Acute Decompensation Of Chronic Heart Failure Research Articles

Prognostic value of acute cardiorenal syndrome in patients with acute cardiac pathology

To assess the prevalence and prognostic value of AKI in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADCHF) with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), to identify predictors of AKI. In a prospective study included 863 patients, of which 141 with ADCHF, 446 - non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) and 276 - ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). AKI was diagnosed according to KDIGO recommendations. The end point was defined as death from cardiovascular causes. During the follow-up from 1 to 37 months (median follow-up was 18 months) for patients with ADCHF in 24,8 % an endpoint was reported. For patients with ACS, the observation time ranged from 1 day to 14 months (median follow-up was 12 months), in 4,3 % - NSTE-ACS, 10,9 % - STEMI the end point was recorded. AKI developed in 14,8 % of patients with ADCHF HFpEF and 11,2 % ADCHF HFrEF, in 23,1 % - STEMI and 21,4 % - NSTE-ACS. AKI increases the risk of death from cardiovascular causes in patients with ADCHF HFrEF (OR 95 % 98,750 (11,158-873,976), р<0,001) and STEMI (OR 95 % 5,395 (2,451-11,878), p<0,001), but did not increase the risk of an endpoint occurrence in patients with ADCHF HFpEF (OR 95 % 1,875 (0,221-15,930), р=0,565) and NSTE-ACS (OR 95 % 1,199 (0,421-3,412), р=0,734). The multivariate analysis revealed risk factors for the development of AKI in patients with ADCHF HFrEF: high albuminuria (AU) from 30 mg / l (OR 95 % 5,763 (1,338-24,819), р=0,019), GFR<45 ml / min initially at admission to hospital (OR 95 % 76,593 (1,193-36,446), p=0,031), age>75 years (OR 15,933 (1,020-248,856), р=0,048). In patients with STEMI: age>75 years (OR 95 % 3,248 (1,476-7,146), p=0,003), female gender (OR 95 % 2,321 (1,190-4,526), p=0,013), acute heart failure (AHF) Killip IV (OR 95 % 10,334 (1,777-60,110), p=0,009). Risk factors for the development of AKI in patients with NSTE-ACS: age>75 years (OR 95 % 1,761 (1,051-2,949), р=0,032), PCI on RCA (OR 95 % 2,565 (1,193-5,517), р=0,016). In patients with ADCHF HFrEF and STEMI development AKI is associated with a poor prognosis, but does not affect the prognosis of patients with ADCHF HFpEF and NSTE-ACS. AKI in patients with ADCHF HFrEF can be predicted using predictors: GFR<45 ml / min, AU more than 30 mg / l and age>75 years. In patients with STEMI, the predictors of AKI were age>75 years, female gender, AHF Killip IV, and in patients with NSTE-ACS age>75 years, PCI on RCA.

Precipitating Factors for Hospitalization with Heart Failure: Prevalence and Clinical Impact Observations from the Gulf CARE (Gulf aCute heArt failuRe rEgistry)

Objective: Despite the expanding burden of heart failure (HF) worldwide, data on HF precipitating factors (PFs) in developing countries, particularly the Middle East, are very limited. We examined PFs in patients hospitalized with acute HF in a prospective multicenter HF registry from 7 countries in the Middle East. Method: Data were derived from the Gulf CARE (Gulf aCute heArt failuRe rEgistry) for a prospective, multinational, multicenter study of consecutive patients hospitalized with HF in 47 hospitals in 7 Middle Eastern countries between February 2012 and November 2012. PFs were determined by the treating physician from a predefined list at the time of hospitalization. Results: The study included 5,005 patients hospitalized with acute HF, 2,276 of whom (45.5%) were hospitalized with acute new-onset HF (NOHF) and 2,729 of whom (54.5%) had acute decompensated chronic HF (DCHF). PFs were identified in 4,319 patients (86.3%). The most common PF in the NOHF group was acute coronary syndromes (ACS) (39.2%). In the DCHF group, it was noncompliance with medications (27.8%). Overall, noncompliance with medications was associated with a lower inhospital mortality (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.28–0.80; p = 0.005) but a higher 1-year mortality (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.1–1.85; p = 0.007). ACS was associated with higher inhospital mortality (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.26–2.68; p = 0.002) and higher 1-year mortality (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.27–2.06; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Preventive and therapeutic interventions specifically directed at noncompliance with medications and ACS are warranted in our region.

Full - transcriptome analysis of miRNA expression in mononuclear cells in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure of various etiologies

Analysis of miRNA expression levels in mononuclear blood cells (MBC) of patients with acute decompensation f chronic heart failure (CHF) of various etiologies and evaluation of the possibility of their use as a biological marker. 7 male patients with acute decompensation of CHF with a reduced ejection fraction (EF), NYHA functional class II-IV (FC) according to NYHA [mean (M) EF 29.2%, standard deviation (SD) 13.27%] in age 38 to 65 years old [median (Me) 58 years]. In 3 patients, heart failure developed as a result of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), in 4 patients - against the background of post - infarction cardiosclerosis of the ischemic nature [group of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD)]. The control group - 5 age - matched (from 41 to 57 years old, Me 49 years old) healthy male volunteers. A complete transcript analysis of miRNA expression in MNCs was performed for all patients and healthy volunteers. Differentially expressed miRNAs were determined in patients with CHF (regardless of etiology) compared with healthy individuals: miR-182, miR-144, miR-183, miR-486-5p, miR-143 (log2FC >1, FDR p - value.

Derivación directa de urgencias a hospitalización a domicilio en descompensación aguda de insuficiencia cardiaca crónica

Objetivo: Evaluar la severidad clínica en una serie histórica de pacientes atendidos en Hospitalización a Domicilio (HaD) por descompensación aguda de insuficiencia cardiaca crónica (DAIC) remitidos directamente desde el Servicio de Urgencias y la influencia en el resultado clínico.Método: Análisis retrospectivo de casos enviados desde el Servicio de Urgencias a HaD de Vitoria-Gasteiz de 2006 a 2016. Se registró el número de ingresos por DAIC en año anterior y puntuación en escala EFFECT. Se analizó la influencia de estas variables en el reenvío de casos al hospital para ingreso convencional.Resultados: De 214 casos analizados 16.8% fueron reenviados al hospital. La combinación de la puntuación EFFECT y el número de hospitalizaciones por DAIC en el año precedente configura dos grupos de pacientes con riesgo de reenvío al hospital de 9,1% y 29,6% (R.R.= 3,26, I.C. = 1,73-6,15).Conclusiones: H a D trata eficazmente a pacientes remitidos directamente desde el Servicio de Urgencias con descompensación de insuficiencia cardiaca crónica con diferentes severidades.La escala EFFECT y las hospitalizaciones previas por DAIC son útiles para predecir el riesgo de reenvío al hospital desde H a D y por lo tanto constituyen una ayuda a la hora de decidir en el Servicio de Urgencias qué pacientes derivar a had y cuáles ingresar en planta.

Clinical features and prognosis in heart failure patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

Multimorbidity is a specific characteristic of the modern patient with chronic heart failure (CHF) which significantly changes clinical course, prognosis of the syndrome, leads to socio‑economic losses and makes significant adjustments to treatment tactics. The goal is to study the clinical features and prognosis of patients with CHF in combination with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We studied 183 HF patients, including with stable CHF, including 105 with CHF combined with COPD. The clinical phenotype was assessed by its belonging to the functional class and the severity of COPD. A 6‑minute walk test (6‑MWT), spirometry, echocardioscopy, testing on a scale assessing the clinical condition, quality of life were studied. The end points during the year were: all‑cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and hospitalization rates due to acute decompensation of CHF. The clinical phenotype of CHF combined with COPD was characterized by a high frequency of smoking, low quality of life and exercise tolerance. Respiratory dysfunction in CHF in combination with COPD was characterized by mixed disorders (68.4%), in CHF without lung disease, restrictive (25.6%). Cardiovascular mortality in comorbid pathology was 4.0%, in CHF without COPD - 4.6%; myocardial infarction was observed 1.7 times more often with lung disease than in patients with CHF only (16.8% and 10.8%); stroke was observed exclusively in comorbid pathology (8.9%). The combined endpoint (all cardiovascular events) with CHF in combination with COPD was achieved 2.3 times more often in comparison with patients with COPD only (29.7% and 15.4%). Hospitalization due to acute decompensation of CHF occurred 2 times more often with CHF in combination with COPD than without it (32.7% and 15.4%) with a tendency to increase as the left ventricular ejection fraction decreased. The results of the study demonstrate that COPD contributes to the formation of the clinical phenotype of CHF from the standpoint of the mutual influence of the characteristics of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and also aggravates the prognosis that requires an integrated approach to the differential diagnosis and individualization of pharmacotherapy.

Differences in Mortality of New-Onset (De-Novo) Acute Heart Failure Versus Acute Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure

Minimal attention has been paid to understanding the implications of the chronicity of heart failure (HF) diagnosis on prognosis of hospitalized patients with acute HF (AHF). We aimed to assess the differences in outcomes between hospitalized patients with AHF that are new-onset (de-novo) AHF and acutely decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF). We analyzed data of 2,328 patients with AHF, who were enrolled in the HF survey in Israel. Patients were classified into de-novo AHF and ADCHF. A total of 721 (31%) patients were classified as de-novo AHF and 1,607 (69%) patients were classified as ADCHF. Patients with de-novo AHF were more likely to be younger, with fewer co-morbidities represented by lower Charlson index, and less likely to have past myocardial infarction as well as coronary revascularization. At 30 days mortality rates were similar in both groups (9% vs 8% in de-novo AHF and ADCHF, respectively). Survival analysis showed that at 1 and 10 years the all-cause mortality rates were significantly higher in patients with ADCHF (33% vs 22% and 90% vs 72%, 1 and 10 years, log-rank p < 0.001, respectively). Consistently, multivariable analysis showed that patients with ADCHF had an independently 58% and 48%, higher mortality risk at 1 and 10 years, respectively, (1-year hazard ratio = 1.58; 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 2.38, p = 0.03; 10-year hazard ratio = 1.48; 95% confidence interval = 1.23 to 2.77; p < 0.001). In conclusion, previous history of HF is an independent predictor of 1-year and 10-year mortality after hospitalization for AHF. Distinction between de-novo AHF and ADCHF may improve our understanding and risk stratification of patients with AHF.

Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) as a biomarker of acute kidney injury in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure

84 patients admitted for ADCHF (18 women; mean age, 61.4±7.1) were evaluated. ADCHF was diagnosed in accordance with SEHF guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic heart failure (RCS, 2016). AKI was diagnosed according to KDIGO criteria (2012). HIF-1, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NТ-proBNP), and erythropoietin were measured in blood serum. The follow-up period lasted for 12 months. AKI was diagnosed in 27 (32.1 %) patients. Level of HIF-1 was 1.27±0.63 ng / ml; NТ-proBNP - 2469.6 (interquartile range (IQR), 1312.2; 3300.0) pg / ml; eryhthropoietin - 56.0 mIU / ml (IQR, 13.2; 68.1). No correlation was found between HIF-1 and glomerular filtration rate, NТ-proBNP, or erythropoietin. Differences in biomarker levels were not observed between patients with and without AKI; however, HIF-1 was higher in the group of deceased patients than in the group of survived patients (1.64±0.9 vs. 1.17±0.44 ng / ml, р=0.004), which was not observed for NТ-proBNP and erythropoietin. AKI was observed in every third patient with ADCHF. In ADCHF, HIF-1 was not correlated with the kidney function; however, a relationship was found between the HIF-1 level and prediction for patients with CHF.

Interactive and potentially independent roles of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade and the development of cardiorenal syndrome type 1 on in-hospital mortality among elderly patients admitted with acute decompensated congestive heart failure.

PurposeCardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS1), defined as worsening renal function from acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADCHF), is complicated by the fact that CRS1 limits the use of common therapeutic strategies, such as angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II-receptor blockers (A2RB). The present study examines retrospectively the role of ACEI/A2RB usage on in-hospital mortality among elderly ADCHF patients, in particular those who developed CRS1.MethodsWe retrospectively examined the effects of ACEI/A2RB usage and CRS1 development (in-hospital change in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL or ≥0.5 mg/dL), as well as their potential interaction, on in-hospital mortality among elderly ADCHF patients (aged ≥65 years). Employing univariate and multivariate analyses, we performed risk-factor analysis on a cohort of 419 patients (51 nonsurvivors [12.2%]) for whom we had complete clinical and laboratory data (median follow-up 5 days) from 2,361 consecutive elderly ADCHF patients (106 nonsurvivors [4.6%]).ResultsBy multivariate analysis, the two strongest independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were CRS1 development (OR 7.8, 95% CI 3.9–15.5; P=0.00001) and lack of ACEI/A2RB usage (OR 0.49, CI 0.25–0.93; P=0.043). The effect of CRS1 was graded, with increasing CRS1 severity associated with increased mortality. On multivariate subgroup analysis, the association between lack of ACEI/A2RB usage and increased mortality remained a significant independent predictor among patients not developing CRS1 (OR 0.24, CI 0.083–0.721; P=0.011).ConclusionOur data suggest that development of CRS1 and lack of ACEI/A2RB usage are statistically independent predictors of in-hospital mortality for elderly ADCHF patients, with CRS1 being the stronger of the two risk factors. While it remains unclear whether lack of ACEI/ A2RB usage is causally related to increased mortality or reflects another risk factor inducing physicians to forego ACEIs/A2RBs, our findings nevertheless indicate the need to address this issue in future prospective studies.

Prognostic Effect of Guideline-Directed Therapy Is More Noticeable Early in the Course of Heart Failure.

BackgroundThere have been few studies to evaluate the prognostic implications of guideline-directed therapy according to the temporal course of heart failure. This study assessed the relationship between adherence to guideline-directed therapy at discharge and 60-day clinical outcomes in de novo acute heart failure (AHF) and acute decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF) separately.MethodsAmong 5,625 AHF patients who were recruited from a multicenter cohort registry of Korean Acute Heart Failure, 2,769 patients with reduced ejection fraction were analyzed. Guideline-directed therapies were defined as the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor II blocker (ARB), β-blocker, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist.ResultsIn de novo AHF, ACEI or ARB reduced re-hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34–0.95), mortality (HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.24–0.69) and composite endpoint (HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36–0.77) rates. Beta-blockers reduced re-hospitalization (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41–0.95) and composite endpoint (HR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47–0.90) rates. In ADCHF, adherence to ACEI or ARB was associated with only mortality and β-blockers with composite endpoint.ConclusionThe prognostic implications of adherence to guideline-directed therapy at discharge were more pronounced in de novo heart failure. We recommend that guideline-directed therapy be started as early as possible in the course of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Improved outcome with standardized plan for clinical management of acute decompensated chronic heart failure.

BackgroundOur overall goal is to improve clinical care for inpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF). A retrospective assessment of CHF patients admitted to our hospital over the past decade (2005 vs. 2014) indicated a need for better strategies to evaluate clinical treatment, implement best practices and achieve optimal patient outcome. To that purpose, we developed a standardized plan to improve in-hospital treatment of acute decompensated CHF patients.Methods & ResultsRetrospective chart reviews were conducted to compare three cohorts of CHF patients admitted to the University Hospital of Lund at different time points over a 12-year period: 2005 (365 patients), 2014 (172 patients) and 2017–2018 (57 patients). Little improvement was seen between 2005 and 2014 with respect to one-year mortality (35% vs. 34%) and adequate treatment with recommended medications, e.g., use of renin-angiotensin system blockers (45% vs. 51%). A standardized treatment plan was devised to improve outcomes. A third cohort, treated under the plan (2017–2018), was compared with the 2014 cohort. One-year mortality (18% vs. 34%) and 30-day readmission (5% vs. 30%) were dramatically decreased, and adherence to medication guidelines was achieved. Key elements of the plan included well-defined treatment procedures, enhanced communication and teamwork, education, adequate time for treatment (5 days) and post-discharge follow-up as necessary. Natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were useful for assessing patient status, prognosis and response to treatment.ConclusionDevelopment of a standard plan for clinical management of acute decompensated CHF patients resulted in significant improvements in patient outcome, as reflected in decreased rates of 30-day readmission and one-year mortality.

Modern approaches to treatment of patients with decompensated chronic heart failure: the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of decomposition

It was established that in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), including CHF with reduced ejection fraction, as well as acute decompensated CHF, the level of serum inflammatory markers was increased. Moreover, experimental studies have shown repeatedly that activation of mechanisms of immune response in the myocardium provokes left ventricular remodeling and progression of left ventricular dysfunction. Nonetheless, clinical studies of anti-inflammatory drugs, including those aimed at blockage of cytokines have been neutral or negative with respect to the primary end points of the trials, and in some patients, resulted in worsening CHF or death. This review discusses variants of the types of inflammation in the myocardium, their immune mediators involved in the pathogenesis of CHF and its progression. Mechanisms of the pathogenesis of inflammatory cardiomyopathy leading to HF are discussed. A more precise conclusion about inflammatory phenotype in myocardial tissue, which will identify therapeutic targets in the treatment of CHF is necessary. Additionally, the review presents modern data about tactics for managing patients with acute decompensation of CHF with systolic dysfunction, which includes optimal medication, invasive and device therapy.

Moving Beyond Diagnostic Accuracy With Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.

Moving Beyond Diagnostic Accuracy With Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses.

CLINICAL AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF HYPONATREMIA IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEART FAILURE

The aim : to assess the short-term prognostic value of different types of hyponatremia in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated chronic heart failure. Material and methods. A prospective study included 396 patients hospitalized for acute decompensated chronic heart failure. Hyponatremia was diagnosed in cases of serum sodium level less than 135 mmol/l. The pre-hospital hyponatremia was defined as a decreased serum sodium level on admission, whereas the hospital hyponatremia was referred to cases occurred during hospitalization. In patients with pre-hospital hyponatremia drop of sodium levels ≥ 3 mmol/l during hospitalization was defined as a progressive hyponatraemia. The influence of different types of hyponatremia on the hospital prognosis was determined, while the composite primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and/or transfer to the intensive care unit. Results. Patients with hyponatremia were older and had more severe clinical signs of chronic heart failure, lower left ventricle ejection fraction and higher diastolic dysfunction than normonatremic patients. After adjustment for age, comorbidity and severity of chronic heart failure in Cox regression models hyponatremia was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and transfer to the intensive care unit (odds ratio 3.1; p &lt; 0.05). Pre-hospital hyponatremia had a higher prognostic value on outcome compared with hospital hyponartemia (odds ratio 3.9 versus 2.9, respectively; p &lt; 0.05). Progressive hyponatremia was associated with a marked increase of mortality and transfer to the intensive care unit (odds ratio 6.8; p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. Pre-hospital and hospital hyponatremia are independent predictors for short-term outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated chronic heart failure. Progression of the pre-hospital hyponatremia is associated with significantly increase of all-cause mortality and risk of transfer to the intensive care unit.

ALGORITHM FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE HEART FAILURE

Acute heart failure (AHF) and acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADHF) are urgent health problems. The main tasks of the managing the patients with these conditions include the achieving of optimal and stable resolution of edema and dyspnea, the tissue perfusion improving, the severity of clinical symptoms reducing, the exercise tolerance increasing, the progression of heart failure preventing, the preventing of the target organs dysfunction, complications, decompensations and hospitalizations, the increasing of survival and improving the quality of life. The algorithm for diagnosis, clinical patient profiles recognition, pharmacological (including diuretics, vasodilators, inotropes, vasopressors, anticoagulants, etc.) and non-pharmacological (including oxygen therapy, non-invasive and invasive ventilation, etc.) approaches to the management of AHF and ADHF are presented in accordance with contemporary guidelines.

P2814New-onset (De-Novo) acute heart failure versus acute decompensated chronic heart failure: differences in early intermediate and long-term mortality

P2814New-onset (De-Novo) acute heart failure versus acute decompensated chronic heart failure: differences in early intermediate and long-term mortality

Clinical and hemodynamic effects of intra-aortic balloon pump therapy in chronic heart failure patients with cardiogenic shock.

The role of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with cardiogenic shock (CS) is largely undefined. In this study we sought to assess the hemodynamic and clinical response to IABP in chronic HF patients with CS and identify predictors of response to this device. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing IABP implantation from 2011 to 2016 at our institution to identify chronic HF patients with acute decompensation and CS (cardiac index <2.2 liters/min/m2 and systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg or need for vasoactive medications to maintain this level). Clinical deterioration on IABP was defined as failure to bridge to either discharge on medical therapy or durable heart replacement therapy (HRT; durable left ventricular assist device or heart transplant) with IABP alone. We identified 132 chronic HF patients with IABP placed after decompensation with hemodynamic evidence of CS. Overall 30-day survival was 84.1%, and 78.0% of patients were successfully bridged to HRT or discharge without need for escalation of device support. The complication rate during IABP support was 2.3%. Multivariable analysis identified ischemic cardiomyopathy (odds ratio [OR] 3.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16 to 9.06; p = 0.03) and pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) <2.0 (OR 5.04, 95% CI 1.86 to 13.63; p = 0.001) as predictors of clinical deterioration on IABP. Overall outcomes with IABP in acute decompensated chronic HF patients are encouraging, and IABP is a reasonable first-line device for chronic HF patients with CS. Baseline right ventricular function, as measured by PAPi, is a major predictor of outcomes with IABP in this population.

Determining the role of intravenous hydration on hospital readmissions for acute congestive heart failure.

The role of intravenous hydration on hospital readmissions due to acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF) has not been studied sufficiently to the best of our knowledge. We sought to determine the possible role of intravenous hydration on hospital readmissions for acute CHF and fluid overload and explain how an intravenous fluid (IVF) restriction strategy may help reduce hospital readmission rates. We retrospectively studied the electronic medical records of 98-patient cohort who had hospital readmission due to acute decompensated congestive heart failure (ADHF) during the period of January 1, 2016 to July 9, 2016. These patients were admitted with reasons other than ADHF during the index admission. The patients were divided into two groups; those with ADHF readmissions within 15 days of index admission (group A) and those after 15 days (group B). Various factors affecting CHF readmissions as outlined in the results were compared between these two groups. Cohort of 98 patients (53 females, 54.1%; 76.4±11.6 years) re-admitted during the study period of 1/1/2016 to 7/9/2016 were analyzed. 71 patients had only received IVF during index admission. These were subdivided into group A (12 females, 54.5 %; mean age 75.9±12.9 years) and group B (25 females, 51.02%; mean age 76.08±11.90 years) based on readmission ≤15 days or &gt;15 days from the index admission. There was no statistically significant difference (P=0.97) in amount of IVF prescribed between two subgroups but the duration of prescribed IVF significantly affected readmission in group A compared to group B (P=0.03). While the drop in albumin and rise in creatinine were not significant, the mean hemoglobin (Hb) drop in group A compared to group B was significant at P=0.008. Type of IVF and nature of CHF (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, HFrEF/heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF) were not found to significantly affect early readmissions associated with IV hydration. In patients with history of CHF, duration of IVF prescribed during the index admission seems to play important role in early CHF readmission (defined as &lt;15 days in our study).

Vascular phenotypes of acute decompensated vs. new‐onset heart failure: treatment implications

AimsAcute heart failure (HF) is a frequent and life‐threatening syndrome with heterogeneous clinical, haemodynamic, and neurohormonal features. This article describes the vascular phenotypes associated with acute decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF), and new‐onset acute HF (NOAHF).Data SynthesisWorsening of chronic HF occurs with full activation of adaptive mechanisms that maintain blood pressure (BP) and systemic perfusion. Rapid onset of HF in the setting of previous normal functioning heart not only does not allow full activation of adaptive mechanisms but also generates inappropriate responses from systemic endothelium leading to low BP/hypotension. Consequently, the treatment of ADCHF is based on diuretics and vasodilators, while in NOAHF, vasoconstrictors may be required to maintain BP to allow the correction of the acute cardiac disease.ConclusionsPatients with ADCHF and NOAHF present different vascular phenotypes with treatment implications.

Optymalna rozbudowa dwujamowego układu stymulującego u pacjentki z utrwalonym migotaniem przedsionków

In patients with sick sinus syndrome, and previously implanted dual-chamber pacemaker, the occurrence of atrial fibrillation finally assessed as permanent is most commonly regarded as a natural course of the disease. The inappropriate heart rate control and right ventricular pacing can both negatively influence left ventricle mechanical performance leading to cardiomyopathy and heart failure. It was presented the case of a 72-year-old woman with permanent atrial fibrillation with narrow QRS complex, after dual-chamber pacemaker implantation, admitted to our department with signs and symptoms of acute decompensated congestive heart failure. The modification of pharmacotherapy allowed to compensate heart failure, however with only small influence on structural remodelling and patient’s symptoms. The successful upgrade of the pacing system to the direct His-bundle pacing enabled the restoration of proper function of the heart and full symptoms relief. The direct His-bundle pacing is an approach of choice in such a group of patients.

Pleiotropic effects of levosimendan on the heart and other organs

Levosimendan is a cardiotonic drug with vasodilating properties. The main mechanisms of its action include increased sensitivity of contractile proteins in cardiomyocytes to calcium and its ability to open ATP-dependent potassium channels in the smooth muscles of the vascular walls. In accordance with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology, the main indication for drug use is the treatment of acute decompensated chronic heart failure. Since the first use of the drug (15 years ago), a number of additional, pleiotropic effects have been discovered, which not only affect the myocardium (ischemia and remodeling), but might potentiate organoprotective processes “outside” of the cardiovascular system. The experimental and clinical studies have allowed to identify some positive mechanisms beneficially influencing the function of the lungs, kidneys, liver, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, as well as the sepsis and inflammation processes. This paper summarizes the existing research and evidence of pleiotropic effects of levosimendan and outlines some potential new areas of its clinical application.Received 3 April 2017. Accepted 30 May 2017.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.