The association of hemodynamic markers of right ventricular dysfunction with SII index and clinical outcomes in reduced ejection fraction heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with various etiologies and presentations. The role of the inflammatory pathway in HF prognosis is not fully understood. We investigated the association between the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and HF complicated by right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and whether the SII is related to compromised hemodynamic volume status. A total of 235 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) were enrolled and divided into 2 groups according to the presence of RVD. The relationship between the SII score, hemodynamic parameters, and clinical endpoints was evaluated. Higher SII scores and neutrophil counts (P < .001 and P = .017, respectively) were observed in the RVD group (n = 120). In the high SII score group (≥590.4), hospitalization and the need for positive inotrope treatment were significantly higher (P = .026 and P = .009, respectively), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower (P = .015). In addition, in the high SII score group, right heart catheterization values, including cardiac output and index, were significantly impaired compared with those in the lower SII score group. There was a significant negative correlation between the SII score and the LVEF, cardiac output, and cardiac index in the correlation analyses. A significant relationship was observed between indirect inflammation and RVD in patients with HFrEF. The hemodynamic volume status and functional capacity were impaired in patients with high SII scores. These results indicated that advanced HF with worse outcomes may be related to the inflammatory process.

Should we touch tricuspid valve at the time of LVAD implantation? A young patient series.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to compare the results of patients who had moderate or severe tricuspid insufficiency (TI) at the time of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation that did not undergo intervention. METHODS: Between October 2013 and December 2019, 144 patients who did not undergo tricuspid valve repair (TVR) during LVAD implantation in our department were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the TI grade; Group 1: 106 patients (73.6%) with moderate TI and Group 2: 38 patients (26.4%) with severe TI. All patients were evaluated for mortality, need of inotrope, blood product transfusion, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and early and late right ventricular failure (RVF). Minimally invasive technique was favored in patients with worse right ventricular (RV) function to prevent the need for postoperative RV support and bleeding. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients in the Group 1 and Group 2 were 46 ± 15 years (82% male), and 45 ± 11.2 years (81.5% males), respectively. Post-operative duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, blood loss, and reoperations were similar (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in early RVF, pump thrombosis, stroke, bleeding, and 30-day mortality between groups (p > 0.05). Incidence of late RVF was higher in Group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the risk of late RVF may increase in patients with preoperative severe TI, not intervening in TI during LVAD implantation does not cause adverse clinical outcomes in the early period.

Relationship Between Preoperative NT-proBNP and Postoperative Adverse Events in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of preoperative NT-proBNP values with postoperative adverse events in patient left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. METHOD: Forty-six patients (35 males; mean age 49.4 ± 12.9 years) who underwent LVAD implantation between 2016 and 2018 were evaluated in this study. The analysis was made on the relationship between preoperative NT-proBNP and mortality, postoperative right ventricular failure (RVF), postoperative drainage, duration of intubation, and intensive care unit stay, was examined. The optimal NT-proBNP cut-off values for predicting mortality were determined using Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the patients were divided into two groups according to the specified cut-off point. RESULT: Median NT-proBNP was higher in patients who died, had postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and early RVF. The median NT-proBNP was 11,103 pg/ml in patients with IABP, and 2943 pg/ml in patients without IABP, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.002). The cut-off point for NT-proBNP was found to be 1725.5 pg/ml (Sensitivity:0.929, Specificity:0.688). Accordingly, when the patients were divided into two groups and analyzed, no statistically significant difference was found between preoperative NT-proBNP below or above 1725.5 and postoperative adverse events. There was no statistically significant correlation between preoperative NT-proBNP and postoperative drainage, duration of intubation time, and duration of ICU stay (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Routine monitoring of preoperative NT-proBNP and comparison with postoperative values are important in terms of patient selection, the timing of surgery, follow-up of postoperative adverse events, and improving outcomes in VAD patients.

Angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction: Real-world experience from Turkey (ARNi-TR).

OBJECTIVE: Heart failure (HF) is a growing public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) has emerged as a promising treatment for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Here, we shared our experience with the use of ARNi in HFrEF from multiple centers in Turkey. METHODS: The ARNi-TR is a multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective, observational study. Overall, 779 patients with HF from 22 centers in Turkey who were prescribed sacubitril/valsartan were examined. Initial clinical status, biochemical and echocardiographic parameters, and New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA-FC) values were compared with follow-up values after 1 year of ARNi use. In addition, the effect of ARNi on number of annual hospitalizations was investigated, and the patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on whether ARNi was initiated at hospitalization or under outpatient clinic control. RESULTS: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left-ventricle ejection fraction (LV-EF), and NYHA-FC values improved significantly in both groups (all parameters, p<0.001) within 1-year follow-up. In both groups, a decrease in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values was observed in ARNi use (p<0.001), and a decrease in daily diuretic doses and hospitalizations owing to HF were observed after ARNi use (all comparisons, p<0.001). Hypotension (16.9%) was the most common side effect in patients using ARN. CONCLUSION: The ARNi-TR study offers comprehensive real-life data for patients using ARNi in Turkey. The use of ARNi has shown significant improvements in FC, NT-proBNP, HbA1c levels, and LV-EF. Likewise, reductions in the number of annual hospitalizations and daily furosemide doses for HF were seen in this study.

Midterm Results of Minimally Invasive Left Thoracotomy Fully Magnetically Levitated Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

The aim of the study is to compare outcomes of the patients who underwent HeartMate3 (HM3) implantation with conventional sternotomy (CS) and minimally invasive thoracotomy technique (MILT). From June 2013 to April 2019, 50 patients who underwent isolated HM3 implantation were included. Patients were divided into two groups according to the operative technique; of 50 patients, 28 were implanted with CS and 22 with MILT. All patients were evaluated for mortality, need of inotrope, blood product transfusion, intensive care unit stay, time on mechanical ventilation, and postoperative right ventricular failure. Primary outcomes were early mortality and occurrence of adverse events. Patients characteristics were similar; preoperative central venous pressure (CVP) and the ratio of CVP to pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (CVP/PCWP) were significantly higher in the MILT group versus the CS group (p < 0.05). Intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in the MILT group (p < 0.05). Incidence of bleeding requiring exploratory sternotomy and postoperative drainage on the first postoperative day were statistically higher in the CS group (p < 0.05). Right ventricular failure was higher in the CS group but was not statistically significant (p = 0.4). There was no significant difference in long-term adverse events. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed no difference between the groups (p = 0.66). The HM3 assist system can be successfully implanted with the MILT technique, which has proved to be safe and reproducible and yields good clinical outcomes.

Evaluation of Acquired Thrombocytopenia According to the Balloon-Expandable Versus Self-Expandable Valves in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

In patients with severe aortic stenosis, the data about the incidence of acquired thrombocytopenia according to the use of balloon-expandable or self-expandable valves are limited. We investigated the relationship between the post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) thrombocytopenia and the balloon-expandable or self-expandable valves. A total of 127 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR were retrospectively analyzed. Among the study population, 61 (48%) patients underwent TAVR with the balloon-expandable valve and the 66 (52%) patients with the self-expandable valve. Procedural success did not differ between the groups (P = .575). The access site complications and in-hospital mortality were the same across the groups (P = .225 and P = .466). However, paravalvular (PV) leaks were significantly higher in the self-expandable valve group (P = .007). Among all, 65 patients experienced thrombocytopenia, which was more frequent in the self-expandable valve group (63.6 vs 37.7%, P = .005). In multivariate analyses, admission platelet count, PV leak, and self-expandable valve deployment were the predictors of thrombocytopenia (P = .001, P = .002, and P = .021, respectively). The present study showed a higher incidence of acquired thrombocytopenia in the self-expandable valve group. Although the procedural success was similar between the groups, postprocedural PV leaks were more common in the self-expandable valve group.

More continuous flow, better learning? The effect of aortic valve opening in patients with left ventricular assist device.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze neurocognitive function in patients who underwent continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This cross-sectional study included three groups: LVAD (n = 31), heart failure patients (n = 26), and healthy volunteers (n = 27). The Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLOT), Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Color-Word Interference Test (SCWIT), Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), Symbol-Digit Modality Test (SDMT) were used to assess the neurocognitive functions. Data were analyzed at a median 12 (3-47) months after LVAD implantation. The LVAD patients were also divided by aortic valve opening (AVO) into three subgroups as "closed" (n = 9), "1-6" (n = 8) and "7-10" (n = 14) opening per ten beats and data were re-analyzed accordingly. RESULTS: There was no significant difference among the groups according to SCWIT, JLOT, SDMT, TMT, and VFT scores. Post-hoc analyzes of RAVLT scores showed significant differences between the LVAD and the other two groups in favor of the LVAD group. Also, the patients with AVO "7-10" the response times were longer and learning scores were found to be lower than those without AVO. CONCLUSION: With continuous-flow LVAD, neurocognitive functions were not impaired. The learning performance was better in cases where there was no AVO and flow was completely device dependent. We may speculate that neurocognitive functions are not worsening with continuous cerebral blood flow and even it may improve learning performance.

Optimization with levosimendan improves outcomes after left ventricular assist device implantation.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the haemodynamic effects of preoperative levosimendan infusion in patients who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation and evaluate the prognoses. METHODS: Between May 2013 and October 2018, 85 adult patients who underwent left ventricular assist device implantation were included; 44 and 41 patients suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy and ischaemic cardiomyopathy, respectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (58 patients) included those who received levosimendan infusion in addition to other inotropes and group B (27 patients) included those who received inotropic agents other than levosimendan. Levosimendan infusion was started at a dose of 0.1 µg⋅kg-1⋅min-1 for a maximum of 48 h without a bolus. The primary outcome was early right ventricular failure (RVF). The secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, need for right ventricular assist device, late RVF and recovery of end-organ functions. The safety end points of levosimendan included hypotension, atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and resuscitated cardiac arrest. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. No significant differences between groups were observed in the rates of early mortality, RVF, need for right ventricular assist device, cardiopulmonary bypass time and intensive care unit stay. Survival rates at 30 days, 1 year and 3 years and freedom from late RVF were similar between the groups. Administration of levosimendan was safe, generally well-tolerated and not interrupted because of side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Levosimendan therapy was well-tolerated in patients who received permanent left ventricular assist devices. Combined preoperative therapy with inotropes and levosimendan significantly improves end-organ functions.

Effects of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices on cerebral hemodynamics.

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) reduce peak systolic flow, increase diastolic flow, and eliminate pulsatility of circulation. Altered blood flow may lead to a change in end-organ perfusion. Analysis of the flow dynamics of the arteries of end organs, such as the brain, may indicate whether an organ is perfused sufficiently. The aim of this study is to evaluate and identify the flow pattern changes of carotid (CA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in LVAD patients and to compare with heart failure patients and healthy volunteers. Eighty-nine individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants were divided into three groups: LVAD patients (n = 31), heart failure patients (n = 26), and healthy volunteers (n = 27). Carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography were performed for all study groups for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility (PI), and resistive (RI) indices of CA and MCA. Flow dynamics were compared between the groups. Doppler ultrasonographic data were analyzed at a median 12 (3-47) months after LVAD implantation. CA-PSV was lower in LVAD group compared with the other two groups (P < .001), MCA-PSV of LVAD and heart failure groups were similar and lower than healthy volunteers (P < .05). The highest values for CA-EDV were found in the LVAD group (P < .05). MCA-EDV values were found to be lowest in heart failure group (P < .05). For PI and RI, in all CA and MCA, the LVAD group had lower indices compared with the other two groups (P < .001). In addition, MCA flow analysis in patients with LVADs was identified for the first time with this study.

Inhaled Iloprost and Oral Sildenafil Combination Therapy: Is it a Chance for Heart Transplant Candidacy?

BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary hypertension is a risk factor for mortality, due to increased postoperative right ventricular failure, in a heart transplant patient. Elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in heart transplant candidates can be reduced using a left ventricular assist device or medical therapy. This study analysed the effect of inhaled iloprost and oral sildenafil combination therapy (ilo-sil) on pulmonary haemodynamic parameters in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension. METHODS: Between May 2011 and April 2014, 25 patients who were unresponsive to reversibility test and PVR >3.5 Wood units (WU) during right heart catheterisation were included in this study. After 6 months of oral sildenafil (3 × 20 mg/day) and inhaled iloprost (6 × 5 µg/day) combination therapy, second right heart catheterisations were performed and eligibility for heart transplant was evaluated. RESULTS: Repeat right heart catheterisation revealed that there was a significant decrease in the PVR from 5.4 ± 1.6 WU to 3.54 ± 2.5 WU (p<0.001), with trans-pulmonary gradient from 13.7 ± 5.6 to 11.46 ± 6.64 (p=0.042), and mean cardiac index (CI) increasing non-significantly from 1.45 ± 0.51 L/min/m2 to 1.82 ± 0.60 (p=0.157). The mean sPAP was initially 57.54 ± 14.79 mmHg and fell to 52.93 ± 16.83 mm Hg (p=0.03). Twenty (20) (80%) patients were enrolled in the waiting list since their PVR values decreased to <3.5 WU. Of these 20 patients, one had undergone heart transplant and four were bridged to transplant with mechanical circulatory support devices. CONCLUSIONS: After a decrease in PVR with ilo-sil combination therapy for patients with severe pulmonary hypertension, these patients may become candidates for heart transplant without bearing additional risk. Ilo-sil combination therapy could be a viable option with which to evaluate the reversibility of PVR.

Natriuretic Peptides in Clinical Practice.

Natriuretic peptides have long been introduced into clinical practice. These biomarkers have certainly been shown to provide useful information in the diagnosis, prognosis and risk stratification in heart failure and also may have a role in the guidance of heart failure therapy. Although, there are some limitations in using of these markers such as lack of specificity, aging, renal dysfunction or obesity, among the huge number of candidates for heart failure biomarkers, only natriuretic peptides are currently widely used in daily clinical practice in heart failure. Recent heart failure guidelines recognize natriuretic peptides as an essential tool in the new diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. Furthermore, natriuretic peptides are not only used in the diagnosis or prognosis of heart failure, but also these biomarkers are referred to have some potential role in primary prevention, cardio-oncology, advanced heart failure, assessment of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, acute coronary syndromes, atrial fibrillation and valvular heart disease. In this article, natriuretic peptides have been reviewed for their updated information and new recommendations in heart failure and also potential role of these biomarkers in the management of various clinical conditions have been addressed in the form of expert opinion based on the available data in the literature.

Is it Possible to Implant HeartMate 3 Less Invasively? New Pump, New Approach.

HeartMate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is a compact, intrapericardial, centrifugal flow pump with a fully magnetically levitated rotor and a wide range of operation (2-10 L/min) to accommodate a broad range of clinical needs. We analyzed our experience with Heartware VAD (HVAD) and HM3 implantation through minimally invasive left thoracotomy (MILT) and upper minimal J sternotomy. Between March 2015 and October 2016, 31 patients who underwent LVAD implantation through MILT were included in this study. Twenty-three patients had HVAD (Group A) implantation, whereas 8 patients had HM3 (Group B). To compare outcomes of these pumps, measures were; mortality, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time, duration of mechanical ventilatory support, blood loss and transfusion, intensive care unit (ICU) stay, right ventricular failure (RVF) and requirement of support with temporary devices, stroke, pump thrombosis, gastrointestinal bleeding and driveline infection rates. Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support profiles, Pennsylvania and Michigan Risk Scores, right ventricular stroke work index and central venous pressure/pulmonary capillary wedge pressure ratio did not differ between these two groups. There was no difference in the length of ICU stay (P = 0.056), post-operative blood product administration (P = 0.701), total time on mechanical ventilation (P = 0.386), RVF (P = 1) or duration of CPB (P = 0.836). In-hospital cerebrovascular event rate was 13% in Group A and 0% in Group B, respectively. The HM3 assist system can be successfully implanted with minimally invasive techniques. This technique has proved to be safe and reproducible, with good clinical outcomes. Further, large collaborative studies are needed to identify the advantages of this approach.

Parameters influencing the physical activity of patients with a history of coronary revascularization.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Regular physical activity is part of a comprehensive management strategy for these patients. We investigated the parameters that influence physical activity in patients with a history of coronary revascularization. METHODS: We included outpatients with a history of coronary revascularization at least six months prior to enrollment. Data on physical activity, demographics, and clinical characteristics were collected via a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 202 consecutive outpatients (age 61.3±11.2 years, 73% male) were enrolled. One hundred and four (51%) patients had previous percutaneous coronary intervention, 67 (33%) had coronary bypass graft surgery, and 31 (15%) had both procedures. Only 46 patients (23%) engaged in regular physical activity. Patients were classified into two subgroups according to their physical activity. There were no significant differences between subgroups in terms of age, comorbid conditions or revascularization type. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that low education level (OR=3.26, 95% CI: 1.31-8.11, p=0.01), and lack of regular follow-up (OR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.01-8.61, p=0.04) were independent predictors of non-adherence to regular physical activity among study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Regular exercise rates were lower in outpatients with previous coronary revascularization. Education level and regular follow-up visits were associated with adherence to physical activity in these patients.

Long-term outcome in patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis: results from a single center in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Information regarding the long-term outcome of PVE is scarce in Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term mortality rates of PVE and identify predictors of mortality in these patients. METHODS: From January 2008 through August 2013, 44 patients (25 male, 19 female; mean age 49.3±12.1 years) who received a definitive diagnosis of PVE enrolled in the study.Median follow-up period was 23 months. Survival status was assessed for each patient by reviewing charts and making contact by phone. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate outcome predictors. RESULTS: The mitral valve was the most commonly affected valve and Staphylococcus aureus the most prevalent microorganism. Fourteen patients (32%) underwent surgery, 7 of whom underwent early surgery. Overall mortality and in-hospital mortality rates were 39% (n=17) and 25% (n=11), respectively. In multivariate analysis, NYHA classification >2 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-11.8; p=0.03), early-onset PVE (HR 4.23; 95% CI, 1.1-16.42; p=0.04), vegetation size ≥10 mm (HR 3.94; 95% CI, 1.1-14.75; p=0.04), and heart failure (HR 4.18; 95% CI, 1.36-12.8; p=0.01) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PVE is associated with increased long-term mortality rates. Poor functional status, early-onset PVE, heart failure, and vegetation size are independent predictors of survival in patients with PVE.

Assessment of atrial electromechanical interval and P wave dispersion in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk, including ischemic stroke. Prolonged atrial electromechanical interval (EMI) is related to increased atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. The aim of the study is to evaluate atrial EMI and electrocardiographic P-wave indices related to increased AF risk in patients with PCOS. METHODS: Forty PCOS patients diagnosed on the basis of the Rotterdam criteria and 20 age-matched controls were prospectively included. patients with atrioventricular or intraventricular conduction abnormalities, dysrhythmia or taking antiarrhythmic drugs, atherosclerotic heart disease, cardiomyopathies, valvular lesions, pericardial disease, a history of pulmonary emboli or pulmonary hypertension, and abnormal thyroid function were excluded. Intra and interatrial EMI were measured by tissue Doppler imaging and P-wave dispersion (Pd) was calculated on 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG). The Isovolumetric relaxation time was the interval between the aortic valve closure artifact at the end of the LV outflow envelope and the mitral valve opening artifact at the beginning of the mitral E wave. RESULTS: Patients with PCOS had significantly higher interatrial [38 (24-65) ms vs. 16 (9-19) ms p<0.001], left-sided intra-atrial (14.8±6.1 vs. 7±1.7 ms, p<0.001), and right-sided intra-atrial (22.3±8.1 vs. 8.6±3.6 ms, p<0.001) EMI compared with the control group. Pd was significantly greater in the PCOS group compared with control group [45 (27-60) ms vs. 30 (26-38) ms, p<0.001]. Echocardiographic parameters of atrial EMI were significantly correlated with body mass index, Pd, and isovolumetric relaxation time in patients with PCOS. CONCLUSION: PCOS is associated with prolonged inter- and intra-atrial conduction times, which are related to increased AF risk.

Arrhythmogenic Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy: Is There an Echocardiographic Phenotypic Overlap of Two Distinct Cardiomyopathies?

The clinical diagnosis of right ventricular (RV) cardiomyopathies is often challenging. It is difficult to differentiate the isolated left ventricular (LV) noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NC) from biventricular NC or from coexisting arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathy (AC). There are currently few established morphologic criteria for the diagnosis other than RV dilation and presence of excessive regional trabeculation. The gross and microscopic changes suggest pathological similarities between, or coexistence of, RV-NC and AC. Therefore, the term arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy is somewhat misleading as isolated LV or biventricular involvement may be present and thus a broader term such as AC should be preferred. We describe an unusual case of AC associated with a NC in a 27-year-old man who had a history of permanent pacemaker 7 years ago due to second-degree atrioventricular block.