Comparative analysis of MitraClip/TriClip and PASCAL in transcatheter tricuspid valve repair for tricuspid regurgitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background The edge-to-edge transcatheter tricuspid valve repair (TTVR) has emerged as a promising technique for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Despite its potential, comparative data on the performance of the novel edge-to-edge devices—MitraClip, PASCAL, and TriClip—remain controversial. In this study, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these devices in treating TR. Methods Five databases were systematically searched up to May 2023, with an updated search conducted in May 2024. Only original studies were included in the analysis and were critically evaluated using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) for observational cohort studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) tool for randomized controlled trials. Results The database search yielded 2239 studies, out of which 21 studies were included in the final analysis. These studies encompassed a total of 2178 patients who underwent TTVR using either the MitraClip, TriClip, or PASCAL devices. The risk of bias across these studies ranged from moderate to high. No significant differences were found among the three devices in terms of effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) and tricuspid regurgitant volume. However, TriClip demonstrated statistically superior efficacy in reducing vena contracta compared to both MitraClip and PASCAL ( P  < 0.01) [TriClip: (MD = -7.4; 95% CI: -9.24, -5.56), MitraClip: (MD = -4.04; 95% CI: -5.03, -3.05), and PASCAL: (MD = -6.56; 95% CI: -7.76, -5.35)]. The procedural success rates and incidence of single leaflet device attachment (SLDA) were similar across all devices. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in mortality, stroke rates, or major bleeding events among the three devices. Conclusion The TriClip outperforms the MitraClip and PASCAL in reducing vena contracta width, indicating greater effectiveness for severe tricuspid regurgitation. All devices show similar safety profiles and procedural success rates. Further research is needed to confirm these results.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (1040

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p&lt;0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p&lt;0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised

Meta-analysis of MitraClip and PASCAL for transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair

Background Despite the promising results of both MitraClip and PASCAL systems for the treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR), there is limited data on the comparison of both systems regarding their safety and efficacy. We aim to compare both systems for MR. Materials and methods Five databases were searched until October 2024. Original studies were only included and critically appraised using an adapted version of the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for observational cohort studies and the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials. The risk ratio (RR) and mean difference (MD) with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results From the database search, we identified 197 studies, of which eight studies comprising 1,612 patients who underwent transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with either MitraClip or PASCAL were included in this meta-analysis. The statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two devices in achieving a two-grade reduction in MR severity (RR = 0.95; 95% CI: [0.86, 1.04]; p = 0.28), one-grade reduction (RR = 1.17; 95% CI: [0.92, 1.49]; p = 0.19), or in cases with no improvement (RR = 1.23; 95% CI: [0.79, 1.90]; p = 0.36). Additionally, there were no significant differences between PASCAL and MitraClip regarding procedure time, procedural success, reinterventions, or all-cause mortality. However, PASCAL trended towards better residual MR reduction, although this was accompanied by moderate heterogeneity. Both devices demonstrated comparable safety profiles and were effective in reducing MR and improving cardiac function. Conclusion MitraClip and PASCAL devices showed comparable safety profiles and procedural success rates. However, the analysis did not reveal a statistically significant difference between the two devices in reducing the severity of MR.Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn (1040

Optimizing antithrombotic therapy following mitral valve repair: a comprehensive network meta-analysis

Abstract Background Mitral regurgitation (MR) presents either as primary or secondary, with options for surgical or transcatheter repair. Thromboembolic risks following surgery are significant despite the use of antithrombotic medications, and guidelines for postoperative anticoagulation therapy lack consistency. This systematic review aims to compare antithrombotic medications after mitral valve repair (MVR). In this study, we intend to compare antithrombotic medications after MVR. Materials and methods The study followed the Cochrane handbook and PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Cochrane, Web of Science) until June 2024 for TMVR studies using specific criteria. Quality assessment utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics and outcomes. Primary outcomes included thromboembolic events and bleeding within six months. Statistical analysis employed R software to assess heterogeneity and publication bias. Results From the 121 articles screened, 12 were included in the study. These cohort studies, involving 20,644 participants, spanned from 2008 to 2022. While most studies were of good to high quality, some exhibited lower quality. Analysis favored oral anticoagulants (OAC) over single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) for reducing bleeding risk (RR = 0.31, 95% CI: [0.11–0.87], P < 0.05), with moderate heterogeneity. Thromboembolic events did not significantly differ among interventions. Transient ischemic attacks and stroke outcomes were similar between SAPT and vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Six-month mortality rates were comparable between SAPT and VKA, with notable heterogeneity and higher mortality with SAPT in one study. Qualitative synthesis highlighted procedural success rates and bleeding complications across different interventions in transcatheter mitral valve repair studies. Conclusion OACs showed a lower risk of bleeding compared to antiplatelet therapies, while VKAs and OAC + SAPT may reduce thromboembolic events. No significant differences were found in stroke, TIA, or short-term mortality. These findings support individualized therapy and highlight the need for further randomized trials

Prognostic Significance of Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1), CD8+ Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes and p53 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Immunohistochemical Study

Objective: Programmed cell death ligand-1 interacts with the immune receptors on the surface of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and PD-1, thereby blocking its anti-tumor activity. Therapeutics suppression of this interaction will show a promise in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer by restoring the functional anti-tumor T-cell activity. We aimed to evaluate the association between the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1, stromal CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and p53 with the clinicopathological characteristics, response to chemotherapy, progression-free-survival, and overall survival. Material and Method: We examined the immunohistochemical expression of PD-L1, stromal CD8+ TILs, and p53 expression in 50 patients with advanced stage (III&IV) non-small cell lung cancer. Results: PD-L1 was expressed in 56% of the studied cases. PD-L1 expression was related to unfavorable response to the therapy without significant difference. PD-L1 expression was significantly associated with disease progression, poor progression-free-survival & overall survival. CD8+ TILs were high in 32% of the cases. Tumors with high CD8+ TILs showed a partial response to therapy and had a better progression-free-survival and overall survival. p53 expressed in 82% of the studied cases. There was a significant negative association between PD-L1 and CD8+ TILs (p=0.009), while a non-significant association was found between p53 and PD-L1 (p=0.183). Conclusion: PD-L1 overexpression is an unfavorable prognostic marker, while the high CD8 + TILs is a good prognostic marker in non-small cell lung cancer. PD-L1 immunohistochemical assessment may be used for the selection of patients legible for treatment with anti-PD-L1 therapy

Gouty arthritis and kidney function outcomes and serum uric acid level variations in obese patients following bariatric surgery

Abstract Background Obesity is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is the strongest known modifiable risk factor for hyperuricemia and gout. We aimed to discover the outcome of serum uric acid (SUA), gouty arthritis, and kidney function in obese patients after bariatric surgery and possible links with BMI variations. Methods Retrospective study has been performed in National Hospital in Riyadh, KSA, between Jan. 2018 to Jan. 2020. We studied only 98 patients who met our inclusion criteria. Patients followed-up at 1 month (for gouty attack only) postoperative, 3 months postoperative, and 6 months postoperative for body mass index (BMI), serum creatinine, dipstick urinalysis, SUA, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Radiological studies, medical history, follow up radiological studies, and clinical follow up were obtained from the hospital data system. Results A total of 98 patients with mean eGFR were 90.65 ± 29.34 ml/min/1.73 m2, mean SUA 5.56 ± 1.84 mg/dl, and mean BMI was 45.28 ± 7.25 kg/m2, at surgery. Mean BMI had decreased significantly to 38.52 ± 6.05 kg/m2 at 3 months and to 34.61 ± 5.35 kg/m2 at 6 months (P &lt; 0.001). The mean GFR had improved significantly (99.14 ± 23.32 ml/min/1.73 m2) at 6 months (P &lt; 0.001). Interestingly, proteinuria had resolved in 17 patients out of 23 patients at 6 months. Number of gouty attacks was decreased during the first month post-surgery (P &lt; 0.001). SUA level was significantly decreased (4.32 ± 1.27 mg/dl) (P &lt; 0.001). SUA showed significant negative correlations with eGFR at 3 months and positively significant correlations with BMI at 3 and 6 months. By multinomial logistic regression, BMI and initial eGFR were the independent predictive variables for the outcome of eGFR at 6 months, while male gender and initial SUA were the independent predictive variables on the outcome of SUA at 6 months. Postoperatively in gouty arthritis patients, the number of joints affected, patient global VAS assessment, and number of gouty attacks were significantly reduced (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Bariatric surgery has been associated with reduction of BMI and subsequently reduction of SUA levels, gouty attacks, and improvement of eGFR. </jats:sec