Review of the Association Between Long-Term and Current Systemic Steroid Use With Electromechanical Complications and Inpatient Mortality After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background The impact of long-term systemic steroid use on electrical and mechanical complications following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not been extensively studied. Methods In a retrospective cohort study of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2018 to 2020, adults admitted with STEMI were dichotomized based on the presence of long-term (current) systemic steroid (LTCSS) use. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included a composite of mechanical complications, electrical, hemodynamic, and thrombotic complications, as well as revascularization complexity, length of stay (LOS), and total charge. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to adjust for confounders. Results Out of 608,210 admissions for STEMI, 5,310 (0.9%) had LTCSS use. There was no significant difference in the odds of all-cause mortality (aOR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.74-1.08, p-value: 0.245) and the composite of mechanical complications (aOR: 0.74, 95%CI: 0.25-2.30, p-value: 0.599). LTCSS use was associated with lower odds of ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular blocks, new permanent-pacemaker insertion, cardiogenic shock, the need for mechanical circulatory support, mechanical ventilation, cardioversion, a reduced LOS by 1 day, and a reduced total charge by 34,512 USD (all p-values: <0.05). There were no significant differences in the revascularization strategy (coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) vs. percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI)) or in the incidence of composite thrombotic events. Conclusion LTCSS use among patients admitted with STEMI was associated with lower odds of electrical dysfunction and hemodynamic instability but no difference in the odds of mechanical complications, CABG rate, all-cause mortality, cardiac arrest, or thrombotic complications. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate these findings further.

The impact of comorbidities and sociodemographic predictors on pneumococcal vaccination coverage in adults with coronary heart disease.

Aim: Coronary heart disease (CHD) increases the risk of adverse outcomes from invasive pneumococcal disease. Methods: Using the 2020 and 2021 data from the national health interview survey, we identified adults with CHD. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to examine factors that influence vaccination status. Results: There were 2675 participants aged 41 and above with CHD. Participants were predominantly white people (82.5%) and males (60.1%). The odds of receiving the pneumococcal vaccine increased with stepwise increase in comorbidities from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3. Among individuals with ≥2 comorbidities, black people were less likely to be vaccinated compared with white people. Conclusion: Pneumococcal vaccine uptake among adults with CHD is determined by cumulative comorbidities and ethnicity.

Timing of Nonurgent Transesophageal Echocardiography and The Risk of Embolic Events Among Patients Admitted With Infective Endocarditis. A Review of the National Inpatient Sample.

In patients hospitalized for infective endocarditis (IE), timing of nonurgent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to reduce embolic events (EE) is unclear. In a retrospective cohort from the 2016 to 2018 combined National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Low-risk adults with IE who underwent nonurgent (>48 hours) TEE were stratified into 3 cohorts based on the timing of the first TEE: early-TEE (3-5 days), intermediate-TEE (5-7 days) and late-TEE (>7). The primary outcome was a composite of an embolic event. Each day before TEE led to 3% increased odds of composite-embolic-events (P < 0.001), 1.21-day extra LOS (P < 0.001) and 14,186 USD increased total charge (P < 0.001). Early compared to late TEE led to reduced LOS by 10 days (P < 0.001) and total cost by 102,273 USD (P < 0.001), odds reduction of 27% in embolic strokes, 21% in septic arterial embolization and 50% reduction in preoperative time (P < 0.001). Among patients hospitalized for suspected IE, the time to TEE was correlated with increased odds of all EE, prolonged preoperative time for valve surgery, LOS, and total charge. Early TEE compared to late TEE led to the largest reduction in length of stay and total cost.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association.

BACKGROUND: The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs). METHODS: The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains. RESULTS: Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics. CONCLUSIONS: The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Does the "July effect" of new trainees at teaching hospitals impact outcomes for patients hospitalized with heart failure? Real-world analyses of more than half a million US admissions.

Introduction: The "July effect" refers to the potential of adverse clinical outcomes related to the annual turnover of trainees. We investigated whether this impacts inpatient heart failure (HF) outcomes. Methods: Data from all adults (≥18 years) admitted with a primary diagnosis of HF at US teaching hospitals from the 2012-2014 National Inpatient Sample were analyzed. Non-teaching hospital admissions were excluded. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary metrics included hospital length of stay (LOS) and total cost adjusted for inflation. Logistic and linear regression models were used to adjust for confounders. Admissions were classified into 4 quarters (Q1-Q4), based on the academic calendar. Q1 and Q4 were designated to assess the effect of novice (July effect) versus experienced trainees, respectively. Results: There were 699,675 HF admissions during Q1 and Q4 in the study period. Mean age was 71 ± 15 years and 48% were females. There were 20,270 in-hospital deaths, with no difference between Q1 and Q4; crude odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94-1.07, p = 0.95. After risk adjustment, there was no in-hospital mortality difference between Q1 and Q4 admissions; adjusted OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89-1.03, p = 0.23. There was no difference in hospital LOS or total cost; 5.8 versus 5.8 days, p = 0.66 and $13,755 versus $13,586, p = 0.46, in Q1 and Q4, respectively. Conclusions: In this nationally representative sample, there was no evidence of a "July effect" on inpatient HF outcomes in the US. This suggests that HF patients should not delay seeking care during trainee transitions at teaching hospitals.

Derivation and validation of the bridge to transplantation with left ventricular assist device score for 1 year mortality after heart transplantation. The BTT-LVAD score.

BACKGROUND: To derive and validate a risk score that accurately predicts 1-year mortality after heart transplantation (HT) in patients bridged to transplant (BTT) with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). METHODS: The UNOS database was queried to identify patients BTT with an LVAD between 2008 and 2018. Patients with ⩾1-year follow up were randomly divided into derivation (70%) and validation (30%) cohorts. The primary endpoint was 1-year mortality. A simple additive risk score was developed based on the odds of 1-year mortality after HT. Risk groups were created, and survival was estimated and compared. RESULTS: A total of 7759 patients were randomly assigned to derivation (n = 5431) and validation (n = 2328) cohorts. One-year post-transplant mortality was 9.8% (n = 760). A 33-point scoring was created from six recipient variables and two donor variables. Risk groups were classified as low (0-5), intermediate (6-10), and high (>10). In the validation cohort, the predicted 1-year mortality was significantly higher in the high-risk group than the intermediate and low-risk groups, 14.7% versus 9% versus 6.1% respectively (log-rank test: p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The BTT-LVAD Score can serve as a clinical decision tool to guide therapeutic decisions in advanced heart failure patients.

Hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Study objective: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with a hyperdynamic LVEF (HDLVEF) to those with a normal or reduced LVEF. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Rush University Medical Center. Participants: Of the 1682 adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 419 had a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) during admission and met study inclusion criteria. Interventions: Participants were divided into reduced (LVEF < 50%), normal (≥50% and <70%), and hyperdynamic (≥70%) LVEF groups. Main outcome measures: LVEF was assessed as a predictor of 60-day mortality. Logistic regression was used to adjust for age and BMI. Results: There was no difference in 60-day mortality between patients in the reduced LVEF and normal LVEF groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.87, p = 0.68). However, patients with an HDLVEF were more likely to die by 60 days compared to patients in the normal LVEF group (aOR 2.63 [CI: 1.36-5.05]; p < 0.01). The HDLVEF group was also at higher risk for 60-day mortality than the reduced LVEF group (aOR 3.34 [CI: 1.39-8.42]; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The presence of hyperdynamic LVEF during a COVID-19 hospitalization was associated with an increased risk of 60-day mortality, the requirement for mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and intensive care unit.

The top 100 Twitter influencers in cardiology.

IMPORTANCE: Twitter represents a growing aspect of the social media experience and is a widely used tool for public education in the 21st century. In the last few years, there has been concern about the dissemination of false health information on social media. It is therefore important that we assess the influencers of this health information in the field of cardiology. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify the top 100 Twitter influencers within cardiology, characterize them, and examine the relationship between their social media activity and academic influence. DESIGN: Twitter topic scores for the topic search "cardiology" were queried on May 01, 2020 using the Right Relevance application programming interface (API). Based on their scores, the top 100 influencers were identified. Among the cardiologists, their academic h-indices were acquired from Scopus and these scores were compared to the Twitter topic scores. RESULT: We found out that 88/100 (88%) of the top 100 social media influencers on Twitter were cardiologists. Of these, 63/88 (72%) were males and they practiced mostly in the United States with 50/87 (57%) practicing primarily in an academic hospital. There was a moderately positive correlation between the h-index and the Twitter topic score, r = +0.32 (p-value 0.002). CONCLUSION: Our study highlights that the top ranked cardiology social media influencers on Twitter are board-certified male cardiologists practicing in academic settings in the US. The most influential on Twitter have a moderate influence in academia. Further research should evaluate the relationship between other academic indices and social media influence.

Nutrition Intervention for Reduction of Cardiovascular Risk in African Americans Using the 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Primary Prevention Guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: The 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Prevention Guidelines emphasize reduction in dietary sodium, cholesterol, refined carbohydrates, saturated fat and sweetened beverages. We hypothesized that implementing this dietary pattern could reduce cardiovascular risk in a cohort of volunteers in an urban African American (AA) community church, during a 5-week ACC/AHA-styled nutrition intervention, assessed by measuring risk markers and adherence, called HEART-LENS (Helping Everyone Assess Risk Today Lenten Nutrition Study). METHODS: The study population consisted of 53 volunteers who committed to eat only home-delivered non-dairy vegetarian meals (average daily calories 1155, sodium 1285 mg, cholesterol 0 mg; 58% carbohydrate, 17% protein, 25% fat). Body mass index (BMI) and fasting serum markers of cardiometabolic and risk factors were measured, with collection of any dietary deviation. RESULTS: Of 53 volunteers, 44 (mean age 60.2 years, 37 women) completed the trial (88%); 1 was intolerant of the meals, 1 completed both blood draws but did not eat delivered food, and 7 did not return for the tests. Adherence to the diet was reported at 93% in the remaining 44. Cardiometabolic risk factors improved significantly, highlighted by a marked reduction in serum insulin (-43%, p = 0.000), hemoglobin A1c (6.2% to 6.0%, p = 0.000), weight and BMI (-10.2 lbs, 33 to 31 kg/m2, p = 0.000), but with small reductions of fasting glucose (-6%, p = 0.405) and triglyceride levels (-4%, p = 0.408). Additionally, improved were trimethylamine-N-oxide (5.1 to 2.9 µmol/L, -43%, p = 0.001), small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (24.2 to 19.1 mg/dL, -21%, p = 0.000), LDL (121 to 104 mg/dL, -14%, p = 0.000), total cholesterol (TC) (190 to 168 mg/dL, -12%, p = 0.000), and lipoprotein (a) (LP(a)) (56 to 51 mg/dL, -11%, p = 0.000); high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was widely variable but reduced by 16% (2.5 to 2.1 ng/mL, p = NS) in 40 subjects without inflammatory conditions. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator (suPAR) levels were not significantly changed. The ACC/AHA pooled cohort atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores were calculated for 41 and 36 volunteers, respectively, as the ASCVD risk could not be calculated for 3 subjects with low lipid fractions at baseline and 8 subjects after intervention (p = 0.184). In the remaining subjects, the mean 10-year risk was reduced from 10.8 to 8.7%, a 19.4% decrease (p = 0.006), primarily due to a 14% decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a 10 mm Hg (6%) reduction in systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective 5-week non-dairy vegetarian nutrition intervention with good adherence consistent with the 2019 ACC/AHA Guidelines in an at-risk AA population, markers of cardiovascular risk, cardiometabolism, and body weight were significantly reduced, including obesity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) density, LP(a), inflammation, and ingestion of substrates mediating production of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). Albeit reduced, hs-CRP and suPAR, were not lowered consistently. This induced a significant decrease in the 10-year ASCVD risk in this AA cohort. If widely adopted, this could dramatically reduce and possibly eradicate, the racial disparity in ASCVD events and mortality, if 19% of the 21% increase is eliminated by this lifestyle change.

Sex Differences in COVID-19 Hospitalization and Mortality.

Background: To investigate sex differences in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes in a large Illinois-based cohort. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study compared males versus females with COVID-19 infections from March 1, 2020, to June 21, 2020, in the Rush University System. We analyzed sex differences in rates of hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, vasopressor use, endotracheal intubation, and death in this cohort. A multivariable model correcting for age and sum of comorbidities was used to explore associations between sex and COVID-19-related outcomes. Results: There were 8108 positive COVID-19 patients-4300 (53.0%) females and 3808 (47.0%) males. Males had higher rates of hospitalization (19% vs. 13%; p < 0.001), ICU transfer (8% vs. 4%; p < 0.001), vasopressor support (4% vs. 2%; p < 0.001), and endotracheal intubation (5% vs. 2%; p < 0.001). Of those who died, 92 were males and 64 were females (2% vs. 1%; p = 0.003). A multivariable model correcting for age and sum of comorbidities showed a significant association between male sex and mortality in the total cohort (odds ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.34-2.90; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Male sex was independently associated with death, hospitalization, ICU admissions, and need for vasopressors or endotracheal intubation, after correction for important covariates.

Health and Healthcare Disparities: Impact on Resource Utilization and Costs After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated health and healthcare disparities in the treatment of aortic stenosis with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and how they affect resource utilization and costs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who were discharged alive after TAVR between 2012 and 2017 from the National Inpatient Sample. Patients were stratified by race and outcomes investigated were in-hospital complications, total procedural costs, and resource utilization. High resource utilization (HRU) was defined as length of stay (LOS) ≥7 days or discharge to a nonhome location. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of HRU. RESULTS: TAVR patients (N = 29,464) were stratified into Caucasians (n = 25,691), others (n = 1,274), Hispanics (n = 1,267), and African Americans (AA, n = 1,232). More AA and Hispanics had TAVR at urban teaching centers (P = 0.003) and were less likely to be Medicare beneficiaries (P < 0.001). Distribution of TAVR patients in the lowest income quartile showed AA (50%) versus Caucasian (20%) versus Hispanic (33%, P < 0.001). In-hospital complications were higher among Hispanics and AA than Caucasians with prolonged LOS, procedural costs, and HRU. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of HRU were TAVR year (P < 0.001), advanced age (P < 0.001), female sex (P < 0.001), non-Caucasian race (P = 0.038), history of coronary artery bypass grafting (P < 0.001), smoking (P < 0.001), chronic lung disease (P = 0.003), stroke (P < 0.001), and lowest income quartile (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: There exist significant healthcare and health disparities among patients undergoing TAVR in the United States. Consequently, this unequal access to care and determinants of heath translate into higher resource utilization and costs.

Factors associated with bleeding events in patients on rivaroxaban for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: A real-world experience.

BACKGROUND: Rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Data related to the risk factors associated with rivaroxaban-induced bleeding in patients with NVAF remain scarce in the community setting. We sought to investigate these bleeding risk factors in a racially diverse patient population. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study based on a chart review of patients who received rivaroxaban from our outpatient pharmacy from January 2015 to April 2018 for NVAF. Any reported bleeding event (BE) was recorded as either major or minor bleeding event. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 327 patients included in our analysis, 105 (32%) were female, and the mean age was 62 ± 12 years. Among the included patients, 176 (54%) patients were black, 71 (22%) were white, 51 (15.6%) were Hispanic, 13 (4%) were Asian, and 15 (4.6%) belonged to other races. 89 (27.2%) of the patients had co-prescription of aspirin. A total of 24 (7.3%) patients developed BE, out of which 9 (2.7%) patients had a major BE, and 15 (4.5%) patients had minor BE. Non-fatal gastrointestinal bleeding and epistaxis were the most common type of BE. On multivariable analysis, concurrent aspirin use (81 to 325 mg) (P = 0.03; odds ratio (OR) 2.60 [1.08-6.28]) and increasing age (P = 0.00; OR 1.06 [1.01-1.11]) were independent predictors of BE. CONCLUSION: In community practice, aspirin co-prescription is common among NVAF patients prescribed rivaroxaban. Increasing age and concurrent aspirin use are independent predictors of BE.

Effect of intensive and standard blood pressure control on cardiovascular outcomes based on body mass index: sub-analysis of the sprint trial.

The present study is a sub-analysis of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) that aimed to evaluate the role of intensive vs. standard hypertensive treatment on cardiovascular outcomes according to the body mass indices of trial participants. SPRINT participants were categorized according to their baseline BMI values into normal (BMI ≥ 18.5 to <25), overweight (BMI ≥ 25 to <30), and obese (BMI ≥ 30) groups. The primary cardiovascular outcome was a composite of myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome not resulting in myocardial infarction, stroke, acute decompensated heart failure, or death from cardiovascular cause. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios for the study outcome in intensive and standard BP treatment among those with varying BMI. Among 9237 participants with, 1682, 3599, and 3956 were normal, overweight and obese, respectively. After a median follow-up of 3.26 years, the hazard ratios for the primary endpoint were 0.82 (95% CI 0.58, 1.16), 0.71 (95% CI 0.54, 0.94), and 0.76 (95% CI 0.59, 0.98) for the normal, overweight, and obese participants, respectively (P value for interaction 0.79). The effect of intensive versus standard SBP treatment for the other secondary endpoints and serious adverse events were all similar in participants of different BMI (all P-interaction > 0.05). In this sub-analysis of the SPRINT trial, intensive blood pressure control had a beneficial effect in reducing the primary endpoint and all-cause mortality irrespective of the participants' BMI.

Hypertension in older adults: Assessment, management, and challenges.

Hypertension in older adults is related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes, such as heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, and death. The global burden of hypertension is increasing due to an aging population and increasing prevalence of obesity, and is estimated to affect one third of the world's population by 2025. Adverse outcomes in older adults are compounded by mechanical hemodynamic changes, arterial stiffness, neurohormonal and autonomic dysregulation, and declining renal function. This review highlights the current evidence and summarizes recent guidelines on hypertension, pertaining to older adults. Management strategies for hypertension in older adults must consider the degree of frailty, increasingly complex medical comorbidities, and psycho-social factors, and must therefore be individualized. Non-pharmacological lifestyle interventions should be encouraged to mitigate the risk of developing hypertension, and as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the need for medications. Pharmacological therapy with diuretics, renin-angiotensin system blockers, and calcium channel blockers have all shown benefit on cardiovascular outcomes in older patients. Given the economic and public health burden of hypertension in the United States and globally, it is critical to address lifestyle modifications in younger generations to prevent hypertension with age.

Impact of chronic thrombocytopenia on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare resource utilization after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

BACKGROUND: There is little data on the impact of chronic thrombocytopenia (CTP) on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve repair (TAVR). Most studies are from single centers and mostly focused on postprocedure thrombocytopenia. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to report on the impact of CTP (>1 year) on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare resource utilization after TAVR. METHODS: From the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2012 and 2015, we identified patients with CTP who underwent TAVR. A 1:1 propensity-matched cohort was created to examine in-hospital outcomes in patients with and without CTP. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included postprocedure complications, length of stay, total cost, and discharge disposition. RESULTS: A matched pair of 4,300 patients with and without CTP were identified. Patients with CTP had higher in-hospital mortality as compared to no CTP patients (6.0 vs. 3.3%, p-value .007), increased postprocedure hemorrhage, platelet and blood transfusion, vascular complications, postop sepsis, and acute kidney injury. With regards to resource utilization, CTP patients had a longer length of stay, higher total cost and were more likely to be discharged to a facility (34.1 vs. 27.6%) other than home (All, p-value <.001). Subanalysis, however, revealed this difference in resource utilization was seen when patients developed postprocedure complications. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated higher risk of in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and healthcare resource utilization in patients with baseline CTP undergoing TAVR. Further studies are required to investigate ways to improve the management of these patients.

Racial Disparities and Outcomes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation as Bridge to Transplantation or Destination Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate outcomes after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation in advanced heart failure patients stratified by race. METHODS: Patients who had LVADs inserted at a single center as a bridge to transplant (BTT) or destination therapy (DT) were divided into 3 groups based on race: Caucasian, African American (AA), and Hispanic. Postoperative outcomes including complications, discharge disposition, and survival at defined time points were compared. Cox proportional hazards were used to identify factors associated with 1-year all-cause survival. RESULTS: A total of 158 patients who had LVADs as BTT (n = 63) and DT (n = 95) were studied. Of these, 56% (n = 89) were Caucasians, 35% (n = 55) were AA, and 9% (n = 14) were Hispanics. AA patients had higher BMI and lower socioeconomic status and educational level, and were more likely to be single or divorced. Operative outcomes were similar among all 3 groups. Unadjusted 30-day, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates for Caucasians versus AA versus Hispanics were 82% versus 89% versus 93%, P = 0.339; 74% versus 80% versus 71%, P = 0.596; 67% versus 76% versus 71%, P = 0.511; and 56% versus 62% versus 68%, P = 0.797. On multivariate analysis, device-related infection, malfunction, and abnormal rhythm were factors associated with overall all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: AA patients who undergo LVAD implantation as BTT or DT have lower socioeconomic status and educational level compared to their Caucasian or Hispanic counterparts. These differences, however, do not translate into postimplant survival outcomes.

Effect of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Renal Function in Patients With Previous Renal Dysfunction.

The study aims to investigate the incidence of immediate renal function improvement in renal dysfunction patients who had transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). TAVI patients with ≥ moderate reduced renal function [estimated GFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2] at baseline were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on percent change [(discharge eGFR - baseline eGFR/baseline GFR) × 100] in eGFR post-TAVR. Improvement ≥ 10%, no change, Decline ≥ 10%. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors that predicted improvement/decline in GFR postprocedure. Out of 677 patients, 359 (53%) had eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Of these, 188 (52%) had an improvement in eGFR ≥ 10%, 125 (34%) had no change and 48 (14%) observed decline ≥ 10%. All groups had similar proportions of females and age was comparable in patient groups. Patients in whom a decline in eGFR was observed had significantly higher Society of thoracic Surgeons scores (10.7 vs 8.2 vs 8.2; p = 0.007) and incidence of liver disease (6% vs, 0% vs 2%; p = 0.014) than the no-change or improved groups respectively. On multivariable analysis, independent predictors of decline/improvement in eGFR were being female, low left ventricular ejection fraction and baseline liver dysfunction. In conclusion, over half of patients with compromised renal function who underwent TAVI experience an immediate improvement in kidney function post-TAVI. Being female, baseline liver dysfunction and a low left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with an immediate decline in eGFR.

Predictors of Extended Postoperative Length of Stay After Uncomplicated Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

BACKGROUND: The current study aims to identify predictors of extended postoperative length of stay (PLOS) after uncomplicated transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: Patients who underwent TAVR at a single center between June 2012 and June 2016 were analyzed. Patients were stratified by time into an early cohort (EC; 2012-2014) and current cohort (CC; 2015-2016). Those who had complications post procedure were excluded. The CC group was dichotomized based on its median PLOS. Factors associated with a longer PLOS were investigated by using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of the 686 patients (299 in the EC group and 387 in the CC group) was 82 ± 8 years. PLOS in the CC group was significantly lower than in the EC group (4 days vs 6 days, respectively; P<.001). Median PLOS in the CC group was 2 days. Dichotomizing the CC group by median PLOS resulted in 148 patients (54%) ≤2 days vs 128 patients (46%) >2 days. Of these, PLOS was 1 day in 71 patients (26%) and 2 days in 61 patients (28%). Independent predictors of PLOS >2 days were non-transfemoral approach, non-elective admission, female sex, low mean transaortic gradient, presence of chronic renal failure, and pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSION: Experience coupled with improvements in TAVR technology over the past few years have led to a significant decrease in PLOS after TAVR. In the current TAVR era, 1 out of every 2 patients stays for a day or two in the absence of perioperative adverse events.