No abstract

Background: Anemia is a prevalent comorbidity in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to define baseline parameters of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) to determine procedural risk and mortality outcomes stratified by hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Methods: Retrospective study of a population of patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR with the Edwards SAPIEN 3 valve between 2018 and 2021 at Sabah Al-Ahmad Cardiac Centre, Al Amiri Hospital, Kuwait. Two cohorts were identified based on Hb level: Hb <13 and Hb ≥13 g/dl. Results: A total of 61 patients were included. The mean age was 73.5 ± 9.0 years, with a higher prevalence of females. The cohort with lower Hb had lower body surface area (2.0 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.2, P = 0.035) and bioprosthesis size (26.5 ± 1.8 vs. 24.4 ± 1.8, P = 0.001). Based on echocardiography, patients with higher Hb levels had a higher prevalence of aortic regurgitation in addition to stenosis (P = 0.029). Conclusions: Baseline anemia is a common comorbidity in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR. However, in terms of procedural outcomes and mortality, Hb levels were not a predictor of post-TAVR complications or in-hospital death.

As the aging population increases, a concurrent rise in the incidence of aortic stenosis (AS) is projected. Early recognition and diagnosis of AS are cardinal in preventing the progression of the disease into its more fatal effects. Precision in diagnosis and risk stratification is paramount, as therapy can be opted accordingly. Current therapeutic advances aim to target an elderly population with minimally invasive procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transforming conventional management in a more at-risk population. Despite dismal outcomes without treatment, therapy in the form of surgical aortic valve replacement or TAVR is proven to improve survival in cases of AS, with such therapeutic benefit being observable at the extreme end of the spectrum with inoperable cases. In this review, we will address the latest recommendations and guidelines on AS, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding. Any changes to the components of the tricuspid valve (TV), such as the tricuspid annulus, valve leaflets, papillary muscles, and chordae tendinae can lead to TR. This valvular disease has recently sparked interest after it was long forgotten. This paper examines the anatomy of the TV, etiology of TR, and critically appraises the diagnostic methods used to assess the TV and the current medical treatment options for TR. This paper aims to give a detailed review of TR in hopes that more research will be conducted to help better assess patients with tricuspid regurgitation.