Search

International audience; Aims Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has poor long-term prognosis. We assessed rates and predictors of outcome 10 years after an acute episode of HF. Methods and results The Karolinska-Rennes (KaRen) study enrolled HFpEF patients with acute HF, ejection fraction >= 45%, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide > 300 ng/L in 2007-11. Clinical data were collected at enrolment and after 4-8 weeks including detailed echocardiography. Follow-up data were collected 10 years after study initiation, starting from 6 months after enrolment until 2018 assessed by telephone. Independent predictors of primary (all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization) and secondary (all-cause mortality) outcomes were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. Of 539 patients, long-term follow-up data were available for 397 patients [52% female; median (interquartile range) age 79 (73, 84) years]. Over a follow-up of 5.44 (2.06-7.89) years, 1, 3, 5, and 10 year mortality rates were 15%, 31%, 47%, and 74%, respectively, with an incidence rate of 130/1000 patient-years. The primary outcome was met in 84% of the population, with an incidence rate of 227/1000 patient-years. The independent predictors of the primary outcome were tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (m/s) [hazard ratio 1.87 (1.34-2.62)], diabetes mellitus [1.75 (1.11-2.74)], and cancer [1.75 (1.01-3.03)] while female sex was associated with reduced risk [0.64 (0.41-0.98)]. Conclusions In HFpEF, 1, 3, 5, and 10 year mortality was 15%, 31%, 47%, and 74% and mortality or first HF hospitalization was 35%, 54%, 67%, and 84%, respectively. Independent predictors of mortality or HF hospitalization were tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and male sex. In clinical management of HFpEF, attention should be paid to both cardiac and non-cardiac conditions.

International audience; Background - Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) may be misdiagnosed. We assessed prevalence and consistency of Framingham criteria signs and symptoms in acute vs subsequent stable HFpEF. Methods - Three hundred ninety-nine patients with acute HFpEF according to Framingham criteria were re-assessed in stable condition. Four definitions of HFpEF at follow-up: (1) Framingham criteria alone, (2) Framingham criteria and natriuretic peptides (NPs), (3) Framingham criteria, NPs, and European Society of Cardiology HF guidelines echocardiographic criteria, (4) Framingham criteria, NPs, and the Efficacy and Safety of LCZ696 Compared to Valsartan, on Morbidity and Mortality in Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction (PARAGON) trial echocardiographic criteria. Results - At follow-up, HFpEF was still present in 27%, 22%, 21%, and 22%, respectively. Most prevalent in acute HFpEF were dyspnea at exertion (90%), pulmonary rales (71%), persisting at follow-up in 70% and 13%, respectively. Characteristics at acute HF with greater or lesser odds of stable HFpEF; (1) jugular venous distention (odds ratio [OR] 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13-2.87; P = .013) and pleural effusion (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.24-0.85; P = .014) and (4), older age (1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P = .014) and tachycardia (>100 bpm) 0.52, 95% CI 0.27-1.00; P = .048). Conclusions - In patients with acute HFpEF, one-quarter met the HF definition according to Framingham criteria at ambulatory follow-up. The proportion of patients with postdischarge HFpEF was largely unaffected by additional echocardiographic or NP criteria Older age and jugular venous distention at acute presentation predicted persistent HFpEF at follow-up, whereas pleural effusion and tachycardia may yield false HFpEF diagnoses. This finding has implications for HFpEF trial design.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality for patients with heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, QRS duration130 ms and in sinus rhythm. The aim of this study was to identify patient characteristics that predict the effect, specifically, of CRT pacemakers (CRT-P) on all-cause mortality or the composite of hospitalization for heart failure or all-cause mortality.We conducted an individual patient data meta-analysis of the Comparison of Medical Therapy, Pacing, and Defibrillation in Heart Failure (COMPANION) and Cardiac Resynchronization-Heart Failure (CARE-HF) trials. Only patients assigned to CRT-P or control (n = 1738) were included in order to avoid confounding from concomitant defibrillator therapy. The influence of baseline characteristics on treatment effects was investigated. Median age was 67 (59-73) years, most patients were men (70%), 68% had a QRS duration of 150-199 ms and 80% had left bundle branch block. Patients assigned to CRT-P had lower rates for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.81; p 0.0001) and the composite outcome (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.58-0.78; p 0.0001). No pre-specified characteristic, including sex, aetiology of ventricular dysfunction, QRS duration (within the studied range) or morphology or PR interval significantly influenced the effect of CRT-P on all-cause mortality or the composite outcome. However, CRT-P had a greater effect on the composite outcome for patients with lower body surface area and those prescribed beta-blockers.Cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemaker reduces morbidity and mortality in appropriately selected patients with heart failure. Benefits may be greater in smaller patients and in those receiving beta-blockers. Neither QRS duration nor morphology independently predicted the benefit of CRT-P.COMPANION, NCT00180258; CARE-HF, NCT00170300.

International audience; Aims In the heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) PARAGON-HF trial, sacubitril/valsartan vs. valsartan improved mortality/morbidity in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below median (57%). We assessed eligibility for sacubitril/valsartan based on four scenarios. Methods and results Eligibility was assessed in the Karolinska-Rennes study (acute HFpEF, LVEF >= 45%, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide >= 300 pg/mL subsequently assessed as outpatients including echocardiography) in (i) a trial scenario (all trial criteria); (ii) a pragmatic scenario (selected trial criteria); (iii) LVEF below lower limit of normal range (= 45%) with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac structure/function assessed, eligibility for sacubitril/valsartan was according to PARAGON-HF complete criteria 34%, pragmatic criteria 63%, LVEF below lower limit of normal range 5.4%, and LVEF below mean of normal range 41%. Cardiac structural impairment was almost ubiquitous. Ineligibility was more due to exclusion criteria than failing to meet inclusion criteria.

ObjectiveHeart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome. We aimed to derive HFpEF phenotype-based groups ('phenogroups') based on clinical and echocardiogram data using machine learning, and to compare clinical characteristics, proteomics and outcomes across the phenogroups.MethodsWe applied model-based clustering to 32 echocardiogram and 11 clinical and laboratory variables collected in stable condition from 320 HFpEF outpatients in the Karolinska-Rennes cohort study (56% female, median 78 years (IQR: 71–83)). Baseline proteomics and the composite end point of all-cause mortality or heart failure (HF) hospitalisation were used in secondary analyses.ResultsWe identified six phenogroups, for which significant differences in the prevalence of concomitant atrial fibrillation (AF), anaemia and kidney disease were observed (pConclusionsUsing machine learning we identified distinct HFpEF phenogroups with differential characteristics and outcomes, as well as differential levels of inflammatory and cardiovascular proteins.

International audience; Ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is the cornerstone therapy for patients with symptomatic AF resistant to anti-arrhythmic drugs or as first-line therapy, and is based on permanent pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. The presence of a conduction gap in a wide antral circumferential ablation lesion around PVs is often sufficient to transform an initially successful ablation into a procedural failure, thus necessitating a redo intervention. The strategy during a redo procedure is based on the detection and ablation of the reconnection gap. Finding gaps is often simple, but also sometimes challenging, because gaps may be difficult to detect, resulting in unnecessary radiofrequency delivery. The present review aimed to describe the various techniques published thus far to detect residual reconnections along the encircling ablation lines around PVs, to help electrophysiologists to detect and ablate reconnection gaps. © 2019 American College of Cardiology Foundation

International audience; The rate of permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is still growing in Europe, due in part to population ageing with an increased risk of developing conduction diseases. Although most PPM recipients are elderly patients, some young patients experience atrioventricular block (AVB) requiring PPM. In a recent study by Rudbeck-Resdal et al. evaluating AVB in young patients, the estimated incidence of developing AVB before 50 years of age was 17.7/year/million inhabitants throughout their 20-year nationwide study period.1 The aetiology of AVB was identified in only half of the patients. The most frequent causes were complications to cardiac surgery (15.3%), congenital AVB or congenital heart disease (9.0% and 4.2%, respectively), and cardioinhibitory reflex (5.0%). An underlying cardiomyopathy or sarcoidosis were uncommon causes in this specific population.

International audience; Background - Cryoballoon ablation is widely used for pulmonary vein isolation in patients with atrial fibrillation. There are no data regarding the clinical efficacy of cryoballoon ablation in patients with atypical right pulmonary vein anatomy. Aim - We aimed to evaluate the impact of right pulmonary vein anatomy on the safety and efficacy of cryoballoon ablation. Methods - Patients referred for cryoballoon ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled prospectively. Left atrial computed tomography was performed before cryoballoon ablation to determine whether the right pulmonary vein anatomy was "normal" or "atypical". For patients with atypical anatomy, cryoballoon ablation was only performed for right superior and right inferior pulmonary veins, neglecting accessory pulmonary veins. Results - Overall, 303 patients were included: 254 (83.8%) with normal and 49 (16.2%) with atypical right pulmonary vein anatomy. First-freeze isolation for right superior and right inferior pulmonary veins occurred in 44 (89.8%) and 37 (75.5%) patients with atypical pulmonary vein anatomy, and in 218 (85.8%) and 217 (85.4%) patients with typical pulmonary vein anatomy, respectively (P not significant). Phrenic nerve palsies were only observed in patients with normal anatomy (0 vs. 26 [8.6%]; P=0.039). Mid-term survival free from atrial arrhythmia was similar, regardless of right pulmonary vein anatomy. Conclusions - A significant proportion of patients have atypical right pulmonary vein anatomy. Procedural characteristics, acute pulmonary vein isolation success and mid-term procedural efficacy were similar, regardless of right pulmonary vein anatomy. In addition to left-side pulmonary vein isolation, cryoballoon ablation of right superior and right inferior pulmonary veins only, neglecting accessory pulmonary veins, is sufficient to obtain acute right-side pulmonary vein isolation and mid-term sinus rhythm maintenance in patients with atypical anatomy.

International audience; Background - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with poor quality of life (QoL), or patient reported outcome (PRO). Despite female predominance in HFpEF, sex-specific differences in PROs remain poorly studied. We assessed PRO measures and their association with HF-severity and outcome in HFpEF by sex. Methods and results - In 378 patients with HFpEF from the KaRen study, EQ-5D-3L® and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire® (MLHFQ) were assessed. Characteristics and comorbidities were largely similar in women (n = 212, 57%) and men. Women expressed worse QoL in EQ-5D-3L®(EQ-VAS), independent of age and HF-severity, mean (SD), 57 (20) vs. 61 (19), p = 0.010. There was no difference in MLHFQ, 31 (21) vs. 29 (21), p = 0.269. Spearman's correlations with HF-severity (NYHA-class) were for MLHFQ in women r 0.37 vs. men 0.41, p for both

International audience; Introduction Atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation is usually a simple procedure but may sometimes be challenging. We aimed at identifying pre-procedural clinical predictors of challenging AVN ablation. Methods Patients referred for AVN ablation from 2009 to 2015 were retrospectively included. Baseline clinical data, procedural variables and outcomes of AVN ablation were collected. A “challenging procedure” was defined 1) total radiofrequency delivery to get persistent AVN block ≥ 400 s, 2) need for left-sided arterial approach or 3) failure to obtain AVN ablation. Results 200 patients were included (71 ± 10 years). A total of 37 (18.5%) patients had “challenging” procedures (including 9 failures, 4.5%), while 163 (81.5%) had “non-challenging” ablations. In multivariable analysis, male sex (Odds ratio (OR) = 4.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74–12.46), body mass index (BMI, OR = 1.08 per 1 kg/m2, 95%CI 1.01–1.16), operator experience (OR = 0.40, 95%CI 0.17–0.94), and moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR, OR = 3.65, 95%CI 1.63–8.15) were significant predictors of “challenging” ablations. The proportion as a function of number of predictors was analyzed (from 0 to 4, including male sex, operator inexperience, a BMI andgt; 23.5 kg/m2 and moderate-to-severe TR). There was a gradual increase in the risk of “challenging” procedure with the number of predictors by patient (No predictor: 0%; 1 predictor: 6.3%; 2 predictors: 16.5%; 3 predictors: 32.5%; 4 predictors: 77.8%). Conclusions Operator experience, male sex, higher BMI and the degree of TR were independent predictors of “challenging” AVN ablation procedure. The risk increases with the number of predictors by patient. © 2017

Summary Background Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex syndrome at the crossroads of multiple co-morbidities; there is no valid treatment for this condition. Defining new phenotypes could play a role in improving treatment and prognosis. Aim To identify groups with different pathophysiologies by applying a clustering approach to a multicentric cohort of patients with HFpEF. Methods A total of 538 patients from the multicentre KaRen study were included. Accurate clinical, biological and ultrasound data are available, with a mean follow-up of 28 months. Based on a clustering analysis, the population was separated into groups based on 55 variables, comparing distribution of deaths and hospitalizations between groups. Results Three clusters were identified from 356 analysable patients (mean age 76.1 ± 9.31 years; 43.5% men): cluster 1 (n = 128) comprised overweight, relatively young men at high cardiovascular risk, in sinus rhythm, with altered renal function; cluster 2 (n = 134) comprised women, most of whom had conserved left ventricular function; cluster 3 (n = 94) had the highest incidence of mitral regurgitation, atrial remodelling and rhythm disorders. There were no significant differences, only a trend towards early mortality in cluster 3. Conclusions Clustering analysis seems to be effective at individualizing subgroups with different physiopathologies in HFpEF. The clinical relevance of these phenotypes needs to be studied, and may concern treatment strategy more than prognostic differences.

Summary Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoballoon ablation is widely used for rhythm control in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. This technique has a steep learning curve, and PVI can be achieved quickly in most patients. However, the right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV) is often challenging to occlude and isolate. Aim We aimed to analyse the efficacy of RIPV ablation using a systematic approach. Methods Consecutive patients referred for cryoballoon ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were enrolled prospectively. A systematic approach was used for RIPV cryoablation. The primary endpoint was acute RIPV isolation during initial freeze. Results A total of 214 patients were included. RIPV isolation during initial freeze occurred in 179 patients (82.2%). Real-time PVI could be observed in 72 patients (33.6%), whereas cryoballoon stability required pushing the Achieve™ catheter inside the RIPVs in the remaining patients. The rate of unsuccessful or aborted first freeze as a result of insufficient minimal temperature was significantly higher in patients with real-time pulmonary vein potential recording (16.7% vs. 6.3%; P = 0.031). To overcome this issue and obtain both stability and real-time PVI, a dedicated “whip technique” was developed. Twelve patients (5.6%) required a redo ablation; only two of these had a reconnected RIPV. Conclusions A systematic approach to RIPV cryoablation can lead to a high rate of first freeze application. Operators should not struggle to visualize pulmonary vein potentials before ablation, as this may decrease cryoapplication efficacy. Thus, stability should be preferred over real-time PVI for RIPV ablation. Both stability and real-time PVI can be obtained using a “whip technique”.

Aims This study aims to assess prognostic impact of Framingham criteria for heart failure (FC‐HF) in patients with stable heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods and results In the prospective Karolinska‐Rennes (KaRen) study, we assessed stable HFpEF patients after an acute HF episode. We evaluated associations between the four descriptive models of HFpEF and the composite endpoint of all‐cause mortality and HF hospitalization. The descriptive models were FC‐HF alone, FC‐HF + natriuretic peptides (NPs) according to the PARAGON trial, FC‐HF + NPs + echocardiographic HFpEF criteria according to European Society of Cardiology HF guidelines, and FC‐HF + NPs + echocardiographic criteria according to the PARAGON trial. Out of the 539 patients enrolled in KaRen, 438 returned for the stable state revisit after 4–8 weeks, 13 (2.4%) patients died before the planned follow‐up, and 88 patients (16%) declined or were unable to return. Three hundred ninety‐nine patients have FC registered at follow‐up, and among these, the four descriptive models were met in 107 (27%), 82 (22%), 61 (21%), and 69 (22%) patients, and not met in 292 (73%). The 107 patients that had FC‐HF at stable state (descriptive model 1) could also be part of the other models because all patients in models 1–4 had to fulfil the FC‐HF. The patients in model 0 did not fulfil the criteria for FC‐HF but could have single FC. Of single FC, only pleural effusion predicted the endpoint [hazard ratio (HR) 3.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47–7.76, P = 0.004]. Patients without FC‐HF had better prognosis than patients meeting FC‐HF. The unadjusted associations between the four HFpEF descriptive models and the endpoint were HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.14–2.09, P = 0.005; HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.24–2.36, P = 0.002; HR 1.95, 95% CI 1.36–2.81, P = 0.001; and HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.45–2.91, P

Objectives This study sought to determine the effects of abnormal left ventricular (LV) architecture on cardiac remodeling and clinical outcomes in mild heart failure (HF). Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for HF that improves survival in part by favorably remodeling LV architecture. LV shape is a dynamic component of LV architecture on which contractile function depends. Methods Transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography was used to quantify changes in LV architecture over 5 years of follow-up of patients with mild HF from the REVERSE study. REVERSE was a prospective study of patients with large hearts (LV end-diastolic dimension ≥55 mm), LV ejection fraction 120 ms randomly assigned to CRT-ON (n = 419) and CRT-OFF (n = 191). CRT-OFF patients were excluded from this analysis. LV dimensions, volumes, mass index, and LV ejection fraction were calculated. LV architecture was assessed using the sphericity index, as follows: (LV end-diastolic volume)/(4/3 × π × r3) × 100%. Results LV architecture improved over time and demonstrated significant associations between LV shape, age, sex, and echocardiography metrics. Changes in LV architecture were strongly correlated with changes in LV end-systolic volume index and LV end-diastolic volume index (both p 15% occurred in more than two-thirds of patients, which indicates considerable reverse remodeling. Conclusions We demonstrated that change in LV architecture in patients with mild HF with CRT is associated with structural and functional remodeling. Mean LV filling pressure was elevated, and the inability to lower it was an additional predictor of HF hospitalization or death. (Resynchronization Reverses Remodeling in Systolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction [REVERSE]; NCT00271154)

International audience; BACKGROUND: In acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) there are no surrogate endpoints for early phase trials. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether a reduction in natriuretic peptides (NP) between acute hospital presentation to stable follow-up is associated with improved mortality and morbidity. METHODS: Patients presenting acutely to the hospital for ADHF with HFpEF enrolled in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) study and reporting N-terminal pro-B-type NP or B-type NP assessment at baseline hospital presentation and at 4-8weeks follow-up were prospectively studied. Logistic regression analyses were performed to detect the predictors of baseline and changes in NPs. Cox regression models were performed to assess the impact of NP reductions on mortality and the composite of mortality and HF hospitalization. RESULTS: Of 361 patients (median follow-up 585days), 267 (74%) reported an improvement in NPs, while 94 (26%) reported worsening. At baseline, the independent predictors of lower NPs were higher glomerular filtration rate (Odds Ratio [OR] per unit: 1.013; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.005-1.021) and younger age (OR per year: 0.972; CI: 0.947-0.998). Improvement in NPs at follow-up was predicted by higher heart rate at baseline (OR per bpm: 1.014; CI: 1.003-1.025). After adjustments, the hazard ratio for all-cause death was 0.730 (CI: 0.456-1.169) and for the composite outcome 0.814 (CI: 0.582-1.139) for patients who improved vs. worsened in NP levels. CONCLUSIONS: In patients presenting acutely to the hospital with HFPEF, an improvement in NP levels did not independently and significantly predict improved mortality and/or morbidity. NPs as surrogate endpoints in acute HFpEF require further study.

International audience; The prognostic value of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) remains controversial. We sought to study the prognostic value of AF in a prospective cohort and to characterize the HFPEF patients with AF. KaRen was a prospective, multicenter, international, observational study intended to characterize HFPEF; 538 patients presenting with an acute decompensated cardiac failure and a left ventricular EF > 45% were included. EKG and echocardiogram performed 4-8 week following the index hospitalization were analyzed in core centers. Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients in sinus rhythm vs. with documented AF at enrolment (decompensated HF), upon their 4-8-week visit (in presumed stable clinical condition) and according to patients' cardiac history, were compared. The primary study endpoint was death from any cause or first hospitalization for decompensated heart failure (HF). A total of 413 patients (32% in AF) were analyzed, with a mean follow-up period of 28 months. The patients were primarily elderly individuals (mean age: 76.2 years), with a slight female predominance and a high prevalence of non-cardiovascular comorbidities. The baseline echocardiographic characteristics and the natriuretic peptide levels were indicative of a more severe heart condition among the patients with AF. However, the patients with AF exhibited a similar survival-free interval compared with the patients in sinus rhythm. In this elderly HFPEF population with a high prevalence of non-cardiovascular comorbidities, the presence of AF was not associated with a worse prognosis despite impaired clinical and echocardiographic features.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00774709.

International audience; Objectives - Soluble suppression of tumorigenecity 2 (sST2) is prognostic in acute and chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) but less studied in HF with preserved EF (HFpEF). We evaluated sST2 concentrations, correlations with biomarkers and echocardiographic measures of diastolic and systolic function, and associations with outcomes in HFpEF and HFrEF. Design and results - A total of 193 subjects from three different cohorts were included. Eighty-six HFpEF patients were obtained from the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) study, 86 patients with HFrEF were recruited from referrals to Karolinska University Hospital for advanced assessment of HF, and 21 controls were included (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier for KaRen: NCT01091467). HFrEF and controls cohorts did not have ClinicalTrials.gov registrations. sST2 was lower in HFpEF, median (interquartile range); 23 (17-31) compared to HFrEF; 35 (23-52) µg/L, p

International audience; Background - The rate of pacemaker (PM) implantations is constantly growing. Since life expectancy of the population is projected to increase, a large number of nonagenarian patients will need PM implantation. We aimed at analyzing short- and long-term outcomes after PM implantation in nonagenarians. Methods - Patients aged ≥90 years referred for PM implantation from 2004 to 2017 were included. The primary clinical endpoint was total mortality. Secondary endpoints included procedure-related and in-hospital complications. Results - A total of 172 patients were included (92.6 ± 2.1 years, from 90.0 to 101.4 years). Procedure duration was 50.0 ± 19.7 minutes. Most of the patients had VVI devices implanted (143 pts, 83.1%) and mean hospital stay was 3.5 ± 1.5 days. Nine patients (5.2%) had short-term device-related complications and 29 patients (16.8%) had post-procedural complications, non-related to the implantation, including four leading to patients' death. During a follow-up of 22.5 months (interquartile range: 7.3-38.0), 94 patients (54.7%) died. Survival rates were 82.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76.0-88.0), 73.7% (95% CI: 65.7-80.1) and 37.5% (95% CI: 27.5-47.5) after 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. The Charlson comorbidity index was a predictive factor of procedural complications (odds ratio = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.05-1.69, P = 0.02) while having a complication (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.04; 95% CI: 1.79-9.11, P = 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (HR = 1.63; 95% CI: [1.02-2.63], P = 0.043) were predictors of post-implantation death. Conclusion - PM implantation in nonagenarians is safe, with a low risk of procedural complications, but many comorbidities-related complications can occur. Caution should be taken in this old and frail population since complications significantly impact patients' survival.

International audience; Aims Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) is associated with improved outcomes compared with first generation (CB1). We aimed at investigating the characteristics of left and right PV reconnections after CB1 and CB2 ablations in patients with clinical recurrences requiring redo ablation. Methods and results From 2010 to 2016, 776 patients underwent 28-mm cryoballoon PVI for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) in 3 centres, 279 with CB1 and 497 with CB2. Among them, 94 patients (12.1%) had symptomatic AF recurrences requiring a redo ablation [43 (15.4%) CB1 and 51 (10.3%) CB2]. The benefit of CB2 over CB1 was compared for each PV. Durable PVI was confirmed in 7 CB1 (16.3%) and 14 CB2 (27.4%) patients, and 2.7 +/- 2.1 and 1.4 +/- 1.4 gaps per patient were found, respectively (P = 0.002). Significantly more left superior and left inferior PVs were found to be isolated in CB2 compared with CB1 group (78.4% vs. 48.8%, P = 0.005 and 78.4% vs. 46.5%, P = 0.003, respectively) while the rate of durable right superior and right inferior PVs isolation were similar (68.6% vs. 60.5%, P = 0.542 and 66.7% vs. 55.8%, P = 0.387, respectively). Significantly fewer gaps were found in left PVs in CB2 patients, while there was no significant difference for right PVs. Gaps localization was similar in both groups. Conclusion Fewer reconnection gaps are observed during redo ablations of paroxysmal AF in patients primarily ablated with CB2. This difference is driven by less reconnection gaps observed in both left PVs, while no difference was observed for right PVs.

International audience; We aimed to characterize of the role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7) in heart failure (HT) pathophysiology. IGFBP-7 has been associated with cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in HF. In 86 patients with HF with a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (ejection fraction [EF] >= 45%) and 79 with HF with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we assessed concentrations of serum IGFBP-7, correlations between serum IGFBP-7 and clinical data, diastolic function, and associations with outcome. IGFBP-7 was lower in HFpEF than HFrEF (102 vs 152 mu g/L, p

International audience; Background - Atrial fibrillation ablation is often performed by achieving pulmonary vein isolation using the "wide antral circumferential ablation" (WACA) technique, but many pulmonary veins remain connected because of conduction gaps in the ablation line. Aim - To analyse the efficacy of a novel technique based on pacing manoeuvres to detect gaps in an initial WACA lesion. Methods - Patients referred for radiofrequency atrial fibrillation ablation were enrolled prospectively. A WACA lesion set was performed, isolating ipsilateral pulmonary veins together. If pulmonary vein isolation was not achieved, the atria were paced using an ablation catheter. For each pacing site, "activation delay" and "activation sequence" were analysed using a circular mapping catheter positioned at the pulmonary vein ostium. Results - Twenty-one patients were included. A total of 25 non-isolated WACA lesion sets were studied. Three patterns were identified: (1) the activation delays converged towards one point with the shortest delay; no modification of the activation sequence (indicating one gap); (2) the activation delays converged towards at least two close locations; no change in the activation sequence (indicating at least two close gaps); (3) the activation delays converged towards at least two remote locations; modification of the activation sequence (indicating at least two remote gaps). Pacing manoeuvres and effect of ablation allowed precise localization of gaps, ultimately leading to pulmonary vein isolation in all patients. Conclusion - This simple pacing method accurately detected the location of residual connections after WACA lesion sets performed for atrial fibrillation ablation, allowing pulmonary vein isolation to be achieved.

Summary Background The rate of pacemaker implantation is rising. Given that the life expectancy of the population is projected to increase, a large number of elderly patients are likely to be implanted in the future. As pacemaker batteries can last for 8–10 years, an increasing number of pacemaker recipients will require replacement of their devices when they become nonagenarians. Aims To analyse the short- and long-term outcomes after device replacement in nonagenarians. Methods Patients aged ≥ 90 years referred to a tertiary centre for pacemaker replacement from January 2004 to July 2014 were included retrospectively. Clinical follow-up data were obtained from clinical visits or telephone interviews with patients or their families. The primary clinical endpoint was total mortality. Secondary endpoints included early and delayed procedure-related complications and predictive risk factors for total mortality. Results Sixty-two patients were included (mean age 93.3 ± 2.9 years at time of pacemaker replacement). Mean procedure duration was 35.7 ± 17.2 minutes. Mean hospital stay was 2.2 ± 1.1 days. One patient died from a perioperative complication. Thirty-seven patients (59.7%) died during a median follow-up of 22.1 months (interquartile range, 11.8–39.8 months). Survival rates were 84.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71.8–91.5%) at 1 year, 66.9% (95% CI 51.8–78.2%) at 2 years and 22.7% (95% CI 10.6–37.7%) at 5 years. Atrial fibrillation (hazard ratio 2.47, 95% CI 1.1–5.6) and non-physiological pacing (i.e. VVI pacing in patients in sinus rhythm) (hazard ratio 2.20, 95% CI 1.0–4.9) were predictors of mortality. Conclusions Pacemaker replacement in nonagenarians is a safe and straightforward procedure. These data suggest that procedures can be performed securely in this old and frail population, with patients living for a median of 30 months afterwards.

International audience; Aims - Left ventricular (LV) mechanics have been extensively investigated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) overshadowing for a long time the potential role of left atrium (LA) in that setting. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 receptor (ST2) is a novel biomarker of pro-fibrotic burden in HF. We hypothesized that due to the thinner LA wall, the fibrotic myocardial changes in HFpEF as indicated by elevated ST2 levels might more readily be reflected by impairments in the LA rather than the LV performance.Methods and results - In 86 patients with HFpEF, enrolled in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) biomarker prospective substudy, global LA strain (GL-LS) along with other echocardiographic as well as haemodynamic parameters and ST2 levels were measured. ST2 levels were inversely associated with LA-GS (r = -0.30, P = 0.009), but not with LA size, LV geometry, systolic or diastolic LV function (P > 0.05 for all). Furthermore, symptom severity correlated with ST2 and LA-GS, but not with LV structural or functional indices. Finally, during a median 18-month follow-up, LA-GS independently predicted the composite endpoint of HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality, even after adjustment for potential clinical and cardiac mechanical confounders, including LV global longitudinal strain and filling pressures (odds ratio: 4.15; confidence interval: 1.2-14, P = 0.023).Conclusions - Reduced LA-GS but not LV functional systolic and diastolic parameters were associated with the pro-fibrotic ST2 marker, HF symptoms and outcome in HFpEF.

International audience; The demand for tricuspid valve (TV) surgery has increased continuously in the last years. Recent registry data have confirmed that TV repair or replacement carry an increased risk of conduction disorders requiring permanent pacemaker implantation, specifically for patients having multivalve surgery. The implantation of an endocardial right ventricular lead in those patients may impair TV function, and some other approaches may be discussed to avoid traversing the valve. This contemporary review describes the different options currently available for patients requiring pacemaker or defibrillation lead implantation after TV surgery.

International audience; Aims - To study prevalence and prognostic importance of diagnostic echocardiographic variables in patients with suspected heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the prospective KaRen register study. Methods and results - KaRen patients were included following an acute HF-presentation, using Framingham criteria, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) >100 ng/L or N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) >300 ng/L, and left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≥45%. Echocardiography was performed after 4-8 weeks and analyzed at a core laboratory. In this substudy HFpEF was diagnosed according to the ESC guidelines for heart failure 2016. A total of 539 patients were included with a follow-up after 4-8 weeks in 438 patients. Complete echocardiography and ECG were available in 356 patients. At least two abnormal echocardiographic criteria for HFpEF were found in 94% (n = 333). Echocardiographic signs of structural heart disease and diastolic dysfunction according to 4 criteria by ESC were found in 76% (n = 270). Diastolic dysfunction was graded as mild in 30% (n = 107), moderate in 27% (n = 97) or severe in 35% (n = 124). After multivariate analyses with adjustment for age, gender, EF and natriuretic peptides we found two independent predictors of worse prognosis: presence of moderate and severe diastolic dysfunction (HR 1.8, CI 1.2-2.7, p = 0.0037) and presence of a high number (≥4) of abnormal diastolic parameters (HR 2.0, CI 1.3-3.1, p = 0.0033). Conclusion - The majority of KaRen patients with suspected HFpEF had diagnostic echocardiographic criteria for HFpEF according to ESC Guidelines. Our findings support using 2016 ESC HF guidelines for risk prediction in HFpEF.

Aims Ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation has been proven to be effective and safe to avoid arrhythmia recurrences in patients with repaired congenital heart disease (CHD). However, some of these patients may present right ventricular (RV) access issues [agenesia or thrombosis of inferior vena cava (IVC)], making impossible to access the right ventricle through an inferior approach. In such patients, only a superior approach would theoretically be feasible. Methods and results All VT ablations performed through a jugular or subclavian approach in CHD patients between 2012 and 2017 were included. Among 247 patients scheduled for VT ablation, two patients underwent three VT ablation procedures via a superior approach for due to the inability to access the right ventricle through a conventional IVC access (IVC interruption with azygos continuation in one patient and IVC thrombosis in the other). Ablation was performed using a three-dimensional system through a superior approach, using a subclavian access in both cases. A redo ablation had to be performed in the first patient using a jugular approach. Large curve catheters were used to facilitate RV outflow tract access. Supposed critical isthmuses could be localized and ablated. Patients remained free from arrhythmias during follow-up. Conclusion In patients with repaired CHD and 'no femoral access', ablation of RV tachycardia can be performed using a subclavian or a jugular approach. Mapping may be challenging, requiring large curve catheters. Conventional isthmuses can be mapped and ablated successfully, and such patients should not be denied radiofrequency ablation.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy is beneficial in heart failure patients with LVEF ≤35% and electrical dyssynchrony. However, its effects among patients with less severe LV dysfunction have not been established. Recent post-hoc analyses of landmark CRT trials suggest that CRT benefit may be present in patients with LVEF >35% and is associated with improvement in cardiac reverse remodelling, all-cause mortality, and need for heart failure hospitalizations. This review summarizes the currently available literature regarding the potential impact of CRT in patients with more modest reductions in LVEF.

Aims The prevalence of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities and their relative importance for outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to investigate this. Methods and results The Karolinska–Rennes (KaRen) Study was a multinational prospective observational study designed to characterize HFPEF. Inclusion required acute HF, defined by the Framingham criteria, LVEF ≥45%, and NT-pro-BNP ≥300 ng/L or BNP ≥100 ng/L. Detailed clinical data were collected at baseline and patients were followed prospectively for 18 months. Predictors of the primary (HF hospitalization or all-cause mortality) and secondary (all-cause mortality) outcomes were assessed with multivariable Cox regression. A total of 539 patients [56% women; median (interquartile range) age 79 (72–84) years; NT-pro-BNP/BNP 2448 (1290–4790)/429 (229–805) ng/L] were included. Known history of HF was present in 40%. Co-morbidities included hypertension (78%), atrial fibrillation/flutter (65%), anaemia (51%), renal dysfunction (46%), CAD (33%), diabetes (30%), lung disease (25%), and cancer (16%). The primary outcome occurred in 268 patients [50%; 106 deaths (20%) and 162 HF hospitalizations (30%)]. Important independent predictors of the primary and/or secondary outcomes were age, history of non-cardiovascular syncope, valve disease, anaemia, lower sodium, and higher potassium, but no cardiovascular co-morbidities. Renin–angiotensin system antagonist and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist use predicted improved prognosis. Conclusion HFPEF was associated with higher age, female gender, hypertension, atrial fibrillation/flutter, and numerous non-cardiovascular co-morbidities. Prognosis was determined by non-cardiovascular co-morbidities, but use of conventional heart failure medications may still be associated with improved outcomes.

RESUME Grâce au developpement de concepts nouveaux sdefibrillateur implantable pour la prevention de la mort subite rythmique, resynchronisation cardiaque pour assister le cœur defaillant desynchronise, etc.), les dispositifs electriques implantables cardiaques ont connu un remarquable essor au cours des vingt dernieres annees. Ils s’imposent comme une therapie majeure en cardiologie. Leur developpement recent a ete plus dynamique que celui du medicament. La periode a venir sera celle des revolutions technologiques et d’une possible extension des indications cliniques. Dans les domaines de la stimulation cardiaque et de du defibrillateur implantable, la principale evolution attendue est la suppression des sondes endocavitaires. Elles sont la principale source des complications actuelles, avec un risque qui croit avec le temps et les re-interventions. Les nanotechnologies ont permis la mise au point de stimulateurs miniaturises totalement implantables dans les cavites cardiaques, supprimant le besoin de sondes, de poche pour le boitier et meme d’incision. De meme, il est deja possible de defibriller le cœur avec des systemes implantables totalement sous-cutanes. Optimiser la therapie de resynchronisation est indispensable pour ameliorer la reponse clinique et reduire le nombre de non-repondeurs (environ 30 % avec les systemes actuels). La solution pourrait venir de la stimulation endocardique du ventricule gauche sous reserve d’un rapport risque-benefice acceptable. A cote de la resynchronisation, la neuromodulation en particulier par stimulation vagale, apparait tres prometteuse pour le traitement de l’insuffisance cardiaque refractaire. L’avenir des dispositifs electriques implantables cardiaques est a l’evidence souriant

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) on right ventricular (RV) function and the influence of RV dysfunction on the echocardiographic and clinical response to CRT among patients enrolled in the CARE-HF (Cardiac Resynchronization-Heart Failure) trial. Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy prolongs survival in appropriately selected patients with heart failure but the benefit might be diminished in patients with RV dysfunction. Methods Of 813 patients enrolled in the CARE-HF study, 688 had tricuspid plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) measured at baseline, and 345 of these were assigned to CRT. Their median (interquartile range) age was 66 (58 to 71) years, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was 24% (21% to 28%), and TAPSE was 19 (16 to 22) mm. Baseline LV function and size and QRS duration were similar among TAPSE tertiles, but those in the worst tertile (TAPSE Results Overall, CRT improved LV but not RV structure and function with little evidence of an interaction with TAPSE. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 748 (582 to 950) days, 213 deaths occurred. Patients with lower TAPSE had a higher mortality, regardless of assigned treatment (p Conclusions Right ventricular dysfunction is a powerful determinant of prognosis among candidates for CRT, regardless of treatment assigned, but did not diminish the prognostic benefits of CRT among patients enrolled in the CARE-HF trial. (Care-HF CArdiac Resynchronization in Heart Failure; NCT00170300 )

International audience; Objectives: Extracorporeal life support is used for patients with severe heart failure as a bridge to heart transplantation or recovery. We aimed at analyzing the efficacy and safety of extracorporeal life support to treat refractory arrhythmic storm responsible for cardiogenic shock in patients resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: University Hospital of Rennes, France. Patients: Patients with refractory arrhythmic storm admitted between January 2005 and March 2015. Interventions: Patients with intractable refractory arrhythmic storm and cardiogenic shock despite optimal medical therapy were implanted with an extracorporeal life support. Patients’ characteristics and outcomes after extracorporeal life support implantation were analyzed. Measurements and Main Results: Twenty-six patients (23 men, 52.4 ± 9.2 yr old) were included, most of them having ischemic cardiomyopathy (65.4%). Stable sinus rhythm restoration was immediate in 61.5% of patients and occurred after a median time of 3 hours after extracorporeal life support implantation for the remaining ones. Thirteen patients (50%) eventually died, none of them due to extracorporeal life support–related complications, but mostly due to the occurrence of multiple organ failure, and occurred after a median time of 4 days. The remaining 13 patients (50%) had extracorporeal life support withdrawn after 6.7 ± 3.6 days and were discharged after 34.7 ± 14.7 days after admission. Patients with repetitive ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation episodes alternating with periods of sinus rhythm at the time of implantation had a better survival than those in refractory ventricular fibrillation (p = 0.017). Conclusions: This is the largest database of patients temporary implanted with extracorporeal life support for refractory arrhythmic storm responsible for cardiogenic shock resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs. It provides efficient hemodynamic support and survival rate after the implantation is 50%.

International audience; BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) exhibits a "reverse metabolic profile". Whether this profile exists in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that HFpEF and HFrEF are similar regarding concentrations of and prognostic impact of leptin and adiponectin. METHODS: In patients with HFpEF(n=79), HFrEF(n=84), and controls(n=71), we analyzed serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations, their correlations, and associations with outcome. RESULTS: Leptin levels in HFpEF and HFrEF were increased (p

International audience; A newborn with complete congenital atrioventricular block of immune origin, in severe heart failure, was implanted with a pacemaker at 1 day of life. The pacing lead was fixed to the epicardial right ventricle and the generator conventionally implanted in a pocket created beneath rectus muscles...

Background— Underlying mechanisms in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction remain unknown. We investigated cardiovascular plasma biomarkers in HF with preserved ejection fraction and their correlation to diastolic dysfunction, functional class, pathophysiological processes, and prognosis. Methods and Results— In 86 stable patients with HF and EF ≥45% in the Karolinska Rennes (KaRen) biomarker substudy, biomarkers were quantified by a multiplex immunoassay. Orthogonal projection to latent structures by partial least square analysis was performed on 87 biomarkers and 240 clinical variables, ranking biomarkers associated with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional class and the composite outcome (all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization). Biomarkers significantly correlated with outcome were analyzed by multivariable Cox regression and correlations with echocardiographic measurements performed. The orthogonal partial least square outcome-predicting biomarker pattern was run against the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) database, containing annotated data from the public domain. The orthogonal partial least square analyses identified 32 biomarkers correlated with NYHA class and 28 predicting outcomes. Among outcome-predicting biomarkers, growth/differentiation factor-15 was the strongest and an additional 7 were also significant in Cox regression analyses when adjusted for age, sex, and N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide: adrenomedullin (hazard ratio per log increase 2.53), agouti-related protein; (1.48), chitinase-3–like protein 1 (1.35), C–C motif chemokine 20 (1.35), fatty acid–binding protein (1.33), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (2.29), and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (0.34). Twenty-three of them correlated with diastolic dysfunction (E/e′) and 5 with left atrial volume index. The IPA suggested that increased inflammation, immune activation with decreased necrosis and apoptosis preceded poor outcome. Conclusions— In HF with preserved ejection fraction, novel biomarkers of inflammation predict HF severity and prognosis that may complement or even outperform traditional markers, such as N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide. These findings lend support to a hypothesis implicating global systemic inflammation in HF with preserved ejection fraction. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT00774709.

This study sought to determine the effects of abnormal left ventricular (LV) architecture on cardiac remodeling and clinical outcomes in mild heart failure (HF).Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for HF that improves survival in part by favorably remodeling LV architecture. LV shape is a dynamic component of LV architecture on which contractile function depends.Transthoracic 2-dimensional echocardiography was used to quantify changes in LV architecture over 5 years of follow-up of patients with mild HF from the REVERSE study. REVERSE was a prospective study of patients with large hearts (LV end-diastolic dimension ≥55 mm), LV ejection fraction 40%, and QRS duration120 ms randomly assigned to CRT-ON (n = 419) and CRT-OFF (n = 191). CRT-OFF patients were excluded from this analysis. LV dimensions, volumes, mass index, and LV ejection fraction were calculated. LV architecture was assessed using the sphericity index, as follows: (LV end-diastolic volume)/(4/3 × π × rLV architecture improved over time and demonstrated significant associations between LV shape, age, sex, and echocardiography metrics. Changes in LV architecture were strongly correlated with changes in LV end-systolic volume index and LV end-diastolic volume index (both p 0.0001). Sphericity index emerged as a predictor of death and HF hospitalization in spite of the low adverse event rate. A decrease in LV end-systolic volume index15% occurred in more than two-thirds of patients, which indicates considerable reverse remodeling.We demonstrated that change in LV architecture in patients with mild HF with CRT is associated with structural and functional remodeling. Mean LV filling pressure was elevated, and the inability to lower it was an additional predictor of HF hospitalization or death. (Resynchronization Reverses Remodeling in Systolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction [REVERSE]; NCT00271154).

International audience; Case series have suggested that pneumococcal endocarditis is a rare disease, mostly reported in patients with comorbidities but no underlying valve disease, with a rapid progression to heart failure, and high mortality. We performed a case-control study of 28 patients with pneumococal endocarditis (cases), and 56 patients with non-pneumococcal endocarditis (controls), not matched on sex and age, during years 1991-2013, in one referral center. Alcoholism (39.3% vs. 10.7%; P