Poor Functional Capacity Research Articles

Illness Perception and Its Changes During Six Months After Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract. Illness perception is a concept that reflects patients' emotional and cognitive representations of disease. This study assessed the illness perception change during 6 months in 195 patients (33% women and 67% men) with acute coronary syndrome, taking into account the biological, psychological, and social factors. At baseline, more threatening illness perception was observed in women, persons aged 65 years or more, with poorer functional capacity (New York Heart Association [NYHA] class III or IV) and comorbidities ( p < .05). Type D personality was the only independent factor related to more threatening illness perception (βs = 0.207, p = .006). At follow-up it was found that only self-reported cardiovascular impairment plays the role in illness perception change (βs = 0.544, p < .001): patients without impairment reported decreasing threats of illness, while the ones with it had a similar perception of threat like at baseline. Other biological, psychological, and social factors were partly associated with illness perception after an acute cardiac event but not with perception change after 6 months.

Duke Activity Status Index cut-off scores for assessing functional capacity after stroke

Purpose To determine the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) cut-off scores and verify if they would be able to discriminate between chronic stroke individuals, who had poor, from those who had good functional capacity (FC). Materials and methods Cross-sectional study, where 92 individuals with chronic stroke had their FC measured by DASI scores and were classified into community and non-community walkers. Both the receiver operating characteristic and the area under the curve were used to determine the best DASI cut-off values that could discriminate between individuals, who had poor, from those who had good FC. Binary logistic regression analysis is used to investigate the ability of DASI scores in predicting community walkers. Results DASI cut-off value of 31.95 showed to be sensitive and specific to differentiate between individuals, who had poor from good FC. The regression analysis revealed that the chance of individuals, who had better FC (≥ 31.95) be community walkers was 10.69 (95%CI:4–32.75) times higher than that of those who had poor FC (< 31.95). The model demonstrated good predictive ability. Conclusions The DASI cut-off value of 31.95 showed to be sensitive and specific to distinguish between chronic stroke individuals, who had poor, from those who had good FC. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION The identification of individuals, who have good and poor functional capacity, is important for clinical reasoning and decision-making in stroke rehabilitation. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a clinically useful tool for the assessment of functional capacity, based upon the performance of common daily living activities. The DASI cut-off of 31.95 points was able to discriminate between individuals with stroke, who had poor, from those who had good functional capacity. The chance of individuals, who had good functional capacity (DASI ≥ 31.95) be community walkers was 10.69 times higher than that of those who had poor functional capacity (DASI < 31.95). The findings support the use of the DASI as a simple tool for the assessment of functional capacity, especially in low-resource settings.

Improvement in 6-min Walk Test Distance Following Treatment for Behavioral Weight Loss and Disinhibited Eating: an Exploratory Secondary Analysis.

Poor functional exercise capacity is common among those with obesity; however, objective measures of exercise capacity are rarely examined in behavioral treatments targeting obese individuals. We examined whether a 4-week acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention for disinhibited eating or a behavioral weight loss (BWL) intervention improved exercise capacity and explored demographic and disinhibited eating variables related to exercise capacity. Veterans (n = 61), randomized to receive ACT or BWL, completed an assessment of exercise capacity via the 6-min walk test (6MWT) at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Measures of disinhibited eating patterns and body mass index (BMI), at baseline and post-treatment, were also collected. Change in 6MWT distance and treatment group differences were examined using mixed ANOVAs. Characteristics related to baseline 6MWT and predictors of improvement in 6MWT at 6months were examined with hierarchical multiple regression. There were overall significant improvements on the 6MWT from baseline to 6-month follow-up (F(1,59) = 11.14, p = .001, ηp2 = .159) but no differences between the ACT and BWL groups. Baseline BMI (β = - .33, p = .005) was the only variable related to baseline 6MWT. Improvements on the 6MWT were related to younger age (β = - .41, p = 0.001), female gender (β = .36, p = .001), and treatment-related increases in dietary restraint behaviors (β = .42, p = .001). Functional exercise capacity improved among participants completing behavioral interventions for weight and disinhibited eating. Improvements in dietary behavior regulatory skills may have generalized to improved regulation in other behavioral domains associated with exercise capacity.

Association of preoperative anaemia with cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and postoperative outcomes in noncardiac surgery: a substudy of the Measurement of Exercise Tolerance before Surgery (METS) Study

BackgroundPreoperative anaemia is associated with elevated risks of postoperative complications. This association may be explained by confounding related to poor cardiopulmonary fitness. We conducted a pre-specified substudy of the Measurement of Exercise Tolerance before Surgery (METS) study to examine the associations of preoperative haemoglobin concentration with preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing performance (peak oxygen consumption, anaerobic threshold) and postoperative complications. MethodsThe substudy included a nested cross-sectional analysis and nested cohort analysis. In the cross-sectional study (1279 participants), multivariate linear regression modelling was used to determine the adjusted association of haemoglobin concentration with peak oxygen consumption and anaerobic threshold. In the nested cohort study (1256 participants), multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to determine the adjusted association of haemoglobin concentration, peak oxygen consumption, and anaerobic threshold with the primary endpoint (composite outcome of death, cardiovascular complications, acute kidney injury, or surgical site infection) and secondary endpoint (moderate or severe complications). ResultsHaemoglobin concentration explained 3.8% of the variation in peak oxygen consumption and anaerobic threshold (P<0.001). Although not associated with the primary endpoint, haemoglobin concentration was associated with moderate or severe complications after adjustment for peak oxygen consumption (odds ratio=0.86 per 10 g L−1 increase; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.96) or anaerobic threshold (odds ratio=0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.97). Lower peak oxygen consumption was associated with moderate or severe complications without effect modification by haemoglobin concentration (P=0.12). ConclusionHaemoglobin concentration explains a small proportion of variation in exercise capacity. Both anaemia and poor functional capacity are associated with postoperative complications and may therefore be modifiable targets for preoperative optimisation.

What Happens to Frailty in the First Year after Lung Transplantation?

Purpose Frailty is prevalent in lung transplant (LTX) candidates. Frailty can be associated with death before and after LTX, it is unclear if frailty trajectory persists for the first year. The study aimed to investigate frailty over the first year of LTX. Methods LTX candidates aged over 18 years were consented at listing time. All post LTX recipients completed thrice weekly, 12 week exercise rehabilitation program consisting of cardiovascular training on bike and treadmill and upper and lower limb strength training. Clinical data was collected. Edmonton frail scale (EFS) was used to assess frailty. Grip strength was also tested. Primary outcome was 6minute walk distance (6MWD) measured at 4 time-points: pre LTX, pre-rehabilitation, post-rehabilitation and 1 year. Results Of 103 participants, 90 (87%) were transplanted. Mean age was 58±11 yrs, 48 % were male, 52% had primary diagnosis of COPD. Frailty scores pre LTX were mean 5.54 ± 2.4 and at one year mean 3.28 ±1.5. Amongst all participants, 6WMD improved significantly over time: pre-rehabilitation (mean 326m) compared to post-rehabilitation (mean 523m (p 8 had shorter 6MWD preLTX compared to those with EFS ≤ 8 (245m vs. 305m, p=0.085) and similarly at pre-rehabilitation (277m vs. 331m, p=0.077). There were no differences in 6MWD comparing EFS > 8 vs ≤ 8 post-rehabilitation (523m vs. 520m, p=0.93) or at 1 year (497m vs. 510m, p=0.80). Participants with poorer EFS functional performance domain had shorter 6MWD pre LTX and pre-rehabilitation, but this difference disappeared by 1 year. Those with baseline grip strength Conclusion Participants in a structured post-LTX rehabilitation program improved in functional exercise capacity (6MWD). The program improves 6MWD in frail patients to a point comparable to less frail patients, with poor pre-rehabilitation functional capacity being successfully managed during the program. Grip strength may serve as an important predictor of the trajectory of improvement.

Two-Year Outcomes in Real World Patients Treated with Heartmate 3TM Left Ventricular Assist Device for Advanced Heart Failure: Data from the ELEVATE Registry

Summary of Objectives Heartmate 3 (HM3), a fully magnetically levitated continuous flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD), has been approved for treatment of advanced heart failure. The ELEVATE registry collects real world data with the HM3 out to 2 years. Methods A total of 540 patients implanted at 26 centers were included between January 2015 and February 2017. Of these, 463 were primary implants, 19 were pump upgrades, and in 58 patients only anonymized survival data was collected. Data collection on the primary implants and pump upgrades included baseline demographics, survival, adverse events, quality of life measured by EQ-5D visual analogue scale (EQ5D VAS) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD). Endpoints Baseline characteristics of the primary implants included a mean age of 55.6 ± 11.7 years, predominantly male (89%), 48% ischemic etiology and 70% on inotropes. The majority of patients (66%) were BTT, 70% were INTERMACS 1-3 and 8% patients were implanted with ECMO. Mean 6MWD showed poor functional capacity (104 ± 140 m) and measures of quality of life were significantly impaired (EQ5D VAS 35 ± 19). Hemodynamics before implant included: CI 1.9 ± 0.6 L/min/m2, PCWP 24.8 ± 9.4 mmHg and CVP 10.8 ± 6.7 mmHg. As of September 4, 2018 in the primary implant group, there was 0.2% confirmed pump thrombosis, 32% major bleeding, 13% sepsis, 25% driveline infection and 9% stroke events. At 2 years the 6MWD improved to 350 meters and the EQ-5D VAS improved to 67 ± 20. The Kaplan Meier 2-year survival in the primary implant group was 84 ± 2%. The complete 2-year data will be available at the time of presentation. Conclusion The real world ELEVATE Registry 2-year data demonstrates high survival, low adverse event rates, low incidence of pump thrombosis and improved functional capacity in a sick patient population.

The impact of improved functional capacity before surgery on postoperative complications: a study in colorectal cancer

Background: Poor functional capacity (FC) is an independent predictor of postoperative morbidity. However, there is still a lack of evidence as to whether enhancing FC before surgery has a protective effect on postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an improvement in preoperative FC impacted positively on surgical morbidity.Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a cohort of patients who underwent colorectal resection for cancer under Enhanced Recovery After Surgery care. FC was assessed with the 6-min walk test, which measures the distance walked in 6 min (6MWD), at 4 weeks before surgery and again the day before. The study population was classified into two groups depending on whether participants achieved a significant improvement in FC preoperatively (defined as a preoperative 6MWD change ≥19 meters) or not (6MWD change <19 meters). The primary outcome measure was 30-d postoperative complications, assessed with the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). The association between improved preoperative FC and severe postoperative complication was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.Results: A total of 179 eligible adults were studied: 80 (44.7%) improved in 6MWD by ≥19 m preoperatively, and 99 (55.3%) did not. Subjects whose FC increased had lower CCI (0 [0–8.7] versus 8.7 [0–22.6], p = .022). Furthermore, they were less likely to have a severe complication (adjusted OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.11–0.74), p = .010), and to have an ED visit.Conclusion: Improved preoperative FC was independently associated with a lower risk of severe postoperative complications. Further investigation is required to establish a causative relationship conclusively.

Global Longitudinal Strain Predicts Poor Functional Capacity in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure.

BackgroundLeft ventricular global longitudinal strain value (GLS) can predict functional capacity in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) heart failure (HF) and to assess prognosis in reduced LVEF HF.ObjetiveCorrelate GLS with parameters of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) and to assess if they could predict systolic HF patients that are more appropriated to be referred to heart transplantation according to CPET criteria.MethodsSystolic HF patients with LVEF < 45%, NYHA functional class II and III, underwent prospectively CPET and echocardiography with strain analysis. LVEF and GLS were correlated with the following CPET variables: maxVO2, VE/VCO2 slope, heart rate reduction during the first minute of recovery (HRR) and time needed to reduce maxVO2 in 50% after physical exercise (T1/2VO2). ROC curve analysis of GLS to predict VO2 < 14 mL/kg/min and VE/VCO2 slope > 35 (heart transplantation’s criteria) was performed.ResultsTwenty six patients were selected (age, 47 ± 12 years, 58% men, mean LVEF = 28 ± 8%). LVEF correlated only with maxVO2 and T1/2VO2. GLS correlated to all CPET variables (maxVO2: r = 0.671, p = 0.001; VE/VCO2 slope: r = -0.513, p = 0.007; HRR: r = 0.466, p = 0.016, and T1/2VO2: r = -0.696, p = 0.001). GLS area under the ROC curve to predict heart transplantation’s criteria was 0.88 (sensitivity 75%, specificity 83%) for a cut-off value of -5.7%, p = 0.03.ConclusionGLS was significantly associated with all functional CPET parameters. It could classify HF patients according to the functional capacity and may stratify which patients have a poor prognosis and therefore to deserve more differentiated treatment, such as heart transplantation.

Changes in and Interactions between Physical and Mental Health in Older Japanese: The Nakanojo Study

Background: An age-related decrease in functional capacity is consistently reported, but it is not consistently related to a worsening of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) or psychological adjustment. A poor functional capacity and HRQOL have been associated with anxiety or depression, but the possible causal nature and direction of the relationship remain to be explored using long-term longitudinal data. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine age-related changes in functional capacity, HRQOL, and scores on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and possible causal interrelationships between these variables. Methods: Study participants were 5,124 Japanese aged ≥65 years. After the baseline study (2003), annual follow-up observations continued for 10 years. Generalized linear mixed models examined age-related changes in Barthel index (BI), Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG-IC), HRQOL, and HADS. Cross-lagged effects models tested possible causal interrelationships. Results: With age, functional capacity and HRQOL scores showed similar declines in both sexes. Changes in mental health, anxiety, and depression developed more slowly than decreases in physical health (BI, TMIG-IC, and physical functioning scores). Cross-lagged effects models demonstrated that functional capacity had positive effects on psychological adjustment, and that psychological adjustment had positive effects on functional capacity 5 years later. Interactions between functional capacity and psychological adjustment showed no sex differences. A decline in functional capacity negatively affected psychological adjustment, but reduced psychological adjustment had no significant impact on functional capacity 5 and 10 years later. Moreover, functional capacity and poor psychological adjustment showed no interactions in either sex. Conclusion: Functional capacity and mood state are interrelated. Greater function could sustain vitality and mental health, possibly reducing anxiety and depression.

Clinical and instrumental characteristics of patients with chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction without anemia, depending on the presence of iron deficiency

The aim – to compare patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) without anemia depending on the presence of iron deficiency (ID) according to the main clinical, hemodynamic, laboratory parameters and prognosis indicators. Material and methods. In January – February, 2018, 95 stable patients with CHF (83 of men and 12 of women), 18–75 years old, NYHA class II–IV, with left ventricular ejection fraction &lt; 40 % were screened. Patients were included during clinical compensation phase. Quality of life was assessed by the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ), physical activity was estimated by the Duke University index, functional status – by assessing the 6-minute walking test and a standardized lower limb extension test.Results. ID was found in 51 out of 95 patients without anemia. Patients with ID without anemia were reliably in higher functional class, had a lower body mass index, lower systolic blood pressure, glomerular filtration rate, worse 6-minute walking test and thigh quadriceps endurance and a lower quality of life by MLHFQ. They also had lower hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, hepcidin levels and higher NT-proBNP, interleukin 6, and citrulline levels. The presence of ID, even without concomitant anemia, increased both risk of death from any cause and the combined critical event risk (death or hospitalization) during 12 and 24 months.Conclusions. Among patients with CHF and reduced LVEF without anemia, ID was observed in 54 % of patients. Patients with ID were characterized by a greater proportion of patients in NYHA class III–IV and renal dysfunction, poorer functional capacity (6-minute walking test, thigh quadriceps endurance), poorer quality of life, lower body mass index, lower systolic blood pressure and lower hemoglobin and hepcidin levels along with higher circulating interleukin 6, citrulline and NT-proBNP levels. ID without concomitant anemia was associated with worse survival and more frequent hospitalizations.

Supplementation with Qter® and Creatine improves functional performance in COPD patients on long term oxygen therapy.

Skeletal muscle dysfunction and poor functional capacity are important extra-pulmonary manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in COPD patients on long-term O2 therapy (LTOT). Beside the role of pulmonary rehabilitation, the effect of nutritional interventions is still controversial, and there are knowledge gaps on the effective role of nutraceutical supplementation on hard endpoints. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nutritional supplementation with Coenzyme Q10 (QTer®) - a powerful antioxidant with the potential to reduce oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function - and Creatine on functional, nutritional, and metabolomic profile in COPD patients on long-term O2 therapy. One-hundred and eight patients with COPD from 9 Italian hospitals were enrolled in this double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled clinical study. At baseline and after 2 months of therapy, the patients underwent spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), bioelectrical impedance analysis, and activities of daily living questionnaire (ADL). Also, dyspnea scores and BODE index were calculated. At both time points, plasma concentration of CoQ10 and metabolomic profiling were measured. Ninety patients, who randomly received supplementation with QTer® and Creatine or placebo, completed the study. Compared with placebo, supplemented patients showed improvements in 6MWT (51 ± 69 versus 15 ± 91 m, p < 0.05), body cell mass and phase angle, sodium/potassium ratio, dyspnea indices and ADL score. The CoQ10 plasma concentration increased in the supplementation group whereas it did not change in the placebo group. The metabolomics profile also differed between groups. Adverse events were similar in both groups. These results show that in patients with COPD, dietary supplementation with CoQ10 and Creatine improves functional performance, body composition and perception of dyspnea. A systemic increase in some anti-inflammatory metabolites supports a pathobiological mechanism as a reason for these benefits. Further trials should help clarifying the role of QTer® and Creatine supplementation in patients with COPD.

2192 The association of preoperative functional capacity and outcomes for head and neck cancer patients undergoing definitive surgical treatment

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To study the role functional capacity plays in surgical outcomes for head and neck cancers. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: In this single-institution cohort study, we combined preoperative anesthesia assessment information with oncology registry data for newly-diagnosed patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx (HNSCC) treated with definitive surgery at Siteman Cancer Center from 2012 to 2016. Patient-reported exercise capacity was assessed as metabolic equivalents. Metabolic equivalents&lt;4 was defined as poor functional capacity. The primary outcome measure was overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meir survival analysis was used to compare the survival of patients with poor functional capacity (PFC) and patients with normal functional capacity (NFC). Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the independent prognostic role of functional capacity on overall survival after controlling for other factors. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: A total of 671 patients underwent surgical treatment for HNSCC. The average age was 62 years (range: 19–94 years). Majority of the patients were male (n=481; 72%), White race (n=589; 88%), and smokers (n=528; 79%). Of 671 patients, 22% (n=146) had PFC. Two-year OS rate in PFC patients was 70% compared with 85% in NFC patients (15% difference; 95% CI: 7%–23%). Unadjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that PFC patients had 2.2 times higher risk of death (95% CI: 1.5–3.2) than NFC patients. After adjustment for age at surgery, BMI, preoperative weight loss, comorbidity score, tumor site, and TNM stage the magnitude of the association between functional capacity and OS decreased (aHR=1.3; 95% CI: 0.88–1.98). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Poor functional capacity is associated with decreased overall survival, but the magnitude of the association, while clinically meaningful, decreases after controlling for other important patient and tumor factors. Nevertheless, we believe preoperative functional capacity status is an important patient factor to consider when discussing prognosis and attempting risk stratification. We also believe that functional capacity may be associated with 30-day unplanned readmissions and 90-day complications and are currently performing chart review to ascertain this information.

Poor self-reported sleep quality and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Non-restorative sleep is a hallmark symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis. However, little is known about self-reported sleep disturbances in these subjects. This study aimed to assess the self-reported sleep quality and its impact on quality of life in a Spanish community-based chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis cohort. A prospective cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in 1,455 Spanish chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis patients. Sleep quality, fatigue, pain, functional capacity impairment, psychopathological status, anxiety/depression and health-related quality of life were assessed using validated subjective measures. The frequencies of muscular, cognitive, neurological, autonomic and immunological symptom clusters were above 80%. High scores were recorded for pain, fatigue, psychopathological status, anxiety/depression, and low scores for functional capacity and quality of life, all of which correlated significantly (all p<0.01) with quality of sleep as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Multivariate regression analysis showed that after adjusting for age and gender, the pain intensity (odds ratio, 1.11; p<0.05), psychopathological status (odds ratio, 1.85; p<0.001), fibromyalgia (odds ratio, 1.39; p<0.05), severe autonomic dysfunction (odds ratio, 1.72; p<0.05), poor functional capacity (odds ratio, 0.98; p<0.05) and quality of life (odds ratio, 0.96; both p<0.001) were significantly associated with poor sleep quality. These findings suggest that this large chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis sample presents poor sleep quality, as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and that this poor sleep quality is associated with many aspects of quality of life.

Evaluation and Management of Right-Sided Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

The diverse causes of right-sided heart failure (RHF) include, among others, primary cardiomyopathies with right ventricular (RV) involvement, RV ischemia and infarction, volume loading caused by cardiac lesions associated with congenital heart disease and valvular pathologies, and pressure loading resulting from pulmonic stenosis or pulmonary hypertension from a variety of causes, including left-sided heart disease. Progressive RV dysfunction in these disease states is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this scientific statement is to provide guidance on the assessment and management of RHF. The writing group used systematic literature reviews, published translational and clinical studies, clinical practice guidelines, and expert opinion/statements to summarize existing evidence and to identify areas of inadequacy requiring future research. The panel reviewed the most relevant adult medical literature excluding routine laboratory tests using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science through September 2017. The document is organized and classified according to the American Heart Association to provide specific suggestions, considerations, or reference to contemporary clinical practice recommendations. Chronic RHF is associated with decreased exercise tolerance, poor functional capacity, decreased cardiac output and progressive end-organ damage (caused by a combination of end-organ venous congestion and underperfusion), and cachexia resulting from poor absorption of nutrients, as well as a systemic proinflammatory state. It is the principal cause of death in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Similarly, acute RHF is associated with hemodynamic instability and is the primary cause of death in patients presenting with massive pulmonary embolism, RV myocardial infarction, and postcardiotomy shock associated with cardiac surgery. Functional assessment of the right side of the heart can be hindered by its complex geometry. Multiple hemodynamic and biochemical markers are associated with worsening RHF and can serve to guide clinical assessment and therapeutic decision making. Pharmacological and mechanical interventions targeting isolated acute and chronic RHF have not been well investigated. Specific therapies promoting stabilization and recovery of RV function are lacking. RHF is a complex syndrome including diverse causes, pathways, and pathological processes. In this scientific statement, we review the causes and epidemiology of RV dysfunction and the pathophysiology of acute and chronic RHF and provide guidance for the management of the associated conditions leading to and caused by RHF.

12.4 BRAIN LACTATE IS RELATED TO COGNITION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

Laura Rowland, University of Maryland School of Med: Bioenergetic function may be altered in schizophrenia as supported by post-mortem, preclinical, cerebrospinal fluid, and 31P-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) research. Impairments in bioenergetic function may lead to cognitive and functional dysfunction, characteristics of the illness. First, a 7T MRS study that tested the hypothesis that frontal lactate concentrations are elevated in schizophrenia and related to cognitive impairments will be presented. Second, recent advances in brain lactate measurements with 3T MRS will be presented.MethodsTwenty-nine controls and 27 participants with schizophrenia completed the study. MRS scanning was conducted on a Philips ‘Achieva’ 7T scanner, and spectra were acquired from a frontal voxel using STEAM (TE/TM/TR=14/33/3000 ms, 128 NEX, 16 NEX water). Participants completed the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) for cognitive function and UCSD Performance-Based Skills Assessment (UPSA) for functional capacity. The relationships between lactate, MCCB, and UPSA were examined. 3T MRS test-retest measures of lactate were conducted on a Siemens Prisma scanner using spectra editing (TE/TR=140/3, editing pulse at 4.1ppm with 30Hz bandwidth, 360 NEX, 16 NEX water).ResultsPatients had significantly higher lactate compared to controls (p = 0.045). Higher lactate was associated with poorer general cognitive function (r=-0.36, p=0.01) Visual learning, processing speed, and reasoning/problem solving cognitive domains showed the strongest relationships with lactate. Poorer functional capacity (r=-0.43, p=0.001) was also related to higher lactate. 3T spectral editing studies showed excellent reproducibility with a mean coefficient of variation of 4%.DiscussionHigher frontal lactate levels in schizophrenia support the hypothesis that brain bioenergetics are altered and related to cognitive and functional impairments in schizophrenia. Higher lactate could be due to inefficient aerobic metabolism causing a shift towards anaerobic metabolism or poor utilization of lactate. Lactate measurements are doable at 3T field strength and may be a useful biomarker of cognition in schizophrenia. Interventions to promote efficient mitochondrial energy metabolism may prove useful for enhancing cognition and alleviating functional impairments in schizophrenia.

Abstract P296: Poor Functional Capacity is Associated With Peripheral Microvascular Dysfunction in Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Reduced functional capacity, assessed by self-reported Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is associated with adverse outcomes. Peripheral microvascular dysfunction, measured as reduced digital reactive hyperemia index (RHI) is also associated with adverse events. Whether microvascular dysfunction is related to functional capacity is unknown. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that peripheral microvascular dysfunction is associated with diminished functional capacity. Methods: In 531 patients with stable CAD (age 62±9, 75% male, 30% Black, EF 55±13%) enrolled in the Mental Ischemia Prognosis Study, self-reported functional capacity was assessed with the DASI questionnaire with a score of &gt;25 as the cutoff for normal. Pulsatile arterial tonometry (EndoPat, Itamar Inc.) was used to measure digital RHI during 5 minutes of upper arm occlusion with blood pressure cuff followed by reperfusion. Logistic regression was used to model reduced RHI (&lt;median) as a function of normal vs low DASI score (&gt;25 vs ≤ 25). Results: Median RHI was 2.01 [IQR 1.67, 2.49] while median DASI score was 45 [29,53], equivalent to 8.3 METs. Compared to those with normal DASI score (&gt;25; N=425), subjects with low DASI score (≤25; N=106) had lower RHI (1.88 [1.64, 2.24] vs 2.06 [1.69, 2.54], P=0.048), higher BMI (32±7 kg/m 2 vs 29±5 kg/m 2 , P&lt;0.001), were more likely to be female (48% vs 20%, P&lt;0.001) and Black (42% vs 28%, P=0.005), and more likely to have a history of hypertension (87% vs 75%, P=0.009), diabetes (39% vs 29%, P=0.046), and heart failure (34% vs. 20%, P=0.003). After adjusting for the aforementioned variables in addition to history of dyslipidemia, smoking and prior MI, those with a low DASI score had a significantly higher likelihood of a reduced RHI (&lt;median) (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08 - 2.74, P=0.023) Conclusion: Poor functional capacity is independently associated with microvascular dysfunction in patients with stable CAD, and illustrates a potential mechanism by which reduced functional capacity increases cardiovascular risk. Whether improvement in functional capacity by exercise/rehabilitation programs improves microvascular function requires further investigation.

Prevalence of P wave dispersion and interatrial block in patients with systolic heart failure and their relationship with functional status, hospitalization and one year mortality

Background and objectivesP-wave dispersion (PWD) and Interatrial block (IAB) are common in heart failure (HF), and could be associated with adverse cardiac events. We aimed to assess the prevalence of PWD and IAB and their relationship with functional status, hospitalization and mortality rate in patients with systolic HF.MethodsWe enrolled 110 HF patients in sinus rhythm & LVEF <50%. Patients had undergone clinical evaluation, 6 min walking test (6MWT), 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), 24-h Holter ECG & echocardiogram. Hospitalization and mortality rate were followed-up for one year. PWD was defined as the difference between maximum & minimum P-wave duration >40 ms. IAB was defined as maximum P duration >110 ms. Measurements were done by 2 blinded investigators using a caliber, a ruler and a magnifying lens.ResultsMean age was 58.9 ± 9.7 years and 67.3% were males. Prevalence of PWD and IAB was 68.2% and 57.3%, respectively. Patients with PWD showed these features: 84% in NYHA class III or IV HF, 77.4% had LVEF <35%, 78.7% had paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and 89.4% couldn’t complete >200 m (m) in 6MWT. Patients with PWD had more hospitalizations (72% vs 28.6%, P value <0.02) and higher 1-year mortality rate (20% vs 8.6%, P value <0.04) than patients without PWD. Likewise, patients with IAB had nearly similar clinical features, hospitalization and mortality as patients with PWD.ConclusionPWD and IAB are prevalent in patients with systolic HF and they are significantly associated with low LVEF, paroxysmal AF, poor functional capacity, hospitalization and mortality rate.

Результати проведення фізичної реабілітації хворих на хронічне обструктивне захворювання легенів помірного ступеня тяжкості

Мета. Проаналізувати результати проведеної фізичної реабілітації хворих на хронічне обструктивне захворювання легенів помірного ступеня тяжкості. У дослідженні взяло участь 162 хворих, які лікувалися у пульмонологічному відділенні лікарні. Під час аналізу середніх значень показників функції зовнішнього дихання хворих обох груп на початку дослідження було встановлено, що ці показники значно нижчі від нормальних і не відрізняються між собою, що свідчить про погану функціональну здатність легенів і прохідність бронхів. Для кожного хворого підбирали індивідуальну програму фізичної реабілітації з урахуванням фізичних можливостей, показників функції зовнішнього дихання, специфічних фізіологічних і психопатологічних порушень. У хворих основної групи раніше спостерігали позитивну динаміку: ослаблення задишки, покращення відходження харкотиння, зменшення хрипів у легенях, поліпшення сну і самопочуття. Застосування фізичної реабілітації призвело до нарощування функціональних можливостей хворих, що виразилося збільшенням в обстежуваних основної групи середніх значень показників функції зовнішнього дихання наприкінці дослідження, які свідчать про її ефективність

Intermediate CD14++CD16+ monocytes decline after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and correlate with functional capacity and left ventricular systolic function.

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is the method of choice for patients with severe aortic valve stenosis, who are ineligible or at high risk for surgery. Though TAVR leads to a significant reduction in mortality, a notable amount of patients are re-hospitalized early after TAVR. Parameters or biomarkers predicting outcome are therefore needed to identify patients who benefit most. Specific monocyte subsets have been associated with cardiovascular diseases and were shown to possess prognostic value.MethodsPeripheral blood was drawn before and after transfemoral TAVR with the self-expanding CoreValve, Boston Lotus or the balloon-expanding Edwards Sapien prosthesis. Classical (CD14++CD16−), intermediate (CD14++CD16+) and non-classical (CD14+CD16++) monocyte subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before, early after as well as 3 months after the TAVR procedure.ResultsNo significant differences in the absolute monocyte counts were found after TAVR. A significant decline in the intermediate monocyte population was though observed early after TAVR (pre 4.01±0.38%, post 2.803±0.34%, p≤0.05). Creatinine levels stayed stable after TAVR procedure and intermediate monocytes were associated with worse renal function. Monocyte decline was not related to changes in CRP-, noradrenaline, cortisol or aldosterone-levels. The amount of intermediate monocytes correlated with worse cardiac function and predicted the possibility to reach an improvement in NYHA functional class at 3 months after TAVR.ConclusionsA significant decline of intermediate monocytes occurs shortly after TAVR. High levels of intermediate monocytes were associated with worse cardiac function and predicted poor functional capacity, hinting at a possible prognostic value.

MORTALITY AND FUNCTION AFTER SURGICALLY-TREATED HIP FRACTURE IN ADULTS YOUNGER THAN AGE 60.

ABSTRACTObjective: Hip fractures in young adults can cause poor functional capacity throughout life because of several complications. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate 1-year mortality and functional outcomes for patients aged 60 years or younger with hip fracture . Methods: We prospectively obtained data for all consecutive patients aged 60 or younger with any type of hip fracture who were treated operatively between 2008 and 2014. After one year, patient outcomes were evaluated according to changes in pain severity, functional status (modified Barthel index), and mortality rate . Results: Of the total of 201 patients, 132 (65.7%) were men (mean age: 41.8 years) and 69 (34.3%) were women (mean age: 50.2 years) (p<0.001). Reduced pain severity was reported in 91.5% of the patients. The mean modified Barthel index was 22.3 in men and 18.6 in women (p<0.001). At the one-year follow-up, 39 cases (19.4%) were dependent on walking aids while only 17 patients (8.5%) used walking aids preoperatively (p<0.001). Seven patients (4 men and 3 women) died during the one-year follow-up period; 2 died in the hospital after surgery . Conclusion: Hip fractures in young adults have a low mortality rate, reduction in pain severity, and acceptable functional outcomes one year after surgery. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.