Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Higher visit-to-visit variability in risk factors such as blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol are associated with an increase in cardiovascular (CV) events. OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to determine whether variability in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride levels predicted coronary and CV events in a clinical trial population with known coronary disease. METHODS:We assessed intraindividual variability in fasting high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL-cholesterol measurements among 9572 patients in the Treating to New Targets trial and correlated the results with coronary events over a median follow-up of 4.9 years. RESULTS:In the fully adjusted Cox model, 1 standard deviation of average successive variability, defined as the average absolute difference between successive values, was associated with an increased risk of a coronary event for HDL-cholesterol (hazard ratio [HR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.21, P < .0001), for triglycerides (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15, P = .0005), and for LDL-cholesterol (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.09-1.19, P < .0001). Similar results were found for the 3 other measures of variability, standard deviation, coefficient of variability, and variability independent of the mean. Similar results were seen for CV events, stroke, and nonfatal myocardial infarction. Higher variability in triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol, but not HDL-cholesterol, was predictive of incident diabetes. The correlation among the variability of the 3 lipid measurements was weak. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Visit-to-visit variability in fasting measurements of HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol are predictive of coronary events, CV events, and for triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol variability, incident diabetes. The mechanisms accounting for these associations remain to be determined.

New evidence suggests that closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) plus medical therapy (MT; antiplatelet or anticoagulation) is superior to MT alone to prevent recurrent cryptogenic stroke. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared PFO closure plus MT with MT alone in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The efficacy end points were recurrent stroke, transient ischemia attack, and death. The safety end points were major bleeding and newly detected atrial fibrillation. Trials were pooled using random effects and fixed effects models. A trial sequential analysis was performed to assess if the current evidence is sufficient. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for pooled estimates of risk. Five randomized controlled trials (3,440 patients) were included. Mean follow-up was 4.1 years. PFO closure reduced the risk of recurrent stroke by 58% (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.91, p = 0.03). The number needed to treat was 38. The cumulative Z-line crossed the trial sequential boundary, suggesting there is adequate evidence to conclude that PFO closure reduces the risk of recurrent stroke by 60%. PFO closure did not reduce the risk of transient ischemia attack (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.15, p = 0.21), mortality (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.60, p = 0.45), or major bleeding (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.42 to 2.20, p = 0.93); it did increase the risk of atrial fibrillation (RR 4.69, 95% CI 2.17 to 10.12, p <0.0001).

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:Cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent in the population undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Changes in perioperative cardiovascular risk factor profiles over time are unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate national trends in cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. METHODS:Adults aged ≥45 years old who underwent non-cardiac surgery were identified using the US National Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2013. The prevalence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity and chronic kidney disease) and ASCVD (coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease and prior stroke] were evaluated over time. RESULTS:A total of 10 581 621 hospitalisations for major non-cardiac surgery were identified. Between 2008 and 2013, ≥2 cardiovascular risk factors and ASCVD were present in 44.5% and 24.3% of cases, respectively. Over time, the prevalence of multiple (≥2) cardiovascular risk factors increased from 40.5% in 2008-2009 to 48.2% in 2012-2013, P<0.001. The proportion of patients with coronary artery disease (17.2% in 2004-2005 vs 18.2% in 2012-2013, P<0.001), peripheral artery disease (6.3% in 2004-2005 vs 7.4% in 2012-2013, P<0.001) and prior stroke (3.5% in 2008-2009 vs 4.7% 2012-2013, P<0.001) also increased over time. The proportion of patients with a modified Revised Cardiac Risk Index score ≥3 increased from 6.6% in 2008-2009 to 7.7% in 2012-2013 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Among patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, the burden of cardiovascular risk factors and the prevalence of ASCVD increased over time. Adverse trends in risk profiles require continued attention to improve perioperative cardiovascular outcomes.

Recently, several randomized controlled trials (RCT) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) have compared a strategy of routine multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) performed either as a single procedure or as staged procedures to culprit-only PCI. All of these trials have been underpowered for clinical end points. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for RCT comparing multivessel PCI with culprit-only PCI in patients with STEMI and MVD. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite rate of death or MI. Other efficacy outcomes included death, MI, and repeat revascularization. Safety outcomes were contrast-associated acute kidney injury, stroke, and major bleeding. Pairwise direct comparison and mixed-treatment comparison network meta-analyses were performed. Eleven trials that enrolled 3,150 patients with a total of 5,296 patient-years of follow-up were included. In direct comparison meta-analysis, single-procedure multivessel PCI was associated with a reduction in the risk of death or MI (rate ratio [RR] = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 0.73; p <0.001), due to less death (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.40 to 1.02; p = 0.06) and MI (RR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.69; p <0.0001) compared with culprit-only PCI. No heterogeneity (I2 = 0) was present between studies. In contrast, staged multivessel PCI did not significantly reduce death or MI compared with culprit-only PCI. Both multivessel PCI strategies reduced the risk of repeat revascularization without significant differences in safety outcomes. Results were consistent in the mixed-treatment comparison meta-analysis. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis suggests that single-procedure multivessel PCI may be the preferred strategy in patients with STEMI and MVD.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine long-term outcomes with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in women versus men. BACKGROUND: TAVR is commonly performed in women. Previous studies have shown conflicting results with respect to sex differences in outcomes with TAVR. In addition, short-term outcomes have primarily been reported. METHODS: Electronic search was performed until March 2017 for studies reporting outcomes with TAVR in women versus men. Random effects DerSimonian-Laird risk ratios were calculated. Outcomes included all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events at short- (30 days) and long-term (>1 year) follow-up. RESULTS: Seventeen studies (8 TAVR registries; 47,188 patients; 49.4% women) were analyzed. Women were older but exhibited fewer comorbidities. At 30 days, women had more bleeding (p < 0.001), vascular complications (p < 0.001), and stroke/transient ischemic attack (p = 0.02), without difference in all-cause (p = 0.19) or cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.91) compared with men. However, female sex was associated with lower all-cause mortality at 1 year (risk ratio: 0.85; 95% confidence interval: 0.79 to 0.91; p < 0.001), and longest available follow-up (mean 3.28 +/- 1.04 years; risk ratio: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.81 to 0.92; p < 0.001), potentially caused by less moderate/severe aortic insufficiency (p = 0.001), and lower cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.009). The female survival advantage remained consistent across multiple secondary analyses. The risk of stroke, moderate/severe aortic insufficiency, and all-cause mortality seemed to vary based on the type of valve used; however, without significant subgroup interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher upfront risk of complications, women derive a better long-term survival after TAVR compared with men.

BACKGROUND: Most drug-eluting stent (DES) trials have excluded patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The efficacy of DES implantation in patients with CKD is therefore not known. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcomes with DES vs bare-metal stent (BMS) implantation in patients with CKD. METHODS AND RESULTS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for studies including at least 100 patients with CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate .05) except all-cause mortality, where there was no difference between DES vs BMS in RCTs (Pinteraction=.04). The effects were greater with 2nd-generation DES vs BMS (for example, ST: RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20-0.72). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CKD, the available evidence, largely from observational studies, suggests significantly fewer events with DES vs BMS with even a lower ST rate with 2nd-generation DES. These findings should be tested in large, randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is typically performed under general anesthesia (GA). However, there is increasing data supporting the safety of performing TAVR under local anesthesia/conscious sedation (LA). We performed a meta-analysis to gain better understanding of the safety and efficacy of LA versus GA in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR. METHODS AND RESULTS: We comprehensively searched EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science. Effect sizes were summarized using risk ratios (RRs) difference of the mean (DM), and 95% CIs (confidence intervals) for dichotomous and continuous variables respectively. Twenty-six studies and 10,572 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The use of LA for TAVR was associated with lower overall 30-day mortality (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.57-0.93; P = 0.01), use of inotropic/vasopressor drugs (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.72; P < 0.001), hospital length of stay (LOS) (DM, -2.09; 95% CI, -3.02 to -1.16; P < 0.001), intensive care unit LOS (DM, -0.18; 95% CI, -0.31 to -0.04; P = 0.01), procedure time (DM, -25.02; 95% CI, -32.70 to -17.35; P < 0.001); and fluoroscopy time (DM, -1.63; 95% CI, -3.02 to -0.24; P = 0.02). No differences were observed between LA and GA for stroke, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, permanent pacemaker implantation, acute kidney injury, paravalvular leak, vascular complications, major bleeding, procedural success, conduction abnormalities, and annular rupture. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that use of LA for TAVR is associated with a lower 30-day mortality, shorter procedure time, fluoroscopy time, ICU LOS, hospital length of stay, and reduced need for inotropic support.

OBJECTIVES: To compare subcutaneous "Z"-stitch versus manual compression in attaining hemostasis after large bore femoral venous access, and to assess its impact on venous patency. BACKGROUND: Structural interventions increasingly require large caliber venous access, for which convenient, safe, and effective method of postprocedural hemostasis is needed. "Z"-stitch has been introduced for this purpose in some centers but systematic data on its performance is limited. METHODS: This single center study randomized consecutive patients with femoral venous access sites requiring >/=10F sheaths to the "Z"-stitch or manual compression for hemostasis in a 2:1 fashion. There were three co-primary endpoints: time to hemostasis, time to ambulation, and a composite safety endpoint comprising vascular access site complications. Groin Doppler-Duplex was performed with the stitch in place and after its removal. RESULTS: 86 consecutive patients with 90 access sites were randomized. Mean age was 61.7 +/- 19.1 years, 33.3% were men. Median sheath size was 14 F (range 10-22 F). Patients randomized to "Z"-stitch achieved hemostasis quicker [<1 min vs. 12.0 (IQR 10.0-15.0) min, P < 0.001] and ambulated sooner [7.0 (IQR 4.0-12.0) vs. 16.0 (IQR 11.8-20.3) hr post procedure, P < 0.001] when compared with manual compression alone. The "Z"-stitch reduced rates of access site complications (OR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.09-0.76, P = 0.01). All imaged veins were patent before and after stitch removal. CONCLUSIONS: The "Z"-stitch is a safe and effective method of achieving hemostasis after large bore femoral venous sheath removal and results in faster hemostasis, early patient ambulation and less access site complications, without compromising vein patency when compared with manual compression alone. (c) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: We sought to examine long-term outcomes in patients admitted for a myocardial infarction (MI) based on whether they experienced community acquired acute kidney injury (CAAKI), hospital acquired acute kidney injury (HAAKI), or no acute kidney injury (no AKI).
Method(s): Methods: Retrospective parallel cohort analysis of Veterans admitted for acute MI between 2005 and 2008. Data was obtained from the corporate data warehouse (CDW) using the VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI) computing environment. AKI was determined by assessing for changes in serum creatinine according to the KDIGO AKI classification system. Outcomes were death, hospitalization for cardiovascular (CV) events (MI, congestive heart failure, or stroke).
Result(s): Results: 11,580 patients with an MI were identified. Of these patients 15.1% had CAAKI, 14.5% had HAAKI and 70.4% had no AKI. Patients who developed AKI (CAAKI or HAAKI) were older, and had greater number of comorbidities as well as severity of initial admission (ICU stay, ventilation requirement or dialysis requirement) than no AKI. Patients with CAAKI were less likely to get cardiac catheterization during admission than those with HAAKI or no AKI (44.7%, 57.9%, 67.3%, respectively, p<0.001). Mortality was higher in both AKI groups as compared to the no AKI group at 5 year follow-up (adjusted HR and 95%CI: CAAKI 1.96, 1.83-2.09; HAAKI 1.60, 1.50-1.72). Patients with AKI (CA or HA) were more likely to have a repeat CV hospitalization than patients with no AKI (CAAKI adjusted HR 1.14 p=0.004; HAAKI adjusted HR 1.11, p=0.02; no difference between AKI groups).
Conclusion(s):
Conclusion(s): In patients admitted with an acute MI, the presence of CAAKI was associated with long term outcomes as poor as HAAKI. Further research is needed to understand these associations