Treatment Of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Research Articles

Istaroxime: A Novel Therapeutic Agent for Acute Heart Failure.

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a multifactorial process that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Treatment with inotropes can rapidly improve hemodynamic status; however, their use has been associated with increased mortality and incidence of arrhythmias. Istaroxime is a first-in-class intravenous agent currently undergoing clinical trials for acute heart failure. It has the unique mechanism of action of both Na+/K+ ATPase inhibition and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a stimulation. Notably, its action on sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase 2a improves calcium handling, which is known to be abnormal in heart failure. Clinical trials have shown that istaroxime has beneficial hemodynamic effects; in particular, its ability to increase systolic blood pressure without causing significant increases in heart rate or clinically significant arrhythmias differentiates it from inotropes currently utilized for ADHF treatment, such as milrinone. While initial studies are encouraging, additional trials are needed to assess outcomes and to compare their performance to standard inotropes in patients hospitalized with ADHF. This article will review the relevant preclinical and clinical trials for istaroxime, as well as the relevant pharmacology.

Ferric Carboxymaltose in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Iron Deficiency: A Real-Life Study.

Background: The correction of iron deficiency (ID) with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) is a recommended intervention in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. Our aim is to evaluate, in a real-life setting, the clinical significance of ID screening and FCM treatment in acute decompensated HF (ADHF). Methods: In a cohort of ADHF patients, the prevalence of ID and FCM administration were investigated. Among the 104 patients admitted for ADHF, in n = 90 (median age 84, 53.5% with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction-LVEF), a complete iron status evaluation was obtained. ID was detected in n = 73 (81.1%), 55 of whom were treated with in-hospital FCM. The target dose was reached in n = 13. Results: No significant differences were detected in terms of age, sex, comorbidities, or LVEF between the FCM-supplemented and -unsupplemented patients. During a median follow-up of 427 days (IQR 405-466) among the FCM-supplemented patients, only 14.5% received FCM after discharge; the mortality and rehospitalizations among FCM-supplemented and -unsupplemented patients were similar (p = ns). In a follow-up evaluation, ID was still present in 75.0% of the FCM-supplemented patients and in 69.2% of the unsupplemented patients (p = ns). Conclusions: In this real-life ADHF cohort, FCM was administered at lower-than-prescribed doses, thus having no impact on ID correction. The significance of our findings is that only achieving the target dose of FCM and pursuing outpatient treatment can correct ID and produce long-term clinical benefits.

Decoupling of Hemodynamics and Congestive Symptoms in Obese Patients With Heart Failure

Prior studies indicate significant physiological differences between obese and nonobese patients with heart failure (HF), but none have evaluated differences in hemodynamic patterns in these patient populations during treatment for acute decompensated HF (ADHF). In this study, we assessed differences in hemodynamic trends between obese and nonobese patients during treatment for ADHF. Obese (body mass index (BMI) >30, n = 63) and nonobese (BMI < 25, n = 69) patients with ADHF in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness (ESCAPE) study who had pulmonary artery catheterization data available through the duration of treatment were evaluated. Hemodynamics were analyzed at baseline and optimal day. Changes in BNP levels, weight, creatinine, BUN, 6MWT, orthopnea and dyspnea scores were assessed. Despite similar baseline hemodynamics, obese patients had significantly less absolute and relative pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (PAWP) reduction (-16 ± 28 vs -32 ± 29%; P = 0.03) during treatment. Obese patients also had higher PAWPs (19.9 + 8 vs 15.5 + 6.8 mmHg; P = 0.01) and PA pressures at optimization compared with nonobese patients. Obese and nonobese patients had similar relative improvements in weight, BNP, 6-minute walk test distance, dyspnea and orthopnea scores, and similar changes in creatinine and BUN levels. Obese patients treated for ADHF display less reduction in invasively measured left heart filling pressures, despite similar improvements in symptoms, weight loss, and noninvasive surrogates of congestion. Our findings suggest a degree of decoupling between left heart filling pressures and congestive symptoms in obese patients undergoing treatment for ADHF.

Acoustic Voice and Speech Biomarkers of Treatment Status during Hospitalization for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

This study investigates acoustic voice and speech features as biomarkers for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), a serious escalation of heart failure symptoms including breathlessness and fatigue. ADHF-related systemic fluid accumulation in the lungs and laryngeal tissues is hypothesized to affect phonation and respiration for speech. A set of daily spoken recordings from 52 patients undergoing inpatient ADHF treatment was analyzed to identify voice and speech biomarkers for ADHF and to examine the trajectory of biomarkers during treatment. Results indicated that speakers produce more stable phonation, a more creaky voice, faster speech rates, and longer phrases after ADHF treatment compared to their pre-treatment voices. This project builds on work to develop a method of monitoring ADHF using speech biomarkers and presents a more detailed understanding of relevant voice and speech features.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Pharmacologic Review.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a growing disease in the United States. Exacerbations of CHF can lead to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and hospitalizations. Nurses play a key role in the treatment of ADHF as they administer medications, monitor patients' response to therapy, and can prompt providers to alter therapy if therapeutic outcomes are not being achieved. Nurses also play a vital role in discharge education for patients who are hospitalized for ADHF, as they can counsel patients on ways to reduce further hospitalizations. It is important for nurses to understand and recognize symptoms of ADHF, pharmacologic treatments for ADHF, and common etiologies of ADHF to help improve patient outcomes.

Mitral regurgitation severity dynamic during acute decompensated heart failure treatment

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) treatment leads to significant hemodynamic changes. The aim of our study was to quantitatively analyze the dynamics of mitral regurgitation (MR) severity (evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography) which occur during the treatment of ADHF and to correlate these changes with the clinical condition of patients as well as heart failure biochemical markers. The study included 27 consecutive adult patients (40.7% females, mean age 71.19 ± 11.2 years) who required hospitalization due to signs of acute HF. Echocardiographic assessment was performed upon admission and discharge together with clinical and laboratory evaluation. Significant reduction in dyspnea intensity [0–100 scale] (81.48 ± 9.07 vs. 45.00 ± 11.04 pts, p < 0.001), body weight (84.98 ± 18.52 vs. 79.77 ± 17.49 kg, p < 0.001), and NT-proBNP level (7520.56 ± 5288.62 vs. 4949.88 ± 3687.86 pg/ml, p = 0.001) was found. The severity of MR parameters decreased significantly (MR volume 44.92 ± 22.83 vs. 30.88 ± 18.77 ml, p < 0.001; EROA 0.37 ± 0.17 vs. 0.25 ± 0.16 cm2, p < 0.001; VC 6.21 ± 1.48 vs. 5.26 ± 1.61 mm, p < 0.001). Left atrial area (35.86 ± 9.11 vs. 32.47 ± 9.37, p < 0.001) and mitral annular diameter (42.33 ± 6.63 vs. 39.72 ± 5.05. p < 0.001) also underwent statistically significant reductions. An increase in LVEF was observed (34.73 ± 13.88 vs. 40.24 ± 13.19%, p < 0.001). In 40.7% of patients, a change in MR severity class (transition from a higher class to a lower one) was observed: 6/8 (75%) patients transitioned from severe to moderate and 6/18 (33.3%) patients transitioned from moderate to mild class. Treatment of ADHF leads to a significant reduction in MR severity, together with significant reductions in left atrial and mitral annular dimensions. Quantitative measurement of MR dynamics offer valuable assistance for ADHF management.

Direct Interstitial Decongestion in an Animal Model of Acute-on-Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure

Removal of excess fluid in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) targets the intravascular space, whereas most fluid resides in the interstitial space. The authors evaluated an approach to interstitial decongestion using a device to enhance lymph flow. The device was deployed in sheep with induced heart failure (HF) and acute volume overload to create a low-pressure zone at the thoracic duct outlet. Treatment decreased extravascular lung water (EVLW) volume (mL/kg) (-32% ± 9%, P=0.029) compared to controls (+46% ± 9%, P=0.003). Device-mediated thoracic duct decompression effectively reduced EVLW. Human studies may establish device-based interstitial decongestion as a new ADHF treatment.

Causes of development and progression of cardiorenal syndrome in heart failure patients. Prevention methods

The review includes data on the pathogenesis of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) in patients with heart failure (HF). Renal hypertension has been identified as an important cause of its development and progression. The mechanisms of its formation in patients with low cardiac output are considered. In this setting, renal vasoconstriction, due to neuroendocrine activation, and external parenchymal compression, due to increased intra-abdominal pressure, developed. Both mechanisms were responsible for the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Hypokalemia has often accompanied by CRS. Potassium deficiency aggravated the decrease in cardiac output and provoked arrhythmias. This increased renal hypertension. High doses of furosemide in the treatment of acute decompensated HF sometimes damaged the kidneys due to hypovolemia and hypokalemia. Such side effects of furosemide as a neuroendocrine activation with subsequent vasoconstriction and the development of endothelial dysfunction due to oxidative stress are considered. Two directions of prevention of nephrotoxic effects of the drug are proposed. The proposed prevention methods have shown encouraging results.

Bedside ultrasound assessments of jugular venous compliance to track central venous pressure change during the treatment of decompensated heart failure

Abstract Background Accurate volume status assessment is crucial for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Volume status assessment by physical exam is inaccurate, necessitating invasive measurement with right heart catheterization (RHC), which carries safety, pragmatic (scheduling, holding anticoagulants, etc) and financial burdens. Therefore, a reliable, non-invasive, cost-effective alternative is desired. Previously, we developed an ultrasound (US) based technique to measure internal jugular vein (IJV) compliance during RHC which was used for single time point central venous pressure (CVP) predictions. We now aim to apply this technique to track acute changes in CVP during diuresis for ADHF in patients with an in-dwelling pulmonary artery catheter. Purpose The objective of our study was to devise a rapid, portable and reliable alternative to RHC to track acute volume changes during treatment of ADHF. Methods We used an observational, prospective study design and recruited 15 patients from the CCU between 7/19–12/19 being treated for ADHF (systolic or diastolic) with IV diuretics +/−inotropic agents who underwent PA catheter insertion for continuous CVP monitoring. 13 of 15 patients received milrinone infusions. US images of the IJV were obtained at end expiration and during the strain phase of Valsalva at multiple 2–3 hr intervals. Change in IJV cross sectional area (ImageJ) was used as a measure of IJV compliance. Patients unable to perform the Valsalva maneuver and on mechanical circulatory support were excluded. Results Calculated % change in CSA of IJV was plotted against CVP. An inverse relationship was observed between CVP and % change in CSA of IJV. The data was fit with an inverse exponential regression shown in Figure 1 (R2=0.36, root mean square error = 3.19). Fivefold cross validation showed a stable model for predicting CVP based CSA (R2=0.34, root mean square error = 3.26) Conclusion Serial portable US assessment of IJV compliance can act a surrogate measure of CVP and,therefore, can provide reliable information on acute hemodynamic changes in ADHF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Metolazone Compared to Chlorothiazide for Treatment of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure.

Treatment of volume overload in the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is typically achieved through the use of loop diuretics. While they are highly effective, some patients may develop loop diuretic resistance. One strategy to overcome this scenario includes sequential nephron blockade with a thiazide-type diuretic; however, it is unknown which thiazide-type diuretic used in this setting is most effective. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the efficacy and safety of chlorothiazide with metolazone as add-on therapy in the setting of loop diuretic resistance for the treatment of ADHF. Literature searches were conducted through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct from inception through February 2020 using the following search terms alone or in combination: metolazone, chlorothiazide, acute decompensated heart failure, loop diuretic, and urine output. All English-language prospective and retrospective trials and abstracts comparing metolazone to chlorothiazide for the treatment of ADHF were evaluated. Studies were included if they analyzed urine output for at least 24hours in patients with ADHF. Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate pooled effect size by using a random-effect model. Primary outcomes included net and total urine output. Secondary outcomes included commonly reported safety outcomes. Four studies comparing the use of metolazone to chlorothiazide as an adjunct to loop diuretics to treat ADHF were included in the evaluation. Metolazone was as effective as chlorothiazide to augment loop diuretic therapy in ADHF in most studies with no pooled difference in net or total urine output. However, there were notable differences in baseline loop diuretic dosing, ejection fraction, renal function, race, and endpoint timing across studies. Adverse effects were commonly observed and included electrolyte abnormalities, change in renal function, and hypotension but were comparable between groups. Metolazone is as effective as chlorothiazide as add-on to loop diuretics in treating ADHF without an increase in safety concerns.

Acute decompensation of chronic heart failure and renal dysfunction. Diagnosis and treatment

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is an essential medical, economic, and social problem of the 21st century. Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a common cause of hospitalization and mortality in patients with CHF. The article presents the analysis of frequency, prognostic signifi cance, and features of renal failure onset in ADHF patients, as well as the effects of various groups of drugs used in the treatment of ADHF on the kidney function. Special aspects of administering these drugs are elucidated in the context of deteriorating kidney function.

In-Hospital Serum Uric Acid Change Predicts Adverse Outcome in Patients With Heart Failure

BackgroundElevated serum uric acid (UA) is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcome in patients with heart failure (HF), but it remains unknown whether the change of serum UA level during the treatment of acute decompensated HF (ADHF) predicts adverse events. Methods and ResultsWe retrospectively analyzed consecutive 1562 patients who were hospitalized for ADHF. Serum UA levels both at admission and discharge were available in 1246 patients (78 years of age, range 69–84 years, 40% female). UA values increased or unchanged (group I) in 766 patients and it decreased in the remaining patients (group D). Group I was characterized by older age, higher proportion of females, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and the features of less severity of HF such as lower plasma N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide level and lower percentage of catecholamine use. Nevertheless, group I was associated with higher incidence of the primary end point defined as the composite of all-cause death and ADHF rehospitalization (P = .013, log-rank test). UA change, but not UA at discharge, was an independent predictor of the primary end point (hazard ratio 1.30, interquartile range 1.04–1.64, P = .022). Age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, dose of loop diuretics, and thiazide prescription at discharge were independently associated with the UA change. ConclusionsIn patients with HF, UA change through the treatment of ADHF might predict future adverse outcome.

Levosimendan added to dobutamine in acute decompensated heart failure refractory to dobutamine

Randomised study showed that dobutamine and levosimendan have similar impact on outcome in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) but their combination had never been assessed. To assess the clinical impact of the combination dobutamine and levosimendan for the treatment of ADHF with low cardiac output. The study retrospectively included 89 patients (61 ± 15 years) admitted for ADHF requiring inotropic support. The first group included patients historically treated by dobutamine alone (dobutamine group, n = 42) and the second those treated by dobutamine plus levosimendan if superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ) remained ≤ 60% after 3 days of dobutamine infusion (dobutamine-levosimendan group, n = 47). The two groups were compared in terms of changes in ScvO 2 and major cardiovascular events (MACE) at 6 months defined by death, heart transplantation or need for assistance. The dobutamine and dobutamine plus levosimendan groups had similar baseline clinical characteristics with no difference for admission cardiac index (1.7 ± 0.5 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 L/min/m 2 ), lactate level (3.3 ± 3.0 vs. 3.0 ± 2.1 mM/L) and ScvO 2 (49 ± 7% vs. 50 ± 9%). At day-3, the ScvO 2 target value (> 60%) was reached in 36% and 32% of patients in the dobutamine and dobutamine-levosimendan group, respectively. After adding levosimendan, 72% of the dobutamine-levosimendan-group reached the ScvO 2 target value at dobutamine weaning. At six months, 42 (47%) patients experienced MACE ( n = 28 for death). MACE was less frequent in the dobutamine-levosimendan (32%) than in the dobutamine-group (64%, p = 0.003). Independent variables associated with outcome were admission systolic blood pressure and dobutamine-levosimendan strategy (OR = 0.44 [0.23-0.84], p = 0.01) ( Table 1 , Fig 1). Levosimendan added to dobutamine may improve the outcome of ADHF refractory to dobutamine alone.

P787Long-term prognostic value of the combination of fibrosis-4 index and acute kidney injury in patients with admitted for acute decompensated heart failure

Abstract Background Liver dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF) is caused by liver congestion, which is related to liver stiffness. It was reported that liver stiffness assessed by non-invasive fibrosis marker such as Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) index (based on age, aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels, and platelet counts) predicts mortality in HF pts. Acute kidney injury (AKI) during HF treatment is associated with poor outcome in pts admitted for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, there is no information available on the long-term prognostic significance of the combination of FIB4 index and AKI in ADHF pts. Methods and results We studied 299 ADHF pts with survival discharge. FIB4 index was calculated by the formula: age (yrs) × AST[U/L]/(platelets [103/μL] × (ALT[U/L])1/2). AKI during ADHF treatment was defined according to AKI Network criteria (stage 1: mild, stage 2: moderate, stage 3: severe). During a follow-up period of 4.3±3.3 yrs, 94 pts died. At multivariate Cox analysis, FIB4 index and stage2/3 AKI, but not stage1 AKI, significantly associated with total mortality, independently of prior HF hospitalization and serum sodium and blood urea nitrogen levels after adjustment with BMI, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, serum creatinine and albumin levels, left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial dimension indexes. Pts with both greater FIB4 index (&amp;gt;2.674: median) and stage 2/3 AKI had a significantly higher risk of total mortality than those with none of them. Adjusted hazard ratio in pts with both greater FIB4 index and stage 2/3 AKI was 3.5 (95% CI 1.6–7.7), which was two-fold of that in pts with either of them (1.7 [95% CI 1.1–2.7]). Conclusion The combination of FIB4 index and moderate to severe AKI might identify higher risk subset for total mortality in ADHF pts.

Implications of renin-angiotensin-system blocker discontinuation in acute decompensated heart failure with systolic dysfunction.

BackgroundRenin‐angiotensin‐system blockers (RASB) improve clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced fraction; however, there remains ambiguity whether RASB therapy should be continued during the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).HypothesisIn comparison to patients with RASB use, RASB discontinuation in ADHF will be associated with worsening renal function, hypotension, and adverse long‐term clinical outcomes.MethodsPatients in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization (ESCAPE) trial were separated into four groups based on RASB use at baseline and discharge: continuation (n = 316), discontinuation (n = 21), initiation (n = 42), and nonuse (n = 23). Post‐discharge outcomes were validated in an independent ADHF cohort admitted to the Cleveland Clinic (n = 253).ResultsRASB discontinuation and nonuse were associated with higher serial creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels than RASB continuation or initiation (P < .001 for both), but not with serial potassium and systolic blood pressure measurements. No other clinical parameter changes were significant. In comparison to RASB continuation, RASB discontinuation and nonuse was associated with ~75% increased risk of a 180‐day composite of death, transplant, or rehospitalization (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09‐3.20, P = 0.02 and HR 1.72, CI 1.04‐2.82, P = .03, respectively). Post‐discharge outcomes were similar in the validation cohort.ConclusionCompared to RASB continuation, RASB discontinuation and nonuse were associated with higher baseline and serial creatinine levels during treatment for ADHF, but not with changes in SBP and potassium levels. Furthermore, RASB discontinuation and nonuse in ADHF were associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes.

Implications of Perceived Dyspnea and Global Well-Being Measured by Visual Assessment Scales During Treatment for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Symptomatic improvement through decongestive therapy is a cornerstone for treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Visual analog scales (VAS) are instruments that can capture patients' perceptions of dyspnea (DVAS) or global well-being (GVAS). However, the clinical implications of these instruments and their changes over time during treatment for ADHF need further clarification. DVAS and GVAS were collected in 657 patients randomized in the DOSE-AHF and ROSE-AHF trials. To determine factors associated with symptom change, multivariable predictors of changes in DVAS and GVAS over 72 hours were determined. In addition, time-to-event analyses determined the association between these assessments and post-discharge clinical outcomes. The median baseline DVAS and GVAS scores were 54 (interquartile range 35 to 76) and 50 (30 to 66), respectively. These scores increased from baseline to 72 hours (ΔDVAS 16 [0 to 35] and ΔGVAS 19 [2 to 37]). Although changes in both scales were associated with their baseline values, 72-hour change in NT-proBNP was associated with each scale in multivariable analysis. However, there were additional variables associated with 72-hour change in GVAS including 72-hour change in creatinine, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator presence, baseline loop diuretic dose, and 72-hour total loop diuretic dose. There were no consistent associations between DVAS or GVAS and clinical composite outcomes at 60 days. In conclusion, DVAS and GVAS may be related to different clinical factors during treatment for ADHF and VAS scores were not consistently associated with clinical outcomes in ADHF. These findings inform the utility of the DVAS and GVAS instruments as measurements of symptom change for future ADHF clinical trials and registries.

A normal sodium diet preserves serum sodium levels during treatment of acute decompensated heart failure: A prospective, blind and randomized trial

We tested the hypothesis that a normal sodium diet could be associated with preservation of serum sodium during treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Forty-four patients hospitalized for ADHF were blindly randomized by using block method to a low sodium diet (LS: 3g/day of dietary sodium chloride; n=22, 59.5±11.9 y.o., 50% males. LVEF=30.0±13.6%); and a normal sodium diet (NS: 7g/day; n=22, 56.4±10.3 y.o., 68% males; LVEF=27.8±11.7%), and both groups were submitted to fluid restriction of 1.000mL/day. At the 7th day of intervention 16 patients of LS group and 15 patients of NS group were assessed for difference in serum sodium. Both groups had equivalent decongestion, reflected by similar percent reduction of body weight (LS:-5.0±4.7% vs NS:-4.5±5.2%. p=0.41). Reduction of the N terminal fragment of type B natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was significant only in the NS (-1497.0 [-18843.0-1191.0]. p=0.04). The LS group showed lower levels of serum sodium (135.4±3.5mmol/L) compared to the NS group (137.5±1.9mmol/L; p=0.04). Four cases of hyponatremia were observed only in the LS group (22%). The NS group exhibited higher mean blood pressure values (79.4±2.4mmHg vs 75.5±3.0mmHg. p=0.03), and lower heart rate (73.2±1.6 bpm vs 75.5±2.1 bpm. p=0.02). These results suggest that a normal sodium diet, when compared to a low sodium diet, is associated with similar degrees of decongestion, but with higher levels of natremia, blood pressure and lower neurohormonal activation during ADHF treatment. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier no. NCT03722069.

1866. Adverse Outcomes Associated with Potentially Inappropriate Antibiotic Use in Heart Failure Admissions

BackgroundHospital admissions due to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are common, and the clinical presentation can be confused with other conditions such as pneumonia. Hospitalized ADHF patients often receive antibiotic therapy even when the clinical suspicion for pneumonia is low, and intravenous (IV) antibiotics are commonly used. We hypothesized the additional fluid and sodium content of potentially unnecessary antibiotic therapy could worsen outcomes and complicate management of ADHF patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of adult patients with a diagnosis of ADHF. Patients were excluded if chest radiography suggested pneumonia, if they were continuing a prior antibiotic regimen, if they were diagnosed with a proven infection during admission, or if serum BNP level was not elevated. Patients who received antibiotics were compared with those who did not with respect to diuretic requirements, length of stay, sodium and fluid load attributable to antibiotic treatment, and readmission rate.ResultsThree hundred thirty-seven patients were screened for inclusion of which 153 were enrolled, 89 in the nonantibiotic arm compared with 64 in the antibiotic arm. Median length of stay in the antibiotic arm was 6.5 days as opposed to 3.25 days in the nonantibiotic arm (P < 0.001). The antibiotic group received a median dosage of 1,000 mg of furosemide compared with 400 mg in the nonantibiotic arm (P < 0.001). Patients who received antibiotics were 2.51 times more likely to be readmitted compared with patients who did not receive antibiotics (P = 0.04). On average, each patient in the antibiotic arm received approximately 970 mg of sodium daily and 1.6 L of volume attributed to antibiotic infusions.ConclusionPatients who received IV antibiotics during treatment for ADHF without evidence of infection had significantly longer lengths of stay, received significantly higher doses of furosemide, and were more likely to be readmitted compared with patients with the same diagnosis who were not exposed to intravenous antibiotics. Additional studies are needed to determine factors contributing to potential overprescribing in this population, and ADHF patients are a promising target of antibiotic stewardship interventions.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Dynamic severe mitral regurgitation on hospital arrival as prognostic predictor in patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure

BackgroundSevere mitral regurgitation (MR) on hospital arrival at the onset of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) can improve after ADHF treatment because MR is dynamic in nature. This study investigated the clinical significance of the dynamic severe MR on hospital arrival in ADHF patients. MethodsTransthoracic echocardiography was performed on 784 patients hospitalized for ADHF both on arrival and after ADHF treatment, of whom 563 with at least mild MR after ADHF treatment were enrolled and divided into 3 groups based on the MR severity: severe at both times (persistent MR, n = 106); severe on arrival and improved to mild/moderate after ADHF treatment (dynamic MR, n = 149); and mild/moderate at both times (non-significant MR, n = 308). The primary outcome measure was defined as a composite of cardiac death, rehospitalization for heart failure, and mitral valve intervention within 1-year. ResultsThe incidence of the primary outcome measure in the dynamic MR group (44.8%) was significantly higher than that in the non-significant MR group (22.1%, adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–0.73, P < 0.001), and similar to that in the persistent MR group (44.4%, adjusted HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.69–1.67, P = 0.75). The risk of dynamic MR was consistent in the subgroups of patients with reduced (<45%) and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (Pinteraction = 0.56). ConclusionsIn patients hospitalized for ADHF, dynamic severe MR on hospital arrival was associated with poorer outcomes than non-significant MR and had similar risk to persistent severe MR. Acute dynamic MR is a potential therapeutic target in ADHF patients.

Bedside Ultrasound Assessment of Jugular Venous Compliance as a Potential Point-of-Care Method to Predict Acute Decompensated Heart Failure 30-Day Readmission.

BackgroundHeart failure is one of the most costly diagnosis‐related groups, largely because of hospital readmissions. Objective assessment of volume status to ensure optimization before hospital discharge could significantly reduce readmissions. We previously demonstrated an ultrasound method of quantifying percentage of cross‐sectional area (CSA) change of the right internal jugular vein with Valsalva that reliably estimates central venous pressure.Methods and ResultsPatients admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) underwent ultrasound measurements of the right internal jugular vein at end‐expiration and during the strain phase of Valsalva to determine a percentage of CSA change. An initial subgroup of patients with right heart catheterization and accompanying ultrasound measurements of the right internal jugular vein identified a percentage of CSA change predictive of right atrial pressure (RAP) ≥12 mm Hg. Images of admitted ADHF patients were obtained at admission and discharge for final analysis. Simultaneous right heart catheterization and right internal jugular vein ultrasound measurements demonstrated that a <66% CSA change predicted RAP ≥12 mm Hg (positive predictive value: 87%; P<0.05, receiver operating characteristic curve). Elevated admission RAP by percentage of CSA change normalized by discharge (P<0.05), indicating that this test is significantly responsive to therapeutic interventions. Using the cutoff value of 66% CSA change, normal RAP at discharge had 91% predictive value for patients avoiding 30‐day readmission (P<0.05).ConclusionsThis bedside ultrasound technique strongly correlates to invasive RAP measurement in ADHF patients, identifies restoration of euvolemia, and is predictive of 30‐day ADHF readmission. This tool could help guide inpatient ADHF treatment and may lead to reduced readmissions.