Acute Congestive Heart Failure Research Articles

A new hiPSC-based viral expression system to study virus host-cell interaction in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

Abstract Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) belongs to the Picornaviridae family and is a member of the enterovirus genus. CVB3 is the most frequently detected pathogen in viral myocarditis, which leads to acute heart infections in 20-40% of cases and to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in cases of prolonged viral persistence. Complex arrhythmias and sudden deaths due to CVB infections have also been reported, particularly in newborns and children. Observed arrhythmias include bradycardia, AV block and junctional ectopic tachycardia, suggesting that in addition to the functioning myocardium, the pacemaker cells and cardiac conduction system may also be impaired by CVB3 infection. The symptomatic phenotype is highly variable and depends on unclear host factors. It ranges from inconspicuous inflammation and rapid healing to acute congestive heart failure or viral persistence with progressive chronic disease. Despite the increasing and profound knowledge about viral myocarditis, it is still a challenge to identify further host factors that contribute to acute and chronic myocarditis, as science lacks sensitive and controllable disease models. The presented project shows the generation of a controlled, inducible virus-expressing hiPSC line that provides a solution for the beforementioned problems. The new human induced pluripotent stem cell line (hiPSC) i can be used to carry out virologic experiments in a controlled manner and without risk to the user. For this purpose, the modified and non-infectious genome of the enterovirus Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is stably integrated into the genome of a wild-type hiPSC line. The CVB3 genome to be stably integrated was modified to prevent the formation of functional capsids by a DVP0 mutation. In addition, the 3'UTR and 5'UTR regions of the CVB3 genome were removed, which prevents uncontrolled self-replication of viral RNA. As a result, work with this CVB3DVP0-UTR genome is classified as S1 compliant. The expression of the CVB3DP0-UTR virus genome can be controlled by adding doxycycline to the cell culture medium by a TeT-On System. The transfected cells are then cultivated as clones and tested for virus expression. The dose-dependent CVB3DVP0 expression is verified using qPCR and FACS after 1 day of doxycycline application in the cell culture medium. Clones isolated and positively tested for CVB3 expression are used to carry out initial experiments on the interaction of the expressed viral proteins with the cell. Particular focus is placed on the induction of cell death, remodelling of the cytoskeleton and increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria after CVB3DVP0-UTR induction in order to validate the cell system for application. Differentiation of the CVB3-expressing hiPSC-line into cardiomyocytes with subsequent virus induction results in the elevation of mitochondrial ROS, degradation of the cytoskeleton and arrhythmic behaviour of the cells.

Congestion as a crucial factor determining albuminuria in in patients with cardiorenal disease

Abstract Background Albuminuria could potentially emerge as a novel marker of congestion in acute heart failure. However, the current evidence linking albuminuria and congestion in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) remains somewhat scarce. This study aimed to evaluate 1) the prevalence of albuminuria in a cohort of patients with CHF, 2) identify the independent factors associated with albuminuria, and 3) to analyze the correlation with different congestion parameters. Methods and Results This is a sub-analysis of the Spanish Cardiorenal Registry, in we which enrolled 864 outpatients with heart failure and a value of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) at the first visit. The median age was 74 years, 549 (63.5%) were male, and 438 (50.7%) had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. A total of 350 patients (40.5%) had albuminuria. Among these patients, 386 (33.1%) had a UACR between 30 and 300 mg/g, while 64 (7.4%) had a UACR greater than 300 mg/g. In order of importance the independent variables associated with higher UACR were in Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), (R2: 57.6%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (R2: 21.1%), previous furosemide equivalent dose (R2: 7.5%), antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) (R2: 6.1%), diabetes mellitus (R2: 5.6%) and edemas (R2: 1.9%). The combined influence of edema, elevated CA125 levels, and the furosemide equivalent dose accounted for 15.5% of the model's variability. Conclusions In patients with chronic stable heart failure, the prevalence of albuminuria is high. The risk factors of albuminuria in this population are chronic kidney disease and hypertension. Congestion parameters are also associated with increased albuminuria.

Myxomatous mitral valve disease and associated pulmonary hypertension might increase serum angiopoietin-2 in dogs.

To evaluate the relationships between the severity of myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) and serum angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2 concentrations in dogs with MMVD. 74 dogs (control, n = 12; MMVD, n = 62) were included. Serum Ang-1 and Ang-2 concentrations were estimated using the canine-specific ELISA kit. The concentrations were compared between dogs with MMVD and healthy dogs, and they were analyzed according to the severity of MMVD and PH. The median serum Ang-1 concentration did not differ among the study groups. The median serum Ang-2 concentration was higher in dogs with stage B2 MMVD (P = .041) and acute congestive heart failure (P = .002) than in control dogs. In addition, the median serum Ang-2 concentration was higher in MMVD dogs with PH than in those without PH (P = .031). Serum Ang-2 concentration was correlated with vertebral heart score (rs = 0.36, P = .004) and vertebral left atrial score (r = 0.50, P < .001) in dogs with MMVD, and correlated with vertebral heart score (r = 0.63, P = .01), maximum E wave amplitude of the diastolic transmitral flow (rs = 0.61, P = .018), ejection fraction (rs = -0.77, P < .001) and fractional shortening (rs = -0.56, P = .032) in dogs with acute congestive heart failure. Circulating Ang-2 levels increase in dogs with the severity of MMVD and the presence of PH.

Poor in-hospital congestion improvement in acute heart failure patients classified according to LVEF: prognostic implications.

Residual congestion in acute heart failure (AHF) is associated with poor prognosis. However, there is a lack of data on the prognostic value of changes in a combined assessment of in-hospital congestion. The present study sought to assess the association between in-hospital congestion changes and subsequent prognosis according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) classification. Patients (N=244, 80.3±7.6 years, 50.8% male) admitted for acute HF in two European tertiary care centers underwent clinical assessment (congestion score included dyspnea at rest, rales, third heart sound, jugular venous distention, peripheral edema and hepatomegaly; simplified congestion score included rales and peripheral edema), echocardiography, lung ultrasound (LUS) and natriuretic peptides (NP) measurement at admission and discharge. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and/or HF re-hospitalization. In the 244 considered patients (95 HF with reduced EF, 57 HF with mildly reduced EF and 92 HF with preserved EF), patients with limited improvement in clinical congestion score (hazard ratio 2.33, 95%CI 1.51 to 3.61, p=0.0001), NP levels (2.29, 95%CI 1.55 to 3.38, p<0.0001) and the number of B-lines (6.44, 95%CI 4.19 to 9.89, p<0.001) had a significantly higher risk of outcome compared to patients experiencing more sizeable decongestion. The same pattern of association was observed when adjusting for confounding factors. A limited improvement in clinical congestion score and in the number of B-lines was related to poor prognosis for all LVEF categories. In AHF, the degree of congestion reduction assessed over the in-hospital stay period can stratify the subsequent event risk. Limited reduction in both clinical congestion and B-lines number are related to poor prognosis, irrespective of HF subtype.

Lupus myocarditis presenting as acute congestive heart failure : A case report

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues throughout the body. Lupus myocarditis is a life-threatening condition, observed clinically in 3–9 % of patients with SLE. We report the case of a patient followed for multisystem SLE, presenting with de novo heart failure with severe left ventricular dysfunction revealing lupus myocarditis.

Acute Kidney Injury In Hypertensive Crisis And Acute Congestive Heart Failure

Acute Kidney Injury In Hypertensive Crisis And Acute Congestive Heart Failure

Heyde Syndrome as Cause of New-onset Heart Failure in the Setting of Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve: A Case Report

This report describes the case of a 70-year-old female with a history of bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement. She presented to the emergency department with significant shortness of breath and bilateral lower extremity edema, which was found to be secondary to new-onset acute symptomatic congestive heart failure in the setting of Heyde syndrome.

Urine sodium concentration after intravenous furosemide in dogs with acute congestive heart failure and correlation with treatment efficacy.

Poor natriuresis is a potential marker of diuretic resistance in dogs with acute congestive heart failure (CHF) but little is known about the relationship between urine sodium concentration (uNa) and frequency of successful decongestion. Supplemental O2 is a common treatment in dogs with severe CHF. The time from start to discontinuation of supplemental O2 therapy (DCSO2 ) typically reflects the time course and ease of decongestion. Urine Na concentration after IV administration of furosemide will be correlated with duration of treatment with supplemental O2 (timeO2 ) and the cumulative frequency of successful DCSO2 during hospitalization. Fifty-one dogs with acute CHF. Retrospective observational single center study. Dogs with low uNa had significantly longer mean timeO2 than dogs with high uNa (uNa <87 mmol/L, 24.2 ± 2.6 hours vs uNa ≥87 mmol/L, 16.6 ± 1.7 hours; P = .02). Low uNa was correlated with lower cumulative frequency of DCSO2 (12 hour, 28%; 24 hour, 42%; 36 hour, 73%) compared to high uNa (12 hour, 28%; 24 hour, 88%; 36 hour, 96%; P = .005). History of PO loop diuretics, low serum chloride concentration (sCl), and high PCV were associated with low uNa. Urine Na concentration outperformed other metrics of diuretic responsiveness including weight loss. Urine Na concentration after IV furosemide predicted timeO2 and cumulative frequency of DCSO2 in dogs with acute CHF, which likely reflects important aspects of diuretic responsiveness. Urine Na can assess diuretic responsiveness and treatment efficacy in dogs with CHF.

Correlation Between B line in Lung Ultrasound and Plasma NT-proBNP Level in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Background: Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although this is a common cause of dyspnoea, its diagnosis still represents a challenge. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is an emerging point-of-care diagnostic tool. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the Correlation between B line in lung ultrasound and plasma NT-proBNP level in patients with acute heart failure &amp; thus to assess the predictive value of B line in patients with suspected acute heart failure. Materials and Method: Crosssectional observational study conducted in cardiology department of BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2021. Study procedure: 36 patients presenting with of shortness of breath or heart failure diagnosis were enrolled meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The number of B-lines by Lung Ultrasound was measured. Correlation between number of B-lines on lung ultrasonography and NT-proBNP level were analyzed. Results: There is a positive correlation between the number of B-lines and the NT-proBNP levels (r=0.55, p&lt; 0.01) in acute heart failure patients. Conclusion: Patients presenting with acute shortness of breath with raised NTproBNP level, B line detection &amp;quantification by lung ultrasound can be used as a tool for a faster diagnosis and decision-making on lung congestion in acute heart failure. University Heart Journal 2023; 19(1): 15-19

Abstract 13086: National Trends in Timely Ambulatory Follow-Up After Acute Myocardial Infarction and Congestive Heart Failure Cospitalizations Among Medicare Beneficiaries

Introduction: Following hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or congestive heart failure (CHF), close outpatient follow-up is warranted for symptom monitoring and initiation or titration of evidence-based therapies. Objective: To describe temporal trends in ambulatory care following CHF and AMI hospitalizations, between 2010 and 2019. Methods: We examined a 100% sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries discharged to the community after an AMI or CHF hospitalization. We assessed quarterly rates of timely post-discharge cardiology and primary care follow-up, defined as receipt of an ambulatory visit within 14 days of discharge. We assessed trends for five subgroups based upon known disparities in cardiovascular outcomes: sex, race/ethnicity, Medicaid dual-eligibility, county-level social deprivation index, and rurality. Results: The AMI cohort included 1,680,916 hospitalizations (54.9% male, 9.4% Black, 81.7% White) and the CHF cohort included 4,256,405 hospitalizations (47.7% male, 16.2% Black, 75.0% White). Timely cardiology follow-up after AMI increased from 26.8% in 2010 to 39.4% in 2019 (absolute change 12.6%) while follow-up after CHF increased from 22.0% to 33.4% (absolute change 11.5%). The proportion of patients without cardiology or primary care follow-up after AMI decreased to 36.1% in 2019 and to 41.6% for CHF. Though rates of timely follow-up increased for all demographic groups, female, Black, Hispanic, Medicaid dual-eligible patients, patients residing in rural areas, and patients residing in counties with high social deprivation were less likely to receive follow-up throughout the study. Conclusions: Rates of timely ambulatory care after AMI and CHF hospitalization have improved, but the majority of patients do not receive follow-up within 14 days of discharge. Efforts to improve post-hospital cardiology and primary care follow-up have the potential to improve clinical outcomes and reduce disparities.

Rupture of Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm into Left Atrium Causing Acute Congestive Heart Failure.

Rupture of Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysm into Left Atrium Causing Acute Congestive Heart Failure.

Rational peri-operative management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A 30-day morbidity analysis based on the updated European Association of Urology guidelines for standardized complication reporting

BackgroundRadical cystectomy (RC) in bladder cancer patients with cardiovascular comorbidity poses challenges due to the need for antithrombotic therapy and high perioperative risk. We aimed to assess 30-day complications after RC in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. Patients and methodsRetrospective study of 416 bladder cancer patients (2009–2017) undergoing open RC with pelvic lymph node dissection, with or without antithrombotic therapy. Antithrombotic therapy and complication reporting followed European guidelines. Procedure-specific 30-day complications were cataloged, graded (Clavien-Dindo), and quantified using the 30-day Comprehensive Complication Index. Multivariable regressions evaluated antithrombotic therapy's independent effect on key morbidity outcomes. ResultsMedian age was 70 years, 78% were male. Patients on antithrombotic therapy were mostly male, had higher comorbidity burden, worse kidney function, more frequent incontinent diversion, and shorter operative time (all p ≤ 0.027). Bleeding complications occurred in 135 patients (32%; 95%CI = 28–37%), more prevalent with antithrombotic therapy (46% vs. 29%; p = 0.004). Thromboembolic complications occurred in 18 patients (4.3%; 95%CI = 2.6–6.8%), no difference between patients with and without antithrombotic therapy (8.4% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.063). Prevalence of myocardial infarction, new-onset hypertension, acute congestive heart failure, and angina pectoris showed no difference (all p ≥ 0.3). Multivariable analyses indicated no association between antithrombotic therapy and cardiac complications, 30-day major complications, or cumulative morbidity (all p ≥ 0.2). Antithrombotic therapy was associated with bleeding complications (OR = 1.92; 95%CI = 1.07–3.45; p = 0.028), predominantly transfusion-related (75% of 152 bleeding complications). Limitations include retrospective data assessment with biases. ConclusionsRC in patients on antithrombotic therapy exhibits a higher incidence of adverse events due to underlying comorbidities. Adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines enables safe RC in patients with significant comorbidities, without substantial increase in major bleeding or severe thromboembolic events.

Tatalaksana Awal Pasien Gagal Jantung Akut Akibat Penyakit Jantung Koroner di Ruang Emergency Pelayanan Jantung Terpadu Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Sanglah

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Acute heart failure is a clinical syndrome with a complex of symptoms that is typical shortness of breath at rest or during activity. Acute heart failure is mostly caused by coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease is a heart failure disease with narrowed coronary arteries can be caused by the buildup of a layer of fat on the walls of the coronary arteries. The purpose of this study was to determine the initial management of patients with acute heart failure due to coronary heart disease in the Integrated Heart Service Emergency Room, Sanglah Hospital. This study is a descriptive study using a cross sectional research method on a sample of 43 people who came to the PJT Emergency Room at Sanglah Hospital with a diagnosis of acute heart failure due to coronary heart disease in 2019-2020. The data that has been obtained were then analyzed using SPSS version 24. The results showed that most of the patients 30 sample (69.77%) were male compared to women, there were 13 sample (30.23%). The majority of patients with acute heart failure due to coronary heart disease come to the Emergency Room with complaints of shortness of breath. Initial treatment given in the Emergency Room included intravenous diuretic Furosemide with a dose range of 20-80 mg/IV (93.02%), Beta blockers (2.35%), Nitroglycerin (13.95%), Digoxin (13.95%), and Dobutamine (30.23%). Most of the patients in this study were given Furosemide as an initial treatment according to the PERKI 2020 guidelines which suggest the administration of Furosemide as a treatment for fluid congestion in acute heart failure. Some patients require inotropic support such as Dobutamine which is adjusted according to individual clinical criteria. Supporting examinations were carried out on all study samples (100%) including electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-ray examinations.&#x0D; Keywords: Acute heart failure, Coronary heart disease, Initial management&#x0D;

Acute heart failure with incidentally found cystic adrenal mass.

Pheochromocytomas are rare adrenal tumors characterized by excessive catecholamine secretion. Symptoms and signs associated with pheochromocytomas are usually intermittent and chronic but can rarely develop into life-threatening crises. We describe a case of acute severe congestive heart failure in a previously healthy female, who recovered rapidly (4 days after admission) with acute medical therapy. The etiology on evaluation was a spontaneous bleed in a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma, resulting in a pheochromocytoma crisis and transient stress cardiomyopathy, followed by quick recovery of cardiac function. Our aim is to describe pheochromocytoma as a rare cause of stress cardiomyopathy. We discuss the evaluation of pheochromocytoma during critical illness and triggers/treatment strategies for pheochromocytoma crises. Hemorrhage in a pheochromocytoma can result in a pheochromocytoma crisis, with sudden release of excess catecholamines resulting in multisystem organ dysfunction and high mortality. Acute decompensated heart failure can be a rare presentation of pheochromocytoma, in a patient with no cardiac risk factors. Measurement of metanephrines in acutely stressful clinical situations can have considerable overlap with the biochemical picture of pheochromocytoma. Early imaging studies may help with the differential diagnosis. Pheochromocytoma should be ruled out before performing an adrenal biopsy. Emergent adrenalectomy in pheochromocytoma crisis results in high mortality. Medical management of the acute crisis followed by elective adrenalectomy after alpha-blockade results in better outcomes.

Phenotyping congestion in acute heart failure by renal flow and right heart to pulmonary circulation coupling.

In acute heart failure (AHF), kidney congestion is basic to treatment and prognosis. Its aetiology is manifold and quite unexplored in details mainly regarding the right heart to pulmonary circulation (Pc) coupling. We investigated the right heart to kidney interrelationship by Doppler renal flow pattern, right atrial dynamics, and right ventricular (RV) function to Pc coupling in AHF. In 119 AHF patients, echocardiographic and renal Doppler data were analysed. Univariate and multivariate regression models were performed to define the determinants of a quantitative parameter of renal congestion, the renal venous stasis index (RVSI). When grouped according to different intra-renal venous flow patterns, no differences were observed in haemodynamics and baseline renal function. Nonetheless, patients with renal Doppler evidence of congestion showed a reduced RV function [tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), S'-wave velocity, and fractional area change], impaired RV to Pc coupling [TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio], and right atrial peak longitudinal strain (RAPLS), along with signs of volume overload [increased inferior vena cava (IVC) diameters and estimated right atrial pressure]. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses confirmed TAPSE/PASP, RAPLS, and IVC diameter as independent determinants of the RVSI. RVSI was the only variable predicting the composite outcome (cardiac death, heart failure hospitalization, and haemodialysis). An easy-to-use echo-derived right heart score of four variables provided good accuracy in identifying kidney congestion. In AHF, the renal venous flow pattern combined with a right heart study phenotypes congestion and clinical evolution. Keys to renal flow disruption are an impaired right atrial dynamics and RV-Pc uncoupling. Integration of four right heart echocardiographic variables may be an effective tool for scoring the renal congestive phenotype in AHF.

A Rare Case of Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy Revealing Inclusion Body Myositis

Inclusion body myositis is the most common inflammatory myopathy after age 50. Unlike polymyositis and dermatomyositis, in which cardiac involvement is relatively common, current evidence indicates that inclusion body myositis is not associated with cardiac disease such as dilated cardiomyopathy. We report the observation of a 57-year-old patient known to be type 2 diabetic under treatment, admitted with acute congestive heart failure. the paraclinical examinations carried out were in favor of inclusion body myositis complicated by heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy, the patient was treated with boluses of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants as well as treatment of heart failure, this attitude has improved his symptoms as well as his quality of life. The interest of this work is to underline the importance of diagnosis and early treatment in the management of myositis complicated by cardiovascular manifestations, particularly dilated cardiomyopathy.

Radiographic lung congestion scores in dogs with acute congestive heart failure caused by myxomatous mitral valve disease.

In humans, lung congestion scores are predictive of recurrence of acute congestive heart failure (CHF) and are superior to cardiac biomarkers in predicting survival. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to determine if a modified lung congestion score (LCS) in dogs diagnosed with acute CHF because of myxomatous mitral valve disease was associated with time until recurrence or death. Complete medical records were available for a total of 94 dogs between 2010 and 2019, but only 35 dogs fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. This retrospective study used descriptive statistics to describe the cumulative and corrected LCS. Correlations were used to examine the association of the corrected LCS and time until recurrence or death, selected echocardiographic variables, and timing of furosemide administration. The mean LCS was 8.4 (SD 3.3) and corrected LCS was 0.48 (SD 0.19). The pattern was predominantly symmetric (40% of dogs) and focal (caudal) but more commonly right-sided when asymmetric (40% vs 20%). The median number of days after initial diagnosis of acute CHF to readmission and death was 150 days (range 4-572), and 266 days (range 5-965), respectively. No significant association between the dog's corrected LCS and number of days until readmission (r = .173, P = .42) nor survival (r = .109, P = .56) was found. There was a negative significant correlation (r = -.71, P < .001) between the time interval of furosemide administration and corrected LCS.

Psychological impact of first admission with cardiovascular disease in a tertiary hospital in Oman

Background and objectivesCardiovascular diseases (CVD) are associated with substantial psychological effects that can adversely influence long term prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the psychological effect of the first hospital admission for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or congestive heart failure (CHF) in an adult Omani population. MethodsThis cross-sectional questionnaire based study used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients were recruited from the in-patient cardiology and medical wards of our institution. Patients with a prior hospital admission for CHF and ACS were excluded. The questionnaire was administered between days 3 and 7 after admission once patients were clinically stable. ResultsThe study included 116 patients (mean age 60.3 + 13.8 years; 78 (67.8%) men), comprising 52 patients with ACS and 64 patients with CHF. Based on the scores, a total of 45 (38.8%) patients had moderate to severe anxiety, and 32 (27.6%) had moderate to severe depression. Patients with severe anxiety tended to be younger, and no other factors predicted anxiety or depression. The proportion of patients with severe depression was higher among patients with CHF (31.4%), and no other differences were observed between patients with ACS or CHF. ConclusionA substantial proportion of patients admitted to our institution in Oman with CVD had severe anxiety and depression. Treating physicians and caregivers should be more open to identifying these patients, and steps should be taken to address their psychological wellbeing along with the medical management of their illness.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is increased in dogs with acute congestive heart failure secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease compared to both dogs with heart murmurs and healthy controls.

To retrospectively evaluate neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as a biomarker for severity and short-term outcomes of congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs. 47 dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD, 47 dogs with presumptive preclinical MMVD, and 47 control dogs. Medical record data (signalment, physical examination findings, medical treatments instituted, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine MMVD stage, length of hospitalization, outcome, and hospital re-presentation due to CHF) from March 2012 through March 2022 for each dog were collected. Statistical analyses were performed with Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation, and Fisher exact tests. NLR (but not PLR) was significantly higher in dogs with CHF secondary to MMVD (6.41) compared to presumptive preclinical MMVD dogs (4.66; P < .001) and control dogs (3.95; P < .001). Dogs with higher NLR and PLR received significantly higher cumulative dosages of loop-diuretic therapy during hospitalization (ρ = 0.3, P = .04; and ρ = 0.4, P = .02, respectively). There was a positive association between NLR and duration of oxygen supplementation within the CHF group (ρ = 0.4; P = .01). The increased diuretic dose and time receiving oxygen supplementation may represent increased disease severity for which NLR (and to a lesser extent PLR) may serve as a readily available marker. The data presented provide information regarding some of the systemic inflammatory changes seen in CHF secondary to MMVD in dogs. Future research should include prospective, longitudinal studies to provide insight into the long-term prognostic value of NLR and PLR in dogs with CHF.

Infant Alstrom syndrome diagnosed by a new gene mutation: a case report.

Alstrom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from an ALMS1 gene mutation. Here, we present the clinical data of a case of an infant diagnosed with Alstrom syndrome through whole-exome sequencing. A 2-month-old male infant was admitted to Sichuan Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital on 30 May 2019 after "coughing for half a day and dyspnea for 2 hours". He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, acute congestive heart failure, Grade III cardiac function, acute respiratory failure, and myocarditis. After treatment, he was discharged with a prescription for oral medication. After a 4-month follow-up, the patient's left ventricle exhibited spherical enlargement and a decrease in left ventricular function. The infant's whole-exome sequencing results revealed compound heterozygous mutations in the ALMS1 gene: c.2179dup (p. Y727Lfs*12), a frameshift mutation, that was heterozygous and originated from the mother, while c.11140C>T (p. Q3714*) was a heterozygous nonsense mutation that originated from the father. Both mutations are classified as "category 1-pathogenic mutations" according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) assessment. A novel ALMS1 mutation was identified in this case report, highlighting the importance of genetic testing for the early diagnosis of Alstrom syndrome.