Risk Factors for Late Valve-Related Mortality after Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Purpose: Few recent studies have examined the long-term outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR), and independent predictors for long-term survival and valve-related mortality have not been elucidated.Methods: From January 1993 to December 2009, 132 elderly patients (≥70 years old) with aortic stenosis underwent AVR in our hospital. The patients comprised 61 men and71 women with a mean age of 76.1 ± 3.7 years. Patients with acute or old myocardial infarction, mitral valve disease, and re-do surgery were not included in this study. Risk factors for late valve-related mortality were examined.Results: The 5-year freedom from valve-related mortality rate was 89.6%. The following significant independent risk factors for late valve-related mortality were identified:increase in the preoperative left ventricular mass index (hazard ratio, 1.10 [per 10 g/m²];p = 0.040); lack of sinus rhythm (hazard ratio, 7.11; p = 0.005); peak transvalvular pressure gradient of <60 mmHg (hazard ratio, 7.48; p = 0.008).Conclusion: In the elderly, AVR should be performed at an early stage of aortic stenosis, before an increase in the left ventricular mass index has occured, and while the heart rhythm is in sinus rhythm and the peak transvalvular pressure gradient is high.