Comparison of the relation of the ESC 2021 and ESC 2013 definitions of left bundle branch block with clinical and echocardiographic outcome in cardiac resynchronization therapy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to investigate the impact of the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline changes in left bundle branch block (LBBB) definition on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) patient selection and outcomes. METHODS: The MUG (Maastricht, Utrecht, Groningen) registry, consisting of consecutive patients implanted with a CRT device between 2001 and 2015 was studied. For this study, patients with baseline sinus rhythm and QRS duration ≥ 130ms were eligible. Patients were classified according to ESC 2013 and 2021 guideline LBBB definitions and QRS duration. Endpoints were heart transplantation, LVAD implantation or mortality (HTx/LVAD/mortality) and echocardiographic response (LVESV reduction ≥15%). RESULTS: The analyses included 1.202, typical CRT patients. The ESC 2021 definition resulted in considerably less LBBB diagnoses compared to the 2013 definition (31.6% vs. 80.9%, respectively). Applying the 2013 definition resulted in significant separation of the Kaplan-Meier curves of HTx/LVAD/mortality (p < .0001). A significantly higher echocardiographic response rate was found in the LBBB compared to the non-LBBB group using the 2013 definition. These differences in HTx/LVAD/mortality and echocardiographic response were not found when applying the 2021 definition. CONCLUSION: The ESC 2021 LBBB definition leads to a considerably lower percentage of patients with baseline LBBB then the ESC 2013 definition. This does not lead to better differentiation of CRT responders, nor does this lead to a stronger association with clinical outcomes after CRT. In fact, stratification according to the 2021 definition is not associated with a difference in clinical or echocardiographic outcome, implying that the guideline changes may negatively influence CRT implantation practice with a weakened recommendation in patients that will benefit from CRT.

Comparison of novel ventricular pacing strategies using an electro-mechanical simulation platform.

AIMS: Focus of pacemaker therapy is shifting from right ventricular (RV) apex pacing (RVAP) and biventricular pacing (BiVP) to conduction system pacing. Direct comparison between the different pacing modalities and their consequences to cardiac pump function is difficult, due to the practical implications and confounding variables. Computational modelling and simulation provide the opportunity to compare electrical, mechanical, and haemodynamic consequences in the same virtual heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the same single cardiac geometry, electrical activation maps following the different pacing strategies were calculated using an Eikonal model on a three-dimensional geometry, which were then used as input for a lumped mechanical and haemodynamic model (CircAdapt). We then compared simulated strain, regional myocardial work, and haemodynamic function for each pacing strategy. Selective His-bundle pacing (HBP) best replicated physiological electrical activation and led to the most homogeneous mechanical behaviour. Selective left bundle branch (LBB) pacing led to good left ventricular (LV) function but significantly increased RV load. RV activation times were reduced in non-selective LBB pacing (nsLBBP), reducing RV load but increasing heterogeneity in LV contraction. LV septal pacing led to a slower LV and more heterogeneous LV activation than nsLBBP, while RV activation was similar. BiVP led to a synchronous LV-RV, but resulted in a heterogeneous contraction. RVAP led to the slowest and most heterogeneous contraction. Haemodynamic differences were small compared to differences in local wall behaviour. CONCLUSION: Using a computational modelling framework, we investigated the mechanical and haemodynamic outcome of the prevailing pacing strategies in hearts with normal electrical and mechanical function. For this class of patients, nsLBBP was the best compromise between LV and RV function if HBP is not possible.

PREVIEW (Prevention of Diabetes Through Lifestyle Intervention and Population Studies in Europe and Around the World) study in children aged 10 to 17 years: Design, methods and baseline results.

Insulin resistance (IR) in adolescence is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]. The PREVIEW (Prevention of Diabetes Through Lifestyle Intervention and Population Studies in Europe and Around the World) study assessed the effectiveness of a high-protein, low-glycaemic-index diet and a moderate-protein, moderate-glycaemic-index diet to decrease IR in insulin-resistant children who were overweight or obese. Inclusion criteria were age 10 to 17 years, homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) ≥2.0 and overweight/obesity. In 126 children (mean ± SD age 13.6 ± 2.2 years, body mass index [BMI] z-score 3.04 ± 0.66, HOMA-IR 3.48 ± 2.28) anthropometrics, fat mass percentage (FM%), metabolic characteristics, physical activity, food intake and sleep were measured. Baseline characteristics did not differ between the groups. IR was higher in pubertal children with morbid obesity than in prepubertal children with morbid obesity (5.41 ± 1.86 vs 3.23 ± 1.86; P = .007) and prepubertal and pubertal children with overweight/obesity (vs 3.61 ± 1.60, P = .004, and vs 3.40 ± 1.50, P < .001, respectively). IR was associated with sex, Tanner stage, BMI z-score and FM%. Fasting glucose concentrations were negatively associated with Baecke sport score (r = -0.223, P = .025) and positively with daytime sleepiness (r = 0.280, P = .016) independent of sex, Tanner stage, BMI z-score and FM%. In conclusion, IR was most severe in pubertal children with morbid obesity. The associations between fasting glucose concentration and Baecke sport score and sleepiness suggest these might be possible targets for diabetes prevention.

Ultra-High-Frequency ECG in Cardiac Pacing and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: From Technical Concept to Clinical Application.

Identifying electrical dyssynchrony is crucial for cardiac pacing and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The ultra-high-frequency electrocardiography (UHF-ECG) technique allows instantaneous dyssynchrony analyses with real-time visualization. This review explores the physiological background of higher frequencies in ventricular conduction and the translational evolution of UHF-ECG in cardiac pacing and CRT. Although high-frequency components were studied half a century ago, their exploration in the dyssynchrony context is rare. UHF-ECG records ECG signals from eight precordial leads over multiple beats in time. After initial conceptual studies, the implementation of an instant visualization of ventricular activation led to clinical implementation with minimal patient burden. UHF-ECG aids patient selection in biventricular CRT and evaluates ventricular activation during various forms of conduction system pacing (CSP). UHF-ECG ventricular electrical dyssynchrony has been associated with clinical outcomes in a large retrospective CRT cohort and has been used to study the electrophysiological differences between CSP methods, including His bundle pacing, left bundle branch (area) pacing, left ventricular septal pacing and conventional biventricular pacing. UHF-ECG can potentially be used to determine a tailored resynchronization approach (CRT through biventricular pacing or CSP) based on the electrical substrate (true LBBB vs. non-specified intraventricular conduction delay with more distal left ventricular conduction disease), for the optimization of CRT and holds promise beyond CRT for the risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias.

Clinical impact and predictors of periprocedural myocardial injury among patients undergoing left bundle branch area pacing.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of Periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) in patients undergoing permanent pacemaker implantation with Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) is unknown. METHODS: 130 patients undergoing LBBAP from January 2020 to June 2021 and completing 12 months follow up were enrolled to assess the impact of PMI on composite clinical outcome (CCO) defined as any of the following: all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). High sensitivity Troponin T (HsTnT) was measured up to 24-h after intervention to identify the peak HsTnT values. PMI was defined as increased peak HsTnT values at least > 99th percentile of the upper reference limit (URL: 15 pg/ml) in patients with normal baseline values. RESULTS: PMI occurred in 72 of 130 patients (55%). ROC analysis yielded a post-procedural peak HsTnT cutoff of fourfold the URL for predicting the CCO (AUC: 0.692; p = 0.023; sensitivity 73% and specificity 71%). Of the enrolled patients, 20% (n = 26) had peak HsTnT > fourfold the URL. Patients with peak HsTnT > fourfold the URL exhibited a higher incidence of the CCO than patients with peak HsTnT ≤ fourfold the URL (31% vs. 10%; p = 0.005), driven by more frequent hospitalizations for ACS (15% vs. 3%; p = 0.010). Multiple (> 2) lead repositions attempts, the use of septography and stylet-driven leads were independent predictors of higher risk of PMI with peak HsTnT > fourfold the URL. CONCLUSIONS: PMI seems common among patients undergoing LBBAP and may be associated with an increased risk of clinical outcomes in case of more pronounced (peak HsTnT > fourfold the URL) myocardial damage occurring during the procedure.

Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing and Atrioventricular Node Ablation in a Single-Procedure Approach for Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of a permanent pacemaker and atrioventricular (AV) node ablation (pace-and-ablate) is an established approach for rate and symptom control in elderly patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a physiological pacing strategy that might overcome right ventricular pacing-induced dyssynchrony. In this study, the feasibility and safety of performing LBBAP and AV node ablation in a single procedure in the elderly was investigated. METHODS: Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF referred for pace-and-ablate underwent the treatment in a single procedure. Data on procedure-related complications and lead stability were collected at regular follow-up at one day, ten days and six weeks after the procedure and continued every six months thereafter. RESULTS: 25 patients (mean age 79.2 ± 4.2 years) were included and underwent successful LBBAP. In 22 (88%) patients, AV node ablation and LBBAP were performed in the same procedure. AV node ablation was postponed in two patients due to lead-stability concerns and in one patient on their own request. No complications related to the single-procedure approach were observed with no lead-stability issues at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: LBBAP combined with AV node ablation in a single procedure is feasible and safe in elderly patients with symptomatic AF.

Physiology of Left Ventricular Septal Pacing and Left Bundle Branch Pacing.

Following the recognition of the adverse effects of right ventricular pacing, alternative permanent pacing strategies aiming to maintain a synchronous ventricular contraction have been sought. The quest for the optimal pacing site has recently led to several promising and rapidly emerging new pacing strategies, such as left ventricular septal pacing and left bundle branch pacing. In both animal and human studies, these pacing strategies seem to maintain electrical and mechanical activation of the left ventricle to a (near)physiologic level. However, more studies on the long-term effects of both strategies are needed.

Effect of a high protein/low glycaemic index diet on insulin resistance in adolescents with overweight/obesity-A PREVIEW randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pubertal insulin resistance (IR) is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus development in adolescents with overweight/obesity. OBJECTIVES: The PREVIEW study was a randomized parallel trial assessing the change in IR, analyzed by Homeostatic Model Assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), at 2 years after randomization to a high protein vs a moderate protein diet in adolescents with overweight/obesity. It was hypothesized that a high protein/low glycaemic index diet would be superior in reducing IR compared to a medium protein/medium GI diet, in insulin resistant adolescents with overweight or obesity. METHODS: Adolescents with overweight/obesity and IR from the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Spain were randomized into a moderate protein/moderate GI (15/55/30En% protein/carbohydrate/fat, GI ≥ 56) or high protein/low GI (25/45/30En% protein/carbohydrate/fat, GI < 50) diet. Anthropometric and cardiometabolic parameters, puberty, dietary intake and physical activity (PA) were measured and effects on HOMA-IR were analyzed. RESULTS: 126 adolescents were included in this study (13.6 ± 2.2 years, BMI z-score 3.04 ± 0.66, HOMA-IR 3.48 ± 2.28, HP n = 68, MP n = 58). At 2 years, changes in protein intake were not significantly different between timepoints or intervention groups and no effects of the intervention on IR were observed. The retention rate was 39%, while no compliance to the diets was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The PREVIEW study observed no effect of a high protein/low GI diet on IR in adolescents with overweight/obesity and IR because of lack of feasibility, due to insufficient retention and dietary compliance after 2 years.

Changes in Free-Living Glycemic Profiles after 12 Months of Lifestyle Intervention in Children with Overweight and with Obesity.

Previous studies demonstrated that hyperglycemic glucose concentrations are observed in children that are overweight or have obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 12 month lifestyle intervention on free-living glycemic profiles in children that were overweight or had obesity, and the association of the alterations with changes in cardiovascular risk parameters. BMI z-score, free-living glycemic profiles, continuous overlapping net glycemic action (CONGA), and cardiovascular parameters were evaluated before and after a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention, in 33 non-diabetic children that were overweight or had obesity. In children with a decrease in BMI z-score, the duration which glucose concentrations were above the high-normal threshold (6.7 mmol/L) and the glycemic variability decreased significantly. In these children, a decrease in median sensor glucose was associated with decreases in LDL-cholesterol, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure z-score. A decrease in BMI z-score was associated with a decrease in CONGA1, 2, and 4. In conclusion, the glycemic profiles in free-living conditions in children that were overweight improved in children with a decrease in BMI z-score after lifestyle intervention. In those children, changes in median sensor glucose concentrations were associated with changes in LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure z-scores. These results suggest that glucose homeostasis can improve after one year of lifestyle intervention and that these improvements are associated with improvements in cardiovascular health parameters.

The effect of one year lifestyle intervention on eGFR in children and adolescents with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity.

Obesity causes modifications in the kidneys reversed by weight loss in adults. There is little data on renal function and effects of weight loss in children with obesity. The aim of this prospective study was to examine renal function and effect of a lifestyle intervention in children with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity. Two hundred forty-five children (age 12.4 ± 3.3 years, 40% boys, BMI z-score 3.46 ± 0.70) participating in an out-patient lifestyle intervention were included. Children with at least 12 months follow-up (n = 144 (58.8%)) were included in the longitudinal study. Anthropometry, blood analysis and blood pressure measurements were performed at baseline and follow-up. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the Schwartz and FAS equation. eGFR was de-indexed using body surface area. Different cut-off points for defining glomerular hyperfiltration were used for stratification. Depending on the definition and equation used, glomerular hyperfiltration was present in 2% to 18% of the participants. After intervention, de-indexed eGFR decreased significantly in children with baseline glomerular hyperfiltration, depending on the eGFR equation and definition for glomerular hyperfiltration used. No associations of changes in eGFR with changes in BMI z-score, blood pressure or parameters of glucose and lipid metabolism were found. In conclusion, after one year of lifestyle intervention, eGFR decreases in hyperfiltrating children and adolescents with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity. eGFR and changes over time in children with obesity depend on eGFR equation used and on de-indexing for body surface area.

Characteristics of the retinal microvasculature in association with cardiovascular risk markers in children with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity.

To aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of the retinal microvasculature, but particularly potential associations with classic and novel (endothelial function and low-grade inflammation)markers for cardiovascular risk, in a cohort of children with overweight and (morbid) obesity. Central retinal arteriolar equivalent(CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent(CRVE) were assessed. CRAE was significantly lower and AVR significantly higher in children with morbid obesity than in children with overweight and normal weight(p < 0.01). CRVE did not differ significantly between the four weight categories. A multiple linear regression model with CRAE as dependent variable showed that only DBP z-score(ß = -2.848,p = 0.029) and plasma glucose concentrations(ß = 6.029,p = 0.019) contributed significantly to the variation in CRAE. Remarkably, despite a correlation between CRAE and circulating concentrations of the adhesion molecules VCAM-1 or ICAM-1, markers for inflammation and endothelial function did not contribute to the variation in CRAE. This is the first study showing in population of children with overweight and obesity that the retinal arteriolar microvasculature, but not venular diameter is aberrant, with increasing BMI z-score. CRAE was significantly associated with several cardiovascular risk markers, and multiple linear regression showed that a higher diastolic blood pressure z-score and lower fasting plasma glucose concentrations significantly contributed to the variance in CRAE.

Association of TSH With Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Overweight and Obese Children During Lifestyle Intervention.

Context: Overweight and obese children have an increased risk to develop cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in which thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) has been suggested as an intermediary factor. However, results of cross-sectional studies are inconclusive, and intervention studies investigating changes in TSH concentrations in association with changes in cardiovascular risk parameters in overweight and obese children are scarce. Objective: To gain insight in associations of circulating TSH concentrations and cardiovascular risk parameters in overweight and obese children. Design: Nonrandomized lifestyle intervention. Setting: Centre for Overweight Adolescent and Children's Healthcare. Patients: Three hundred thirty euthyroid overweight and obese children. Intervention: Long-term lifestyle intervention. Main Outcome Measures: TSH concentrations, pituitary TSH release in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and cardiovascular risk parameters. Results: At baseline, serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triacylglycerol (TAG), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 concentrations were significantly associated with serum TSH concentrations. TSH release by the pituitary in response to exogenous TRH was not associated with cardiovascular risk parameters. During lifestyle intervention, several cardiovascular risk parameters significantly improved. In children whose body mass index z score improved, changes in TSH concentrations were significantly associated with changes in TC, LDL-C, and TAG concentrations. Conclusions: In euthyroid overweight and obese children, circulating TSH concentrations are positively associated with markers representing increased CVD risk. Changes in TSH concentrations are also associated with changes in lipid concentrations in children with successful weight loss, which is consistent with TSH being an intermediary factor in modulating lipid and lipoprotein metabolism.

Pituitary response to thyrotropin releasing hormone in children with overweight and obesity.

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations in the high normal range are common in children with overweight and obesity, and associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Prior studies aiming at unravelling the mechanisms underlying these high TSH concentrations mainly focused on factors promoting thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) production as a cause for high TSH concentrations. However, it is unknown whether TSH release of the pituitary in response to TRH is affected in children with overweight and obesity. Here we describe TSH release of the pituitary in response to exogenous TRH in 73 euthyroid children (39% males) with overweight or (morbid) obesity. Baseline TSH concentrations (0.9-5.5 mU/L) were not associated with BMI z score, whereas these concentrations were positively associated with TSH concentrations 20 minutes after TRH administration (r(2) = 0.484, p < 0.001) and the TSH incremental area under the curve during the TRH stimulation test (r(2) = 0.307, p < 0.001). These results suggest that pituitary TSH release in response to TRH stimulation might be an important factor contributing to high normal serum TSH concentrations, which is a regular finding in children with overweight and obesity. The clinical significance and the intermediate factors contributing to pituitary TSH release need to be elucidated in future studies.

Glycaemic Profiles of Children With Overweight and Obesity in Free-living Conditions in Association With Cardiometabolic Risk.

Insulin resistance is common among children with overweight and obesity. However, knowledge about glucose fluctuations in these children is scarce. This study aims to evaluate glycaemic profiles in children with overweight and obesity in free-living conditions, and to examine the association between glycaemic profiles with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk parameters. One hundred eleven children with overweight and obesity were included. 48-hour sensor glucose concentrations in free-living conditions, fasting plasma and post-glucose load concentrations, serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and blood pressure were evaluated. Hyperglycaemic glucose excursions (≥7.8 mmol/L) were observed in 25% (n = 28) of the children. The median sensor glucose concentration was 5.0 (2.7-7.3) mmol/L, and correlated with fasting plasma glucose concentrations (rs = 0.190, p = 0.046), serum insulin concentrations (rs = 0.218, p = 0.021), and HOMA-IR (rs = 0.230, p = 0.015). The hyperglycaemic area under the curve (AUC) correlated with waist circumference z-score (rs = 0.455, p = 0.025), triacylglycerol concentrations (rs = 0.425, p = 0.024), and HOMA-IR (rs = 0.616, p < 0.001). In conclusion, hyperglycaemic glucose excursions are frequently observed in children with overweight and obesity in free-living conditions. Children with insulin resistance had higher median sensor glucose concentrations and a larger hyperglycaemic sensor glucose AUC, which are both associated with specific parameters predicting cardiovascular disease risk.