Large-Scale Screening: Phenotypic and Mutational Spectrum in Isolated and Combined Dystonia Genes

BACKGROUND

Pathogenic variants in several genes have been linked to genetic forms of isolated or combined dystonia. The phenotypic and genetic spectrum and the frequency of pathogenic variants in these genes have not yet been fully elucidated, neither in patients with dystonia nor with other, sometimes co-occurring movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD).

OBJECTIVES

To screen >2000 patients with dystonia or PD for rare variants in known dystonia-causing genes.

METHODS

We screened 1207 dystonia patients from Germany (DysTract consortium), Spain, and South Korea, and 1036 PD patients from Germany for pathogenic variants using a next-generation sequencing gene panel. The impact on DNA methylation of KMT2B variants was evaluated by analyzing the gene's characteristic episignature.

RESULTS

We identified 171 carriers (109 with dystonia [9.0%]; 62 with PD [6.0%]) of 131 rare variants (minor allele frequency <0.005). A total of 52 patients (48 dystonia [4.0%]; four PD [0.4%, all with GCH1 variants]) carried 33 different (likely) pathogenic variants, of which 17 were not previously reported. Pathogenic biallelic variants in PRKRA were not found. Episignature analysis of 48 KMT2B variants revealed that only two of these should be considered (likely) pathogenic.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms pathogenic variants in GCH1, GNAL, KMT2B, SGCE, THAP1, and TOR1A as relevant causes in dystonia and expands the mutational spectrum. Of note, likely pathogenic variants only in GCH1 were also found among PD patients. For DYT-KMT2B, the recently described episignature served as a reliable readout to determine the functional effect of newly identified variants. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Risk of catheter-associated bloodstream infection by catheter type in a neonatal intensive care unit: a large cohort study of more than 1100 intravascular catheters

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) among different catheter types using a large prospective database in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary care centre in Switzerland.

METHODS

We included all neonates admitted to the NICU with at least one central intravascular catheter inserted between January 2017 and December 2020. We used marginal Cox model to determine the risk of CABSI among different catheter types.

RESULTS

A total of 574 neonates and 1103 intravascular catheters were included in the study: 581 venous umbilical catheters, 198 arterial umbilical catheters and 324 peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). We identified 17, four and four CABSIs in neonates with venous umbilical catheters, arterial umbilical catheters and PICCs, respectively. The risk of CABSI increased after two days of umbilical catheter maintenance. Using univariable Cox models, and adjusting for sex and gestational age, we observed a similar CABSI risk between venous and arterial umbilical catheters (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.16e2.08). Birth weight was associated with CABSI, with higher weight being protective (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16e0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Strategies aimed at reducing umbilical catheter dwell time, particularly in low and very low birth weight neonates, may be effective in decreasing the incidence of CABSI in this population.

Echocardiography and computed tomography predictors of successful transcatheter direct annuloplasty for mitral regurgitation

Background

Secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is associated with adverse outcomes and the optimal treatment modality remains challenging due to extensive variety in the pathology of SMR. Percutaneous direct annuloplasty using the Cardioband system emerged as a promising treatment in selected patients. However, success predictors of this intervention and their association with prognosis remain unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the role of echocardiographic and computed tomography (CT) data in patients with SMR undergoing percutaneous direct annuloplasty.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent catheter-based direct annuloplasty with the Cardioband system for SMR at five tertiary centres in Germany and Switzerland between 2013 and 2020. Patients with procedural success (defined as postprocedural MR grade ≤2+) were compared to those with MR &gt;2+ with respect to baseline echocardiographic data and outcome.

Results

We included 130 patients (median age 75.5 [71–79], 37% female). Most patients were severely symptomatic (NYHA class III/IV 86.9%), had a median EF of 39 (29–52) with an ischaemic etiology in 39%. Procedural success was achieved in 68%. Procedural time was 178.5 (147.5–214.5) minutes. Patients with and without procedural success differed significantly in measures of MR severity (defined as postprocedural SMR severity (grade, vena contracta (VC), effective regurgitation orifice area and regurgitation volume), annular dilatation (leaflet length, LA sphericity index at end-systole and CT-derived intercommissural distance) and leaflet tethering (tenting area, regurgitation jet direction). In multivariable analysis of echocardiographic parameters including significant measures of annular dilatation and leaflet tethering, predictors of procedural treatment success were tenting area (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.33–0.98 per mm2, p=0.016) and central regurgitation jet direction (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.06–8.25, p=0.038). After adding CT data in the multivariable model, intercommissural distance proved to be the most significant predictor (OR 0.96; 0.92–0.99, p=0.009), whereas VC was the only echo predictor (OR 0.84; 0.73–0.98, p=0.03).

NYHA class III/IV at last follow up was significantly different between groups, with 34.1% vs. 55.2% of patients with vs. without procedural success, respectively (p=0.04). The combined endpoint of mortality or reintervention at 1 year was significantly lower in patients with procedural success (27% vs. 63%, p=0.002), whereas the association of procedural success with 1-year mortality was of borderline significance (13% vs. 32%, p=0.05).

Conclusion

Two thirds of patients undergoing transcatheter direct annuloplasty for SMR had procedural success. Careful patient selection by assessment of mitral valve anatomy is helpful to predict procedural success, which translates into less symptom burden and better clinical outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Epidemiology of cardiac amyloidosis and burden on health care system in Germany: a retrospective analysis from 2009 to 2018

Aims

Improved imaging modalities contributed to increasing disease awareness of cardiac amyloidosis. Contemporary data on frequency trends and impact on health system are lacking.

Methods and results

In a retrospective study using health claims data of the largest German statutory health insurance patients with a diagnostic code of amyloidosis and concomitant heart failure or cardiomyopathy between 2009 and 2018 were identified. Temporal trends in frequency, patient characteristics, all-cause mortality and measures of health care burden were examined.

8,279 patients were identified of whom 5,618 were incident without diagnosis of amyloidosis within the previous year. Prevalence increased from 15.5 to 47.6 per 100,000 person-years, and incidence increased from 4.8 to 11.6 per 100,000 person-years, with a continuous steepening in the slope of incidence trend. Age and male gender significantly increased whereas prevalence of myeloma and nephrotic syndrome significantly decreased over time. Median (IQR) survival time after first diagnosis was 2.5 years (0.5 to 6 years), with a 9% (95% CI 2–15%, p=0.008) reduced risk of death in the second compared to the first five years of observation. In the first year after diagnosis mean total health care costs were 21,955 € (median 9,873 €, IQR 3,922 to 24,714 €) per person.

Conclusion

The rise in patients with cardiac amyloidosis has continuously accelerated in the last decade which, based on patient characteristics, is mainly driven by underlying wildtype transthyretin amyloidosis. Considering the adverse outcome and high health care burden further effort should be put on early detection of the disease to implement treatment.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Validation of expert criteria proposed by the “German Cardiac Society” for predicting procedural complexity in transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

Background

Following up on the original EVEREST criteria and several years of procedural experience, the German Cardiac Society (GCS) proposed refined criteria indicating morphological complexity in transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEER) procedures which so far have not been validated.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis of transesophageal echocardiography images of consecutive patients undergoing TEER in two high-volume centres, complexity was classified according to GCS criteria as optimal (neither characteristics of “complex” nor “very complex', see Table 1), complex (any of the “complex” criteria but no “very complex” criteria) and very complex (any of the “very complex” criteria). Associations with the procedural outcome, reintervention, survival, and heart failure rehospitalization were tested.

Results

633 patients (mean age 79 years, range 50 to 96 years, 59% male) were included, with 35% having dominant primary and 65% having dominant secondary mitral regurgitation (MR). 19% of patients were classified as having optimal, 40% as complex, and 41% as very complex morphologies. Successful clip implantation and reduction in MR ≤2 at discharge were achieved in 100% and 97% in the optimal, in 96% and 88% in the complex, and in 95% and 88% in the very complex morphologies, respectively (p for difference 0.13 and 0.42). The rate of successful clip deployment was significantly lower and the rate of reintervention significantly higher in patients with a mitral valve orifice area ≤3 cm2, compared to patients with a mitral valve orifice area &gt;3 cm2. Pathology extent of MR likely requiring &gt;2 clips was significantly associated with a lower rate of MR reduction to grade ≤2. Midterm (median follow-up time 640 days) mortality or hospitalization due to heart failure was significantly higher in patients with a posterior mitral leaflet length of 7–10 mm.

Conclusion

In the setting of experienced heart valve centres only a few of the complexity criteria proposed by the GCS impact on procedural and clinical outcomes. Even in the case of complex or very complex mitral valve morphology, TEER can be performed effectively with reduction of MR to ≤2 in 88% of cases.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Staging heart failure patients with secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair

Background

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) are closely related. Progression of HFrEF-SMR is associated with characteristic pathophysiological changes. Recently, staging of HFrEF-SMR patients showed prognostic value in a SMR cohort on medical therapy. Whether these stages are prognostic for SMR patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (M-TEER) in addition to drug therapy is unknown.

Purpose

The present study aimed at classifying HFrEF-SMR patients undergoing M-TEER into progressive disease stages based on cardiac and extracardiac involvement. We sought to evaluate the impact of the disease stages on survival outcome and symptomatic improvement after M-TEER

Methods

Based on echocardiographic transthoracic evaluation, patients were assigned into one of the following subsequent HFrEF-SMR stages representing disease progression (Figure 1): left ventricular (LV) dysfunction alone (Stage 1, LV end diastolic volume ≥159 ml and/or LV ejection fraction &lt;50%); left atrial (LA) involvement (Stage 2, history of atrial fibrillation and/or indexed LA volume &gt;34 ml/m2); right ventricular (RV) pressure/volume overload (Stage 3, tricuspid regurgitation ≥3+ and/or systolic pulmonary artery pressure &gt;65 mmHg); biventricular failure (Stage 4, RV to pulmonary artery coupling &lt;0.274 mm/mmHg). A Cox regression model was implemented to investigate the impact of HFrEF-SMR stages on two-year all-cause mortality and symptomatic outcome was assessed with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class at follow-up.

Results

Among a total of 849 included patients who underwent M-TEER for symptomatic MR from 2008 until 2019, 9.5% (n=81) presented with LV dysfunction alone, 46% (n=393) with LA involvement, 15% (n=129) with pressure/volume overload and 29% (n=246) with biventricular failure. At baseline and follow-up, successive HFrEF-SMR stages were associated with more severe heart failure symptoms as expressed by NYHA functional class. An increase in HFrEF-SMR stage was associated with increased two-year all-cause mortality rates after M-TEER (Hazard ratio 1.39, confidence interval 1.23–1.58, p&lt;0.01, Figure 2).

Conclusions

Classifying HFrEF-SMR patients undergoing M-TEER into subsequent disease stages provides prognostic value regarding heart failure symptoms and survival.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Two faces of temporal binding: Action- and effect-binding are not correlated

Research on the sense of agency has proliferated a range of explicit and implicit measures. However, the relation of different measures is poorly understood with especially mixed findings on the correlation between explicit judgments of agency and the implicit perceptual bias of temporal binding. Here, we add to the conundrum by showing that the two sub-components of temporal binding - action-binding and effect-binding, respectively - are not correlated across participants either, suggesting independent processes for both components. Research on inter-individual differences regarding the sense of agency is thus well-advised to rely on other implicit measures until the phenomenon of temporal binding is better understood.

Association of left atrial volume index with outcomes after transcatheter mitral valve repair for secondary mitral regurgitation: results from the EuroSMR registry

Background

The benefit of transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVr) in heart failure patients with secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) shows large heterogeneity. A potential explanation might be the burden and chronicity of left-ventricular backward failure which is reflected by left atrial (LA) size.

Purpose

To investigate the role of LA volume index (LAVi) in real-world SMR patients undergoing TMVr.

Methods

SMR patients in a European multicenter registry were evaluated. Outcomes were evaluated according to LAVi at baseline. Main analysis was performed for all-cause mortality; residual mitral regurgitation, improvement of NYHA class and heart failure hospitalization were analyzed for patients available.

Results

823 included patients were divided according to LAVi into quintiles (≤42, 43–52, 53–62, 63–78, ≥79). A higher hazard for mortality occurred in the four upper quintiles compared to the lower quintile (HR [95% CI] 1.61 [1.08–2.4], 1.65 [1.11–2.46], 1.52 [1.02–2.26] and 1.35 [0.89–2.05]). The incidence of all-cause mortality per 100 patient-years was 14.6, 23, 23.9, 21.7 and 19.5, respectively. Consequently, a cut-off of 42ml/m2 was adopted, which was associated with a significantly higher hazard for mortality after a mean of 589 days (HR 1.54 [95%-CI 1.1–2.1], p=0.01). Technical success rate (postprocedural MR ≤2+) was higher in large LAVi group (95% vs. 91%, p=0.045). The endpoints of heart failure hospitalization, improvement of NYHA class were not different among groups. Multivariable Cox regression analysis including age, EF&lt;30%, diabetes mellitus and NTproBNP showed LAVi &gt;42ml/m2 to be an independent predictor of mortality.

Conclusion

LA dilatation defined by LAVi&gt;42 ml/m2 was associated with higher mortality hazard in SMR patients undergoing TMVr after multivariable adjustment. Our findings warrant further study on whether timely TMVr intervention in patients with SMR and small LAVi can modify outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Machine learning identifies clinical parameters to predict mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair

Background

Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair (TMVR) with MitraClip is an important treatment option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation. The lack of appropriate, validated and specific means to risk stratify TMVR patients complicates the evaluation of prognostic benefits of TMVR in clinical trials and practice.

Purpose

We aimed to develop an optimized risk stratification model for TMVR patients using machine learning (ML).

Methods

We included a total of 1009 TMVR patients from three large university hospitals, of which one (n=317) served as an external validation cohort. The primary endpoint was all-cause 1-year mortality, which was known in 95% of patients. Model performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristics. In the derivation cohort, different ML algorithms, including random forest, logistic regression, support vectors machines, k nearest neighbors, multilayer perceptron, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were tested using 5-fold cross-validation in the derivation cohort. The final model (Transcatheter MITral Valve Repair MortALIty PredicTion SYstem; MITRALITY) was tested in the validation cohort with respect to existing clinical scores.

Results

XGBoost was selected as the final algorithm for the MITRALITY Score, using only six baseline clinical features for prediction (in order of predictive importance): blood urea nitrogen, hemoglobin, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), mean arterial pressure, body mass index, and creatinine. In the external validation cohort, the MITRALITY Score's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.783, outperforming existing scores which yielded AUCs of 0.721 and 0.657 at best. 1-year mortality in the MITRALITY Score quartiles across the total cohort was 0.8%, 1.3%, 10.5%, and 54.6%, respectively. Odds of mortality in MITRALITY Score quartile 4 as compared to quartile 1 were 143.02 [34.75; 588.57]. Survival analyses showed that the differences in outcomes between the MITRALITY Score quartiles remained even over a timeframe of 3 years post intervention (log rank: p&lt;0.005). With each increase by 1% in the MITRALITY score, the respective proportional hazard ratio for 3-year survival was 1.06 [1.05, 1.07] (Cox regression, p&lt;0.05).

Conclusion

The MITRALITY Score is a novel, internally and externally validated ML-based tool for risk stratification of patients prior to TMVR. These findings may potentially allow for more precise design of future clinical trials, may enable novel treatment strategies tailored to populations of specific risk and thereby serve future daily clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Summary Figure

Predicting procedural success in patients treated with Cardioband system for severe tricuspid regurgitation by employing a random forest algorithm

Background

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality despite optimal medical treatment. Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI) is therefore emerging as a novel treatment option, fueling the hope to prolong survival and reduce rehospitalization for heart failure. Obviously, procedural success of TTVI is an important determinant of survival, but predictors for procedural success in patients treated with Cardioband system, which mimics the surgical approach by implanting an annular reduction system and hence targets tricuspid annulus dilatation as the central pathology in most patients, are largely elusive.

Purpose

This study aims to refine prediction of procedural success in patients with severe TR undergoing TTVI with Cardioband system by employing a random forest algorithm.

Methods

Procedural success was evaluated in 72 patients enrolled at two tertiary centers in Germany between 2018 and 2020. Key inclusion criterion was TR ≥ III/V° with high symptomatic burden despite optimal medical treatment. Procedural success war defined as patient alive at the end of the procedure, successful Cardioband implantation, and TR reduction ≥ II/V° as assessed on transthoracic echocardiography before discharge. Since 66.7% of patients were classified as “success”, a synthetic minority over-sampling technique was applied in order to train the random forest algorithm on a balanced data set.

Results

A random forest algorithm reached 85.4% accuracy (AUC: 0.923) in predicting procedural success in a balanced data set using eight parameters from pre-procedural echocardiography as input variables. Partial dependence analysis revealed that enlargement of the tricuspid valve (TV) anteroseptal diameter was most important for model accuracy. Applied to the real-world data set (24 patients classified as “failure” and 48 patients classified as “success”), the now trained random forest algorithm predicted procedural success with high sensitivity (70.8%) and specificity (100.0%), significantly outperforming the no information rate (p-value: 0.0069). Patients with low probability for success were characterized by impaired right ventricular function (TAPSE: 15.5±3.63 mm) and enlarged right sided cardiac diameters (basal right ventricular diameter: 51.6±3.79 mm; TV anteroseptal diameter: 45.0±5.10 mm). Notably, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) and TV effective regurgitant orifice area were negatively correlated (R: −0.3004, p-value: 0.0322), and elevation in sPAP was attenuated in patients with low probability for procedural success (sPAP: 34.0±11.7 mmHg).

Conclusion

A random forest algorithm enables precise prediction of procedural success in patients treated with Cardioband system. TR reduction ≥ II/V° appears less achievable in patients with advanced stages of right heart failure, emphasizing the importance of adequate patient selection and timing of intervention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Deep Brain Stimulation in KMT2B-Related Dystonia: Case Report and Review of the Literature With Special Emphasis on Dysarthria and Speech

Objective: KMT2B-related dystonia is a progressive childhood-onset movement disorder, evolving from lower-limb focal dystonia into generalized dystonia. With increasing age, children frequently show prominent laryngeal or facial dystonia manifesting in dysarthria. Bilateral deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus (GPi-DBS) is reported to be an efficient therapeutic option. Especially improvement of dystonia and regaining of independent mobility is commonly described, but detailed information about the impact of GPi-DBS on dysarthria and speech is scarce. Methods: We report the 16-months outcome after bilateral GPi-DBS in an 8-year-old child with KMT2B-related dystonia caused by a de-novo c.3043C>T (p.Arg1015^*) non-sense variant with special emphasis on dysarthria and speech. We compare the outcome of our patient with 59 patients identified through a PubMed literature search. Results: A remarkable improvement of voice, articulation, respiration and prosodic characteristics was seen 16 months after GPi-DBS. The patients' speech intelligibility improved. His speech became much more comprehensible not only for his parents, but also for others. Furthermore, his vocabulary and the possibility to express his feelings and wants expanded considerably. Conclusion: A positive outcome of GPi-DBS on speech and dysarthria is rarely described in the literature. This might be due to disease progression, non-effectiveness of DBS or due to inadvertent spreading of the electrical current to the corticobulbar tract causing stimulation induced dysarthria. This highlights the importance of optimal lead placement, the possibility of horizontal steering of the electrical field by applying directional stimulation with segmented leads as well as the use of the lowest possible effective stimulation intensity.

Perioperative echocardiography-guided hemodynamic therapy in high-risk patients: a practical expert approach of hemodynamically focused echocardiography

The number of high-risk patients undergoing surgery is growing. To maintain adequate hemodynamic functioning as well as oxygen delivery to the vital organs (DO2) amongst this patient population, a rapid assessment of cardiac functioning is essential for the anesthesiologist. Pinpointing any underlying cardiovascular pathophysiology can be decisive to guide interventions in the intraoperative setting. Various techniques are available to monitor the hemodynamic status of the patient, however due to intrinsic limitations, many of these methods may not be able to directly identify the underlying cause of cardiovascular impairment. Hemodynamic focused echocardiography, as a rapid diagnostic method, offers an excellent opportunity to examine signs of filling impairment, cardiac preload, myocardial contractility and the function of the heart valves. We thus propose a 6-step-echocardiographic approach to assess high-risk patients in order to improve and maintain perioperative DO2. The summary of all echocardiographic based findings allows a differentiated assessment of the patient's cardiovascular function and can thus help guide a (patho)physiological-orientated and individualized hemodynamic therapy.

[Perioperative optimization using hemodynamically focused echocardiography in high-risk patients-A practice guide]

BACKGROUND

The number of high-risk patients undergoing surgery is steadily increasing. In order to maintain and, if necessary, optimize perioperative hemodynamics as well as the oxygen supply to the organs (DO₂) in this patient population, a timely assessment of cardiac function and the underlying pathophysiological causes of hemodynamic instability is essential for the anesthesiologist. A variety of hemodynamic monitoring procedures are available for this purpose; however, due to method-immanent limitations they are often not able to directly identify the underlying cause of cardiovascular impairment.

OBJECTIVE

To present a stepwise algorithm for a perioperative echocardiography-based hemodynamic optimization in noncardiac surgery high-risk patients. In this context, echocardiography on demand according to international guidelines can be performed under certain conditions (hemodynamic instability, nonresponse to hemodynamic treatment) as well as in the context of a planned intraoperative procedure, mostly as a transesophageal echocardiography.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hemodynamically focused echocardiography as a rapidly available bedside method, enables the timely diagnosis and assessment of cardiac filling obstructions, volume status and volume response, right and left heart function, and the function of the heart valves.

CONCLUSION

Integrating all echocardiographic findings in a differentiated assessment of the patient's cardiovascular function enables a (patho)physiologically oriented and individualized hemodynamic treatment.

Association of the get with the guidelines heart failure risk score with mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

Background

Reliable risk scores in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TMVR) are lacking. Heart failure is common in these patients, and risk scores derived from heart failure populations might help stratify TMVR patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients from three Heart Centers undergoing TMVR were enrolled to investigate the association of the “Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Risk Score” (comprising the variables systolic blood pressure, urea nitrogen, blood sodium, age, heart rate, race, history of COPD) with all-cause mortality.

Results

Among 815 patients with available data 177 patients died during a mean follow-up time of 419 days. Estimated one-year mortality by quartiles of the score (0–37; 38–42, 43–47 and more than 47 points) was 6%, 10%, 23% and 30%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). Every increase of one score point was associated with a 9% increase in the hazard of mortality (95% CI 1.06–1.11%, p&lt;0.001). The score was associated with long-term mortality independently of left ventricular ejection fraction, renal function and LogEuroscore, and was equally predictive in primary and secondary mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion

The “Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Risk Score” showed a strong association with mortality in patients undergoing TMVR with additive information beyond traditional risk factors. Given the routinely available variables included in this score, application is easy and broadly possible.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Impact of left atrial diameter on outcome in patients undergoing edge-to-edge mitral valve repair: results from the German TRAnscatheter Mitral valve Interventions registry (TRAMI)

Background

Left atrium (LA) dimension is a marker of disease severity and outcome in primary and secondary mitral regurgitation. In transcatheter mitral valve repair LA enlargement might additionally impact on device handling and technical success through an altered anatomy and atrial annular dilatation.

Methods

Data from the multicenter German transcatheter mitral valve intervention registry “TRAMI” were used to analyse the association of baseline LA diameter by tertiles and efficacy, safety and long-term clinical outcome in patients undergoing edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip.

Results

In 520 of 843 patients prospectively enrolled in TRAMI baseline LA diameter were reported (median [interquartile range] LA diameter in tertiles: 44 [40–46] mm, 51 [48–53] mm and 60 [55–66] mm). Larger LA diameters were significantly associated with secondary etiology of mitral regurgitation, lower ejection fraction, larger left ventricle, male sex and atrial fibrillation (all p&lt;0.05). Technical success was not different across tertiles (96%, 95.4%, 98.4% respectively, p=0.43) as were major in-hospital cardiovascular and cerebral adverse events (mortality, myocardial infarction or stroke) (1.8%, 1.2% and 4.4%, p=0.11 across tertiles). However, 4-year mortality significantly increased with larger LA diameter (32.9%, 46.4% and 51.7% respectively, p&lt;0.01), as did hospitalization in survivors (60%, 67.6% and 78.9% respectively, p&lt;0.05). The association between LA diameter and all-cause mortality remained significant after multivariable adjustment including baseline left ventricular end-diastolic diameter.

Conclusion

LA enlargement is a strong and independent predictor of adverse long-term outcome in mitral regurgitation suggesting that timely transcatheter mitral valve repair may have the potential to modify outcome.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): The TRAMI registry has been supported by proprietary means of IHF. Additional funding is provided by “Deutsche Herzstiftung” and a grant from Abbott Vascular.

Prognostic impact and post-procedural development of severe tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical impact and post-procedural development of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients undergoing the MitraClip procedure for severe mitral regurgitation.

Methods

In this present multicentre study, we included 940 patients undergoing MitraClip implantation for symptomatic mitral regurgitation from August 2010 to September 2018. Patients were categorized according to concomitant TR (none or mild vs moderate vs severe) and the prognostic impact of TR on 1-year mortality was evaluated. Moreover, in 377 patients, we assessed 3-months echocardiographic controls to further analyse the post-procedural development of TR.

Results

At baseline, concomitant TR was graded none/mild in 393 (42%), moderate in 316 (34%), and severe in 231 (25%) patients. During 1-year follow-up, 141 of 940 (15%) patients died. According to mild/none, moderate and severe TR, mortality rates were 13%, 12%, and 23%, respectively, revealing a higher prevalence of death in patients with severe TR (p=0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test confirmed inferior survival rates for patients with severe TR (p=0.001), while there were no significant difference in survival rates between patients with none/mild vs moderate TR (p=0.561). Regarding 1-year mortality, multivariate cox regression analysis, revealed an odds ratio of 1.739 (1.024–2.953; p=0.041), associated with severe TR. After 3-months follow-up, echocardiography in 377 patients showed following TR grade distributions: 44% none/mild, 37% moderate and 19% severe TR. In 100 patients (27%), TR improved by one or more grades, while 64 patients (17%) showed a TR worsening. In patients with severe TR at baseline, 42 of 91 (46%) patients showed a reduction in TR of one or more grades. Patients with severe TR at baseline, who showed a TR improvement during 3-months follow-up, had lower rates of 1-year mortality (p=0.025). For these patients, in regression analysis, right atrial area was revealed as only predictor of TR improvement after MitraClip procedure [odds ratio 0.958 (0.918–0.999); p=0.046].

Conclusion

One-fourth of patients undergoing MitraClip procedure for mitral regurgitation had concomitant severe tricuspid regurgitation which was predictive for worse prognosis. Post-procedural TR improvement of one or more grades was frequent in these patients and was associated with higher survival-rates.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

MIDA mortality risk score in patients undergoing percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral repair

Background

Recent studies indicate that careful patient selection is key for the percutaneous edge-to-edge repair via MitraClip procedure. The MIDA Score represents a useful tool for patient selection and is validated in patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR).

Aim

We here assessed the potential benefit of the MIDA Score for patients with functional or degenerative MR undergoing edge-to-edge mitral valve repair via the MitraClip procedure.

Methods

In the present study, we retrospectively included 520 patients from three Heart Centers undergoing MitraClip implantation for MR. All parameters of the MIDA Score were available in these patients, consisting of the 7 variables age, symptoms, atrial fibrillation, left atrial diameter, right ventricular systolic pressure, left-ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction. According to the median MIDA-Score of 9 points, patients were stratified in to a high and a low MIDA Score group and association with all-cause mortality was evaluated. Moreover, MR was assessed in echocardiographic controls in 370 patients at discharge, 279 patients at 3-months and 222 patients at 12 months after MitraClip implantation.

Results

During 2-years follow-up after MitraClip implantation, 69 of 291 (24%) patients with a high MIDA Score and 25 of 229 (11%) patients with a low MIDA Score died. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log rank test showed inferior rates of death in patients with a low score (p&lt;0.001) and multivariate cox regression revealed an odds ratio of 0.54 (0.31–0.95; p=0.032) regarding 2-year survival in this group. Moreover, one point increase in the MIDA Score was associated with a 1.18-fold increase in the risk for mortality (1.02–1.36; p=0.025). Comparing patients with a high MIDA Score and patients with a low score, post-procedural residual moderate/severe MR tended to be more frequent in patients with a high MIDA Score at discharge (53% vs 43%; p=0.061), 3-months (50% vs 40%; p=0.091) and significantly at 12-months follow-up (52% vs 37%; p=0.029).

Conclusion

The MIDA Mortality Risk Score remained its predictive ability in patients with degenerative or function MR undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair. Moreover, a high MIDA score was associated with a higher frequency of post-procedural residual moderate/severe MR, indicating a lower effectiveness of this procedure in these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

[Recommendations for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) : Consensus statement of DGIIN, DGK, DGTHG, DGfK, DGNI, DGAI, DIVI and GRC]

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) may be considered as a rescue attempt for highly selected patients with refractory cardiac arrest and potentially reversible etiology. Currently there are no randomized, controlled studies on eCPR, and valid predictors of benefit and outcome which might guide the indication for eCPR are lacking. Currently selection criteria and procedures differ across hospitals and standardized algorithms are lacking. Based on expert opinion, the present consensus statement provides a proposal for a standardized treatment algorithm for eCPR.

Pulmonary hypertension and valvular heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with left-sided heart disease, including valvular heart disease. In this context, elevated left atrial pressure primarily leads to the development of post-capillary PH. Despite the fact that repair of left-sided valvular heart disease by surgical or interventional approaches will improve PH, recent studies have highlighted that PH (pre- or post-interventional) remains an important predictor of long-term outcome. Here, we review the current knowledge on PH in valvular heart disease taking into account new hemodynamic PH definitions, and the distinction between post- and pre-capillary components of PH. A specific focus is on the precise characterization of hemodynamics and cardiopulmonary interaction, and on potential strategies for the management of residual PH after mitral or aortic valve interventions. In addition, we highlight the clinical significance of tricuspid regurgitation, which may occur as a primary condition or as a consequence of PH and right heart dilatation (functional). In this context, proper patient selection for potential tricuspid valve interventions is crucial. Finally, the article highlights gaps in evidence, and points toward future perspectives.

Effect of written outcome information on attitude of perinatal healthcare professionals at the limit of viability: a randomized study

Background

Differences in perception and potential disagreements between parents and professionals regarding the attitude for resuscitation at the limit of viability are common. This study evaluated in healthcare professionals whether the decision to resuscitate at the limit of viability (intensive care versus comfort care) are influenced by the way information on incurred risks is given or received.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized controlled study. This study evaluated the attitude of healthcare professionals by testing the effect of information given through graphic fact sheets formulated either optimistically or pessimistically. The written educational fact sheet included three graphical presentations of survival and complication/morbidity by gestational age. The questionnaire was submitted over a period of 4 months to 5 and 6-year medical students from the Geneva University as well as physicians and nurses of the neonatal unit at the University Hospitals of Geneva. Our sample included 102 healthcare professionals.

Results

Forty-nine responders (48%) were students (response rate of 33.1%), 32 (31%) paediatricians (response rate of 91.4%) and 21 (20%) nurses in NICU (response rate of 50%). The received risk tended to be more severe in both groups compared to the graphically presented facts and current guidelines, although optimistic representation favoured the perception of “survival without disability” at 23 to 25 weeks. Therapeutic attitudes did not differ between groups, but healthcare professionals with children were more restrained and students more aggressive at very low gestational ages.

Conclusion

Written information on mortality and morbidity given to healthcare professionals in graphic form encourages them to overestimate the risk. However, perception in healthcare staff may not be directly transferable to parental perception during counselling as the later are usually naïve to the data received. This parental information are always communicated in ways that subtly shape the decisions that follow.

[Curing cancer and protecting the heart : Challenges in cardio-oncology in the era of modern tumor treatment]

Recent advances in the medical oncological treatment options for cancer have led to a clear improvement in the survival rate worldwide; however, many of the recently developed new drugs are directly or indirectly associated with cardiovascular side effects. Cardiovascular diseases are already the most frequent non-cancerous cause of death in tumor patients. Prevention, early detection of these complications, correct management and timely initiation of specific cardiac medical treatment are the key for an improvement of the cardiovascular prognosis. This article provides an overview and comprehensive summary of the possible cardiotoxic side effects of important oncological therapies and offers possible practical strategies with respect to risk stratification, cardiological follow-up care and management approaches for chemotherapy-induced left ventricular dysfunction.

P4725Prognostic relevance of the COAPT inclusion criteria in real-world patients with secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing mitraclip implantation

Background

The recently published Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the mitraclip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation (COAPT) randomized trial has shown a huge benefit in the survival of patients with systolic heart failure and functional mitral regurgitation treated with MitraClip. However, patients in COAPT were highly selected and the clinical course in real-world patients with and without fulfilment of the trial inclusion criteria is unclear.

Methods

Our study examined the clinical outcome in consecutive patients from our Heart Centre with reduced left-ventricular ejection fraction (EF<50%) undergoing mitraclip for mitral regurgitation of dominant functional etiology by the presence of the inclusion criteria of the COAPT trial (left ventricular ejection fraction >20%, left ventricular end-systolic dimension <70 mm, non-commissural primary jet, estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure <70 mmHg, mitral valve orifice area >4 cm2, no prior mitral valve leaflet surgery or any currently implanted prosthetic mitral valve or any prior transcatheter mitral valve procedure). The composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization and the endpoint of heart failure hospitalization were analysed.

Results

Among 123 patients who underwent mitraclip implantation 60.2% fulfilled the inclusion criteria of COAPT. Overall, 54 patients (46.6%) died or were hospitalized for heart failure during a median follow-up time of 19 months. The composite endpoint was significantly less frequent (p=0.01) in patients fulfilling the COAPT selection criteria than in those not fulfilling the criteria, with an estimated 1-year event rate of 24.6% vs 49.1%. Patients with COAPT inclusion criteria had a 49% lower hazard of the composite endpoint (95% CI 12–70%, p=0.015). Heart failure hospitalization was significantly less frequent (p=0.039) in patients fulfilling COAPT selection criteria than in those who did not, with an estimated 1-year event rate of 19% vs. 36.8%. Patients with COAPT inclusion criteria had a 50% lower hazard for heart failure hospitalization (95% CI 1–75%, p=0.046). Of note, the 1-year all-cause mortality in our patients fulfilling COAPT inclusion criteria was lower compared to the renowned COAPT trial (10% vs. 19%).

Conclusion

In this single center study the outcome of patients with functional mitral regurgitation undergoing mitraclip therapy was significantly worse in patients not fulfilling COAPT inclusion criteria, indicating that these criteria might help identify futility. The remarkable difference in outcome between real-world patients and COAPT trial patients warrants further study to elucidate underlying causes, which might affect the transferability of the COAPT results.

P4722Using the multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) to predict outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip: a prospective observational single centre study

Background

Selection of patients who benefit from percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) is challenging. We used the multidimensional prognostic index (MPI) to evaluate patients' prognosis.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational single centre study, including patients who did undergo PMVR from 11/2017 to 07/2018. MPI score was used for geriatric assessment and calculated from 63 separate items distributed in eight domains including instrumental activities of daily living, mental status, nutrition, risk of pressure ulcers, comorbidity, medication and marital/cohabitation status.

Results

82 patients were included. Mean MPI-Score was 0.22±0.21. 41 patients (50%) belonged to MPI-1 group (low risk), 37 (45.1%) to MPI-2 group (medium risk) und 4 patients (4.9%) to MPI-3 group (high risk). Due to the low number of patients in MPI-3 group, MPI-2 group and MPI-3 group were combined for statistical analysis. Baseline characteristics, functional assessment and outcome of patients are shown in Table1. During follow-up 4 patients died. All of these belonged to the higher risk group MPI 2/3.

Table1 MPI 1 MPI 2+3 p value Age 73.2±8.8 78.9±7.6 0.002 6 min walk 303±107 175±122 <0.001 EuroScore II (%) 6.61±7.24 7.6±5.55 0.49 EF (%) 43.7±17.2 39.4±15.6 0.36 NT-pro BNP 4611±5413 6045±12670 0.54 Diabetes 7 (17.1) 16 (39) 0.027 Coronary artery disease 25 (61) 26 (63.4) 0.82 Arterial hypertension 26 (63.4) 31 (75.6) 0.23 Barthel index baseline 98±4 80±24 <0.001 Barthel index 30 days 97±5 82±24 <0.001 MLWHFQ baseline 45.7±20.9 49.1±14.5 0.39 MLWHFQ 30 days 38.4±25 34.7±18.2 0.53 ICU stay (days) 1.7±1.2 3.9±7.4 0.069 Death at 30 days 0 4 (10.5) 0.033

Conclusion

The MPI score is associated with age and impaired functional capacity at baseline but not with traditional cardiovascular prognostic markers. Thus, MPI may provide additional prognostic information on mortality and functional outcome of patients beyond established risk scores.

[Cardioband®: Where do we stand, who are suitable patients?]

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is characterized by a dilatation of the mitral valve annulus resulting in an insufficient adaptation of the anterior and posterior mitral valve leaflets and/or severe tethering of the leaflets due to dilatation of the left ventricle. The Cardioband® system was introduced in 2015 and is a catheter-based direct mitral valve annuloplasty procedure for treatment of FMR. In the European CE approval study 60 patients with moderate or severe FMR were analyzed per protocol. There were no device or procedure-related deaths. The technical success rate of the procedure, defined as successful implantation and tightening was 97%. At 1 year, the overall survival and survival free of hospital readmission for heart failure were 87% and 66%, respectively. Currently, various interventional treatment procedures are available, such as the edge-to-edge technique as well as direct and indirect annuloplasty. In summary, patients with FMR as a result of a dilatation of the mitral valve annulus appear to be suitable for direct annuloplasty with the Cardioband® system.

Body mass index and body fat distribution and new-onset atrial fibrillation: Substudy of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk) study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Obesity is a recognized risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). The association between body fat distribution, which is measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist-hip ratio (WHR), its changes, and new-onset AF is conflicting.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Participants of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition in Norfolk cohort study were included, with exclusion criteria of prevalent AF, rheumatic heart disease, and cancer. AF was confirmed by the International Classification of Diseases-10 hospital discharge code I48. Adjusted sex-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to quantify the AF risk per 1 standard deviation increase and for quintiles of adiposity indices. A total of 10,885 men and 12,857 women were followed up for a median of 19 years, yielding 451,098 person-years. New-onset AF was diagnosed in 1408 (12.9%) men and 1102 (8.6%) women. Multivariable analyses showed that BMI predicted new-onset AF in all, while WHR predicted only in men. New-onset AF risk gradually increased across the range of adiposity indices: for men in the highest BMI quintile, HR: 1.59 (CI 1.32-1.91, p for trend<0.001), whereas for women in the highest BMI quintile, HR: 1.52 (CI 1.23-1.88, p for trend<0.001). Further, for men in the highest WHR quintile, HR: 1.31 (CI 1.09-1.57, p for trend: 0.01), whereas for women in the highest WHR quintile, HR: 1.12 (CI 0.90-1.41, p for trend: 0.17). The change in BMI and WHR was similar in participants with or without new-onset AF.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased body mass, as measured by BMI, is associated with an increased risk of developing new-onset AF. More abdominal fat distribution, as measured by WHR, is associated with an increased risk of developing new-onset AF in men but not in women.

[Ultrasound training in emergency and intensive care medicine : Integration already in medical school?]

Ultrasound is an important diagnostic tool especially in emergency and intensive care medicine. It is always available at the bedside and shortens time to diagnosis. Many specialties have integrated ultrasound into diagnostic algorithms as part of the extended physical exam. Numerous differential diagnoses can be easily excluded using point-of-care ultrasound and therefore adequate treatment is initiated faster. Emergency or focused ultrasound is therefore of outstanding relevance to any emergency or critical care physician. Integration into medical school curricula is becoming more common tough no nationwide standards are in place yet.

[Focused echocardiography in acute medicine]

Focused echocardiography has become increasingly important for bedside diagnostics in acute medicine. Focused echocardiography can detect various cardiac pathologies, such as pericardial effusion, left ventricular dysfunction, right heart strain, relevant heart valve defects and dissection of the ascending aorta. Echocardiographic findings should be interpreted in the clinical context.

Emergency ultrasound and echocardiography in patients with infarct-related cardiogenic shock : A survey among members of the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine

Current international and national guidelines promote the use of emergency echocardiography in patients with cardiogenic shock. We assessed whether these recommendations are followed in clinical practice of infarct-related cardiogenic shock patients. For this purpose we conducted a web-based survey among all members of the German Society of Medical Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (DGIIN); 40% of the DGIIN members completed the survey. Participants reported that in their department emergency echocardiography/ultrasound is performed on most patients in infarct-related cardiogenic shock presenting to the emergency department/chest pain unit or intensive care unit (58.6% versus 81.4%). Only 33% stated that on patients admitted directly to the catheterization laboratory emergency ultrasound/echocardiography is applied in their institution. Local availability of a standardized algorithm was lacking in the majority of departments (77.2%). A great proportion (38.3%) of participants stated that they personally had no formal training in emergency ultrasound. In order to meet the demands of the current guidelines, in addition to integration of ultrasound examinations into diagnostic algorithms, a structured training of all emergency and intensive care physicians is necessary.

[Hypothermia-induced ECG changes: characteristic, but not specific]

Hypothermia-induced J‑ or so-called Osborn waves can be detected under therapeutic hypothermia in approximately 20-40% of cases. The occurrence of J‑waves in the context of the targeted temperature management after cardiopulmonary resuscitation is characteristic, but not pathognomonic for hypothermia. An electrocardiographic diagnosis under hypothermia after cardiac arrest should always be done with caution due to the various hypothermia-associated electromechanical changes of the myocardium.

[Circulatory failure : Out- and inpatient management]

Circulatory insufficiency is often understood as symptomatic hypotension due to various causes. The clinical result of circulatory dysregulation is arterial hypotension. The manifestation of hypotension is often divided into chronic and acute forms. Chronic hypotension can be distinguished etiopathogenetically into primary and secondary hypotension. Acute hypotension is usually equated to circulatory shock. While patients with chronic hypotension should be seen primarily by their general practitioner, patients with acute hypotension and a frequently severe clinical manifestation should be evaluated in the emergency department or, if there is a specific cause, directly in the acute clinic. Standardization of diagnostic and therapeutic pathways in both out- and inpatient care-not only for the management of circulatory weakness-would be an improvement not only in regards to patient care, but also with respect to healthcare economics.

Transplantationsmedizin in der Intensivmedizin

Die Betreuung von Patienten vor und nach einer Organtransplantation gehört zum Gebiet der „speziellen Intensivmedizin“ des jeweiligen Fachbereichs. Die transplantationsspezifische Intensivmedizin setzt daher ein interdisziplinäres Management voraus. Neben der Organprotektion bzw. dem Monitoring von speziellen transplantationsrelevanten Problemen steht die Immunsuppression. Auf das Management mit Immunsuppressiva und von transplantationsassoziierten, intensivmedizinisch relevanten Problemen wird in diesem Kapitel eingegangen. Speziell werden Herz-, Lungen-, Leber-, Nieren- und Stammzelltransplantationen dargestellt.

Habitual chocolate consumption and the risk of incident heart failure among healthy men and women

BACKGROUND

We aimed to examine the association between chocolate intake and the risk of incident heart failure in a UK general population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify this association.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used data from a prospective population-based study, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC)-Norfolk cohort. Chocolate intake was quantified based on a food frequency questionnaire obtained at baseline (1993-1997) and incident heart failure was ascertained up to March 2009. We supplemented the primary data with a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies which evaluated risk of incident heart failure with chocolate consumption. A total of 20,922 participants (53% women; mean age 58 ± 9 years) were included of whom 1101 developed heart failure during the follow up (mean 12.5 ± 2.7 years, total person years 262,291 years). After adjusting for lifestyle and dietary factors, we found 19% relative reduction in heart failure incidence in the top (up to 100 g/d) compared to the bottom quintile of chocolate consumption (HR 0.81 95%CI 0.66-0.98) but the results were no longer significant after controlling for comorbidities (HR 0.87 95%CI 0.71-1.06). Additional adjustment for potential mediators did not attenuate the results further. We identified five relevant studies including the current study (N = 75,408). The pooled results showed non-significant 19% relative risk reduction of heart failure incidence with higher chocolate consumption (HR 0.81 95%CI 0.66-1.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that higher chocolate intake is not associated with subsequent incident heart failure.

[Hemodynamic monitoring in intensive care and emergency medicine : Integration of clinical signs and ultrasound findings]

Hemodynamic monitoring is required in critically ill patients presenting with circulatory shock. Besides the clinical evaluation, noninvasive technologies can be used. Guidelines on volume resuscitation and cardiogenic shock already recommend bedside ultrasound as a diagnostic tool. To differentiate the cause of circulatory shock and monitor the effects of therapies, hemodynamic monitoring is necessary. This review discusses possibilities of the different invasive and noninvasive monitoring tools with a focus on the integration of clinical and sonographic parameters.