Distinct pathophysiological pathways in women and men with heart failure

AIMS

Clinical differences between women and men have been described in heart failure (HF). However, less is known about the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. In this study, we compared multiple circulating biomarkers to gain better insights into differential HF pathophysiology between women and men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 537 women and 1485 men with HF, we compared differential expression of a panel of 363 biomarkers. Then, we performed a pathway over-representation analysis to identify differential biological pathways in women and men. Findings were validated in an independent HF cohort (575 women, 1123 men). In both cohorts, women were older and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). In the index and validation cohorts respectively, we found 14/363 and 12/363 biomarkers that were relatively up-regulated in women, while 21/363 and 14/363 were up-regulated in men. In both cohorts, the strongest up-regulated biomarkers in women were leptin and fatty acid binding protein-4, compared to matrix metalloproteinase-3 in men. Similar findings were replicated in a subset of patients from both cohorts matched by age and LVEF. Pathway over-representation analysis revealed increased activity of pathways associated with lipid metabolism in women, and neuro-inflammatory response in men (all p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In two independent cohorts of HF patients, biomarkers associated with lipid metabolic pathways were observed in women, while biomarkers associated with neuro-inflammatory response were more active in men. Differences in inflammatory and metabolic pathways may contribute to sex differences in clinical phenotype observed in HF, and provide useful insights towards development of tailored HF therapies.

Protein Biomarkers and Cardiovascular Outcomes in People With Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Coronary Syndrome: The ELIXA Biomarker Study

OBJECTIVE

To use protein biomarkers to identify people with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular outcomes and death.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Biobanked serum from 4,957 ELIXA (Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome) trial participants was analyzed. Forward-selection Cox models identified independent protein risk factors for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death that were compared with a previously validated biomarker panel.

RESULTS

NT-proBNP and osteoprotegerin predicted both outcomes. In addition, trefoil factor 3 predicted MACE, and angiopoietin-2 predicted death (C = 0.70 and 0.79, respectively, compared with 0.63 and 0.66 for clinical variables alone). These proteins had all previously been identified and validated. Notably, C statistics for just NT-proBNP plus clinical risk factors were 0.69 and 0.78 for MACE and death, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

NT-proBNP and other proteins independently predict cardiovascular outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes following acute coronary syndrome. Adding other biomarkers only marginally increased NT-proBNP's prognostic value.

Clinical Outcomes Related to Background Diuretic Use and New Diuretic Initiation in Patients With HFrEF

BACKGROUND

Up to 20% of patients in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) trials are not taking diuretic agents at baseline, but little is known about them.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to examine outcomes in patients with HFrEF not taking diuretic medications and after diuretic medications are started.

METHODS

Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients taking or not taking diuretic drugs at baseline in the ATMOSPHERE (Aliskiren Trial of Minimizing Outcomes for Patients With Heart Failure) and PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure Trial) trials combined. Patients starting diuretic medications were also compared with those remaining off diuretic drugs during follow-up. Symptoms (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score [KCCQ-CSS]), hospitalization for worsening heart failure (HF), mortality, and kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate slope) were examined.

RESULTS

At baseline, the 3,079 of 15,415 patients (20%) not taking diuretic medications had a less severe HF profile, less neurohumoral activation, and better kidney function. They were less likely to experience the primary outcome (hospitalization for HF or cardiovascular death) than patients taking diuretic agents (adjusted HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.74-0.80; P < 0.001) and death of any cause. Commencement of a diuretic drug was associated with higher subsequent risk for death (adjusted HR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.99-2.11; P < 0.001) and greater decreases in KCCQ-CSS and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The 5 strongest predictors of initiation of diuretic medications were higher N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, higher body mass index, older age, history of diabetes, and worse KCCQ-CSS. In PARADIGM-HF, fewer patients who were treated with sacubitril/valsartan commenced diuretic agents (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58-0.88; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HFrEF not taking diuretic medications and those who remained off them had better outcomes than patients treated with diuretic agents or who commenced them.

Clinical implications of low estimated protein intake in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

A higher protein intake has been associated with a higher muscle mass and lower mortality rates in the general population, but data about protein intake and survival in patients with heart failure (HF) are lacking.

METHODS

We studied the prevalence, predictors, and clinical outcome of estimated protein intake in 2516 patients from the BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF) index cohort. Protein intake was calculated in spot urine samples using a validated formula [13.9 + 0.907 * body mass index (BMI) (kg/m² ) + 0.0305 * urinary urea nitrogen level (mg/dL)]. Association with mortality was assessed using multivariable Cox regression models. All findings were validated in an independent cohort.

RESULTS

We included 2282 HF patients (mean age 68 ± 12 years and 27% female). Lower estimated protein intake in HF patients was associated with a lower BMI, but with more signs of congestion. Mortality rate in the lowest quartile was 32%, compared with 18% in the highest quartile (P < 0.001). In a multivariable model, lower estimated protein intake was associated with a higher risk of death compared with the highest quartile [hazard ratio (HR) 1.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-2.18, P = 0.036 for the lowest quartile and HR 1.46; 95% CI 1.00-2.18, P = 0.049 for the second quartile].

CONCLUSIONS

An estimated lower protein intake was associated with a lower BMI, but signs of congestion were more prevalent. A lower estimated protein intake was independently associated with a higher mortality risk.

Effects of sildenafil on symptoms and exercise capacity for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension (The SilHF study): A randomised placebo-controlled multicentre trial

Aims

Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) may complicate heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and is associated with a substantial symptom burden and poor prognosis. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase‐5 (PDE‐5) inhibitor, might have beneficial effects on pulmonary haemodynamics, cardiac function and exercise capacity in HFrEF and PHT. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of sildenafil in patients with HFrEF and indirect evidence of PHT.

Methods and results

The Sildenafil in Heart Failure (SilHF) trial was an investigator‐led, randomized, multinational trial in which patients with HFrEF and a pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ≥40 mmHg by echocardiography were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to receive sildenafil (up to 40 mg three times/day) or placebo. The co‐primary endpoints were improvement in patient global assessment by visual analogue scale and in the 6‐min walk test at 24 weeks. The planned sample size was 210 participants but, due to problems with supplying sildenafil/placebo and recruitment, only 69 patients (11 women, median age 68 (interquartile range [IQR] 62–74) years, median left ventricular ejection fraction 29% (IQR 24–35), median PASP 45 (IQR 42–55) mmHg) were included. Compared to placebo, sildenafil did not improve symptoms, quality of life, PASP or walk test distance. Sildenafil was generally well tolerated, but those assigned to sildenafil had numerically more serious adverse events (33% vs. 21%).

Conclusion

Compared to placebo, sildenafil did not improve symptoms, quality of life or exercise capacity in patients with HFrEF and PHT.

Biomarker changes as surrogate endpoints in early-phase trials in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

AIMS

No biomarker has achieved widespread acceptance as a surrogate endpoint for early-phase heart failure (HF) trials. We assessed whether changes over time in a panel of plasma biomarkers were associated with subsequent morbidity/mortality in HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 1040 patients with HFrEF from the BIOSTAT-CHF cohort, we investigated the associations between changes in the plasma concentrations of 30 biomarkers, before (baseline) and after (9 months) attempted optimization of guideline-recommended therapy, on top of the BIOSTAT risk score and the subsequent risk of HF hospitalization/all-cause mortality using Cox regression models. C-statistics were calculated to assess discriminatory power of biomarker changes/month-nine assessment. Changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and WAP four-disulphide core domain protein HE4 (WAP-4C) were the only independent predictors of the outcome after adjusting for their baseline plasma concentration, 28 other biomarkers (both baseline and changes), and BIOSTAT risk score at baseline. When adjusting for month-nine rather than baseline biomarkers concentrations, only changes in NT-proBNP were independently associated with the outcome. The C-statistic of the model including the BIOSTAT risk score and NT-proBNP increased by 4% when changes were considered on top of baseline concentrations and by 1% when changes in NT-proBNP were considered on top of its month-nine concentrations and the BIOSTAT risk score.

CONCLUSIONS

Among 30 relevant biomarkers, a change over time was significantly and independently associated with HF hospitalization/all-cause death only for NT-proBNP. Changes over time were modestly more prognostic than baseline or end-values alone. Changes in biomarkers should be further explored as potential surrogate endpoints in early phase HF trials.

Risk Estimates of Imminent Cardiovascular Death and Heart Failure Hospitalization Are Improved Using Serial Natriuretic Peptide Measurements in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Background

Baseline and temporal changes in natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations have strong prognostic value with regard to long‐term cardiovascular risk stratification. To increase the clinical utility of NP sampling for patient management, we wanted to assess the incremental predictive value of 2 serial NP measurements compared with a single measurement and provide absolute risk estimates for cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization (HFH) within 6 months based on 2 serial NP measurements.

Methods and Results

Consecutive NP samples obtained from 5393 patients with a recent coronary event and type 2 diabetes enrolled in the ELIXA (Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes After Acute Coronary Syndrome During Treatment With Lixisenatide) trial were used to construct best logistic regression models with outcome of cardiovascular death or HFH (136 events). Absolute risk estimates of cardiovascular death or HFH within 6 months using either BNP (B‐type natriuretic peptide) or NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐BNP) serial measurements were depicted based on the concentrations of 2 serial NP measurements. During the 6‐month follow‐up periods, the incidence rate (±95% CIs) of cardiovascular death or HFH for patients was 14.0 (11.8‒16.6) per 1000 patient‐years. Risk prediction depended on NP concentrations from both prior and current sampling. NP sampling 6 months apart improved the predictive value and reclassification of patients compared with a single sample (AUROC [Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve]: BNP, P=0.003. NT‐proBNP, P<0.0001), with a majority of moderate‐risk patients (6‐month risk between 1% and 10%) being reclassified on the basis of the second NP sample.

Conclusions

Serial NP measurements improved prediction of imminent cardiovascular death or HFH in patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. The absolute risk estimates provided may aid clinicians in decision‐making and help patients understand their short‐term risk profile.

Clinical impact of changes in mitral regurgitation severity after medical therapy optimization in heart failure

Background

Few data are available regarding changes in mitral regurgitation (MR) severity with guideline-recommended medical therapy (GRMT) in heart failure (HF). Our aim was to evaluate the evolution and impact of MR after GRMT in the Biology study to Tailored treatment in chronic heart failure (BIOSTAT-CHF).

Methods

A retrospective post-hoc analysis was performed on HF patients from BIOSTAT-CHF with available data on MR status at baseline and at 9-month follow-up after GRMT optimization. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization.

Results

Among 1022 patients with data at both time-points, 462 (45.2%) had moderate-severe MR at baseline and 360 (35.2%) had it at 9-month follow-up. Regression of moderate-severe MR from baseline to 9 months occurred in 192/462 patients (41.6%) and worsening from baseline to moderate-severe MR at 9 months occurred in 90/560 patients (16.1%). The presence of moderate-severe MR at 9 months, independent from baseline severity, was associated with an increased risk of the primary endpoint (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–2.63; p < 0.001), also after adjusting for the BIOSTAT-CHF risk-prediction model (adjusted HR, 1.85; 95% CI 1.43–2.39; p < 0.001). Younger age, LVEF ≥ 50% and treatment with higher ACEi/ARB doses were associated with a lower likelihood of persistence of moderate-severe MR at 9 months, whereas older age was the only predictor of worsening MR.

Conclusions

Among patients with HF undergoing GRMT optimization, ACEi/ARB up-titration and HFpEF were associated with MR improvement, and the presence of moderate-severe MR after GRMT was associated with worse outcome.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00392-022-01991-7.

Assessment of Proximal Tubular Function by Tubular Maximum Phosphate Reabsorption Capacity in Heart Failure

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a crucial parameter in heart failure. Much less is known about the importance of tubular function. We addressed the effect of tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption capacity (TmP/GFR), a parameter of proximal tubular function, in patients with heart failure.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We established TmP/GFR (Bijvoet formula) in 2085 patients with heart failure and studied its association with deterioration of kidney function (>25% eGFR decrease from baseline) and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) doubling (baseline to 9 months) using logistic regression analysis and clinical outcomes using Cox proportional hazards regression. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibition by empagliflozin on tubular maximum phosphate reabsorption capacity in 78 patients with acute heart failure using analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Low TmP/GFR (<0.80 mmol/L) was observed in 1392 (67%) and 21 (27%) patients. Patients with lower TmP/GFR had more advanced heart failure, lower eGFR, and higher levels of tubular damage markers. The main determinant of lower TmP/GFR was higher fractional excretion of urea (P<0.001). Lower TmP/GFR was independently associated with higher risk of plasma NGAL doubling (odds ratio, 2.20; 95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 4.66; P=0.04) but not with deterioration of kidney function. Lower TmP/GFR was associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.37 to 5.73; P=0.005), heart failure hospitalization (hazard ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 4.88; P=0.03), and their combination (hazard ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 3.36; P=0.03) after multivariable adjustment. Empagliflozin significantly increased TmP/GFR compared with placebo after 1 day (P=0.004) but not after adjustment for eGFR change.

CONCLUSIONS

TmP/GFR, a measure of proximal tubular function, is frequently reduced in heart failure, especially in patients with more advanced heart failure. Lower TmP/GFR is furthermore associated with future risk of plasma NGAL doubling and worse clinical outcomes, independent of glomerular function.

Regional Differences in Precipitating Factors of Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: Insights from the REPORT‐HF Registry

AIMS

Few prior studies have investigated differences in precipitants leading to hospitalizations for acute heart failure (AHF) in a cohort with global representation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed the prevalence of precipitants and their association with outcomes in 18 553 patients hospitalized for AHF in REPORT-HF (prospective international REgistry to assess medical Practice with lOngitudinal obseRvation for Treatment of Heart Failure) according to left ventricular ejection fraction subtype (reduced [HFrEF] and preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) and presentation (new-onset vs. decompensated chronic heart failure [DCHF]). Patients were enrolled from 358 centres in 44 countries stratified according to Latin America, North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Eastern Mediterranean and Africa, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific. Precipitants were pre-with mutually exclusive categories and selected according to the local investigator's discretion. Outcomes included in-hospital and 1-year mortality. The median age was 67 (interquartile range 57-77) years, and 39% were women. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was the most common precipitant in patients with new-onset heart failure in all regions except for North America and Western Europe, where uncontrolled hypertension and arrhythmia, respectively, were the most common precipitants, independent of confounders. In patients with DCHF, non-adherence to diet/medication was the most common precipitant regardless of region. Uncontrolled hypertension was a more likely precipitant in HFpEF, non-adherence to diet/medication, and ACS were more likely precipitants in HFrEF. Patients admitted due to worsening renal function had the worst in-hospital (5%) and 1-year post-discharge (30%) mortality rates, regardless of region, heart failure subtype and admission type (p_interaction  >0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION

Data on global differences in precipitants for AHF highlight potential regional differences in targets for preventing hospitalization for AHF and identifying those at highest risk for early mortality.

The Association of Smoking with Hospitalization and Mortality Differs According to Sex in Patients with Heart Failure Following Myocardial Infarction

Background: Smoking has been associated with higher morbidity and mortality following myocardial infarction (MI), but reports of the impact on morbidity and mortality for females and elderly patients experiencing MI complicated with left ventricular dysfunction or overt heart failure are limited. Materials and Methods: In an individual patient data meta-analysis of high-risk MI patients, the association of smoking with hospitalizations and death were investigated. Weighted Cox proportional hazard modeling were used to study the risks of smoking on adjudicated endpoints among different sex and age categories. Results: Twenty-eight thousand seven hundred thirty-five patients from the CAPRICORN, EPHESUS, OPTIMAAL, and VALIANT trials were assessed. After weighting, smokers (N = 18,148) were unfrequently women (29.2%) and a minority were above ≥80 years (9.8%). Smoking was significantly more associated with all-cause hospitalizations in women (hazard ratio [HR] 1.24; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.16-1.32) than in men (HR = 1.10; 95% CI 1.05-1.16) resulting in a significant interaction between smoking and sex (p = 0.005). Smoking was predictive of all-cause mortality homogenously across age categories (p for interaction = 0.25) and sex (p for interaction = 0.58). Conclusions: The influence of smoking on morbidity differed according to sex following high-risk MI. The deleterious impact of smoking on hospitalization appeared particularly potent in women, which should further reinforce preventive strategies in females.

Pathophysiological pathways related to high plasma GDF-15 concentrations in patients with heart failure

AIMS

Elevated concentrations of Growth Differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in patients with heart failure (HF) have been consistently associated with worse clinical outcomes, but what disease mechanisms high GDF-15 concentrations represent remains unclear. Here, we aim to identify activated pathophysiological pathways related to elevated GDF-15 expression in patients with HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In 2279 patients with HF, we measured circulating levels of 363 biomarkers. Then, we performed a pathway over-representation analysis to identify key biological pathways between patients in the highest and lowest GDF-15 concentration quartiles. Data were validated in an independent cohort of 1705 patients with HF. In both cohorts, the strongest up-regulated biomarkers in those with high GDF-15 were fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), death receptor 5 (TRAIL-R2), WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP-1), TNF Receptor Superfamily Member 11a (TNFRSF11A), leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B member 4 (LILRB4), and Trefoil Factor 3 (TFF3). Pathway over-representation analysis revealed that high GDF-15 patients had increased activity of pathways related to inflammatory processes, notably positive regulation of chemokine production; response to interleukin 6 (IL-6); tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and death receptor activity; and positive regulation of T cell differentiation and inflammatory response. Furthermore, we found pathways involved in regulation of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor signalling and regulatory pathways of tissue, bones, and branching structures. GDF-15 quartiles significantly predicted all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

Patients with HF and high plasma concentrations of GDF-15 are characterized by increased activation of inflammatory pathways and pathways related to IGF-1 regulation and bone/tissue remodelling.

A global perspective of racial differences and outcomes in patients presenting with acute heart failure

Important racial differences in characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) have been described. The objective of this analysis of the International Registry to assess medical Practice with longitudinal observation for Treatment of Heart Failure (REPORT-HF) registry was to investigate racial differences in patients with AHF according to country income level.

128 Clinical impact of changes in mitral regurgitation severity after optimization of medical therapy in heart failure: insights from BIOSTAT-CHF

Aims

Few data are available regarding changes in mitral regurgitation (MR) severity with guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in heart failure (HF). We evaluated the evolution and impact of MR after GDMT in the BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF).

Methods and results

A retrospective post hoc analysis was performed on HF patients from BIOSTAT-CHF with available data on MR status at baseline and at 9-month follow-up after GRMT optimization. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Among 1022 patients with data at both time-points, 462 (45.2%) had moderate-severe MR at baseline and 360 (35.2%) had it at 9-month follow-up. Regression of moderate–severe MR from baseline to 9 months occurred in 192/462 patients (41.6%) and worsening from baseline to moderate–severe MR at 9 months occurred in 90/560 patients (16.1%). The presence of moderate-severe MR at 9 months, independent from baseline severity, was associated with an increased risk of the primary endpoint [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR), 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57–2.63; P &lt; 0.001], also after adjusting for the BIOSTAT-CHF risk-prediction model (adjusted HR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.43–2.39; P &lt; 0.001). Younger age, LVEF ≥50% and treatment with higher ACEi/ARB doses were associated with a lower likelihood of moderate–severe MR at 9 months, whereas older age was the only predictor of worsening MR.

Conclusions

Among patients with HF undergoing GDMT optimization, ACEi/ARB up-titration and HFpEF were associated with MR improvement, and the presence of moderate–severe MR after GRMT was associated with worse outcome.

Additional burden of iron deficiency in heart failure patients beyond the cardio-renal anaemia syndrome: findings from the BIOSTAT-CHF study

Aims

Whereas the combination of anaemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been extensively studied in patients with heart failure (HF), the contribution of iron deficiency (ID) to this dysfunctional interplay is unknown. We aimed to assess clinical associates and pathophysiological pathways related to ID in this multimorbid syndrome.

Methods and results

We studied 2151 patients with HF from the BIOSTAT‐CHF cohort. Patients were stratified based on ID (transferrin saturation <20%), anaemia (World Health Organization definition) and/or CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m²). Patients were mainly men (73.3%), with a median age of 70.5 (interquartile range 61.4–78.1). ID was more prevalent than CKD and anaemia (63.3%, 47.2% and 35.6% respectively), with highest prevalence in those with concomitant CKD and anaemia (77.5% vs. 59.3%; p < 0.001). There was a considerable overlap in biomarkers and pathways between patients with isolated ID, anaemia or CKD, or in combination, with processes related to immunity, inflammation, cell survival and cancer amongst the common pathways. Key biomarkers shared between syndromes with ID included transferrin receptor, interleukin‐6, fibroblast growth factor‐23, and bone morphogenetic protein 6. Having ID, either alone or on top of anaemia and/or CKD, was associated with a lower overall summary Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score, an impaired 6‐min walk test and increased incidence of hospitalizations and/or mortality in multivariable analyses (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Iron deficiency, CKD and/or anaemia in patients with HF have great overlap in biomarker profiles, suggesting common pathways associated with these syndromes. ID either alone or on top of CKD and anaemia is associated with worse quality of life, exercise capacity and prognosis of patients with worsening HF.

Pathophysiological pathways in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are two growing epidemics that frequently co-exist. We aimed to gain insights into the underlying pathophysiological pathways in HF patients with AF by comparing circulating biomarkers using pathway overrepresentation analyses.

Methods and results

From a panel of 92 biomarkers from different pathophysiological domains available in 1620 patients with HF, we first tested which biomarkers were dysregulated in patients with HF and AF (n = 648) compared with patients in sinus rhythm (n = 972). Secondly, pathway overrepresentation analyses were performed to identify biological pathways linked to higher plasma concentrations of biomarkers in patients who had HF and AF. Findings were validated in an independent HF cohort (n = 1219, 38% with AF). Patient with AF and HF were older, less often women, and less often had a history of coronary artery disease compared with those in sinus rhythm. In the index cohort, 24 biomarkers were up-regulated in patients with AF and HF. In the validation cohort, eight biomarkers were up-regulated, which all overlapped with the 24 biomarkers found in the index cohort. The strongest up-regulated biomarkers in patients with AF were spondin-1 (fold change 1.18, P = 1.33 × 10⁻¹²), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (fold change 1.32, P = 1.08 × 10⁻⁸), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-7 (fold change 1.33, P = 1.35 × 10⁻¹⁸). Pathway overrepresentation analyses revealed that the presence of AF was associated with activation amyloid-beta metabolic processes, amyloid-beta formation, and amyloid precursor protein catabolic processes with a remarkable consistency observed in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

In two independent cohorts of patients with HF, the presence of AF was associated with activation of three pathways related to amyloid-beta. These hypothesis-generating results warrant confirmation in future studies.

Optimized implementation of cardiac resynchronization therapy: a call for action for referral and optimization of care

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the most effective therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and leads to improved quality of life, reductions in heart failure hospitalization rates and all-cause mortality. Nevertheless, up to two-thirds of eligible patients are not referred for CRT. Furthermore, post-implantation follow-up is often fragmented and suboptimal, hampering the potential maximal treatment effect. This joint position statement from three European Society of Cardiology Associations, Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), focuses on optimized implementation of CRT. We offer theoretical and practical strategies to achieve more comprehensive CRT referral and post-procedural care by focusing on four actionable domains: (i) overcoming CRT under-utilization, (ii) better understanding of pre-implant characteristics, (iii) abandoning the term 'non-response' and replacing this by the concept of disease modification, and (iv) implementing a dedicated post-implant CRT care pathway.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and outcomes in patients with new-onset or worsening heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

Inflammation is thought to play a role in heart failure (HF) pathophysiology. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple, routinely available measure of inflammation. Its relationship with other inflammatory biomarkers and its association with clinical outcomes in addition to other risk markers have not been comprehensively evaluated in HF patients.

METHODS

We evaluated patients with worsening or new-onset HF from the BIOlogy Study to Tailored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF) study who had available NLR at baseline. The primary outcome was time to all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization. Outcomes were validated in a separate HF population.

RESULTS

1622 patients were evaluated (including 523 ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] < 40% and 662 LVEF ≥ 40%). NLR was significantly correlated with biomarkers related to inflammation as well as NT-proBNP. NLR was significantly associated with the primary outcome in patients irrespective of LVEF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.18 per standard deviation increase; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-1.26, P < 0.001). Patients with NLR in the highest tertile had significantly worse outcome than those in the lowest independent of LVEF (<40%: HR 2.75; 95% CI 1.84-4.09, P < 0.001; LVEF ≥ 40%: HR 1.51; 95% CI 1.05-2.16, P = 0.026). When NLR was added to the BIOSTAT-CHF risk score, there were improvements in integrated discrimination index (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI) for occurrence of the primary outcome (IDI + 0.009; 95% CI 0.00-0.019, P = 0.030; continuous NRI + 0.112, 95% CI 0.012-0.176, P = 0.040). Elevated NLR was similarly associated with adverse outcome in the validation cohort. Decrease in NLR at 6 months was associated with reduced incidence of the primary outcome (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.57-0.98, P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated NLR is significantly associated with elevated markers of inflammation in HF patients and is associated with worse outcome. Elevated NLR might potentially be useful in identifying high-risk HF patients and may represent a treatment target.

Multimarker profiling identifies protective and harmful immune processes in heart failure: findings from BIOSTAT-CHF

Aims

The exploration of novel immunomodulatory interventions to improve outcome in heart failure (HF) is hampered by the complexity/redundancies of inflammatory pathways, which remain poorly understood. We thus aimed to investigate the associations between the activation of diverse immune processes and outcomes in patients with HF.

Methods and results

We measured 355 biomarkers in 2022 patients with worsening HF and an independent validation cohort (n = 1691) (BIOSTAT-CHF index and validation cohorts), and classified them according to their functions into biological processes based on the gene ontology classification. Principal component analyses were used to extract weighted scores per process. We investigated the association of these processes with all-cause mortality at 2-year follow-up. The contribution of each biomarker to the weighted score(s) of the processes was used to identify potential therapeutic targets. Mean age was 69 (±12.0) years and 537 (27%) patients were women. We identified 64 unique overrepresented immune-related processes representing 188 of 355 biomarkers. Of these processes, 19 were associated with all-cause mortality (10 positively and 9 negatively). Increased activation of ‘T-cell costimulation’ and ‘response to interferon-gamma/positive regulation of interferon-gamma production’ showed the most consistent positive and negative associations with all-cause mortality, respectively, after external validation. Within T-cell costimulation, inducible costimulator ligand, CD28, CD70, and tumour necrosis factor superfamily member-14 were identified as potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the divergent protective and harmful effects of different immune processes in HF and suggest novel therapeutic targets. These findings constitute a rich knowledge base for informing future studies of inflammation in HF.

Natriuretic peptide plasma concentrations and risk of cardiovascular versus non-cardiovascular events in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Insights from the PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE trials

BACKGROUND

N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma concentrations are independent prognostic markers in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Whether a differential risk association between NT-proBNP plasma concentrations and risk of cardiovascular (CV) vs non-CV adverse events exists is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

To assess if there is a differential proportional risk of CV vs non-CV adverse events by NT-proBNP plasma concentrations.

METHODS

In this post hoc combined analysis of PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE trials, proportion of CV vs non-CV mortality and hospitalizations were assessed by NT-proBNP levels (<400, 400-999, 1000-1999, 2000-2999, and >3000 pg/mL) at baseline using Cox regression adjusting for traditional risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 14,737 patients with mean age of 62 ± 8 years (24% history of atrial fibrillation [AF]) were studied. For CV deaths, the event rates per 1000 patient-years steeply increased from 33.8 in the ≤400 pg/mL group to 142.3 in the ≥3000 pg/mL group, while the non-CV death event rates modestly increased from 9.0 to 22.7, respectively. Proportion of non-CV deaths decreased across the 5 NT-proBNP groups (21.1%, 18.4%, 17.9%, 17.4%, and 13.7% respectively). Similar trend was observed for non-CV hospitalizations (46.4%, 42.6%, 42.9%, 42.0%, and 36.9% respectively). These results remained similar when stratified according to the presence of AF at baseline and prior HF hospitalization within last 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute CV event rates per patient years of follow-up were greater and had higher stepwise increases than non-CV event rates across a broad range of NT-proBNP plasma concentrations indicating a differential risk of CV events at varying baseline NT-proBNP values. These results have implications for future design of clinical trials.

Remote monitoring of cardiac implanted electronic devices: legal requirements and ethical principles - ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee/EHRA joint task force report

The European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes legal responsibilities concerning the collection and processing of personal information from individuals who live in the EU. It has particular implications for the remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This report from a joint Task Force of the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Regulatory Affairs Committee of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends a common legal interpretation of the GDPR. Manufacturers and hospitals should be designated as joint controllers of the data collected by remote monitoring (depending upon the system architecture) and they should have a mutual contract in place that defines their respective roles; a generic template is proposed. Alternatively, they may be two independent controllers. Self-employed cardiologists also are data controllers. Third-party providers of monitoring platforms may act as data processors. Manufacturers should always collect and process the minimum amount of identifiable data necessary, and wherever feasible have access only to pseudonymized data. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities have been reported concerning the security of transmission of data between a patient's device and the transceiver, so manufacturers should use secure communication protocols. Patients need to be informed how their remotely monitored data will be handled and used, and their informed consent should be sought before their device is implanted. Review of consent forms in current use revealed great variability in length and content, and sometimes very technical language; therefore, a standard information sheet and generic consent form are proposed. Cardiologists who care for patients with CIEDs that are remotely monitored should be aware of these issues.

Impact of mitral regurgitation in patients with worsening heart failure: insights from BIOSTAT-CHF

AIMS

Few data regarding the prevalence and prognostic impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with worsening chronic or new-onset acute heart failure (HF) are available. We investigated the role of MR in the BIOlogy Study to TAilored Treatment in Chronic Heart Failure (BIOSTAT-CHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a retrospective post-hoc analysis including patients from both the index and validation BIOSTAT-CHF cohorts with data regarding MR status. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Among 4023 patients included, 1653 patients (41.1%) had moderate-severe MR. Compared to others, patients with moderate-severe MR were more likely to have atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease and had larger left ventricular (LV) dimensions, lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), worse quality of life, and higher plasma concentrations of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). A primary outcome event occurred in 697 patients with, compared to 836 patients without, moderate-severe MR [Kaplan-Meier 2-year estimate: 42.2% vs. 35.3%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16-1.41; log-rank P < 0.0001]. The association between MR and the primary endpoint remained significant after adjusting for baseline variables and the previously validated BIOSTAT-CHF risk score (adjusted HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.00-1.23; P = 0.041). Subgroup analyses showed a numerically larger impact of MR on the primary endpoint in patients with lower LVEF, larger LV end-diastolic diameter, and higher plasma NT-proBNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-severe MR is common in patients with worsening chronic or new-onset acute HF and is strongly associated with outcome, independently of other features related to HF severity.

Development and external validation of prognostic models to predict sudden and pump-failure death in patients with HFrEF from PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE

Background

Sudden death (SD) and pump failure death (PFD) are the two leading causes of death in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Objective

Identifying patients at higher risk for mode-specific death would allow better targeting of individual patients for relevant device and other therapies.

Methods

We developed models in 7156 patients with HFrEF from the Prospective comparison of ARNI with ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and morbidity in Heart Failure (PARADIGM-HF) trial, using Fine-Gray regressions counting other deaths as competing risks. The derived models were externally validated in the Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure (ATMOSPHERE) trial.

Results

NYHA class and NT-proBNP were independent predictors for both modes of death. The SD model additionally included male sex, Asian or Black race, prior CABG or PCI, cancer history, MI history, treatment with LCZ696 vs. enalapril, QRS duration and ECG left ventricular hypertrophy. While LVEF, ischemic etiology, systolic blood pressure, HF duration, ECG bundle branch block, and serum albumin, chloride and creatinine were included in the PFD model. Model discrimination was good for SD and excellent for PFD with Harrell’s C of 0.67 and 0.78 after correction for optimism, respectively. The observed and predicted incidences were similar in each quartile of risk scores at 3 years in each model. The performance of both models remained robust in ATMOSPHERE.

Conclusion

We developed and validated models which separately predict SD and PFD in patients with HFrEF. These models may help clinicians and patients consider therapies targeted at these modes of death.

Trial registration number

PARADIGM-HF: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01035255, ATMOSPHERE: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00853658.

Graphics abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00392-021-01888-x.