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Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology :... Dec 2021Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure, characterized by extracellular deposition of insoluble protein fibrils leading to...
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure, characterized by extracellular deposition of insoluble protein fibrils leading to progressive myocardial dysfunction. The most common types of cardiac amyloidosis are immunoglobin light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR). Conduction abnormalities are commonly encountered among patients with cardiac amyloidosis and are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Abnormalities range from infra-Hisian intraventricular conduction delay and bundle branch block to complete atrioventricular block. Pacemaker placement in CA patients follows established guidelines, similar to those for patients without CA, with generally good efficacy. The role and appropriate timing of pacemakers for primary prevention of brady-arrhythmias in CA remains uncertain. While biventricular (BiV) pacing has been shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients with systolic heart failure without CA, there are few data examining the utility of BiV pacing in patients with CA. With the advent of effective treatments for AL and ATTR, appropriate application of pacing is important to support patients with CA and conduction disease through therapeutic trials. This systematic review summarizes the current literature examining the utility of pacing in CA.
Topics: Amyloidosis; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Heart Block; Heart Conduction System; Humans
PubMed: 34632598
DOI: 10.1111/pace.14375 -
The European Respiratory Journal May 2022Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a life-threatening condition in which clear recommendations are lacking. We aimed to systematically review the literature on cardiac... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) is a life-threatening condition in which clear recommendations are lacking. We aimed to systematically review the literature on cardiac sarcoidosis treated by corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive agents in order to update the management of CS.
METHODS
Using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, we found original articles on corticosteroid and standard immunosuppressive therapies for CS that provided at least a fair Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) overall assessment of quality and we analysed the relapse rate, major cardiac adverse events (MACEs) and adverse events. We based our methods on the PRISMA statement and checklist.
RESULTS
We retrieved 21 studies. Mean quality provided by SIGN assessment was 6.8 out of 14 (range 5-9). Corticosteroids appeared to have a positive impact on left ventricular function, atrioventricular block and ventricular arrhythmias. For corticosteroids alone, nine studies (45%, n=351) provided data on relapses, representing an incidence of 34% (n=119). Three studies (14%, n=73) provided data on MACEs (n=33), representing 45% of MACEs in patients treated by corticosteroid alone. Nine studies provided data on adjunctive immunosuppressive therapy, of which four studies (n=78) provided data on CS relapse, representing an incidence of 33% (n=26). Limitations consisted of no randomised control trial retrieved and unclear data on MACEs in patients treated by combined immunosuppressive agents and corticosteroids.
CONCLUSION
Corticosteroids should be started early after diagnosis but the exact scheme is still unclear. Studies concerning adjunctive conventional immunosuppressive therapies are lacking and benefits of adjunctive immunosuppressive therapies are unclear. Homogenous data on CS long-term outcomes under corticosteroids, immunosuppressive therapies and other adjunctive therapies are lacking.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; Recurrence; Sarcoidosis
PubMed: 34531273
DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00449-2021 -
Neurology Nov 2021To identify clinical, ECG, and blood-based biomarkers associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) detection after ischaemic stroke or TIA that could help inform patient... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
To identify clinical, ECG, and blood-based biomarkers associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) detection after ischaemic stroke or TIA that could help inform patient selection for cardiac monitoring.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched electronic databases for cohort studies from January 15, 2000, to January 15, 2020. The outcome was AF ≥30 seconds within 1 year after ischemic stroke/TIA. We used random effects models to create summary estimates of risk. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.
RESULTS
We identified 8,503 studies, selected 34 studies, and assessed 69 variables (42 clinical, 20 ECG, and 7 blood-based biomarkers). The studies included 11,569 participants and AF was detected in 1,478 (12.8%). Overall, risk of bias was moderate. Variables associated with increased likelihood of AF detection are older age (odds ratio [OR] 3.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.35-4.54), female sex (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23-1.77), a history of heart failure (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.87-3.49), hypertension (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.15-1.75) or ischemic heart disease (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.34-2.42), higher modified Rankin Scale (OR 6.13, 95% CI 2.93-12.84) or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.64-3.81), no significant carotid/intracranial artery stenosis (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.14-9.11), no tobacco use (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.48-2.51), statin therapy (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.14-3.73), stroke as index diagnosis (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17-2.18), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.16-2.22), IV thrombolysis treatment (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.83-3.16), atrioventricular block (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.08-4.17), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.03-4.74), premature atrial contraction (OR 3.90, 95% CI 1.74-8.74), maximum P-wave duration (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.40-7.25), PR interval (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.11-4.83), P-wave dispersion (OR 7.79, 95% CI 4.16-14.61), P-wave index (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.87-6.32), QTc interval (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.63-8.28), brain natriuretic peptide (OR 13.73, 95% CI 3.31-57.07), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.17-1.88) concentrations. Variables associated with reduced likelihood are minimum P-wave duration (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.98), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.93), and triglyceride (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.41-0.64) concentrations.
DISCUSSION
We identified multimodal biomarkers that could help guide patient selection for cardiac monitoring after ischaemic stroke/TIA. Their prognostic utility should be prospectively assessed with AF detection and recurrent stroke as outcomes.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Biomarkers; Brain Ischemia; Humans; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 34504030
DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012769 -
Journal of the American Heart... Jul 2021Background As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology expands to healthy and lower-risk populations, the burden and predictors of procedure-related... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background As transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) technology expands to healthy and lower-risk populations, the burden and predictors of procedure-related complications including the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation needs to be identified. Methods and Results Digital databases were systematically searched to identify studies reporting the incidence of PPM implantation after TAVR. A random- and fixed-effects model was used to calculate unadjusted odds ratios (OR) for all predictors. A total of 78 studies, recruiting 31 261 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, 6212 patients required a PPM, with a mean of 18.9% PPM per study and net rate ranging from 0.16% to 51%. The pooled estimates on a random-effects model indicated significantly higher odds of post-TAVR PPM implantation for men (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.28); for patients with baseline mobitz type-1 second-degree atrioventricular block (OR, 3.13; 95% CI, 1.64-5.93), left anterior hemiblock (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.09-1.86), bifascicular block (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.52-4.42), right bundle-branch block (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 2.17-2.83), and for periprocedural atriorventricular block (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.69-6.46). The mechanically expandable valves had 1.44 (95% CI, 1.18-1.76), while self-expandable valves had 1.93 (95% CI, 1.42-2.63) fold higher odds of PPM requirement compared with self-expandable and balloon-expandable valves, respectively. Conclusions Male sex, baseline atrioventricular conduction delays, intraprocedural atrioventricular block, and use of mechanically expandable and self-expanding prosthesis served as positive predictors of PPM implantation in patients undergoing TAVR.
Topics: Aortic Valve Stenosis; Arrhythmias, Cardiac; Electrocardiography; Global Health; Heart Rate; Humans; Incidence; Pacemaker, Artificial; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
PubMed: 34259045
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.020906 -
Journal of Interventional Cardiac... Jan 2022Recent advances in conduction system pacing have led to the use of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), which has potential advantages over His bundle pacing (HBP). For... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Recent advances in conduction system pacing have led to the use of left bundle branch pacing (LBBP), which has potential advantages over His bundle pacing (HBP). For example, LBBP engages the electrical activation through the left bundle branch, produces ventricular electrical synchrony, and avoids the weakness of HBP such as lead instability, higher threshold, and early battery depletion. This pacing modality has been considered an attractive mode to achieve normal physiological pacing. However, as a new technology, LBBP is still in the stage of clinical exploration and lacks adequate evaluation. This study aims to investigate the electrocardiogram characteristics, pacing parameters, the safety, and the effectiveness of LBBP.
METHODS
A computerized search of PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library for the effects of LBBP was done. The baseline characteristics of patients, successful rate of implantation, capture threshold, R-wave amplitude, pacing impedance, QRS duration, and follow-up date were extracted and summarized.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies including 712 patients were included in this analysis. The overall successful rate for implantation was 92.9%. The main indications for LBBP were atrioventricular block (AVB), sinus node dysfunction (SND), atrial fibrillation (AF) with slow ventricular rate, and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) candidates. For patients with QRS duration>120 ms, permanent LBBP resulted in narrower QRS duration compared to that before implantation (P = 0.05). QRS duration and capture threshold of LBBP remained stable during follow-up. Moreover, there was higher R-wave amplitude and lower pacing impedance at follow-up compared to those at implantation (P = 0.01 and P < 0.00001, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Permanent LBBP has shown promising results for pacemaker-indicated patients in small observational studies. Good electrical synchronization, high success rates, and stable pacemaker lead parameters suggested significant advantages of LBBP in physiological pacing. Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of LBBP in patients.
Topics: Bundle of His; Cardiac Pacing, Artificial; Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy; Electrocardiography; Heart Conduction System; Humans; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34173915
DOI: 10.1007/s10840-021-01000-3 -
Current Cardiology Reviews 2021The objective of this study isto assess the association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and risk of heart conduction disorders and arrhythmia. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study isto assess the association between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and risk of heart conduction disorders and arrhythmia.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for observational studies that investigated the association between AS and risk of heart conduction disorders and arrhythmia with no language or date restrictions until September 16, 2019. We used randomand fixed-effects models to pool the results of the studies. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's test. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on the study design. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software was used to perform meta-analysis.
RESULTS
After removing duplicates, we reviewed 135 articles. Finally, we included seven articles in our meta-analysis, of which four studies reported AV block and any conductive abnormality and three focused on atrial fibrillation and any arrhythmia. Based on our meta-analysis, an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (RR: 1.85, 95%CI: 1.15-2.98) and atrioventricular block (OR: 3.46, 95%- CI: 1.09-10.93) was found in AS subjects compared to the general population. In a subgroup analysis based on study design, we found a greater association between AS and atrioventricular block in cohort studies (RR: 5.14, 95%CI: 1.001-26.50) compared to cross-sectional ones. However, we did not find any association between AS and any arrhythmia (OR=3.36, 95% CI: 0.93-12.15), or conduction disorders (OR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.38-1.06). No publication bias was found.
CONCLUSION
Our results support an association between AS and a higher risk of atrial fibrillation and atrioventricular block.
Topics: Atrial Fibrillation; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Spondylitis, Ankylosing
PubMed: 33992063
DOI: 10.2174/1573403X17666210515164206 -
Journal of the American Heart... May 2021Background The 12-lead ECG plays a key role in the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS). Since the spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern was first described, several other ECG...
Background The 12-lead ECG plays a key role in the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS). Since the spontaneous type 1 ECG pattern was first described, several other ECG signs have been linked to arrhythmic risk, but results are conflicting. Methods and Results We performed a systematic review to clarify the associations of these specific ECG signs with the risk of syncope, sudden death, or equivalents in patients with BrS. The literature search identified 29 eligible articles comprising overall 5731 patients. The ECG findings associated with an incremental risk of syncope, sudden death, or equivalents (hazard ratio ranging from 1.1-39) were the following: localization of type 1 Brugada pattern (in V2 and peripheral leads), first-degree atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, fragmented QRS, QRS duration >120 ms, R wave in lead aVR, S wave in L1 (≥40 ms, amplitude ≥0.1 mV, area ≥1 mm), early repolarization pattern in inferolateral leads, ST-segment depression, T-wave alternans, dispersion of repolarization, and Tzou criteria. Conclusions At least 12 features of standard ECG are associated with a higher risk of sudden death in BrS. A multiparametric risk assessment approach based on ECG parameters associated with clinical and genetic findings could help improve current risk stratification scores of patients with BrS and warrants further investigation. Registration URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. Unique identifier: CRD42019123794.
Topics: Brugada Syndrome; Death, Sudden, Cardiac; Electrocardiography; Global Health; Humans; Prognosis; Risk Assessment; Survival Rate
PubMed: 33977759
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.121.020767 -
Heart Rhythm Aug 2021Syncope may be caused by intermittent complete heart block in patients with bundle branch block. Electrophysiology studies (EPS) testing for infra-Hisian heart block are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Syncope may be caused by intermittent complete heart block in patients with bundle branch block. Electrophysiology studies (EPS) testing for infra-Hisian heart block are recommended by the European Society of Cardiology syncope guidelines on the basis of decades-old estimates of their negative predictive values (NPVs) for complete heart block.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the NPV of EPS for complete heart block in patients with syncope and bundle branch block.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL without language restriction from database inception to October 2019 for Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords related to "syncope," "heart block," and "programmed electrical stimulation." A random effects meta-analysis was conducted with a primary outcome of the proportion of patients with a negative EPS who later presented with complete heart block, diagnosed with surface electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings vs continuous implantable cardiac monitor (ICM).
RESULTS
Ten reports contained 12 cohorts with 639 patients who met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 69 ± 7 years; 35% ± 10% were women; and 85% of patients had bifascicular block. Seven cohorts recorded clinical outcomes with external ECG recordings, and 5 cohorts featured ICMs. The mean prespecified His-to-ventricle interval criterion was ≥70 ms. In studies featuring surface ECG recordings, there were 7% (95% confidence interval 7%-17%) patients who developed complete heart block compared with 29% (95% confidence interval 24%-35%) in the studies featuring ICM (P = .0001).
CONCLUSION
The NPV of EPS in patients with syncope and bundle branch block is 0.71, sufficiently low to question its use.
Topics: Atrioventricular Block; Cardiac Electrophysiology; Electrocardiography; Heart Conduction System; Humans; Syncope
PubMed: 33887450
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2021.04.010 -
Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Jun 2021Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir are drugs that were used for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the early... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir are drugs that were used for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the early pandemic period. It is well-known that these agents can prolong the QTc interval and potentially induce Torsades de Pointes (TdP). We aim to assess the prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation and arrhythmic events in COVID-19 patients treated with these drugs.
METHODS
We searched electronic databases from inception to September 30, 2020 for studies reporting peak QTc ≥500 ms, peak QTc change ≥60 ms, peak QTc interval, peak change of QTc interval, ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, or atrioventricular block (AVB). All meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
Forty-seven studies (three case series, 35 cohorts, and nine randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) involving 13 087 patients were included. The pooled prevalence of peak QTc ≥500 ms was 9% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 3%-18%) and 8% (95%CI, 3%-14%) in patients who received hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin, respectively. Likewise, the use of hydroxychloroquine (risk ratio [RR], 2.68; 95%CI, 1.56-4.60) and hydroxychloroquine + azithromycin (RR, 3.28; 95%CI, 1.16-9.30) was associated with an increased risk of QTc prolongation compared to no treatment. Ventricular arrhythmias, TdP, sudden cardiac death, and AVB were reported in <1% of patients across treatment groups. The only two studies that reported individual data of lopinavir/ritonavir found no cases of QTc prolongation.
CONCLUSIONS
COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine with or without azithromycin had a relatively high prevalence and risk of QTc prolongation. However, the prevalence of arrhythmic events was very low, probably due to underreporting. The limited information about lopinavir/ritonavir showed that it does not prolong the QTc interval.
Topics: Azithromycin; COVID-19; Chloroquine; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Long QT Syndrome; Lopinavir; Observational Studies as Topic; Ritonavir; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 33772933
DOI: 10.1002/pds.5234 -
Journal of Cardiovascular... May 2021The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the predictors associated with increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) following transcatheter aortic valve... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the predictors associated with increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).
BACKGROUND
While TAVR has evolved as the standard of care for patients with severe aortic stenosis, conduction abnormalities leading to the need for PPMI is one of the most common postprocedural complications.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant trials from inception to May 2020. Summary effects were calculated using a DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model as odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals for all the clinical endpoints.
RESULTS
Thirty-seven observational studies with 71 455 patients were identified. The incidence of PPMI following TAVR was 22%. Risk was greater in men and increased with age. Patients with diabetes mellitus, presence of right bundle branch block, baseline atrioventricular conduction block, and left anterior fascicular block were noted to be at higher risk. Other significant predictors include the presence of high calcium volume in the area below the left coronary cusp and noncoronary cusp, use of self-expandable valve over balloon-expandable valve, depth of implant, valve size/annulus size, predilatation balloon valvuloplasty, and postimplant balloon dilation.
CONCLUSION
Fourteen factors were found to be associated with increased risk of PPMI after TAVR, suggesting early identification of high-risk populations and targeting modifiable risk factors may aid in reducing the need for this post TAVR PPMI.
Topics: Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Male; Pacemaker, Artificial; Risk Factors; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33682218
DOI: 10.1111/jce.14986