Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes Research Articles

Abstract 4135434: Effect of early nutritional guidance for patients with acute myocardial infarction: A single center retrospective cohort study

Introduction/Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stands as a major global cause of mortality. Various intervention strategies, such as pre-hospital care, reperfusion therapies, pharmacological interventions, dietary modifications, and exercise therapies, have been researched to improve patient prognosis. Research Question: There remains a lack of evidence regarding the impact of early nutritionist-led dietary guidance on the prognosis of AMI patients. Aim: This study aimed to elucidate whether nutritional guidance by nutritionists who have national qualifications would improve the mortality and the primary composite endpoint (including acute decompensated heart failure, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome) of patients following an acute myocardial infarction. Methods/Approach: A retrospective cohort study enrolling 409 AMI patients who underwent emergency percutaneous coronary interventions between September 1, 2015, and October 31, 2023. Nutritionists guided 223 patients (54.5%) during hospitalization in this study. The nutritional guidance used in our study was also based on the definition of adequate caloric intake of 25–30 kcal per ideal body weight (kg). Under an appropriate total energy intake, a fat energy ratio of 20–25% and a carbohydrate energy ratio of 50–60% are recommended, with protein and lipid restrictions depending on the disease state. Results/Data: During a median follow-up of 39 months, 24 cases of all-cause mortality (5.9%) and 6 cases of cardiovascular mortality (1.5%) were recorded. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher incidence rates of death and primary composite endpoints among patients without nutritional guidance during hospitalization. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed early nutritional guidance as a significant predictor for long-term mortality but not for primary composite endpoints. Furthermore, undernourished patients, defined as those with a geriatric nutritional risk index of 98 or less, showed a similar prognosis to those with good nutritional status after receiving nutritional guidance, indicating that nutritional guidance improves prognosis. Conclusion: Nutritionist-led dietary guidance for patients with AMI can potentially improve total mortality and is expected to be more effective in undernourished patients. Further research is warranted to explore the physiological impacts of improved diets resulting from such guidance and their effects on enhancing prognosis.

Effect of nutritional guidance on mortality and composite endpoints in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a single center retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background/Introduction Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) stands as a major global cause of mortality. Various intervention strategies, such as pre-hospital care, reperfusion therapies, pharmacological interventions, dietary modifications, and exercise therapies, have been researched to improve patient prognosis (1,2). While reports suggest the efficacy of the Mediterranean diet, there remains a lack of evidence regarding the impact of nutritionist-led dietary guidance on the prognosis of AMI patients. Purpose This study aimed to elucidate whether nutritional guidance by nutritionists who have national qualifications would improve the mortality and the primary composite endpoint (including acute decompensated heart failure, stroke, and acute coronary syndrome) of patients following an acute myocardial infarction. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 446 consecutive AMI patients who underwent emergency coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions between September 1, 2015, and October 31, 2023. Patients meeting the universal definition of myocardial infarction were included (3). After excluding 37 in-hospital deaths, evaluations for all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and composite endpoints were performed during follow-up in 409 patients. Nutritionists guided 223 patients (54.5%) during hospitalization in this study. The nutritional guidance used in our study was also based on the definition of adequate caloric intake of 25–30 kcal per ideal body weight (kg). Under an appropriate total energy intake, a fat energy ratio of 20–25% and a carbohydrate energy ratio of 50–60% are recommended, with protein and lipid restrictions depending on the disease state. Results During a median follow-up of 39 months, 24 cases of all-cause mortality (5.9%) and 6 cases of cardiovascular mortality (1.5%) were recorded. Additionally, 15 cases of nonfatal stroke (3.7%), 17 cases of nonfatal acute coronary syndrome (4.2%), and 20 cases of hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure (4.9%) were observed. Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated significantly higher incidence rates of death and primary composite endpoints among patients without nutritional guidance. The multivariate Cox regression model incorporated all variables exhibiting statistically significant associations with long-term mortality, and the primary composite endpoints. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed nutritional guidance as a significant predictor for long-term mortality but not for primary composite endpoints. Conclusion Nutritional guidance for AMI patients may improve overall mortality. Further research is warranted to explore the physiological impacts of improved diets resulting from such guidance and their effects on enhancing prognosis.

Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Hypoperfusion: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Practice.

Trials on intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use in cardiogenic shock related to acute myocardial infarction have shown disappointing results. The role of IABP in cardiogenic shock treatment remains unclear, and new (potentially more potent) mechanical circulatory supports with arguably larger device profile are emerging. A reappraisal of the physiological premises of intra-aortic counterpulsation may underpin the rationale to maintain IABP as a valuable therapeutic option for patients with acute decompensated heart failure and tissue hypoperfusion. Several pathophysiological features differ between myocardial infarction- and acute decompensated heart failure-related hypoperfusion, encompassing cardiogenic shock severity, filling status, systemic vascular resistances rise, and adaptation to chronic (if preexisting) left ventricular dysfunction. IABP combines a more substantial effect on left ventricular afterload with a modest increase in cardiac output and would therefore be most suitable in clinical scenarios characterized by a disproportionate increase in afterload without profound hemodynamic compromise. The acute decompensated heart failure syndrome is characterized by exquisite afterload-sensitivity of cardiac output and may be an ideal setting for counterpulsation. Several hemodynamic variables have been shown to predict response to IABP within this scenario, potentially guiding appropriate patient selection. Finally, acute decompensated heart failure with hypoperfusion may frequently represent an end stage in the heart failure history: IABP may provide sufficient hemodynamic support and prompt end-organ function recovery in view of more definitive heart replacement therapies while preserving ambulation when used with a transaxillary approach.

Sex Differences in New York Heart Association Functional Classification and Survival in Acute Heart Failure Patients With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of sex on the relationship between the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification and survival in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) patients with preserved or reduced ejection fraction (EF). MethodsOf 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 4717 (2730 men and 1987 women) were investigated to assess the association of sex, NYHA functional class, and preserved or reduced EF with all-cause death. Men and women were divided into 6 groups based on left ventricular EF (preserved or reduced) and NYHA functional class (II, III, or IV) at admission. ResultsAmong both sexes with preserved EF, multivariable analysis confirmed that NYHA functional class IV was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause death than NYHA functional class II. Similarly, in women with reduced EF, NYHA functional class IV was a significant predictor of all-cause death compared with class II. However, in men with reduced EF, the adjusted risk of all-cause death was similar for those in NYHA functional classes II, III, and IV. Furthermore, the interaction between sex and NYHA functional classes II to IV was statistically significant for all-cause death in reduced EF patients (P for interaction = 0.037), but not in preserved EF patients (P for interaction = 0.711). ConclusionsNYHA functional class IV was a significant predictor of all-cause death in both sexes with preserved EF, whereas NYHA functional class IV was a significant predictor of all-cause death in women, but not in men, with reduced EF.

Biomarkers for acute cardiorenal syndrome.

Cardiorenal syndromes are disorders of the heart and kidneys whereby dysfunction in one organ may lead to dysfunction in the other organ. Cardiorenal syndrome type I (CRS I) is defined as acute kidney injury caused by acute cardiac dysfunction such as acute decompensated heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. Traditional markers like serum creatinine may delay the diagnosis of acute kidney injury and provide limited information regarding the underlying pathophysiology in the setting of CRS I. Herein, we briefly review some emerging biomarkers, including brain natriuretic peptide, soluble ST2, angiopoietin, soluble thrombomodulin, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, kidney injury molecule-1, cystatin C, interleukin-18 and calprotectin. These biomarkers may help early detecting, differential diagnosis, assessing disease severity and prognosis in patients with CRS I, therefore improve patient management and outcomes.

Clinical mimics: an emergency medicine focused review of pneumonia mimics

Pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in adults in the United States. While pneumonia classically presents with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath, the presentation can vary widely in adults. This review evaluates history and physical examination findings of pneumonia and several conditions that mimic pneumonia. Pneumonia is a potentially deadly disease. History and examination findings are variable in pneumonia, and many conditions mimic pneumonia. These conditions include pulmonary embolism, diffuse interstitial lung disease, endocarditis, vasculitis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, acute decompensated heart failure, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Emergency clinicians should assess the patient while resuscitation occurs. Early antibiotics and the diagnosis of pneumonia can improve outcomes. Key historical and physical examination findings may lead the clinician to consider other conditions that require immediate management. Using clinical evaluation and adjunctive imaging, these conditions can be diagnosed and treated. Knowledge of pneumonia mimics is vital for the care of patients with respiratory complaints. Pneumonia is common and may be deadly, and emergency clinicians must differentiate conditions that mimic pneumonia. Rapid evaluation and management may alleviate morbidity and mortality for each of these conditions. The history and physical examination, in addition to utilizing imaging modalities such as ultrasound and computed tomography, are vital in diagnosis of pneumonia mimics.

Effect of Elevated C-Reactive Protein Level at Discharge on Long-Term Outcome in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure

In the acute heart failure (AHF) setting, the usefulness of C-reactive protein (CRP) at admission as a risk marker is challenged by the possible confounding effect of an acute-phase response. We thus evaluated the relation of CRP level at discharge (i.e., after stabilization of AHF) with subsequent postdischarge outcome in patients hospitalized for AHF. The acute decompensated heart failure syndromes study prospectively registered 4,269 hospitalized AHF patients with data on CRP levels at discharge. The median CRP level was 3.1 mg/L (interquartile range 1.1 to 9.5 mg/L). Within 120 days after discharge, only CRP levels in the fourth quartile (≥9.6 mg/L) were independently associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.68) according to multivariable models with first-quartile (≤1.1 mg/L) as the reference. However, the HR for CRP levels in the fourth quartile decreased markedly with time, and CRP levels in the second (1.2 to 3.1 mg/L) and third (3.2 to 9.5 mg/L) quartiles were independently associated with poorer survival after the 120-day follow-up period (adjusted HR, 1.41 and 1.63, respectively). In addition, only CRP levels in the third quartile were independently associated with the composite end point of all-cause death and readmission for AHF after the 120 days of long-term follow-up (adjusted HR, 1.31). In conclusion, our results suggest that a modestly elevated CRP level (approximately 3 to 10 mg/L) at discharge had unique long-term prognostic implications in hospitalized patients with AHF.

Sex Differences in Left Ventricular Cavity Dilation and Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction

BackgroundIn this study we evaluated the influence of sex on the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) with a reduced ejection fraction (EF). MethodsAmong the 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 2367 patients (1607 men and 760 women) discharged alive after hospitalization for acute decompensated HF with a reduced EF (defined as a left ventricular EF < 50%) were investigated to assess the association of sex and LVEDD with the primary end point (all-cause death and readmission for HF after discharge). Men and women were separately divided into LVEDD quartiles at discharge (men: LVEDD ≤ 54, 55-60, 61-65, and ≥ 66 mm; women: LVEDD ≤ 48, 49-54, 55-60, and ≥ 61 mm). The median follow-up period after discharge was 524 (range, 385-785) days. ResultsOccurrence of the primary end point did not differ between men and women (37.0% vs 37.2%; P = 0.921). After adjustment for multiple comorbidities including left ventricular EF, men with an LVEDD of 61-65 and ≥ 66 mm had a significantly higher risk of the primary end point than men with an LVEDD ≤ 54 mm, indicating a positive association between a larger LVEDD and adverse outcomes. In contrast, in women, the adjusted risk of the primary end point was comparable among the LVEDD quartiles. ConclusionsMen and women with acute decompensated HF and a reduced EF might show important differences in relation to the association between left ventricular cavity dilation and outcomes.

Association of admission and discharge anemia status with outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure: Differences between patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction.

In acute decompensated heart failure patients with a preserved or reduced ejection fraction, the association of admission and discharge anemia status with outcomes remains unclear. Of the 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 4433 patients (2017 with a preserved and 2416 with a reduced ejection fraction) were examined to investigate associations among the anemia status at admission and discharge (no anemia, developed anemia, resolved anemia, or persistent anemia), a preserved or reduced ejection fraction and the primary endpoint (all-cause death and readmission for heart failure). In the preserved ejection fraction group, adjusted analysis showed that either developed or persistent anemia was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint relative to no anemia (hazard ratio: 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-2.11; p=0.009 and hazard ratio: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.26-2.04; p<0.001, respectively), but there was no association between resolved anemia and the primary endpoint (hazard ratio: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.67-1.45; p=0.937). In the reduced ejection fraction group, either developed or resolved anemia was associated with a tendency toward higher risk of the primary endpoint relative to no anemia (hazard ratio: 1.29; 95% CI: 0.95-1.62; p=0.089, and hazard ratio: 1.31; 95% CI: 0.96-1.77; p=0.085, respectively), while persistent anemia was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary endpoint relative to no anemia (hazard ratio: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.12-1.65; p=0.002). In acute decompensated heart failure patients, the association of admission and discharge anemia status with outcomes differs markedly between patients with a preserved or reduced ejection fraction.

Ischemic or Nonischemic Functional Mitral Regurgitation and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), preserved or reduced ejection fraction (EF), and ischemic or nonischemic origin with outcomes in patients discharged alive after hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Of the 4,842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 3,357 patients were evaluated to assess the association of FMR, preserved or reduced EF, and ischemic or nonischemic origin with the primary end point (all-cause death and readmission for HF after discharge). At the time of discharge, FMR was assessed semiquantitatively (classified as none, mild, or moderate to severe) by color Doppler analysis of the regurgitant jet area. According to multivariable analysis, in the ischemic group, either mild or moderate to severe FMR in patients with a preserved EF had a significantly higher risk of the primary end point than patients without FMR (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12 to 2.29; p = 0.010 and HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.30 to 3.01; p = 0.001, respectively). In patients with reduced EF with an ischemic origin, only moderate to severe FMR was associated with a significantly higher risk of the primary end point (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.11 to 2.50; p = 0.014). In the nonischemic group, there was no significant association between FMR and the primary end point in patients with either a preserved or reduced EF. In conclusion, among patients with acute decompensated HF with a preserved or reduced EF, the association of FMR with adverse outcomes may differ between patients who had an ischemic or nonischemic origin of HF.

Gender Differences in Anemia and Survival in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction

In patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF), the influence of gender on anemia, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and outcomes is unclear. We evaluated the association of anemia and left ventricular EF with survival in men or women hospitalized for acute decompensated HF. Of the 4,842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes registry, 4,215 patients (2,450 men and 1,765 women) discharged alive after hospitalization for acute decompensated HF were enrolled to evaluate the association of gender, anemia (hemoglobin <13.0g/dl for men and <12.0g/dl for women) at discharge, and a preserved or reduced EF with all-cause death or cardiac death after discharge. Men or women were divided into 4 groups based on left ventricular EF (preserved or reduced EF) and anemia status at discharge. The median follow-up period after discharge was 524 days (384 to 791). After adjustment for multiple co-morbidities, there was no adverse influence of anemia in men with a preserved EF, whereas anemia was an independent predictor of all-cause death in men with a reduced EF. Conversely, anemia was an independent predictor of all-cause death in women with a preserved EF but not in women with a reduced EF. With respect to cardiac death, multivariable analyses revealed highly similar trends as those for all-cause death in patients of both genders. In conclusion, in acute decompensated patients with HF with a preserved or reduced EF, there were marked differences between men and women with respect to the association of anemia andleftventricular EF with survival.

Heterogeneous impact of body mass index on in-hospital mortality in acute heart failure syndromes: An analysis from the ATTEND Registry.

Although the obesity paradox may vary depending upon clinical background factors such as age, gender, aetiology of heart failure and comorbidities, the reasons underlying the heterogeneous impact of body mass index (BMI) on in-hospital cardiac mortality under various conditions in patients with acute heart failure syndromes (AHFSs) remain unclear. Among 4617 hospitalised patients with AHFSs enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, the patient characteristics and in-hospital cardiac mortality rates in those with low BMI (BMI <25 kg/m2, n = 3263) were compared to those with high BMI (BMI ⩾25 kg/m2, n = 1354). Compared to the high-BMI group, the low-BMI group was significantly older, less likely to be male and to have hypertensive or idiopathic dilated aetiologies and more likely to have valvular aetiologies and a history of prior hospitalisation for AHFS. The low-BMI group also had lower prevalence rates of diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and atrial fibrillation and higher prevalence rates of anaemia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, cardiac mortality was significantly higher in the low-BMI group than in the high-BMI group (5.5 vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that low BMI was a predictor of cardiac mortality (odds ratio: 3.89, 95% confidence interval: 2.44-6.21). In subgroup analyses, the impact of BMI on cardiac mortality differed depending on the presence of hypertensive aetiology, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hyponatremia (all p < 0.05), although there were no interactions between the impacts of BMI and age, gender, other aetiologies, prior hospitalisation, diabetes, anaemia, cardio-renal function and in-hospital management. It is necessary to appreciate the obesity paradox in AHFS patients, and a patient's heterogeneous background should also be considered.

Gender Differences in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Outcomes Among Patients Hospitalized for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

In patients with acute decompensated heart failure (HF), the association of gender and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with clinical outcomes has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate gender differences in LVEF and adverse outcomes across the full spectrum of LVEF in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF. Of the 4,842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes registry, 4,231 patients (2,461 men and 1,770 women) discharged alive after hospitalization for acute decompensated HF were investigated to assess the association of gender and LVEF with the primary end point (all-cause death and readmission for HF). Men or women were divided into 5 groups based on the LVEF at hospital discharge (<30%, 30% to <40%, 40% to <50%, 50% to <60%, and ≥60%). The median follow-up period after discharge was 523 (384 to 791) days. The frequency of the primary end point did not differ between men and women (36.5% vs 38.1%, p= 0.291). After adjustment for multiple comorbidities, male patients with an LVEF <30%, 30% to <40%, 40% to <50%, or 50% to <60% had a significantly higher risk of the primary end point than those with an LVEF ≥60%, indicating an inverse association between LVEF and adverse outcomes. In contrast, the adjusted risk of the primary end point was similar for all 5 LVEF groups of female patients. In conclusions, the association between LVEF and outcomes differs markedly between men and women hospitalized for acute decompensated HF, although event-free survival is similar for both genders.

Association of New York Heart Association functional class IV symptoms at admission and clinical features with outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure syndromes

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether there are subgroups of acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) patients in whom New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV symptoms at admission is related to a higher risk of mortality because of the heterogeneity of this patient population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of NYHA class IV symptoms at baseline with in-hospital mortality in subgroups of patients with AHFS. Methods and ResultsOf the 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 4786 patients were included in this analysis. The primary endpoint was in-hospital all-cause death. NYHA class IV at baseline was detected in 44.3% of the patients. The all-cause death rate was significantly higher in patients with NYHA class IV than in those with NYHA class II or III (9.0% vs. 4.3%, P<0.001). To examine the heterogeneity of the association between NYHA class IV symptoms at baseline and in-hospital mortality, subgroup analyses were performed. As a result, the presence of NYHA class IV symptoms on admission was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause death in patients aged ≥75years, female patients, patients without an idiopathic dilated etiology, and patients with preserved ejection fraction (EF). ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that an age≥75years, female gender, the absence of idiopathic dilated etiology, and a preserved EF should be considered when assessing the clinical significance of NYHA class IV symptoms in relation to the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized for AHFS.

Association of anemia and renal dysfunction with in-hospital mortality among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure syndromes with preserved or reduced ejection fraction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of anemia and renal dysfunction with in-hospital outcomes in acute heart failure syndromes patients with preserved or reduced ejection fraction. Of the 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 4693 patients were evaluated to investigate the association among anemia, renal dysfunction, a preserved or reduced ejection fraction and in-hospital mortality. They were divided into four groups based on hemoglobin and estimated glomerular filtration rate at admission. The in-hospital mortality rate was 5.9% and 6.9% of the preserved and reduced ejection fraction groups, respectively. After adjustment for multiple comorbidities, there was no association of either anemia or renal dysfunction alone with in-hospital mortality in preserved ejection fraction patients, but the combination of anemia and renal dysfunction was associated with a somewhat higher risk of in-hospital mortality than that without either condition (odds ratio (OR), 2.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.72-10.41; p=0.137). In reduced ejection fraction patients, adjusted analysis showed that a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality was associated with anemia alone (OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.10 -5.94; p=0.029) and with anemia plus renal dysfunction (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.09-5.03; p=0.029) relative to the risk without either condition. Our findings demonstrate that anemia combined with renal dysfunction is not a risk factor for in-hospital mortality in patients with a preserved ejection fraction, whereas anemia is an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality risk in reduced ejection fraction patients regardless of renal dysfunction.

Etiology of Heart Failure and Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure With Preserved or Reduced Ejection Fraction

In the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (HF), relations among the etiology of HF, left ventricular systolic function, and outcomes are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of HF etiology with outcomes in patients with acute decompensated HF with a preserved or reduced ejection fraction (EF). Of the 4,842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes registry, 3,810 patients (1,601 with a preserved EF and 2,209 with a reduced EF) who had a hypertensive, ischemic, valvular, or idiopathic dilated etiology of HF were investigated to assess the association of etiology with a composite end point (all-cause mortality and readmission for HF). The median follow-up period after admission was 502 (381 to 759) days. The composite end point was reached in 44.6% and 41.7% of the preserved and reduced EF groups, respectively. After adjustment for multiple co-morbidities, the risk of the composite end point was comparable among hypertensive, ischemic, and valvular etiologies in the preserved EF group. In contrast, in the reduced EF group, ischemic etiology was associated with a tendency toward greater risk of the composite end point than hypertensive etiology (but this difference was not significant), whereas valvular etiology was associated with a significantly greater risk of the composite end point relative to hypertensive or idiopathic dilated etiology. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that taking the etiology of HF into account may help to reduce the heterogeneity of acute decompensated HF and assist in identifying patients at risk of adverse outcomes, especially among patients with reduced EF.

Serum sodium concentration, blood urea nitrogen, and outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure

BackgroundThis study investigated the association of a low serum sodium and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) with outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) patients. MethodsOf the 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 4438 patients discharged after hospitalization for acute decompensated HF were investigated to assess the association of a low serum sodium and/or elevated BUN at discharge with all-cause mortality. The patients were divided into four groups based on serum sodium (>136 or ≤136mEq/l) and BUN (<25 or ≥25mg/dl) at discharge. The median follow-up period after discharge was 517 (381–776) days. ResultsAccording to multivariate analysis, a low serum sodium (≤136mEq/l) or an elevated BUN (≥25mg/dl) was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause death compared with patients who had neither (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 1.94; P<0.001 and HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.73; P<0.001, respectively). Patients with both low serum sodium and elevated BUN had a higher risk of all-cause death relative to patients with neither (HR, 2.64; 95% CI, 2.17 to 3.20; P<0.001) and also relative to patients with either low serum sodium alone or elevated BUN alone (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.36 to 2.18; P<0.001 and HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.53 to 2.21; P<0.001, respectively). ConclusionThese findings demonstrated that a low serum sodium and an elevated BUN may be additive risk factors for postdischarge mortality in acute decompensated HF patients.

Relationship of renal insufficiency and clinical features or comorbidities with clinical outcome in patients hospitalised for acute heart failure syndromes.

Renal insufficiency is a well-known predictor of adverse events in patients with acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS). However, it remains unclear whether there are subgroups of AHFS patients in whom renal insufficiency is related to a higher risk of adverse events because of the heterogeneity of this patient population. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between renal insufficiency, clinical features or comorbidities, and the risk of adverse events in patients with AHFS. Of 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 4628 patients (95.6%) were evaluated in the present study in order to assess the relationship of renal insufficiency and clinical features or comorbidities with all-cause mortality after admission. Renal insufficiency was defined as an estimated creatinine clearance of ⩽40 mL/min (calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula) at admission. The median follow-up period after admission was 524 (391-789) days. The all-cause mortality rate after admission was significantly higher in patients with renal insufficiency (36.7%) than in patients without renal insufficiency (14.4%). Stratified analysis was performed in order to explore the heterogeneity of the influence of renal insufficiency on all-cause mortality. This analysis revealed that an ischaemic aetiology and a history of diabetes, atrial fibrillation, serum sodium, and anaemia at admission had significant influences on the relationship between renal insufficiency and all-cause mortality. The present study demonstrated that the relationship between renal insufficiency and all-cause mortality of AHFS patients varies markedly with clinical features or comorbidities and the mode of presentation due to the heterogeneity of this patient population.

Functional mitral regurgitation at discharge and outcomes in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure with a preserved or reduced ejection fraction.

The relationship between functional mitral regurgitation (FMR), left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), and outcomes is unclear in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between FMR and post-discharge outcomes in HF patients with a preserved or reduced EF. Of the 4842 patients enrolled in the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Syndromes (ATTEND) registry, 3357 patients were evaluated to assess the association among FMR (none, mild, or moderate/severe) at discharge, a preserved or reduced EF, and the primary endpoint (all-cause mortality and readmission for HF). The median follow-up period after discharge was 530 (387-800) days. According to multivariate analysis, patients with either mild FMR or moderate/severe FMR from the preserved EF group had a significantly higher risk of reaching the endpoint than patients without FMR [hazard ratio (HR) 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-1.72; P = 0.001 and HR 1.40; 95% CI 1.09-1.81; P = 0.009, respectively]. In the reduced EF group, patients with moderate or severe FMR had a significantly higher risk relative to patients without FMR (HR 1.41; 95% CI 1.07-1.86; P = 0.015), but there was no significant association of mild FMR with the risk of reaching the endpoint (HR 1.09; 95% CI 0.84-1.42; P = 0.510). Our findings demonstrate that even mild FMR is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes in HF patients with a preserved EF, while moderate or severe FMR (but not mild FMR) is associated with adverse outcomes in HF patients with a reduced EF.

Heterogeneity of the prognostic significance of B-type natriuretic peptide levels on admission in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure syndromes

BackgroundWe hypothesized that variation in baseline characteristics of patients with acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) affects the prognostic significance of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels because of heterogeneity of this patient population. We evaluated the association of elevated BNP levels on admission with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in subgroups of patients hospitalized for AHFS. MethodsThis study included patients from the acute decompensated heart failure syndromes (ATTEND) study, a multicenter prospective cohort of 4501 AHFS patients with BNP data on admission. ResultsThe geometric mean BNP level was 654.9pg/mL (95% confidence interval: 636.1–674.2), and the optimal cut-off value for all-cause death was 1157pg/mL. All-cause mortality after admission was significantly higher in patients with high BNP levels (>1157pg/mL) than in those with low BNP levels (≤1157pg/mL) (median follow-up: 508days, log-rank P<0.001). Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the prognostic significance of BNP levels. The effect of high BNP levels on the risk of all-cause mortality was significantly greater in the subgroup of patients with a non-hypertensive etiology, low creatinine levels (<1.3mg/dL), and high sodium levels (≥135mEq/L) than in those without these factors (P=0.024, P<0.001, and P<0.001 for the interaction, respectively). ConclusionsThe present analysis shows that underlying etiology of heart failure (i.e., hypertensive), renal function, and sodium levels should be considered for assessing the clinical significance of elevated BNP levels on admission in relation to the risk of adverse outcome after hospitalization for AHFS.