The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Parameters in Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) remains a major medical and social problem. The NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its active form, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in a simple blood test are the gold-standard biomarkers for HF diagnosis. However, even good biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides fail to predict all the risks associated with HF due to the diversity of the mechanisms involved. The pathophysiology of HF is determined by numerous factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, neuroendocrine activation, pathological angiogenesis, changes in apoptotic pathways, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. High readmission and mortality rates prompt a search for new markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HF. Oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of subsequent changes in the failing heart and provides a new insight into this complex mechanism. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with HF. This systematic review provides an overview of the current knowledge about oxidative stress and inflammation parameters as markers of HF.

Multilevel Venous Obstruction in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices.

Background and Objectives: The nature of multilevel lead-related venous stenosis/occlusion (MLVSO) and its influence on transvenous lead extraction (TLE) as well as long-term survival remains poorly understood. Materials and Methods: A total of 3002 venograms obtained before a TLE were analyzed to identify the risk factors for MLVSO, as well as the procedure effectiveness and long-term survival. Results: An older patient age at the first system implantation (OR = 1.015; p < 0.001), the number of leads in the heart (OR = 1.556; p < 0.001), the placement of the coronary sinus (CS) lead (OR = 1.270; p = 0.027), leads on both sides of the chest (OR = 7.203; p < 0.001), and a previous device upgrade or downgrade with lead abandonment (OR = 2.298; p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of MLVSO. Conclusions: The presence of MLVSO predisposes patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) to the development of infectious complications. Patients with multiple narrowed veins are likely to undergo longer and more complex procedures with complications, and the rates of clinical and procedural success are lower in this group. Long-term survival after a TLE is similar in patients with MLVSO and those without venous obstruction. MLVSO probably better depicts the severity of global venous obstruction than the degree of vein narrowing at only one point.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on disease severity and patient survival in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: data from the Polish multicentre registry (BNP-PL).

BACKGROUND: Recent studies revealed that alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) are associated with disease severity and poor survival. However, data regarding the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the prognosis of patients with IPAH remain scarce. The aim of our study was to determine that impact using data from a national multicentre prospective pulmonary hypertension registry. METHODS: We analysed data of adult patients with IPAH from the Database of Pulmonary Hypertension in the Polish population (BNP­PL) between March 1, 2018 and August 31, 2020. Upon admission, clinical, echocardiographic, and haemodynamic data were collected at 21 Polish IPAH reference centres. The all-cause mortality was assessed during a 30-month follow-up period. To adjust for differences in age, body mass index (BMI), and comorbidities between patients with and without DM, a 2-group propensity score matching was performed using a 1:1 pairing algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 532 patients with IPAH were included in the study and 25.6% were diagnosed with DM. Further matched analysis was performed in 136 patients with DM and 136 without DM. DM was associated with older age, higher BMI, more advanced exertional dyspnea, increased levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, larger right atrial area, increased mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and all-cause mortality compared with no DM. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IPAH and DM present with more advanced pulmonary vascular disease and worse survival than counterparts without DM independently of age, BMI, and cardiovascular comorbidities.

Transvenous Lead Extraction in Pediatric Patients　- Is It the Same Procedure in Children as in Adults?

BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are very rare in the pediatric population. In children with CIED, transvenous lead extraction (TLE) is often necessary. The course and effects of TLE in children are different than in adults. Thus, this study determined the differences and specific characteristics of TLE in children vs. adults.Methods and Results: A post hoc analysis of TLE data in 63 children (age ≤18 years) and 2,659 adults (age ≥40 years) was performed. The 2 groups were compared with respect to risk factors, procedure complexity, and effectiveness. In children, the predominant pacing mode was a single chamber ventricular system and lead dysfunction was the main indication for lead extraction. The mean implant duration before TLE was longer in children (P=0.03), but the dwell time of the oldest extracted lead did not differ significantly between adults and children. The duration (P=0.006) and mean extraction time per lead (P<0.001) were longer in children, with more technical difficulties during TLE in the pediatric group (P<0.001). Major complications were more common, albeit not significantly, in children. Complete radiographic and procedural success were significantly lower in children (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: TLE in children is frequently more complex, time consuming, and arduous, and procedural success is more often lower. This is related to the formation of strong fibrous tissue surrounding the leads in pediatric patients.

Lead Extraction in Children and Young Adults: When is the Best Time for Lead/System Replacement?

The best strategy for lead management in children is a matter of debate, and our experiences are limited. This is a retrospective single-center study comparing difficulties and outcomes of transvenous lead extraction (TLE) implanted ich childhood and at age < 19 years (childhood-implanted-childhood-extracted, CICE) and at age < 19 (childhood-implanted-adulthood-extracted, CIAE). CICE patients-71 children (mean age 15.1 years) as compared to CIAE patients (114 adults (mean age 28.61 years) were more likely to have VVI than DDD pacemakers. Differences in implant duration (7.96 vs 14.08 years) appeared to be most important, but procedure complexity and outcomes also differed between the groups. Young adults with cardiac implantable electronic device implanted in childhood had more risk factors for major complications and underwent more complex procedures compared to children. Implant duration was significantly longer in CIAE patients than in children, being the most important factor that had an impact on patient safety and procedure complexity. CIAE patients were more likely to have prolonged operative duration and more complex procedures due to technical problems, and they were 2-3 times more likely to require second-line or advanced tools compared to children, but the rates of clinical and procedural success were comparable in both groups. The difference between the incidence of major complications between CICE and CIAE patients is very clear (MC 2.9 vs 7.0%, hemopericardium 1.4 vs 5.3% etc.), although statistically insignificant. Delay of lead extraction to adulthood seems to be a riskier option than planned TLE in children before growing up.

Cardiac tamponade as an inherent but potentially nonfatal complication of transvenous lead extraction: Experience with 1126 procedures performed using mechanical tools.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac tamponade (CT) is one of the most common and dangerous complications of transvenous lead extraction (TLE). So far, however, there has been little discussion about the problem. METHODS: We analyzed the occurrence of CT in a group of 1226 patients undergoing TLE at a single reference center between June, 2015 and February, 2021. Using standard mechanical devices as first-line tools, a total of 2092 leads had been extracted. RESULTS: CT occurred in 18 patients (1.47%): due to injury to the wall of the right atrium in 14 patients (1.14%) and other cardiac walls in four patients (0.33%). Younger patient age at first implantation, female gender, high left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), lower New York Heart Association class, low Charlson comorbidity index, longer implant duration, and the number of previous procedures related to cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are important patient-related risk factors for CT. Significant procedure-related risk factors include the number of extracted leads, extraction of atrial leads and longer dwell time of extracted leads. Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) provides a lot of information about pulling on various cardiac structures and is able to detect a very early phase of bleeding to the pericardial sac. As a result of implementing best practices guidance in performing extraction procedures and close collaboration with cardiac surgeons that allowed immediate rescue intervention in our series of 18 CT cases, there were no procedure-related deaths (mortality 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The need for rescue surgery due to CT has no influence on clinical and procedural success. Early diagnosed (TEE monitoring) and properly managed CT does not generate any additional risk in short- and long-term follow-up after TLE.

The role of cardiac surgeon in transvenous lead extraction: Experience from 3462 procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The professional society guidelines recommend that transvenous lead extraction (TLE) operating teams collaborate closely with cardiac surgeons in the management of life-threatening complications. METHODS: We assessed the role of cardiac surgeons participating in 3462 TLE procedures at a high-volume center between 2006 and 2021. The roles for cardiac surgery in TLE can be categorized into five areas: emergency surgical interventions for the management of cardiac laceration and severe bleeding (1.184%), cardiac surgery complementing partially successful TLE or vegetation removal (0.693%), delayed surgical treatment of TLE-related tricuspid valve dysfunction (0.751%), epicardial pacemaker implantation through sternotomy during emergency, complementing or delayed surgical interventions (0.607%), and delayed epicardial lead implantation (0.491%). RESULTS: Isolated damage to the wall of the right atrium was the most common cause of cardiac tamponade (53.66% of emergency surgeries) followed by injury to the right ventricle and vena cava (both 7.317%). CONCLUSIONS: Emergency cardiac surgery for the management of severe hemorrhagic complications is still the most common treatment option. The remaining areas include surgery complementing partially successful TLE: repair of tricuspid valve or epicardial ventricular lead placement to achieve permanent cardiac resynchronization. The experience at a single high-volume TLE center indicates the necessity of close collaboration with the cardiac surgeons whose roles appear broader than the mere surgical standby. Mortality in patients who survived cardiac surgery during TLE does not differ from the survival of other patients after TLE without complications requiring surgical intervention.

Risk Factors and Long-Term Survival of Octogenarians and Nonagenarians Undergoing Transvenous Lead Extraction Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: Transvenous lead extraction (TLE) has become a frequently used tool for the management of complications related to pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. However, it is still a matter of debate whether the lead extraction procedure is a safe treatment choice in the elderly. METHODS: We collected the clinical information from 3,810 patients undergoing TLE in 2 high-volume centers (Poland and Italy) between 2006 and 2017. We tested risk factors, effectiveness, safety and long-term survival in 3 groups of patients: those aged 80-89.99 years, ≥90 years and 30-79.99 years. RESULTS: Lower BMI, lower levels of hemoglobin and more comorbidities characterized the patients, whose ages ranged from 80 to 89.99 years. Those aged ≥90 years most often had single-chamber pacemakers. Octogenarians and nonagenarians were more often undergoing TLE due to infectious indications (57.19 and 74.29 vs. 45.35% in younger individuals). Lead age and the number of leads extracted were comparable in the 3 groups. In octogenarians, leads were more often removed using standard extraction techniques: simple traction and mechanical dilatators, whereas in nonagenarians TLE was more complex. The duration of the procedure was shorter in older patients, while clinical and procedural effectiveness was similar to that in younger individuals. The rate of major complications related to TLE did not differ between octogenarians and younger subjects (2.0 vs. 1.38%, p = ns), and the number of procedure-related risk factors was smaller in older people. Nonagenarians did not develop any major complication related to TLE. Long-term mortality after TLE was similar among octogenarians and nonagenarians (39.67 and 40.00%) but higher than in younger patients (24.41; p < 0.001 and 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lead extraction procedures appear effective and safe in octogenarians and nonagenarians, comparable to younger individuals. Procedure-related risk in the elderly is not associated with most of the typical risk factors encountered in younger subjects, but only with the higher number of pacemaker, implantable cardiac defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy device procedures before TLE. Long-term survival after TLE was found to be similar among octogenarians and nonagenarians being about 60% at over 3 years of follow-up. Age alone should not be considered a risk factor for the occurrence of major complications or procedure-related death, and therefore it should not prevent candidacy for TLE.

DIAGNOSTIC AND PREDICTIVE VALUE OF RIGHT HEART CATHETERIZATION-DERIVED MEASUREMENTS IN PULMONARY HYPERTENSION.

Right heart catheterization is a unique tool not only in the diagnosis but also in the management of patients with a wide range of cardiovascular diseases. The technique dates back to the 18th century, but the biggest advances were made in the 20th century. This review focuses on pulmonary hypertension for which right heart catheterization remains the diagnostic gold standard. Right heart catheterization-derived parameters help classify pulmonary hypertension into several subgroups, assess risk of adverse events or mortality and make therapeutic decisions. According to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as an increase in mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) > 25 mmHg, whereas a distinction between pre- and post-capillary PH is made based on levels of pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). Moreover, right atrial pressure (RAP), cardiac index (CI) and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) are the only parameters recommended to assess prognosis and only in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Patients with RAP > 14 mmHg, CI < 2.0 l/min/m2 and SvO2 < 60% are at high (> 10%) risk of death within the next year. The purpose of this paper is to show that RHC-derived parameters can be used on a considerably larger scale than currently recommended. Several prognostic parameters, with specific thresholds have been identified for each subtype of pulmonary hypertension and can be helpful in everyday practice for treatment of PH.

Remote Supervision to Decrease Hospitalization Rate (RESULT) study in patients with implanted cardioverter-defibrillator.

AIMS: The number of patients with heart failure (HF) and implantable cardiac electronic devices has been growing steadily. Remote monitoring care (RC) of cardiac implantable electronic devices can facilitate patient-healthcare clinical interactions and prompt preventive activities to improve HF outcomes. However, studies that have investigated the efficacy of remote monitoring have shown mixed findings, with better results for the system including daily verification of transmission. The purpose of the RESULT study was to analyse the impact of remote monitoring on clinical outcomes in HF patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator [ICD/cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D)] in real-life conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: The RESULT is a prospective, single-centre, randomized trial. Patients with HF and de novo ICD or CRT-D implantation were randomized to undergo RC vs. in-office follow-ups (SC, standard care). The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death and hospitalization due to cardiovascular reasons within 12 months after randomization. We randomly assigned 600 eligible patients (299 in RC vs. 301 in SC). Baseline clinical and echocardiographic characteristics were well-balanced and similar in both arms. The incidence of the primary endpoint differed significantly between RC and SC and involved 39.5% and 48.5% of patients, respectively, (P = 0.048) within the 12-month follow-up. The rate of all-cause mortality was similar between the studied groups (6% vs. 6%, P = 0.9), whereas hospitalization rate due to cardiovascular reasons was higher in SC (37.1% vs. 45.5%, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Remote monitoring of HF patients with implanted ICD or CRT-D significantly reduced the primary endpoint rate, mostly as a result of a lower hospitalization rate in the RC arm (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02409225).

A new approach to the continuous monitoring of transvenous lead extraction using transesophageal echocardiography-Analysis of 936 procedures.

AIMS: The usefulness of transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) monitoring for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) procedures is still controversial. The purpose of the current study was to present new TEE values in detecting invisible events in fluoroscopy and preventing the development of dangerous complications. METHODS: From 2015 to 2019, a total of 1026 procedures were performed in single TLE center. In total, 1108 leads had been extracted with a mean lead dwell time of 115.8 ± 77.6 months. Continuous TEE was used in 936 patients with a mean age of 67.1 ± 14.4 years. RESULTS: Preprocedure examination revealed looped leads in 181 (19.3%) patients, dry cardiac perforation in 151 (16.1%), lead-to-lead adhesion in 172 (18.4%), lead adhesion to the myocardium in 317 (33.9%), and vegetations in 119 (12.7%) patients. Intra-procedural TEE demonstrated pulling on the atrial wall, ventricular wall, or tricuspid valve in 380 (40.5%), 235 (25.1%), and 78 (8.3%) patients, respectively. Acute tamponade requiring sternotomy occurred in 11 (1.1%) patients. Migration of vegetation or connective tissue fragments were seen in 69 (7.3%) and 111 (11.8%) patients, respectively. After procedure, TEE was helpful in navigating an implantation, a new lead in 97 (10.3%) patients, and removing the remnants of lead/silicone insulation in 50 (5.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: Real time transesophageal echocardiography for the guidance of transvenous lead extraction informs the operator about the danger of manipulations close to delicate cardiac structures and whether immediate modification to the plan of lead removal is necessary in order to prevent the occurrence of unwanted events.

To abandon or not to abandon: Late consequences of pacing and ICD lead abandonment.

INTRODUCTION: The increasing number of cardiac implantable electronic device complications represents a current problem. Abandoned leads are difficult to manage, even because indications to transvenous lead extraction (TLE) cannot be generalized. The aim of the study was to assess the late consequences of previous abandoned leads. METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 3,810 patients undergoing TLE in two high-volume centers (Poland and Italy) in the years 2006-2017. In order to evaluate the effects of lead abandonment, the patients were divided into a group of 582 (15.3%) subjects with abandoned leads (AL) and a group of 3,228 (84.7%) subjects with functional leads (FL). RESULTS: Infective indications to TLE were predominant in the AL group (61.34% vs 43.4%; P < 0.001). AL was associated with a higher number of leads per patient, longer lead dwell times, more frequent venous occlusion, higher probability of intracardiac lead abrasion, and tricuspid regurgitation (P < 0.001 for all factors). The presence of AL was connected with more frequent technical complications of TLE (odds ratio [OR] 1.617; confidence interval [CI] 1.412-1.852; P = 0.000), lower procedural success rate (OR 0.270; CI 0.199-0.363; P = 0.000), and with higher mortality rate during 3.518 years of follow-up [hazard ratio 1.286; 95% CI (1.062-1.558), P = 0.010]. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of previously abandoned leads was associated with the risk of device infections, technical problems during subsequent lead extraction, dysfunction of tricuspid valve, and worse long-term outcomes.

The multiple systemic artery to pulmonary artery fistulas resulting in severe irreversible pulmonary arterial hypertension in patient with previous history of pneumothorax.

BACKGROUND: Systemic artery to pulmonary artery fistulas (SA-PAFs), are extremely rare in people without congenital heart disease. In this group of patients pulmonary arterial hypertension was reported in the single case. Then, we describe a case of multiple SA-PAFs, which were the cause of severe nonreversible arterial pulmonary hypertension in a patient who had a right-sided pneumothorax 35 years earlier. CASE PRESENTATION: 52-year-old male Caucasian patient with echocardiographically confirmed pulmonary hypertension (PH) was admitted to cardiology department due to exertional dyspnea and signs of right ventricle failure. Routine screening for causes of secondary PH was negative. Right heart catheterization (RHC) confirmed a high degree arterial PH [mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP); 50,6 mmHg, pulmonary wedge pressure (PWP); 11,3 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR); 11,9 Wood's units (WU)] irreversible in the test with inhaled nitric oxide. Oxygen saturation (SaO2) of blood samples obtained during the first RHC ranged from 69.3 to 73.2%. Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension was diagnosed. Treatment with inhaled iloprost and sildenafil was initiated. Control RHC, performed 5 months later showed values of mPAP (59,7 mmHg) and PVR (13,4 WU) higher in comparison to the initial measurement, SaO2 of blood obtained during RHC from upper lobe artery of the right lung was elevated and amounted 89.7%. Then, pulmonary arteriography was performed. Lack of contrast in the right upper lobe artery with the evidence of retrograde blood flow visible as a negative contrast in the right pulmonary artery was found. Afterwards, right subclavian artery arteriography detected a huge vascular malformation communicating with right upper lobe artery. Following computed tomography angiogram (angio-CT) additionally revealed the enlargement of bronchial arteries originated fistulas to pulmonary artery of right upper lobe. In spite of intensive pharmacological treatment, including the therapy of pulmonary hypertension and percutaneous embolisation of the fistulas, the patient's condition continued to deteriorate further. He died three months after embolisation due to severe heart failure complicated by pneumonia. CONCLUSION: Non-congenital SA-PAFs are extremely rare, however, they should be excluded in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and history of inflammatory or infectious disease of the lung and pleura, pneumothorax, cancer or Takayashu's disease and after chest trauma.

Risk of Complications and Survival of Patients Dialyzed with Permanent Catheters.

Background and Objectives: An increase in the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is associated with the need for a wider use of vascular access. Although arteriovenous (A-V) fistula is a preferred form of vascular access, for various reasons, permanent catheters are implanted in many patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical data was carried out in 398 patients (204 women) who in 2010-2016 were subjected to permanent dialysis catheters implantation as first vascular access or following A-V fistula dysfunction. The factors influencing the risk of complications related to vascular access and mortality were evaluated and the comparison of the group of patients with permanent catheter implantation after A-V fistula dysfunction with patients with first-time catheter implantation was carried out. Results: The population of 398 people with ESRD with mean age of 68.73 ± 13.26 years had a total of 495 permanent catheters implanted. In 129 (32.6%) patients, catheters were implanted after dysfunction of a previously formed dialysis fistula. An upward trend was recorded in the number of permanent catheters implanted in relation to A-V fistulas. Ninety-two infectious complications (23.1%) occurred in the study population in 65 patients (16.3%). Multivariate analysis showed that permanent catheters were more often used as the first vascular access option in elderly patients and cancer patients. Mortality in the mean 1.38 ± 1.17 years (min 0.0, max 6.70 years) follow-up period amounted to 50%. Older age and atherosclerosis were the main risk factors for mortality. Patients with dialysis fistula formed before the catheter implantation had a longer lifetime compared to the group in which the catheter was the first access. Conclusion: The use of permanent catheters for dialysis therapy is associated with a relatively high incidence of complications and low long-term survival. The main factors determining long-term survival were age and atherosclerosis. Better prognosis was demonstrated in patients after the use of A-V fistula as the first vascular access option.

Effectiveness, safety, and long-term outcomes of non-powered mechanical sheaths for transvenous lead extraction.

Aims: To analyse the effectiveness, safety and long-term outcomes of conventional non-powered mechanical systems for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) performed by experienced first operators. Outcomes were assessed according to lead location and type of operating room in which the procedure was performed. Methods and results: Data from 2049 patients (mean age: 65 years), with infectious (40%) or non-infectious (60%) indications, were analysed over a mean of 3.37 (±2.29) years. A total of 3426 leads were extracted; and, overall, 95% full procedural, 4% partial procedural, and 98% clinical success were demonstrated. Within the patient cohort, 1.8% (37/2049) experienced major complications, with cardiac tamponade being predominant (30/37). Cardiac tamponade was identified as the main cause of mortality, as well as the cause of all procedure-related deaths (6/2049; 0.3%). Cardiac tamponade occurred in 1.8% of atrial and 0.3% of right ventricular lead extractions, with fatal tamponade reported in 9% of atrial, 40% of ventricular, and 67% of coronary sinus lead extractions. No association between lead location and cardiac tamponade-related mortality was observed; however, lead location did affect the success of pericardiocentesis. The cardiac tamponade-related mortality rate was 37% when TLE was performed in an electrophysiology laboratory. No deaths were reported when the procedure was performed in a cardiac surgery or hybrid operating room. Long-term survival was improved when TLE was performed due to non-infectious indications, rather than pocket infection or lead-related endocarditis (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Using conventional non-powered mechanical sheaths, TLE was effective even in patients at high risk of complications.

Prognostic Factors in Patients with an Implanted Pacemaker after 80 Years of Age in a 4-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The controversy over electrotherapy for patients aged >80 years occurs already at the stage of qualification for this treatment type and concerns optimal device selection, the implantation strategy, and the overall benefit from pacemaker therapy. The group also has a considerable number of cardiovascular risk factors, and the data from the literature on the impact of the pacing mode on the remote prognosis of this group are ambiguous. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the risk factors for death among patients with implanted pacemakers >80 years of age in a 4-year follow-up. METHODS: The study group consisted of 140 consecutive patients (79 women) aged 84.48 ± 3.65 years with single- or dual-chamber pacemakers implanted >80 years of age because of symptomatic bradycardia. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, demographic, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters, pharmacotherapy, and factors related to the implanted device - i.e., indications, pacemaker type, and the implantation position of the tip of the right ventricular lead - were included. The endpoint was death for any reason in a 4-year follow-up. RESULTS: During follow-up, 68 patients (48.6%) died. Although atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response constituted 20% of the indications for implantation, 60.8% of the patients received a single-chamber system (VVI/VVIR). In the whole group, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed both a favourable prognostic significance of DDD pacing system implantation (HR = 0.507; 95% CI: 0.294-0.876) and coexisting hypertension (HR = 0.520; 95% CI: 0.299-0.902). The risk factors were fasting glycaemia (HR = 1.180; 95% CI: 1.038-1.342) and, potentially, female sex (HR = 1.672; 95% CI: 0.988-2.830; p = 0.056). In the female subgroup a more favourable prognosis was related to the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (HR = 0.435; 95% CI: 0.202-0.933) and DDD pacemaker implantation (HR = 0.381; 95% CI: 0.180-0.806). In the male subgroup a more favourable prognosis was related to concerned patients with coexisting hypertension (HR = 0.349; 95% CI: 0.079-0.689). CONCLUSIONS: DDD mode pacing seems to serve as a factor which decreases mortality among patients aged >80 years in long-term follow-up. The potentially poorer prognosis for the female patients in this group may result from a combination of the dominant VVI pacing mode, potential propagation of atrial fibrillation, a low proportion of antithrombotic therapy, and sex-related predispositions to thromboembolic complications.

Lead-related infective endocarditis: factors influencing the formation of large vegetations.

AIMS: The presence of intracardiac lead vegetations (ILV) is one of the important criteria for diagnosis of lead-related infective endocarditis (LRIE). The objective of the present study was to evaluate risk factors of ILV and their impact on vegetation size. METHODS AND RESULTS: Clinical data of 500 patients with LRIE undergoing transvenous lead extraction in 2006-15 were retrospectively analysed. The study population consisted of 352 patients with the presence of vegetations (giant, >3 cm; large, 2.0-2.9 cm; moderate-sized, 1.0-1.9 cm; and small, <1 cm) and 148 patients without ILV. We identified risk factors for vegetation occurrence and ILV size. Intracardiac lead vegetations were found more frequently in younger patients (P < 0.05), slightly more often in women (P = 0.084), and less commonly in patients with atrial fibrillation (P < 0.05). Intracardiac lead vegetation occurred significantly more frequently in patients with intracardiac lead abrasion (OR 2.373; 95% CI [1.497-3.765]; P < 0.001) and much less frequently in the concomitant presence of pocket infection (PI) (OR 0.127; 95% CI [0.074-0.218]; P < 0.00). Large vegetations were significantly more common in patients with renal failure (RF) (P < 0.001), heart failure (P < 0.001), implantable cardioverter defibrillator (P < 0.05), and loops of the leads (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intracardiac lead abrasion is one of the most common factors influencing the occurrence of ILV. Metabolic disorders in patients with RF, heart failure, defibrillation leads, and loops of the leads were found to contribute to the formation of large vegetations. In LRIE patients, ILVs were less frequently detected in the presence of concomitant PI, indicating a different mechanism of LRIE development in patients with and without vegetations.