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Journal of Cardiac Surgery Jul 2021With the growing contemporary use of bioprosthetic valves, whose limited long-term durability has been well-documented, an increase in the need for reintervention is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND/AIM
With the growing contemporary use of bioprosthetic valves, whose limited long-term durability has been well-documented, an increase in the need for reintervention is expected. We perform a meta-analysis to compare the current standard of care, redo surgical aortic valve replacement (Redo SAVR) with the less invasive alternative, valve-in-valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV TAVR) for treating structural valve deterioration.
METHODS
After a comprehensive literature search, studies comparing ViV TAVR to Redo SAVR were pooled to perform a pairwise meta-analysis using the random-effects model. Primary outcomes were 30-day and follow-up mortality.
RESULTS
A total of nine studies including 9127 patients were included. ViV TAVR patients were significantly older (mean difference [MD], 5.82; p = .0002) and more frequently had hypercholesterolemia (59.7 vs. 60.0%; p = .0006), coronary artery disease (16.1 vs. 16.1%; p = .04), periphery artery disease (15.4 vs. 5.7%; p = .004), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (29.3 vs. 26.2%; p = .04), renal failure (30.2 vs. 24.0%; p = .009), and >1 previous cardiac surgery (23.6 vs. 15.9%; p = .004). Despite this, ViV TAVR was associated with decreased 30-day mortality (OR, 0.56; p < .0001). Conversely, Redo SAVR had lower 30-day paravalvular leak (OR, 6.82; p = .04), severe patient-prosthesis mismatch (OR, 3.77; p < .0001), and postoperative aortic valve gradients (MD, 5.37; p < .0001). There was no difference in follow-up mortality (HR, 1.02; p = .86).
CONCLUSIONS
Despite having patients with an increased baseline risk, ViV TAVR was associated with lower 30-day mortality, while Redo SAVR had lower paravalvular leak, severe patient-prosthesis mismatch, and postoperative gradients. Although ViV TAVR remains a feasible treatment option in high-risk patients, randomized trials are necessary to elucidate its efficacy over Redo SAVR.
Topics: Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Bioprosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation; Humans; Reoperation; Risk Factors; Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33797799
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.15546 -
Transplantation Apr 2021Pulmonary artery obstruction is an uncommon but significant complication after lung transplantation. Although numerous reports have documented its occurrence, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary artery obstruction is an uncommon but significant complication after lung transplantation. Although numerous reports have documented its occurrence, the hemodynamic parameters associated with its presentation and diagnostic considerations remain ill-defined. This systematic review summarizes evidence in the literature surrounding pulmonary artery obstruction after lung transplantation surgery.
METHODS
Databases were searched for all articles and abstracts reporting on pulmonary artery obstruction. Data collected included the number of patients studied, patient characteristics, incidences of pulmonary artery obstruction, and timing and imaging modality used for diagnosis.
RESULTS
Thirty-four full-text citations were included in this review. The point prevalence of pulmonary artery obstruction was 3.66%. The peak pulmonary artery velocity associated with obstruction was found to be 2.60 ± 0.58 m/s. The diameter of the obstructed pulmonary artery predictive of poor outcomes was noted to be 0.78 ± 0.40 cm. The majority of diagnoses were made in the late postoperative period using pulmonary angiogram and transesophageal echocardiography. Overall, 76% of patients (47 of 62) required emergent procedural reintervention, and 23% of patients (14 of 62) diagnosed with pulmonary artery obstruction died during their hospital stay.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review underscores the importance of identifying pulmonary artery obstruction immediately after lung transplant surgery. The clinical implications of these results warrant the development of identification and management strategies for early detection of irregularities in pulmonary artery anastomosis in lung transplant patients.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Hemodynamics; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Lung Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Pulmonary Artery; Pulmonary Circulation; Reoperation; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Stenosis, Pulmonary Artery; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 33760790
DOI: 10.1097/TP.0000000000003407 -
A review of indications and comorbidities in which warfarin may be the preferred oral anticoagulant.Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and... Jun 2021Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed instead of warfarin for chronic anticoagulation for ease of dosing, fewer interactions, and less stringent...
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed instead of warfarin for chronic anticoagulation for ease of dosing, fewer interactions, and less stringent monitoring. However, it is important to consider indications and comorbidities for which warfarin is still the preferred anticoagulant. This review aims to capture these clinical scenarios in which warfarin may still be preferred over DOACs.
METHODS
We undertook a comprehensive literature search using the PubMed database. Key search terms were based on DOAC clinical trial exclusion criteria, as well as indications and conditions in which the use of DOACs for anticoagulation has suggested harm. Society guidelines and tertiary literature were used to inform expert opinion where necessary. Studies were included if they investigated the use of DOACs or warfarin in the identified indications or conditions.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Currently, evidence for the use of warfarin over DOACs for anticoagulation is strongest for patients with prosthetic valves, antiphospholipid syndrome, or a high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. For several clinical situations, including mitral stenosis, obesity, altered gastrointestinal anatomy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, renal or hepatic impairment, and left ventricular thrombus, evidence is lacking but may eventually support the use of DOACs. Depending on indication and condition, appropriateness of DOAC use may vary by agent.
WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION
New evidence continues to support new indications and conditions in which DOACs may be appropriate to use for anticoagulation. There are key clinical scenarios, however, in which emerging literature continues to support warfarin as the preferred anticoagulant.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Antiphospholipid Syndrome; Atrial Fibrillation; Blood Coagulation; Comorbidity; Drug Interactions; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Liver Failure; Medication Adherence; Mitral Valve Stenosis; Overweight; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Renal Insufficiency; Stroke; Warfarin
PubMed: 33393699
DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.13343 -
The Science of the Total Environment Apr 2021Congenital malformations are considered as one of the significant causes of preterm as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. Literature suggests the association of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Congenital malformations are considered as one of the significant causes of preterm as well as neonatal morbidity and mortality. Literature suggests the association of diverse congenital deformities with maternal exposure to air pollutants. However, the evidence is still inconclusive on the manifestation of these during pregnancy. Thus, systematic review was done on the available epidemiological studies studying the effect of air pollutants on congenital malformations. Furthermore, the meta-analysis was conducted for several combinations of air pollutants and congenital defects.
METHODS
Twenty six epidemiological studies were extracted from the databases and examined for association of risk of congenital defects with air pollutant concentrations. Metaanalysis was done if the risk estimates of the same anomaly and pollutant group were reported in at least three studies.
RESULTS
Each study reported a statistically significant increased risk of congenital malformation with some air pollutant, amid the several tested combinations. Our meta-analysis reported that nitrogen dioxide and PM were associated with the risk of pulmonary valve stenosis with OR = 1.74 and OR = 1.42 respectively. The risk of developing tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was observed to be associated with PM with OR = 1.52 SO exposure was related to a high risk of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) with OR = 1.15 and orofacial defects (OR = 1.27).
CONCLUSION
It is evidenced that ambient air pollutants have some effect on congenital malformations. Standard case definitions, improved methods of exposure, and better control of confounders will improve future research in this area.
Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution; Congenital Abnormalities; Databases, Factual; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Exposure; Nitrogen Dioxide; Particulate Matter; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33183823
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142772 -
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy Aug 2021To evaluate clinical literature for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) therapy for non-Food and Drug Administration approved indications.
Off-label Use for Direct Oral Anticoagulants: Valvular Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure, Left Ventricular Thrombus, Superficial Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Hypertension-a Systematic Review.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate clinical literature for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) therapy for non-Food and Drug Administration approved indications.
DATA SOURCES
Articles from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and OVID databases were reviewed from 1946 through September 4, 2020.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION
Fully published studies assessing DOACs for atrial fibrillation (AF) with valvular heart disease (VHD), heart failure (HF), left ventricular thrombus (LVT), superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), or pulmonary hypertension (PH) were evaluated.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Our review showed that DOACs are safe to use in patients with AF and VHD except for mitral stenosis or mechanical heart valve. Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily should be used with caution in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction until further evaluation is performed. Four retrospective studies for DOAC use in patients with LVT showed conflicting results. One phase 3 randomized controlled trial showed noninferiority of rivaroxaban to fondaparinux for SVT treatment. The use of DOACs for pulmonary arterial hypertension was not evaluated in any clinical study, but 2 retrospective studies for the use of DOACs in patients with chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH) showed similar efficacy between DOACs and warfarin.
RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
This review provides clinicians with a comprehensive literature review surrounding DOAC use in common off-label indications.
CONCLUSION
DOACs can be considered for AF complicated by VHD except for mitral stenosis or mechanical valve replacement. DOACs (especially rivaroxaban) are considered as an alternative therapy for SVT and CTEPH. Further prospective studies for DOAC uses are needed for HF or LVT.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anticoagulants; Atrial Fibrillation; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Off-Label Use; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Stroke; Thrombosis
PubMed: 33148014
DOI: 10.1177/1060028020970618 -
Systematic Reviews Oct 2020Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is the most frequent cyanotic congenital heart pathology in neonates. Surgical correction of this condition is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Dextro-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) is the most frequent cyanotic congenital heart pathology in neonates. Surgical correction of this condition is possible using the arterial switch operation (ASO) which was first performed by Jatene in 1975.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to summarise the evidence on short- (less than 1 year), medium- (1-20 years), and long-term (more than 20 years) outcomes of children with D-TGA treated with the ASO. The primary outcome was survival. Secondary outcomes were freedom from cardiac reoperations, occurrence of aortic insufficiency, pulmonary stenosis, coronary artery anomalies, neuropsychological development problems and quality of life.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, and reference lists of included articles for studies reporting outcomes after ASO for D-TGA. Screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were done independently by two reviewers. We pooled data using a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions and, where not possible, outcomes were synthesized narratively. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
Following ASO for TGA, short-term survival was 92.0% (95% CI 91.0-93.0%; I = 85.8%, 151 studies, 30,186 participants; moderate certainty evidence). Medium-term survival was 90.0% (95% CI 89.0-91.0%; I = 84.3%, 133 studies; 23,686 participants, moderate certainty evidence), while long-term survival was 87.0% (95% CI 80.0-92.0 %; I = 84.5%, 4 studies, 933 participants, very low certainty evidence). Evaluation of the different secondary outcomes also showed satisfactory results in the short, medium and long term. Subgroup analysis suggests slightly higher survival following ASO for TGA in the second surgical era (1998 to 2018) than in the first surgical era (1975 to 1997) in the short and medium term [93.0% (95% CI 92.0-94.0) vs 90.0% (95% CI 89.0-92.0) and 93.0% (95% CI 91.0-94.0) vs 88.0% (87.0-90.0%) respectively] but not in the long term [81.0% (95% CI 76.0-86.0%) vs 89.0% (80.0-95.0%)].
CONCLUSIONS
Pooled data from many sources suggests that the ASO for D-TGA leads to high rates of survival in the short, medium, and long term.
Topics: Arterial Switch Operation; Arteries; Child; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Quality of Life; Reoperation; Transposition of Great Vessels; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33028389
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-020-01487-3 -
American Journal of Cardiovascular... May 2021Catheter ablation (CA) is a recognized first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) in selected patients; however, the differences between CA and antiarrhythmic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Catheter ablation (CA) is a recognized first-line treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF) in selected patients; however, the differences between CA and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in terms of long-term outcomes and quality of life (QoL) have not often been compared.
OBJECTIVES
We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare long-term outcomes and QoL with CA and AADs in the treatment of AF.
METHODS
We searched the MEDLINE database for English-language RCTs of CA or AADs in AF from 1 January 2005 to 30 October 2019 with no other restrictions. We included studies that reported sample sizes and the long-term outcomes of interest as well as sample size, mean ± standard deviation or 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for QoL outcomes with CA and AADs.
RESULTS
We identified 20 RCTs involving 5425 participants. Compared with patients who received only AADs, patients receiving CA had a significantly decreased risk of all-cause death (relative risk [RR] 0.72; 95% CI 0.58-0.90) and cardiovascular hospitalization (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79-0.91). We found a significant increase in the risk of cardiac tamponade (RR 5.86; 95% CI 1.77-19.44) but no difference in the risk of heart failure, stroke or transient ischemic attack, atrial tachycardia, bleeding or hematoma, and pulmonary vein stenosis. For long-term QoL after treatment, both therapies resulted in improved scores on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36): weighted mean differences (WMDs) for the physical component score (PCS) were 5.89 for CA and 4.26 for AADs and for the mental component score (MCS) were 7.12 for CA and 5.06 for AADs. At the end of follow-up, groups receiving CA had significantly higher scores in both areas. The change in PCS and MCS between baseline and end of follow-up was also significantly higher in the CA groups: WMD 1.51 for change in PCS and 1.49 for change in MCS. All eight SF-36 subscale scores improved for patients receiving CA, whereas patients receiving AADs recorded no improvement in the general health and bodily pain subscales. At the end of follow-up, CA groups had significantly higher scores than AAD groups in the following subscales: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems, bodily pain, general health, vitality, and role limitations due to emotional problems.
CONCLUSIONS
In the treatment of AF, CA appeared to be superior to AADs, decreasing the risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular hospitalization and improving the long-term QoL of patients with AF. CA was better tolerated and more effective than pharmacological therapy and allowed for improved QoL.
Topics: Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; Atrial Fibrillation; Catheter Ablation; Health Status; Humans; Pain; Physical Functional Performance; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence
PubMed: 33000397
DOI: 10.1007/s40256-020-00435-9 -
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery Sep 2020Valve replacement surgery is the definitive management strategy for patients with severe valvular disease. However, valvular conduits currently in clinical use are... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Valve replacement surgery is the definitive management strategy for patients with severe valvular disease. However, valvular conduits currently in clinical use are associated with significant limitations. Tissue-engineered (decellularized) heart valves are alternative prostheses that have demonstrated promising early results. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to perform robust evaluation of the clinical performance of decellularized heart valves implanted in either outflow tract position, in comparison with standard tissue conduits.
METHODS
Systematic searches were conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles in which outcomes between decellularized heart valves surgically implanted within either outflow tract position of human subjects and standard tissue conduits were compared. Primary endpoints included postoperative mortality and reoperation rates. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model via the Mantel-Haenszel method.
RESULTS
Seventeen articles were identified, of which 16 were included in the meta-analysis. In total, 1418 patients underwent outflow tract reconstructions with decellularized heart valves and 2725 patients received standard tissue conduits. Decellularized heart valves were produced from human pulmonary valves and implanted within the right ventricular outflow tract in all cases. Lower postoperative mortality (4.7% vs. 6.1%; RR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.60-1.47; P = 0.77) and reoperation rates (4.8% vs. 7.4%; RR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.84; P = 0.0057) were observed in patients with decellularized heart valves, although only reoperation rates were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity between the analyzed articles (I = 31%, P = 0.13 and I = 33%, P = 0.10 respectively).
CONCLUSIONS
Decellularized heart valves implanted within the right ventricular outflow tract have demonstrated significantly lower reoperation rates when compared to standard tissue conduits. However, in order to allow for more accurate conclusions about the clinical performance of decellularized heart valves to be made, there need to be more high-quality studies with greater consistency in the reporting of clinical outcomes.
Topics: Bioprosthesis; Heart Valve Prosthesis; Humans; Prosthesis Design; Pulmonary Valve; Pulmonary Valve Stenosis; Reference Standards; Tissue Engineering
PubMed: 32948234
DOI: 10.1186/s13019-020-01292-y -
Current Problems in Cardiology Mar 2021Pulmonary angioplasty has been performed in patients with sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) but most evidence comes from case reports and small case... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Characteristics and Outcomes of Pulmonary Angioplasty With or Without Stenting for Sarcoidosis-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary angioplasty has been performed in patients with sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension (SAPH) but most evidence comes from case reports and small case series. Overall outcomes remain unclear. We conducted an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of baseline, procedural, and outcome data of pulmonary angioplasty in patients with SAPH.
METHODS
We performed searches and systematically reviewed references from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and grey literature. We included IPD of patients who underwent pulmonary angioplasty for SAPH. Those without definitive diagnosis of sarcoidosis or with other causes of pulmonary vascular stenosis or compression were excluded.
RESULTS
Of 1293 screened references, 7 were included. IPD was obtained for 17 patients (mean age 58.6 (±9.1) years; 82.4% female); most of whom were Scadding stages III or IV and had NYHA FC III or IV. All patients with documented changes in 6-minute-walk distance (6MWD) had a significant improvement that ranged from 12.6 to 102.4% (P < 0.01). There were no deaths during a median follow-up of 6 (3-18) months.
CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary angioplasty with or without stenting of focal stenosis or compressions of pulmonary vessels may lead to significant improvement in 6MWD in patients with SAPH. However, this study had a small sample and some methodological limitations, such as analysis mostly of case reports and series. Randomized controlled clinical trials and/or large multicenter registry studies are needed to provide higher evidence in this topic.
Topics: Angioplasty; Female; Humans; Hypertension, Pulmonary; Male; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Sarcoidosis; Stents
PubMed: 32532452
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2020.100616 -
Pediatric Cardiology Oct 2020We performed this meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of tracheoplasty for patients with pulmonary artery sling (PAS) and tracheal stenosis. Published... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
We performed this meta-analysis to assess the safety and efficacy of tracheoplasty for patients with pulmonary artery sling (PAS) and tracheal stenosis. Published studies that included surgical treatment of PAS and tracheal stenosis with and without tracheoplasty were identified by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases until May 2020. The outcomes assessed included postoperative ventilation time, early and late mortality, and follow-up respiratory symptoms. The mean difference (MD)/risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated with a random-effects/fixed-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed stratified by percentage of patients with tracheal rings. A total of eight studies comprising 219 patients with PAS accompanied by tracheal stenosis were included. The pooled estimates of postoperative ventilation time (MD 17.68, 95% CI 6.38 to 28.98, p < 0.01) and early mortality (RR 3.93, 95% CI 1.55 to 9.95, p < 0.01) favored the repair-only group. Late mortality (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.48 to 3.68, p = 0.58) and respiratory symptoms (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.50 to 4.57, p = 0.47) at follow-up showed no significant differences between the groups with repair-only and repair with tracheoplasty. The same results were found in subgroup analyses. For the surgical treatment of PAS with tracheal stenosis, repair without tracheoplasty appears to result in shorter postoperative ventilation time and lower early mortality, with no increase in late mortality or respiratory symptoms at follow-up, compared with concomitant tracheoplasty.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Heart Defects, Congenital; Humans; Infant; Male; Odds Ratio; Pulmonary Artery; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Respiration, Artificial; Trachea; Tracheal Stenosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32494877
DOI: 10.1007/s00246-020-02386-z