Transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with high-risk symptomatic native aortic regurgitation (ALIGN-AR): a prospective, multicentre, single-arm study.

BACKGROUND: Surgery remains the only recommended intervention for patients with native aortic regurgitation. A transcatheter therapy to treat patients at high risk for mortality and complications with surgical aortic valve replacement represents an unmet need. Commercial transcatheter heart valves in pure aortic regurgitation are hampered by unacceptable rates of embolisation and paravalvular regurgitation. The Trilogy transcatheter heart valve (JenaValve Technology, Irvine, CA, USA) provides a treatment option for these patients. We report outcomes with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with pure aortic regurgitation using this dedicated transcatheter heart valve. METHODS: The ALIGN-AR trial is a prospective, multicentre, single-arm study. We recruited symptomatic patients (aged ≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe or severe aortic regurgitation at high risk for mortality and complications after surgical aortic valve replacement at 20 US sites for treatment with the Trilogy transcatheter heart valve. The 30-day composite primary safety endpoint was compared for non-inferiority with a prespecified performance goal of 40·5%. The primary efficacy endpoint was 1-year all-cause mortality compared for non-inferiority with a performance goal of 25%. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04415047, and is ongoing. FINDINGS: Between June 8, 2018, and Aug 29, 2022, we screened 346 patients. We excluded 166 (48%) patients and enrolled 180 (52%) patients with symptomatic aortic regurgitation deemed high risk by the heart team and independent screening committee assessments. The mean age of the study population was 75·5 years (SD 10·8), and 85 (47%) were female, 95 (53%) were male, and 131 (73%) were White. Technical success was achieved in 171 (95%) patients. At 30 days, four (2%) deaths, two (1%) disabling strokes, and two (1%) non-disabling strokes occurred. Using standard Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 definitions, the primary safety endpoint was achieved, with events occurring in 48 (27% [97·5% CI 19·2-34·0]) patients (pnon-inferiority<0·0001), with new pacemaker implantation in 36 (24%) patients. The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved, with mortality in 14 (7·8% [3·3-12·3]) patients at 1 year (pnon-inferiority<0·0001). INTERPRETATION: This study shows the safety and effectiveness of treating native aortic regurgitation using a dedicated transcatheter heart valve to treat patients with symptomatic moderate-to-severe or severe aortic regurgitation who are at high risk for mortality or complications after surgical aortic valve replacement. The observed short-term clinical and haemodynamic outcomes are promising as are signs of left ventricular remodelling, but long-term follow-up is necessary. FUNDING: JenaValve Technology.

The Hemodynamic Effects of Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Supported by a HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Device.

BACKGROUND: Aortic regurgitation (AR) is a common complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We evaluated the hemodynamic implications of AR in patients with HeartMate 3 (HM3) LVAD at baseline and in response to speed changes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinically stable outpatients supported by HM3 who underwent a routine hemodynamic ramp test were retrospectively enrolled in this analysis. Patients were stratified based on the presence of at least mild AR at baseline speed. Hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters were compared between the AR and non-AR groups. Sixty-two patients were identified. At the baseline LVAD speed, 29 patients (47%) had AR, while 33 patients (53%) did not. Patients with AR were older and supported on HM3 for a longer duration. At baseline speed, all hemodynamic parameters were similar between the groups including central venous pressure, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, pulmonary arterial pressures, cardiac output and index, and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (p > 0.05 for all). During the subacute assessment, AR worsened in some, but not all, patients, with increases in LVAD speed. There were no significant differences in 1-year mortality or hospitalization rates between the groups, however, at 1-year, ≥ moderate AR and right ventricular failure (RVF) were detected in higher rates among the AR group compared to the non-AR group (45% vs. 0%; p < 0.01, and 75% vs. 36.8%; p = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of stable outpatients supported with HM3 who underwent a routine hemodynamic ramp test, the presence of mild or greater AR did not impact the ability of HM3 LVADs to effectively unload the left ventricle during early subacute assessment. Although the presence of AR did not affect mortality and hospitalization rates, it resulted in higher rates of late hemodynamic-related events in the form of progressive AR and RVF.

Impact of inferior vena cava entry characteristics on tricuspid annular access during transcatheter interventions.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize the anatomic relationship between the inferior vena cava (IVC) and tricuspid annulus (TA) and its potential impact on the performance of transcatheter TV interventions. BACKGROUND: Transcatheter tricuspid valve (TV) interventions are emerging as a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of severe, symptomatic tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Progression of TR is associated with right heart dilatation. These anatomic changes may distort the IVC-TA relationship and impact successful implantation of transcatheter devices. METHODS: Fifty patients who presented with symptomatic TR for consideration of transcatheter TV therapy with an available CT were included in the study. Comprehensive transesophageal echocardiogram and CT analyses were performed to assess the right-sided cardiac chambers, TA and IVC-TA relationship. RESULTS: The mean age of the study cohort was 78.4 ± 8.9 years. Torrential TR was present in 54% (n = 27). There was considerable variation in the short axis mid-IVC to mid-TA offset (SAXMID 18.2 ± 7.9 mm, range 4.7-42.1 mm). CONCLUSIONS: The IVC-to-TA relationship exhibits significant variability in patients with symptomatic TR. CT analysis of the tricuspid anatomy, including the relationship to the surrounding structures and the IVC, is essential for planning transcatheter TV interventions. Further studies are needed to define whether the IVC-to-TA relationship is a predictor of technical success in the context of specific transcatheter delivery systems.

Risk Prediction in Cardiogenic Shock: Current State of Knowledge, Challenges and Opportunities.

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a condition associated with high mortality rates in which prognostication is uncertain for a variety of reasons, including its myriad causes, its rapidly evolving clinical course and the plethora of established and emerging therapies for the condition. A number of validated risk scores are available for CS prognostication; however, many of these are tedious to use, are designed for application in a variety of populations and fail to incorporate contemporary hemodynamic parameters and contemporary mechanical circulatory support interventions that can affect outcomes. It is important to separate patients with CS who may recover with conservative pharmacological therapies from those in who may require advanced therapies to survive; it is equally important to identify quickly those who will succumb despite any therapy. An ideal risk-prediction model would balance incorporation of key hemodynamic parameters while still allowing dynamic use in multiple scenarios, from aiding with early decision making to device weaning. Herein, we discuss currently available CS risk scores, perform a detailed analysis of the variables in each of these scores that are most predictive of CS outcomes and explore a framework for the development of novel risk scores that consider emerging therapies and paradigms for this challenging clinical entity.

Transcatheter transseptal treatment of patients with severe mitral regurgitation using an atrial fixation mitral valve replacement technology.

BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most common valvular heart disease worldwide with a 5-year mortality rate of 50 % with medical therapy alone. Several transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) devices are being investigated in clinical trials. Early evidence has demonstrated clinical benefits with a reduction in heart failure symptoms, low rates of residual MR, and reverse remodeling of the left ventricle (LV) over time. However, high anatomical screen failure rates limit its applicability. The primary reasons for the anatomical screen failure are risk of LV outflow tract obstruction, large mitral valve annulus size, and the presence of mitral annular calcification. Our clinical experiences using an atrial only fixation TMVR technology delivered via a transfemoral-transseptal approach is described. METHODS: Three consecutive patients with severe functional MR underwent TMVR implantation using an atrial only fixation technology and a low-profile transseptal delivery system. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 100 % of the patients with a clinically significant reduction in MR. Longer-term follow-up (up to 6-months) has demonstrated a sustained reduction in MR and significant improvement in quality of life for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Longer-term outcomes in our patients showed persistent reduction in MR, sustained implant performance, and notable improvements in NYHA Class and quality of life. There were no major adverse events. Follow-up CT data showed no evidence of device-related thrombosis, with stable valve position and integrity. The atrial fixation TMVR technology may have benefits in preserving the dynamics of the native mitral valve annulus thereby reducing the overall risk of LVOT obstruction. SHORT ABSTRACT: We present a single-center experience of three consecutive patients with severe functional MR treated with the AltaValve using a low-profile transseptal delivery system. A clinically significant reduction in mitral regurgitation was achieved in all patients, and longer-term follow-up has demonstrated sustained clinical benefits.

External Validation of the Recalibrated HEART Score for Evaluation of Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome.

A single high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-TnT) measurement may be sufficient to risk-stratify emergency department (ED) patients with possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using the recalibrated History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk Factors, Troponin (rHEART) score. We sought to validate this approach in a multiethnic population of United States patients and investigate gender-specific differences in performance. We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of adult ED patients with possible ACS at a single, urban, academic hospital. We investigated the diagnostic performance of rHEART for the incidence of type-1 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and other major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 30 days, using both single (19 ng/L) and gender-specific (14 ng/L for women, 22 ng/L for men) 99th percentile hs-TnT thresholds. The 821 patients included were 54% women, 57% Hispanic, and 26% Black. Overall, 4.6% of patients had MACE, including 2.4% with AMI. Single-threshold rHEART ≤3 had a sensitivity of 94.4% (95% confidence interval 81% to 99%) and negative predictive values of 99.3% (98% to 100%) for MACE; gender-specific thresholds performed nearly identically. Sensitivity and negative predictive values for AMI were 90.0% (67% to 98%) and 99.3% (97% to 100%). Excluding patients presenting <3 hours from symptom onset improved sensitivity for MACE and AMI to 97.0% (84% to 100%) and 94.1% (71% to 100%). Logistic regression demonstrated odds of MACE increased with higher rHEART scores at a similar rate for men and women. In conclusion, a single initial hs-TnT and rHEART score can be used to risk-stratify male and female ED patients with possible ACS, especially when drawn >3 hours after symptom onset.

Transfemoral Transcatheter Mitral Valve Implantation With a Dedicated Device in a Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis Patient.

A 65-year-old obese woman with rheumatic heart disease and restrictive lung disease presented with decompensated heart failure. Evaluation demonstrated severely thickened mitral valve leaflets, severe mitral stenosis, and moderate mitral regurgitation. She underwent successful transfemoral transseptal transcatheter mitral valve replacement with a dedicated valve resulting in improved functional status. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Flexible-Interval High-Sensitivity Troponin Velocity for the Detection of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Many algorithms for emergency department (ED) evaluation of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using high-sensitivity troponin assays rely on the detection of a "delta," the difference in concentration over a predetermined interval, but collecting specimens at specific times can be difficult in the ED. We evaluate the use of troponin "velocity," the rate of change of troponin concentration over a flexible short interval for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 30 days. We conducted a prospective, observational study on a convenience sample of 821 patients who underwent ACS evaluation at a high-volume, urban ED. We determined the diagnostic performance of a novel velocity-based algorithm and compared the performance of 1- and 2-hour algorithms adapted from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) using delta versus velocity. A total of 7 of 332 patients (2.1%) classified as low risk by the velocity-based algorithm experienced a MACE by 30 days compared with 35 of 221 (13.8%) of patients classified as greater than low risk, yielding a sensitivity of 83.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.6% to 93.0%) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.9% (95% CI 95.9% to 98.9%). The ESC-derived algorithms using delta or velocity had NPVs ranging from 98.4% (95% CI 96.4% to 99.3%) to 99.6% (95% CI 97.0% to 99.9%) for 30-day MACEs. The NPV of the novel velocity-based algorithm for MACE at 30 days was borderline, but the substitution of troponin velocity for delta in the framework of the ESC algorithms performed well. In conclusion, specimen collection within strict time intervals may not be necessary for rapid evaluation of ACS with high-sensitivity troponin.

Imaging Methods for Evaluation of Chronic Aortic Regurgitation in Adults: JACC State-of-the-Art Review.

A global multidisciplinary workshop was convened to discuss the multimodality diagnostic evaluation of aortic regurgitation (AR). Specifically, the focus was on assessment tools for AR severity and analyzing evolving data on the optimal timing of aortic valve intervention. The key concepts from this expert panel are summarized as: 1) echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for assessment of AR severity; however, when data is incongruent or incomplete, cardiac magnetic resonance may be helpful; 2) assessment of left ventricular size and function is crucial in determining the timing of intervention; 3) recent evidence suggests current cutpoints for intervention in asymptomatic severe AR patients requires further scrutiny; 4) left ventricular end-systolic volume index has emerged as an additional parameter that has promise in guiding timing of intervention; and 5) the role of additional factors (including global longitudinal strain, regurgitant fraction, and myocardial extracellular volume) is worthy of future investigation.

An Unusual Cause of Shortness of Breath: Pulmonary Vein Stenosis After Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement.

A 79-year-old man with prior bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement presented with progressive shortness of breath and was found to have right upper pulmonary vein stenosis and paravalvular leak diagnosed with the use of multimodal imaging. The patient underwent balloon angioplasty, stenting of the pulmonary vein, and paravalvular leak closure with ultimate resolution of symptoms. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Comparison of Risk Models in the Prediction of 30-Day Mortality in Acute Myocardial Infarction-Associated Cardiogenic Shock.

Background: There are numerous risk-prediction models applied to acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) patients to determine a more accurate prognosis and to assist in patient triage. There is wide heterogeneity among the risk models including the nature of predictors evaluated and their specific outcome measures. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the performance of 20 risk-prediction models in AMI-CS patients. Methods: Patients included in our analysis were admitted to a tertiary care cardiac intensive care unit with AMI-CS. Twenty risk-prediction models were computed utilizing vitals assessments, laboratory investigations, hemodynamic markers, and vasopressor, inotropic and mechanical circulatory support available from within the first 24 â€‹hours of presentation. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the prediction of 30-day mortality. Calibration was assessed with a Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Results: Seventy patients (median age 63 years, 67% male) were admitted between 2017 and 2021. The models' area under the curve (AUC) ranged from 0.49 to 0.79, with the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score having the most optimal discrimination of 30-day mortality (AUC: 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-0.90), followed by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-III score (AUC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.84) and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score (AUC: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.55-0.80). All 20 risk scores demonstrated adequate calibration (p > 0.05 for all). Conclusions: Among the models tested in a data set of patients admitted with AMI-CS, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II risk score model demonstrated the highest prognostic accuracy. Further investigations are required to improve the discriminative capabilities of these models or to establish new, more streamlined and accurate methods for mortality prognostication in AMI-CS.

Impact of a rapid high-sensitivity troponin pathway on patient flow in an urban emergency department.

Study Objective: To evaluate whether the introduction of a 1-hour high-sensitivity cardiac troponin-T (hs-TnT) pathway for patients who present to the emergency department (ED) with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) improves ED patient flow without changing the rate of "missed" major adverse cardiac events (MACE), compared to use of conventional cardiac troponin with an associated 3-hour pathway. Methods: This was a prospective, uncontrolled observational study conducted before and after implementation of a 1-hour hs-TnT pathway at a high-volume urban ED. Patients undergoing evaluation for ACS in the ED were enrolled during their initial visit and clinical outcomes were assessed at 30 and 90 days. Throughput markers were extracted from the electronic medical record and compared. The primary outcome was provider-to-disposition decision time. Results: A total of 1892 patients were enrolled, 1071 patients while using conventional troponin and 821 after introduction of hs-TnT. With the new assay and pathway, median interval between troponin tests decreased from 4.7 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 3.9-5.7 hours) to 2.3 hours (IQR 1.5-3.4 hours) (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in median provider-to-disposition decision time, which measured 4.7 hours (IQR 2.9-7.2) and 4.8 hours (IQR 3.1-7.1) (P = 0.428) respectively. Total 30-day MACE rate in discharged patients was low in both groups, occurring in only 4/472 (0.85%) encounters in the first cohort and 4/381 (1.0%) encounters in the second. Conclusion: Introduction of a 1-hour hs-TnT ACS evaluation pathway reduced the troponin collection interval but did not reduce provider to disposition time. There was no difference in rate of 30-day MACE in patients discharged from the ED.

FEops HEARTguide Patient-Specific Computational Simulations for WATCHMAN FLX Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) is the primary imaging tool for left atrial appendage closure planning. The utility of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and patient-specific computational models is unknown. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the FEops HEARTguide patient-specific computational modeling in predicting appropriate device size, location, and compression of the WATCHMAN FLX compared to intraprocedural 3D-TEE. Methods: Patients with both preprocedural and postprocedural CCTA and 3D-TEE imaging of the LAA who received a WATCHMAN FLX left atrial appendage closure device were studied (n = 22). The FEops HEARTguide platform used baseline CCTA imaging to generate a prediction of device size(s), device position(s), and device dimensions. Blinded (without knowledge of implanted device size/position) and unblinded (implant device size/position disclosed) simulations were evaluated. Results: In 16 (72.7%) patients, the blind simulation predicted the final implanted device size. In these patients, the 3D-TEE measurements were not significantly different and had excellent correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient (r) ≥ 0.90). No patients had peridevice leak after device implant. In the 6 patients for whom the model did not predict the implanted device size, a larger device size was ultimately implanted as per operator preference. The model measurements of the unblinded patients demonstrated excellent correlation with 3D-TEE. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that the FEops HEARTguide model accurately predicts WATCHMAN FLX device implantation characteristics. Future studies are needed to evaluate if computational modeling can improve confidence in sizing, positioning, and compression of the device without compromising technical success.

First Transfemoral Implantation of a Novel Transcatheter Valve in an LVAD Patient With Aortic Insufficiency.

An 80-year-old man with a destination left ventricular assist device (LVAD) presented with decompensated heart failure. Evaluation demonstrated numerous LVAD high power spike events, significant aortic regurgitation, and hemolysis. He underwent successful aortic valve replacement with a novel transcatheter valve and LVAD pump exchange that resulted in an improvement in his clinical status. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Association between antecedent statin use and decreased mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in a hyperinflammatory state, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), myocardial injury, and thrombotic complications, among other sequelae. Statins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties, have been studied in the setting of other viral infections, but their benefit has not been assessed in COVID-19. This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with COVID-19 from February 1st through May 12th, 2020 with study period ending on June 11th, 2020. Antecedent statin use was assessed using medication information available in the electronic medical record. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to predict the propensity of receiving statins, adjusting for baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and outpatient medications. The primary endpoint includes in-hospital mortality within 30 days. A total of 2626 patients were admitted during the study period, of whom 951 (36.2%) were antecedent statin users. Among 1296 patients (648 statin users, 648 non-statin users) identified with 1:1 propensity-score matching, statin use is significantly associated with lower odds of the primary endpoint in the propensity-matched cohort (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.36-0.62, p < 0.001). We conclude that antecedent statin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 is associated with lower inpatient mortality.

Coronary and cerebral thrombosis in a young patient after mild COVID-19 illness: a case report.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has spread worldwide and has caused significant morbidity and mortality. Myocardial injury and thrombo-embolism are known complications for those with severe forms of disease. The incidence and risk factors for these complications for those patients who are asymptomatic or with mild forms of COVID-19 is unknown. CASE SUMMARY: In this report we describe the case of a 35-year-old man with no past cardiac history who presented with chest pain and a high-sensitivity troponin level of 386 ng/L in the context of an unspecified mild viral illness 1 month previously. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a new cardiomyopathy, left ventricular thrombus, and mid right coronary artery thrombosis. The coronary thrombosis was treated with thrombectomy. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies returned positive. He initially did well post-procedure; however, prior to discharge, he developed a second arterial thrombo-embolism event, a middle cerebral artery stroke. He was treated with thrombectomy and remains hospitalized. DISCUSSION: Recognition that mild COVID-19 can be complicated by subsequent cardiac injury and/or coagulopathy is important. As more people recover from this viral illness and return to normal activity levels, discussion among cardiac experts has begun regarding screening for occult myocardial injury in those who plan to resume competitive athletic activity. This case highlights the need for investigation regarding (i) the duration of thrombophilia after recovery from illness; (ii) the population that should receive thromboprophylaxis; and (iii) the duration of thromboprophylaxis therapy for COVID-19.

Clinical Pathway for Management of Suspected or Positive Novel Coronavirus-19 Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Novel coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) is an escalating, highly infectious global pandemic that is quickly overwhelming healthcare systems. This has implications on standard cardiac care for ST-elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs). In the setting of anticipated resource scarcity in the future, we are forced to reconsider fibrinolytic therapy in our management algorithms. We encourage clinicians to maintain a high level of suspicion for STEMI mimics, such as myopericarditis which is a known, not infrequent, complication of COVID-19 disease. Herein, we present a pathway developed by a multidisciplinary panel of stakeholders at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center for the management of STEMI in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

Approach to Acute Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19 Infection.

The novel coronavirus disease 2019, otherwise known as COVID-19, is a global pandemic with primary respiratory manifestations in those who are symptomatic. It has spread to >187 countries with a rapidly growing number of affected patients. Underlying cardiovascular disease is associated with more severe manifestations of COVID-19 and higher rates of mortality. COVID-19 can have both primary (arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and myocarditis) and secondary (myocardial injury/biomarker elevation and heart failure) cardiac involvement. In severe cases, profound circulatory failure can result. This review discusses the presentation and management of patients with severe cardiac complications of COVID-19 disease, with an emphasis on a Heart-Lung team approach in patient management. Furthermore, it focuses on the use of and indications for acute mechanical circulatory support in cardiogenic and/or mixed shock.

Association Between Antecedent Statin Use and Decreased Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can result in a hyperinflammatory state, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), myocardial injury, and thrombotic complications, among other sequelae. Statins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties, have been studied in the setting of other viral infections and ARDS, but their benefit has not been assessed in COVID-19. Thus, we sought to determine whether antecedent statin use is associated with lower in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. This is a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with COVID-19 from February 1 st through May 12 th , 2020 with study period ending on June 11 th , 2020. Antecedent statin use was assessed using medication information available in the electronic medical record. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model to predict the propensity of receiving statins, adjusting for baseline socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and outpatient medications. The primary endpoint included in-hospital mortality within 30 days. A total of 2626 patients were admitted during the study period, of whom 951 (36.2%) were antecedent statin users. Among 1296 patients (648 statin users, 648 non-statin users) identified with 1:1 propensity-score matching, demographic, baseline, and outpatient medication information were well balanced. Statin use was significantly associated with lower odds of the primary endpoint in the propensity-matched cohort (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36 â€" 0.64, p<0.001). We conclude that antecedent statin use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with lower inpatient mortality. Randomized clinical trials evaluating the utility of statin therapy in patients with COVID-19 are needed.