Heart, Lung and Circulation最新文献

Background

Aortic valve stenosis is a common cardiac condition that requires intervention for symptomatic and/or prognostic reasons. The two most common interventions are surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The ratio of TAVI:SAVR has increased twofold over the past few years and is now being considered in intermediate-risk patients as well. One of the significant benefits of TAVI is that it is less invasive; however, one of the drawbacks is a high paravalvular leaks (PVLs) rate compared to SAVR. To assess the impact of PVLs on survival, progression of heart failure, and the need for re-intervention.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature search from the conception of TAVI 2002 until December 2022 through Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (Ovid), Science Direct, and CENTRAL (Wiley). We followed PRISMA guidelines and checklists. Review protocol registration ID in PROSPERO: CRD42023393742.

Results

We identified 28 studies that met our eligibility criteria, and only 24 studies were suitable for pooling in a meta-analysis (including their hazard ratio with a confidence interval of 95%) assessing our primary outcome (all-cause mortality). The remaining four studies were narratively synthesised.

RevMan V5.4 (Version 5.4. Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) was utilised to pool meta-analysis data to assess effect estimates of PVLs in both intervention arms, using a random effect model for calculation (hazard ratio 1.14 confidence interval 95% 1.08–1.21 [p<0.0001]), with a follow-up duration between 30 days to 5 years.

Conclusion

Patients with mild or higher degrees of PVLs in both intervention arms incurred unfavourable outcomes. The incidence of PVLs was significantly higher with TAVI; even a mild degree led to poor quality of life and increased all-cause mortality on long-term follow-up.

Background

Physical activity (PA) and weight management are critical for cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary prevention. However, PA adherence during or after cardiac rehabilitation is low. Here, we assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Australian football-themed Aussie Fans in Training (Aussie-FIT) program and associated trial procedures when adapted for men with CVD.

Method

A pragmatic randomised control trial, with waitlist control arm, and follow-up measures at 3 and 6 months. Men with a CVD diagnosis and body mass index ≥25 kg/m² were recruited from community and clinical settings, and randomised, following baseline measures of health and health behaviours. The intervention arm attended 12 face-to-face football-themed education and PA sessions. Feasibility (recruitment, retention, attendance, and adherence to trial procedures) was assessed via mixed methods.

Results

A total of 74% (64/86) of participants expressing interest met the eligibility criteria. Of those, 49 men (mean age=61.4, standard deviation=9.5, mean body mass index=31.3, standard deviation=4.2) were randomised. Program attendance rates (87% attended ≥80% of sessions) and retention (92%) were high. Trial retention at the primary end point (3 months) was high (86%) and at the 6-month follow-ups reduced to 67%. Program and trial procedures were acceptable, except for the request to visit a pathologist for the blood draw.

Conclusions

Using a football theme and setting may be a feasible way to engage men with CVD in health behaviour change. Given the existing pilot evidence for men at risk of CVD, and that recruitment rates were under the target, trialling a program for men with or at risk of CVD is recommended.

Background

Smoking is an established independent risk factor for coronary artery spasm (CAS), but its effects on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with CAS have not been systematically assessed.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from January 2000 to July 2023 was conducted to examine the relationship between smoking and MACE in patients with CAS. Data on MACE were obtained from both smoking and non-smoking CAS patient groups. The effects of smoking on MACE in patients with CAS were assessed through meta-analysis, utilising Stata 17.0 software for all statistical analyses.

Results

Nine studies, encompassing 9,376 patients, from Japan (5 studies), Korea (4 studies) and Spain (1 study) were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that smoking significantly impacted MACE in patients with CAS (RR 1.965; 95% CI 1.348–2.865), a finding further validated by sensitivity analyses. Subgroup analyses identified a stronger correlation between smoking and increased MACE endpoints in Japanese patients and in those with >3 years of follow-up.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis strongly indicates that smoking escalates the risk of MACE in patients with CAS, with a more pronounced association observed in Japanese patients and those with extended follow-up periods.

Background

While there has been an increase in the use of the transradial approach when performing percutaneous coronary angiography and intervention, there is evidence of variations in international practice. Ensuring that operators’ practices are supported by evidence is important to ensure optimal outcomes.

Method

Interventional cardiologists and advanced trainees completed a cross-sectional survey followed by semi-structured interviews to map current practices for transradial coronary artery procedures in Australia and New Zealand and explore factors that influence clinical decision-making around procedural practice.

Results

The right radial artery was the preferred access site (88%). Over a third (37%) of the participants indicated that they tested the hand circulation pre-procedure. Over a quarter of respondents (28.6%) reported that they would carry out transradial procedures regardless of the patient’s coagulation status. Most participants (77.8%) described radial artery spasm in around 10% of transradial procedures performed. Only 62% of participants assessed for radial artery occlusion post-catheterisation. Interview data revealed four themes that guided clinical decision-making, namely (1) Decision-making based on research, (2) Using clinical experience, (3) Being led by their training, and (4) Individual patient factors.

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated that despite clinical guidelines, substantial practice variation exists in transradial coronary artery catheterisation across Australia and New Zealand. The variation in practice and factors impacting clinical decision-making highlight a need for future strategies to optimise evidence translation and implementation across clinical settings.

Background

Patients with angina and non-obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) frequently have coronary vasomotor disorders (CVaD), characterised by transient pathological vasoconstriction and/or impaired microvascular vasodilatation. Functional coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing CVaD. Despite recommendations, testing is only available at a limited number of Australian and New Zealand centres. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of CVaDs in an Australian ANOCA population and identify predictive factors associated with specific endotypes.

Method

Functional coronary angiography was performed in patients with suspected ANOCA. Vasoreactivity testing was performed using intracoronary acetylcholine provocation. A pressure-temperature sensor guidewire was used for coronary physiology assessment. Comprehensive clinical data on patient characteristics, cardiac risk factors, and symptom profiles was collected before testing.

Results

This prospective observational study at Royal Prince Alfred and Concord Repatriation General Hospital included 110 patients (58±13 years with 63.6% women), with 81.8% (90/110) having a CVaD. Regarding specific ANOCA endotypes, microvascular angina (MVA) occurred in 31.8% (35/110) of cases, vasospastic angina (VSA) in 25.5% (28/110) and a mixed presentation of MVA and VSA in 24.5% (27/110) of patients. Patients with CVaD were found to be older (59±11 vs 51±15, p=0.024), overweight (61.1% vs 15.0%, p<0.001) and had a worse quality of life (EuroQol 5 Dimensions-5 Levels; 0.61 vs 0.67, p=0.043). MVA was associated with being overweight (odds ratio [OR] 4.2 [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–9.3]; p=0.015) and ischaemia on stress testing (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.1–4.3]; p=0.028), while VSA was associated with smoking (OR 9.1 [95% CI 2.21–39.3]; p=0.007).

Conclusions

Coronary vasomotor disorders are highly prevalent among ANOCA patients. This study highlights the importance of increasing national awareness and the use of functional coronary angiography to evaluate and manage this unique cohort.

Background

Cardiologists will commonly assess patients who hold an aviation medical certificate and require unique assessments and communications with national civil aviation authorities (in Australia, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority [CASA] and in New Zealand, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand [CAA NZ]). Cardiac conditions are the most common reason for disqualification from holding an aviation licence, and coronary artery disease is considered a high-risk condition for pilot incapacitation.

Aim

To provide a contemporary update on the aeromedical approach to the evaluation, detection, and management of coronary artery disease in an Australasian context.

Methods

A narrative view of current and historical practice in the area of aeromedical evaluation of coronary disease was undertaken.

Results

This review highlights the aeromedical approach to risk stratification and specific challenges of the aviation environment for patients with coronary artery disease. Scenarios of coronary artery disease screening, common and rare acute coronary syndromes, and the assessment of established coronary artery disease are examined in detail. Suggestions to facilitate communications between specialists and CASA or CAA NZ to facilitate patient re-certification are also provided.

Conclusion

Patients who are pilots have unique requirements in terms of their coronary assessment, management, and follow-up to maintain eligibility to fly. It is important for cardiologists to be aware of relevant occupational requirements to provide optimal care to their patients.

Background

The impact of sex on outcomes following surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) remains unclear. It has been proposed that females experience inferior outcomes, but this has yet to be conclusively established, particularly in the long term. The objective of this study is to identify discrepancies in postoperative outcomes between males and females following SAVR to better inform consideration for surgical intervention.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 4,927 patients who underwent SAVR from 2004 to 2018 at our centre. In total, 531 propensity-matched males and females were included in the final analysis. The primary outcome was mortality at any point during the follow-up period. Secondary outcomes included various measures of postoperative morbidity. Follow-up duration was 15 years.

Results

In SAVR all-comers, females experienced inferior short-term mortality, but equivalent mid-term and long-term mortality. Rates of mediastinal bleeding, sternal wound infections, sepsis, heart failure, and pacemaker insertion were all equivalent between the sexes; however, males experienced a higher rate of acute kidney injury and readmission for stroke at the longest follow-up while females experienced a longer intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. In a sub-analysis of isolated SAVR, males and females experienced equivalent early, mid, and late mortality. Of note, a trend towards increased aortic valve reoperation was noted in females at the longest follow-up.

Conclusions

Males and females experience equivalent long-term mortality following isolated SAVR. Sex is not an independent risk factor of poor outcomes post-SAVR; however, the increased preoperative risk profile of females requires diligent consideration.