Does mild paravalvular regurgitation post transcatheter aortic valve implantation affect survival? A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: To assess the impact of post transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) mild paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) on mortality. More than moderate PVR after TAVI has decreased with the advent of new-generation prosthetic valves. However, mild PVR remains common and its clinical impact has been inconsistent. We aimed to assess the impact of mild PVR through meta-analysis.

Methods and results: A systematic literature search was conducted through PUBMED and EMBSE. Manuscripts that reported hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for clinical outcome of interest (all-cause and cardiac mortality) has been included. Random-effects model was used for calculation of HR. A total of 25 articles including total of 21,018 patients were finally included for quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Our pooled analysis demonstrated higher all-cause mortality in patients with mild PVR compared to none/trivial PVR (HR 1.26, 95%CI 1.11-1.43, I² =45%, p < 0.001) (follow up duration range 6 months to 5 years). Significant heterogeneity among studies was observed (p for heterogeneity = 0.005). Egger's test showed no evidence of publication bias. Cardiovascular mortality was increased in patients with mild PVR compared with none/trivial PVR (HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.05-1.57, I² =8%, p = 0.02) (follow up duration range 1-3 years).

Conclusions: Mild PVR was associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality after TAVI. Whether further interventions in mild PVR is of benefit, has yet to be determined.

Keywords: aortic valve disease; meta-analysis; transcatheter valve implantation.