Usefulness of Percutaneous Aortic Valve Implantation to Improve Quality of Life in Patients >80 Years of Age

Older patients with aortic stenosis cannot always be offered conventional surgical aortic valve replacement at an acceptable risk. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is currently considered an alternative treatment option with lower periprocedural risks. However, its effect on post-TAVI quality of life and clinical improvement has not been systematically and prospectively evaluated in those of advanced age. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the clinical improvement in geriatric patients after TAVI, with a special emphasis on quality of life. In the present study, we assessed the quality of life and brain natriuretic peptide in patients aged >80 years, before and 6 months after transfemoral Core Valve implantation. Of 87 prospectively studied patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis at an age of >= 81 years, 80 survived for 6 months and were able to attend the follow-up visit with a quality of life assessment, using the Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 36-Item Health Survey (average age 86 +/- 2.9 years). The average scores of all 8 health components had improved significantly after TAVI. The greatest gain was seen in physical functioning (improvement from 23.4 +/- 6.0 to 67.8 +/- 13.7; p <0.001). The lowest gain was seen in bodily pain (improved from 37.5 +/- 9.4 to 51.3 +/- 11.5; p <0.05). Similarly, both the physical and the mental component summary scores improved significantly. This was consistent with significant improvement in brain natriuretic peptide levels (5,770 +/- 8,016 to 1,641 +/- 3,650 ng/L; p <0.0001). In conclusion, the results of the present study have shown a significant clinical benefit from TAVI in a patient population aged >= 81 years. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (Am J Cardiol 2010;106:1777-1781)