scholarly journals Variability in surveillance practice for patients with diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve syndrome

Author(s):  
Arianna Kahler-Quesada ◽  
Ishani Vallabhajosyula ◽  
Sameh Yousef ◽  
Makoto Mori ◽  
Roland Assi ◽  
...  

Background/Aim: In patients with bicuspid aortic valves, guidelines call for regular follow-up to monitor disease progression and guide timely intervention. We aimed to evaluate how closely these recommendations are followed at a tertiary care center. Methods: This was retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care center. Among 48,504 patients who received echocardiograms between 2013-2018, 245 patients were identified to have bicuspid aortic valve. Bivariate analyses compared patient and echocardiographic characteristics between patients who did and did not receive follow-up by a cardiovascular specialist. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 55.2  15.6 years and 30.2% were female. During a median follow-up of 3.5  2.2 years, 72.7% of patients had at least one visit with a cardiovascular specialist after diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve by echocardiogram. Patients followed by specialists had a higher proportion of follow-up surveillance by echocardiogram (78.7% vs. 34.3%, p< .0001), or by CT or MRI (41.0% vs. 3.0%, p < .0001), and were more likely to undergo valve or aortic surgery compared with patients not followed by specialists. Patients with moderate to severe valvular or aortic pathology (aortic stenosis/regurgitation, dilated ascending aorta) were not more likely to be followed by a cardiovascular specialist or receive follow-up echocardiograms. Conclusions: Follow-up care for patients with bicuspid aortic valve was highly variable, and surveillance imaging was performed sparsely despite guidelines. There is an urgent need for surveillance and clinical follow-up mechanisms to monitor this patient population with increased risk of progressive valvulopathy and aortopathy.

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 290
Author(s):  
Anthonie Duijnhouwer ◽  
Allard van den Hoven ◽  
Remy Merkx ◽  
Michiel Schokking ◽  
Roland van Kimmenade ◽  
...  

Objective: The combination of aortic coarctation (CoA) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is assumed to be associated with a higher risk of ascending aortic dilatation and type A dissection, and current European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines advise therefore to operate at a lower threshold in the presence of CoA. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether the coexistence of CoA in BAV patients is indeed associated with a higher risk of ascending aortic events (AAE). Methods: In a retrospective study, all adult BAV patients visiting the outpatient clinic of our tertiary care center between February 2003 and February 2019 were included. The primary end point was an ascending aortic event (AAE) defined as ascending aortic dissection/rupture or preventive surgery. The secondary end points were aortic dilatation and aortic growth. Results: In total, 499 BAV patients (43.7% female, age 40.3 ± 15.7 years) were included, of which 121 (24%) had a history of CoA (cBAV). An aortic event occurred in 38 (7.6%) patients at a mean age of 49.0 ± 13.6 years. In the isolated BAV group (iBAV), significantly more AAE occurred, but this was mainly driven by aortic valve dysfunction as indication for aortic surgery. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of dissection or severely dilated ascending aorta (>50 mm) between the iBAV and cBAV patients (p = 0.56). The aortic diameter was significantly smaller in the cBAV group (30.3 ± 6.9 mm versus 35.7 ± 7.6 mm; p < 0.001). The median aortic diameter increase was 0.23 (interquartile range (IQR): 0.0–0.67) mm/year and was not significantly different between both groups (p = 0.74). Conclusion: Coexistence of CoA in BAV patients was not associated with a higher risk of aortic dissection, preventive aortic surgery, aortic dilatation, or more rapid aorta growth. This study suggests that CoA is not a risk factor in BAV patients, and the advice to operate at lower diameter should be reevaluated.


Author(s):  
Alexis Théron ◽  
Anissa Touil ◽  
Noémie Résseguier ◽  
Gwenaelle Collod-Beroud ◽  
Giulia Norscini ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Théron ◽  
Anissa Touil ◽  
Noémie Résseguier ◽  
Gwenaelle Collod-Beroud ◽  
Giulia Norscini ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDto describe spectrum of valve function in bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) patients referred to a tertiary care center and to investigate genetic pathways associated with valve degeneration.METHODSAll consecutive patients with BAV were prospectively included from 2014 to 2018. BAV was defined according to embryologic and Sievers classifications. Clinical and echo variables were compared according to aortic valve function. Aortic valve tissues were collected from BAV patients (n=15) operated for severe aortic stenosis (AS-BAV, n=7) or aortic regurgitation (AR-BAV, n=8). RT-qPCR was performed to compare gene expression level in AS-BAV, AR-BAV and controls corresponding to healthy tricuspid aortic valves collected on human heart explant immediately after transplantation (n=5).RESULTSOut of 223 adults with BAV, mean age 53±17 years, 83% had left-right coronary cusps fusion, 80% Sievers type 1 BAV and 49% aortopathy. Twenty-four patients had normal valve function, 66 patients had AS-BAV, 91 patients had AR-BAV and 40 patient had AR+AS BAV. BAV phenotype did not predict neither AS-BAV nor AR-BAV (all p>0.1). By multivariable analysis, age >50 (41.6[10.3-248.2],p<0.001) and presence of raphe(12.8[2.4-87.4],p<0.001) were significantly associated with AS-BAV and male gender of AR-BAV(5[1.6-16.4], p=0.005). RT-qPCR revealed overexpression of RUNX2 in AS-BAV (17.67±1.83 vs 3.25±0.93, p=0.04), and overexpression of COL1A1 (4.01±0.6vs2.25±0.5,p=0.03) and FLNA (23.31±7.5vs1.97±0.3,p=0.03) in AR-BAV.CONCLUSIONSThis prospective study confirmed high prevalence of valve dysfunction at first diagnosis of BAV in a referred population. Clinical and echo variables are poorly associated with BAV dysfunction. The leaking or stenotic processes could be both supported by dysregulation of specific genetic pathways


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Cabizuca ◽  
P. S. Rocha ◽  
J. V. Marques ◽  
T. F. L. R. Costa ◽  
A. S. N. Santos ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Michele Spinicci ◽  
Iacopo Vellere ◽  
Lucia Graziani ◽  
Marta Tilli ◽  
Beatrice Borchi ◽  
...  

Abstract We evaluated 100 post-acute COVID-19 patients, a median of 60 days (IQR 48-67) after discharge from the Careggi University Hospital, Italy. Eighty-four (84%) had at least one persistent symptom, irrespective of COVID-19 severity. A considerable number of hospital re-admission (10%) and/or infectious diseases (14%) during the post-discharge period was reported.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s20-s21
Author(s):  
Alexandra Trannel ◽  
Takaaki Kobayashi ◽  
Oluchi Abosi ◽  
Kyle Jenn ◽  
Holly Meacham ◽  
...  

Background: Hospital semiprivate rooms may lead to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patient exposures. We investigated the risk of COVID-19 patient-to-patient exposure in semiprivate rooms and the subsequent risk of acquiring COVID-19. Methods: The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is an 811-bed tertiary care center. Overall, 16% of patient days are spent in semiprivate rooms. Most patients do not wear masks while in semiprivate rooms. Active COVID-19 surveillance included admission and every 5 days nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. We identified inpatients with COVID-19 who were in semiprivate rooms during their infectious periods during July–December 2020. Testing was repeated 24 hours after the first positive test. Cycle threshold (Ct) values of the two tests (average Ct <30), SARS-CoV-2 serology results, clinical assessment, and COVID-19 history were used to determine patient infectiousness. Roommates were considered exposed if in the same semiprivate room with an infectious patient. Exposed patients were notified, quarantined (private room), and follow-up testing was arranged (median seven days). Conversion was defined as having a negative test followed by a subsequent positive within 14 days after exposure. We calculated the risk of exposure: number of infectious patients in semiprivate rooms/number of semiprivate patient-days (hospitalization days in semiprivate rooms). Results: There were 16,427 semiprivate patient days during July–December 2020. We identified 43 COVID-19 inpatients who roommates during their infectious periods. Most infectious patients (77%) were male; the median age was 67 years; and 22 (51%) were symptomatic. Most were detected during active surveillance: admission testing (51%) and serial testing (28%). There were 57 exposed roommates. The risk of exposure was 3 of 1,000 semiprivate patient days. In total, 16 roommates (28%) did not complete follow-up testing. Of 41 exposed patients with follow-up data, 8 (20%) converted following their exposure. Median time to conversion was 5 days. The risk of exposure and subsequent conversion was 0.7 of 1,000 semiprivate patient days. Median Ct value of the source patient was 20 for those who converted and 23 for those who did not convert. Median exposure time was 45 hours (range, 3–73) for those who converted and 12 hours (range, 1–75) for those who did not convert. Conclusions: The overall risk of exposure in semiprivate rooms was low. The conversion rate was comparable to that reported for household exposures. Lower Ct values and lengthier exposures may be associated with conversion. Active COVID-19 surveillance helps early detection and decreases exposure time.Funding: NoDisclosures: None


Author(s):  
Alessandro Verzini ◽  
Marta Bargagna ◽  
Guido Ascione ◽  
Alessandra Sala ◽  
Davide Carino ◽  
...  

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most common congenital heart defect and it is responsible for an increased risk of developing aortic valve and ascending aorta complications. In case of mild to moderate BAV disease in patients undergoing supracoronary ascending aorta replacement, it is unclear whether a concomitant aortic valve replacement should be performed. Methods: From June 2002 to January 2020, 75 patients with mild-to-moderate BAV regurgitation (± mild-to-moderate stenosis) who underwent isolated supracoronary ascending aorta replacement were retrospectively analyze. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 100% complete (mean: 7.4±3.9 years, max 16.4). Kaplan Meier estimates were employed to analyze long-term survival. Cumulative incidence function for time to re-operation, recurrence of aortic regurgitation (AR)≥3+ and aortic stenosis (AS) greater than moderate, with death as competing risk, were computed. Results: There was no hospital mortality and no cardiac death occurred. Overall survival at 12 years was 97.4±2.5%, 95% CI [83.16-99.63]. At follow-up there were no cases of aortic root surgery whereas 3 patients underwent AV replacement. At 12 years the CIF of reoperation was 2.6±2.5%, 95% CI [0.20-11.53]. At follow up, AR 3+/4+ was present in 1 pt and AS greater than moderate in 3. At 12 years the CIF of AR>2+/4+ was 5.1±4.98% and of AS>moderate 6.9±3.8%. Conclusions: In our study mild to moderate regurgitation of a BAV did not significantly worse at least up to 10 years after isolated supracoronary ascending aorta replacement.


Author(s):  
Shubham Atal ◽  
Rajnish Joshi ◽  
Saurav Misra ◽  
Zeenat Fatima ◽  
Swati Sharma ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives The study was conducted to assess patterns of prescribed drug therapy and clinical predictors of need for therapy escalation in outpatients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods This was a prospective cohort study, conducted at an apex tertiary care teaching hospital in central India for a period of 18 months. The demographic, clinical, and treatment details on the baseline and follow up visits were collected from the patients’ prescription charts. Glycemic control, adherence, pill burdens along with pattern of antidiabetic therapy escalation, and deescalations were analyzed. Results A total of 1,711 prescriptions of 925 patients of diabetes with a mean age of 53.81 ± 10.42 years and duration of disease of 9.15 ± 6.3 years were analyzed. Approximately half of the patients (n=450) came for ≥1 follow up visits. Hypertension (59.35%) was the most common comorbidity followed by dyslipidemia and hypothyroidism. The mean total daily drugs and pills per prescription were 4.03 ± 1.71 and 4.17 ± 1.38, respectively. Metformin (30.42%) followed by sulphonylureas (SUs) (21.39%) constituted majority of the AHA’s and dual and triple drug therapy regimens were most commonly prescribed. There were improvements in HbA1c, fasting/postprandial/random blood sugar (FBS/PPBS/RBS) as well as adherence to medication, diet, and exercise in the follow up visits. Among patients with follow ups, therapy escalations were found in 31.11% patients, among whom dose was increased in 12.44% and drug was added in 17.28%. Apart from Hb1Ac, FBS, and PPBS levels (p<0.001), characteristics such as age, BMI, duration of diagnosed diabetes, presence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, and daily pill burdens were found to be significantly higher in the therapy escalation group (p<0.05). Inadequate medication adherence increased the relative risk (RR) of therapy escalation by almost two times. Conclusions Disease and therapy patterns are reflective of diabetes care as expected at a tertiary care center. Higher BMI, age, pill burden, duration of diabetes, presence of comorbidities, and poor medication adherence may be the predictors of therapy escalation independent of glycemic control and such patients should be more closely monitored.


Author(s):  
Nivedita Basu ◽  
Madeline Mahowald ◽  
Kris Kawamoto ◽  
Melinda Davis

Background: Few studies have evaluated temporal trends in outcomes and risk factors for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Prior research using administrative data could only assess short-term in-hospital adverse events. It has also been hypothesized that the incidence of PPCM is rising due to advancing maternal age and increased risk factors. Therefore, we examined long-term outcomes and prognostic factors to determine if there has been any change over the past decade. Methods: Patients seen at a tertiary care center between 2000 and 2011 with a diagnosis of PPCM were identified by ICD9 code 674.5x and confirmed by manual chart review. Year of diagnosis, clinical and demographic variables, echocardiographic data, and outcomes including myocardial recovery (defined as EF>=55%), ICD placement, LVAD, transplant, and death were reviewed for follow-up through November 2016. Results: Of 60 patients, 31 (52%) were diagnosed recently (2006-2011) and 29 (48%) were diagnosed prior to 2006 (1996-2005). There were no significant differences in the recent group compared to the past group in initial EF (19% vs 22%), final EF (39% vs 39%), and final recovery status (52% vs 48%). Similarly, there were no differences in rates of ICD implantation, LVAD/transplant, mortality, and years of survival. There were no differences in age at diagnosis or in rates of hypertension, smoking, or diabetes. Few patients in either category underwent a subsequent pregnancy. Mean years of follow-up (through 2016) were longer for those diagnosed prior to 2006 (8.3 years vs 3.4 years, p<0.001). Conclusions: There has been no improvement in outcomes for patients diagnosed with PPCM in the past decade. Maternal age and risk factors do not appear to be increasing. Despite advances in heart failure treatment and increased awareness of PPCM, more research about the management and follow-up of young mothers with PPCM is needed.


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