Advanced Congestive Heart Failure Research Articles

Evaluating palliative care case conferences in primary care for patients with advanced non-malignant chronic conditions: a cluster-randomised controlled trial (KOPAL).

Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia are underrepresented in specialist palliative home care (SPHC). However, the complexity of their conditions requires collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and SPHC teams and timely integration into SPHC to effectively meet their needs. To facilitate joint palliative care planning and the timely transfer of patients with advanced chronic non-malignant conditions to SPHC. A two-arm, unblinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial. 49 GP practices in northern Germany were randomised using web-based block randomisation. We included patients with advanced CHF, COPD and/or dementia. The KOPAL intervention consisted of a SPHC nurse-patient consultation followed by an interprofessional telephone case conference between SPHC team and GP. The primary outcome was the number of hospital admissions 48weeks after baseline. Secondary analyses examined the effects on health-related quality of life and self-rated health status, as measured by the EuroQol 5D scale. A total of 172 patients were included in the analyses. 80.4% of GP practices had worked with SHPC before, most of them exclusively for cancer patients. At baseline, patients reported a mean EQ-VAS of 48.4, a mean quality of life index (EQ-5D-5L) of 0.63 and an average of 0.80 hospital admissions in the previous year. The intervention did not significantly reduce hospital admissions (incidence rate ratio = 0.79, 95%CI: [0.49, 1.26], P= 0.31) or the number of days spent in hospital (incidence rate ratio = 0.65, 95%CI: [0.28, 1.49], P= 0.29). There was also no significant effect on quality of life (∆ = -0.02, 95%CI: [-0.09, 0.05], P= 0.53) or self-rated health (∆ = -2.48, 95%CI: [-9.95, 4.99], P= 0.51). The study did not show the hypothesised effect on hospitalisations and health-related quality of life. Future research should focus on refining this approach, with particular emphasis on optimising the timing of case conferences and implementing discussed changes to treatment plans, to improve collaboration between GPs and SPHC teams.

Abstract 13656: Effects of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and NYHA CHF Class on Baroreceptor Function in Congestive Heart Failure

Background: Autonomic dysfunction is an important component in congestive heart failure (CHF) pathophysiology. The combined effects of reduced ejection fraction and advanced CHF Class on baroreceptor function in CHF have not been well investigated. Methods: A single center prospective study included 118 consenting patients, 68.3 ± 14.2 years old, 50 females (42.3%), BMI of 30.1 ± 8.5 kg/m 2 , with histories of HTN in 97 (82.2%), CAD in 64 (54.2%), diabetes in 49 (41.5%), and COPD or asthma in 39 (33.1%). Class I or II CHF were documented in 32 (27.1%), class III in 53 (44.9%), and class IV in 33 (28%) patients. Mean LV EF was 44.5+/-13.9%, HFrEF was present in 41 (34.7%) patients. Baroreceptor function was assessed by measuring resting and lowest heart rates (HR) during voluntary breath holding. Results: Despite treatment with beta-adrenergic blockers in 92 (78%) and non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers in 7 (5.9%) patients, increased CHF class was associated with significantly increased resting (71.7 ± 14.4 bpm in Class I-II, 73.1 ± 13.6 bpm in Class III, and 80.8 ± 16.9 bpm in Class IV, p=0.027) and breath holding HR (68.9 ± 15.3 bpm in Class I-II, 69.9 ± 12.2 bpm in Class III, and 80 ± 16.1 bpm in Class IV, p=0.002). In addition, when compared to the rest of the cohort, HFrEF patients manifested with increased resting (80.9 ± 14.5 vs. 71.6 ± 14.6 bpm, p=0.001) and breath holding HR (77.6 ± 13.9 vs. 69.7 ± 14.7 bpm, p=0.006). In multivariate analysis, both increased CHF NYHA class and reduced LVEF retained statistically significant independent effects on resting (p=0.037 and p=0.001, respectively) and breath holding HR (p=0.005, each). Conclusion: Decreased LV ejection fraction and increased CHF class independently and significantly contribute to autonomic dysfunction in CHF patients. Heart rate changes indicating abnormal baroreceptor function in CHF patients are apparent despite treatment with medications affecting chronotropic response.

Cost-effectiveness of a specialist palliative care nurse-patient consultation followed by an interprofessional case conference for patients with non-oncological palliative care needs: results of the KOPAL trial.

Worldwide, progressive chronic, non-malignant diseases are highly prevalent. Especially with increasing age, they are characterised by high hospitalisation rates and high healthcare costs. Improved interprofessional collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and specialist palliative home care (SPHC) teams might reduce hospitalisation while improving symptoms and quality of life, or preventing them from deterioration. The aim of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of a newly developed intervention in patients with advanced chronic, non-malignant diseases consisting of a structured palliative care nurse-patient consultation followed by an interprofessional telephone case conference. The analysis was based on data from 172 participants of the KOPAL multi-centre, cluster randomised controlled trial. Patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or dementia were randomised into intervention group (IG) and control group (CG, usual care). Cost-effectiveness was examined over 48 weeks from a societal and healthcare payer's perspective. Effects were quantified as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs, EQ-5D-5L). Incremental costeffectiveness ratios were calculated and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were constructed. Baseline imbalances in costs and effects could be observed between IG and CG. After adjusting for these imbalances and compared to the CG, mean costs in the IG were non-significantly higher from a societal and lower from a payer's perspective. On the effect side, the IG had marginally lower mean QALYs. The results were characterized by high statistical uncertainty, indicated by large confidence intervals for the cost and effect differences between groups and probabilities of cost-effectiveness between 18% and 65%, depending on the perspective and willingness-to-pay. Based on the results of this study, the cost-effectiveness of the KOPAL intervention was uncertain. The results highlighted (methodological) challenges of economic evaluations in patients with chronic, non-malignant diseases related to sample size, heterogeneity of participants, and the way the intervention effectiveness is typically captured in economic evaluations.

PO-05-034 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND OUTCOMES AFTER VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA ABLATION USING ULTRALOW TEMPERATURE CRYOABLATION IN PATIENTS WITH PRIOR CATHETER ABLATION

Ablation of scar mediated Ventricular Tachycardia (VT), especially when the location of circuit is intramural can be quite challenging with the use of radiofrequency (RF) ablation. Preclinical data with the use of Ultralow temperature Cryoablation has shown that it can create deep, transmural lesions and can generate temperature as low as -196° C. To present a series of patients who had recurrent VT despite prior RF ablation and then underwent VT ablation with Ultralow temperature cryoablation system (Adagio) as part of the FDA compassionate use authorization. We performed retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone VT ablation using the Adagio system. Follow up data on clinical outcomes and recurrence of VT episodes were collected based on clinic visits, device interrogations and remote transmissions from Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). A total of 5 patients underwent Ultralow temperature cryoablation for VT between 10/2021 and 05/2022 at our institution. The average age of patients in our case-series was 72 +/- 8.6 years and 3 (60%) of patients had h/o ischemic cardiomyopathy. The median number of prior VT ablations performed per patient was 2, and 40% of patients had presented in electric storm. During the VT ablation procedure using the Adagio system, the average number of inducible VT episodes was 2.6 +/- 1.8. All 5 patients were non-inducible at the end of VT ablation. At an average follow up period of 207.6 +/- 77.7 days, after having undergone VT ablation using the Adagio system, all 5 patients remained free of ICD shocks or electric storm during the follow up period and only 2 patients were maintained on anti-arrhythmic therapy. One patient underwent cardiac transplant because of recurrence of relatively slow VT episodes and advanced congestive heart failure. It is also worthwhile to note that in this patient, given the inaccessible location of VT circuit (peri-mitral region after prior cardiac surgery for cardiac aneurysm), ablation lesions could not be optimally delivered. Another patient experienced 1 episode of slow monomorphic VT, which was ATP terminable. Although our experience is based on a small sample size, the follow up outcomes using Ultralow temperature Cryoablation system for VT ablation in a challenging patient subset with limited options seems promising. Future studies would yield data on efficacy and safety of this system in high-risk subset of patients.

Systolic Heart Failure and Optimization of Medical Therapy: A Quality Improvement Study

Introduction: Congestive heart failure (CHF) accounts for significant medical costs and patient mortality. There are ways to mitigate these parameters by providing patient and provider education, optimizing medications, and applying life-saving devices with a referral for a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) when appropriate. We retrospectively observed the charts of 40 patients at our Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) for areas of improvement. Methods: Charts were manually reviewed over 2019 for ejection fraction (EF) at the time of diagnosis and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) vs. nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) etiology of heart failure. Information on the titration of beta-blockers (BB), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and advanced heart failure medications was collected. Readmission rates and heart failure follow-up appointment rates were gathered, and further details were investigated regarding the application of a life vest and automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) when clinically appropriate. Results: Median EF for patients was 34%, consistent with systolic heart failure. 65% of patients had ICM. For medications, BB was maximally titrated for 85% of patients within a wide data range. ACE-I/ARBs titration was appropriate in 75% of patients. An average of 4.7 dose adjustments for BB and 3.6 dose adjustments for ACE-I/ARBs occurred. Advanced CHF medications were rarely prescribed. Exacerbation rates were 60%, from 1–5 readmissions and an average of 1.07 readmissions. 98% of patients received CHF-specific follow-up after each CHF admission. 60% were eligible for advanced life support devices, 25% were offered life vests, and 62% were offered AICD. No patient was referred to a tertiary center for LVAD. Conclusion: We should work towards 100% medication titration to improve outcomes, especially BB which is known to have morbidity value. We can continue to reduce heart failure readmission rates by providing patient and provider education and continuing to do well at heart failure follow-up appointments. Life vest and AICD should be offered more consistently, and tertiary referral to receive LVAD should remain offered per standard of care.

Assessment of magnitude and spectrum of cardiovascular disease admissions and outcomes in Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa: A retrospective study.

Cardiovascular diseases(CVD) remain the leading cause of death in the world and over 80% of all cardiovascular-related deaths occur in low and middle income countries. Ethiopia is in epidemiologic transition from predominantly infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases and the CVD is a major public health challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and spectrum of cardiovascular admission and its outcomes among medical patients admitted to both Medical Ward and ICU of St. Paul Teaching Hospital from 1st of Jan 2020 to 1st of Jan 2021. Out of 1,165 annual medical admissions, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases(CVD) was 30.3%. About 60%(212) of patients had advanced congestive heart failure of diverse causes. Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) was the next predominant diagnosis (41%(146)), and also the leading cause of cardiac diseases followed by rheumatic valvular heart disease(RVHD) (18%(64)) and Ischemic heart disease (IHD) (12.2%(43)), respectively. Yong age, rural residence and female sex were associated with RVHD(p = 0.001). Stroke also accounted for 20%(70) of CVD admission (hemorrhagic stroke-17% Vs Ischemic stroke-83%). Hypertension was the predominate risk factor for CVD and present in 46.7%(168) of patients. The mean hospital stay was 12days and in-hospital mortality rate was 24.3% with septic shock being the commonest immediate cause of death followed by fatal arrhythmia, brain herniation, and massive PTE. Cardiovascular diseases were common in the study area causing significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, comprehensive approach is imperative to timely screen for cardiovascular risk reduction, disease control and complication prevention. Strategies should also be designed to increase public awareness regarding the cardiovascular risk reduction, drug adherence, and possible complications.

Abstract 14663: The Impact of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Sleep Apnea on Left Atrial Dilatation in Patients Receiving Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Background Sleep apnea (SA) and left atrial dilatation (LA) are both risk factors for an arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Negative intrathoracic pressure fluctuations during an obstructive apnea episode may cause the left atrium to distend and stretch its wall. However, the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for SA on the reverse LA remodeling has not been elucidated. Methods This study was conducted under a retrospective, single-center, observational design. Data was derived from screening tests for sleep apnea, which were routinely performed in patients scheduled to receive CA of AF in our institution. The severity of the sleep apnea was evaluated by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). After excluding patients who were already diagnosed with sleep apnea, we enrolled 1232 consecutive patients who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) both before and 3-months after the CA of AF. The left atrial dilatation and volume reduction were evaluated by the left atrial minimum volume (LA min V) using 256-slice MDCT. Results The age was 65±11 years, 27.8% were females, and 46.0% had non-paroxysmal AF. The mean AHI was 20.2±15.2 and LA min V 79.1± 37.8ml (r=0.31, p<0.0001) before CA. LA dilatation was defined as an LA min V≥79.1ml. After an adjustment by an advanced age (≥65 years), non-paroxysmal AF, male sex, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and congestive heart failure, SA (AHI≥5) was a significant predictor of LA dilatation before CA (odds ratio 2.83, 95% confidence interval 1.55-5.16, p=0.0007). After CA, 206 out of 1092 patients (18.9%) with SA started CPAP. SA patients with CPAPs had a greater LA min V reduction rate on the postprocedural CT than those without CPAP (26.2% vs. 20.5%, p=0.013). Conclusion Among the patients scheduled to receive catheter ablation of AF, SA was independently associated with left atrial dilatation. Patients who started CPAP treatment for SA had greater LA reverse remodeling at 3 months after the CA.

Untreated sleep apnea and left atrial dilatation in patients with atrial fibrillation prior to catheter ablation

Abstract Background Sleep apnea and left atrial dilatation are both risk factors for an arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Negative intrathoracic pressure fluctuations during an obstructive apnea episode may cause the left atrium to distend and stretch its wall. Whether sleep apnea is associated with left atrial dilatation in patients receiving CA of AF remains unknown. Purpose We sought to elucidate whether moderate or severe untreated sleep apnea was associated with left atrial dilatation in patients with AF before CA. Methods This study was conducted under a retrospective, single-center, observational design. The data were derived from screening tests for sleep apnea, which were routinely performed in patients scheduled to receive CA of AF in our institution. After excluding patients who were already diagnosed with sleep apnea, we enrolled 1265 consecutive patients (age 65±11 years, 27.8% females, and 46.2% of non-paroxysmal AF) who underwent both home sleep apnea testing and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before the CA of AF. The severity of the sleep apnea was evaluated by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using a watch-type peripheral arterial tonometry. Left atrial dilatation was evaluated by the left atrial maximum volume (LA max V) using 256-slice MDCT. Results The age was 65±11 years, 27.8% were females, and 46.2% had non-paroxysmal AF. The mean AHI was 20.3±15.3 and LA max V 105±34 ml (R2=0.075, p<0.0001). LA dilatation was defined by larger than mean LA max V (LA max V≥105 ml). We examined an LA max V≥105 ml as a predictor. After an adjustment by an advanced age (≥65 years), non-paroxysmal AF, male sex, obesity, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, all of which were significant predictors of an LA max V≥105ml in the univariate analysis, moderate or severe sleep apnea (AHI≥15) was a significant predictor of an LA max V≥105 ml (odds ratio 1.63, 95% confidence interval 1.24–2.14, p=0.0005). Conclusion Among the patients scheduled to receive catheter ablation of AF, moderate or severe sleep apnea was independently associated with left atrial dilatation. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Cardiorespiratory consequences of obesity: a tale of two pumps.

Obesity decreases respiratory compliance, increasing energy expenditure and fatigue during breathing, contributing to perceived shortness of breath, elevating respiratory drive in an exhaustive positive feedback manner. The additional demand on the diaphragm can contribute to increased production of reactive oxygen species deleterious to function. Similarly, obesity drives cardiac morphological abnormalities, for example, fatty infiltration, fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy, which can cause pulmonary congestion, contributing to dyspnoea and thus more work. In this issue of Experimental Physiology, Kelley et al. (2022) investigated in rats the effects of an obesogenic diet (high saturated fat/high sucrose) on the structure and function of the dual pumps of life. The ‘cafeteria’ diet was adequate to provoke morphological and functional changes in the heart characterised by hypertrophy, hypercontractility and diastolic dysfunction; however, interestingly, no changes were observed in the diaphragm. Dietary supplementation with N-acetylcysteine partially or fully prevented cardiac remodelling pointing to redox mechanisms as pivotal to obesity-related morbidity. N-acetylcysteine is a substrate for endogenous glutathione production, and it also has general widespread antioxidant effects. The cardiorespiratory systems are centred on dual pumps working interdependently to maintain systemic oxygen delivery and metabolic waste removal. Reciprocal interactions between the pumps are at play in health and disease. People with end-stage heart failure often manifest diaphragm dysfunction characterized by deleterious morphological and functional changes culminating in atrophy and diminished contractile function (Ahn et al., 2017; van Hees et al., 2007). The increased burden is associated with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, a key factor manifesting skeletal muscle atrophy and dysfunction. Cardiac dysfunction can also alter endocrine signalling, for example leading to increased circulating cytokines and angiotensin II, activating diaphragm NAD(P)H oxidase 2/4 and contributing to aberrant redox modulation of respiratory pump function (Ahn et al., 2017). It is therefore surprising that Kelley et al. (2022) noted differential outcomes in heart and diaphragm with an apparently greater resilience to stress in the respiratory pump. As noted by the authors, the lack of observed change in the diaphragm likely resulted from an insufficient metabolic stressor, as previous literature suggests a positive correlation between obesity and both cardiac and diaphragm dysfunction. Of interest, a relative resilience to stressors in diaphragm compared with other skeletal muscles is reported in the literature, but perhaps more striking is the wide range of diseases associated with diaphragm dysfunction revealing an inherent vulnerability in the principal muscle of breathing, which is often masked, owing to the large ventilatory reserve of the diaphragm, until the emergence of end-stage respiratory failure. Importantly, N-acetylcysteine also has established anti-inflammatory effects. The cytokine tumour necrosis factor α is elevated in the circulation of people with congestive heart failure, contributing to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species. Advanced congestive heart failure can also lead to elevated angiotensin II associated with increased expression of atrophy-associated genes (atrogin-1 and MuRF-1), leading to diaphragmatic atrophy (Rezk et al., 2012). Several studies, in various models of disease, have shown that N-acetylcysteine abrogates increased levels of cytokines, angiotensin II and reactive oxygen species. Moreover, should diaphragm dysfunction present either directly or indirectly in the setting of obesity, it is worth noting that N-acetylcysteine protects diaphragm force-generating capacity (O'Halloran & Lewis, 2017). The twinned pumps governing cardiorespiratory function are remarkable in their enduring capabilities subserving whole-body health. Yet, inevitably, there are inherent limitations that extend to the dysfunctional consequences of metabolic excess. Whilst remedies for obesity-related morbidity require a multimodal approach, it is encouraging that N-acetylcysteine, which is approved for use in humans, offers a potential adjunctive therapeutic option. Both authors have read and approved the final version of this manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved. All persons designated as authors qualify for authorship, and all those who qualify for authorship are listed. A.L.M. is funded by Science Foundation Ireland SFI FFP/19/6628 INSPIRE DMD. Open access funding provided by IReL. None.

The Effect of Standardized Guidelines of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Care on Length of Stay in Cardiac Patients

Length of stay in the Intensive care units is special as an outcome. The adverse outcome is defined as the length of stay ≥ 5 days that is 120 hours and the normal length of stay was defined as < 5 days. Standardized guideline developed for nurses practice to reduce the length of stay in cardiac patients durnning the of intra-aortic balloon pump support. This guidelinewas very helpful for nurse’s practices to reduce the length of stay. heart transplantation is the gold standard management for cardiac patients with advanced congestive heart failure and myocardial infraction. Mechanical circulatory support devices have been gradually used as a ‘bridge’ in order to stand organ function and stabilizehemodynamics while patients remain on the transplant waiting list or undergo left ventricular assist device surgery. The intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a myocardial assist device that was first introduced into clinical practice in 1968.The procedure of counter pulsation wasfirstlydesignated by Dr Adrian Kantrowitz in 1953. Aim of study: To assess the effect of standardized guidelines of intra-aortic balloon pump care on the length of stay in cardiac patients. Study Design: Randomized control trial Sample: Randomly, 72 nurses were included in the current study. Setting: The research was conducted in cardiac intensive care units of the Punjab Institute of cardiology Lahore. Keywords: standardized guidelines, intra-aortic balloon pump, length of stay, intensive care units.

Abstract 14347: Sleep Apnea and Left Atrial Dilatation in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Prior to Catheter Ablation

Introduction: Sleep apnea and left atrial dilatation are both risk factors for an arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). Negative intrathoracic pressure fluctuations during an obstructive apnea episode may cause the left atrium to distend and stretch its wall. Whether sleep apnea is associated with left atrial dilatation in patients receiving CA of AF remains unknown. Methods: This study was conducted under a retrospective, single-center, observational design. The data were derived from screening tests for sleep apnea, which were routinely performed in patients scheduled to receive CA of AF in our institution. After excluding patients who were already diagnosed with sleep apnea, we enrolled 1265 consecutive patients (age 65±11 years, 27.8% females, and 46.2% of non-paroxysmal AF) who underwent both home sleep apnea testing and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) before the CA of AF. The severity of the sleep apnea was evaluated by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using a watch-type peripheral arterial tonometry. Left atrial dilatation was evaluated by the left atrial maximum volume (LA max V) using 256-slice MDCT. Results: The age was 65±11 years, 27.8% were females, and 46.2% had non-paroxysmal AF. The mean AHI was 20.3±15.3 and LA max V 104.9±33.9 ml (R 2 =0.075, p<0.0001). LA dilatation, defined by an LA max V≥100 ml, was more frequently observed in patients with an AHI≥15 than those with an AHI<15 (62.5% vs. 40.2%, p<0.0001). We examined an LA max V≥100 ml as a predictor. After an adjustment by an advanced age (≥65 years), non-paroxysmal AF, male sex, obesity, hypertension, and congestive heart failure, all of which were significant predictors of an LA max V≥100ml in the univariate analysis, moderate or severe sleep apnea (AHI≥15) was a significant predictor of an LA max V≥100 ml (odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.97, p=0.0049). Conclusion: Among the patients scheduled to receive catheter ablation of AF, moderate or severe sleep apnea was independently associated with left atrial dilatation.

Reliability of spatial-temporal over-ground walking parameters for typically developing children

A subclavian intraaortic balloon pump (SC-IABP) can help to optimize patients with advanced congestive heart failure as a bridge to definitive therapy. We retrospectively reviewed our experience to assess the application and safety of this technique.We studied 88 patients with decompensated advanced congestive heart failure who received SC-IABP placement between January 2011 and December 2014. The SC-IABP was placed through a graft in the subclavian artery. The intended therapeutic goals for SC-IABP were bridge to transplant (n = 61), mechanical circulatory support (n = 21), or recovery (n = 6). Success was defined as stroke-free survival, achievement of therapeutic goal, and maintenance or improvement in renal function, hemodynamics, and physical conditioning through ambulation and rehabilitation.Eighty patients were successfully bridged to the next therapy (transplant 93.4%, mechanical circulatory support 95.3%, recovery 50%). There was no mortality related to SC-IABP placement. Duration of SC-IABP support was 4 to 135 days (median 21). Failure was attributed to escalation of support (n = 5), stroke (n = 2), and sepsis (n = 1). Mean pulmonary artery pressure significantly improved from 33 ± 11 mm Hg to 28 ± 8 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Eighty-four patients (95.5%) ambulated more than 3 times a day. Two-minute step test demonstrated significant improvement, from 50 ± 9 steps to 90 ± 23 steps (n = 16, p < 0.001). Specific complications of SC-IABP included exchange/repositioning (n = 26, 29.5%), subclavian artery thrombosis (n = 1, 1.1%), and reexploration for hematoma (n = 4, 4.5%) and infection (n = 2, 2.3%). No distal thromboembolic events were observed.The SC-IABP provided excellent hemodynamic support with minimal morbidity and mortality, allowed for extensive rehabilitation, and permitted more than 90% of patients to receive their intended therapy. Therefore, SC-IABP is a compelling bridge device for patients with advanced congestive heart failure.

Multimodal Visualization of the Left Ventricular Postinfarction Aneurysms: Current State of the Problem and Own Observation Results

Background. Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is a complication occurring in 5–10% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients significantly complicating AMI acute stage course and leading to advanced congestive heart failure (CHF) progress. Non-invasive LVA visualization includes echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radio-nuclide ventriculography, and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT). It can also be detected during heart catheteriza-tion by coronary ventriculography (CVG). Each method has its advantages and drawbacks.&#x0D; The aim. To analyze multimodal non-invasive LVA visualization methods (echocardiography and MSCT) in order to establish accuracy of these methods compared to CVG regarding the diagnosis of LVA and LVA thrombosis.&#x0D; Methods. We examined 60 patients after AMI with LVA admitted for surgical revascularization and left ventricular aneurysm resection (LVAR). Control group included 110 patients after AMI prior to revascularization without history of LVA. All the patients underwent CVG, heart MSCT and echocardiography prior to surgery.&#x0D; Results. Mean patients’ age was 60.9±11.4 years (46 [76.7%] men and 14 [23.3%] women, mean LVEF was 42.7±11.1%. Significant CAD according to coronary angiography (CAG) before surgery was proved in 59 (98.3%) pa-tients, and 1 (1.7%) patient had no significant coronary lesions. The majority of patients had anterior LVA localization after AMI in LAD area (57 [95.0%] patients), 2 (3.3%) patients were diagnosed with inferior LVA after AMI in RCA area, and 1 (1.7%) patient had posterior-lateral LVA in Cx area. There was high correlation between LVEF obtained with echo-cardiography and that obtained with MSCT (r=0.955, p&lt;0.0001), although mean LVEF obtained with echocardiography was significantly higher compared to MSCT results (42.7±11.1% vs. 32.7±9.3%, p&lt;0.0001). Comparison of accuracy of the methods in LVA diagnosis showed that MSCT was the most precise method with significantly higher sensitivity compared to CVG and echocardiography (94.9% vs. 75.0%, p=0.002, and 88.0%, p=0.023, respectively), and MSCT significantly ex-ceeded CVG in all diagnostic method accuracy indices. Echocardiography also significantly exceeded CVG in all diagnostic accuracy indices. Comparison of accuracy of the methods in LVA thrombosis diagnosis showed similar results: echocar-diography was much more precise in terms of sensitivity (79.4% vs. 58.8%, p&lt;0.0001) and the rest of indices. MSCT was much more precise in terms of all indices compared to CVG, and also significantly exceeded echocardiography results in terms of sensitivity (97.1% vs. 79.4%, p&lt;0.0001), positive (PPV) (100.0% vs. 93.1%, p=0.0005) and negative predictive value (NPV) (99.1% vs. 93.9%, p=0.0091), integral “area under curve” index (AUC) (0.99 vs. 0.89, p=0.0001) and odds ratio (OR) (3630 vs. 208, p&lt;0.0001).&#x0D; Conclusions. High correlation of LVEF according to echocardiography and MSCT results allows to skip CVG as a global LV contractility evaluation method enabling to reduce the procedure time. The lowest accuracy of CVG in the diagnosis of LVA and LVA thrombosis also allows to reduce the duration and volume of the invasive procedure to selective CAG and to reduce radiation exposure for patients and operators in favor of non-invasive and more accurate methods (MSCT and echocardiography). MSCT is the most accurate method for LVA thrombosis diagnosis, but it is completely comparable to echocardiography in LVA diagnosis per se, making echocardiography the method of choice in screening and stratification of patients after AMI regarding myocardial revascularization only or combined surgical revascularization with LVAR due to its rapidness, low cost and absence of patient-related adverse effects.

German S3-Guideline on the treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris, adapted from EuroGuiDerm - Part 2: Treatment monitoring and specific clinical or comorbid situations.

German S3-Guideline on the treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris, adapted from EuroGuiDerm - Part 2: Treatment monitoring and specific clinical or comorbid situations.

Chronic Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Inhibition Rescues Advanced Heart Failure.

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is upregulated in congestive heart failure (CHF), contributing to electrical, structural, and functional remodeling. CaMKII inhibition is known to improve CHF, but its direct cardiac effects in CHF remain unclear. We hypothesized that CaMKII inhibition improves cardiomyocyte function, [Ca2+]i regulation, and β-adrenergic reserve, thus improving advanced CHF. In a 16-week study, we compared plasma neurohormonal levels and left ventricular (LV)- and myocyte-functional and calcium transient ([Ca2+]iT) responses in male Sprague-Dawley rats (10/group) with CHF induced by isoproterenol (170 mg/kg sq for 2 days). In rats with CHF, we studied the effects of the CaMKII inhibitor KN-93 or its inactive analog KN-92 (n = 4) (70 µg/kg per day, mini-pump) for 4 weeks. Compared with controls, isoproterenol-treated rats had severe CHF with 5-fold-increased plasma norepinephrine and about 50% decreases in ejection fraction (EF) and LV contractility [slope of LV end-systolic pressure-LV end-systolic volume relation (EES)] but increased time constant of LV relaxation (τ). They also showed significantly reduced myocyte contraction [maximum rate of myocyte shortening (dL/dtmax)], relaxation (dL/dtmax), and [Ca2+]iT Isoproterenol superfusion caused significantly fewer increases in dL/dtmax and [Ca2+]iT KN-93 treatment prevented plasma norepinephrine elevation, with increased basal and acute isoproterenol-stimulated increases in EF and EES and decreased τ in CHF. KN-93 treatment preserved normal myocyte contraction, relaxation, [Ca2+]iT, and β-adrenergic reserve, whereas KN-92 treatment failed to improve LV and myocyte function, and plasma norepinephrine remained high in CHF. Thus, chronic CaMKII inhibition prevented CHF-induced activation of the sympathetic nervous system, restoring normal LV and cardiomyocyte basal and β-adrenergic-stimulated contraction, relaxation, and [Ca2+]iT, thereby playing a rescue role in advanced CHF. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: We investigated the therapeutic efficacy of late initiation of chronic Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) inhibition on progression of advanced congestive heart failure (CHF). Chronic CaMKII inhibition prevented CHF-induced activation of the sympathetic nervous system and restored normal intrinsic cardiomyocyte basal and β-adrenergic receptor-stimulated relaxation, contraction, and [Ca2+]i regulation, leading to reversal of CHF progression. These data provide new evidence that CaMKII inhibition is able and sufficient to rescue a failing heart, and thus cardiac CaMKII inhibition is a promising target for improving CHF treatment.

Does Integration of Palliative Care and Infection Management Reduce Hospital Transfers among Nursing Home Residents?

Background: An estimated 50% of nursing home (NH) residents experience hospital transfers in their last year of life, often due to infections. Hospital transfers due to infection are often of little clinical benefit to residents with advanced illness, for whom aggressive treatments are often ineffective and inconsistent with goals of care. Integration of palliative care and infection management (i.e., merging the goals of palliative care and infection management at end of life) may reduce hospital transfers for residents with advanced illness. Objectives: Evaluate the association between integration and (1) all-cause hospital transfers and (2) hospital transfers due to infection. Design: Cross-sectional observational study. Setting/Subjects: 143,223 U.S. NH residents, including 42,761 residents in the advanced stages of dementia, congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Measurement: Cross-sectional, nationally representative NH survey data (2017-2018) were combined with resident data from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 and Medicare inpatient data (2016-2017). NH surveys measured integration of palliative care and infection management using an index of 0-100. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationships between integration intensity (i.e., the degree to which NHs follow best practices for integration) and all-cause hospital transfer and transfer due to infection. Results: Among residents with advanced dementia, integration intensity was inversely associated with all-cause hospital transfer and transfer due to infection (p < 0.001). Among residents with advanced COPD, integration intensity was inversely associated with all-cause hospital transfer (p < 0.05) but not transfers due to infection. Among residents with advanced CHF, integration intensity was not associated with either outcome. Conclusions: NH policies aimed to promote integration of palliative care and infection management may reduce burdensome hospital transfers for residents with advanced dementia. For residents with advanced CHF and COPD, alternative strategies may be needed to promote best practices for infection management at end of life.

Catheter Ablation for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation in Class IV Systolic Heart Failure: A Single-Center Case Series.

Questions remain as to how aggressively catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation may be applied to patients with advanced systolic congestive heart failure, owing to a historic under-representation in multicenter clinical ablation trials. We sought to describe the experience of catheter ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation in Class IV systolic heart failure patients at our institution. All Class IV systolic heart failure patients (left ventricular assist device patients excluded) between 2017 and 2020 referred for radiofrequency ablation were included. Out of 10 patients, 7 agreed to proceed, had restoration of normal sinus rhythm upon completion of the catheter ablation procedure, and of which five (71%) remain in normal rhythm at a mean follow-up of 23 months. Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with Class IV chronic systolic heart failure, even on advanced heart failure therapies, is feasible, and can improve heart failure status with maintenance of NSR.

P1278DIALYSIS IN TREATMENT OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Abstract Background and Aims The advanced congestive heart failure (CHF), may provoke functional kidney disturbances with insufficient and resistant to conservative therapy water excretion. The treatment of the chronic renal failure (CRF) with active dialysis related to ultrafiltration (UF), may overcome the renal diuretics resistance with diuresis restoration and oedema elimination. The aim of the study was to define the indications for active, discontinued UF in setting of the CHF refractory to drugs, especially in the treatment of oedema. Method We investigated 12 patients, mean age 62,4+/-5,3 years, with incipient renal failure, but advanced congestive heart failure. Seven of them were males and 5 females. The indication for discontinued UF, was the severe expressed heart failure, reduced diuresis and initial renal insufficiency. In all investigated patients, before and after each UF procedure, the serum sodium and potassium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinin and osmolality were detected. The body weight, abdominal and crural parameters were noted before and after dialysis. Results The recovery was achieved in 10 patients with CHF, but 2 patients out of 12 have not demonstrated satisfactory response to UF. The biochemical features encountered to CHF patients suggest chronic hyponatriemia, hypokalemia and hypovolemia. Proteinuria range 1,2 to 3,6 g/l, was present in 6 patients. The clinical data were performed with oedema formation, reduced diuresis and dispnea. Mean UF rate achieved after several dialysis was 12,4+/- 7,6, lit. Conclusion Chronic heart failure in chronic renal patients, with severe oedemas is an indication for UF therapy, even if the values of BUN and creatinin are not increased. Reduction of the body weight and the extracellular volume, contribute for improved survival in these patients. However the risk of complications is high and not always with successful treatment.

P1261DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF TEMPORARY OCCLUSION OF ARTERIO-VENOUS HIGH FLOW FISTULA DURING RIGHT HEART CATHETERISATION IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Abstract Background and Aims Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is prevalent in patients with functioning high-flow arterio-venous fistula (HFAVF) and associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). The real incidence and possible causes of this phenomenon is a matter of debate. Hemodynamic effects of HFAVF is considering as one of the reasons for PH formation. The subject of study was the impact of HFAVF on selected parameters of central hemodynamics. In particular, the diagnostic relevance of test of temporary HFAVF occlusion (TTO) was evaluated during right heart catheterization (RHC). Method A total of 13 patients were enrolled: 8 - after kidney transplantation (KT) with preserved allograft function and 5 - on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). All of them demonstrated clinical presentation of CHF III-IV class (NYHA). Severe PH and diastolic disfunction (DD) were observed at a baseline: echocardiographic systolic pulmonary arterial pressure sPAP (mmHg): M=59 (SD 13), ratio of mitral early diastolic inflow velocity (E) (pulsed wave Doppler) to average of septal and lateral mitral annular early-diastolic peak velocity (e′) (tissue Doppler imaging) E/e′ M=18 (SD 5). The ones who have comorbid conditions that cause PH were excluded. All patients bore an upper arm HFAVF, flow of the AVF (Qa) measured by Doppler ultrasonography was markedly high (Qa): M = 3,8 l/min (SD 1,2), the cardio-pulmonary recirculation (Qa/CO): M = 51% (SD 13). All patients underwent RHC and TTO AVF. Echocardiography (Echo) was performed initially and on the follow up (8 weeks after AVF closure/flow reduction). Statistical analysis was performed using the STATISTICA 13 software (Wilcoxon, T-test). Results The results of RHC and Echo data are presented in tables 1, 2. As can be seen from the table data, all cases demonstrated instrumental features of high output CHF (HO CHF) in accordance with patient’s clinical status. TTO of HFAVF resulted in statistically significant decrease in CO and CI values, but no changes in PAP parameters were observed. Taking into account clinical and instrumental features of advanced CHF, HF AVF was closed in 8 patients after KT and in 2 patients on HD. 3 patients on HD underwent AVF flow reduction up to Qa not exceeding 1,1 l/min. Follow-up demonstrated complete resolution of CHF and dramatic improvement of DD, reduction in CO, CI, sPAP, volume parameters. CO, cardiac output; CI, cardiac index; sPAP, systolic pulmonary arterial pressure; meanPAP, mean pulmonary arterial pressure; RAP, mean right atrial pressure; PCWP, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure; LV EDVi, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index; LAVi, left atrial volume index; RAVi, right atrial volume index; Conclusion PH is a component of AVF-induced HO CHF and could be classified as postcapillary one. TTO confirms significant HFAVF contribution to specific changes of parameters of central hemodynamics due to HO CHF. TTO does not impact on PAP values and therefore is not valid to clarify PH genesis per se.

Challenging Transcatheter Treatment of a “Complex” Refractory Congestive Heart Failure

A 61-year-old man with a history of postischemic dilated cardiomyopathy was referred in advanced congestive heart failure to our department (Department of Cardiology). He had a history of acute inferolateral myocardial infarction complicated by left ventricular (LV) aneurysm treated elsewhere by coronary artery bypass grafts, aneurysm resection, and automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation a few years before. At the time of admission, he was in functional New York Heart Association class III-IV with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure and low cardiac output.