Early detection of oliguric events in critically ill patients in the ICU with a novel continuous urine flow measurement device: results of an initial validation study

OBJECTIVES

Urine output is used to evaluate fluid status and is an important marker for acute kidney injury (AKI). Our primary aim was to validate a new automatic urine output monitoring device by comparison to the current practice - the standard urometer.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study in three ICUs. Urine flow measurements by Serenno Medical Automatic urine output measuring device (Serenno Medical, Yokneam, Israel) were compared to standard urometer readings taken automatically at 5-minutes intervals by a camera, and to hourly urometer readings by the nurses, both over 1 to 7 days. Our primary outcome was the difference between urine flow assessed by the Serenno device and reference camera-derived measurements (Camera). Our secondary outcome was the difference between urine flow assessed by the Serenno device and hourly nursing assessments (Nurse), and detection of oliguria.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients completed the study, with 1,306 h of recording and a median of 25 measurement hours per patient. Bland and Altman analysis comparing the study device to camera measurements demonstrated good agreement, with a bias of -0.4 ml/h and 95% confidence intervals ranging from - 28 to 27ml/h. Concordance was 92%. The correlation between Camera and hourly nursing assessment of urine output was distinctly worse with a bias of 7.2 ml and limits of agreement extending from - 75 to + 107 ml. Severe oliguria (urine output < 0.3 ml/kg/h) lasting 2 h or more was common and observed in 8 (21%) of patients. Among the severe oliguric events lasting more than 3 consecutive hours, 6 (41%) were not detected or documented by the nursing staff. There were no device-related complications.

CONCLUSION

The Serenno Medical Automatic urine output measuring device required minimal supervision, little ICU nursing staff attention, and is sufficiently accurate and precise. In addition to providing continuous assessments of urine output, it was considerably more accurate than hourly nursing assessments.

Anatomical and clinical risk stratification tool for mortality risk assessment following revascularization for multivessel coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prognostic ability of SYNTAX score II in left main and/or 3-vessel disease patients undergoing revascularization either by coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention in a national registry.

METHODS

This prospective registry included consecutive patients with multivessel disease enrolled between January and April 2013 from all 22 hospitals in Israel that perform coronary angiography. Of the 1112 study patients, 368 patients (33%) had a low (<25), 372 (33%) had an intermediate (25-35) and 372 patients (33%) a high (≥35) SYNTAX score II.

RESULTS

Patients with a high SYNTAX score II had higher 30-day mortality compared with those with an intermediate or low SYNTAX score II (2.8% vs 0.6% vs 0% respectively, P = .001). Each 1-unit increment in SYNTAX score II increased the odds for death at 30 days by 11% (95% CI, 1.02-1.22; P = .026). Six-year mortality was higher among patients with a high compared with an intermediate or low SYNTAX score II (34.9% vs 11% vs 3.8%; log-rank P < .001). By adding a SYNTAX score II to standard prognostic factors, we showed a significant improvement of 40.1% (P < .001) for predicting 6-year mortality. The area under the curve of the SYNTAX score II (continuous) yielded 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75-0.82) in predicting 6-year mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that the admission SYNTAX score II is a powerful marker of short- and long-term mortality, and therefore may be used as a risk stratification tool in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease who are candidates for revascularization.

Timing of Lung Transplant Referral in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Lung Injury Supported by ECMO

Severe respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 often requires mechanical ventilation, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In rare cases, lung transplantation (LTx) may be considered as a last resort. However, uncertainties remain about patient selection and optimal timing for referral and listing. This retrospective study analyzed patients with severe COVID-19 who were supported by veno-venous ECMO and listed for LTx between July 2020 and June 2022. Out of the 20 patients in the study population, four who underwent LTx were excluded. The clinical characteristics of the remaining 16 patients were compared, including nine who recovered and seven who died while awaiting LTx. The median duration from hospitalization to listing was 85.5 days, and the median duration on the waitlist was 25.5 days. Younger age was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of recovery without LTx after a median of 59 days on ECMO, compared to those who died at a median of 99 days. In patients with severe COVID-19-induced lung damage supported by ECMO, referral to LTx should be delayed for 8-10 weeks after ECMO initiation, particularly for younger patients who have a higher probability of spontaneous recovery and may not require LTx.

Subclinical postoperative atrial fibrillation: a randomized trial

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common complication of cardiac surgery, requiring interventions and prolonging hospital stay. POAF is associated with increased mortality and a higher rate of systemic thrombo-embolism. The rates of recurrent AF, optimal follow-up and management remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) events, during long term follow-up in patients with POAF following cardiac surgery.

Methods

Patients with POAF and a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of ≥2 were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either implantation of a loop recorder (ILR) or ECG monitoring using periodic Holters. Participants were followed prospectively for 2 years. The primary end point was the occurrence of AF longer than 5 min.

Results

The final cohort comprised of 22 patients, of whom 14 received an ILR. Over a median follow up of 25.7 (IQR of 24.7-44.4) months, 8 patients developed AF, representing a cumulative annualized risk of AF recurrence of 35.7%. There was no difference between ILR (6 participants, 40%) and ECG/Holter (2 participants, 25% p = 0.917). All 8 patients with AF recurrence were treated with oral anticoagulation. There were no cases of mortality, stroke or major bleeding. Two patients underwent ILR explantation due to pain at the implantation site.

Conclusions

The rate of recurrent AF in patients with POAF after cardiac surgery and a CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of ≥2 is approximately 1 in 3 when followed systematically. Further research is need to assess the role of ILRs in this population.

In-hospital and 6-month outcomes in patients with COVID-19 supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (EuroECMO-COVID): a multicentre, prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been widely used in patients with COVID-19, but uncertainty remains about the determinants of in-hospital mortality and data on post-discharge outcomes are scarce. The aims of this study were to investigate the variables associated with in-hospital outcomes in patients who received ECMO during the first wave of COVID-19 and to describe the status of patients 6 months after ECMO initiation.

METHODS

EuroECMO-COVID is a prospective, multicentre, observational study developed by the European Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. This study was based on data from patients aged 16 years or older who received ECMO support for refractory COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic-from March 1 to Sept 13, 2020-at 133 centres in 21 countries. In-hospital mortality and mortality 6 months after ECMO initiation were the primary outcomes. Mixed-Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate associations between patient and management-related variables (eg, patient demographics, comorbidities, pre-ECMO status, and ECMO characteristics and complications) and in-hospital deaths. Survival status at 6 months was established through patient contact or institutional charts review. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04366921, and is ongoing.

FINDINGS

Between March 1 and Sept 13, 2020, 1215 patients (942 [78%] men and 267 [22%] women; median age 53 years [IQR 46-60]) were included in the study. Median ECMO duration was 15 days (IQR 8-27). 602 (50%) of 1215 patients died in hospital, and 852 (74%) patients had at least one complication. Multiorgan failure was the leading cause of death (192 [36%] of 528 patients who died with available data). In mixed-Cox analyses, age of 60 years or older, use of inotropes and vasopressors before ECMO initiation, chronic renal failure, and time from intubation to ECMO initiation of 4 days or more were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. 613 patients did not die in hospital, and 547 (95%) of 577 patients for whom data were available were alive at 6 months. 102 (24%) of 431 patients had returned to full-time work at 6 months, and 57 (13%) of 428 patients had returned to part-time work. At 6 months, respiratory rehabilitation was required in 88 (17%) of 522 patients with available data, and the most common residual symptoms included dyspnoea (185 [35%] of 523 patients) and cardiac (52 [10%] of 514 patients) or neurocognitive (66 [13%] of 512 patients) symptoms.

INTERPRETATION

Patient's age, timing of cannulation (<4 days vs ≥4 days from intubation), and use of inotropes and vasopressors are essential factors to consider when analysing the outcomes of patients receiving ECMO for COVID-19. Despite post-discharge survival being favourable, persisting long-term symptoms suggest that dedicated post-ECMO follow-up programmes are required.

FUNDING

None.

Outcomes of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) for COVID-19 Patients: A Multi-Institutional Analysis

BACKGROUND

In March 2020, COVID-19 was announced as a global pandemic. The first COVID-19 patient was connected to an ECMO device in Israel during that time. Since then, over 200 patients have required ECMO support due to COVID-19 infection. The present study is a multi-institutional analysis of all COVID-19 patients requiring veno-venous (VV) ECMO in Israel. The aim was to characterize and compare the survivors and deceased patients as well as establish risk factors for mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective multi-institutional study was conducted from March 2020 to March 2021 in eleven of twelve ECMO centers operating in Israel. All COVID-19 patients on VV ECMO support were included in the cohort. The patients were analyzed based on their comorbidities, procedural data, adverse event on ECMO, and outcomes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare the deceased and the surviving patients.

RESULTS

The study included 197 patients, of which 150 (76%) were males, and the mean age was 50.7 ± 12 years. Overall mortality was 106 (54%). Compared with the deceased subjects, survivors were significantly younger (48 ± 11 vs. 53 ± 12 years), suffered less from ischemic heart disease (IHD) (3% vs. 12%), and were ventilated for a significantly shorter period (≤4 days) prior to cannulation (77% vs. 63%). Patients in the deceased group experienced more kidney failure and sepsis. Rates of other complications were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study, we conclude that early cannulation (≤4 days) of younger patients (≤55 years) may improve overall survival and that a history of IHD might indicate a reduced prognosis.

Primary heart dysfunction is greater with combined heart and lung compared with isolated heart procurement

OBJECTIVE

Combined heart and lungs (CHL) procurement differs from isolated heart (IH) procurement in several aspects, including lung recruitment, cannulation, and preservation requirements. We aimed to investigate whether CHL versus IH procurement contributes to the development of primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after heart transplantation (HT).

METHODS

Between 1999 and 2019, we assessed 175 patients undergoing HT at a single center. Patients were divided into IH (n = 61) or CHL (n = 114) procurement groups. End points included PGD (defined according to the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation consensus statement) and long-term survival.

RESULTS

The incidence of PGD was significantly greater in CHL recipients compared with IH recipients (53.5% vs 16.4%, P < .001). Multivariable analysis showed that CHL procurement was independently associated with a significant 4.6-fold increased risk for PGD (95% confidence interval, 2.1-11, P < .001). Univariable and multivariable analyses showed that the overall survival was not significantly affected by the procurement group (log-rank P = .150, hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-1.88, P = .646). The simultaneous procurement of abdominal organs was not associated with an increased risk of PGD in HT recipients. These results remained consistent in a propensity-matched analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Combined procurement of heart and lungs is independently associated with an increased risk of PGD. Further prospective studies are needed to validate this hypothesis-generating study.

Effect of levosimendan infusion prior to left ventricular assist device implantation on right ventricular failure

Objective

Investigate the safety and efficacy of preoperative levosimendan in patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.

Methods

Consecutive patients who received LVADs (HeartMate-2, 3, HVAD) in a single tertiary medical center (2012–2018). INTERMACS profile 1 patients were excluded. The primary outcome was post-LVAD right ventricular failure (RVF) and inhospital mortality rates. The secondary outcomes included other clinical, echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters at follow-up.

Results

Final cohort consisted of 62 patients (40[65%] in the levosimendan group and 22[35%] in the no-levosimendan group). Post-operative RVF rate and inotrope or ventilation support time were similar in the levosimendan and no-levosimendan groups (7.5% vs. 13.6%; P = 0.43, median of 51 vs. 72 h; P = 0.41 and 24 vs. 27 h; P = 0.19, respectively). Length of hospitalization, both total and in the intensive care unit, was not statistically significant (median days of 13 vs. 16; P = 0.34, and 3 vs. 4; P = 0.44, respectively). Post-operative laboratory and echocardiographic parameters and in-hospital complication rate did not differ between the groups, despite worse baseline clinical parameters in the Levosimendan group. There was no significant difference in the in-hospital and long term mortality rate (2.5% vs. 4.5%; P > 0.999 and 10% vs. 27.3% respectively; P = 0.64).

Conclusions

Levosimendan infusion prior to LVAD implantation was safe and associated with comparable results without significant improved post-operative outcomes, including RVF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-022-01915-6.

Unusual complications following left ventricular assisted device implantation: case series

Background

While left ventricular assisted devices (LVAD) have revolutionized the treatment of advanced heart failure, they are associated with a wide range of complications, including bleeding and infection which are the most common complications reported in the literature. Our case series report four unusual complications not related to gastrointestinal bleeding and infections and their management.

Case presentation

A 61 year old female after LVAD implantation with late onset of severe symptomatic aortic regurgitation treated by transfemoral transcatheter valve implantation (TAVI) with good long term results.

A 75 year old male patient with acute pump failure secondary to cable damage, who underwent urgent pump replacement. A 49 year old female patient with a history of myoma who developed massive uterine bleeding which was treated with emergent open hysterectomy after failed gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy replacement. A 57 year old male patient with device display failure 1 month after LVAD implantation without the ability to monitor speed, power consumption and blood flow.

Conclusions

LVAD patients can be presented with a great variety of complications. Physicians should be aware of their manifestations and the management options.

The Impact of Initiation of an Intensivist-Led Patient Management Protocol on Outcomes After Cardiac Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Prolonged intensive care unit stay after cardiac surgery is associated with high mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the introduction of a quality improvement program under the supervision of an intensivist on the long-term mortality of high-risk patients with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay after cardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective study of prospectively collected data.

SETTING

Cardiac surgery ICU.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 7,549 patients after cardiac surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were divided into two periods: 2004 to 2007, before introducing the quality improvement program (3,315 patients), and 2009 to 2014, after introduction of the program (4,234 patients). In the period from 2004 to 2007, patients were divided into group I (ICU stay ≥ seven days), which included 242 patients, and group III (ICU stay < seven days), which included 3,073 patients. Also, in the period from 2009 to 2014 patients, were divided into group II (ICU stay ≥seven days), which included 326 patients, and group IV (ICU stay < seven days), which included 3,908 patients. Patient outcomes were compared. Follow-up was five years for each group.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation did not differ significantly among the groups. When comparing between group I and group II, 30-day mortality decreased significantly from 24.8% to 16.6%, six-month mortality from 27.3% to 19.3%, one-year mortality from 42.1% to 32.2%, 3-year mortality from 54.5% to 43.3%, and 5-year mortality from 61.2% to 51.8%. In comparing between group III and group IV, the authors did not observe a statistically significant decrease of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensivist-led patient management protocol is associated with decreased long-term mortality in high-risk patients with a prolonged ICU stay.

Weight gain post-heart transplantation is associated with an increased risk for allograft vasculopathy and rejection

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and overweight are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Since fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) both contribute to total body weight (TBW), we characterized the post-heart transplantation (HT) change in TBW and its implications for outcomes.

METHODS

Post-HT changes in TBW, FM, and FFM were reviewed for 211 HT patients assessed during 1997-2017. Endpoints included cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and rejection.

RESULTS

Median TBW increased by 7.3% at 1 year, with a significant rise in the obese category (28% vs. 13%, p < 0.001) and with FM versus FFM making the main contribution (23% vs. 3%, p < 0.001). When patients were divided according to median TBW change ("high" vs. "low"), Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that 10-year freedom from CAV (log-rank p < 0.005) and rejection (log-rank p < 0.01) was significantly higher for the "low" TBW change group. Consistently, multivariable analyses showed that the "high" group was independently associated with significant 3.5-fold and 4.2-fold increased risks for CAV (95% CI 1.4-8.7, p = 0.01) and rejection (95% CI 1.2-15.4, p = 0.03), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain, contributed mostly by FM, is independently associated with an increased risk for CAV and rejection. Follow-up emphasis should be placed on weight gain and preventative measures.

Donor thyroid hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of graft dysfunction after heart transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Heart transplantation (HT) is uniquely associated with the potential impact of thyroid hormone therapy at three intersecting levels-donor, operation, and recipient. We aimed to study the effect of thyroid hormone therapy of the donor on primary graft dysfunction (PGD).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 209 HT recipients assessed from 1997 to 2018; for 33 of the recipients, the donors had received T4 (DT4 group), and for 176, the donors had not (NoDT4 group). The primary endpoint was PGD defined according to the International Society for Heart and Lung consensus statement.

RESULTS

Both the incidence (58% vs 35%, P = .022) and the severity of PGD (42% vs 25% moderate/severe, P = .007) were significantly higher in the DT4 recipients. Multivariable analysis showed donor T4 therapy to be independently associated with a ~3.5-fold increased risk for PGD (OR = 3.44, 95% CI 1.26-9.86). These results remained consistent after propensity score analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Donor thyroid hormone therapy is independently associated with an increased risk of PGD. Hypothesizing a "withdrawal effect" as the cause, we suggest that administration of thyroid hormone to the recipient at time of reperfusion could counter this negative effect. Prospective studies are needed to validate this hypothesis-generating study.

Improved long-term outcomes after heart transplantation utilizing donors with a traumatic mode of brain death

Background

The donor’s mode of brain death (BD), being associated with impairment of myocardial function and hemodynamic performance, impacts the prognosis of the heart transplantation (HTx) recipient.

Methods

All patients who underwent HTx between 1996 and 2017 were categorized according to donor’s BD mechanism: traumatic BD (TBD) versus non-traumatic BD (NTBD).

Results

The TBD group included 105 recipients, and the NTBD group, 85 recipients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that overall survival was significantly higher for recipients of TBD hearts (10-year survival 58.1 vs. 37.6%, p = 0.044). Consistently, multivariate analysis showed that TBD was independently associated with a significant 43% reduction in mortality [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42–0.75, p = 0.033]. Rejection rate was lower in the TBD group (total rejection score 0.44 ± 0.32 vs. 0.51 ± 0.38, p = 0.04; any rejection score 0.38 ± 0.26 vs. 0.45 ± 0.31, p = 0.030), and freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) was significantly higher in recipients of traumatic vs. non-traumatic donors (10 years: 82.9 vs. 62.4%, log-rank p-value = 0.024). Multivariate analysis showed a significant 42% reduction in CAV [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.58, 95% CI 0.51–0.85, p = 0.022).

Conclusion

Mode of brain death significantly impacts HTx outcomes, with TBD being associated with reduced mortality, rejections and CAV.

Does duration of donor brain injury impact heart transplantation outcomes?

AIM

We aimed to study the implications of pre-transplantation time intervals on HT outcomes.

METHODS

Brain injury time (BIT) was defined as the period from the donor brain injury to brain death declaration. Brain death interval (BDI) was defined as the period from brain death to application of an aortic cross-clamp during donor heart procurement. Allograft ischemia was defined as the time from donor aortic cross-clamp to aortic unclamping. End points included mortality and rejections.

RESULTS

Between 1997 and 2017, we assessed 173 patients. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that prolonged donor BIT, BDI, allograft ischemia, and total injury time had no significant effect on mortality and rejections. Patients were subdivided into short BIT (<97 hours, n = 87) and long BIT (≥97 hours, n = 86) groups. No differences in rejection scores nor in time to first rejection were noted. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a similar long-term survival in the two groups. Sub-analysis of both groups according to their median BDI (12 hours) revealed no differences in mortality or time to rejection.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-transplantation time intervals do not affect mortality or rejection. Our findings have important clinical implications regarding HT allocation and organ availability.

Real-life characteristics and outcomes of patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting for left main coronary artery disease: data from the prospective Multi-vessel Coronary Artery Disease (MULTICAD) Israeli Registry

OBJECTIVES

Left main coronary artery involvement in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease provides a poor prognosis. Although the main strategy for revascularization is by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is being used with increased frequency.

METHODS

This prospective, 3-year follow-up study included 1063 consecutive patients with multivessel coronary artery disease enrolled between January and April 2013 from all 22 hospitals in Israel that perform coronary angiography and PCI.

RESULTS

Of the 1063 patients, 252 (24%) had left main coronary artery disease. Of them, 27% were treated by PCI and 73% by CABG. Factors associated with referral for PCI included older age [odds ratio (OR) 1.04; P = 0.021], renal impairment (OR 3.52; P = 0.006), prior PCI (OR 2.23; P = 0.041) and lower SYNTAX score (OR 1.05; P = 0.004). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that after 3 years, all-cause mortality among left main coronary artery disease patients was significantly higher among those who underwent PCI versus CABG (26.9% vs 8.7%; P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that PCI was associated with a >2-fold increased hazard for mortality compared with surgical revascularization (hazard ratio 2.13, 95% confidence interval 1.05-4.31; P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

In real-life practice, clinical factors and a lower SYNTAX score affect the decision to perform PCI in left main coronary artery disease patients. Our findings suggest that CABG is associated with improved long-term survival compared to PCI in patients with left main coronary artery disease after adjustment for those factors.

Recurrent acute cellular rejection graded ISHLT 1R early after heart transplantation negatively affects long-term outcomes: The prognostic significance of 1990 ISHLT grades 1B and 2

PURPOSE

We investigated the implications of early recurrent 1R rejections for long-term outcomes after heart transplantation (HT) and evaluated the prognostic significance of 1990 ISHLT grading 1B/2 versus 1A.

METHODS

Data on all patients who underwent HT between 1992 and 2017 were reviewed. Patients with ≥2 endomyocardial biopsies graded 1R in the first 3 months were classified as "recurrent 1R." Those patients were further categorized according to 1A vs. 1B/2. Outcomes (>3 months) were long-term rejections and the combined endpoint of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and cardiovascular (CV) mortality.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine out of 228 patients were classified as recurrent grade 1R. In the recurrent 1R group, 2R rejection rate was significantly higher (2.6 ± 0.6 vs 1.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.03), while survival free of rejections was lower (5-year: 57.1% vs. 72.3%, p = 0.022). Multivariate analysis showed that early recurrent 1R rejection was associated with a 30% increased risk for subsequent major rejection. Among 28 patients classified as 1B/2 of the recurrent group, rejection scores were higher, while survival free of rejections was lower, compared to 37 patients of the recurrent group classified as 1A (5-year: 57.1% vs. 72.7%, p = 0.013). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CAV/CV mortality at 10 years of follow-up was significantly higher among the recurrent 1R group (38% vs. 18% p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that early recurrent 1R rejections were associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk for CAV/CV mortality.

CONCLUSION

Early recurrent grade 1R rejections negatively affect long-term outcomes. The adverse outcomes are experienced mainly by 1R patients subcategorized as1B/2 and not 1A.

Ethnic disparity in Israel impacts long-term results after heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Ethnicity may affect graft longevity and recipient mortality after heart transplantation (HTx). We hypothesized that differences in ethnic origin between Arabs and Jews undergoing HTx in Israel may contribute to differences in long-term outcomes.

METHODS

The study population comprised all 254 patients who underwent HTx between 1991 and 2017 in a tertiary medical center located in the center of Israel. Patients were categorized as either Jews (226 patients, 89%) or Arabs (28 patients, 11%). The primary end point was cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), secondary end points were cardiovascular (CV) mortality and the combined end point of CAV/CV mortality.

RESULTS

In comparison with Jews, Arab patients were significantly younger (ave. age 42 vs. 50) and had shorter in-hospital stay (45 vs. 80 days). However, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that at 10 years of follow-up CAV rates were significantly higher among Arabs (58%) compared with Jews (23%; log-rank P = 0.01) for the overall difference during follow-up. Similar results were shown for the separate end point of CV mortality and the combined end point of CAV/CV mortality. Multivariate analysis, which controlled for age, gender, statin treatment, and other potential confounders, showed that Arab recipient ethnic origin was associated with a significant > 2.5-fold (p = 0.01) increase in the risk for CAV; a > 4-fold increase in the risk for CV mortality (p = 0.001); and approximately 4-fold increase in the risk for the combined end point (p = 0.001). These findings were validated by propensity score analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that Arab ethnic origin is associated with a significantly increased risk for CAV and mortality following HTx. Suggested explanations contributing to ethnic disparities in Israel include socioeconomic, environmental and genetic factors. Further studies are required to evaluate whether more aggressive risk factor management in the Israeli Arab population following HTx would reduce CAV and CV mortality in this high-risk population. Increased awareness and early intervention of the Israeli healthcare system and cooperation with the Arab community is of paramount importance.

Revascularization Strategies and Survival in Patients With Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

We sought to assess real-world implementation of the guidelines in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) using a prospective national registry in Israel.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with left main or 2- to 3-vessel CAD involving the proximal or mid left anterior descending artery were enrolled in a dedicated multicenter registry. Patients were managed at the discretion of the treating team at each hospital and were followed for 30 months.

RESULTS

This registry included 1,064 patients, 55% treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 45% with coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that chronic renal failure (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; p = 0.001) and prior myocardial infarction (OR, 1.7; p = 0.024) were associated with referral to PCI versus CABG, whereas male gender (OR, 2.27; p < 0.001), prior aspirin treatment (OR, 1.72; p = 0.005), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.51; p = 0.007), 3-vessel CAD (OR, 3.45; p < 0.001) and SYNTAX score (SS) greater than 32 (OR, 10.0; p < 0.001) were associated with referral to CABG versus PCI. Each point increment in the SS was independently associated with a 9% greater likelihood of referral to CABG (p < 0.001). Survival analysis showed that mortality risk was lower among PCI patients less than 8 months after the procedure, and CABG was associated with a significant survival benefit thereafter.

CONCLUSIONS

We found good agreement with current guidelines regarding revascularization strategies in real-world patients with multivessel CAD. The SS was the main independent predictor associated with the choice of revascularization strategy. The time-dependent association between revascularization strategy and long-term survival should be incorporated in the risk assessment of this population.

Trends and Outcomes in Heart Transplantation over the Past Three Decades: A Single Tertiary Center Experience in Israel

BACKGROUND

Heart transplantation (HT) is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage heart failure. The HT unit at the Sheba Medical Center is the largest of its kind in Israel.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the experience of HT at a single center, assess trends over 3 decades, and correlate with worldwide data.

METHODS

Between 1990 and 2017, we reviewed all 285  adult HT patients. Patients were grouped by year of HT: 1990-1999 (decade 1), 2000-2009 (decade 2), and 2010-2017 (decade 3).

RESULTS

The percentage of women undergoing HT has increased and etiology has shifted from ischemic to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (10% vs. 25%, P = 0.033; 70% vs. 40% ischemic, for decades 1 vs. 3, respectively). Implantation of left ventricular assist device as a bridge to HT has increased. Metabolic profile has improved over the years with lower low-density lipoprotein, diabetes, and hypertension after HT (101 mg/dl, 27%, and 41% at decade 3, respectively). There has been a prominent change in immunosuppressive treatments, currently more than 90% are treated with tacrolimus, compared with 2.7% and 30.9% in decades 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) rates have declined significantly (47% vs. 17.5% for decades 1 and 2, P < 0.001) as have the combined endpoint of CAV/death. Similarly, the current incidence of acute rejections is significantly lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Our analysis of over 25 years of a single-center experience with HT shows encouraging improved results, which are in line with worldwide standards and experience.

Surgical Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis: A Single Tertiary Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Although surgery is the sole therapeutic option for patients with constrictive pericarditis (CP), reports on high postoperative mortality rates have led to hesitant surgery referral. The aim of this study was to report the short- and long-term outcomes of surgical pericardiectomy (SP) from a large tertiary center.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and January 2017, 55 consecutive patients underwent SP after comprehensive echocardiography, computed tomography, and hemodynamic studies. Detailed clinical, imaging, surgical techniques and follow-up outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

The most common etiology was idiopathic (n = 27, 49%) and 33 patients (60%) were in functional class 3/4. Sixteen patients (29%) underwent concomitant interventions during SP, and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used in these, as well as in four additional cases. Complete resection, independent of CPB, was achieved in 96%. One patient died during the index hospitalization, and four (7%) needed re-explorations due to bleeding. While 12 patients (22%) died during a mean follow-up of 52 ± 39 months, only 1 death was due to right heart failure. Functional class significantly improved (with a p-value < 0.001), diuretics were discontinued in all, and significant reductions of right atrial pressures were recorded. None of these outcomes differed as a result of concomitant interventions at the time of SP.

CONCLUSION

Short- and long-term outcomes of SP, performed either alone or concomitantly with other procedures, indicate high safety and favorable clinical and hemodynamic efficacy for the treatment of CP.

Risk of early, intermediate, and late rejection following heart transplantation: Trends over the past 25 years and relation to changes in medical management. Tertiary center experience: The Sheba Heart Transplantation Registry

AIM

To explore the trends in the risk for rejection following heart transplantation (HT) over the past 25 years, and their relation to changes in medical management.

METHODS

The study population comprised 216 HT patients. Rejection periods were defined as follows: 0-3 months (early), 3-12 months (intermediate), and 12+ months (late). HT era was dichotomized as follows: 1991-1999 (remote era) and 2000-2016 (recent era). Medication combination was categorized as newer (TAC, MMF, and everolimus) vs older therapies (AZA, CSA).

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis showed that patients who underwent HT during the recent era experienced a significant reduction in the risk for major rejection. These findings were consistent for early (OR = 0.44 [95% CI 0.22-0.88]), intermediate (OR = 0.02 [95% CI 0.003-0.11]), and late rejections (OR = 0.18 [95% CI 0.05-0.52]). Using the year of HT as a continuous measure showed that each 1-year increment was independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk for early, intermediate, and late rejections (5%, 21%, 18%, respectively). In contrast, the risk reduction associated with newer types of immunosuppressive therapies was not statistically significant after adjustment for the treatment period.

CONCLUSIONS

Major rejection rates following HT have significantly declined over the past 2 decades even after adjustment for changes in immunosuppressive therapies, suggesting that other factors may also play a role in the improved outcomes of HT recipients.

Metformin therapy reduces the risk of malignancy after heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Malignancy and diabetes mellitus (DM) cause significant morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation (HTx). Metformin, one of the most commonly used anti-diabetic drugs worldwide, has also been shown to exhibit anti-tumor activity. We therefore investigated the association between metformin therapy and malignancy after HTx.

METHODS

The study population comprised 237 patients who underwent HTx between 1991 and 2016 and were prospectively followed-up. Clinical data were recorded on prospectively designed forms. The primary outcome was any cancer recorded during 15 years of follow-up. Treatment with metformin and the development of DM after HTx were assessed as time-dependent factors in the analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 237 study patients, 85 (36%) had diabetes. Of the DM patients, 48 (56%) were treated with metformin. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that, at 15 years after HTx, malignancy rate was 4% for DM patients treated with metformin, 62% for those who did not receive metformin and 27% for non-DM patients (log-rank test, p < 0.0001). Consistently, multivariate analysis showed that for DM patients, metformin therapy was independently associated with a significant 90% reduction (hazard ratio = 0.10; 95% confidence interval 0.02 to 0.40; p = 0.001) in the risk of the development of a malignancy. DM patients who were treated with metformin had a markedly lower risk (65%; p = 0.001) for the development of a malignancy or death after HTx as compared with non-DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that metformin therapy is independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk of malignancy after HTx.

The impact of gender mismatching on early and late outcomes following heart transplantation

Aims

The role of donor/recipient gender matching on the long‐term rejection process and clinical outcomes following heart transplantation (HT) outcomes is still controversial. We aim to investigate the impact of gender matching on early and long‐term outcome HT.

Methods and results

The study population comprised 166 patients who underwent HT between 1991 and 2013 and were prospectively followed up in a tertiary referral centre. Early and late outcomes were assessed by the type of donor–recipient gender match (primary analysis: female donor–male recipient [FD–MR, n = 36] vs. male donor–male recipient [MD–MR, n = 109]). Early mortality, need for inotropic support, length of hospital stay, and major perioperative adverse events did not differ between the FD–MR and MD–MR groups. However, the FD–MR group experienced significantly higher rates of early major rejections per patient as compared with the MD–MR group (1.2 ± 1.6 vs. 0.4 ± 0.8; P = 0.001), higher rates of overall major rejections (16 vs. 5.5 per 100 person years; P < 0.05), and higher rate of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (43% vs. 20%; P = 0.01). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative probabilities of survival free of rejections and major adverse events were significantly higher in MD–MR group (P = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that FD–MR status was associated with >2.5‐fold (P = 0.03) increase in the risk for rejections and with a >3‐fold (P = 0.01) increase in the risk for major adverse events during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Donor–recipient gender mismatch is a powerful independent predictor of early and late rejections and long‐term major adverse events following HT.

Abstract 009: Cardiac Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease are Proinflammatory and Impair Recovery after Myocardial Infarction in Rat

Introduction: Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) from adipose cardiac tissue have attracted considerable interest for cell-based therapies. However, the best source of hMSCs for infarct repair is still unknown.

Hypothesis: We aimed to test the hypothesis that, because of their proximity to the heart, hMSCs from the heart and epicardial fat would be better cells for infarct repair.

Methods and Results: We isolated and grew hMSCs from patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) from four different sources: 1) epicardial fat 2) pericardial fat 3) subcutaneous fat and 4) the right atrium. hMSCs from the right atrium and epicardial fat secreted the highest amounts of trophic and inflammatory cytokines, while hMSCs from pericardial and subcutaneous fat secreted the lowest (p<0.05, n=5-6 per source). Subsequently, the greatest angiogenic effect was induced with conditioned medium from atrium and epicardial fat hMSCs, by tube formation assay. To determine the effect of hMSCs in vivo , we allocated rats to hMSC transplantation 7 days after myocardial infarction (MI) (n=8-10 per group). Atrial hMSCs induced the highest number of vessels in the infarct, together with the highest inflammation score and macrophage accumulation 27 days after their injection. However, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction was worst after therapy with atrium and epicardial fat hMSCs, and minimal after subcutaneous fat hMSC therapy. Notably, there was a correlation between levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and hepatocyte growth factor, in vitro , and post-transplantation LV systolic dilatation. These surprising findings were supported by gene expression analysis in hMSCs from different sources of a patient with IHD. We found that the relative expression of inflammation and fibrosis-related genes was considerably higher in hMSCs from the right atrium and epicardial fat than in subcutaneous fat hMSCs.

Conclusions: The origin of hMSCs affects their reparative and immunomodulatory properties. Because of their pro-inflammatory properties, hMSCs from the right atrium and epicardial fat of IHD patients could impair heart function after MI. Our findings might be relevant to autologous MSC therapy and pathogenesis and progression of IHD.

Tricuspid valve regurgitation after orthotopic heart transplantation: prevalence and etiology

Background. Tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is common. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of TR after OHT, to examine the correlation between its development and various variables, and to determine its outcomes. Methods. All 163 OHT patients who were followed up between 1988 and 2009 for a minimal period of 12 months were divided into those with no TR/mild TR and those with at least mild-moderate TR, as assessed by doppler echocardiography. These groups were compared regarding preoperative hemodynamic variables, surgical technique employed, number of endomyocardial biopsies, number of acute cellular rejections, incidence of graft vasculopathy, and clinical outcomes. Results. At the end of the followup (average 8.2 years) significant TR was evident in 14.1% of the patients. The development of late TR was found by univariate, but not multivariate, analysis to be significantly correlated with the biatrial surgical technique (P < 0.01) and the presence of graft vasculopathy (P < 0.001). TR development was found to be correlated with the need for tricuspid valve surgery but not with an increased mortality. Conclusions. The development of TR after OHT may be related to the biatrial anastomosis technique and to graft vasculopathy.

[Ventricular assist devices as bridge to heart transplantation in cardiogenic shock or terminal heart failure--12 years experience at the Sheba Medical Center]

BACKGROUND

Patients in cardiogenic shock (CS) or with terminal heart failure (THF) are at imminent risk of death while waiting for heart transplantation (HTx). Implantation of left or bi-ventricular assist device (LVAD/BiVAD) as a bridge to HTx may save many of these doomed patients' lives.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between March 1994 and December 2006, 29 terminally ill patients (age 2.5-65 years, mean 48 years) underwent VADs implantation as bridge to HTx. The HeartMate VE LVAD was used in 18 patients, Thoratec pneumatic BiVAD in 7, Berlin Heart Excor BiVAD in one, and HeartMate II axial flow, Thoratec pneumatic and Biomedicus centrifugal LVADs in one each. Indications for VADs implantation were CS in 16 patients (55%) and intractable THF in 13 pts (45%). Etiologies were ischemic in 20 patients, idiopathic dilated, myocarditis and congenital in 2 patients each, and valvular, post partum and HTx graft vasculopathy in one patient each.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients (59%) survived VADs implantation and underwent HTx or are ongoing. Mean survival on VADs was 72 days (range 1-353 days, total 5.2 patient years). Seven patients (24%) were discharged home while on LVAD support for a mean of 146 days. Nine of the transplanted patients (64%) were discharged home. In 4 LVAD patients the cause of death was RV failure necessitating later implantation of RVAD.

CONCLUSIONS

VADs implantation as bridge to HTx in CS or THF saves many of these doomed patients, sometimes providing quality out-of-hospital life while waiting for HTx. Early recognition of RV failure and liberal use of BiVAD is important.

Primary local orbital amyloidosis: biochemical identification of the immunoglobulin light chain kappaIII subtype in a small formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded tissue sample

BACKGROUND

Amyloidosis refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders associated with the deposition of chemically distinct amyloid fibril proteins. Precise determination of chemical amyloid type has diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic relevance. Although immunohistochemical techniques are used routinely to determine the amyloid type, the results can be negative or inconclusive, so that biochemical characterisation is often required. The development and application of new biochemical microtechniques suitable for examination of extremely small tissue samples is essential for precise identification of the deposited amyloid proteins.

AIMS

To investigate biochemically the amyloid proteins present in a formalin fixed paraffin wax embedded orbital tissue from a patient with localised orbital amyloidosis in whom immunohistochemistry was not helpful in the determination of amyloid type.

METHODS

Extraction of amyloid proteins from fixed tissue and their identification was carried out by a recently developed microtechnique. An extremely small tissue sample was dewaxed and extracted with formic acid. The extracted material was analysed using electrophoresis, western blotting, and amino acid sequencing.

RESULTS

Biochemical examination of the extracted proteins showed the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) derived amyloid proteins, which were composed of the N-terminal fragments of the Ig light chain kappaIII subtype (AL-kappaIII) (16, 8, and 3 kDa).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first chemically proved AL case reported in association with primary localised orbital amyloidosis. The biochemical microtechnique used was useful in achieving a precise diagnosis of amyloid disease, in a case where the results of routine immunohistochemical examination of amyloid were inconclusive.