Emmanuelle Vermes

Prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in a 316-patient French cohort of stable congestive heart failure.

BACKGROUND Heart failure with systolic dysfunction occurs frequently. Studies in North America and Germany have shown a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing in patients with heart failure. AIMS To assess the prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing and its associated risk factors in French patients with heart failure. METHODS A total of 316patients with stable heart failure and a left ventricular ejection fraction less or equal to 45% underwent polygraphy prospectively to diagnose sleep apnoea syndrome, defined as an apnoea-hypopnoea index greater or equal to 10events/h. RESULTS Mean age, left ventricular ejection fraction, and body mass index were 59+/-13years, 30+/-11% and 28+/-6kg/m(2), respectively. The prevalence of sleep breathing disorder was 81% (n=256); 30% of syndromes were classified as central and 70% as obstructive. The mean apnoea-hypopnoea index was high (30+/-3events/h) and a large proportion (41%) of syndromes had an apnoea-hypopnoea index greater or equal to 30events/h. A central sleep apnoea syndrome pattern was associated with more severe heart failure and a more elevated apnoea-hypopnoea index than an obstructive pattern. The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing was lower in women than in men (64% versus 85%; chi(2)=0.0003) as was its severity (mean apnoea-hypopnoea index 15+/-13events/h versus 27+/-19events/h, p=0.0001). CONCLUSION The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing was high in a French heart failure population, with most syndromes having an obstructive pattern. Prevalence and severity were higher in men than in women.

Comparison of four right ventricular systolic echocardiographic parameters to predict adverse outcomes in chronic heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) has a poor prognosis. Several right ventricular (RV) echocardiographic parameters have been proposed as sensitive markers to detect patients at risk. Our objective was to compare the predictive value of four RV systolic echocardiographic parameters for outcomes in patients with HF.

Cardiac troponin I release after open heart surgery: a marker of myocardial protection?

BACKGROUND Unlike creatine kinase MB isoenzyme, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a highly specific marker of myocardial injury. Its release has recently been studied after coronary artery bypass grafting operation. However, its significance after open heart surgery (OHS) remains to be determined. This protein release could be a marker of myocardial protection. We sought to study cTnI release after OHS in patients with normal coronary arteries and to compare it with cTnI release in patients after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS Eighty-five patients undergoing OHS and 86 patients undergoing CABG were enrolled in the study. CTnI concentrations were measured in serial venous blood samples drawn before surgery and immediately, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 5 days after aortic unclamping. RESULTS In the OHS group and in the CABG group without acute myocardial infarction (AMI), cTnI peaked at 12 hours postoperatively (6.35 +/- 6.5 and 5.38 +/- 8.55 ng/mL, respectively) and normalized on day 5 postoperatively (0.57 +/- 2 and 0.72 +/- 1.62 ng/mL, respectively). CTnI concentration did not differ significantly between the OHS group and the CABG group in the absence of AMI for any samples considered. In the CABG group, 2 patients had AMI. In the OHS group, cTnI levels at 12 hours postoperatively were found to correlate closely with CPB and aortic cross-clamping (ACC) times, contrary to the CABG group, which correlated only with occurrence of AMI. CTnI release was independent of age and ejection fraction in either group. CONCLUSIONS cTnI release in patients after OHS with normal coronary arteries has the same profile as cTnI release in patients after CABG in the absence of AMI. However, its peak at 12 hours postoperatively is only correlated to ACC and CPB times, which is contrary to cTnI release after CABG surgery. This observation suggests that cTnI could be a marker of myocardial ischemia after OHS.

Immunologic events and long-term survival after combined heart and kidney transplantation: a 12-year single-center experience.

BACKGROUND In this study we compare the incidence of cardiac rejection and long-term survival after combined heart and kidney transplantation (HK) and single heart transplantation (H). Combined HK transplantation is a surgical option for patients with irreversible cardiac and renal failure. However, long-term results of combined HK transplantation on immunologic events and patient survival remain unknown. METHODS Between 1988 and 1997, 12 consecutive patients underwent combined HK transplantation (HK group) at a single institution. A control group (H group) of 24 single heart transplant recipients operated on within the same period was matched for age, pre-operative pulmonary vascular resistance, hepatic insufficiency and gender mismatch. Recipients and donors were ABO compatible without HLA antigen matching. All patients received immediate triple immunosuppression that included cyclosporine. Because of early renal dysfunction, cyclosporine was switched to anti-thymocyte globulin in 5 patients from the HK group and in 1 patient from the H group (p = 0.01). RESULTS Actuarial freedom from heart rejection at 6 months and at 1 year following transplantation averaged 90 +/- 9% and 70 +/- 14% in the HK group, and 65 +/- 10% and 49 +/- 11% in the H group, respectively (p = 0.023). Actuarial survival at 1, 5 and 12 years was not significantly different between groups, at 66%, 55% and 28% in the HK group, and 66%, 44% and 32% in the H group, respectively (p = 0.66). CONCLUSION The incidence of cardiac rejection was significantly lower. Long-term survival in the HK group was similar to that in the H group. Putative mechanisms of decreased cardiac rejection in the HK group include allogeneic stimulation, donor-derived dendritic cells and induction by anti-thymocyte globulins. The need for long-term immunosuppression may be reduced after combined heart and kidney transplantation.

Temporary Right Ventricular Support with Impella Recover RD Axial Flow Pump

Post-cardiotomyright ventricular failure is a serious complication that frequently results in adverse outcomes. We reviewed our experience with the Impella Recover RD (Impella Cardiosystems GMbH, Aachen, Germany). From January 2007 to December 2007, 7 patients (5 males, 54 + 7 years old) had this device implanted for temporary support after heart transplantation in 4, after repeat mitral valve replacement in 2, and with a left ventricular assist device in 1. Devices were implanted during initial operation (n = 5) or shortly thereafter (n = 2). Six patients underwent implantation without cardiopulmonary bypass. Effective support with pump flows of 4.0-4.5 L · min−1 and adequate unloading (central venous pressure decreased from 15.3 ± 1.4 to 9.4 ± 1.2 mm Hg) was achieved in all patients. Patients were assisted for a mean duration of 4.9 ± 4.5 days. Three patients could be weaned after 7.0 ± 5.6 days of support and underwent device explantation without cardiopulmonary bypass. One of these patients died of recurrent right ventricular failure, 2 remained stable but died later of sepsis. The patient with a left ventricular assist device was switched to an alternative device for prolonged support. Two patients experienced pump dysfunction. Our preliminary experience shows that the Impella Recover RD is an effective device that can be easily implanted and explanted. However, its mechanical reliability needs to be improved.

Heart transplantation in systemic (AL) amyloidosis: a retrospective study of eight French patients.

BACKGROUND Immunoglobulinic (AL) amyloidosis is a complication of plasma cell dyscrasia, characterized by widespread deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from monoclonal light chains. Cardiac amyloid is the main prognostic factor, with a median survival of six months. Cardiac transplantation in AL amyloidosis is associated with high mortality, due to disease recurrence in the allograft and systemic progression. Suppression of light chain (LC) production with chemotherapy by melphalan plus dexamethasone (MD) or high dose melphalan followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (HDM/ASCT) improves survival. However, both the indications and results of chemotherapy in patients transplanted for cardiac AL amyloidosis remain unclear. AIMS To assess the outcome of cardiac transplantation and haematological therapy in patients with cardiac AL amyloidosis. METHODS Eight French patients, who underwent heart transplantation for cardiac AL amyloidosis between 2001 and 2006 were studied retrospectively. RESULTS Before transplantation, six patients received MD (n=5) or HDM/ASCT (n=1). Haematological remission was obtained in three patients treated with MD. In the three remaining patients, postoperative HDM/ASCT (n=2) or allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (n=1) resulted in haematological remission in one patient. In 2 patients not treated before transplantation, post-operative treatment with MD resulted in complete hematological remission in one. After a median follow-up of 26 months from cardiac transplantation, six patients were alive and four had sustained haematological remission, as indicated by normal serum free LC levels. CONCLUSION Appropriate haematological therapy, including MD, may result in a survival benefit in AL amyloidosis patients with advanced heart failure requiring transplantation.

Long-Term Results of Combined Heart and Kidney Transplantation: A French Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND Outcomes in recipients who have undergone combined heart and kidney transplantation have mainly been addressed in small, single-center studies. We studied long-term results of combined heart and kidney transplantation in a large multicenter cohort. METHODS Between 1984 and 2007, 67 consecutive patients (61 men and 6 women) from 3 French centers underwent combined heart and kidney transplantation. At transplantation, 38 (57%) were receiving dialysis. All patients received immediate triple immunosuppression therapy (anti-calcineurin, steroids, azathioprine, or mycophenolate). RESULTS Overall actuarial survival rates were 62.0%, 60.3%, 53.3%, and 46.5% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. These rates were similar to those observed in 2981 isolated heart recipients at the 3 participating centers during the same period (respectively, 71.0%, 65.2%, 60.1%, and 47.2%, p = 0.6). Survival tended to improve during the last decade (1996 to 2007) and reached 71.1%, 67.5%, and 60% at 1, 3, and 5 years. Cardiac allograft rejection requiring treatment occurred in 12 (17.9%). Coronary artery vasculopathy developed in 3 (9.3%). Kidney allograft rejection occurred in 9 (13.4%). Kidney graft survival was 95.9% at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. CONCLUSIONS Long-term survival rates in a large cohort of combined heart and kidney recipients are similar to those of isolated heart recipients in France. The rates of acute heart and kidney rejection and angiographic coronary artery vasculopathy were low in this patient population.

Nosocomial Infections Occurring during Receipt of Circulatory Support with the Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist System

This retrospective study sought to report the spectrum of infections in a homogenous group of 39 patients who underwent implantation of the Thoratec paracorporeal ventricular assist device system (Thoratec Laboratories) in an emergency setting. Thirty-one of the 39 patients developed a total of 99 nosocomial infections (attack rate, 79.5%; incidence, 4.9 per 100 support-days). The lungs were the most frequently involved site (31.3%), and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were the pathogens most frequently isolated (16.2%). Infected patients required more transfusions and chest surgical revisions, as well as a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and a longer stay in the intensive care unit, compared with uninfected patients. Cox regression analysis revealed that chest surgical revision was the only independent risk factor for infection at any site (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.7). There was no significant effect of infection on heart transplantation rate and overall survival.

Single-centre experience with the Thoratec paracorporeal ventricular assist device for patients with primary cardiac failure.

BACKGROUND Temporary mechanical circulatory support may be indicated in some patients with cardiac failure refractory to conventional therapy, as a bridge to myocardial recovery or transplantation. AIMS To evaluate outcomes in cardiogenic shock patients managed by the primary use of a paracorporeal ventricular assist device (p-VAD). METHODS We did a retrospective analysis of demographics, clinical characteristics and survival of patients assisted with a Thoratec p-VAD. RESULTS p-VADs were used in 84 patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction (35%), idiopathic (31%) or ischaemic (12%) cardiomyopathy, myocarditis or other causes (23%). Before implantation, 23% had cardiac arrest, 38% were on a ventilator and 31% were on an intra-aortic balloon pump. Cardiac index was 1.6+/-0.5 L/min/m(2) and total bilirubin levels were 39+/-59 micromol/L. During support, 29 patients (35%) died in the intensive care unit and seven (10%) died after leaving. Forty-seven patients (56%) were weaned or transplanted, with one still under support. Despite significantly more advanced preoperative end-organ dysfunction, survival rates were similar in patients with biventricular devices (74%) and those undergoing isolated left ventricular support (24%) (63% versus 45%, respectively; p=0.2). Actuarial survival estimates after transplantation were 78.7+/-6.3%, 73.4+/-6.9% and 62.6+/-8.3% at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our experience validates the use of p-VAD as a primary device to support patients with cardiogenic shock. In contrast to short-term devices, p-VADs provide immediate ventricular unloading and pulsatile perfusion in a single procedure. Biventricular support should be used liberally in patients with end-organ dysfunction.

Impact of preoperative hemodynamic support on early outcome in patients assisted with paracorporeal Thoratec® ventricular assist device

BACKGROUND Mechanical circulatory support has become a well-established procedure for some patients with cardiogenic shock. However, patient selection and timing of implantation remains critical. This retrospective study was undertaken to identify preoperative predictors of survival in ICU of patients requiring mechanical circulatory support. METHODS Between 1996 and 2006, 71 patients (61 men, 10 women, aged 41.6+/-12.2 years) with primary cardiogenic shock were assisted using the paracorporeal Thoratec VAD. Twenty-seven (38%) patients needed preoperative mechanical ventilation. Preoperative IV hemodynamic drug support included dobutamine in 63 (89%), vasopressors (adrenaline, noradrenaline or dopamine > or =5 microg/kg min) in 47 (66%), and intraaortic balloon counter-pulsation in 22 (31%) patients. Mean preoperative blood creatinine and total bilirubin levels were 162.2+/-72.4 micromol/l and 36.4+/-53.9 micromol/l, respectively. RESULTS Fifty-six (79%) patients required biventricular and 15 (21%) left ventricular support. Patients were assisted for a mean duration of 73.1+/-93.6 days (extremes, 1-480 days). Twenty-five patients (35%) died while on support. Among these, 18 patients (25%) never recovered sufficiently to allow dismissal from ICU, and died after a mean of 15.4+/-14.3 days. Logistic regression identified preoperative IV adrenaline as sole predictor for ICU death (OR, 5.48; 95% CI, 1.45-20.7, p=0.012). CONCLUSIONS The need for preoperative IV adrenaline therapy appeared to be the sole independent risk factor for death in ICU in patients assisted with the Thoratec paracorporeal VAD. This suggests that, besides hemodynamic and metabolic consequences of cardiogenic shock, preoperative activation of the inflammatory cascade could influence the prognosis of patients undergoing mechanical circulatory support.