Cardiovascular toxicity of immune therapies for cancer.

In addition to conventional chemoradiation and targeted cancer therapy, the use of immune based therapies, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy (CAR-T), has increased exponentially across a wide spectrum of cancers. This has been paralleled by recognition of off-target immune related adverse events that can affect almost any organ system including the cardiovascular system. The use of ICIs has been associated with myocarditis, a less common but highly fatal adverse effect, pericarditis and pericardial effusions, vasculitis, thromboembolism, and potentially accelerated atherosclerosis. CAR-T resulting in a systemic cytokine release syndrome has been associated with myriad cardiovascular consequences including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding adverse cardiovascular effects associated with ICIs and CAR-T.

County-Level Socio-Environmental Factors Associated With Stroke Mortality in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study.

We used machine learning methods to explore sociodemographic and environmental determinants of health (SEDH) associated with county-level stroke mortality in the USA. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of individuals aged ≥15 years who died from all stroke subtypes between 2016 and 2020. We analyzed 54 county-level SEDH possibly associated with age-adjusted stroke mortality rates/100,000 people. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) was used to identify specific county-level clusters associated with stroke mortality. Variable importance was assessed using Random Forest analysis. A total of 501,391 decedents from 2397 counties were included. CART identified 10 clusters, with 77.5% relative increase in stroke mortality rates across the spectrum (28.5 vs 50.7 per 100,000 persons). CART identified 8 SEDH to guide the classification of the county clusters. Including, annual Median Household Income ($), live births with Low Birthweight (%), current adult Smokers (%), adults reporting Severe Housing Problems (%), adequate Access to Exercise (%), adults reporting Physical Inactivity (%), adults with diagnosed Diabetes (%), and adults reporting Excessive Drinking (%). In conclusion, SEDH exposures have a complex relationship with stroke. Machine learning approaches can help deconstruct this relationship and demonstrate associations that allow improved understanding of the socio-environmental drivers of stroke and development of targeted interventions.

Percutaneous coronary intervention before transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A propensity score matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who subsequently undergo transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) remains uncertain. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the association of PCI before TAVR with mortality and cardiovascular outcomes. METHODS: We used the TriNetX database (Jan 2012 - Aug 2022) and grouped patients into PCI (3 months or less) before TAVR and no PCI. We performed propensity score matched (PSM) analyses for outcomes at 30 days and 1 year. RESULTS: Of 17,120 patients undergoing TAVR, 2322 (14 %) had PCI, and 14,798 (86 %) did not have PCI before TAVR. In the PSM cohort (2026 patients in each group), PCI was not associated with lower all-cause mortality at 30 days (HR: 1.25, 95 % CI: 0.82-1.90) or 1 year (HR: 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.83-1.24). Frequency of repeat PCI after TAVR was low in both no PCI vs. PCI (2.4 % vs. 1.2 %) at 1 year; PCI was associated with a lower rate of repeat PCI (HR: 0.49, 95 % CI: 0.30-0.80). Sensitivity analysis revealed an E-value of 3.5 for repeat PCI (E-value for lower CI for HR: 1.81). PCI was not linked to reductions in MI, heart failure exacerbation, all-cause hospitalization, major bleeding, or permanent pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator. CONCLUSION: This analysis showed that PCI prior to TAVR was not associated with improvement in all-cause mortality. However, PCI was associated with a reduced rate of repeat PCI at 1 year.

Association of Environmental Injustice and Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors in the United States.

BACKGROUND: While the impacts of social and environmental exposure on cardiovascular risks are often reported individually, the combined effect is poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the 2022 Environmental Justice Index, socio-environmental justice index and environmental burden module ranks of census tracts were divided into quartiles (quartile 1, the least vulnerable census tracts; quartile 4, the most vulnerable census tracts). Age-adjusted rate ratios (RRs) of coronary artery disease, strokes, and various health measures reported in the Prevention Population-Level Analysis and Community Estimates data were compared between quartiles using multivariable Poisson regression. The quartile 4 Environmental Justice Index was associated with a higher rate of coronary artery disease (RR, 1.684 [95% CI, 1.660-1.708]) and stroke (RR, 2.112 [95% CI, 2.078-2.147]) compared with the quartile 1 Environmental Justice Index. Similarly, coronary artery disease 1.057 [95% CI,1.043-1.0716] and stroke (RR, 1.118 [95% CI, 1.102-1.135]) were significantly higher in the quartile 4 than in the quartile 1 environmental burden module. Similar results were observed for chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of health insurance, sleep <7 hours per night, no leisure time physical activity, and impaired mental and physical health >14 days. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CVD and its risk factors is highly associated with increased social and environmental adversities, and environmental exposure plays an important role independent of social factors.

Catheter ablation versus medical therapy in atrial fibrillation: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials.

This umbrella review synthesizes data from 17 meta-analyses investigating the comparative outcomes of catheter ablation (CA) and medical treatment (MT) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Outcomes assessed were mortality, risk of hospitalization, AF recurrence, cardiovascular events, pulmonary vein stenosis, major bleeding, and changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and MLHFQ score. The findings indicate that CA significantly reduces overall mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization with high strength of evidence. The risk of AF recurrence was notably lower with CA, with moderate strength of evidence. Two associations reported an increased risk of pulmonary vein stenosis and major bleeding with CA, supported by high strength of evidence. Improved LVEF and a positive change in MLHFQ were also associated with CA. Among patients with AF and heart failure, CA appears superior to MT for reducing mortality, improving LVEF, and reducing cardiovascular rehospitalizations. In nonspecific populations, CA reduced mortality and improved LVEF but had higher complication rates. Our findings suggest that CA might offer significant benefits in managing AF, particularly in patients with heart failure. However, the risk of complications, including pulmonary vein stenosis and major bleeding, is notable. Further research in understudied populations may help refine these conclusions.

Moving towards establishing centres of excellence in cardiac amyloidosis: an International Cardio-Oncology Society statement.

The prevalence of amyloidosis has been increasing, driven by a combination of improved awareness, evolution of diagnostic pathways, and effective treatment options for both transthyretin and light chain amyloidosis. Due to the complexity of amyloidosis, centralised expert providers with experience in delineating the nuances of confirmatory diagnosis and management may be beneficial. There are many potential benefits of a centre of excellence designation for the treatment of amyloidosis including recognition of institutions that have been leading the way for the optimal treatment of this condition, establishing the expectations for any centre who is engaging in the treatment of amyloidosis and developing cooperative groups to allow more effective research in this disease space. Standardising the expectations and criteria for these centres is essential for ensuring the highest quality of clinical care and community education. In order to define what components are necessary for an effective centre of excellence for the treatment of amyloidosis, we prepared a survey in cooperation with a multidisciplinary panel of amyloidosis experts representing an international consortium. The purpose of this position statement is to identify the essential elements necessary for highly effective clinical care and to develop a general standard with which practices or institutions could be recognised as a centre of excellence.

SGLT2 Inhibitor Use and Risk of Clinical Events in Patients With Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Certain antineoplastic therapies are associated with an increased risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure (HF). Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors improve outcomes in patients with HF. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) or HF. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of deidentified, aggregate patient data from the TriNetX research network. Patients aged ≥18 years with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, and exposure to potentially cardiotoxic antineoplastic therapies, with a subsequent diagnosis of cardiomyopathy or HF between January 1, 2013, and April 30, 2020, were identified. Patients with ischemic heart disease were excluded. Patients receiving guideline-directed medical therapy were divided into 2 groups based on SGLT2 inhibitor use. After propensity score matching, odds ratios (ORs) and Cox proportional HRs were used to compare outcomes over a 2-year follow-up period. RESULTS: The study cohort included 1,280 patients with CTRCD/HF (n = 640 per group; mean age: 67.6 years; 41.6% female; 68% White). Patients on SGLT2 inhibitors in addition to conventional guideline-directed medical therapy had a lower risk of acute HF exacerbation (OR: 0.483 [95% CI: 0.36-0.65]; P < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (OR: 0.296 [95% CI: 0.22-0.40]; P = 0.001). All-cause hospitalizations or emergency department visits (OR: 0.479; 95% CI: 0.383-0.599; P < 0.001), atrial fibrillation/flutter (OR: 0.397 [95% CI: 0.213-0.737]; P = 0.003), acute kidney injury (OR: 0.486 [95% CI: 0.382-0.619]; P < 0.001), and need for renal replacement therapy (OR: 0.398 [95% CI: 0.189-0.839]; P = 0.012) were also less frequent in patients on SGLT2 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitor use is associated with improved outcomes in patients with CTRCD/HF.

Global Cardio Oncology Registry (G-COR): Registry Design, Primary Objectives, and Future Perspectives of a Multicenter Global Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Global collaboration in cardio-oncology is needed to understand the prevalence of cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in different risk groups, practice settings, and geographic locations. There are limited data on the socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities that may impact access to care and outcomes. To address these gaps, we established the Global Cardio-Oncology Registry, a multinational, multicenter prospective registry. METHODS: We assembled cardiologists and oncologists from academic and community settings to collaborate in the first Global Cardio-Oncology Registry. Subsequently, a survey for site resources, demographics, and intention to participate was conducted. We designed an online data platform to facilitate this global initiative. RESULTS: A total of 119 sites responded to an online questionnaire on their practices and main goals of the registry: 49 US sites from 23 states and 70 international sites from 5 continents indicated a willingness to participate in the Global Cardio-Oncology Registry. Sites were more commonly led by cardiologists (85/119; 72%) and were more often university/teaching (81/119; 68%) than community based (38/119; 32%). The average number of cardio-oncology patients treated per month was 80 per site. The top 3 Global Cardio-Oncology Registry priorities in cardio-oncology care were breast cancer, hematologic malignancies, and patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Executive and scientific committees and specific committees were established. A pilot phase for breast cancer using Research Electronic Data Capture Cloud platform recently started patient enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: We present the structure for a global collaboration. Information derived from the Global Cardio-Oncology Registry will help understand the risk factors impacting cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity in different geographic locations and therefore contribute to reduce access gaps in cardio-oncology care. Risk calculators will be prospectively derived and validated.

Surgical Outcomes of Septal Myectomy With and Without Mitral Valve Surgeries in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: a National Propensity-Matched Analysis (2005 to 2020).

The management of concomitant mitral valve (MV) disease in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains controversial. The 2020 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology HCM guidelines recommend that MV replacement (MVR) at the time of myectomy should not be performed for the sole purpose of relieving outflow obstruction. At the national level, limited data exist on the surgical outcomes of MV repair/replacement in patients with HCM who underwent septal myectomy (SM). Hospitalizations of patients with HCM who underwent SM between 2005 and 2020 were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision codes (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision Clinical Modification/Procedure Coding System). The 3 comparison cohorts were SM alone, MV repair, and MVR with concomitant SM. After propensity matching, 2 cohorts, SM + MVR versus SM + MV repair, were studied for surgical outcomes. Demographic characteristics, baseline co-morbidities, procedural complications, inpatient mortality, length of stay, and cost of hospitalization were compared between the propensity-matched cohorts. A total of 16,797 SM procedures were identified from 2005 to 2020. Among them, 11,470 hospitalizations had SM alone (68.2%), SM + MVR was seen in 3,101 (18.4%), and SM + MV repair comprised 2,226 (13.2%). After propensity matching, the MVR and MV repair formed the matched cohorts of 1,857. There were no significant differences in the odds of cardiogenic shock (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 1.24, p = 0.49), mechanical circulatory support requirement (aOR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.90, p = 0.015), stroke (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.99, p = 0.29), and major bleeding (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.79, p = 0.0026) between the comparison groups. MVR, compared with MV repair, was associated with a higher risk of procedural mortality (8.02% vs 3.18%, aOR 2.98, 95% CI 2.05 to 4.33, p <0.0001), complete heart block (16.36% vs 12.15%, aOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.12, p <0.0001), and the need for permanent pacemaker (16.39% vs 10.62%, aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.38, p <0.0001). The total length of hospital stay and median hospitalization cost was higher in the MVR group. SM in HCM concomitant with MVR is associated with higher procedural mortality and in-hospital complication risk. These real-world data support the 2020 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines that in patients who are candidates for surgical myectomy, MVR should not be performed as part of the operative strategy for relieving outflow obstruction in HCM.

Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors on AF Recurrence After Catheter Ablation in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) on recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) among patients undergoing catheter ablation is not well described. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to assess the impact of SGLT2-Is on the recurrence of AF among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) after catheter ablation. METHODS: Using the TriNetX research network, we identified, by means of Current Procedural Terminology codes, patients ≥18 years of age with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) who had undergone AF ablation from April 1, 2014, to November 30, 2021. Patients were stratified based on the baseline SGLT2-I use. Propensity-score matching resulted in 2,225 patients in each cohort. The primary outcome was a composite of cardioversion, new antiarrhythmic drug (AAD) therapy, or re-do AF ablation after a blanking period after the index ablation. Additional outcomes included heart failure exacerbations, ischemic stroke, all-cause hospitalization, and death during 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: SGLT2-I use in patients with type 2 DM undergoing AF ablation was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardioversion, new AAD therapy, and re-do AF ablation (adjusted OR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.602-0.776; P < 0.0001). At 12 months, patients on SGLT2-Is had a higher probability of event-free survival (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77-0.95; log-rank test chi-square = 8.7; P = 0.003). All secondary outcomes were lower in the SGLT2I group; however, the ischemic stroke did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of SGLT2-Is in patients with type 2 DM is associated with a lower risk of arrhythmia recurrence after AF ablation and thence a reduced need for cardioversion, AAD therapy, or re-do AF ablation.

Sex-Based Differences in Clinical Outcomes of Acute Coronary Syndrome Among Patients With Mediastinal Radiation Exposure: Insights From The National Inpatient Sample (2009-2020).

There is a paucity of data about the sex differences in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) outcomes in patients with prior mediastinal radiation. The National Inpatient Sample database from years 2009 to 2020 were queried for ACS hospitalizations of patients with prior mediastinal radiation. The primary outcome was MACCE (major cardiovascular events), and secondary outcomes included other clinical outcomes. A total of 23,385 hospitalizations for ACS with prior mediastinal radiation exposure ([15,904 (68.01%) females, and 7481 (31.99%) males]) were included in analysis. Males were slightly younger than females (median, age (70 [62-78] vs 72 [64-80]). Female patients with ACS had a higher burden of hypertension (80.82% vs 73.55%), diabetes mellitus (33% vs 28.35%), hyperlipidemia (66.09% vs 62.2%), obesity (17.02% vs 8.6%) however, males had a higher burden of peripheral vascular disease (18.29% vs 12.51%), congestive heart failure (41.8% vs 39.35%) and smoking (70.33% vs 46.92%). After propensity matching, primary outcome MACCE was higher in males (20.85% vs 13.29%, aOR: 1.80 95% CI (1.65-1.96), P < 0.0001) along with cardiogenic shock (8.74% vs 2.42%, aOR: 1.77 95% CI (1.55-2.02), P < 0.0001) and mechanical circulatory support use (aOR: 1.48 95% CI [1.29 -1.71], P < 0.0001). We observed no differences in the length of hospital stay, however total hospitalization cost was higher in males. This nationwide analysis showed significant disparities in outcomes among male and female ACS patients with prior mediastinal radiation history, with increasing trend in hospitalization for ACS among males and females but decreasing mortality among females.

Association Between Psychosocial Risk Factors and Readmissions After Acute Myocardial Infarction: Role of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) are known to be associated with worse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. However, there are limited data on the impact of PSRFs on readmissions after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) before and during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to examine this association and whether the effects of PSRFs were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. We queried the 2019 and 2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database for adult (age ≥18 years) index admissions with AMI as the primary diagnosis. They were then divided into 2 cohorts based on the presence or absence of ≥1 PSRF and compared across non-COVID-19 (2019) and COVID-19 (2020) time periods. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmissions. Secondary outcomes included cause-specific readmissions (cardiac, noncardiac, AMI, heart failure). Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to evaluate differences in outcomes. The study included 380,820 patients with index AMI, of which 214,384 (56%) had ≥1 PSRFs. Patients with PSRFs were younger, more likely to be female, and had a higher prevalence of CV risk factors. Of 30-day all-cause readmissions were higher in patients with PSRFs in both eras. Moreover, noncardiac and heart failure readmissions were also higher in patients with PSRFs admitted with AMI in 2019 and 2020. This study of a nationally representative population magnifies the association of PSRF with more unplanned readmissions after AMI in both pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 times.

Statins for Attenuating Cardiotoxicity in Patients Receiving Anthracyclines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Anthracycline chemotherapy causes cardiotoxicity, and the evidence regarding the benefit of concomitant statin use in reducing it remains uncertain. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies using statins and anthracyclines by searching PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception until April 10, 2023. Our analysis included 3 observational studies and 4 RCTs, including the STOP-CA trial released in ACC23. Statin prescription significantly reduced cardiotoxicity in cancer patients receiving anthracycline chemotherapy (OR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33-0.63; I2: 0%). However, no significant difference was observed in the decline of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline (MD 4.15, 95% CI: -0.69 to 8.99, I2: 97%). These findings demonstrate the protective effect of concomitant statin prescription.

Oral Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Vaccinated, Nonhospitalized Adults Aged 18-50 Years.

BACKGROUND: The effects of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r [Paxlovid]) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes in younger vaccinated adults are unclear. The objective of this study was to assess if NMV/r use in vaccinated adults aged ≤50 years is associated with improved outcomes and to identify beneficial and nonbeneficial subgroups. METHODS: In this cohort study, we generated 2 propensity-matched cohorts of 2547 patients from an 86 119-person cohort assembled from the TriNetX database. Patients in 1 cohort received NMV/r, and patients in the matched control cohort did not. The main outcome was composite of all-cause emergency department visits, hospitalization, and mortality. RESULTS: The composite outcome was detected in 4.9% of the NMV/r cohort and 7.0% of the non-NMV/r cohort (odds ratio, 0.683 [95% confidence interval, .540-.864]; P = .001), indicating a 30% relative risk reduction. The number needed to treat (NNT) for the primary outcome was 47. Subgroup analyses found significant associations for patients with cancer (NNT = 45), cardiovascular disease (NNT = 30), and both conditions (NNT = 16). No benefit was found for patients with only chronic lower respiratory disorders (asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) or without serious comorbidities. Thirty-two percent of NMV/r prescriptions in the overall database were for 18- to 50-year-olds. CONCLUSIONS: NMV/r use in vaccinated adults aged 18-50 years, especially with serious comorbidities, was associated with reduced all-cause hospital visits, hospitalization, and mortality in the first 30 days of COVID-19 illness. However, NMV/r in patients without significant comorbidities or with only asthma/COPD had no association of benefit. Therefore, identifying high-risk patients should be a priority and overprescription should be avoided.

Geographical Patterns and Risk Factor Association of Cardio-Oncology Mortality in the United States.

Cardio-oncology mortality (COM) is a complex issue that is compounded by multiple factors that transcend a depth of socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental exposures. Although metrics and indexes of vulnerability have been associated with COM, advanced methods are required to account for the intricate intertwining of associations. This cross-sectional study utilized a novel approach that combined machine learning and epidemiology to identify high-risk sociodemographic and environmental factors linked to COM in United States counties. The study consisted of 987,009 decedents from 2,717 counties, and the Classification and Regression Trees model identified 9 county socio-environmental clusters that were closely associated with COM, with a 64.1% relative increase across the spectrum. The most important variables that emerged from this study were teen birth, pre-1960 housing (lead paint indicator), area deprivation index, median household income, number of hospitals, and exposure to particulate matter air pollution. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the socio-environmental drivers of COM and highlights the importance of utilizing machine learning approaches to identify high-risk populations and inform targeted interventions for reducing disparities in COM.

Gastrointestinal haemorrhage in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: insights from the national inpatient sample.

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with gastrointestinal haemorrhage (GIH), which may result from coagulopathy, systemic inflammation, reduced gastric perfusion, and arteriovenous malformation from non-pulsatile blood flow. Data are limited regarding the burden of this complication in the United States. Material and methods: We analysed the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database for the years 2007 to 2011 to identify hospitalisations in which an ECMO procedure was performed. Hospitalizations complicated by GIH in this cohort were then identified by relevant codes. Results: Between 2007 and 2011, ECMO hospitalisations increased from 1869 to 3799 (p < 0.01). The proportion of hospitalisations complicated by GIH increased from 2.12% in 2007 to 7.46% in 2011 (p < 0.01). Gastrointestinal haemorrhage was more common in men (56.7%) and in Caucasians (57.4%). Common comorbidities in this population were renal failure (71%), anaemia (55%), and hypertension (26%). All-cause inpatient mortality showed a numerical but nonsignificant increase from 56.7% to 61.9% (p = 0.49). The average cost of care per hospitalisation with GIH associated with ECMO use increased from $132,420 in 2007 to $215,673 in 2011 (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Gastrointestinal haemorrhage during ECMO hospitalisations occurred in small but significantly increasing proportions. The inpatient mortality rate and costs associated with GIH were substantial and increased significantly during the study period.

Association of Psychosocial Risk Factors and Outcomes in Heart Failure: Does COVID-19 Affect Outcomes?

Psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) have emerged as crucial nontraditional risk factors affecting outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). There is a paucity of data studying these risk factors in HF nationally. Additionally, whether the COVID-19 pandemic impacted outcomes remains unexplored, given the increased psychosocial risk during these times. Our objective is to assess the impact of PSRFs on the outcomes of HF and their comparison across non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras. Patients with a diagnosis of HF were selected using the 2019-2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Two cohorts were created based on the presence or absence of PSRFs and compared across non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras. We examined the association using hierarchical multivariable logistic regression models. A total of 305,955 patients were included, of which 175,348 (57%) had PSRFs. Patients with PSRFs were younger, less likely to be female, and had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. All-cause readmissions were higher in patients with PSRFs in both the eras. All-cause mortality [odds ratio, OR 1.15 (1.04-1.27), P = 0.005] and composite of MACE [OR 1.11 (1.06-1.16), P < 0.001] were higher in patients in the non-COVID-19 era. Compared to 2019, patients with PSRFs and HF in 2020 had significantly higher all-cause mortality [OR 1.13 (1.03-1.24), P = 0.009]; however, the composite of MACE was comparable [OR 1.04 (1.00-1.09), P = 0.03]. In conclusion, the presence of PSRFs in patients with HF is associated with a significant increase in all-cause readmissions in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 eras. The worse outcomes evident in the COVID-19 era highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in this vulnerable population.

Efficacy and safety of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with history of cancer.

BACKGROUND: Though the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased in patients with cancer, the effectiveness of catheter ablation (CA) for AF in patients with cancer is not well studied. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent CA for AF. Patients with a history of cancer within 5-years prior to, or those with an exposure to anthracyclines and/or thoracic radiation at any time prior to the index ablation were compared to patients without a history of cancer who underwent AF ablation. The primary outcome was freedom from AF [with or without anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs), or need for repeat CA at 12-months post-ablation]. Secondary endpoints included freedom from AF at 12 months post-ablation with AADs and without AADs. Safety endpoints included bleeding, pulmonary vein stenosis, stroke, and cardiac tamponade. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk predictors of the primary outcome. RESULTS: Among 502 patients included in the study, 251 (50%) had a history of cancer. Freedom from AF at 12 months did not differ between patients with and without cancer (83.3% vs 72.5%, p 0.28). The need for repeat ablation was also similar between groups (20.7% vs 27.5%, p 0.29). Multivariable regression analysis did not identify a history of cancer or cancer-related therapy as independent predictors of recurrent AF after ablation. There was no difference in safety endpoints between groups. CONCLUSION: CA is a safe and effective treatment for AF in patients with a history of cancer and those with exposure to potentially cardiotoxic therapy.