Performance of Thrombectomy-Capable, Comprehensive, and Primary Stroke Centers in Reperfusion Therapies for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Report From the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Registry.

BACKGROUND: The thrombectomy-capable stroke center (TSC) is a recently introduced intermediate tier of accreditation for hospitals at which patients with acute ischemic stroke receive care. The comparative quality and clinical outcomes of reperfusion therapies at TSCs, primary stroke centers (PSCs), and comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs) have not been well delineated. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational, cohort study from 2018 to 2020 that included patients with acute ischemic stroke who received endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and intravenous thrombolysis reperfusion therapies at CSCs, TSCs, or PSCs. Participants were recruited from Get With The Guidelines-Stroke registry. Study end points included timeliness of intravenous thrombolysis and EVT, successful reperfusion, discharge destination, discharge mortality, and functional independence at discharge. RESULTS: Among 84 903 patients, 48 682 received EVT, of whom 73% were treated at CSCs, 22% at PSCs, and 4% at TSCs. The median annual EVT volume was 76 for CSCs, 55 for TSCs, and 32 for PSCs. Patient differences by center status included higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, longer onset-to-arrival time, and higher transfer-in rates for CSCs, TSCs, and PSCs, respectively. In adjusted analyses, the likelihood of achieving the goal door-to-needle time was higher in CSCs compared with PSCs (odds ratio [OR], 1.39 [95% CI, 1.17-1.66]) and in TSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.08-1.96]). Likewise, the odds of achieving the goal door-to-puncture time were higher in CSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.13-2.21]). CSCs and TSCs also demonstrated better clinical efficacy outcomes compared with PSCs. The odds of discharge to home or rehabilitation were higher in CSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.06-1.31]), whereas the odds of in-hospital mortality or discharge to hospice were lower in both CSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.81-0.94]) and TSCs compared with PSCs (OR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75-0.98]). There were no significant differences in any of the quality-of-care metrics and clinical outcomes between TSCs and CSCs. CONCLUSIONS: In this study representing national US practice, CSCs and TSCs exceeded PSCs in key quality-of-care reperfusion metrics and outcomes, whereas TSCs and CSCs demonstrated a similar performance. With more than one-fifth of all EVT procedures during the study period conducted at PSCs, it may be desirable to explore national initiatives aimed at facilitating the elevation of eligible PSCs to a higher certification status.

Higher Procedural Volumes Are Associated with Faster Treatment Times, Better Functional Outcomes, and Lower Mortality in Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize the association of hospital procedural volumes with outcomes among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study using data prospectively collected from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019 in the Get with the Guidelines-Stroke registry. Participants were derived from a cohort of 60,727 AIS patients treated with EVT within 24 hours at 626 hospitals. The primary cohort excluded patients with pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) < 6, onset-to-treatment time > 6 hours, and interhospital transfers. There were 2 secondary cohorts: (1) the EVT metrics cohort excluded patients with missing data on time from door to arterial puncture and (2) the intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) metrics cohort only included patients receiving IVT ≤4.5 hours after onset. RESULTS: The primary cohort (mean ± standard deviation age = 70.7 ± 14.8 years; 51.2% female; median [interquartile range] baseline NIHSS = 18.0 [13-22]; IVT use, 70.2%) comprised 21,209 patients across 595 hospitals. The EVT metrics cohort and IVT metrics cohort comprised 47,262 and 16,889 patients across 408 and 601 hospitals, respectively. Higher procedural volumes were significantly associated with higher odds (expressed as adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] for every 10-case increase in volume) of discharge to home (1.03 [1.02-1.04]), functional independence at discharge (1.02 [1.01-1.04]), and lower rates of in-hospital mortality (0.96 [0.95-0.98]). All secondary measures were also associated with procedural volumes. INTERPRETATION: Among AIS patients primarily presenting to EVT-capable hospitals (excluding those transferred from one facility to another and those suffering in-hospital strokes), EVT at hospitals with higher procedural volumes was associated with faster treatment times, better discharge outcomes, and lower rates of in-hospital mortality. ANN NEUROL 2023.

Association Between Endovascular Therapy Time to Treatment and Outcomes in Patients With Basilar Artery Occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a devastating condition without definitive evidence to guide treatment. Whereas the association between faster treatment times with endovascular therapy (EVT) and better outcomes in anterior circulation is well established, whether this relationship exists for patients with BAO is not well delineated. METHODS: We used individual-level patient data from the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke nationwide US registry prospectively collected from January 2015 to December 2019. We identified individuals with BAO treated with EVT within 24 hours of symptom onset. The primary outcomes examined were in-hospital mortality, discharge home, ambulatory at discharge, independent at discharge (modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 2), substantial reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b or 3), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Using logistic regression models, we evaluated the association between time from symptom onset to treatment with EVT and outcomes. RESULTS: Among 3015 patients with BAO treated with EVT, the mean age was 65.9 years, 38.8% were women, and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at presentation was 17 (interquartile range, 8-26). Median onset to EVT time was 406 minutes (interquartile range, 252-688). From 2015 to 2019, there was an overall increase in the median onset to EVT times (380-411 minutes; P=0.016) but no significant change in the proportion of patients treated within 6 hours of symptom onset (48.4%-44.0%; P=0.17). After risk adjustment for patient and hospital-level factors, there were significantly lower odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.55 [95% CI, 0.45-0.68]) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (aOR, 0.52 [95% CI, 0.32-0.84]) and significantly higher odds of ambulation at discharge (aOR, 1.72 [95% CI, 1.37-2.16]), discharge home (aOR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.73-2.77]), and independence at discharge (aOR, 2.21 [95% CI, 1.66-2.95]) when onset to EVT time was ≤6 hours compared with >6 hours. The fastest decay in good outcomes per hour occurred within 6 hours of symptom onset. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients receiving EVT for BAO, faster treatment from symptom onset was associated with improved outcomes. These findings support efforts to achieve rapid treatment with EVT for patients with BAO.

Variation in resource utilization and mortality among patients with varying MR type and severity.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exists regarding the relationships between resource use and outcomes in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR). We examined resource utilization and outcomes across MR type and severity. METHODS: Using the Duke Echocardiography Laboratory Database, we identified patients with an index echo demonstrating moderate or severe MR (2000-2016) and examined 5-year cumulative rates of resources (ie, TTE, TEE, cardiac catheterization, cardiology/CTS referral, MV surgery/TEER, hospitalizations) by severity and type. We performed a multivariable landmark analysis of resource use during a 6 to 12 month period and 5-year mortality; and a multivariable analysis of the association between MR type and 5-year hospitalization costs. RESULTS: Among 4,511 patients with moderate or severe MR, 84.7% had moderate MR and 42.2% had secondary ischemic MR. The median age was 70 years-moderate, 66 years-severe. The mean 5-year cumulative resource utilization rate was 11.1 encounters/patients. Among patients with moderate or severe MR, there was significant variation in utilization of each resource by MR type (all P < .05). For severe MR, the performance of cardiac catheterization or MV surgery during the landmark period was associated with significantly lower mortality; for moderate MR, CTS referral during the landmark was associated with significantly lower mortality (P < .05). Patients with secondary ischemic and non-ischemic MR had significantly higher 5-year hospitalization costs compared with primary myxomatous MR (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Resource utilization and outcomes vary by MR type and severity. Utilization of resources, such as TTE, during guideline-recommended surveillance periods was not associated with a reduction in mortality while other care (catheterization or surgery) was associated with improved survival.

Machine learning to define phenotypes and outcomes of patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Findings from ASCEND-HF.

BACKGROUND: Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogenous disease with few therapies proven to provide clinical benefit. Machine learning can characterize distinct phenotypes and compare outcomes among patients with HFpEF who are hospitalized for acute HF. METHODS: We applied hierarchical clustering using demographics, comorbidities, and clinical data on admission to identify distinct clusters in hospitalized HFpEF (ejection fraction >40%) in the ASCEND-HF trial. We separately applied a previously developed latent class analysis (LCA) clustering method and compared in-hospital and long-term outcomes across cluster groups. RESULTS: Of 7141 patients enrolled in the ASCEND-HF trial, 812 (11.4%) were hospitalized for HFpEF and met the criteria for complete case analysis. Hierarchical Cluster 1 included older women with atrial fibrillation (AF). Cluster 2 had elevated resting blood pressure. Cluster 3 had young men with obesity and diabetes. Cluster 4 had low resting blood pressure. Mortality at 180 days was lowest among Cluster 3 (KM event-rate 6.2 [95% CI: 3.5, 10.9]) and highest among Cluster 4 (18.8 [14.6, 24.0], P < .001). Twenty four-hour urine output was higher in Cluster 3 (2700 mL [1800, 3975]) than Cluster 4 (2100 mL [1400, 3055], P < .001). LCA also identified four clusters: A) older White or Asian women, B) younger men with few comorbidities, C) older individuals with AF and renal impairment, and D) patients with obesity and diabetes. Mortality at 180 days was lowest among LCA Cluster B (KM event-rate 5.5 [2.0, 10.3]) and highest among LCA Cluster C (26.3 [19.2, 35.4], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients hospitalized for HFpEF, cluster analysis demonstrated distinct phenotypes with differing clinical profiles and outcomes.

Titration of medical therapy and clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Findings from the HF-ACTION trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines recommend titration of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and beta-blockers among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) to maximally tolerated doses. Patient characteristics associated with dose titration and clinical outcomes subsequent to dose titration remain poorly characterized. METHODS: Among 1999 ambulatory patients with chronic HFrEF in the HF-ACTION trial, use and dosing of ACEi and evidence-based beta-blockers were examined at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with dose escalation (medication initation or dosing increase) or dose de-escalation (medication discontinuation or dosing decrease). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine associations between dose trajectory group (stable target, stable sub-target, dose escalation, and dose de-escalation) and subsequent mortality and hospitalization outcomes. RESULTS: For both ACEi and beta-blockers, hospitalization for heart failure in the 6 months prior to enrollment (odds ratio [OR] 2.32 [95% confidence interval 1.58-3.42]) for ACEi; 1.42 [1.05-1.9] for beta-blockers) and higher systolic blood pressure (OR 1.01 [1.00-1.03] per 1 mmHg increase for ACEi; 1.01 [1.00-1.02] for beta-blockers) were associated with dose escalation. Hospitalization 6 months prior to enrollment for any cause (including HF or non-HF causes) was associated with dose de-escalation (OR 1.60 [1.14-2.25] for ACEi; 1.67 [1.20-2.33] for beta-blockers). After adjustment for patient characteristics, compared with stable target dosing, dose de-escalation of either medication was associated with greater all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.64 [1.11-2.42] for ACEi; 1.62 [1.04-2.53] for beta-blockers). Compared with stable target dosing, both dose de-escalation (aHR 1.98 [1.36-2.87]) and stable sub-target dosing (aHR 1.49 [1.18-1.87]) of beta-blockers were associated with greater cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization for heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Among outpatients with chronic HFrEF, patient characteristics including recent hospitalization status and blood pressure were associated with odds of subsequent escalation and de-escalation of ACEi and beta-blocker therapy. Compared with patients receiving guildeline-recommended target doses, dose de-escalation of either medication and sub-target dosing of beta-blockers were associated with greater morbidity and mortality over long-term follow-up.

Emergency Department Visits Versus Hospital Readmissions Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Worsening heart failure (HF) often requires hospitalization but in some cases may be managed in the outpatient or emergency department (ED) settings. The predictors and clinical significance of ED visits without admission vs hospitalization are unclear. METHODS: The ASCEND-HF trial included 2661 US patients hospitalized for HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with a subsequent all-cause ED visit (with ED discharge) within 30 days vs all-cause readmission within 30 days. Factors associated with each type of care were assessed in multivariable models. Multivariable models landmarked at 30 days evaluated associations between each type of care and subsequent 150-day mortality. RESULTS: Through 30-day follow-up, 193 patients (7%) had ED discharge, 459 (17%) had readmission, and 2009 (76%) had neither urgent visit. Patients with ED discharge vs readmission were similar with respect to age, sex, systolic blood pressure, ejection fraction, and coronary artery disease, whereas ED discharge patients had a modestly lower creatinine (P < .01). Among patients with either event within 30 days, a higher creatinine and prior HF hospitalization were associated with a higher likelihood of readmission, as compared with ED discharge (P < .02). Landmarked at 30 days, rates of death during the subsequent 150 days were 21.0% for patients who were readmitted and 11.4% for patients discharged from the ED. Compared with patients who were readmitted, ED discharge was independently associated with lower 150-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.92, P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of US patients hospitalized for HF, worse renal function and prior HF hospitalization were associated with a higher likelihood of early postdischarge readmission, as compared with ED discharge. Although subsequent mortality was high after discharge from the ED, this risk of mortality was significantly lower than patients who were readmitted to the hospital.

Patient-reported and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Versus Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Differences between patients hospitalized for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) vs HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) are not well-characterized, particularly as pertains to in-hospital decongestion and longitudinal patient-reported outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to compare patient-reported and clinical outcomes between patients hospitalized with HFrEF vs HFpEF. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) trial enrolled 7141 patients hospitalized for HF with reduced or preserved EF. We assessed the association between an EF ≤ 40% vs an EF >40% with in-hospital decongestion, risk of rehospitalization and mortality, and quality of life as measured by the EuroQOL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Among 5800 patients (81%) with complete EF data, 4782 (82%) had an EF ≤40% and 1018 (18%) had an EF >40%. Both groups demonstrated similar rates of decongestion by weight change and urine volume through 24 hours, a similar risk of 30-day mortality and HF rehospitalization, and a similar 180-day mortality. Patients with HFpEF had worse EQ-5D scores at hour 24 (median 0.76, [interquartile range (IQR) 0.51-0.84] vs 0.78 [IQR 0.57-0.84]; P = .01) that persisted through discharge (0.81 [IQR 0.69-0.86] vs 0.83 [IQR 0.71-1.00]; P < .001) and the 30-day follow-up (0.78 [IQR 0.60-0.85] vs 0.83 [IQR 0.71-1.00]; P < .001). After adjustment, these differences were attenuated and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: In this large, multinational cohort of patients hospitalized for HF, patients with an EF ≤ 40% vs an EF >40% experienced similar in-hospital decongestion and postdischarge clinical outcomes. Patients with an EF >40% reported worse in-hospital and postdischarge patient-reported health status, but these measures were similar to HFrEF after accounting for other clinical factors.

Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy in Patients With Prestroke Mobility Impairment.

Background and Purpose: Patients with prestroke mobility impairment (PSMI) were excluded from endovascular clinical trials. There are limited data regarding safety and outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy in this population. We used a large, national data set (Get With The Guidelines­Stroke) to evaluate the safety and outcomes of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with PSMI. Methods: We included patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy in the Get With The Guidelines­Stroke registry between 2015 and 2019. PSMI was defined as the inability to ambulate independently. Generalized estimating equations for logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between PSMI and outcomes. Results: Of 56 762 patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy, 2919 (5.14%) had PSMI. PSMI was not associated with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (6.0% versus 5.4%; P=0.979). In-hospital death or discharge to hospice occurred in 32.3% of patients with PSMI versus 17.5% without PSMI (adjusted odds ratio, 1.45 [1.32­1.58]). Conclusions: While procedural adverse outcomes were no higher in patients with PSMI, further study is necessary to determine clinical benefit in this population.

Early diuretic strategies and the association with In-hospital and Post-discharge outcomes in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Decongestion is a primary goal during hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure (HF). However, data surrounding the preferred route and strategy of diuretic administration are limited with varying results in prior studies. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis using patients from ASCEND-HF with a stable diuretic strategy in the first 24 hours following randomization. Patients were divided into three groups: intravenous (IV) continuous, IV bolus and oral strategy. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, 30-day composite cardiovascular mortality or HF rehospitalization and 180-day all-cause mortality were compared across groups. Inverse propensity weighted modeling was used for adjustment. RESULTS: Among 5,738 patients with a stable diuretic regimen in the first 24 hours (80% of overall ASCEND trial), 3,944 (68.7%) patients received IV intermittent bolus administration of diuretics, 799 (13.9%) patients received IV continuous therapy and 995 (17.3%) patients with oral administration. Patients in the IV continuous group had a higher baseline creatinine (IV continuous 1.4 [1.1-1.7]; intermittent bolus 1.2 [1.0-1.6]; oral 1.2 [1.0-1.4] mg/dL; P <0.001) and high NTproBNP (IV continuous 5,216 [2,599-11,603]; intermittent bolus 4,944 [2,339-9,970]; oral 3,344 [1,570-7,077] pg/mL; P <0.001). There was no difference between IV continuous and intermittent bolus group in weight change, total urine output and change in renal function till 10 days/discharge (adjusted P >0.05 for all). There was no difference in 30 day mortality and HF readmission (adjusted OR 1.08 [95%CI: 0.74, 1.57]; P = 0.701) and 180 days mortality (adjusted OR 1.04 [95%CI: 0.75, 1.43]; P = 0.832). CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of patients with decompensated HF, there were no significant differences in diuretic-related in-hospital, or post-discharge outcomes between IV continuous and intermittent bolus administration. Tailoring appropriate diuretic strategy to different states of acute HF and congestion phenotypes needs to be further investigated.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Variability in Patients With Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Greater variability in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with higher mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Heart failure (HF) is common in CKD and may increase variability through changes in hemodynamic and volume regulation. We sought to determine if patients with vs without HF have higher kidney function variability in CKD, and to define the association with mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients undergoing coronary angiography from 2003 to 2013 with an eGFR of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were evaluated from the Duke Databank for Cardiovascular Disease. Variability in the eGFR, measured as the coefficient of variation (CV) of residuals from the regression of eGFR vs time, was calculated spanning 3 months to 2 years after catheterization. Mortality was assessed 2 to 7 years after catheterization. Patients were grouped into 3 HF phenotypes: HF with reduced ejection fraction, HF with preserved ejection, and no HF. Regression was used to evaluate associations between HF phenotypes and variability in the eGFR and between variability in the eGFR and mortality rate with stratification by HF phenotype. Among 3767 participants, the median eGFR at baseline was 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile range 33-53 mL/min/1.73 m2), and longitudinal measures of eGFR over 21 months had within-patient residual variability (CV) of 14% (9%-20%). In adjusted analyses, variability in the eGFR was greater in those with HF with preserved ejection (n = 695, CV difference 0.98%, 95% confidence interval 0.14%-1.81%) or HF with reduced ejection fraction (n = 800, CV difference 2.51%, 95% confidence interval 1.66%-3.37%) relative to no HF (n = 2272). In 3068 participants eligible for mortality analysis, the presence of HF and greater variability in the eGFR were each associated independently with higher mortality, but there was no evidence of interaction between variability in the eGFR and any HF phenotype (all P for interaction ≥.49). CONCLUSIONS: Variability in the eGFR is greater in patients with HF and associated with mortality. Prediction algorithms and classification schemes should consider not only static, but also dynamic eGFR variability in HF and CKD prognostication.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Palliative Care: Insights from the PAL-HF Trial.

BACKGROUND: In a randomized control trial, Palliative Care in Heart Failure (PAL-HF) improved heart failure-related quality of life, though cost-effectiveness remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the PAL-HF trial, which provided outpatient palliative care to patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Outcomes for usual care and PAL-HF strategies were compared using a Markov cohort model over 36 months from a payer perspective. The model parameters were informed by PAL-HF trial data and supplemented with meta-analyses and Medicare administrative data. Outcomes included hospitalization, place of death, Medicare expenditures, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Simulated mortality rates were the same for PAL-HF and usual care cohorts, at 89.7% at 36 months. In the base case analysis, the PAL-HF intervention resulted in an incremental gain of 0.03 QALYs and an incremental cost of $964 per patient for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $29,041 per QALY. In 1-way sensitivity analyses, an intervention cost of up to $140 per month is cost effective at $50,000 per QALY. Of 1000 simulations, the PC intervention had a 66.1% probability of being cost effective at a $50,000 willingness-to-pay threshold assuming no decrease in hospitalization. In a scenario analysis, PAL-HF decreased payer spending through reductions in noncardiovascular hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: These results from this single-center trial are encouraging that palliative care for advanced heart failure is an economically attractive intervention. Confirmation of these findings in larger multicenter trials will be an important part of developing the evidence to support more widespread implementation of the PAL-HF palliative care intervention.

Biomarker Profile of Left Atrial Myopathy in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Insights From the RELAX Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although left atrial (LA) mechanical dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with poor clinical outcomes, the influence of LA myopathy on temporal changes in cardiovascular biomarkers is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated biomarker correlates of LA myopathy, as defined by reduced LA strain, and the associations of LA strain with longitudinal changes in biomarkers among participants in the Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status and Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (RELAX) trial. LA speckle-tracking was performed on baseline echocardiograms of RELAX participants to measure LA reservoir and LA contractile strain. Of the 216 RELAX participants, 169 (78%) had measurable LA strain and biomarker data. Participants with LA reservoir strain below median (13.5%, interquartile range: 10%-22.5%) were older, more likely to have atrial fibrillation, and had higher jugular venous pressure (P < .05 for all). At baseline, higher levels of endothelin-1, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and troponin I were independently associated with lower LA reservoir and contractile strain (Padjusted < .05 for all comparisons). Higher LA reservoir strain (ß coefficient per 1-unit increase: -21.2, 95% CI: -38.8, -3.7; P = .02) was independently associated with reduction in NT-proBNP at 24 weeks. CONCLUSION: In HFpEF, LA myopathy is characterized by elevation in biomarkers of neurohormonal activation and myocardial necrosis. Lower LA function is associated with continued elevation in NT-proBNP over time, suggesting that LA myopathy is associated with persistent congestion in HFpEF.

Adverse Renal Response to Decongestion in the Obese Phenotype of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity display a number of pathophysiologic features that may render them more or less vulnerable to negative effects of decongestion on renal function, including greater right ventricular remodeling, plasma volume expansion and pericardial restraint. We aimed to contrast the renal response to decongestion in obese compared to nonobese patients with HFpEF METHODS AND RESULTS: National Institutes of Health heart failure network studies that enrolled patients with acute decompensated HFpEF (EF ≥ 50%) were included (DOSE, CARRESS, ROSE, and ATHENA). Obese HFpEF was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2. Compared to nonobese HFpEF (n = 118), patients with obese HFpEF (n = 214) were an average of 9 years younger (71 vs 80 years,< 0.001), were more likely to have diabetes (64% vs 31%, P< 0.001) but had less atrial fibrillation (56% vs 75%, P< 0.001). Renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73m2) was present in 82% of patients, and there was no difference at baseline between obese and nonobese patients. Despite similar weight loss through decongestive therapies, obese patients with HFpEF demonstrated greater rise in creatinine (Cr) and decline in glomerular filtration rate, with a 2-fold higher incidence of mild worsening renal function (rise in Cr ≥ 0.3 mg/dL) (28 vs 14%, P = 0.008) and a substantially greater increase in severe worsening of renal function (rise in Cr > 0.5 mg/dL) (9 vs 0%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Despite being nearly a decade younger, obese patients with HFpEF experience greater deterioration in renal function during decongestion than do nonobese patients with HFpEF. Further study to elucidate the complex relationships between volume distribution, cardiorenal hemodynamics and adiposity in HFpEF is needed.

Apixaban following acute coronary syndromes in patients with prior stroke: Insights from the APPRAISE-2 trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Patients with prior stroke are at greater risk for recurrent cardiovascular events post-acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and may have a different risk/benefit profile with antithrombotic therapy than patients without prior stroke. METHODS: We studied 7391 patients with ACS from APPRAISE-2, stratified by the presence or absence of prior stroke. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke were compared between groups. Interactions between prior stroke, treatment assignment (apixaban vs placebo), and outcomes were tested before and after multivariable adjustment with Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A total of 902 patients (12%) had prior stroke. Those with prior stroke were older (69 vs 67 years), had more hypertension (91% vs 77%), peripheral vascular disease (22% vs18%), and impaired renal function (38% vs 30%) but less diabetes (44% vs 48%) than those without prior stroke. Patients with prior stroke vs no prior stroke had higher unadjusted rates of cardiovascular death (4.8% vs 4.0%), MI (11.2% vs 7.1%), and ischemic stroke (3.2% vs 0.9%). Patients with prior stroke assigned to apixaban had similar rates of the composite of cardiovascular death, MI, or stroke compared with those assigned to placebo (HR 1.39; 95% CI 0.92-2.08). Patients without prior stroke assigned to apixaban had similar rates of cardiovascular death, MI, or ischemic stroke compared with those assigned to placebo (HR 0.87; 95% CI 0.73-1.04; P-interaction=.041). Median follow-up was 240 days. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with prior stroke are at higher risk for recurrent cardiovascular events post-ACS and had a differential risk/benefit profile with oral anticoagulation.

Factors associated with reporting results for pulmonary clinical trials in ClinicalTrials.gov.

Background/aims The Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act mandates that applicable clinical trials report basic summary results to the ClinicalTrials.gov database within 1 year of trial completion or termination. We aimed to determine the proportion of pulmonary trials reporting basic summary results to ClinicalTrials.gov and assess factors associated with reporting. Methods We identified pulmonary clinical trials subject to the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (called highly likely applicable clinical trials) that were completed or terminated between 2008 and 2012 and reported results by September 2013. We estimated the cumulative percentage of applicable clinical trials reporting results by pulmonary disease category. Multivariable Cox regression modeling identified characteristics independently associated with results reporting. Results Of 1450 pulmonary highly likely applicable clinical trials, 380 (26%) examined respiratory neoplasms, 238 (16%) asthma, 175 (12%) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and 657 (45%) other respiratory diseases. Most (75%) were pharmaceutical highly likely applicable clinical trials and 71% were industry-funded. Approximately 15% of highly likely applicable clinical trials reported results within 1 year of trial completion, while 55% reported results over the 5-year study period. Earlier phase highly likely applicable clinical trials were less likely to report results compared to phase 4 highly likely applicable clinical trials (phases 1/2 and 2 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.41 (95% confidence interval: 0.31-0.54)), phases 2/3 and 3 (adjusted hazard ratio 0.55 (95% confidence interval: 0.42-0.72)) and phase not applicable (adjusted hazard ratio 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.63)). Pulmonary highly likely applicable clinical trials without Food and Drug Administration oversight were less likely to report results compared with those with oversight (adjusted hazard ratio 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.51-0.83)). Conclusion A total of 15% of pulmonary clinical highly likely applicable clinical trials report basic summary results to ClinicalTrials.gov within 1 year of trial completion. Strategies to improve reporting are needed within the pulmonary community.

Noncardiovascular deaths are more common than cardiovascular deaths in patients with cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular risk factors and impaired glucose tolerance: Insights from the Nateglinide and Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research (NAVIGATOR) trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with impaired glucose tolerance have an elevated risk of cardiovascular (CV) death; however, the causes and risk factors associated with non-CV deaths are poorly understood. METHODS: The NAVIGATOR trial enrolled 9,306 participants with impaired glucose tolerance and CV disease or at high CV risk, with a median follow-up of 6.4years. Using this population, we identified (1) the proportion of deaths attributed to CV, non-CV, and unknown causes, and (2) the risk factors associated with non-CV death. RESULTS: During the NAVIGATOR trial follow-up, 622 patients died. Investigators reported 244 (39.2%) CV deaths, 313 (50.3%) non-CV deaths, and 65 (10.5%) deaths of unknown cause. Myocardial infarction was the leading cause of investigator-reported death (57/622 [9.2%]). Among non-CV deaths, the most commonly identified cause related to malignancy (177/313 [56.5%]). Using adjudicated causes of death, Cox proportional hazard models identified 3 independent prognostic markers that increased the risk of non-CV death: history of non-melanoma skin cancer (hazard ratio 2.67 [95% CI 1.65-4.33]; P<.0001), white blood cell count (1 unit >5000/mm3; 1.10 [1.02-1.18]; P=.011), and serum potassium levels (per 1mmol/L above any value; 1.67 [1.302.15]; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high baseline CV risk among patients in the NAVIGATOR trial, the most common cause of death was non-CV. The high burden of non-CV death in this population has potential implications for future CV event-driven trials.

Platelet-related biomarkers and their response to inhibition with aspirin and p2y12-receptor antagonists in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

The PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial showed that treatment with ticagrelor reduced the rate of death due to vascular causes, myocardial infarction and stroke when compared to clopidogrel in patients with ST-elevation or non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While the comparative benefit of ticagrelor over clopidogrel increased over time, event rates accrued in both groups during the study period. The purpose of our biomarker-based exploratory analysis was to determine whether long-term platelet inhibition may be associated with platelet adaptation. A sample of 4000 participants from the PLATO trial also consented to participate in a prospectively designed biomarker substudy. Blood samples were procured at baseline, immediately prior to hospital discharge and at 1 and 6 months. Markers of platelet activity, including platelet count, serum CD40-ligand and soluble P-selectin were analyzed. Mean levels were compared at discharge, 1 and 6 months following study drug initiation-first for all patients and subsequently stratified by treatment group. A linear mixed model was used to estimate the short-term change rate (baseline to 1 month) and long-term change rate (1-6 months) for each biomarker. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios for each change in biomarker over the two time periods examined: baseline to 1 month and 1 to 6 months. Prior to randomized treatment (baseline), sCD40 ligand and sP-selectin levels were elevated above the normal range of the assay (0.39 and 33.5 µg/L, respectively). The mean level of each biomarker was significantly different at 1 month compared to baseline (p < 0.0001). When stratified by treatment group, at 1 month patients treated with ticagrelor had a larger increase in platelet count compared to those treated with clopidogrel (p < 0.0001). Similarly, when comparing biomarker levels for all patients at 6 months with those at 1 month, each differed significantly (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between treatment groups during this time period. The rate of change for both platelet count and sP-selectin were significantly different between baseline and 1 month when compared to the 1 to 6-month time period (p < 0.0001). When comparing treatment groups, the rate of increase in platelets from baseline to 1 month was greater for patients treated with ticagrelor (p < 0.0001). This was no longer observed in the 1 to 6-month interval. Using a Cox proportional hazard model, the increase in platelet count from 1 to 6 months was associated with ischemic-thrombotic events, while sCD40 ligand decrease from 1 to 6 months was associated with hemorrhagic events. There were no differences between treatment groups for the associations with clinical endpoints. Dynamic changes in platelet count, sCD-40 ligand and sP-selectin occur over time among patients with ACS. Platelet-directed therapy with a P2Y12 receptor inhibitor in combination with aspirin modestly impacts the expression of these biomarkers. Platelet count and sCD40 ligand may offer modest overall predictive value for future ischemic-thrombotic or hemorrhagic clinical events, respectively. The existence of a platelet adaptome and its overall clinical significance among patients at risk for thrombotic events will require a more in-depth and platelet-biology specific investigation.

Association of standard clinical and laboratory variables with red blood cell distribution width.

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) strongly predicts clinical outcomes among patients with coronary disease and heart failure. The factors underpinning this association are unknown. METHODS: In 6,447 individuals enrolled in the Measurement to Understand the Reclassification of Disease of Cabarrus/Kannapolis (MURDOCK) Study who had undergone coronary angiography between 2001 and 2007, we used Cox proportional hazards modeling to examine the adjusted association between RDW and death, and death or myocardial infarction (MI). Multiple linear regression using the R(2) model selection method was then used to identify clinical factors associated with variation in RDW. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 4.2 (interquartile range 2.3-5.9) years, and the median RDW was 13.5% (interquartile range 12.9%-14.3%, clinical laboratory reference range 11.5%-14.5%). Red blood cell distribution width was independently associated with death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.13 per 1% increase in RDW, 95% CI 1.09-1.17), and death or MI (adjusted hazard ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.16). Twenty-seven clinical characteristics and laboratory measures were assessed in the multivariable linear regression model; a final model containing 18 variables explained only 21% of the variation in RDW. CONCLUSIONS: Although strongly associated with death and death or MI, only one-fifth of the variation in RDW was explained by routinely assessed clinical characteristics and laboratory measures. Understanding the latent factors that explain variation in RDW may provide insight into its strong association with risk and identify novel targets to mitigate that risk.

Hospital Heart Failure Medical Therapy Score and Associated Clinical Outcomes and Costs.

Importance: A composite score for guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for patients with heart failure (HF) is associated with increased survival. Whether hospital performance according to a GDMT score is associated with a broader array of clinical outcomes at lower costs is unknown. Objectives: To evaluate hospital variability in GDMT score at discharge, 90-day risk-standardized clinical outcomes and costs, and associations between hospital GDMT score and clinical outcomes and costs. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2015 to September 2019. Included for analysis were patients hospitalized for HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the Get With the Guidelines-Heart Failure Registry, a national hospital-based quality improvement registry. Study data were analyzed from July 2022 to April 2023. Exposures: GDMT score at discharge. Main Outcomes and Measures: Hospital variability in GDMT score, a weighted index from 0 to 1 of GDMT prescribed divided by the number of medications eligible, at discharge was evaluated using a generalized linear mixed model using the hospital as a random effect and quantified with the adjusted median odds ratio (AMOR). Parallel analyses centering on 90-day mortality, HF rehospitalization, mortality or HF rehospitalization, home time, and costs were performed. Costs were assessed from the perspective of the Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services. Associations between hospital GDMT score and clinical outcomes and costs were evaluated using Spearman coefficients. Results: Among 41 161 patients (median [IQR] age, 78 [71-85] years; 25 546 male [62.1%]) across 360 hospitals, there was significant hospital variability in GDMT score at discharge (AMOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.21-1.26), clinical outcomes (mortality AMOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.14-1.24; HF rehospitalization AMOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.18-1.27; mortality or HF rehospitalization AMOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.18-1.26; home time AMOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.06-1.10) and costs (AMOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.21-1.26). Higher hospital GDMT score was associated with lower hospital mortality (Spearman ρ, -0.22; 95% CI, -0.32 to -0.12; P < .001), lower mortality or HF rehospitalization (Spearman ρ, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.06; P = .002), more home time (Spearman ρ, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.03-0.24; P = .01), and lower cost (Spearman ρ, -0.11; 95% CI, -0.21 to 0; P = .047) but not with HF rehospitalization (Spearman ρ, -0.10; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0; P = .06). Conclusions and Relevance: Results of this cohort study reveal that hospital variability in GDMT score, clinical outcomes, and costs was significant. Higher GDMT score at discharge was associated with lower mortality, lower mortality or hospitalization, more home time, and lower cost. Efforts to increase health care value should include GDMT optimization.