Citations

ABSTRACT Background Mitral transcatheter edge‐to‐edge repair (TEER) is approved for patients with severe functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) beyond optimal medical therapy (OMT). Aims We aimed to assess TEER's efficacy beyond OMT in patients with severe FMR. Methods A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted, including randomized controlled trials from PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and EMBASE up to September 2024. Primary outcome: heart failure hospitalization (HFH); secondary outcomes: cardiovascular (CV) mortality, all‐cause mortality, and Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) scores. Time‐to‐event data from Kaplan−Meier curves were reconstructed for individual patient data. Results Three studies (1423 patients) were included. TEER significantly reduced HFH (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.58−0.92, p < 0.01) and CV mortality (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66−0.95, p = 0.01), and improved KCCQ scores (mean difference 14.32, 95% CI 10.85−17.80, p < 0.01) compared to OMT. No significant difference was found for all‐cause mortality (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.63−1.02, p = 0.07). Prognostic meta‐analysis showed a 34% reduced risk of HFH (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45−0.96, p = 0.03), but no effect on all‐cause or CV mortality. Reconstructed Kaplan−Meier analysis confirmed a 34% reduced risk of HFH (HR 0.65, p < 0.001), with effect attenuation after 15 months in landmark analysis (HR 0.64, p = 0.07). RMST analysis showed a 2.9‐month longer HFH‐free survival with TEER ( p < 0.01). Conclusion In patients with FMR, TEER significantly reduces HFH, improves functional status, and lowers CV mortality at 24 months but does not significantly affect all‐cause mortality. The device group experienced a modest, but significant, 2.9‐month longer HFH‐free survival compared to the control group. However, the reduction in HFH showed attenuation beyond 15 months.

Background: The objective of this research article is to compare endoscopic treatment versus shunting procedures for failed endoscopic third ventriculostomies (ETVs) in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus. Methods: We did a systematic review based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines on Studies involving pediatric patients (aged 0–18 years) diagnosed with hydrocephalus, reporting on the use of repeat ETV (Re-ETV) or Ventriculoperitoneal shunting (VPS) as a treatment option following failed ETV. Comparative studies, including randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and any prospective studies, are included. Studies published in the English language conducted between 2001 and 2023 are included. Results: Forty articles were selected for full-text review. Out of which nine articles that clearly addressed the topic of Re-ETV and/or VPS placement after failure of primary ETV were deemed suitable for analysis. A data set of 663 patients was analyzed. Re-ETV was done in 220 patients (33.18%) and VPS Placement was done in 443 patients (66.81%). The primary ETV failure rates ranged from 16.6 to 60.89%. There was a higher failure rate of Re-ETV (74.98%) compared to VPS (22.26%) indicating that VPS is generally more successful as a secondary intervention. The presence of hemorrhage during primary ETV suggested more benefit from VPS placement rather than Re-ETV (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our systematic review suggests that VPS placement is the more prevalent choice after primary ETV failure, likely due to its higher overall success rate and the nature of complications. The wide variability in failure rates and follow-up durations suggests that treatment outcomes can differ greatly between patients and studies. Decisions regarding secondary interventions should be individualized, considering patient-specific factors such as age, complications, and timing of intervention.

e20629 Background: Lung cancer (LC) and respiratory failure (RF) are major contributors to mortality in adults globally. Understanding long-term mortality trends across demographic, racial, geographic, and socio-economic groups is crucial to addressing disparities and improving outcomes. This study examines national mortality patterns for LC and RF in the United States from 1999 to 2023, providing critical insights into changes over time and identifying key disparities in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs). Methods: A descriptive analysis of mortality data from the CDC WONDER database (1999-2023) identified deaths due to LC (ICD-10 code C34) and RF (ICD-10 code J96) in adults aged 25+. AAMRs per 100,000 population were calculated and stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, region, state, and urban-rural classification. Temporal trends were analyzed with Joinpoint regression to compute APCs and 95% CIs. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The study followed STROBE guidelines. Results: From 1999 to 2023, a total of 456,325 adult deaths (age 25-85+) were attributed to Lung cancer and Renal failure. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for lung cancer (LC) and respiratory failure (RF) decreased from 1999 to 2010 (APC = -1.2, 95% CI: -1.6 to -0.9), followed by an increase from 2010 to 2023 (APC = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.7). Gender trends revealed a steady decline for men, while women's Age-Adjusted Mortality Rates (AAMr) initially decreased, then increased from 2011-2023 (APC: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.7 to 2.5). Non-Hispanic White populations experienced a rapid increase in age-adjusted mortality rates from 2014 to 2017 (APC: 2.7; 95% CI: 0.9 to 3.3), while other racial/ethnic groups exhibited varied trends with declines, increases, and stabilizations. Geographically, AAMRs were highest in the Northeast (8.6; 95% CI: 8.5 to 8.7) and lowest in the Midwest (7.1; 95% CI: 7.0 to 7.1). Metropolitan areas saw declining trends until 2006, stabilizing briefly, and increasing thereafter. Non-metropolitan areas experienced notable increases post-2009 (APC = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8 to 3.1). State-level disparities revealed Mississippi with the highest AAMR (14.0; 95% CI: 13.7 to 14.4) and Wisconsin with the lowest (3.7; 95% CI: 3.5 to 3.8). These findings highlight significant demographic, racial, and geographic variations in LC and RF mortality trends. Conclusions: LC and RF-related mortality rates initially declined from 1999 to 2010 but increased significantly from 2010 onward, with notable demographic, racial, and geographic disparities. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and resource allocation to address these rising trends and reduce inequities across vulnerable populations.

e20520 Background: Cancer and respiratory failure (RF) are amongst leading causes of mortality in adults. This study investigates national trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) for cancer and RF in the United States from 1999 to 2023, focusing on disparities by gender, race, region, and rural-urban residence to inform public health strategies. Methods: This descriptive study analyzed data from the CDC WONDER database, of adults aged 25 and older. Mortality data were identified using ICD-10 codes C00–C97 (cancer) and J96 (RF). AAMRs per 100,000 population were calculated and stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, census region, urban-rural classification, and state. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent changes (APCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: From 1999 to 2023, total deaths of 1,263,368 attributed to cancer and RF (682,141 men, 581,227 women). AAMRs declined from 1999 to 2004 (APC = -1.5, 95% CI: -4.0 to -0.4), stabilized from 2004 to 2012 (APC = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.1 to 2.4), and increased from 2012 to 2023 (APC = 3.2, 95% CI: 2.9 to 3.8). Men experienced a greater initial decline (APC = -2.1, 1999–2004) but significant increases thereafter (APC = 3.0, 2012–2023), while women showed a slower decline followed by sharper increases (APC = 3.5, 2013–2023). Non-Hispanic Black populations initially declined (APC = -1.7, 1999–2003) but later increased significantly (APC = 3.0, 2014–2020). Hispanic/Latino populations declined (APC = -1.2, 1999–2009) before rising sharply (APC = 3.1, 2009–2020). American Indian or Alaska Native populations showed consistent increases (APC = 1.7, 1999–2020). Urban areas experienced initial declines (APC = -1.7, 1999–2004), followed by increases (APC = 2.4, 2011–2020). Non-metropolitan areas exhibited steeper increases (APC = 4.6, 2014–2020). Regionally, the West recorded the highest AAMR (24.0), followed by the Northeast (23.6), South (20.9), and Midwest (18.0). Mississippi had the highest state-level AAMR (36.3), while Wisconsin had the lowest (10.0). States in the top 90th percentile included Mississippi, Arkansas, and California, while Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Oregon were among the lowest. Conclusions: Cancer and RF mortality declined initially but have significantly increased in recent years. Disparities persist across gender, racial, and regional groups, underscoring the need for focused public health efforts and equitable resource distribution to address these trends.

6008 Background: ATC patients present with advanced, often surgically unresectable disease with historically dismal prognosis. Median PFS and OS of DT without pembrolizumab were 6.7 and 13.5 months, respectively, in the ROAR trial. Neoadjuvant DTP achieved locoregional control without radical surgery in a retrospective series of BRAF m-ATC patients, providing rationale to evaluate efficacy and safety in a phase 2 prospective trial. Methods: In this single-arm multicenter phase 2 trial, patients with BRAF m-ATC stage IVB/IVC were enrolled in 5 US centers. Following a 3-6 week run-in with D (150 mg BID) and T (2 mg daily), P (200 mg Q3W) was added, with restaging every three (21-day) cycles. Post-operatively, patients continued P (or DTP) with radiotherapy or transitioned directly to adjuvant DTP (up to 26 cycles). Primary endpoints included R0/R1 resection rate (historically 5%) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included RECIST 1.1 response after DTP and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Between 9/2021-1/2025, 42 patients were enrolled; 36 are included in the current analysis (3 not evaluable, 3 pending surgery) (Table). Patients received median 4 (range: 2-7) neoadjuvant DTP cycles, with 26 (72%) achieving radiographic PR/CR. 30 patients (83%) had surgery after neoadjuvant DTP, achieving R0/R1 resection in 29/30 (97%). Mean surgical morbidity score (0-4 scale, 4=unresectable) improved from 3.3 to 1.6 after DTP (p<0.01). Complete ATC pathologic response occurred in 20/30 patients (67%), while 10/30 (33%) had residual ATC in the surgical specimen. Postoperatively, 11/30 (37%) received adjuvant neck radiation, and 28/36 (78%) completed a median of 11 (range: 1-26) adjuvant DTP cycles. With median follow up 18 months, 15/36 (42%) patients died. Median OS was 20 months (95% CI: 12.6-NR); 1- and 2-year OS were 71% and 48%. Complete pathologic responders had better 2-year OS than those with residual ATC (69% vs. 22%, p=0.02). Median PFS was 13.9 months (95% CI, 7.5-NR); 1- and 2-year PFS were 57% and 36%. Grade 5 adverse events occurred in 8 patients (22%), including one possible (duodenal perforation), one probable (kidney injury with sepsis), and 6 unlikely/unrelated treatment-related deaths. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant DTP enables surgical resection in BRAF m-ATC compared with historical controls, and leads to improved PFS and OS. This approach should now be considered a standard of care for BRAF m-ATC. Clinical trial information: NCT04675710 . Total N=36 Age (y), median (range) 67 (46-86) Stage IVB/IVC, n (%) 15 (42%)/21 (58%) Best RECIST response neoadjuvant phase, n (%) CR 2 (6%) PR 24 (67%) SD 6 (17%) PD 4 (11%) Percent change target lesion diameter, mean (95% CI) -44% (-54%, -34%) Surgical morbidity score change, mean (95% CI) -1.7 (-2.1, -1.3)

e20593 Background: Tislelizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, is emerging as a promising immunotherapy agent and has demonstrated clinical benefit and acceptable tolerability in recent lung cancer trials. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of Tislelizumab, as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy (Group 1), as a superior treatment alternative for lung cancer compared to standard chemotherapy (Group 2) in improving patient outcomes. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted through MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane (CENTRAL), and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to December 2024 to identify Randomized Control Trials (RCTs). Hazards ratio (HRs) and risk ratios (RRs) were generated, by employing a Random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Our outcomes of interest were Progression Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS), Objective Response Rate (ORR), Disease Control Rate (DCR), Duration of response (DOR), and treatment-related adverse Events. Results: A total of 6 RCTs involving 2107 patients were included for analysis. Pooled analysis demonstrated that Group 1 significantly improved PFS, OS, and DOR with HRs of 1.85 (95% CI: 1.71-1.99; p <0.00001, I² = 0%), 2.01 (95% CI: 1.75-2.29; p <0.00001, I² = 0%) and 2.14 (95% CI: 1.52-3.03; p <0.0001, I² = 39%), respectively. Group 1 has better DCR and ORR compared to Group 2 with RRs of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.12-2.07; p= 0.007, I² = 97%) and 1.50 (95% CI: 1.20-1.86; p= 0.0003, I² = 83%), respectively. The high heterogeneity observed in the pooled analysis of DCR (I² = 97%) and ORR (I² = 83%) likely reflects variability in study populations, treatment protocols, and response assessment criteria across the included RCTs. Subgroup or sensitivity analyses could help identify contributing factors. Despite the heterogeneity, the pooled effect sizes indicate a statistically significant improvement in DCR and ORR with Tislelizumab, with caution warranted when generalizing these findings. Group 1 significantly reduced all-cause mortality compared to Group 2 (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83–0.95; p = 0.0003), with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%). No significant differences were found in adverse events, except for ALT elevations. (RR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.14–1.61; p = 0.0006, I² = 25%). Conclusions: Tislelizumab, with or without chemotherapy, demonstrates greater PFS and OS benefits compared to chemotherapy alone in patients with lung cancer. There was a significantly reduced all-cause mortality in the intervention group; however, the observed increase in the risk of ALT elevation underscores the need for vigilant liver function monitoring. When combined with chemotherapy, Tislelizumab presents a promising treatment option for lung cancer.

e24020 Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a widely adopted treatment for severe aortic stenosis, but outcomes in cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy (C-XRT) remain uncertain. This study compares the clinical outcomes of TAVR between patients with a history of C-XRT and those without prior radiation exposure (control group). Methods: Patients with prior chest radiation therapy (C-XRT) were compared to a control group without radiation exposure to evaluate key clinical endpoints. For each endpoint, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the I² statistic. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Nine studies were included in the meta-analysis, encompassing 3083 C-XRT and 8891 control patients. Patients with prior C-XRT showed significantly higher long-term mortality (OR 1.84, 95% CI [1.08, 3.13], p=0.02) compared to controls. Other outcomes, including access-related vascular complications, Acute Kidney Injury, Congestive heart failure, major bleeding, need for pacemaker, short-term mortality, and stroke, did not demonstrate significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Cancer survivors with prior chest radiation therapy undergoing TAVR may experience higher long-term mortality compared to patients without radiation exposure. However, no significant differences were observed in other major outcomes. These findings suggest that while TAVR is a viable treatment for C-XRT patients, long-term risks require further investigation to optimize patient selection and management strategies. Outcomes. Outcome OR 95% Confidence Interval P value Access related vascular complications 1.12 [0.85, 1.48] 0.43 Acute kidney injury 0.54 [0.20, 1.50] 0.24 Congestive heart failure 1.38 [0.88, 2.17] 0.16 Long term mortality 1.84 [1.08, 3.13] 0.02 Major bleeding 0.96 [0.78, 1.17] 0.67 Need for pacemaker 1.05 [0.88, 1.26] 0.57 Short term mortality 1.66 [0.97, 2.84] 0.06 Stroke 1.25 [0.74, 2.11] 0.39

e24024 Background: Patients with active cancer undergoing trans catheter aortic valvular replacement (TAVR) face a higher risk of adverse outcomes due to the interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease. Although TAVR is increasingly used in high-risk populations, data on outcomes for these patients remain limited. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with TAVR in patients with active cancer compared to non-cancer controls, providing insights to inform clinical decision-making in this unique group. Methods: A systematic search of major databases (PubMed, Embase, OVID, Web of Science, Scopus) was conducted to identify studies comparing clinical outcomes of TAVR between patients with active cancer and those without cancer. Key outcomes included measures of mortality, procedural complications, and post-procedure adverse events. The Mantel-Haenszel method was used for pooled analysis, applying random-effects or fixed-effects modeling based on heterogeneity assessed by Higgins I². Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results: Twelve studies involving 5,73,192 patients (67,684 active cancer, 505508 control) were included. Patients with active cancer undergoing TAVR have significantly higher risks of short-term mortality (OR 1.31, 95% CI [1.15, 1.49], p < 0.0001), long-term mortality (OR 2.24, 95% CI [1.85, 2.70], p < 0.0001), and major bleeding complications (OR 1.80, 95% CI [1.68, 1.92], p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences in cardiovascular mortality (OR 1.33, 95% CI [0.94, 1.89], p = 0.11), myocardial infarction (OR 1.60, 95% CI [0.82, 3.11], p = 0.17), stroke (OR 0.61, 95% CI [0.28, 1.35], p = 0.22), AKI (OR 0.92, 95% CI [0.49, 1.73], p = 0.80), or the need for permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 1.12, 95% CI [0.85, 1.48], p = 0.42). Conclusions: Patients with active cancer undergoing TAVR face significantly higher risks of mortality and major bleeding compared to non-cancer controls. However, the risks of cardiovascular mortality, MI, stroke, AKI, and the need for permanent pacemaker implantation are comparable to those of non-cancer controls. Careful risk assessment and management are crucial for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population, and further studies are needed to refine treatment strategies. Odds ratios of all outcomes. Outcomes OR Confidence Interval (95% CI) p-value Short term mortality 1.31 [1.15, 1.49] < 0.0001 Long term mortality 2.24 [1.85, 2.70] < 0.00001 Major bleeding 1.8 [1.68, 1.92] < 0.00001 Cardiovascular mortality 1.33 [0.94, 1.89] 0.11 Myocardial Infarction 1.6 [0.82, 3.11] 0.17 Stroke 0.61 [0.28, 1.35] 0.22 Acute Kidney Injury 0.92 [0.49, 1.73] 0.8 Need for permanent pacemaker implantation 1.12 [0.85, 1.48] 0.42

BACKGROUND: It is uncertain whether antiplatelets or anticoagulants are more effective in preventing early recurrent stroke in patients with cervical artery dissection. Following the publication of the observational Antithrombotic for STOP-CAD (Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection) study, which has more than doubled available data, we performed an updated systematic review and meta-analysis comparing antiplatelets versus anticoagulation in cervical artery dissection. METHODS: The systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023468063). We searched 5 databases using a combination of keywords that encompass different antiplatelets and anticoagulants, as well as cervical artery dissection. We included relevant randomized trials and included observational studies of dissection unrelated to major trauma. Where studies were sufficiently similar, we performed meta-analyses for efficacy (ischemic stroke) and safety (major hemorrhage, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and death) outcomes using relative risks. RESULTS: We identified 11 studies (2 randomized trials and 9 observational studies) that met the inclusion criteria. These included 5039 patients (30% [1512] treated with anticoagulation and 70% [3527]) treated with antiplatelets]. In meta-analysis, anticoagulation was associated with a lower ischemic stroke risk (relative risk, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.43 to 0.94]; P =0.02; I 2 =0%) but higher major bleeding risk (relative risk, 2.25 [95% CI, 1.07 to 4.72]; P =0.03, I 2 =0%). The risks of death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were similar between the 2 treatments. Effect sizes were larger in randomized trials. There are insufficient data on the efficacy and safety of dual antiplatelet therapy or direct oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of patients with cervical artery dissection, anticoagulation was superior to antiplatelet therapy in reducing ischemic stroke but carried a higher major bleeding risk. This argues for an individualized therapeutic approach incorporating the net clinical benefit of ischemic stroke reduction and bleeding risks. Large randomized clinical trials are required to clarify optimal antithrombotic strategies for management of cervical artery dissection.

e18161 Background: Thyroid cancer remains a significant cause of mortality globally, with varying trends across demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic groups. Understanding these patterns is critical for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study examines thyroid cancer-related mortality trends in the United States from 1999 to 2023, focusing on age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and disparities across demographic and geographic classifications. Methods: This descriptive study utilized the CDC WONDER database to extract data on thyroid cancer (ICD-10 code C73) deaths among adults aged 25 and older from 1999 to 2023. AAMRs per 1,000,000 individuals were calculated and stratified by gender, race/ethnicity, census region, urban-rural classification, and state. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to compute annual percent changes (APCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Between 1999 and 2023, there were 55,971 deaths attributed to thyroid cancer (Men: 24,398; Women: 31,573). Overall, the AAMR increased modestly, with an APC of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.8 to 1.2). Men exhibited a slightly higher AAMR increase (APC: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.4) compared to women (APC: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.7 to 1.2). Racial disparities revealed varied trends. Non- Hispanic White individuals experienced a steady AAMR increase (APC: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.8 to 1.2), while Hispanic populations showed a smaller increase (APC: 0.4; 95% CI: -0.1 to 1.1). Non-Hispanic Asians or Pacific Islanders had a slight decline (APC: -0.4; 95% CI: -1.1 to 0.5), and Non-Hispanic Black populations showed segmented trends, with an APC of 0.3 (95% CI: - 7.8 to 16.7) from 1999 to 2018 and a subsequent increase (APC: 3.7; 95% CI: -5.5 to 10.5) from 2018 to 2020. Geographically, the West exhibited the highest overall AAMR (11.0; 95% CI: 10.8–11.2), followed by the Midwest (9.9; 95% CI: 9.7–10.0) and Northeast (9.8; 95% CI: 9.6–10.0), with the South reporting the lowest AAMR (9.0; 95% CI: 8.8–9.1). Hawaii had the highest state-level AAMR (12.3; 95% CI: 10.8–13.7), while Georgia recorded the lowest (7.6; 95% CI: 7.2–8.1). Urban-rural disparities indicated a slightly higher APC in non-metropolitan areas (1.0; 95% CI: 0.7–1.4) compared to metropolitan areas (0.8; 95% CI: 0.6–1.0). Conclusions: Thyroid cancer-related mortality has shown a gradual increase in the United States over the past two decades, with distinct gender, racial, and geographic disparities. Men, non-metropolitan residents, and individuals in the West and Hawaii faced higher mortality burdens. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health strategies to address these disparities and reduce thyroid cancer mortality in vulnerable populations.