Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Percentage Research Articles

Impact of Empagliflozin on the Outcomes of β-Thalassemia Major in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: The THALEMPA Observational Study.

Beta-thalassemia major (β-TM) is a genetic disorder characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis and chronic hemolytic anemia, necessitating lifelong blood transfusions and leading to severe complications. This study, termed THALEMPA by the authors, investigated the effect of empagliflozin (EMPA) on β-TM outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), focusing on disease severity and associated complications of iron overload and hyperuricemia. This study conducted a single-center prospective observational investigation involving adults diagnosed with β-TM and T2DM. A total of 20 carefully selected patients were stratified into two groups based on their medical condition: the EMPA group, receiving 10 mg of empagliflozin, and a control group, receiving standard care. This focused cohort size was chosen to ensure a detailed, in-depth analysis of the treatment effects within this specific patient population. Over three months, both groups were closely monitored for β-TM outcomes. The study assessed β-TM severity parameters such as hemoglobin levels, blood transfusion frequency, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), left ventricular ejection fraction percentage, and spleen size. Additionally, β-TM complications were evaluated through serum ferritin and uric acid levels. Our analysis revealed that EMPA increased hemoglobin levels by up to 0.56 g/dL compared to baseline (P< 0.05). Liver enzyme levels significantly improved with EMPA by the third month. AST and ALT decreased by 36.22% and 33.36%, respectively, from baseline levels (P< 0.05), highlighting EMPA's potential benefits for β-TM severity. Serum ferritin and uric acid levels decreased by 27.93% and 21.29%, respectively, over three months on EMPA (P< 0.05). However, other parameters did not show significant changes post-EMPA. This study demonstrates the significant impact of EMPA treatment over three months on β-TM patients with T2DM, evidenced by notable improvements in hemoglobin levels and reductions in liver enzymes, as well as in complications related to iron overload and hyperuricemia. Future research should confirm these benefits over longer durations and assess broader patient outcomes such as quality of life.

Incremental prognostic value of speckle tracking echocardiography and early follow-up echo assessment in predicting left ventricular recovery after reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Up to 50% of patients do not achieve significant left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery after primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI) for STEMI. We aimed to identify the echocardiographic predictors for LVEF recovery and assess the value of early follow-up echocardiography (Echo) in risk assessment of post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. One hundred one STEMI patients undergoing PPCI were enrolled provided EF below 50%. Baseline echocardiography assessed LVEF, volumes, wall motion score index (WMSI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and E/e'. Follow-up echocardiography after 6weeks reassessed left ventricular volumes, LVEF and GLS.GCS was not assessed at follow up. Patients were classified into recovery and non-recovery groups. Predictors of LVEF recovery and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 6 months were analysed. The mean change of EF was 8.04±3.32% in group I versus -.39±5.09 % in group II (p<.001). Recovered patients had better baseline GLS, baseline GCS, E/e', and follow-up GLS. Multivariate regression analysis revealed E/e', GCS, and follow-up GLS after 6weeks to be strong independent predictors for LVEF recovery. Composite MACE was considerably higher in group II (32.7% vs. 4.1%, p<.001) mainly driven by higher heart failure hospitalisation Multivariate regression analysis revealed baseline GLS, E/e', and ejection fraction (EF) percentage recovery as strong independent predictors for MACE. Multiparametric echocardiographic approach incorporating LVEF, strain parameters, and diastolic function could allow early optimal risk stratification after STEMI treated with PPCI. Follow-up GLS and LVEF percentage change are the strongest predictors for early LV recovery and long term clinical outcome, respectively.

Automated Assessment of Cardiac Systolic Function From Coronary Angiograms With Video-Based Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

Understanding left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during coronary angiography can assist in disease management. To develop an automated approach to predict LVEF from left coronary angiograms. This was a cross-sectional study with external validation using patient data from December 12, 2012, to December 31, 2019, from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Data were randomly split into training, development, and test data sets. External validation data were obtained from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. Included in the analysis were all patients 18 years or older who received a coronary angiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) within 3 months before or 1 month after the angiogram. A video-based deep neural network (DNN) called CathEF was used to discriminate (binary) reduced LVEF (≤40%) and to predict (continuous) LVEF percentage from standard angiogram videos of the left coronary artery. Guided class-discriminative gradient class activation mapping (GradCAM) was applied to visualize pixels in angiograms that contributed most to DNN LVEF prediction. A total of 4042 adult angiograms with corresponding TTE LVEF from 3679 UCSF patients were included in the analysis. Mean (SD) patient age was 64.3 (13.3) years, and 2212 patients were male (65%). In the UCSF test data set (n = 813), the video-based DNN discriminated (binary) reduced LVEF (≤40%) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.911 (95% CI, 0.887-0.934); diagnostic odds ratio for reduced LVEF was 22.7 (95% CI, 14.0-37.0). DNN-predicted continuous LVEF had a mean absolute error (MAE) of 8.5% (95% CI, 8.1%-9.0%) compared with TTE LVEF. Although DNN-predicted continuous LVEF differed 5% or less compared with TTE LVEF in 38.0% (309 of 813) of test data set studies, differences greater than 15% were observed in 15.2% (124 of 813). In external validation (n = 776), video-based DNN discriminated (binary) reduced LVEF (≤40%) with an AUROC of 0.906 (95% CI, 0.881-0.931), and DNN-predicted continuous LVEF had an MAE of 7.0% (95% CI, 6.6%-7.4%). Video-based DNN tended to overestimate low LVEFs and underestimate high LVEFs. Video-based DNN performance was consistent across sex, body mass index, low estimated glomerular filtration rate (≤45), presence of acute coronary syndromes, obstructive coronary artery disease, and left ventricular hypertrophy. This cross-sectional study represents an early demonstration of estimating LVEF from standard angiogram videos of the left coronary artery using video-based DNNs. Further research can improve accuracy and reduce the variability of DNNs to maximize their clinical utility.

Effectiveness of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

To evaluate the effectiveness of home-based cardiac telerehabilitation in patients with heart failure. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials were designed and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two researchers independently screened eligible studies. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used to assess the risk of bias within the included studies. A fixed- or random-effects meta-analysis model was used to determine the mean difference, based on the results of the heterogeneity test. A librarian-designed search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI and Wanfang databases was conducted to identify studies in English or Chinese on randomised controlled trials up to 15 August 2022. A total of 2291 studies were screened. The meta-analysis included data from 16 studies representing 4557 participants. The results indicated that home-based cardiac telerehabilitation could improve heart rate, VO2 peak, 6-minute walk distance, quality of life and reduce readmission rates. No significant differences were observed in the left ventricular ejection fraction percentages between the home-based cardiac telerehabilitation and usual care groups. Compared with centre-based cardiac rehabilitation, home-based cardiac telerehabilitation showed no significant improvement in outcome indicators. Patients with heart failure benefit from home-based cardiac telerehabilitation intervention. With the rapid development of information and communication technology, home-based cardiac telerehabilitation has great potential and may be used as an adjunct or substitute for centre-based cardiac rehabilitation. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that patients with heart failure would benefit from home-based cardiac telerehabilitation intervention in terms of cardiac function, functional capacity, quality-of-life management and readmission rate. Future clinical interventions should consider home-based cardiac telerehabilitation as an alternative to conventional cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure to improve their quality of life. Our paper is a systematic review and meta-analysis, and such details do not apply to our work.

Rural-urban trends in health care utilization, treatment, and mortality among US veterans with congestive heart failure: A retrospective cohort study.

To compare longitudinal rates of health care utilization, evidence-based treatment, and mortality between rural and urban-dwelling patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). We used electronic medical record data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to identify adult patients with CHF from 2012 through 2017. We stratified our cohort using left ventricular ejection fraction percentage at diagnosis (<40% = reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]; 40%-50% = midrange ejection fraction [HFmrEF]; >50% = preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]). Within each ejection fraction cohort, we stratified patients into rural or urban groups. We used Poisson regression to estimate annual rates of health care utilization and CHF treatment. We used Fine and Gray regression to estimate annual hazards of CHF and non-CHF mortality. One-third of patients with HFrEF (N = 37,928/109,110), HFmrEF (N = 24,447/68,398), and HFpEF (N = 39,298/109,283) resided in a rural area. Rural compared to urban patients used VHA facilities at similar or lower annual rates for outpatient specialty care across all ejection fraction cohorts. Rural patients used VHA facilities at similar or higher rates for primary care and telemedicine-delivered specialty care. They also had lower and declining rates of VHA inpatient and urgent care use over time. There were no meaningful rural-urban differences in treatment receipt among patients with HFrEF. On multivariable analysis, the rate of CHF and non-CHF mortality was similar between rural and urban patients in each ejection fraction cohort. Our findings suggest the VHA may have mitigated access and health outcome disparities typically observed for rural patients with CHF.

Temporary epicardial pacing wires in isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Necessity or force of habit?

To determine the frequency of Temporary epicardial pacing wires usage and its predictors in the immediate postoperative period in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The longitudinal study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from September 2019 to August 2020, and comprised adult patients of either gender who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass graft in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. Demographic, peri-operative and post-operative Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wires use data was extracted from patient's files and the institutional electronic database. Logistic regression models were built to explore predictors of Temporary epicardial pacing wires usage. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 322 cases evaluated, 27(8.4%) required the use of Temporary Epicardial Pacing Wires. Mean age of the patients requiring temporary epicardial pacing wires was 66.3±8.9 years compared to 58.7±8.9 years in those who did not require it (p<0.001), while the left ventricular ejection fraction percentage was 44.1±12.8 and 48.9±12.8 respectively (p=0.032). After adjusting for clinically plausible demographics and peri-operative variables, increasing age and low left ventricular ejection fraction were significantly associated with the use of temporary epicardial pacing wires in post-operative period of isolated coronary artery bypass graft patients (p<0.05). The frequency of temporary epicardial pacing wires usage in the post-operative period of coronary artery bypass graft was found to be low.

Shenfu injection alleviates the clinical symptoms of heart failure patients combined with conventional treatment: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Background:Shenfu Injection (SFI) is a promising alternative treatment for heart failure (HF) in China. Many complete clinical trials have examined the efficacy of SFI combined use with conventional treatment (CT) vs CT alone. This study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to evaluate the benefits and risks of using SFI in addition to CT for the treatment of HF.Method:All the trials will be searched through 4 English databases (MEDLINE via PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science) and 4 Chinese databases (the China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wan-fang Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure.) from October 2005 to June 2019. Conference articles or articles with incomplete data will be removed. The primary outcome was the New York Heart Association, 6-minute walk test, hospitalization or rehospitalization. Left ventricular ejection fraction percentage, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, Cardiac index, heart rate, N-terminal pronatriuretic peptide and other indicators were also assessed. RevMan V.5.3 Software and Stata 13.0 Statistics Software were used to calculate the data synthesis and conduct meta-analysis according to the guideline of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols 2015.Results:Mortality, New York Heart Association function classification, heart rate, 6-minute walk test, hospitalization or rehospitalization, Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, DBP, Cardiac minute volume, left ventricular ejection fractions percentage, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (mm), N-terminal pronatriuretic peptide, etc. and adverse effects will be comprehensively assessed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of SFI through different aspects. We will perform a meta-analysis of each outcome with subgroup analysis based on the type of HF, treatment methods, and course of disease. Sensitivity analysis will be conducted with clinical factors, treatment methods, methodological characteristics, and statistical heterogeneity (if applicable).Conclusion:This study will assess the adjunctive effect of SFI and its safety on HF with clinical evidence.PROSPERO registration number:PROSPERO CRD42020151856

The prognostic value of T-peak T-end among patients with implantable cardiac defibrillator for secondary prevention

Aim: Cardiac death due to ventricular arrhyhtmias can occur in patients with ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator) for secondaryprevention. The aim of this study is to assess the prognostic value of electrocardiographic ventricular repolarization parameters inpatients with secondary prevention.Materials and Methods: Sixty five patients with ICD for secondary prevention after sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricularfibrillation or sudden cardiac death were enrolled to the study retrospectively. Patients were divided into groups according tomortality during a follow up period of 4,5 years (48 patients alive and 17 dead). Heart rate, QT, QTc and T peak T end (Tp-e) durationwere measured from 12 derivations ECG electronically.Results: Mean age of the study population was 70.6±11.9 years. Ventricular repolarization parameters such as QT, QTc, Tp-e durationand Tp-e index values were found to be similar between deaths and live patient groups. Patients who died during the follow-up hadadvanced age (68.7±12.5 vs 76.8±10.3 years, p=0.009), lower left ventricular ejection fraction percentage (LVEF %) (37.6±13.3 vs26.9±9.2, p=0.003) and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (81.2±22.5 vs 61±34.3 ml/min/m2, p=0.03). Arrhythmic deathpatients only had lower LVEF % than non-arrhythmic death patient’s group.Conclusions: In patients with ICD for secondary prevention QT, QTc, Tp-e duration and Tp-e index were not related to mortality.

Creatine phosphokinase MB levels as a diagnostic marker of myocardial dysfunction in pediatric patients with electrical burns.

The decrease of the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as consequence of a ventricular dysfunction is reported in cardiac alterations secondary to electrical injury. The focused cardiac ultrasound (FoCUS) helps to complete the clinical examination because it allows a faster non-invasive evaluation, and provides information that contributes to make better therapeutic decisions, especially those for patients in critical condition. The objective of this study was to explore the utility of creatine phosphokinase MB (CPK-MB) as a diagnostic tool of myocardial dysfunction in patients from 6 to 18 years old with electrical burn. From November 2018 to August 2019, we conducted a transversal analytic study of 10 children with electric burn (6 to 18 years of age), in whom the percentage of LVEF was obtained through the FoCUS protocol in the first 24 hours after injury. We found 10 cases of electrical burn injury, eight males and two females, with an average of 13 years of age. Eighty percent of these cases showed a slight decrease in LVEF (45-59%). When performing the FoCUS protocol, myocardial hypokinesia was reported in seven patients. We observed a moderate correlation between LVEF and CPK-MB levels (r = -0.671), and no correlation between LVEF and body surface area affected by the electrical burn. The cardiac ultrasound influences decision making to improve the prognosis of these patients.

Exercise and Cognitive Training as a Strategy to Improve Neurocognitive Outcomes in Heart Failure: A Pilot Study

Mild cognitive impairment, especially memory loss, is prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and contributes to poor clinical outcomes and higher mortality. This study evaluated a combined aerobic exercise and cognitive training (EX/CT) program on memory, executive function, attention, processing speed and reaction time compared to exercise only or a usual care attention control (UCAC) stretching and flexibility program. Participants completed a standardized neurocognitive battery at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months along with demographic, clinical, and functional capacity (6-minute walk test). A linear mixed model analysis was used with comorbidity as a covariate. Sixty-nine participants were enrolled, the mean age was 61 ± 10 years, 54% were women, 55% were African American, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction percentage was 35 ± 15. A significant group by time interaction for verbal memory was found at 3 months (F [2, 53] = 4.3, p = 0.018) but was not sustained at 6 months in the EX/CT group. Processing speed/attention differed across treatment groups between baseline and 6 months, but improvement occurred among UCAC participants. There were also significant group differences in the 6MWT distance occurring at 3 months (F [2, 52] = 3.5, p = 0.036); however, significant improvement was observed within the EX/CT group only. There were no significant differences in 6MWT in the other groups at 3 or 6 months. An EX/CT intervention was associated with improved memory in persons with HF and warrants further investigation in a larger trial. The relationship between functional capacity and cognitive function also needs further study.

Subendocardial systolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients with strain ST-T changes on ECG by speckle tracking

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate longitudinal strain by speckle tracking in hypertensive patients with strain ST-T on ECG. Background Hypertension causes ST-T changes on ECG which may predict subclinical systolic dysfunction detected by two-dimensional speckle tracking. Patients and methods Longitudinal strain analysis was done in 82 hypertensive patients, who were divided into three groups: the first group included 30 hypertensive patients with echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and strain ST-T changes on ECG (group 1), the second included 31 hypertensive patients with echocardiographic evidence of LVH but without changes on ECG (group 2), and the third control group included 21 hypertensive patients without echocardiographic evidence of LVH (group 3). Results A high significant difference was detected in relation to hypertension duration, which divided into two categories (>10 and ≤10 years) (P Conclusion Subtle LV systolic dysfunction evident by speckle tracking was present in hypertensive patient with strain ST-T changes on ECG independent of left ventricular ejection fraction percentage.

Cardiac manifestations of inherited metabolic disease linked to cellular vitamin B12 uptake: Study in murine model of invalidation of Mtr gene in the heart

Heart failure is one of the most common causes of death in the Western societies and its incidence is increasing in the non developing countries. Deficiency in methyl donors (folates and vitamin B12) during gestation and lactation causes a foetal programming effect with cardiomyopathy related to decreased synthesis of methionine by methionine synthase (MTR). Methionine is the precursor for S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) the universal methyl donor for epigenomic regulations. Mutation in MTR gene causes cardiac decompensation in the new-borns by unknown mechanisms. The objective of our study is to investigate the metabolic and functional consequences of long-term inhibition of synthesis of methionine and SAM in mice model of conditional knock out of Mtr gene in the heart (MTR KO). Deletion of the Mtr gene in C57BL/6 mice was achieved by Cre/Lox system. Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) in conscious mice was measured by tail-cuff system. left-ventricular (LV) function, cardiac morphology and tissue perfusion were assessed by MiniPET and Echocardiography. RT-qPCR was used for gene expression analysis while proteomic study on total heart proteins was achieved by LC-MS/MS. Systolic hypertension, a significant decrease in LV ejection fraction percentage and increase in LV mass was observed in MTR KO mice as compared to the control. Moreover, RT-qPCR confirmed an upregulated expression of the hallmarks of heart failure: natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) in MTR KO mice. Metabolic and biochemical studies in heart tissue showed significant decrease in SAM/SAH, cardiac fibrosis, elevated plasma acyl carnitine levels and different mitochondrial protein expression in MTR KO mice. Our results suggest that methionine synthase dysfunction induces hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, ventricular dysfunction and dysregulated energy metabolism in the heart.

MicroRNA-210 promotes angiogenesis in acute myocardial infarction.

MicroRNA-210 (miRNA-210) has been reported to be associated with angiogenesis and may serve important roles in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), which remain unclear. The present study sought to evaluate the efficacy of miRNA-210 in AMI and to examine the potential associated mechanisms. AMI models were established in Sprague-Dawley rats. The expression of miRNA-210 was upregulated via transfection with lentivirus-mediated agonists and quantitative analysis was performed using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Immunoblotting and RT-qPCR were separately used to detect the expression levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in heart samples, while only the protein expression level of β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC) was assessed. The expression of HGF in human umbilical vein endothelial cells under hypoxic conditions was silenced by transfecting with small interfering RNA, as demonstrated by the determination of associated protein expression levels. The microvessel density (MVD) of the infarcted myocardium was selected to be the angiogenesis efficacy endpoint, which was evaluated by platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule immunostaining. Markedly increased expression of HGF was observed among the AMI rats receiving miRNA-210 agonists, demonstrated via quantitative analyses using RT-qPCR or western blotting. Promotion of angiogenesis was observed with the increased MVD. Improved cardiac function in the rats was subsequently noted, as they exhibited improved left ventricular fractional shortening and left ventricular ejection fraction percentages, which may result from improved cardiac contractility indicated by attenuating the increase in β-MHC protein expression. Overexpression of miRNA-210 appeared to be an advantageous therapeutic tool for treating AMI, primarily due to its promoting effects on angiogenesis in the infarcted myocardium by stimulating HGF expression and inducing improved left ventricular remodeling, leading to improved cardiac function.

Abstract P372: Trajectories in Fasting Glucose and Insulin Resistance During Young Adulthood and Measures of Cardiac Function and Structure in Middle Adulthood: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study

Introduction: Whether trajectories in fasting glucose (FG) and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) during young adulthood, before the onset of diabetes, are associated with cardiac function and structure in middle adulthood is unclear. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that as compared to low-stable trajectory of FG and HOMA-IR, an increasing trajectory for each would be associated with worse cardiac structure and function in middle adulthood. Methods: We determined FG and HOMA-IR for 2,198 CARDIA participants, age 18-30 years, at baseline (1985-1986) and 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25 year follow-up exams who fasted for &gt;8 hours and were not pregnant and were free from diabetes at all exams. At year 30 (2016), Doppler echocardiography and 2D-guided M-mode echocardiography was performed, measuring left atrial dimension, relative wall thickness, left ventricular (LV) mass, LV mass indexed to height, LV ejection fraction percentage, LV end-diastolic and systolic volume, and LV mass to volume ratio. Trajectories were determined using latent class analysis (SAS Proc Traj). We used multivariable linear regression to estimate adjusted means for echo measures according to FG and HOMA-IR trajectory group after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Results: For individuals free from diabetes in midlife, we identified three trajectory groups for both FG and HOMA-IR, low-stable to increasing, moderate-increasing, and high-increasing. Compared to low-stable trajectory for FG, increasing trajectory was associated with greater LV end-diastolic volume, whereas for HOMA-IR increasing trajectory was associated with lower LV end-diastolic volume ( Table ). Increasing FG trajectory was also associated with greater left atrial dimension, while HOMA-IR was not. Conclusion: Trajectory of both FG and HOMA-IR during young adulthood, in the absence of diabetes, was most prominently and differentially associated with LV end-diastolic volume. Future research should elaborate on differential associations of FG and HOMA-IR trajectory.

Left ventricular ejection fraction estimation using mutual information on technetium-99m multiple-gated SPECT scans.

BackgroundA new non-linear approach was applied to calculate the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) using multigated acquisition (MUGA) images.MethodsIn this study, 50 patients originally for the estimation of the percentage of LVEF to monitor the effects of various cardiotoxic drugs in chemotherapy were retrospectively selected. All patients had both MUGA and echocardiography examinations (ECHO LVEF) at the same time. Mutual information (MI) theory was utilized to calculate the LVEF using MUGA imaging (MUGA MI).ResultsMUGA MI estimation was significantly different from MUGA LVEF and ECHO LVEF, respectively (p < 0.005). The higher repeatability for MUGA MI can be observed in the figure by the higher correlation coefficient for MUGA MI (r = 0.95) compared with that of MUGA LVEF (r = 0.80). Again, the reproducibility was better for MUGA MI (r = 0.90, 0.92) than MUGA LVEF (r = 0.77, 0.83). The higher correlation coefficients were obtained between proposed MUGA MI and ECHO LVEF compared to that between the conventional MUGA LVEF and ECHO LVEF.ConclusionsMUGA image with the aid of MI is promising to be more interchangeable LVEF to ECHO LVEF measurement as compared with the conventional approach on MUGA image.

Timing of Cardiovascular MR Imaging after Acute Myocardial Infarction: Effect on Estimates of Infarct Characteristics and Prediction of Late Ventricular Remodeling

To define the evolution of infarct characteristics with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to assess which of the cardiovascular MR data acquired at day 2 or at 1 week after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), is the stronger predictor of infarct size and left ventricular (LV) function measured at 3 months. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the local research ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained. Forty-eight patients with reperfused AMI underwent cine, T2-weighted, and late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular MR imaging at days 2, 7, 30, and 90 after index presentation. Continuous data between times were compared by using paired t tests or one-way analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to predict linear end points. Infarct size and extent of myocardial edema decreased significantly between day 2 and 1 week: Mean scar as a percentage of LV mass and standard deviation (SD), respectively, were 27.2 and 13.9 versus 21.6 and 14.1 (P < .001), and myocardial edema as a percentage of LV mass and SD, respectively, were 37.9 and 15.2 versus 32.3 and 14.3 (P = .003). These changes were accompanied by a significant improvement in LV ejection fraction (LVEF): Mean percentage of LVEF and SD, respectively, were 41.7 and 9.6 versus 44.6 and 10.1 (P < .001). When comparing data acquired at day 2 and 1 week, only cardiovascular MR data acquired at 1 week were independent predictors of LVEF and infarct size at 3 months. LVEF, infarct size, and extent of myocardial edema changed significantly during the 1st week after AMI. Overall, cardiovascular MR measurements acquired after 1 week have greater predictive value for infarct size and LV function at 3 months than data acquired at day 2.

Assessing adriamycin-induced early cardiotoxicity by estimating left ventricular ejection fraction using technetium-99m multiple-gated acquisition scan and echocardiography

Adriamycin cardiotoxicity begins with the first dose of therapy. The insult may be subclinical initially, but with continued treatment can result in clinical congestive heart failure. Therefore, a study for the detection of early cardiotoxicity of adriamycin by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) estimation using technetium (Tc)-99m multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan and echocardiography (ECHO) was conducted. LVEF was assessed in 42 patients with different cancers, advised to receive adriamycin (average received dose = 95.2 ± 6.82 mg/cycle, protocol dose = 65 ± 10 mg/m) in each of six cycles. The percentage of LVEF (%LVEF) was determined as a baseline after every successive cycle, simultaneously, by a Tc-99m MUGA scan (reference method) and ECHO. A significant decline of 12.17 ± 5.01 and 9.26 ± 4.82 (P < 0.001) in %LVEF was noted at the end of adriamycin therapy, estimated by a Tc-99m MUGA scan and ECHO respectively. Thirteen of 42 (31%) and six of 42 (14%) patients developed protocol-defined cardiotoxicity, determined by a Tc-99m MUGA scan and ECHO, respectively. The incidence of cardiotoxicity was 2.4, 2.4, 4.8, 16, and 31.2% at the median cumulative adriamycin dose of 210, 380, 450 , 550 , and 615 mg/m, respectively. Subclinical adriamycin cardiotoxicity was detectable from the third cycle and if not detected earlier continued therapy may progress to severe and irreversible cardiotoxicity. A decline of 5% or more of %LVEF instead of 10% should be considered as a significant marker of subclinical cardiotoxicity. A Tc-99m MUGA scan is more sensitive than ECHO for the estimation of subtle changes in %LVEF. Ideally, %LVEF must be determined at baseline and after every cycle, and if not possible then preferably from the third cycle onwards.

Cardiac Effects of Continuous and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure for Patients With Heart Failure and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Pilot Study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in patients with heart failure. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) improves systolic function in patients with heart failure. Bilevel positive airway pressure (PAP) is another treatment modality for OSA. The intermediate-term effect of bilevel PAP on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with stable heart failure and OSA has not been compared to the effect of CPAP. In this pilot randomized controlled trial, patients with stable systolic dysfunction and newly diagnosed OSA (n = 24) were randomized to receive either CPAP or bilevel PAP. Titration was done in the sleep laboratory using a CPAP-based algorithm. Primary outcome was the improvement in LVEF after 3 months of treatment. Other measurements included 6-min walk test, Epworth sleepiness scale score, and the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure questionnaire. Bilevel PAP increased LVEF 7.9% (LVEF percentage scale) more than CPAP (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3 to 13.4; p = 0.01). In the bilevel PAP group, LVEF increased 8.5% (95% CI, 3.7 to 13.4; p = 0.002). In the CPAP group, LVEF did not change significantly (0.5%; 95% CI, - 2.7 to 3.7; p = 0.7). The difference in LVEF improvement between the two groups was still significant after adjustment for adherence, level of treatment positive pressure, body mass index, and severity of OSA. This pilot randomized controlled trial suggests that bilevel PAP is superior to CPAP in improving LVEF in patients with systolic dysfunction and OSA. Larger trials are required to evaluate the mechanism behind this effect.

Computer-assisted determination of left ventricular endocardial borders reduces variability in the echocardiographic assessment of ejection fraction

BackgroundLeft ventricular size and function are important prognostic factors in heart disease. Their measurement is the most frequent reason for sending patients to the echo lab. These measurements have important implications for therapy but are sensitive to the skill of the operator. Earlier automated echo-based methods have not become widely used. The aim of our study was to evaluate an automatic echocardiographic method (with manual correction if needed) for determining left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) based on an active appearance model of the left ventricle (syngo®AutoEF, Siemens Medical Solutions). Comparisons were made with manual planimetry (manual Simpson), visual assessment and automatically determined LVEF from quantitative myocardial gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).Methods60 consecutive patients referred for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) were included in the study. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed within one hour of MPI at rest. Image quality did not constitute an exclusion criterion. Analysis was performed by five experienced observers and by two novices.ResultsLVEF (%), end-diastolic and end-systolic volume/BSA (ml/m2) were for uncorrected AutoEF 54 ± 10, 51 ± 16, 24 ± 13, for corrected AutoEF 53 ± 10, 53 ± 18, 26 ± 14, for manual Simpson 51 ± 11, 56 ± 20, 28 ± 15, and for MPI 52 ± 12, 67 ± 26, 35 ± 23. The required time for analysis was significantly different for all four echocardiographic methods and was for uncorrected AutoEF 79 ± 5 s, for corrected AutoEF 159 ± 46 s, for manual Simpson 177 ± 66 s, and for visual assessment 33 ± 14 s. Compared with the expert manual Simpson, limits of agreement for novice corrected AutoEF was lower than for novice manual Simpson (0.8 ± 10.5 vs. -3.2 ± 11.4 LVEF percentage points). Calculated for experts and with LVEF (%) categorized into < 30, 30–44, 45–54 and ≥ 55, kappa measure of agreement was moderate (0.44–0.53) for all method comparisons (uncorrected AutoEF not evaluated).ConclusionCorrected AutoEF reduces the variation in measurements compared with manual planimetry, without increasing the time required. The method seems especially suited for unexperienced readers.

Intravenous Iron Reduces NT-Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Anemic Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Renal Insufficiency

Our objective was to evaluate in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study possible modifications in NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels together with clinical and functional parameters, in a group of anemic patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic renal failure (CRF) receiving intravenous iron therapy, without recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), versus placebo. Chronic heart failure and CRF associated with absolute or relative iron deficiency anemia is a common problem. This situation is linked with a variable inflammatory status. Both NT-proBNP and CRP are recognized markers for left ventricular dysfunction and inflammatory status, respectively. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, modifications in NT-proBNP and CRP level and clinical and functional parameters, in anemic patients with CHF and CRF receiving intravenous iron therapy, without rhEPO, versus placebo were evaluated. Forty patients with hemoglobin (Hb) <12.5 g/dl, transferrin saturation <20%, ferritin <100 ng/ml, creatinine clearance (CrCl) <90 ml/min, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < or =35% were randomized into 2 groups (n = 20 for each). For 5 weeks, group A received isotonic saline solution and group B received iron sucrose complex, 200 mg weekly. Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and 6-min walk (6MW) test were performed. NT-pro brain natriuretic peptide and CRP were evaluated throughout the study. No patients received erythroprotein any time. After 6 months follow-up, group B showed better hematology values and CrCl (p < 0.01) and lower NT-proBNP (117.5 +/- 87.4 pg/ml vs. 450.9 +/- 248.8 pg/ml, p < 0.01) and CRP (2.3 +/- 0.8 mg/l vs. 6.5 +/- 3.7 mg/l, p < 0.01). There was a correlation initially (p < 0.01) between Hb and NT-proBNP (group A: r = -0.94 and group B: r = -0.81) and after 6 months only in group A: r = -0.80. Similar correlations were observed with Hb and CRP. Left ventricular ejection fraction percentage (35.7 +/- 4.7 vs. 28.8 +/- 2.4), MLHFQ score, and 6MW test were all improved in group B (p < 0.01). Additionally, group B had fewer hospitalizations: 0 of 20 versus group A, 5 of 20 (p < 0.01; relative risk = 2.33). Intravenous iron therapy without rhEPO substantially reduced NT-proBNP and inflammatory status in anemic patients with CHF and moderate CRF. This situation was associated with an improvement in LVEF, NYHA functional class, exercise capacity, renal function, and better quality of life.