Annett Salzwedel

The prognostic effect of cardiac rehabilitation in the era of acute revascularisation and statin therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies – The Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcome Study (CROS)

Background The prognostic effect of multi-component cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in the modern era of statins and acute revascularisation remains controversial. Focusing on actual clinical practice, the aim was to evaluate the effect of CR on total mortality and other clinical endpoints after an acute coronary event. Design Structured review and meta-analysis. Methods Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), retrospective controlled cohort studies (rCCSs) and prospective controlled cohort studies (pCCSs) evaluating patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or mixed populations with coronary artery disease (CAD) were included, provided the index event was in 1995 or later. Results Out of n = 18,534 abstracts, 25 studies were identified for final evaluation (RCT: n = 1; pCCS: n = 7; rCCS: n = 17), including n = 219,702 patients (after ACS: n = 46,338; after CABG: n = 14,583; mixed populations: n = 158,781; mean follow-up: 40 months). Heterogeneity in design, biometrical assessment of results and potential confounders was evident. CCSs evaluating ACS patients showed a significantly reduced mortality for CR participants (pCCS: hazard ratio (HR) 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20–0.69; rCCS: HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49–0.84; odds ratio 0.20, 95% CI 0.08–0.48), but the single RCT fulfilling Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcome Study (CROS) inclusion criteria showed neutral results. CR participation was also associated with reduced mortality after CABG (rCCS: HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54–0.70) and in mixed CAD populations. Conclusions CR participation after ACS and CABG is associated with reduced mortality even in the modern era of CAD treatment. However, the heterogeneity of study designs and CR programmes highlights the need for defining internationally accepted standards in CR delivery and scientific evaluation.

Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on functional and emotional status in patients after transcatheter aortic-valve implantation

Background Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) is an established alternative therapy in patients with severe aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk. Despite a rapid growth in its use, very few data exist about the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in these patients. We assessed the hypothesis that patients after TAVI benefit from CR, compared to patients after surgical aortic-valve replacement (sAVR). Methods From September 2009 to August 2011, 442 consecutive patients after TAVI (n = 76) or sAVR (n = 366) were referred to a 3-week CR. Data regarding patient characteristics as well as changes of functional (6-min walk test. 6-MWT), bicycle exercise test), and emotional status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were retrospectively evaluated and compared between groups after propensity score adjustment. Results Patients after TAVI were significantly older (p < 0.001), more female (p < 0.001), and had more often coronary artery disease (p = 0.027), renal failure (p = 0.012) and a pacemaker (p = 0.032). During CR, distance in 6-MWT (both groups p ≤ 0.001) and exercise capacity (sAVR p ≤ 0.001, TAVI p ≤ 0.05) significantly increased in both groups. Only patients after sAVR demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety and depression (p ≤ 0.001). After propensity scores adjustment, changes were not significantly different between sAVR and TAVI, with the exception of 6-MWT (p = 0.004). Conclusions Patients after TAVI benefit from cardiac rehabilitation despite their older age and comorbidities. CR is a helpful tool to maintain independency for daily life activities and participation in socio-cultural life.

Multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Predictors of functional and psychocognitive recovery:

Background In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become a promising treatment modality for patients with aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk. Little is known about influencing factors of function and quality of life during multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation. Methods From October 2013 to July 2015, patients with elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation and a subsequent inpatient cardiac rehabilitation were enrolled in the prospective cohort multicentre study. Frailty-Index (including cognition, nutrition, autonomy and mobility), Short Form-12 (SF-12), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and maximum work load in bicycle ergometry were performed at admission and discharge of cardiac rehabilitation. The relation between patient characteristics and improvements in 6MWD, maximum work load or SF-12 scales were studied univariately and multivariately using regression models. Results One hundred and thirty-six patients (80.6 ± 5.0 years, 47.8% male) were enrolled. 6MWD and maximum work load increased by 56.3 ± 65.3 m (p < 0.001) and 8.0 ± 14.9 watts (p < 0.001), respectively. An improvement in SF-12 (physical 2.5 ± 8.7, p = 0.001, mental 3.4 ± 10.2, p = 0.003) could be observed. In multivariate analysis, age and higher education were significantly associated with a reduced 6MWD, whereas cognition and obesity showed a positive predictive value. Higher cognition, nutrition and autonomy positively influenced the physical scale of SF-12. Additionally, the baseline values of SF-12 had an inverse impact on the change during cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusions Cardiac rehabilitation can improve functional capacity as well as quality of life and reduce frailty in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. An individually tailored therapy with special consideration of cognition and nutrition is needed to maintain autonomy and empower octogenarians in coping with challenges of everyday life.

Outcome quality of in-patient cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients – identification of relevant parameters

Background Outcome quality management requires the consecutive registration of defined variables. The aim was to identify relevant parameters in order to objectively assess the in-patient rehabilitation outcome. Methods From February 2009 to June 2010 1253 patients (70.9 ± 7.0 years, 78.1% men) at 12 rehabilitation clinics were enrolled. Items concerning sociodemographic data, the impairment group (surgery, conservative/interventional treatment), cardiovascular risk factors, structural and functional parameters and subjective health were tested in respect of their measurability, sensitivity to change and their propensity to be influenced by rehabilitation. Results The majority of patients (61.1%) were referred for rehabilitation after cardiac surgery, 38.9% after conservative or interventional treatment for an acute coronary syndrome. Functionally relevant comorbidities were seen in 49.2% (diabetes mellitus, stroke, peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive lung disease). In three key areas 13 parameters were identified as being sensitive to change and subject to modification by rehabilitation: cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), exercise capacity (resting heart rate, maximal exercise capacity, maximal walking distance, heart failure, angina pectoris) and subjective health (IRES-24 (indicators of rehabilitation status): pain, somatic health, psychological well-being and depression as well as anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Conclusion The outcome of in-patient rehabilitation in elderly patients can be comprehensively assessed by the identification of appropriate key areas, that is, cardiovascular risk factors, exercise capacity and subjective health. This may well serve as a benchmark for internal and external quality management.

Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in employable patients after acute coronary event in cardiac rehabilitation

Introduction Adequate cognitive function in patients is a prerequisite for successful implementation of patient education and lifestyle coping in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Although the association between cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairments (CIs) is well known, the prevalence particularly of mild CI in CR and the characteristics of affected patients have been insufficiently investigated so far. Methods In this prospective observational study, 496 patients (54.5 ± 6.2 years, 79.8% men) with coronary artery disease following an acute coronary event (ACE) were analyzed. Patients were enrolled within 14 days of discharge from the hospital in a 3-week inpatient CR program. Patients were tested for CI using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) upon admission to and discharge from CR. Additionally, sociodemographic, clinical, and physiological variables were documented. The data were analyzed descriptively and in a multivariate stepwise backward elimination regression model with respect to CI. Results At admission to CR, the CI (MoCA score < 26) was determined in 182 patients (36.7%). Significant differences between CI and no CI groups were identified, and CI group was associated with high prevalence of smoking (65.9 vs 56.7%, P = 0.046), heavy (physically demanding) workloads (26.4 vs 17.8%, P < 0.001), sick leave longer than 1 month prior to CR (28.6 vs 18.5%, P = 0.026), reduced exercise capacity (102.5 vs 118.8 W, P = 0.006), and a shorter 6-min walking distance (401.7 vs 421.3 m, P = 0.021) compared to no CI group. The age- and education-adjusted model showed positive associations with CI only for sick leave more than 1 month prior to ACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.673, 95% confidence interval 1.07–2.79; P = 0.03) and heavy workloads (OR 2.18, 95% confidence interval 1.42–3.36; P < 0.01). Conclusion The prevalence of CI in CR was considerably high, affecting more than one-third of cardiac patients. Besides age and education level, CI was associated with heavy workloads and a longer sick leave before ACE.

Aspekte beruflicher und sozialer Wiedereingliederung aus Sicht kardiovaskulär erkrankter Rehabilitanden in besonderen beruflichen Problemlagen – Ergebnisse einer qualitativen Erhebung

This study investigated subjective biopsychosocial effects of coronary heart disease (CHD), coping strategies and social support in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and having extensive work-related problems. A qualitative investigation was performed in 17 patients (48.9±7.0 y, 13 male) with extensive work-related problems (SIMBO-C>30). All patients were interviewed with structured surveys. Data analysis was performed using a software that is based on the content analysis approach of Mayring. In regard to effects of disease, patients indicated social aspects including occupational aspects (62%) more often than physical or mental factors (9 or 29%). Applied coping strategies and support services are mainly focused on physical impairments (70 or 45%). The development of appropriate coping strategies was insufficient although social effects of disease were subjectively meaningful for patients in CR.

Impact of training methods and patient characteristics on exercise capacity in patients in cardiovascular rehabilitation

Aim We aimed to identify patient characteristics and comorbidities that correlate with the initial exercise capacity of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients and to study the significance of patient characteristics, comorbidities and training methods for training achievements and final fitness of CR patients. Methods We studied 557 consecutive patients (51.7 ± 6.9 years; 87.9% men) admitted to a three-week in-patient CR. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) was performed at discharge. Exercise capacity (watts) at entry, gain in training volume and final physical fitness (assessed by peak O2 utilization (VO2peak) were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models. Results Mean training intensity was 90.7 ± 9.7% of maximum heart rate (81% continuous/19% interval training, 64% additional strength training). A total of 12.2 ± 2.6 bicycle exercise training sessions were performed. Increase of training volume by an average of more than 100% was achieved (difference end/beginning of CR: 784 ± 623 watts × min). In the multivariate model the gain in training volume was significantly associated with smoking, age and exercise capacity at entry of CR. The physical fitness level achieved at discharge from CR as assessed by VO2peak was mainly dependent on age, but also on various factors related to training, namely exercise capacity at entry, increase of training volume and training method. Conclusion CR patients were trained in line with current guidelines with moderate-to-high intensity and reached a considerable increase of their training volume. The physical fitness level achieved at discharge from CR depended on various factors associated with training, which supports the recommendation that CR should be offered to all cardiac patients.

Routine initial exercise stress testing for treatment stratification in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation.

There is evidence of substantial benefit of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with low exercise capacity at admission. Nevertheless, some patients are not able to perform an initial exercise stress test (EST). We aimed to describe this group using data of 1094 consecutive patients after a cardiac event (71±7 years, 78% men) enrolled in nine centres for inpatient CR. We analysed sociodemographic and clinical variables (e.g. cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, complications at admission), amount of therapy (e.g. exercise training, nursing care) and the results of the initial and the final 6-min walking test (6MWT) with respect to the application of an EST. Fifteen per cent of patients did not undergo an EST (non-EST group). In multivariable analysis, the probability of obtaining an EST was higher for men [odds ratio (OR) 1.89, P=0.01], a 6MWT (per 10 m, OR 1.07, P<0.01) and lower for patients with diabetes mellitus (OR 0.48, P<0.01), NYHA-class III/IV (OR 0.27, P<0.01), osteoarthritis (OR 0.39, P<0.01) and a longer hospital stay (per 5 days, OR 0.87, P=0.02). The non-EST group received fewer therapy units of exercise training, but more units of nursing care and physiotherapy than the EST group. However, there were no significant differences between both groups in the increase of the 6MWT during CR (123 vs. 108 m, P=0.122). The present study confirms the feasibility of an EST at the start of CR as an indicator of disease severity. Nevertheless, patients without EST benefit from CR even if exercising less. Thus, there is a justified need for individualized, comprehensive and interdisciplinary CR.

Travel habits and complications in patients treated with vitamin K antagonists: A cross sectional analysis

BACKGROUND Travel-related conditions have impact on the quality of oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) with vitamin K-antagonists. No predictors for travel activity and for travel-associated haemorrhage or thromboembolic complications of patients on OAT are known. METHODS A standardised questionnaire was sent to 2500 patients on long-term OAT in Austria, Switzerland and Germany. 997 questionnaires were received (responder rate 39.9%). Ordinal or logistic regression models with travel activity before and after onset of OAT or travel-associated haemorrhages and thromboembolic complications as outcome measures were applied. RESULTS 43.4% changed travel habits since onset of OAT with 24.9% and 18.5% reporting decreased or increased travel activity, respectively. Long-distance worldwide before OAT or having suffered from thromboembolic complications was associated with reduced travel activity. Increased travel activity was associated with more intensive travel experience, increased duration of OAT, higher education, or performing patient self-management (PSM). Travel-associated haemorrhages or thromboembolic complications were reported by 6.5% and 0.9% of the patients, respectively. Former thromboembolic complications, former bleedings and PSM were significant predictors of travel-associated complications. CONCLUSIONS OAT also increases travel intensity. Specific medical advice prior travelling to prevent complications should be given especially to patients with former bleedings or thromboembolic complications and to those performing PSM.

Rechnergestützte Dosierung in der Antikoagulationstherapie mit Phenprocoumon

Der in Voruntersuchungen entwickelte Mehrparameter-Dosisrechner (TheMa) fur das Management der Antikoagulation mit Phenprocoumon wurde in einer prospektiven Untersuchung bei 22 Patienten getestet. Facharztlich und rechnergestutzt festgelegte Dosierungen wurden anhand der real und modellhaft kalkulierten INR-Werte miteinander verglichen. Zusatzlich wurde untersucht, ob mittels des zugrunde liegenden mathematischen Modells bei Absetzen der Antikoagulation der optimale Zeitpunkt fur die Durchfuhrung eines operativen Eingriffs vorhergesagt werden kann. Ergebnisse: Beim Vergleich Facharzt versus Dosisrechner fand sich mittels der drei gewahlten Qualitatsgrosen eine fast identische Genauigkeit: Polygonzug-Integrationsmethode (Grose der Abweichflache vom Zielbereich) 616,17 vs. 607,86, INR-Trefferquote im Zielbereich 166 vs. 161, TTR (time in therapeutic range) 63,91% vs. 62,40%. Die Vorhersage des idealen Interventionszeitpunktes mittels Dosisrechner ergab im Vergleich zu den real in der Auslaufkurve gemessenen Werten beim INR-Wert 1,8 eine Abweichung von 0,50 ± 0,59 Tagen. Schlussfolgerung: Der Dosisrechner zur Antikoagulationeinstellung zeigte im Vergleich zum Facharzt gleich gute Ergebnisse. Bei Pausieren der Antikoagulation ist der ideale Zeitpunkt fur Operation oder Bridging kalkulierbar.