Correlation between staging classification of aortic stenosis based on the extent of cardiac damage and platelet indices.

BACKGROUND: Platelets play a key role in the natural history of aortic stenosis (AS) and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). An echo-based staging system stratifies patients with severe AS into 5 groups according to the associated cardiac damage phenotype. We aimed to correlate these AS stages with platelet indices in post-TAVI patients. METHODS: Patients with severe AS who underwent TAVI and were admitted to intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) were prospectively identified and divided into 5 groups according to extra-valvular cardiac damage [no extravalvular cardiac damage (Stage 0), left ventricular damage (Stage 1), left atrial or mitral valve damage (Stage 2), pulmonary vasculature or tricuspid valve damage (Stage 3), or right ventricular damage (Stage 4)]. Baseline characteristics and complete blood count including mean platelet volume (MPV) and immature platelet fraction (IPF) were collected within 2 h after the procedure and analyzed in relation to aortic stenosis staging. RESULTS: A total of 220 patients were included. The mean age was 81 years old and 112 (50.9%) were female. Two (1%) patients were classified in stage 0; 34 (15%) in stage 1; 48 (22%) in stage 2; 49 (22%) in stage 3 and 87 (40%) in stage 4. Higher mean MPV values were correlated with higher AS staging (10.8 fL, 11 fL, 11.3 fL and 10.8 fL in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively, P = 0.02) as well as lower hemoglobin values (12 mg/dl, 11.6 mg/dl, 11 mg/dl and 11.3 mg/dl in stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively P = 0.04). Mean IPF values were 5.3%, 5.58%, 5.57% and 4.83% in stage 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively (P = 0.4). In a multivariate logistic regression model only MPV (OR = 2.6, P = 0.03) and body mass index (BMI) (OR = 1.17, P = 0.004) were correlated with higher staging (0-3) of AS. CONCLUSIONS: Although IPF and MPV levels increased in stages 0-3, there was a decrease in indices in stage 4, (probably due to bone marrow dysfunction) in this end-stage population. Higher levels of MPV and lower levels of hemoglobin were independently correlated with higher stages (0-3) of AS.

Association between peak troponin level and prognosis among patients admitted to intensive cardiovascular care unit.

INTRODUCTION: High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) is a key biomarker for myocardial injury, yet its prognostic value in intensive cardiovascular care units (ICCU) remains poorly understood. We aimed to assess the association between peak hs-cTn levels and prognosis in ICCU patients. METHODS: All patients admitted to a tertiary care center ICCU between July 2019 - July 2023 were prospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into five groups according to their peak hs-cTnI levels: A) hs-cTnI <100 ng/L; B) hs-cTnI of 100-1000 ng/L; C) hs-cTnI of 1000-10,000 ng/L; D) hs-cTnI of 10,000-100,000 ng/L and E) hs-cTnI ≥100,000 ng/L. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at one year. RESULTS: A total of 4149 patients (1273 females [30.7 %]) with a median age of 69 (IQR 58-79) were included. Group E was highly specific for myocardial infarction (97.4 %) and especially for ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (87.5 %). Patients in group E were 56 % more likely to die at 1-year in an adjusted Cox model (95 % CI 1.09-2.23, p = 0.014) as compared with group A. Subgroup analyses revealed that among STEMI patients, higher peak hs-cTnI levels were not associated with higher mortality rate (HR 1.04, 95 % CI 0.4-2.72, p = 0.9), in contrast to patients with NSTEMI (HR 7.62, 95 % CI 1.97-29.6, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Peak hs-cTnI levels ≥100,000 ng/L were linked to higher one-year mortality, largely indicative of large myocardial infarctions. Notably, the association between elevated hs-cTnI levels and mortality differed between STEMI and NSTEMI patients, warranting further investigation.

Out of hospital cardiac arrest - new insights and a call for a worldwide registry and guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major public health problem with substantial mortality rates worldwide. Genetic diseases and primary electrical disorders are the most common etiologies at younger ages, while ischemic heart disease and cardiomyopathies are common causes at older ages. Despite improvement in prevention and treatment in recent years, OHCA is still a major cause of cardiovascular death. METHOD: We report prospective data regarding etiology, characteristics, clinical course, and outcomes of patients with OHCA who were admitted to a tertiary care center intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) between 2020-2023. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients admitted after OHCA were included in the cohort. Mean age was 63.8 ± 13.8 years and 75 (82%) were males. The most common etiology of OHCA was acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 54 (59%) patients, of whom 46 (85%) patients had ST elevation myocardial infarction and 8 (15%) had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. During hospitalization, 42 (46%) patients underwent targeted temperature management and 13 (14%) received mechanical circulatory support. Interestingly, 77 (84%) patients underwent coronary angiography, while only 51 (55%) received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Neurologic status was favorable in 49 (53%) patients with Cerebral Performance Category score of 1-2. Overall, mortality rates were relatively low, with 15 (16%) in-hospital deaths and 24 (26%) deaths at 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although ACS was the most common etiology for OHCA, only 55% of patients underwent PCI. Most OHCA patients admitted to the ICCU survived hospitalization and were discharged. Increased awareness, public education, worldwide registries, and specific evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of OHCA patients may lead to improved outcomes for these patients who often carry poor prognoses.

Pulmonary venous flow patterns associated with long-term mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is a prominent therapeutic option for mitral regurgitation (MR) patients. However, it lacks objective parameters to assess procedural efficacy. This study aims to investigate pulmonary venous (PV) flow as a surrogate for valvular hemodynamics and its associations to clinical outcomes. METHODS: Consecutive MR patients who underwent TEER in our center from January 2020 to October 2021 were retrospectively investigated. PV flow parameters were measured before and after TEER, including velocity (cm/s), velocity time integral (VTI) (cm), and systolic/diastolic ratios. Primary outcomes were 1, 6, and 12 months heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) and 1 year all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 80 patients. The mean age was 74.76 ± 10.13 years, 26 with primary and 54 with secondary MR. Systolic wave parameters improved significantly after TEER: mean peak velocity increased from 9.94 ± 31.95 to 35.74 ± 15.03 cm/s, and VTI from 3.62 ± 5.99 to 8.33 ± 4.72 cm. Furthermore, systolic to diastolic VTI and peak-velocities ratios showed significant improvement of 0.39 ± 0.63 to 0.81 ± 0.47 and 0.23 ± 0.66 to 0.91 ± 0.43, respectively. Using multivariable analysis, higher post-procedural SVTI was associated with less HFH: 1-month (OR = 0.72, CI [0.52,0.98]), 6-months (OR = 0.8, CI [0.66,0.97]), 1-year (OR = 0.85, CI [0.73,0.99]), as well as reduced 1-year mortality (OR = 0.64 95% CI [0.45,0.91]). Furthermore, compared to patients with SVTI ≥ 3, patients with SVTI < 3 had a higher risk for HFH at: 1-month (OR = 16.59, CI [1.48,186.02]), 6-months (OR = 12.2, CI [1.69,88.07]), and 1-year (OR = 8.61, CI [1.27,58.27]), as well as elevated 1-year mortality (OR = 8.07, 95% CI [1.04,62.28]). CONCLUSION: PV flow was significantly improved following TEER, and several hemodynamic parameters were associated with HFH and mortality. These results may offer a basis for establishing future procedural goals to ensure better clinical outcomes.

Conduction disorders following transcatheter aortic valve replacement using acurate Neo2 transcatheter heart valve: A propensity matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The ACURATE neo2 transcatheter aortic valve was developed to improve paravalvular leak (PVL) rates while maintaining low rates of conduction disturbances and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) seen with its predecessor. We aimed to compare conduction disturbances rates of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using ACURATE Neo2 with other commonly used valves. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Israeli TAVR registry between the years 2014-2023 was performed to compare conduction disturbances and PVL rates, and procedural outcomes, among patients treated with ACURATE neo2, Edwards Sapien 3 (S3), and Evolut PRO valves. Propensity score matching was performed to compare groups with similar characteristics. RESULTS: Following exclusion of patients with non-femoral access, unknown valve type, older-generation valves, and less commonly used valves or (n = 4387), our analysis included 3208 patients undergoing TAVR using ACURATE neo2, Edwards S3, and Evolut PRO valves. Propensity matched groups comprised 169 patients each. Rates of any conduction disturbances [left bundle branch block (LBBB), atrioventricular block, or PPMI] were lower in the ACURATE neo2 group compared to both other valves [15.8 %, S3-37.5 % (p < 0.001), Evolut PRO-27.5 % (p = 0.02)] as were LBBB rates [9.0 %, S3-31.3 % (p < 0.001); Evolut PRO-20.1 % (p = 0.01). Atrioventricular block and PPMI rates were lower without statistical significance, as were rates of above-moderate PVL. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis, TAVR using ACURATE neo2 was associated with a lower composite rate of conduction disturbances in comparison to the Evolut PRO and Edwards S3 valves, mainly due to lower left bundle branch block rates, with non-significantly lower rates of PPMI and PVL.

The Effect of War on STEMI Incidence: Insights from Intensive Cardiovascular Care Unit Admissions.

(1) Background: The impact of armed conflicts on public health is undeniable, with psychological stress emerging as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Nevertheless, contemporary data regarding the influence of war on CVD, and especially on acute coronary syndrome (ACS), are scarce. Hence, the aim of the current study was to assess the repercussions of war on the admission and prognosis of patients admitted to a tertiary care center intensive cardiovascular care unit (ICCU). (2) Methods: All patients admitted to the ICCU during the first three months of the Israel-Hamas war (2023) were included and compared with all patients admitted during the same period in 2022. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. (3) Results: A total of 556 patients (184 females [33.1%]) with a median age of 70 (IQR 59-80) were included. Of them, 295 (53%) were admitted to the ICCU during the first three months of the war. Fewer Arab patients and more patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (STEMI) were admitted during the war period (21.8% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001, and 31.9% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.04, respectively), whereas non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients were admitted more frequently in the pre-war year (19.3% vs. 25.7%, p = 0.09). In-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (4.4% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.71; HR 1.42; 95% CI 0.6-3.32, p = 0.4). (4) Conclusions: During the first three months of the war, fewer Arab patients and more STEMI patients were admitted to the ICCU. Nevertheless, in-hospital mortality was similar in both groups.

Incidence of Ventricular Fibrillation and Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia Complicating Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Primary ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) are potentially lethal complications in patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (MI). In contrast with the profound data regarding the incidence and prognostic value of ventricular arrhythmias in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, data regarding contemporary non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients with ventricular arrhythmias is scarce. The aim of the current study was to investigate the incidence of VF/VT complicating NSTEMI among patients admitted to an intensive coronary care unit (ICCU). Methods: Prospective, single-center study of patients diagnosed with NSTEMI admitted to ICCU between June 2019 and December 2022. Data including demographics, presenting symptoms, comorbid conditions, and physical examination, as well as laboratory and imaging data, were analyzed. Patients were continuously monitored for arrhythmias during their admission. The study endpoint was the development of VF/sustained VT during admission. Results: A total of 732 patients were admitted to ICCU with a diagnosis of NSTEMI. Of them, six (0.8%) patients developed VF/VT during their admission. Nevertheless, three were excluded after they were misdiagnosed with NSTEMI instead of posterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Hence, only three (0.4%) NSTEMI patients had VF/VT during admission. None of the patients died during 1-year follow-up. Conclusions: VF/VT in NSTEMI patients treated according to contemporary guidelines including early invasive strategy is rare, suggesting these patients may not need routine monitoring and ICCU setup.

Artificial intelligence based prediction model of in-hospital mortality among females with acute coronary syndrome: for the Jerusalem Platelets Thrombosis and Intervention in Cardiology (JUPITER-12) Study Group.

Introduction: Despite ongoing efforts to minimize sex bias in diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), data still shows outcomes differences between sexes including higher risk of all-cause mortality rate among females. Hence, the aim of the current study was to examine sex differences in ACS in-hospital mortality, and to implement artificial intelligence (AI) models for prediction of in-hospital mortality among females with ACS. Methods: All ACS patients admitted to a tertiary care center intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) between July 2019 and July 2023 were prospectively enrolled. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Three prediction algorithms, including gradient boosting classifier (GBC) random forest classifier (RFC), and logistic regression (LR) were used to develop and validate prediction models for in-hospital mortality among females with ACS, using only available features at presentation. Results: A total of 2,346 ACS patients with a median age of 64 (IQR: 56-74) were included. Of them, 453 (19.3%) were female. Female patients had higher prevalence of NSTEMI (49.2% vs. 39.8%, p < 0.001), less urgent PCI (<2 h) rates (40.2% vs. 50.6%, p < 0.001), and more complications during admission (17.7% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.01). In-hospital mortality occurred in 58 (2.5%) patients [21/453 (5%) females vs. 37/1,893 (2%) males, HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.33-3.91, p = 0.003]. GBC algorithm outscored the RFC and LR models, with area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.91 with proposed working point of 83.3% sensitivity and 82.4% specificity, and area under precision recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.92. Analysis of feature importance indicated that older age, STEMI, and inflammatory markers were the most important contributing variables. Conclusions: Mortality and complications rates among females with ACS are significantly higher than in males. Machine learning algorithms for prediction of ACS outcomes among females can be used to help mitigate sex bias.

Culprit Lesion Coronary Intervention Before Complete Angiography in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Rapid reperfusion during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with improved outcomes among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Although attempts at reducing the time from STEMI diagnosis to arrival at the catheterization laboratory have been widely investigated, intraprocedural strategies aimed at reducing the time to reperfusion are lacking. Objective: To evaluate the effect of culprit lesion PCI before complete diagnostic coronary angiography (CAG) vs complete CAG followed by culprit lesion PCI on reperfusion times among patients with STEMI. Design, Setting, and Participants: This open-label, prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted between April 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, among patients admitted to a tertiary center in Jerusalem, Israel, with a diagnosis of STEMI undergoing primary PCI. All patients were followed up for 1 year. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat basis. Intervention: Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either culprit lesion PCI before complete CAG or complete CAG followed by culprit lesion PCI. Main Outcomes and Measures: A needle-to-balloon time of 10 minutes or less. Results: A total of 216 patients were randomized, with 184 patients (mean [SD] age, 62.9 [12.2] years; 155 men [84.2%]) included in the final intention-to-treat analysis; 90 patients (48.9%) were randomized to undergo culprit lesion PCI before CAG, and 94 (51.1%) were randomized to undergo to CAG followed by PCI. Patients who underwent culprit lesion PCI before complete CAG had a shorter mean (SD) needle-to-balloon time (11.4 [5.9] vs 17.3 [13.3] minutes; P < .001). The primary outcome of a needle-to-balloon time of 10 minutes or less was achieved for 51.1% of patients (46 of 90) who underwent culprit lesion PCI before CAG and for 19.1% of patients (18 of 94) who underwent complete CAG followed by culprit lesion PCI (odds ratio, 4.4 [95% CI, 2.2-9.1]; P < .001). Rates of adverse events were similar between groups. In a subgroup analysis, the effect of culprit lesion PCI before complete CAG on the primary outcome was consistent. There were no differences in rates of in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year all-cause mortality. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial of patients with STEMI, culprit lesion PCI before complete CAG resulted in shorter reperfusion times. Larger trials are needed to validate these results and to evaluate the effect on clinical outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05415085.

Atherosclerotic Plaque Erosion: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Potential Therapeutic Strategies-A Review.

ABSTRACT: Atherosclerosis is an insidious and progressive inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of lipid-laden plaques within the intima of arterial walls with potentially devastating consequences. While rupture of vulnerable plaques has been extensively studied, a distinct mechanism known as plaque erosion (PE) has gained recognition and attention in recent years. PE, characterized by the loss of endothelial cell lining in the presence of intact fibrous cap, contributes to a significant and growing proportion of acute coronary events. However, despite a heterogeneous substrate underlying coronary thrombosis, treatment remains identical. This article provides an overview of atherosclerotic PE characteristics and its underlying mechanisms, highlights its clinical implications, and discusses potential therapeutic strategies.

Immature Platelet Fraction and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Immature platelets or reticulated platelets are newly released thrombocytes. They can be identified by their large size and high RNA cytoplasm concentration. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) represents the percentage of immature circulative platelets relative to the total number of platelets. The role of IPF in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unknown. The aim of the current trial was to assess the levels of IPF in patients undergoing TAVI and correlation with clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immature platelet fraction levels were measured 3 times in all patients (preprocedure, 1-2 days post-procedure and 1-month post-procedure). Immature platelet fraction measurement was carried out using an autoanalyzer (Sysmex XE-2100). Patients were followed for 12 months. Primary outcomes were defined as complications during hospitalizations, rehospitalization, and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Mean age was 79.8 (±9.6), and 28 (55%) were women. Twenty-one patients (41%) had complications: Of them, 6 of 21 (29%) occurred during hospitalizations (2-vascular complications; 2-sepsis, 2-implantation of a pacemaker), 9 of 21 (43%) patients were rehospitalized after the index admission, and 6 patients died during the follow-up period. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that IPF < 7% in at least one of the 3 tests was associated with worse outcomes (hazard ratio 3.42; 95% CI 1.11-10.5, P = .032). CONCLUSION: Immature platelet fraction >7% in patients undergoing TAVI is associated with worse outcomes. Further studies are needed to better understand this phenomenon.

Mitral valve gradient changes associate with outcomes of patients undergoing transcatheter edge-to-edge repair.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) is typically used to treat mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with high surgical risk. Increased post-procedural mitral valve gradient (MVG) may impact mortality and hospitalizations. We aim to evaluate and compare the absolute postprocedural MVG and the change in the MVG effect on outcomes for patients undergoing TEER therapy. METHODS: Patients who underwent TEER for severe MR were divided into two groups, initially by postprocedural absolute MVG, TTE-based at discharge, and then by the difference between preprocedural and postprocedural MVG. Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH) during one year after the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 100 patients. The mean MVG increased from 3.39 mmHg immediately after the procedure to 4.83 mmHg the following day, an increase of 1.44 mmHg (p < 0.001). First stratification was by MVG on the day following the procedure - MVG ≤5 mmHg (n = 70) and MVG >5 mmHg (n = 30). There was no significant difference in rates of survival (88.6%, 93.3%, p = 0.716) or HFH (18.6%, 33.3%, p = 0.178). Second stratification was by the difference in preprocedural and postprocedural MVG- delta MVG <3 mmHg (n = 55) and delta MVG ≥3 mmHg (n = 45). While survival rates did not significantly differ (87.3% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.503), delta MVG ≥3 mmHg correlated with higher HFH rates (12.7% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The MVG of patients undergoing TEER usually increases on the day after the procedure compared to the immediate post-procedure MVG. Higher delta MVG is associated with higher HFH rate.

Thyroid dysfunction and mortality in cardiovascular hospitalized patients.

Background: Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Early detection may influence the clinical management. Objective: To determine the prevalence, predictors, and prognostic value of TD among hospitalized cardiac patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a 12-year database consisting of nonselectively adult patients admitted to a Cardiology Department and who were all screened for serum thyroid-stimulation-hormone (TSH) levels . Statistical analysis of demographic and clinical characteristics, mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS) was performed. Results: A total of 14369 patients were included in the study; mean age was 67 years, 38.3% females. 1465 patients (10.2%) had TD. The most frequent type of TD was mildly elevated TSH (5.4%) followed by mildly reduced TSH (2.1%), markedly elevated TSH (1.5%), and markedly reduced TSH (1.2%). Female gender, history of hypothyroidism, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, renal failure and amiodarone use were significantly associated with TD. During follow-up 2975 (20.7%) patients died. There was increased mortality in the mildly reduced TSH subgroup (hazard ratio [HR] =1.44), markedly elevated TSH subgroup (HR=1.40) and mildly elevated TSH subgroup (HR=1.27). LOS was longer for patients with TD; the longest stay was observed in the markedly elevated TSH subgroup (odds ratio=1.69). Conclusion: The prevalence of TD in hospitalized cardiac patients is 10.2%. TD is associated with an increased mortality rate and LOS. Consequently, routine screening for thyroid function in this population is advisable, particularly for selected high-risk subgroups. Future studies are needed to determine whether optimizing thyroid function can improve survival in these patients.

Troponin level at presentation as a prognostic factor among patients presenting with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Timely reperfusion within 120 min is strongly recommended in patients presenting with non-ST-segment myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with very high-risk features. Evidence regarding the use of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) concentration upon admission for the risk-stratification of patients presenting with NSTEMI to expedite percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and thus potentially improve outcomes is limited. METHODS: All patients admitted to a tertiary care center ICCU between July 2019 and July 2022 were included. Hs-cTnI levels on presentaion were recorded, dividing patients into quartiles based on baseline hs-cTnI. Association between initial hs-cTnI and all-cause mortality during up to 3 years of follow-up was studied. RESULTS: A total of 544 NSTEMI patients with a median age of 67 were included. Hs-cTnI levels in each quartile were: (a) ≤122, (b) 123-680, (c) 681-2877, and (d) ≥2878 ng/L. There was no difference between the initial hs-cTnI level groups regarding age and comorbidities. A higher mortality rate was observed in the highest hs-cTnI quartile as compared with the lowest hs-cTnI quartile (16.2% vs. 7.35%, p = .03) with hazard ratio (HR) for mortality of 2.6 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-5.4; p = .012) in the unadjusted model, and HR of 2.06 (95% CI: 1.01-4.79; p = .047) with adjustment for age, gender, serum creatinine, and significant comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NSTEMI and higher hs-cTnI levels upon admission faced elevated mortality risk. This underscores the need for further prospective investigations into early reperfusion strategies' impact on NSTEMI patients' mortality, based on admission troponin elevation.

Association of Shock Index with Echocardiographic Parameters in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: A high shock index (SI), the ratio of heart rate (HR) to systolic blood pressure (SBP), has been associated with unfavorable outcomes. We sought to determine the hemodynamic underpinnings of an elevated SI using 2-D and doppler Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) in unselected cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients. METHODS: We included Mayo Clinic CICU admissions from 2007 to 2018 who were in sinus rhythm at the time of TTE. The SI was calculated using HR and SBP at the time of TTE. Patients were grouped according to SI: <0.7, 4012 (64%); 0.7-0.99, 1764 (28%); and ≥ 1.0, 513 (8%). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess associations between continuous variables. RESULTS: We included 6289 unique CICU patients, 58% of whom had acute coronary syndrome. The median age was 67.9 years old and 37.8% were females. The mean SI was 0.67 BPM/mmHg. As the SI increased, markers of left ventricular (LV) systolic function and forward flow decreased, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening, left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) velocity time integral (VTI), stroke volume, LV stroke work index, and cardiac power output. Biventricular filling pressures increased, and markers of right ventricular function worsened with rising SI. Most TTE measurements reflecting LV function and forward flow were inversely correlated with SI, including LV stroke work index (r = -0.59) and LVOT VTI (r = -0.41), as were both systemic vascular resistance index (r = -0.43) and LVEF (r = -0.23). CONCLUSION: CICU patients with elevated SI have worse biventricular function and systemic hemodynamics, particularly decreased stroke volume and related calculated TTE parameters. The SI is an easily available marker that can be used to identify CICU patients with unfavorable hemodynamics who may require further assessment.

Safety and Outcomes of Peripherally Administered Vasopressor Infusion in Patients Admitted with Shock to an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit-A Single-Center Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Vasopressors are frequently utilized for blood pressure stabilization in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS), although with a questionable benefit. Obtaining central venous access is time consuming and may be associated with serious complications. Hence, we thought to evaluate whether the administration of vasopressors through a peripheral venous catheter (PVC) is a safe and effective alternative for the management of patients with CS presenting to the intensive cardiovascular care unit (ICCU). METHODS: A prospective single-center study was conducted to compare the safety and outcomes of vasopressors administered via a PVC vs. a central venous catheter (CVC) in patients presenting with CS over a 12-month period. RESULTS: A total of 1100 patients were included; of them, 139 (12.6%) required a vasopressor treatment due to shock, with 108 (78%) treated via a PVC and 31 (22%) treated via a CVC according to the discretion of the treating physician. The duration of the vasopressor administration was shorter in the PVC group compared with the CVC group (2.5 days vs. 4.2 days, respectively, p < 0.05). Phlebitis and the extravasation of vasopressors occurred at similar rates in the PVC and CVC groups (5.7% vs. 3.3%, respectively, p = 0.33; 0.9% vs. 3.3%, respectively, p = 0.17). Nevertheless, the bleeding rate was higher in the CVC group compared with the PVC group (3% vs. 0%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of vasopressor infusions via PVC for the management of patients with CS is feasible and safe in patients with cardiogenic shock. Further studies are needed to establish this method of treatment.

Management of Coronary Artery Disease in Older Adults: Recent Advances and Gaps in Evidence.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is highly prevalent in older adults, yet its management remains challenging. Treatment choices are made complex by the frailty burden of older patients, a high prevalence of comorbidities and body composition abnormalities (e.g., sarcopenia), the complexity of coronary anatomy, and the frequent presence of multivessel disease, as well as the coexistence of major ischemic and bleeding risk factors. Recent randomized clinical trials and epidemiological studies have provided new data on optimal management of complex patients with CAD. However, frail older adults are still underrepresented in the literature. This narrative review aims to highlight the importance of assessing frailty as an aid to guide therapeutic decision-making and tailor CAD management to the specific needs of older adults, taking into account age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes, polypharmacy, and potential drug interactions. We also discuss gaps in the evidence and offer perspectives on how best in the future to optimize the global strategy of CAD management in older adults.

Urgent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair for severe mitral regurgitation with flail leaflet in critically Ill patients.

Introduction: Degenerative mitral valve disease (DMR) is a common valvular disorder, with flail leaflets due to ruptured chordae representing an extreme variation of this pathology. Ruptured chordae can present as acute heart failure which requires urgent intervention. While mitral valve surgery is the preferred mode of intervention, many patients have significantly elevated surgical risk and are sometimes considered inoperable. We aim to characterize patients with ruptured chordae undergoing urgent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), and to analyze their clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. Methods: We screened all patients who underwent TEER at a tertiary referral center in Israel. We included patients with DMR with flail leaflet due to ruptured chordae and categorized them into elective and critically ill groups. We evaluated the echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and clinical outcomes of these patients. Results: The cohort included 49 patients with DMR due to ruptured chordae and flail leaflet, who underwent TEER. Seventeen patients (35%) underwent urgent intervention and 32 patients (65%) underwent an elective procedure. In the urgent group, the average age of the patient was 80.3, with 41.8% being female. Fourteen patients (82%) received noninvasive ventilation, and three patients (18%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. One patient died due to tamponade, while echo evaluation of the other 16 patients demonstrated successful reduction of ≥2 in the MR grade. Left atrial V wave decreased from 41.6 mmHg to 17.9 mmHg (p < 0.001), and the pulmonic vein flow pattern changed from reversal (68.8%) to a systolic dominant flow in all patients (p = 0.001). After the procedure, 78.5% of patients improved to New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I or II (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the overall mortality between the urgent and elective groups, with similar 6 months survival rates for each group. Conclusion: Urgent TEER in patients with ruptured chordae and flail leaflets can be safe and feasible with favorable hemodynamic, echocardiographic, and clinical outcomes.

Marital status impact on the outcomes of patients admitted for acute decompensation of heart failure: A retrospective, single-center, analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between marital status and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Further, it is not clear whether type of unmarried status (never married, divorced, or widowed) disparities exist in this context. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that marital status will be associated with better outcomes in patients with HF. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study utilized a cohort of 7457 patients admitted with acute decompensated HF (ADHF) between 2007 and 2017. We compared baseline characteristics, clinical indices, and outcomes of these patients grouped by their marital status. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the independency of the association between marital status and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Married patients accounted for 52% of the population while 37%, 9%, and 2% were widowed, divorced, and never married, respectively. Unmarried patients were older (79.8 ± 11.5 vs. 74.8 ± 11.1 years; p < 0.001), more frequently women (71.4% vs. 33.2%; p < 0.001), and less likely to have traditional cardiovascular comorbidities. Compared with married patients, all-cause mortality incidence was higher in unmarried patients at 30 days (14.7% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001), 1 year, and 5 years (72.9% vs. 68.4%, p < 0.001). Nonadjusted Kaplan-Meier estimates for 5-year all-cause mortality by sex, demonstrated the best prognosis for married women, and by marital status in unmarried patients, the best prognosis was demonstrated in divorced patients while the worst was recorded in widowed patients. After adjustment for covariates, marital status was not found to be independently associated with ADHF outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Marital status is not independently associated with outcomes of patients admitted for ADHF. Efforts for outcomes improvement should focus on other, more traditional risk factors.