Effectiveness of a Workplace-Based, Multicomponent Hypertension Management Program in Real-World Practice: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Limited studies had investigated the potential benefits of workplace-based hypertension management programs on long-term blood pressure (BP) control and health outcomes. This study used the propensity score matching to examine the effectiveness of a workplace-based hypertension management program on BP control and risks of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. Within the Kailuan study, a workplace-based hypertension management program was initiated in 2009 among men with hypertension, which included regular BP measuring (twice a month), free antihypertensive medications, and individualized health consultation. Participants were followed until loss to follow-up, death, or December 31, 2019. Among 17 724 male hypertensives aged 18 to 60 years, 6400 participated in the program. The propensity score matching yielded 6120 participants in the management group and 6120 participants in the control group. Both systolic and diastolic BPs were significantly lower in the management group than in the control group over follow-up, and the mean between-group difference at the 10th year was −7.83 (95% CI, −9.06 to −6.62) mm Hg for systolic BP and −4.72 (95% CI, −5.46 to −3.97) mm Hg for diastolic BP. Participants in the program were more likely to achieve BP control (odds ratio, 1.70 [95% CI, 1.41–2.06]) and had significantly lower risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.72–0.94]) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.58–0.86]), compared with those who were not in the program. A workplace-based hypertension management program was related to reduced BP levels and lower risks of major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in Chinese men with hypertension.

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Impact of a diabetes disease management program on quality of care and costs: propensity score-matched real-world data from Switzerland.

10.1101/2020.07.05.20143438 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Maria Carlander ◽

Marc Hoeglinger ◽

Maria Trottmann ◽

Birgitta Rhomberg ◽

Cornelia Caviglia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Disease Management ◽

Propensity Score ◽

Guideline Adherence ◽

Care Setting ◽

Primary Care Setting ◽

Management Program ◽

Control Group

Objectives Structured treatment programs have been recommended for management of patients with chronic conditions to overcome ill-coordinated care. We aimed to evaluate a disease management program (DMP) with for diabetes mellitus in Switzerland. Methods We performed a prospective observational study with a propensity score-matched usual care control group from a claims database. We included type-1 and type-2 diabetes patients from a primary care setting. The DMP (intervention) comprised a structured treatment approach with an individual treatment plan, treatment goals and an interprofessional team approach. Our outcome comprehensive measures included quality of life (QOL: EQ-5D-5L), pre-defined indicators for diabetes guideline adherence, number of used services and direct medical costs. We applied a difference-in-difference (DID) approach to compare DMP with usual care (follow-up 1 year). Costs were calculated with non-parametric bootstrapping (2017 Swiss Francs, CHF; conversion rate to Euros: 0.85) from a third-party payer perspective (Swiss health care insurance). Results QOL in a sub-sample of 80 patients did not change during follow-up (mean utility 0.89 at baseline and follow-up; p=0.94). Guideline adherence showed slight improvements for DMP. For example, non-adherence (baseline DMP: 19%) decreased in the DMP group by -3 %-points (DID; 95%-CI: -0.07 to 0.01) but not in the control group. A general trend emerged, though mostly not statistically significant, with less used services in the DMP group compared to the control group. Costs increased in both groups during follow-up, but the increase was higher in the control group (DID, mean total costs per patient per year: CHF -950.00 [95%-CI: -1959.53 to 59.56]). Such a negative difference-in-difference estimate in favor of DMP also emerged for cost sub-categories (e.g. costs for inpatient and outpatient care). Conclusions The structured treatment program under evaluation is a promising approach to improve diabetes care in a Swiss primary care setting but more follow-up data are needed.

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High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T is A Risk Factor for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality: 9.5 Year Follow-up Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-68461/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaona Wang ◽

Ruihua Cao ◽

Xu Yang ◽

Wenkai Xiao ◽

Yun Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Troponin ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Troponin T ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cardiac Troponin T ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Coronary Events

Abstract Background: The relationship between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and different cardiovascular events has been observed in several large community studies, and the results have been controversial. However, there is currently no cross-sectional or longitudinal follow-up study on hs-cTnT in the Chinese population.Methods: We analyzed the association of plasma hs-cTnT levels with major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in 1325 subjects from a longitudinal follow-up community-based population in Beijing, China.Results: In the Cox proportional hazards models analysis, the risk of MACE increased with the increase of hs-cTnT levels (HR, 1.223, 95% CI, 1.054–1.418, P = 0.008). Increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with coronary events (HR, 1.391, 95% CI, 1.106–1.749, P = 0.005) in Model 4. Cox proportional risk regression model analysis revealed that increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR, 1.763, 95% CI, 1.224–2.540, P = 0.002), even after adjusting hs-CRP and NT-proBNP. The area under the ROC curve for predicting MACE was 0.559 (95% CI, 0.523–0.595, P = 0.001). The areas under the ROC curve for predicting coronary events and mortality were 0.629 (95% CI, 0.580–0.678, P < 0.001) and 0.644 (95% CI, 0.564–0.725, P < 0.001), respectively.Conclusions: Our findings in the Chinese cohort support that hs-cTnT is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

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Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus and blood glucose admission levels in patients with myocardial infarction with non obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA)

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.1808 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

P Paolisso ◽

F Donati ◽

L Bergamaschi ◽

S Toniolo ◽

E.C D'Angelo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Type 2 Dm ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Age And Sex

Abstract Background Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) is a heterogeneous clinically entity and represents 5% to 10% of all patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Besides type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), which is a common comorbidity in patients hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome, high glucose levels (HGL) at admission are frequently observed in this context. The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events following acute coronary syndrome is increased in people with DM and HGL. However, evidence regarding diabetes and high glucose level among MINOCA patients is lacking. Purpose To examine the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in diabetic and non-diabetic MINOCA patients as well as according to HGL at presentation. Methods Among 1995 patients with acute MI admitted to our coronary care unit from 2016 to 2018, we enrolled 186 consecutive MINOCA patients according to the current ESC diagnostic criteria. HGL at admission was defined as serum glucose level above 180 mg/dl. All-cause mortality and a composite end-point of all-cause mortality and myocardial re-infarction were compared. The median follow-up time was 19.6±12.9 months. Results Diabetic MINOCA patients were older (mean age 75.5±9.6 vs 66.5±14.7; p=0.002) and with higher prevalence of hypertension (p=0.016). Conversely, there were no significant differences in gender, BMI, dyslipidemia and atrial fibrillation. Similarly, no significant differences were observed regarding clinical and ECG presentation, echocardiographic features and laboratory tests. The rates of death (30.8% vs 8.3%; p=0.013) and MACEs (22.2% vs 6.8%; p=0.025) were significantly higher in MINOCA-DM patients; conversely, no significant differences were observed for re-MI (p=0.58). At multivariate regression model adjusted for age and sex, type 2 DM was not an independent predictor of all cause deaths (p=0.36) and MACE (p=0.24). Patients with admission HGL had similar baseline characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, clinical presentations, echocardiographic features and troponin values as compared to patients with no-HGL. HGL at admission was associated with higher incidence of all-cause-death (p<0.001) and MACE (p=0.003) during follow-up compared to patients with no HGL; conversely, no significant differences were observed in the incidence of re-MI (p=0.7). Multivariate analysis adjusted for age and sex demonstrated that HGL was an independent predictor of death (HR 6.25; CI 1.64–23.85; p=0.007) and MACEs (HR 6.17; CI 1.79–21.23, p=0.004). Conclusion In MINOCA patients, HGL was an independent risk factor for both MACEs and death while type 2 DM was not correlated with these hard endpoints. As a consequence, HGL could have a still unexplored pathophysiological role in MINOCA. Properly powered randomized trials are warranted. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Is a Risk Factor for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and All-Cause Mortality: A 9.5-Year Follow-Up Study

Cardiology Research and Practice ◽

10.1155/2021/6647987 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Xiaona Wang ◽

Peiqi Wang ◽

Ruihua Cao ◽

Xu Yang ◽

Wenkai Xiao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Troponin ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Troponin T ◽

High Sensitivity ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cardiac Troponin T ◽

Follow Up Study ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Coronary Events

Background. The relationship between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and different cardiovascular events has been observed in several large community studies, and the results have been controversial. However, there is currently no cross-sectional or longitudinal follow-up study on hs-cTnT in the Chinese population. Methods. We analyzed the association of plasma hs-cTnT levels with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality in 1325 subjects from a longitudinal follow-up community-based population in Beijing, China. Results. In the Cox proportional hazards models analysis, the risk of MACEs increased with the increase of hs-cTnT levels (HR, 1.223, 95% CI, 1.054–1.418, P = 0.008 ). Increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with coronary events (HR, 1.391, 95% CI, 1.106–1.749, P = 0.005 ) in Model 4. Cox proportional risk regression model analysis revealed that increased hs-cTnT levels were associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR, 1.763, 95% CI, 1.224–2.540, P = 0.002 ), even after adjusting hs-CRP and NT-proBNP. The area under the ROC curve for predicting MACEs was 0.559 (95% CI, 0.523–0.595, P = 0.001 ). The areas under the ROC curve for predicting coronary events and mortality were 0.629 (95% CI, 0.580–0.678, P < 0.001 ) and 0.644 (95% CI, 0.564–0.725, P < 0.001 ), respectively. Conclusions. Our findings in the Chinese cohort support that hs-cTnT is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.

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MO129COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF SGLT2I VERSUS DPP4I ON CARDIOVASCULAR AND RENAL OUTCOMES IN ROUTINE-CARE SETTINGS

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfab092.007 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Edouard Fu ◽

Marco Trevisan ◽

Vivekananda Lanka ◽

Catherine M Clase ◽

Yang Xu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Kidney Function ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Routine Care ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Kidney Function Decline ◽

Egfr Slope

Abstract Background and Aims While clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors on preventing cardiovascular and renal damage, few studies have expanded this evidence to routine-care settings. Method We compared clinical outcomes of adults who started SGLT2i or DPP4i therapy in Stockholm, Sweden, during 2013-2019. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke), all-cause mortality and the rate of eGFR decline (eGFR slope). Propensity score weighted Cox regression was used to balance 55 variables and estimate intention-to-treat hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Differences in eGFR slope were calculated with linear mixed models. Results We identified 7136 individuals starting SGLT2i and 13,618 starting DPP4i therapy. Median age was 64 years (37% women) and median eGFR 86 ml/min/1.73m2. During median follow-up of 2.1 years, 211 individuals developed the primary outcome, 269 experienced MACE and 178 died. After propensity score weighting, patients starting SGLT2i therapy were at lower risk for the composite of CV death/HF hospitalization (HR 0.71; 95% CI 0.53-0.94) compared with DPP4i, and showed a tendency towards lower MACE (0.84; 95% CI 0.67-1.04) and all-cause mortality (0.85; 95% CI 0.62-1.18). There were a median of 4 (interquartile range: 2-8) eGFR measurements during follow-up per patient to estimate their eGFR slopes. In adjusted models, new users of SGLT2i had a slower rate of kidney function decline compared with DPP4i (eGFR slope difference of 0.43 (95% CI 0.15-0.72) ml/min/1.73m2 per year). Results for the primary outcome were consistent across 7 pre-specified subgroups, including eGFR (eGFR ≥60: HR 0.79 [95% CI 0.57-1.08]; eGFR <60: HR 0.62 [0.38-0.99], p-value for interaction 0.40). Conclusion In patients undergoing routine care, initiation of SGLT2i was associated with fewer cardiovascular outcomes and less rapid kidney function decline compared with DPP4i initiation.

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β-blocker dialyzability and the risk of mortality and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing hemodialysis

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfaa058 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (11) ◽

pp. 1959-1965 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ping-Hsun Wu ◽

Yi-Ting Lin ◽

Mei-Chuan Kuo ◽

Jia-Sin Liu ◽

Yi-Chun Tsai ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Mortality Hazard ◽

Risk Of Mortality ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Β Blocker ◽

Mortality Hazard Ratio

Abstract Background β-blocker (BB) dialyzability has been proposed to limit their efficacy among hemodialysis (HD) patients. We attempted to confirm this hypothesis by comparing health outcomes associated with the initiation of dialyzable or nondialyzable BBs in a nationwide cohort of HD patients. Methods We created a prospective cohort study of 15 699 HD patients who initiated dialyzable BBs (atenolol, acebutolol, metoprolol and bisoprolol) and 20 904 hemodialysis patients who initiated nondialyzable BBs (betaxolol, carvedilol and propranolol) between 2004 and 2011 in Taiwan healthcare. We compared the risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs, a composite of the acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke and heart failure) between users of dialyzable versus nondialyzable BBs during a 2-year follow-up. Results New users of dialyzable BBs were younger, more often men, with diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia compared with users of nondialyzable BBs. Compared with nondialyzable BBs, initiation of dialyzable BBs was associated with lower all-cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–0.88]} and lower risk of MACEs [HR 0.89 (95% CI 0.84–0.93)]. Results were confirmed in subgroup analyses, censoring at BB discontinuation or switch, after 1:1 propensity score matching, reclassifying bisoprolol or excluding bisoprolol/carvedilol users. Conclusions This study does not offer support for the hypothesis that the dialyzability of BBs reduces their efficacy in HD patients.

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Impact of dialysis modality on major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: a national population-based study

Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation ◽

10.1093/ndt/gfaa282 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ping-Jen Hu ◽

Yu-Wei Chen ◽

Tzu-Ting Chen ◽

Li-Chin Sung ◽

Mei-Yi Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Propensity Score ◽

Study Design ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Objective Assessment ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Time Varying ◽

Dialysis Patients ◽

Score Study ◽

Design For All ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background Only few studies with inconsistent results comparing the relative risk of cardiac mortality between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Switches between renal replacement therapy (RRT) modalities render objective assessment of survival benefits a greater challenge. Methods Data were retrieved from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Database from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2015. We included 13 662 and 41 047 long-term dialysis patients in a propensity score matching study design and a time-varying study design, respectively, to compare major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) between patients receiving PD and HD. We also included 109 256 dialysis patients to compare the all-cause mortality among different RRT modalities. Results For MACE, the hazard ratio (HR) for PD patients compared to HD patients was 0.95 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–1.02] in the propensity score study design and 1.06 (95% CI 1.01–1.12) in the time-varying study design. For all-cause mortality, the HR for PD patients compared to HD patients was 1.09 (95% CI 1.05–1.13) in the propensity score study design and 1.13 (95% CI 1.09–1.17) in the time-varying study design. The HR for death was higher at a level of statistical significance for females (1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.28), patients ≥65 years old (1.30, 95% CI 1.24–1.36) and diabetes mellitus (DM; 1.28, 95% CI 1.22–1.34). Conclusions The HR for MACE is significantly higher among PD patients in time-varying design analysis. In addition, all-cause mortality was higher in PD patients compared to patients with HD, especially in those who were aged ≥65 years, female or DM.

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P6217Managed Care after Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI) reduces MACE by 45% in 3-month follow-up - results form Poland's National Health Fund program of post-MI care. A single center analysis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.0821 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

A Kulach ◽

K Wita ◽

M Wita ◽

M Wybraniec ◽

K Wilkosz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Acute Myocardial Infarction ◽

National Health ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Control Group ◽

Single Center ◽

Post Discharge

Abstract Background Despite progress in the medical and interventional treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and low in-hospital mortality related to AMI, a post-discharge prognosis in MI survivors is still unacceptable. The Managed Care in Acute Myocardial Infarction (MC-AMI, KOS-zawal) is a program introduced by Poland's National Health Fund aiming at comprehensive care for patients with AMI to improve long-term prognosis. It includes acute intervention, complex revascularization, cardiac rehabilitation (CR), outpatient follow-up, and prevention of SCD. Aims To assess the effect of MC-AMI on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in a 3-month follow-up. Methods In this single-center, retrospective observational study we enrolled 1211 patients, and compared them to 1130 subjects in the control group. After 1:1 propensity score matching two groups of 529 subjects each were compared. Cox regression was performed to assess the effect of MC-AMI and other variables on MACE. Results MC-AMI has been proved to reduce MACE rate by 45% in a 3-month observation. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed MC-AMI participation to be inversely associated with the occurrence MACE at 3 months (HR 0.476, 95% CI 0.283–0.799, p<0.005). Besides, older age, male sex (HR 2.0), history of unstable angina (HR 3.15), peripheral artery disease (HR 2.17), peri-MI atrial fibrillation (HR 1.87) and diabetes (HR 1.5), were significantly associated with the primary endpoint. Comparison of study endpoints between KO Total, n (%) MC-AMI group, n (%) Control Group, n (%) RR 95% CI NNT P n=1058 n=529 n=529 All-cause mortality 19 (1.8%) 7 (1.3%) 12 (2.3%) 0.583 0.232–1.470 105.8 0.247 Hospitalization for HF 31 (2.9%) 12 (2.3%) 19 (3.6%) 0.632 0.310–1.288 75.6 0.202 Myocardial infarction 25 (2.4%) 9 (1.7%) 16 (3.0%) 0.563 0.251–1.262 75.6 0.157 MACE 73 (6.9%) 26 (4.9%)# 47 (8.9%) 0.553 0.348–0.879 25.2 0.012 *Two-tailed Pearson's Chi-square test; MACE, Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events. #Number of patients with at least one MACE; in 2 patients 2 endpoints occurred. This explains why the total number of MACE is lower than the sum of all endpoints. MC-AMI vs. control - MACE in 3 months up Conclusions MC-AMI is the first program of a comprehensive. Participation in MC-AMI – a first comprehensive in-hospital and post-discharge care for AMI patients for AMI patients improves prognosis and reduces MACE rate by 45% as soon as in 3 months.

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Prasugrel or ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome and diabetes: a propensity matched substudy of RENAMI

European Heart Journal Acute Cardiovascular Care ◽

10.1177/2048872618802783 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (6) ◽

pp. 536-542 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Federico Conrotto ◽

Maurizio Bertaina ◽

Sergio Raposeiras-Roubin ◽

Tim Kinnaird ◽

Albert Ariza-Solé ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽

Propensity Score ◽

Propensity Score Matching ◽

Cardiovascular Events ◽

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Primary Endpoints ◽

Diabetes Patients

Introduction: The safety and efficacy of prasugrel and ticagrelor in patients with diabetes mellitus presenting with acute coronary syndrome and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention remain to be assessed. Methods: All diabetes patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome and enrolled in the REgistry of New Antiplatelets in patients with Myocardial Infarction (RENAMI) were compared before and after propensity score matching. Net adverse cardiovascular events (composite of death, stroke, myocardial infarction and BARC 3–5 bleedings) and major adverse cardiovascular events (composite of death, stroke and myocardial infarction) were the co-primary endpoints. Single components of primary endpoints were secondary endpoints. Results: Among 4424 patients enrolled in RENAMI, 462 and 862 diabetes patients treated with prasugrel and ticagrelor, respectively, were considered. After propensity score matching, 386 patients from each group were selected. At 19±5 months, major adverse cardiovascular events and net adverse cardiovascular events were similar in the prasugrel and ticagrelor groups (5.4% vs. 3.4%, P=0.16 and 6.7% vs. 4.1%, P=0.11, respectively). Ticagrelor was associated with a lower risk of death and BARC 2–5 bleeding when compared to prasugrel (2.8% vs. 0.8%, P=0.031 and 6.0% vs. 2.6%, P=0.02, respectively) and a clear but not significant trend for a reduction of BARC 3–5 bleeding (2.3% vs. 0.8%, P=0.08). There were no significant differences in myocardial infarction recurrence and stent thrombosis. Conclusion: Diabetes patients admitted for acute coronary syndrome seem to benefit equally in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events from ticagrelor or prasugrel use. Ticagrelor was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause death and bleedings, without differences in recurrent ischaemic events, which should be confirmed in dedicated randomised controlled trials.

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Digoxin treatment and long-term mortality depending on left ventricular ejection fraction and atrial fibrillation: a propensity score matched analysis

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehab724.0502 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

M.R Grubler ◽

N.D Verheyen ◽

A Meinitzer ◽

L Fiedler ◽

M Tscharre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Clinical Trials ◽

Coronary Angiography ◽

Propensity Score ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Propensity Score Matching ◽

Increased Risk ◽

All Cause Mortality

Abstract Background/Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart rhythm disturbance, associated with an increased risk of stroke, hospital admissions and mortality, especially in patients with reduced ejection fraction. Among the oldest medications used for heart-rate control is digitalis, but largely due to observational studies showing an increased risk of death it has fallen out of favour. Recently newer clinical trials reported that the treatment with digitalis in permanent AF might be superior to beta blocker therapy in regard to functional status and symptom burden. Given this diverging results we attempt to analysis a large cohort of patients facilitating a propensity score matching algorithm. Purpose To assess the associations of digitalis treatment with mortality in patients with increased cardiovascular risk. Methods Patients were derived from a large cohort study including participants from a tertiary care centre who were referred to coronary angiography. The propensity score matching is based on a predefined list of variables, with digitalis as treatment. Matching strategy is nearest neighbour matching and to prove consistency, radius matching (radius = 0.1). For survival analysis we used a Cox proportional hazard regression comparing patients with and without digitalis for all-cause mortality. The analysis is conducted using STATA 13 MP. All patients provided written informed consent and the study was approved by the ethics committee. Results A total of 2457 patients (median age: 63.5 [IQR = 56.3–70.6] years, 30.1% women) referred to coronary angiography, with a median follow up of 9.9 (IQR = 8.5–10.7) years were included. The matching process and the resulting propensity score fulfilled all statistical assumptions and resulted in a balanced cohort. The risk for all-cause mortality was higher among propensity score matched participants not treated with digitalis compared to patients on treatment (n=514) HR 3.03 (95% CI 2.5 to 3.7). Total mortality in patients with AF on digitalis after a median follow-up of 9.9 years was 27.6%. At baseline, only 42.4% of patients with AF were on oral anticoagulation. Conclusions In the present cohort treatment with digitalis was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality after long-term follow-up. The patient population has a clinically significant 10-year mortality risk. The results may not apply to other cohorts but may help inform future clinical trials. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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