Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on the Outcomes of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion: Insights from a Large National Database.

BACKGROUND: Studies exploring the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (pLAAO) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to analyze trends and outcomes following pLAAO in patients with CKD. METHODS: We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify hospitalizations for pLAAO from 2016-2020 and further identified cases with concomitant CKD. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were cerebrovascular accidents, major bleeding, vasopressor requirements, percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac arrest, acute respiratory failure, transfusion, length of stay (LOS), and total hospital charges. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to further adjust for covariates. RESULTS: A total of 89,309 pLAAO procedures from 2016 to 2020 were identified, of which 21,559 (24.1%) reported concomitant CKD, with males comprising the majority (62.2%). An increasing trend in pLAAO procedures was seen from 2.24 to 13.9 per 10,000 patients from 2016 to 2020. Despite patients with CKD having a higher rate of most comorbidities, there was no difference in mortality (non-CKD vs. CKD, 0.07% vs. 0.42%; aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 0.4 - 4.4, p=0.686) and complications for CKD and non-CKD patients, while CKD patients had longer LOS and higher total hospital charge. No significant sex differences in outcomes among CKD patients were observed except for a longer LOS in females. CONCLUSION: Despite generally having more comorbidities, outcomes of patients with CKD following pLAAO are similar to those without CKD, suggesting that pLAAO can be offered as a safe option for the treatment of AF in eligible patients with CKD.

Sex differences in trends and outcomes of acute myocardial infarction with mechanical complications in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical complications (MC) are rare but significant sequelae of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Current data on sex differences in AMI with MC is limited. METHODS: We queried the National Inpatient Sample database to identify adult patients with the primary diagnosis of AMI and MC. The main outcome of interest was sex difference in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were sex differences in the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), major bleeding, use of inotropes, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI), performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), surgery (VSD repair and MV surgery), pericardiocentesis, use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), ischemic stroke, and mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Among AMI-MC cohort, in-hospital mortality was higher among females compared to males (41.24% vs 28.13%: aOR 1.39. 95% CI 1.079-1.798; p = 0.01). Among those who had VSD, females also had higher in-hospital mortality compared to males (56.7% vs 43.1%: aOR 1.74, 95% CI 1.12-2.69; p = 0.01). Females were less likely to receive CABG compared to males (12.03% vs 20%: aOR 0.49 95% CI 0.345-0.690; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Despite the decreasing trend in AMI admission, females had higher risk of MC and associated mortality. Significant sex disparities still exist in AMI treatment.

Sex differences in permanent pacemaker implantation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the effect of sex on permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The primary objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the role of sex among patients requiring PPMI post-TAVR. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using the SCOPUS, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases for studies published until October 2022. Eligible studies included published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Observational Cohort Studies (OCS) articles that reported PPMI as an outcome of pacemaker status following TAVR. This study was performed per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Publication bias was estimated using a Funnel plot and Egger's test. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. The primary endpoint was the sex difference in PPMI after TAVR, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) extracted. RESULTS: Data was obtained from 63 studies, and a total of 79,655 patients were included. The cumulative PPMI rate was 15.5% (95% CI, 13.6%-17.7%). The pooled analysis revealed that while there were more females than males undergoing TAVR (51.6%, 95% CI 50.4%-52.8%), males have a 14.5% higher risk for post-TAVR PPMI than females (OR 1.145, 95% CI 1.047-1.253, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Males are more likely to experience PPMI after TAVR than females. Further research needs to be done to better explain these observed differences in outcomes.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: An Update.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a relatively novel minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis. Although it has been proven effective in improving mortality and quality of life, TAVR is associated with serious complications, such as acute kidney injury (AKI). SUMMARY: TAVR-associated AKI is likely due to several factors such as sustained hypotension, transapical approach, volume of contrast use, and baseline low GFR. This narrative review aims to present an overview of the latest literature and evidence regarding the definition of TAVR-associated AKI, its risk factors, and its impact on morbidity and mortality. The review used a systematic search strategy with multiple health-focused databases (Medline, EMBASE) and identified 8 clinical trials and 27 observational studies concerning TAVR-associated AKI. Results showed that TAVR-associated AKI is linked to several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors and is associated with higher mortality. A variety of diagnostic imaging modalities have the potential to identify patients at high risk for development of TAVR-AKI; however, there are no existing consensus recommendations regarding their use as of this time. The implications of these findings highlight the importance of identifying high-risk patients for which preventive measures may play a crucial role, and should be maximized. KEY MESSAGE: This study reviews the current understanding of TAVR-associated AKI including its pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic modalities, and preventative management for patients.

Aortic Stenosis and Aortic Valve Replacement among Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND: Aortic stenosis (AS) can present with dyspnea, angina, syncope, and palpitations, and this presents a diagnostic challenge as chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other commonly found comorbid conditions may present similarly. While medical optimization is an important aspect in management, aortic valve replacement (AVR) by surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the definitive treatment. Patients with concomitant CKD and AS require special consideration as it is known that CKD is associated with progression of AS and poor long-term outcomes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to summarize and review the current existing literature on patients with both CKD and AS regarding disease progression, dialysis methods, surgical intervention, and postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: The incidence of AS increases with age but has also been independently associated with CKD and furthermore with hemodialysis (HD). Regular dialysis with HD versus peritoneal dialysis (PD) and female gender have been associated with progression of AS. Management of AS is multidisciplinary and requires planning and interventions by the heart-kidney team to decrease the risk of further inducing kidney injury among high-risk population. Both TAVR and SAVR are effective interventions for patients with severe symptomatic AS, but TAVR has been associated with better short-term renal and cardiovascular outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Special consideration must be given to patients with both CKD and AS. The choice of whether to undergo HD versus PD among patients with CKD is multifactorial, but studies have shown benefit regarding AS progression among those who undergo PD. The choice regarding AVR approach is likewise the same. TAVR has been associated with decreased complications among CKD patients, but the decision is multifactorial and requires a comprehensive discussion with the heart-kidney team as many other factors play a role in the decision including preference, prognosis, and other risk factors.

Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion for Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

The majority of embolic strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are caused by thrombi in the left atrial appendage. It is projected that strokes related to atrial fibrillation will markedly increase in the future unless effective mitigation strategies are implemented. Systemic anticoagulation has been known to be highly effective in reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, bleeding complications and nonadherence are barriers to effective anticoagulation therapy. Surgical and percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion devices are nonpharmacologic strategies to mitigate the challenges of drug therapy. We present a contemporary review of left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. A thorough review of the history of surgical and percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion devices, recent trials, and US Food and Drug Administration milestones of current left atrial appendage occlusion devices are discussed.

Patent foramen ovale and ascending aortic aneurysm causing the platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is present in about 25% of the population. Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS), which is dyspnea and hypoxemia in the upright position that is relieved when supine, is a rare manifestation of PFO. We describe a case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with new-onset hypoxia. A PFO and a dilated aorta causing POS were found on workup. Symptoms were resolved after undergoing percutaneous PFO closure. This case highlights the mechanism by which an ascending aortic aneurysm can alter hemodynamics through an existing PFO, leading to symptoms of a previously clinically insignificant PFO, and emphasizes how early recognition of POS allows for appropriate intervention.

The prognostic value of cardiac SPECT performed at the primary care physician's office.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of single-photon emission computed-tomography (SPECT)-myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is well documented. However, the utility of SPECT-MPI when performed at a low-volume primary care physician's (PCP's) office is unknown. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients referred by their PCP to undergo a stress-MPI at the PCP's office using a mobile laboratory. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and coronary revascularization were prospectively tabulated using mail and telephone interviews, chart review, and social security death index. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred ninety subjects [mean age 58 ± 13 years; 44% women] were followed for 27 ± 9 months, with a 99% complete follow-up rate. Subjects with abnormal MPI [174 (12.5%)] had significantly higher rates of all-cause mortality [5.2% vs 1.0%, P < .001], death, or MI [5.7% vs 1.5%, P = .001], and the composite of death, MI, or late revascularization (>60 days post-MPI) [12.6 vs 2.7%, P < .001]. Overall MACE risk was associated with the total perfusion abnormality burden, while the revascularization rate was related to the reversible perfusion abnormality burden. CONCLUSION: Contemporary SPECT-MPI performed in the setting of a PCP's office carries a robust prognostic value, similar to that reported in tertiary or large-volume practice settings.