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Integrated Whole-Life Cycle Accuracy Valvular Heart Disease Epidemiology Cohort Study (iWAVE): protocol for a
Xiang Liu1,2, Yuqiang Wang1,3, Tingqian Cao1,4
1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
Insights
This study establishes a comprehensive cohort for valvular heart disease (VHD) in China, tracking patient outcomes and risk factors to improve integrated care management and long-term recovery after valve surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Valvular heart disease (VHD) prevalence is rising in China, especially among the elderly.
- Resource-limited western regions face a high cardiovascular disease burden due to fragmented care.
- A need exists for a comprehensive, lifelong VHD cohort data platform.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish the Integrated Whole-Life Cycle Accuracy Valvular Heart Disease Epidemiology Cohort Study.
- To examine risk factors, disease progression, and treatment strategies for VHD.
- To analyze long-term functional recovery trajectories post-valve surgery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study enrolling ~10,000 participants by 2028.
- Multi-center collaboration led by West China Hospital with 15 medical consortiums.
- Collection of demographic data, biological samples, follow-up data, patient-reported outcomes, and electronic health records.
Main Results:
- The study aims to assess VHD disease trajectory, risk factors, and protective measures.
- Analysis will cover progression, prognosis, and lifetime endpoint events for VHD patients.
- Longitudinal data will inform integrated care and treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- The cohort platform is essential for understanding and managing VHD in China.
- Findings will guide improved risk factor screening and patient management.
- This research will enhance long-term functional recovery and outcomes for VHD patients.
Introduction:
Despite the rapid advancements in cardiovascular surgery in China, the prevalence of valvular heart disease (VHD) continues to rise, particularly among the elderly population. In the resource-constrained western regions, the lack of an integrated care management system significantly contributes to the burden of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, a comprehensive cohort data platform that encompasses the entire lifespan of patients with VHD is essential. This prospective cohort study aims to facilitate the examination of risk factor screening, disease progression, diagnostic and treatment strategies, and the long-term functional recovery trajectories of patients following valve surgery.
Methods And Analysis:
The Integrated Whole-Life Cycle Accuracy Valvular Heart Disease Epidemiology Cohort Study is a prospective cohort study that plans to enrol approximately 10 000 participants, including both patients with VHD and members of the general population, by 2028. Led by the West China Hospital of Sichuan University, it will be conducted in collaboration with 15 medical consortiums and their affiliated community hospitals. This study seeks to assess the disease trajectory of VHD, as well as the risk factors and protective measures that influence its progression and prognosis. This study will collect and analyse basic demographic information, peripheral blood and tissue samples, long-term functional follow-up data, and patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Additionally, electronic health records will be used to document patients with VHD undergoing surgical interventions, along with lifetime endpoint events for the valve clinical study.
Ethics And Dissemination:
The study protocol was approved by the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of West China Hospital of Sichuan University (No. 20232422). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. The study findings will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
