Showing papers by "Derek P. Chew published in 2020"

Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: Australian and New Zealand consensus statement.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases the morbidity and mortality of COVID-19, and COVID-19 itself causes serious cardiac sequelae. Strategies to minimise the risk of viral transmission to health care workers and uninfected cardiac patients while prioritising high quality cardiac care are urgently needed. We conducted a rapid literature appraisal and review of key documents identified by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand Board and Council members, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons, and key cardiology, surgical and public health opinion leaders. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: Common acute cardiac manifestations of COVID-19 include left ventricular dysfunction, heart failure, arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes. The presence of underlying CVD confers a five- to tenfold higher case fatality rate with COVID-19 disease. Special precautions are needed to avoid viral transmission to this population at risk. Adaptive health care delivery models and resource allocation are required throughout the health care system to address this need. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THIS STATEMENT: Cardiovascular health services and cardiovascular health care providers need to recognise the increased risk of COVID-19 among CVD patients, upskill in the management of COVID-19 cardiac manifestations, and reorganise and innovate in service delivery models to meet demands. This consensus statement, endorsed by the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand, the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons, the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the High Blood Pressure Research Council of Australia summarises important issues and proposes practical approaches to cardiovascular health care delivery to patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Core Outcomes Set for Trials in People With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Abstract: Objectives: The outcomes reported in trials in coronavirus disease 2019 are extremely heterogeneous and of uncertain patient rele-vance, limiting their applicability for clinical decision-making. The aim of this workshop was to establish a core outcomes set for trials in people with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019. Design: Four international online multistakeholder consensus workshops were convened to discuss proposed core outcomes for trials in people with suspected or confirmed coronavirus di-sease 2019, informed by a survey involving 9,289 respondents from 111 countries. The transcripts were analyzed thematically. The workshop recommendations were used to finalize the core outcomes set. Setting: International. Subjects: Adults 18 years old and over with confirmed or sus-pected coronavirus disease 2019, their family members, mem-bers of the general public and health professionals (including clinicians, policy makers, regulators, funders, researchers). Interventions: None. Measurements: None. Main Results: Six themes were identified. “Responding to the crit-ical and acute health crisis” reflected the immediate focus on saving lives and preventing life-threatening complications that underpinned the high prioritization of mortality, respiratory failure, and multiple organ failure. “Capturing different settings of care” highlighted the need to minimize the burden on hospitals and to acknowledge out-comes in community settings. “Encompassing the full trajectory and severity of disease” was addressing longer term impacts and the full spectrum of illness (e.g. shortness of breath and recovery). “Dis-tinguishing overlap, correlation and collinearity” meant recognizing that symptoms such as shortness of breath had distinct value and minimizing overlap (e.g. lung function and pneumonia were on the continuum toward respiratory failure). “Recognizing adverse events” refers to the potential harms of new and evolving interventions. “Being cognizant of family and psychosocial wellbeing” reflected the pervasive impacts of coronavirus disease 2019. Conclusions: Mortality, respiratory failure, multiple organ failure, shortness of breath, and recovery are critically important out-comes to be consistently reported in coronavirus disease 2019 trials.

The Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Programs on 12-Month Clinical Outcomes: A Linked Data Analysis.

Abstract: Background Guidelines recommend referral to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for cardiac event prevention and risk factor management, but poor attendance persists. Following the development of standardised data and uniform capture, CR services have contributed to three audits in South Australia, Australia. We aimed to determine if CR attendance impacts on cardiovascular readmission, morbidity and mortality. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, CR databases were linked to hospital administrative datasets to compare the characteristics and outcomes of CR patients between 2013 and 2015. Inverse probability weighting methods were used to measure associations between CR attendance versus non-attendance and cardiovascular readmission and the composite of death, new/re-myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and stroke within 12-months. Results Of 49,909 eligible separations, 15,089/49,909 (30.2%) were referred to CR with an attendance rate of 4,286/15,089 (28.4%). Referred/declined patients were older (median: 67.3 vs 65.3 years, p Conclusions Audit can measure service effectiveness, identifying areas for improvement. This study highlights patient eligibility, system and program considerations for future CR services.

High-sensitivity troponin in chronic kidney disease: Considerations in myocardial infarction and beyond

Abstract: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) represents one of the most common hospital encounters, with significant short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality, and frequently occurs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cardiac troponin is an exquisitely sensitive biomarker for myocardial injury and plays an essential role in the diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management of MI. In 2017, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved Roche Diagnostics' 5th generation high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) for clinical use. Whilst the improved analytical sensitivity of these new high-sensitivity troponin assays facilitate early diagnosis of MI, it also frequently identifies troponin elevations above the conventional reference threshold in the context of non-coronary conditions such as renal dysfunction, and can represent a major diagnostic challenge to clinicians. Furthermore, the optimal management strategy of patients with troponin elevation and high comorbidity burden, a common issue in patients with CKD, remains undefined. In recent years, there has been substantial research and progress undertaken in this rapidly evolving area. In this review, we aim to provide clinicians with an overview of hs-cTn in the setting of CKD as well as an update on its application and the particular considerations involved in the management of myocardial infarction, stable coronary artery disease and myocardial injury in this high risk population.

Advanced Echocardiographic Imaging for Prediction of SCD in Moderate and Severe LV Systolic Function

Abstract: Objectives This study sought to determine the long-term prognostic value of myocardial deformation imaging by echocardiography in risk stratification of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and malignant ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in a large consecutive cohort of patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic impairment, irrespective of its etiology. Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is limited for prediction of SCD. Echocardiographic strain-derived mechanical dispersion (MD) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been linked to VA and SCD. However, due to low event rates, the role of these parameters has not been fully elucidated. Methods Consecutive clinically stable patients who underwent echocardiographic study performed in an outpatient setting from 2008 to 2014 with a Simpson left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% were included in the study. Strain analysis was performed in which the LV was separated into 16 segments for regional analysis. Mechanical dispersion (MD) was calculated as the SD of the time to peak of each of the 16 regions. Outcome data were obtained from medical records. Results A total of 939 patients were included in the study, with median LVEF of 37% (interquartile range 30% to 42%). At follow-up (91.4 ± 23.4 months), 96 VA events had occurred. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only MD ≥75 ms (hazard ratio: 9.45; 95% confidence interval: 4.75 to 18.81; p Conclusions Using LVEF alone is inferior for prediction of VA and SCD, particularly in patients with moderately reduced LVEF. MD is easily obtained from standard echocardiographic images and can be used to improve risk prognosis, particularly in patients who are currently excluded from cardiac defibrillator insertion based on LVEF.

International Survey to Establish Prioritized Outcomes for Trials in People With Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Abstract: Objectives: There are over 4,000 trials conducted in people with coronavirus disease 2019. However, the variability of outcomes and the omission of patient-centered outcomes may diminish the impact of these trials on decision-making. The aim of this study was to generate a consensus-based, prioritized list of outcomes for coronavirus disease 2019 trials. Design: In an online survey conducted in English, Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish languages, adults with coronavirus disease 2019, their family members, health professionals, and the general public rated the importance of outcomes using a 9-point Likert scale (7-9, critical importance) and completed a Best-Worst Scale to estimate relative importance. Participant comments were analyzed thematically. Setting: International. Subjects: Adults 18 years old and over with confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019, their family members, members of the general public, and health professionals (including clinicians, policy makers, regulators, funders, and researchers). Interventions: None. Measurements: None. Main Results: In total, 9,289 participants from 111 countries (776 people with coronavirus disease 2019 or family members, 4,882 health professionals, and 3,631 members of the public) completed the survey. The four outcomes of highest priority for all three groups were: mortality, respiratory failure, pneumonia, and organ failure. Lung function, lung scarring, sepsis, shortness of breath, and oxygen level in the blood were common to the top 10 outcomes across all three groups (mean > 7.5, median ≥ 8, and > 70% of respondents rated the outcome as critically important). Patients/family members rated fatigue, anxiety, chest pain, muscle pain, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular disease higher than health professionals. Four themes underpinned prioritization: fear of life-threatening, debilitating, and permanent consequences; addressing knowledge gaps; enabling preparedness and planning; and tolerable or infrequent outcomes. Conclusions: Life-threatening respiratory and other organ outcomes were consistently highly prioritized by all stakeholder groups. Patients/family members gave higher priority to many patient-reported outcomes compared with health professionals.

Quality of Life Changes in Acute Coronary Syndromes Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract: There is little up-to-date evidence about changes in quality of life following treatment for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. The main aim of this review was to assess the changes in QoL in ACS patients after treatment. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative studies. The search included studies that described the change of QoL of ACS patients after receiving treatment options such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and medical therapy (MT). We synthesized findings using content analysis and pooled the estimates using meta-analysis. We used the PRISMA guidelines to select and appraise the studies and report the findings. Twenty-nine (29) articles were included in the review. We found a significant improvement of QoL in ACS patients after receiving treatment. Particularly, the meta-analytic association found that the mean QoL of patients diagnosed with ACS was higher after receiving treatment compared to baseline (overall pooled mean difference = 31.88; 95% CI = 31.64-52.11, I2 = 98) with patients on PCI having slightly lower QoL gains (pooled mean difference = 30.22; 95% CI = 29.9-30.53, I2 = 0%) compared to those on CABG (pooled mean difference = 34.01; 95% CI = 33.66-34.37, I2 = 0%). The review confirmed that QoL of ACS patients improved after receiving treatment therapies although varied by the treatment options and patients' preferences. This suggests the need to perform further study on the QoL, patient preferences and physicians' decision to prescription of treatment options.

Is Atrial Fibrillation a Stroke Risk Factor or Risk Marker? An Appraisal Using the Bradford Hill Framework for Causality.

Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is strongly associated with stroke risk but association on its own does not necessarily imply causality. Is AF a cause (risk factor) of stroke? Would treatment that reduces AF burden also reduce the burden of stroke? Or, perhaps, AF is a risk marker associated with a vascular syndrome in which there is co-existing atrial structural and electrical remodelling that results in the clinical manifestation of AF and the risk of stroke in parallel. A number of recent studies appear to detach AF as a direct cause of stroke. Studies in which cardiac implantable devices have been used to collect AF data preceding stroke appear to show no immediate temporal relationship. The Global Anticoagulant Registry in the Field - Atrial Fibrillation (GARFIELD-AF) a large worldwide registry of non-valvular AF, has shown that the risk of death exceeds the risk of stroke and that mortality, together with stroke and bleeding risk, is predicted by other vascular risk factors, defined by the CHA2DS2VASc score. Sir Bradford Hill proposed criteria to assess whether two associated factors are causal, more than 50 years ago. This method of analysing cause and effect in a complex scenario could be applied to AF and stroke. This paper aims to clinically appraise the evidence for each criterion outlined by Bradford Hill to single out whether the collective data supports one or the other.

The Asia-Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) expert committee consensus recommendations for assessment of suspected acute coronary syndrome using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in the emergency department

Abstract: The Asia-Pacific Society of Cardiology (APSC) high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) consensus recommendations and rapid algorithm were developed to provide guidance for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region on assessing patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) using a hs-TnT assay. Experts from Asia-Pacific convened in 2 meetings to develop evidence-based consensus recommendations and an algorithm for appropriate use of the hs-TnT assay. The Expert Committee defined a cardiac troponin assay as a high-sensitivity assay if the total imprecision is ≤10% at the 99th percentile of the upper reference limit and measurable concentrations below the 99th percentile are attainable with an assay at a concentration value above the assay's limit of detection for at least 50% of healthy individuals. Recommendations for single-measurement rule-out/rule-in cutoff values, as well as for serial measurements, were also developed. The Expert Committee also adopted similar hs-TnT cutoff values for men and women, recommended serial hs-TnT measurements for special populations, and provided guidance on the use of point-of-care troponin T devices in individuals suspected of ACS. These recommendations should be used in conjunction with all available clinical evidence when making the diagnosis of ACS.

Effect of Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty on Mortality in Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis Prior to Conservative Treatment and Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Abstract: Background Outcomes following an initial strategy of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) prior to medical therapy or intervention with surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (SAVR or TAVR) are unclear in the modern transcatheter intervention era. Methods A retrospective, observational cohort study of the echocardiography, cardiothoracic surgery and TAVR databases between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016 was performed to compare outcomes between all patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) treated with or without BAV prior to medical or invasive therapy. Results 3,142 patients were available for analysis. 223 BAV treated patients had lower mortality relative to medically treated patients, particularly early (20.1% v. 7.6% at 6 months, 58.1% v. 52.5% at 5 years). Over 5 years, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.62 (95% CI 0.48–0.80, p Compared with 630 patients proceeding directly to intervention, 75 patients receiving BAV experienced a higher mortality (HR = 2.76, 95% CI 2.07–3.66, p Conclusions The risk associated with BAV is low, and improves mortality compared with medical therapy. Balloon aortic valvuloplasty treated patients have poorer outcomes, but treatment with BAV does not increase perioperative mortality and may lessen it.

Troponin measurements, myocardial infarction diagnoses and outcomes. An analysis of linked data from New South Wales, Australia

Abstract: Background Cardiac troponin assays are very widely requested tests, particularly in emergency departments. Thus, many seriously ill patients who may not have heart disease as their primary discharge diagnosis have undergone troponin testing during hospitalisation. Aims To determine associations between cardiac troponin levels and mortality, including from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes, among patients hospitalised in New South Wales, Australia over a 2-year period. Methods Over a 2-year period (2006-2008), 172 753 hospitalised patients had a quantitative or qualitative troponin assay performed in New South Wales (Australia). The associations were examined, using data linked to late outcomes, between elevations in levels of troponins T or I and 1-year mortality. Mortality was determined for International Statistical Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnostic groups. Results Of 172 753 patients undergoing troponin testing, 44 357 (25%) had a cardiovascular diagnosis of whom (7% had myocardial infarction) 47 827 (28%) had a probable ischaemic heart disease diagnosis if the 23 873 (14%) of patients coded with 'chest pain' were included. In patients with a cardiovascular diagnosis and elevated troponin 3060 (1.8%) died in 12 months in comparison to 6262 (3.6%) in those with a non-cardiovascular disease diagnoses and elevated troponin. The 1-year mortality hazard with respect to a troponin elevation was 2.5 (95% confidence interval 2.3-2.7) and 2.0 (95% confidence interval 1.99-2.01) for those with a cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular diagnosis respectively. Conclusion In a very large state-wide hospitalised patient cohort, among patients with elevated troponin levels and non-cardiac diagnoses, mortality was higher than in those with cardiovascular diagnoses, including MI.

Mortality at 5 Years Among Very Elderly Patients Undergoing High Sensitivity Troponin T Testing for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract: Background Patients aged ≥80 years old often present to Emergency Departments (ED) with symptoms potentially due to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This study aimed to evaluate associations between baseline level(s) of high sensitivity troponin T (HsTnT), adjudicated diagnoses and outcomes. Methods Consecutive patients aged ≥80 years were studied, who presented to the ED at Liverpool Hospital, NSW, Australia during the 4 months period March to June 2014 (inclusive) with symptoms suggestive of an ACS, and who had at least one HsTnT assay performed. Diagnoses were based on the fourth universal definition of MI (myocardial infarction) including type-1 MI, type-2 MI, acute myocardial injury, chronic myocardial injury; the rest were termed “other diagnoses”. Patients were categorised by baseline HsTnT levels 1) ≤14 ng/L, 2) 15–29 ng/L, 3) 30–49 ng/L and 4) ≥50 ng/L. Results Of 2,773 patients screened, 545 were aged ≥80 years (median age 85 [IQR 82–88]); median follow-up was 32 months (IQR 5–56). The respective rates of adjudicated diagnoses were type-I MI 3.1%, type-2 MI 13%, acute myocardial injury 9.5%, chronic myocardial injury 56% and 18.6% had other diagnoses. Mortality rates increased, irrespective of adjudicated diagnoses with increasing HsTnT levels (ng/L): 17% (16/96) for ≤14; 35% (67/194) for 15–29; 51% (65/127) for 30–49; and 64% (82/128) for ≥50 ng/L; log rank p≤0.001. On multi-variable analyses, after adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, hypertension, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), MI type was not associated with late mortality. Conclusions Among patients aged ≥80 years higher HsTnT levels, irrespective of adjudicated diagnoses, were associated with increased mortality. Most very elderly patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of an ACS undergoing HsTnT testing in EDs had elevated levels most commonly due to chronic myocardial injury. Whether any interventions can modify outcomes require prospective evaluation.

Core outcome measures for trials in people with COVID-19: respiratory failure, multiorgan failure, shortness of breath and recovery

Abstract: ACM is supported by a Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust (WT 2055214/Z/16/Z)

Validation of the “Doorbell Test”: A Novel Functional Test of Frailty and Clinical Status After Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Abstract: Background Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) carries a high event rate following discharge. The complex interplay between age, frailty and decongestion may lend itself to a functional test. Methods In the doorbell test the patient simulates answering the doorbell. They are timed rising from a recumbent position, bending over twice and walking 10 metres, this time is added to the change in respiratory rate. We aimed to determine if the doorbell test was associated with post ADHF events (death or readmission). The test was performed at hospital discharge, with follow up at 30-days and 1-year. Results In 74 patients at 30-days there was a 14% event rate. At 1-year there were 40 (54%) events (9 deaths and 31 readmissions, 28 were cardiovascular of which 14 were [heart failure] HF). Amongst those who had an event at 30-days only doorbell test scores were different (58 [36,72] vs 32 [26,53] p After age stratification, the hazard ratio for heart failure readmission associated with a high doorbell test score was 11.08 (95%C.I. 2.01–61.17 p = 0.006), while the hazard ratio for 1-year cardiovascular readmission was 4.62 (95%C.I. 1.71–12.51 p = 0.003). There was no association with 1-year mortality. Conclusion The doorbell test represents a novel test of multiple domains of the ADHF pre-discharge state and demonstrates an association with 30-day and 1-year rehospitalisation.