Feasibility of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - An Ambispective Analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) has been shown to reduce postoperative complications. The feasibility of GDFT in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients under general anesthesia has not yet been demonstrated. We examined whether GDFT could be applied in patients undergoing TAVR in general anesthesia and its impact on outcomes. Methods: Forty consecutive TAVR patients in the prospective intervention group with GDFT were compared to 40 retrospective TAVR patients without GDFT. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years, elective TAVR in general anesthesia, no participation in another interventional study. Exclusion criteria were lack of ability to consent study participation, pregnant or nursing patients, emergency procedures, preinterventional decubitus, tissue and/or extremity ischemia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease grade IV, atrial fibrillation or other severe heart rhythm disorder, necessity of usage of intra-aortic balloon pump. Stroke volume and stroke volume variation were determined with uncalibrated pulse contour analysis and optimized according to a predefined algorithm using 250 ml of hydroxyethyl starch. Results: Stroke volume could be increased by applying GDFT. The intervention group received more colloids and fewer crystalloids than control group. Total volume replacement did not differ. The incidence of overall complications as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were comparable between both groups. GDFT was associated with a reduced incidence of delirium. Duration of anesthesia was shorter in the intervention group. Duration of the interventional procedure did not differ. Conclusion: GDFT in the intervention group was associated with a reduced incidence of postinterventional delirium.

Dependência de Pacing a Longo-Prazo e Preditores de Implante de Pacemaker após Implante Percutâneo de Prótese Valvular Aórtica - 1 Ano de Seguimento / Long-Term Ventricular Pacing Dependency and Pacemaker Implantation Predictors after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement - A 1-Year Follow-Up

Resumo Fundamento Os distúrbios de condução (DC) são a complicação mais frequente após a substituição da válvula aórtica transcateter (TAVR) e ainda não há consenso sobre seu tratamento. Objetivo Avaliar novos DC e implante de marca-passo definitivo (MPD) após a TAVR e avaliar a porcentagem de estimulação ventricular (EV) até 1 ano de acompanhamento. Métodos Pacientes submetidos a TAVR de outubro de 2014 a novembro de 2019 foram cadastrados; pacientes com MPD anterior foram excluídos. Dados clínicos, do procedimento, do ECG e do MPD foram coletados até 1 ano após o implante. O nível de significância adotado para a análise estatística foi 0,05%. Resultados Um total de 340 indivíduos foram submetidos a TAVR. O DC mais comum foi bloqueio de ramo esquerdo novo (BRE; 32,2%), sendo que 56% destes foram resolvidos após 6 meses. O bloqueio do ramo direito (BRD) foi o maior fator de risco para bloqueio atrioventricular avançado (BAV) [RC=8,46; p<0,001] e implante de MPD [RC=5,18; p<0,001], seguido de BAV de baixo grau prévio [RC=2,25; p=0,016 para implante de MPD]. Em relação às características do procedimento, válvulas de gerações mais recentes e procedimentos de válvula-em-válvula foram associados a menos DC. No total, 18,5% dos pacientes tiveram MPD implantado após a TAVR. Na primeira avaliação do MPD, pacientes com BAV avançado tinham uma porcentagem mediana de EV de 80%, e, após um ano, de 83%. Em relação aos pacientes com BRE e BAV de baixo grau, a EV mediana foi mais baixa (6% na primeira avaliação, p=0,036; 2% após um ano, p = 0,065). Conclusão O BRE foi o DC mais frequente após a TAVR, com mais da metade dos casos se resolvendo nos primeiros 6 meses. O BRD foi o principal fator de risco para BAV avançado e implante de MPD. O BAV avançado foi associado a uma porcentagem mais alta de EV no acompanhamento de 1 ano.

Abstract Background Conduction disturbances (CD) are the most frequent complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), and there continues to be a lack of consensus on their management. Objective To assess new CD and permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation after TAVR and to evaluate the ventricular pacing percentage (VP) up to 1 year of follow-up. Methods Patients who underwent TAVR from October 2014 to November 2019 were enrolled; patients with previous PPM were excluded. Clinical, procedure, ECG, and PPM data were collected up to 1 year after implantation. The significance level adopted in the statistical analysis was 0.05. Results A total of 340 patients underwent TAVR. The most frequent CD was the new left bundle branch block (LBBB; 32.2%), which 56% resolved after 6 months. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) was the biggest risk factor for advanced atrioventricular block (AVB) [OR=8.46; p<0.001] and PPM implantation [OR=5.18, p<0.001], followed by previous low-grade AVB [OR=2.25; p=0.016 for PPM implantation]. Regarding procedure characteristics, newer generation valves and valve-in-valve procedures were associated with fewer CDs. Overall, 18.5% of patients had a PPM implanted post-TAVR. At first PPM evaluation, patients with advanced AVB had a median percentage of VP of 80% and 83% at one year. Regarding patients with LBBB plus low-grade AVB, median VP was lower (6% at first assessment, p=0.036; 2% at one year, p = 0.065). Conclusion LBBB was the most frequent CD after TAVR, with more than half being resolved in the first six months. RBBB was the major risk factor for advanced AVB and PPM implantation. Advanced AVB was associated with a higher percentage of VP at 1 year of follow-up.

Asociación entre interleuquinas inflamatorias y la presencia de trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción en pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas y función ventricular conservada / Association between inflammatory interleukins and intraventricular conduction disturbances in patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and preserved ventricular function

RESUMEN Introducción: Los trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción constituyen una manifestación habitual en los pacientes con enfermedad de Chagas con función ventricular izquierda conservada. Se desconoce si su presencia puede estar asociada a una mayor actividad inflamatoria. Objetivos: Determinar si existe una correlación entre los niveles de interleuquinas y la presencia de trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción en pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas y fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda conservada. Material y métodos: Se evaluó a 22 pacientes con edades comprendidas entre 21 y 80 años, seropositivos para enfermedad de Chagas, de más de 20 años de evolución y fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda mayor del 50%. Se analizó, además, un grupo control de 14 individuos sanos. Se determinaron las concentraciones en plasma de IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1 a/CCL3, TNF-a e IL-2. Se consideró trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción a la presencia de bloqueo de rama derecha, hemibloqueo anterior izquierdo o bloqueo de rama izquierda. Resultados: De los 22 pacientes con serología positiva para enfermedad de Chagas, 10 presentaron trastornos de la intraventriculares de la conducción (45,4%). En el grupo con trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción, se observaron niveles elevados de interleuquinas de alto efecto inflamatorio como INF-γ, IL-15, IL-2 (p70), IL-12, MP1-a, en comparación al grupo control, además de presentar altos valores de IL-10 como mecanismo modulador de una respuesta inmunitaria excesiva. Conclusiones: La asociación entre niveles elevados de interleuquinas y la presencia de trastornos intraventriculares de la conducción plantea un posible proceso inflamatorio crónico para su desarrollo en pacientes chagásicos con fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda conservada.

ABSTRACT Background: Intraventricular conduction disturbances are common in patients with Chagas disease and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, but their association with higher inflammatory activity is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of an association between interleukin levels and intraventricular conduction disturbances in patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and preserved left ventricular function. Methods: Twenty-two patients between 22 and 80 years of age with positive serology test for Chagas disease with more than 20 years progression and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% were included in the study and compared with a control group of 14 healthy individuals. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-15, IL-17A, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-1 a/CCL3, TNF-a and IL-2 were measured in patients and controls. Right bundle branch block, left anterior hemiblock or left bundle branch block were considered intraventricular conduction disturbances. Results: Among the 22 patients with positive serology for Chagas disease, 10 presented intraventricular conduction disturbances (45.4%). This group had elevated levels of interleukins with high inflammatory effect such as INF-γ, IL-15, IL-2, IL-12, MIP-1 a, compared with the control group, and high levels of IL-10 as a regulatory mechanism of an excessive immune response. Conclusions: The association between elevated levels of inflammatory interleukins and intraventricular conduction disturbances suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in the development of these abnormalities in patients with positive serology for Chagas disease and preserved left ventricular ejection function.

Syncope in patients with cardiac pacemakers

Abstract Introduction: It is challenging to diagnose syncope in patients with pacemakers. Because these patients have increased morbidity and mortality risks, they require immediate attention to determine the causes in order to provide appropriate treatment. This study aimed to investigate the causes and predictive factors of syncope as well as the methods used to diagnose syncope in cardiac pacemaker patients. Methods: Patients with pacemakers implanted owing to sinus node disease or atrioventricular block were evaluated with standardized questionnaires, endocavitary electrograms, and other tests based on the suspected causes of syncope. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze continuous variables and Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analyses. Statistical significance was P<0.05. Results: The study included 95 patients with pacemakers: 47 experienced syncope in the last 12 months and 48 did not. Of the 100 documented episodes of syncope, 48.9% were vasovagal syncopes, 17% had cardiac-related causes, 10.6% had unknown causes, and 8.5% had pacemaker failure. The multivariate analysis showed that a New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II was a significant factor for developing syncope (P<0.01). Conclusion: While the most common type of syncope in pacemaker patients was neurally mediated, it is important to perform detailed evaluations in this population as the causes of syncope can be life-threatening. The best diagnostic methods were stored electrogram analysis and the tilt table test. NYHA Functional Class II patients were found to have a higher risk for syncope.

Bloqueo de rama alternante: reporte de una complicación inusual tras implante valvular aórtico transcatéter / Alternating bundle branch block: report of an unusual complication after transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Resumen Los trastornos de la conducción representan una potencial complicación de los reemplazos valvulares percutáneos. Los bloqueos alternantes de rama, aunque son inusuales, reflejan daño extenso del sistema His Purkinje con riesgo potencial de bloqueo auriculoventricular completo, por lo cual es importante su identificación y abordaje oportuno. Se presenta el caso de una paciente femenina de 82 años con múltiples comorbilidades y estenosis aórtica severa, en seguimiento médico desde hacía un año, en quien no se había realizado reemplazo quirúrgico por negativa de la paciente y por el alto riesgo intraoperatorio. Ingresó a la institución con un cuadro clínico de disnea progresiva de un mes de evolución, se realizó ecocardiograma transtorácico documentando estenosis aórtica crítica y fue llevada a implante valvular aórtico percutáneo. Por el alto riesgo de necesidad de marcapasos peri o postprocedimiento, se realizó seguimiento con monitoreo Holter, documentando bloqueo alternante de rama, el cual no progresó a bloqueo auriculoventricular completo luego de 72 horas de seguimiento, por lo que no se implantó marcapasos permanente. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(3): 37-42

Abstract Conduction disorders represent a potential complication of percutaneous valve replacements. Alternating bundle branch block, although unusual, reflect extensive damage of the His-Purkinje system with potential risk of complete atrioventricular block, therefore, its identification and timely approach is important. We present the case of an 82 years old female patient with multiple comorbidities and a medical history of severe aortic stenosis in medical follow-up for a year, in whom surgical replacement had not been conducted due to the patient's refusal and to the high surgical risk. She was admitted to the institution referring one month of progressive shortness of breath and an echocardiogram documented critical aortic stenosis. Percutaneous aortic valve implantation was performed. Due to her high risk of needing a peri or post-procedure pacemaker, Holter monitoring was performed, documenting alternating bundle branch block, which did not progress to complete atrioventricular block after 72 hours of follow-up, in consequence, a permanent pacemaker was not implanted. MÉD.UIS.2020;33(3): 37-42

Prognostic Implication of Ventricular Conduction Disturbance Pattern in Hospitalized Patients with Acute Heart Failure Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conflicting data exist regarding the prognostic implication of ventricular conduction disturbance pattern in patients with heart failure (HF). This study investigated the prognostic impact of ventricular conduction pattern in hospitalized patients with acute HF. METHODS: Data from the Korean Acute Heart Failure registry were used. Patients were categorized into four groups: narrow QRS (<120 ms), right bundle branch block (RBBB), left bundle branch block (LBBB), and nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD). The NICD was defined as prolonged QRS (≥120 ms) without typical features of LBBB or RBBB. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for HF aggravation within 1 year after discharge. RESULTS: This study included 5,157 patients. The primary endpoint occurred in 39.7% of study population. The LBBB group showed the highest incidence of primary endpoint followed by NICD, RBBB, and narrow QRS groups (52.5% vs. 49.7% vs. 44.4% vs. 37.5%, p<0.001). In a multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression analysis, LBBB and NICD were associated with 39% and 28% increased risk for primary endpoint (LBBB hazard ratio [HR], 1.392; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.152–1.681; NICD HR, 1.278; 95% CI, 1.074–1.520) compared with narrow QRS group. The HR of RBBB for the primary endpoint was 1.103 (95% CI, 0.915–1.329). CONCLUSIONS: LBBB and NICD were independently associated with an increased risk of 1-year adverse event in hospitalized patients with HF, whereas the prognostic impacts of RBBB were limited. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01389843

Assessment of Subclinical Cardiac Alterations and Atrial Electromechanical Delay by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Patients with Nonfunctioning Adrenal Incidentaloma / Avaliação de Alterações Cardíacas Subclínicas e Atraso Eletromecânico Atrial por Ecocardiografia com Doppler Tecidual em Pacientes com Incidentaloma Adrenal Não Funcionante

Abstract Background: Majority of the incidentally discovered adrenal masses, called adrenal incidentaloma (AI), are nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas. The appropriate management of AI is still a matter debate, so it is necessary to investigate their associated morbidity. However, data regarding morphological and functional cardiac alterations are limited in this group. Objective: In this study, we aimed to assess cardiac structural and functional characteristics and atrial conduction properties in patients with nonfunctioning AI. Methods: Thirty patients with nonfunctioning AI and 46 properly matched control subjects were included in the study. After hormonal and biochemical analysis, all participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to obtain systolic and diastolic parameters of both ventricles, in addition to atrial conduction times by tissue Doppler echocardiography. Data were analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, IL, United States) statistics, version 17.0 for Windows. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Left ventricular (LV) mass index and LV myocardial performance index were significantly increased in AI group. Among atrial conduction times, both intra- and interatrial electromechanical delays were significantly prolonged in patients with nonfunctioning AI. Other laboratory and echocardiographic findings were similar between groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that intra- and inter-atrial conduction times were prolonged, and LV mass index was increased in patients with nonfunctioning AI. These findings may be markers of subclinical cardiac involvement and tendency to cardiovascular complications. Close follow-up is necessary for individuals with nonfunctioning AI for their increased cardiovascular risk.

Resumo Fundamento: A maioria das massas adrenais descobertas incidentalmente, denominadas incidentaloma adrenal (IA), são adenomas adrenais não funcionantes. O manejo adequado da IA ainda é um tema de debate, e por isso é necessário investigar suas morbidades associadas. Entretanto, dados referentes a alterações cardíacas morfológicas e funcionais são limitados nesse grupo. Objetivo: Neste estudo, objetivamos avaliar as características estruturais e funcionais cardíacas e as propriedades de condução atrial em pacientes com IA não funcionante. Métodos: Trinta pacientes com IA não funcionante e 46 controles adequadamente pareados foram incluídos no estudo. Após análise hormonal e bioquímica, todos os participantes foram submetidos a ecocardiograma transtorácico para obtenção de parâmetros sistólicos e diastólicos de ambos os ventrículos, além dos tempos de condução atrial pelo ecocardiograma com Doppler tecidual. Os dados foram analisados com o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, IL, Estados Unidos), versão 17.0 para Windows. P < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: O índice de massa do ventrículo esquerdo (VE) e o índice de desempenho miocárdico do VE foram significativamente aumentados no grupo IA. Entre os tempos de condução atrial, os atrasos eletromecânicos intra- e interatriais foram significativamente prolongados em pacientes com IA não funcionante. Outros achados laboratoriais e ecocardiográficos foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Conclusão: Nosso estudo revelou que os tempos de condução intra- e interatrial estavam prolongados e o índice de massa do VE estava aumentado em pacientes com IA não funcionante. Esses achados podem ser marcadores de envolvimento cardíaco subclínico e de tendência a complicações cardiovasculares. Um acompanhamento rigoroso é necessário para indivíduos com IA não funcionante, devido ao aumento do risco cardiovascular.