18F-fluorodeoxyglucose use after cardiac transplant: A comparative study of suppression of physiological myocardial uptake.

BACKGROUND: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been useful in the evaluation of myocardial inflammatory processes. However, it is challenging to identify them due to physiological 18F-FDG uptake. There are no publications demonstrating the application of FDG in post-transplant rejection in humans yet. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of suppression of myocardial FDG uptake in post-transplant patients, comparing three different protocols of preparation. METHODS: Ten patients after heart transplantation were imaged by FDG associated with three endomyocardial biopsies (EMB), scheduled in the first year after the procedure. Before each imaging, patients were randomized to one of three preparations: (1) hyperlipidic-hypoglycemic diet; (2) fasting longer than 12 hours; and (3) fasting associated with intravenous heparin. All patients would undergo the three methods. FDG images were analyzed using visual analysis scores and relative radiotracer cardiac uptake (RRCU). RESULTS: The suppression rate of radiotracer activity ranged from 55% to 62%. Visual analysis showed that preparation 3 presented less efficacy in the suppression compared to the others. However, RRCU did not show difference between the preparations. CONCLUSIONS: Suppression of physiological myocardial FDG uptake after cardiac transplantation is feasible. The usefulness of heparin in the suppression is unclear.

Acute cellular rejection and HLA mismatch in heart transplantation: insights from a developing country.

The notable evolution of heart transplant (HTX) has paralleled the capacity of diagnosing rejection and, consequently, initiating timely treatment. Acute cellular rejection, diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy, is the most frequent in the first 6 months after HTX. HLA matching is not routinely performed in HTX due to the absence of consensus regarding its usefulness. However, the use of HLA typing might be underscored if it could predict an increased risk of rejection. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, at a public cardiology center in Brazil, the association between HLA mismatches and the incidence of acute cellular rejection in the first 6 months after HTX. Data were obtained from hospital records and from the National Transplant System. Overall, there was no association between the number of HLA mismatches and the frequency of acute cellular rejection, but there was a tendency toward a higher incidence of rejection with HLA-DR incompatibility.

Clinical Features and Survival Analysis of Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement, with an Emphasis on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis. / Aspectos Clínicos e de Sobrevida de Pacientes pós Implante de Valva Mecânica, com Ênfase em Trombose de Prótese Valvar.

BACKGROUND: Valvular heart diseases are highly prevalent in the world, and surgical valve replacement has improved patients' survival. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and laboratory data of patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement, and to determine the incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of up to nine years. The study variables were collected from conventional and electronic medical charts. Statistical calculations were performed using the Jamovi software version 1.2.2.; a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors related to mortality. RESULTS: A total of 473 patients were included, mean age of 46.9 ±11.3 years. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology. In a mean follow-up period of 4.43 years, mortality rate was 16.1%. Patients with aortic prosthesis showed higher survival than patients with double implant (mitral and aortic) (p=0.026). Of the factors adjusted for mortality, only functional class and chronic renal failure showed statistically significant association. The incidence of PVT was 0.24/100 patients/year, and the first event occurred more than 1000 days after the implant. Smoking and pannus formation were significantly associated with PVT. No differences were found in INR variability between patients with and without thrombosis by prosthetic position, but significant differences were found in INR before thrombosis as compared with patients without thrombosis (INR= 2.20 [1.80-2.20] vs. 2.80 [2.20-3.40]; p= 0.040). The incidence of stroke and bleeding was 4.4% and 5.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study population was young, and rheumatic valve disease was common in this group. The prevalence of PVT was similar to that described in the literature, despite the low income and low educational level of our sample.

FUNDAMENTO: As doenças oro-valvares têm prevalência mundial expressiva, e a cirurgia de troca valvar melhorou a sobrevida dos pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Descrever aspectos clínico-laboratoriais dos pacientes submetidos a implante valvar mecânico e determinar a incidência de trombose de próteses valvares (TPV). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com seguimento até nove anos; as variáveis de estudo foram buscadas em prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Os cálculos foram realizados pelo programa Jamovi 1.2.2.; p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Foram construídas curvas de Kaplan Meier, e realizada análise de regressão de Cox para fatores relacionados à mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 473 pacientes com média de idade de 46,9 ±11,3 anos. A doença reumática foi a principal etiologia. Em média de acompanhamento de 4,43 anos, a mortalidade foi de 16,1%. Pacientes com implantes de próteses na posição aórtica tiveram sobrevida melhor que os portadores em posição mitro-aórtica (p=0,026). Entre os fatores ajustados para mortalidade, apenas classe funcional e insuficiência renal crônica apresentaram significância estatística. A incidência de TPV foi de 0,24/100 pacientes/ano, com primeiro evento após 1000 dias da cirurgia. Tabagismo e pannus foram estatisticamente associados a TPV. Não houve diferenças na variabilidade de INR entre pacientes com e sem trombose por posição protética, mas houve diferença estatística no INR pré-evento trombótico comparado aos que não apresentaram trombose (INR= 2,20[1,80-2,20] vs 2,80[2,20-3,40]; p= 0,040). Identificamos 4,4% de acidentes vasculares cerebrais e 5,2% de sangramentos. CONCLUSÕES: A população mostrou-se jovem e valvopatia reumática foi frequente. A frequência de TPV foi semelhante à descrita na literatura, apesar da baixa renda e escolaridade da amostra.

Double Product and Autonomic Function as Predictors of Quality of Life in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Heart rate control by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is impaired in heart transplant (HT) recipients, leading to increased resting heart rate, metabolic demand, and fatigue, which can impair their quality of life (QoL). In this study, we hypothesized the association of hemodynamics and autonomic function as predictors of QoL in HT recipients. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with HT recipients aged ≥ 18 years at ambulatorial accompaniment. Blood pressure was used for hemodynamics assessment, and heart rate variability (HRV) was used for ANS assessment. QoL was assessed by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. The significance level was set as P≤0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-two volunteers were included in the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and double product (DP) were significantly negatively associated with the physical functioning domain of QoL. DP, the number of consecutive normal RR interval differences > 50 ms (NN50), and the percentage of normal RR intervals that differed by > 50 ms from the adjacent interval (PNN50) exhibited negative association with the physical role domain. NN50 and PNN50 were significantly associated with bodily pain, social functioning, and emotional role domains. SBP was negatively associated with the vitality domain. Considering general and mental health domains, no variable demonstrated significant association. DP, NN50, and PNN50 were negatively associated with the total score of QoL. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated DP and HRV as predictors of QoL in HT recipients. These innovative results can become a relevant therapeutic target for improving QoL in HT recipients prior to its deterioration.

C-reactive Protein as a Prognostic Marker of 1-Year Mortality after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Aortic Stenosis. / Proteína C-reativa como Marcador Prognóstico de Mortalidade no Primeiro Ano após Implante de Válvula Aórtica Transcateter em Estenose Aórtica.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammation biomarker that can be a predictor of adverse events in cardiovascular procedures. Its use in the assessment of long-term prognosis of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still incipient. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CRP as a prognostic marker in the first year after TAVI in aortic stenosis (AoS). METHODS: CRP was assessed on the first postoperative week in a retrospective cohort of patients with AoS. Pre- and post- CRP levels were correlated with mortality, and predictors of 1-year mortality were investigated. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify independent factors of 1-year mortality. RESULTS: This study evaluated 130 patients who underwent TAVI, with median age of 83 years, and 49% of women. High pre-TAVI CRP (> 0.5 mg/dL) was observed in 34.5% of the cases. Peak CRP was 7.0 (5.3-12.1) mg/dL no quarto dia. The rate of 1-year mortality was 14.5% (n = 19), being greater in the groups with high pre-TAVI CRP (68.8% vs 29.1%; p = 0,004) and with peak CRP ≥ 10.0 mg/dL (64.7% vs 30.8%; p = 0,009). Independent predictors of mortality were acute renal failure (ARF) (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.43; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 2.1-24.7; p = 0,001), high pre-TAVI CRP (HR 4.15; 95%CI, 1.3-12.9; p = 0.01), and large blood transfusion [HR 4,68; 1,3-16,7; p = 0.02]. CONCLUSIONS: High pre-TAVI CRP showed to be an independent predictor of 1-year mortality, as well as the presence of ARF and large blood transfusions.

FUNDAMENTO: A proteína C-reativa (PCR) é um biomarcador de inflamação preditor de eventos adversos em procedimentos cardiovasculares. Na avaliação do implante da válvula aórtica transcateter (transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI) em relação ao prognóstico de longo prazo ainda é incipiente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a PCR como marcador prognóstico no primeiro ano pós-TAVI na estenose aórtica (EAo). MÉTODOS: A PCR foi avaliada na primeira semana do peroperatório numa coorte de casos retrospectiva com EAo. Correlacionou-se a PCR pré- e pós-TAVI com a mortalidade e foram pesquisados fatores preditores de mortalidade em 1 ano. Realizada regressão de Cox multivariada para identificar os preditores independentes de óbito em 1 ano. RESULTADOS: Estudados 130 pacientes submetidos a TAVI, com mediana de idade de 83 anos, sendo 49% deles do sexo feminino. A PCR pré-TAVI elevada (> 0,5 mg/dL) ocorreu em 34,5% dos casos. O pico de PCR foi 7,0 (5,3-12,1) mg/dL no quarto dia. A mortalidade em 1 ano foi 14,5% (n = 19), sendo maior nos grupos com PCR pré-TAVI elevada (68,8% vs 29,1%; p = 0,004) e pico de PCR ≥ 10,0 mg/dL (64,7% vs 30,8%; p = 0,009). Os fatores preditores independentes de mortalidade foram insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) [razão de risco (RR) = 7,43; intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%), 2,1-24,7; p = 0,001], PCR pré-TAVI elevada [RR = 4,15; IC95%, 1,3-12,9; p=0,01] e hemotransfusão volumosa [HR = 4,68; 1,3-16,7; p = 0,02]. CONCLUSÕES: A PCR pré-TAVI elevada mostrou-se fator preditor independente de mortalidade no primeiro ano, assim como a ocorrência de IRA e hemotransfusões volumosas.

Effect of Using Triclosan-Impregnated Polyglactin Suture to Prevent Infection of Saphenectomy Wounds in CABG: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of triclosan-coated suture for the reduction of infection in saphenectomy wounds of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: A total of 508 patients who underwent saphenectomy in CABG surgery were included in a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial from February/2011 to June/2014. Patients were randomized into the triclosan-coated suture group (n= 251) and the conventional non-antibiotic suture group (n=257). Demographic (gender and age), clinical (body mass index, diabetes, and use of analgesics), and intraoperative (cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp times) variables and those related to the saphenectomy wound (pain, dehiscence, erythema, infection, necrosis, and hyperthermia) were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 508 patients who underwent saphenectomy, 69.9% were males and 40.2% were diabetic. Thirty-three (6.5%) patients presented infection: 13 (5.3%) with triclosan and 20 (7.9%) with conventional suture (P=0.281). Among diabetic patients (n=204), triclosan suture was used in 45.1% with four cases of infection; conventional suture was used in 54.9% of them, with 11 cases of infection. Most patients (94.3%) underwent on-pump CABG. Wound pain was observed in 9.9% of patients with triclosan-coated suture and in 17.9% with conventional suture (P=0.011). Wound hyperthermia was found in 1.6% of patients with triclosan-coated suture and in 5.4% of those with conventional suture (P=0.028). CONCLUSION: Triclosan-coated suture shows lower infection rate in saphenectomy of patients undergoing CABG, although the differences were not statistically significant. Pain and wound hyperthermia were less frequent in patients with triclosan-coated sutures compared with conventional sutures.

Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure Reduces Plasma L-carnitine.

The heart has an intense aerobic metabolism and is among the most metabolically active organs in the body. Its tissue stores fatty acid, the main energetic substrate, and requires high concentrations of plasma L-carnitine. This nutrient is essential in the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria to generate energy and maintain the proper concentration of coenzyme A free. In decompensated chronic heart failure metabolic changes, associated with inflammation, alter the metabolism of L-carnitine and compromise cardiac energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma L-carnitine in chronic heart failure patients during cardiac decompensation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 109 volunteers with chronic heart failure. Participants were stratified in the compensated (HF compensated) and decompensated (decompensated HF) groups. Plasma L-carnitine was evaluated by the spectrophotometric enzymatic method. Low plasma L-carnitine was found in the decompensated HF group (p = 0.0001). In this group it was also observed that 29.1% of the participants presented plasma L-carnitine below the reference range (<20 mmol). Reduced plasma L-carnitine in patients with decompensated chronic systolic heart failure was founded. These findings suggest that plasma L-carnitine assessment may be helpful in clinical practice for the treatment of patients with cardiac decompensation.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: The Experience of One Brazilian Health Care Center.

OBJECTIVE: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement has been an alternative to invasive treatment for symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in high risk patients. The primary endpoint was 30-day and 1-year mortality from any cause. Secondary endpoints were to compare the clinical and echocardiographic variation pre-and post- transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and the occurrence of complications throughout a 4-year follow-up period. METHODS: This prospective cohort, nestled to a multicenter study (Registro Brasileiro de Implante de Bioprótese por Cateter), describes the experience of a public tertiary center in transcatheter aortic valve replacement. All patients who underwent this procedure between October 2011 and February 2016 were included. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The 30-day all-cause mortality was 5.2% (n=3) and after 1 year was 17.2% (n=10). A significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional classification was observed when comparing pre-and post- transcatheter aortic valve replacement (III or IV 84.4% versus 5.8%; P<0.001). A decline in peak was observed (P<0.001) and mean (P<0.001) systolic transaortic gradient. The results of peak and mean post-implant transaortic gradient were sustained after one year (P=0.29 and P=0.36, respectively). Left ventricular ejection fraction did not change significantly during follow-up (P=0.41). The most frequent complications were bleeding (28.9%), the need for permanent pacemaker (27.6%) and acute renal injury (20.6%). CONCLUSION: Mortality and complications in this study were consistent with worldwide experience. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement had positive clinical and hemodynamic results, when comparing pre-and post-procedure, and the hemodynamic profile of the prosthesis was sustained throughout follow-up.

Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Rheumatic Valve Disease.

OBJECTIVE:: To assess heart rhythm and predictive factors associated with sinus rhythm after one year in patients with rheumatic valve disease undergoing concomitant surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation. Operative mortality, survival and occurrence of stroke after one year were also evaluated. METHODS:: Retrospective longitudinal observational study of 103 patients undergoing rheumatic mitral valve surgery and ablation of atrial fibrillation using uni- or bipolar radiofrequency between January 2013 and December 2014. Age, gender, functional class (NYHA), type of atrial fibrillation, EuroSCORE, duration of atrial fibrillation, stroke, left atrial size, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, myocardial ischemia time and type of radiofrequency were investigated. RESULTS:: After one year, 66.3% of patients were in sinus rhythm. Sinus rhythm at hospital discharge, lower left atrial size in the preoperative period and bipolar radiofrequency were associated with a greater chance of sinus rhythm after one year. Operative mortality was 7.7%. Survival rate after one year was 92.3% and occurrence of stroke was 1%. CONCLUSION:: Atrial fibrillation ablation surgery with surgical approach of rheumatic mitral valve resulted in 63.1% patients in sinus rhythm after one year. Discharge from hospital in sinus rhythm was a predictor of maintenance of this rhythm. Increased left atrium and use of unipolar radiofrequency were associated with lower chance of sinus rhythm. Operative mortality rate of 7.7% and survival and stroke-free survival contribute to excellent care results for this approach.

Aspectos Clínicos e de Sobrevida de Pacientes pós Implante de Valva Mecânica, com Ênfase em Trombose de Prótese Valvar / Clinical Features and Survival Analysis of Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement, with an Emphasis on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis

Resumo Fundamento As doenças oro-valvares têm prevalência mundial expressiva, e a cirurgia de troca valvar melhorou a sobrevida dos pacientes. Objetivos Descrever aspectos clínico-laboratoriais dos pacientes submetidos a implante valvar mecânico e determinar a incidência de trombose de próteses valvares (TPV). Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com seguimento até nove anos; as variáveis de estudo foram buscadas em prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Os cálculos foram realizados pelo programa Jamovi 1.2.2.; p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Foram construídas curvas de Kaplan Meier, e realizada análise de regressão de Cox para fatores relacionados à mortalidade. Resultados Foram incluídos 473 pacientes com média de idade de 46,9 ±11,3 anos. A doença reumática foi a principal etiologia. Em média de acompanhamento de 4,43 anos, a mortalidade foi de 16,1%. Pacientes com implantes de próteses na posição aórtica tiveram sobrevida melhor que os portadores em posição mitro-aórtica (p=0,026). Entre os fatores ajustados para mortalidade, apenas classe funcional e insuficiência renal crônica apresentaram significância estatística. A incidência de TPV foi de 0,24/100 pacientes/ano, com primeiro evento após 1000 dias da cirurgia. Tabagismo e pannus foram estatisticamente associados a TPV. Não houve diferenças na variabilidade de INR entre pacientes com e sem trombose por posição protética, mas houve diferença estatística no INR pré-evento trombótico comparado aos que não apresentaram trombose (INR= 2,20[1,80-2,20] vs 2,80[2,20-3,40]; p= 0,040). Identificamos 4,4% de acidentes vasculares cerebrais e 5,2% de sangramentos. Conclusões A população mostrou-se jovem e valvopatia reumática foi frequente. A frequência de TPV foi semelhante à descrita na literatura, apesar da baixa renda e escolaridade da amostra.

Abstract Background Valvular heart diseases are highly prevalent in the world, and surgical valve replacement has improved patients' survival. Objectives To describe clinical and laboratory data of patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement, and to determine the incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Methods Retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of up to nine years. The study variables were collected from conventional and electronic medical charts. Statistical calculations were performed using the Jamovi software version 1.2.2.; a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors related to mortality. Results A total of 473 patients were included, mean age of 46.9 ±11.3 years. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology. In a mean follow-up period of 4.43 years, mortality rate was 16.1%. Patients with aortic prosthesis showed higher survival than patients with double implant (mitral and aortic) (p=0.026). Of the factors adjusted for mortality, only functional class and chronic renal failure showed statistically significant association. The incidence of PVT was 0.24/100 patients/year, and the first event occurred more than 1000 days after the implant. Smoking and pannus formation were significantly associated with PVT. No differences were found in INR variability between patients with and without thrombosis by prosthetic position, but significant differences were found in INR before thrombosis as compared with patients without thrombosis (INR= 2.20 [1.80-2.20] vs. 2.80 [2.20-3.40]; p= 0.040). The incidence of stroke and bleeding was 4.4% and 5.2% respectively. Conclusions The study population was young, and rheumatic valve disease was common in this group. The prevalence of PVT was similar to that described in the literature, despite the low income and low educational level of our sample.

Predictive Value of Myocardial injury in Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to a Quaternary Hospital in the City of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract Background In Brazil the factors involved in the risk of death in patients with COVID-19 have not been well established. Objective To analyze whether elevations of high-sensitivity troponin I (hTnI) levels influence the mortality of patients with COVID-19. Methods Clinical and laboratory characteristics of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were collected upon hospital admission. Univariate and binary logistic regression analyzes were performed to assess the factors that influence mortality. P-value<0.05 was considered significant. Results This study analyzed192 patients who received hospital admission between March 16 and June 2, 2020 and who were discharged or died by July 2, 2020. The mean age was 70±15 years, 80 (41.7%) of whom were women. In comparison to those who were discharged, the 54 (28.1%) who died were older (79±12 vs 66±15years; P=0.004), and with a higher Charlson´s index (5±2 vs 3±2; P=0.027). More patients, aged≥60years (P <0.0001), Charlson´s index>1 (P=0.004), lung injury>50% in chest computed tomography (P=0.011), with previous coronary artery disease (P=0.037), hypertension (P=0.033), stroke (P=0.008), heart failure (P=0.002), lymphocytopenia (P=0.024), high D-dimer (P=0.024), high INR (P=0.003), hTnI (P<0.0001), high creatinine (P<0.0001), invasive mechanical ventilation (P<0.0001), renal replacement therapy (P<0.0001), vasoactive amine (P<0.0001), and transfer to the ICU (P=0.001), died when compared to those who were discharged. In logistic regression analysis, elevated hTnI levels (OR=9.504; 95% CI=1.281-70.528; P=0.028) upon admission, and the need for mechanical ventilation during hospitalization (OR=46.691; 95% CI=2.360-923.706; P=0.012) increased the chance of in-hospital mortality. Conclusion This study suggests that in COVID-19 disease, myocardial injury upon hospital admission is a harbinger of poor prognosis.

Double Product and Autonomic Function as Predictors of Quality of Life in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Heart rate control by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is impaired in heart transplant (HT) recipients, leading to increased resting heart rate, metabolic demand, and fatigue, which can impair their quality of life (QoL). In this study, we hypothesized the association of hemodynamics and autonomic function as predictors of QoL in HT recipients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with HT recipients aged ≥ 18 years at ambulatorial accompaniment. Blood pressure was used for hemodynamics assessment, and heart rate variability (HRV) was used for ANS assessment. QoL was assessed by the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. The significance level was set as P≤0.05. Results: Twenty-two volunteers were included in the study. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and double product (DP) were significantly negatively associated with the physical functioning domain of QoL. DP, the number of consecutive normal RR interval differences > 50 ms (NN50), and the percentage of normal RR intervals that differed by > 50 ms from the adjacent interval (PNN50) exhibited negative association with the physical role domain. NN50 and PNN50 were significantly associated with bodily pain, social functioning, and emotional role domains. SBP was negatively associated with the vitality domain. Considering general and mental health domains, no variable demonstrated significant association. DP, NN50, and PNN50 were negatively associated with the total score of QoL. Conclusion: This study demonstrated DP and HRV as predictors of QoL in HT recipients. These innovative results can become a relevant therapeutic target for improving QoL in HT recipients prior to its deterioration.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation and Morbidity and Mortality-Related Factors: a 5-Year Experience in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become an option for high-surgical-risk patients with aortic valve disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in-hospital and one-year follow-up outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve implantation. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of transcatheter aortic valve implantation cases from July 2009 to February 2015. Analysis of clinical and procedural variables, correlating them with in-hospital and one-year mortality. RESULTS: A total of 136 patients with a mean age of 83 years (80-87) underwent heart valve implantation; of these, 49% were women, 131 (96.3%) had aortic stenosis, one (0.7%) had aortic regurgitation and four (2.9%) had prosthetic valve dysfunction. NYHA functional class was III or IV in 129 cases (94.8%). The baseline orifice area was 0.67 ± 0.17 cm2 and the mean left ventricular-aortic pressure gradient was 47.3±18.2 mmHg, with an STS score of 9.3% (4.8%-22.3%). The prostheses implanted were self-expanding in 97% of cases. Perioperative mortality was 1.5%; 30-day mortality, 5.9%; in-hospital mortality, 8.1%; and one-year mortality, 15.5%. Blood transfusion (relative risk of 54; p = 0.0003) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (relative risk of 5.3; p = 0.036) were predictive of in-hospital mortality. Peak C-reactive protein (relative risk of 1.8; p = 0.013) and blood transfusion (relative risk of 8.3; p = 0.0009) were predictive of 1-year mortality. At 30 days, 97% of patients were in NYHA functional class I/II; at one year, this figure reached 96%. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was performed with a high success rate and low mortality. Blood transfusion was associated with higher in-hospital and one-year mortality. Peak C-reactive protein was associated with one-year mortality.

Proteína C-reativa como marcador prognóstico de mortalidade no mprimeiro ano após implante de válvula aórtica transcateter em estenose aórtica / C-reactive protein as a prognostic marker of 1-year mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in aortic stenosis

Resumo Fundamento: A proteína C-reativa (PCR) é um biomarcador de inflamação preditor de eventos adversos em procedimentos cardiovasculares. Na avaliação do implante da válvula aórtica transcateter (transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI) em relação ao prognóstico de longo prazo ainda é incipiente. Objetivo: Avaliar a PCR como marcador prognóstico no primeiro ano pós-TAVI na estenose aórtica (EAo). Métodos: A PCR foi avaliada na primeira semana do peroperatório numa coorte de casos retrospectiva com EAo. Correlacionou-se a PCR pré- e pós-TAVI com a mortalidade e foram pesquisados fatores preditores de mortalidade em 1 ano. Realizada regressão de Cox multivariada para identificar os preditores independentes de óbito em 1 ano. Resultados: Estudados 130 pacientes submetidos a TAVI, com mediana de idade de 83 anos, sendo 49% deles do sexo feminino. A PCR pré-TAVI elevada (> 0,5 mg/dL) ocorreu em 34,5% dos casos. O pico de PCR foi 7,0 (5,3-12,1) mg/dL no quarto dia. A mortalidade em 1 ano foi 14,5% (n = 19), sendo maior nos grupos com PCR pré-TAVI elevada (68,8% vs 29,1%; p = 0,004) e pico de PCR ≥ 10,0 mg/dL (64,7% vs 30,8%; p = 0,009). Os fatores preditores independentes de mortalidade foram insuficiência renal aguda (IRA) [razão de risco (RR) = 7,43; intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%), 2,1-24,7; p = 0,001], PCR pré-TAVI elevada [RR = 4,15; IC95%, 1,3-12,9; p=0,01] e hemotransfusão volumosa [HR = 4,68; 1,3-16,7; p = 0,02]. Conclusões: A PCR pré-TAVI elevada mostrou-se fator preditor independente de mortalidade no primeiro ano, assim como a ocorrência de IRA e hemotransfusões volumosas.

Abstract Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammation biomarker that can be a predictor of adverse events in cardiovascular procedures. Its use in the assessment of long-term prognosis of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is still incipient. Objective: To evaluate CRP as a prognostic marker in the first year after TAVI in aortic stenosis (AoS). Methods: CRP was assessed on the first postoperative week in a retrospective cohort of patients with AoS. Pre- and post- CRP levels were correlated with mortality, and predictors of 1-year mortality were investigated. Multivariate Cox regression was performed to identify independent factors of 1-year mortality. Results: This study evaluated 130 patients who underwent TAVI, with median age of 83 years, and 49% of women. High pre-TAVI CRP (> 0.5 mg/dL) was observed in 34.5% of the cases. Peak CRP was 7.0 (5.3-12.1) mg/dL no quarto dia. The rate of 1-year mortality was 14.5% (n = 19), being greater in the groups with high pre-TAVI CRP (68.8% vs 29.1%; p = 0,004) and with peak CRP ≥ 10.0 mg/dL (64.7% vs 30.8%; p = 0,009). Independent predictors of mortality were acute renal failure (ARF) (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.43; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 2.1-24.7; p = 0,001), high pre-TAVI CRP (HR 4.15; 95%CI, 1.3-12.9; p = 0.01), and large blood transfusion [HR 4,68; 1,3-16,7; p = 0.02]. Conclusions: High pre-TAVI CRP showed to be an independent predictor of 1-year mortality, as well as the presence of ARF and large blood transfusions.

Is robotic mitral valve surgery more expensive than its conventional counterpart?

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was 'Is robotic mitral valve surgery more expensive than its conventional counterpart?' Altogether 19 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. There is a general impression in the surgical community that robotic operations might incur prohibitive additional costs. There is a paucity of data in the literature regarding cost analysis in cardiac robotic surgery. From the five studies, four were single institution experiences and one was a database inquiry study. These four studies showed that operational costs are higher for robotic cases but this was partially (one study) or completely (three studies) offset by lower postoperative costs. Overall hospital costs were similar between the two approaches in three studies and one study showed higher costs in the robotic group. Higher operating theatre (OT) costs were driven mainly by use of robotic instruments (approximately US$1500 per case) and longer OT times. Savings in postoperative care were driven by shorter length of hospital stay (on average 2 days fewer in robotic cases) and lower morbidity. If amortization cost, that is, the value of the initial capital investment on the robotic system divided by all operations performed, is included in this analysis, robotic approach becomes significantly more expensive by approximately US$3400 per case. The fifth study was a large national database inquiry in which robotic approach was found to be more expensive by US$600 per case excluding amortization cost and by US$3700 if amortization is included. We conclude that the total hospital cost of robotic mitral valve surgery is slightly higher than conventional sternotomy surgery. If amortization is taken into consideration, robotic cases are considerably more expensive.

European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging/Cardiovascular Imaging Department of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology recommendations for the use of cardiac imaging to assess and follow patients after heart transplantation.

The cohort of long-term survivors of heart transplant is expanding, and the assessment of these patients requires specific knowledge of the surgical techniques employed to implant the donor heart, the physiology of the transplanted heart, complications of invasive tests routinely performed to detect graft rejection (GR), and the specific pathologies that may affect the transplanted heart. A joint EACVI/Brazilian cardiovascular imaging writing group committee has prepared these recommendations to provide a practical guide to echocardiographers involved in the follow-up of heart transplant patients and a framework for standardized and efficient use of cardiovascular imaging after heart transplant. Since the transplanted heart is smaller than the recipient's dilated heart, the former is usually located more medially in the mediastinum and tends to be rotated clockwise. Therefore, standard views with conventional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography are often difficult to obtain generating a large variability from patient to patient. Therefore, in echocardiography laboratories equipped with three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) scanners and specific expertise with the technique, 3DE may be a suitable alternative to conventional 2D echocardiography to assess the size and the function of cardiac chambers. 3DE measurement of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) size and function are more accurate and reproducible than conventional 2D calculations. However, clinicians should be aware that cardiac chamber volumes obtained with 3DE cannot be compared with those obtained with 2D echocardiography. To assess cardiac chamber morphology and function during follow-up studies, it is recommended to obtain a comprehensive echocardiographic study at 6 months from the cardiac transplantation as a baseline and make a careful quantitation of cardiac chamber size, RV systolic function, both systolic and diastolic parameters of LV function, and pulmonary artery pressure. Subsequent echocardiographic studies should be interpreted in comparison with the data obtained from the 6-month study. An echocardiographic study, which shows no change from the baseline study, has a high negative predictive value for GR. There is no single systolic or diastolic parameter that can be reliably used to diagnose GR. However, in case several parameters are abnormal, the likelihood of GR increases. When an abnormality is detected, careful revision of images of the present and baseline study (side-by-side) is highly recommended. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a suitable parameter to diagnose subclinical allograft dysfunction, regardless of aetiology, by comparing the changes occurring during serial evaluations. Evaluation of GLS could be used in association with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) to characterize and monitor an acute GR or global dysfunction episode. RV size and function at baseline should be assessed using several parameters, which do not exclusively evaluate longitudinal function. At follow-up echocardiogram, all these parameters should be compared with the baseline values. 3DE may provide a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of RV size and function. Moreover, due to the unpredictable shape of the atria in transplanted patients, atrial volume should be measured using the discs' summation algorithm (biplane algorithm for the left atrium) or 3DE. Tricuspid regurgitation should be looked for and properly assessed in all echocardiographic studies. In case of significant changes in severity of tricuspid regurgitation during follow-up, a 2D/3D and colour Doppler assessment of its severity and mechanisms should be performed. Aortic and mitral valves should be evaluated according to current recommendations. Pericardial effusion should be serially evaluated regarding extent, location, and haemodynamic impact. In case of newly detected pericardial effusion, GR should be considered taking into account the overall echocardiographic assessment and patient evaluation. Dobutamine stress echocardiography might be a suitable alternative to routine coronary angiography to assess cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) at centres with adequate experience with the methodology. Coronary flow reserve and/or contrast infusion to assess myocardial perfusion might be combined with stress echocardiography to improve the accuracy of the test. In addition to its role in monitoring cardiac chamber function and in diagnosis the occurrence of GR and/or CAV, in experienced centres, echocardiography might be an alternative to fluoroscopy to guide EMB, particularly in children and young women, since echocardiography avoids repeated X-ray exposure, permits visualization of soft tissues and safer performance of biopsies of different RV regions. Finally, in addition to the indications about when and how to use echocardiography, the document also addresses the role of the other cardiovascular imaging modalities during follow-up of heart transplant patients. In patients with inadequate acoustic window and contraindication to contrast agents, pharmacological SPECT is an alternative imaging modality to detect CAV in heart transplant patients. However, in centres with adequate expertise, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in conjunction with coronary angiography with a baseline study at 4-6 weeks and at 1 year after heart transplant should be performed to exclude donor coronary artery disease, to detect rapidly progressive CAV, and to provide prognostic information. Despite the fact that coronary angiography is the current gold-standard method for the detection of CAV, the use of IVUS should also be considered when there is a discrepancy between non-invasive imaging tests and coronary angiography concerning the presence of CAV. In experienced centres, computerized tomography coronary angiography is a good alternative to coronary angiography to detect CAV. In patients with a persistently high heart rate, scanners that provide high temporal resolution, such as dual-source systems, provide better image quality. Finally, in patients with insufficient acoustic window, cardiac magnetic resonance is an alternative to echocardiography to assess cardiac chamber volumes and function and to exclude acute GR and CAV in a surveillance protocol.