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Current Problems in Cardiology Jul 2024The cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines therapy are well recognized, both in the short and long term. Echocardiography allows monitoring of cancer patients treated... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance parametric techniques to characterize myocardial effects of anthracycline therapy in adults with normal left ventricular ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines therapy are well recognized, both in the short and long term. Echocardiography allows monitoring of cancer patients treated with this class of drugs by serial assessment of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) as a surrogate of systolic function. However, changes in myocardial function may occur late in the process when cardiac damage is already established. Novel cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parametric techniques, like native T1 mapping and extra-cellular volume (ECV), may detect subclinical myocardial damage in these patients, recognizing early signs of cardiotoxicity before development of overt cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) and prompting tailored therapeutic and follow-up strategies to improve outcome.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the difference in CMR derived native T1 relaxation time and ECV values, respectively, in anthracyclines-treated cancer patients with preserved EF versus healthy controls. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central were searched for relevant studies. A total of 6 studies were retrieved from 1057 publications, of which, four studies with 547 patients were included in the systematic review on T1 mapping and five studies with 481 patients were included in the meta-analysis on ECV. Three out of the four included studies in the systematic review showed higher T1 mapping values in anthracyclines treated patients compared to healthy controls. The meta-analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in ECV values between the two groups in the main analysis (Hedges´s g =3.20, 95% CI -0.72-7.12, p =0.11, I =99%), while ECV was significantly higher in the anthracyclines-treated group when sensitivity analysis was performed.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher T1 mapping and ECV values in patients exposed to anthracyclines could represent early biomarkers of CTRCD, able to detect subclinical myocardial changes present before the development of overt myocardial dysfunction. Our results highlight the need for further studies to investigate the correlation between anthracyclines-based chemotherapy and changes in CMR mapping parameters that may guide future tailored follow-up strategies in this group of patients.
Topics: Humans; Anthracyclines; Stroke Volume; Cardiotoxicity; Ventricular Function, Left; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine; Adult
PubMed: 38697332
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102609 -
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2024Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that endangers human health. DCM results in cardiac dysfunction, which eventually progresses to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complication of diabetes mellitus that endangers human health. DCM results in cardiac dysfunction, which eventually progresses to heart failure. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a type of multipotent stem cell, have shown promising therapeutic effects in various cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications in preclinical studies due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative abilities. However, there is still a lack of evidence to summarize the effectiveness of MSCs in the treatment of DCM. Therefore, a meta-analysis and systematic review are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of MSCs for DCM in preclinical studies.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search in English or Chinese was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, web of Science, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Internet from inception to June 30, 2022. The summarized outcomes included echocardiography, morphology, and pathology. Data were independently extracted and analyzed by two authors. The software we adopted was Review Manager5.4.1. This systematic review was written in compliance with PRISMA 2020 and the review protocol was registered on PROSPERO, registration no. CRD42022350032.
RESULTS
We included 20 studies in our meta-analysis to examine the efficacy of MSCs in the treatment of DCM. The MSC-treated group showed a statistically significant effect on left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD=12.61, 95% CI 4.32 to 20.90, P=0.003) and short axis fractional shortening (WMD=6.84, 95% CI 4.09 to 9.59, P < 0.00001). The overall effects on the ratio of early to late diastolic mitral annular velocity, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, maximum positive pressure development, maximum negative pressure development, left ventricular relaxation time constant, heart weight to body weight ratio, fibrosis area, and arteriole density were analyzed, suggesting that MSCs represent an effective therapy for the treatment of DCM.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest a therapeutic role for MSCs in the treatment of DCM, and these results provide support for the use of MSCs in clinical trials of patients with DCM.
Topics: Humans; Diabetic Cardiomyopathies; Stroke Volume; Ventricular Function, Left; Heart; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 37165495
DOI: 10.2174/1574888X18666230510111302 -
Journal of Diabetes and Its... Aug 2023Children with type one diabetes mellitus (T1DM) may have subclinical myocardial insults but large heterogeneity exists among the reports. This study aimed to compare... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Children with type one diabetes mellitus (T1DM) may have subclinical myocardial insults but large heterogeneity exists among the reports. This study aimed to compare myocardial strain values of the left ventricle (LV) in paediatric patients with T1DM without overt cardiac disease and healthy controls.
METHODS
Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane central register of controlled trials) were searched from inception to March 30, 2020. The studies reporting two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in asymptomatic T1DM paediatric patients and control groups were included. Pooled mean strain values in each group and mean difference (MD) between the two groups for LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and LV global circumferential strain (LVGCS) were assessed using a random effects model.
RESULTS
Ten studies (755 T1DM and 610 control) with LVGLS were included with 6 studies having LVGCS (534 T1DM and 403 control). Patients with T1DM had overall 3 percentage points lower LVGLS than healthy subjects (18.4 %, 95 % confidence interval [17.1, 19.6] vs 21.5 % [20.3, 22.7], MD = -3.01 [-4.30, -1.71]). A similar result was seen in LVGCS (18.7 % [15.4, 22.0] vs. 21.4 % [18.1, 24.6], MD = -3.10[-6.47, 0.26]) but not statistically significant. Meta-regression identified those with higher Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) had worse GLS.
CONCLUSIONS
Subclinical LV dysfunction among patients with T1DM occurs as early as in their childhood, while even EF is preserved. The longitudinal cardiac function is altered, but not the circumferential. GLS can be used to detect subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in paediatric population.
Topics: Humans; Child; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Echocardiography; Ventricular Function, Left; Glycated Hemoglobin
PubMed: 37459780
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2023.108528 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... Jul 2024Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain whether... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. The primary objective of this study was to ascertain whether maternal cardiac remodeling is more prevalent in HDP than normotensive pregnancy and if significant change in aortic root size is involved. The secondary objective was to determine the types of cardiac remodeling often associated with HDP.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases, including Medline, PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE. The reference lists of selected articles were also searched to ensure no relevant studies were missed. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in this systematic review.
RESULTS
Out of 5,278 articles identified by the search terms, 9 were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The investigation unveiled a greater prevalence of maternal cardiac remodeling in HDP than normotensive pregnancies. The commonest type of maternal cardiac remodeling in both HDP and normotensive pregnancies was eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy, followed by concentric left ventricular remodeling which was more specific to HDP. Notably, left atrial diameter was significantly increased in HDP than normotensive pregnancies, suggesting higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction. Additionally, the aortic root dimension was significantly increased in HDP than normotensive pregnancies.
CONCLUSION
This study underscores the importance of monitoring cardiac health in pregnancy, particularly in those with hypertensive disorders, in order to mitigate potential complications and improve maternal outcomes. Finally, the risk of aortic dissection that may occur as a long-term effect of aortic root enlargement in women with history of HDP ought to be investigated in future studies.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Ventricular Remodeling; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular
PubMed: 38749071
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.05.003 -
Heart, Lung & Circulation Nov 2023This study aimed to evaluate the medium-term prognostic implications of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with myocardial infarction with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Medium-Term Prognostic Implications of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to evaluate the medium-term prognostic implications of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA).
METHODS
A systematic literature search of Embase, PubMed, and The Cochrane Library was performed. Eligible studies reported outcomes of CMR-assessed MINOCA with a mean follow-up period of >6 months. The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Secondary endpoints included cardiac death, reinfarction, and cardiovascular rehospitalisation. The pooled effect sizes with 95% confidence interval (CIs) were estimated using a random effect model.
RESULTS
A total of 3,050 patients from twenty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of myocarditis, "true" myocardial infarction, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and normal CMR imaging was 36%, 25%, 14%, and 19%, respectively. Pooled data showed that the annualised event rates for all-cause mortality, cardiac mortality, reinfarction, and cardiovascular rehospitalisation were 1.01% (95% CI 0.59%-1.51%), 0.06% (95% CI 0.00%-0.39%), 0.68% (95% CI 0.18%-1.38%), and 5.67% (95% CI 3.11%-8.85%), respectively. Compared with patients with a diagnosis of myocarditis on CMR, patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (RR 7.11; 95% CI 3.04-16.66) and "true" myocardial infarction (RR 3.82; 95% CI 1.65-8.86) were associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality, whereas a similar risk of all-cause mortality was observed in patients with normal imaging (RR 1.01; 95% CI 0.28-3.59). No association was found between CMR diagnoses and the risk of secondary endpoints in MINOCA.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with MINOCA assessed by CMR, the overall absolute incidence rates of mortality and reinfarction were low. However, certain imaging diagnoses were associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, with most deaths attributed to non-cardiac causes. Additionally, these patients experienced a high burden of cardiovascular rehospitalisation.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (CRD42022323615).
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; MINOCA; Myocarditis; Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy; Coronary Angiography; Myocardial Infarction; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Coronary Vessels; Risk Factors; Coronary Artery Disease
PubMed: 37919116
DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.09.007 -
Clinical Research in Cardiology :... Jun 2024Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, which increases serious morbidity and mortality. Novel hypoglycemic drug... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors with cardiac arrhythmias in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
BACKGROUND
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias, which increases serious morbidity and mortality. Novel hypoglycemic drug sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor has shown sufficient cardiovascular benefits in cardiovascular outcome trials.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiac arrhythmias in patients with T2DM.
METHODS
We searched on PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov for at least 24 weeks of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials involving T2DM subjects assigned to SGLT2 inhibitors or placebo as of May 5, 2023. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for binary variables. Primary outcomes included atrial arrhythmias, ventricular arrhythmias, bradyarrhythmias, cardiac arrest, and atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter. Secondary outcomes comprised atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, atrioventricular block, and sinus node dysfunction.
RESULTS
We included 32 trials covering 60,594 T2DM patients (SGLT2 inhibitor 35,432; placebo 25,162; mean age 53.9 to 68.5 years). SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of atrial arrhythmias (RR 0.86; 95%CI 0.74-0.99; P = 0.04) or atrial fibrillation/flutter (RR 0.85; 95%CI 0.74-0.99; P = 0.03) compared to placebo; in subgroup analysis, SGLT2 inhibitors achieved a consistent effect with overall results in T2DM with high cardiovascular risk or follow-up > 1 year populations. There was no substantial evidence to suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of ventricular arrhythmias (RR 0.94; 95%CI 0.71-1.26; P = 0.69) and cardiac arrest (RR 0.88; 95%CI 0.66-1.18; P = 0.39). A neutral effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on bradyarrhythmias was observed (RR 1.02; 95%CI 0.79-1.33; P = 0.85). SGLT2 inhibitors had no significant impact on all secondary outcomes compared to placebo, while it had borderline effect for atrial fibrillation.
CONCLUSION
SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of atrial arrhythmias in patients with T2DM. Our results support the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in T2DM with high cardiovascular risk populations. We also recommend the long-term use of SGLT2 inhibitors to achieve further benefits.
Topics: Humans; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Arrhythmias, Cardiac
PubMed: 38353684
DOI: 10.1007/s00392-024-02386-6 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal... Nov 2023Prognostication of mortality and decision to offer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can inform... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Prognostication of mortality and decision to offer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can inform clinical management.
OBJECTIVE
To summarise the prognostic value of echocardiography in infants with CDH.
METHODS
Electronic databases Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and conference proceedings up to July 2022 were searched. Studies evaluating the prognostic performance of echocardiographic parameters in newborn infants were included. Risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the Quality Assessment of Prognostic Studies tool. We used a random-effect model for meta-analysis to compute mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes and relative risk (RR) for binary outcomes with 95% CIs. Our primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes were need for ECMO, duration of ventilation, length of stay, and need for oxygen and/or inhaled nitric oxide.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included that were of acceptable methodological quality. Increased diameters of the right and left pulmonary arteries at birth (mm), MD 0.95 (95% CI 0.45 and 1.46) and MD 0.79 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.99), respectively) were associated with survival. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, RR 2.40, (95% CI 1.98 to 2.91), right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, RR 1.83 (95% CI 1.29 to 2.60) and severe pulmonary hypertension (PH), RR 1.69, (95% CI 1.53 to 1.86) were associated with mortality. Left and RV dysfunctions, RR 3.30 (95% CI 2.19 to 4.98) and RR 2.16 (95% CI 1.85 to 2.52), respectively, significantly predicted decision to offer ECMO treatment. Limitations are lack of consensus on what parameter is optimal and standardisation of echo assessments.
CONCLUSIONS
LV and RV dysfunctions, PH and pulmonary artery diameter are useful prognostic factors among patients with CDH.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Infant; Humans; Hernias, Diaphragmatic, Congenital; Prognosis; Echocardiography; Lung; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37130729
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-325257 -
JACC. Cardiovascular Imaging Jun 2024Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can develop either because of right ventricular (RV) remodeling (ventricular functional TR) and/or right atrial dilation (atrial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can develop either because of right ventricular (RV) remodeling (ventricular functional TR) and/or right atrial dilation (atrial functional TR).
OBJECTIVES
This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between right heart remodeling and long-term (>1 year) all-cause mortality in patients with significant TR (at least moderate, ≥2+).
METHODS
MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched. Studies reporting data on at least 1 RV functional parameter and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with significant TR were included. This study was designed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) requirements.
RESULTS
Out of 8,902 studies, a total of 14 were included, enrolling 4,394 subjects. The duration of follow-up across the studies varied, ranging from a minimum of 15.5 months to a maximum of 73.2 months. Overall, long-term all-cause mortality was 31% (95% CI: 20%-41%; P ≤ 0.001). By means of meta-regression analyses, an inverse relation was found between tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (11 studies enrolling 3,551 subjects, -6.3% [95% CI: -11.1% to -1.4%]; P = 0.011), RV fractional area change (9 studies, 2,975 subjects, -4.4% [95% CI: -5.9% to -2.9%]; P < 0.001), tricuspid annular dimension (7 studies, 2,986 subjects, -4.1% [95% CI: -7.6% to -0.5%]; P = 0.026), right atrial area (6 studies, 1,920 subjects, -1.9% [95% CI: -2.5% to -1.3%]; P < 0.001) and mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
RV dysfunction parameters are associated to worse clinical outcomes in patients with TR, whereas right atrial dilatation is linked to a better prognostic outcome. Further studies are needed to unravel the pathophysiological differences within the functional TR spectrum. (Right heart remodeling and outcomes in patients with tricuspid regurgitation; CRD42023418667).
Topics: Humans; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; Ventricular Remodeling; Ventricular Function, Right; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Prognosis; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Aged; Atrial Function, Right; Tricuspid Valve; Adult; Risk Assessment; Aged, 80 and over; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; Atrial Remodeling
PubMed: 38430099
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2023.12.011 -
Cardiology in Review May 2024The ongoing debate surrounding coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without cardiopulmonary bypass persists, particularly in individuals with left ventricular...
The ongoing debate surrounding coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with or without cardiopulmonary bypass persists, particularly in individuals with left ventricular dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these 2 strategies through a comprehensive meta-analysis of existing studies. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Registry was conducted from inception to July 2023. The primary focus was on studies comparing on-pump versus off-pump CABG as the primary treatment for multivessel coronary artery disease in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ≤40%), with mortality as the primary outcome. The meta-analysis included 26 studies with a total of 35,863 patients. The results revealed a significant reduction in mortality risk [risk ratio (RR), 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60-0.93; P = 0.009] and other perioperative morbidities associated with off-pump CABG. These included stroke (RR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54-0.82; P = 0.0002), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.97; P = 0.03), pulmonary complications (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55-0.92; P = 0.010), postoperative transfusion (RR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.55-0.88; P = 0.002), neurological dysfunction (RR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.64-1.00; P = 0.05), infection (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.56-0.97; P = 0.03), renal failure (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.67-0.95; P = 0.010), and reoperation for bleeding (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.84; P = 0.0006). However, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups regarding postoperative atrial fibrillation (RR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84-1.12; P = 0.69). In conclusion, off-pump CABG demonstrates a lower perioperative mortality risk and improved overall early outcomes compared with on-pump techniques in individuals with reduced left ventricular function.
PubMed: 38722180
DOI: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000706 -
International Journal of Cardiology Apr 2024Despite the established efficacy of vericiguat compared to placebo, uncertainties remain regarding its comparative efficacy to sacubitril/valsartan for patients with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Despite the established efficacy of vericiguat compared to placebo, uncertainties remain regarding its comparative efficacy to sacubitril/valsartan for patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study aimed to assess the relative efficacy of vericiguat and sacubitril/valsartan through a systematic review, network meta-analysis, and non-inferiority tests.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted to identify the randomized phase 3 clinical trials involving vericiguat and sacubitril/valsartan. The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for cardiovascular death (CVD) and hospitalization due to HF (hHF) were extracted from these trials and synthesized via network meta-analysis. Non-inferiority testing of vericiguat was performed using a fixed-margin method with a predefined non-inferiority margin (1.24). Sensitivity analyses explored the impact of the time from hHF to screening.
RESULTS
Among the 1366 studies, two trials (VICTORIA and PARADIGM-HF) met the inclusion criteria. Network meta-analysis demonstrated that the HR for CVD or hHF with vericiguat did not significantly differ from that for sacubitril/valsartan (HR: 0.88, 95% CI:0.62-1.23). The upper limit of the 95% CI was less than the predefined margin of 1.24, confirming vericiguat's non-inferiority to sacubitril/valsartan. Sensitivity analyses affirmed the robustness of the base-case results.
CONCLUSION
Vericiguat exhibited a comparable risk of CVD or hHF when contrasted with sacubitril/valsartan. Importantly, in patients with HFrEF, vericiguat's efficacy was not statistically inferior to that of sacubitril/valsartan. These findings reinforce the potential of vericiguat as a viable treatment option for this patient population.
Topics: Humans; Heart Failure; Network Meta-Analysis; Tetrazoles; Stroke Volume; Valsartan; Aminobutyrates; Biphenyl Compounds; Drug Combinations; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Heterocyclic Compounds, 2-Ring; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 38242507
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131786