Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index to Predict Incident Heart Failure: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

International audienceBackground: Although left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) structural and functional parameters have independent prognostic value as predictors of heart failure (HF), the close physiological relationship between the LA and LV suggest that the assessment of LA/LV coupling could better reflect left atrioventricular dysfunction and be a better predictor of HF. Aim: We investigated the prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI), measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), as well as change in LACI to predict incident HF in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Materials and Methods: In the MESA, 2,250 study participants, free of clinically recognized HF and cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline, had LACI assessed by CMR imaging at baseline (Exam 1, 2000-2002), and 10 years later (Exam 5, 2010-2012). Left atrioventricular coupling index was defined as the ratio of LA to LV end-diastolic volumes. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations of LACI and average annualized change in LACI (ΔLACI) with incident HF after adjustment for traditional MESA-HF risk factors. The incremental risk prediction was calculated using C-statistic, categorical net reclassification index (NRI) and integrative discrimination index (IDI). Results: Among the 2,250 participants (mean age 59.3 ± 9.3 years and 47.6% male participants), 50 incident HF events occurred over 6.8 ± 1.3 years after the second CMR exam. After adjustment, greater LACI and ΔLACI were independently associated with HF (adjusted HR 1.44, 95% CI [1.25-1.66] and adjusted HR 1.55, 95% CI [1.30-1.85], respectively; both p < 0.0001). Adjusted models for LACI showed significant improvement in model discrimination and reclassification compared to currently used HF risk score model for predicting HF incidence (C-statistic: 0.81 vs. 0.77; NRI = 0.411; IDI = 0.043). After adjustment, ΔLACI showed also significant improvement in model discrimination compared to the multivariable model with traditional MESA-HF risk factors for predicting incident HF (C-statistic: 0.82 vs. 0.77; NRI = 0.491; IDI = 0.058). Conclusions: In a multi-ethnic population, atrioventricular coupling (LACI), and coupling change (ΔLACI) are independently associated with incident HF. Both have incremental prognostic value for predicting HF events over traditional HF risk factors

Efficacy of simulation-based training on transoesophageal echocardiography learning in a multicentre randomised controlled trial: SIMULATOR study

Background Evidence on the impact of simulation-based training in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is scarce. Purpose We aimed to assess the efficacy of simulation-based versus traditional teaching on TEE knowledge and skills for cardiology residents. Methods Between November 2020 and November 2021, all consecutive cardiology residents inexperienced from TEE were randomised (1:1, n=324) through 42 French University Centers into two groups with or without simulation support (either a simulation group or a traditional group). The coprimary outcomes were the scores in the final theoretical and practical tests 3 months after the training. TEE duration and the feelings of residents were also assessed. An economic analysis was also performed. Results While the theoretical and practical test scores were similar between the two groups before the training (respectively P=0.80 and P=0.51), the residents in the simulation group displayed higher theoretical test and practical test scores after the training than those in the traditional group (respectively 47.2±15.6% vs. 38.3±19.8%, P&lt;0.0001 and 74.5±17.7% vs. 59.0±25.1%, P&lt;0.0001). Subgroups analyses showed that the efficacy of the simulation training was even greater when performed at the beginning of residency (P&lt;0.0001). After the training, the duration to perform a complete TEE was significantly lower in the simulation group than in the traditional group (respectively 8.3±1.4 min vs. 9.4±1.2 min, P&lt;0.0001). Finally, residents' feelings were better in the simulation group than in the traditional group across all components (P&lt;0.0001). Compared to the traditional group, the average additional cost per resident of the simulation program was respectively €1,785, €942 or €662 for 20, 40 and 60 residents. Conclusion Simulation-based teaching on TEE showed a significant improvement in knowledge, skills, and feelings of cardiology residents as well as a reduction in the duration to complete the examination. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None

Prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index in pre- and post-menopausal women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BackgroundSex hormones associated with both the left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) structures in women, but the association of menopause status with left atrioventricular coupling is not established.AimTo assess the prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) in peri-menopausal women without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Materials and methodsIn all women participating in MESA study with baseline cardiovascular MRI, the LACI was measured as the ratio of the LA end-diastolic volume to the LV end-diastolic volume. Cox models were used to assess the association between the LACI and the outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD) death, and hard CVD.ResultsAmong the 2,087 women participants (61 ± 10 years), 485 cardiovascular events occurred (mean follow-up: 13.2 ± 3.3 years). A higher LACI was independently associated with AF (HR 1.70; 95%CI [1.51-1.90]), HF (HR 1.62; [1.33-1.97]), CHD death (HR 1.36; [1.10-1.68]), and hard CVD (HR 1.30; [1.13-1.51], all p &lt; 0.001). Adjusted models with the LACI showed significant improvement in model discrimination and reclassification when compared to traditional models to predict: incident AF (C-statistic: 0.82 vs. 0.79; NRI = 0.325; IDI = 0.036), HF (C-statistic: 0.84 vs. 0.81; NRI = 0.571; IDI = 0.023), CHD death (C-statistic: 0.87 vs. 0.85; NRI = 0.506; IDI = 0.012), hard CVD (C-statistic: 0.78 vs. 0.76; NRI = 0.229; IDI = 0.012). The prognostic value of the LACI had a better discrimination and reclassification than individual LA or LV parameters.ConclusionIn a multi-ethnic population of pre- and post-menopausal women, the LACI is an independent predictor of HF, AF, CHD death, and hard CVD.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT00005487]

Final report on supplementary comparison EURAMET.EM-S32: Comparison of resistance standards at 1 TΩ and 100 TΩ

Resistance standards with values in the TΩ range play an important role in electrical instrumentation. The calibration of such standards is, thus, a service offered by many metrology institutes. The techniques used to measure very high resistance values differ quite substantially from the calibration techniques applied in the lower resistance ranges. For this reason, the EURAMET technical committee for electricity and magnetism decided in 2008 to organise for the first time a supplementary comparison of resistance at 1 TΩ and 100 TΩ based on well characterized travelling standards. Eighteen European National Metrology Institutes participated in the comparison. With some exceptions, the results supplied by the participants agree reasonably well with the comparison reference value within the expanded uncertainty. As observed in other resistance comparisons, the characteristics of the standards used as transport artefacts ultimately limit the accuracy of comparisons in this field. The transport behaviour is difficult to model and introduces an undesired bias in the laboratory results. The transport uncertainties are at the level of the uncertainties claimed by some of the participants and, thus, limit the meaningfulness of the comparison results. Another remarkable observation is the big difference in the uncertainty statements made by the participants, even in cases where similar measurement systems were used. The results of the comparison allow the participants to critically review their measurement procedures and uncertainty models

Data_Sheet_1_Prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index in pre- and post-menopausal women from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.docx

BackgroundSex hormones associated with both the left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) structures in women, but the association of menopause status with left atrioventricular coupling is not established.AimTo assess the prognostic value of a left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) in peri-menopausal women without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).Materials and methodsIn all women participating in MESA study with baseline cardiovascular MRI, the LACI was measured as the ratio of the LA end-diastolic volume to the LV end-diastolic volume. Cox models were used to assess the association between the LACI and the outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), coronary heart disease (CHD) death, and hard CVD.ResultsAmong the 2,087 women participants (61 ± 10 years), 485 cardiovascular events occurred (mean follow-up: 13.2 ± 3.3 years). A higher LACI was independently associated with AF (HR 1.70; 95%CI [1.51–1.90]), HF (HR 1.62; [1.33–1.97]), CHD death (HR 1.36; [1.10–1.68]), and hard CVD (HR 1.30; [1.13–1.51], all p ConclusionIn a multi-ethnic population of pre- and post-menopausal women, the LACI is an independent predictor of HF, AF, CHD death, and hard CVD.Clinical trial registration[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [NCT00005487].</p

Sequencing and titrating approach of therapy in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction following the 2021 European Society of Cardiology guidelines: an international cardiology survey

Aims In symptomatic patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), recent international guidelines recommend initiating four major therapeutic classes rather than sequential initiation. It remains unclear how this change in guidelines is perceived by practicing cardiologists versus heart failure (HF) specialists.Methods and results An independent academic web-based survey was designed by a group of HF specialists and posted by email and through various social networks to a broad community of cardiologists worldwide 1 year after the publication of the latest European HF guidelines. Overall, 615 cardiologists (38 [32-47] years old, 63% male) completed the survey, of which 58% were working in a university hospital and 26% were HF specialists. The threshold to define HFrEF was <= 40% for 61% of the physicians. Preferred drug prescription for the sequential approach was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors first (74%), beta-blockers second (55%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists third (52%), and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (53%) fourth. Eighty-four percent of participants felt that starting all four classes was feasible within the initial hospitalization, and 58% felt that titration is less important than introducing a new class. Age, status in training, and specialization in HF field were the principal characteristics that significantly impacted the answers.Conclusion In a broad international cardiology community, the 'historical approach' to HFrEF therapies remains the preferred sequencing approach. However, accelerated introduction and uptitration are also major treatment goals. Strategy trials in treatment guidance are needed to further change practices.[GRAPHICS]