Hospital Readmission For Heart Failure Research Articles

Long-term effects of air quality on hospital readmission for heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with air pollution posing significant risks to cardiovascular health. The effect of air quality on heart failure (HF) readmission in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients is unclear.The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a single measure of air pollution exposure collected on the day of first hospitalization. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 12,857 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (January 2015–March 2023). After multiple screenings, 4023 AMI patients were included. The air pollution data is updated by the automatic monitoring data of the national urban air quality monitoring stations in real time and synchronized to the China Environmental Monitoring Station. Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the impact of air quality indicators on admission and outcomes in 4013 AMI patients. A decision tree model identified the most susceptible groups. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, NO2 (HR 1.009, 95% CI 1.004–1.015, P = 0.00066) and PM10 (HR 1.006, 95% CI 1.002–1.011, P = 0.00751) increased the risk of HF readmission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. No significant effect was observed in non-STEMI (NSTEMI) patients (P > 0.05). STEMI patients had a 2.8-fold higher risk of HF readmission with NO2 > 13 μg/m3 (HR 2.857, 95% CI 1.439–5.670, P = 0.00269) and a 1.65-fold higher risk with PM10 > 55 μg/m3 (HR 1.654, 95% CI 1.124–2.434, P = 0.01064). ConclusionNO2 and PM10 are linked to increased HF readmission risk in STEMI patients, particularly when NO2 exceeds 13 μg/m3 and PM10 exceeds 55 μg/m3. Younger, less symptomatic male STEMI patients with fewer underlying conditions are more vulnerable to these pollutants.

Predicting 1year readmission for heart failure: A comparative study of machine learning and the LACE index.

There is a lack of tools for accurately identifying the risk of readmission for heart failure in elderly patients with arrhythmia. The aim of this study was to establish and compare the performance of the LACE [length of stay ('L'), acute (emergent) admission ('A'), Charlson comorbidity index ('C') and visits to the emergency department during the previous 6months ('E')] index and machine learning in predicting 1 year readmission for heart failure in elderly patients with arrhythmia. Elderly patients with arrhythmia who were hospitalized at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2020 were enrolled. The LACE index was calculated for each patient, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated. Six machine learning algorithms, combined with three variable selection methods and clinically relevant features available at the time of hospital discharge, were used to develop machine learning models. AUROC and area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) were used to assess discrimination. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis was used to explain the contributions of the features. A total of 523 patients were enrolled, and 108 patients experienced 1year hospital readmission for heart failure. The AUROC of the LACE index was 0.5886. The complete machine learning model had the best predictive performance, with an AUROC of 0.7571 and an AUPRC of 0.4096. The most important predictors for 1year readmission were educational level, total triiodothyronine (TT3), aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT), number of medications (NOM) and triglyceride (TG) level. Compared with the LACE index, the machine learning model can accurately identify the risk of 1year readmission for heart failure in elderly patients with arrhythmia.

Disparities in 30-Day Readmission Between Medicare/Medicaid and Private Insurance Among Patients With Heart Failure Screened for Cognitive Impairment.

Racial disparities exist among patients with heart failure (HF). HF is often comorbid with cognitive impairment. Appropriate self-care can prevent HF hospital readmissions but requires access to resources through insurance. Racial differences exist between insurance types, and this may influence the disparity between races and patients with HF and cognitive impairment. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationships between insurance type and self-care stratified by race and to assess for differences in time-to-30-day readmission among patients with HF with cognitive impairment. This is a secondary analysis of data collected among hospitalized patients with HF with cognitive impairment. Patients completed surveys on self-care (Self-Care of Heart Failure Index), HF knowledge (Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), and social support (Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Social Support Inventory). Socioeconomic data were collected. Linear models were created to examine the relationships between insurance type and self-care by race. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess readmission. The sample of 125 patients with HF with cognitive impairment was predominantly Black (68%, n = 85) and male (53%, n = 66). The sample had either Medicare/Medicaid (62%, n = 78) or private insurance (38%, n = 47). Black patients with HF with cognitive impairment and private insurance reported higher self-care confidence compared with Black patients with HF with cognitive impairment and Medicare/Medicaid (P < .05). Medicare/Medicaid was associated with a higher frequency of 30-day readmission and a faster time-to-readmission. Patients with HF with cognitive impairment and Medicare/Medicaid insurance reported lower self-care confidence and more likely to be readmitted within 30 days.

Heart Failure Hospital Readmission Accurately Predicted By Seismocardiography Convolutional Neural Networks Modeling

Heart Failure Hospital Readmission Accurately Predicted By Seismocardiography Convolutional Neural Networks Modeling

Incidence and predictors of heart failure in a cohort of MINOCA patients

Abstract Background/Introduction A higher risk of death and major cardiovascular events, including Heart Failure (HF), after a Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) has been described. In particular, HF has a negative impact not only on survival but also on quality of life. In this context, strategies to identify subjects with a greater risk of developing HF are needed. Purpose. Assess incidence and predictors of HF developing subsequently a MINOCA. Methods 461 subjects with suspected MINOCA from 2016 to 2021 were assessed. Acute myocarditis, Takotsubo syndromes, cardiomyopathies and patients with incomplete data were excluded. The final cohort consisted of 188 patients with a confirmed MINOCA diagnosis. After a mean follow-up of 36±14.8 months, 20 patients (10.6%) had hospital readmission for HF. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data were collected and analyzed. Results None among demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities showed correlation with HF occurrences. Paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation was more frequent among patients who developed HF (p .005), such as ST-elevation at onset (p .001). Higher glycemia at admission correlated with HF (p .012). In this regard, hyperglycemia could act as a direct toxic agent or as an indirect marker of a greater stress response. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at peak, but not first cTnI measurement, was significantly higher in patients who developed HF (p&amp;lt;.001), confirming the prognostic value of troponin, even in this context. Concerning echocardiography, HF incidence was higher in patients with any wall motion abnormalities (p .037), lower ejection fraction (EF; p .046), especially if EF≤40% (p&amp;lt;.001), higher atrial maximum diameter (p .005), end-diastolic diameter (p. 001) or normalized end-diastolic volume (p&amp;lt;.001). HF occurred more often (p&amp;lt;.001) in patients with a transmural pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), which resulted as an independent risk factor for HF developing in multivariate analysis (HR 15.32, 95% CI 5.13-45.75, p&amp;lt;.001). 32 patients (17%) were affected by non-obstructive coronary arteries stenosis (i.e., &amp;lt;50%). This finding, but not re-infarction, was also associated with HF development (p .004). Only 2 out of the 68 patients dismissed with DAPT developed HF (p .010). In our study beta-blockers, RAS inhibitors and statins at dismission had not reduced the risk of HF. Nevertheless, the low sample size forbids inferring conclusions about the therapy. Conclusion In our cohort of patients with MINOCA, several clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics correlated with a higher frequency of HF occurrences. Moreover, a broader extent of cardiac damage, as testified by cTnI, wall motion abnormalities, reduced EF and transmural LGE, could predict HF development. Further studies to establish adequate follow-up programs and therapy to prevent HF progression in these patients are needed.Figure 1

Abstract 18371: Evaluation of the Atrial Fibrillation Better Care Pathway in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Machine Learning Cluster Analysis

Background: Atrial fibrillation Better Care (ABC) pathway is recommended by guidelines on atrial fibrillation (AF) and exerts a protective role against adverse outcomes of AF patients. We hypothesize that cluster analysis, an unsupervised machine learning technique, could comprehensively evaluate multiple clinical characteristics of patients, and define clusters of ABC criteria efficacy in patients with AF. Methods: We used data from an observational cohort that included 2,016 patients with AF. We utilized 46 baseline variables for cluster analysis and got the optimal clusters through the K-prototypes algorithm. We evaluated the management patterns and adverse outcomes of identified phenotypes. We assessed the effectiveness of the ABC criteria in reducing adverse outcomes of these phenotypes. Results: Cluster analysis identified AF patients into three distinct groups with markedly different clinical characteristics and outcomes. The clusters were as followed: Cluster 1, old patients with atherosclerotic-comorbidities (n = 964); Cluster 2, young females with valve-comorbidities (n = 407), and Cluster 3, paroxysmal AF patients with low comorbidities (n = 644). The clusters showed significant differences in MACNE, all-cause death, stroke, cardiovascular death, and hospital readmission for heart failure. All clusters showed that full adherence to the ABC pathway was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of MACNE (all P&lt; 0.05). Adherence to the different ‘A’/’B’/’C’ criteria alone showed differential clinic impact for three clusters. Conclusion: Cluster analysis of the Chinese AF cohort further elucidated the heterogeneity of AF. We proposed suggestions for optimizing risk stratification and integrated management of AF patients.

The Relationship Between Accurate Triage and Core Measures Compliance for Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure in Older Adults Presenting to the Emergency Department.

Accurate emergency department (ED) triage in the geriatric population is an important nurse-sensitive quality indicator; however, few quality indicators are verified for impact. To examine the relationship between triage accuracy in adults older than 65 years and Core Measures for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and heart failure (HF). A correlational approach was used to determine strength and direction of the relationship between variables. Strong positive correlations were found between triage accuracy and mortality for AMI and HF, as well as with 30-day hospital readmissions for AMI. A weak negative correlation was found between triage accuracy and 30-day hospital readmissions for HF. Accurate triage can lead to a more effective care trajectory for patients, better adherence to Core Measures, and better outcomes. Accuracy in triage for AMI and HF is a valid indicator of ED quality care.

The Worsening of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: The Impact of the Number of Hospital Admissions in a Cohort of Patients.

Worsening heart failure (WFH) includes heart failure (HF) hospitalisation, representing a strong predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, there is little evidence analysing the impact of the number of previous HF admissions. Our main objective was to analyse the clinical profile according to the number of previous admissions for HF and its prognostic impact in the medium and long term. A retrospective study of a cohort of patients with HFrEF, classified according to previous admissions: cohort-1 (0-1 previous admission) and cohort-2 (≥2 previous admissions). Clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables were analysed, and the medium- and long-term impacts in terms of hospital readmissions and cardiovascular mortality were assessed. A total of 406 patients were analysed. The mean age was 67.3 ± 12.6 years, with male predominance (73.9%). Some 88.9% (361 patients) were included in cohort-1, and 45 patients (11.1%) were included in cohort-2. Cohort-2 had a higher proportion of atrial fibrillation (49.9% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.003), chronic kidney disease (36.3% vs. 82.2%; p < 0.001), and anaemia (28.8% vs. 53.3%; p = 0.001). Despite having similar baseline ventricular structural parameters, cohort-1 showed better reverse remodelling. With a median follow-up of 60 months, cohort-1 had longer survival free of hospital readmissions for HF (37.5% vs. 92%; p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (26.2% vs. 71.9%; p < 0.001), with differences from the first month. Patients with HFrEF and ≥2 previous admissions for HF have a higher proportion of comorbidities. These patients are associated with worse reverse remodelling and worse medium- and long-term prognoses from the early stages, wherein early identification is essential for close follow-up and optimal intensive treatment.

Comparing Machine Learning Classifiers for Predicting Hospital Readmission of Heart Failure Patients in Rwanda.

High rates of hospital readmission and the cost of treating heart failure (HF) are significant public health issues globally and in Rwanda. Using machine learning (ML) to predict which patients are at high risk for HF hospital readmission 20 days after their discharge has the potential to improve HF management by enabling early interventions and individualized treatment approaches. In this paper, we compared six different ML models for this task, including multi-layer perceptron (MLP), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), logistic regression (LR), decision trees (DT), random forests (RF), and support vector machines (SVM) with both linear and radial basis kernels. The outputs of the classifiers are compared using performance metrics including the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. We found that RF outperforms all the remaining models with an AUC of 94% while SVM, MLP, and KNN all yield 88% AUC. In contrast, DT performs poorly, with an AUC value of 57%. Hence, hospitals in Rwanda can benefit from using the RF classifier to determine which HF patients are at high risk of hospital readmission.

Adapting evidence-informed peri-discharge complex interventions in reducing 30-day hospital readmissions for heart failure and COPD

ObjectiveTo select and refine evidence-informed peri-discharge complex interventions(abbrev. Interventions) for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among Heart Failure(HF) and COPD patients in Hong Kong public healthcare system context using GRADE Evidence to Decision(EtD) framework. MethodsTwo 18-participant panels were recruited to carry out a two-step process for both conditions. In Step 1, participants were invited to prioritize Interventions and suggest important combinations of Interventions. In Step 2, based on the priority lists, participants were invited to conduct a two-round Delphi study for generating consensus-based Interventions for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions. GRADE EtD framework was used to guide the decision-making process, taking into consideration of benefits, harms, values and preferences, equity, acceptability, and feasibility. ResultsFive out of ten Interventions reached positive consensus for HF, while six reached positive consensus for COPD. Case management, discharge planning, patient education, self-management, and telephone follow-up were common components, and were considered as core elements for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions among HF and COPD patients in Hong Kong. Preliminary implementation issues mainly included governance and leadership, financing, health workforce development, service access and readiness, as well as empowerment of patients and caregivers. ConclusionsThis study successfully applied the GRADE EtD framework for starting the adaptation process of complex interventions and established a list of local stakeholders-endorsed Interventions for reducing 30-day hospital readmissions for HF and COPD in Hong Kong. Before implementing and maintaining these endorsed Interventions at scale in local context, further research to improve intervention-context fit as well as piloting and evaluation is necessary.

Real-Life Data on Readmissions of Worsening Heart Failure Outpatients in a Heart Failure Clinic.

Introduction Recurrent hospitalizations for worsening heart failure (WHF) represent a major global public health concern, resulting in significant individual morbimortality and socioeconomic costs. This real-life study aimed to determine the rate and predictors of readmission for WHF in a cohort of outpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF) followed in a heart failure clinic (HFC) at a university hospital. Methods We conducted a longitudinal, observational, and retrospective study of all consecutive CHF patients seen at the HFC of the São Francisco Xavier Hospital, Lisbon, by a multidisciplinary team in 2019. The patients were followed for one year and were on optimized therapy. The inclusion criteria for the study were patients who had been hospitalized and subsequently discharged at least three months prior to their enrollment. Patient demographics, heart failure (HF) characterization, comorbidities, pharmacological treatment, treatments of decompensated HF in the day hospital (DH), hospitalizations for WHF, and death were recorded. We applied logistic regression analysis to assess predictors of hospital readmission for HF. Results A total of 351 patients were included: 90 patients (26%) had WHF requiring treatment with intravenous diuretics in the DH; 45 patients (mean age: 79.1 ± 9.0 years) were readmitted for decompensated HF within one year (12.8%) with no gender difference, while 87.2% of the patients (mean age: 74.9 ± 12.1 years) were never readmitted. Readmitted patients were significantly older than those who were not (p=0.031). Additionally, they had a higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification (p<.001), were on a higher daily dose of furosemide (p=0.008) at the time of the inclusion visit, were more frequently affected by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (p=0.004); had been treated more often in the DH for WHF (p<.001) and had a higher mortality rate (p<.001) at one year. Conclusions This study aimed to determine WHF patient readmission rates and predictors. According to our results, a higher NYHA class, the need for treatment in the DH for WHF, a daily dose of furosemide equal to or greater than 80 mg, and COPD were predictors of readmission for WHF. CHF patients continue to experience WHF and recurrent hospitalizations despite therapeutic advances and close follow-up in the HFC with the multidisciplinary team. Besides COPD, the HF readmission risk factors found were mainly related to advanced disease. Furthermore, the structured and multidisciplinary approach of our disease management program likely contributed to our relatively low rate of readmissions.

Geriatric nutritional risk index as readmission predictor in older adults with heart failure irrespective of ejection fraction

Malnutrition is associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission for heart failure in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Therefore, evaluation of the nutritional status in patients with ADHF may be important. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are widely used objective indexes for evaluation of the nutritional status. The present study was performed to determine the best nutritional index for predicting the prognosis in older adults with ADHF. We retrospectively studied 167 older adults (>65 years of age) who were admitted with ADHF from January 2012 to December 2015 and discharged alive. The objective nutritional status was evaluated using the GNRI, CONUT score, and PNI at admission. The endpoint of this study was unplanned hospitalization for worsening heart failure (WHF) within 1 year after discharge. During the follow-up period, 58 patients were readmitted for WHF. In the multivariate Cox analysis, only the GNRI (p<0.0001) was independently associated with readmission for WHF among the three nutritional indexes. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients in the low-GNRI group (<90 as determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis) had a significantly greater risk of 1-year hospital readmission for WHF (p<0.0001; hazard ratio, 6.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-10.5). Among the objective nutritional indexes, the GNRI is the best predictor of readmission for WHF within 1 year after discharge in older adults with ADHF.

996 INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF HEART FAILURE DEVELOPMENT IN A COHORT OF PATIENTS WITH MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH NON-OBSTRUCTIVE CORONARY ARTERIES

Abstract Background A higher risk of death and major cardiovascular events, including Heart Failure (HF), after a Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (MINOCA) has been described. In particular, HF has a negative impact not only on survival but also on quality of life. In this context, strategies to identify subjects with a greater risk of developing HF are needed. Aims To assess the incidence and predictors of HF developing subsequently a MINOCA. Methods 461 subjects with suspected MINOCA from 2016 to 2021 were assessed. Acute myocarditis, Takotsubo syndromes, cardiomyopathies and patients with incomplete data were excluded. The final cohort consisted of 188 patients with a confirmed MINOCA diagnosis. After a mean follow-up of 36±14.8 months, 20 patients (10.6%) had hospital readmission for HF. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and instrumental data were collected and analyzed. Results None among demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors or comorbidities showed correlation with HF occurrences. Paroxysmal or permanent atrial fibrillation was more frequent among patients who developed HF (p .005), such as ST-elevation at onset (p .001). Higher glycemia at admission correlated with HF (p .012). In this regard, hyperglycemia could act as a direct toxic agent or as an indirect marker of a greater stress response. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) at peak, but not first cTnI measurement, was significantly higher in patients who developed HF (p&amp;lt;.001), confirming the prognostic value of troponin, even in this context. Concerning echocardiography, HF incidence was higher in patients with any wall motion abnormalities (p .037), lower ejection fraction (EF; p .046), especially if EF≤40% (p&amp;lt;.001), higher atrial maximum diameter (p .005), end-diastolic diameter (p. 001) or normalized end-diastolic volume (p&amp;lt;.001). Among cardiac magnetic resonance findings, HF occurred more often (p&amp;lt;.001) in patients with a transmural pattern of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), which resulted as an independent risk factor for HF developing at the multivariate analysis (HR 15.32, 95% CI 5.13-45.75, p&amp;lt;.001). Finally, 32 patients (17%) were affected by non-obstructive coronary arteries stenosis (i.e., &amp;lt;50%). This finding, but not re-infarction, was also associated with HF development (p .004). Notably, only 2 out of the 68 patients dismissed with DAPT developed HF (p .010). In our study beta-blockers, RAS inhibitors and statins at dismission had not reduced the risk of HF. Nevertheless, the low sample size forbids inferring conclusions about the therapy. Conclusion In our cohort of patients with MINOCA, several clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic characteristics correlated with a higher frequency of HF occurrences. Moreover, a broader extent of cardiac damage, as testified by cTnI, wall motion abnormalities, reduced EF and transmural LGE, could predict HF development. Further studies to establish adequate follow-up programs and therapy to prevent HF progression in these patients are needed.

Abstract 14873: Analysis of Heart Failure Re-Admissions and In-Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Takotsubo Syndrome

Background: Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) is characterized by transient reduction in left ventricular function with in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Clinical presentation often mimics acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Patients with TTS have comparable long-term mortality with AMI patients. However, data on the burden of heart failure (HF) readmissions in patients with TTS are scarce. Methods: This retrospective analysis utilized the US Nationwide Readmission Database for the years 2012-2019 to identify hospitalizations for TTS or AMI. The primary outcome of interest was 6-month readmission due to HF. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality. Results: There were 30,926 hospitalizations with TTS and 2,535,025 hospitalizations with AMI. The proportion of women was 90% among TTS patients and 37.7% among AMI patients (p&lt;0.001). Overall comorbidities were similar between the two groups, but in-hospital mortality during index admission was higher in the AMI arm (6.5% vs 1.5% in TTS, p &lt;0.01) accompanied with increased in-hospital complications. All-cause readmission rates were lower among TTS than among AMI patients (21.9% vs. 29.4%; p &lt;0.01). HF readmissions were also lower among TTS than AMI patients (3.7% vs. 6.7%; p &lt;0.01). After propensity matching, all-cause readmission rate remained lower among TTS than among AMI patients (21.9% vs. 27.9%; p &lt;0.01). HF hospital readmissions rates were also lower among TTS patients (3.7% vs 5.7%; p &lt;0.01). Independent predictors of HF readmission in TTS population included comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic pulmonary disease. Conclusion A substantial proportion of patients (&gt;20%) with TTS suffer a hospital readmission within 6 months, although less than 5% are readmitted with HF. Compared with AMI, all-cause and HF readmission rates are lower in TTS patients.

Short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and readmissions for heart failure among 3660 post-discharge patients with hypertension in older Chinese adults

BackgroundDespite ambient air pollution being associated with various adverse cardiovascular outcomes, the acute effects of ambient air pollution on hospital readmissions for heart failure (HF) among post-discharge patients with hypertension...

Neighborhood matters for transitional care and heart failure hospital readmission in older adults

A retrospective correlational design with existing data was utilized to examine the relationship between early provider follow-up, nursing care coordination intensity, and 30-day hospital readmission in older adults with heart failure and determine if an interaction exists with neighborhood disadvantage. Forward logistic regression was conducted to determine which variables predicted early provider follow-up and readmission. Ordinary least squares regression, logistic regression, and bootstrap confidence intervals were used to test for mediation and moderation. A direct relationship between early provider follow-up and decreased readmission was identified, but no indirect relationship through care coordination intensity. Neighborhood disadvantage did not moderate the effect of provider follow-up on readmission. Early provider follow-up and care coordination intensity were related and moderated by neighborhood disadvantage, but not for those living in highly disadvantaged neighborhoods. Neighborhood disadvantage is a key factor that may negatively influence participation in transitional care interventions in the elderly heart failure population.

Frequency, characteristics and prognostic impact of hospital readmissions in elderly patients with heart failure: A population study from 2013 to 2017 in Liguria, Northern Italy

BackgroundHospital readmissions are a key determinant of prognosis in elderly patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated their frequency, predictors and prognostic impact using a large administrative database from Liguria, the oldest region of Italy. MethodsPatients aged ≥18 years with at least one hospitalization with HF and being prescribed a diuretic medication between January 2013 and December 2017 were included in the analysis. Their demographics and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) were collected. Patients were grouped by number of readmissions, and negative binomial and Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore independent predictors of readmissions and mortality, respectively. ResultsThere were 207,130 hospital admissions from 35,316 patients (mean age 81.6 years, 43.7% ≥85 years of age, 47.2% male, mean CCI 1.7, overall mortality 52.8%). About a quarter of patients (8.878, 25.1%) had more than eight readmissions during follow-up, for a total of 108.146 admissions (52.2% of admissions). Male gender, lower educational level and higher CCI were independently associated with increased number of readmissions and increased mortality. There was an independent inverse relationship between number of admissions and survival, with patients hospitalized 8 or more times displaying a 3-fold increase in mortality, and a significant interaction between older age and readmissions on mortality. ConclusionA quarter of older comorbid HF patients contributed to more than half of HF hospital readmissions recorded over a 5-year period in Liguria, with a dismal impact on prognosis. Aging societies should pay greater attention to this matter and personalized disease-management programs should be implemented.

Blood Pressure Drops During Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure Treated With Serelaxin: A Patient-Level Analysis of 4 Randomized Controlled Trials

Hypotensive events and drops in systolic blood pressure (SBP-drop) are frequent in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. We investigated whether SBP-drops are associated with outcomes in patients treated with serelaxin. Patient-level retrospective analyses of 4 prospective trials investigating serelaxin in acute heart failure. Main inclusion criteria were SBP 125 to 180 mm Hg, pulmonary congestion, and elevated NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide). SBP-drops were prospectively defined as SBP<100 mm Hg, or, if SBP remained >100 mm Hg, a drop from baseline of 40 mm Hg from baseline. Outcomes were a short-term composite outcome (worsening heart failure, hospital readmission for heart failure or all-cause mortality through 14 days) and 180-day mortality. Overall, 2559/11 226 (23%) patients had an SBP-drop. SBP-drop, versus no SBP-drop, was associated with a worse outcome: cumulative incidence of 180-day mortality (11% versus 9%, hazard ratio [HR]. 1.21 [95% CI, 1.05-1.39]; P=0.009) and the short-term outcome (11% versus 9%, HR, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.13-1.49]; P<0.001). Of the 2 SBP-drop components, an SBP<100 mm Hg was associated with the worst outcome compared with a 40 mm Hg drop: short-term outcome (11% versus 10%) and HRs of 1.32 (95% CI, 1.13-1.55; P=0.0005) and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.97-1.56; P=0.09), for each component respectively, with a P value for interaction of 0.05. SBP-drops were associated with a worse short-term outcome in the placebo group (HR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.19-1.79]; P=0.0003), but not in the serelaxin-group (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.97-1.42]; P=0.10); P interaction=0.003. SBP-drops in patients with acute heart failure and normal to high SBP at admission is associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes especially for SBP <100 mm Hg. However, in patients treated with the intravenous vasodilator serelaxin, SBP-drops seemed less harmful. URL: https://www. gov; Unique identifiers: NCT02064868, NCT02007720, NCT01870778, NCT00520806.

Empagliflozin may be beneficial in acute HF

Adults treated with empagliflozin (Jardiance—Boehringer Ingelheim, Lilly) during hospitalization for an acute heart failure (HF) event had reduced all-cause mortality, fewer HF events, and improvement in HF–related symptoms compared with those given a placebo, according to results of the EMPULSE trial presented at the 2021 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions. These data add to the broader information supporting the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors to improve CV events in those with HF, specifically when in the acute care setting. “Short-term clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized for acute HF are poor,” said lead study author Adriaan A. Voors, MD, PhD, professor of cardiology at the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands. “EMPULSE shows adults hospitalized for acute HF were 36% more likely to experience a clinical benefit over 90 days if initiated on empagliflozin compared with [a] placebo following stabilization and prior to discharge.” Although the cardiovascular benefits of select SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with and without type 2 diabetes—including improved outcomes in those with chronic HF—are well-established, physicians have been reluctant to use this class of drugs in the acute HF setting due to potential safety concerns. This is unfortunate because patients with acute HF are at an even higher risk of death and risk of hospital readmission for HF in the early months post-discharge. The results of the EMPULSE study support empagliflozin’s effects in improving outcomes in those with acute HF, but also the safe use of this agent in acute care setting. Patients treated with empagliflozin had no ketoacidosis or hypotension and only a slight drop in renal function, which disappeared after approximately 15 days. Several limitations with the data need to be considered, however. First, patients had to be “stable” before trial enrollment. Second, empagliflozin was added onto the standard management of acute HF and the information on the list of concurrent medications are not yet published and would be helpful to assess. Third, the trial is relatively small compared with other major cardiovascular outcome trials, so additional confirmatory analyses may be needed. Finally, cost is always a consideration when adding a new treatment onto a patient’s regimen, especially when they are already receiving numerous medications to manage their condition. The EMPULSE trial enrolled 530 patients hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of acute HF, defined as de novo or decompensated chronic HF, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction or diabetes status. Patients with a mean age of 68 years were randomized to receive 10 mg of empagliflozin daily or placebo for 90 days. Treatment was initiated once patients were stabilized, which averaged approximately 3 days after admission. The primary outcome was a composite of the number of deaths, heart failure–related events, time to the first heart failure event, or an improved score of at least 5 points on the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Patients assigned to empagliflozin were 36% more likely to experience clinical benefit at 90 days compared with those in the placebo group. All-cause mortality was 4.2% in the empagliflozin group compared with 8.3% in the placebo group, and HF events were 10.6% in the empagliflozin group compared with 14.7% in the placebo group. Fewer serious HF events also occurred in the active treatment group (32.3% vs. 43.6%). Additionally, those who received empagliflozin had a 4.5-point increase in the KCCQ total symptom score compared with the placebo group (mean change from baseline 36.9 vs. 31.6). Empagliflozin was well-tolerated in patients with acute HF according to the study, with fewer serious adverse events in the empagliflozin group compared with the placebo group.

Abstract 11309: Significance of Blood Pressure Drops in Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure: A Patient-Level Analysis of 4 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Serelaxin Trials

Introduction: Hypotensive events and drops in systolic blood pressure (SBP-drop) are frequent in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). We investigated SBP-drop and associations with outcomes and whether treatment with the vasodilator serelaxin affected the association between SBP-drops and outcomes. Methods: Analyses of data from four randomized, controlled trials investigating serelaxin as an intervention in patients hospitalized with AHF. Main inclusion criteria were SBP 125-180 mmHg, pulmonary congestion, elevated NT-proBNP. SBP-drops (predefined as an SBP-value below 100 mmHg and/or a drop of 40 mmHg from baseline) were prospectively registered during the first 48 hours of hospitalization. Outcomes were a composite outcome (worsening heart failure, hospital readmission for heart failure or all-cause mortality through 14 days) and 180-day mortality. Results: Overall, 2558/11226 (23%) patients had an SBP-drop, with a median time from randomization to event of 15 (6-25) hours. In multivariable analyses, SBP-drop was associated with 180-day mortality (hazard ratio 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.39; p=0.009) and the composite outcome (1.29 (1.13-1.49); p&lt;0.001). Treatment-allocation interacted significantly on the relationship between SBP-drops and outcomes (p-interaction=0.003 for composite outcome, p-interaction=0.11 for 180-day mortality). In patients treated with placebo (n=5141), there was a strong association between SBP-drops and the composite outcome (HR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.19-1.79), p=0.0003), but no significant association in patients treated with serelaxin (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.97-1.42, p=0.10) (Figure). Conclusions: SBP-drops in hospitalized patients treated for AHF is an independent risk factor for adverse short- and long-term outcomes, and its occurrence highlights the need for careful monitoring and urgent treatment. However, in patients treated with serelaxin under careful observation, SBP-drops were not associated with worse outcome.