bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of early renal dysfunction after heart transplantation: a report from the International Consortium on Primary Graft Dysfunction
Authors: Guzman Bofarull J , Han J , Moayedi Y , Truby L K , Foroutan F , Miller R , Potena L , Zuckermann A , Chih S , Farr M , Hall S , Ross H J , Khush K , Farrero M 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Renal dysfunction is a common complication after heart transplantation (HT). Renal replacement therapy (RRT) after HT has been associated with increased risk of death. Long-term renal dysfunction is associated mainly to immunosuppressive therapy but is also strongly related to post-transplant renal failure. Predictors of early renal dysfunction after HT have not been clearly identified.

Purpose
We aimed to define predictors of early renal dysfunction after HT.

Methods
Our consortium includes 10 centers in the US, Canada and Europe. We collected data on all consecutive single-organ HT recipients from 2010 to 2020. The primary outcome was early renal dysfunction (ERD), defined as a composite of need for RRT or creatinine ≥2.5 mg/dL 24 hours after HT. We assessed the incidence of early renal dysfunction and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the recipient and transplant characteristics associated with its development.

Results
We included 2,764 HT recipients: 282 (10.2%) presented early renal dysfunction and 2482 (89.8%) did not. Recipients who presented postoperative renal dysfunction were more frequently male, Caucasian, with previous sternotomy, higher baseline creatinine, longer ischemic time and worse donor LVEF. They were also more likely to be under RRT, intravenous inotropes or ECMO support and there was more incidence of severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (Table 1). Multi-variable logistic regression demonstrated that the strongest predictors for post-transplant renal dysfunction were development of severe PGD (OR 5.26, 2.88–9.62, p&lt;0,001) and RRT prior to HT (OR 5.80, 2.93–11.5, p&lt;0.001). Other predictors were male sex, previous sternotomy, long ischemic time and need for inotropes prior to HT.

Conclusions
Early renal dysfunction is a common complication after HT with an incidence around 10% in a large and contemporary cohort. The presence of PGD and need for RRT pre-transplant were the strongest predictors for its development. Interestingly, emergent transplantation or need for MCS were not independently associated with ERD. Further studies are needed to identify patients at high risk of early and late kidney dysfunction that may benefit from combined transplantation.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Novel clinical data on cardiac contractility modulation in NYHA II patients – Results from the MAINTAINED Observational Study
Authors: Fastner C , Yuecel G , Hetjens S , Rudic B , Schmiel G , Toepel M , Liebe V , Kruska M , Borggrefe M , Burkhoff D , Akin I , Duerschmied D , Kuschyk J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) is an FDA-approved device therapy for patients with medication refractory systolic heart failure and normal QRS width. Pivotal trials have been performed primarily in patients with advanced heart failure (NYHA class III or ambulatory IV). As observed in clinical practice, CCM might also be beneficial in patients with low-grade but persistent heart failure that limits daily activity (NYHA class II).

Purpose
To facilitate an individualized indication in these patients, we evaluated the long-term effects of CCM in patients with baseline NYHA class II versus baseline NYHA class III or ambulatory IV from our large clinical registry (MAINTAINED Observational Study).

Methods
CCM effectiveness was measured by changes in functional parameters (i.e., NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), NT-proBNP levels, and KDIGO CKD stage). In addition, mortality within 3 years was compared with the prediction of the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic (MAGGIC) heart failure survival risk score.

Results
172 patients were included (10% with NYHA class II). Patients with NYHA class III/IV showed a significant improvement in NYHA class over 5 years of CCM (II: 0.1±0.6; p=0.96 vs. III/IV: −0.6±0.6; p&lt;0.0001). In contrast, LVEF improved significantly in each group (II: 4.7±8.3; p=0.0072 vs. III/IV: 7.0±10.7%; p&lt;0.0001; p=0.67 for the comparison of changes between both groups). TAPSE improved significantly only in NYHA class III/IV patients (II: 2.2±1.6; p=0.20 vs. III/IV: 1.8±5.2 mm; p=0.0397). NYHA class II patients had significantly lower NT-proBNP levels at baseline (858 [175/6887] vs. 2632 [17/28830] ng/L; p=0.0044), which was offset under therapy (399 [323/1497] vs. 901 [13/18155] ng/L; p=0.48). KDIGO CKD stage did not experience significant improvement in any group. Actual 3-year mortality was 17 and 26% vs. a predicted mortality of 31 and 42%, respectively (p=0.0038 for NYHA III/IV).

Conclusions
In clinical practice, CCM was infrequently performed in NYHA class II patients. No significant improvement in NYHA class/dyspnea was observed in these patients over 5 years. Because of the improvement in LVEF, sustainable positive effects on long-term cardiac reverse remodeling might be expected in young patients. Patients with advanced heart failure showed improvements in NYHA class, LVEF, and TAPSE also in clinical practice.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
3D atrial strain for prediction of atrial fibrillation recurrence
Authors: Krizanovic-Grgic I , Anwer S , Steffel J , Hofer D , Saguner A M , Spengler C M , Breitenstein A , Tanner F C 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common supraventricular arrhythmias. Treatment options apart from medication include interventional catheter-guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, there is limited knowledge about factors predicting arrhythmia recurrence after PVI.

Aim
To study the association of 3-dimensional (3D) left atrial (LA) strain (LAS) and 3D electro-anatomical voltage mapping (EAVM) with early recurrence of AF after PVI.

Methods
In this prospective single center study, 93 patients undergoing PVI were enrolled between December 2018 and October 2021. All patients underwent an echocardiographic examination within two weeks before PVI using the Canon Aplio i900 system to analyse LAS from 3D LA volume. A 3D EAVM was obtained using high-density mapping catheters during PVI. The CARTO 3 system (Version V6-V7) was used for determining LA scar area by low voltage mapping (local amplitude &lt;0.5 mV) indicated as percentage (EAVM-%). Follow-up time points were set at 2, 3, 6 and 12 months to investigate recurrence of AF, with exclusion of events occurring during the first two months (blanking phase).

Results
During follow-up, 12 out of 93 patients experienced recurrence of AF (12.9%; AF-Group). Baseline characteristics did not differ between AF-Group and Non-AF-Group. In contrast, LAS was significantly impaired in the AF-Group (median −4.6, IQR [−5.6 to −3.6]) when compared to the Non-AF-Group (−6.2 [−8.3 to −4.5]; p=0.009). The EAVM-% did not differ between the groups (AF-Group: 5.0 [1.5 to 21.5]; Non-AF-Group: 4.4 [1.5 to 15.9]; p=0.710). No significant correlations were found between LAS and EAVM-% (r=0.03, p=0.812). A cut-off value of −5.89% for LAS had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 57% for AF recurrence (AUC=70%; p&lt;0.001). Kaplan Meier curves for event-free survival were generated based on the LAS cut-off demonstrating excellent differentiation of those with and without AF recurrence (p&lt;0.001; see figure). Furthermore, LAS was associated with an increased risk of early AF recurrence (HR 1.40, IQR [1.02–1.92], p=0.040), while EAVM-% was not (HR 0.99 [0.95–1.04], p=0.787).

Conclusion
3D LAS was associated with an increased risk of early AF recurrence after PVI, while EAVM-% was not. 3D LAS might be used for identifying patients who would benefit from PVI.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Benefits of interventional telemonitoring in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Matta A , Itier R , Fournier P , Massot-Rubio M , Rene M , Lecourt L , Galinier M , Roncalli J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of interventional specialized Telemonitoring (ITM) compared to standard telemonitoring (STM) and standard of care (SC) on preventing all causes of death, cardiovascular mortality and unplanned hospitalization in heart failure (HF) patients.

Methods and results
414 HF-patients derived from two French cohorts (OSICAT and ETAPES) were included in this study, and subsequently randomized into three groups ITM-group (n=220), STM-group (n=99) and SC-group (n=95). The telemonitoring was performed by the specialized HF-cardiology staff at a university hospital. During the mean follow-up period of 344 days, there were significantly fewer primary endpoints like unplanned hospitalization (13.6% vs 34.3% vs 36.8%, p&lt;0.05), all-cause of death (4.5% vs 20.2% vs 16.8%, p&lt;0.05) and cardiovascular mortality (3.2% vs 15.2% vs 8.4%, p&lt;0.05) in the ITM-group. The multivariate logistic regression revealed a significant negative association between the ITM and unplanned hospitalization (OR=0.293 95% CI [0.160–0.535], p&lt;0.05) and all-cause of death (OR=0.243 95% CI [0.099–0.596], p=0.002), respectively. Kaplan Meier and log rank test showed significant difference in median event-free survival in favor of ITM-group.

Conclusions
Using ITM to follow-up HF-patients results in reducing the rate of unplanned hospitalization and all cause of death.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
A multidisciplinary program based on early care in a day hospital after heart failure hospitalizations. Reduction of 30-day readmissions in patients discharged from cardiology departments
Authors: Vaqueriza Cubillo D , Dominguez Munoa M , Beltran Herrera C , Gomez Mariscal E , Suberviola Sanchez-Caballero V , Martinez Losas P , Cortes Beringola A , Nogales Romo M T , Giganto Arroyo M L , Cano Moracho J M , Gomez Alvarez Z , Cortina Camarero C , Briongos Figuero S , Estevez Paniagua A , Munoz Aguilera R 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction and objectives
Readmission rates at 30 days after admission for heart failure (HF) are high. Patients admitted in Cardiology are usually younger and with lower comorbidity than the total population with HF. Our department leads a multidisciplinary program for the management of HF (MHFP), based on early post-discharge follow-up in a day hospital, for clinical-analytical assessment, optimization and titration of pharmacological treatment, structured education, promotion of self-care and intravenous treatment if appropriate. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of the MHFP on all cause 30-day readmission rate in our patients (MHFP group), compared with the rest of the Cardiology units in our region (control group).

Methods
All discharges with HF main diagnosis in our region were analyzed through anonymized consultation of the Minimum Basic Data Set (a public administrative data base) in the period 2009–2015. The first admission of each patient in the period was identified as index admission, excluding patients who died at that admission and selecting only discharges by Cardiology. Epidemiological characteristics, comorbidities and hospital length of stay were compared in the two groups. The outcome variable was the time to first readmission for any cause in the first 30 days after discharge from index admission. Quantitative variables were compared using Student's t and categorical variables with χ2. For the multivariate analysis, Cox method was used.

Results
We included 15,440 patients, 474 in the MHFP group and 14,966 in the control group. The epidemiological characteristics and main comorbidities were compared, and the results are shown in the table. Readmission rate was significantly lower in the MHFP group (9.9 vs 14.2%, HR 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.96 in multivariate analysis). The variables independently associated with an increase in 30-day readmissions were the age-adjusted Charlson index and chronic kidney disease.

Conclusions
Over a period of 6 years, in patients with HF, discharged by Cardiology, a MHFP significantly reduced all cause 30-day readmissions.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
A novel algorithm for rapid sequence optimization of guideline directed medical therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Pandey A , Bonsignore A , Pandey A , Bonvanie I , Verma S 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Current guidelines for management of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) recommend Beta-blockers, Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNI), Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists (MRA) and SGLT2 inhibitors. However, guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT) remain underutilized. The 2018 CHAMP-HF registry of HFrEF patients demonstrated that only 1% of patients were treated with target doses of Beta-blockers, MRA and ACE-inhibitors (ACE-I) and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) or ARNI. Historically, HFrEF therapies were initiated and up-titrated sequentially. Recent expert commentary has suggested a more aggressive approach of initiating all 4 classes of therapy at low doses after which patients should be up-titrated to target dose

Purpose
This study tested a novel, virtual HFrEF optimization program with the goal of achieving GDMT using a novel “rapid sequence” algorithm.

Methods
We conducted a single center study at a regional cardiovascular centre using a prospective pre-post design. NYHA class II/III HFrEF patients referred from both inpatient and outpatient settings were enrolled in a virtual 3-month HFrEF optimization program. All participants underwent an initial consult with a program nurse and cardiologist. After this, all patients were seen remotely by a nurse every two weeks for adjustment of HFrEF medications. At week 1, patients started on ARNI and SGLT2i. After week 3, Beta-Blocker was initiated. After week 5, MRA was initiated. Following this, medications were up-titrated every two weeks, based on clinical judgement of the overseeing cardiologist. Vital signs and bloodwork were obtained after all medication adjustments. In addition, all patients were seen once weekly by a kinesiologist for lifestyle optimization and counselling.

Results
From April 2020 to January 2021, 297 NYHA class II/III HFrEF patients enrolled in the virtual HFrEF optimization program. Mean age was 69 and 63% were male. Mean ejection fraction was 28% and 54% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. At intake, the proportion of patients prescribed maximally-tolerated dosage was 64% for Beta-Blockers, 7% for MRA, 1% for ARNI and 1% for SGLT2i. At 3-month follow-up, maximally-tolerated dose was prescribed in 84% of patients for beta-blockers (p&lt;0.01), 58% for MRA (p&lt;0.01), 77% for SGLT2i (p&lt;0.01) and 96% for ARNI (p&lt;0.01). 39% of patients achieved maximal doses of all 4 classes of medications at follow-up. No medication-related adverse events were reported and 18 patients were hospitalized for HF exacerbation during study follow-up.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that a program using aggressive GDMT initiation can safely and effectively improve uptake of therapy in HFrEF patients. Future research should examine HFrEF “rapid sequence” optimization on patient outcomes in a randomized setting.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Introduction of a new scoring tool to identify clinically stable heart failure patients
Authors: Gingele A , Brandts L , Brunner-La Rocca H P , Knackstedt C , Boyne J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Introduction
Heart failure (HF) poses a burden on specialist care, making referral of clinically stable HF patients to primary care a desirable goal. However, a structured approach to guide patient referral is lacking.

Methods
The Maastricht Instability Score–Heart Failure (MIS-HF) questionnaire was developed to objectively stratify the clinical status of HF patients: patients with a low MIS-HF (0–2 points, indicating a stable clinical condition) were considered for treatment in primary care, whereas high scores (&gt;2 points) indicated the need for specialised care. The MIS-HF was evaluated in 637 consecutive HF patients presenting between 2015 and 2018 at Maastricht University Medical Centre.

Results
Of the 637 patients, 329 (52%) had a low score and 205 of these 329 (62%) patients were referred to primary care. The remaining 124 (38%) patients remained in secondary care. Of the 308 (48%) patients with a high score (&gt;2 points), 265 (86%) remained in secondary care and 41 (14%) were referred to primary care. The primary composite endpoint (mortality, cardiac hospital admissions) occurred more frequently in patients with a high compared to those with a low MIS-HF after 1 year of follow-up [29.2% vs 10.9%; odds ratio (OR) 3.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.20–5.14]. No significant difference in the composite endpoint (9.8% vs 12.9%; OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.36–1.47) was found between patients with a low MIS-HF treated in primary versus secondary care.

Conclusion
The MIS-HF questionnaire may improve referral policies, as it helps to identify HF patients that can safely be referred to primary care.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.
Association of baseline and longitudinal changes in cardiometabolic health with risk of heart failure among adults with type 2 diabetes: an analysis from the Look AHEAD trial
Authors: Pandey A P , Patel K V P , Khan M S K , Bahnson J L B , Garcia K R G , Clark J M C , Balasubramanyam A B , Bertoni A G B , Vaduganathan M V , Farkouh M E F , Januzzi Jr J L J , Verma S V , Espeland M E 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by co-morbid cardiometabolic abnormalities and elevated heart failure (HF) risk.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the associations of baseline and longitudinal changes in cardiometabolic health with risk of HF among adults with T2D.

Methods
Adults with T2D enrolled in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial without prevalent HF were included. Adjusted Cox models were used to create a cardiometabolic health score incorporating target levels of parameters weighted based on relative risk for HF. The associations of baseline, 1- and 4-year changes in the cardiometabolic health score with risk of overall HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; EF≥50%), and HF with reduced EF (HFrEF; EF&lt;50%) were assessed using adjusted Cox models.

Results
Of the 5,080 participants included, there were 257 incident HF events during 12.4-year follow-up. The cardiometabolic health score included 2-points each for target levels of waist circumference, glomerular filtration rate, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and 1-point each for blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c at target (Table 1). Higher baseline cardiometabolic health score was significantly associated with lower risk of overall HF (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] per 1-unit higher score, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.66–0.79]) with similar associations observed for HFpEF and HFrEF (Table 2). Improvement in cardiometabolic health over 1- and 4-years was significantly associated with lower risk of overall HF (aHR per 1-unit increase in score at 1- and 4-years, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.73–0.92] and 0.80 [95% CI, 0.70–0.91], respectively).

Conclusions
Among adults with T2D, achieving target levels of more cardiometabolic health parameters at baseline and sustained improvements were associated with lower HF risk.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
1-year hospital readmissions due to cardiovascular causes after a heart failure episode in elderly patients in Spain
Authors: Esteban Fernandez A , Anguita M , Bonilla J L , Anguita M , Ruesgas R , Molina M , Garcia M , Bernal J L , Del Prado N , Fernandez Perez C , Marin F , Perez Villacastin J , Gomez Doblas J J , Fernandez Rozas I , Elola F J 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background
The prevalence of heart failure (HF) increases with age, one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in the elderly. However, there are little data about the long-term readmission rate of elderly patients after an episode of HF admission in Spain.

Purpose
Study 1-year hospital readmissions due to cardiovascular causes in patients ≥75 years discharged to a hospital due to HF in Spain.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of the Minumum basic dataset of Spain, including all episodes of HF discharged from public hospitals in Spain between 2016 and 2019. The codification was made with ICD-10. We selected patients ≥75 years with HF as the principal diagnosis. We analyzed predictors of readmissions 365 days after the index episode of HF hospitalization with Poisson regression.

Results
236,463 index episodes of HF in&gt;75 years were included. 59.1% were female, and the mean age was 85 (SD 5.6) years. 35.0% had HF-pef, 4.3% HF-ref, and 60.7% had unknown LVEF HF.
39.6% of patients had at least one readmission (mean 1.7 readmissions by year for these patients), with no differences in sex or age. Patients with non-cardiovascular comorbidities (renal failure, chronic lung disorders, and severe hematological disorders) as well as coronary atherosclerosis and diabetes were more likely to be readmitted (Table 1).

Conclusions
After a hospital discharge for HF in patients ≥75 years, the crude ratio of readmission due to cardiovascular causes at 1-year was 39.6%. Readmissions were more likely in patients with non-cardiovascular comorbidities, predominantly renal, hematological, and chronic respiratory disorders, and those with diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis.

Funding Acknowledgement
Type of funding sources: None.