Left Ventricular Assist Device and the Current State of the Art: HeartMate 3 at 5 Years

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) or cardiac transplantation are the two prevailing methods of treating patients with end-stage heart failure. The availability of donor hearts is insufficient to meet the needs of patients with advanced heart failure. LVADs offer a potential alternative to transplantation for those patients who cannot wait or are otherwise unsuited for cardiac transplantation. The field has made tremendous progress in the past 20 years. In this review, the current state of the art is summarized with respect to current generation LVADs.

Concurrent valvular procedures during left ventricular assist device implantation and outcomes: A comprehensive analysis of the Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3 trial portfolio

BACKGROUND

Correction of valvular disease is often undertaken during left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation with uncertain benefit. We analyzed clinical outcomes with HeartMate 3 (HM3; Abbott) LVAD implantation in those with various concurrent valve procedures (HM3+VP) with those with an isolated LVAD implant (HM3 alone).

METHODS

The study included 2200 patients with HM3 implanted within the Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy with HeartMate 3 (MOMENTUM 3) trial portfolio who underwent 820 concurrent procedures among which 466 (21.8%) were HM3+VP. VPs included 101 aortic, 61 mitral, 163 tricuspid; 85 patients had multiple VPs. Perioperative complications, major adverse events, and survival were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients who underwent HM3+VP had higher-acuity Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profiles (1-2: 41% vs 31%) compared with no VPs (P < .05). The cardiopulmonary bypass time (124 vs 76 minutes; P < .0001) and hospital length of stay (20 vs 18 days; P < .0001) were longer in HM3+VP. A higher incidence of stroke (4.9% vs 2.4%), bleeding (33.9% vs 23.8%), and right heart failure (41.5% vs 29.6%) was noted in HM3+VP at 0 to 30 days (P < .01), with no difference in 30-day mortality (3.9% vs 3.3%) or 2-year survival (81.7% vs 80.8%). Analysis of individual VP showed no differences in survival compared to HM3 alone. No differences were noted among patients with either significant mitral (moderate or worse) or tricuspid (moderate or worse) regurgitation with or without corrective surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Concurrent VPs, commonly performed during LVAD implantation, are associated with increased morbidity during the index hospitalization, with no effect on short- and long-term survival. There is sufficient equipoise to consider a randomized trial on the benefit of commonly performed VPs (such as mitral or tricuspid regurgitation correction), during LVAD implantation.

Impact of prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty on outcomes in heart transplantation

BACKGROUND

Tricuspid regurgitation(TR) following heart transplantation could adversely affect clinical outcomes. In an effort to reduce the incidence of TR, prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty has been performed during heart transplantation in our institution. We assessed early and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

Between August 2011 and August 2021, 349 patients who underwent prophylactic tricuspid valve annuloplasty were included. Tricuspid valve annuloplasty was performed using the DeVega annuloplasty technique. The clinical outcomes of the interests included complete atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation, the occurrence of significant TR(defined as moderate or greater), and survival. Long-term survival was compared in patients with and without significant TR using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent covariate analysis was used to see if significant TR affected the long-term survival.

RESULTS

There was one patient(0.3%) who required pacemaker implantation for complete atrioventricular block. No patients developed tricuspid valve stenosis that required intervention. Significant TR developed in 31 patients(8.9%) during the follow-up period. The survival rate of patients who developed significant TR was significantly lower than that of those who did not(log rank < 0.01). Significant TR was associated with the long-term mortality(HR2.92, 95%CI 1.47-5.82, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic donor heart tricuspid valve annuloplasty has the potential to reduce the occurrence of significant TR and can be performed safely. The significant TR that developed in patients with prophylactic annuloplasty negatively affected survival and was an independent predictor of long-term mortality.

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure during left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents

BACKGROUND

It remains unknown if the left atrial appendage closure at the time of left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents.

METHODS

Consecutive 310 patients who underwent left ventricular assist device surgery with HeartMate II or 3 between January 2012 and November 2021 were included in this study. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients with left atrial appendage closure (Group A) and without left atrial appendage closure (Group B). We compared the clinical outcomes including the incidence of cerebrovascular accident between two groups.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were included in Group A, and 212 patients in Group B. There were no significant differences between two groups in age, preoperative CHADS2 score and history of atrial fibrillation. In-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the two groups (Group A: 7.1%, Group B: 12.3%, p = 0.16). Thirty-seven patients (11.9%) experienced ischaemic cerebrovascular accident (five patients in Group A and 32 patients in Group B). The cumulative incidence from ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents in Group A (5.3% at 12 months and 5.3% at 36 months) was significantly lower than that in Group B (8.2% at 12 months and 16.8% at 36 months; p = 0.017). In a multivariable competing risk analysis, left atrial appendage closure was associated with reducing ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.97, p = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure in left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischaemic cerebrovascular accidents without increasing perioperative mortality and complications.

Adverse Hemodynamic Consequences of Continuous Left Ventricular Mechanical Support: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide lifesaving therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. The recognition of pump thrombosis, stroke, and nonsurgical bleeding as hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAEs) led to pump design improvements and reduced adverse event rates. However, continuous flow can predispose patients to right-sided heart failure (RHF) and aortic insufficiency (AI), especially as patients live longer with their device. Given the hemodynamic contributions to AI and RHF, these comorbidities can be classified as hemodynamic-related events (HDREs). Hemodynamic-driven events are time dependent and often manifest later than HRAEs. This review examines the emerging strategies to mitigate HDREs, with a focus on defining best practices for AI and RHF. As we head into the next generation of LVAD technology, it is important to differentiate HDREs from HRAEs so that we can continue to advance the field and improve the true durability of the pump-patient continuum.

The prognostic role of advanced hemodynamic variables in patients with left ventricular assist devices

BACKGROUND

Invasive hemodynamic variables obtained from right heart catheterization have been used for risk-stratifying patients with advanced heart failure (HF). However, there is a paucity of data on the prognostic value of invasive hemodynamic variables in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). We hypothesized that cardiac power output (CPO), cardiac power efficiency (CPE), and left ventricular stroke work index (LVSWI) can serve as prognostic markers in patients with LVADs.

METHODS

Baseline hemodynamic data from patients who had LVAD ramp studies at our institution from 4/2014 to 7/2018 were prospectively collected, from which advanced hemodynamic variables (CPO, CPE, and LVSWI) were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed for hemocompatibility-related adverse events (HRAE), HF admissions, and mortality.

RESULTS

Ninety-one participants (age 61 ± 11 years, 34% women, 40% Black or African American, and 38% ischemic cardiomyopathy) were analyzed. Low CPE was significantly associated with mortality (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.02-5.74, p = 0.045) in univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.04). Low LVSWI was significantly associated with mortality (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.09-4.17, p = 0.03) in univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.02). CPO was not associated with mortality. CPO, CPE, and LVSWI were not associated with HRAE or HF admissions.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced hemodynamic variables can serve as prognostic indicators for patients with LVADs. Low CPE and LVSWI are prognostic for higher mortality, but no variables were associated with HF admissions or HRAEs.

Decreasing blood wastage during ex vivo lung perfusion recovery through utilization of thermal control technology

BACKGROUND

The Organ Care System (OCS) is a revolutionary ex vivo organ perfusion technology that can potentially expand the organ retrieval range. The OCS Lung device uses packed red blood cells (pRBC) with a proprietary solution. We report the ability to reduce blood waste during this procedure by using a thermal packaging solution in conjunction with the OCS platform.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all OCS Lung recoveries performed by our recovery team, using pRBCfrom May 2019 to January 2021. Initially, units were stored using passive refrigeration with the Performance cooler at a temperature range of 1-6°C for 4 h. Subsequently, thermal control technology with the ProMed cooler was utilized to maintain the same temperature range for 72 h.

RESULTS

Twenty-three recoveries were initiated with 63 pRBC. The Performance cooler was used for 8, while the ProMed cooler for 13. 37.5% of pRBC transported with the Performance cooler was used within the validated time range, while 25.0% were used beyond the validated time range based on clinical judgment. In addition, 37.5% of pRBC transported with the Performance cooler were returned to the institution after canceled recoveries with an estimated loss of $1800; the ProMed cooler had no wastage.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that using an advanced thermal packaging solution facilitates proper storage of pRBC and represents an advancement for extended donor lung preservation. The elimination of blood wastage in this initial study portends ongoing benefits for the limited blood supply and reduced cost.

Concomitant left atrial appendage closure with left ventricular assist device surgery can reduce ischemic cerebrovascular accidents

Background

It remains unknown if concomitant left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) surgery can reduce ischemic cerebrovascular accidents.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of LAAC at LVAD surgery on the incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents.

Methods

Between January 2012 and November 2021, 310 patients underwent LVAD surgery with HeartMate II or III. Out of 310 patients, 98 patients (31.6%) underwent concomitant LAAC. The cohort was divided into two groups: patients with LAAC (Group A, n=98) and without LAAC (Group B, n=212). To minimize device bias, LVAD surgery with HeartWare HVAD device was excluded. The ischemic cerebrovascular accident was defined as ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack. We reviewed early and long-term clinical outcomes. The incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents was compared between two groups using the Kaplan-Meier method. We also investigated if LAAC was associated with ischemic cerebrovascular accidents by Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between two groups including age (Group A: 55.0±12.3 years old, Group B: 56.9±14.1 years old, p=0.26), preoperative CHADS2 score (Group A: 2.40±1.1, Group B: 2.58±1.1, p=0.19) and history of atrial fibrillation (Group A: 42.9%, Group B: 42.5%, p=0.95). In-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (Group A: 7.1%, Group B: 12.3%, p=0.16). In terms of postoperative complications, there were no significant differences between two groups in requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, re-exploration for bleeding and newly required hemodialysis. Median follow up period was 474 days. Thirty-five patients (11.2%) developed ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (5 patients in Group A and 30 patients in Group B). The rate of freedom from ischemic cerebrovascular accidents in Group A (94.1% at 500 days and 94.1% at 1500 days) was significantly higher than that in Group B (88.2% at 500 days and 77.4% at 1500 days; log rank=0.024). In a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including LAAC, age, history of atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus and Heartmate 3 device implantation, LAAC was associated with reducing the incidence of ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (hazard ratio 0.37, 95% CI 0.13–0.89, p=0.02).

Conclusion

Concomitant LAAC at the time of LVAD surgery can reduce ischemic cerebrovascular accidents without increasing perioperative mortality and complications.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Comparing short-term/long-term outcomes of heart transplants that occur inside and outside of normal working hours

Aims

Heart transplantation involves many factors such as donor selection, recipient management, multidisciplinary assessment, coordination with other organ teams, and transportation. Because of some unpredictable factors, heart transplantation can be conducted at any time of day. The purpose of this study is to investigate if outcomes differ between heart transplants taking place inside or outside of normal working hours.

Methods and results

We reviewed patients who underwent heart transplantation at our institution from January 2010 to July 2020 (n = 329). Based on the documented start time of the recipient surgeries, the cohort was divided into two groups: working hours (Group A: 7:30 to 17:00; n = 92) and after hours (Group B: 17:00 to 7:30; n = 237). We compared these groups using propensity score matching analysis. After propensity score matching, 78 pairs of patients were successfully matched. We reviewed early and late clinical outcomes including survival. Long‐term survival was compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. In the propensity‐score matched patients, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between two groups. In‐hospital mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (Group A: 6.4% vs. Group B: 2.6%, P = 0.44). Ischaemic time and cross‐clamp time did not differ between the groups. In terms of postoperative complications, there were no significant differences between two groups in stroke (6.4% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.72), primary graft dysfunction requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (5.1% vs. 7.7%, P = 0.75), re‐exploration for bleeding (9.0% vs. 12.8%, P = 0.44), and newly required haemodialysis (7.7% vs. 6.4%, P = 0.75). The survival rate in Group A (88.1% at 1 year, 81.3% at 3 years) was not significantly different from Group B (90.5% at 1 year, 82.3% at 3 years, log rank = 0.96).

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between heart transplants taking place inside or outside of working hours. A high quality of care can be provided for heart transplant patients even during after hours.

What is the Prevalence of Low Health Literacy in European Union Member States? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many studies have shown that low health literacy (HL) is associated with several adverse outcomes. In this study, we systematically reviewed the prevalence of low HL in Europe.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched. Cross-sectional studies conducted in the European Union (EU), published from 2000, investigating the prevalence of low HL in adults using a reliable tool, were included. Quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Inverse-variance random effects methods were used to produce pooled prevalence estimates. A meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the association between low HL and the characteristics of the studies.

RESULTS

The pooled prevalence of low HL ranged from of 27% (95% CI: 18-38%) to 48% (95% CI: 41-55%), depending on the literacy assessment method applied. Southern, Western, and Eastern EU countries had lower HL compared to northern Europe (β: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.40-1.35; β: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.25-0.93; and β: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.06-1.37, respectively). The assessment method significantly influenced the pooled estimate: compared to word recognition items, using self-reported comprehensions items (β: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.15-1.08), reading or numeracy comprehensions items (β: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.24-1.31), or a mixed method (β: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.01-1.33) found higher rates of low HL. Refugees had the lowest HL (β: 1.59, 95% CI: 0.26-2.92). Finally, lower quality studies reported higher rates of low HL (β: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.06-1.07).

DISCUSSION

We found that low HL is a public health challenge throughout Europe, where one in every three to almost one in every two Europeans may not be able to understand essential health-related material. Additional research is needed to investigate the underlying causes and to develop remedies.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42019133377.

Association between non-adequate health literacy and cancer screening adherence: a meta-analysis

Objective

Individuals with non-adequate health literacy (NAHL) are more likely to have poor health outcomes and behaviors, including a limited use of preventive services. This study aimed at summarizing the evidence on the association between NAHL and adherence to cancer screening programs.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Cross-sectional studies conducted in any country, published through January 2020 and quantifying the association between NAHL and cancer screening adherence, were included. An adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess quality. Inverse-variance random-effects methods were used to produce pooled estimates: overall, by cancer and by HL tool.

Results

Seventeen articles of heterogeneous quality were included in the systematic review and 45 analyses were combined. NAHL was found to negatively influence screening adherence in both the crude (n = 26) and adjusted (n = 19) pooled analyses, and the association was slightly stronger in the latter (OR = 0.70, 95%CI: 0.62-0.79 and aOR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.57-0.76, respectively). Moreover, NAHL was significantly associated with lower adherence in all the types of cancer screening investigated: breast cancer (n = 7), aOR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.38-0.78; cervical cancer (n = 4), aOR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.53-0.75; prostate cancer (n = 1), aOR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.36-0.99, and colorectal cancer (n = 7), aOR=0.85, 95%CI: 0.74-0.97. Lastly, tools measuring NAHL with reading comprehension/numeracy items yielded the strongest association with the outcome (n = 5, aOR= 0.53, 95%CI: 0.35-0.80), that was attenuated in tools with either self-reported comprehension items (n = 7, aOR=0.72, 95%CI: 0.65-0.80) or medical term recognition items (n = 7, aOR=0.74, 95%CI: 0.57-0.95).

Conclusions

This study shows that NAHL may have a significant impact on adherence in all types of screening programs analysed, independently of the tools applied to measure it. Hence, it should be a useful focus for interventions to improve screening participation rates.

Key messages

Non-adequate health literacy negatively influences cancer screening adherence. Efforts to promote the uptake of cancer screening programs should consider and address NAHL.

A new gaming platform to improve cognitive performance and promote healthy behavior: a pilot study

Background

Brain training games can sharpen the mind and potentially prevent cognitive diseases, that are particularly relevant to the population ageing. The EU funded project ACDC, Adult Cognitive Decline Conscientiousness, developed an online training tool to train cognitive functions and promote healthy behaviors in the adult population.

Methods

An online platform, consisting of 16 games with different levels, was built. Three main brain domains were targeted: memory, visuospatial and verbal skill. After the completion of each game level, healthy lifestyle tips were presented to the users. Participants were actively recruited from the project partners; inclusion criteria were adult age (40-70 years) without cognitive diseases. An adapted version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to assess cognitive performance at the start and after two hours of active gaming. The paired t-test was used to compare the scores before and after the training. A satisfaction questionnaire was administered at the end of the training session.

Results

Fifty-six participants from three European countries (Austria, Spain and Italy) took part in the pilot phase (median age: 57, IQR: 47-66). Most of them were university graduates (38%) or had a high school diploma (41%), employed full-time (46%) and females (82%). Significant improvements were registered in the verbal domain, where the mean score increased from 4.18 to 4.83 (p = 0.047), and in the memory area, where the mean score grew from 4.80 to 6.60 (p &lt; 0.001). The visuospatial mean score improved from 4.55 to 5.16 (p = 0.0518). Most users (84%) were greatly satisfied with the platform and reported a high level of appreciation for the interactive gaming approach.

Conclusions

Despite the small sample size, the pilot phase detected some improvements in cognitive performance and a good appreciation of the training tool. Given these encouraging findings, the study will now be extended to more participants.

Key messages

The newly developed platform represented a promising tool to train cognitive functions. The proposed interactive gaming approach was greatly appreciated by the users.

Multimodal surveillance of healthcare associated infections in an intensive care unit of a large teaching hospital

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), or nosocomial infections, represent a significant burden in terms of mortality, morbidity, length of stay and costs for patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs). Surveillance systems are recommended by national and international institutions to gather data on HAIs in order to develop and evaluate interventions that reduce the risk of HAIs.

STUDY DESIGN

Here we describe the methodology and the results of the surveillance system implemented in the ICU of the Policlinico Umberto I, a large teaching hospital in Rome, from April 2016 to October 2018.

METHODS

The multimodal infection surveillance system integrates four different approaches: i) active surveillance of inpatients; ii) environmental microbiological surveillance; iii) surveillance of isolated microorganisms; and iv) behavioral surveillance of healthcare personnel. Data were collected on catheter-related bloodstream infections, ventilation-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections and primary bloodstream infections that developed in patients after 48 h in the ICU. For environmental surveillance 14 points were selected for sampling (i.e. bed edges, medication carts, PC keyboards, sink faucets). The system of active surveillance of HAIs also included surveillance of microorganisms, consisting of the molecular genotyping of bacterial isolates by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). From 1 November 2016, monitoring of compliance with guidelines for hand hygiene (HH) and proper glove or gown use by healthcare personnel was included in the surveillance system. After the first six months (baseline phase), a multimodal intervention to improve adherence to guidelines by healthcare personnel was conducted with the ICU staff.

RESULTS

Overall, 773 patients were included in the active surveillance. The overall incidence rate of device-related HAIs was 14.1 (95% CI: 12.2-16.3) per 1000 patient-days. The monthly device-related HAI incident rate showed a decreasing trend over time, with peaks of incidence becoming progressively lower. The most common bacterial isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.7%), Acinetobacter baumannii (17.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (5.4%). Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the highest proportion of isolates with a multidrug-resistant profile. A total of 819 environmental samples were collected, from which 305 bacterial isolates were retrieved. The most frequent bacterial isolates were Acinetobacter baumannii (27.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (12.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (11.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.7%). All Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae environmental isolates were at least multidrug-resistant. Genotyping showed a limited number of major PFGE patterns for both clinical and environmental isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. Behavioral compliance rates significantly improved from baseline to post-intervention phase.

CONCLUSIONS

By integrating information gathered from active surveillance, environmental microbiological surveillance, surveillance of bacterial isolates and behavioral surveillance of healthcare personnel, the multimodal infection surveillance system returned a precise and detailed view of the infectious risk and microbial ecology of the ICU.

Municipal Epidemiological Report (REC): a new fast monitoring tool for exposed population. The experience on Trino municipality, ex nuclear power plant. Mortality 1970-2019

The law of March 2019 established the municipal epidemiological report to make easier the rapid and lowresource monitoring of the exposed population. Environmental observatory active in Trino since 2014 has equipped this tool and making the first evalution of the risk with census sections from 1970 to 2018. The result highlighted that overall mortality (for total gender) show a decreasing trend while for oncological diseases the results are more difficult to interpret especially in areas close to former industrial sites or contaminated sites. Next step is producing a REC with data for 2019 and divided by gender.

Autism spectrum disorders and oral health status: review of the literature

AIM

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterised by impairments in communication and social relationships and by a narrow, repetitive and stereotyped repertoire of activities, behaviours and interests. The aim of this work is to evaluate how these characteristics have an impact on oral health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was conducted through MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science in order to evaluate the oral health status of children with ASD and the correlation between ASD and dental caries, periodontal disease, dental injuries, oral microbiota, as well as the different strategies, approach and treatments in ASD patients. Forty-six articles were selected.

RESULTS

Children with ASD are at higher risk of caries, alteration of the periodontal status, alterations of the oral microbiota and increased risk of traumatic injuries.

CONCLUSION

Since ASD is a haeterogeneous disease with a wide range of expressions in individuals, adapted and specific strategies are needed. ASD children represent a challenge for the dental community.

Hepatitis C donor viremic cardiac transplantation: A practical approach

INTRODUCTION

Patients with end-stage heart failure eligible for orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) exceed the number of available donor organs. With highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral therapy now available, HCV+ organs are increasingly utilized. We seek to describe our experience with patients receiving HCV viremic organs as compared to non-HCV transplant recipients.

METHODS

Our center began utilizing HCV hearts in February 2018. We retrospectively reviewed baseline demographics, laboratory data and outcomes for those undergoing OHT with majority being from a viremic HCV donor.

RESULTS

Twenty-three of 25 HCV recipients received hearts from NAT+ donors with 22 of 23 seroconverting within 7 days. Fifteen recipients have completed HCV treatment, with the longest duration of follow-up being 13 months. No differences in rates of rejection, hospitalizations or death were seen between non-HCV and HCV transplant patients.

DISCUSSION

With the advent of available direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), viremic HCV hearts provide an opportunity to increase organ availability. Moreover, treatment for HCV in the setting of immunosuppression is well-tolerated and results in sustained viremic response.

CONCLUSION

Viremic, discordant HCV OHT can be performed in a safe and effective manner utilizing a systematic, multidisciplinary approach without an effect on short-term outcomes.

Prevalence of non-adequate health literacy in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Many studies show that a low level of health literacy (HL) is associated with several adverse outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to estimate the prevalence of non-adequate HL (NAHL) in European countries and outline the main needs for interventions.

Methods

The systematic search was performed in April 2019 and updated in June 2019. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched. Articles were considered eligible if they were cross-sectional studies published in English after 2000 and estimating the NAHL prevalence in European countries. Globally, 15490 articles were retrieved. Adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied for the quality assessment. Several stratified meta-analyses were carried out. We also performed a meta-regression analysis to test the association between variables and NAHL.

Results

In total, 59 articles of heterogeneous quality were included, providing data for 98 studies to include in the proportion meta-analysis. Overall, quantitative analysis yielded a pooled NAHL prevalence of 40% (95%CI, 36%-43%). Despite the prevalence varied considerably by country, it seemed to follow a geographic gradient, with the northern countries clearly having a lower prevalence than the other European counterparts. The pooled prevalence estimates (PEs) varied significantly according to the different type of HL assessment method applied. Also, high study quality was found to be significantly associated with a reduction of NAHL in the PEs. Grouping the sample in general population, oncology patients, chronic disease patients and refugees, the meta-regression analysis showed a significantly lower prevalence of NAHL in oncology patients.

Conclusions

Although the PEs varied in relation to several factors (e.g. either among population groups, or depending on the HL assessment method), this study shows that more than one in every three surveyed participants had NAHL. Targeted strategies and coordinated policies aiming at improving HL in the Region are needed.

Key messages

Despite several variations, a significant proportion of European population has non-adequate health literacy. Targeted public health strategies of intervention are crucial to address this deficit.

Multimodal Surveillance of HAI in an Intensive Care Unit of a Large Teaching Hospital

Background

Healthcare associated Infections (HAIs) represent a significant burden in terms of mortality, morbidity, length of stay and costs for patients in intensive care units (ICU). Surveillance systems are recommended to gather data in order to elaborate and evaluate intervention to reduce HAIs risk. Here we describe results of the multimodal surveillance system implemented in the ICU of a large teaching hospital in Rome from April 2016 to October 2018.

Methods

The surveillance system integrated four different approaches: i) active surveillance focused on inpatients; ii) environmental microbiological surveillance; iii) surveillance focused on isolated microorganisms; iv) behavioral surveillance of the healthcare personnel. The system included the molecular genotyping of bacterial isolates through the pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Moreover, an intervention to improve personnel adherence to hand hygiene (HH) guidelines was conducted.

Results

Overall, 773 patients were included in the surveillance. The global incidence rate of the device related HAIs was 14.1 (95%CI: 12.2-16.3) per 1000 patient day. Monthly device related HAIs incidence rate showed a decreasing, from 26.9 per 1000 patient day in October 2016, to 4.9 in September 2018. The most common bacterial isolate was K. pneumoniae (20.7%), the 94.0% of which were multidrug-resistant. A total of 305 environmental bacterial isolates were retrieved and the most frequent was A. baumannii (27.2%), that was always multidrug-resistant. Genotyping showed a limited number of major PFGE patters in clinical and environmental isolates. Behavioral compliance to HH guidelines improved after the educational intervention.

Conclusions

The data showed an overall slight decrease over time of the adjusted risk HAIs rates. Through the integration of information gathered from the four approaches, the application of this model returns a precise and detailed view of the infectious risk and of the microbial ecology of the ICU.

Key messages

Multimodal surveillance systems are effective to monitor HAI incidence and to determine the infectious risk. Genotyping techniques allows to characterize and link the clinical and environmental isolates.

Two-Year Outcomes with a Magnetically Levitated Cardiac Pump in Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

In an early analysis of this trial, use of a magnetically levitated centrifugal continuous-flow circulatory pump was found to improve clinical outcomes, as compared with a mechanical-bearing axial continuous-flow pump, at 6 months in patients with advanced heart failure.

METHODS

In a randomized noninferiority and superiority trial, we compared the centrifugal-flow pump with the axial-flow pump in patients with advanced heart failure, irrespective of the intended goal of support (bridge to transplantation or destination therapy). The composite primary end point was survival at 2 years free of disabling stroke (with disabling stroke indicated by a modified Rankin score of >3; scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) or survival free of reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning device. The noninferiority margin for the risk difference (centrifugal-flow pump group minus axial-flow pump group) was -10 percentage points.

RESULTS

Of 366 patients, 190 were assigned to the centrifugal-flow pump group and 176 to the axial-flow pump group. In the intention-to-treat population, the primary end point occurred in 151 patients (79.5%) in the centrifugal-flow pump group, as compared with 106 (60.2%) in the axial-flow pump group (absolute difference, 19.2 percentage points; 95% lower confidence boundary, 9.8 percentage points [P<0.001 for noninferiority]; hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 0.69 [P<0.001 for superiority]). Reoperation for pump malfunction was less frequent in the centrifugal-flow pump group than in the axial-flow pump group (3 patients [1.6%] vs. 30 patients [17.0%]; hazard ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.27; P<0.001). The rates of death and disabling stroke were similar in the two groups, but the overall rate of stroke was lower in the centrifugal-flow pump group than in the axial-flow pump group (10.1% vs. 19.2%; hazard ratio, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.84, P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with advanced heart failure, a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal-flow pump was superior to a mechanical-bearing axial-flow pump with regard to survival free of disabling stroke or reoperation to replace or remove a malfunctioning device. (Funded by Abbott; MOMENTUM 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02224755 .).

Hemocompatibility-Related Outcomes in the MOMENTUM 3 Trial at 6 Months

Background:

The HeartMate 3 (HM3) Left Ventricular Assist System (LVAS) (Abbott) is a centrifugal, fully magnetically levitated, continuous-flow blood pump engineered to enhance hemocompatibility and reduce shear stress on blood components. The MOMENTUM 3 trial (Multicenter Study of MagLev Technology in Patients Undergoing Mechanical Circulatory Support Therapy With HeartMate 3) compares the HM3 LVAS with the HeartMate II (HMII) LVAS (Abbott) in advanced heart failure refractory to medical management, irrespective of therapeutic intention (bridge to transplant versus destination therapy). This investigation reported its primary outcome in the short-term cohort (n=294; 6-month follow-up), demonstrating superiority of the HM3 for the trial primary end point (survival free of a disabling stroke or reoperation to replace the pump for malfunction), driven by a reduced need for reoperations. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the aggregate of hemocompatibility-related clinical adverse events (HRAEs) between the 2 LVAS.

Methods:

We conducted a secondary end point evaluation of HRAE (survival free of any nonsurgical bleeding, thromboembolic event, pump thrombosis, or neurological event) in the short-term cohort (as-treated cohort n=289) at 6 months. The net burden of HRAE was also assessed by using a previously described hemocompatibility score, which uses 4 escalating tiers of hierarchal severity to derive a total score for events encountered during the entire follow-up experience for each patient.

Results:

In 289 patients in the as-treated group (151 the HM3 and 138 the HMII), survival free of any HRAE was achieved in 69% of the HM3 group and in 55% of the HMII group (hazard ratio, 0.62; confidence interval, 0.42–0.91; P =0.012). Using the hemocompatibility score, the HM3 group demonstrated less pump thrombosis requiring reoperation (0 versus 36 points, P <0.001) or medically managed pump thrombosis (0 versus 5 points, P =0.02), and fewer nondisabling strokes (6 versus 24 points, P =0.026) than the control HMII LVAS. The net hemocompatibility score in the HM3 in comparison with the HMII patients was 101 (0.67±1.50 points/patient) versus 137 (0.99±1.79 points/patient) (odds ratio, 0.64; confidence interval, 0.39–1.03; P =0.065).

Conclusions:

In this secondary analysis of the MOMENTUM 3 trial, the HM3 LVAS demonstrated greater freedom from HRAEs in comparison with the HMII LVAS at 6 months.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02224755.

Identification of the faecal indicator Escherichia coli in wastewater through the β-D-glucuronidase activity: comparison between two enumeration methods, membrane filtration with TBX agar, and Colilert®-18

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most commonly adopted indicators for the determination of the microbiological quality in water and treated wastewater. Two main types of methods are used for the enumeration of this faecal indicator: membrane filtration (MF) and enzyme substrate tests. For both types, several substrates based on the β-D-glucuronidase activity have been commercialized. The specificity of this enzyme for E. coli bacteria has generated considerable use of methods that identify the β-D-glucuronidase activity as a definite indication of the presence of E. coli, without any further confirmation. This approach has been recently questioned for the application to wastewater. The present study compares two methods belonging to the above-mentioned types for the enumeration of E. coli in wastewater: MF with Tryptone Bile X-glucuronide agar and the Colilert^®-18 test. Confirmation tests showed low average percentages of false positives and false negatives for both enumeration methods (between 4 and 11%). Moreover, the counting capabilities of these two methods were compared for a set of 70 samples of wastewater having different origins and degrees of treatment. Statistical analysis showed that the Colilert^®-18 test allowed on average for a significantly higher recovery of E. coli.

A Fully Magnetically Levitated Circulatory Pump for Advanced Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist systems increase the rate of survival among patients with advanced heart failure but are associated with the development of pump thrombosis. We investigated the effects of a new magnetically levitated centrifugal continuous-flow pump that was engineered to avert thrombosis.

METHODS

We randomly assigned patients with advanced heart failure to receive either the new centrifugal continuous-flow pump or a commercially available axial continuous-flow pump. Patients could be enrolled irrespective of the intended goal of pump support (bridge to transplantation or destination therapy). The primary end point was a composite of survival free of disabling stroke (with disabling stroke indicated by a modified Rankin score >3; scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating more severe disability) or survival free of reoperation to replace or remove the device at 6 months after implantation. The trial was powered for noninferiority testing of the primary end point (noninferiority margin, -10 percentage points).

RESULTS

Of 294 patients, 152 were assigned to the centrifugal-flow pump group and 142 to the axial-flow pump group. In the intention-to-treat population, the primary end point occurred in 131 patients (86.2%) in the centrifugal-flow pump group and in 109 (76.8%) in the axial-flow pump group (absolute difference, 9.4 percentage points; 95% lower confidence boundary, -2.1 [P<0.001 for noninferiority]; hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.95 [two-tailed P=0.04 for superiority]). There were no significant between-group differences in the rates of death or disabling stroke, but reoperation for pump malfunction was less frequent in the centrifugal-flow pump group than in the axial-flow pump group (1 [0.7%] vs. 11 [7.7%]; hazard ratio, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.60; P=0.002). Suspected or confirmed pump thrombosis occurred in no patients in the centrifugal-flow pump group and in 14 patients (10.1%) in the axial-flow pump group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with advanced heart failure, implantation of a fully magnetically levitated centrifugal-flow pump was associated with better outcomes at 6 months than was implantation of an axial-flow pump, primarily because of the lower rate of reoperation for pump malfunction. (Funded by St. Jude Medical; MOMENTUM 3 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02224755 .).

Geographical and epidemiological analysis of oncological incidence in paediatric and adolescent ages in a municipality of North-Western Italy: Vercelli, years 2002-2009

INTRODUCTION

This study of the geographical incidence on the oncological mortality in young age (0-44 years) in the City of Vercelli, was aimed to address the concerns of the population and the request of municipal administrators. A detailed and sophisticated study for a City of medium-small size is due for the presence of various sources of pressure, such as a MSW incinerator just a few kilometres from the city and an intensive agricultural activity that characterizes the entire area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study is based on the census analysis of the population, and of the hospital admission cards, and it considers epidemiological standardized estimators and spatial analysis through Bayesian models, as well.

RESULTS

Both approaches highlight Major risks for the area south of the city for major tumours such as total cancer in women (SIR / SMR significant excess of about 50%), colorectal (mean increments SMR / SIR between 3 and 4 times), ovary (mean increments SMR / SIR between 3:04 and times), and nervous system (increases 3 times for both indicators).

CONCLUSION

These results deserve further studies through inferential case-control and cohort analysis, given the marginal role of the possible occupational hazards in the aetiology of juvenile cancer disorders.