Acute kidney injury post–transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a treatment option in high‐risk patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not surgical candidates. In light of emerging evidence, it is being increasingly performed even in intermediate‐risk patients in recent years. Patients who develop acute kidney injury (AKI) following TAVR are known to have worse outcomes. The objective of this concise review was to identify the prevalence and the impact of AKI following TAVR on patient outcomes by including the most recent literature in our search. After a thorough search on MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and PubMed, we included all literature relevant to AKI following TAVR. We found that AKI was caused by a variety of reasons, such as hemodynamic instability during rapid pacing, blood transfusion, periprocedural embolization, and use of contrast medium, to name a few. In patients who developed AKI following TAVR, 30‐day and 1‐year mortality were increased. Further, in these patients, length and cost of hospital stay were increased as well. Preventive measures such as optimal periprocedural hydration, careful contrast use, and techniques to prevent embolization during device implantation have been tried with limited success. Given that TAVR is expected to be increasingly performed, this review aimed to summarize the rapidly expanding currently available literature in an effort to reduce procedural complications and thereby improve patient outcomes.     

Clinical predictors and outcomes of patients with pericardial effusion in chronic kidney disease

Background

Pericardial effusion is common in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to identify predictors and prognostic impact of pericardial effusion in CKD patients.

Hypothesis

Clinical and biochemical parameters can predict pericardial effusion in CKD patients.

Methods

In a retrospective nested case‐control design, we analyzed hospitalized adult patients with CKD stage 4, 5, or end‐stage renal disease diagnosed with pericardial effusion. Controls were same‐stage CKD patients without effusion.

Results

Among 84 cases and 61 controls, 44% and 34% were on dialysis, respectively. The mean creatinine was higher among cases versus controls (8.4±6.0 vs. 6.0±3.4 mg/dL, P = 0.002). Effusion was moderate to large in 46% of cases. Independent predictors of any pericardial effusion were serum potassium (OR: 1.95 per 1‐mEq/L increment, 95% CI: 1.21–3.13, P = 0.006), serum corrected calcium (OR: 1.33 per 1‐mg/dL decrement, 95% CI: 1.11–1.67, P = 0.015), and admission heart rate (OR: 1.29 per 10‐bpm increment, 95% CI: 1.03–1.62, P = 0.027). Corrected calcium level was an independent predictor of moderate to large pericardial effusion (OR: 1.38 per 1‐mg/dL decrement, 95% CI: 1.04–1.82, P = 0.023). Corrected calcium <8.0 mg/dL demonstrated 95% specificity for moderate to large effusion. Patients with effusion had no significant difference in the composite endpoint of mortality or cardiovascular rehospitalization (P = 0.408).

Conclusions

In hospitalized CKD patients, hypocalcemia may be useful in identifying those with moderate to large pericardial effusion. In this population, pericardial effusion does not seem to be associated with adverse outcomes.     

Transcatheter or surgical aortic valve replacement in patients with advanced kidney disease: A propensity score–matched analysis

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative for surgically inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis. Advanced kidney disease may significantly affect outcomes in patients treated with TAVR and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Hypothesis

TAVR is associated with better in‐hospital outcomes compared with SAVR in patients with advanced kidney disease.

Methods

We identified our sample from the National Inpatient Sample between 2012 and 2014, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We included patients with chronic kidney disease stages IV and V and end‐stage renal disease as advanced kidney disease patients. We excluded patients with acute kidney injury on admission and patients on dialysis.

Results

After propensity matching, 2485 patients were included in each group. The primary outcome of in‐hospital mortality (12.9% vs 6.2%; P < 0.01) was higher with SAVR as compared with TAVR. Patients who underwent SAVR reported higher acute kidney injury (50.3% vs 33%; P < 0.01) and dialysis requirements (26.8% vs 20.1%; P < 0.01). Other secondary outcomes including blood transfusion, atrial fibrillation, iatrogenic cardiac complications, pericardial complications, perioperative stroke, perioperative infections, and postoperative shock were more common with SAVR. With SAVR, the length of hospitalization and hospitalization costs were significantly higher; however, permanent pacemaker placement was more common with TAVR compared with SAVR.

Conclusions

In patients with advanced kidney disease, SAVR was associated with higher mortality and higher periprocedural complications, as compared with TAVR. Thus, benefits of TAVR could be extended in patients with advanced kidney disease who cannot undergo surgery.

     

老年慢性肾脏病3~5期非透析患者衰弱及其相关因素分析

目的调查老年慢性肾脏病(CKD)3~5期非透析患者衰弱的患病率并分析衰弱的相关因素。方法采用横断面调查方法,入选2017年10月至2018年9月于首都医科大学附属北京朝阳医院肾内科和综合科就诊的65岁及以上的CKD 3~5期非透析患者,采用Fried衰弱表型将患者分为非衰弱组和衰弱组,同时收集患者的病例资料及实验室检查结果,并对患者进行老年综合评估,评估其用药、共病、日常生活能力、营养、抑郁、认知以及躯体功能,分析衰弱相关的影响因素。结果共入选193例老年慢性肾脏病3~5期非透析患者,68例来源于门诊、125例来源于住院部,入选患者中位年龄79.00(73.00,85.00)岁,其中男性106例、女性87例。衰弱患者共143例(74.1%),其中门诊患者41例、住院患者102例,分别占入选门诊患者及住院患者的60.3%及81.6%。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,CKD分期(OR=9.74,95%CI:1.12~84.54)、多重用药(OR=3.69,95%CI:1.09~12.42)与门诊患者衰弱的发生密切相关;CKD分期(OR=11.75,95%CI:1.38~99.99)、有营养不良或有营养不良的风险(OR=4.22,95%CI:1.40~12.74)与住院患者衰弱的发生密切相关。结论老年CKD 3~5期非透析患者衰弱的患病率较高,与CKD分期、多重用药、有营养不良或营养不良的风险密切相关。     

早期慢性肾脏疾病心脏病变的实验研究

目的研究早期慢性肾脏疾病大鼠心脏病变情况。方法通过减少肾脏切除量和缩短喂养时间方法建立早期慢性肾脏疾病大鼠动物模型,分析其心脏病变,包括心脏重,体重比值、心肌细胞增大、心肌间质纤维化程度和心肌间质I型、Ⅲ型胶原含量等。结果（1）实验组大鼠血尿素氮水平、尿白蛋白/肌酐比值、肾小球系膜增生程度均高于对照组,但实验组和对照组之间血肌酐水平差异无统计学意义,且病理改变较轻,表明早期CKD模型制作是成功的。（2）实验组大鼠心脏重,体重比值高于对照组（P〈0.01）,心肌细胞肥大,心肌间质纤维化明显。免疫组化测定显示心肌组织内I型和Ⅲ型胶原量均高于对照组（P均〈0.01）。结论心脏病变在早期CKD大鼠动物模型中即已经存在。表现为重量增加、间质纤维化、胶原增多等。     

CE: continuing education article. Integration of palliative care for patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease

Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (Stage 5 CKD) have palliative care needs similar to patients with cancer. The decision not to commence dialysis or to withdraw from active treatment can have a profound impact upon all those closely involved in the patient's care. It is essential that every effort is made to minimise the physical and psycho-social symptoms experienced by patients who require palliative care. Effective teamwork across professional boundaries and specialities will ensure that patients and their families are provided with maximum comfort during their final days. All members of the healthcare team must strive to ensure patient and family are actively encouraged in the decision-making process surrounding palliative care needs.     

Acute kidney injury requiring dialysis and in‐hospital mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and non–ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome undergoing early vs delayed percutaneous coronary intervention: A nationwide analysis

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a well‐known risk factor for coronary artery disease and is associated with poor outcomes following an acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS). The optimal timing of an invasive strategy in patients with CKD and NSTE‐ACS is unclear.

Hypothesis

Timing of PCI in CKD patients will not affect the risk of mortality or incidence of dialysis.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample database (NIS) to identify cases with NSTEMI and CKD. Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) day 0 or 1 vs day 2 or 3 after admission were categorized as early vs delayed PCI, respectively. The primary outcomes of the study were in‐hospital mortality and acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis (AKI‐D). The secondary outcomes were length of stay and hospital charges. Baseline characteristics were balanced using propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

After PSM, 3708 cases from the delayed PCI group were matched with 3708 cases from the early PCI group. The standardized mean differences between the 2 groups were substantially reduced after PSM. All other recorded variables were balanced between the 2 groups. In the early and delayed PCI groups, the incidence of AKI‐D (2.5% vs 2.3%; P = 0.54) and in‐hospital mortality (1.9% vs 1.4%; P = 0.12) was similar. Hospital charges and length of stay were higher in the delayed PCI group.

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI‐D and in‐hospital mortality among patients with CKD and NSTE‐ACS were not significantly affected by the timing of PCI. However, delayed PCI added significant cost and length of stay. A prospective randomized study is required to validate this concept.

     

Managing chronic heart failure patient in chronic kidney disease

Management of systolic heart failure can be particularly challenging in patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those who are not yet receiving dialysis. Few clinical trials have been performed in this particular population, so management is directed by evidence from studies of patients with limited or no renal impairment. Their heightened risk for many treatment complications mandates additional considerations regarding drug selection, dosing, and monitoring. Subspecialty consultation is driven by patient instability or disease progression, intolerance of standard treatment, or need for device placement.     

Transcatheter vs surgical aortic‐valve replacement in low‐ to intermediate‐surgical‐risk candidates: A meta‐analysis and systematic review

The American and European expert documents recommend transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for inoperable or high‐surgical‐risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. In comparison, efficacy of TAVR is relatively less studied in low‐ to intermediate‐surgical‐risk patients. We sought to discover whether TAVR can be as effective as surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in low‐ to intermediate‐surgical‐risk candidates. Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 8 prospective matched studies were selected using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library (inception: March 2017). Results were reported as random‐effects odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Among 9851 patients, analyses of RCTs showed that all‐cause mortality was comparable between TAVR and SAVR (short term, OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.86‐1.64, P = 0.30; mid‐term, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.75‐1.26, P = 0.84; and long term, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.81‐1.16, P = 0.76). The analysis restricted to matched studies showed similar outcomes. In the analysis stratified by study design, no significant differences were noted in the RCTs for stroke, whereas TAVR was better than SAVR in matched studies at short term only (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.33‐0.65, P < 0.001). TAVR is associated with reduced risk of acute kidney injury and new‐onset atrial fibrillation (P < 0.05). However, increased incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation and paravalvular leaks was observed with TAVR. TAVR can provide similar mortality outcome compared with SAVR in low‐ to intermediate‐surgical‐risk patients with critical aortic stenosis. However, both procedures are associated with their own array of adverse events.     

Low‐flow/low‐gradient aortic stenosis—Still a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Aortic stenosis (AS ) is the most frequently observed valvular heart disease. During the symptomatic stage, the rate of death increases dramatically, so that a precise diagnostic approach is taken to guide therapeutic options. Of patients with severe AS , 30% to 50% present with low‐flow/low‐gradient AS (LF /LGAS ) status. This review focuses on LF /LGAS and the best diagnostic and therapeutic management in either classic LF /LGAS with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ) or paradoxical LF /LGAS with preserved LVEF . Current literature demonstrates that in classic LF /LGAS it is crucial to rule out a pseudo‐severe AS , because reduced LVEF may result in an incomplete opening of the valve. This can be done by low‐dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. Classic LF /LGAS has poor clinical outcomes when managed conservatively; therefore, surgical or interventional aortic valve replacement should be performed. In paradoxical LF /LGAS , the LVEF is preserved (>50%), but impaired filling of the concentric hypertrophied ventricle leads to reduced stroke volume. Therefore, diagnostic and therapeutic decisions in paradoxical LF /LGAS are even more challenging. It is a heterogeneous disease entity, and it is crucial to rule out any diagnostic errors because numerous potential confounders might lead to misdiagnosis. As in classic stenosis, pseudo‐severe stenosis must be ruled out as well. Evaluation via multidetector computed tomography or transesophageal echocardiography can help to evaluate the morphologic alterations of the valve (eg, calcification). Further studies are necessary to understand this disease entity and to evaluate the optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach for these patients.     

Comparing outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with stenotic bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valve: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has become an alternative treatment to surgery in patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, patients with bicuspid aortic stenosis (BAV) are usually excluded from major TAVR studies. The aim of this study is to reexamine current evidence of TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis and BAV compared with tricuspid aortic valve (TAV).

Hypothesis

There might be differences in outcomes post TAVR between patients with BAV comparing to TAV.

Method

Databases were systematically searched for relevant articles featuring cohort studies that included patients with BAV and TAV who underwent TAVR studies, of which reported outcomes of interest included mortality and complications in both groups. Pooled effect size was calculated with a random‐effect model and weighted for the inverse of variance, to compare outcomes post‐TAVR between BAV and TAV.

Results

Nine studies were included in the meta‐analysis. There was no difference in 30‐day mortality rate in patients with BAV compared with TAV (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.84–1.93, I² = 0). Patients with BAV were more likely to have a moderate to severe paravalvular leak (9 studies; OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.08–1.87, I² = 0) and conversion to surgery (5 studies; OR: 5.48, 95% CI: 1.74–17.27, I² = 0), and less likely to have device success compared with patients with TAV (5 studies; OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40–0.81, I² = 0%).

Conclusions

There was no difference in mortality post‐TAVR in patients with BAV compared with TAV. Further randomized studies should be done in newer‐generation prostheses to assess this association.