Lewis, Brad

Abstract Background Concern for acute kidney injury (AKI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a major determinant in the decision to pursue cardiac catheterization if otherwise indicated. A bedside AKI risk prediction model derived from the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR), most recently updated in 2023, employs relatively complex parameters for AKI prediction. Purpose To test the efficacy of a simplified pre-procedural 5-variable bedside score for post-PCI AKI prediction based on the NCDR model. Methods We analyzed our institution’s NCDR-reported catheterization laboratory registry between Q2 2022 and Q1 2023. Inclusion criteria, variable selection, and definitions were based on the NCDR model. A bedside prediction model was validated, including 5 pre-procedural variables: anemia (hemoglobin <10 mg/dl), history of heart failure, stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate <30 mg/dl), cardiac arrest, and shock status. Results We included 840 patients, of which 593 (70.6%) were men. Mean age was 69 (±12.5). Most procedures were performed on an urgent basis (444, 52.9%). AKI developed in 107 (12.7%) patients. Compared to the non-AKI group, patients who developed AKI were older (age 74±11.5 vs 68.3 ±12.5), and more frequently had anemia (23.6% vs 7.4%), diabetes (51.4% vs 35.2%), severe frailty (45.8% vs 23.7%), heart failure (62.6% vs 29.7%), cardiac arrest (13.1% vs 2.9%), CKD (30.8% vs 6%), shock (12.1% vs 1.5%), and mechanical circulatory support (7.5% vs 2.9%), p<0.001. Utilizing integer scores, the simplified bedside model employing 5 pre-procedural variables demonstrated discrimination similar to the bedside NCDR model, with a C-statistic of 0.77 (0.60-0.88) and excellent calibration (intercept of 0.31 and slope of 1.03) (Figure), indicating the robust performance of the model (compared to bedside NCDR model with a C-statistic 0.793, intercept of -0.197, and slope of 0.957). Conclusion A simplified NCDR-based bedside score using 5 pre-procedural variables is an effective tool for predicting AKI as a complication of PCI, with comparable performance to the 2023 updated bedside NCDR AKI risk model.

Abstract Background Patients with carotid artery disease undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) appear to be at high risk of all-cause mortality during their follow-up. However, the possible predictors of this adverse outcome are not elucidated yet. Purpose We aimed to test cardiovascular (CV) risk factors as possible predictors of all-cause mortality in patients undergoing CEA and to determine whether there is a difference between the mortality rate of our study cohort and the general population. We hypothesize that CEA-treated patients have a higher mortality rate during follow-up after surgery than the general population, which is not related to the presence of CV risk factors. Methods We prospectively enrolled and followed up patients undergoing CEA. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression were performed to test whether common CV risk factors (demographics, laboratory values, comorbidities, and events before CEA) were predictive of all-cause mortality. We then compared the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of our population and the age-sex-matched Minnesota (MN) general population at 5,10, and 21 years of follow-up after CEA. Results A total of 710 patients were followed for a median of 7.1 [2.9-11.9] years after CEA. Mortality occurred in 198 (27.0%) patients during the follow-up. The median time to event was 11.0 [10.0-12.0] years. Age was the only predictor of all-cause mortality in CEA-treated patients in multivariable models adjusted for known CV risk factors (Model 1: HR 1.03 [95%CI 1.01-1.06]; p=0.004; Model 2: HR 1.02 [95%CI 1.00-1.04]; p=0.023) (Table 1). However, the CEA-treated group had a higher mortality rate than would have been expected in the MN population (log-rank p<0.001) (Fig.1A). Compared to the MN population, at 5 years of follow-up only patients <60 years old had a higher SMR (4.53 [1.95-8.92]; p=0.001), whereas, at 10 years and 21 years of follow-up, our study population had a higher mortality rate at any age (Fig.1B). Conclusions The elevated mortality risk post-CEA in our cohort cannot be solely attributed to chronological aging. The underlying process of atherosclerosis likely contributes to all-cause mortality, and plaque characteristics may offer additional insight into the risk stratification of this patient group.All cause mortality predictors after CEAStudy population vs. MN population SMR

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of simulated reduced‐dose three‐dimensional angiography (3DA) on the accuracy and precision of linear measurements derived from 3DA datasets.BackgroundThree‐dimensional angiography is performed during X‐ray guided interventional procedures to aid diagnosis and inform treatment strategies for children and adults with congenital heart disease. However, 3DA contributes substantially to patient radiation dose and may lead to an increased radiation‐induced cancer risk.MethodsReduced‐dose patient 3DA images were simulated by adding quantum noise to the 2D projection angiograms, then reconstructing the projection angiograms into the 3DA dataset. Dose reduction in the range 33–72% was simulated. Five observers performed 46 vessel diameter measurements along prespecified axes within 23 vessel segments from 11 patient 3DA datasets. Statistical tests were performed to assess the influence of radiation dose reduction on the accuracy and precision of vessel diameter measurements.ResultsVessel diameter measurements were in the range 5.9– 22.7 mm. Considering all vessel segments and observers, the influence of dose level on the accuracy of diameter measurements was in the range 0.02 – 0.15 mm (p .05–.8). Interobserver variability increased modestly with vessel diameter, but was not influence by dose level (p = .52). The statistical test for observer recall bias was negative (p = .51).ConclusionsSimulated dose reduction up to 72% did not affect the accuracy or precision of the diameter measurements acquired from 3DA images. These findings may embolden 3DA radiation dose reduction for pediatric and congenital heart disease patients.