Comparison of Pressure vs Volume Overload Ventricular Wall Stress in Patients With Valvular Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR) result in different patterns of left ventricular remodeling and hypertrophy. OBJECTIVES: We characterized left ventricular wall stress (LVWS) profiles in pressure and volume-overloaded systems, examined the relationship between baseline LVWS and cardiac remodeling, and assessed the acute effects of valve intervention on LVWS using invasive pressures combined with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging measures of left ventricular volumes/mass. METHODS: A total of 47 patients with severe AS undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and 15 patients with severe MR undergoing MitraClip (MC) underwent a 6-minute walk test (6MWT), transthoracic echocardiogram, and CMR before their procedures. Catheters in the left ventricle were used to record hemodynamic changes before and after valve/clip deployment. This was integrated with CMR data to calculate LVWS before and after intervention. RESULTS: The TAVR group demonstrated significant reductions in systolic LVWS post procedure (median 24.7 Pa [IQR: 14 Pa] pre vs median 17.3 Pa [IQR: 12 Pa] post; P < 0.001). The MC group demonstrated significant reductions in diastolic LVWS (median 6.4 Pa [IQR: 5 Pa] pre vs median 4.3 Pa [IQR: 4.1 Pa] post; P = 0.021) with no significant change in systolic LVWS (30.6 ±1.61 pre vs 33 ±2.47 Pa post; P = 0.16). There was an inverse correlation between baseline systolic LVWS and 6MWT in the TAVR group (r = -0.31; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: TAVR results in significant reductions in systolic LVWS acutely. MC results in significant reductions in diastolic LVWS. Higher baseline systolic LVWS in TAVR is associated with shorter 6MWT suggesting that in AS, LVWS may be a useful marker of early decompensation.

The cost-effectiveness of semaglutide in reducing cardiovascular risk among people with overweight and obesity and existing cardiovascular disease, but without diabetes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People with Overweight or Obesity (SELECT) trial demonstrated significant reductions in cardiovascular outcomes in people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and overweight or obesity (but without diabetes). However, the cost of the medication has raised concerns about its financial viability and accessibility within healthcare systems. This study explored whether use of semaglutide for the secondary prevention of CVD in overweight or obesity is cost-effective from the Australian healthcare perspective. METHODS: A Markov model was developed based on the SELECT trial to model the clinical outcomes and costs of a hypothetical population treated with semaglutide versus placebo, in addition to standard care, and followed up over 20 years. With each annual cycle, subjects were at risk of having non-fatal CVD events or dying. Model inputs were derived from SELECT and published literature. Costs were obtained from Australian sources. All outcomes were discounted by 5% annually. The main outcome of interest was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in terms of cost per year of life saved (YoLS) and cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. RESULTS: With an annual estimated cost of semaglutide of A${\$}$4175, the model resulted in ICERs of A${\$}$99 853 (US${\$}$143 504; £40 873) per YoLS and A${\$}$96 055 (US${\$}$138 046; £39 318) per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS: Assuming a willingness-to-pay threshold of A${\$}$50 000, semaglutide is not considered cost-effective at the current price. A price of ≤ A${\$}$2000 per year or more targeted use in high-risk patients would be needed for it to be considered cost-effective in the Australian setting.

Routine Protamine Administration for Bleeding in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: The ACE-PROTAVI Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Vascular complications after transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remain an important cause of procedure-related morbidity. Routine reversal of anticoagulation with protamine at the conclusion of transfemoral TAVI could reduce complications, but data remain scarce. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of routine protamine administration after transfemoral TAVI. Design, Setting, and Participants: The ACE-PROTAVI trial was an investigator-initiated, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial performed at 3 Australian hospitals between December 2021 and June 2023 with a 1-year follow-up period. All patients accepted for transfemoral TAVI by a multidisciplinary heart team were eligible for enrollment. Interventions: Eligible patients were randomized 1:1 between routine protamine administration and placebo. Main Outcomes and Measures: The coprimary outcomes were the rate of hemostasis success and time to hemostasis (TTH), presented as categorical variables and compared with a χ2 test or as continuous variables as mean (SD) or median (IQR), depending on distribution. The major secondary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, major and minor bleeding complications, and major and minor vascular complications after 30 days, reported in odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs and P values. Results: The study population consisted of 410 patients: 199 patients in the protamine group and 211 in the placebo group. The median (IQR) patient age in the protamine group was 82 (77-85) years, and 68 of 199 patients receiving protamine (34.2%) were female. The median (IQR) patient age in the placebo group was 80 (75-85) years, and 89 of 211 patients receiving the placebo (42.2%) were female. Patients receiving up-front protamine administration had a higher rate of hemostasis success (188 of 192 patients [97.9%]) than patients in the placebo group (186 of 203 patients [91.6%]; absolute risk difference, 6.3%; 95% CI, 2.0%-10.6%; P = .006); in addition, patients receiving up-front protamine had a shorter median (IQR) TTH (181 [120-420] seconds vs 279 [122-600] seconds; P = .002). Routine protamine administration resulted in a reduced risk of the composite outcome in the protamine group (10 of 192 [5.2%]) vs the placebo group (26 of 203 [12.8%]; OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8; P = .01). This difference was predominantly driven by the difference in the prevalence of minor vascular complications. There were no adverse events associated with protamine use. Conclusions and Relevance: In the ACE-PROTAVI randomized clinical trial, routine administration of protamine increased the rate of hemostasis success and decreased TTH. The beneficial effect of protamine was reflected in a reduction in minor vascular complications, procedural time, and postprocedural hospital stay duration in patients receiving routine protamine compared with patients receiving placebo. Trial Registration: anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12621001261808.

Incidence and predictors of vascular complications following transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A comparison of the MANTA and suture-based vascular closure devices.

BACKGROUND: Vascular complications post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are common. Recent data regarding predictors of vascular complications are limited, particularly comparing newer plug-based devices versus traditional suture-based vascular closure devices (VCD). AIM: The primary objective was to identify characteristics that predict a higher risk of vascular complications in TAVI patients, as judged by the VARC-3 criteria, specifically comparing risk factors between suture-based vs MANTA device closure. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TAVI between December 2019 and September 2023 was performed. Logistic regression and propensity score matching was performed to ascertain risk factors for vascular complications post-TAVI. RESULTS: Of the 1763 patients, there were 106 vascular complications (6%). There was a nonsignificant increased complication rate in MANTA vs suture-based device closure (8.3% vs 5.3%, p = 0.064). Among these, the most common complications were VCD failure (23%), pseudoaneurysm (20%) and arterial dissection (19%). Obesity (p = 0.021), anemia (p = 0.039) and MANTA device use (p = 0.027) were predictors of vascular complications. Within the MANTA cohort, novel oral anticoagulant (NOAC) use was predictive of vascular complications (p = 0.002). Among suture-based devices, obesity (p = 0.037) and anaemia (p = 0.017) were significant predictors. A propensity matched analysis derived 90 pairs of patients matched for age, gender, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, NOAC use, anemia and obesity, identifying an average treatment effect of 0.039 (p = 0.04) when MANTA device closure was performed. CONCLUSION: Vascular complications in TAVI remain common. Identifying predictors such as MANTA device closure, obesity, anemia, and baseline NOAC use will allow for improved risk stratification and appropriate VCD selection in patients undergoing TAVI.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown on Emergency Medical Service Utilisation, and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Volume-An Australian Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) admissions and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) volume declined during periods of COVID-19 lockdown internationally in 2020. The effect of lockdown on emergency medical service (EMS) utilisation, and PCI volume during the initial phase of the pandemic in Australia has not been well described. METHOD: We analysed data from the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR), a state-wide PCI registry, linked with the Ambulance Victoria EMS registry. PCI volume, 30-day major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE; composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, unplanned revascularisation, and stroke), and EMS utilisation were compared over four time periods: lockdown (26 Mar 2020-12 May 2020); pre-lockdown (26 Feb 2020-25 Mar 2020); post-lockdown (13 May 2020-10 Jul 2020); and the year prior (26 Mar 2019-12 May 2019). Interrupted time series analysis was performed to assess PCI trends within and between consecutive periods. RESULTS: The EMS utilisation for ACS during lockdown was higher compared with other periods: lockdown 39.4% vs pre-lockdown 29.7%; vs post-lockdown 33.6%; vs year prior 27.1%; all p<0.01. Median daily PCI cases were similar: 31 (IQR 10, 38) during lockdown; 39 (15, 49) pre-lockdown; 39.5 (11, 44) post-lockdown; and, 42 (10, 49) the year prior; all p>0.05. Median door-to-procedure time for ACS indication during lockdown was shorter at 3 hours (1.2, 20.6) vs pre-lockdown 3.9 (1.7, 21); vs post-lockdown 3.5 (1.5, 21.26); and, the year prior 3.5 (1.5, 23.7); all p<0.05. Lockdown period was associated with lower odds for 30-day MACCE compared to pre-lockdown (odds ratio [OR] 0.55 [0.33-0.93]; p=0.026); post-lockdown (OR 0.66; [0.40-1.06]; p=0.087); and the year prior (OR 0.55 [0.33-0.93]; p=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to international trends, EMS utilisation for ACS increased during lockdown but PCI volumes remained similar throughout the initial stages of the pandemic in Victoria, with no observed adverse effect on 30-day MACCE during lockdown. These data suggest that the public health response in Victoria was not associated with poorer quality cardiovascular care in patients receiving PCI.

The burden of atrial fibrillation on emergency medical services: A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a growing burden on healthcare resources, despite improvements in prevention and management. AF is a common cause of hospitalisation, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) use. However, there is a paucity of data describing the burden of AF on EMS. We aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of patients presenting with AF to EMS using a large population-based sample. METHODS: Consecutive attendances for AF in Victoria, Australia (January 2015-June 2019) were included if patients had a diagnosis of "AF" or "arrhythmia" with AF on electrocardiogram. Data were individually linked to emergency, hospital, and mortality records. RESULTS: Of 2,613,056 EMS attendances, 16,525 were a first attendance for AF and linked to hospital records. Median (IQR) age was 76 (67,84) years (43% female). Seventy-eight percent had high thromboembolic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2), and 72% had a heart rate ≥ 100 bpm. Forty-two percent of patients received no treatment by paramedics and 99.4% were transported to hospital. Fifty-three percent were discharged from ED. Median length of hospital stay was 2 days. Of 2542 cases reattended for AF, 19% occurred within 30 days, with increased odds for females and those of low socioeconomic status. Overall, 24% died during the study period, 12% within 30 days. Increasing age, heart failure, stroke, COPD, and low socioeconomic status increased the odds of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: EMS utilisation for AF is common and associated with frequent reattendance. Further studies are required to investigate novel pathways of care to reduce AF burden on healthcare systems.

Artificial neural networks for ECG interpretation in acute coronary syndrome: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial diagnostic tool in the Emergency Department (ED) for assessing patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Despite its widespread use, the ECG has limitations, including low sensitivity of the STEMI criteria to detect Acute Coronary Occlusion (ACO) and poor inter-rater reliability. Emerging ECG features beyond the traditional STEMI criteria show promise in improving early ACO diagnosis, but complexity hinders widespread adoption. The potential integration of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and addressing reliability issues in ECG interpretation for ACO symptoms. METHODS: Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane, PubMed and Scopus were searched from inception through to 8th of December 2023. A thorough search of the grey literature and reference lists of relevant articles was also performed to identify additional studies. Articles were included if they reported the use of ANN for ECG interpretation of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Emergency Department patients. RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 244 articles. After removing duplicates and excluding non-relevant articles, 14 remained for analysis. There was significant heterogeneity in the types of ANN models used and the outcomes assessed, making direct comparisons challenging. Nevertheless, ANN appeared to demonstrate higher accuracy than physician interpreters for the evaluated outcomes and this proved independent of both specialty and years of experience. CONCLUSIONS: The interpretation of ECGs in patients with suspected ACS using ANN appears to be accurate and potentially superior when compared to human interpreters and computerised algorithms. This appears consistent across various ANN models and outcome variables. Future investigations should emphasise ANN interpretation of ECGs in patients with ACO, where rapid and accurate diagnosis can significantly benefit patients through timely access to reperfusion therapies.

Percutaneous coronary intervention outcomes based on American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association coronary lesion classification over 14 years - Melbourne interventional group (MIG) registry.

BACKGROUND: The American College of Cardiology / American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) introduced a coronary lesion classification in 1988 to stratify coronary lesions for probability of procedural success and complications after coronary angioplasty. Our aim is to assess the validity of the ACC/AHA lesion classification in predicting outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a contemporary cohort of patients. METHODS: Consecutive PCI procedures performed between 2005 and 2018, were divided into three periods. At each period, the ACC/AHA lesion classification (A, B1, B2, C) was analysed with respect to procedural characteristics, in-hospital and 30-day outcomes, as well as long-term mortality by linkage to the National Death Index (NDI). RESULTS: In total, 21,437 lesions were included with 7399 lesions (2005-2009), 6917 lesions (2010-2014) and 7121 lesions (2015-2018). There was a progressive increase in the number of complex lesions treated over time with ACC/AHA type C (15 %, 21 % and 26 %, p < 0.01). The rate of PCI procedural success decreased with increase in the complexity of lesions treated across all three periods (p < 0.01). Further, in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) increased across all three time periods (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study validates the ACC/AHA lesion classification as a meaningful tool for prediction of PCI outcomes. Despite advances in PCI techniques and technology, complex lesion PCI defined by this classification continues to be associated with adverse outcomes.

Prevalence and outcomes of patients with SMuRF-less acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing awareness that patients without standard modifiable risk factors (SMuRFs; diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and smoking) may represent a unique subset of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and outcomes of patients with SMuRF-less ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with those with SMuRFs. METHODS: We analysed data from the Melbourne Interventional Group PCI Registry. Patients with coronary artery disease were excluded. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital and 30-day events. Long-term mortality was investigated using Cox-proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: From 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2020, 2727/18 988 (14.4%) patients were SMuRF less, with the proportion increasing over time. Mean age was similar for patients with and without SMuRFs (63 years), and fewer females were SMuRF-less (19.8% vs 25.4%, p<0.001). SMuRF-less patients were more likely to present with cardiac arrest (6.6% vs 3.9%, p<0.001) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (59.1% vs 50.8%, p<0.001) and were more likely to experience postprocedural cardiogenic shock (4.5% vs 3.6%, p=0.019) and arrhythmia (11.2% vs 9.9%, p=0.029). At 30 days, mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularisation and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events did not differ between the groups. During median follow-up of 7 years, SMuRF-less patients had an adjusted 13% decreased rate of mortality (HR 0.87 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.97)). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of SMuRF-less patients increased over time. Presentation was more often a devastating cardiac event compared with those with SMuRFs. No difference in 30-day outcomes was observed and SMuRF-less patients had lower hazard for long-term mortality.

Post-Procedure Monocyte Count Levels Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) for Aortic Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis has recently been characterised as having an inflammatory aetiology, beyond the traditional degenerative model. Recruitment of monocytes has been associated with inflammation contributing to progression of calcific aortic-valve disease. Prior research has demonstrated that pre-procedure inflammatory biomarkers do not consistently discriminate poorer outcomes in those with aortic stenosis. It remains, however, unclear if postprocedure inflammatory biomarkers, which are influenced by intraprocedural pro-inflammatory insults, can predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) post transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). METHOD: All patients with postprocedure monocyte levels undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation at The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (2008-2019) were included. The highest monocyte count from postprocedure days 1 to 3 was used. Patients were divided into "high" or "low" postprocedure monocyte count groups using the Youden Index. The incidence of 30-day MACE a composite of stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and death) was then compared. RESULTS: In total, 472 patients were included (54% men, median age 84 years). Fourteen (14) patients (3%) suffered a 30-day MACE. Those with high postprocedure monocyte count were more likely to: be hypertensive (p=0.049); have a higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score (p=0.032); and, undergo non-transfemoral access (p=0.018). A high (≥0.975) postprocedure monocyte count was significantly associated with 30-day MACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.16 for each 0.1 increase in monocyte, p=0.025). This association remained present on multivariable analysis adjusted for age, sex, Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk score, and self-expanding valve prosthesis type (OR 1.17, p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The association between postprocedure monocytosis and 30-day MACE suggests that minimising peri-procedural inflammatory insults may improve outcomes. This inexpensive and readily available biomarker may also aid in tailored risk stratification for patients.

Ten-Year Risk Equations for Incident Heart Failure in Established Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Populations.

BACKGROUND: Ten-year risk equations for incident heart failure (HF) are available for the general population, but not for patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is highly prevalent in HF cohorts. This study aimed to develop and validate 10-year risk equations for incident HF in patients with known ASCVD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ten-year risk equations for incident HF were developed using the United Kingdom Biobank cohort (recruitment 2006-2010) including participants with established ASCVD but free from HF at baseline. Model performance was validated using the Australian Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Biobank cohort (recruitment 2000-2011) and compared with the performance of general population risk models. Incident HF occurred in 13.7% of the development cohort (n=31 446, median 63 years, 35% women, follow-up 10.7±2.7 years) and in 21.3% of the validation cohort (n=1659, median age 65 years, 25% women, follow-up 9.4±3.7 years). Predictors of HF included in the sex-specific models were age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure (treated or untreated), glucose (treated or untreated), cholesterol, smoking status, QRS duration, kidney disease, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. ASCVD-HF equations had good discrimination and calibration in development and validation cohorts, with superior performance to general population risk equations. CONCLUSIONS: ASCVD-specific 10-year risk equations for HF outperform general population risk models in individuals with established ASCVD. The ASCVD-HF equations can be calculated from readily available clinical data and could facilitate screening and preventative treatment decisions in this high-risk group.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Nonhome Discharge Following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation: A Multicenter Australian Experience-The NHD TAVI Study.

Patients who undergo transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) commonly experience nonhome discharge (NHD), a phenomenon associated with increased health care expenditure and possibly poorer outcomes. Despite its clinical relevance in TAVI, the incidence and predictors of NHD and its impact on the quality of life remain poorly characterized. Also unknown is the proportion of patients who undergo TAVI that require long-term residential care after initial NHD. Therefore, we aimed to address these questions using a large, multicenter Australian cohort. A total of 2,229 patients who underwent TAVI from 2010 to 2023 included in the Alfred-Cabrini-Epworth TAVI Registry were analyzed. The median age was 82 (interquartile range 78 to 86) years and 41% were women. A total of 257 patients (12%) were not discharged home after TAVI, with the incidence falling over time (R2 = 0.636, p <0.001). A multivariable logistic regression model for NHD prediction was developed with excellent calibration and discrimination (C-statistic = 0.835). The independent predictors of NHD were postprocedural stroke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 11.05), procedure at a private hospital (aOR 3.01), living alone (aOR 2.35), vascular access site complications (aOR 2.09), frailty (aOR 1.89), age >80 years (aOR 1.82), hypoalbuminemia (aOR 1.76), New York Heart Association III to IV (aOR 1.74), and hospital length of stay (aOR 1.13) (all p <0.05). NHD was not associated with mortality at 30 days and <1% of all patients required longer-term residential care. In conclusion, although common after TAVI, NHD does not predict short-term mortality, most patients successfully return home within 30 days, and when used appropriately, NHD may serve as a brief and effective method of optimizing functional status without compromising long-term independence.

Clinical Outcomes of Renal Transplant Recipients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes of patients with renal transplant (RT) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain poorly elucidated. METHOD: Between 2014 and 2021, data were analysed for the following three groups of patients undergoing PCI enrolled in a multicentre Australian registry: (1) RT recipients (n=226), (2) patients on dialysis (n=992), and (3) chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], 30‒60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) without previous RT (n=15,534). Primary outcome was 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs)-composite of mortality, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularisation, and stroke. RESULTS: RT recipients were younger than dialysis and patients with CKD (61±10 vs 68±12 vs 78±8.2 years, p<0.001). Patients with RT less frequently had severe left ventricular dysfunction compared with dialysis and CKD groups (6.7% vs 14% and 8.5%); however more, often presented with acute coronary syndrome (58% vs 52% and 48%), especially STEMI (all p<0.001). Patients with RT and CKD had lower rates of 30-day MACCE (4.4% and 6.8% vs 11.6%, p<0.001) than the dialysis group. Three-year survival was similar between RT and CKD groups, however was lower in the dialysis group (80% and 83% vs 60%, p<0.001). After adjustment, dialysis was an independent predictor of 30-day MACCE (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44‒2.50, p<0.001), however RT was not (OR 0.91, CI 0.42‒1.96, p=0.802). Both RT (hazard ratio [HR] 2.07, CI 1.46‒2.95, p<0.001) and dialysis (HR 1.35, CI 1.02‒1.80, p=0.036) heightened the hazard of long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: RT recipients have more favourable clinical outcomes following PCI compared with patients on dialysis. However, despite having similar short-term outcomes to patients with CKD, the hazard of long-term mortality is significantly greater for RT recipients.

Prevalence and Predictors of Emergency Medical Service Use in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

AIM: We aim to describe prevalence of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) use, investigate factors predictive of EMS use, and determine if EMS use predicts treatment delay and mortality in our ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cohort. METHOD: We prospectively collected data on 5,602 patients presenting with STEMI for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) transported to PCI-capable hospitals in Victoria, Australia, from 2013-2018 who were entered into the Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry (VCOR). We linked this dataset to the Ambulance Victoria and National Death Index (NDI) datasets. We excluded late presentation, thrombolysed, and in-hospital STEMI, as well as patients presenting with cardiogenic shock and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. RESULTS: In total, 74% of patients undergoing primary PCI for STEMI used EMS. Older age, female gender, higher socioeconomic status, and a history of prior ischaemic heart disease were independent predictors of using EMS. EMS use was associated with shorter adjusted door-to-balloon (53 vs 72 minutes, p<0.001) and symptom-to-balloon (183 vs 212 minutes, p<0.001) times. Mode of transport was not predictive of 30-day or 12-month mortality. CONCLUSIONS: EMS use in Victoria is relatively high compared with internationally reported data. EMS use reduces treatment delay. Predictors of EMS use in our cohort are consistent with those prevalent in prior literature. Understanding the patients who are less likely to use EMS might inform more targeted education campaigns in the future.

The Role of Comorbidities in Predicting Functional Improvement After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have a high comorbidity burden. We sought to stratify patients into functional outcomes using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12), a patient-reported outcome with benefits over both the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification and the original 23-item KCCQ, and to evaluate the importance of comorbidities in predicting failure of functional improvement post-TAVI in a contemporary cohort. METHODS: In total, 366 patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI with baseline KCCQ-12 were retrospectively analysed and divided into two groups. Failure to improve was defined as a score <60 and a change in score <10 at 1 year in either overall score (KCCQ-OS) or clinical summary score (KCCQ-CSS). RESULTS: Failure to improve was noted in 13% of patients, who were more likely to have lower KCCQ-OS at baseline (47 [35-59] vs 56 [42-74]), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (19% vs 8%), severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) (13% vs 2%), a clinical frailty score (CFS) ≥5 (41% vs 14%), and lower serum albumin (36 g/L [34-38] vs 38 g/L [35-40]). On multivariate analysis, with an area under the curve of 0.71 (0.63-0.78), baseline KCCQ-OS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.3 [0.1-0.6], p=0.04), COPD (aOR 2.8 [1.2-6.5], p=0.02), and severe CKD (aOR 5.7 [1.7-18.5], p=0.004) remained independent predictors. CFS alone had a similar predictive value as the multivariable model (OR 2.0 [1.3-3.4], area under the curve 0.69 [0.59-0.80], p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: KCCQ scores were effective in delineating functional outcomes, with most patients in our relatively lower surgical risk cohort showing significant functional improvements post-TAVI. Low baseline KCCQ, moderate or worse COPD, and severe CKD were associated with failure of improvement post-TAVI. Baseline CFS appears to be a good screening tool to predict poor improvement. These factors should be evaluated and weighted accordingly in pre-TAVI assessments and decision-making.

Preoperative Variables of 30-Day Mortality in Adults Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Risk adjustment following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is vital for clinical quality registries, performance monitoring, and clinical decision-making. There remains significant variation in the accuracy and nature of risk adjustment models utilised in international PCI registries/databases. Therefore, the current systematic review aims to summarise preoperative variables associated with 30-day mortality among patients undergoing PCI, and the other methodologies used in risk adjustments. METHOD: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases until October 2022 without any language restriction were systematically searched to identify preoperative independent variables related to 30-day mortality following PCI. Information was systematically summarised in a descriptive manner following the Checklist for critical Appraisal and data extraction for systematic Reviews of prediction Modelling Studies checklist. The quality and risk of bias of all included articles were assessed using the Prediction Model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool. Two independent investigators took part in screening and quality assessment. RESULTS: The search yielded 2,941 studies, of which 42 articles were included in the final assessment. Logistic regression, Cox-proportional hazard model, and machine learning were utilised by 27 (64.3%), 14 (33.3%), and one (2.4%) article, respectively. A total of 74 independent preoperative variables were identified that were significantly associated with 30-day mortality following PCI. Variables that repeatedly used in various models were, but not limited to, age (n=36, 85.7%), renal disease (n=29, 69.0%), diabetes mellitus (n=17, 40.5%), cardiogenic shock (n=14, 33.3%), gender (n=14, 33.3%), ejection fraction (n=13, 30.9%), acute coronary syndrome (n=12, 28.6%), and heart failure (n=10, 23.8%). Nine (9; 21.4%) studies used missing values imputation, and 15 (35.7%) articles reported the model's performance (discrimination) with values ranging from 0.501 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.472-0.530) to 0.928 (95% CI 0.900-0.956), and four studies (9.5%) validated the model on external/out-of-sample data. CONCLUSIONS: Risk adjustment models need further improvement in their quality through the inclusion of a parsimonious set of clinically relevant variables, appropriately handling missing values and model validation, and utilising machine learning methods.

Healthcare and economic cost burden of emergency medical services treated non-traumatic shock using a population-based cohort in Victoria, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the healthcare costs and impact on the economy at large arising from emergency medical services (EMS) treated non-traumatic shock. DESIGN: We conducted a population-based cohort study, where EMS-treated patients were individually linked to hospital-wide and state-wide administrative datasets. Direct healthcare costs (Australian dollars, AUD) were estimated for each element of care using a casemix funding method. The impact on productivity was assessed using a Markov state-transition model with a 3-year horizon. SETTING: Patients older than 18 years of age with shock not related to trauma who received care by EMS (1 January 2015-30 June 2019) in Victoria, Australia were included in the analysis. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome assessed was the total healthcare expenditure. Secondary outcomes included healthcare expenditure stratified by shock aetiology, years of life lived (YLL), productivity-adjusted life-years (PALYs) and productivity losses. RESULTS: A total of 21 334 patients (mean age 65.9 (±19.1) years, and 9641 (45.2%) females were treated by EMS with non-traumatic shock with an average healthcare-related cost of $A11 031 per episode of care and total cost of $A280 million. Annual costs remained stable throughout the study period, but average costs per episode of care increased (Ptrend=0.05). Among patients who survived to hospital, the average cost per episode of care was stratified by aetiology with cardiogenic shock costing $A24 382, $A21 254 for septic shock, $A19 915 for hypovolaemic shock and $A28 057 for obstructive shock. Modelling demonstrated that over a 3-year horizon the cohort lost 24 355 YLLs and 5059 PALYs. Lost human capital due to premature mortality led to productivity-related losses of $A374 million. When extrapolated to the entire Australian population, productivity losses approached $A1.5 billion ($A326 million annually). CONCLUSION: The direct healthcare costs and indirect loss of productivity among patients with non-traumatic shock are high. Targeted public health measures that seek to reduce the incidence of shock and improve systems of care are needed to reduce the financial burden of this syndrome.

Comparison of Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Admitted Under General Medicine and Cardiology Units.

BACKGROUND: Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease hospitalisations associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In hospitals, HF patients are typically managed by cardiology or physician teams, with differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes. This study utilises contemporary HF registry data to compare patient characteristics and outcomes in those with ADHF admitted into General Medicine and Cardiology units. METHODS: The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry was utilised to identify patients hospitalised with ADHF 30-day period in each of four consecutive years. We compared patient characteristics, pharmacological management and outpatient follow-up of patients admitted to General Medicine and Cardiology units. Primary outcome measures included in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1,253 patients with ADHF admissions were registered, with 53% admitted in General Medicine units and 47% in Cardiology units. General Medicine patients were more likely to be older (82 vs 71 years; p<0.001), female (51% vs 34%; p<0.001), and have higher prevalence of comorbidities and preserved left ventricular function (p<0.001). There were no differences in primary outcome measures between General Medicine and Cardiology in terms of: in-hospital mortality (5.0% vs 3.9%; p=0.35), 30-day readmission (23.4% vs 23.6%; p=0.93), and 30-day mortality (10.0% vs 8.0%; p=0.21). CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalised patients with HF continue to have high mortality and rehospitalisation rates. The choice of treatment by General Medicine or Cardiology units, based on the particular medical profile and individual needs of the patients, provides equivalent outcomes.