Gene positive vs. gene negative clinical and structural outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common inherited cardiovascular disease associated with increased risks of heart failure, sudden cardiac death (SCD), and stroke. Over 1,400 pathogenic variants, primarily in MYH7 and MYBPC3, have been identified, yet the prognostic significance of genetics remains unclear. Recent studies suggest genotype-positive (G+) HCM is linked to earlier diagnosis, greater disease severity, and poorer outcomes, necessitating further research to clarify the relationship between genotype, disease progression, and clinical management. ObjectivesO_LIExamine the association between genetic mutations (MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2, TNNI3) and both clinical outcomes (AF, syncope, ventricular arrhythmias, SCD, stroke) and structural cardiac characteristics (left atrial/ventricular thickness, LVEF) in HCM patients. C_LIO_LIConduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic significance of genotype-positive HCM, aiming to inform clinical risk stratification and management strategies. C_LI MethodsA systematic literature search in PubMed for English-language articles from 2000 onward using relevant Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms identified six studies meeting inclusion criteria. G+ HCM was defined as mutations in MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2, or TNNI3. Data analysis employed the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, assessing outcomes via risk ratios and mean differences with random-effects models. Heterogeneity was evaluated using appropriate statistical methods. ResultsG+ HCM showed significantly increased risk of AF (RR 1.20, p = 0.02) and ventricular arrhythmias (RR 1.56, p = 0.04), with greater left atrial thickness (p = 0.004). No significant differences were found in syncope (p = 0.33), stroke (p = 0.98), or SCD (p = 0.22), left ventricular thickness (p = 0.13), or LVEF (p = 0.10) between G+ and G-patients. These findings underscore the impact of genetic mutations on arrhythmic risk and structural remodeling in HCM. ConclusionsGenetic mutations in MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNT2, and TNNI3 increase AF, ventricular arrhythmias, and left atrial remodeling risks in HCM patients, but do not significantly affect stroke, SCD, syncope, or left ventricular structure. Genetic status is crucial in risk assessment, necessitating close arrhythmia monitoring in G+ patients and further research to refine risk stratification and management strategies in HCM.