Cognitive dysfunction among patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation: results of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and clinical impact at 6 months

Background

Detection of Cognitive Dysfunction (CD) is not routinely performed among patients undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI). We sought to determine whether CD has an impact on the clinical course of these patients, during hospitalization at the time of TAVI and up to 6 months afterwards.

Methods

The MoCA was performed before TAVI by an experienced operator in an unselected population of patients referred for TAVI. CD was defined according to the MoCA score: No CD if score ≥26, mild CD if score 18–25, moderate if 10–17 and severe if <10. Multivariate Cox logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of CD on procedural success of TAVI, length of stay, 6 month survival, re-admission, and change in clinical status (changes in NYHA class and/or functional status).

Results

MoCA was performed in 83 consecutive patients. TAVI was performed using femoral access and local anesthesia in all patients. There were no procedural deaths, and 2 deaths at 6 months. The median age was 85 years, and median Euroscore I was 11.62. The median MOCA score was 22, CD was excluded in 17 (20%), mild in 50 (60%), moderate in 15 (18%) and severe in one patient. No difference was observed in rate of procedural success, 6 month mortality, re-admission, degree of dyspnea by NYHA between the different cognitive groups. Length of stay after the TAVI procedure was lower in patients without CD, compared to those with CD at any level: 3±1 days versus 4.3±1 days, p=0.045, and p=0.02 by multivariate analysis (figure).

Conclusion

Among patients referred for TAVI, mild or moderate CD was observed in 80% of patients. Patients without CD had a shorter length of stay at the time of TAVI, but CD was not associated with worse prognosis or clinical status at 6 months.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

An original risk score to predict early major bleeding in acute pulmonary embolism: the Syncope, Anemia, Renal Dysfunction (PE-SARD) bleeding score

Background

Improved prediction of the risk of early major bleeding in pulmonary embolism (PE) is needed to optimize acute management.

Methods

Using data from a multicenter prospective registry including 2,754 patients, we performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to build a risk score to predict early (up to hospital discharge) major bleeding events. We validated the endpoint model internally using bootstrapping in the derivation dataset by sampling with replacement for 500 iterations. We compared the performance of this novel score to that of the VTE-BLEED and RIETE models.

Results

Multivariate regression identified three predictors for the occurrence of 82 major bleeds (3.0%): Syncope (+1.5 points), Anemia defined by a hemoglobin level <12 g/dL (+2.5 points), and Renal Dysfunction defined by a glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min (+1 point). The PE-SARD bleeding score was calculated by summing all the components. Overall, 52.2% of patients were classified as low bleeding-risk (score, 0 point), 35.2% intermediate-risk (score, 1–2.5 points), and 12.6% high-risk (score >2.5 points). Cumulative observed bleeding rates increased with increasing risk group, from 0.9% in the low-risk group to 9.0% in the high-risk group. The C-index was 0.744 (95% CI, 0.73–0.76) and Brier score 0.028 in the derivation cohort. Similar values were calculated from internal bootstrapping. Performance of the PE-SARD score was better than that observed with the VTE-BLEED and RIETE scores (figure).

Conclusions

The PE-SARD bleeding risk score is an original, user-friendly score to estimate the risk of early major bleeding in patients with acute PE.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Available bleeding scoring systems poorly predict major bleeding in the acute phase of pulmonary embolism

Background

Bleeding prediction scores may help to guide acute management of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). However, existing scoring systems have not been validated for in-hospital assessment. We aimed to compare 6 available bleeding scores, in a real-life cohort for the prediction of major in-hospital bleeding.

Methods

We recorded in-hospital characteristics of 2,754 PE patients included in a prospective observational multicenter cohort study contributing 18,028 person-days of follow-up. We assessed the VTE-BLEED, RIETE, ORBIT, HEMORRA2HAGES, ATRIA, and HAS-BLED scores at baseline. ISTH-defined bleeding events were independently adjudicated. The accuracy of the scores for the prediction of in-hospital bleeding was evaluated and compared.

Results

We observed 82 first in-hospital major bleeding events (3.0% (95% CI, 2.4–3.7)). Overall, the predictive power of bleeding scores was poor, with a C index ranging from 0.57 to 0.69 (Figure 1). The RIETE score had the numerically highest model fit and best discriminatory capacity, but without reaching statistical significance versus the ORBIT, HEMORR2HAGES, and ATRIA scores. The VTE-BLEED and HAS-BLED scores had significantly lower C indices, integrated discrimination improvement, and net reclassification improvement compared to the four others.

Conclusion

Currently available scoring systems have insufficient accuracy for the prediction of in-hospital major bleeding in patients with acute PE. The development of acute-PE-specific risk scores is needed to optimally target patients that warrant bleeding-prevention strategies.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1

Assessment of cognitive dysfunction using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test: rate, severity and comparison with the Clock test alone in a population of patients referred for TAVI

Background

Although not recommended in routine practice, the detection and quantification of Cognitive Dysfunction (CD) in older patients might have an impact on clinical decisions. We assessed the rate and severity of CD in an unselected population of patients referred for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and using the Clock Drawing Test (ClockT) alone.

Methods

The MoCA was performed before TAVI by an experienced operator. The ClockT was scored out of 10 points according to the Rouleau rating scale. CD was defined according to the MoCA score: No CD if score ≥26, mild CD if score 18–25, moderate if 10–17 and severe if <10. Inter-observer reliability of scoring on the ClockT was estimated with the Bland-Altman method. Agreement between MoCA scores and the ClockT for ruling out and for detecting CD were measured with the Kappa coefficient.

Results

MoCA was performed in 83 consecutive patients referred for TAVI, median age 85 years. The mean time required for assessment was 11±2 min for the MoCA and 3±2 min for the ClockT. The mean MoCA score was 21±4.5: CD was excluded in 17 (20%) pts, mild CD was found in 50 (60%), moderate in 15 (18%) and severe in one (1%). The median ClockT score was 8 (interquartile 6; 9), with excellent inter-observer concordance (Kappa= 0.84). Overall, 51% of the variance of the MoCA score was explained by the ClockT alone according to multiple regression. A ClockT <7 detected a group with significantly lower MoCA score, compared to pts with higher ClockT scores (figure).

Conclusion

Among patients referred for TAVI, CD can be excluded using the MoCA test in 20%, while moderate or severe CD is observed in 18%. The ClockT alone is faster to implement, reliable to interpret and enabled detection of patients with moderate CD when Rouleau scoring was <7.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Use of mechanical pulmonary reperfusion and fibrinolysis in acute massive pulmonary embolism requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and objectives

The optimal pulmonary revascularization strategy in acute massive pulmonary embolism (PE) requiring the implantation extra corporeal membrane oxygenation remains controversial, and data are sparse.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence regarding the use of mechanical reperfusion (i.e. surgical or catheter-based embolectomy) and fibrinolytic strategies (i.e. systemic fibrinolysis, catheter-directed fibrinolysis, or as stand-alone therapy) in terms of mortality and bleeding outcomes.

Results

The literature search identified 835 studies, 17 of which were included or a total of 321 PE patients with ECMO. In total, 31.1% were treated with mechanical pulmonary reperfusion, while 78.9% received fibrinolytic strategies. The mortality rate was 23.0% in the mechanical reperfusion group and 43.1% in the fibrinolysis group (Figure). The pooled OR for mortality with mechanical reperfusion was 0.46 (95% CI, 0.213–0.997; I2=28.3%) versus fibrinolysis. The rate of bleeding in PE patients under ECMO was 29.1% in the mechanical reperfusion group and 26.0% in the fibrinolytic reperfusion (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.46–2.54; I2=0.0%) among 10 eligible studies with available bleeding data. The meta-regression model did not identify any relationship between the covariates “more than one pulmonary reperfusion therapy” and “ECMO implantation before pulmonary reperfusion therapy”, and outcomes.

Conclusions

The results of the present meta-analysis and meta-regression suggest that surgical embolectomy yields the best results, regardless of the timing of VA-ECMO implantation in the reperfusion timeline, and regardless of whether fibrinolysis has been administered or not.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Renal function improves mortality prediction in acute pulmonary embolism: results of a multicentre cohort study with external validation in the RIETE registry

Background

Renal dysfunction may influence outcomes after pulmonary embolism (PE). We determined the incremental value of adding renal function impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2) on top of the 2019 ESC prognostic model, for the prediction of 30-day all-cause mortality in acute PE patients from a prospective, multicenter cohort.

Methods and results

We identified which of three eGFR formulae predicted death most accurately. Changes in global model fit, discrimination, calibration and net reclassification index (NRI) were evaluated with addition of eGFR. We prospectively included consecutive adult patients with acute PE diagnosed as per ESC guidelines. Among 1,943 patients, (mean age 67.3±17.1, 50.4% women), 107 (5.5% (95% CI 4.5–6.5%)) died during 30-day follow-up. The eGFRMDRD4 formula was the most accurate for prediction of death. The observed mortality rate was higher for intermediate-low risk (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.4) and high-risk PE (OR 10.3, 95% CI 3.6–17.3), and 30-day bleeding was significantly higher (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.5) in patients with vs without eGFRMDRD4 <60 ml/min/1.73m2. The addition of eGFRMDRD4 information improved model fit, discriminatory capacity, and calibration of the ESC models. NRI was significantly improved (p<0.001), with 18% reclassification of predicted mortality, specifically in intermediate and high-risk PE. External validation using data from the RIETE registry confirmed our findings (Table).

Conclusion

Addition of eGFRMDRD4-derived renal dysfunction on top of the ESC prognostic algorithm yields significant reclassification of risk of death in intermediate and high-risk PE. Impact on therapy remains to be determined.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): BMS-Pfizer Alliance, Bayer Healthcare

P2767Outcomes and incremental prognostic value of renal function impairment after acute pulmonary embolism

Background

We explored the relation between adverse outcomes after acute pulmonary embolism (PE)and renal dysfunction classified by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the CKD-EPI equation. We assessed the incremental value of adding eGFR CKD-EPI to the ESC score for predicting 30d mortality.

Methods

Prospective, multicenter study of 1664 acute PE admitted from 01/2011 to 12/2017. Pts were categorized in 4 eGFR groups: Group 1 (eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2, n=1178), group 2 (45–59; n=257); group 3 (30–44; n=150), group 4 (≤29; n=79).

Results

All-cause and CV death at 30 days and 6 months were higher in group 3 (p=0.005 and p=0.03) and group 4 (p<0.001 and p<0.001 respectively) vs group 1. Major bleeding at 30d and 6m was higher in group 2 vs group 1 (p=0.003 for both). Renal dysfunction combined with the ESC prognostic algorithm for prediction of 30d death improved discriminatory capacity of the model and enabled reclassification in different risk categories in 27% of pts (Table).

Without eGFR CKD-EPI OR (95% CI) With eGFR CKD-EPI OR (95% CI) ESC algorithm 2.59 (1.95–3.43) 2.30 (1.72–3.07) eGFR CKD-EPI – 2.60 (1.62–4.7) Measures of fit   Bayes information criterion 607.30 599.32   Akaike information criterion 596.47 583.06   C-statistic 0.71* 0.77*   P (Hosmer-Lemeshow) 0.057 0.43   Integrated discrimination improvement – 0.054 (0.052–0.056)   Net reclassification improvement – 0.93 (0.90–0.95) Prognostic performance   Sensitivity 62.5 (51.2–72.3) 76.2 (61.5–90.2)   Specificity 64.2 (49.1–74.4) 69.9 (47.6–83.5)   Positive predictive value 10.1 (8.2–11.3) 16.2 (14.2–18.2)   Negative predictive value 0.97 (0.96–0.98) 98.1 (97.2–99.2)   Positive likelihood ratio 1.96 (1.12–3.41) 2.12 (1.54–3.12)   Negative likelihood ratio 0.50 (0.25–1.81) 0.54 (0.20–1.56)   Youden index 0.31 (0.28–0.34) 0.39 (0.36–0.41) Difference in C-statistic: *p=0.04.

Conclusion

Renal function impairment increases the rate of adverse events after acute PE. Combined with the ESC early mortality risk score, eGFR improves risk classification.

Myocarditis or "true" infarction by cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with a clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction without obstructive coronary disease: A meta-analysis of individual patient data

OBJECTIVE

Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructed Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) is common, but the causes are to a large extent unknown. Thus, we aimed to study the prevalence of myocarditis and "true" myocardial infarction determined by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in MINOCA patients, and risk markers for these two conditions in this population.

METHODS

A search was made in the PubMed and Cochrane databases using the search terms "Myocardial infarction", "Coronary angiography", "Normal coronary arteries" and "MRI". All relevant abstracts were read and seven of the studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria; studies describing case series of patients fulfilling the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction with normal or non-obstructive coronary arteries on coronary angiography that were investigated with CMR imaging. Data from five of these studies are presented.

RESULTS

A total of 556 patients from 5 different sites were included. Fifty-one percent were men with a mean age of 52 ± 16 years. Thirty-three per cent of the patients had myocarditis (n = 183), whereas 21% of the patients had infarction on CMR (n = 115). Young age and a high CRP were associated with myocarditis whereas male sex, treated hyperlipidemia, high troponin ratio and low CRP were associated with "true" myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

The results of this meta-analysis of individual data showed that myocarditis and "true" myocardial infarction are common in MINOCA when determined by CMR imaging. This information emphasizes the importance of performing CMR imaging in MINOCA patients and can be used clinically to guide diagnostics and treatment of MINOCA patients.

Preoperative plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) identifies abnormal transthoracic echocardiography in elderly patients with traumatic hip fracture

INTRODUCTION

This prospective study was designed to evaluate whether preoperative plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) could identify significant preoperative cardiovascular disease in elderly hip-fractured patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Preoperative plasma BNP measurement and rest transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) were performed within 24 h after admission in consecutive hip-fractured patients aged ≥65 years. The major echocardiographic abnormality (MEA) group included patients with at least one TTE abnormality, defined as systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP(s)) ≥50 mmHg, left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, increased LV filling pressure (LVFP) or severe valvular disease. The control group included the remaining patients.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients (mean±SD (range) age=85±5 (69-97) years) were included during a 6-month period. Twenty-four (32%) patients constituted the MEA group (17 elevated PAP(s), three LV systolic dysfunctions, 10 increased LVFP, one severe aortic stenosis and one severe mitral regurgitation). Median (interquartile) preoperative BNP value was significantly greater in MEA than in the control group (527 (361) vs. 119 (154) pg ml(-1); p<0.0001). A preoperative plasma BNP cut-off value at 285 pg ml(-1) predicted well MEA with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve equal to 0.895 (p<0.0001) and with a hazard ratio (HR) (confidence interval, CI) of 23.8 (3.7-142.9) (p=0.0008) on multivariate analysis. The presence of MEA or BNP≥285 pg ml(-1) was associated with high mortality.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of echocardiographic signs of elevated PAP(s) or elevated LVFP in elderly hip-fractured patients was high. A preoperative BNP value ≥285 pg ml(-1) can discriminate between elderly hip-fractured patients with or without MEA.