Early reverse remodeling by echocardiography after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Oslo University Hospital is a tertiary center conducting a significant number of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures per year. In this follow-up MediPace study, we aimed to investigate early echocardiographic changes in systolic and diastolic functions after TAVI in these patients. METHODS: All patients enrolled in the previous study were contacted 3 months after TAVI for echocardiographic evaluation. Detailed echocardiography was performed 3.5 ± 1.6 months after TAVI, and compared with baseline evaluations. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 80.1 ± 6.8 years and 40% of the patients were female. We observed a significant improvement in global longitudinal strain (GLS) (pre-TAVI -16.8 ± 4.1%, post-TAVI -17.8 ± 3.6%, p < .001), with no notable change in LVEF. More than half of the patients (52%) experienced a significant reverse remodeling with ≥10% decrease in left ventricular mass index (LVMi) following TAVI (pre-TAVI 123.6 ± 32.1 vs. 109.7 ± 28.9 g/m2 post-TAVI, p < .001). Pre-TAVI LVMi was a positive predictor, whereas history of HT was a negative predictor of LVMi reduction. There was no significant improvement in diastolic function following TAVI. Highest degree of paravalvular leakage was mild to moderate and was observed in only 2%. CONCLUSIONS: A significant improvement in GLS and LVMi was found following TAVI. History of hypertension and baseline LVMi were predictors of LVMi change. There was no notable change in diastolic function, including left atrial strain.

Trans-Cardiac Gradient of Secretoneurin in Patients with Takotsubo Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Secretoneurin (SN) is a novel biomarker that provides prognostic information in patients with cardiovascular disease. In experimental models, SN production is increased in the failing myocardium. Currently, no information is available on SN production in human myocardium. Accordingly, we wanted to determine the trans-cardiac gradient of SN in patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), and to correlate circulating SN concentrations with indices of cardiac structure and function. METHODS: We included 15 women diagnosed with TTS according to established criteria. Plasma SN concentrations were measured in blood samples obtained simultaneously from the aortic root and the coronary sinus. Coronary physiology was assessed by invasive measurements, and we used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to determine left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and cardiac mass. RESULTS: Median age was 65 years and median LVEF was 45%. Median SN concentration was 39 (25th-75th percentile 31-44) pmol/L in the coronary sinus and 37 (30-41) pmol/L in the aortic root (p = 0.02 for difference). SN concentrations in the aortic root showed the highest correlations with N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide (rho = 0.47) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (rho = -0.41). In contrast, we found weak correlations between SN concentrations and index of myocardial resistance (rho = 0.12), LVEF (rho = 0.08), and cardiac mass (rho = -0.09). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate a positive trans-cardiac gradient of SN in patients with TTS, which supports the hypothesis that SN is produced and released in the human myocardium in situations of myocardial dysfunction and stress.

Left ventricular mechanical dispersion as a predictor of the need for pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: MeDiPace TAVI study.

AIMS: Permanent pacemaker (PM) implantation is common after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Left ventricular mechanical dispersion (MeDi) by speckle tracking echocardiography is a marker of fibrosis that causes alterations in the conduction system. We hypothesized that MeDi can be a predictor of the need for PM implantation after TAVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutively, 200 TAVI patients were enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography examinations were recorded before TAVI to evaluate global longitudinal strain (GLS), MeDi, and conduction disturbances. PM implantation information was obtained 3 months after TAVI. Patients were stratified into PM or no PM group. Mean age was 80 + 7 years (44% women). Twenty-nine patients (16%) received PM. MeDi, QRS duration, existence of right bundle branch abnormality (RBBB), and first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block were significantly different between groups. MeDi was 57 ± 15 ms and 48 ± 12 ms in PM and no PM groups, respectively (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, MeDi predicted the need for PM after TAVI independently of GLS, QRS duration, RBBB, and first-degree AV block [odds ratio (OR): 1.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-2.45] with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.68 in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Moreover, RBBB was an independent predictor of PM need after TAVI (OR: 8.98, 95% CI: 1.78-45.03). When added to RBBB, MeDi had an incremental predictive value with an AUC of 0.73 in ROC curves (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: MeDi may be used as an echocardiographic functional predictor of the need for PM after TAVI.

Long-Term Outcomes of Invasive vs Conservative Strategies for Older Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is a frequent cause of hospital admission in older people, but clinical trials targeting this population are scarce. OBJECTIVES: The After Eighty Study assessed the effect of an invasive vs a conservative treatment strategy in a very old population with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, the investigators randomized 457 patients with NSTE-ACS aged ≥80 years (mean age 85 years) to an invasive strategy involving early coronary angiography with immediate evaluation for revascularization and optimal medical therapy or to a conservative strategy (ie, optimal medical therapy). The primary endpoint was a composite of myocardial infarction, need for urgent revascularization, stroke, and death. The long-term outcomes are presented. RESULTS: After a median follow up of 5.3 years, the invasive strategy was superior to the conservative strategy in the reduction of the primary endpoint (incidence rate ratio: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.63-0.93; P = 0.0057). The invasive strategy demonstrated a significant gain in event-free survival of 276 days (95% CI: 151-400 days; P = 0.0001) at 5 years and 337 days (95% CI: 123-550 days; P = 0.0001) at 10 years. These results were consistent across subgroups of patients with respect to major cardiovascular prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: In patients aged ≥80 years with NSTE-ACS, the invasive strategy was superior to the conservative strategy in the reduction of composite events and demonstrated a significant gain in event-free survival. (The After Eighty Study: a randomized controlled trial; NCT01255540).

Microvascular function and inflammatory activation in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine microvascular function in the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and to identify inflammatory mediators that could reflect TTS-induced pathology. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study included 20 females [median age 65 years; interquarile range (IQR) = 58-70 years] with TTS according to the Mayo diagnostic criteria. During heart catheterization, we determined the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) and drew blood samples almost simultaneously from the aorta and coronary sinus. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done in the acute phase. We present descriptive coronary physiology and cardiac MRI data and compare inflammatory biomarkers between samples from the aorta, coronary sinus, and venous samples after 3 months using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. For comparison, we also analysed the actual biomarkers in venous blood from 15 healthy female controls. A supplementary analysis explored Spearman's rank correlation between the inflammatory biomarkers, IMR, MRI data, and cardiac biomarkers. The median IMR was 16.5 mmHg·s (IQR = 10.5-28.2 mmHg·s), which was only slightly higher than that in the reference populations. Seven (35%) of the study subjects had IMR > 25 mmHg·s, suggesting a microvascular dysfunction. IMR was not affected by time from symptom onset. According to MRI, the apical region of the left ventricle was affected in 65% of the subjects. The median ejection fraction was 41% (IQR = 31-48%). Biomarker analyses revealed elevation of markers for extracellular matrix remodelling and fibrosis, inflammation, immune activation, and upstream inflammation as compared with healthy controls. Only the levels of interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist and soluble T-cell immunoglobulin mucin domain-3 (sTIM-3) were higher in the coronary sinus than in the aorta. No variable was significantly correlated with IMR. The IL-6 level in the aorta was inversely correlated with the left ventricular ejection fraction. Growth differentiation factor-15, osteoprotegerin, and von Willebrand factor levels in both aorta and coronary sinus were positively correlated with N-terminal-pro-brain-natriuretic peptide, while the correlations of IL-6 and sTIM-3 with N-terminal-pro-brain-natriuretic peptide were restricted to the aorta and coronary sinus, respectively. While most of the markers were within normal limits after 3 months, matrix metalloproteinase-9 increased during follow-up to reach levels higher than those in the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: The median IMR was only slightly elevated in this study, but about one-third of the patients had values indicating microvascular dysfunction. The present study supports the involvement of several inflammatory pathways in TTS, including monocyte/macrophage activation, with sTIM-3 as a potential novel marker.

An investigator-sponsored pragmatic randomized controlled trial of AntiCoagulation vs AcetylSalicylic Acid after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: Rationale and design of ACASA-TAVI.

BACKGROUND: The optimal antithrombotic therapy after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unknown. Bioprosthetic valve dysfunction (BVD) is associated with adverse outcomes and may be prevented by anticoagulation therapy. A dedicated randomized trial comparing monotherapy NOAC to single antiplatelet therapy has not been performed previously. We hypothesize that therapy with any anti-factor Xa NOAC will reduce BVD compared to antiplatelet therapy, without compromising safety. METHODS: ACASA-TAVI is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint, all-comers trial comparing a monotherapy anti-factor Xa NOAC strategy (intervention arm) with a single antiplatelet therapy strategy (control arm) after successful TAVI. Three-hundred and sixty patients without indication for oral anticoagulation will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either apixaban 5 mg twice per day, edoxaban 60 mg daily, or rivaroxaban 20 mg daily for 12 months followed by acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg daily indefinitely, or to acetylsalicylic acid 75 mg daily indefinitely. The 2 co-primary outcomes are (1) incidence of Hypo-Attenuated Leaflet Thickening (HALT) on 4-dimensional cardiac CT at 12 months, and (2) a Safety Composite of VARC-3 bleeding events, thromboembolic events (myocardial infarction and stroke), and death from any cause, at 12 months. RESULTS: The first 100 patients had a mean age of 74 ± 3.6 years, 33% were female, the average body-mass index was 27.9 ± 4.4 kg/m2, and 15% were smokers. A balloon-expanded valve was used in 82% and a self-expandable valve in 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The trial is planned, initiated, funded, and conducted without industry involvement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05035277.

Exploring cardiac effects after oxytocin 2.5 IU or carbetocin 100 µg: A randomised controlled trial in women undergoing planned caesarean delivery.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin can stimulate release of myocardial biomarkers troponin I and T, prolong QTc and induce ST-depression. OBJECTIVE: To explore cardiac changes after either intravenous carbetocin or oxytocin. STUDY DESIGN: Exploratory phase 4 randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Obstetrics units of Oslo University Hospital, Norway between September 2015 and May 2018. PARTICIPANTS: Forty healthy, singleton pregnant women aged 18 to 50 years at gestational age at least 36 weeks with a planned caesarean delivery. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomised to receive either oxytocin 2.5 IU or carbetocin 100 µg immediately after delivery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the assessment of troponin I within 48 h of study drug administration. Troponin I and T, and creatine kinase myocardial band assessments were measured before spinal anaesthesia (baseline), and again at 4, 10 and 24 h after delivery. QTc, ST-depression and relative increase in heart rate were recorded from start of study drug administration to 10 min after delivery. All adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: Compared with the carbetocin group, higher troponin I levels were observed in the oxytocin group at 4 h and 10 h after delivery. For both treatment groups, an increase from baseline in troponin I and T was most pronounced at 10 h after delivery, and it had begun to decline by 24 h. QTc increased with time after administration of both study drugs, with a mean maximum increase of 10.4 ms observed at 9 min (P   <  0.001). No statistical differences were observed in QTc ( P  = 0.13) or ST-depression ( P  = 0.11) between the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oxytocin 2.5 IU and carbetocin 100 µg caused a similar increase in QTc. The trial was underpowered with regards to ST-depression and the release of myocardial biomarkers and these warrant further investigation. Data from this trial will inform a larger phase 4 trial to determine potential drug differences in troponin release. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02528136.

Clinical and Echocardiographic Parameters Predicting 1- and 2-Year Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a standard treatment option for patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. Elderly high-risk patients treated with TAVI have a high residual mortality due to preexisting comorbidities. Knowledge of factors predicting futility after TAVI is sparse and clinical tools to aid the preoperative evaluation are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate if echocardiographic measures, including speckle-tracking analysis, in addition to clinical parameters, could aid in the prediction of mortality beyond 30 days after TAVI. Methods: This prospective observational cohort study included 227 patients treated with TAVI at the University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet from February 2010 to June 2013. All the patients underwent preoperative echocardiographic evaluation with retrospective speckle-tracking analysis. Primary endpoints were 1- and 2-year mortality beyond 30 days after TAVI. Results: All-cause 1- and 2-year mortality beyond 30 days after TAVI was 12.1 and 19.5%, respectively. Predictors of 1-year mortality beyond 30 days were body mass index [hazard ratio (HR): 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.98, p = 0.018], previous myocardial infarction (HR: 2.69, 95% CI: 1.14-6.32, p = 0.023), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 60 mm Hg (HR: 5.93, 95% CI: 1.67-21.1, p = 0.006). Moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation (HR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.53-5.63, p = 0.001), estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99, p = 0.002), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.01-3.58, p = 0.046) were predictors of 2-year mortality. Conclusion: Both the clinical and echocardiographic parameters should be considered when evaluating high-risk patients for TAVI, as both are predictive of 1-and 2-year mortality. Our results support the importance of individual risk assessment using a multidisciplinary, multimodal, and individual approach.

Prognostic value of comprehensive intracoronary physiology assessment early after heart transplantation.

AIMS: We evaluated the long-term prognostic value of invasively assessing coronary physiology after heart transplantation in a large multicentre registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: Comprehensive intracoronary physiology assessment measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR), the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was performed in 254 patients at baseline (a median of 7.2 weeks) and in 240 patients at 1 year after transplantation (199 patients had both baseline and 1-year measurement). Patients were classified into those with normal physiology, reduced FFR (FFR ≤ 0.80), and microvascular dysfunction (either IMR ≥ 25 or CFR ≤ 2.0 with FFR > 0.80). The primary outcome was the composite of death or re-transplantation at 10 years. At baseline, 5.5% had reduced FFR; 36.6% had microvascular dysfunction. Baseline reduced FFR [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-6.15; P = 0.088] and microvascular dysfunction (aHR 0.88, 95% CI 0.44-1.79; P = 0.73) were not predictors of death and re-transplantation at 10 years. At 1 year, 5.0% had reduced FFR; 23.8% had microvascular dysfunction. One-year reduced FFR (aHR 2.98, 95% CI 1.13-7.87; P = 0.028) and microvascular dysfunction (aHR 2.33, 95% CI 1.19-4.59; P = 0.015) were associated with significantly increased risk of death or re-transplantation at 10 years. Invasive measures of coronary physiology improved the prognostic performance of clinical variables (χ2 improvement: 7.41, P = 0.006). However, intravascular ultrasound-derived changes in maximal intimal thickness were not predictive of outcomes. CONCLUSION: Abnormal coronary physiology 1 year after heart transplantation was common and was a significant predictor of death or re-transplantation at 10 years.

Risk scores for prediction of 30-day mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Results from a two-center study in Norway.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI)-specific risk scores have been developed based on large registry studies. Our aim was to evaluate how both surgical and novel TAVI risk scores performed in predicting all cause 30-day mortality. In addition, we wanted to explore the validity of our own previously developed model in a separate and more recent cohort. METHODS: The derivation cohort included patients not eligible for open surgery treated with TAVI at the University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) and Oslo University Hospital (OUS) from February 2010 through June 2013. From this cohort, a logistic prediction model (UNN/OUS) for all cause 30-day mortality was developed. The validation cohort consisted of patients not included in the derivation cohort and treated with TAVI at UNN between June 2010 and April 2017. EuroSCORE, Logistic EuroSCORE, EurosSCORE 2, STS score, German AV score, OBSERVANT score, IRRMA score, and FRANCE-2 score were calculated for both cohorts. The discriminative accuracy of each score, including our model, was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and compared using DeLong test where P< .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The derivation cohort consisted of 218 and the validation cohort of 241 patients. Our model showed statistically significant better accuracy than all other scores in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort, the FRANCE-2 had a significantly higher predictive accuracy compared to all scores except the IRRMA and STS score. Our model showed similar results. CONCLUSION: Existing risk scores have shown limited accuracy in predicting early mortality after TAVI. Our results indicate that TAVI-specific risk scores might be useful when evaluating patients for TAVI.

Outcomes in asymptomatic, severe aortic stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Patients with asymptomatic, severe aortic stenosis are presumed to have a benign prognosis. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the natural history of contemporary patients advised against aortic valve replacement due to a perceived lack of symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of every patient given the ICD-10-code for aortic stenosis (I35.0) at Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, between Dec 1st, 2002 and Dec 31st, 2016. Patients who were evaluated by the heart team due to severe aortic stenosis were categorized by treatment strategy. We recorded baseline data, adverse events and survival for the patients characterized as asymptomatic and for 100 age and gender matched patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement. RESULTS: Of 2341 patients who were evaluated for aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic stenosis, 114 patients received conservative treatment due to a lack of symptoms. Asymptomatic patients had higher mortality than patients who had aortic valve replacement, log-rank p<0.001 (mean follow-up time: 4.0 (SD: 2.5) years). Survival at 1, 2 and 3 years for the asymptomatic patients was 88%, 75% and 63%, compared with 92%, 83% and 78% in the matched patients scheduled for aortic valve replacement. 28 (25%) of the asymptomatic patients had aortic valve replacement during follow-up. Age, previous history of coronary artery disease and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were predictors of mortality and coronary artery disease and NT-proBNP were predictors of 3-year morbidity in asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, asymptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis who were advised against surgery had significantly higher mortality than patients who had aortic valve replacement.

A study protocol for the cardiac effects of a single dose of either oxytocin 2.5 IU or carbetocin 100 µg after caesarean delivery: a prospective randomized controlled multi-centre trial in Norway.

Background: Both oxytocin and carbetocin are used to prevent uterine atony and post-partum haemorrhage after caesarean delivery in many countries, including Norway. Oxytocin causes dose-dependent ST-depression, troponin release, prolongation of QT-time and arrythmia, but little is known about myocardial effects of carbetocin. We have previously demonstrated comparable vasodilatory effects of oxytocin and carbetocin and are now undertaking a Phase 4 trial to investigate whether carbetocin causes similar changes to myocardial markers compared with oxytocin. Methods: Our randomized controlled trial will be conducted at three obstetrics units at Oslo University Hospital and Akershus University Hospital, Norway. Planned enrolment will be of 240 healthy, singleton pregnant women aged 18 to 50 years undergoing planned caesarean delivery. Based on pilot study data, each participant will receive a one-minute intravenous injection of either oxytocin 2.5 IU or carbetocin 100 µg during caesarean delivery. The prespecified primary outcome is the change from baseline in high-sensitive troponin I plasma concentrations at 6-10 hours after study drug administration. Secondary outcomes include uterine tone grade at 2.5 and five minutes after study drug administration, adverse events for up to 48 hours after study drug administration, estimated blood loss within eight hours of delivery, need for rescue treatment and direct/indirect costs. Enrolment and primary analysis are expected to be completed by the end of 2021. Discussion: Women undergoing caesarean delivery should be assessed for cardiovascular risk particularly as women with an obstetric history of pregnancy induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, placental abruption, and stillbirth are at increased risk of future cardiovascular disease. Any additional ischaemic myocardial risk from uterotonic agents will need to be balanced with the benefit of reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Any potential cardiotoxicity difference between oxytocin and carbetocin will help inform treatment decisions for pregnant women. Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03899961 (02/04/2019).

Safety and feasibility of dobutamine stress echocardiography in symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis patients scheduled for transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

PURPOSE: We aimed to study the safety and feasibility of low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography in a symptomatic high gradient aortic stenosis population scheduled for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and to quantify left ventricular (LV) flow reserve. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography with 5 minutes increments of 5 µg/kg/min up to 20 µg/kg/min until the heart rate increased ≥20 beats/min from baseline or exceeded 100 beats/min. Other criteria for discontinuing the infusion were major adverse events: ventricular arrhythmia, persistent supraventricular arrhythmia, pulmonary edema, chest pain with significant ST-changes, or minor events: ST-changes, drop in systolic blood pressure >30 mmHg, mild chest pain, and/or dyspnea. LV flow reserve was defined as an increase in stroke volume ≥20% during the test. RESULTS: Of 50 patients, 45 completed the test according to protocol. No patient had major adverse event. Five patients experienced minor side effects: mild chest pain/dyspnea in three, self-terminating atrial flutter in one, and decrease in blood pressure in one. Significant LV flow reserve was observed in 20 patients (40%). CONCLUSION: Low-dose dobutamine stress test appeared safe and feasible patients with high gradient aortic stenosis, and showed LV flow reserve in a minority of them.

Patients aged 80 years or older with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris randomised to an invasive versus conservative strategy: angiographic and procedural results from the After Eighty study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report the angiographic and procedural results of the After Eighty study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01255540), and to identify independent predictors of revascularisation. METHODS: Patients of ≥80 years old with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and unstable angina pectoris were randomised to an invasive or conservative strategy. Angiographic and procedural results were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore variables predicting revascularisation. RESULTS: Among 229 patients in the invasive group, 220 underwent immediate coronary angiography (90% performed via the radial artery). Of these patients, 48% had three-vessel disease or left main stenosis, 18% two-vessel disease, 16% one-vessel disease, 17% minor coronary vessel wall changes and two patients had normal coronary arteries. Six patients (3%) underwent coronary artery bypass graft. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed in 107 patients (49%), with 57% treated with bare metal stents, 37% drug-eluting stents and 6% balloon angioplasty. On average, 1.7 lesions were treated and 2 stents delivered per patient. Complications included 1 major PCI-related bleeding (successfully treated), 2 minor access site-related bleedings, 3 side branch occlusions during PCI and 11 periprocedural myocardial infarctions (considered end points). Sex, bundle branch block and smoking were independent predictors of revascularisation. CONCLUSIONS: PCI was performed in approximately half of the patients, similar to findings in younger populations. Procedural success was high, with few complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01255540.

Rosuvastatin alters the genetic composition of the human gut microbiome.

The gut microbiome contributes to the variation of blood lipid levels, and secondary bile acids are associated with the effect of statins. Yet, our knowledge of how statins, one of our most common drug groups, affect the human microbiome is scarce. We aimed to characterize the effect of rosuvastatin on gut microbiome composition and inferred genetic content in stool samples from a randomized controlled trial (n = 66). No taxa were significantly altered by rosuvastatin during the study. However, rosuvastatin-treated participants showed a reduction in the collective genetic potential to transport and metabolize precursors of the pro-atherogenic metabolite trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO, p < 0.01), and an increase of related metabolites betaine and γ-butyrobetaine in plasma (p < 0.01). Exploratory analyses in the rosuvastatin group showed that participants with the least favorable treatment response (defined as < median change in high-density/low-density lipoprotein (HDL/LDL) ratio) showed a marked increase in TMAO-levels compared to those with a more favorable response (p < 0.05). Our data suggest that while rosuvastatin has a limited effect on gut microbiome composition, it could exert broader collective effects on the microbiome relevant to their function, providing a rationale for further studies of the influence of statins on the gut microbiome.

Impact of transcatheter aortic valve implantation on mechanical dispersion.

Objectives: The physiological determinants of left ventricular (LV) mechanical dispersion (MD) are not fully explored. We aimed to investigate the impact of afterload reduction and changes in ventricular conduction on LV MD after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: Patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) were examined in a prospective, repeated measures observational cohort study before and after an uncomplicated transfemoral TAVI in a single tertiary centre. LV MD was assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography. Valvulo-arterial impedance (ZVA) was used as a measure of global afterload. Results: We included 140 consecutive patients (83±8 years old, 49% women, logistic EuroSCORE 16±10) with severe AS (valve area 0.7±0.2 cm2, mean transvalvular gradient 54±18 mm Hg) and a relatively preserved LV ejection fraction (52%±11%). After TAVI, we observed favourable changes in transvalvular gradients and ZVA in all patients. Compared with baseline, postprocedural MD was significantly lower in 108 patients with unchanged ventricular conduction (55±17 ms vs 51±17 ms, p=0.02) and higher in 28 patients with TAVI-induced left bundle branch block (51±13 ms vs 62±19 ms, p≤0.001). During 22±9 months observation, 22 patients died. Postprocedural MD was associated with mortality in a univariate Cox regression model (HR=1.24 (1.01-1.52), p<0.04, per 10 ms increase). Conclusions: Isolated afterload reduction was associated with reduction of MD, while concomitant impairment of ventricular conduction resulted in a more pronounced MD after TAVI, indicating that loading conditions and conduction should be considered when evaluating MD. A pronounced postprocedural LV MD was associated with mortality.

Intra-aortic balloon pump in acute chest pain and cardiogenic shock - a long-term follow-up.

Objectives. Coronary revascularisation and intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) has been considered the gold standard treatment of acute coronary syndrome with cardiogenic shock, recently challenged by the SHOCK II study. The aim of this non-randomised study was to investigate the long term prognosis after immediate IABP supported angiography, in patients with acute chest pain and cardiogenic shock, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), cardiac surgery or optimal medical treatment. We assessed data from 281 consecutive patients admitted to our department from 2004 to 2010. Results. Mean (±SD) age was 63.8 ± 11.5 (range 30-84) years with a follow-up of 5.6 ± 4.4 (0-12.7) years. Acute myocardial infarction was the primary diagnosis in 93% of the patients, 4% presented with unstable angina pectoris and 3% cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias of non-ischemic aetiology. Systolic blood pressure at admittance was 85 ± 18 mmHg and diastolic 55 ± 18 mmHg. Thirty day, one- and five-year survival was 71.2%, 67.3% and 57.7%, respectively. PCI was performed immediately in 70%, surgery was done in 17%, and 13% were not eligible for any revascularisation. Independent variables predicting mortality were medical treatment vs revascularisation, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and advanced age. Three serious non-fatal complications occurred due to IABP treatment, i.e. 0.001 per treatment day. Conclusions. We report the use of IABP in patients with acute chest pain admitted for angiography. Long-term survival is acceptable and discriminating factors were no revascularisation, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and age. IABP was safe and feasible and the complication rate was low.