Acute Decompensation Of Chronic Heart Failure Research Articles

Hemodynamic Changes in Intrarenal Blood Flow are Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

To evaluate a potential role of different patterns of intrarenal blood flow using Doppler ultrasound as a part of determining the severity of venous congestion, predicting impairment of renal function and an unfavorable prognosis in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF). This prospective observational single-site study included 75 patients admitted in the intensive care unit for ADCHF. Upon admission all patients underwent bedside renal venous Doppler ultrasound to determine the blood flow pattern (continuous, biphasic, monophasic). In one hour after the initiation of intravenous diuretic therapy, sodium concentration was measured in a urine sample. The primary endpoint was the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). The secondary endpoints were the development of diuretic resistance (a need to increase the furosemide daily dose by more than 2 times compared with the baseline), decreased natriuretic response (defined as urine sodium concentration less than 50-70 mmol/l), and in-hospital death. According to the data of Doppler ultrasound, normal renal blood flow was observed in 40 (53%) patients, biphasic in 21 (28%) patients, and monophasic in 14 (19%) patients. The monophasic pattern of intrarenal blood flow was associated with the highest incidence of AKI: among 14 patients in this group, AKI developed in 100% of cases (OR 3.8, 95% CI: 2.5-5.8, p<0.01), while among patients with normal and moderate impairment of renal blood flow, there was no significant increase in the risk of developing AKI. The odds of in-hospital death were increased 25.77 times in patients with monophasic renal blood flow (95% CI: 5.35-123.99, p<0.001). Patients with a monophasic intrarenal blood flow pattern were also more likely to develop diuretic resistance compared to patients with other blood flow patterns (p<0.001) and had a decreased sodium concentration to less than 50 mmol/l (p<0.001) in a spot urine test obtained one hour after the initiation of furosemide administration. Patients with monophasic intrarenal blood flow are at a higher risk of developing AKI, diuretic resistance with decreased natriuretic response, and in-hospital death.

A new nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure and diabetes after 48 Hours of Intensive Care Unit

BackgroundThe study set out to develop an accurate and clinically valuable prognostic nomogram to assess the risk of in-hospital death in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF) and diabetes.MethodsWe extracted clinical data of patients diagnosed with ADCHF and diabetes from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database. Risk variables were selected utilizing least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, and were included in multivariate logistic regression and presented in nomogram. bootstrap was used for internal validation. The discriminative power and predictive accuracy of the nomogram were estimated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsAmong 867 patients with ADCHF and diabetes, In-hospital death occurred in 81 (9.3%) patients. Age, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, red blood cell distribution width, shock, β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, assisted ventilation, and blood urea nitrogen were brought into the nomogram model. The calibration curves suggested that the nomogram was well calibrated. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.873 (95% CI: 0.834–0.911), which was higher that of the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [0.761 (95% CI: 0.711–0.810)] and sequential organ failure assessment score [0.699 (95% CI: 0.642–0.756)], and Guidelines-Heart Failure score [0.782 (95% CI: 0.731–0.835)], indicating that the nomogram had better ability to predict in-hospital mortality. In addition, the internally validated C-index was 0.857 (95% CI: 0.825–0.891), which again verified the validity of this model.ConclusionsThis study constructed a simple and accurate nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with ADCHF and diabetes, especially in those who admitted to the intensive care unit for more than 48 hours, which contributed clinicians to assess the risk and individualize the treatment of patients, thereby reducing in-hospital mortality.

Differences in clinical characteristics and mortality of de novo acute heart failure and acutely decompensated chronic heart failure: A prospective cohort study

Background: Acute heart failure carries a high risk of mortality. Understanding the characteristics and outcomes of acute heart failure subgroups may have important implications for clinical risk stratification. Objective: We examined the clinical characteristics and rates of the 12-month all-cause mortality in a cohort of patients hospitalized with acute heart failure according to heart failure duration new-onset or de novo acute heart failure and acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF). Methods and Materials: The cohort study, with a 12-month followup, was conducted at Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital in Vietnam from February 2022 to October 2023. Results: Among 316 patients with acute heart failure, 159 patients (50%) were admitted presenting de novo AHF, while the remaining 157 patients (50%) exhibited ADCHF. Patients with ADCHF were characterized by a higher proportion of elders, comorbidities including chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation, and a larger left atrial diameter than those with de novo acute heart failure. The rates of mortality in patients with ADCHF were 1.69 times more than in patients with de novo acute heart failure (the hazard ratio (HR): 1.69 (The 95% confidence interval (CI 95%): 1.10 - 2.60, p = 0.016). However, patients with ADCHF had not an independent predictor of 12-month mortality after adjusting factors in multivariable Cox regression models, including age, chronic pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, sodium, hemoglobin, N-terminal prohormone BNP (NT-proBNP). Conclusions: Among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure, acutely decompensated chronic heart failure was associated with poorer outcomes.

Hemodynamic Differences between Patients Hospitalized with Acutely Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure and De Novo Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and frequent hospitalizations due to acute HF (AHF) and requires immediate diagnosis and individualized therapy. Some differences between acutely decompensated chronic heart failure (ADCHF) and de novo HF (dnHF) patients in terms of clinical profile, comorbidities, and outcomes have been previously identified, but the hemodynamics related to both of these clinical states are still not well recognized. To compare patients hospitalized with ADCHF to those with dnHF, with a special emphasis on hemodynamic profiles at admission and changes due to hospital treatment. This study enrolled patients who were at least 18 years old, hospitalized due to AHF (both ADCHF and dnHF), and who underwent detailed assessments at admission and at discharge. The patients' hemodynamic profiles were assessed by impedance cardiography (ICG) and characterized in terms of heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), cardiac index (CI), stroke index (SI), and thoracic fluid content (TFC). The study population consisted of 102 patients, most of whom were men (76.5%), with a mean left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) of 37.3 ± 14.1%. The dnHF patients were younger than the ADCHF group and more frequently presented with palpitations (p = 0.041) and peripheral hypoperfusion (p = 0.011). In terms of hemodynamics, dnHF was distinguished by higher HR (p = 0.029), diastolic BP (p = 0.029), SVRI (p = 0.013), and TFC (only numeric, p = 0.194) but lower SI (p = 0.043). The effect of hospital treatment on TFC was more pronounced in dnHF than in ADCHF, and this was also true of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and body mass. Some intergroup differences in the hemodynamic profile observed at admission persisted until discharge: higher HR (p = 0.002) and SVRI (trend, p = 0.087) but lower SI (p < 0.001) and CI (p = 0.023) in the dnHF group. In comparison to ADCHF, dnHF is associated with greater tachycardia, vasoconstriction, depressed cardiac performance, and congestion. Despite more effective diuretic therapy, other unfavorable hemodynamic features may still be present in dnHF patients at discharge.

Development and Validation of R-hf Risk Score in Acute Heart Failure Patients in the Middle East.

The Rajan's heart failure (R-hf) score was proposed to aid risk stratification in heart failure patients. The aim of this study was to validate R-hf risk score in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. R-hf risk score is derived from the product estimated glomerular filtration rate (mL/min), left ventricular ejection fraction (%), and hemoglobin levels (g/dL) divided by N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pg/mL). This was a multinational, multicenter, prospective registry of heart failure from seven countries in the Middle East. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was applied. A total of 776 patients (mean age = 62.0±14.0 years, 62.4% males; mean left ventricular ejection fraction = 33.0±14.0%) were included. Of these, 459 (59.1%) presented with acute decompensated chronic heart failure. The R-hf risk score group (≤ 5) was marginally associated with a higher risk of all-cause cumulative mortality at three months (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.28; 95% CI: 0.90-20.30; p =0.067) and significantly at 12 months (aOR = 3.84; 95% CI: 1.23-12.00; p =0.021) when compared to those with the highest R score group (≥ 50). Lower R-hf risk scores are associated with increased risk of all-cause cumulative mortality at three and 12 months.

Комплексная оценка статуса гидратации у пациентов с острой декомпенсацией хронической сердечной недостаточности: клинические ассоциации и прогностическое значение

To evaluate the clinical and prognostic significance of a comprehensive assessment of the hydration status in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADCHF).

Natriuresis as a Way to Assess the Effectiveness of Diuretic Therapy for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Data from a Pilot Study

Aim. To analyze the clinical significance of the sodium level in a single urine test obtained 2 hours after the first dose of a loop diuretic was administered in patients with acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADHF).Material and methods. An observational study was conducted on the basis of a rapid-care hospital. The concentration of sodium in urine analysis obtained 2 hours after intravenous administration of the first dose of loop diuretic and natriuresis for the first day of hospitalization were evaluated. The development of resistance to diuretics was taken as the primary endpoint (the need to increase the daily dose of furosemide by more than 2 times compared to the initial one or the addition of another class of diuretic drugs).Results. 25 patients with ADHF were included. The average age of patients was 69.0±14.8 years, 16 (64%) of them were men. The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 49.0±13.5%. The level of the N‐terminal fragment of the brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was 3416 (2128; 5781) pg/ml. The average sodium concentration in the urine analysis obtained 2 hours after the start of treatment was 100.6±41.0 mmol / l. The concentration of sodium in urine for the first day was 102.2±39.0 mmol/l. 2 hours after the start of treatment, the sodium concentration in a single urine test was less than 50 mmol/l in 5 (20%) patients. Upon further observation, oligoanuria (defined as diuresis of less than 400 ml within 24 hours) developed in 2 of them. Oligoanuria was not detected among patients whose sodium concentration was more than 50 mmol/l. The need for escalation (any increase in the dose of a loop diuretic and/or the addition of another class of diuretic drugs) arose in 7 (28%) patients; at the same time, we diagnosed the development of resistance to diuretics in 5 (20%) of them. Resistance to diuretics was more common among patients with a sodium concentration in a single urine test obtained 2 hours after the start of furosemide administration, less than 50 mmol/l (p=0.037); when dividing the recruited patient population into subgroups with a sodium concentration in a single urine test ≥50 mmol/l and &lt;50 mmol/l there was no significant difference in the need for any escalation of diuretic therapy [3 (60%) vs 4 (20%), p=0.07].Conclusion. Resistance to diuretics is more common among patients with a sodium concentration in a single urine test obtained 2 hours after the first dose of furosemide, less than 50 mmol / l. Evaluation of natriuresis allows to identify insufficient effectiveness of diuretic therapy already at the beginning of treatment.

Clinical Efficacy of Blood Ultrafiltration Therapy in Patients with Acute Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure

In this study, we investigated the clinical effects of blood ultrafiltration therapy in patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure. We enrolled 78 patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure who were admitted to a hospital from September 2017 to December 2021, and divided them into two groups based on the digital randomization method. The FQ-16 heart failure ultrafiltration dehydrating device blood ultrafiltration therapy was administered to the observation group (39 patients) for 8-16 hours, while the control group (39 patients) received the stepped drug therapy. Echocardiography was used to assess the changes in cardiac function of the patients in both groups before and after treatment. The changes in urine volume, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plasma renin, and serum creatinine levels were measured before and after the treatment to compare the overall response rate of the patients in both groups. The differences in left ventricular end-systolic dimension and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension and the ejection fraction between the groups before treatment were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05), however, the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension in the observation group was significantly lower and the ejection fraction was significantly higher (P &lt; 0.05) compared with that before treatment; the urine volume, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plasma renin, and serum creatinine were significantly improved in both groups after treatment compared with that before treatment. All indexes in the observation group were better than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05), 74.36%. The overall response rate of the observation group was 94.87%, x2 = 4.843 and the difference between groups was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Blood ultrafiltration therapy for patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure can improve their cardiac and renal functions, reduce NT-proBNP, reduce volume load, and enhance efficacy while ensuring high safety.

Monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 (CCL2) and its receptor (CCR2) are elevated in chronic heart failure facilitating lung monocyte infiltration and differentiation which may contribute to lung fibrosis.

Dyspnea, the cardinal manifestation of chronic heart failure (CHF), may reflect both pulmonary oedema and pulmonary remodeling resulting in tissue stiffening. Emerging evidence suggests that predominance of distinct phenotypes of alveolar and recruited macrophages, designated M1 and M2, may regulate the course of inflammatory tissue repair and remodeling in the lung. In a CHF rat model, we found fibrotic reinforcement of the extracellular matrix with an increase in monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1/CCL2 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), corresponding to a 3-fold increase in recruited macrophages. In this clinical cross sectional study, we aimed to examine potential mediators of leukocyte activation and lung infiltration in parallel BAL and blood from CHF patients compared to non-CHF controls. Mini-BAL and peripheral blood samples were obtained from hospitalized CHF, acute decompensated CHF and non-CHF patients. CHF patients and decompensated CHF patients demonstrated increases from non-CHF patients in BAL MCP-1, as well as the M2 macrophage cytokines interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β. BAL and plasma MCP-1 were significantly correlated; however, MCP-1 was 20-fold higher in epithelial lining fluid in BAL, indicative of an alveolar chemotactic gradient. An increase in transglutaminase 2 positive M2 macrophages in parallel with a decrease in the MCP-1 receptor, CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), was apparent in BAL cells of CHF patients compared to non-CHF. These data suggest a pathway of MCP-1 mediated M2 macrophage prevalence in the lungs of CHF patients which may contribute to pulmonary fibrotic remodeling and consequent increased severity of dyspnea.

Treatment of Acute Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure: Furosemide vs Furosemide and Metolazone: A Cross-Sectional Comparative Study

Background: Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital admissions each year. In Nepal also the incidence of heart failure is increasing. Acute decompensated heart failure carries a poor prognosis. Most patients respond to intravenous loop diuretics but a substantial proportion of patients are resistant to them and may need additional diuretic agents like metolazone by the principle of “sequential nephron blockade”.&#x0D; Methods: In a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study, we assigned 68 patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure patients to receive furosemide at 1 mg/kg twice daily or furosemide at 1 mg/kg twice daily plus metolazone 5mg/day. The primary end-points were daily weight loss, negative water balance (difference between urine output and fluid intake) and symptomatic improvement on NYHA grading.&#x0D; Results: There were 55% males and 45% females in total. There was a significant difference (p-value =0.003) in mean weight loss observed between the two groups on day three, i.e., 0.971±0.6 kg and 1.5±0.78 kg in furosemide group and furosemide plus metolazone group respectively. Mean negative water significantly more in the combination group on day two (450±230.94 ml vs 750.59±416.92 ml) with p-value &lt;0.001 and day three (780.88±352.48 ml vs 504.38±292.46 ml) with p-value 0.001. There was no significant change in symptoms on the basis of NYHA grading between the two groups, duration of hospital stay and adverse events like hypotension, acute kidney injury and dyselectrolytemia.&#x0D; Conclusion: Among patients with acute decompensated chronic heart failure, treatment with combination of furosemide and metolazone was found to be more effective than furosemide alone without significant increase in adverse effects.

Impact of shock aetiology and hospital characteristics on the clinical profile, management and prognosis of patients with non ACS-related cardiogenic shock

BackgroundA significant proportion of cases of cardiogenic shock (CS) are due aetiologies other than acute coronary syndromes (non ACS-CS). We assessed differences regarding clinical profile, management, and prognosis according to the cause of CS among nonselected patients with CS from a large nationwide database. MethodsWe performed an observational study including patients admitted from the hospitals of the Spanish National Health System (SNHS) with a principal or secondary diagnosis code of CS (2016-2019). Data were obtained from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS). Hospitals were classified according to the availability of cardiology related resources, as well as the availability of Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU). ResultsA total of 10,826 episodes of CS were included, of whom 5,495 (50.8%) were non-ACS related. Non ACS-CS patients were younger (71.5 vs. 72.4 years) and had a lower burden of arteriosclerosis-related comorbidities. Non ACS-CS cases underwent less often invasive procedures and presented lower in-hospital mortality (57.1% vs. 61%,p < 0.001). The most common main diagnosis among non ACS-CS was acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADCHF) (35.4%). A lower risk-adjusted in-hospital mortality rate was observed in high volume hospitals (52.6% vs. 56.7%; p < 0.001), as well as in centers with ICCU (OR: 0.71; CI 95%: 0.58-0.87; p < 0.001). ConclusionsMore than a half of cases of CS were due to non-ACS causes. Non ACS-CS cases are a very heterogeneous group, with different clinical profile and management. Management at high-volume hospitals and availability of ICCU were associated with lower risk adjusted mortality among non ACS-CS patients.

Prognostic value of a disease-specific health-related quality score in acute heart failure

Abstract Background Despite the striking therapeutic progress made in the treatment of heart failure (HF), rehospitalization rate and mortality remain a major and often unpredictable problem. Previous studies have shown the prognostic value of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), a score assessing disease-specific health-related quality of life in stable chronic HF patients. Recently, a large study including 4898 patients with acute HF (AHF) enrolled in China reported the incremental predictive ability of KCCQ for a composite outcome of death and rehospitalization. However, these findings were not yet confirmed. In order to address this unmet need, the aim of this study was to examine the prognostic value of KCCQ in another AHF cohort. Purpose To validate the prognostic value of the KCCQ in AHF. Methods Goal-directed AfterLoad Reduction in Acute Congestive Cardiac Decompensation Study (GALACTIC) was a prospective, multicenter (n=10), randomized, interventional controlled trial enrolling adult patients presenting with AHF. KCCQ was assessed shortly after admission. We focused on the prognostic value of the short version KCCQ-12, explored the association with the composite of all-cause mortality and AHF rehospitalization within 30- and 180-day follow-up and compared it to the original score. Patients were grouped into quartiles according their KCCQ: high-risk (0–&amp;lt;25), moderate- to high-risk (25–&amp;lt;50), low- to moderate-risk (50–&amp;lt;75) and low-risk group (75–100). Cumulative incidence of assessed endpoints was displayed in Kaplan-Meier curves. Covariate adjustments were made using Cox regression. Prognostic accuracy over N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was evaluated by time-dependent area under the curve. Results Among 781 patients, 419 (median age 78, 35% female, 32% new onset of HF) had a complete set of variables to calculate KCCQ. Follow-up was available in all patients up to 180 days. 29 (7%) and 122 (29%) patients died or were rehospitalized for AHF within 30- and 180-days, respectively. Median KCCQ-12 was 37.5 with 25% of patients attaining the high- and 8% the low-risk group. After adjustment, each 10-point decrease in the KCCQ was associated with a 10% increase in 180-day risk regardless of new onset or acute decompensated chronic HF, age, sex, comorbidities, systolic blood pressure, creatinine, NT-proBNP and sodium levels. The prognostic ability for a 30-day risk was not significant. Using the same adjustments, a 10-point decrease in the original KCCQ was significant for a 20% and a 11% increase in risk for the short- and long-term composite outcome. The prognostic accuracy of KCCQ was comparable to NT-proBNP. Conclusions Health status, measured by the KCCQ-12 among patients with AHF, is significantly associated with a long-term composite outcome of all-cause mortality and AHF rehospitalization. The original KCCQ overall score is an independent predictor for both, the 30- and 180-day composite outcome. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Union, the Swiss National Science Foundation

Impact of NT-proBNP on prognosis of acute decompensated chronic heart failure versus de novo heart failure

BackgroundNT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a powerful prognostic factor for acute heart failure. We investigated whether NT-proBNP levels differ based on the type of heart failure present. MethodsUsing the Korean Acute Heart Failure Registry, a prospective, multicenter cohort, we categorized patients into two groups: de novo heart failure (DNHF, n = 1617) and acute decompensated chronic heart failure (ADHF, n = 1212). NT-proBNP levels were measured on admission. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were re-hospitalization for heart failure and a composite of all-cause mortality or re-hospitalization for heart failure at 90 days and 1 year. ResultsNT-proBNP levels were significantly lower in patients with DNHF than in those with ADHF (median 4213 vs. 5523 ng/L, p < 0.001). Compared to patients with DNHF, patients with ADHF had a significantly worse prognosis for 1-year all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07–1.98], p = 0.017). A higher NT-proBNP level was associated with higher 1-year all-cause mortality for both heart failure types (adjusted HR = 2.00, p = 0.002 in ADHF; adjusted HR = 2.41, p = 0.003 in DNHF). However, all-cause mortality risk was always higher in patients with ADHF than in those with DNHF for any given NT-proBNP level. ConclusionNT-proBNP levels are an important prognostic factor for both DNHF and ADHF. Notably, patients with ADHF had consistently higher risks than those with DNHF with the same NT-proBNP level for 1-year all-cause mortality.

Coexisting Morbidity Burden in Hospitalized Elderly Patients with New-Onset Heart Failure vs Acutely Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure.

Coexisting morbidities (CM) are common in patients with heart failure (HF). This study evaluated the CM burden and its clinical significance in elderly hospitalized patients with new-onset (De-novo) HF (n = 84) and acutely decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF) (n = 122). All had HF symptoms associated with: (a) LVEF <50%, or, (b) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% and NT-proBNP ≥300 pg/mL. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death/HF rehospitalization at 6months. Age was similar between patients with new-onset HF and ADCHF [82 (12.5) vs 80 (11)years, respectively; P = .549]. The CM burden was high in both groups. However, the number of CM [3 (2) vs 4 (1.75)] and the prevalence of multimorbidity [CM ≥2; 65 (77.4%) vs 108 (88.5%)] were lower in new-onset HF (P = .016 and P = .035, respectively). The survival probability without the primary endpoint was higher in new-onset HF than in ADCHF (P = .001) driven by less rehospitalizations (P = .001). In the total study population significant primary endpoint predictors were red blood cell distribution width (RDW), urea, and coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence (AUC of the model =.7685), whereas significant death predictors were RDW, urea, and the number of CM (AUC = .7859), all higher in ADCHF. Thus, the higher CM burden in ADCHF than in new-onset HF most likely contributed to the worse outcome.

Prognostic value of integral assessment of congestion in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated chronic heart failure: A single center study

Background: Systemic congestion is the leading pathophysiological mechanism of decompensated heart failure (HF), and hospitalization and poor prognosis. Unfortunately, patients are discharged with residual congestion, possibly due to the lack of a clear strategy for its assessment. The existing criteria for discharge of patients from the hospital are more often based on a subjective assessment and poorly correlate with the state of hemodynamic stabilization, and the search for methods for detecting congestion remains relevant. Objectives: The objective is to determine the prognostic value of an integrated assessment of congestion based on novel diagnostic methods in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated chronic HF (ADCHF). Methods: Single-center prospective study in 171 patients hospitalized with ADCHF. All patients underwent physical examination, paraclinical (laboratory and instrumental) investigations-N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level, lung ultrasound, transient elastography (TE), bioimpedance vector analysis (BIVA) on admission and discharge. Clinical congestion was assessed in accordance with the HF Association consensus document. Clinical outcomes were assessed by structured telephone survey 1, 3, 6, 12 months after discharge. Combined rates of all-cause mortality and re-admissions were used as the study endpoint. Results: Patients hospitalized with ADCHF had the following congestion status at discharge as assessed by individual methods (TE, lung ultrasound, BIVA and NT-proBNP): The incidence of clinical residual Congestion I ranged 33%–39%, the incidence of subclinical congestion was 12%–24%, and patients with euvolemia accounted for 19%–32%. According to the integral assessment of hydration status, the incidences of clinical residual Congestion I, subclinical congestion, and euvolemia were 57%, 31% and 12%, respectively. The study has demonstrated a significant worsening of all congestion parameters with increasing number of methods (1–4) that had detected congestion. Patients with congestion detected at discharge by 2, 3, or 4 methods were at a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality or readmission. TE + NT-proBNP had a higher prognostic value in regard to the risk of endpoint event, while the combination of all four methods was the most predictive. Conclusions: Patients hospitalized with ADCHF should undergo an integral assessment of residual and subclinical congestion at discharge. The introduction of integral congestion assessment into the routine practice will help identify patients with less favorable prognosis in terms of the risk of death and re-admission, as well as to enhance pharmacologic therapy and follow-up.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in High-Risk Surgical Patient with Severe Aortic Insufficiency

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is approved by the FDA for severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients of all surgical risk categories but has yet to be studied for its utility in aortic insufficiency (AI), despite the need for a safe alternative to surgery for prohibitive surgical risk patients. Case Report: We describe a case of a female patient who presented with acute decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF) with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV symptoms. She was found to have severe AI leading to acute decompensation. Two years prior to this, she had aortic valve endocarditis that had potentially resulted in severe AI. Considering her underling comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, morbid obesity and multiple myeloma on active chemotherapy at the time of evaluation, the patient was a high-risk surgical candidate for surgical aortic valve repair (SAVR) in view of elevated risk of mortality, infection, and poor wound healing. After critical and comprehensive assessment, transcatheter aortic valve intervention was considered to be an appropriate choice of treatment. TAVR was successfully performed that resulted in immediate improvement of aortic valve function. On subsequent follow-ups, she demonstrated markedly improved symptoms and reduced status to NYHA Class II HF symptoms. Conclusion: TAVR is a potential treatment modality for patients with severe AI who are poor surgical candidates for SAVR. We hope our case contributes to the growing pool of studies investigating the utility of TAVR procedure in patients with severe AI.

Congestive heart failure masquerading as acute abdomen: A case report

Rationale: As an uncommon manifestation of congestive heart failure, congestive hepatopathy requires an early diagnosis in order to render appropriate care. Misdiagnosis as intraabdominal sepsis may lead to erroneous initial intervention, such as fluid boluses, that can potentially tip an already sick patient with poor reserves over into an extreme state.Patient’s Concern: A 65-year-old man was brought to the emergency department for excruciating abdominal pain, vomiting and jaundice. He also had lower limb pitting edema and was hypotensive en route.Diagnosis: Congestive hepatopathy.Interventions: Intravenous furosemide and fluid restriction.Outcomes: The patient declined admission to the cardiology ward and discharged himself against medical advice after his condition was improved in the emergency department.Lessons: It is important to pay attention to acute abdominal pain induced by extraabdominal pathologies. In this case of acute decompensated congestive heart failure, early recognition of the cause makes a difference to the management.

Features of acute decompensation of heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with anemia and latent iron deficiency

Objective: to assess the contribution of anemia and latent iron deficiency (LID) to the formation of acute decompensation of chronic heart failure (ADHF) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 in history.Materials and methods: a one‑time screening clinical non‑randomized study was conducted. 98 patients with ADHF were examined according to the criteria for inclusion and non‑inclusion, among which 47 (48%) patients suffered from type 2 DM. Among patients with impaired carbohydrate metabolism, 14 (29.8%) patients had an anemic syndrome verified.Results: the prevalence of anemia among hospitalized patients with ADHF against the background of type 2 DM was 29.8%, LID without anemia – 51.5%. Anemic syndrome in patients with ADHF and type 2 DM was represented by iron deficiency anemia in 85.7% and anemia of chronic conditions in 14.3% of cases. In 2/3 of the patients, anemia corresponded to moderate severity. The relative risk (RR) of the development of ADHF against the background of type 2 DM and anemia increases by 2.4 times, in the presence of LID – by 2.9 times. The presence of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction in history, atrial fibrillation with a heart rate of more than 110 beats per minute, renal dysfunction, high activity of nonspecific inflammation were risk factors for the formation of ADHF in patients with type 2 DM and anemia. The presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with anemia increased the RR of the development of ADHF by 1.8 times, the presence of chronic kidney disease – by 1.7 times, with an increase in the excretion of albumin/protein in the urine &gt;30 mg/g – by 5.7 times, with tubular dysfunction – by 2.4 times, with an increase in aortic stiffness – by 3.5 times.Conclusion: the prevalence of anemia and LID among patients with ADHF and type 2 DM is high. These conditions were risk factors for the development of ADHF and its progression. ADHF in patients with type 2 DM against the background of anemia and LID was characterized by a more severe course, a more pronounced lesion of the target organs.

Retrospective Study of 573 Patients with Heart Failure Evaluated for Coronary Artery Disease at Toulouse University Center, France.

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) most commonly occurs due to ischemic heart disease from stenotic coronary artery disease (CAD). HF is classified into 3 groups based on the percentage of the ejection fraction (EF): reduced (HFrEF), mid-range (HFmrEF), and preserved (HFpEF). This retrospective study included 573 patients who presented with HF based on the evaluation of EF and were evaluated for CAD by coronary angiography before undergoing coronary angioplasty at a single center in Toulouse, France.Material/MethodsThis retrospective observational study included patients recently diagnosed with HF or acute decompensation of chronic HF and referred for coronary angiography at Toulouse University Hospital between January 2019 and May 2020.ResultsSignificant CAD was found in 55.8%, 55%, and 55% of the whole population, HFpEF, and HFrEF groups, respectively. Older age, male sex, and diabetes mellitus were the main risk factors for ischemic HF. Except for age and sex, patients with ischemic HFpEF were comparable to those with non-ischemic HFpEF, unlike the ischemic HFrEF group, which had more common cardiovascular risk factors than the non-ischemic HFrEF group. The ischemic HFpEF group had an older age and higher rate of dyslipidemia than the ischemic HFrEF group.ConclusionsAt our center, CAD was diagnosed in more than half of patients who presented with heart failure with preserved or reduced EF. Older age and male sex were the common risk factors in patients with HFpEF and HFrEF.

Differences in the Biomarker Profile of De Novo Acute Heart Failure versus Decompensation of Chronic Heart Failure.

The perception of acute heart failure (AHF) as a single entity is increasingly outdated, as distinct patient profiles can be discerned. Key heart failure (HF) studies have previously highlighted the difference in both the course and prognosis of de novo AHF and acute decompensated chronic HF (ADHF). Accordingly, distinct AHF profiles with differing underlying pathophysiologies of disease progression can be shown. We compared a range of selected biomarkers in order to better describe the profile of de novo AHF and ADHF, including the inter alia—serum lactate, bilirubin, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), follistatin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), lipocalin and galectin-3. The study comprised 248 AHF patients (de novo = 104), who were followed up for one year. The biomarker data of the de novo AHF and ADHF profiles was then compared in order to link biomarkers to their prognosis. Our study demonstrated that, although there are similarities between each patient profile, key biomarker differences do exist—predominantly in terms of NTproBNP, serum lactate, bilirubin, ICAM-1, follistatin, ferritin and sTfR (soluble transferrin receptor). ADHF tended to have compromised organ function and higher risks of both one-year mortality and composite endpoint (one-year mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure) hazard ratios (HR) (95% CI): 3.4 (1.8–6.3) and 2.8 (1.6–4.6), respectively, both p < 0.0001. Among the biomarkers of interest: sTfR HR (95% CI): 1.4 (1.04–1.8), NGAL(log) (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) HR (95% CI): 2.0 (1.3–3.1) and GDF-15(log) (growth/differentiation factor-15) HR (95% CI): 4.0 (1.2–13.0) significantly impacted the one-year survival, all p < 0.05.