Clinical and hemodynamic effect of endothelin receptor antagonists in Eisenmenger Syndrome

Introduction:

Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) are widely accepted as a specific treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Unfortunately, consensus and recommendations are lacking for the treatment of patients who suffer from pulmonary arterial hypertension and congenital heart disease, including Eisenmenger syndrome.

Objective:

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the effect of ERA on patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Methods:

Electronic search on PubMed (MEDLINE), EBSCO, EuropePMC, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar was done. Studies involving the use of ERAs on Eisenmenger syndrome patients were included. There were 18 studies included. The primary outcome of interest was the 6-min walking test distance before and after exposure to ERA.

Results:

There were 517 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome. The subjects had Eisenmenger syndrome secondary to congenital heart disorders, with WHO functional Class ranging from Class I–IV. The follow-up ranges from a mean of 4–60 months. Seventeen studies reported a statistically significant difference between pretreatment and the posttreatment result of 6-min walking test distance. Pooled mean difference comparing pre and posttreatment values yielded an increase of 55.24 m (42.15, 68.33) P < 0.001; moderate heterogeneity I² 51% P = 0.008. Pooled mean pulmonary vascular resistance index difference comparing pre and posttreatment values yielded a decrease of 4.76 woods unit (−6.86, −2.66), P < 0.001 favoring posttreatment; low heterogeneity I2 0%, P = 0.82. Pooled mean mean pulmonary arterial pressure difference comparing pre and posttreatment values yielded a decrease of 5.40 mmHg (−7.53, −3.28), P < 0.001 favoring posttreatment, low heterogeneity I² 0%, P = 0.65.

Conclusion:

Implementation of ERA in Eisenmenger improves 6-min walking distance and pulmonary vascular pressure indices. Earlier administration of ERA might be beneficial, further studies are needed to assess mortality benefit of this agent.

Comparison between surgical and catheter based ablation in atrial fibrillation, should surgical based ablation be implemented as first line? - A meta-analysis of studies

INTRODUCTION

Ablation remains a modality of choice in select patients with Atrial fibrillation (AF). Which is done via a surgical or catheter-based approach.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of Surgical and Catheter ablation in the management of AF.

METHODS

Electronic search on PubMed (MEDLINE), EBSCO, EuropePMC, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar was done. Studies comparing the use of surgical or catheter ablation in patients with AF were included. The Primary outcome of interest was Arrhythmia free patients at 12 months post-ablation.

RESULTS

Eight studies (744 patients) reported a statistically significant difference in Arrhythmia recurrence rate between surgical and catheter-based ablation. The pooled hazard ratio was chosen to compare the risk of AF recurrence between these groups with pooled Hazard ratio comparing surgical to catheter approach of 0.40 [0.35,0.45], p < 0.001 favoring surgical approach; low heterogeneity I² 22%, p = 0.25. Meta-analyses were also performed on procedural time, length of stay and major adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The increased rate of adverse effects and length of hospitalization impedes the implementation of surgical ablation as primary ablation method of AF in general. However, the result of our meta-analysis shows the promising result of surgical ablation compared to catheter-based ablation.

Total preservation of chordae tendinae in mitral valve replacement (MVR)

Chordal papillary integrity is crucial for a good left ventricular performance following mitral valve surgery. From June 1991-July 1993 (2 years), 200 mitral surgeries were performed by the authors out of which MVR were done by preserving all chordae tendineae in 36 patients (18%), ages 11-64 years (mean 36 +/- 13.2 SD), female to male ratio 3:1, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III-IV. Preoperative workup revealed pure mitral stenosis (MS) in 12 patients (33%), mitral regurgitation (MR) in 16 (44%), MS + MR in 7 (19%), MS + aortic regurgitation (AR) in 4 (11%), MR + secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) in 2 (6%), MR + primum ASD in 1, MR + coronary artery disease (CAD) in 1 (3%) and moderate to severe pulmonary hypertension in all. Twenty-two patients (61%) had MVR only, 4 (11%) had MVR + aortic valve replacement (AVR), 10 (29%) had MVR + tricuspid annuloplasty (TVA), MVR + secundum ASD closure in 2 (6%), MVR+primum ASD closure in 1 (3%) and MVR + coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 1 (3%). Bioprosthesis used were: St. Vincents 17 (47%) and Carpentier Edwards 2 (6%). Mechanical valves used were: St. Jude's 1 (3%), Bjork-Shiley 2 (6%), St. Vincents 5 (14%), CarboMedics 9 (25%). Success of the procedure were accomplished in all (100%) and was judged by extubation period of 6-18 hours, decreased pulmonary artery pressure, good prosthetic function and adequate ventricular performance by subsequent echocardiographic assessments. There were no early (< 30 days) mortality. All patients showed NYHA functional class I-II except in one with Marfan syndrome.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)