Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequent and has been directly related to high mortality rates. The pathophysiology of TR is mainly functional as it occurs predominantly in the context of left-sided heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, or atrial fibrillation. Surgery is currently the primary treatment option in patients with functional TR. However, isolated tricuspid valve surgery is associated with an intolerable high risk of operative mortality and poor outcomes. New transcatheter options could be used in high-surgical risk patients. However, with often severely dilated annuli with a non-planar and elliptical shape, absence of calcification, and proximity of structures, the tricuspid valve anatomy poses many challenges. Predictors of outcome are yet to be defined in patients with TR in order to improve risk prediction for the different treatment modalities (medical, surgical, interventional). The Tricuspid Regurgitation Hamburg Cohort (TRUTH) aims to monitor patients with relevant TR, irrespective of the underlying etiology or therapeutic approach. In addition to available evidence from previously published clinical trials, elaborate prospective clinical registries, such as TRUTH, that monitor clinical routine and current practice, will be of significant importance to further enhance therapeutic options.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
2,000
University Heart and Vascular Center Hamburg
Hamburg, Germany
RECRUITINGAll-cause mortality
Incidence of death from any cause.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Cardiovascular mortality
Incidence of cardiovascular death, defined as death attributable to myocardial ischemia and infarction, heart failure, cardiac arrest because of other or unknown cause, or cerebrovascular accident.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Rehospitalization for congestive heart failure
Incidence of new-onset or worsening signs and symptoms of heart failure that required urgent therapy and resulted in hospitalization, e.g. as assessed by patient interviews.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Unplanned tricuspid valve intervention
Incidence of unplanned surgical or transcatheter re-intervention, heart transplantation or assist device implantation, e.g. as assessed by patient interviews.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Tricuspid regurgitation severity
Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity measured by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Assessment of TR severity according to current recommendations for valvular heart disease.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Change in 6-minute-walking-test (6MWT) distance
6MWT will be performed by all participants at baseline and at follow-up visits.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Change in quality of life
Quality of life will be assessed by a standardized questionnaire \[Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire \[KCCQ\]) in all participants at baseline and at follow-up visits (or by phone interviews). The score is represented on a 0-to-100-point scale, where lower scores represent more severe symptoms and/or limitations and a score of 100 indicates no symptoms, no limitations, and excellent quality of life.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Change in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class
New York Heart Association \[NYHA\] functional class (I-IV) will be assessed in all participants at baseline and at follow-up visits (or by phone interviews). NYHA Class I: No symptoms and no limitation in ordinary physical activity, e.g. shortness of breath when walking, climbing stairs etc. NYHA Class II: Mild symptoms (mild shortness of breath and/or angina) and slight limitation during ordinary activity. NYHA Class III: Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity, e.g. walking short distances (20-100 m). Comfortable only at rest. NYHA Class IV: Severe limitations. Experiences symptoms even while at rest. Mostly bedbound patients.
Time frame: 6-60 months
Sebastian Ludwig, MD
CONTACT
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