In-hospital outcomes of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with chronic and end-stage renal disease: a nationwide database study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have been associated with worse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). With TAVR indications extending to a wider range of patient populations, it is important to understand the current implications of chronic renal insufficiency on clinical outcomes. We aim to determine the impact of CKD and ESRD on in-hospital outcomes after TAVR. METHODS: We queried the National Inpatient Sample for TAVR performed between 2016 and 2020 using International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision codes. We compared in-hospital mortality and clinical outcomes between three groups: normal renal function, CKD and ESRD. The association between CKD/ESRD and outcomes was tested with multivariable logistic regression analyses, using normal renal function as baseline. RESULTS: In the five-year study period, 279,195 patients underwent TAVR (mean age 78.9 ± 8.5 years, 44.4% female). Of all patients, 67.1% had normal renal function, 29.2% had CKD, and 3.7% had ESRD. There were significant differences in age, sex, and prevalence of comorbidities across groups. In-hospital mortality was 1.3%. Compared to patients with normal renal function, patients with renal insufficiency had higher in-hospital mortality, with the highest risk found in patients with ESRD (adjusted odds ratio: 1.4 [95% confidence interval: 1.2-1.7] for CKD; adjusted odds ratio: 2.4 [95% confidence interval: 1.8-3.3] for ESRD). Patients with CKD or ESRD had a higher risk of cardiogenic shock, need for mechanical circulatory support, and vascular access complications, compared to those with normal renal function. In addition, patients with ESRD had a higher risk of cardiac arrest and periprocedural acute myocardial infarction. The incidence of conversion to open heart surgery was 0.3% and did not differ between groups. Post-procedural infectious and respiratory complications were more common among patients with CKD or ESRD. CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD and ESRD are at higher risk of in-hospital mortality, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular complications after TAVR. The risk of complications is highest in patients with ESRD and does not result in more frequent conversion to open heart surgery. These results emphasize the importance of individualized patient selection for TAVR and procedural planning among patients with chronic renal insufficiency.

An overview of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists as a treatment option for patients with heart failure: the current state-of-the-art and future outlook.

INTRODUCTION: Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure. These benefits of MRAs vary in different heart failure populations based on left ventricular ejection fraction and associated comorbidities. AREAS COVERED: We define the pharmacologic properties of MRAs and the pathophysiological rationale for their utility in heart failure. We outline the current literature on the use of MRAs in different heart failure populations, including reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFpEF) and acute heart failure decompensation. Finally, we describe the limitations of currently available data and propose future directions of study. EXPERT OPINION: While there is strong evidence supporting the use of MRAs in HFrEF, evidence in patients with HFpEF or acute heart failure is less definitive. Comorbidities such as obesity or atrial fibrillation could be clinical modifiers of the response to MRAs and potentially alter the risk/benefit ratio in these subpopulations. Emerging evidence for new non-steroidal MRAs reveal promising preliminary results that, if confirmed in large randomized clinical trials, could favor a change in clinical practice.

Successful treatment of cardiac sarcoidosis based on clinical suspicion and advanced cardiac imaging: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Confirming the diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a challenging task as we often do not count with histopathologic evidence. However, prompt initiation of treatment is sometimes necessary, and advanced cardiac imaging along with key clinical findings can play a crucial role in the diagnostic workup. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 77-year-old male with a history of heart failure presented with chest pain and shortness of breath. He was found to have an acute drop in left ventricular ejection fraction associated with frequent premature ventricular contractions and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Coronary angiogram was negative for acute coronary syndrome. Advanced cardiac imaging with cardiac magnetic resonance raised suspicion of CS, and steroids were started empirically. Endomyocardial biopsy was attempted but was not successful. DIAGNOSIS: The patient's presentation was highly suggestive of cardiac sarcoidosis. INTERVENTIONS: Corticosteroids, diuresis, guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure. OUTCOMES: The patient's symptoms and ventricular arrhythmias improved on steroids. Subsequent FDG-PET revealed increased uptake in a pattern consistent with CS. CONCLUSION: This clinical scenario highlights the importance of advanced cardiac imaging and clinical findings for the diagnosis of CS and exposes the practical need for a standardized, noninvasive strategy to the diagnosis of CS.

Meta-Analysis Comparing Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With or Without Impella in Patients With Cardiogenic Shock.

Cardiogenic shock is associated with high short-term mortality. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly used as a mechanical circulatory support strategy for patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. A drawback of this hemodynamic support strategy is increased left ventricular (LV) afterload, which is mitigated by concomitant use of Impella (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with Impella [ECPELLA]). However, data regarding the benefits of this approach are limited. We conducted a systematic search of Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify studies including patients with cardiogenic shock reporting clinical outcomes with Impella plus VA-ECMO compared with VA-ECMO alone. Primary outcome was short-term all-cause mortality (in-hospital or 30-day mortality). Secondary outcomes included major bleeding, hemolysis, continuous renal replacement therapy, weaning from mechanical circulatory support, limb ischemia, and transition to destination therapy with LV assist device (LVAD) or cardiac transplant. Of 2,790 citations, 7 observational studies were included. Of 1,054 patients with cardiogenic shock, 391 were supported with ECPELLA (37%). Compared with patients on only VA-ECMO support, patients with ECPELLA had a lower risk of short-term mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.89 [0.80 to 0.99], I2 = 0%, p = 0.04) and were significantly more likely to receive a heart transplant/LVAD (RR 2.03 [1.44 to 2.87], I2 = 0%, p <0.01). However, patients with ECPELLA had a higher risk of hemolysis (RR 2.03 [1.60 to 2.57], I2 = 0%, p <0.001), renal failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (RR 1.46 [1.23 to 174], I2 = 11%, p <0.0001), and limb ischemia (RR 1.67 [1.15 to 2.43], I2 = 0%, p = 0.01). In conclusion, among patients with cardiogenic shock requiring VA-ECMO support, concurrent LV unloading with Impella had a lower likelihood of short-term mortality and a higher likelihood of progression to durable LVAD or heart transplant. However, patients supported with ECPELLA had higher rates of hemolysis, limb ischemia, and renal failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Future prospective randomized are needed to define the optimal treatment strategy in this high-risk cohort.

Severe Obesity and Heart Failure.

Obesity is associated with reduced mortality in some patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). In this analysis, we determine if this nonlinear relation, referred to as the obesity paradox, extends to secondary outcomes in patients diagnosed with severe obesity. This is a retrospective cohort study using the 2017 and 2018 National Inpatient Sample that includes adults hospitalized for HF. Patients with diagnosis codes specifying severe obesity, nonsevere obesity, or without obesity are compared. The primary outcome is mortality. Secondary outcomes include the length of stay (LOS), total charges, and cardiogenic shock (CS). Multivariate regression is used to adjust for demographics and co-morbidities. A total of 2,439,845 hospitalizations are included. A decreased mortality is found in nonsevere obesity (odds ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.69 to 0.80, p = 0.000), affirming the obesity paradox. However, this decreased mortality is not found in severe obesity (odds ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.94 to 1.08, p = 0.766). Severe obesity and nonsevere obesity are also associated with less CS and increased LOS compared with non-obese patients. Severe obesity is associated with increased total charges. In conclusion, a nonlinear, U-shaped relation between obesity and mortality in patients hospitalized for HF is demonstrated, where those not obese and those severely obese experience greater mortality compared with the nonseverely obese. However, for secondary outcomes of CS, LOS, and total charges, the relation is linear and therefore not interpreted as paradoxical. More information is needed using the adiposity-based chronic disease model to characterize complex relations between obesity and mortality.

Clinically Ambiguous Hemorrhagic Cardiac Tamponade Associated with Apixaban.

Hemorrhagic cardiac tamponade in the setting of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is rare but life-threatening. Presentation in subacute cases can also be nonspecific, which can potentially delay diagnosis. A 60-year-old female with a history of heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented with shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough while on treatment with apixaban after a recent hospitalization for pulmonary embolism. Clinical presentation was consistent with multiple diagnoses, including pneumonia and heart failure exacerbation. However, there were several risk factors for hemopericardium with DOACs such as elevated creatinine, hypertension, elevated international normalized ratio (INR), and concomitant use of medications with similar metabolic pathways as apixaban. In addition, subtle findings on examination such as oximetry paradoxus and electrical alternans were crucial for an early diagnosis and management. In this case, we discuss key characteristics of hemopericardium with DOACs, as well as considerations on its management.

Cardio-renal benefits of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: mechanisms and clinical evidence.

The heart and the kidneys are closely interconnected, and disease in one organ system can lead to disease in the other. This interdependence is illustrated in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), where worsening heart failure (HF) can lead to renal dysfunction and vice versa. Further complicating this situation is the fact that drugs that serve as guideline-directed medical therapy for HFrEF can affect renal function. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of medication with an evolving role in HF and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Initially found to have benefits in diabetic patients, new research established potential cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with HF independent of their diabetic status and in populations with CKD. This has been established by landmark trials such as EMPEROR-Reduced (Empagliflozin Outcome Trial in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and a Reduced Ejection Fraction), EMPA-TROPISM (Are the 'Cardiac Benefits' of Empagliflozin Independent of Its Hypoglycemic Activity), CREDENCE (Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation), DAPA-CKD (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease), DAPA-HF (Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure), and DEFINE-HF (Dapagliflozin Effects on Biomarkers, Symptoms and Functional Status in Patients with HF with Reduced Ejection Fraction). Multiple mechanisms responsible for these benefits have been suggested by clinical and non-clinical studies, and involve cardiac and renal energetic efficiency, cardiac remodelling, preservation of renal function, immunomodulation, changes in haematocrit, and control of risk factors. As such, SGLT2 inhibitors have tremendous potential to improve outcomes in populations with HF and CKD. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current evidence and underlying mechanisms for the cardio-renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with HFrEF.

Anticoagulation in COVID-19: a review of current literature and guidelines.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections are associated with greater risk of both arterial and venous thromboembolic events.Pathophysiology and Clinical implications: This has been attributed to a florid proinflammatory state resulting in microvascular dysfunction, activation of platelets and procoagulant systems as well as possible direct endothelial injury. The associated morbidity and mortality of these events has prompted much speculation and varied anticoagulation and fibrinolytic strategies based on multiple criteria including disease severity and biomarkers. No clear definitive benefit has been established with these approaches, which have frequently led to greater bleeding complications without significant mortality benefit.Overview: In this review, we outline the burden of these thromboembolic events in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as well as the hypothesized contributory biological mechanisms. Finally, we provide a brief overview of the major clinical studies on the topic, and end with a summary of major societal guideline recommendations on anticoagulation in COVID-19.