Mortality In Chronic Heart Failure Patients Research Articles

Abstract 10593: Resting Energy Expenditure is an Important Factor to Predict Cardiac Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure

Introduction: Parameters derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with respiratory gas analyzer are important prognostic factors in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, all patients with CHF cannot undergo CPET for reasons such as frailty and comorbidity. On the other hands, resting energy expenditure (REE) derived from respiratory gas analyzer can be easily measured in most patients with CHF, but clinical significance of this parameter had not been fully elucidated in patients with CHF. Aims: We aimed to determine the clinical importance including the prognostic impact of REE in patients with CHF. Methods: A total of 1185 consecutive CHF patients who underwent CPET were enrolled. REE was calculated by Weir's formula (3.941resting oxygen consumption (VO 2 )+1.106resting carbon dioxide production (VCO 2 )). The study population was divided into two groups according to median REE and we compered the clinical characteristics between two groups. Also, we examined the value of REE to predict cardiac mortality in CHF patients. Results: In all subjects, 966 were males, median age was 63 years. Median resting VO 2 was 236 ml/min, median resting VCO 2 was 222 ml/min and median REE was 1178 kcal/day. Patients with low REE (<1178 kcal/day) were older and had higher prevalence of female and anemia, lower body mass index (BMI), more impaired renal function, lower parameters of nutrition such as serum total protein and albumin, higher levels of plasma type-B natriuretic peptide, lower resting VO 2 , lower resting VCO 2 and lower peak VO 2 than those with high REE (>1178 kcal/day). But left ventricular ejection fraction was similar between two groups. Patients with low REE had significantly higher rates of cardiac death, all cause death and composite cardiac event (cardiac death and re-hospitalization due to worsening heart failure). Furthermore, REE was the independent predictor of cardiac death, all-cause death and composite cardiac events in the Cox proportional hazard analysis after adjusted cofounding variables including peak VO 2 . Conclusions: REE as well as peak VO 2 is important predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with CHF.

Clinically unrecognized plasma volume expansion predicts long-term all-cause-mortality in chronic heart failure.

IntroductionChronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with elevated total blood volume (BV) and distinct phenotypes of total red cell volume (RCV) and plasma volume (PV) elevations. Especially PV expansion during clinical decompensation is linked with adverse clinical outcomes. The role of PV expansion in compensated CHF patients is less clear. Aim of the present study is to investigate the impact of BV parameters on long‐term mortality in CHF patients investigated at a compensated state.Methods and ResultsBV, PV and RCV were determined in 44 (9 female) compensated CHF patients using an abbreviated carbon monoxide method, who were followed up for 6.0 years, (range: 3.7–6.5 years) for all‐cause mortality. In univariate analysis PV expansion but not BV and RCV predicted all‐cause mortality (p = .021). A cutoff of 1800 ml PV/m² body‐surface area allows stratification for all‐cause mortality (p = .044). PV expansion but not RCV reduction explains the significantly lower hematocrit values of nonsurvivors.DiscussionIn this pilot study, PV expansion, which was unnoticed from a clinician's perspective, but is indicated by significantly lower hematocrit, appears to be a relevant predictor of long‐term all‐cause mortality. Whether PV expansion constitutes an adverse CHF phenotype and can be targeted by diuretic therapy is currently unclear.

Abstract 9577: Resting Energy Expenditure is Important Factor to Predict Cardiac Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure

Introduction: Parameters derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) including peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 ) are important prognostic factors in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, all patients with CHF cannot undergo CPX because of such as exercise intolerance. On the other hands, resting parameters derived from respiratory gas analyzer including resting energy expenditure (REE) could be easily measured and clinical significance of these parameters had not been fully elucidated in patients with CHF. We aimed to determine the prognostic impact of REE in patients with CHF. Methods: A total of 1185 consecutive CHF patients underwent CPX were enrolled. The subjects of this study were divided into two groups according to median REE and we compered the clinical characteristics between two groups. Also, we examined the value of REE (Weir’ formula: 3.941resting VO 2 +1.106resting VCO 2 ) to predict cardiac mortality in CHF patients. Results: In all subjects, 966 were males, median age was 63 years. Median resting VO 2 was 236 ml/min, median resting VCO 2 was 222 ml/min and median REE was 1178 kcal/day. Patients with low REE (<1178 kcal/day) were older and had higher prevalence of female and anemia, lower body mass index (BMI), more impaired renal function, lower parameters of nutrition such as serum total protein and albumin, higher levels of plasma type-B natriuretic peptide, lower resting VO 2 and lower resting VCO 2 and lower peak VO 2 than those with high REE ( > 1178 kcal/day). But left ventricular ejection fraction was similar between two groups. Patients with low REE had significantly higher rates of cardiac death, all cause death and composite cardiac events (cardiac death and re-hospitalization due to worsening heart failure) than those with high REE. Furthermore, REE was the independent predictor of cardiac death, all-cause death and composite cardiac events in the Cox proportional hazard analysis after adjusting for cofounding variables including peak VO 2 . Conclusions: REE as well as peak VO 2 is important predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with CHF.

Prediction of long-term hospitalisation and all-cause mortality in patients with chronic heart failure on Dutch claims data: a machine learning approach

BackgroundAccurately predicting which patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are particularly vulnerable for adverse outcomes is of crucial importance to support clinical decision making. The goal of the current study was to examine the predictive value on long term heart failure (HF) hospitalisation and all-cause mortality in CHF patients, by exploring and exploiting machine learning (ML) and traditional statistical techniques on a Dutch health insurance claims database.MethodsOur study population consisted of 25,776 patients with a CHF diagnosis code between 2012 and 2014 and one year and three years follow-up HF hospitalisation (1446 and 3220 patients respectively) and all-cause mortality (2434 and 7882 patients respectively) were measured from 2015 to 2018. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was calculated after modelling the data using Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Elastic Net regression and Neural Networks.ResultsAUC rates ranged from 0.710 to 0.732 for 1-year HF hospitalisation, 0.705–0.733 for 3-years HF hospitalisation, 0.765–0.787 for 1-year mortality and 0.764–0.791 for 3-years mortality. Elastic Net performed best for all endpoints. Differences between techniques were small and only statistically significant between Elastic Net and Logistic Regression compared with Random Forest for 3-years HF hospitalisation.ConclusionIn this study based on a health insurance claims database we found clear predictive value for predicting long-term HF hospitalisation and mortality of CHF patients by using ML techniques compared to traditional statistics.

Multiple hormonal and metabolic deficiency syndrome predicts outcome in heart failure: the T.O.S.CA. Registry.

Recent evidence supports the occurrence of multiple hormonal and metabolic deficiency syndrome (MHDS) in chronic heart failure (CHF). However, no large observational study has unequivocally demonstrated its impact on CHF progression and outcome. The T.O.S.CA. (Trattamento Ormonale nello Scompenso CArdiaco; Hormone Treatment in Heart Failure) Registry has been specifically designed to test the hypothesis that MHDS affects morbidity and mortality in CHF patients. The T.O.S.CA. Registry is a prospective, multicentre, observational study involving 19 Italian centres. Thyroid hormones, insulin-like growth factor-1, total testosterone, dehydropianoandrosterone sulfate, insulin resistance, and the presence of diabetes were evaluated. A MHDS was defined as the presence of ≥2 hormone deficiencies (HDs). Primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations. Four hundred and eighty heart failure patients with ejection fraction ≤45% were enrolled. MHDS or diabetes was diagnosed in 372 patients (77.5%). A total of 271 events (97 deaths and 174 cardiovascular hospitalizations) were recorded, 41% in NO-MHDS and 62% in MHDS (P < 0.001). Median follow-up was of 36 months. MHDS was independently associated with the occurrence of the primary endpoint [hazard ratio 95% (confidence interval), 1.93 (1.37-2.73), P < 0.001] and identified a group of patients with a higher mortality [2.2 (1.28-3.83), P = 0.01], with a graded relation between HDs and cumulative events (P < 0.01). MHDS is common in CHF and independently associated with increased all-cause mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization, representing a promising therapeutic target. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT023358017.

Prognostic Implications of Chronic Heart Failure and Utility of NT-proBNP Levels in Heart Failure Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Background: The prevalence and prognostic value of chronic heart failure (CHF) in the setting of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has seldom been studied. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and prognosis of CHF in this setting. Methods: This single-center study included 829 consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection from February to April 2020. Patients with a previous history of CHF were matched 1:2 for age and sex. We analyze the prognostic value of pre-existing CHF. Prognostic implications of N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels on admission in the CHF cohort were explored. Results: A total of 129 patients (43 CHF and 86 non-CHF) where finally included. All-cause mortality was higher in CHF patients compared to non-CHF patients (51.2% vs. 29.1%, p = 0.014). CHF was independently associated with 30-day mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 2.3, confidence interval (CI) 95%: 1.26–2.4). Patients with CHF and high-sensitivity troponin T < 14 ng/L showed excellent prognosis. An NT-proBNP level > 2598 pg/mL on admission was associated with higher 30-day mortality in patients with CHF. Conclusions: All-cause mortality in CHF patients hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection was 51.2%. CHF was independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.3, CI 95% 1.26–4.2). NT-proBNP levels could be used for stratification risk purposes to guide medical decisions if larger studies confirm this finding.

Pre-existing type 2 diabetes is associated with increased all-cause death independently of echocardiographic predictors of poor prognosis only in ischemic heart disease

Background and aimsIt is unknown whether the prognostic role of diabetes (T2DM) in outpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF) is independent of the most important echocardiographic markers of poor prognosis. The aims of this analysis were to evaluate whether T2DM modifies the risk of mortality in CHF patients stratified by etiology of disease or by right-ventricular to pulmonary arterial coupling at echocardiography and to evaluate how T2DM interacts with the prognostic role of cardiac plasma biomarkers. Methods and resultsThis is a retrospective analysis of 1627 CHF outpatients who underwent a complete echocardiographic examination. During a median follow-up period of 63 months 255 patients died. Poor right-ventricular to pulmonary arterial coupling and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of outcome, whereas ischemic etiology and T2DM were not. T2DM interacted with etiology increasing the risk of mortality by 32% among patients with ischemic disease (p = 0.003). Elevated hsTNI plasma levels were associated with poor survival in T2DM but not in non-diabetic patients. ConclusionT2DM signals a worse outcome in ischemic CHF patients regardless of the echocardiographic phenotype. High plasma levels of hsTNI are stronger predictors of mortality in CHF patients with T2DM than in patients without diabetes.

Exhaled breath acetone for predicting cardiac and overall mortality in chronic heart failure patients.

AimsExhaled breath acetone (EBA) has been described as a new biomarker of heart failure (HF) diagnosis. EBA concentration increases according to severity of HF and is associated with poor prognosis, especially in acute decompensated HF. However, there are no data on chronic HF patients. The aim is to evaluate the role of EBA for predicting cardiac and overall mortality in chronic HF patients.Methods and resultsIn GENIUS‐HF cohort, chronic patients were enrolled between August 2012 and December 2014. All patients had left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 50%, and the diagnosis was established according to Framingham criteria. After consent, patients were submitted to clinical evaluation and exhaled breath collection. EBA identification and quantitative determination were done by spectrophotometry. The clinical characteristics associated with acetone were identified. All participants were followed for 18 months to assess cardiac and overall mortality. Around 700 participants were enrolled in the current analysis. Patients were 55.4 ± 12.2 years old, 67.6% male patients, and 81% New York Heart Association I/II with left ventricular ejection fraction of 32 ± 8.6%. EBA median concentration was 0.6 (0.3–1.2) ug/L. Acetone levels increased with the number of symptoms of HF and were associated with right HF signs/symptoms and liver biochemical changes. EBA at highest quartile (EBA > 1.2ug/L) was associated with a significantly worse prognosis (log rank test, P < 0.001). Cox proportional multivariable regression model revealed that EBA > 1.20ug/L was an independent predictor of cardiac (P = 0.011) and overall (P = 0.010) mortality in our population.ConclusionsThis study shows that EBA levels reflect clinical HF features, especially right HF signs/symptoms. EBA is an independent predictor of cardiac and overall mortality in chronic HF patients.

Long-term impact of a six-month telemedical care programme on mortality, heart failure readmissions and healthcare costs in patients with chronic heart failure

Aims The TElemonitoring in the MAnagement of Heart Failure (TEMA-HF) 1 long-term follow-up study assessed whether an initial six-month telemonitoring (TM) programme compared with usual care (UC) would result in reduced all-cause mortality, heart failure admissions and healthcare costs in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients at long-term follow-up. Methods Of the 160 patients included in the multi-centre, randomised controlled telemonitoring trial (TEMA-HF 1, time point t0); 142 CHF patients (65% male; age: 76 ± 10 years; EF: 36 ± 15%) were alive and entered the follow-up study (time point: t1) with a final evaluation at 79 months (time point: t2). Both TM and UC group patients received standard heart failure care during the follow-up study (time points: t1 –t2). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included days lost due to heart failure readmissions and readmission/patient follow-up related healthcare costs. Results Compared with usual care, the initial six-month TM programme had no significant effect on all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.57 to 1.20; p = 0.32). The number of days lost due to heart failure readmissions was significantly lower in the TM group (p = 0.04). Healthcare costs did not differ significantly between the TM (€ 9140 ± 10580) and UC group (€ 12495 ± 22433) (p = 0.87). Discussion An initial six-month telemonitoring programme was not associated with reduced all-cause mortality in CHF patients at long-term follow-up but resulted in a reduction in the number of days lost due to heart failure readmissions. This study is registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT03171038) (URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03171038).

Serum chloride as a novel marker for adding prognostic information of mortality in chronic heart failure

BackgroundSerum chloride concentrations have clinical significance in the prognosis of heart failure (HF). Little is known regarding the prognostic value of serum chloride in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). This study sought to investigate the prognostic ability of admission serum chloride for long-term mortality in CHF patients. MethodsWe identified 1021 consecutive patients diagnosed with CHF. Participants were followed up for all-cause mortality at 21 ± 9 months to establish the survival models and analyze the association between admission serum chloride concentrations and death risk. ResultsOf the 1021 patients, 905(88.6%) available cases were obtained. Admission serum chloride concentrations of patients were independently and inversely associated with long-term mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.890; 95% CI: 0.863 to 0.918; p < 0.001). After multivariable risk adjustment for age, male sex, history of diabetes, LVEF, loop diuretic use, beta-blocker use, ACEI or ARB use, eGFR and NT-proBNP, chloride concentrations remained independently associated with mortality (HR:0.922; 95% CI:0.887 to 0.958; p < 0.001) but not independent of sodium concentrations (HR: 0.953; 95% CI: 0.900 to 1.009; p = 0.095). The optimal cut-off value of chloride concentrations predicting death was 102.8 mmol/l with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.686 (95% CI: 0.635 to 0.737; p < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 70%. The lower chloride concentrations could significantly increase the risk ratio of CHF patients in the setting of hyponatremia (p < 0.001). The cumulative survival estimates significantly differed across Na/Cl quartiles (log-rank χ2 19.14, p < 0.001), with higher mortality for higher Na/Cl ratio. Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum chloride concentrations and sodium concentrations (r = 0.598; p < 0.001). An increased AUC was observed by combining chloride and sodium (AUC = 0.704, 95% CI:0.655–0.754, p < 0.001) compared to sodium only (AUC = 0.689, 95% CI:0.639–0.739, p < 0.001). ConclusionsIn a Chinese Han population, admission serum chloride concentrations are inversely associated with all-cause mortality of CHF patients and provide incremental prognostic information of serum sodium.

Mortality Reduction Associated With β-Adrenoceptor Inhibition in Chronic Heart Failure Is Greater in Patients With Diabetes.

Diabetes increases mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. Studies have questioned the safety of β-adrenoceptor blockers (β-blockers) in some patients with diabetes and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. We examined whether β-blockers and ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) are associated with differential effects on mortality in CHF patients with and without diabetes. We conducted a prospective cohort study of 1,797 patients with CHF recruited between 2006 and 2014, with mean follow-up of 4 years. β-Blocker dose was expressed as the equivalent dose of bisoprolol (mg/day) and ACEI dose as the equivalent dose of ramipril (mg/day). Cox regression analysis was used to examine the interaction between diabetes and drug dose on all-cause mortality. Patients with diabetes were prescribed larger doses of β-blockers and ACEIs than were patients without diabetes. Increasing β-blocker dose was associated with lower mortality in patients with diabetes (8.9% per mg/day; 95% CI 5-12.6) and without diabetes (3.5% per mg/day; 95% CI 0.7-6.3), although the effect was larger in people with diabetes (interaction P = 0.027). Increasing ACEI dose was associated with lower mortality in patients with diabetes (5.9% per mg/day; 95% CI 2.5-9.2) and without diabetes (5.1% per mg/day; 95% CI 2.6-7.6), with similar effect size in these groups (interaction P = 0.76). Increasing β-blocker dose is associated with a greater prognostic advantage in CHF patients with diabetes than in CHF patients without diabetes.

Echocardiographic Determinants of One-Year All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure Complicated by Significant Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation

BackgroundRight ventricular (RV) dysfunction plays an important role in chronic heart failure (CHF). We evaluated the echocardiographic determinants of 1-year all-cause mortality in CHF patients with clinically relevant functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Methods and ResultsA total of 101 consecutive CHF patients (mean age 74 ± 10 years, 53% male) with moderate or severe functional TR were enrolled. Each patient underwent at least 2 echocardiography examinations in an interval of >6 months. Clinical follow-up was made after a median of 305 (interquartile range 164–365) days after the last echocardiography. The primary end point was all-cause mortality. Forty-two patients (42%) died during follow-up. Baseline right atrial (RA) area, TR volume increase and RV enlargement over time were significantly higher in nonsurvivors than survivors (all P < .05). Compared to baseline levels, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) was significantly reduced in nonsurvivors during follow-up echocardiography (54 ± 19 vs 49 ± 21 mm Hg; P = .010), but significantly increased in survivors (48 ± 17 vs 54 ± 17 mm Hg; P = .001). Multivariable survival analysis suggested that baseline RA area ≥27 cm2 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–4.80; P = .013), follow-up TR proximal isovelocity surface area regurgitant volume increase ≥15 mL (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.20–4.31; P = .012), RV middle diameter increase ≥10 mm (HR 2.38, 95% CI 1.10–5.11; P = .027), and sPAP reduction ≥10 mm Hg (HR 3.04, 95% CI 1.51–6.13; P = .002) were determinants of 1-year all-cause mortality after the last echocardiography. Patients with 2 or 3 of these determinants were faced with significantly increased 1-year mortality (88% or 100%). ConclusionsDynamic RV morphologic and functional changes during serial echocardiography are associated with significantly increased mortality risk in CHF patients with moderate or severe functional TR.

Abstract 11868: Intracardiac Pressures Measured Using an Implantable Hemodynamic Monitor: Relationship to Mortality in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure

Introduction: The use of implantable hemodynamic monitor (IHM)-derived pressure to facilitate management of chronic heart failure (CHF) has been shown to decrease ventricular filling pressures and reduce heart failure hospitalizations. However, whether IHM-derived pressures predict mortality rate is unknown. Hypothesis: Determine whether IHM-derived baseline estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (ePAD) and change from baseline ePAD were independent predictors of all-cause mortality in patients with CHF. Methods: A retrospective analysis used data from three studies in CHF patients with an IHM (n=790). Baseline ePAD, mean of daily median ePAD from 0-14 days after IHM implantation, was related to mortality using a multivariable model including baseline and demographic data. Change in ePAD defined from baseline to 6 month and from baseline to 14 days prior to death or exit from study were related to mortality. Area under the pressure vs time curve (AUC) during 180 days prior to death or exit from study was related to mortality. Results: Baseline ePAD, independent of other covariates, was a significant predictor of mortality (Chi-square=36.7, HR=1.067, 95% CI=1.047, 1.089, p&lt;0.0001) (Fig. A). Change in ePAD was a predictor of mortality. There was a significant relationship between change in ePAD from baseline to 6 months and mortality (HR=1.074, 95% CI=1.048, 1.100, p=0008). Change in ePAD = 3, 4, or 5 mmHg from baseline to 6 months was associated with a change in mortality risk of 23.8%, 32.9%, or 42.8% respectively (Fig. B). Change in ePAD from baseline to 14 days prior to death or exit from study was higher in patients that died 3.0±8 vs 1.7±10 mmHg, p=0.003). AUC in the 180 days prior to death or exit from study was higher in the patients that died (185±668 vs 17±482 mmHg.days, p=0.006). Conclusions: Implantable hemodynamic monitor -derived baseline ePAD and change from baseline ePAD were independent predictors of mortality in CHF patients.

Prognostic significance of red cell distribution width and other red cell parameters in patients with chronic heart failure during two years of follow-up.

Studies published during the last decade seem to indicate red blood cell parameters as inexpensive, rapidly available, and simple tools for the assessment of prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). To evaluate the prognostic value of red cell parameters determined in a routine blood count in patients with CHF. The study group included 165 patients with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV CHF hospitalised in the 2nd Department of Cardiology in Bydgoszcz. On the first day of hospitalisation, all patients in the study group underwent a complete blood count with an assessment of haemoglobin (Hb) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW). Follow-up was carried over 24 months by phone calls every 3 months. MCV, MCH and MCHC were not shown to be significant predictors of mortality in CHF patients at 1 and 2 years of follow-up. In univariate analysis at 1-year follow-up, the following variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of the study endpoint: Hb level (p = 0.022; HR = 0.80), RDW (p = 0.004; HR = 1.257), and N-terminal pro-B-type na-triuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level (p = 0.0001; HR = 1). At 2 years of follow-up, the following variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of the study endpoint: left ventricular ejection fraction (p = 0.018; HR = 0.956), NYHA class (p = 0.007; HR = 0.378), RDW (p = 0.044; HR = 1.175), and NT-proBNP level (p < 0.001; HR = 1). Multivariate analysis for 1-year follow-up showed that RDW and NT-proBNP level were independent significant predictors of mortality, while NT-proBNP level (p = 0.006; HR = 1) and NYHA class (p = 0.024; HR = 0.439) were significant predictors of mortality at 2 years of follow-up. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off RDW was 15.00% (AUC = 0.63; 0.523-0.737), at 12 months of follow-up and 14.00% (AUC = 0.6; 0.504-0.697), at 24 months of follow-up. The cut-off for Hb level was 13.9 g/dL (AUC = 0.662; 0.553-0.77), at 12 months of follow-up and 12.2 g/dL (AUC = 0.581; 0.482-0.681), at 24 months of follow-up. Baseline RDW and Hb level in patients hospitalised with the diagnosis of NYHA class II-IV CHF seem to be important predictors of mortality in this population. Among the red blood cell parameters, only RDW was shown to be an independent prognostic factor at 1 year of follow-up but it appeared to lose its significance during longer-term follow-up.

Using the galectin-3 test to predict mortality in heart failure patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a new biomarker for assessing prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients. This systemic review and meta-analysis aims to examine Gal-3's ability in assessing prognosis of HF patients. We searched MEDLINE and Embase up to November 2014. Test performance characteristics were summarized using forest plots and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves. The diagnostic odds ratio of Gal-3 in predicting mortality in chronic HF patients was 2.36 (95% CI: 1.71-3.26) and 2.30 (95% CI: 1.76-3.01) in acute HF patients. Elevated levels of Gal-3 are associated with mortality in both acute and chronic HF patients. However, current evidence does not support sole use of Gal-3 for prognosis evaluation of HF patients.

CHRONIC HEART FAILURE IN RUSSIAN FEDERATION: WHAT DO WE KNOW AND WHAT TO DO

The analysis is presented, of the three epidemiologic studies (EPOCHA-CHF, EPOCHA-Hospital-CHF, EPOCHA-Decompensation-CHF). In 16 years, prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) in Russia increased from 4,9% (1998) to 10,2% (2014), p=0,01. However, number of CHF patients with III-IV FC NYHA increased more dramatically: from 1,2% (1998) to 4,1% (2014), p=0,002. This happened due to significant increse of the age of patients selection from 64,0±11, 9 y.o. (1998) to 69,9±12,2 y.o. (2014), p=0,02; increase of the weight of etiological causes of ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction. Overall mortality of the patients with any CHF is 6% per year. This value depends on low rate of prescription of RAAS blockers and beta-blockers during outpatient stage, with usage of low dosages of medications that does not control BP and heartrate. Patients with CHF decompensation led to hospitalization are significantly older than in general population (72,9±10,5 y.o.), and gender differences are for benefit of women, as in general population. 58,2% of hospitalized patients were admitted with noncontrolled hypertension, and in 70,5% there was heartrate higher than 80 bpm. Overall mortality of CHF patients was 25,1% (46,4% died in 1 year with the formed hypotension and 22,1% with retained level of BP). Hospital mortality was 6,8%. Mortality risks increased by repeated admittances for decompensation, absence of RAAS blockers and beta-blockers in management.

Heart Rate or Beta-Blocker Dose? Association With Outcomes in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients With Systolic Dysfunction: Results From the HF-ACTION Trial

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare whether reduced heart rate (HR) or higher beta-blocker (BB) dose affected outcomes to a greater extent in the HF-ACTION (Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training) trial population. BackgroundRecent data have shown that HR is an important modifiable factor in reducing mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. It has also been shown that titration of doses of BBs improves outcomes of morbidity and mortality in chronic HF patients with reduced ejection fraction. We aimed to compare whether reduced HR or higher BB dose affected outcomes to a greater extent in the HF-ACTION trial population. MethodsHF-ACTION was a randomized, multicenter trial enrolling 2,331 ambulatory HF patients with systolic dysfunction (New York Heart Association functional class II to IV, left ventricular ejection fraction <0.35) randomized to exercise training versus usual care, with median follow-up of 2.5 years. BB dose at baseline was standardized by use of carvedilol equivalents. BB dose and HR were analyzed by discrete groups (higher/lower dose; higher/lower HR). The relationship of BB dose, HR, and the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization and other cardiovascular secondary endpoints were determined before and after adjustment for variables found to be significantly associated with outcome in the HF-ACTION cohort. ResultsThere was a significant inverse relationship between either BB dose (higher was better) or HR (lower was better) and all-cause death or hospitalization in unadjusted analysis; however, only BB dose was significant for improved mortality outcomes. After adjustment for other predictors of outcome, only BB dose remained significant for improving all-cause death or hospitalization. BB dose, but not HR, was associated with improved outcomes of other cardiovascular endpoints in unadjusted analysis but did not remain significant when adjusted for other predictors of outcome in this cohort. ConclusionsThere were more associated improvements in outcomes with higher BB dose than with reduced HR in this well-treated HF cohort with systolic dysfunction, which suggests that titration of BB doses may confer a greater benefit than reduction of HR in such patients. (Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training [HF-ACTION]; NCT00047437)

Chronic Heart Failure Markedly Attenuates the Low Pressure Baroreflex in Regulating Sympathetic Function in Rats

Background: We aimed to elucidate the prognostic impacts of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods and Results: We examined 4,818 consecutive patients with Stage C/D CHF registered in our CHART-2 Study (N510,219). Among them, 1,859 (38.6%) had AF at enrollment. As compared with the remaining 2,953 patients with sinus rhythm at enrollment, patients with AF were characterized by higher age (71 vs. 68 yrs.), lower esti- mated glomerular filtration rate (58.9 vs. 61.9 ml/min/1.73m 2 ), higher brain natri- uretic peptide (BNP) levels (152 vs. 74.5 pg/ml), comparable LVEF (56.8 vs 56.5%) and similar prescription rate of beta-blocker (48.1 vs. 50.6%) and renin- angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor (72.9 vs. 71.6%). Among the patients with si- nus rhythm at enrollment, 106 (3.6%) developed de-novo AF (dnAF) during the median follow-up for 3.2 years, which was associated with an increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.72, P50.013). In contrast, neither paroxysmal AF (pAF) nor chronic AF (cAF) at enrollment was associated with mortality (pAF, adjusted HR 1.10, P50.491; cAF, adjusted HR 1.00, P 50.992). IPTW analysis revealed that neither beta-blockers nor RAS inhibitors was associated with reduced mortality in AF patients, regardless of pAF or cAF. Conclusions: These results indicate that development of dnAF, but not pAF or cAF at enrollment, was associated with increased mortality in CHF patients. Background: We previously reported that the activation of low-pressure baroreflex (LBARO) by volume infusion biphasically altered sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). We examined whether chronic heart failure (CHF) changed LBARO. Methods: In 14 anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, we created CHF by myocardial infarction. We isolated carotid sinuses to abolish the arterial baroreflex. We infused blood stepwise to activate LBARO, and recorded SNA and hemodynamics. Result: In the normal group (n56), volume loading increased both central venous pressure (CVP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and biphasically changed SNA with a maximal response of 48621%. In contrast, CHF (n58) markedly reduced the maximum response (1567%, p!0.05) and abolished the biphasic change of SNA (Figure). Conclusions: CHF induces the L-BARO failure. How the LBARO failure impacts the pathophysiology of CHF remains to be investigated.

Validity of Beck Depression Inventory for the assessment of depressive mood in chronic heart failure patients

Prevalence of depression is high in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and depressive mood is considered as a risk factor for major cardiovascular events and mortality in CHF patients. The validity of self-administered 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in CHF patients might be questioned. CHF actually shares overlapping symptoms with depression and such an overlap may overestimate the impact of depression on cardiac outcomes. We tested the convergent validity of the French version of BDI by reference to the interview-based Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in a population of 73 patients participating in the multicenter French PANIC Cohort of 321 CHF patients. Both depression scores were associated with NYHA functional class and the number of previous hospitalizations related to CHF, but not with the other indexes of cardiac severity (left ventricular ejection fraction and 6-min-walk test). MADRS scores were also associated with gender and history of depression. A strong correlation was found between BDI and MADRS scores (rho=0.72; p<0.001). This correlation persisted after adjustment for gender, NYHA functional class, number of previous hospitalizations and history of depression (rho=0.68; p<0.001). Moreover, the z score difference between standardized BDI and standardized MADRS scores was associated with none of the sociodemographic or clinical characteristics of our population, except for the depression severity at MADRS. In particular, no overestimation or underestimation of self-assessed depression was found in case of more severe CHF. These findings suggest that the BDI is a reliable instrument to assess depression in CHF patients.

Selective carotid body ablation in experimental heart failure: a new therapeutic tool to improve cardiorespiratory control.

What is the topic of this review? This review summarizes the physiological role played by the carotid body in the autonomic dysregulation and breathing disturbances during the progression of chronic heart failure and the therapeutic potential of carotid body ablation to control cardiorespiratory imbalance and improve survival in heart failure. What advances does it highlight? Carotid body ablation markedly improves breathing stability and normalizes autonomic function in chronic heart failure. More importantly, if carotid body ablation is performed early during the progression of the disease it significantly improves animal survival. Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a leading medical problem worldwide. Common hallmarks of CHF include autonomic imbalance and breathing disorders, both of which are closely related to the progression of the disease and strongly predict mortality in CHF patients. The role played by the carotid body (CB) chemoreceptors in the progression of CHF has received attention because enhanced carotid chemoreflex drive is thought to contribute to autonomic dysfunction, abnormal breathing patterns and increased mortality in CHF. Therefore, therapeutic tools intended to normalize CB-mediated chemoreflex drive could have the potential to improve quality of life and decrease mortality of CHF patients. In experimental CHF, an enhancement of the CB chemoreflex drive, elevated sympathetic outflow, increased resting breathing variability, increased incidence of apnoea and desensitization of the baroreflex have been shown. Notably, selective elimination of the CB reduced central presympathetic neuronal activation, normalized sympathetic outflow and baroreflex sensitivity and stabilized breathing function in CHF. More remarkably, CB ablation has been shown to be a valuable therapeutic tool that significantly reduced aberrant cardiac remodelling, improved left ventriclular ejection fraction and reduced cardiac arrhythmogenesis. Most importantly, animals with CHF that underwent CB ablation showed a marked improvement in survival rate. Interestingly, a case report from a heart failure patient in whom unilateral CB ablation was performed showed promising results, with significant improvement in autonomic balance and breathing variability. Together, the CHF data from experimental animals as well as humans unveil a major role for the CB chemoreceptors in the progression of heart failure and support the notion that CB ablation could represent a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiorespiratory dysfunction and improve survival during heart failure.