bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of one-year survival prediction tools in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Blum M , McKendrick K , Gelfman L.P , Goldstein N.E
Published: October 2021

Background

Predicting survival in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) remains difficult and prognostic scores such as the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) are cumbersome to use. Alternative approaches like the Surprise Question (SC) or the number of HF hospitalisations within the last year (NoH) could simplify prognostication.

Purpose

We assessed the prognostic utility of the SHFM, SC and NoH for predicting one-year survival status in patients with advanced HF.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a multisite, single-blinded cluster-randomized, controlled trial to test whether a structured intervention of educational content and automated reminders increased the likelihood of ICD deactivation conversations and ICD deactivation. The study was performed within the advanced HF practices at six US academic medical centers, between September 2011 to February 2016. Patient eligibility criteria included advanced HF, an implantable cardiac defibrillator and a high risk of death, with complete data on SHFM, SC, NoH and one-year survival status. SHFM survival was calculated from baseline variables; the SC (“Would you be surprised if the patient were to die within one year?”) was answered by cardiologists; and the NoH was extracted from medical records. For prediction of survival status, cut-offs for predicted survival per SHFM and NoH were chosen empirically by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis maximising Youden's index. The resulting binary prediction models were assessed based on area under the ROC curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Of the 535 subjects in our sample, 82 (15.3%) had died after one-year of follow-up. For the SHFM and the NoH, optimal cut-offs were found to be a predicted survival <86% and ≥2 hospitalisations, respectively.

Performance metrics of prognostic models are detailed in Table 1. The SHFM yielded an AUC of 0.65 (0.60–0.71 95% confidence interval [CI]), a sensitivity of 0.76 (0.65–0.84 95% CI), and a specificity of 0.55 (0.50–0.60 95% CI). The SC demonstrated a comparable AUC 0.58 (0.54–0.63 95% CI), similar sensitivity 0.84 (0.74–0.91 95% CI), but lower specificity 0.33 (0.28–0.37 95% CI) compared to the SHFM. The NoH demonstrated a comparable AUC 0.56 (0.50–0.62 95% CI), similar sensitivity 0.56 (0.45–0.67 95% CI), and similar specificity 0.56 (0.51–0.61 95% CI) compared to the SHFM. The combination of positive SC and NoH ≥2 showed significantly higher specificity compared to the SHFM (0.68 [0.64–0.73 95% CI]).

Conclusion

The SC and NoH are clinically feasible bedside alternatives to the more complex SHFM model, yet yield similar overall prognostic utility for one-year survival status among advanced HF patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Age- and Sex-Specific Rates of Heart Failure and other Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Sun G.L , Yafasova A , Andersson C , McMurray J.J.V , Jhund P.S , Docherty K.F , Faurschou M , Nielsen C.T , Shams-Eldin A , Gislason G.H , Torp-Pedersen C , Fosboel E.L , Koeber L , Butt J.H
Published: October 2021

Background

Age at disease onset and sex appear to modify the disease course in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although patients with SSc have a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes than people without SSc, there are few data on age- and sex-specific risks of heart failure (HF) and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with SSc.

Objectives

To investigate the long-term rates of HF and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes (including arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, venous thromboembolism, and pulmonary hypertension) in a nationwide cohort of patients with SSc compared with the background population according to age and sex, separately.

Methods

Using Danish nationwide registries, all patients >18 years with newly diagnosed SSc (1996–2018) were identified. SSc patients were matched at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, and comorbidities with controls from the background population without SSc. Rates of outcomes according to age (above/below median age) and sex were compared between cases and controls using Cox regression.

Results

Of the 2,019 patients diagnosed with SSc, 1,569 patients were matched with 6,276 controls from the background population (median age 55 years, 80.4% women). SSc was associated with a higher rate of HF in both women (HR 2.99 [95% CI, 2.18–4.09]) and men (HR 3.01 [1.83–4.95]) (Pfor interaction=0.88), with similar findings for other cardiovascular outcomes.For age interaction, SSc was associated with an increased rate of HF in patients <55 years (HR 4.14 [2.54–6.74]) and ≥55 years (HR 2.74 [1.98–3.78]), with similar effect of younger and older groups on HF (P for interaction=0.21), and other cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusions

SSc was associated with an increased long-term rate of cardiovascular outcomes compared with a matched background population, with similar extent in different gender and age groups.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Adjusted hazard ratios according to sexAdjusted hazard ratios according to age
Statin use is associated with lower risk of new onset dementia in patients with heart failure
Authors: Ren Q.W , Yi-Kei T.S.E , Hang-Long L.I , Si-Yeung Y.U , Pui-Fai W.O.N.G , Mei-Zhen W.U , Hung-Fat T.S.E , Kai-Hang Y.I.U
Published: October 2021

Background

Increasing number of heart failure (HF) patients diagnosed with dementia due to improved treatment and aging population. Data relating to the association of statin use on the risk of dementia incidence among patients with HF are sparse.

Methods

Using a previously validated territory-wide clinical information registry, statin use was ascertained among all eligible patients with HF (N=241,995) from 1996 to 2019. Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline covariates between statin nonusers (167,738 patients) with statin users (74,257 patients). Competing risk regression with Cox proportional-hazard models was performed to estimate the risk of incident dementia associated with statin use.

Results

Of all eligible subjects, the mean age was 76.5±13.0 years, 115,371 (47.7%) was male. Over a median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 0.6 to 6.7), 13,482 (5.6%) patients were diagnosed with dementia including Alzheimer's disease (N=5,253), senile dementia uncomplicated (N=4,273), arteriosclerotic dementia (N=3,262), and others (N=694). Statin use (vs. none) was associated with a 58% lower risk of dementia incidence (multivariable-adjusted sub-distribution hazard ratio [SHR]=0.42; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.38 to 0.46) after accounting for death as a competing risk. Moreover, the male gender was associated with a 51% lower risk of dementia incidence (multivariable-adjusted SHR=0.59; 95% CI (0.54–0.65) compared with females.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that there is substantial sex difference in the incidence of dementia among HF patients. Moreover, statin use is associated with a significantly lower risk of incident dementia in HF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Are there predictor variables for the diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis?
Authors: Goena C , Arana X , Villanueva I , Solla I , Rengel A , Querejeta R
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) can be reliably diagnosed in the absence of histology if grade 2 or 3 cardiac uptake is demonstrated on 99mTc-DPD scan (DPD) in the absence of a detectable monoclonal component. Diagnosis requires a high degree of clinical suspicion in the presence of often non-specific findings and that it may be one of the reasons to under-diagnose ATTR. The aim of the study is to identify clinical, analytical and ECG variables that best predict a positive DPD result.

Methods

This is a multicentre retrospective study including all patients undergoing consecutive 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in a reference area of 750,000 inhabitants between January 2016 and January 2021 for suspected ATTR. AL amyloidosis patients were excluded. Clinical, analytical, ECG and echocardiographic data were analyzed. We identified variables that independently predicted a positive DPD study using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis and the Area under the Curve (AUC) were calculated to assess the discrimination capacity of the model to predict a positive DPD study.

Results

DPD scans from a total of 181 patients were analyzed. Mean age of the sample: 78 years (42–96), 100% caucasians, 77% male. 54.7% (N=99) had a positive DPD study (defined as grade 2 or 3 Perugini uptake) and 45.3% (N=82) were negative. Independent predictors of a positive study were age, male gender, left ventricular septum thickness, any grade of atrioventricular block, low QRS voltage, Carpal tunnel syndrome, history of hypotension or need to lower antihypertensive drugs and a NT-proBNP value above 1800 pg/ml (See Table 1). The diagnostic accuracy of the model was excellent, with an AUC of 0.92 (IC 95% 0.87–0.96) (see Figure 1).

Conclusions

There are clinical-analytical factors and ECG and echocardiogram findings accessible in daily clinical practice that are able to predict a positive result on cardiac scintigraphy requested for suspected ATTR. Identifying these factors may improve the non-invasive diagnosis of ATTR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Table 1. Multivariable logistic regression analysFigure 1. ROC curve
Long term prognostic value of myocardin expression levels in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Marketou M , Kontaraki J , Patrianakos A , Kanoupakis E , Plevritaki A , Kallergis E , Mavrakis H , Koutalas E , Anastasiou I , Papadaki S , Kochiadakis G , Parthenakis F
Published: October 2021

Background

We The mortality of patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) remains substantial. We evaluated gene expression levels of myocardin, an early cardiac gene, in the peripheral blood cells of NIDCM patients as a prognostic biomarker in their long-term outcome and mortality from congestive HF (CHF).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 101 consecutives optimally treated NIDCM patients of Cretan origin who were enrolled from the HF clinic of our hospital from November 2005 to December 2008. Our patient data were either taken from their medical files or recorded during visits to the HF unit or hospitalizations. Follow-up was carried out by telephone interview and by accessing information from general practitioners and cardiologists in private practice.

Results

The median follow up period was 8 years (mean follow-up 7±3.4 years). The overall mortality during follow-up was 61.4%, while mortality due to congestive heart failure (CHF) was 49.5%. Higher CHF and all-cause mortality were observed in patients with myocardin levels >14.26 (p<0.001 for both CHF and all-cause mortality). A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that myocardin level of expression had independent significant prognostic value for the risk of death from CHF (HR: 14.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.3–39). in those patients.

Conclusions

Peripheral blood cells gene expression of myocardin, an early myocardial marker, may serve as prognostic biomarkers of the long-term outcome of patients with NIDCM. Our findings open new prospects in the risk stratification of these patients.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1
Low plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide predict the insulin resistance and left ventricular concentric remodeling in subjects without heart diseases: the observational arita cohort study
Authors: Okamoto C , Hasegawa T , Tsukamoto O , Hitsumoto T , Matsuoka K , Takashima S , Amaki M , Kanzaki H , Izumi C , Ito S , Kitakaze M
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Although natriuretic peptides (NPs) are established as a biomarker of heart failure (HF), NPs have been attracting attention as a mediator in the metabolic sequences recently. On the other hand, metabolic disorders including insulin resistance have been suggested to be involved in left ventricular (LV) concentric remodeling, hinting us to the unexpected relationship among NPs, insulin resistance and LV concentric remodeling.

Purpose

To investigate whether the basal B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level is linked to insulin resistance or LV concentric remodeling in the participants independent of HF in the Japanese Arita-cho cohort study.

Methods

Among 1632 subjects who participated in annual health checks from 2005 to 2008 in Arita-cho, Saga, Japan as a cohort study, we studied 675 subjects without history of cardiovascular disease with LV ejection fraction≥50% and BNP level<35pg/ml (227 men; median 62 years old). Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and LV geometry including LV concentric remodeling was classified based on relative wall thickness (RWT) and LV mass index from echocardiographic findings.

Results

The tertile levels of BNP were inversely associated with HOMA-IR (the 1st tertile 1.33 (0.76–1.74), the 2nd tertile 1.05 (0.72–1.59), the 3rd tertile 0.95 (0.66–1.58), p=0.005); in the logistic regression analysis, the lower BNP level was related to the prevalence of insulin resistance defined as HOMA-IR≥1.37 after full multivariate adjustment (1 SD increment of BNP: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.740, 95% confidence interval 0.601–0.912, P=0.005. LV concentric remodeling (RWT >0.42 and LV mass index ≤115 g/m2 in men and ≤95 g/m2 in women) was observed in 170 (25%) subjects; both low BNP level and higher insulin resistance were independently linked with LV concentric remodeling after multivariate adjustment (1 SD increment of BNP: aOR 0.714, 95% CI 0.544–0.938, p=0.015, HOMA-IR≥1.37 vs. <1.37: aOR 1.694, 95% CI 1.004–2.857, p=0.048, respectively) (Figure).

Conclusions

In the cohort without HF, the low BNP level was linked to insulin resistance and LV concentric remodeling independently, suggesting that the subjects with low NPs levels may cause metabolic disorders and LV morphological abnormalities.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
First-phase ejection fraction, a measure of pre-clinical heart failure, is strongly associated with increased mortality in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Gu H , Chiara C , Nabeebaccus A , Sun Z , Fang L , Xie Y , Zhang L , Carr-White G , Shah A , Xie M , Chowienczyk P
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Presence of heart failure is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to examine whether first-phase ejection fraction (EF1), the ejection fraction measured in early systole up to the time of peak aortic velocity, a sensitive measure of pre-clinical heart failure, is associated with survival in patients hospitalised with COVID-19.

Methods

A retrospective outcome study was performed in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 who underwent echocardiography (n=380) at the West Branch of the Union Hospital, Wuhan, China and in patients admitted to King's Health Partners in South London UK. Association of EF1 with survival was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression. EF1 was compared in patients with COVID-19 and in historical controls with similar co-morbidities (n=266) who had undergone echocardiography before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

In patients with COVID-19, EF1 was a strong predictor of survival in each patient group (Wuhan and London). In the combined group, EF1 was a stronger predictor of survival than other clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics including age, co-morbidities and biochemical markers (figure 1). A cut-off value of 25% for EF1 gave a hazard ratio of 5.23 (95% CI: 2.85–9.60, p<0.001) unadjusted and 4.83 (95% CI: 2.35–9.95, p<0.001) when adjusted for demographics, co-morbidities, hs-cTnI and CRP (figure 2). EF1 was similar in patients with and without COVID-19 (23.2±7.3 vs 22.0±7.6%, p=0.092, adjusted for prevalence of risk factors and co-morbidities).

Conclusion

Impaired first-phase ejection fraction is strongly associated with mortality in COVID-19 and probably reflects pre-existing, pre-clinical heart failure.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UKBritish Heart Foundation (BHF) UK Figure 1. ROC curve for prediction of mortalityFigure 2. Kaplan-Meier Curve of EF1 (cut-off 25%)
Proportionality of tricuspid regurgitation determines outcome in acute heart failure
Authors: Ashcroft E , Berrill M , John I , Baltabaeva A
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The impact of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) incompletely understood. Often TR is considered secondary to right ventricular (RV) remodelling and dysfunction, and it is not clear if the regurgitant volume itself has additional adverse effects on outcome. We hypothesised a novel index, where TR regurgitant volumes (TRRV [ml]) are divided by the RV end-diastolic volumes (RVEDV [ml]) may help to identify patients at risk of poor outcome.

Purpose

To identify a cut-off for disproportionate TR and to assess its impact on survival in AHF.

Methods

418 consecutive patients admitted with AHF over 12 months to a single centre in the United Kingdom were recruited and followed up for 2 years. The endpoint was death from any cause. TR RV was calculated using the proximal isovelocity surface area method and right ventricular volumes using ellipsoid model. Receiver Operator Curve analyses were carried for the TRRV/RVEDV index. The optimum cut-off for prediction of 2-year mortality was estimated by identifying the sensitivity and specificity associated with the maximum Youden Index. These cut-offs were then used as a binary determinant of proportionate vs disproportionate TR.

Results

357/418 patients displayed TR (85.4%). The maximum Younden index associated criterion was >44.3, which defined a binary determinant of disproportionate TR. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics however patients with disproportionate TR were slightly older, predominantly female with chronic kidney disease, but a lower prevalence of diabetes. The mechanism of disproportionality in TR appears to be driven by increasing regurgitant volumes (79.2±47.2ml vs 22.9±19.5ml) and pulmonary artery pressures (50.7±16.4mmHg vs. 63.1±20.0mmHg) as RVEDV were similar between groups (113.5±48.8ml vs. 107.0±45.8ml). Patients with disproportionate TR were at greater risk of 2-year mortality (47.2%) compared to proportionate TR (36.6%) (HR 1.50; CI 1.03–2.15 [p=0.034]).

Conclusion

The disproportionate TR cut-off of 44.3ml-2 was able separate out those at greater risk. RVFAC, a traditional measurement of RV function was very similar between the two groups. This suggests rapid echo assessment may help to risk stratify patients presenting in AHF, aiding clinical decision making.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Kaplan-Meier survival curveBaseline characteristics
Clinical features and long-term prognosis of patients with congestive heart failure taking tolvaptan: a comparison between preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Seki T , Kubota Y , Matsuda J , Tokita Y , Iwasaki Y , Shimizu W
Published: October 2021

Background

There were few reports which investigated the clinical benefit of long-term use of tolvaptan (TLV) for heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis of patients administrated TLV for more than 1 year in the HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Method

In a total of 591 consecutive patients who were admitted to our hospital and administered TLV for HF between 2011 and 2018, we retrospectively enrolled 147 patients who were administered TLV for more than 1 year. The patients were classified into 2 groups, the HFpEF group (n=77, 52.4%) and the HFrEF group (n=70, 47.6%), and clinical backgrounds and long-term prognosis were examined. Furthermore, we performed stratified analysis based on the response to TLV defined by urine osmolality (The responder group n=40, the non-responder group n=52).

Results

The HFpEF group was significantly older (77.7±9.2 vs. 71.3±11.5 years, P<0.01) and included more female (41.6 vs. 21.4%, P<0.01) compared with the HFrEF group. Other baseline characteristics were not different between the two groups. During the average 2.7 years follow up, the HFpEF group showed significantly lower all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality compared to the HFrEF group (24.7 vs. 38.6%, Log-Rank P=0.014, 13.0 vs. 25.7%, Log-Rank P=0.007, respectively). Univariate analysis revealed that male, HFpEF, serum creatinine changes from baseline (ΔCre) were the factors correlated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.12, 95% CI 1.02 – 4.40, P=0.045, HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.26 - 0.87, P=0.016 and HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.00 - 2.24, P=0.049, respectively). According to multivariate analysis, HFpEF was the independent influencing factor of all-cause mortality (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.23 - 0.86, P=0.017). Stratified analysis revealed that in the non-responder group all-cause mortality was significantly lower in the HFpEF group than in the HFrEF group (24.2% vs 48.3%, P=0.049).

Conclusion

Long-term administration of TLV maybe more beneficial for HFpEF compared with HFrEF. This tendency was remarkable at non-responder group.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Targeted delivery controlled release of hepatic growth factor and insulin-like growth factor-1 improves left ventricular repair in a porcine model of myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury
Authors: Wu M , Claus P , De Buck S , Veltman D , Gillijns H , Holemans P , Pokreisz P , Caluwe E , Estefania E , Cohen S , Prosper F , Pelacho B , Janssens S
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Nanomedicine offers great potential for treatment of cardiovascular disease. We tested whether direct intramyocardial (IM) injection of pro-angiogenic hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and pro-myogenic insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) encapsulated in Alginate-Sulfate nanoparticles (AlgS-NP) enhances myocardial retention, controlled release and improves myocardial repair in a porcine ischemia-reperfusion model.

Methods

Bioactivity of HGF/IGF, released from AlgS-NP, was determined by cell proliferation assays in vitro. Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by 75min balloon occlusion of the mid-LAD followed by reperfusion. After 1w, pigs (n=12) with marked LV dysfunction (EF<45%) were randomized to fusion imaging-guided IM injections of 8 mg Cy5-labelled AlgS-NP loaded with 200μg HGF and 200μg IGF-1 (GF) or with phosphate-buffered saline (CON) using the MYOSTAR injection catheter. AlgS-NP retention after IM or intracoronary (IC) injection was determined by measuring Cy5 plasma levels. At 8w, treatment effect was evaluated using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging and coronary physiological measurements, and via post-mortem analysis of myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte circumference.

Results

We confirmed the bioactivity of the AlgS-NP-released GF in C2C12 and HUVEC cell proliferation assays after 72h culture, being similar to the free GF (Fig. A). AlgS-NP retention was tested in a pig model, 1w after MI. Ejection fraction (EF) was 37±5% (range 27–45%) and infarct size (IS)/LVmass 24±6% (range 19–38%). AlgS-NP retention was better after IM delivery than after IC infusion with plasma Cy5 levels at 30 min after treatment indicating 5% systemic leakage for IM vs. 20% for IC. After 8w, IS/LVmass decreased 8% in GF-treated pigs vs. 3% in CON (P=0.03, Fig. B) and was associated with preserved myocardial blood flow during hyperemia in the infarct (P=0.036) and peri-infarct (PI) zones (P=0.008), increased coronary flow reserve (P=0.05) and decreased index of microcirculatory resistance (P=0.02). LVEF significantly increased in GF-treated pigs (+6±2% vs. −1±1% in CON, P=0.02, Fig. C), and was accompanied by significantly reduced fibrosis (P=0.01) and increased hypertrophy of cardiomyocyte (P=0.03) in the PI zone.

Conclusions

IM injection of AlgS-NP-encapsulated HGF and IGF-1 to the ischemic myocardium significantly improves LV repair, and offers the prospect of innovative treatment for patients with refractory ischemic heart disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): EuroNanoMed II Figure AFigure B and C
Effects of aerobic physical rehabilitation on muscle fiber metabolism in patients with severe heart failure
Authors: Galenko V.L , Lelyavina T.A , Dzeboeva A.Y , Yukina G.Y , Bortsova M.A , Sitnikova M.Y
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To evaluate changes of functional state and metabolism of skeletal muscle fiber (MF) after aerobic physical rehabilitation (PR), based on original method; to study relationship between clinical data dynamics and indicators of skeletal muscle metabolism after PR.

Methods

100 patients; heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), NYHA III, mean age 52±5,2 years, ejection fraction (EF) 27,3±4,2%, BMI 23,5±2,8 kg/m2. Before inclusion in PR program cardiopulmonary exercising test (CPET), echocardiography (EchoCG), quality of life (QOL), exercise tolerance (ET) were estimated. Physical training intensity was based on lactate threshold achievement during CPET. PR efficiency was estimated on the basis of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), EF, QOL and ET dynamics after 6 months PR. Shin muscle biopsy was performed at baseline and after 3–6 months PR. In muscle samples activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDG) was evaluated with plag-method. Data were statistically processed using software package “Statistika, 9.0”.

Results

After 6 months of training EF increased by 10,5±2,3%, ET increased by 9,7±0,5 points (p1,2 <0,05), QOL changed by 24,8±3,5 points (significant regression of symptoms), VO2peak increased by 5,2±0,5 ml/min/kg (p3,4 <0,05). MF diameter (dMF) after PR slightly decreased in 6 patients, in 2 patients it did not change. After 3–6 months of training AP activity increased by 24,2% (p<0,05); LDH activity in glycolytic MF decreased by 24,4%, in oxidative MF it decreased by 6,0% only (p1 <0,05, p2>0,05). SDG activity in glycolytic MF increased by 20%, in oxidative MF it increased by 30% (p1 <0,05, p2<0,05). There was a positive relationship between heart failure functional class dynamics and dMF (r=0,4, p=0,05), increase in CPET parameters was associated with AP activity (r=0,5, p=0,05).

Conclusion

Aerobic physical rehabilitation in stable HF pts, selected on the basis of LT achievement, was effective in improving values of EF, QOL, VO2peak and ET. After 3–6 months PR dMF slightly decreased;

Participating in the PR program decreased LDH activity in both oxidative and glycolytic muscle fibers; it also increased AP and SDG activity significantly. This may indicate an increase in oxidative metabolism activity and decrease in MF edema, improvement in skeletal muscles microcirculation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Right bundle branch block and male sex may help predict appropriate ICD therapies in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and a prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Authors: Amores Luque M , Jimenez-Blanco Bravo M , Parra Esteban C , Alonso Salinas G.L , Alvarez Garcia J , Fernandez Lozano I , Del Prado Diaz S , Toquero Ramos J , Zamorano Gomez J.L , Castro Urda V
Published: October 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown that prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) in patients with symptomatic severe systolic dysfunction reduce all-cause mortality. However, their benefit in patients with severe systolic dysfunction of non-ischemic origin is not so clear, and is currently under debate.

Methods/Aim

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) who underwent prophylactic ICD implantation between 2008 and 2020 in two tertiary centers. Our main goal was to identify predictors of appropriate ICD therapies (ATP and/or shocks) in this cohort of patients.

Results

A total of 224 patients were included, median age 62.7 years, 73.7% men. During a median follow-up of 51 months, 61 patients (27.2%) required appropriate ICD intervention, 7 patients (3.1%) presented inappropriate shocks and 11 (4.9%) had device infection.

Patients that received appropriate ICD therapies, as compared to those who did not, were more frequently men (86.9% vs 68.7%, p=0.006) and were significantly younger (median age 58.7 years, IQR 53.0–64.8 vs 63.7, IQR 57.0–69.8; p=0.02). Left ventricular end diastolic volume (LV-EDV) and left ventricular end systolic volume (LV-ESV) were both significantly higher in this subgroup of patients (median LVEDV 100 ml/m2 vs 86, p=0.0106; median LVESV 72.2 ml/m2 vs 60.9, p=0.0467). A trend towards lower LVEF was also noted, but it did not reach statistical significance (26% vs 29%, p=0.077). Regarding ECG previous to implant, patients that required ICD intervention presented more frequently complete right bundle branch block (RBBB) (14.8% vs 4.3%, p=0.007). On the other hand, left bundle branch block (LBBB) was more frequent in those patients who did not receive ICD intervention during follow-up (47.2% vs 26.2%, p=0.005). Table 1 summarizes baseline characteristics and results.

In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, RBBB (HR 3.9, CI 95% 1.9–8.0, p<0.001) and male sex (HR 2.38, CI 95% 1.07–5.28, p=0.034) were identified as independent predictors of appropriate ICD therapies (Figure 2).

Conclusion

RBBB and male sex may help identify patients with NICM at high-risk of ventricular arrhythmias requiring ICD intervention.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Baseline characteristics and resultsKaplan-Meier curves
The development of a new, simple electrocardiographic method for the estimation of the latest activated left ventricular site
Authors: Vereckei A , Katona G
Published: October 2021

Background

Current cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) works by pacing the latest activated left ventricular (LV) site. The estimation of the location of the latest activated LV site (LALVS) may be important to determine the optimal position of the LV electrode during CRT or to predict the patient response to the current CRT technique devised to pace the LALVS usually present in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) pattern.

Methods

We used a modified 12-lead ECG algorithm originally devised and used by other authors* for a different purpose, to identify the segment of origin of ventricular tachycardia in the 16-segment American Heart Association LV model by analyzing the QRS axis in the limb and chest leads. We hypothesized that modifying this ECG algorithm by using the secondary ST vector axis instead of the QRS axis in the limb and chest leads, we can apply this ECG method to estimate the LALVS instead of the site of origin of the ventricular tachycardia. The resultant secondary ST vector is directed 180o away from the LALVS. Using this ECG method we determined the LALVS in 22 patients with LBBB and 20 patients with nonspecific intraventricular conduction disturbance (NICD) patterns and heart failure. To validate the ECG method, we also estimated the LALVS by echocardiography using 3D parametric imaging and 2D speckle tracking.

Results

The LALVS determined by the electrocardiographic method and echocardiogrpahy in the 16-segment model matched (was in the same or adjacent segment) in 38/42 (90.5%) patients and among these patients complete matching (the LALVSs were in the same segment) was found in 16/38 (42%) and partial matching (the LALVSs were in adjacent segments) in 22/38 (58%) patients. When the LBBB and NICD groups were separated to patients with ≥150 ms and <150 ms QRS duration subgroups, the LALVSs of the ≥150 ms subgroup were almost exclusively in the anterolateral (or anterior) or inferolateral areas and those of the <150 ms subgroup were in the above mentioned areas or sometimes at other sites located remote from these areas.

Conclusions

The novel, simple surface electrocardiographic method could as reliably estimate the approximate location of LALVS as echocardiography. The possible explanation for the effectivity of CRT in patients with sinus rhythm with intraventricular conduction disturbance and ≥150 ms QRS duration is that their LALVS is at the same most distant areas (anterolateral, anterior, inferolateral) from the initial septal activation site where the LV electrodes are positioned during application of the current CRT technique.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Trends, risk factors and prognostic implications of postoperative stroke after heart transplantation: an analysis of the UNOS database
Authors: Briasoulis A , Doulamis I , Kampaktsis P , Alvarez P
Published: October 2021

Background

Post-operative stroke increases morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery. Data on characteristics and outcomes of stroke after heart transplantation (HT) are limited.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the UNOS database from 2009 to 2020 to identify adults who developed stroke after orthotropic HT. HT recipients were divided according to the presence or absence of postoperative stroke. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality after HT.

Results

A total of 25,015 HT recipients were analyzed, including 719 (2.9%) patients who suffered perioperative stroke. The rates of stroke increased from 2.1% in 2009 to 3.7% in 2019 and the risk of stroke was higher after the implantation of the new allocation system (odds ratio 1.29, 1.29, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.06–1.56, p=0.01). HT recipients with postoperative stroke were older (p=0.008), with higher rates of prior cerebrovascular accident (CVA) (p=0.004), prior cardiac surgery (p<0.001), longer waitlist time (p=0.04), higher rates of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support (ECMO) (p<0.001), left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) (p<0.001), mechanical ventilation (p=0.003) and longer ischemic time (p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment for recipient and donor characteristics, age, prior cardiac surgery, CVA, support with LVAD, ECMO, ischemic time and mechanical ventilation at the time of HT were independent predictors of postoperative stroke. Stroke was associated with increased risk of 30-day and all-cause mortality after HT (hazard ratio [HR] 1.49, CI 1.12–1.99, p=0.007).

Conclusion

Perioperative stroke after HT is infrequent but associated with higher mortality. Redo sternotomy, LVAD and ECMO support at HT are among the risk factors identified.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Risk factors for stroke
The surgical management of heart failure: heart transplantation in the era of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Malyszek J , Jasinska M , Zembala M , Ratman K , Krol B , Tkocz K , Pelar K , Sybila P , Pajor M , Nawrat Z
Published: October 2021

Purpose

End-stage heart failure (HF) is a major global clinical problem with a growing number of patients worldwide. Heart transplantation (HTx) and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) represent the two most effective procedural options for the treatment of end-stage HF. HTx remains the treatment of choice in patients who reach maximal medical therapy, but, remain incapacitated by their symptoms.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has significantly affected the delivery of medical care across all specialties, therefore, it is not a surprise that the number of HTx has drastically diminished worldwide during the pandemic.

We developed in our Center of Heart Diseases effective safety measures and team approach in order to perform HTx with excellent outcomes.

Methods

All patients with reduced ejection fraction, heart failure at presentation and had been adequately investigated had been evaluated by a multidisciplinary team and when appropriate entered into a waiting list for HTx.

Results

From March2020 to March 2021, 96 patients underwent orthotopic HTx. The age range was 33 - 66 yrs and a median of 54 yr. Both donor and recipient were tested for SARS-CoV-2 within 48 hrs of the procedure, and none tested positive. All recipients were regularly tested following the procedure, too, and none were positive. 53 patients with INTERMACS 4 class have been treated, 31 with INTERMACS 3 class and 11 patients with INTERMACS 2. Only one patient with INTERMACS 1 underwent HTx. 6 (10%) patients died within the first 30 days following HTx.

All staff caring for those patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2 at regular intervals. There was liberal use of PPE at all stages of the care of the patients, with strict hand hygiene.

All surviving patients were subjected to the normal protocol of post-operative management in terms of immunosuppression and other medications.

Conclusion

Heart transplantation remains the treatment of choice for advanced heart failure. About 85% of heart transplant patients survive one year following the procedure thus giving them a better quality of life. We have shown that successful heart transplantation may be performed during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Twenty-year temporal and regional trends in heart transplantation in Europe: results from the Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT)
Authors: Manla Y , Al Badarin F.J , Soliman M , Gobolos L , Alsindi F , Bader F
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Heart transplant (HT) remains the only cure for patients with advanced heart failure. However, limited supply of donors continues to be the main obstacle to growing transplant programs around the world. Since population changes are not uniform, describing temporal trends in availability of donors and in number of transplanted hearts will provide better understanding of regional variations in organ availability and allocation.

Purpose

We aim to evaluate temporal and regional trends in number of brain-dead donors (BDDs) and its association with the number of heart transplants (HTs) in Europe between 2000 and 2019.

Methods

Global Observatory on Donation and Transplantation (GODT) represents the world's most comprehensive source of data on organ donation and transplantation. Available data were collected for all European countries for the years (2000–2019) except for the year 2005. Geographical classification (north, west, central, south) was made according to EuroVoc definition. Trends of HTs and BDDs were assessed using Joinpoint Software of the National Cancer Institute to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and reported as per million population (PMP). The linear correlation coefficient was assessed using R studio.

Results

Over the past two decades, there was a 35% increase in HTs PMP rate in Europe from the year 2000 to 2019 with an APC of 1.4% (95% CI [1.1–1.7], P<.0001). This change was more pronounced in Central Europe, where HTs PMP rate increased from 0.65 in 2000 to 2.93 in 2019 (APC 9.9% (95% CI [8.1–11.8], P<.0001)) and in Northern Europe, where HTs PMP rate increased from 2.97 in 2000 to 5.18 in 2019 (APC 2.7% (95% CI [1.8–3.7], P<.0001)) (Figure 1). Despite the increase in BDDs in Europe between 2000–2019 (from 3.62 to 12.25 donors PMP) (Figure 2), the association between increased BDDs and HTs varied between regions, with a very strong association in Central Europe (r=0.95, P<0.0001) and strong correlation in Northern Europe (r=0.64, P=0.003). However, positive correlation between BDDs and HTs was not seen in Southern or Western Europe (r=−0.52, p-value=0.02, r=0.02, p-value=0.94, respectively).

Conclusion

The number of BDDs has increased in Europe in the past two decades with a concomitant increase in HT volumes. A regional variation in the relationship between the number of BDDs and HTs was observed among European subregions, such that it was most pronounced in Central Europe. Understanding the reasons underlying these disparities can potentially inform improvement in organ allocation systems throughout Europe.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Kynurenine as a potential biomarker in detecting reduced muscle endurance: metabolomic profiling of patients with heart failure and exercise intolerance
Authors: Bekfani T , Bekhite M , Neugebauer S , Derlien S , Hamadanchi A , Haase D , Kretzschmar T , Wu M.F , Lichtenauer M , Kiehntopf M , Von Haehling S , Braun-Dullaeus R.C , Franz M , Moebius-Winkler S , Schulze P.C
Published: October 2021

Aims

Reduced muscle endurance (RME) in patients with HFpEF and HFrEF is associated with structural and metabolic changes in skeletal muscle. We investigated the role of kynurenine (Kyn) as a potential marker in detecting RME. Additionally, we described the likely distorted metabolic pathways in serum in patients with RME and both preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction.

Methods

Fifty-five participants were prospectively recruited (17 HFpEF, 18 HFrEF outpatients and 20 healthy controls, HC). All participants underwent echocardiography, CPET, isokinetic muscle function tests. Quantification of metabolites in serum was performed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

In a linear regression, Kyn was an independent predictor for RME after adjusting for alanine, glutamate, ornithine, spermine and short-chain-ACs (B: −8.2 per 1μM increase, 95% CI: −13.01, −3.30, p=0.001). Kyn showed 83% sensitivity and 70% specificity (area under the curve 0.83) in detecting RME. Patients with RME and HFpEF showed reduced levels of long-chain-, medium-chain-, medium-/long-chain-ACs ratios and alanine (p<0.05). In patients with RME and HFrEF we observed reduced concentrations of AAs (p<0.05). Compared to HC, patients with HFpEF and HFrEF had reduced amino acid (AA)-concentrations except for branched-chain and aromatic AAs, and higher concentrations of acylcarnitines (ACs) and Kyn (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Kyn shows high potential as biomarker for detecting RME. RME was associated with impaired fatty acid oxidation rates in HFpEF patients and with reduced concentrations of AAs in those with HFrEF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Mortality among patients hospitalized with heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus: results from United States national inpatient sample 2008 to 2018
Authors: Almani M , Zhang Y , Usman M , Qudrat Ullah M , Yousuf M , Fatima N
Published: October 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an important risk factor for, and a frequent co-existing condition with heart failure (HF). With increasing prevalence of heart failure and type 2 diabetes, patients with concomitant HF and T2DM have worse clinical outcomes.

Purpose

We sought to determine the in-patient mortality for type 2 diabetics admitted for heart failure in the U.S hospitals from 2008 to 2018.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2008 to 2018 Database. The NIS was searched for hospitalizations for adult patients with heart failure as principal discharge diagnosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus as a secondary diagnosis using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used determine the impact of evolving demographic characteristics (age, sex and race/ethnicity) on in-hospital mortality. STATA software was used to for analysis.

Results

Hospitalization with a primary discharge diagnosis of heart failure steadily decreased from 1,011,094 in 2008 to 807,764 in 2016 and 139,315 in 2018. The patient characteristics of hospitalizations for heart failure in type 2 diabetics are shown in table 1. Adjusted in-hospital mortality in HF with T2DM decreased significantly from 2008 to 2018 (3.6% in 2008 to 2.0% in 2018, P trend 0.003) as shown in graph 1.

Conclusion

Hospitalization for heart failure decreased steadily from 2008 to 2018 in the United States. In-hospital mortality rate for type 2 diabetics admitted for heart failure decreased significantly from 2008 to 2018.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.
Prognostic advantage of optimal medical therapy is not cancelled in hospitalized heart failure patients receiving regular hemodialysis
Authors: Takada T , Jujo K , Kishihara M , Shirotani S , Watanabe S , Abe T , Yoshida A , Minami Y , Hagiwara N
Published: October 2021

Background

As the first-line medications, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) and β-blocker provide prognostic benefits in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, the negative inotropic effect of these drugs may destabilize the hemodynamics during hemodialysis (HD) and become prognostically controversial in patients receiving regular HD. Indeed, prior studies have reported the cancellation of the favorable prognostic effects of RAASi and β-blocker in patients with HD. However, it is totally unknown whether the guideline-directed medical therapy affects the prognosis in HF patients receiving regular HD.

Purpose

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of RAASi and β-blocker on the cardiovascular (CV) events in HF patients on regular HD.

Methods

This observational study initially included 1,930 consecutive patients who were hospitalized due to HF and discharged alive. Of these, 151 patients who received regular HD were ultimately analyzed. They were classified into 3 groups depending on the prescribing medications at discharge; patients who received none of RAASi or β-blocker (None group: N=19), either RAASi or β-blocker (Either group: N=56), and both RAASi and β-blocker (Both group: N=76). The primary endpoint was a composite of CV death and readmission due to HF.

Results

During the observation period of median 501 (interquartile range: 197–954) days, the primary endpoint occurred in 61 patients (40%). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the highest rate of composite endpoint in the None group (log-rank for trend: p<0.001, Figure). After adjusting for covariates of age, sex, LVEF, and systolic blood pressure and heart rate at discharge, the hazard ratio (HR) for a composite endpoint was significantly lower in the Either group or Both group than that in the None group [HR: 0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08–0.45; HR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.06–0.42, respectively].

Conclusions

The prescription of RAASi or β-blocker at discharge was associated with lower adverse CV event rates in patients on regular HD who were hospitalized for HF. In order to improve long-term prognosis of HF patients on HD, we should consider the prescription of RAASi or β-blocker for them if hemodynamics during HD is affordable.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1