The influence of metabolic syndrome in heart valve intervention. A multi-centric study

The effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined as insulin resistance along with two or more of: obesity, atherogenic dyslipidaemia and elevated blood pressure, on postoperative complications after isolated heart valve intervention remains controversial. We hypothesized that MetS may negatively influence the postoperative course in these patients.

Patients from 10 cardiac units who underwent isolated valve intervention (mitral $$  tricuspid repair/replacement (mitral valve surgery [MVS]) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR), or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) were included. MetS was defined according to the World Health Organization criteria. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality and overall postoperative length of stay (LOS). Relevant postoperative complications were also recorded.

From 2010 to 2019, 17,283 patients underwent valve intervention. The MVS, SVAR, and TAVR accounted for the 39.4%, 48.2%, and 12.3% respectively of the whole. MetS compared to no-MetS was associated to higher mortality in the MVS group (6.5% vs. 2%, p < .001), but not in the SAVR and TAVR group. In both surgical cohorts, MetS was associated with increased complications including red blood cells transfusion, renal failure, mechanical ventilation time, intensive care and overall postoperative LOS (11 (9) vs. 10 (6), p < .001 and 10 (6) versus 10 (5) days, p = .002, MVS and [SAVR]). No differences were found in the TAVR cohort, with similar mortality and complications.

MetS was associated to more postoperative complications, with higher mortality in the MVS group. In the TAVR cohort, postoperative complications and mortality rate did not differ between patients with and without MetS, however LOS was longer in the MetS group.