Assessment of potential transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy cases in the Brazilian public health system using a machine learning model

Abstract

Objectives To identify and describe the profile of potential transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) cases in the Brazilian public health system (SUS), using a predictive machine learning (ML) model. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive database study that aimed to estimate the frequency of potential ATTR-CM cases in the Brazilian public health system using a supervised ML model, from January 2015 to December 2021. To build the model, a list of ICD-10 codes and procedures potentially related with ATTR-CM was created based on literature review and validated by experts. Results From 2015 to 2021, the ML model classified 262 hereditary ATTR-CM (hATTR-CM) and 1,581 wild-type ATTR-CM (wtATTR-CM) potential cases. Overall, the median age of hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM patients was 66.8 and 59.9 years, respectively. The ICD-10 codes most presented as hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM were related to heart failure and arrythmias. Regarding the therapeutic itinerary, 13% and 5% of hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM received treatment with tafamidis meglumine, respectively, while 0% and 29% of hATTR-CM and wtATTR-CM were referred to heart transplant. Conclusion Our findings may be useful to support the development of health guidelines and policies to improve diagnosis, treatment, and to cover unmet medical needs of patients with ATTR-CM in Brazil.