Prognosis Of Acute Heart Failure Research Articles

Assessment of Venous Congestion with Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score in the Prognosis of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department: a Prospective Study

Assessment of Venous Congestion with Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score in the Prognosis of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department: a Prospective Study

Assessment of Venous Congestion with Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score in the Prognosis of Acute Heart Failure in the Emergency Department: a Prospective Study

Abstract Aims In acute decompensated heart failure (HF), systemic venous congestion contributes to patients’ symptoms and hospital admissions. The purpose of our study is to determine if venous congestion, examined using the Venous Excess Ultrasound (VExUS) score, predicts heart failure-related hospitalisation and mortality in patients admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) with acute decompensated heart failure. Methods 50 patients admitted for acute HF in ED underwent ultrasound assessment according to the VExUS score within the first 24 hours and 72 hours. All patients were followed-up with a telephone call at 30 and 60 days after the hospital discharge. Results On admission, 56% had a VEXUS score 3. After 72 hours, 32% had no more signs of congestion at the Doppler VEXUS examination (VCI < 2 cm, VEXUS score 0), a similar percentage still exhibited a VEXUS score 3 despite therapy. 80% of patients were hospitalised after the admission to the ED, whilst six (15%) died in-hospital, all exhibited a first assessment VExUS 3 score. No patient with a VExUS score below 3 died during the study. During short-term follow-up, 18 patients were re-admitted to ED for acute decompensated HF. 94% of the re-admitted patients had a VExUS score 3 at the Doppler assessment at the first ED admission. Conclusions Severe venous congestion, defined as a VExUS score of 3 at the initial assessment of patients with acute decompensated HF predicts in-patient mortality, HF-related death, and early readmission.

Effect of low blood pressure on prognosis of acute heart failure

Low blood pressure (BP) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). We investigated the influence of initial BP on the prognosis of HF patients at admission, and prescribing patterns of HF medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), and beta-blockers (BB). Data were sourced from a multicentre cohort of patients admitted for acute HF. Patients were grouped into heart failure reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF mildly reduced/preserved ejection fraction (HFmrEF/HFpEF) groups. Initial systolic and diastolic BPs were categorized into specific ranges. Among 2778 patients, those with HFrEF were prescribed ACEi, ARB, or BB at discharge, regardless of their initial BP. However, medication use in HFmrEF/HFpEF patients tended to decrease as BP decreased. Lower initial BP in HFrEF patients correlated with an increased incidence of all-cause death and composite clinical events, including HF readmission or all-cause death. However, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed in HFmrEF/HFpEF patients according to BP. Initial systolic (< 120 mmHg) and diastolic (< 80 mmHg) BPs were independently associated with a 1.81-fold (odds ratio [OR] 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.349–2.417, p < 0.001) and 2.24-fold (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.645–3.053, p < 0.001) increased risk of long-term mortality in HFrEF patients, respectively. In conclusion, low initial BP in HFrEF patients correlated with adverse clinical outcomes, and BP < 120/80 mmHg independently increased mortality. However, this relationship was not observed in HFmrEF/HFpEF patients.

Inflammation and Prognosis in Acute Heart Failure: Is There a Role for Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value?

Inflammation and Prognosis in Acute Heart Failure: Is There a Role for Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value?

Diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p levels in patients with acute heart failure

BackgroundIt is essential to find reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) for its mitigation. Currently, increasing attention is paid to the role of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) as diagnostic or prognostic markers for cardiovascular diseases. Since plasma miR-106a-5p has been observed to be downregulated in AHF, its value in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of AHF deserves further exploration. Accordingly, this study analyzed the diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p in AHF patients.MethodsProspectively, this study included 127 AHF patients who met the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and 127 control individuals. Plasma miR-106a-5p levels were determined with RT-qPCR. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation of plasma miR-106a-5p levels with NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels in AHF patients. All AHF patients were followed up for 1 year and allocated into poor and good prognosis groups, and plasma miR-106a-5p levels were compared. The diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p for AHF was assessed with a receiver-operating characteristic curve.ResultsPlasma miR-106a-5p was lowly expressed in AHF patients versus controls (0.53 ± 0.26 vs. 1.09 ± 0.46) and showed significant negative correlations with NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels. Plasma miR-106a-5p level < 0.655 could assist in AHF diagnosis. Plasma miR-106a-5p levels were markedly lower in poor-prognosis AHF patients than in good-prognosis patients. Plasma miR-106a-5p level < 0.544 could assist in predicting poor prognosis in AHF patients.ConclusionPlasma miR-106a-5p is downregulated in AHF patients and could assist in diagnosis and poor prognosis prediction of AHF.

Insights into the Novel Cardiac Biomarker in Acute Heart Failure: Mybp-C.

(1) Background: Given its high cardiac specificity and its capacity to directly assess the cardiac function, cardiac myosin-binding protein (MyBP-C) is a promising biomarker in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical utility of this novel marker for diagnosis and short-term prognosis in subjects with AHF. (2) Methods: We measured plasma levels of MyBP-C at admission in 49 subjects (27 patients admitted with AHF and 22 controls). (3) Results: The plasma concentration of MyBP-C was significantly higher in patients with AHF compared to controls (54.88 vs. 0.01 ng/L, p < 0.001). For 30-day prognosis, MyBP-C showed significantly greater AUC (0.972, p < 0.001) than NT-proBNP (0.849, p = 0.001) and hs-TnI (0.714, p = 0.047). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, an elevated level of MyBP-C was the best independent predictor of 30-day mortality (OR = 1.08, p = 0.039) or combined death/recurrent 30-days rehospitalization (OR = 1.12, p = 0.014). (4) Conclusions: Our data show that circulating MyBP-C is a sensitive and cardiac-specific biomarker with potential utility for the accurate diagnosis and prognosis of AHF.

Ensemble of artificial neural networks weighted by operational characteristics for prognosis of acute heart failure

Ensemble of artificial neural networks weighted by operational characteristics for prognosis of acute heart failure

Prognosis of acute heart failure in patients followed up in nursing homes in Spain: Results from the RICA registry

BackgroundPatients with chronic diseases such as heart failure (HF) are at risk of hospital admission. We evaluated the impact of living in nursing homes (NH) on readmissions and all-cause mortality of HF patients during a one-year follow up. MethodsAn observational and multicenter study from the Spanish National Registry of Heart Failure (RICA) was performed. We compared clinical and prognostic characteristics between both groups. Bivariate analyses were performed using Student's t-test and Tukey's method and a Kaplan–Meier survival at one-year follow up. A multivariate proportional hazards analysis of [Cox] regression by the conditional backward method was conducted for the variables being statistically significant related to the probability of death in the univariate. ResultsThere were 5644 patients included, 462 (8.2%) of whom were nursing home residents. There were 52.7% women and mean age was 79.7±8.8 years. NH residents had lower Barthel (74.07), Charlson (3.27), and Pfeiffer index (2.2), p<0.001). Mean pro-BNP was 6686pg/ml without statistical significance differences between groups. After 1-year follow-up, crude analysis showed no differences in readmissions 74.7% vs. 72.3%, p=0.292, or mortality 63.9% vs. 61.1%, p=0.239 between groups. However, after controlling for confounding variables, NH residents had a higher 1-year all-cause mortality (HR 1.153; 95% CI 1.011–1.317; p=0.034). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed worse survival in nursing home residents (log-rank of 7.12, p=0.008). ConclusionsNursing home residents with heart failure showed higher one-year mortality which could be due to worse functional status, higher comorbidity, and cognitive deterioration.

Indwelling urinary catheters: on associations with prognosis in acute heart failure and confounding factors.

Indwelling urinary catheters: on associations with prognosis in acute heart failure and confounding factors.

Prognosis of acute heart failure in patients followed up in nursing homes in Spain: Results from the RICA registry

BackgroundPatients with chronic diseases such as heart failure (HF) are at risk of hospital admission. We evaluated the impact of living in nursing homes (NH) on readmissions and all-cause mortality of HF patients during a one-year follow up. MethodsAn observational and multicenter study from the Spanish National Registry of Heart Failure (RICA) was performed. We compared clinical and prognostic characteristics between both groups. Bivariate analyses were performed using Student's t-test and Tukey's method and a Kaplan–Meier survival at one-year follow up. A multivariate proportional hazards analysis of [Cox] regression by the conditional backward method was conducted for the variables being statistically significant related to the probability of death in the univariate. ResultsThere were 5644 patients included, 462 (8.2%) of whom were nursing home residents. There were 52.7% women and mean age was 79.7±8.8 years. NH residents had lower Barthel (74.07), Charlson (3.27), and Pfeiffer index (2.2), p<0.001). Mean pro-BNP was 6686pg/ml without statistical significance differences between groups. After 1-year follow-up, crude analysis showed no differences in readmissions 74.7% vs. 72.3%, p=0.292, or mortality 63.9% vs. 61.1%, p=0.239 between groups. However, after controlling for confounding variables, NH residents had a higher 1-year all-cause mortality (HR 1.153; 95% CI 1.011–1.317; p=0.034). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed worse survival in nursing home residents (log-rank of 7.12, p=0.008). ConclusionsNursing home residents with heart failure showed higher one-year mortality which could be due to worse functional status, higher comorbidity, and cognitive deterioration.

Timing of decongestion and its impact on acute heart failure prognosis.

The risk of unfavourable outcomes after an acute heart failure (AHF) episode remains high. Effective decongestion, reflected by haemoconcentration (HC), may guide therapy. Optimal timing of HC remains unspecified. We analysed the AHF registry to evaluate the prognostic differences of various timing of HC. Subjects were divided into 3 groups by time of reaching HC. The groups differed in terms of 1-year occurrence of a composite of the mortality and AHF hospitalization (26% vs. 46% vs. 40%, early vs. late vs. no HC, p = 0.016). Patients reaching HC earlier seem to present the best prognosis regarding the analysed composite endpoint.

Mid-Regional Pro-Adrenomedullin and N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Measurement: A Multimarker Approach to Diagnosis and Prognosis in Acute Heart Failure.

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a major cause of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis, as well as effective risk stratification, are essential for optimizing clinical management and improving patient outcomes. In this context, biomarkers have gained increasing interest in recent years as they can provide important diagnostic and prognostic information in patients with AHF. The primary objective of the present study was to compare the levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), and C-reactive protein (CRP) between patients diagnosed with acute heart failure (AHF) and those without AHF and sepsis. Furthermore, the study aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of the use of a multimarker approach in AHF patients. To achieve these objectives, a total of 145 patients with AHF and 127 patients without AHF and sepsis, serving as the control group, were consecutively enrolled in the study. Levels of MR-proADM (median: 2.07; (25th-75th percentiles: 1.40-3.02) vs. 1.11 (0.83-1.71) nmol/L, p < 0.0001), and NT-proBNP (5319 (1691-11,874) vs. 271 (89-931.5) pg/mL, p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in patients with AHF compared to controls, whereas CRP levels did not show significant differences. The mortality rate in the AHF group during in-hospital stay was 12%, and the rate of new re-admission for AHF within 30 days after discharge was 10%. During in-hospital follow-up, Cox regression analyses showed that levels of NT-proBNP > 10,132 pg/mL (hazard ratio (HR) 2.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-7.82; p = 0.0284) and levels of MR-proADM > 2.8 nmol/L (HR: 8.57; CI: 2.42-30.28; p = 0.0009) predicted mortality. The combined use of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP provided significant additive predictive value for mortality and new re-admission for AHF at 30 days after discharge. A logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of NT-proBNP pg/mL > 12,973 pg mL and/or MR-proADM > 4.2 nmol/L predicted hospital re-admission within 30 days (OR: 3.23; CI: 1.05-9.91; p = 0.041). The combined assay of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP could be helpful in accurately identifying AHF and in defining prognosis and re-admission for AHF. The complementary use of these biomarkers can provide a useful clinical evaluation of AHF while also orienting clinicians to the pathophysiology underlying heart damage and assisting them in tailoring therapy.

Prognostic impact of a reduction in the fibrosis-4 index among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure.

Although the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) is associated with right atrial pressure or prognosis in acute heart failure (AHF), the prognostic impact of its reduction during hospitalization remains uncertain. We included 877 patients (age, 74.9 ± 12.0years; 58% male) hospitalized with AHF. The reduction in FIB-4 was defined as: (FIB-4 on admission-FIB-4 at discharge)/FIB-4 on admission × 100. Patients were divided into low (< 1.0%, n = 293), middle (1.0-27.4%, n = 292), and high (> 27.4%, n = 292) FIB-4 reduction groups. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death or heart failure rehospitalization within 180days. The median FIB-4 reduction was 14.7% (interquartile range -7.8-34.9%). The primary outcome was observed in 79 (27.0%), 63 (21.6%), and 41 (14.0%) patients in the low, middle, and high FIB-4 reduction groups, respectively (P = 0.001). Adjusted Cox proportional-hazards analysis revealed that the middle and low FIB-4 reduction groups were associated with the primary outcome, independent of the pre-existing risk model including baseline FIB-4 ([high vs. middle] hazard ratio [HR]: 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-2,63, P = 0.017; [high vs. low] HR: 2.16, 95% CI 1.41-3.32, P < 0.001). FIB-4 reduction provided additional prognostic value to the baseline model, including well-known prognostic factors ([continuous net reclassification improvement] 0.304; 95% CI 0.139-0.464; P < 0.001; [integrated discrimination improvement] 0.011; 95% CI 0.004-0.017; P = 0.001). Additionally, the combination of the reduction in FIB-4 and brain natriuretic peptide was useful for risk stratification. In conclusion, among patients hospitalized with AHF, a greater FIB-4 reduction during hospitalization was associated with better prognoses.

Correlation between serum laminin level and prognosis of acute heart failure.

To investigate the correlation between serum laminin (LN) level and the prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF). A total of 199 patients with AHF treated in Nantong First People's Hospital from March 2019 to November 2021 were included in this study. The patients were divided into the event group and the non-event group according to whether major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) occurred during hospitalization. We collected the baseline data of all patients and their LN levels were measured. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of LN for the occurrence of MACE in AHF patients during hospitalization. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent factors associated with the occurrence of MACE in patients with AHF. Among 199 patients with AHF, 43 were in the event group and 156 were in the non-event group. The area under ROC curve of LN to predict MACE in AHF patients during hospitalization was 0.8144, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7433-0.8855, p < .0001, cutoff point = 77.9, specificity 58.33%, and sensitivity 88.37%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent factors associated with the occurrence of MACE in AHF patients were the increase of LN level (odds ratio [OR]: 1.020, 95%CI: 1.012-1.028), the decrease of ejection fraction (OR: 0.007, 95%CI: 0.000-0.362) and diastolic blood pressure (OR: 0.946, 95%CI: 0.913-0.981;p < .05). The increase of LN level is independently correlated with the occurrence of MACE in AHF patients during hospitalization, which has the potential to be a serological indicator for poor prognosis in patients with AHF.

Construction of a web-based dynamic nomogram for predicting the prognosis in acute heart failure.

The early identification and appropriate management may provide clinically meaningful and substained benefits in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). This study aimed to develop an integrative nomogram with myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) for predicting the risk of all-cause mortality in AHF patients. Prospective study of 147 patients with AHF who received gated MPI (59.0 [47.5, 68.0] years; 78.2% males) were enrolled and followed for the primary endpoint of all-cause mortality. We analysed the demographic information, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiogram by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression for selection of key features. A multivariate stepwise Cox analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors and construct a nomogram. The predictive values of the constructed model were compared by Kaplan-Meier curve, area under the curves (AUCs), calibration plots, continuous net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement, and decision curve analysis. The 1, 3, and 5year cumulative rates of death were 10%, 22%, and 29%, respectively. Diastolic blood pressure [hazard ratio (HR) 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93-0.99; P=0.017], valvular heart disease (HR 3.05, 95% CI 1.36-6.83; P=0.007), cardiac resynchronization therapy (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.17-0.82; P=0.014), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (per 100pg/mL; HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P<0.001), and rest scar burden (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P=0.008) were independent risk factors for patients with AHF. The cross-validated AUCs (95% CI) of nomogram constructed by diastolic blood pressure, valvular heart disease, cardiac resynchronization therapy, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and rest scar burden were 0.88 (0.73-1.00), 0.83 (0.70-0.97), and 0.79 (0.62-0.95) at 1, 3, and 5years, respectively. Continuous net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were also observed, and the decision curve analysis identified the greater net benefit of the nomogram across a wide range of threshold probabilities (0-100% at 1 and 3years; 0-61% and 62-100% at 5years) compared with dismissing the included factors or using either factor alone. A predictive nomogram for the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with AHF was developed and validated in this study. The nomogram incorporated the rest scar burden by MPI is highly predictive, and may help to better stratify clinical risk and guide treatment decisions in patients with AHF.

Fibrosis-4 index identifies worsening renal function associated with adverse outcomes in acute heart failure.

Worsening renal function (WRF) often develops during heart failure (HF) treatment. However, prognostic implications of WRF in acute HF remain controversial, and risk stratification of WRF is challenging. Although the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) was initially established as a liver fibrosis marker, recent studies show that high FIB-4 is associated with venous congestion and poor prognosis in acute HF. This study aimed to evaluate whether FIB-4 could identify prognostically relevant and non-relevant WRF in patients with acute HF. We retrospectively analysed data from a single-centre registry on acute HF at our university hospital between January 2015 and June 2021. This study included patients with acute HF aged ≥20years who were immediately hospitalized and had brain natriuretic peptide levels ≥100pg/mL at admission. WRF was defined as increases of ≥0.3mg/dL and >25% in serum creatinine level from admission to discharge. FIB-4 scores were calculated before discharge. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within 1year of discharge. Based on the presence of WRF and whether FIB-4 scores were above the median, patients were stratified into four groups: no WRF and lower FIB-4 scores, no WRF and higher FIB-4 scores, WRF and lower FIB-4 scores, and WRF and higher FIB-4 scores. The patients were followed up via clinical visits or telephone interviews. Clinical outcomes were collected from the electronic medical records. Of the 969 patients hospitalized for acute HF (76±11years, 59% men), 118 patients (12%) had WRF at discharge. The median (interquartile range) FIB-4 score at discharge was 2.36 (1.55-3.25). The primary endpoint occurred in 136 patients (14.0%). The 1year mortality rates were 10.5% in the no WRF and lower FIB-4 scores (≤2.36) group (n=428), 16.1% in the no WRF and higher FIB-4 scores (>2.36) group (n=423), 12.5% in the WRF and lower FIB-4 scores group (n=56), and 25.8% in the WRF and higher FIB-4 scores group (n=62) (P=0.005). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated higher all-cause mortality in the WRF and higher FIB-4 group (log-rank P=0.003). In the Cox regression analysis, only the WRF and higher FIB-4 scores group was associated with an increased risk of mortality compared with the no WRF and lower FIB-4 scores group (hazard ratio=2.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-4.18, P=0.032), despite adjusting for other confounding factors. FIB-4 is a valuable risk stratification marker for WRF in patients with acute HF. The underlying mechanism and potential clinical importance of these observations require further investigation.

Acute Left Heart Failure in the Emergency Room

Acute heart failure (AHF), a rapid or gradual onset of symptoms and/or signs of heart failure severe enough for the patient to seek urgent medical attention, represents a significant and growing healthcare burden. With a prevalence of approximately 1%–2% of the adult population, over 5 million Americans and 15 million Europeans, with a yearly incidence of 550,000, rising ≥ 10% among the elderly. Despite therapeutic advances in chronic heart failure, the prognosis of AHF is poor, with in-hospital mortality ranging from ~2% in hypertensive AHF up to 40-60% in patients with cardiogenic shock, which is a life-threatening state characterized by tissue hypoperfusion resulting in severe multi-organ dysfunction and death. Although no current therapeutic approach has improved mortality in this patient population, incorporating standardized, multidisciplinary shock teams may change. In addition, correct and expedited identification and management of AHF can be challenging due to the heterogenicity of its clinical presentation, precipitant factors, and comorbid conditions. Thus, clinicians involved in patient care should perform a structured diagnostic work-up, starting with high clinical suspicion, followed by key diagnostic tests, including biomarkers, lung ultrasonography, and echocardiography, allowing recognition of the different clinical and hemodynamic profiles and providing guidance to perform further tests and therapeutic interventions. This review discusses the healthcare burden of acute heart failure, highlights the importance of its expedited recognition, and details a proposed diagnostic work-up and individualized management approach in the emergency department. We also perform a concise review of current international guideline recommendations. Future research directions are also provided.

Percutaneous Transluminal Caval-Flow Regulation PTCR®: A New Alternative Therapy to Reshape the Future Treatment of Heart Failure

Percutaneous Transluminal Caval-flow Regulation (PTCR) is an emerging alternative therapy to treat patients with acute heart failure (AHF). AHF represents the first cause of hospitalization in elderly persons and is the main determinant of the huge healthcare expenditure related to heart failure (HF). Despite therapeutic advances, the prognosis of AHF is poor, with in-hospital mortality ranging from 4% to 7%, 60 to 90-day mortality. To reverse this situation, a balloon catheter medical device has been designed to produce cyclic occlusions of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) supported by the phases of respiration, thus having subtotal occlusion during expiration and total occlusion during inspiration, producing an intermittent regulation of venous return or preload from the IVC to the right atrium. This PTCR procedure is minimally invasive. It is performed through the insertion of the balloon catheter via the femoral vein. This catheter is advanced to the IVC guided by echocardiogram or fluoroscopy to be placed prior to drainage of the hepatic vein. At this point, the balloon is inflated up to 70% to 80% of the diameter of the IVC in expiration, which has to be previously evaluated by echocardiography. Then inspiratory collapse (20 to 30% average) of the IVC diameter produces total occlusion during inspiration and a partial or subtotal occlusion during expiration, thereby regulating caval flow in an intermittent manner. This innovative procedure is aimed at regulating the hypervolemia present in the IVC, normalizing venous return, preload, intracardiac pressures, biventricular diastolic and systolic diameters, diastolic and systolic volume, thus, obtaining reduction of total cardiac burden (TCB) and producing a reversal of ventricular remodeling. In this manner the heart returns close to its original design, with improvement in ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac output.

Comparison of the red blood cell indices based on accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to predict one-year mortality in heart failure patients

BackgroundVarious investigations have specified the role of each RBC indices separately [including hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW)] to predict the prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) patients. However, in the current study, these variables were compared based on accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to determine the best prognostic factor.MethodsOf 734 heart failure patients referred to the emergency department, 400 cases were enrolled based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data of them were documented, and patients were followed for one year. Eventually, the association of clinical variables and RBC indices with one-year mortality was explored.ResultsThe study included 226 (56%) men and 174 (44%) women with a median age of 66 years. Body Mass Index (HR 1.098, p = 0.016), Hb (HR 0.728, p = 0.024), HTC (HR 0.875, p = 0.066), MCHC (HR 0.795, p = 0.037), and RDW-CV (HR 1.174, p = 0.006) were confirmed as predictors of long-term mortality. Despite confirming the predictive role of these variables by ROC curves, their sensitivity and specificity were reported as follows: [72% and 50% for Hb], [75% and 52% for HCT], [88% and 27% for MCHC], and [49% and 81% for RDW]. In addition, stratified groups of patients, based on normal cut-off values obtained from scientific literature, had significantly different survival in Kaplan–Meier analyses.ConclusionWhilst proving the predictive role of Hb, HCT, MCHC, and RDW in AHF patients, the most sensitive measurement was MCHC and the most specific one was RDW; therefore, these variables should be considered for risk stratification purposes of AHF patients in daily clinical practice.

Multimarker Analysis of Serially Measured GDF-15, NT-proBNP, ST2, GAL-3, cTnI, Creatinine, and Prognosis in Acute Heart Failure.

Studies on serially measured GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15) in acute heart failure (HF) are limited. Moreover, several pathophysiological pathways contribute to HF. Therefore, we aimed to explore the (additional) prognostic value of serially measured GDF-15 using a multi-marker approach to more accurately predict HF risk. TRIUMPH (Translational Initiative on Unique and Novel Strategies for Management of Patients With Heart Failure) is a prospective cohort of 496 patients with acute HF who were enrolled in 14 hospitals in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2014. Blood sampling was scheduled at 7 moments during 1-year follow-up. GDF-15, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity 2), galectin-3, troponin I, and creatinine were measured in a central laboratory. We associated repeated measurements of these biomarkers with the composite primary end point of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization, using multivariable joint modeling. Median age was 74 years, and 37% were women. Median baseline GDF-15 was 4632 pg/mL. The primary end point was reached in 188 (40%) patients. The average estimated GDF-15 level increased weeks before the primary end point was reached. The hazard ratio per 1 SD difference in log-GDF-15 was 2.14 (95% CI, 1.78-2.57) unadjusted, 1.96 (1.49-2.53) after adjustment for clinical confounders and 1.44 (1.05-1.91) when jointly modeled with all biomarkers. The adjusted HRs for NT-proBNP were 2.38 (1.78-3.33) and 1.52 (1.15-2.08), respectively. The multimarker model combining GDF-15, NT-proBNP, and troponin I provided a favorable risk discrimination (area under the curve=0.785). Sequentially measured GDF-15 independently and dynamically predicts risk of adverse outcomes during 1-year follow-up after index admission for acute HF. NT-proBNP remains a robust predictor among potential candidates. Multiple biomarkers should be considered for stratification in clinical practice. URL: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/1783; Unique Identifier: NTR1893. (The trial can be found temporarily at https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=NTR1893.).