Real-World Eligibility and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Empagliflozin for Heart Failure in Korea

Background@#The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved empagliflozin for reducing cardiovascular mortality and heart failure (HF) hospitalization in patients with both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, limited data are available on the generalizability of empagliflozin to clinical practice. Therefore, we evaluated real-world eligibility and potential cost-effectiveness based on a nationwide prospective HF registry. @*Methods@#A total of 3,108 HFrEF and 2,070 HFpEF patients from the Korean Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry were analyzed. Eligibility was estimated by inclusion and exclusion criteria of EMPagliflozin outcomE tRial in Patients With chrOnic heaRt Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction (EMPEROR-Reduced) and EMPagliflozin outcomE tRial in Patients With chrOnic heaRt Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction (EMPEROR-Preserved) trials and by FDA & EMA label criteria. The cost-utility analysis was done using a Markov model to project the lifetime medical cost and quality-adjusted life year (QALY). @*Results@#Among the KorAHF patients, 91.4% met FDA & EMA label criteria, while 44.7% met the clinical trial criteria. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of empagliflozin was calculated at US$6,764 per QALY in the overall population, which is far below a threshold of US$18,182 per QALY. The cost-effectiveness benefit was more evident in patients with HFrEF (US$5,012 per QALY) than HFpEF (US$8,971 per QALY). @*Conclusion@#There is a large discrepancy in real-world eligibility for empagliflozin between FDA & EMA labels and clinical trial criteria. Empagliflozin is cost-effective in HF patients regardless of ejection fraction in South Korea health care setting. The efficacy and safety of empagliflozin in real-world HF patients should be further investigated for a broader range of clinical applications.

Characteristics According to Frailty Status Among Older Korean Patients With Hypertension

Background@#As the prevalence of hypertension increases with age and the proportion of the older population is also on the rise, research on the characteristics of older hypertensive patients and the importance of frailty is necessary. This study aimed to identify clinical characteristics of older hypertension in Korea and to investigate these characteristics based on frailty status. @*Methods@#The HOW to Optimize eLDerly systolic BP (HOWOLD-BP) is a prospective, multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial that aims to compare intensive (target systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≤ 130 mmHg) with standard (target SBP ≤ 140 mmHg) treatment to reduce cardiovascular events in older hypertensive Korean patients aged ≥ 65 years. Data were analyzed through a screening assessment of 2,085 patients recruited from 11 university hospitals. Demographic, functional (physical and cognitive), medical history, laboratory data, quality of life, and medication history of antihypertensive drugs were assessed. @*Results@#The mean age was 73.2 years (standard deviation ± 5.60), and 48.0% (n = 1,001) were male. Prevalent conditions included dyslipidemia (66.5%), obesity (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m 2 , 53.6%), and diabetes (28.9%). Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension were self-reported by 1.6% (n = 33) and 1.2% (n = 24), respectively. The majority of patients were on two antihypertensive drugs (48.4%), while 27.5% (n = 574) and 20.8% (n = 433) were on 1 and 3 antihypertensive medications, respectively. Frail to pre-frail patients were older and also tended to have dependent instrumental activities of daily living, slower gait speed, weaker grip strength, lower quality of life, and lower cognitive function. The frail to pre-frail group reported more dizziness (2.6% vs. 1.2%, P < 0.001) and had concerning clinical factors, including lower glomerular filtration rate, more comorbidities such as diabetes, stroke, and a history of admission. Frail to pre-frail older hypertensive patients used slightly more antihypertensive medications than robust older hypertensive patients (1.95 vs. 2.06, P = 0.003). Pre-frail to frail patients often chose beta-blockers as a third medication over diuretics. @*Conclusion@#This study described the general clinical characteristics of older hypertensive patients in Korea. Frail hypertensive patients face challenges in achieving positive clinical outcomes because of multifactorial causes: they are older, have more morbidities, decreased function, lower quality of life and cognitive function, and take more antihypertensive medications. Therefore, it is essential to comprehensively evaluate and monitor diseaserelated or drug-related adverse events more frequently during regular check-ups, which is necessary for pre-frail to frail older patients with hypertension.

The Role of COVID-19 Vaccination for Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in the Upcoming Endemic Era

COVID-19 vaccination has played a pivotal role in coping with the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a powerful tool to curb the spread of the virus, reduce severe illness and hospitalizations, and ultimately save lives and facilitate a return to normal daily routines. As COVID-19 vaccination has become more widespread and more individuals have recovered from the infection, COVID-19 has entered an endemic disease phase. This phase is characterized by a less severe and more stable pattern of infection within certain regions, similar to the predictability of seasonal influenza. In this endemic era, COVID-19 vaccines may appear to be less important, and many people are reluctant to receive COVID-19 vaccination for various reasons, including the fear of adverse events. However, COVID-19 remains a major public health problem, in that the incidence rate of new COVID-19 infections is still high and the morbidity and mortality in high-risk populations are substantial.Therefore, the role of COVID-19 vaccines in protecting high-risk individuals is crucial, and ongoing research and surveillance are imperative to refine vaccination recommendations in the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 endemic era. This review explores the role of COVID-19 vaccination in the upcoming COVID-19 endemic era.

Long-term cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients: full report of the Korean Hypertension Cohort

Background/Aims@#This study evaluated the long-term cardiovascular complications among Korean patients with hypertension and compared them with that of controls without hypertension. @*Methods@#The Korean Hypertension Cohort (KHC) enrolled 11,043 patients with hypertension and followed them for more than 10 years. Age- and sex-matched controls without hypertension were enrolled at a 1:10 ratio. We compared the incidence of cardiovascular events and death among patients and controls without hypertension. @*Results@#The mean age was 59 years, and 34.8% and 16.5% of the patients belonged to the high and moderate cardiovascular risk groups, respectively. During the 10-year follow-up, 1,591 cardiovascular events (14.4%) with 588 deaths (5.3%) occurred among patients with hypertension and 7,635 cardiovascular events (6.9%) with 4,826 deaths (4.4%) occurred among controls. Even the low-risk population with hypertension showed a higher cardiovascular event rate than the population without hypertension. Although blood pressure measurements in the clinic showed remarkable inaccuracy compared with those measured in the national health examinations, systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 150 mmHg was significantly associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. @*Conclusions@#This long-term follow-up study confirmed the cardiovascular event rates among Korean hypertensive patients were substantial, reaching 15% in 10 years. SBP levels ≥ 150 mmHg were highly associated with occurrence of cardiovascular event rates.

Predictors of Progression of Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation / 전남의대학술지

Previous studies have shown that tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can be developed in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) due to annular dilatation. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of the progression of TR in patients with persistent AF. A total of 397 patients (66.9±11.4 years, 247 men; 62.2%) with persistent AF were enrolled between 2006 and 2016 in a tertiary hospital, and 287 eligible patients with follow-up echocardiography were analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to TR progression (progression group [n=68, 70.1±10.7 years, 48.5% men] vs. non-progression group [n=219, 66.0±11.3 years, 64.8% men]). Among 287 patients in the analysis, 68 had worsening TR severity (23.7%). Patients in the TR progression group were older and more likely to be female. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ＜50% were less frequent in the progression group than those in the non-progression group (7.4% vs. 19.6%, p=0.018). Patients with mitral valve disease were more frequent in the progression group. Multivariate analysis with COX regression demonstrated independent predictors of TR progression, including left atrial (LA) diameter ＞54 mm (HR 4.85, 95%CI 2.23-10.57, p＜0.001), E/e’ (HR 1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.10, p=0.027), and no use of antiarrhythmic agents (HR 2.20, 95%CI 1.03-4.72, p=0.041). In patients with persistent AF, worsening TR was not uncommon. The independent predictors of TR progression turned out to be greater LA diameter, higher E/e’, and no use of antiarrhythmic agents.

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Cancer Patients who Developed Constrictive Physiology After Pericardiocentesis

Background and objectives@#This study aimed to identify the characteristics and clinical outcomes of cancer patients who developed constrictive physiology (CP) after percutaneous pericardiocentesis. @*Methods@#One-hundred thirty-three cancer patients who underwent pericardiocentesis were divided into 2 groups according to follow-up echocardiography (CP vs. non-CP). The clinical history, imaging findings, and laboratory results, and overall survival were compared. @*Results@#CP developed in 49 (36.8%) patients after pericardiocentesis. The CP group had a more frequent history of radiation therapy. Pericardial enhancement and malignant masses abutting the pericardium were more frequently observed in the CP group. Fever and ST segment elevation were more frequent in the CP group, with higher C-reactive protein levels (6.6±4.3mg/dL vs. 3.3±2.5mg/dL, p<0.001). Pericardial fluid leukocytes counts were significantly higher, and positive cytology was more frequent in the CP group. In baseline echocardiography before pericardiocentesis, medial e′ velocity was significantly higher in the CP group (8.6±2.1cm/s vs. 6.5±2.3cm/s, p<0.001), and respirophasic ventricular septal shift, prominent expiratory hepatic venous flow reversal, pericardial adhesion, and loculated pericardial fluid were also more frequent. The risk of all-cause death was significantly high in the CP group (hazard ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval,1.10–2.13; p=0.005). @*Conclusions@#CP frequently develops after pericardiocentesis, and it is associated with poor survival in cancer patients. Several clinical signs, imaging, and laboratory findings suggestive of pericardial inflammation and/or direct malignant pericardial invasion are frequently observed and could be used as predictors of CP development.

The Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension on the Clinical Outcomes of Acute Myocardial Infarction after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / 대한내과학회지

Background/Aims@#Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with heart failure contributes to a poor prognosis. However, the role of PH in the long-term clinical outcome is unclear in those with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The clinical significance of elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) on routine echocardiography is underestimated. @*Methods@#This study enrolled 2,526 AMI patients (65.1 ± 12.7 years; 1,757 males [69.6%]) from the Korean AMI registry who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention and pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The patients were divided into four groups according to the RVSP on TTE: normal RVSP (RVSP < 35 mmHg, n = 1,695), mild PH (35 ≤ RVSP < 45 mmHg, n = 601), moderate PH (45 ≤ RVSP < 70 mmHg, n = 211), and severe PH (RVSP ≥ 70 mmHg, n = 19). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were compared among the four groups. @*Results@#During the 3-year clinical follow-up period, MACE occurred in 562 patients (22.2%), including 321 (18.9%), 145 (24.1%), 83 (39.3%), and 13 patients (68.4%) in the normal RVSP and mild, moderate, and severe PH groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, independent factors for MACE were moderate or severe PH, age ≥ 65 years, Killip class ≥ III, left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%, hypertension, and diabetes. @*Conclusions@#Measuring RVSP is useful for stratifying the risk of patients with AMI; MACE occurred in patients with moderate or severe PH.

Evaluation of Adherence to Guideline for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and with or without Atrial Fibrillation

Background@#This study evaluated the relationship between guideline adherence for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) at discharge and relevant clinical outcomes in patients with acute HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with or without atrial fibrillation (AF). @*Methods@#We analyzed Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry data for 707 patients with HFpEF with documented AF and 687 without AF. Guideline adherence was defined as good or poor according to the prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Anticoagulation adherence was also incorporated for the AF group. @*Results@#Among patients with normal sinus rhythm, those with poor guideline adherence had a reduced prevalence of comorbidities and favorable clinical characteristics when compared with those with good guideline adherence. Using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to address the bias of nonrandom treatment assignment, good adherence was associated with a poor 60-day composite endpoint in the multivariable Cox model (weighted hazard ratio [wHR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–3.00; P = 0.045). For patients with AF, baseline clinical characteristics were similar according to the degree of adherence. The IPTW-adjusted analysis indicated that good adherence was significantly associated with the 60-day composite endpoint (wHR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27–0.79; P = 0.005). In the analysis excluding warfarin, good adherence was associated with 60-day rehospitalization (wHR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37–0.98; P = 0.040), 1-year re-hospitalization (wHR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48–0.93; P = 0.018), and the composite endpoint (wHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59–0.99; P = 0.041). @*Conclusion@#Our findings indicate that good adherence to guidelines for HFrEF is associated with a better 60-day composite endpoint in patients with HFpEF with AF.

Gender Difference of Cardiac Remodeling in University Athletes: Results from 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade

Background and Objectives@#There is little data about cardiac geometry in highly trained young athletes, especially female specific changes. We investigated gender difference on exercise induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) in highly trained university athletes. @*Methods@#A total of 1,185 university athletes divided into 2 groups; female (n=497, 22.0±2.3 years) vs. male (n=688, 22.6±2.4 years). Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), and any cardiac chamber were compared. @*Results@#LV, LA, RV, and any remodeling was found in 156 (13.2%), 206 (17.4%), 82 (6.9%), and 379 athletes (31.9%), respectively. LV, LA, and any remodeling were more common in male than female athletes (n=53, 12.1% vs. n=103, 15.5%, p=0.065), (n=65, 13.1% vs. n=141, 20.5%, p<0.001), (n=144, 30.0% vs. n=235, 34.2%, p=0.058), respectively, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in female than male athletes (n=56, 11.3% vs.n=26, 3.8%, p<0.001). Interestingly, the development of LV, LA, and RV remodeling were not overlapped in many of athletes, suggesting different mechanism of EICR according to cardiac chamber. Various predictors including sports type, heart rate, muscle mass, fat mass, body surface area, and training time were differently involved in cardiac remodeling, and there were gender differences of these predictors for cardiac remodeling. @*Conclusions@#EICR was common in both sex and was independently developed among cardiac chambers in highly trained university athletes. LV and LA remodeling were common in males, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in females demonstrating gender difference in EICR. The present study also demonstrated gender difference in the predictors of EICR.

The Korean Hypertension Cohort study: design and baseline characteristics

Background/Aims@#Hypertension (HT) has a significant impact on public health and medical expenses. However, HT is a chronic disease that requires the long-term follow-up of a large number of patients. @*Methods@#The Korean Hypertension Cohort (KHC) study aimed to develop a model for calculating cardiovascular risk in HT patients by linking and utilizing the detailed clinical and longitudinal data from hospitals and the national health insurance claim database, respectively. This cohort had a planned sample size of over 11,000 HT patients and 100,000 non-HT controls. Eligible patients were hypertensive patients, who were presenting for the first time and were diagnosed with HT as a main disease from 2006 to 2011. Long-term survival data over a period of approximately 9 years were obtained from the national health insurance claim and national health examination data. @*Results@#This cohort enrolled 11,083 patients with HT. The mean age was 58.87 ± 11.5 years, 50.5% were male, and 31.4% were never-treated HT. Of the enrolled patients, 32.9% and 37.7% belonged to the high and moderate cardiovascular risk groups, respectively. Initial blood pressures were 149.4 ± 18.5/88.5 ± 12.5 mmHg. During the 2 years hospital data follow-up period, blood pressures lowered to 130.8 ± 14.1/78.0 ± 9.7 mmHg with 1.9 ± 1.0 tablet doses of antihypertensive medication. Cardiovascular events occurred in 7.5% of the overall patients; 8.5%, 8.8%, and 4.7% in the high, moderate, and low risk patients, respectively. @*Conclusions@#The KHC study has provided important information on the long-term outcomes of HT patients according to the blood pressure, comorbid diseases, medication, and adherence, as well as health behaviors and health resource use.

Evaluation of Adherence to Guideline for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and with or without Atrial Fibrillation

Background@#This study evaluated the relationship between guideline adherence for heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) at discharge and relevant clinical outcomes in patients with acute HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with or without atrial fibrillation (AF). @*Methods@#We analyzed Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry data for 707 patients with HFpEF with documented AF and 687 without AF. Guideline adherence was defined as good or poor according to the prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Anticoagulation adherence was also incorporated for the AF group. @*Results@#Among patients with normal sinus rhythm, those with poor guideline adherence had a reduced prevalence of comorbidities and favorable clinical characteristics when compared with those with good guideline adherence. Using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to address the bias of nonrandom treatment assignment, good adherence was associated with a poor 60-day composite endpoint in the multivariable Cox model (weighted hazard ratio [wHR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–3.00; P = 0.045). For patients with AF, baseline clinical characteristics were similar according to the degree of adherence. The IPTW-adjusted analysis indicated that good adherence was significantly associated with the 60-day composite endpoint (wHR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.27–0.79; P = 0.005). In the analysis excluding warfarin, good adherence was associated with 60-day rehospitalization (wHR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37–0.98; P = 0.040), 1-year re-hospitalization (wHR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.48–0.93; P = 0.018), and the composite endpoint (wHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.59–0.99; P = 0.041). @*Conclusion@#Our findings indicate that good adherence to guidelines for HFrEF is associated with a better 60-day composite endpoint in patients with HFpEF with AF.

Gender Difference of Cardiac Remodeling in University Athletes: Results from 2015 Gwangju Summer Universiade

Background and Objectives@#There is little data about cardiac geometry in highly trained young athletes, especially female specific changes. We investigated gender difference on exercise induced cardiac remodeling (EICR) in highly trained university athletes. @*Methods@#A total of 1,185 university athletes divided into 2 groups; female (n=497, 22.0±2.3 years) vs. male (n=688, 22.6±2.4 years). Remodeling of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), and any cardiac chamber were compared. @*Results@#LV, LA, RV, and any remodeling was found in 156 (13.2%), 206 (17.4%), 82 (6.9%), and 379 athletes (31.9%), respectively. LV, LA, and any remodeling were more common in male than female athletes (n=53, 12.1% vs. n=103, 15.5%, p=0.065), (n=65, 13.1% vs. n=141, 20.5%, p<0.001), (n=144, 30.0% vs. n=235, 34.2%, p=0.058), respectively, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in female than male athletes (n=56, 11.3% vs.n=26, 3.8%, p<0.001). Interestingly, the development of LV, LA, and RV remodeling were not overlapped in many of athletes, suggesting different mechanism of EICR according to cardiac chamber. Various predictors including sports type, heart rate, muscle mass, fat mass, body surface area, and training time were differently involved in cardiac remodeling, and there were gender differences of these predictors for cardiac remodeling. @*Conclusions@#EICR was common in both sex and was independently developed among cardiac chambers in highly trained university athletes. LV and LA remodeling were common in males, whereas RV remodeling was significantly more common in females demonstrating gender difference in EICR. The present study also demonstrated gender difference in the predictors of EICR.

The Korean Hypertension Cohort study: design and baseline characteristics

Background/Aims@#Hypertension (HT) has a significant impact on public health and medical expenses. However, HT is a chronic disease that requires the long-term follow-up of a large number of patients. @*Methods@#The Korean Hypertension Cohort (KHC) study aimed to develop a model for calculating cardiovascular risk in HT patients by linking and utilizing the detailed clinical and longitudinal data from hospitals and the national health insurance claim database, respectively. This cohort had a planned sample size of over 11,000 HT patients and 100,000 non-HT controls. Eligible patients were hypertensive patients, who were presenting for the first time and were diagnosed with HT as a main disease from 2006 to 2011. Long-term survival data over a period of approximately 9 years were obtained from the national health insurance claim and national health examination data. @*Results@#This cohort enrolled 11,083 patients with HT. The mean age was 58.87 ± 11.5 years, 50.5% were male, and 31.4% were never-treated HT. Of the enrolled patients, 32.9% and 37.7% belonged to the high and moderate cardiovascular risk groups, respectively. Initial blood pressures were 149.4 ± 18.5/88.5 ± 12.5 mmHg. During the 2 years hospital data follow-up period, blood pressures lowered to 130.8 ± 14.1/78.0 ± 9.7 mmHg with 1.9 ± 1.0 tablet doses of antihypertensive medication. Cardiovascular events occurred in 7.5% of the overall patients; 8.5%, 8.8%, and 4.7% in the high, moderate, and low risk patients, respectively. @*Conclusions@#The KHC study has provided important information on the long-term outcomes of HT patients according to the blood pressure, comorbid diseases, medication, and adherence, as well as health behaviors and health resource use.

Difference of Clinical Outcomes According to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Its Subtype in Korean Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction / 대한내과학회지

Background/Aims@#Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not clear. This study was performed to investigate the effect of abnormal left ventricular geometry on clinical outcomes in Korean patients with AMI. @*Methods@#A total of 852 consecutive patients with AMI were divided into two groups: normal left ventricular geometry (n = 470; 389 males) and LVH (n = 382; 214 males) groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and rehospitalization. @*Results@#During the clinical follow-up period of 21 ± 7.8 months, MACEs developed in 173 patients (20.0%), and the rate was higher in the LVH than normal left ventricular geometry groups (25.5% vs. 16.0%, respectively, p = 0.001). According to Kaplan-Meier survival curves, the MACE-free survival rate was significantly lower in the LVH group than in the left ventricular geometry group (p = 0.008). The rates of MACEs and all-cause mortality differed among the AMI with concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy subgroups (11.2% vs. 15.5% vs. 22.1%, respectively, p = 0.046). Eccentric hypertrophy was a predictive factor of MACE according to Cox proportional hazards analysis (hazard ratio 1.804, confidence interval 1.034-3.148, p = 0.038). @*Conclusions@#LVH is a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with AMI, and eccentric hypertrophy is associated with a worse prognosis compared with concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy. Therefore, Korean patients with AMI and LVH, especially eccentric hypertrophy, require more careful observation and intensive treatment.

Impact of Anticoagulation Intensity in Korean Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Is It Different from Western Population?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Although anticoagulation with warfarin is recommended as an international normalized ratio (INR) of prothrombin time between 2.0 and 3.0 and mean time in the therapeutic range (TTR) ≥70%, little has been proven that universal criteria might be suitable in Korean atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.@*METHODS@#We analyzed 710 patients with non-valvular AF who took warfarin. INR value and clinical outcomes were assessed during 2-year follow-up. Intensity of anticoagulation was assessed as mean INR value and TTR according to target INR range. Primary net-clinical outcome was defined as the composite of new-onset stroke and major bleeding. Secondary net-clinical outcome was defined as the composite of new-onset stroke, major bleeding and death.@*RESULTS@#Thromboembolism was significantly decreased when mean INR was over 1.6. Major bleeding was significantly decreased when TTR was over 70% and mean INR was less than 2.6. Mean INR 1.6–2.6 significantly reduced thromboembolism (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.85), major bleeding (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.81), primary (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29–0.84) and secondary (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28–0.74) net-clinical outcomes, whereas mean INR 2.0–3.0 did not. Simultaneous satisfaction of mean INR 1.6–2.6 and TTR ≥70% was associated with significant risk reduction of major bleeding, primary and secondary net-clinical outcomes.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Mean INR 1.6–2.6 was better than mean INR 2.0–3.0 for the prevention of thromboembolism and major bleeding. However, INR 1.6–2.6 and TTR ≥70% had similar clinical outcomes to INR 2.0–3.0 and TTR ≥70% in Korean patients with non-valvular AF.

Comparison of Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics between Cardiac Myxomas and Masses Mimicking Myxoma

Background and Objectives@#Cardiac myxoma is the most frequent benign cardiac tumor that can result in cardiac and systemic symptoms. We investigated clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with cardiac masses suggesting myxoma. @*Methods@#We investigated 265 consecutive patients with an echocardiographic diagnosis of cardiac myxomas in 4 teaching hospitals in Korea. @*Results@#The mean age was 61±16 years and 169 patients (63.8%) were female. The most frequent referral reason for echocardiography was an evaluation of cardiac symptoms (43.4%). Tumors were incidentally detected in 82 patients (30.9%). Left atrium (LA) was the most frequently involved site (84.5%) and 19 patients (7.2%) had non-atrial tumors. The mean tumor size was 38.7×26.0 mm (range, 4–96 mm). Of 186 patients (70.2%) who had pathological diagnosis, 174 (93.5%) were confirmed with myxoma, 8 (4.3%) with other tumors and 4 (2.2%) with thrombi. Compared to myxoma, smaller size (20.4×12.6 mm vs. 41.4×27.6 mm, p<0.01) and non-LA location (87.5% vs. 10.5%, p<0.001) were associated with non-myxoma tumors, and more frequent atrial fibrillation (AF, 75.0% vs. 7.0%, p<0.001) and larger LA diameter (55.0±14.6 mm vs. 41.3±7.7 mm, p=0.001) were related to thrombi. @*Conclusions@#Of 265 patients with an echocardiographic diagnosis with cardiac myxomas, 174 (65.7%) were surgically confirmed with myxomas. Compared with cardiac myxoma, other tumors were smaller and more frequently found in non-atrial sites. Thrombi were associated with AF and larger LA diameter.

Kommerell Diverticulum as a Rare Cause of Dysphagia / 대한내과학회지

Kommerell diverticulum is a rare congenital anomaly of the aortic arch characterized by dilation at the proximal descending aorta, which gives rise to an aberrant subclavian artery. Kommerell diverticulum is usually asymptomatic, but can also be associated with symptoms due to compression of the esophagus or trachea, and can rarely be fatal due to dissection or rupture of the diverticulum. Here, we report a rare case of dysphagia caused by compression of the esophagus by Kommerell diverticulum originating from the right-sided aortic arch.

Predictors of Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / 대한내과학회지

Background/Aims@#Many patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) suffer from heart failure due to progressive ischemic left ventricular (LV) remodeling. This study investigated the predictors of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) in patients with AMI who underwent successful percutaneous intervention. @*Methods@#A total of 547 patients with AMI were divided into two groups: ICMP (n = 66, 67.1 ± 11.9 years, 78.8% males) and non-ICMP (n = 481, 62.5 ± 12.2 years, 70.1% males). @*Results@#On echocardiography, the LVEF was significantly decreased (41.7 ± 10.5 vs. 55.4 ± 10.3%, p 55 mm (OR 4.511, 95% CI 1.561–13.038, p = 0.005), and ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e’) ≥ 15 (OR 3.270, 95% CI 1.168–9.155, p = 0.024) were independent predictors of ICMP development. @*Conclusions@#The present study demonstrates that a larger LV size, lower LV function, and increased E/e’ (≥ 15) were independent predictors of ICMP. Therefore, the development of ICMP should be carefully monitored in AMI patients with these features.

Difference of Clinical Outcomes According to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Its Subtype in Korean Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction / 대한내과학회지

Background/Aims@#Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not clear. This study was performed to investigate the effect of abnormal left ventricular geometry on clinical outcomes in Korean patients with AMI. @*Methods@#A total of 852 consecutive patients with AMI were divided into two groups: normal left ventricular geometry (n = 470; 389 males) and LVH (n = 382; 214 males) groups. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and rehospitalization. @*Results@#During the clinical follow-up period of 21 ± 7.8 months, MACEs developed in 173 patients (20.0%), and the rate was higher in the LVH than normal left ventricular geometry groups (25.5% vs. 16.0%, respectively, p = 0.001). According to Kaplan-Meier survival curves, the MACE-free survival rate was significantly lower in the LVH group than in the left ventricular geometry group (p = 0.008). The rates of MACEs and all-cause mortality differed among the AMI with concentric remodeling, concentric hypertrophy, and eccentric hypertrophy subgroups (11.2% vs. 15.5% vs. 22.1%, respectively, p = 0.046). Eccentric hypertrophy was a predictive factor of MACE according to Cox proportional hazards analysis (hazard ratio 1.804, confidence interval 1.034-3.148, p = 0.038). @*Conclusions@#LVH is a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with AMI, and eccentric hypertrophy is associated with a worse prognosis compared with concentric remodeling and concentric hypertrophy. Therefore, Korean patients with AMI and LVH, especially eccentric hypertrophy, require more careful observation and intensive treatment.

Impact of Anticoagulation Intensity in Korean Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Is It Different from Western Population?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although anticoagulation with warfarin is recommended as an international normalized ratio (INR) of prothrombin time between 2.0 and 3.0 and mean time in the therapeutic range (TTR) ≥70%, little has been proven that universal criteria might be suitable in Korean atrial fibrillation (AF) patients.METHODS: We analyzed 710 patients with non-valvular AF who took warfarin. INR value and clinical outcomes were assessed during 2-year follow-up. Intensity of anticoagulation was assessed as mean INR value and TTR according to target INR range. Primary net-clinical outcome was defined as the composite of new-onset stroke and major bleeding. Secondary net-clinical outcome was defined as the composite of new-onset stroke, major bleeding and death.RESULTS: Thromboembolism was significantly decreased when mean INR was over 1.6. Major bleeding was significantly decreased when TTR was over 70% and mean INR was less than 2.6. Mean INR 1.6–2.6 significantly reduced thromboembolism (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.85), major bleeding (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.81), primary (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29–0.84) and secondary (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28–0.74) net-clinical outcomes, whereas mean INR 2.0–3.0 did not. Simultaneous satisfaction of mean INR 1.6–2.6 and TTR ≥70% was associated with significant risk reduction of major bleeding, primary and secondary net-clinical outcomes.CONCLUSIONS: Mean INR 1.6–2.6 was better than mean INR 2.0–3.0 for the prevention of thromboembolism and major bleeding. However, INR 1.6–2.6 and TTR ≥70% had similar clinical outcomes to INR 2.0–3.0 and TTR ≥70% in Korean patients with non-valvular AF.