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1.	Ahn, Jung-Min, et al. (author) Prognostic value of comprehensive intracoronary physiology assessment early after heart transplantation. 2021 In: European heart journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1522-9645 .- 0195-668X. ; 42:48, s. 4918-4929 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract We evaluated the long-term prognostic value of invasively assessing coronary physiology after heart transplantation in a large multicentre registry.Comprehensive intracoronary physiology assessment measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR), the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), and coronary flow reserve (CFR) was performed in 254 patients at baseline (a median of 7.2weeks) and in 240 patients at 1year after transplantation (199 patients had both baseline and 1-year measurement). Patients were classified into those with normal physiology, reduced FFR (FFR≤0.80), and microvascular dysfunction (either IMR≥25 or CFR≤2.0 with FFR>0.80). The primary outcome was the composite of death or re-transplantation at 10years. At baseline, 5.5% had reduced FFR; 36.6% had microvascular dysfunction. Baseline reduced FFR [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88-6.15; P=0.088] and microvascular dysfunction (aHR 0.88, 95% CI 0.44-1.79; P=0.73) were not predictors of death and re-transplantation at 10years. At 1year, 5.0% had reduced FFR; 23.8% had microvascular dysfunction. One-year reduced FFR (aHR 2.98, 95% CI 1.13-7.87; P=0.028) and microvascular dysfunction (aHR 2.33, 95% CI 1.19-4.59; P=0.015) were associated with significantly increased risk of death or re-transplantation at 10years. Invasive measures of coronary physiology improved the prognostic performance of clinical variables (χ2 improvement: 7.41, P=0.006). However, intravascular ultrasound-derived changes in maximal intimal thickness were not predictive of outcomes.Abnormal coronary physiology 1year after heart transplantation was common and was a significant predictor of death or re-transplantation at 10years.
2.	Arora, Satish, et al. (author) Prognostic value of intravascular ultrasound early after heart transplantation. 2023 In: European heart journal. - 1522-9645. Journal article (peer-reviewed)
3.	Egstrup, Kenneth, et al. (author) QT Response after a Test Dose and during Maintenance Therapy with AZD1305 in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 2011 In: American journal of cardiovascular drugs : drugs, devices, and other interventions. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1179-187X. ; 11:3, s. 199-208 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background and Objective: AZD1305 is an investigational antiarrhythmic agent that prolongs refractoriness through combined potassium and sodium channel inhibition. This study aimed to explore the utility of a test dose in predicting QT interval corrected according to Fridericia's formula (QTcF) during subsequent maintenance treatment with AZD1305. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial carried out at multiple hospital cardiac facilities in Denmark, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden. Patients with documented atrial fibrillation (AF) but currently in stable sinus rhythm for ≥2 hours and ≤90 days were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive AZD1305 extended-release or matching placebo tablets as follows: group A - test dose 250mg, evening dose 125mg on day 1, maintenance dose 125mg twice daily; group B - test dose 500mg, placebo evening dose, maintenance dose 125mg twice daily; placebo group - placebo test and maintenance dose. Maintenance dosing was for 9 days. QTcF >550ms at any time during the in-patient phase or >500ms after discharge (day 4) were predefined study drug discontinuation criteria. The main outcome measure was the relationship between QTcF following the test dose and during maintenance treatment. Results: Sixty-five patients were randomized (n=21, 22, and 22 in group A, group B, and the placebo group, respectively). AZD1305 dose-dependently increased QTcF. There was a positive, linear correlation between the change in QTcF during the first 6 hours after the test dose and during the maintenance phase. Three patients, all from group B, discontinued treatment on day 1 due to QTcF >550ms. All other patients completed the study without events related to QT prolongation. There was a trend for reduced AF recurrence with AZD1305 compared with placebo. Conclusion: In this exploratory study a test dose predicted the QT response during maintenance treatment with AZD1305 and may thus be employed in further studies. [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00643448].
4.	Arora, Satish, et al. (author) Effect of Everolimus Initiation and Calcineurin Inhibitor Elimination on Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in De Novo Heart Transplant Recipients 2018 In: Circulation. Heart failure. - 1941-3297. ; 11:9, s. 004050-004050 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) limits survival after heart transplantation, and the effect of different immunosuppressive regimens on CAV is not fully understood. The randomized SCHEDULE trial (Scandinavian Heart Transplant Everolimus De Novo Study With Early Calcineurin Inhibitors Avoidance) evaluated whether initiation of the proliferation signal inhibitor everolimus and early cyclosporine elimination can reduce CAV development. Methods and Results The SCHEDULE trial was a multicenter Scandinavian trial, where 115 de novo heart transplantation recipients were randomized to everolimus with complete cyclosporine withdrawal 7 to 11 weeks after heart transplantation or standard cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. Seventy-six (66%) patients had matched intravascular ultrasound examinations at baseline and 12 and 36 months. Intravascular ultrasound analysis evaluated maximal intimal thickness, percent atheroma volume, and total atheroma volume. Qualitative plaque analysis using virtual histology assessed fibrous, fibrofatty, and calcified tissue as well as necrotic core. Serum inflammatory markers were measured in parallel. The everolimus group (n=37) demonstrated significantly reduced CAV progression as compared with the cyclosporine group (n=39) at 36 months (Δ maximal intimal thickness, 0.09±0.05 versus 0.15±0.16 mm [ P=0.03]; Δ percent atheroma volume, 5.3±2.8% versus 7.6±5.9% [ P=0.03]; and Δ total atheroma volume, 33.9±71.2 versus 54.2±96.0 mm3 [ P=0.34], respectively]. At 36 months the number of everolimus patients with rejection graded ≥2R was 15 (41%) as compared with 5 (13%) in the cyclosporine group ( P=0.01). Everolimus did not affect CAV morphology or immune marker activity during the follow-up period. Conclusions The SCHEDULE trial demonstrates that everolimus initiation and early cyclosporine elimination significantly reduces CAV progression at 12 months, and this beneficial effect is clearly sustained at 36 months. Clinical trial registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01266148.
5.	Arora, Satish, et al. (author) Effect of Everolimus Introduction on Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy-Results of a Randomized, Multicenter Trial 2011 In: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 92:2, s. 235-243 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background. Everolimus reduces the progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in de novo heart transplant (HTx) recipients, but the influence on established CAV is unknown. Methods. In this Nordic Certican Trial in Heart and lung Transplantation substudy, 111 maintenance HTx recipients (time post-HTx 5.8 +/- 4.3 years) randomized to everolimus+reduced calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) or standard CNI had matching (intravascular ultrasound) examinations at baseline and 12 months allowing accurate assessment of CAV progression. Results. No significant difference in CAV progression was evident between the treatment groups (P=0.30). When considering patients receiving concomitant azathioprine (AZA) therapy (n=39), CAV progression was attenuated with everolimus versus standard CNI (Delta maximal intimal thickness 0.00 +/- 0.04 and 0.04 +/- 0.04 mm, Delta percent atheroma volume 0.2%+/- 3.0% and 2.6%+/- 2.5%, and Delta total atheroma volume 0.25 +/- 14.1 and 19.8 +/- 20.4 mm(3), respectively [Pless than0.05]). When considering patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), accelerated CAV progression occurred with everolimus versus standard CNI (Delta maximal intimal thickness 0.06 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.02 +/- 0.06 mm and Delta percent atheroma volume 4.0%+/- 6.3% vs. 1.4%+/- 3.1%, respectively; Pless than0.05). The levels of C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 declined significantly with AZA+everolimus, whereas MMF+everolimus patients demonstrated a significant increase in levels of C-reactive protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and von Willebrand factor. Conclusions. Conversion to everolimus and reduced CNI does not influence CAV progression among maintenance HTx recipients. However, background immunosuppressive therapy is important as AZA+everolimus patients demonstrated attenuated CAV progression and a decline in inflammatory markers, whereas the opposite pattern was seen with everolimus +MMF. The different effect of everolimus when combined with AZA versus MMF could potentially reflect hitherto unknown interactions.
6.	Arora, Satish, et al. (author) Improvement in renal function after everolimus introduction and calcineurin inhibitor reduction in maintenance thoracic transplant recipients: The significance of baseline glomerular filtration rate 2012 In: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. - : Elsevier. - 1053-2498 .- 1557-3117. ; 31:3, s. 259-265 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract BACKGROUND: The NOCTET (NOrdic Certican Trial in HEart and lung Transplantation) trial demonstrated that everolimus improves renal function in maintenance thoracic transplant (FIX) recipients. Nevertheless, introduction of everolimus is not recommended for patients with advanced renal failure. We evaluated NOCTET data to assess everolimus introduction amongst TTx recipients with advanced renal failure. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMETHODS: This 12-month multicenter Scandinavian study randomized 282 maintenance TTx recipients to everolimus introduction with calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) reduction or standard CNI therapy. The measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) was noted at baseline and after 1-year using Cr-ethylenediarninetetraacetic acid clearance. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanRESULTS: In 21 patients with a baseline mGFR of 20 to 29 ml/min/1.73 m(2), renal function improved in the everolimus group compared with the control group ((Delta mGFR 6.7 +/- 9.0 vs -1.6 +/- 5.1 ml/min/1.73 m(2); p = 0.03). Amongst 173 patients with moderate renal impairment (mGFR 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), renal function improvement was also greater amongst everolimus patients than in controls (Delta mGFR 5.1 +/- 11.1 vs -0.5 +/- 8.7 ml/min/1.73 m(2); p andlt; 0.01). In 55 patients with mGFR 60 to 89 ml/min/1.73 m(2), mGFR did not change significantly in either group. Improvement in mGFR was limited to patients with a median time since TTx of less than 4.6 years and was also influenced by CM reduction during the study period. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanCONCLUSIONS: Everolimus introduction and reduced CNI significantly improved renal function amongst maintenance TTx patients with pre-existing advanced renal failure. This beneficial effect was limited to patients undergoing conversion in less than 5 years after TTx, indicating a window of opportunity that is appropriate for pharmacologic intervention with everolimus.
7.	Bergh, Niklas, 1979, et al. (author) Invasive haemodynamics in de novo everolimus vs. calcineurin inhibitor heart transplant recipients 2020 In: ESC Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 2055-5822. ; 7:2, s. 567-576 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Aims: Invasive haemodynamic profiles at rest and during exercise after heart transplantation (HTx) have never been described in a randomized trial where de novo everolimus (EVR)-based therapy with early calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) withdrawal has been compared with conventional CNI treatment. We report central invasive haemodynamic parameters at rest and exercise during a 3 year follow-up after HTx in a sub-study of the SCandiavian Heart transplant Everolimus De novo stUdy with earLy calcineurin inhibitor avoidancE trial. We hypothesized that the nephroprotective properties, the less development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), and the antifibrotic properties of EVR, in comparison with CNI-based immunosuppression, would demonstrate favourable invasive haemodynamic profiles in patients at rest and during exercise. Methods and results: Ninety of 115 HTx recipients randomized to EVR or CNI treatment performed right heart catheterization at rest and 68 performed right heart catheterization at exercise up to 3 years after HTx. Haemodynamic profiles were compared between EVR and CNI treatment groups. Resting haemodynamics improved in both groups from pre-HTx to the first follow-up at 7–11 weeks post-HTx and thereafter remained unchanged up to 3 years of follow-up. During follow-up, cardiac reserve during exercise increased with higher levels of maximum heart rate (118 to 148 b.p.m., P < 0.001), mean arterial pressure (103 to 128 mmHg, P < 0.001), and cardiac output (10.3 to 12.2 l/min, P < 0.001). No significant differences in haemodynamic parameters were observed between the EVR and CNI groups at rest or exercise. Isolated post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary arterial pressure > 20 mmHg, pulmonary arterial wedge pressure ≥ 15 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance <3) were measured in 11% of the patients at 7–11 weeks, 5% at 12 months, and 6% at 36 months after HTx. The EVR group had significantly better kidney function (76 mL/min/1 vs. 60 mL/min/1, P < 0.001) and reduced CAV (P < 0.01) but an increased rate of early biopsy-proven treated rejections (21.2% vs 5.7%, P < 0.01) compared with the CNI group at any time point. The differences in renal function, CAV, or early biopsy-proven treated acute rejections were not associated with altered haemodynamics. Conclusions: De novo EVR treatment with early CNI withdrawal compared with conventional CNI therapy did not result in differences in haemodynamics at rest or during exercise up to 3 years after HTx despite significant differences in renal function, reduced CAV, and number of early biopsy-proven treated rejections.
8.	Bilbija, Dusan, et al. (author) Expression of retinoic acid target genes in coronary artery disease 2014 In: International Journal of Molecular Medicine. - Athens, Greece : Spandidos Publications. - 1107-3756 .- 1791-244X. ; 33:3, s. 677-86 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Coronary atherosclerosis can lead to myocardial infarction, and secondarily to post-infarct remodelling and heart failure. Retinoic acid (RA) influences cell proliferation. We hypothesized that RA could influence gene expression and proliferation of cardiovascular cells. Left ventricular biopsies from patients with end-stage heart failure due to coronary artery disease (CAD) or dilated cardiomyopathy were investigated for the content of RA metabolites using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and compared with healthy donors. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) was increased in the hearts of CAD patients. Gene expression (quantitative PCR) of RA target genes was not influenced in failing hearts, but was increased in the hearts of patients with CAD undergoing open heart surgery. The expression of RA target genes was increased in atherosclerotic lesions from carotid arteries compared to healthy arteries. Stimulation of cardiomyocytes, cardiofibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells with ATRA increased the gene expression of the key enzymes. Cardiofibroblast and smooth muscle cell proliferation were reduced by ATRA, which increased endothelial cell proliferation. Coronary artery disease leads to increased expression of RA target genes. ATRA accumulated in the failing human heart. All investigated cell types present in the heart had induced expression of RA target genes when stimulated with ATRA, which also influenced cell proliferation.
9.	Broch, Kaspar, et al. (author) Cholesterol lowering with EVOLocumab to prevent cardiac allograft Vasculopathy in De-novo heart transplant recipients : Design of the randomized controlled EVOLVD trial 2020 In: Clinical Transplantation. - : Wiley. - 0902-0063 .- 1399-0012. ; 34:9 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is characterized by diffuse thickening of the arterial intima. Statins reduce the incidence of CAV, but despite the use of statins, CAV remains one of the leading causes of long-term death after heart transplant. Inhibitors of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) substantially reduce cholesterol levels but have not been tested in heart transplant recipients. Methods: The Cholesterol lowering with EVOLocumab to prevent cardiac allograft Vasculopathy in De-novo heart transplant recipients (EVOLVD) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03734211) is a randomized, double-blind trial designed to test the effect of the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab on coronary intima thickness in heart transplant recipients. Adults who have received a cardiac transplant within the past 4-8 weeks are eligible. Exclusion criteria include an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 20 mL/min/1.73 m2, renal replacement therapy, or contraindications to coronary angiography with intravascular ultrasound. 130 patients will be randomized (1:1) to 12-month treatment with evolocumab or matching placebo. The primary endpoint is the coronary artery intima thickness as measured by intravascular ultrasound. Conclusion: The EVOLVD trial is a randomized clinical trial designed to show whether treatment with the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab can ameliorate CAV over the first year after heart transplant.
10.	Broch, Kaspar, et al. (author) Soluble ST2 is associated with adverse outcome in patients with heart failure of ischaemic aetiology 2012 In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 14:3, s. 268-277 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Aims: In patients with ischaemic heart failure (HF), myocardial dysfunction often progresses. Elevated levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) are associated with a poor prognosis, but an association between sST2 and worsening heart failure per se has not been established. We assessed the association between sST2 and cause-specific outcome in 1449 patients enrolled in the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure (CORONA study). Methods and results: Soluble ST2 was measured with a highly sensitive immunoassay in 1449 patients ≥60 years of age with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% due to ischaemic heart disease. By Cox regression analyses, we found sST2 to be associated with the primary endpoint, i.e. a composite of cadiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or stroke, as well as all pre-defined secondary endpoints in the CORONA study, even after adjustment for baseline clinical variables. After adjustment for N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein, the association between sST2 and the primary endpoint was attenuated and no longer statistically significant. However, sST2 remained associated with death due to worsening HF, hospitalization due to worsening HF, and hospitalization due to any CV cause, even after full adjustment. Conclusions: Soluble ST2 is associated with adverse outcomes in older patients with systolic, ischaemic HF. In particular, sST2 is independently associated with worsening HF. © The Author 2012.
11.	Gullestad, Lars, et al. (author) Everolimus With Reduced Calcineurin Inhibitor in Thoracic Transplant Recipients With Renal Dysfunction: A Multicenter, Randomized Trial 2010 In: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 89:7, s. 864-872 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background. The proliferation signal inhibitor everolimus offers the potential to reduce calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) exposure and alleviate CNI-related nephrotoxicity. Randomized trials in maintenance thoracic transplant patients are lacking. Methods. In a 12-month, open-labeled, multicenter study, maintenance thoracic transplant patients (glomerular filtration rate greater than= 20 mL/min/1.73m(2) and less than90 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) greater than1 year posttransplant were randomized to continue their current CNI-based immunosuppression or start everolimus with predefined CNI exposure reduction. Results. Two hundred eighty-two patients were randomized (140 everolimus, 142 controls; 190 heart, 92 lung transplants). From baseline to month 12, mean cyclosporine and tacrolimus trough levels in the everolimus cohort decreased by 57% and 56%, respectively. The primary endpoint, mean change in measured glomerular filtration rate from baseline to month 12, was 4.6 mL/min with everolimus and -0.5 mL/min in controls (Pless than0.0001). Everolimus-treated heart and lung transplant patients in the lowest tertile for time posttransplant exhibited mean increases of 7.8 mL/min and 4.9 mL/min, respectively. Biopsy-proven treated acute rejection occurred in six everolimus and four control heart transplant patients (P=0.54). In total, 138 everolimus patients (98.6%) and 127 control patients (89.4%) experienced one or more adverse event (P=0.002). Serious adverse events occurred in 66 everolimus patients (46.8%) and 44 controls (31.0%) (P=0.02). Conclusion. Introduction of everolimus with CNI reduction offers a significant improvement in renal function in maintenance heart and lung transplant recipients. The greatest benefit is observed in patients with a shorter time since transplantation.
12.	Gullestad, Lars, et al. (author) Long-term outcomes of thoracic transplant recipients following conversion to everolimus with reduced calcineurin inhibitor in a multicenter, open-label, randomized trial 2016 In: Transplant International. - : Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.. - 0934-0874 .- 1432-2277. ; 29:7, s. 819-829 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The NOCTET study randomized 282 patients ≥1 year after heart or lung transplantation to continue conventional calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) therapy or to start everolimus with reduced-exposure CNI. Last follow-up, at ≥5 years postrandomization (mean: 5.6 years) was attended by 72/140 everolimus patients (51.4%) and 91/142 controls (64.1%). Mean measured GFR remained stable in the everolimus group from randomization (51.3 ml/min) to last visit (51.4 ml/min) but decreased in controls (from 50.5 ml/min to 45.3 ml/min) and was significantly higher with everolimus at last follow-up (P = 0.004). The least squares mean (SE) change from randomization was -1.5 (1.7)ml/min with everolimus versus -7.2 (1.7)ml/min for controls (difference: 5.7 [95% CI 1.7; 9.6]ml/min; P = 0.006). The difference was accounted for by heart transplant patients (difference: 6.9 [95% 2.3; 11.5]ml/min; P = 0.004). Lung transplant patients showed no between-group difference at last follow-up. Rates of rejection, death, and major cardiac events were similar between groups, as was graft function. Pneumonia was more frequent with everolimus (18.3% vs. 6.4%). In conclusion, introducing everolimus in maintenance heart transplant patients, with reduced CNI, achieves a significant improvement in renal function which is maintained for at least 5 years, but an early renal benefit in lung transplant patients was lost. Long-term immunosuppressive efficacy was maintained.
13.	Gullestad, Lars, et al. (author) Two-Year Outcomes in Thoracic Transplant Recipients After Conversion to Everolimus With Reduced Calcineurin Inhibitor Within a Multicenter, Open-Label, Randomized Trial. 2010 In: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 1534-6080 .- 0041-1337. ; 90:12, s. 1581-1589 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract BACKGROUND.: Use of the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus with an accompanying reduction in calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) exposure has shown promise in preserving renal function in maintenance thoracic transplant patients, but robust, long-term data are required. METHODS.: In a prospective, open-label, multicenter study, thoracic transplant recipients more than or equal to 1 year posttransplant with mild-to-moderate renal insufficiency were randomized to continue their current CNI-based immunosuppression or convert to everolimus with predefined CNI exposure reduction. After a 12-month core trial, patients were followed up to month 24 after randomization. RESULTS.: Of 245 patients who completed the month 12 visit, 235 patients (108 everolimus and 127 controls) entered the 12-month extension phase. At month 24, mean measured glomerular filtration rate had increased by 3.2±12.3 mL/min from the point of randomization in everolimus-treated patients and decreased by 2.4±9.0 mL/min in controls (P<0.001), a difference that was significant within both the heart and lung transplant subpopulations. During months 12 to 24, 5.6% of everolimus patients and 3.1% of controls experienced biopsy-proven acute rejection (P=0.76). There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse events or serious adverse events (including pneumonia) between groups during months 12 to 24. CONCLUSIONS.: Converting maintenance thoracic transplant recipients to everolimus with low-exposure CNI results in a renal benefit that is sustained to 2 years postconversion, with significantly improved measured glomerular filtration rate in both heart and lung transplant patients. Despite reductions of more than 50% in CNI exposure, there was no marked loss of efficacy. The safety profile of the everolimus-based regimen was acceptable.
14.	Gustafsson, Finn, et al. (author) Everolimus Initiation With Early Calcineurin Inhibitor Withdrawal in De Novo Heart Transplant Recipients : Long-term Follow-up From the Randomized SCHEDULE Study 2020 In: Transplantation. - : LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. - 1534-6080 .- 0041-1337. ; 104:1, s. 154-164 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract BACKGROUND: A calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free immunosuppressive regimen has been demonstrated to improve renal function early after heart transplantation, but long-term outcome of such a strategy has not been well described. METHODS: In the randomized SCHEDULE trial, de novo heart transplant recipients received (1) everolimus with reduced-exposure CNI (cyclosporine) followed by CNI withdrawal at week 7-11 posttransplant or (2) standard-exposure cyclosporine, both with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids; 95/115 randomized patients were followed up at 5-7 years posttransplant. RESULTS: Mean measured glomerular filtration rate was 74.7 mL/min and 62.4 mL/min with everolimus and CNI, respectively. The mean difference was in favor of everolimus by 11.8 mL/min in the intent-to-treat population (P = 0.004) and 17.2 mL/min in the per protocol population (n = 75; P < 0.001). From transplantation to last follow-up, the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) was 77% (37/48) and 66% (31/47) (P = 0.23) with treated BPAR in 50% and 23% (P < 0.01) in the everolimus and CNI groups, respectively; no episode led to hemodynamic compromise. Coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) assessed by coronary intravascular ultrasound was present in 53% (19/36) and 74% (26/35) of everolimus- and CNI-treated patients, respectively (P = 0.037). Graft dimensions and function were similar between the groups. Late adverse events were comparable. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that de novo heart transplant patients randomized to everolimus and low-dose CNI followed by CNI-free therapy maintain significantly better long-term renal function as well as significantly reduced CAV than patients randomized to standard CNI treatment. Increased BPAR in the everolimus group during year 1 did not impair long-term graft function.
15.	Holt, Margrethe Flesvig, et al. (author) The Alternative Complement Pathway Is Activated Without a Corresponding Terminal Pathway Activation in Patients With Heart Failure 2021 In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-3224. ; 12 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Objective: Dysregulation of the complement system has been described in patients with heart failure (HF). However, data on the alternative pathway are scarce and it is unknown if levels of factor B (FB) and the C3 convertase C3bBbP are elevated in these patients. We hypothesized that plasma levels of FB and C3bBbP would be associated with disease severity and survival in patients with HF. Methods: We analyzed plasma levels of FB, C3bBbP, and terminal C5b-9 complement complex (TCC) in 343 HF patients and 27 healthy controls. Results: Compared with controls, patients with HF had elevated levels of circulating FB (1.6-fold, p < 0.001) and C3bBbP (1.3-fold, p < 0.001). In contrast, TCC, reflecting the terminal pathway, was not significantly increased (p = 0.15 vs controls). FB was associated with NT-proBNP, troponin, eGFR, and i.e., C-reactive protein. FB, C3bBbP and TCC were not associated with mortality in HF during a mean follow up of 4.3 years. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in patients with HF, the alternative pathway is activated. However, this is not accompanied by activation of the terminal pathway.
16.	Kjekshus, John, et al. (author) Rosuvastatin in older patients with systolic heart failure. 2007 In: The New England journal of medicine. - 1533-4406. ; 357:22, s. 2248-61 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract BACKGROUND: Patients with systolic heart failure have generally been excluded from statin trials. Acute coronary events are uncommon in this population, and statins have theoretical risks in these patients. METHODS: A total of 5011 patients at least 60 years of age with New York Heart Association class II, III, or IV ischemic, systolic heart failure were randomly assigned to receive 10 mg of rosuvastatin or placebo per day. The primary composite outcome was death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included death from any cause, any coronary event, death from cardiovascular causes, and the number of hospitalizations. RESULTS: As compared with the placebo group, patients in the rosuvastatin group had decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (difference between groups, 45.0%; P<0.001) and of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (difference between groups, 37.1%; P<0.001). During a median follow-up of 32.8 months, the primary outcome occurred in 692 patients in the rosuvastatin group and 732 in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83 to 1.02; P=0.12), and 728 patients and 759 patients, respectively, died (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.05; P=0.31). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the coronary outcome or death from cardiovascular causes. In a prespecified secondary analysis, there were fewer hospitalizations for cardiovascular causes in the rosuvastatin group (2193) than in the placebo group (2564) (P<0.001). No excessive episodes of muscle-related or other adverse events occurred in the rosuvastatin group. CONCLUSIONS: Rosuvastatin did not reduce the primary outcome or the number of deaths from any cause in older patients with systolic heart failure, although the drug did reduce the number of cardiovascular hospitalizations. The drug did not cause safety problems. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00206310.)
17.	Kristiansen, Oscar, et al. (author) Effect of atorvastatin on muscle symptoms in coronary heart disease patients with self-perceived statin muscle side-effects : a randomized, double-blinded crossover trial 2021 In: European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. - : Oxford University Press. - 2055-6837 .- 2055-6845. ; 7:6, s. 507-516 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract AIMS: To estimate the effect of atorvastatin on muscle symptom intensity in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with self-perceived statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and to determine the relationship to blood levels of atorvastatin and/or metabolites.METHODS AND RESULTS: A randomized multi-center trial consecutively identified 982 patients with previous or ongoing atorvastatin treatment after a CHD event. Of these, 97 (9.9%) reported SAMS and 77 were randomized to 7-weeks double-blinded treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg/day and placebo in a crossover design. The primary outcome was the individual mean difference in muscle symptom intensity between the treatment periods, measured by visual-analogue scale (VAS) scores. Atorvastatin did not affect the intensity of muscle symptoms among 71 patients who completed the trial. Mean VAS difference [statin-placebo] was 0.31 (95% CI -0.24-0.86). The proportion with more muscle symptoms during placebo than atorvastatin was 17% (n = 12), 55% (n = 39) had the same muscle symptom intensity during both treatment periods whereas 28% (n = 20) had more symptoms during atorvastatin than placebo (confirmed SAMS). There were no differences in clinical or pharmacogenetic characteristics between these groups. The levels of atorvastatin and/or metabolites did not correlate to muscle symptom intensity among patients with confirmed SAMS (Spearmans rho ≤0.40, for all variables).CONCLUSION: Re-challenge with high-intensity atorvastatin did not affect the intensity of muscle symptoms in CHD patients with self-perceived SAMS during previous atorvastatin therapy. There was no relationship between muscle symptoms and the systemic exposure to atorvastatin and/or its metabolites. The findings encourage an informed discussion to elucidate other causes of muscle complaints and continued statin use.
18.	Kristiansen, Oscar, et al. (author) The relationship between directly measured statin adherence, self-reported adherence measures and cholesterol levels in patients with coronary heart disease 2021 In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 336, s. 23-29 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We aimed to determine the relationship between statin adherence measured directly, and by self-report measures and serum cholesterol levels.METHODS: Patients prescribed atorvastatin (N = 373) participated in a cross-sectional study 2-36 months after a coronary event. Self-reported adherence included statin adherence the past week, the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8), and the Gehi et al. adherence question. Atorvastatin was measured directly in spot blood plasma by a novel liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry method discriminating adherence (0-1 doses omitted) and reduced adherence (≥2 doses omitted). Participants were unaware of the atorvastatin analyses at study participation.RESULTS: Mean age was 63 (SD 9) years and 8% had reduced atorvastatin adherence according to the direct method. In patients classified with reduced adherence by the direct method, 40% reported reduced statin adherence, 32% reported reduced adherence with the MMAS-8 and 22% with the Gehi question. In those adherent by the direct method, 96% also reported high statin adherence, 95% reported high adherence on the MMAS-8 whereas 94% reported high adherence on the Gehi question. Cohen's kappa agreement score with the direct method was 0.4 for self-reported statin adherence, 0.3 for the Gehi question and 0.2 for the MMAS-8. Adherence determined by the direct method, self-reported statin adherence last week, and the Gehi question was inversely related to LDL-cholesterol levels with a p-value of <0.001, 0.001 and 0.004, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: Plasma-statin measurements reveal reduced adherence with higher sensitivity than self-report measures, relate to cholesterol levels, and may prove to be a useful tool to improve lipid management.
19.	Lunde, Ngoc Nguyen, et al. (author) Legumain is upregulated in acute cardiovascular events and associated with improved outcome - potentially related to anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages 2020 In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 296, s. 74-82 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background and aims: We have previously found increased levels of the cysteine protease legumain in plasma and plaques from patients with carotid atherosclerosis. This study further investigated legumain during acute cardiovascular events.Methods: Circulating levels of legumain from patients and legumain released from platelets were assessed by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting were used to study expression, while localization was visualized by immunohistochemistry.Results: In the SUMMIT Malmo cohort (n = 339 with or without type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease [CVD], and 64 healthy controls), the levels of circulating legumain were associated with the presence of CVD in non-diabetics, with no relation to outcome. In symptomatic carotid plaques and in samples from both coronary and intracerebral thrombi obtained during acute cardiovascular events, legumain was co-localized with macrophages in the same regions as platelets. In vitro, legumain was shown to be present in and released from platelets upon activation. In addition, THP-1 macrophages exposed to releasate from activated platelets showed increased legumain expression. Interestingly, primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with recombinant legumain promoted anti-inflammatory responses. Finally, in a STEMI population (POSTEMI; n = 272), patients had significantly higher circulating legumain before and immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention compared with healthy controls (n = 67), and high levels were associated with improved outcome.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate for the first time that legumain is upregulated during acute cardiovascular events and is associated with improved outcome.
20.	Maggioni, Aldo P., et al. (author) EURObservational Research Programme: regional differences and 1-year follow-up results of the Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot) 2013 In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 15:7, s. 808-817 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The ESC-HF Pilot survey was aimed to describe clinical epidemiology and 1-year outcomes of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF). The pilot phase was also specifically aimed at validating structure, performance, and quality of the data set for continuing the survey into a permanent Registry. The ESC-HF Pilot study is a prospective, multicentre, observational survey conducted in 136 Cardiology Centres in 12 European countries selected to represent the different health systems across Europe. All outpatients with HF and patients admitted for acute HF on 1 day per week for eight consecutive months were included. From October 2009 to May 2010, 5118 patients were included: 1892 (37) admitted for acute HF and 3226 (63) patients with chronic HF. The all-cause mortality rate at 1 year was 17.4 in acute HF and 7.2 in chronic stable HF. One-year hospitalization rates were 43.9 and 31.9, respectively, in hospitalized acute and chronic HF patients. Major regional differences in 1-year mortality were observed that could be explained by differences in characteristics and treatment of the patients. The ESC-HF Pilot survey confirmed that acute HF is still associated with a very poor medium-term prognosis, while the widespread adoption of evidence-based treatments in patients with chronic HF seems to have improved their outcome profile. Differences across countries may be due to different local medical practice as well to differences in healthcare systems. This pilot study also offered the opportunity to refine the organizational structure for a long-term extended European network.
21.	Maggioni, Aldo P, et al. (author) EURObservational Research Programme: The Heart Failure Pilot Survey (ESC-HF Pilot) 2010 In: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEART FAILURE. - : Oxford University Press. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 12:10, s. 1076-1084 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract The primary objective of the new ESC-HF Pilot Survey was to describe the clinical epidemiology of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF) and the diagnostic/therapeutic processes applied across 12 participating European countries. This pilot study was specifically aimed at validating the structure, performance, and quality of the data set, for continuing the survey into a permanent registry. The ESC-HF Pilot study is a prospective, multicentre, observational survey conducted in 136 cardiology centres from 12 European countries selected to represent the different health systems and care attitudes across Europe. All outpatients with HF and patients admitted for acute HF were included during the enrolment period (1 day per week for 8 consecutive months). From October 2009 to May 2010, 5118 patients were included in this pilot survey, of which 1892 (37%) were admitted for acute HF and 3226 (63%) for chronic HF. Ischaemic aetiology was reported in about half of the patients. In patients admitted for acute HF, the most frequent clinical profile was decompensated HF (75% of cases), whereas pulmonary oedema and cardiogenic shock were reported, respectively, in 13.3 and 2.3% of the cases. The total in-hospital mortality rate was 3.8% and was cardiovascular in 90.1% of the cases. Lowest and highest mortality rates were observed in hypertensive HF and in cardiogenic shock, respectively. More than 80% of patients with chronic HF were treated with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers and beta-adrenergic blockers. However, target doses of such drugs were reached in one-third to one-fourth of the patients only. The ESC-HF Pilot Survey is an example of the possibility of utilizing an observational methodology to get insights into the current clinical practice in Europe, whose picture will be completed by the 1-year follow-up. Moreover, this study offered the opportunity to refine the organizational structure of a long-term, extended European network.
22.	McMurray, John J V, et al. (author) Effects of statin therapy according to plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration in the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure (CORONA): a retrospective analysis. 2009 In: Circulation. - 1524-4539. ; 120:22, s. 2188-96 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract BACKGROUND: We examined whether the antiinflammatory action of statins may be of benefit in heart failure, a state characterized by inflammation in which low cholesterol is associated with worse outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared 10 mg rosuvastatin daily with placebo in patients with ischemic systolic heart failure according to baseline high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP) <2.0 mg/L (placebo, n=779; rosuvastatin, n=777) or > or = 2.0 mg/L (placebo, n=1694; rosuvastatin, n=1711). The primary outcome was cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Baseline low-density lipoprotein was the same, and rosuvastatin reduced low-density lipoprotein by 47% in both hs-CRP groups. Median hs-CRP was 1.10 mg/L in the lower and 5.60 mg/L in the higher hs-CRP group, with higher hs-CRP associated with worse outcomes. The change in hs-CRP with rosuvastatin from baseline to 3 months was -6% in the low hs-CRP group (27% with placebo) and -33.3% in the high hs-CRP group (-11.1% with placebo). In the high hs-CRP group, 548 placebo-treated (14.0 per 100 patient-years of follow-up) and 498 rosuvastatin-treated (12.2 per 100 patient-years of follow-up) patients had a primary end point (hazard ratio of placebo to rosuvastatin, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.77 to 0.98; P=0.024). In the low hs-CRP group, 175 placebo-treated (8.9 per 100 patient-years of follow-up) and 188 rosuvastatin-treated (9.8 per 100 patient-years of follow-up) patients experienced this outcome (hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to 1.34; P>0.2; P for interaction=0.062). The numbers of deaths were as follows: 581 placebo-treated (14.1 per 100 patient-years of follow-up) and 532 rosuvastatin-treated (12.6 per 100 patient-years) patients in the high hs-CRP group (hazard ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.79 to 1.00; P=0.050) and 170 placebo-treated (8.3 per 100 patient-years) and 192 rosuvastatin-treated (9.7 per 100 patient-years) patients in the low hs-CRP group (hazard ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 1.43; P=0.14; P for interaction=0.026). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective hypothesis-generating study, we found a significant interaction between hs-CRP and the effect of rosuvastatin for most end points whereby rosuvastatin treatment was associated with better outcomes in patients with hs-CRP > or = 2.0 mg/L. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00206310.
23.	Munkhaugen, John, et al. (author) Managing patients with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes after coronary events : individual tailoring needed - a cross-sectional study 2018 In: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. - : BioMed Central. - 1471-2261 .- 1471-2261. ; 18 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Background: Understanding the determinants associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in coronary patients may help to individualize treatment and modelling interventions. We sought to identify sociodemographic, medical and psychosocial factors associated with normal blood glucose (HbA1c < 5.7%), prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%), and type 2 diabetes. Methods: A cross-sectional explorative study applied regression analyses to investigate the factors associated with glycaemic status and control (HbA1c level) in 1083 patients with myocardial infarction and/or a coronary revascularization procedure. Data were collected from hospital records at the index event and from a self-report questionnaire and clinical examination with blood samples at 2-36 months follow-up. Results: In all, 23% had type 2 diabetes, 44% had prediabetes, and 33% had normal blood glucose at follow-up. In adjusted analyses, type 2 diabetes was associated with larger waist circumference (Odds Ratio 1.03 per 1.0 cm, p = 0.001), hypertension (Odds Ratio 2.7, p < 0.001), lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Odds Ratio 0.3 per1.0 mmol/L, p = 0. 002) and insomnia (Odds Ratio 2.0, p= 0.002). In adjusted analyses, prediabetes was associated with smoking (Odds Ratio 33, p = 0.001), hypertension (Odds Ratio 1.5, p = 0.03), and non-participation in cardiac rehabilitation (Odds Ratio 1.7, p = 0. 003). In patients with type 2 diabetes, a higher HbA(1c) level was associated with ethnic minority background (standardized beta [beta] 0.19, p = 0.005) and low drug adherence (0 0.17, p = 0.01). In patients with prediabetes or normal blood glucose, a higher HbA(1c) was associated with larger waist circumference (beta 0.13, p < 0.001), smoking (beta 0.18, p < 0.001), hypertension (beta 0.08, p = 0.04), older age (beta 0.16, p < 0.001), and non-participation in cardiac rehabilitation (beta 0.11, p = 0.005). Conclusions: Along with obesity and hypertension, insomnia and low drug adherence were the major modifiable factors associated with type 2 diabetes, whereas smoking and non-participation in cardiac rehabilitation were the factors associated with prediabetes. Further research on the effect of individual tailoring, addressing the reported significant predictors of failure, is needed to improve glycaemic control.
24.	Munkhaugen, John, et al. (author) Medical and psychosocial factors and unfavourable low-density lipoprotein cholesterol control in coronary patients 2017 In: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. - : Sage Publications. - 2047-4873 .- 2047-4881. ; 24:9, s. 981-989 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Objective Understanding the determinants of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control constitutes the basis of modelling interventions for optimal lipid control and prognosis. We aim to identify medical and psychosocial (study) factors associated with unfavourable LDL-C control in coronary patients. Methods A cross-sectional explorative study used logistic and linear regression analysis to investigate the association between study factors and LDL-C in 1095 patients, hospitalized with myocardial infarction and/or a coronary revascularization procedure. Data were collected from hospital records, a comprehensive self-report questionnaire, clinical examination and blood samples after 2-36 months follow-up. Results Fifty-seven per cent did not reach the LDL-C target of 1.8 mmol/l at follow-up. Low socioeconomic status and psychosocial factors were not associated with failure to reach the LDL-C target. Statin specific side-effects (odds ratio 3.23), low statin adherence (odds ratio 3.07), coronary artery by-pass graft operation as index treatment (odds ratio 1.95), ≥ 1 coronary event prior to the index event (odds ratio 1.81), female gender (odds ratio 1.80), moderate- or low-intensity statin therapy (odds ratio 1.62) and eating fish < 3 times/week (odds ratio 1.56) were statistically significantly associated with failure to reach the LDL-C target, in adjusted analyses. Only side-effects (standardized β 0.180), low statin adherence (β 0.209) and moderate- or low-intensity statin therapy (β 0.228) were associated with LDL-C in continuous analyses. Conclusions Statin specific side-effects, low statin adherence and moderate- or low-intensity statin therapy were the major factors associated with unfavourable LDL-C control. Interventions to improve LDL-C should ensure adherence and prescription of sufficiently potent statins, and address side-effects appropriately. © European Society of Cardiology 2017.
25.	Munkhaugen, John, et al. (author) Statin-associated muscle symptoms in coronary patients : design of a randomized study 2019 In: Scandinavian Cardiovascular Journal. - : Taylor & Francis Group. - 1401-7431 .- 1651-2006. ; 53:3, s. 162-168 Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract Objectives. Estimate the effect of atorvastatin on muscular symptom intensity in coronary patients with subjective statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) and to determine the association with blood levels of atorvastatin and its metabolites, to obtain an objective marker for true SAMS. Design. A randomized, double-blinded, cross-over study will include 80 coronary patients with subjectively reported SAMS during ongoing atorvastatin therapy or previous muscle symptoms that led to discontinuation of atorvastatin. Patients will be randomized to 7-weeks treatment with atorvastatin 40mg/day in the first period and matched placebo in the second 7-weeks period, or placebo in the first period and atorvastatin in the second period. Each period is preceded by 1-week wash-out. A control group (n=40) without muscle symptoms will have 7 weeks open treatment with atorvastatin 40mg/day. Blood samples will be collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment period, and muscular symptoms will be rated by the patients weekly using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The primary outcome is the difference in aggregated mean VAS scores between the last three weeks of atorvastatin treatment and of placebo treatment. The main purpose is to develop an objective marker for true SAMS, by comparing SAMS associated with blinded atorvastatin treatment with blood concentrations of atorvastatin and its metabolites. Diagnostic and discrimination performance will be determined. Conclusions. The study provides new knowledge on SAMS in coronary patients and may contribute to more personalized statin treatment and monitoring, fewer side-effects and consequently improved adherence and lipid management in future practice.

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