Predictors Of Rehospitalization Research Articles

Depression, anxiety, and quality of life as predictors of rehospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure

BackgroundChronic heart failure (CHF) is a severe condition, often co-occurring with depression and anxiety, that strongly affects the quality of life (QoL) in some patients. Conversely, depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with a 2–3 fold increase in mortality risk and were shown to act independently of typical risk factors in CHF progression. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of depression, anxiety, and QoL on the occurrence of rehospitalization within one year after discharge in CHF patients.Methods148 CHF patients were enrolled in a 10-center, prospective, observational study. All patients completed two questionnaires, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Questionnaire Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) at discharge timepoint.ResultsIt was found that demographic and clinical characteristics are not associated with rehospitalization. Still, the levels of depression correlated with gender (p ≤ 0.027) and marital status (p ≤ 0.001), while the anxiety values ​​were dependent on the occurrence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, levels of depression (HADS-Depression) and anxiety (HADS-Anxiety) did not correlate with the risk of rehospitalization. Univariate logistic regression analysis results showed that rehospitalized patients had significantly lower levels of Bodily pain (BP, p = 0.014), Vitality (VT, p = 0.005), Social Functioning (SF, p = 0.007), and General Health (GH, p = 0.002). In the multivariate model, poor GH (OR 0.966, p = 0.005) remained a significant risk factor for rehospitalization, and poor General Health is singled out as the most reliable prognostic parameter for rehospitalization (AUC = 0.665, P = 0.002).ConclusionTaken together, our results suggest that QoL assessment complements clinical prognostic markers to identify CHF patients at high risk for adverse events. Clinical Trial Registration: The study is registered under http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01501981, first posted on 30/12/2011), sponsored by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Depression as a Predictor for Rehospitalization in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Depression as a Predictor for Rehospitalization in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

Predictors of Rehospitalization in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure a Single Center Study in Moroccan Patients

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a major problem of public health in Morocco with few studies exploring HF particularities in this country where the prevalence of HF is estimated to be around 2.2%.
 Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between frequency of rehospitalization in our population with age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), heart rate (HR), and QRS duration, Since the number of rehospitalizations is strongly correlated to mortality as shown by many studies.
 Materials and Methods: Patients with HF were enrolled in this retrospective case control study regardless of their LVEF, patients with recent (<3months) myocardial infarction were excluded. They were all examined and questioned in the heart failure unit of our hospital between the period of October 2022 and December 2022. The correlations were calculated by PEARSON index using R Statistical Software.
 Results: 224 patients were included. The mean patient age was 59 years (57.2-63;IC 95%) with a male predominance of 60.1 % (56.8-71; IC 95%). 35.5% and 32.2% of patients were treated for hypertension and diabetes respectively. The mean LVEF was 35.2% (33.96-36.91;IC 95%). A positive correlation was found between rehospitalization frequency and age and high heart rate (+ 0.42 p = 0,04;+0.322, p<0.005) respectively . Conversely a negative correlation was found with LVEF (-0.312, p<0.005) while there was a positive correlation with QRS duration but without significance (+0.162 , p=0.03).
 Conclusion: This study shows strong correlation between rehospitalization and advanced age, higher HR and lower LVEF.

B-Lines Value on Lung Ultrasound and EVEREST Score Pre-Discharge as A Predictor of Rehospitalization and Total Mortality Post Hospitalization Due to Acute Heart Failure

Background: The high rate of rehospitalization in the vulnerable phase after treatment for acute heart failure (AHF) is caused by persistent hemodynamic congestion, even though the patient has experienced clinical improvement before being discharged. The B-lines value on Lung Ultrasound is a hemodynamic parameter that has the potential to determine the post-treatment prognosis of patients with AHF, while the EVEREST score is a marker of congestion which consists of several parameters used to assess congestion clinically. Methods: Patients treated for AHF with varying ejection fraction (EF) were included in this prospective cohort study. Data on demographics, comorbidities, pre-discharge therapy and pre-discharge echocardiographic parameters were collected. The pre-discharge B-lines value and EVEREST score were calculated a maximum of 24 hours before the patient was discharged. The outcomes studied were rehospitalization and total mortality within 60 days. Results: A total of 66 samples with various EF were included until the end of the study (15 HFpEF, 8 HFmrEF, and 43 HFrEF, mean age 57.14 ± 14.68 years). During the 60-day follow-up period, 19 samples (28.9%) experienced rehospitalization and total mortality. Both the B-lines value (AUC 0.716; 95%CI 0.581-0.851; p<0.006) and the EVEREST score (AUC 0.675; 95%CI 0.542-0.807%; p<0.027) served as predictors of rehospitalization and total mortality. The regression model showed that the pre-discharge B-lines score was ≥9 (adjusted HR 4.865; 95%CI 1.749-13.534; p=0.002) and the pre-discharge EVEREST score ≥2 (adjusted HR 3.694; 95%CI 1.211-11.262; p=0.022) played an independent role as a predictor of rehospitalization and total mortality, regardless of BMI, diabetes mellitus, renal impairment or TAPSE. Conclusion: The pre-discharge B-line value and EVEREST score can be applied to stratify the risk of rehospitalization and total mortality after treatment for patients with AHF.

Predictors of rehospitalization in young adults with first episode psychosis – a comparison between LAI and oral antipsychotic therapy

Predictors of rehospitalization in young adults with first episode psychosis – a comparison between LAI and oral antipsychotic therapy

Low chronotropic index predicts rehospitalization in post-acute myocardial infarction patients with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction

Abstract Background There are limited data about the clinical utility of combined stress echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET-ESE) in predicting prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Aim To assess prognostic parameters using CPET-ESE in post-AMI patients with preserved or mildly reduced LVEF. Methods Eighty-seven patients after the first AMI with LVEF >40% were followed for 2 years (median 1.93 years IQR 1.16–2.41). The composite end-point was all-cause mortality or rehospitalization due to ischaemic heart disease (AMI, unstable angina, percutaneous coronary intervention/coronary artery bypass grafting) or heart failure exacerbation. All patients underwent symptom-limited CPET-ESE on a semi-supine cycle ergometer 3 to 5 weeks after AMI. The chronotropic index was calculated as the percent of heart rate reserve. Six patients refused to complete the survey and they were not included in the analysis. Results Follow-up was conducted in 81 consecutive patients (mean age 59±10 years, 62% males, 50% AMI with ST-segment elevation, 85% on beta-blockers). Mean LVEF was 56±9% and peak VO2 18.5±5.0 mL/kg/min. There were no deaths during follow-up. The composite end-point occurred in 13 patients. In multivariate Cox regression analysis after correction for demographic and clinical variables, only chronotropic index correlated with the composite end-point (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.99, p=0.026). A positive predictive value of 33.3% and a negative predictive value of 91.3% (sensitivity 61.5%, specificity 76.5%, area under the curve, AUC 71%) for predicting the composite end-point was established for the chronotropic index ≤36.8% (Fig. 1). There was a statistically significant difference in the composite end-point occurrence (p<0.01) between subgroups with the chronotropic index above and below that threshold (Fig. 2). Conclusions In patients after the first AMI with preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular systolic function, a lower chronotropic index is a predictor of rehospitalization in 2-year follow-up. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland

Age-Stratified 30-day Rehospitalization and Mortality and Predictors of Rehospitalization Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Medicare Cohort Study.

Recent studies suggest young adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have high 30-day readmission rates, which may necessitate tailored readmission reduction strategies. To aid in risk stratification for future strategies, we measured 30-day rehospitalization and mortality rates among Medicare beneficiaries with SLE and determined rehospitalization predictors by age. In a 2014 20% national Medicare sample of hospitalizations, rehospitalization risk and mortality within 30 days of discharge were calculated for young (aged 18-35 yrs), middle-aged (aged 36-64 yrs), and older (aged 65+ yrs) beneficiaries with and without SLE. Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to predict rehospitalization rates among patients with SLE by age group using patient, hospital, and geographic factors. Among 1.39 million Medicare hospitalizations, 10,868 involved beneficiaries with SLE. Hospitalized young adult beneficiaries with SLE were more racially diverse, were living in more disadvantaged areas, and had more comorbidities than older beneficiaries with SLE and those without SLE. Thirty-day rehospitalization was 36% among young adult beneficiaries with SLE-40% higher than peers without SLE and 85% higher than older beneficiaries with SLE. Longer length of stay and higher comorbidity risk score increased odds of rehospitalization in all age groups, whereas specific comorbid condition predictors and their effect varied. Our models, which incorporated neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage, had moderate-to-good predictive value (C statistics 0.67-0.77), outperforming administrative data models lacking comprehensive social determinants in other conditions. Young adults with SLE on Medicare had very high 30-day rehospitalization at 36%. Considering socioeconomic disadvantage and comorbidities provided good prediction of rehospitalization risk, particularly in young adults. Young beneficiaries with SLE with comorbidities should be a focus of programs aimed at reducing rehospitalizations.

Predictors and outcomes of quality of life in elderly patients with heart failure

Study objectiveThis study aims to identify predictors of health related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with heart failure (HF) and assess whether HRQoL was a predictor of rehospitalisation and mortality, and if age influenced the findings. DesignObservational cohort study. SettingSeven hospitals in the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia. ParticipantsCommunity dwelling patients who completed a Minnesota Living with HF questionnaire (MLHFQ) within 30 days of discharge after a HF hospitalisation. Main outcome measureMultivariable linear regression models were used to identify predictors of MLHFQ scores (higher score = worse HRQoL) and adjusted Cox regression models to assess the impact of MLHFQ scores on one-year rehospitalisation and mortality. Separate analyses were conducted for those aged ≤80 or >80 years. Results1911 patients of mean age 79 years (57 % aged >80 years) were included in this analysis. Among those aged ≤80 years; younger age, lower haemoglobin and presenting symptoms at hospitalisation of exertional dyspnoea, peripheral oedema and fatigue were predictors of worse post-discharge MLHFQ scores. In patients aged >80 years, living alone, chronic kidney disease, exertional dyspnoea and peripheral oedema were predictors of worse MLHFQ scores. Worse MLHFQ scores predicted one-year HF readmissions in those aged >80 years (HR 1.22, 95 % CI 1.07–1.37) but not those aged ≤80 years (HR 0.90 95 % CI 0.71–1.10). ConclusionsIn-hospital predictors can be identified for worse HRQoL post-discharge for HF. These vary according to age, and should be addressed prior to discharge.

Rehospitalization rate and predictors of rehospitalization in heart failure patients in North Central Nigeria

Abstract 
 Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement in its treatment the rate of rehospitalization of patients after treatment for HF is still high around the world. Studies assessing rehospitalization rates of HF patients are few in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the 180-day rehospitalization rate and predictors of rehospitalization in acute HF patients managed in our Centre. The study was a retrospective cohort study of 148 patients with acute HF.
 The 180-day rehospitalization rate in our patients was 16.2%. The median time to rehospitalization was 61days. Serum urea (p=0.016), serum creatinine (p=0.033), admission eGFR < 60mls/min/1.73m2 (p=0.007), LVEF (p=0.045) were associated with rehospitalization. eGFR < 60mls/min/1.73m2 was an independent predictor of 180-day rehospitalization OR 5.4, (CI 1.701-7.690), p=0.014 suggesting 5 times greater likelihood of rehospitalization than patients with higher eGFR. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve for 180-day rehospitalization was plotted.
 In conclusion, the 180-day rehospitalization rate among our patients varies from other reported rates in our environment. Acute HF patients with renal dysfunction have a high likelihood of medium term rehospitalization and hence constitute an at-risk group for targeted intervention during admission.

Predictors of rehospitalization in Psychotic Patients after their first hospitalization

IntroductionIt is important to determine those clinical factors that imply a greater risk of rehospitalization in psychotic patientsObjectivesTo determine the rate and predictors of rehospitalization in psychotic patients after their first hospitalizationMethodsWe include all Psychotic patients admitted for first time in their life in our Psychiatric Unit between 2009 and 2019 (N=359) , including all diagnosed according DSM-IV of Schizophrenia or other Psychotic disorders -Multiple clinical, sociodemographic and biological variables of the basal hospitalization were recorded With the SPSS program we compared the variables between patients who needed any hospitalization in the follow-up until 31th December 2019 and those who do not. We use the Chi square ( qualitative variables) and the Student T ( quantitative variables)Results109 psychotic inpatients had at least one rehospitalizations (30,4%). The qualitative variables significantly associated with rehospitalization were : cannabis in urine at admission (P<0.03), and treatment with risperidone (P<0.014). Instead treatment with long acting paliperidone was associated with absence of rehospitalization (P<0.005) .The quantitative variables relationed significantly with multiple rehospitalization were : lower age (P<0,015) lower HDL cholesterol levels (P<0.02) and higher years of follow-up after discharge (P<0.000)Conclusions1-More of 30% of psychotic patients need rehospitalization after their first hospitalization in a mean of follow up of 5,8 years 2-Lower age, longer follow-up period and treatment with risperidone are significantly associated with rehospitalization , instead treatment with long acting paliperidone are significantly associated with absence of rehospitalizationDisclosureNo significant relationships.

Liver stiffness assessed by Fibrosis-4 index predicts heart failure in AMI patients

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. It has been recently reported that the liver stiffness, which reflects increased central venous pressure, measured by transient elastography increases along with decompensated heart failure (HF) developing and decreases with clinical improvement. A simple index for the assessment of liver stiffness and/or impairment of liver reserve may be useful in patients with HF. We calculated each patient´s FIB4 index(F4I) using the following formula: (age (years)× aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)/platelet count (10９/L)× square root of alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)). Patients with an F4I≥2.67 were classified into the high F4I group and these patients were strongly suspected to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is also said to be a form of metabolic syndrome expressed in the liver. And lately NAFLD is associated with increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke and cardiovascular surrogate markers. But Little is known about F4I with the influence of AMI prognosis. This study included 167 AMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention within 24h of onset. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups based on their F4I at discharge: First group (2.67 ≤F4I, n = 27), second group (F4I <2.67, n = 140) . And we assessed the association between F4I and CV events including cardiac death, recurrent AMI, recurrent PCI (TLR) and re-hospitalization of heart failure during 13 months. Result: High F4I (2.67≤ F4I ,19% VS F4I <2.67, 6%: P = 0.045) related to the re-hospitalization of heart failure. Univariate odds ratio was 3.45. F4I is significantly related to the re-hospitalization of heart failure. Conclusion: A simple index F4I is significantly related to the prognosis of adverse cardiac events after AMI patients. Abstract Figure. Predictor of Re-hospitalization of HF

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction Is Associated With Re-hospitalization in Pediatric Septic Shock Survivors.

Objective: Re-hospitalization after sepsis can lead to impaired quality of life. Predictors of re-hospitalization could help identify sepsis survivors who may benefit from targeted interventions. Our goal was to determine whether low heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, is associated with re-hospitalization in pediatric septic shock survivors.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study of patients admitted between 6/2012 and 10/2020 at a single institution. Patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with septic shock who had continuous heart rate data available from the bedside monitors and survived their hospitalization were included. HRV was measured using age-normalized z-scores of the integer HRV (HRVi), which is the standard deviation of the heart rate sampled every 1 s over 5 consecutive minutes. The 24-h median HRVi was assessed on two different days: the last 24 h of PICU admission (“last HRVi”) and the 24-h period with the lowest median HRVi (“lowest HRVi”). The change between the lowest and last HRVi was termed “delta HRVi.” The primary outcome was re-hospitalization within 1 year of discharge, including both emergency department encounters and hospital readmission, with sensitivity analyses at 30 and 90 days. Kruskal-Wallis, logistic regression, and Poisson regression evaluated the association between HRVi and re-hospitalizations and adjusted for potential confounders.Results: Of the 463 patients who met inclusion criteria, 306 (66%) were re-hospitalized, including 270 readmissions (58%). The last HRVi was significantly lower among re-hospitalized patients compared to those who were not (p = 0.02). There was no difference in the lowest HRVi, but patients who were re-hospitalized showed a smaller recovery in their delta HRVi compared to those who were not re-hospitalized (p = 0.02). This association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. In the sensitivity analysis, a smaller recovery in delta HRVi was consistently associated with a higher likelihood of re-hospitalization.Conclusion: In pediatric septic shock survivors, a smaller recovery in HRV during the index admission is significantly associated with re-hospitalization. This continuous physiologic measure could potentially be used as a predictor of patients at risk for re-hospitalization and lower health-related quality of life.

Predictors of Rehospitalization and Mortality in Diabetes-Related Hospital Admissions.

The risk factors of rehospitalization and death post-discharge in diabetes-related hospital admissions are not fully understood. To determine them, a population-based retrospective epidemiological survey was performed on diabetes-related admissions from the Polish national database. Logistic regression models were used, in which the dependent variables were rehospitalization due to diabetes complications and death within 90 days after the index hospitalization. In 2017, there were 74,248 hospitalizations related to diabetes. A total of 11.3% ended with readmission. Risk factors for rehospitalization were as follows: age < 35 years; male sex; prior hospitalization due to acute diabetic complications; weight loss; peripheral artery disease; iron deficiency anemia; kidney failure; alcohol abuse; heart failure; urgent, emergency, or weekend admission; length of hospitalization; and hospitalization in a teaching hospital with an endocrinology/diabetology unit. Furthermore, 7.3% of hospitalizations resulted in death within 90 days following discharge. Risk factors for death were as follows: age; neoplastic disease with/without metastases; weight loss; coagulopathy; alcohol abuse; acute diabetes complications; heart failure; kidney failure; iron deficiency anemia; peripheral artery disease; fluid, electrolytes, and acid–base balance disturbances; urgent or emergency and weekend admission; and length of hospitalization. We concluded that of all investigated factors, only hospitalization within an experienced specialist center may reduce the frequency of the assessed outcomes.

“Rehospitalization Prognostic Factors In Patients with Heart Failure”

Introduction: The prognosis of chronic heart failure (CHF) is determined by the complex relationship of neurohormonal, mechanical and polyorgan pathological changes emerging in the course and progression of the disease.&#x0D; Objective: To assess the risk and rate of rehospitalisation due to decompensation of chronic heart failure (CHF) in relation to certain biologic, clinical and instrumental characteristics.&#x0D; Material and Methods: This study conducted in the Department of Cardiology, Community Based Medical College &amp; Hospital, Bangladesh. Prospective study on 228 consecutive CHF patients. The follow-up period was 12 to 24 months. The primary endpoint was rehospitalization due to HF decompensation. The risk values were calculated using the Cox regression models. &#x0D; Results: Median survival time was 8 months. The total number of rehospitalizations was 86 (37.7%). Rehospitalization risk values were insignificantly lower in women (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4-1.1, р &gt;0.05) and higher in older age groups (HR 1.4 95% CI 0.8-2.2, р&gt;0.05). Univariate regression analysis showed a higher rehospitalization risk in patients with survived myocardial infarction, clinical signs of CHF, high functional class and pulmonary pressure. Multivariate regression analyses revealed the leading role of functional class on rehospitalization risk. &#x0D; Conclusion: rehospitalization rates due to decompensation of CHF are high. Age and gender are insignificant predictors for rehospitalization in our study. Functional class is the prognostic factor with an independent effect on rehospitalization risk over the defined follow-up period among the examined group of patients.

Six Minute Walking Test As Predictor For Mortality and Rehospitalization Within 3 Months In Post Coronary Bypass Surgery Patients

AbstractBackground: Patients underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery are at risk of developing post-operative complications that affect length of stay, re-hospitalization and increase in mortality rate. Impaired functional capacity is associated with poor outcomes in patients after CABG. The Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) is generally used to evaluate functional capacity before cardiac rehabilitation and to prescribe the intensity of exercise training. The six minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple test and has been used in heart failure patients to assess exercise tolerance, the effects of therapy and prognosis. This study is to investigate the relationship between the distance of 6MWTwith re- hospitalization and mortality rate in post coronary artery bypass surgery patients.Method: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Cardiac Centre of Adam Malik Hospital. Subjects of the study consists of 104 patients underwent coronary bypass surgery between January 2019 until February 2020. 6MWT is performed before the patient discharge. Rates of re-hospitalisation and mortality were observed during 3 months of follow-up. The distance walk during 6MWT was compare to rate of rehospitalization and cardiac mortality. Result: Total of 104 patients (91 males, mean age 57,4±5,7 years). Six patients died (5,8%) of cardiovascular cause and 18 (17,3%) were rehospitalized. Significant relationship was found between the distance of 6MWT and incidence of mortality and re-hospitalization (p &lt;0.001). Patients with 6MWT &lt;250 meters had a higher risk of re-hospital compared to those with 6MWT &gt;250 meters with RR 16.74 (95% CI: 2.53-110.78) and p = 0.008. Conclusion: The six minute walk test (6MWT) is a predictor of re-hospitalization in patients post CABG. Patients who walked in shorter distance group &lt;250 meters would increase risk of re-hospitalization rate 16.74 greater than patients with distances &gt;250 meters. Keywords: 6MWT; CABG; rehospitalization; mortality

Abstract 16892: Impact of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis on Hospital Readmission Rates in Patients With Acute Proximal and Caval Deep Vein Thrombosis

Objective: To evaluate the readmission rate and identify the predictors of rehospitalization in patients with acute proximal and caval DVT. Background: Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the US that affects more than 600,000 patients each year. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) is a minimally invasive treatment option that improve acute symptoms as well as quality of life of patients with acute DVT. Methods: Patients with index hospitalization for acute proximal and caval DVT between 2016 and 2017 in the U.S. Nationwide Readmission Database were evaluated for the rates, predictors, and costs of unplanned readmission at 30 days. We used Cox proportional hazard model to determine predictors of 30 days readmissions. Results: This analysis included 58,306 patients (age&gt;=18 years) with index hospitalization for acute proximal and caval DVT; 8589 (14.7%) were readmitted within 30 days. The significant predictors for 30 day unplanned readmission were Malignancy (HR 1.60, 1.41-1.81), Charlson comorbidity index &gt; 3 (HR 1.43, 1.30-1.57), Insurance Medicare vs Private(HR 1.39, 1.25-1.57), Length of stay more than 2 days (HR 1.34, 1.24-1.45), and Acute Kidney Injury (HR 1.28, 1.17-1.40), COPD (HR 1.25, 1.13-1.38), Age (HR 0.77,0.70-0.85), Catheter directed thrombolysis ( HR 0.83, 0.76-0.90), and Acute Pulmonary Embolism(HR 0.83, 0.76-0.90)(Figure1). The cost of readmission was higher than index hospitalization ($ 56733 vs $ 47396). Conclusion: The 30 days readmission rate continue to be high in patients with acute DVT. Patient’s characteristics and comorbid conditions are predictors of readmission. Use of Catheter directed thrombolysis for treatment of acute DVT predicts reduced readmission risk.

Sleep apnea in heart failure: in search of a better prognosis predictor

Abstract Background Sleep apnea (SA) is a burdensome and often underdiagnosed condition in heart failure (HF). Portable devices, such as ApneaLinkTM, are currently validated as a screening tool for SA. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) as been long considered the gold-standard measurement for the diagnosis of SA, also having a prognosis impact. Recently, however, other respiratory variables have been proposed as better prognosis predictors in patients with HF. The main goal of this study was to assess the prognostic value of other respiratory measurements evaluated by ApneaLinkTM at discharge in a population admitted for HF. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study enrolling consecutive patients admitted in a HF Clinic for acute HF from 2013 and 2018. All stable patients without previously known sleep-disordered breathing underwent ApneaLinkTM screening the night before discharge in the euvolemic state. Those with a total respiratory evaluation time &amp;lt;180 minutes or in need of supplemental oxygen were excluded. A primary endpoint of long-term HF hospitalizations was evaluated. Results Overall, 231 patients (mean age 74.5±10.6 years; 47% male; 83% hypertension; 41% chronic kidney disease; 44% anemia; 18% with a NYHA&amp;gt;2 at discharge; 43% ischaemic HF; 41% with a left ventricle ejection fraction lower than 50%) were assessed. One-hundred and sixty-nine patients (59.1%) had an AIH &amp;gt;15, with a median of 19 (IQR 7–42); the median number of obstructive apneas and central apneas was 13 (IQR 2–68), and 2 (IQR 0–10), respectively. Two-hundred patients (69.9%) had nocturnal periods of an oxygen saturation below 85% (T85), with a median time under that value of 8 (IQR 0–47) minutes. Over a median follow-up of 34.1 (IQR 18.40–54.37) months, 105 (45.7%) patients died and 128 (55.7%) were readmitted for AHF. After adjustment for cofounders (namely, the presence of anemia) a T85 above the 75th percentile was significantly correlated with a higher risk of HF readmission in a multivariate analysis (adjusted HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.08–2.30, p=0.017) (figure 1). These results were independent of the apnea-hypopnea index. Conclusion Nocturnal hypoxemia (T85) was an independent predictor of rehospitalization in patients with HF. These results further validate the utility and prognosis impact of other respiratory measurements (other than AHI) evaluated by ApneaLinkTM screening at discharge in a population of patients admitted for HF. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Cross‐lagged analyses of the bidirectional relationship between depression and markers of chronic heart failure

Depression is common in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is a predictor of rehospitalization and mortality. However, the complex bidirectional relationships between these two conditions are barely understood. We investigated the course of depression and markers of CHF (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class, N-terminal-prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]) in a longitudinal study over a period of 2 years, using three assessment points. Data of n = 446 patients with documented CHF were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Specifically, a Bayesian cross-lagged structural equation model was applied. Our study revealed that an aggravation of depression predicted an increase in NYHA functional class (significant cross-lagged effect γh = 0.103, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.017; 0.194]), whereas an increase in NYHA functional class did not predict an aggravation of depression (γd = 0.002 95% CI [-0.057; 0.194]). This association was found only for NYHA functional class and depression-not for NT-proBNP and LVEF. Experiencing depression and associated symptoms, such as lack of energy and fatigue, may lead to a further decrease of functional capacity, and consequently to a higher NYHA functional class in CHF patients. As NYHA functional class is associated with higher mortality, this may be a critical development for affected patients. Further studies are required to investigate whether or not this association could be an essential key that explains the pathway from depression to increased mortality in heart failure patients.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy-induced sarcopenia to predict perioperative complications following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

478 Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is the standard of care for muscle invasive bladder cancer and has a high rate of complications. Malnutrition is common among RC patients and is an established risk factor for peri-operative complications. The association of NAC and nutritional status and its effect on post-operative complications is not fully understood. We hypothesize that NAC hinders nutritional status and thus increases complication rates after RC. Methods: We retrospectively examined the records of NAC/RC patients. We included demographic, clinical and pathologic data and type and cycle number of NAC. Nutritional status was assessed with the smooth muscle area (SMA) of the psoas muscle at the level of L4 vertebrae measured on cross-sectional imaging. Patients with missing imaging data were excluded. SMA was measured pre and post NAC. The difference between the measurements was used as a predictor variable (delta_SMA). The outcomes assessed were ileus, infection, rehospitalization and a composite outcome of any complication. Results: The study included 50 patients, from 3 high volume centers in Israel. Median delta_SMA was -197 (-366, -88) mm2. Demographic, clinical and pathologic parameters were similar in patients with and without complications. delta_SMA was an independent predictor of ileus (OR = 0.98, p=0.003), peri-operative infection (OR = 0.98, p=0.0015) and any complications (OR = 0.98, p = 0.011) on univariable analysis. Delta_SMA remained an independent predictor of ilieus (OR 0.97, p=0.014), peri-operative infections (OR 0.95, p=0.023) and any complications (OR 0.98, p=0.01) on multivariable regression analysis. Delta_SMA was not a significant predictor of rehospitalization. Conclusions: In patients undergoing RC, NAC causes a measurable nutritional insult. The change in SMA predicts significant peri-operative complications. Future studies should examine the role of nutritional intervention during NAC in the framework of a clinical trial.

Prognostic Utility of Troponin I and N Terminal-ProBNP among Patients with Heart Failure due to Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy and Important Correlations.

Heart Failure (HF) is accompanied by a high cost of care and gloomy prognosis despite recent advances in its management. Therefore, efforts to minimize HF rehospitalizations is a major focus of several studies. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 140 patients 18 years and above who had baseline clinical parameters, echocardiography, NT-ProBNP, troponin I and other laboratory parameters following a 3-year electronic medical record review. Patients with coronary artery disease, preserved ejection fraction, pulmonary embolism, cancer, and end-stage renal disease were excluded. Of the 140 patients admitted with HF with reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF) secondary to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, 15 were re-hospitalized within 30 days of discharge while 42 were rehospitalized within 6 months after discharge for decompensated HF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) cutoff points were obtained for NT-ProBNP at 5178 pg/ml and serum troponin I at 0.045 ng/ml. After Cox regression analysis, patients with HFrEF who had higher hemoglobin levels had reduced odds of re-hospitalization (p = 0.007) within 30 days after discharge. NT-ProBNP and troponin I were independent predictors of re-hospitalization at 6 months after discharge (p = 0.047 and p = 0.02), respectively, after Cox regression analysis. Troponin I and NT-ProBNP at admission are the best predictors of re-hospitalization 6 months after discharge among patients with HFrEF. Hemoglobin is the only predictor of 30 -day rehospitalization among HFrEF patients in this study. High-risk patients may require aggressive therapy to improve outcomes.