Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction In Group Research Articles

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in Low-Gradient Aortic Stenosis

ImportanceGuidelines recommend the use of Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) in patients with low-gradient aortic stenosis (AS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. However, a paucity exists in DSE data when LVEF>35%. ObjectiveTo examine the diagnostic accuracy of DSE, in patients with low-gradient AS with a wide range of LVEF and to examine the interaction between the diagnostic accuracy of DSE and LVEF. Design, Setting and ParticipantsPatients with mean-gradient<40 mmHg, AVA<1.0 cm2, and stroke volume index≤35 mL/m2 undergoing DSE and Cardiac Computer Tomography (C-CT) were identified from three prospectively collected patient cohorts, and stratified according to LVEF; LVEF<35%, LVEF 35-50% & LVEF>50%. ExposureDSE and C-CT was performed on patients with low-gradient AS Main outcomes and measuresSevere AS was defined as AVC score ≥2000 AU among men, and ≥1200 AU for women on C-CT. ResultsOf 221 patients included in the study, 78 (35%) presented with LVEF<35%, 67 (30%) with LVEF 35-50%, and 76 (34%) with LVEF>50%. Mean-gradient and Vmax during DSE showed significantly diagnostic heterogeneity between LVEF groups, being most precise when LVEF<35% (both AUC=0.90), albeit with optimal thresholds of 30 mmHg & 377 cm/s, and a limited diagnostic yield in patients with LVEF≥35% (AUC=0.67 & 0.66 in LVEF 35-50% and AUC=0.65 & 0.60 in LVEF≥50%). Using guideline thresholds led to a sensitivity/specificity of 49%/84% for all patients with LVEF<50%. Conclusion and relevanceWhile DSE is safe and leads to an increase in stroke volume in patients with low-gradient AS regardless of LVEF, the association between DSE gradients and AS severity assessed by C-CT demonstrates important heterogeneity depending on LVEF, with highest accuracy in patients with LVEF<35%.

Combining Loop and Thiazide DiureticsAcross the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Spectrum: The CLOROTIC Trial.

The addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide in the CLOROTIC (Combining Loop with Thiazide Diuretics for Decompensated HeartFailure) trial improved the diuretic response in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). This work aimed to evaluate if these results differ across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). This post hoc analysis of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled CLOROTIC trial enrolled 230patients with AHF to receive either HCTZ or a placebo in addition to an intravenous furosemide regimen. The influence of LVEF on primary and secondary outcomes was evaluated. The median LVEF was 55%: 166 (72%) patients had LVEF >40%, and 64 (28%) had LVEF≤40%. Patients with a lower LVEF were younger, more likely to be male, had a higher prevalence of ischemic heart disease, and had higher natriuretic peptide levels. The addition of HCTZ to furosemide was associated with the greatest weight loss at 72of 96 hours, better metrics of diuretic response, and greater 24-hour diuresis compared with placebo, with no significant differences according to the LVEF category (using 2 LVEF cutoff points: 40% and 50%) or LVEF as a continuous variable (all P values were insignificant). There were no significant differences observed with the addition of HCTZ in terms of mortality, rehospitalizations, or safety endpoints (impaired renal function, hyponatremia, and hypokalemia) among the 2 LVEF groups (all P values were insignificant). Adding HCTZ to intravenous furosemide seems to be effective strategy for improving diuretic response in AHF without treatment effect modification according to baseline LVEF. (Combining Loop with Thiazide Diuretics for Decompensated HeartFailure [CLOROTIC], NCT01647932; Randomized, double blinded, multicenter study, to asses Safety and Efficacy of the Combination of Loop With Thiazide-type Diuretics vs Loop diuretics with placebo in Patients With Decompensated, EudraCT Number 2013-001852-36).

Prognostic impact of prior LVEF in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction.

As there is limited evidence regarding the prognostic impact of prior left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), this study investigates the prognostic impact of longitudinal changes in LVEF in patients with HFmrEF. Consecutive patients with HFmrEF (i.e. LVEF 41-49% with signs and/or symptoms of HF) were included retrospectively in a monocentric registry from 2016 to 2022. Based on prior LVEF, patients were categorized into three groups: stable LVEF, improved LVEF, and deteriorated LVEF. The primary endpoint was 30-months all-cause mortality (median follow-up). Secondary endpoints included in-hospital and 12-months all-cause mortality, as well as HF-related rehospitalization at 12 and 30months. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were applied for statistics. Six hundred eighty-nine patients with HFmrEF were included. Compared to their prior LVEF, 24%, 12%, and 64% had stable, improved, and deteriorated LVEF, respectively. None of the three LVEF groups was associated with all-cause mortality at 12 (p ≥ 0.583) and 30months (31% vs. 37% vs. 34%; log rank p ≥ 0.376). In addition, similar rates of 12- (p ≥ 0.533) and 30-months HF-related rehospitalization (21% vs. 23% vs. 21%; log rank p ≥ 0.749) were observed. These findings were confirmed in multivariable regression analyses in the entire study cohort. The transition from HFrEF and HFpEF towards HFmrEF is very common. However, prior LVEF was not associated with prognosis, likely due to the persistently high dynamic nature of LVEF in the follow-up period.

O163: CABG versus PCI in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Patients: A Systematic Review &amp; Meta-analysis Stratified by Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Abstract Background Comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains controversial within the literature. The current meta-analysis aimed to compare CABG and PCI in HFrEF patients regarding mortality and long-term survival, repeat revascularization, new postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke, stratified by the degree of LVEF reduction. Methods In a systematic review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted on multiple electronic databases using strict search terms. Twenty studies met the set inclusion/exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of extracted data was conducted using the R-studio and STATA software. Furthermore, the aforementioned study endpoints were stratified by the degree of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) reduction into severe (&amp;lt;35%), moderate (&amp;lt;40%) and mild (&amp;lt;50%). Results Data from 25,031 HFrEF patients was analysed, out of which 12,957 (52%) underwent CABG and 12,074 (48%) received PCI. Long-term survival was significantly higher in the severe (&amp;lt;35%) and mildly (&amp;lt;50%) reduced LVEF groups, with no significant different found in the moderately (&amp;lt;40%) reduced LVEF cohort. However, all 3 groups significantly favoured CABG in terms of need for revascularization, but no difference in stroke incidence was found. As for postoperative MI, this followed the same trend as survival. No evidence of significant heterogeneity or publication bias was found. Conclusion CABG yields more favourable results than PCI in HFrEF patients. Further stratifying the clinical outcomes measured by the degree of LVEF reduction sheds light on the importance of risk stratification of patients to optimise results.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based Ischemic Injury Pattern in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Sensu Left Ventricular Global Systolic Function.

The purpose of the study was to identify factors characterizing a decrease in LV global systolic function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after revascularization using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based ischemic injury pattern and laboratory parameters sensu left ventricular global systolic function. A total of 109 STEMI patients were examined. The patients underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI with a 1.5 Tesla GE SIGNA Voyager (GE HealthCare, Chicago, IL, USA) on the 7th-10th days from the onset of the disease. According to cardiac MRI analysis, the patients were divided into the following groups with regard to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values: Group 1-patients with LVEF ≥ 50%; group 2-patients with mildly reduced LVEF 40-49%; group 3-patients with low LVEF < 40%. A predominance of most parameters of the ischemic injury pattern was noted in patients with mildly reduced and low LVEF versus patient group with LVEF ≥ 50%. Some risk factors for a decrease in LVEF < 50% systolic function in STEMI patients after revascularization were revealed: male gender; time from the onset of the anginal attack to revascularization; coronary artery status; several LV parameters; ischemic injury characteristics; natriuretic peptide and troponin I levels.

Relationship of Mild to Moderate Impairment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction With Fatal Ventricular Arrhythmic Events in Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

Current guidelines recommend placing an implantable cardiac defibrillator for patients with cardiac sarcoidosis and a severely impaired left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤35%. In this study, we determined the association between mild or moderate LVEF impairment and fatal ventricular arrhythmic event (FVAE). We retrospectively analyzed 401 patients with cardiac sarcoidosis without sustained ventricular arrhythmia at diagnosis. The primary end point was an FVAE, defined as the combined endpoint of documented ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Two cutoff points for LVEF were used:a sex-specific lower threshold of normal range of LVEF (52% for men and 54% for women) and an LVEF of 35%, which is used in the current guidelines. During a median follow-up of 3.2 years, 58 FVAEs were observed, and the 5- and 10-year estimated incidences of FVAEs were 16.8% and 23.0%, respectively. All patients were classified into 3 groups according to LVEF: impaired LVEF group, mild to moderate impairment of LVEF group, and maintained LVEF group. Multivariable competing risk analysis showed that both the impaired LVEF group (hazard ratio [HR], 3.24 [95% CI, 1.49-7.04]) and the mild to moderate impairment of LVEF group (HR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.04-4.46]) were associated with a higher incidence of FVAEs than the maintained LVEF group after adjustment for covariates. Patients with cardiac sarcoidosis are at a high risk of FVAEs, regardless of documented ventricular arrhythmia at the time of diagnosis. In patients with cardiac sarcoidosis, mild to moderate impairment of LVEF is associated with FVAEs.

Prognostic Impact of Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction After Endovascular Therapy for Lower Extremities.

The mechanism underlying a poor prognosis in patients with lower-extremity artery disease (LEAD) with heart failure is unknown. We examined the prognostic impact of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with LEAD who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT).Methods and Results: From August 2014 to August 2016, 2,180 patients with LEAD (mean age, 73.2 years; male, 71.9%) underwent EVT and were stratified into low-LVEF (LVEF <40%; n=234, 10.7%) and not-low LVEF groups. In the low- vs. not-low LVEF groups, there was a higher prevalence of heart failure (i.e., history of heart failure hospitalization or New York Heart Association functional class III or IV symptoms) (44.0% vs. 8.3%, respectively), diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, below-the-knee lesion, critical limb ischemia, and incidence of major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and major adverse limb events (MALEs) (P<0.001, all). Low LVEF independently predicted MACCEs (hazard ratio: 2.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.63-3.03; P<0.001) and MALEs (hazard ratio: 1.85, 95% confidence interval: 1.15-2.96; P=0.011), regardless of heart failure (P value for interaction: MACCEs: 0.27; MALEs: 0.52). Low LVEF, but not symptomatic heart failure, increased the incidence of MACCEs and MALEs. Intensive cardiac dysfunction management may improve LEAD prognosis after EVT.

Changes in Left Ventricular Function and Outcomes After Trancatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Secondary Mitral Regurgitation

BackgroundTranscatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) improved outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and severe secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) compared with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) alone regardless of the severity of baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of early changes in LVEF after TEER and GDMT alone in patients with HF and severe SMR. MethodsWithin the COAPT trial, we evaluated outcomes according to changes in LVEF from baseline to 30 days. The primary outcome was all-cause death or HF hospitalization (HFH) between 30 days and 2 years. ResultsAmong 432 patients with paired echocardiographic data, 182 (42.1%) had increased LVEF (LVEF change 6.0% ± 4.9%) and 250 (57.9%) had a decrease or no change in LVEF (LVEF change –6.6% ± 5.6%) from baseline to 30 days. LVEF at 30 days increased more frequently with GDMT alone compared with TEER plus GDMT (51.4% vs 33.0%; P = .0001). Between 30 days and 2 years, there were no significant differences in death or HFH in the increase LVEF and the decrease LVEF groups (58.8% vs 51.4%; multivariable-adjusted HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.87-1.08; P = .59). TEER plus GDMT reduced the 30-day to 2-year rate of death or HFH compared with GDMT alone consistently in patients with increase LVEF and decrease LVEF (Pint = 0.75). ConclusionsAmong patients with HF and severe SMR, early improvements in LVEF were more frequent with GDMT alone compared with TEER plus GDMT but were not associated with subsequent outcomes at 2 years. TEER reduced death or HFH during 2-year follow-up irrespective of early LVEF changes.

Influence of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients undergoing contemporary pLVAD-supported high-risk PCI

Left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction worsens outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate outcomes of pLVAD-supported high-risk PCI (HRPCI) patients according to LV ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients from the PROTECT III study undergoing pLVAD-supported HRPCI were stratified according to baseline LVEF: severe LV dysfunction (LVEF <30%), mild and moderate LV dysfunction (LVEF ≥30% to <50%), or preserved LV function (LVEF ≥50%). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE: composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, and repeat revascularization), and PCI-related complications were assessed at 90 days and mortality was assessed at 1-year. From March 2017 to March 2020, 940 patients had evaluable baseline LVEF recorded in the study database. Patients with preserved LV function were older, more frequently presented with myocardial infarction, and underwent more left main PCI and atherectomy. Immediate PCI-related coronary complications were infrequent (2.7%, overall), similar between groups (P=0.98), and not associated with LVEF. Unadjusted 90-day MACCE rates were similar among LVEF groups; however, as a continuous variable, LVEF was associated with both 90-day MACCE (adj.HR per 5% 0.89, 95% CI [0.80, 0.98], P=0.018) and 1-year mortality (adj.HR per 5% 0.84 [0.78, 0.90], P <0.0001). Patients who underwent pLVAD-supported HRPCI exhibited low incidence of PCI-related complications, regardless of baseline LVEF. However, LVEF was associated with 90-day MACCE and 1-year mortality.

Evidence-based heart failure therapies at discharge of patients with acute coronary syndromes and reduced ejection fraction: Data from the ACSIS survey

Abstract Background Guideline-directed medical therapies for heart failure (HF) may benefit patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following acute coronary syndromes (ACS), even in the absence of overt HF. Few real-world data are available regarding early implementation of HF therapies in patients with ACS and reduced LVEF. Methods Data collected from the 2021 nationwide, prospective ACS Israeli Survey (ACSIS). Drug classes included: (a) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI); (b) beta-blockers; (c) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) and (d) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2I). Utilization of HF therapies at discharge or 90-days following ACS was analyzed in relation to LVEF [reduced ≤40% (n=406) or mildly-reduced 41-49% (n=255)] and short-term adverse outcomes. Results History of HF, anterior wall myocardial infarction and Killip class II-IV (32% vs. 14% p&amp;lt;0.001) were more prevalent in those with reduced compared to mildly-reduced LVEF. ACEI/ARB/ARNI and BBC were used by &amp;gt;85% of patients in both LVEF groups, though ARNI was prescribed to only 3.9% (LVEF≤40%). MRA was used by 42.9% and 12.2% of patients with LVEF ≤40% and 41-49%, respectively, and SGLT2I in a quarter of both LVEF groups. Overall, ≥3 HF drug classes were documented in 44% of the patients. A trend towards higher rates of 90-day HF rehospitalizations, recurrent ACS or all-cause death was noted in those with reduced (7.6%) vs. mildly-reduced (3.7%) LVEF, p=0.084. No association was observed between the number of HF drug classes, or the use of ARNI and/or SGLT2I with adverse clinical outcomes. Conclusions In current clinical practice, the majority of patients with reduced and mildly-reduced LVEF are treated by ACEI/ARB and beta-blockers early following ACS, whereas MRA is underutilized and the adoption of SGLT2I and ARNI is low. A greater number of therapeutic classes was not associated with reduced short-term rehospitalizations or mortality.Drug therapies for heart failure

Dobutamine stress echocardiography in low-gradient aortic stenosis

Abstract Background Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is recommended to distinguish between true-severe and pseudo-severe aortic stenosis (AS) in patients with low flow low-gradients and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &amp;lt;50%. However, DSE has mostly been tested in the setting of LVEF&amp;lt;35%. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of DSE according to aortic valve calcification (AVC) score, in patents with low-flow, low-gradient AS across a wide range of LVEF. Methods Patients with aortic mean gradient &amp;lt;40 mmHg, aortic valve area (AVA) &amp;lt;1.0 cm2, and stroke volume index (SVi) ≤35 mL/m2 undergoing DSE were identified from three prospectively collected patient cohorts, and stratified according to LVEF; &amp;lt;35%, 35-50% and &amp;gt;50%. Severe AS was defined as AVC score ≥2000 AU among men, and ≥1200 AU for women. Recommendation for severe AS according to DSE, are an AVA &amp;lt;1.0 cm2 combined with an aortic mean gradient ≥40 mmHg or peak velocity ≥4 m/s. Receiver operating characteristic curves for DSE-derived AVA, mean gradient and Vmax were used to identify optimal cut-off points for each LVEF subgroup. Results Of the 221 patients included in the study, 78 (35%) presented with LVEF &amp;lt;35%, 67 (30%) with LVEF 35-50%, and 76 (34%) with LVEF &amp;gt;50%. Baseline characteristics are presented in the table. Based on AVC, severe AS was present in 102 (46%) of patients. Using recommended thresholds for severe AS for AVC and DSE, led to a sensitivity of 49%, a specificity of 84% and an accuracy of 67% for DSE for all patients with LVEF &amp;lt;50%, but with significant heterogeneity between groups figure. AVA performed rather uniformly across LVEF subgroups; (AUC =0.68 vs 0.62 vs 0.54, p=0.36) LVEF&amp;lt;35%, LVEF 35-50%, LVEF&amp;gt;50% respectively and displayed a rather uniform optimal cut-off (1.0 cm2 vs 0.9 cm2 vs 0.8 cm2). However, mean gradient and Vmax during DSE, both showed significantly diagnostic heterogeneity across LVEF groups (AUC= 0.90 vs 0.67 vs 0.65, p=&amp;lt;0.001 and AUC= 0.90 vs 0.66 vs 0.60, p=&amp;lt;0.001) with different optimal thresholds (30 mmHg &amp; 3.8 m/s, 45 mmHg &amp; 4.3 m/s and 37mmHg &amp; 4 m/s, LVEF&amp;lt;35%, LVEF 35-50%, LVEF&amp;gt;50%, respectively). Conclusion Our study shows, that the association between DSE gradients and AS severity assessed by AVC demonstrates important heterogeneity depending on LVEF. While DSE had the highest accuracy in patients with LVEF&amp;lt;35% both patients with LVEF 35-50%, and patients with LVEF&amp;gt;50% showed significantly less concordance between DSE and AVC.

Interleukin-17 and interferon-gamma in patients with different forms of non-ischemic cardiomyopathies

Abstract Introduction Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) characterized by left ventricular dilation and impaired left ventricular function represents a common and severe cause of heart failure (HF). Predominantly affecting younger patients, it is considered a leading cause for sudden cardiac death and heart transplantation. Several studies identified myocarditis as a substantive precursor and potential cause of DCM. Inflammatory cardiomyopathy (DCMi) can lead to cardiomyocytal damage and exposure of cardiac myosin and other heart proteins. This cascade can in susceptible individuals trigger an altered immune response consecutively leading to autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. A variety of inflammatory and immunologic agents are discussed to be involved in the pathophysiology of myocardial inflammation. Several studies suggested a role of Interleukin -17 (IL-17) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in chronic HF, myocardial infarction and other cardiovascular diseases. Underlying pathomechanisms, however, are poorly understood. Methods In this study we measured IL-17 and IFN-γ levels in serum by ELISA in patients in which an endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) was performed due to chronic unexplained heart failure symptoms after exclusion of ischemic or valvular heart disease at our center. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography prior to EMB sampling. Patients were classified according to the histological presence of inflammation into DCMi, DCM and patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without inflammation. EMB specimens were analyzed including histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular virology. Results A total of 289 patients were included into the final analysis. Mean age was 47 years and 71% were male. Mean LVEF was 50% and mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) was 57 mm. Based on EMB results, 71 (25%) samples were categorized as DCMi and 113 (39%) as DCM. 105 (36%) samples were assigned to the group without myocardial inflammation and normal LVEF. The groups differed significantly in their inflammatory profiles. Levels of IL-17 (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and IFN-γ (p &amp;lt; 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with DCMi compared to the DCM as well as the normal LVEF group (Figure 1, Figure 2). Therefore, this effect is not specific for heart failure, but seems to be an important mediator in inflammatory cardiomyopathy. Conclusion Our data showed a significant elevation of IL-17 and IFN-γ in patients with inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy. These findings suggest that these agents play an important role in the disease entity development and progression that remains poorly understood. So far treatment strategies in DCMi are unspecific. Therefore, blocking IL-17 expression could be an interesting potential therapeutic target in future (personalized) treatment for a wide group of patients with heart failure generated by inflammatory causes.Serum IL-17 levels.t-SNE analysis of the different groups.

Subclinical left ventricular dysfunction demonstrated by strain imaging echocardiography in moderate to severe COVID-19 patients (Delta variant, single center study)

Abstract Background Cardiovascular complications in acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are well established and are the main contributors to morbidity and mortality. The echocardiographic investigation in these patients upon hospitalisation for COVID-19 infection, however, is relatively constrained due to the high contagiousness risk. Recent studies (1,2) have shown the subclinical myocardial dysfunction defined by left ventricular longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) but these studies were limited the number of patients. Numerous moderate to severe COVID-19 patients in our hospital were subjected to echocardiographic examination during admission in the delta variant period (full screening protocol). Therefore, this beneficial data ought to be made available to the public health. Objectives This study aims to demonstrate the prevalence of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction by strain imaging echocardiography, defined as LV-GLS, and its correlation to cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients during admission in the delta variant era. Methods Retrospective historical review was performed from the track-care system. Post-processing analysis of strain imaging by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) using Tomtec imaging system, COVID-19 patients who admitted in the intermediate care unit or intensive care unit and obtaining echocardiographic study during hospital stay with optimal echocardiographic imaging to provide STE (according to EACVI/ASE 2015 consensus)³ during April 2021 to March 2022, were enrolled into the study. LV-GLS &amp;gt; -18% was defined as subclinical LV dysfunction. We described the number and percentage of patients who had decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and expressed it in relation to the decreased LV-GLS and normal LV-GLS (Table 1). The correlation between LV-GLS and biomarkers (troponin-I, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6) was analysed by Pearson correlation. Results Initially, 247 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR and having an echocardiogram were enrolled, but only 176 patients with adequate echocardiographic imaging (44.3% female) and a mean age of 69.1 ± 16.8 were analysed by an experienced cardiologist. Of 24 patients (13.6%) had decreased LVEF and all of patients in this group had decreased LV-GLS (-9.28% ±.3.7%). 98 of 152 patients (64.5%) in normal LVEF group had decreased LV-GLS (-14.1% ±.3.1%). The correlation between LV-GLS and biomarkers revealed only troponin-I had statistically significant correlation with LV-GLS (r = 0.52, p &amp;lt; 0.001), but C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were not exhibited significant correlation with LV-GLS (r = 0.11, p = 0.17 and r = 0.09, p= 0.38, respectively). Conclusions Subclinical LV dysfunction as demonstrated by LV-GLS was not uncommon in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection (delta variant era), especially if the patients had elevated cardiac troponin levels.Proportion of decreased LV-GLS in COVIDImpaired LV-GLS and troponin I level

Abstract 11590: Body Mass-Corrected Estimated Plasma Volume at Discharge Predicts Mortality of Heart Failure Patients With Non-Normal and Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Estimated plasma volume(ePV) is a parameter of body fluid volume and an indicator for residual congestion. Even in the era of novel cardioprotective drugs, achieving adequate body fluid volume with heart failure is sometimes challenging. We investigated the prognosis of heart failure patients with a one-time evaluation of ePV at discharge corrected by body mass index (BMI). Since current heart failure treatment algorithms follow different paths with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), we also examined whether these groups have a difference in prognosis prediction. Methods: This is a single-center, prospective observational study. A total of 1427 consecutive heart failure hospitalizations, excluding acute coronary syndromes, were included from January 2018 to June 2022. We evaluated 858 patients, excluding repeat hospitalizations of the same patient, in-hospital deaths, transfers for cardiac surgery and forced discharges, and missing data. A prognosis investigation was conducted for all patients. BMI and ePV (ml, Hakim's formula) was calculated from height, weight, and hematocrit at discharge. Survival analysis was performed with ePV divided by BMI (ePV/BMI). The primary endpoint was all-cause death. Results: Median of 527 days of post-discharge observation, 286 deaths occurred. BMI and ePV at discharge show a positive significant correlation in both normal (≧50%) and non-normal LVEF (&lt;50%) groups. Among the mortality group during follow-up, ePV/BMI at discharge was significantly higher than the non-mortality group. Survival analysis with Kaplan-Meier curve by ePV/BMI three tertiles (Low, Medium, High) in normal (66.8% vs 50.1% vs 44.0%, Logrank P&lt;0.001), non-normal LVEF (72.2% vs 69.3% vs 49.6%, Logrank P&lt;0.001) and overall (70.6% vs 55.5% vs 47.4%, Logrank P&lt;0.001) population had a significantly worse three-year prognosis in the high ePV/BMI group. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model with covariant univariable predictive factors shows higher ePV/BMI tertile, as well as a continuous variable of ePV/BMI, was predictive factor of death in normal, non-normal LVEF and overall population. Conclusions: Even after therapeutic intervention, ePV/BMI at discharge is a useful predictor of heart failure prognosis.

Assessment of disturbed functions in patients with chronic heart failure using International classification of functioning ICF categories

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of impaired functions in patients with cardiac diseases is traditionally based on the clinical signs of the disease and instrumental hemodynamic parameters, without affecting all other disorders that occur with this pathology. The International classification of functioning is based on the functioning of the patient in his/her environment; therefore, a consistent assessment of the entire complex of impaired functions of the patient is appropriate, allowing for a more accurate formulation of the goals of rehabilitation and controlling the main stages of rehabilitation.&#x0D; AIM: To evaluate the International classification of functioning for assessing all impaired functions in patients with chronic heart failure.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 68 patients with decompensated chronic heart failure. The analyzed sample included patients with chronic heart failure stages 2B and 3 (NYHA classes IIIIV). The average patient age was 63.9 years, and the average disease duration was approximately 7 years. The sample was predominantly men (66.5%). The etiology of chronic heart failure was represented by uncontrolled arterial hypertension (92%), post-infarction cardiosclerosis (74%), ischemic cardiomyopathy (25%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (12%). Radiation diagnostic methods were used to confirm the severity of cardiac decompensation. The study assessed impaired functions in accordance with the domains of the International classification of functioning, mainly in functions of the cardiovascular system.&#x0D; RESULTS: In this study, 68 patients had decompensated chronic heart failure stages 2B and 3 (NYHA classes IIIIV). Group 1 included 40 patients, and group 2 included 28 patients. The instrumental examination revealed a more pronounced decrease in left-ventricular ejection fraction in group 1 compared with group 2 (42.84.4 and 49.25.6, respectively), showing a significant difference (p 0.05). Other hemodynamic parameters did not differ significantly in the groups. In the analysis of a basic set of the International classification of functioning domains for patients with chronic heart failure, the following domains turned out to be the most significant: heart function (b410), forced myocardial contraction (b4102); heart rate (b4100); blood supply to the heart (b4103); blood pressure functions (b420): increase (b4200), decrease (b4201), maintenance (b4202); functions of the respiratory system (b440) including the respiratory rate (b4400); additional functions and sensations from the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (b450-469); exercise tolerance functions (b455); water balance (b5450), including water retention (b45500), characterizing the presence of edematous syndrome; and muscle strength functions (b730). The indicated domains were also supplemented with Section d (activity and participation) walking long distances (d4501) and doing housework (d640); and Domain e (environmental factors), i.e., help from the next of kin (e310).&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: A set of domains of the International classification of functioning for patients with decompensated heart failure has been developed and proposed, which makes it possible to more effectively identify the key problems of people with disability and more objectively form a plan for complex rehabilitation, which largely determines the prognosis in these patients.

Prognostic implications of left ventricular ejection fraction trajectory changes in heart failure.

The latest guidelines recommended to assess the trajectory of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with heart failure (HF). However, there is limited data on the trajectory of LVEF in real-world settings. In this study, we investigated the frequency and prognostic implications of changes in LVEF trajectory. Patients were divided into intensified LVEF, static LVEF, and worsening LVEF groups based on the transitions of HF types from baseline to follow-up. The intensified and worsening LVEF groups were further subdivided into mild (≤10% absolute changes of LVEF) and significant (>10% absolute changes of LVEF) increase or decrease groups according to the magnitude of change. The incidences and associations of changes in LVEF with patient outcomes were analyzed. Among the 2,429 patients in the study cohort, 38.3% of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and 37.6% of HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) showed an improvement in their LVEF. In contrast, a decline in LVEF was observed in 19.3% of HF patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and 34.9% of those with HFmrEF. Cox regression analysis showed that the intensified LVEF group was associated with a lower risk of composite endpoints, while the worsening LVEF group yielded opposite findings. Subgroup analysis revealed that compared to those with mild changes in LVEF, baseline HFrEF patients with significant increase showed a lower risk of composite outcome, while baseline HFpEF patients were the opposite. The trajectories of LVEF changes are strongly correlated with outcomes in patients with HF who had prior history of HF admission. The most significant prognostic implications observed in patients with significant LVEF changes. Trajectory LVEF and type of HF changes are useful tools recommended for prognostication.

Causes and prognosis analysis of hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction in intensive care unit patients with sepsis

To analyze the causes of hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in sepsis patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and its impact on prognosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinical data of 273 sepsis patients admitted to the department of critical care medicine of the Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University from January 2018 to October 2021 were collected including gender, age, severity score, comorbidities, source of infection, vital signs, transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) parameters, fluid intake and output, vasoactive drug dose, therapeutic measures and prognostic indicators. The patients were divided into normal LVEF group (LVEF 0.55-0.70), low LVEF group (LVEF < 0.55) and hyperdynamic LVEF group (LVEF > 0.70) according to the TTE examination results within 7 days of ICU admission. The clinical indicators among the three groups were compared and analyzed, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen risk factors for the development of hyperdynamic LVEF in patients with sepsis. Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the mortality of different types of LVEF and clinical variables. Among 273 patients, 20 patients with severe valvular or cardiomyopathy at admission and those who did not completed cardiac ultrasound within 7 days of ICU admission were excluded. A total of 253 patients were finally enrolled, including 169 patients in the normal LVEF group, 40 patients in the low LVEF group, and 44 patients in the hyperdynamic LVEF group. There were statistically significant differences in age, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, central venous pressure (CVP), heart rate (HR), oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), blood lactate (Lac), urine output, vasoactive drug dose, ratio of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic liver disease, cancer, invasive mechanical ventilation and renal replacement therapy (RRT), and incidence of septic shock among the different types of LVEF groups. TTE results analysis showed that the hyperdynamic LVEF group had higher stroke volume (SV) and cardiac index (CI) than those in the normal LVEF and low LVEF groups, lower systemic vascular resistance (SVR) than that in the normal LVEF and low LVEF groups, and an increased E/A ratio. The 90-day mortality in the hyperdynamic LVEF group was significantly higher than that in the normal LVEF and low LVEF groups [59.1% (26/44) vs. 24.9% (42/169), 32.5% (13/40), both P < 0.05]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that chronic liver disease [odds ratio (OR) = 1.712, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.912-3.234, P < 0.001], cancer (OR = 2.784, 95%CI was 1.296-6.151, P < 0.001), HR (OR = 1.026, 95%CI was 1.014-1.038, P < 0.001), vasoactive drug dose (OR = 1.133, 95%CI was 1.009-1.291, P < 0.001), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR = 2.141, 95%CI was 1.285-3.651, P < 0.001) were independent factors for hyperdynamic LVEF in ICU sepsis patients. Correlation analysis showed that the mortality of hyperdynamic LVEF, normal LVEF and low LVEF patients was positively correlated with vasoactive drug dose (r value was 0.251, 0.361, 0.289, respectively, all P < 0.001). The mortality of the hyperdynamic LVEF patients was negatively correlated with SVR (r = -0.545, P < 0.001). Chronic liver disease, cancer, HR, vasoactive drugs dose, and invasive mechanical ventilation are independent risk factors for hyperdynamic LVEF in patients with sepsis. Hyperdynamic LVEF is positively associated with mortality in sepsis patients, which may be due to the the decrease of SVR caused by septic vascular paralysis.

Heart Failure Therapies following Acute Coronary Syndromes with Reduced Ejection Fraction: Data from the ACSIS Survey.

Guideline-directed medical therapies for heart failure (HF) may benefit patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Few real-world data are available regarding the early implementation of HF therapies in patients with ACS and reduced LVEF. Data collected from the 2021 nationwide, prospective ACS Israeli Survey (ACSIS). Drug classes included: (a) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI); (b) beta-blockers; (c) mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) and (d) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2I). The utilization of HF therapies at discharge or 90 days following ACS was analyzed in relation to LVEF [reduced ≤40% (n = 406) or mildly-reduced 41-49% (n = 255)] and short-term adverse outcomes. History of HF, anterior wall myocardial infarction and Killip class II-IV (32% vs. 14% p < 0.001) were more prevalent in those with reduced compared to mildly-reduced LVEF. ACEI/ARB/ARNI and beta-blockers were used by the majority of patients in both LVEF groups, though ARNI was prescribed to only 3.9% (LVEF ≤ 40%). MRA was used by 42.9% and 12.2% of patients with LVEF ≤40% and 41-49%, respectively, and SGLT2I in about a quarter of both LVEF groups. Overall, ≥3 HF drug classes were documented in 44% of the patients. A trend towards higher rates of 90-day HF rehospitalizations, recurrent ACS or all-cause death was noted in those with reduced (7.6%) vs. mildly-reduced (3.7%) LVEF, p = 0.084. No association was observed between the number of HF drug classes or the use of ARNI and/or SGLT2I with adverse clinical outcomes. In current clinical practice, the majority of patients with reduced and mildly-reduced LVEF are treated by ACEI/ARB and beta-blockers early following ACS, whereas MRA is underutilized and the adoption of SGLT2I and ARNI is low. A greater number of therapeutic classes was not associated with reduced short-term rehospitalizations or mortality.

Changes in left ventricular systolic function for 1 year in patients with acute heart failure &amp;lt;50 years of age

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Though old age is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease including heart failure (HF), HF can develop in young patients and can have a greater impact on a quality of life because they are active individuals. Purpose We evaluated the clinical characteristics and prognosis according to change of left ventricular (LV) function in younger patients with acute HF. Methods Study data were obtained from a multicenter cohort that included patients hospitalized for acute HF. Patients who were under 50 years of age and had available data regarding baseline and one-year follow-up left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were included in this analysis. Patient were classified into two groups according changes in LVEF: the improved or stationary group whose LVEF improved or maintained at one-year follow-up; the aggravated LVEF group whose LVEF deteriorated at one-year follow-up. Results Among 437 patients, 14.6% of patients had experienced worsening of LVEF at the one-year follow-up. The patients in aggravated LVEF group had a worse clinical profile than patients with improved or stationary LVEF. During follow-up (median 1946 days), a total of 56 patients (12.8%) died. Among them, the aggravated LVEF group had higher incidence of all-cause death (32.8% vs. 9.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The aggravated LVEF group showed significant lower cumulative all-cause death free survival rate than improved or stationary LVEF group (Figure). In addition, the aggravated LVEF group had significantly higher incidence of cardiac death (14.1% vs. 2.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), readmission (76.6% vs. 55.5%, p = 0.002), readmission due to cardiac cause (57.8% vs.30.8%, p &amp;lt; 0.001), and HF readmission (51.6% vs. 26.0%, p &amp;lt; 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, Cox regression analysis showed that use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors at discharge was independently associated with 63% reduced risk of aggravated LVEF (Odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.168–0.791, p = 0.001). Conclusions Poor clinical prognosis is expected if LVEF worsens after 1 year in young patients with HF. Clinicians need to be aware of the deteriorating characteristics of young HF patients and provide delicate treatment.

Left ventricular ejection fraction and functional capacity: insights from cardiopulmonary exercise testing

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) is a multidisciplinary intervention tailored to improve functional fitness in different cardiovascular conditions. Patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) are commonly unrepresented hence the impact of LVEF on functional fitness is uncertain. Purpose To evaluate changes on functional capacity in a cohort of patients referred to a CRP, according to baseline LVEF. Methods Tertiary-center retrospective analysis of patients referred to an exercise-based phase II CRP. To be enrolled patients had to complete a 12-weeks CRP and to perform a symptom-limiting cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), at the beginning and at the end of the program. Patients were stratified into a reduced (LVEF &amp;lt; 45%) or preserved (LVEF ≥ 45%) group. Four CPET parameters were evaluate: peak oxygen uptake (pVO2), predicted-pVO2 (ppVO2), O2 pulse and VE/VCO2 slope. Results 127 patients (mean age 57.8 ± 11.2 years; males 79.5%) were eligible for CRP, of which 86.6% were referred following an acute coronary event. Patients included in the reduced LVEF group (38.6%; mean LVEF 31% ± 8.1) had more dyslipidemia (48.8% vs 22.8%, p = 0.013), atrial fibrillation (24.5% vs 7.7%, p = 0.008) and implanted electronic devices with defibrillator (30.6% vs 2.6%, p&amp;lt;0.001). Regarding CPET parameters, reduced LVEF patients had a lower pVO2 (mean dif 2, p = 0.048), ppVO2 (mean dif 12.1%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and O2 pulse value (mean dif 2, p = 0.049) vs higher values of VE/VCO2 slope (mean dif 2.9, p = 0.036). The Weber and ARENA classifications analysis revealed similar distribution between groups: 24.4% of reduced vs 27.5% of preserved patients entering CRP had a low Weber class (C or D). Higher ARENA class (III-IV) included 28.5% of patients with reduced and 14.1% with preserved LVEF. At the end of the rehabilitation program, changes on CPET parameters were similar between reduced and preserved groups: ppVO2 increased by 4% vs 3.2% (p = 0.808), O2 pulse increased about 0.7 vs 0.5 mL/beat (p = 0.509) and VE/VCO2 slope reduces 1.7 vs 0.3 (p = 0.232). As a continuous variable, LVEF did not predict Weber´s (p = 0.546) or ARENA (p = 0.393) class changes. Yet, those with a reduced baseline LVEF derived a greater LVEF improvement after CRP (Δ 10.2 ± 9.8 vs Δ 2.2 ± 7.9; p&amp;lt;0.001) Conclusions All patients enrolled in CRP show improvement of exercise capacity irrespective of baseline LVEF. Thus, patients with reduced LVEF should not be denied for cardiac rehabilitation and a significant LVEF improvement is expected.