Evaluation of Global Longitudinal Strain of Left Ventricle and Regional Longitudinal Strain in the Region of Left Ventricular Leads Predicts the Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients with Ischemic Heart Failure

Myocardium viability in ischemic heart failure (HF) may affect the effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We hypothesized that longitudinal strain of 2D-STE, which reflects myocardium viability, can predict the response to CRT in patients with ischemic HF. 2D-STE was performed in 42 patients with HF, 1 week before and 1 year after CRT. GLS, RLS, and the LV synchrony index (SI), defined as the difference in timing to peak radial strain between LV anterior septal and posterior wall in LV short axis view, were calculated. A decrease in the LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) value of ≥15 % 1 year after CRT was defined as response to CRT. Twenty-nine patients responded to CRT (CRT-R group), while 13 patients did not respond and were assigned as CRT-NR group. Pre-CRT RLS and GLS were higher, while SI is lower, in CRT-R patients compared with CRT-NR group (p < 0.001). The ROC curve revealed that RLS of ?11.5 % predicted response to CRT with sensitivity of 80.0 % and specificity of 77.9 % (AUC = 0.84, p < 0.001). Further, GLS of ?13 % predicted response to CRT with sensitivity of 73.0 % and specificity of 73.4 % (AUC = 0.79, p < 0.001). In conclusion, LV dyssynchrony, GLS, and RLS calculated by 2D-STE can predict long-term response to CRT in patients with ischemic HF.     

CRT_D介导室性心动过速的研究进展

心室再同步心脏转复除颤器(CRT_D)可有效改善心力衰竭(CHF)患者的运动耐量和生活质量,预防猝死,提高生存率,但CRT_D植入后由于心室激动顺序的改变,使QT间期延长、跨室壁复极离散度(TDR)增加,潜在致室性心律失常风险;且CHF患者通常存在心肌解剖改变,传导的不均一性,也为折返性心动过速的发生提供了维持的机制;而多次电击也可导致肌钙蛋白升高,引起心肌损伤,局部心肌复极离散度增加(DRVR)和QT间期延长,以及电除颤后心肌纤维化和急性细胞损伤,反复室速、室颤也会引起进行性左心功能不全、心肌细胞凋亡、恶化心律失常基质和增加心律失常易感性。CRT_D潜在致室性心律失常作用逐渐引起人们的重视,本文就近年来CRT_D致室性心律失常的电生理机制与临床防治对策等做一综述。     

CRT_D介导室性心动过速的研究进展

心室再同步心脏转复除颤器（CRT）可有效改善心力衰竭（CHF）患者的运动耐量和生活质量,预防猝死,提高生存率,但_DCHFCRTD植入后由于心室激动顺序的改变,使QT间期延长、跨室壁复极离散度（TDR）增加,潜在致室性心律失常风险;且CHF患者通常存在心肌解剖改变,传导的不均一性,也为折返性心动过速的发生提供了维持的机制;而多次电击也可导致肌钙蛋白升高,引起心肌损伤,局部心肌复极离散度增加（DRVR）和QT间期延长,以及电除颤后心肌纤维化和急性细胞损伤,反复室速、室颤也会引起进行性左心功能不全、心肌细胞凋亡、恶化心律失常基质和增加心律失常易感性。CRT_D潜在致室性心律失常作用逐渐引起人们的重视,本文就近年来CRTD致室性心律失常的电生理机制与临床防治对策等做一综述。     

Long-Term Performance of Modern Coronary Sinus Leads in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an important pillar of contemporary heart failure therapy. The efficacy of CRT, however, critically relies on proper LV lead placement and performance, which is why data regarding the long-term performance of CS leads are of considerable interest. Available studies are limited by a restricted variety of lead vendors, earlier lead models and / or very short follow-up periods. In the current study, we therefore investigated the long-term performance of modern LV leads in a large "real world" cohort of patients undergoing CRT implantation.

Methods and Results

All 193 patients who had successfullyundergone CRT implantation at the University Hospital Zurich between September 2003 and January 2010 were included in the study. An overall stable course of stimulation energy was observed over time; neither ischemic etiology, lead configuration, or severely reduced EF had an influence on the evolution of energy thresholds over time. Interestingly, patients with a high energy threshold at baseline experienced a significant reduction during follow-up. In contrast, a significant drop in impedance was seen following implantation, followed by a steady course for the rest of the observation period. Only 15 patients (9.7%) showed an impedance > 1000 Ohm at any time during their follow-up. Seven lead dislocations were observed during follow up.

Conclusion

The current comprehensive analysis of long-term performance of modern coronary sinus leads demonstrates excellent stability, performance and safety. These data may have important implications for physicians involved in biventricular pacemaker implantations and in the follow-up care of these patients.     

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Endocardial Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in a Non-responder with Ventricular Arrhythmias

Approximately one third of patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy do not derive any detectable benefit. In these patients, acute invasive hemodynamic evaluation can be used for therapy optimization. This report describes the use of systematic invasive hemodynamic measurements for clinical decision making in a patient who experienced severe ventricular arrhythmias and clinical deterioration following a biventricular upgrade.     

Improvement of Left Ventricular Function under Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Goes along with a Reduced Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmia

Objectives

The beneficial effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are thought to result from favorable left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling, however CRT is only successful in about 70% of patients. Whether response to CRT is associated with a decrease in ventricular arrhythmias (VA) is still discussed controversially. Therefore, we investigated the incidence of VA in CRT responders in comparison with non-responders.

Methods

In this nonrandomized, two-center, observational study patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, and QRS duration >120 ms undergoing CRT were included. After 6 months patients were classified as CRT responders or non-responders. Incidence of VA was compared between both groups by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression analysis. ROC analysis was performed to determine the aptitude of LVEF cut-off values to predict VA.

Results

In total 126 consecutive patients (64±11years; 67%male) were included, 74 were classified as responders and 52 as non-responders. While the mean LVEF at baseline was comparable in both groups (25±7% vs. 24±8%; P = 0.4583) only the responder group showed an improvement of LVEF (36±6% vs. 24±7; p<0.0001) under CRT. In total in 56 patients VA were observed during a mean follow-up of 28±14 months, with CRT responders experiencing fewer VA than non-responders (35% vs. 58%, p<0.0061). Secondary preventive CRT implantation was associated with a higher likelihood of VA. As determined by ROC analysis an increase of LVEF by >7% was found to be a predictor of a significantly lower incidence of VA (AUC = 0.606).

Conclusions

Improvement of left ventricular function under cardiac resynchronization therapy goes along with a reduced incidence of ventricular arrhythmia.     

Predicting Mortality of Incident Dialysis Patients in Taiwan - A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

Background

Comorbid conditions are highly prevalent among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and index score is a predictor of mortality in dialysis patients. The aim of this study is to perform a population-based cohort study to investigate the survival rate by age and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) in incident dialysis patients.

Methods

Using the catastrophic illness registration of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for all patients from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2008, individuals newly diagnosed with ESRD and receiving dialysis for more than 90 days were eligible for our study. Individuals younger than 18 years or renal transplantation patients either before or after dialysis were excluded. We calculated the CCI, age-weighted CCI by Deyo-Charlson method according to ICD-9 code and categorized CCI into six groups as index scores <3, 4–6, 7–9, 10–12, 13–15, >15. Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between age, CCI and survival, and the risk markers of survival.

Results

There were 79,645 incident dialysis patients, whose mean age (± SD) was 60.96 (±13.92) years; 51.43% of patients were women and 51.2% were diabetic. In cox proportional hazard models and stratifying by age, older patients had significantly higher mortality than younger patients. The mortality risk was higher in persons with higher CCI as compared with low CCI. Mortality increased steadily with higher age or comorbidity both for unadjusted and for adjusted models. For all age groups, mortality rates increased in different CCI groups with the highest rates occurring in the oldest age groups.

Conclusions

Age and CCI are both strong predictors of survival in Taiwan. The older age or higher comorbidity index in incident dialysis patient is associated with lower long-term survival rates. These population-based estimates may assist clinicians who make decisions when patients need long-term dialysis.     

慢性心力衰竭患者心脏再同步化治疗的疗效及其影响因素分析

目的:观察慢性心衰患者经心脏再同步化治疗(cardiac resynchronization therapy,CRT)的临床疗效,并分析CRT无应答的影响因素。方法:入选2010年1月至2015年7月上海长海医院心血管内科因心衰接受CRT的患者共47例,收集病史资料、手术资料、术后资料以及随访,比较CRT有无应答患者的临床特征,并通过多因素回归分析CRT无应答的危险因素。结果:纳入病例数共47例,其中CRT应答34例(72.3%),CRT无应答13例(27.7%)。CRT无应答组中心房颤动和冠脉问题发生率明显高于CRT应答组(P0.05);CRT应答组中左心房容积、右心房容积、左心室容积以及二尖瓣返流量均明显低于CRT无应答组(P0.05)。多因素回归分析显示患者合并心房颤动或冠脉问题是CRT无应答可以影响CRT的应答。结论:CRT对慢性心衰患者具有较好的疗效,而合并心房颤动或冠脉问题是预测慢性心衰患者CRT无应答的独立影响因素。     

Phospho‐Proteomic Analysis of Cardiac Dyssynchrony and Resynchronization Therapy

Cardiac dyssynchrony arises from conduction abnormalities during heart failure and worsens morbidity and mortality. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) re‐coordinates contraction using bi‐ventricular pacing, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved remain largely unknown. The aim is to determine how dyssynchronous heart failure (HF_dys) alters the phospho‐proteome and how CRT interacts with this unique phospho‐proteome by analyzing Ser/Thr and Tyr phosphorylation. Phospho‐enriched myocardium from dog models of Control, HF_dys, and CRT is analyzed via MS. There were 209 regulated phospho‐sites among 1761 identified sites. Compared to Con and CRT, HF_dys is hyper‐phosphorylated and tyrosine phosphorylation is more likely to be involved in signaling that increased with HF_dys and was exacerbated by CRT. For each regulated site, the most‐likely targeting‐kinase is predicted, and CK2 is highly specific for sites that are “fixed” by CRT, suggesting activation of CK2 signaling occurs in HF_dys that is reversed by CRT, which is supported by western blot analysis. These data elucidate signaling networks and kinases that may be involved and deserve further study. Importantly, a possible role for CK2 modulation in CRT has been identified. This may be harnessed in the future therapeutically to compliment CRT, improving its clinical effects.     

右室间隔部起搏患者起搏QRS 波时限与心功能的关系

目的:探讨右室间隔部起搏患者起搏QRS波时限与心功能的关系。方法:回顾性分析植入右室间隔部起搏的双腔起搏器患者(111例),起搏器平均植入时间(4.52±3.65)年,通过常规体表心电图测得完全起搏时QRS波时限分为四组:A组为QRS≤120ms(21例);B组为120ms180ms(26例),行心脏彩色多普勒检查获取左房内径(LAD)、收缩末期左室内径(LVESD)、舒张末期左室内径(LVEDD)、室间隔厚度(IVST)、左室后壁厚度(LVPWT)及LVEF,同时检测患者的血清氨基末端脑肭肽前体(NT-proBNP),分析起搏QRS波时限与以上各指标的关系。结果:D组患者LAD、LVEDD、LVESD、IVST及IVPWT较其他三组明显增大,同时LVEF显著下降,NT-proBNP明显升高,有统计学意义(P<0.05)。同时发现随起搏QRS时限的不断增宽,不同组别的LVEF是依次降低(中位值分别为66.5%、60.3%、52.7%和45.8%),而血清NT-proBNP水平是依次增大(中位值分别为143.7 pg/ml、261.8 pg/ml、599.4 pg/m和971.2 pg/ml)。直线相关性分析示起搏QRS波时限与LAD(r=0.141,P<0.05)、LVEDd(r=0.678,P<0.05)、LVEDs(r=0.439,P<0.05)、IVST(r=0.165,P<0.05)及LVPWT(r=0.189,P<0.05)有显著线性关系,呈正相关。起搏QRS波时限与LVEF负相关(r=-0.684,P<0.05),起搏QRS波时限与NT-proBNP的对数正相关(r=0.368,P=0.029)。结论:对于右室间隔部起搏的双腔起搏患者,起搏QRS波时限是一个可初步判断心脏结构和功能的指标,其起搏QRS波时限延长可能会恶化患者的心脏结构及功能,可结合NT-proBNP进行动态观察,对起搏器植入患者的心功能恶化和心衰的预防有一定的临床实用价值。     

Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) Is a Superior Predictor of All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality When Compared to Ejection Fraction in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

BackgroundEchocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) is increasingly recognised as a more effective technique than conventional ejection fraction (EF) in detecting subtle changes in left ventricular (LV) function. This study investigated the prognostic value of GLS over EF in patients with advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).MethodsThe study included 183 patients (57% male, 63% on dialysis) with CKD stage 4, 5 and 5Dialysis (D). 112 (61%) of patients died in a follow up of 7.8 ± 4.4 years and 41% of deaths were due to cardiovascular (CV) disease. GLS was calculated using 2-dimensional speckle tracking and EF was measured using Simpson’s biplane method. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association of measures of LV function and all- cause and CV mortality.ResultsThe mean GLS at baseline was -13.6 ± 4.3% and EF was 45 ± 11%. GLS was a significant predictor of all-cause [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.09 95%; Confidence Interval (CI) 1.02–1.16; p = 0.01] and CV mortality (HR 1.16 95%; CI 1.04–1.30; p = 0.008) following adjustment for relevant clinical variables including LV mass index (LVMI) and EF. GLS also had greater predictive power for both all- cause and CV mortality compared to EF. Impaired GLS (>-16%) was associated with a 5.6-fold increased unadjusted risk of CV mortality in patients with preserved EF.ConclusionsIn this cohort of patients with advanced CKD, GLS is a more sensitive predictor of overall and CV mortality compared to EF. Studies of larger populations in CKD are required to confirm that GLS provides additive prognostic value in patients with preserved EF.     

Optimal Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Pacing Rate in Non-Ischemic Heart Failure Patients: A Randomized Crossover Pilot Trial

Background

The optimal pacing rate during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the impact of changing basal pacing frequencies on autonomic nerve function, cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and self-perceived quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Twelve CRT patients with non-ischemic heart failure (NYHA class II–III) were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, in which the basal pacing rate was set at DDD-60 and DDD-80 for 3 months (DDD-R for 2 patients). At baseline, 3 months and 6 months, we assessed sympathetic nerve activity by microneurography (MSNA), peak oxygen consumption (pVO₂), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (p-NT-proBNP), echocardiography and QoL.

Results

DDD-80 pacing for 3 months increased the mean heart rate from 77.3 to 86.1 (p = 0.001) and reduced sympathetic activity compared to DDD-60 (51±14 bursts/100 cardiac cycles vs. 64±14 bursts/100 cardiac cycles, p<0.05). The mean pVO₂ increased non-significantly from 15.6±6 mL/min/kg during DDD-60 to 16.7±6 mL/min/kg during DDD-80, and p-NT-proBNP remained unchanged. The QoL score indicated that DDD-60 was better tolerated.

Conclusion

In CRT patients with non-ischemic heart failure, 3 months of DDD-80 pacing decreased sympathetic outflow (burst incidence only) compared to DDD-60 pacing. However, Qol scores were better during the lower pacing rate. Further and larger scale investigations are indicated.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02258061     

Volumetric Response beyond Six Months of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Clinical Outcome

AimsResponse to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is often assessed six months after implantation. Our objective was to assess the number of patients changing from responder to non-responder between six and 14 months, so-called late non-responders, and compare them to patients who were responder both at six and 14 months, so-called stable responders. Furthermore, we assessed predictive values of six and 14-month response concerning clinical outcome.Methods105 patients eligible for CRT were enrolled. Clinical, laboratory, ECG, and echocardiographic parameters and patient-reported health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ]) were assessed before, and six and 14 months after implantation. Response was defined as ≥15% LVESV decrease as compared to baseline. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were registered until 24 months after implantation. Predictive values of six and 14-month response for MACE were examined.ResultsIn total, 75 (71%) patients were six-month responders of which 12 (16%) patients became late non-responder. At baseline, late non-responders more often had ischemic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation, higher BNP and less dyssynchrony compared to stable responders. At six months, late non-responders showed significantly less LVESV decrease, and higher creatinine levels. Mean KCCQ scores of late non-responders were lower than those of stable responders at every time point, with the difference being significant at 14 months. The 14 months response was a better predictor of MACE than six months response.ConclusionsThe assessment of treatment outcomes after six months of CRT could be premature and response rates beyond might better correlate to long-term clinical outcome.     

Impact of Etiology on the Outcomes in Heart Failure Patients Treated with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been extensively demonstrated to benefit heart failure patients, but the role of underlying heart failure etiology in the outcomes was not consistently proven. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether efficacy and effectiveness of CRT is affected by underlying heart failure etiology.

Methods and Results

Searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were conducted to identify RCTs and observational studies that reported clinical and functional outcomes of CRT in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients. Efficacy of CRT was assessed in 7 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 7072 patients and effectiveness of CRT was evaluated in 14 observational studies with 3463 patients In the pooled analysis of RCTs, we found that CRT decreased mortality or heart failure hospitalization by 29% in ICM patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 21% to 35%), and by 28% (95% CI, 18% to 37%) in NICM patients. No significant difference was observed between the 2 etiology groups (P = 0.55). In the pooled analysis of observational studies, however, we found that ICM patients had a 54% greater risk for mortality or HF hospitalization than NICM patients (relative risk: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.30–1.83; P<0.001). Both RCTs and observational studies demonstrated that NICM patients had greater echocardiographic improvements in the left ventricular ejection fraction and end-systolic volume, as compared with ICM patients (both P<0.001).

Conclusion

CRT might reduce mortality or heart failure hospitalization in both ICM and NICM patients similarly. The improvement of the left ventricular function and remodeling is greater in NICM patients.     

Vector Selection of a Quadripolar Left Ventricular Pacing Lead Affects Acute Hemodynamic Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: A Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Background

A suboptimal left ventricular (LV) pacing site may account for non-responsiveness of patients to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The vector selection of a novel quadripolar LV pacing lead, which was mainly developed to overcome technical issues with stimulation thresholds and phrenic nerve capture, may affect hemodynamic response, and was therefore assessed in this study. (German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00000573).

Methods and Results

Hemodynamic effects of a total of 145 LVPCs (9.1 per patient) of CRT devices with a quadripolar LV lead (Quartet™, St. Jude Medical) were assessed in 16/20 consecutive patients by invasive measurement of LV+dP/dt_max at an invasively optimized AV-interval in random order. Optimal (worst) LVPCs per patient were identified as those with maximal (minimal) %change in LV+dP/dt_max (%ΔLV+dP/dt_max) as compared to a preceding baseline. LV+dP/dt_max significantly increased in all 145 LVPCs (p<0.0001 compared to baseline) with significant intraindividual differences between LVPCs (p<0.0001). Overall, CRT acutely augmented %ΔLV+dP/dt_max by 31.3% (95% CI 24%–39%) in the optimal, by 21.3% (95% CI: 15%–27%) in the worst and by 28.2% (95% CI: 21%–36%) in a default distal LVPC. This resulted in an absolute additional acute increase in %ΔLV+dP/dt_max of 10.0% (95% CI: 7%–13%) of the optimal when compared to the worst (p<0.0001), and of 3.1% (95% CI: 1%–5%) of the optimal when compared to the default distal LVPC (p<0.001). Optimal LVPCs were not programmable with a standard bipolar lead in 44% (7/16) of patients.

Conclusion

The pacing configuration of a quadripolar LV lead determinates acute hemodynamic response. Pacing in the individually optimized configuration gives rise to an additional absolute 10% increase in %ΔLV+dP/dt_max when comparing optimal and worst vectors.     

心脏再同步治疗对非缺血性心肌病患者心肌胶原代谢的影响

摘要 目的：探讨心脏再同步治疗（CRT）对非缺血性心肌病（NICM）患者心肌胶原代谢的影响。方法：选取NICM患者76例,其中仅接受标准药物治疗者26例（Control组）,接受CRT及标准药物治疗者50例（CRT组）。分别于基线、6月及12月检测外周血中心肌胶原代谢的标记物I型胶原羧基末端前肽（PICP）、I型胶原羧基端肽（ICTP）、基质金属蛋白酶-1（MMP-1）及组织金属基质蛋白酶抑制剂-1（TIMP-1）的变化。随访12月时左室射血分数（LVEF）值与基线比较净值增长5 %定义为患者临床治疗有反应。结果：与基线比较,CRT组患者术后6月、12月PICP、ICTP及MMP-1均明显降低（P均<0.05）;Control组患者术后6月、12月PICP、ICTP、MMP-1及TIMP-1与基线比较均未显示统计学差异。40例(53 %)患者临床治疗有反应,其中CRT组33例（67 %）明显高于Control组7例（27 %）,两组间具有统计学差异（P=0.01）。多因素logistics回归分析显示QRS间期,LVEF,PICP为临床反应预测因子。结论：CRT可以降低NICM患者的心肌胶原合成和分解,减缓心肌纤维化;检测患者基线PICP可预测患者治疗的临床反应,为NICM的临床诊治提供一定的参考价值。     

血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs与老年慢性心力衰竭患者心功能和心脏再同步化治疗应答的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨血清胱抑素C（Cys-C）、总胆红素（TBiL）、肾上腺髓质中段肽（MR-proADM）、晚期糖基化终末产物（AGEs）与老年慢性心力衰竭（CHF）患者心功能和心脏再同步化治疗（CRT）应答的关系。方法：选择2020年3月至2022年1月我院收治的151例接受CRT治疗的老年CHF患者为研究对象,随访6个月,统计治疗应答情况。CRT治疗前检测血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs水平,超声心动图检测心功能,分析血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs与心功能的相关性以及与老年CHF患者CRT治疗应答的关系。结果：151例患者失访1例,余150例患者中无应答48例（无应答组）,应答102例（应答组）。无应答组血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs水平均高于应答组（P＜0.05）,且与左心室射血分数（LVEF）呈负相关（P＜0.05）,与左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）和左室收缩末期内径（LVESD）呈正相关（P＜0.05）。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示缺血性心肌病、血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs是老年CHF患者CRT治疗无应答的危险因素（P＜0.05）,LVEF是保护因素（P＜0.05）。结论：CRT治疗无应答老年CHF患者血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs水平升高,且与心功能下降有关。血清Cys-C、TBiL、MR-proADM、AGEs是CRT治疗无应答的危险因素,可为CRT治疗效果评估提供一定的参考。     

Prediction of Long-Term Mortality by Preoperative Health-Related Quality-of-Life in Elderly Onco-Surgical Patients

Objective

Aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mortality in a cohort of elderly patients (>65 years) with gastrointestinal, gynecological and genitourinary carcinomas.

Design

Prospective cohort pilot study.

Setting

Tertiary university hospital in Germany.

Patients

Between June 2008 and July 2010 and after ethical committee approval and written informed consent, 126 patients scheduled for onco-surgery were included. Prior to surgery as well as 3 and 12 months postoperatively all participants completed the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire (measuring self-reported health-related quality of life). Additionally, demographic and clinical data including the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) were collected. Surgery and anesthesia were conducted according to the standard operating procedures. Primary endpoint was the cumulative mortality rate over 12 months after one year. Changes in Quality of life were considered as secondary outcome.

Results

Mortality after one year was 28%. In univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis baseline HRQoL self-reported cognitive function (OR per point: 0.98; CI 95% 0.96–0.99; p = 0.024) and higher symptom burden for appetite loss (per point: OR 1.02; CI 95% 1.00–1.03; p = 0.014) were predictive for long-term mortality. Additionally the MMSE as an objective measure of cognitive impairment (per point: OR 0.69; CI 95% 0.51–0.96; p = 0.026) as well as severity of surgery (OR 0.31; CI 95% 0.11–0.93; p = 0.036) were predictive for long-term mortality. Global health status 12 months after surgery was comparable to the baseline levels in survivors despite moderate impairments in other domains.

Conclusion

This study showed that objective and self-reported cognitive functioning together with appetite loss were prognostic for mortality in elderly cancer patients. In addition, impaired cognitive dysfunction and severity of surgery were predictive for one-year mortality whereas in this selected population scheduled for surgery age, gender, cancer site and metastases were not.     

Aldosterone and Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients: Role of Volume Overload

Background

Elevated aldosterone is associated with increased mortality in the general population. In patients on dialysis, however, the association is reversed. This paradox may be explained by volume overload, which is associated with lower aldosterone and higher mortality.

Methods

We evaluated the relationship between aldosterone and outcomes in a prospective cohort of 328 hemodialysis patients stratified by the presence or absence of volume overload (defined as extracellular water/total body water >48%, as measured with bioimpedance). Baseline plasma aldosterone was measured before dialysis and categorized as low (<140 pg/mL), middle (140 to 280 pg/mL) and high (>280 pg/mL).

Results

Overall, 36% (n = 119) of the hemodialysis patients had evidence of volume overload. Baseline aldosterone was significantly lower in the presence of volume overload than in its absence. During a median follow-up of 54 months, 83 deaths and 70 cardiovascular events occurred. Cox multivariate analysis showed that by using the low aldosterone as the reference, high aldosterone was inversely associated with decreased hazard ratios for mortality (0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.76) and first cardiovascular event (0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.33−0.78) in the presence of volume overload. In contrast, high aldosterone was associated with an increased risk for mortality (1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.69–3.75) and first cardiovascular event (2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.28−4.15) in the absence of volume overload.

Conclusions

The inverse association of aldosterone with adverse outcomes in hemodialysis patients is due to the confounding effect of volume overload. These findings support treatment of hyperaldosteronemia in hemodialysis patients who have achieved strict volume control.     

The Benefit of Atrioventricular Junction Ablation for Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure Patients Receiving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is correlated with a poor biventricular pacing and inadequate response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Biventricular pacing improvement can be achieved by conducting the atrioventricular junction ablation (AVJA). We aimed to investigate the benefit of AVJA for permanent AF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients receiving CRT.MethodsIn August 2020, a systematic review and meta-analysis study comparing CRT plus AVJA versus CRT for permanent AF and HFrEF patients was conducted. Relevant articles were identified through the electronic scientific database such as ClinicalTrials.gov, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Cochrane. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and pooled mean difference (MD) were estimated.ResultsA total of 3199 patients from 14 cohort studies were involved in this study. Additional AVJA reduced cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61 to 0.93, P < 0.01) in permanent AF and HFrEF patients receiving CRT. Biventricular pacing rate was higher in CRT plus AVJA group (MD = 8.65%, 95% CI = 5.62 to 11.67, P < 0.01) than in CRT alone group. The reverse remodeling characterized by the reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was greater in the CRT plus AVJA group (MD = ?2.11 mm, 95% CI = ?3.79 to ?0.42, P = 0.01).ConclusionIn permanent AF and HFrEF patients receiving CRT, AVJA effectively increased the biventricular pacing rate. Adequate biventricular pacing rate provided a better response to the CRT marked by the greater ventricular reverse remodeling and survival from cardiovascular mortality.