The relationship between diastolic blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation: the Fushimi AF registry

Abstract Background Hypertension is one of the major risk factors of cardiovascular events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, relationship between diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and cardiovascular events in AF patients remains unclear. Methods The Fushimi AF Registry is a community-based prospective survey of AF patients in Japan. Follow-up data were available in 4,466 patients, and 4,429 patients with available data of DBP were examined. We divided the patients into three groups; G1 (DBP<70 mmHg, n=1,946), G2 (70≤DBP<80, n=1,321) and G3 (80≤DBP, n=1,162), and compared the clinical background and outcomes between groups. Results The proportion of female was grater in G1 group, and the patients in G1 group were older and had higher prevalence of heart failure (HF), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD). Prescription of beta blockers was higher in G1 group, but that of renin-angiotensin system-inhibitors and calcium channel blocker was comparable. During the median follow-up of 1,589 days, in Kaplan-Meier analysis, the incidence rates of cardiovascular events (composite of cardiac death, ischemic stroke and systemic embolism, major bleeding and HF hospitalization during follow up) were higher in G1 group and G3 group than G2 group (Figure 1). When we divided the patients based on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) at baseline (≥130 mmHg or <130 mmHg), the incidence of rates of cardiovascular events were comparable among groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis including female gender, age (≥75 years), higher SBP (≥130 mmHg), DM, pre-existing HF, CKD, low left ventricular ejection fraction (<40%) and DBP (G1, G2, G3) revealed that DBP was an independent determinant of cardiovascular events (G1 group vs. G2 group; hazard ratio (HR): 1.40, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.19–1.64, G3 group vs. G2 group; HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.49). When we examined the impact of DBP according to 10 mmHg increment, patients with very low DBP (<60 mmHg) (HR: 1.50,95% CI:1.24–1.80) and very high DBP (≥90 mmHg) (HR: 1.51,95% CI:1.15–1.98) had higher incidence of cardiovascular events than patients with DBP of 70–79 mmHg (Figure 2). However, when we examined the impact of SBP according to 20 mmHg increment, SBP at baseline was not associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events (Figure 3). Conclusion In Japanese patients with AF, DBP exhibited J curve association with higher incidence of cardiovascular events. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Abstract 15303: The Impact of Heart Rate on the Incidence of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: The Fushimi Af Registry

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.132.suppl_3.15303 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Moritake Iguchi ◽

Hisashi Ogawa ◽

Hirofumi Sugiyama ◽

Nobutoyo Masunaga ◽

Mitsuru Ishii ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Rate Control ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Chronic Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

The Impact

Purpose: Previous reports suggested that lenient rate control was not inferior to strict rate control among patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the impact of heart rate (HR) on the incidence of cardiovascular events is not clearly understood. Methods: The Fushimi AF Registry, a community-based prospective survey, was designed to enroll all of the AF patients in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. At present, follow-up data were available in 3,514 patients (median follow-up period, 842 days). 1,622 patients had chronic AF, and we obtained ECG findings in 1,561 patients. We divided these patients into three groups based on their heart rate; high-HR (HR≥110) (n=179), intermediate-HR (80≤HR<110) (n=695), and low-HR (HR<80) (n=687), and explored the cardiovascular events (composite of cardiovascular death, hospitalization for heart failure, and arrhythmic events). Results: Mean HR was 128±13 bpm, 93±8 bpm, and 67±9 bpm, respectively. High HR group was younger than other groups, but the prevalence of heart failure was the highest (44.7%, 37.0%, 32.3%; p=0.007) and left-ventricular ejection fraction was the lowest (56.5±14.6%, 60.7±11.9%, 62.7±10.5%; p<0.0001). Prescription of beta-blocker (37.4%, 28.9%, 30.0%) and diltiazem (2.8%, 2.9%, 4.2%) was comparable, but prescription of verapamil was the highest in high-HR group (19.0%, 12.4%, 8.0%; p=0.0001), and prescription of digitalis was the highest in low-HR group (14.0%, 18.2%, 23.4%; p=0.005). Mean CHADS2 score was 2.3±1.3, 2.2±1.3, and 2.2±1.4, respectively. In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in high-HR groups than intermediate- and low-HR group (9.2%/year vs 5.8%/year, p=0.02), but was similar between intermediate- and low-HR group (6.2%/year vs 5.4%/year, p=0.3). The incidence of stroke or systemic embolism was comparable between the three groups (2.6%/year, 3.6%/year, 2.4%/year). Cox proportional hazard ratios [95%CI] of high- and intermediate-HR for cardiovascular events compared to low-HR were 1.63 [1.06-2.44] and 1.10 [0.81-1.79], respectively. Conclusions: Among chronic AF patients, the incidence of cardiovascular events was higher in the patients with high-HR, but was similar between intermediate- and low-HR groups.

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Biomarkers-based personalized follow-up in chronic heart failure improves patient’s outcomes and reduces care associate cost

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes ◽

10.1186/s12955-021-01779-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Antonio Leon-Justel ◽

Jose I. Morgado Garcia-Polavieja ◽

Ana Isabel Alvarez-Rios ◽

Francisco Jose Caro Fernandez ◽

Pedro Agustin Pajaro Merino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Hospital Admissions ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Ed Visits ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical and economic problem, with high prevalence and incidence rates worldwide. Cardiac Biomarker is emerging as a novel tool for improving management of patients with HF with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods This is a before and after interventional study, that assesses the impact of a personalized follow-up procedure for HF on patient’s outcomes and care associated cost, based on a clinical model of risk stratification and personalized management according to that risk. A total of 192 patients were enrolled and studied before the intervention and again after the intervention. The primary objective was the rate of readmissions, due to a HF. Secondary outcome compared the rate of ED visits and quality of life improvement assessed by the number of patients who had reduced NYHA score. A cost-analysis was also performed on these data. Results Admission rates significantly decreased by 19.8% after the intervention (from 30.2 to 10.4), the total hospital admissions were reduced by 32 (from 78 to 46) and the total length of stay was reduced by 7 days (from 15 to 9 days). The rate of ED visits was reduced by 44% (from 64 to 20). Thirty-one percent of patients had an improved functional class score after the intervention, whereas only 7.8% got worse. The overall cost saving associated with the intervention was € 72,769 per patient (from € 201,189 to € 128,420) and €139,717.65 for the whole group over 1 year. Conclusions A personalized follow-up of HF patients led to important outcome benefits and resulted in cost savings, mainly due to the reduction of patient hospitalization readmissions and a significant reduction of care-associated costs, suggesting that greater attention should be given to this high-risk cohort to minimize the risk of hospitalization readmissions.

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New onset of atrial fibrillation in cardiogenic shock

European Heart Journal Acute Cardiovascular Care ◽

10.1093/ehjacc/zuab020.009 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H Santos ◽

T Vieira ◽

J Fernandes ◽

AR Ferreira ◽

M Rios ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Cardiogenic Shock ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

The Impact ◽

New Onset

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The development of cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with worse prognosis, and can produce several hemodynamic manifestations. Then, is not surprised the manifestation of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in these patients. Purpose Evaluate the impact of cardiovascular previous history, clinical signs and diagnosis procedures at admission as predictors of new-onset of AF in CS. Methods Single-centre retrospective study, engaging patients hospitalized for CS between 1/01/2014-30/10/2018. 222 patients with CS are included, 40 of them presented new onset of AF. Chi-square test, T-student test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of new-onset AF in CS patients. Results CS patients without AF had a mean age of 61.08 ± 13.77 years old, on the other hand new-onset of AF patients in the setting of CS had a mean age of 67.02 ± 14.21 years old (p = 0.016). Nevertheless, no differences between the two groups was detected regarding the sex cardiovascular history (namely arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoker status, alcohol intake, previous acute coronary syndrome, history of angina, previous cardiomyopathy), neoplasia history, cardiac arrest during the CS, clinical signs at admission (like heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), blood results (hemoglobin, leukocytes, troponin, creatinine, C-Reactive protein), left ventricular ejection fraction and the culprit lesion. New-onset of AF in CS patient had not impact in mortality rates. Multiple logistic regression reveals that only age was a predictor of new onset of AF in CS patients (odds ratio 1.032, confident interval 1.004-1.060, p = 0.024). Conclusions Age was the best predictor of new-onset AF in CS patients. The presence of this arrhythmia can have a hemodynamic impact, however, seems not influenced the final outcome.

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The Effects of Nordic Walking Compared to Conventional Walking on Aerobic Capacity and Lipid Profile in Women Over 55 Years of Age

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.2020-0182 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Anna Witkowska ◽

Małgorzata Grabara ◽

Dorota Kopeć ◽

Zbigniew Nowak

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Lipid Profile ◽

Diastolic Blood Pressure ◽

Body Mass ◽

Aerobic Capacity ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Nordic Walking ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nordic Walking compared to conventional walking on aerobic capacity, the lipid profile, left ventricular ejection fraction, body mass, and body mass index in women over 55 years old. Methods: The study was comprised of 74 women over 55 years of age. Participants were randomized to the Nordic Walking (n = 38) or conventional walking (n = 36) training groups. The echocardiogram, treadmill exercise stress test, lipid profile, and body mass were assessed at baseline (pretest) and after 12 weeks (posttest). Results: The authors found a significant main effect over time in duration (effect size [ES] = 0.59, P < .0001), distance covered (ES = 0.56, P < .0001), peak oxygen consumption (ES = 0.43, P < .0001), metabolic equivalent (ES = 0.29, P < .0001), peak heart rate (ES = 0.2, P < .0001), peak diastolic blood pressure (ES = 0.11, P = .0045), total cholesterol (ES = 0.26, P < .0001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ES = 0.16, P = .0005). The authors did not observe a time versus group interaction or the effect between groups. Post hoc tests revealed significant pretraining to posttraining differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after the Nordic Walking training program and in peak diastolic blood pressure after the conventional walking training program. The heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure at rest, peak diastolic blood pressure, somatic parameters (body mass and body mass index), and left ventricular ejection fraction did not change in either group. Conclusions: Both training programs resulted in increases in aerobic capacity and decreases in total cholesterol.

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Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Ischemic versus Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy after Angiotensin-Neprilysin Inhibition Therapy

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10214989 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (21) ◽

pp. 4989

Author(s):

Mohammad Abumayyaleh ◽

Christina Pilsinger ◽

Ibrahim El-Battrawy ◽

Marvin Kummer ◽

Jürgen Kuschyk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Ischemic Cardiomyopathy ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

One Year ◽

The Impact

Background: The angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) decreases cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Data regarding the impact of ARNI on the outcome in HFrEF patients according to heart failure etiology are limited. Methods and results: One hundred twenty-one consecutive patients with HFrEF from the years 2016 to 2017 were included at the Medical Centre Mannheim Heidelberg University and treated with ARNI according to the current guidelines. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was numerically improved during the treatment with ARNI in both patient groups, that with ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 61) (ICMP), and that with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (n = 60) (NICMP); p = 0.25. Consistent with this data, the NT-proBNP decreased in both groups, more commonly in the NICMP patient group. In addition, the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine changed before and after the treatment with ARNI in both groups. In a one-year follow-up, the rate of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation) tended to be higher in the ICMP group compared with the NICMP group (ICMP 38.71% vs. NICMP 17.24%; p = 0.07). The rate of one-year all-cause mortality was similar in both groups (ICMP 6.5% vs. NICMP 6.6%; log-rank = 0.9947). Conclusions: This study shows that, although the treatment with ARNI improves the LVEF in ICMP and NICMP patients, the risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias remains higher in ICMP patients in comparison with NICMP patients. Renal function is improved in the NICMP group after the treatment. Long-term mortality is similar over a one-year follow-up.

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The Diagnostic and Prognostic Utility of Contemporary Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Suspected Acute Myocarditis

Diagnostics ◽

10.3390/diagnostics12010156 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 156

Author(s):

Jakub Lagan ◽

Christien Fortune ◽

David Hutchings ◽

Joshua Bradley ◽

Josephine H. Naish ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Volume Fraction ◽

Acute Myocarditis ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Parametric Mapping ◽

The Impact

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is used to investigate suspected acute myocarditis, however most supporting data is retrospective and few studies have included parametric mapping. We aimed to investigate the utility of contemporary multiparametric CMR in a large prospective cohort of patients with suspected acute myocarditis, the impact of real-world variations in practice, the relationship between clinical characteristics and CMR findings and factors predicting outcome. 540 consecutive patients we recruited. The 113 patients diagnosed with myocarditis on CMR performed within 40 days of presentation were followed-up for 674 (504–915) days. 39 patients underwent follow-up CMR at 189 (166–209) days. CMR provided a positive diagnosis in 72% of patients, including myocarditis (40%) and myocardial infarction (11%). In multivariable analysis, male sex and shorter presentation-to-scan interval were associated with a diagnosis of myocarditis. Presentation with heart failure (HF) was associated with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), higher LGE burden and higher extracellular volume fraction. Lower baseline LVEF predicted follow-up LV dysfunction. Multiparametric CMR has a high diagnostic yield in suspected acute myocarditis. CMR should be performed early and include parametric mapping. Patients presenting with HF and reduced LVEF require closer follow-up while those with normal CMR may not require it.

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HOLTER MONITORING AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR PREDICTING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PULMONARY VIEN ISOLATION IN PATIENTS WITH PAROXYSMAL AND PERSISTENT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases ◽

10.17802/2306-1278-2018-7-3-12-23 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 12-23

Author(s):

A. V. Tregubov ◽

Yu. V. Shubik

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Left Atrial ◽

Persistent Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Holter Monitoring ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Left Atrial Size ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

Atrial Size ◽

The Impact

Aim. To evaluate the impact of the atrial ectopic activity and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction on predicting the effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods. 54 patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF and the normal left ventricular ejection fraction were included in the study. Patients underwent Holter monitoring and echocardiography prior to the intervention to identify the predictors of successful PVI. The follow-up was 12 months after the indexed procedure. The effectiveness of treatment was assessed from the third month of the postoperative period. The criterion of the successful treatment was the absence of the AF paroxysms lasting more than 30 seconds, confirmed by Holter, diurnal and / or multi-day monitoring. The Student's t-test was used to assess the reliability of the differences between the variables characterizing the treatment results in the study groups. The discriminant analysis was performed to develop an algorithm that allows predicting the PVI result. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results. Premature atrial contraction over 70 per hour can be considered as the predictor of the successful PVI in patients with normal left atrial size. The severe LA enlargement should be considered as a predictor of poor ablation efficacy. The obtained discriminant function allows predicting the effectiveness of PVI in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF depending on Holter monitoring and echocardiography. Its sensitivity is high for both predicting success and failure of the intervention.Conclusion. Holter monitoring and echocardiography allow predicting the effectiveness of PVI. The intervention's efficacy in the groups of patients with severe LA enlargement and the combination of normal left atrial size with over 70 PAC per hour should be addressed in the further studies.

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Risk of Ischemic Stroke in High Risk Atrial Fibrillation Patients during Periods of Warfarin Discontinuation for Surgical Procedures

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000446406 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 42 (5-6) ◽

pp. 346-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Adnan I. Qureshi ◽

Nauman Jahangir ◽

Ahmed A. Malik ◽

Mohammad Rauf Afzal ◽

Fayyaz Orfi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

High Risk ◽

Surgical Procedures ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Systemic Hypertension ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Importance: The risk of ischemic stroke during periods of warfarin discontinuation for surgical procedures is recognized but not well characterized. Objective: The study aimed to quantitate the risk of ischemic stroke associated with high risk atrial fibrillation during periods of warfarin discontinuation. Design, Setting and Participants: A cohort of 4,060 patients (mean follow-up period of 3.5 ± 1.3 years) were randomized into the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-Up Investigation of Rhythm Management study. Patients enrolled in the study had atrial fibrillation plus at least one other risk factor for stroke or death: age ≥65 years', systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, transient ischemic attack, prior stroke, left atrium >50 mm, left ventricular fractional shortening <25% or left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Exposure: Warfarin discontinuation for procedure. Main Outcome and Measures: The association of warfarin discontinuation with the incidence of ischemic stroke using pooled repeated measures and Cox proportional hazards analyses during follow-up after adjusting for age, gender, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking and study period. Results: Warfarin discontinuation for procedure occurred in 265 (0.4%) of the 71,355 person observations. Compared with those without warfarin discontinuation, the rate of ischemic stroke was higher among participants with surgery-related warfarin discontinuation (1.1% of 265 person observations vs. 0.2% of 71,090 person observations, p = 0.001). Warfarin discontinuation was associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke (relative risk 5.8; 95% CI 1.8-18.4) after adjusting for potential confounders. The population-attributable risk associated with surgery-related warfarin discontinuation was estimated to be 23.1% (95% CI 15.2-30.9%) for ischemic stroke. Conclusions and Relevance: The 6-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke associated with discontinuation of warfarin for surgical procedures must be recognized in high risk atrial fibrillation patients and considered in the risk-benefit analysis of any procedure.

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Differences in the prognoses of patients referred to an advanced heart failure center from hospitals with different bed volumes

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-78162-z ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Koichi Narita ◽

Eisuke Amiya ◽

Masaru Hatano ◽

Junichi Ishida ◽

Hisataka Maki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Advanced Heart Failure ◽

Ventricular Assist Devices ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Left Ventricular Assist Devices ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction

AbstractFew reports have discussed appropriate strategies for patient referrals to advanced heart failure (HF) centers with available left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). We examined the association between the characteristics and prognoses of referred patients with advanced HF and the bed volume of the referring hospitals. This retrospective analysis evaluated 186 patients with advanced HF referred to our center for consultation about the indication of LVAD between January 1, 2015, and August 31, 2018. We divided the patients into two groups according to the bed volume of their referring hospital (high bed volume hospitals (HBHs): ≥ 500 beds in the hospital; low bed volume hospitals (LBHs): < 500 beds). We compared the primary outcome measure, a composite of LVAD implantation and all-cause death, between the patients referred from HBHs and patients referred from LBHs. The 186 patients with advanced HF referred to our hospital, who were referred from 130 hospitals (87 from LBHs and 99 from HBHs), had a mean age of 43.0 ± 12.6 years and a median left ventricular ejection fraction of 22% [15–33%]. The median follow-up duration of the patients was 583 days (119–965 days), and the primary outcome occurred during follow-up in 42 patients (43%) in the HBH group and 20 patients (23%) in the LBH group. Patients referred from HBHs tended to require catecholamine infusion on transfer more often than those referred from LBLs (36.5% (HBH), 20.2% (LBL), P = 0.021). Kaplan–Meier analysis indicates that the occurrence of the primary outcome was significantly higher in the HBH patients than in the LBH patients (log-rank P = 0.0022). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that catecholamine support on transfer and long disease duration were statistically significant predictors of the primary outcome. Patients from HBHs had a greater risk of the primary outcome. However, the multivariate analysis did not indicate an association between referral from an HBH and the primary outcome. In contrast, catecholamine support on transfer, long duration of disease, and low blood pressure were independent predictors of the primary outcome. Therefore, these should be considered when determining the timing of a referral to an advanced HF center, irrespective of the bed volume of the referring hospital.

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P3118CMR Fast-SENC intramyocardial LV & RV segmental strain detects cardiotoxicity during oncology treatment and impact of cardioprotection therapy before echocardiography

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz745.0193 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

H Steen ◽

M Montenbruck ◽

P Wuelfing ◽

S Esch ◽

A K Schwarz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Cancer Therapy ◽

Global Longitudinal Strain ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Left Ventricular Ejection ◽

Lower Sensitivity ◽

Pharmacological Agents ◽

Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The incidence of cardiotoxicity during cancer therapy is underestimated due to limitations of current diagnostic tests. Current biomarkers (BNP, NT-pro-BNP, hs-Troponin, etc.) and imaging calculations (e.g. echocardiography) such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are currently included in the guidelines to designate cardiotoxicity during cancer therapy. Unfortunately, these diagnostics identify systemic damage in symptomatic patients after the heart is unable to compensate for regional dysfunction. Fast-SENC segmental intramyocardial strain (fSENC) is a unique cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) test that regionally detects subclinical intramyocardial dysfunction in 1 heartbeat. Methods This single center, prospective Prefect Study was used to evaluate cardiotoxicity and the impact of cardioprotective therapy in Breast Cancer and Lymphoma patients (NCT03543228). fSENC was acquired with a 1.5T MRI and processed with the software to quantify intramyocardial strain. Segmental strain was measured in three short axis scans (basal, midventricular, apical) with 16 LV/6 RV longitudinal segments & three long axis scans (2-, 3-, 4-chamber) with 21 LV/5 RV circumferential segments. fSENC CMR was performed before chemotherapy, during and after anthracycline/taxane therapy, at 1 year follow-up, and as needed in between designated follow-up periods. Cardioprotective therapy was offered to patients meeting the definition of cardiotoxicity by the ESC Guidelines on Cardiotoxicity and/or ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines or those observing a substantial decline in cardiac function. Results Two hundred eight (208) CMRs were performed in fifty-two (52) patients (44 female). Patients had an average (± stdev) age of 53 (15) yrs, BMI of 26 (5) kg/m2; 77% had breast cancer, 23% had Lymphoma. fSENC CMRs required 11 (2) min total exam time. The % of normal fSENC (segmental stain <−17%) with a threshold of 65% showed a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 89% in detecting cardiotoxicity while echocardiography GLS with a threshold of −17% observed a sensitivity of 20% and specificity of 88%. Figure 1 shows receiver operating characteristic curves for fSENC based on the percent of normal myocardium, and echocardiography global longitudinal strain (GLS) respectively. Global fSENC had substantially lower sensitivity than segmental fSENC despite having higher accuracy than the other global metrics. Figure 1 Conclusion Segmental fSENC intramyocardial strain detects subclinical dysfunction due to cardiotoxic response of chemotherapy before other biomarkers and imaging modalities. The ability to detect the subclinical cardiotoxicity of chemotherapy agents, or other pharmacological agents that cause or worsen heart failure, enables proactive prescription of cardioprotective medications to avoid tissue remodeling that precedes systemic cardiac dysfunction and worsening of global measures such as LVEF and current biomarkers.

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