Severe Decompensated Heart Failure Research Articles

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State (HHS) and severe decompensated heart failure as presenting features of ectopic ACTH Syndrome

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

A case of successful conservative therapy of patient with severe heart failure caused by ischemic heart disease: case report

The development of heart failure in any patient causes a lot of concerns in view of the deterioration of quality of life of the latter. A clinical case of a patient with severe heart failure with a low left ventricular ejection fraction is described. The uniqueness of the demonstrated case consisted in the possibility of not only preserving the remaining resources of the heart muscle, but also in a significant restoration of systolic heart function due to adequate conservative therapy. The article presents a clinical case of successful restoration of contractile function of the heart in ischemic cardiomyopathy against the background of adequate conservative therapy. The diagnosis was not accompanied by difficulties. The patient underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography, coronary angiography, laboratory tests. According to the results patient was diagnosed with severe decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction caused by coronary heart disease with NT-proBNP level of 286 ng/L. The results of coronary angiography did not reveal critical stenosis of the coronary arteries, and therefore the patient underwent drug treatment. Guideline-directed medical therapy treatment of chronic heart failure (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, aldosterone antagonist, loop diuretics, beta-blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors) has allowed to achieve a good clinical result. Twelve months after beginning of the treatment left ventricular volume dimensions had changed significantly (LVEDV decreased from 220ml3 to 94ml3; LVESV from 162ml3 to 50 ml3), improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction from 17% to 42% (by Simson). The assessed 6-minute walk test showed functional class III according to the NYHA classification.

Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 2 and Extracellular Volume Fraction in Patients with Heart Failure.

Background Quantification of extracellular volume (ECV) fraction by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to assess myocardial fibrosis. Secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (SFRP2) appears to play an important role in cardiac fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the association between SFRP2 and myocardial fibrosis and the prognostic value of ECV fraction in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods In this prospective cohort study, 72 hospitalized adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with severe decompensated HF were included. CMR measurements and T1 mapping were performed to calculate ECV fraction. Serum SFRP2 level was detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. All patients were followed up, and the primary outcomes were composite events including all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization. Results During the median follow-up of 12 months, 27 (37.5%) patients experienced primary outcome events and had higher levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), SFRP2, and ECV fraction compared with those without events. In Pearson correlation analysis, levels of SFRP2 (r = 0.33), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.31), and hemoglobin A1c (r = 0.29) were associated with ECV fraction (all P < 0.05); however, in multivariate linear regression analysis, SFRP2 was the only significant factor determined for ECV fraction (rpartial = 0.33, P = 0.02). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, age (each 10 years, hazard ratio (HR) 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.22), ECV fraction (per doubling, HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.03–2.74), and NT-proBNP (per doubling, HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.05–5.76) were independent risk factors for primary outcomes. Conclusions Higher ECV fraction is associated with worsened prognosis in HF. SFRP2 is an independent biomarker for myocardial fibrosis. Further studies are needed to explore the potential therapeutic value of SFRP2 in myocardial fibrosis.

Single-center experience of the bridge-to-bridge strategy using the Nipro paracorporeal ventricular assist device.

Currently, we use the Nipro paracorporeal VAD (p-VAD) for initial short-term ventricular support, as a bridge to decision (BTD) or a bridge to candidacy (BTC) treatment, in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) levels 1 and 2 patients. However, it is possible that compared to patients with primary implantable-VADs (P-iVAD), the bridge-to-bridge (BTB) patients are more likely to develop complications. This retrospective study used data from 24 consecutive BTB patients who were initially implanted with Nipro p-VAD as BTD or BTC treatments between April 2011 and March 2016, and subsequently underwent conversion to an i-VAD. The data from 72 patients who underwent a primary i-VAD (P-iVAD) procedure were used for comparison. Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in the incidence of infectious events (p = 0.72) or stroke (p = 0.44). Orthotropic heart transplantation was performed in 6 of the 24 patients in the BTB group and in 21 of the 72 patients in the P-iVAD group. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 95.8% and 95.8% in the BTB group and 91% and 85.8% in the P-iVAD group; these values were not significantly different between groups (p = 0.91). Based on these results we conclude that BTB using Nipro p-VAD is a reasonable strategy for treating patients with severe decompensated end-stage heart failure.

Outcomes After Predischarge Initiation of β-Blocker in Patients Hospitalized for Severe Decompensated Heart Failure Requiring Inotropic Therapy

BackgroundThe optimal time for initiating β-blocker (BB) treatment in patients with severe acute decompensated heart failure requiring inotropic therapy has not been well defined. We evaluated the effect of predischarge initiation of BB treatment on clinical outcomes. MethodsAmong the 5625 patients enrolled in the Korean Acute Heart Failure (KorAHF) registry, 672 BB-naive patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (median, 67.0 years; 62.5% male; median left ventricular ejection fraction, 24.1%) who received inotropic support during hospitalization were evaluated. We compared the risk of post-discharge mortality and rehospitalization between groups with (n = 282) and without (n = 390) pre-discharge BB treatment. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 2.6 years, all-cause mortality occurred in 252 patients (37.5%). Those who received pre-discharge BB treatment showed lower 2-year mortality rates compared with those who did not (21.3% vs 39.3%; P < 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, all-cause mortality was consistently lower in pre-discharge BB groups after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.95; P = 0.025) and adjustment for propensity score methods using the inverse probability of treatment weighting (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.93; P = 0.016). The same trend was observed for secondary outcomes of rehospitalization for any cause and rehospitalization for heart failure. Pre-discharge BB was associated with higher rates of BB prescription after 6 (90.1% vs 23.9%; P < 0.001) and 12 (88.9% vs 25.0%; P < 0.001) months. ConclusionsPre-discharge BB initiation is associated with better clinical outcomes after severe acute decompensated heart failure episodes requiring inotropic therapy.

Outcomes following balloon mitral valvuloplasty in pregnant females with mitral stenosis and significant sub valve disease with severe decompensated heart failure.

Mitral stenosis may present with decompensated heart failure during pregnancy. Many patients do have advanced sub valve disease and present late with decompensated state. The outcomes of balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) in such advanced sub valve disease with severe heart failure in pregnancy has not been specifically studied till now. A descriptive study looking at the immediate and long-term outcomes of pregnant patients with MS who presented with severe heart failure and sub valve disease who had undergone BMV. Ninety-six patients were studied. The mean gestational age was 23.4 ± 10.9 weeks .Mean SpO2 was 89% at admission,17% were in cardiogenic shock and 33.33 were on mechanical ventilation. The mean Wilkin's score was 9.71 ± 2.1 and sub valve score was 3.3 ± 0.12. BMV was successful in 77 (80.2%) patients and failed in 19. In 5.2% cases, acute severe MR occurred. There were 11 maternal deaths (six in failed and five in success group). A successful obstetric outcome was seen in 71 patients in success (92%) and 11/19 (57%) in failed (P < 0.001). The obstetric outcomes were better in success versus failure group. Anova post hoc analysis showed sustained gradient reductions at 1 and 5 year follow-up (P = 0.03) in success group. BMV offers substantial improvement in clinical outcomes among pregnant patients with MS and heart failure even with severe sub valve disease. The morality rate among failed was high at 31%. The obstetric outcomes were poor after a failed BMV. Outcomes following balloon mitral valvuloplasty in pregnant females with mitral stenosis and significant sub valve disease with severe decompensated heart failure.

GW27-e0305 Efficacy Observation of Levosimendan in the Treatment of Severe Decompensated Heart Failure in elderly patients

GW27-e0305 Efficacy Observation of Levosimendan in the Treatment of Severe Decompensated Heart Failure in elderly patients

Organoprotective effects of serelaxin in patients with severe decompensated heart failure

Serelaxin (recombinant molecule of the human relaxin-2) is an innovative drug for the treatment of acute heart failure. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrated the ability of serelaxin to relieve the symptoms of heart failure, provide a significant reduction in congestion and have a protective effect on the heart, kidneys, liver. 48-hour serelaxin infusion in patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and severe decompensated heart failure with cardio-hepatic syndrome led to significant regression of systemic congestion (evaluated by physical signs and by bioimpedance vector analysis), the improvement of structural and functional state of the myocardium (evaluated by standard echocardiography and global systolic longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle with speckle tracking echocardiography), regression of cardio-hepatic syndrome, improvement of renal function. Serelaxin therapy was well tolerated and was safe. Presented case report demonstrates beneficial effects of serelaxin on the heart failure symptoms and the organoprotective effects.

Short-term add-on therapy with angiotensin receptor blocker for end-stage inotrope-dependent heart failure patients: B-type natriuretic peptide reduction in a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE:We aimed to evaluate angiotensin receptor blocker add-on therapy in patients with low cardiac output during decompensated heart failure.METHODS:We selected patients with decompensated heart failure, low cardiac output, dobutamine dependence, and an ejection fraction <0.45 who were receiving an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The patients were randomized to losartan or placebo and underwent invasive hemodynamic and B-type natriuretic peptide measurements at baseline and on the seventh day after intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01857999.RESULTS:We studied 10 patients in the losartan group and 11 patients in the placebo group. The patient characteristics were as follows: age 52.7 years, ejection fraction 21.3%, dobutamine infusion 8.5 mcg/kg.min, indexed systemic vascular resistance 1918.0 dynes.sec/cm5.m2, cardiac index 2.8 L/min.m2, and B-type natriuretic peptide 1,403 pg/mL. After 7 days of intervention, there was a 37.4% reduction in the B-type natriuretic peptide levels in the losartan group compared with an 11.9% increase in the placebo group (mean difference, -49.1%; 95% confidence interval: -88.1 to -9.8%, p = 0.018). No significant difference was observed in the hemodynamic measurements.CONCLUSION:Short-term add-on therapy with losartan reduced B-type natriuretic peptide levels in patients hospitalized for decompensated severe heart failure and low cardiac output with inotrope dependence.

Accessory Tricuspid Valve Leaflet and an Anomalous Muscle Bundle in the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract in a Patient with Double‐Outlet Right Ventricle: A Rare Case Report

Double-outlet right ventricle (DORV), a clinically important congenital heart disease, occurs in 1-3% of persons with congenital heart disease. It may occur as an isolated cardiac defect, together with other cardiac lesions, or in association with extracardiac anomalies. Other rare cardiac anomalies include an anomalous muscle bundle (AMB) in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and an accessory tricuspid valve leaflet. We report a very rare case of concomitant DORV, AMB in the RVOT and accessory tricuspid valve leaflet in a 17-year-old male patient. The patient eventually died from severe decompensated heart failure. To the best of our knowledge, such a case has not been previously reported in the literature.

Peritoneal ultrafiltration in patients with advanced decompensated heart failure.

The aim of the Best Practice guidelines on peritoneal ultrafiltration (UF) in patients with treatment-resistant advanced decompensated heart failure (TR-AHDF) is to achieve a common approach to the management of decompensated heart failure in those situations in which all conventional treatment options have been unsuccessful, and to stimulate a closer cooperation between nephrologists and cardiologists. The standardization of the case series of different centers would allow a better definition of the results published in the literature, without which they are nothing more than anecdotes. TR-AHDF is characterized by the persistence of severe symptoms even when all possible pharmacological and surgical options have been exhausted. These patients are often treated with methods that allow extracorporeal UF - slow continuous ultrafiltration (SCUF) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) - which have to be performed in hospital facilities. Peritoneal ultrafiltration (PUF) can be considered a treatment option in patients with TR-AHDF when, despite the fact that all treatment options have been used, patients meet the following criteria: • stage D decompensated heart failure (ACC/AHA classification); • INTERMACS level 4 decompensated heart failure; • INTERMACS frequent flyer profile; • chronic renal failure (estimated glomerular filtration rate <50 ml/min per 1.73 m2: KDOQI classification stage 3 chronic kidney disease); • no obvious contraindications to peritoneal UF. PUF treatment modes are derived from the treatment regimens proposed by various authors to obtain systemic UF in patients with severe decompensated heart failure, using manual and automated incremental peritoneal dialysis involving various glucose concentrations in addition to the single icodextrin exchange. These guidelines also identify a minimum set of tests and procedures for the follow-up phase, to be supplemented, according to the center's resources and policy, with other tests that are less routine or more complex also from a logistic/organizational standpoint, emphasizing the need for the patient's clinical and treatment program to involve both the nephrologist and the cardiologist. The pathophysiological aspects of a deterioration in kidney function in patients with decompensated heart failure are also considered, and the results of PUF in patients with decompensated heart failure reported in the various case series are reviewed.

Pseudo-PJRT in an 8 year-old boy with severe decompensated heart failure and recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation

We present a case of 8 year-old boy with several episodes of ventricular fibrillation in the course of tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy and severe decompensated heart failure. The cardiomyopathy was caused by incessant long-RP tachycardia that was resistant to pharmacotherapy. Despite initial suspition that the arrhythmia was permanent junctional reciprocating tachycardia (PJRT) electrophysiology study revealed atypical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia. Due to clinical and electrocardiographical presentation mimicking PJRT such arrhythmia merits the name 'pseudo PJRT'.

Haemodynamic effects of aliskiren in decompensated severe heart failure

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has dual pathways to angiotensin II production; therefore, multiple blockages may be useful in heart failure. In this study, we evaluated the short-term haemodynamic effects of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, in patients with decompensated severe heart failure who were also taking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. A total of 16 patients (14 men, two women, mean age: 60.3 years) were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria included hospitalisation due to decompensated heart failure, ACE inhibitor use, and an ejection fraction < 40% (mean: 21.9 ± 6.7%). The exclusion criteria were: creatinine > 2.0 mg/dl, cardiac pacemaker, serum K(+) > 5.5 mEq/l, and systolic blood pressure < 70 mmHg. Patients either received 150 mg/d aliskiren for 7 days (aliskiren group, n = 10) or did not receive aliskiren (control group, n = 6). Primary end points were systemic vascular resistance and cardiac index values. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess variables before and after intervention. A two-sided p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Compared to pre-intervention levels, systemic vascular resistance was reduced by 20.4% in aliskiren patients, but it increased by 2.9% in control patients (p = 0.038). The cardiac index was not significantly increased by 19.0% in aliskiren patients, but decreased by 8.4% in control patients (p = 0.127). No differences in the pulmonary capillary or systolic blood pressure values were observed between the groups. Aliskiren use reduced systemic vascular resistance in patients with decompensated heart failure taking ACE inhibitors.

Predictors of low cardiac output in decompensated severe heart failure

OBJECTIVE:To identify predictors of low cardiac output and mortality in decompensated heart failure.INTRODUCTION:Introduction: Patients with decompensated heart failure have a high mortality rate, especially those patients with low cardiac output. However, this clinical presentation is uncommon, and its management is controversial.METHODS:We studied a cohort of 452 patients hospitalized with decompensated heart failure with an ejection fraction of <0.45. Patients underwent clinical‐hemodynamic assessment and Chagas disease immunoenzymatic assay. Low cardiac output was defined according to L and C clinical‐hemodynamic profiles. Multivariate analyses assessed clinical outcomes. P<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS:The mean age was 60.1 years; 245 (54.2%) patients were >60 years, and 64.6% were men. Low cardiac output was present in 281 (63%) patients on admission. Chagas disease was the cause of heart failure in 92 (20.4%) patients who had higher B type natriuretic peptide levels (1,978.38 vs. 1,697.64 pg/mL; P = 0.015). Predictors of low cardiac output were Chagas disease (RR: 3.655, P<0.001), lower ejection fraction (RR: 2.414, P<0.001), hyponatremia (RR: 1.618, P = 0.036), and renal dysfunction (RR: 1.916, P = 0.007). Elderly patients were inversely associated with low cardiac output (RR: 0.436, P = 0.001). Predictors of mortality were Chagas disease (RR: 2.286, P<0.001), ischemic etiology (RR: 1.449, P = 0.035), and low cardiac output (RR: 1.419, P = 0.047).CONCLUSIONS:In severe decompensated heart failure, predictors of low cardiac output are Chagas disease, lower ejection fraction, hyponatremia, and renal dysfunction. Additionally, Chagas disease patients have higher B type natriuretic peptide levels and a worse prognosis independent of lower ejection fraction.

Pulmonary Embolism in Heart Failure

Case Presentation: A 71-year-old man with coronary artery disease, left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction, 30%), and recent admission for heart failure presented with acute dyspnea and hypoxemia. A pro-brain–type natriuretic peptide level was elevated at 2450 pg/mL (normal <350 pg/mL). Chest x-ray demonstrated cardiomegaly and small bilateral pleural effusions. After an hour of diuresis, the patient developed systemic arterial hypotension and worsened hypoxemia, prompting cardiology consultation. Based on the absence of rales on physical examination and lack of pulmonary edema on chest x-ray, an alternative diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) was suggested, and contrast-enhanced chest tomography (CT) was obtained. Chest CT demonstrated large bilateral proximal PE. Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses deep vein thrombosis and PE, is an increasingly common and challenging complication of heart failure. The relative risk of PE is at least double that of patients without heart failure and increases as LV systolic function declines.1 PE patients with heart failure have a higher overall mortality rate than those without heart failure (17% versus 10%).2 In addition, PE is an independent predictor of death or rehospitalization among heart failure patients.3 ### Risk Factors Heart failure patients often have a high medical acuity and multiple risk factors that amplify the risk of VTE.4 The increased risk of VTE observed with heart failure itself has been attributed to reduced flow caused by low cardiac output and abnormalities of hemostasis, platelet function, and endothelial function. Central venous catheters and leads from implantable cardiac defibrillators and pacemakers are common among heart failure patients and have been shown to increase the risk of upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. Heart failure patients tend to be older, and VTE in the elderly is problematic.5 ### Hemodynamics Acute PE increases pulmonary vascular resistance and right ventricular (RV) afterload through direct physical obstruction, hypoxemia, and pulmonary …

Thermal Vasodilation by Portable Device in Decompensated Severe Heart Failure with Inotropic Support

Purpose: Thermal vasodilation using sauna bathing has been demonstrated hemodynamic useful in heart failure. However, in decompensated phase with intravenous inotropic support, patients are restricted at bed; consequently thermal vasodilation by sauna bathing is not appropriated. We studied hemodynamic effects of heating by portable thermal blanket in decompensated severe heart failure. Methods: We selected patients with severe heart failure hospitalized by decompensation, LVEF<40%, in use of intravenous inotropic support.

Rapid Assay Brain Natriuretic Peptide and Troponin I in Patients Hospitalized With Decompensated Heart Failure (from the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness Trial)

Rapid-assay biomarkers may predict outcomes in patients with decompensated heart failure (HF). This study assessed whether rapid-assay B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin I predicts length of stay and mortality and correlates with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC)-derived hemodynamics in patients hospitalized with acute HF. There were 141 nonconsecutive patients in this prospective cohort study of the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE), a randomized trial testing PACs in 433 patients with severe decompensated HF. Biomarkers were drawn at baseline and discharge and when the first, second, and final hemodynamics were obtained in 69 patients randomly assigned to PACs. Cox analysis was used to model mortality, length of stay, and rehospitalization, and Pearson's correlations were used to describe the relation among BNP, troponin I, and PAC-derived hemodynamics. The median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) BNP levels were 783 pg/ml (329, 1,565) at baseline and 468 pg/ml (240, 946) at discharge. After treatment for HF, the median BNP level decreased by 144 pg/ml (-653, 55; p = 0.004). Patients with baseline BNP levels >1,500 pg/ml had greater mortality at 6 months and almost twice the length of stay as patients with BNP levels <500 pg/ml (10.1 vs 5.7 days, p = 0.002). Troponin I did not predict these outcomes. First BNP correlated modestly with first right atrial pressure (r = 0.47, p = 0.005) and first pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (r = 0.54, p = 0.001). Final BNP correlated modestly with final right atrial pressure (r = 0.63, p = 0.001). In conclusion, patients with BNP >1,500 pg/ml had greater mortality and longer length of stay than patients with BNP <500 pg/ml. BNP decreased after hospitalization, but correlated modestly with PAC-derived hemodynamics. Rapid-assay BNP may provide information that helps physicians decide when to pursue more aggressive and invasive therapies.

Acute Pulmonary Embolism Is an Independent Predictor of Adverse Events in Severe Decompensated Heart Failure Patients

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a well-recognized risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and is associated with higher mortality in patients with an acute pulmonary embolism (PE). There are very few data on how acute PE affects the clinical course of patients with heart failure. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an acute PE on the short-term prognosis of patients hospitalized for decompensated CHF. This was a prospective cohort study of 198 patients admitted to a coronary care unit between July 2001 and March 2003 with severe decompensated CHF. The primary outcome measure was death or rehospitalization at 3 months. PE was confirmed in 18 of 198 patients enrolled (9.1%). The groups with and without PE were comparable with regards to demographics, the prevalence of comorbid conditions, and severity of CHF (p > 0.05). The prevalence of cancer (p = 0.0001), previous VTE (p = 0.003), and right ventricular overload (p = 0.006) was higher in the PE group. The presence of PE was also associated with a longer hospital stay (37.5 +/- 71.6 days vs 15.4 +/- 15.0 days, p = 0.001) [mean +/- SD] and a higher incidence of death or rehospitalization at 3 months (72.2% vs 43.9%, p = 0.02). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, PE remained an independent predictor of death or rehospitalization at 3 months (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 15.1; p = 0.038). Acute PE commonly complicates the hospital course of patients with severe CHF, increasing the length of hospital stay and the chance of death or rehospitalization at 3 months.

Treatment of Severe Decompensated Heart Failure With High-Dose Intravenous Nitroglycerin: A Feasibility and Outcome Analysis

We perform a feasibility and outcome assessment of the treatment of severe decompensated heart failure with high-dose nitroglycerin. This study was designed as a nonrandomized, open-label, single-arm study of high-dose nitroglycerin. Patients with hypertension (systolic blood pressure > or = 160 mm Hg or mean arterial pressure > or = 120 mm Hg) who were refractory to initial therapy were eligible for inclusion. Enrolled patients began receiving a titratable nitroglycerin infusion and were given a bolus of high-dose nitroglycerin (2 mg). Repeated administration of high-dose nitroglycerin was allowed every 3 minutes, up to a total of 10 doses. Predefined effectiveness and safety outcomes were tracked throughout hospital admission. To provide a frame of reference for these outcomes, data were retrospectively compiled for similar patients with severe decompensated heart failure who did not receive high-dose nitroglycerin. Twenty-nine patients received high-dose nitroglycerin. Endotracheal intubation was required in 13.8% of patients, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation in 6.9%, and ICU admission in 37.9%. Symptomatic hypotension developed in 1 patient (3.4%), and biomarker evidence of myocardial infarction was found in 17.2% of patients. The mean dose of high-dose nitroglycerin was 6.5 mg (+/-3.4). For patients who were treated without high-dose nitroglycerin (n=45), endotracheal intubation occurred in 26.7%, BiPAP in 20.0%, and ICU admission in 80.0%. None of these patients developed symptomatic hypotension, and biomarker evidence of myocardial infarction was observed in 28.9% of patients. In this nonrandomized, open-label trial, high-dose nitroglycerin was associated with endotracheal intubation, BiPAP, and ICU admission less frequently than expected to occur without high-dose nitroglycerin, and adverse events were uncommon. Treatment of hypertensive, severely decompensated heart failure patients with high-dose nitroglycerin seems promising, but a randomized, blinded study is needed to more completely define its clinical utility. According to this trial, such a study seems feasible.

Effect of Levosimendan and Milrinone on Regional Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Arrhythmias in Dogs

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors as inodilators in heart failure are associated with promotion of arrhythmias. Calcium sensitizers have been proposed for the treatment of severe decompensated heart failure. The effect of levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer, and milrinone, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, on ventricular arrhythmias was compared in a model of acute regional myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. The left anterior descending coronary artery in dogs was occluded for 25 minutes, followed by reperfusion. The 2 drugs were administered in a hemodynamically equieffective dose (0.1 micromol/kg) 10 minutes before coronary occlusion. Levosimendan, but not milrinone, significantly attenuated the pronounced increase in the number of ventricular premature beats (-63%), tachycardia (-50%), fibrillation (-70%), and inhomogeneity of ventricular electrical activation. Levosimendan significantly improved the overall survival rate. Levosimendan has a more beneficial profile than milrinone regarding the development of ventricular arrhythmias during and after regional myocardial ischemia.