young adults (TYAs). In TYAs, an over-whelming proportion are associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). We have evaluated the variation in TYA NPC practice patterns across the UK and Ireland, along with survival outcomes.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We performed a multicenter, observational cohort study, of patients aged 13-25 years, with histologically confirmed NPC, treated between the years 2002-2022. An initial expression of interest was sent to selected centers treating H&N patients in the UK and Ireland. For analysis, patients were assessed based on total prescribed dose, with a cut off for low dose (LD) (≤61.2Gy) versus a high dose (HD)(>61.2Gy).

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients, from 9 centers, were eligible for inclusion. Patient demographics are shown in table1. At a median follow up of 45 months (IQR 23-111), 3-year overall survival (OS) was 98% (95% CI 93%-100%) with LD versus 91% (95% CI 83%-99%) with HD (Hazard ratio (HR) = 3.0; 95% CI 0.3-27, p = 0.3). 3-year progression free survival (PFS) was 84% (95% CI 71%-97%) with LD versus 83% (95% CI 72%-94%) with HD (HR 1.3; 95% CI 0.4-4.0, p = 0.6), and 5-year PFS was 84% (95% CI 71%-97%) with LD versus 83% (95% CI 72%-94%) with HD (HR 1.3; 95% CI 0.4-4.0, p = 0.6). Incidence of distant metastasis (DM) was 9.9%. 2 patients (6%) with T3-T4 tumors, treated with LD, had locoregional failure (LRF) compared to 1 patient (3%) treated with HD.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated excellent survival outcomes for the UK & Ireland TYA NPC patients. As the majority of cases in this age group have EBV+ NPC, with survival similar between LD and HD protocols, we propose that pediatric protocols, with lower radiotherapy doses should be considered for all TYA NPC, with the aim of reducing late effects. Additional analysis to better understand the impact of heterogeneity between both groups, including choice of protocol, induction and adjuvant treatment will follow this study. Prospective evaluation, as part of an international collaboration, is required to optimize the management strategy for this rare cohort of patients.

Development of Population-Based Pediatric Computational Phantoms for Radiotherapy Applications

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Age-specific pediatric computational phantoms are used in radiotherapy (RT) for quality assurance and for reconstruction of historical RT doses (within others). Phantoms are typically developed from healthy patients and may not effectively represent those with cancer due to pathology and/or treatment effects. This study evaluated a set of population-based pediatric computational phantoms developed in-house in terms of anatomical plausibility.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Planning CTs and contours from historical craniospinal irradiation (CSI) patients (n = 74, median age 7y, range: 1-17y) were used to generate and evaluate a set of in-house age-specific population-based RT phantoms (RT-P). The RT-P were generated by combining a sub-set of clinical CTs and contours through groupwise deformable image registration, generating average models of CSI sub-populations (n = 74, median age 7y, range: 3-14y). Models were then compared against clinical data and two libraries of phantoms representing healthy populations: the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) pediatric reference computational phantoms (n = 8, median age 8y, range: 1-15y) and a variety of default 4D extended cardiac torso (XCAT) phantoms (n = 75, median age 9y, range: 1-18y). Variation between organ volumes for the different datasets was assessed through a linear fit of organ volume with age, reporting the slope (∑) of each fit [y-1]. Average difference between the volume datapoints and the linear fit for clinical data (Δ) [%] were also reported. This allowed for comparisons of the RT-P to clinical and reference data in terms of organ volumes across developmental stages.

RESULTS

The table shows 9 of the 19 investigated organs. The ∑ reported for RT-P models were of similar magnitude as the clinical data and other phantoms, effectively modelling changes with age. The greatest and least ∑ were reported from lungs and thyroid respectively, in agreement with expected relative sizes between organs. Larger values for Δ were likely due to differences in organ filling and segmentation strategy between datasets, limitations of RT-P methodology, and/or anatomical differences between healthy and cancer populations.

CONCLUSION

The RT-P models show promise in representing the RT cohort that may benefit from specialized anatomical phantoms. Further work is needed to address the limitations of the current methodology and its applicability to other RT cohorts.

Mottling as a prognosis marker in cardiogenic shock

AIMS

Impact of skin mottling has been poorly studied in patients admitted for cardiogenic shock. This study aimed to address this issue and identify determinants of 30-day and 1-year mortality in a large cardiogenic shock cohort of all etiologies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicenter observational registry conducted in French critical care units between April and October, 2016. Among the 772 enrolled patients (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male), 660 had skin mottling assessed at admission (85.5%) with almost 39% of patients in cardiogenic shock presenting mottling. The need for invasive respiratory support was significantly higher in patients with mottling (50.2% vs. 30.1%, p < 0.001) and likewise for the need for renal replacement therapy (19.9% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.09). However, the need for mechanical circulatory support was similar in both groups. Patients with mottling at admission presented a higher length of stay (19 vs. 16 days, p = 0.033), a higher 30-day mortality rate (31% vs. 23.3%, p = 0.031), and also showed significantly higher mortality at 1-year (54% vs. 42%, p = 0.003). The subgroup of patients in whom mottling appeared during the first 24 h after admission had the worst prognosis at 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Skin mottling at admission in patients with cardiogenic shock was statistically associated with prolonged length of stay and poor outcomes. As a perfusion-targeted resuscitation parameter, mottling is a simple, clinical-based approach and may thus help to improve and guide immediate goal-directed therapy to improve cardiogenic shock patients' outcomes.

One-year outcomes in cardiogenic shock triggered by supraventricular tachycardia: an analysis of the FRENSHOCK multicenter prospective registry

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the most severe form of heart failure (HF), resulting in high early and long-term mortality. Characteristics of CS secondary to supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) are poorly reported. Based on a large registry of unselected CS, we aimed to compare 1-year outcomes between SVT-triggered and non-SVT-triggered CS.

Methods

FRENSHOCK is a French prospective registry including 772 CS patients from 49 centers. For each patient, the investigator could report 1-3 CS triggers from a pre-established list (ischemic, mechanical complications, ventricular/supraventricular arrhythmia, bradycardia, iatrogenesis, infection, non-compliance, and others). In this study, 1-year outcomes [rehospitalizations, mortality, heart transplantation (HTx), ventricular assist devices (VAD)] were analyzed and adjusted for independent predictive factors.

Results

Among 769 CS patients included, 100 were SVT-triggered (13%), of which 65 had SVT as an exclusive trigger (8.5%). SVT-triggered CS patients exhibited a higher proportion of male individuals with a more frequent history of cardiomyopathy or chronic kidney disease and more profound CS (biventricular failure and multiorgan failure). At 1 year, there was no difference in all-cause mortality (43% vs. 45.3%, adjusted HR 0.9 (95% CI 0.59-1.39), p = 0.64), need for HTx or VAD [10% vs. 10%, aOR 0.88 (0.41-1.88), p = 0.74], or rehospitalizations [49.4% vs. 44.4%, aOR 1.24 (0.78-1.98), p = 0.36]. Patients with SVT as an exclusive trigger presented more 1-year rehospitalizations [52.8% vs. 43.3%, aOR 3.74 (1.05-10.5), p = 0.01].

Conclusion

SVT is a frequent trigger of CS alone or in association in more than 10% of miscellaneous CS cases. Although SVT-triggered CS patients were more comorbid with more pre-existing cardiomyopathies and HF incidences, they presented similar rates of mortality, HTx, and VAD at 1 year, arguing for a better overall prognosis.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT02703038.

Overview of the current use of levosimendan in France: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Following the results of randomized controlled trials on levosimendan, French health authorities requested an update of the current use and side-effects of this medication on a national scale.

METHOD

The France-LEVO registry was a prospective observational cohort study reflecting the indications, dosing regimens, and side-effects of levosimendan, as well as patient outcomes over a year.

RESULTS

The patients included (n = 602) represented 29.6% of the national yearly use of levosimendan in France. They were treated for cardiogenic shock (n = 250, 41.5%), decompensated heart failure (n = 127, 21.1%), cardiac surgery-related low cardiac output prophylaxis and/or treatment (n = 86, 14.3%), and weaning from veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 82, 13.6%). They received 0.18 ± 0.07 µg/kg/min levosimendan over 26 ± 8 h. An initial bolus was administered in 45 patients (7.5%), 103 (17.1%) received repeated infusions, and 461 (76.6%) received inotropes and or vasoactive agents concomitantly. Hypotension was reported in 218 patients (36.2%), atrial fibrillation in 85 (14.1%), and serious adverse events in 17 (2.8%). 136 patients (22.6%) died in hospital, and 26 (4.3%) during the 90-day follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed that levosimendan was used in accordance with recent recommendations by French physicians. Hypotension and atrial fibrillation remained the most frequent side-effects, while serious adverse event potentially attributable to levosimendan were infrequent. The results suggest that this medication was safe and potentially associated with some benefit in the population studied.

Cardiogenic shock in adults with congenital heart disease: Insights from the FRENSHOCK registry

BACKGROUND

Data on cardiogenic shock in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD) are scarce.

AIM

We sought to describe cardiogenic shock in ACHD patients in a nationwide cardiogenic shock registry.

METHODS

From the multicentric FRENSHOCK registry (772 patients with cardiogenic shock from 49 French centres between April and October 2016), ACHD patients were compared with adults without congenital heart disease (non-ACHD). The primary outcome was defined by all-cause mortality, chronic ventricular assist device or heart transplantation at 1year.

RESULTS

Out of the 772 patients, seven (0.9%) were ACHD, who were younger (median age: 56 vs. 67years), had fewer cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension (14.3% vs. 47.5%) and diabetes (14.3% vs. 28.3%), and no previous ischaemic cardiopathy (0 vs. 61.5%). Right heart catheterization (57.1% vs. 15.4%), pacemakers (28.6% vs. 4.6%) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (28.6% vs. 4.8%) were indicated more frequently in the management of ACHD patients compared with non-ACHD patients, whereas temporary mechanical circulatory support (0 vs. 18.7%) and invasive mechanical ventilation (14.3% vs. 38.1%) were less likely to be used in ACHD patients. At 1year, the primary outcome occurred in 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 42.1-99.6) ACHD patients and 52.3% (95% confidence interval: 48.7-55.9) non-ACHD patients. Although 1-year mortality was not significantly different between ACHD patients (42.9%) and non-ACHD patients (45.4%), ventricular assist devices and heart transplantation tended to be more frequent in the ACHD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiogenic shock in ACHD patients is rare, accounting for only 0.9% of an unselected cardiogenic shock population. Despite being younger and having fewer co-morbidities, the prognosis of ACHD patients with cardiogenic shock remains severe, and is similar to that of other patients.

A National Referral Service for Paediatric Brachytherapy: An Evolving Practice and Outcomes Over 13 Years

AIMS

Most children requiring radiotherapy receive external beam treatment and few have tumours suitable for brachytherapy. No paediatric radiotherapy centre will treat enough patients from its own normal catchment population for expertise in brachytherapy to be developed and sustained. Following discussion and agreement in the national paediatric radiotherapy group, a service for paediatric brachytherapy in the UK has been developed. We report the process that has evolved over more than 10 years, with survival and functional outcome results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Since 2009, potential patients have been referred to the central paediatric oncology multidisciplinary team meeting, where imaging, pathology and treatment options are discussed. Since 2013, the National Soft Tissue Sarcoma Advisory Panel has also reviewed most patients, with the principal aim of advising on the most suitable primary tumour management for complex patients. Clinical assessment and examination under anaesthetic with biopsies may be undertaken to confirm the appropriateness of brachytherapy, either alone or following conservative surgery. Fractionated high dose rate brachytherapy was delivered to a computed tomography planned volume after implantation of catheters under ultrasound imaging guidance. Since 2019, follow-up has been in a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic.

RESULTS

From 2009 to 2021 inclusive, 35 patients (16 female, 19 male, aged 8 months to 17 years 6 months) have been treated. Histology was soft-tissue sarcoma in 33 patients and carcinoma in two. The treated site was pelvic in 31 patients and head and neck in four. With a median follow-up of 5 years, the local control and overall survival rates are 100%. Complications have been few, and functional outcome is good.

CONCLUSION

Brachytherapy is effective for selected paediatric patients, resulting in excellent tumour control and good functional results. It is feasible to deliver paediatric brachytherapy at a single centre within a national referral service.

Predictive value of the TRI-SCORE for in-hospital mortality after redo isolated tricuspid valve surgery

OBJECTIVES

The TRI-SCORE reliably predicts in-hospital mortality after isolated tricuspid valve surgery (ITVS) on native valve but has not been tested in the setting of redo interventions. We aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the TRI-SCORE for in-hospital mortality in patients with redo ITVS and to compare its accuracy with conventional surgical risk scores.

METHODS

Using a mandatory administrative database, we identified all consecutive adult patients who underwent a redo ITVS at 12 French tertiary centres between 2007 and 2017. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were collected from chart review and surgical scores were calculated.

RESULTS

We identified 70 patients who underwent a redo ITVS (54±15 years, 63% female). Prior intervention was a tricuspid valve repair in 51% and a replacement in 49%, and was combined with another surgery in 41%. A tricuspid valve replacement was performed in all patients for the redo surgery. Overall, in-hospital mortality and major postoperative complication rates were 10% and 34%, respectively. The TRI-SCORE was the only surgical risk score associated with in-hospital mortality (p=0.005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the TRI-SCORE was 0.83, much higher than for the logistic EuroSCORE (0.58) or EuroSCORE II (0.61). The TRI-SCORE was also associated with major postoperative complication rates and survival free of readmissions for heart failure.

CONCLUSION

Redo ITVS was rarely performed and was associated with an overall high in-hospital mortality and morbidity, but hiding important individual disparities. The TRI-SCORE accurately predicted in-hospital mortality after redo ITVS and may guide clinical decision-making process (www.tri-score.com).

One-year outcomes in cardiogenic shock triggered by ventricular arrhythmia: An analysis of the FRENSHOCK multicenter prospective registry

Background

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a life-threatening condition carrying poor prognosis, potentially triggered by ventricular arrhythmia (VA). Whether the occurrence of VA as trigger of CS worsens the prognosis compared to non-VA triggers  remains  unclear.  The  aim  of  this  study  was  to  evaluate  1-year  outcomes [mortality, heart transplantation, ventricular assist devices (VAD)] between VA-triggered and non-VA-triggered CS.

Methods

FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicenter registry including 772 CS patients from 49 centers. One to three triggers can be identified in the registry (ischemic, mechanical complications, ventricular/supraventricular arrhythmia, bradycardia, iatrogenesis, infection, non-compliance). Baseline characteristics, management and 1-year outcomes were analyzed according to the VA-trigger in the CS population.

Results

Within 769 CS patients included, 94 were VA-triggered (12.2%) and were compared to others. At 1 year, although there was no mortality difference [42.6 vs. 45.3%, HR 0.94 (0.67-1.30), p = 0.7], VA-triggered CS resulted in more heart transplantations and VAD (17 vs. 9%, p = 0.02). Into VA-triggered CS group, though there was no 1-year mortality difference between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies [42.5 vs. 42.6%, HR 0.97 (0.52-1.81), p = 0.92], non-ischemic cardiomyopathy led to more heart transplantations and VAD (25.9 vs. 5%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

VA-triggered CS did not show higher mortality compared to other triggers but resulted in more heart transplantation and VAD at 1 year, especially in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, suggesting the need for earlier evaluation by advanced heart failure specialized team for a possible indication of mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT02703038.

P-066 ABDOMINAL WALL RECONSTRUCTION FOLLOWING FULL THICKNESS BILATERAL RUPTURE OF THE RECTUS ABDOMINIS

Introduction

Rupture of the rectus abdominis is rare injury with no consensus on management. Previous reported cases have been due to exercise-related injuries and blunt abdominal trauma. We report the case of a 20-year-old male trainee paratrooper who presented with severe lower abdominal pain that occurred during military training. MRI revealed full-thickness bilateral rupture of the rectus abdominis. Abdominal wall reconstruction involved bilateral rectus muscle repair and placement of a biosynthetic mesh in the retrorectus plane. Postoperatively, our patient could walk pain-free at 3 weeks, jog pain-free at 10 weeks, and run up to 2 miles at 25 weeks.

Methods

Pubmed, Medline and Embase were searched to identify relevant studies using the MeSH terms, “rectus abdominis” and “rupture”, as well as their free text counterparts and synonyms. Texts were restricted to publications in English and publications after the year 2000. The search resulted in 391 articles. Manual cross-referencing was performed, limiting the included articles to 8 for review.

Results

6 out of the 8 selected articles discussed management using conservative means, while only 2 cases were managed surgically. Interestingly, no other exercise-related cases in the literature were managed surgically. Instead, all exercise related cases were managed conservatively, while only cases of traumatic aetiology were managed surgically. Among both surgically and conservatively treated patients, none suffered any treatment related complications, and all patients returned to normal levels of activity.

Conclusion

Full-thickness, bilateral rupture of the rectus abdominis can occur during exercise. Surgical and conservative treatment yield similar results.

Vasoplegic Syndrome after Cardiac Surgery for Infective Endocarditis

Purpose: Post-operative vasoplegic syndrome is a dreaded complication in infective endocarditis (IE). Methods and Results: This retrospective study included 166 consecutive patients referred to cardiac surgery for non-shocked IE. Post-operative vasoplegic syndrome was defined as a persistent hypotension (mean blood pressure < 65 mmHg) refractory to fluid loading and cardiac output restoration. Cardiac surgery was performed 7 (5−12) days after the beginning of antibiotic treatment, 4 (1−9) days after negative blood culture and in 72.3% patients with adapted anti-biotherapy. Timing of cardiac surgery was based on ESC guidelines and operating room availability. Most patients required valve replacement (80%) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration was 106 (95−184) min. Multivalvular surgery was performed in 43 patients, 32 had tricuspid valve surgery. Post-operative vasoplegic syndrome was reported in 53/166 patients (31.9%, 95% confidence interval of 24.8−39.0%) of the whole population; only 15.1% (n = 8) of vasoplegic patients had a post-operative documented infection (6 positive blood cultures) and no difference was reported between vasoplegic and non-vasoplegic patients for valve culture and the timing of cardiac surgery. Of the 23 (13.8%) in hospital-deaths, 87.0% (n = 20) occurred in the vasoplegic group and the main causes of death were multiorgan failure (n = 17) and neurological complications (n = 3). Variables independently associated with vasoplegic syndrome were CPB duration (1.82 (1.16−2.88) per tertile) and NTproBNP level (2.11 (1.35−3.30) per tertile). Conclusions: Post-operative vasoplegic syndrome is frequent and is the main cause of death after IE cardiac surgery. Our data suggested that the mechanism of vasoplegic syndrome was more related to inflammatory cardiovascular injury rather than the consequence of ongoing bacteremia.

602 Using Plastic Surgery Techniques in Abdominal Wall Surgery

Complex Abdominal Wall Hernias (CAWH) present a huge challenge to surgeons and patients often requiring Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR). AWR aims to restore abdominal wall anatomy, improve function, and reduce the risk of future herniation. Plastic surgery techniques can be used including primary closure, skin grafts, flaps, tissue expansion and small bite, small stitch technique. Below are two cases where some of these techniques were utilised.

Case 1

LC is a 65 y/o female with CAWH. Her gastric band became infected requiring a laparotomy for perforation of gastroesophageal junction. She subsequently had primary open repair of abdominal hernia using Permacol. It became infected requiring 5 debridements and application of a VAC device. Her hernia was a Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) grade 3 at 10cm×16cm. Her CAWH was repaired using a Rives-Stoppa technique and a Surgimend mesh. The epigastric component of her wound was closed using a superiorly based local rhomboid flap and a Prevena VAC dressing.

Case 2

KH is a 37 y/o female with a para-ileal conduit skin granuloma that was painful and refractory to other treatments such as silver nitrate and steroid topical treatments. She had excision of the area of granulation and her wound was closed using a local advancement flap taking account of previous scars raised and a prevena VAC dressing.

Discussion

CAWH requiring AWR is a complex operation benefiting from plastic surgical specialists. Plastic surgical techniques can help with closure of the abdominal wall and reduce complication rates including wound infections and incisional hernia.

Baseline characteristics, management, and predictors of early mortality in cardiogenic shock: insights from the FRENSHOCK registry

Aims

Published data on cardiogenic shock (CS) are scarce and are mostly focused on small registries of selected populations. The aim of this study was to examine the current CS picture and define the independent correlates of 30 day mortality in a large non‐selected cohort.

Methods and results

FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicentre observational survey conducted in metropolitan French intensive care units and intensive cardiac care units between April and October 2016. There were 772 patients enrolled (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male). Of these patients, 280 (36.3%) had ischaemic CS. Organ replacement therapies (respiratory support, circulatory support or renal replacement therapy) were used in 58.3% of patients. Mortality at 30 days was 26.0% in the overall population (16.7% to 48.0% depending on the main cause and first place of admission). Multivariate analysis showed that six independent factors were associated with a higher 30 day mortality: age [per year, odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–1.08], diuretics (OR 1.74, 95% CI: 1.05–2.88), circulatory support (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.12–3.29), left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.40–3.29), norepinephrine (OR 2.55, 95% CI: 1.69–3.84), and renal replacement therapy (OR 2.72, 95% CI: 1.65–4‐49).

Conclusions

Non‐ischaemic CS accounted for more than 60% of all cases of CS. CS is still associated with significant but variable short‐term mortality according to the cause and first place of admission, despite frequent use of haemodynamic support, and organ replacement therapies.

Diuretic vs. placebo in intermediate-risk acute pulmonary embolism: a randomized clinical trial

AIMS

The role of diuretics in patients with intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) is controversial. In this multicentre, double-blind trial, we randomly assigned normotensive patients with intermediate-risk PE to receive either a single 80 mg bolus of furosemide or a placebo.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eligible patients had at least a simplified PE Severity Index (sPESI) ≥1 with right ventricular dysfunction. The primary efficacy endpoint assessed 24 h after randomization included (i) absence of oligo-anuria and (ii) normalization of all sPESI items. Safety outcomes were worsening renal function and major adverse outcomes at 48 hours defined by death, cardiac arrest, mechanical ventilation, or need of catecholamine. A total of 276 patients underwent randomization; 135 were assigned to receive the diuretic, and 141 to receive the placebo. The primary outcome occurred in 68/132 patients (51.5%) in the diuretic and in 49/132 (37.1%) in the placebo group (relative risk = 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.61; P = 0.021). Major adverse outcome at 48 h occurred in 1 (0.8%) patients in the diuretic group and 4 patients (2.9%) in the placebo group (P = 0.19). Increase in serum creatinine level was greater in diuretic than placebo group [+4 µM/L (-2; 14) vs. -1 µM/L (-11; 6), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

In normotensive patients with intermediate-risk PE, a single bolus of furosemide improved the primary efficacy outcome at 24 h and maintained stable renal function. In the furosemide group, urine output increased, without a demonstrable improvement in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, or arterial oxygenation.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02268903.

688 Cancellation Rate of Prostate Template Biopsy: Are There Any Merits to Implementing Pre-Operative Bowel Preparations?

Introduction

The aim of this quality improvement project was to analyse the cancellation rates of the template biopsy done at the George Eliot Hospital. The focus was mainly on those due to poor bowel prep whereby manual evacuations have failed. Locally we have sometimes noted the failure rate of transperineal prostate biopsy as a result of the poor quality of the ultrasound due to inadequately evacuated rectum. Unfortunately, there are very limited studies which have looked into this issue hence the significance of this problem is not universally acknowledged.

Method

Retrospective review of all the template biopsies that were planned from April 2019 to April 2020 using the operation notes and local theatre management software.

Results

There was a total of 105 planned template biopsies from April 2019 to April 2020. 72 cases were attempted and within this, 7 of these cases required manual evacuations in which 3 resulted in abandonment of procedure. There were 33 cases which were cancelled due various other reasons.

Conclusions

The results showed that the failure rates due to poor bowel prep were not significant (4%). Based on these findings we have decided not to proceed with the implementation of pre-operative bowel prep with phosphate enema as we felt that the potential benefits were not enough for it be initiated as a routine practice. We aim to address the other reasons identified for cancellations.

Severe Heart Failure Associated With Tachycardia-Induced Cardiomyopathy Due to Incessant Atrioventricular Re-Entrant Tachycardia

Short RP interval atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardias do not typically present as an incessant form. We present 2 cases of incessant atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardias leading to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy with severe heart failure presentation in middle-aged adults. Both underwent accessory pathway ablation and recovered normal left ventricle function before hospital discharge. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Timing of aortic valve replacement in high-gradient severe aortic stenosis: impact of left ventricular ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Patients with high-gradient (HG) severe aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction are at high risk of death. The optimal timing for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is not defined by guidelines. The objective was to define the optimal timing to perform isolated AVR in patients with HG-AS and severe LV dysfunction.

METHODS

We retrospectively included 233 consecutive patients admitted for severe HG-AS (aortic valve area <1cm² and mean gradient ≥40mmHg). Severe LV dysfunction was defined by LV ejection fraction ≤35% (LVEF). All-cause mortality while waiting for AVR and after the intervention (30 days) was compared in patients with (n = 28) and without (n = 205) LVEF ≤35%.

RESULTS

Patients with HG-AS and severe LV dysfunction had a higher risk profile than those with LVEF >35%. AVR was performed in 93% (218/233) of patients, 41% by surgery (SAVR) and 53% by transcatheter (TAVR). TAVR was the preferred method to treat HG-AS patients with LVEF ≤35%. All-cause mortality while waiting for AVR was higher in patients with severe LV dysfunction (22% vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001) and occurred within a shorter time (12 [8-26] days vs. 63 [58-152] days, p = 0.010) compared to those with LVEF >35%. All death in HG-AS patients with a severe LV dysfunction occurred within the first month. Postoperative mortality was low (1.3%), irrespective of LVEF.

CONCLUSIONS

AVR should be performed promptly after Heart Team decision in patients with HG severe AS and LVEF ≤35% because of a very high and premature risk of death while waiting for intervention.

Microdiversity of Enterococcus faecalis isolates in cases of infective endocarditis: selection of non-synonymous mutations and large deletions is associated with phenotypic modifications

Context: Today, infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Enterococcus faecalis represents 10% of all IE and is marked by its difficult management and the frequency of relapses. Although the precise reasons for that remain to be elucidated, the evolution of the culprit strain under selective pressure through microdiversification could be, at least in part, involved. Material and methods: To further study the in situ genetic microdiversity and its possible phenotypic manifestations in E. faecalis IE, we sequenced and compared multiple isolates from the valves, blood culture and joint fluid of five patients who underwent valvular surgery. Growth rate and early biofilm production of selected isolates were also compared. Results: By sequencing a total of 58 E. faecalis genomes, we detected a considerable genomic microdiversity, not only among strains from different anatomical origins, but also between isolates from the same studied cardiac valves. Interestingly, deletions of thousands of bases including the well-known virulence factors ebpA/B/C, and srtC, as well as other large prophage sequences containing genes coding for proteins implicated in platelet binding (PlbA and PlbB) were evidenced. The study of mutations helped unveil common patterns in genes related to the cell cycle as well as central metabolism, suggesting an evolutionary convergence in these isolates. As expected, such modifications were associated with a significant impact on the in-vitro phenotypic heterogeneity, growth, and early biofilm production. Conclusion: Genome modifications associated with phenotypic variations may allow bacterial adaptation to both antibiotic and immune selective pressures, and thus promote relapses.

Continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory support during COVID-19 pandemic: a frugal approach from bench to bedside

BACKGROUND

We describe a frugal approach (focusing on needs, performance, and costs) to manage a massive influx of COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) using the Boussignac valve protected by a filter ("Filter Frugal CPAP", FF-CPAP) in and out the ICU.

METHODS

(1) A bench study measured the impact of two filters with different mechanical properties on CPAP performances, and pressures were also measured in patients. (2) Non-ICU healthcare staff working in COVID-19 intermediate care units were trained with a video tutorial posted on a massive open online course. (3) A clinical study assessed the feasibility and safety of using FF-CPAP to maintain oxygenation and manage patients out of the ICU during a massive outbreak.

RESULTS

Bench assessments showed that adding a filter did not affect the effective pressure delivered to the patient. The resistive load induced by the filter variably increased the simulated patient's work of breathing (6-34%) needed to sustain the tidal volume, depending on the filter's resistance, respiratory mechanics and basal inspiratory effort. In patients, FF-CPAP achieved pressures similar to those obtained on the bench. The massive training tool provided precious information on the use of Boussignac FF-CPAP on COVID-19 patients. Then 85 COVID-19 patients with ICU admission criteria over a 1-month period were studied upon FF-CPAP initiation for AHRF. FF-CPAP significantly decreased respiratory rate and increased SpO₂. Thirty-six (43%) patients presented with respiratory indications for intubation prior to FF-CPAP initiation, and 13 (36%) of them improved without intubation. Overall, 31 patients (36%) improved with FF-CPAP alone and 17 patients (20%) did not require ICU admission. Patients with a respiratory rate > 32 breaths/min upon FF-CPAP initiation had a higher cumulative probability of intubation (p < 0.001 by log-rank test).

CONCLUSION

Adding a filter to the Boussignac valve does not affect the delivered pressure but may variably increase the resistive load depending on the filter used. Clinical assessment suggests that FF-CPAP is a frugal solution to provide a ventilatory support and improve oxygenation to numerous patients suffering from AHRF in the context of a massive outbreak.

Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Era of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Registry of the French Group of Acute Cardiac Care

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to report clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection who were referred for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during the peak of the pandemic in France.

METHODS

We included all consecutive patients referred for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-STEMI (NSTEMI) during the first 3 weeks of April 2020 in 5 university hospitals (Paris, south, and north of France), all performing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

RESULTS

The study included 237 patients (67 ± 14 years old; 69% male), 116 (49%) with STEMI and 121 (51%) with NSTEMI. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2-associated ACS was 11% (n = 26) and 11 patients had severe hypoxemia on presentation (mechanical ventilation or nasal oxygen > 6 L/min). Patients were comparable regarding medical history and risk factors, except a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus in SARS-CoV-2 patients (53.8% vs 25.6%; P = 0.003). In SARS-CoV-2 patients, cardiac arrest on admission was more frequent (26.9% vs 6.6%; P < 0.001). The presence of significant coronary artery disease and culprit artery occlusion in SARS-CoV-2 patients respectively, was 92% and 69.4% for those with STEMI, and 50% and 15.5% for those with NSTEMI. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed in the same percentage of STEMI (84.6%) and NSTEMI (84.8%) patients, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but no-reflow (19.2% vs 3.3%; P < 0.001) was greater in SARS-CoV-2 patients. In-hospital death occurred in 7 SARS-CoV-2 patients (5 from cardiac cause) and was higher compared with noninfected patients (26.9% vs 6.2%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this registry, ACS in SARS-CoV-2 patients presented with high a percentage of cardiac arrest on admission, high incidence of no-reflow, and high in-hospital mortality.

A structured pathway for developing your complex abdominal hernia service: our York pathway

PURPOSE

Clinical pathways are widely prevalent in health care and may be associated with increased clinical efficacy, improved patient care, streamlining of services, while providing clarity on patient management. Such pathways are well established in several branches of healthcare services but, to the authors' knowledge, not in complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR). A stepwise, structured and comprehensive approach to managing complex abdominal wall hernia (CAWH) patients, which has been successfully implemented in our practice, is presented.

METHODS

A literature search of common databases including Embase® and MEDLINE® for CAWH pathways identified no comprehensive pathway. We therefore undertook a reiterative process to develop the York Abdominal Wall Unit (YAWU) through examination of current evidence and logic to produce a pragmatic redesign of our own pathway. Having introduced our pathway, we then performed a retrospective analysis of the complexity and number of abdominal wall cases performed in our trust over time.

RESULTS

We describe our pathway and demonstrate that the percentage of cases and their complexity, as defined by the VHWG classification, have increased over time in York Abdominal Wall Unit.

CONCLUSION

A structured pathway for complex abdominal wall hernia service is one way to improve patient experience and streamline services. The relevance of pathways for the hernia surgeon is discussed alongside this pathway. This may provide a useful guide to those wishing to establish similar personalised pathways within their own units and allow them to expand their service.

Clinical spectrum of ischaemic arterial diseases associated with COVID-19: a series of four illustrative cases

Background

Severe coronavirus-induced disease 2019 (COVID-19) leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome with an increased risk of venous thrombo-embolic events. To a much lesser extent, arterial thrombo-embolic events have also been reported in this setting.

Case summary

Here, we describe four different cases of COVID-19 infection with ischaemic arterial events, such as a myocardial infarction with high thrombus load, ischaemic stroke on spontaneous thrombosis of the aortic valve, floating thrombus with mesenteric, splenic and renal infarction, and acute limb ischaemia.

Discussion

Cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are comorbidities most frequently found in patients with a severe COVID-19 infection and are associated with a higher death rate. Our goal is to provide an overview of the clinical spectrum of ischaemic arterial events that may either reveal or complicate COVID-19. Several suspected pathophysiological mechanisms could explain the association between cardiovascular events and COVID-19 (role of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, endothelial dysfunction, activation of coagulation cascade leading to a hypercoagulability state, virus-induced secondary antiphospholipid syndrome). We need additional studies of larger size, to estimate the incidence of these arterial events and to assess the efficacy of anticoagulation therapy.

[SARS-COV-2 myocarditis. An update]

The outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 disease has given rise to a new disease whose boundaries are still to be discovered. While the first data suggested a purely respiratory infection, the most recent publications highlight a large pleomorphism of the disease, responsible for multiple organ damage, of which cardiac injury seems to be the most represented. This cardiac injury can present as acute myocarditis. Our aim was to discuss the pathophysiological rationale underlying the existence of SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis and to analyze the literature data regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this particular entity.

Predictive value of premature atrial complex characteristics in pulmonary vein isolation for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Premature atrial complexes from pulmonary veins are the main triggers for atrial fibrillation in the early stages. Thus, pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. However, the success rate remains perfectible.

AIM

To assess whether premature atrial complex characteristics before catheter ablation can predict pulmonary vein isolation success in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

We investigated consecutive patients who underwent catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation from January 2013 to April 2017 in two French centres. Patients were included if they were treated with pulmonary vein isolation alone, and had 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram data before catheter ablation available and a follow-up of≥6 months. Catheter ablation success was defined as freedom from any sustained atrial arrhythmia recurrence after a 3-month blanking period following catheter ablation.

RESULTS

One hundred and three patients were included; all had an acute successful pulmonary vein isolation procedure, and 34 (33%) had atrial arrhythmia recurrences during a mean follow-up of 30±15 months (group 1). Patients in group 1 presented a longer history of atrial fibrillation (71.9±65.8 vs. 42.9±48.4 months; P=0.008) compared with those who were "free from arrhythmia" (group 2). Importantly, the daily number of premature atrial complexes before catheter ablation was significantly lower in group 1 (498±1413 vs. 1493±3366 in group 2; P=0.028). A daily premature atrial complex cut-off number of<670 predicted recurrences after pulmonary vein isolation (41.1% vs. 13.3%; sensitivity 88.2%; specificity 37.7%; area under the curve 0.635; P=0.017), and was the only independent predictive criterion in the multivariable analysis (4-fold increased risk).

CONCLUSION

Preprocedural premature atrial complex analysis on 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation may improve patient selection for pulmonary vein isolation.

Time-to-treatment initiation of colchicine and cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction in the Colchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT)

AIMS

The COLchicine Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial (COLCOT) demonstrated the benefits of targeting inflammation after myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to determine whether time-to-treatment initiation (TTI) influences the beneficial impact of colchicine.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In COLCOT, patients were randomly assigned to receive colchicine or placebo within 30 days post-MI. Time-to-treatment initiation was defined as the length of time between the index MI and the initiation of study medication. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, MI, stroke, or urgent hospitalization for angina requiring coronary revascularization. The relationship between endpoints and various TTI (<3, 4-7 and >8 days) was examined using multivariable Cox regression models. Amongst the 4661 patients included in this analysis, there were 1193, 720, and 2748 patients, respectively, in the three TTI strata. After a median follow-up of 22.7 months, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of the primary endpoint for patients in whom colchicine was initiated < Day 3 compared with placebo [hazard ratios (HR) = 0.52, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.32-0.84], in contrast to patients in whom colchicine was initiated between Days 4 and 7 (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.53-1.75) or > Day 8 (HR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.61-1.11). The beneficial effects of early initiation of colchicine were also demonstrated for urgent hospitalization for angina requiring revascularization (HR = 0.35), all coronary revascularization (HR = 0.63), and the composite of cardiovascular death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, MI, or stroke (HR = 0.55, all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients benefit from early, in-hospital initiation of colchicine after MI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

COLCOT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02551094.