Rehospitalization For Acute Heart Failure Research Articles

Serum uric acid to eGFR ratio correlates with adverse outcomes in elderly hospitalized for acute heart failure

BackgroundSerum uric acid (SUA) is a known biomarker of severity in acute heart failure (AHF), reflecting the intricate interplay between cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction. Since SUA can increase in response to worsening kidney function, and subjects with AHF often have cardiorenal syndrome or are on diuretic therapy, we tested whether the ratio of SUA to eGFR might provide prognostic value in elderly hospitalized for AHF. MethodsThe BOTERO-AHF Study (BOlogna study of Therapies, Epidemiology and Radiodiagnostic Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure patients) included 293 patients admitted for AHF who were consecutively enrolled from January 2020 onwards. We compared the baseline characteristics of participants who had a composite outcome (CO) (n = 203) of death or re-hospitalization for AHF within 12 months from discharge to those without CO (n = 90), and we assessed the prognostic impact of SUA/eGFR for 12-months CO. ResultsSUA/eGFR was significantly higher in participants who experienced a CO within 12 months from discharge for AHF, compared to those who did not experience any CO (17.8 (16.6) vs. 13.7 (12.1) mg/dl/ml/min*100, p = 0.008). SUA/eGFR, and not SUA alone, was associated with an increase in the rate of CO (unadjusted HR 1.011, CI 95% 1.004–1.019, p = 0.003). This association lost significance in participants under treatment with xanthine oxidase inhibitors but remained significant after adjustment for multiple confounders. ConclusionThe SUA/ eGFR ratio provides prognostic value in elderly patients hospitalized for AHF. Future studies may clarify if SUA/eGFR and XOI may represent novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for subgroups of patients with AHF.

Angiography-Derived Index of Microcirculatory Resistance to Define the Risk of Early Discharge in STEMI.

Patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction but no coronary microvascular injury are at low risk of early cardiovascular complications (ECC). We aim to assess whether nonhyperemic angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (NH-IMRangio) could be a user-friendly tool to identify patients at low risk of ECC, potentially candidates for expedited care pathway and early hospital discharge. Retrospective analysis of 2 independent, international, prospective, observational cohorts included 568 patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. NH-IMRangio was calculated based on standard coronary angiographic views with 3-dimensional-modeling and computational analysis of the coronary flow. Overall, ECC (a composite of cardiovascular death, cardiogenic shock, acute heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, resuscitated cardiac arrest, left ventricular thrombus, post-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction mechanical complications, and rehospitalization for acute heart failure or acute myocardial infarction at 30 days follow-up), occurred in 54 (9.3%) patients. NH-IMRangio was significantly correlated with pressure/thermodilution-based index of microcirculatory resistance (r=0.607; P<0.0001) and demonstrated good accuracy in predicting ECC (area under the curve, 0.766 [95% CI, 0.706-0.827]; P<0.0001). Importantly, ECC occurred more frequently in patients with NH-IMRangio ≥40 units (18.1% versus 1.4%; P<0.0001). At multivariable analysis, NH-IMRangio provided incremental prognostic value to conventional clinical, angiographic, and echocardiographic features (adjusted-odds ratio, 14.861 [95% CI, 5.177-42.661]; P<0.0001). NH-IMRangio<40 units showed an excellent negative predictive value (98.6%) in ruling out ECC. Discharging patients with NH-IMRangio<40 units at 48 hours after admission would reduce the total in-hospital stay by 943 days (median 2 [1-4] days per patient). NH-IMRangio is a valuable risk-stratification tool in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. NH-IMRangio guided strategies to early discharge may contribute to safely shorten hospital stay, optimizing resources utilization.

In-hospital and 1-year mortality associated with percutaneous coronary intervention use in patients with acute myocardial infarction older than 90 years

Abstract Background Patients older than 90 years are less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This is due to the lack of evidence derived from randomized trials, multimorbidity, and possible futility. We investigated the prognostic impact of PCI in a large population of patients hospitalized with AMI in the period 2003-2018, by using the Lombardy Health Database (Italy). Methods We analyzed data of all patients &amp;gt;90 years hospitalized with AMI (both STEMI and NSTEMI) in Lombardy. Patients were grouped according to whether they were treated or not with PCI during index hospitalization. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. One-year mortality and 1-year re-hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF) or AMI were considered as secondary endpoints. Results During the study period, 15,954 patients (median age 92 [91-94] years); 50% STEMI) were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of AMI. Twelve percent of them (n=1,954) were treated with PCI. The in-hospital mortality rate in the entire cohort was 22% (29% in STEMI and 15% in NSTEMI). It was significantly lower in patients treated with PCI than in those not treated with PCI (15% vs. 23%; P&amp;lt;0.0001). In the overall population, 1-year mortality was 56% and 1-year re-hospitalization for AHF/AMI was 19%. Both these endpoints were less frequent in PCI-treated (37% vs. 58% and 16% vs. 21%, respectively; P&amp;lt;0.0001). The adjusted risk of the study endpoints was significantly lower in patients treated with PCI: OR 0.61 (95% CI 0.54-0.69) for in-hospital mortality; HR 0.53 (95% CI 0.49-0.57) for 1-year mortality; HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.66-0.70) for 1-year re-hospitalization for AHF/AMI. The figure shows the 1-year survival curves of AMI patients treated or not treated with PCI. Similar results were found in STEMI and NSTEMI patients considered separately. Conclusions Our real-world data showed that in patients with AMI older than 90 years of age, PCI use is associated with a significant in-hospital and 1-year clinical benefit.

Prognostic Impact of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Older Patients Hospitalized with Acute Myocardial Infarction: Real-World Findings from the Lombardy Health Database.

Older patients are less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) compared to younger patients. We investigated the prognostic impact of PCI in a large population of patients hospitalized with AMI in the period 2003-2018 by using the administrative Lombardy Health Database (Italy). We considered all patients aged ≥75 years hospitalized with AMI (either STEMI or NSTEMI) from 2003 to 2018 in Lombardy. Patients were grouped according to whether they were treated or not with PCI during the index hospitalization. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoints were 1-year mortality and 1-year re-hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF) or AMI. 116,063 patients aged ≥75 years (mean age 83 ± 6; 48% males; 46% STEMI) were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of AMI. Thirty-seven percent of them (n = 42,912) underwent PCI. The in-hospital mortality rate was significantly lower in PCI-treated patients (6% vs. 15%; p < 0.0001). One-year mortality and 1-year re-hospitalization for AHF/AMI were less frequent in PCI-treated patients (16% vs. 41% and 15% vs. 21%, respectively; p < 0.0001). The adjusted risks of the study endpoints were lower in PCI-treated patients: OR 0.37 (95% CI 0.36-0.39) for in-hospital mortality; HR 0.37 (95% CI 0.36-0.38) for 1-year mortality; HR 0.74 (95% CI 0.71-0.77) for 1-year re-hospitalization for AHF/AMI. Similar results were found in STEMI and NSTEMI patients considered separately. Our real-world data showed that in patients with AMI ≥ 75 years of age, PCI use is associated with lower in-hospital and 1-year mortality.

Relationship of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C, a Lymphangiogenesis Modulator, With Edema Formation, Congestion and Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure

Although vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a known lymphangiogenesis modulator, its relationship with congestion formation and outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) is unknown. Serum VEGF-C levels were measured in 237 patients hospitalized for AHF. The population was stratified by VEGF-C levels and linked with clinical signs of congestion and outcomes. The study's population was divided in VEGF-C tertiles: low (median [Q25-Q75]: 33 [15-175]), medium (606 [468-741]) and high (1141 [968-1442] pg/mL). The group with low VEGF-C on admission presented with the highest prevalence of severe lower-extremity edema (low VEGF-C vs medium VEGF-C vs high VEGF-C): 30% vs 13% vs 20%; P = 0.02); the highest percentage of patients with ascites: 22% vs 9% vs 6%; P = 0.006; and the lowest proportion of patients with pulmonary congestion: 22% vs 30% vs 46%; P = 0.004. The 1-year mortality rate was the highest in the low VEGF-C tertile: 35% vs 28% vs 18%, respectively; P = 0.049. The same pattern was observed for the composite endpoint (death and AHF rehospitalization): 45% vs 43% vs 26%; P = 0.029. The risks of death at 1-year follow-up and composite endpoint were significantly lower in the high VEGF-C group. Low VEGF-C was associated with more severe signs of congestion (signs of fluid accumulation) and adverse clinical outcomes.

25 In-hospital Change in Lung Ultrasound Congestion Score Predicts Heart Failure Rehospitalization and Death: Implications for Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Lung Ultrasound Congestion Score (LUS-CS) is a proposed measure for guiding treatment in acute heart failure (AHF). An emergency department (ED) pilot trial of LUS-guided diuresis showed reduced LUS-CS at 48 hours but no difference at hospital discharge or for clinical outcomes. We hypothesized total change in LUS-CS would predict adverse outcomes. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This was a post-hoc secondary analysis of the BLUSHED-AHF trial. BLUSHED-AHF was a pilot trial in which AHF patients were randomized to a LUS-guided diuresis strategy vs. usual care in the ED. The intervention was stopped after the ED course (i.e. during hospitalization). BLUSHED-AHF was designed for the intervention to target absolute values of LUS-CS over time, rather than change in LUS-CS from each patient’s baseline. We fit a cox regression model for a primary outcome of death or AHF rehospitalization, with total (ED to Hospital Discharge) change in LUS-CS as the primary predictor, adjusted for the Get-With-The-Guidelines heart failure risk score (GWTG). Survival curves were plotted, and hazard ratios calculated. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 128 patients in BLUSHED-AHF were analyzed. Greater reduction in LUS-CS from ED to hospital discharge predicted event-free survival (HR = 0.74 for each 20 unit reduction in LUS-CS, 95%CI 0.56-0.99). This effect did not vary by hospitalization length or ED disposition. There was a significant interaction between change in LUS-CS and GWTG score (p DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: LUS-CS total change, and not absolute values, predict adverse events in LUS-guided diuresis. Post-ED cessation of the intervention in BLUSHED-AHF may have precluded opportunity for clinical benefit. Future trials should run the entire hospital course, target change from baseline, and consider patient selection by AHF severity and initial LUS-CS.

Is excessive ventricular irregularity predictive of rehospitalization in patients with permanent AF and HFpEF?

There are currently limited therapeutic approaches for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) who have developed permanent atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to analyse the impact of ventricular irregularity on heart failure rehospitalization in patients with permanent AF and HFpEF. All 24h ambulatory Holter monitoring performed in our centre within a month after a first heart failure hospitalization were screened. Patients with HFpEF and permanent AF were included in the retrospective analysis. The following parameters of ventricular irregularity were calculated over the 24h recording period: standard deviation of all RR intervals (SDNN), coefficient of variation of SDNN (CV-SDNN=SDNN/mean RR), root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD), and percentage of consecutive RR intervals with difference over 50ms (pNN50). The primary endpoint was rehospitalization for acute heart failure (HFrH). From 2010 to 2021, 51/216 screened patients were included. During a median follow-up of 3.13years, 29/51 patients reached the primary endpoint. HFrH patients had higher SDNN (205±65 vs. 154±46ms; P<0.01), CV-SDNN (26±8% vs. 19±5%, P<0.01), RMSSD (182±47 vs. 138±65ms, P=0.013), and pNN50 (76±9 vs. 58±26, P<0.001) when compared with patients with no HFrH. In multivariate analysis, all those parameters remained significantly associated with HFrH. In this pilot study, we found some evidences for a deleterious impact of excessive ventricular irregularity on HFrH in AF patients with HFpEF. Those new findings could pave the way for new prognosis and therapeutic approaches in this patients' population.

Detrimental effects of intense vasodilation in women with acute heart failure: novel insights from a prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Guidelines recommend evaluating the risk/benefit ratio of novel therapies individually in women and men, as the pathophysiology and the response to treatment may differ according to sex. Among patients with acute heart failure (AHF), a strategy of intensive vasodilation, compared with usual care, overall did provide comparable outcomes. However, sex-specific differences in heart failure pathophysiology and the effect of the strategy in women with AHF remained unclear. Purpose To characterize sex-specific differences in heart failure pathophysiology and to evaluate the effect of a strategy that emphasized early intensive and sustained vasodilation in women with AHF. Methods In a randomized, open-label blinded-end-point trial patients hospitalized for AHF were enrolled in 10 hospitals in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Brazil, and Spain. Inclusion criteria were AHF expressed by acute dyspnea and increased plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides, systolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg, and a plan for treatment in a general ward. Patients were randomized 1:1 to a strategy of early intensive and sustained vasodilation throughout the hospitalization or usual care. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for AHF at 180 days. The subgroup analysis according to sex was predefined. Results Among 781 patients who completed the trial, 288 (36.9%) were women. Women were significantly older, had a higher systolic blood pressure at presentation and a more common history of diastolic dysfunction (all ps&amp;lt;0.05), whereas men had a significantly higher body surface area, a more common history of ischemic heart disease and a significant lower left ventricular ejection fraction (all ps&amp;lt;0.05). The primary end point, a composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for AHF at 180 days, occurred in 53 female patients (37.9%) in the intervention group (including 28 deaths [20.0%]) and in 35 female patients (23.6%) in the usual care group (including 22 deaths [14.9%]) (absolute difference for the primary end point, 14.3%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.05–2.50]; P=0.03). Conclusion Among women with AHF, a strategy of early intensive and sustained vasodilation, compared with usual care, had a detrimental effect on a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and AHF rehospitalization at 180 days. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): University Hospital Basel

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

Patients admitted with acute heart failure at an intensive care department of a tertiary care hospital: characterization of patients submitted to mechanical circulatory support

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Heart failure (HF) is one of the major contemporary challenges. Its prognosis gets worse in the presence of exacerbations that require intensive care. In the last decades there has been a huge advance in techniques of mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Data regarding characterization and prognosis of critical acute heart failure (AHF) in the contemporary era in Portugal is lacking. Aims To characterize the patients admitted with AHF and submitted to MCS in an ICU at a Portuguese tertiary care hospital. Methods Retrospective study of patients admitted at an ICU with the diagnosis of AHF and submitted to MCS between January and December of 2019 in a tertiary care hospital. Patients were analysed regarding clinical data, triggers and in-hospital and long-term prognosis. Results In the reported time frame there were 23 patients admitted for AHF submitted to MCS (9.6% of all AHF patients). They were predominantly men (69.6%), with a mean age of 50.7±16.7 years old. The majority didn’t have a previous HF diagnosis (78.3%). Mean ejection fraction at admission was 25.4±15.8%; the majority presented with low peripheral perfusion (95.7%) and almost a quarter (21.7%) had sudden cardiac arrest at admission. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the most common underlying trigger (34.8%). Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was the most used type of MCS (73.9%), mainly as bridge to recovery (52.9%), with a mean duration of 12.0±6.7 days. In this subgroup, myocarditis was the most common trigger (35.3%). Complications associated with this technique were observed in 46.2% of the cases with bleeding from puncture sites being the most common (23.1%; n=3). Intra-aortic balloon pump was used in 56.5% of the patients, having ACS has the main trigger; there was the need to upgrade to VA-ECMO in about half of the patients (53.8%). There were associated complications in 15% of the cases. Impella was used in 13% of the patients (n=2) for an average of 5.7±0.6 days and always in simultaneous with VA-ECMO; one patient evolved with hematoma in the puncture site. About half (52.2%; n=12) of the patients died during index hospitalization, with 2 casualties occurring in the first 24h. From those who survived, no one had a new hospitalization due to HF or death within 12 months after discharge. Conclusions This registry demonstrates that MCS in AHF is predominantly used in younger patients, with less comorbidities and with ACS and myocarditis having a relevant role as underlying triggers. ECMO-VA is the preferred technique, and it is mostly applied in a strategy of bridge to recovery. In-hospital mortality is significant. However, in the surviving patients, the severity of the presentation at the index admission does not translate in long term outcome, with no death casualties or new re-hospitalization for AHF reported. These findings support and give arguments to the use of this aggressive measures.

Tailored risk assessment of 90-day acute heart failure readmission or all-cause death to heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction.

BackgroundAfter incident heart failure (HF) admission, patients are vulnerable to readmission or death in the 90‐day post‐discharge. Although risk models for readmission or death incorporate ejection fraction (EF), patients with HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) and those with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) represent distinct cohorts. To better assess risk, this study developed machine learning models and identified risk factors for the 90‐day acute HF readmission or death by HF subtype.Methods and ResultsApproximately 1965 patients with HFpEF and 1124 with HFrEF underwent an index admission. Acute HF rehospitalization or death occurred in 23% of HFpEF and 28% of HFrEF groups. Of the 101 variables considered, multistep variable selection identified 24 and 25 significant factors associated with 90‐day events in HFpEF and HFrEF, respectively. In addition to risk factors common to both groups, factors unique to HFpEF patients included cognitive dysfunction, low‐pulse pressure, β‐blocker, and diuretic use, and right ventricular dysfunction. In contrast, factors unique to HFrEF patients included a history of arrhythmia, acute HF on presentation, and echocardiographic characteristics like left atrial dilatation or elevated mitral E/A ratio. Furthermore, the model tailored to HFpEF (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.770; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.767–0.774) outperformed a model for the combined groups (AUC = 0.759; 95% CI 0.756–0.763).ConclusionThe UF 90‐day post‐discharge acute HF Re admission or Death Risk Assessment (UF90‐RADRA) models help identify HFpEF and HFrEF patients at higher risk who may require proactive outpatient management.

Three-Dimensional Myocardial Strain for the Prediction of Clinical Events in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUNDTwo-dimensional (2D) strain provides more predictive power than ejection fraction (EF) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). 3D strain and EF are also expected to have better clinical usefulness and overcome several inherent limitations of 2D strain. We aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of 3D strain analysis in patients with STEMI.METHODSPatients who underwent successful revascularization for STEMI were retrospectively recruited. In addition to conventional parameters, 3D EF, global longitudinal strain (GLS), global area strain (GAS), as well as 2D GLS were obtained. We constructed a composite outcome consisting of all-cause death or re-hospitalization for acute heart failure or ventricular arrhythmia.RESULTSOf 632 STEMI patients, 545 patients (86.2%) had a reliable 3D strain analysis. During median follow-up of 49.5 months, 55 (10.1%) patients experienced the adverse outcome. Left ventricle EF, 2D GLS, 3D EF, 3D GLS, and 3D GAS were significantly associated with poor outcomes. (all, p < 0.001) The maximum likelihood-ratio test was performed to evaluate the additional prognostic value of 2D GLS or 3D GLS over the prognostic model consisting of clinical characteristics and EF, and the likelihood ratio was 15.9 for 2D GLS (p < 0.001) and 1.49 for 3D GLS (p = 0.22).CONCLUSIONSThe predictive power of 3D strain was slightly lower than the 2D strain. Although we can obtain 3D strains, volume, and EF simultaneously in same cycle, the clinical implications of 3D strains in STEMI need to be investigated further.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Lung Ultrasound B-Lines in Acute Heart Failure With Concomitant Pneumonia.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential confounding effect of concomitant pneumonia (PNM) on lung ultrasound (LUS) B-lines in acute heart failure (AHF).Methods: We enrolled 86 AHF patients with (31 pts, AHF/PNM) and without (55 pts, AHF) concomitant PNM. LUS B-lines were evaluated using a combined antero-lateral (AL) and posterior (POST) approach at admission (T0), after 24 h from T0 (T1), after 48 h from T0 (T2) and before discharge (T3). B-lines score was calculated at each time point on AL and POST chest, dividing the number of B-lines by the number of explorable scanning sites. The decongestion rate (DR) was calculated as the difference between the absolute B-lines number at discharge and admission, divided by the number of days of hospitalization. Patients were followed-up and hospital readmission for AHF was considered as adverse outcome.Results: At admission, AHF/PNM patients showed no difference in AL B-lines score compared with AHF patients [AHF/PNM: 2.00 (IQR: 1.44–2.94) vs. AHF: 1.65 (IQR: 0.50–2.66), p = 0.072], whereas POST B-lines score was higher [AHF/PNM: 3.76 (IQR: 2.70–4.77) vs. AHF = 2.44 (IQR: 1.20–3.60), p < 0.0001]. At discharge, AL B-lines score [HR: 1.907 (1.097–3.313), p = 0.022] and not POST B-lines score was found to predict adverse events (AHF rehospitalization) after a median follow-up of 96 days (IQR: 30–265) in the overall population.Conclusions: Assessing AL B-lines alone is adequate for diagnosis, pulmonary congestion (PC) monitoring and prognostic stratification in AHF patients, despite concomitant PNM.

Spot urine sodium in acute heart failure: differences in prognostic value on admission and discharge.

AimsMost studies examined spot urine sodium's (sUNa+) prognostic utility during the early phase of acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization. In AHF, sodium excretion is related to clinical status; therefore, we investigated the differences in the prognostic information of spot UNa+ throughout the course of hospitalization for AHF (admission vs. discharge).Methods and resultsThe study population were AHF patients (n = 172), who survived the index hospitalization. We compared the relationship between early (on admission, at 24 and 48 h) and discharge sUNa+ measurements with post‐discharge study endpoints: composite of 1 year all‐cause mortality and AHF rehospitalization (with time to first event analysis) as well as with each event in separation. There were 49 (28.5%) deaths, 40 (23.3%) AHF rehospitalizations, while the composite endpoint occurred in 69 (40.1%) during 1 year follow‐up. The sUNa+ had prognostic significance for the composite endpoint when assessed on admission, at 24 and at 48 h: hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (per 10 mmol/L) were 0.88 (0.82–0.94); 0.87 (0.81–0.91); 0.90 (0.84–0.96), all P < 0.005. In contrast to early, active decongestion phase, discharge sUNa+ had no prognostic significance HR (95% CI) (per 10 mmol/L): 0.99 (0.93–1.06) P = 0.79 for the composite endpoint, which was independent from the dose of oral furosemide prescribed at that timepoint (average causal mediation effects: −0.38; P = 0.71). Similarly, discharge sUNa+ was neither associated with 1 year mortality HR (95% CI) (per 10 mmol/L): 0.97 (0.89–1.05) P = 0.48 nor with AHF rehospitalizations HR (95% CI) (per 10 mmol/l): 1.03 (0.94–1.12), P = 0.56. The comparison of longitudinal profiles of sUNa+ during hospitalization showed significantly higher values within the early, active decongestive phase in those who did not experience composite endpoint when compared with those who did: admission: 94 ± 34 vs. 76 ± 35; Day 1: 85 ± 36 vs. 65 ± 37; Day 2: 84 ± 37 vs. 67 ± 35, all P < 0.005 (mmol/L), respectively. There was no difference between those groups in discharge sUNa+: 73 ± 35 vs. 70 ± 35 P = 0.82 (mmol/L).ConclusionsSpot UNa+ assessed at early phase of hospitalization and at discharge have different prognostic significance, which confirms that it should be always interpreted along with clinical context.

Prognostic value of lung ultrasound in patients hospitalized for heart disease irrespective of symptoms and ejection fraction.

AimsLung ultrasound B‐lines are the sonographic sign of pulmonary congestion and can be used in the differential diagnosis of dyspnoea to rule in or rule out acute heart failure (AHF). Our aim was to assess the prognostic value of B‐lines, integrated with echocardiography, in patients admitted to a cardiology department, independently of the initial clinical presentation, thus in patients with and without AHF, and in AHF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF and HFpEF).Methods and resultsWe enrolled consecutive patients admitted for various cardiac conditions. Patients were classified into three groups: (i) acute HFrEF; (ii) acute HFpEF; and (iii) non‐AHF. All patients underwent an echocardiogram coupled with lung ultrasound at admission, according to standardized protocols. We followed up 1021 consecutive inpatients (69 ± 12 years) for a median of 14.4 months (interquartile range 4.6–24.3) for death and rehospitalization for AHF. During the follow‐up, 126 events occurred. Admission B‐lines > 30, ejection fraction < 50%, tricuspid regurgitation velocity > 2.8 m/s, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion < 17 mm were independent predictors at multivariable analysis. B‐lines > 30 had a strong predictive value in HFpEF and non‐AHF, but not in HFrEF.ConclusionsUltrasound B‐lines can detect subclinical pulmonary interstitial oedema in patients thought to be free of congestion and provide useful information not only for the diagnosis but also for the prognosis in different cardiac conditions. Their added prognostic value among standard echocardiographic parameters is more robust in patients with HFpEF compared with HFrEF.

Good performance in the management of acute heart failure in cardiogeriatric departments: the ICREX-94 experience

ContextA growing number of elderly patients hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure (AHF) are being managed in cardiogeriatrics departments, but their characteristics and prognosis are poorly known. This study aimed to investigate the profile and outcome (rehospitalization at 90 days) of patients hospitalized for AHF in cardiogeriatrics departments in the Val-de-Marne area in the suburbs of Paris, and to compare them to AHF patients hospitalized in cardiology departments in the same area.MethodsObservational study, ICREX-94, conducted in seven cardiology departments in France and three specific cardiogeriatrics departments in Val-de-Marne.ResultsA total of 308 patients were hospitalized for AHF between October 2017 and January 2019. During the 90 days following discharge, 29.6% patients were readmitted to the hospital. Compared with patients hospitalized in cardiology departments, patients in cardiogeriatrics departments were older (p < 0.001), less independent (living more often alone or in an institution) (p < 0.001), more often depressed (p < 0.001), had more often major neurocognitive disorder (p < 0.001), had a higher Human Development Index (HDI, p < 0.001), and were less often diagnosed with amyloidosis (p < 0.001). There was no difference in outcome whether patients were discharged from cardiology or cardiogeriatrics departments. The most frequent precipitating factors underlying AHF decompensation between the first and second hospitalization were arrhythmia and infection.ConclusionAHF patients discharged from cardiogeriatrics departments, compared to cardiology departments, showed clinical differences but had the same prognosis regarding AHF rehospitalization at 90 days.

How a specialized cardiogeratric unit can improve Heart failure management: The ICREX-94 experience

In the context of hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF), patients’ characteristics and outcome depending on the department of management (cardiologic or cardiogeriatric) are unknown. The aims of this study were to determine the profile and the outcome (rehospitalizations at 90 days) of patients hospitalized for HF in the Val de Marne area, a district in the suburbs of Paris, depending on whether they were hospitalized in cardiology or in a specific cardiogeriatric centre; and to analyze the modes and the precipitating factors triggering rehospitalizations in the two type of centre. We conducted the ICREX-94 observatory within seven French cardiologic departments and three specific cardiogeriatric departments in the Val de Marne district, France. 308 patients were hospitalized for AHF between October 2017 and January 2019. During the 3 months following discharge, 52 (17%) patients were rehospitalized for AHF. Compared with patients hospitalized in cardiogeriatric centre, patients from cardiologic department were younger ( P < 0.001), with better autonomy (living less often alone or in institution) ( P < 0.001), less often depressive ( P < 0.001), with less often major neurocognitive disorder ( P < 0.001), had worse Human Development Index (HDI, P < 0.001), and had more frequent amyloidosis diagnosed ( P < 0.001). There was no difference for the outcome whether patients were discharged from a cardiologic or a cardiogeriatric centre. The more frequent precipitating factors underlying AHF decompensation between the first and second hospitalization were an arrhythmia, infection and very severe patients. Compared to cardiogeriatric centres, AHF patients discharged from cardiologic centers had clinical differences, but we found that they had the same prognosis regarding AHF rehospitalization at 90 days.

Effect of comprehensive vasodilation vs usual care on mortality and heart failure rehospitalization in women with acute heart failure

Abstract Background Guidelines recommend evaluating the risk/benefit ratio of novel therapies individually in women and men, as the pathophysiology and the response to treatment may differ between women and men. Among patients with acute heart failure (AHF), a strategy of intensive vasodilation, compared with usual care, overall did provide comparable outcomes. Purpose To evaluate the effect of a strategy that emphasized early intensive and sustained vasodilation in women with AHF. Methods In a randomized, open-label blinded-end-point trial patients hospitalized for AHF were enrolled in 10 hospitals in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Brazil, and Spain. Inclusion criteria were AHF expressed by acute dyspnea and increased plasma concentrations of natriuretic peptides, systolic blood pressure ≥100mmHg, and a plan for treatment in a general ward. Patients were randomized 1:1 to a strategy of early intensive and sustained vasodilation throughout the hospitalization or usual care. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for AHF at 180 days. Results Among 788 patients randomized, 781 completed the trial and were eligible for the primary end point analysis. Of these 288 (36.9%) were women. The primary end point, a composite of all-cause mortality or rehospitalization for AHF at 180 days, occurred in 53 female patients (37.9%) in the intervention group (including 28 deaths [20.0%]) and in 34 female patients (23.0%) in the usual care group (including 22 deaths [14.9%]) (absolute difference for the primary end point, 14.9%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.67 [95% CI: 1.08–2.59]; P=0.02). Clinically significant adverse events with early intensive and sustained vasodilation vs usual care included hypotension (8% vs 2%). Conclusion Among women with AHF, a strategy of early intensive and sustained vasodilation, compared with usual care, had a detrimental effect on a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and AHF rehospitalization at 180 days. Cox Proportional Hazard Curve Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Prognostic value of pre-operative atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure and secondary mitral regurgitation undergoing percutaneous mitral valve repair with MitraClip

Abstract Background Limited data are available regarding the independent prognostic role of atrial fibrillation (AF) after transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip. Aims We sought to evaluate the real impact of pre-operative AF in a wide series of patients with heart failure (HF) and secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) after MitraClip treatment. Methods The study included 605 patients with severe secondary MR from a multicenter international registry. Patients were stratified into two groups according to the presence or absence of pre-operative AF. The overall prevalence of pre-operative AF was 44%. Primary endpoint was 5-year overall death, secondary endpoints were 5–year cardiac death and first re-hospitalization for acute HF. Results At 5-year Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis conducted in the entire study cohort, compared to patients without AF those with AF had significantly more adverse events in term of overall death (67% vs. 43%; p&amp;lt;0.001) (KM curve A) and cardiac death (65% vs. 37%; p=0.001) (KM curve B) and, moderately more re-hospitalization for acute HF (64% vs. 50%; p=0.048) (KM curve C). To account for baseline differences, patients were propensity score matched 1:1. After matching, 342 adequately matched patients were identified: compared to patients without AF, those with AF had higher rates of death and cardiac mortality but similar rates of re-hospitalization for acute HF. Conclusion In this large 5-year analysis of patients with HF undergoing MitraClip treatment for severe secondary MR, AF is common and associated with higher rates of both overall- and cardiac-death. However, AF doesn't seem to affect the benefit of the procedure in term of re-hospitalization for HF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

The Role of Congestion Index as Predictor Short-term Clinical Outcome in Patients AHF

Introduction Congestion is the major problem in Acute Heart Failure (AHF) patients. Despite improving clinical congestion, we should assess and treat the hemodynamic congestion to decrease the progression of the disease and improve outcome of AHF patients. This study assess the ability of congestion index, a simple echocardiography parameter using ePCWP + eRAP to predict short-term clinical outcomes of AHF patients compare with NT-proBNP. Methods This prospective cohort study was conducted at Saiful Anwar General Hospital Malang from January 2108 to July 2019. AHF patients treated according to the 2016 ESC guidelines for AHF. Hemodynamic congestion was defined if congestion index (ePCWP+eRAP) at hospital discharge ≥ 30 mmHg.NT-proBNP level, ePCWP and eRAP were measured at 0-12 hours hospital admisssion and at hospital discharge. Clinical follow-up over a period of 30 days, AHF rehospitalization and mortality due to cardiovascular was registered. Results This was a prospective study of 62 patients hospitalized with AHF. All patients were NYHA functional class IV. AHF mortality and rehospitalization rates in this study were 12.9% and 20.9%, respectively. Patient with congestion index ≥30 mmHg showed a higher 30 day rehospitalization [10 [66.7%] vs 3 [6.4%]; P =0.000; CI 95% OR 7.53(3.11-18.2)] and cardiovascular mortality [7 [46.7%] vs 1 [2.1%] P=0,000; CI 95% OR 5.90(2.95-11.78)]. NT-proBNP level at hospital discharge (cut off 5853 pg/mL; sensitivity 92%; specificity 91%; AUC 0.945; P = 0.000) was better than congestion index (cut off 30 mmHg; sensitivity 92.9%; specificity 91.7%; AUC 0.914; P = 0.000) in predicting AHF rehospitalization. For predicting mortality, NT-proBNP level at hospital discharge (cut off 8733 pg/mL; sensitivity 87.5%; specificity 88.9%; AUC 0.940; P = 0.000) were better than congestion index (cut off 31 mmHg; sensitivity 87.5%; specificity 81.5%; AUC 0.890; P = 0.000). Conclusion Congestion index could predict AHF rehospitalization and mortality within 30 days in patients with AHF.