Antiplatelet and anticoagulation strategies for left ventricular assist devices

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) have revolutionized the management of advanced heart failure. However, complications rates remain high, among which hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications are the most important. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation strategies form a cornerstone of LVAD management and may directly affect LVAD complications. Concurrently, LVAD complications influence anticoagulation and anticoagulation management. A thorough understanding of device, patient, and management, including anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies, are important in optimizing LVAD outcomes. This article provides a comprehensive state of the art review of issues related to antiplatelet and anticoagulation management in LVADs. We start with a historical overview, the epidemiology and pathophysiology of bleeding and thrombotic complications in LVADs. We then discuss platelet and anticoagulation biology followed by considerations prior to, during, and after LVAD implantation. This is followed by discussion of anticoagulation and the management of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Specific problems, including management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, anticoagulant reversal, novel oral anticoagulants, artificial heart valves, and noncardiac surgeries are covered in detail.

Narrative review: the holy grail: update on pharmacotherapy for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the presence of clinical signs and/or symptoms of heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%. Risk factors associated with this disease include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation (AF), obesity, diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). Despite the multiple risk factors identified for this condition, treatment and management remain challenging and a subject of ongoing research. Since a treatment approach that alters the natural course or lowers mortality for this disease has not been found, treating co-morbidities and symptom management is essential. From the comorbidities, hypertension is identified as the main risk factor for disease development. Thus, after congestive symptom control with diuretics, blood pressure (BP) management is considered one of the most important preventive measures and also a target for treatment. Amongst antihypertensives, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and aldosterone antagonists are the therapeutic agents used that have a role in reducing hospitalizations. Implantable monitoring devices have also been shown to reduce hospitalizations in comparison to standard heart failure therapies by allowing to tailor diuretic therapy based on ongoing hemodynamic data. In this manuscript we discuss pharmacologic strategies for HFpEF patients by risk factors, including those with and without a potential role.

Optimal diuretic strategies in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. According to a 2019 American Heart Association report, about 6.2 million American adults had HF between 2013 and 2016, being responsible for almost 1 million admissions. As the population ages, the prevalence of HF is anticipated to increase, with 8 million Americans projected to have HF by 2030, posing a significant public health and financial burden. Acute decompensated HF (ADHF) is a syndrome characterized by volume overload and inadequate cardiac output associated with symptoms including some combination of exertional shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), fatigue, tissue congestion (e.g., peripheral edema) and decreased mentation. The pathology is characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities that result in autonomic imbalance with an increase in sympathetic activity, withdrawal of vagal activity and neurohormonal activation (NA) resulting in increased plasma volume in the setting of decreased sodium excretion, increased water retention and in turn an elevation of filling pressures. These neurohormonal changes are adaptive mechanisms which in the short term are associated with increased contractility of the left ventricular (LV) and improvement in cardiac output. But chronically, the failing heart is unable to overcome the excessive pressure and volume leading to worsening HF. The primary symptomatic management of ADHF includes intravenous (IV) diuresis to help with decongestion and return to euvolemic status. Even though diuretics have not been shown to provide any mortality benefit, they have been clinically proven to be of significant benefit in the acute decompensated phase, as well as in chronic management of HF. Loop diuretics remain the mainstay of therapy for symptomatic management of HF with use of thiazide diuretics for synergistic effect in the setting of diuretic resistance. Poor diuretic efficacy has been linked with higher mortality and increased rehospitalizations.

Continuous-flow left ventricular assist device versus orthotopic heart transplantation in adults with heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Due to the lack of donor hearts, many studies have assessed the prognosis of heart failure (HF) patients treated with a continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (CF-LVAD). However, previous results have not been consistent and minimal data is available regarding long-term outcomes. There is no consensus on whether CF-LVAD as a bridge or destination therapy (DT) can equal orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx). The purpose of our study is to compare clinical outcomes between CF-LVAD and HTx in adults.

Methods

We searched controlled trials from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases until July 1, 2020. The mortality at different time points and adverse events were analyzed among 12 included studies.

Results

No significant differences were found in mortality at one-year [odds ratio (OR) =1.08; 95% CI: 0.97-1.21], two-year (OR =1.01; 95% CI: 0.91-1.12), three-year (OR =1.02; 95% CI: 0.69-1.51), and five-year (OR =1.02; 95% CI: 0.93-1.11), as well as the comparison of stroke, bleeding, and infection between CF-LVAD as a bridge versus HTx. The pooled analysis of one-year mortality (OR =2.76; 95% CI: 0.38-20.18) and two-year mortality (OR =1.64; 95% CI: 0.22-12.23) revealed no significant difference between CF-LVAD DT and HTx. Comparisons of adverse events showed no differences in bleeding or infection, but a higher risk of stroke (OR =5.09; 95% CI: 1.74-14.84) for patients treated with CF-LVAD DT than with HTx.

Conclusions

CF-LVAD as a bridge results in similar outcomes as HTx within five years. CF-LVAD as a DT is associated with similar one-year and two-year mortality, but carries a higher risk of stroke, as compared with HTx.

Hospital readmissions of patients with heart failure from real world: timing and associated risk factors

AIMS

This study aims to investigate hospital readmissions and timing, as well as risk factors in a real world heart failure (HF) population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients discharged alive in 2016 from Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Gothenburg, Sweden, with a primary diagnosis of HF were consecutively included. Patient characteristics, type of HF, treatment, and follow-up were registered. Time to first all-cause or HF readmission, as well as number of 1 year readmissions from discharge were recorded. In total, 448 patients were included: 273 patients (mean age 78 ± 11.8 years) were readmitted for any cause within 1 year (readmission rate of 60.9%), and 175 patients (mean age 76.6 ± 13.7) were never readmitted. Among readmissions, 60.1% occurred during the first quarter after index hospitalization, giving a 3 month all-cause readmission rate of 36.6%. HF-related 1 year readmission rate was 38.4%. Patients who were readmitted had significantly more renal dysfunction (52.4% vs. 36.6%, P = 0.001), pulmonary disease (25.6% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.010), and psychiatric illness (24.9% vs. 12.0%, P = 0.001). Number of co-morbidities and readmissions were significantly associated (P < 0.001 for all cause readmission rate and P = 0.012 for 1 year HF readmission rate). Worsening HF constituted 63% of all-cause readmissions. Psychiatric disease was an independent risk factor for 1 month and 1 year all-cause readmissions. Poor compliance to medication was an independent risk factor for 1 month and 1 year HF readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

In our real world cohort of HF patients, frequent hospital readmissions occurred in the early post-discharge period and were mainly driven by worsening HF. Co-morbidity was one of the most important factors for readmission.

Ventricular assist devices implantation: surgical assessment and technical strategies

Along with the worldwide increase in continuous left ventricular assist device (LVAD) strategy adoption, more and more patients with demanding anatomical and clinical features are currently referred to heart failure (HF) departments for treatment. Thus surgeons have to deal, technically, with re-entry due to previous cardiac surgery procedures, porcelain aorta, peripheral vascular arterial disease, concomitant valvular or septal disease, biventricular failure. New surgical techniques and surgical tools have been developed to offer acceptable postoperative outcomes to all mechanical circulatory support recipients. Several less invasive and/or thoracotomic approaches for surgery combined with various LVAD inflow and outflow graft alternative anastomotic sites for system placement have been reported and described to solve complex clinical scenarios. Surgical techniques have been upgraded with further technical tips to preserve the native anatomy in case of re-entry for heart transplantation, myocardial recovery or device explant. The current continuous-flow miniaturized and intrapericardial devices provide versatility and technical advantages. However, the surgical planning requires a careful multidisciplinary evaluation which must be driven by a dedicated and well-trained Heart Failure team. Biventricular assist device (BVAD) implantation by adoption of the newer radial pumps might be a challenge. However, the results are encouraging thus remaining a valid option. This paper reviews and summarizes LVAD preoperative assessment and current surgical techniques for implantation.

Heart failure in the young: Insights into myocardial recovery with ventricular assist device support

Background

Data on ventricular unloading-promoted myocardial recovery and post-weaning outcome in children is scarce. We analyzed the weaning outcome in children with heart failure (HF) supported with ventricular assist device (VAD).

Methods

A multi-institutional data on VAD implanted in 193 children and adolescents with HF between April 1990 and November 2015 was reviewed. Among them, 25 children (mean age 3.4±3.0, range, 0.058-16.3 years, 15 females) were weaned from VAD. Etiology of HF were myocarditis (n=11), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) (n=7), ischemic HF (n=3), arrhythmogenic CMP (n=1), post-correction of congenital heart disease (CHD) (n=1) and acute graft failure (n=1). Mean duration of HF before VAD implantation was 59.4±3 days.

Results

Age, duration of HF, DCMP, cardiac arrest and duration of VAD are essential clinical characteristics to delineate who may have the potential to myocardial recovery. Echocardiographic parameters pre-implantation, during the final off-pump trial and during the post-explantation follow-ups revealed that LVEF, LVEDD and relative wall thickness (RWT) showed significant differences (P<0.001) among patients stratified by outcome to assess recovery. Presently, 21 (84.0%) of the weaned patients are alive with their native hearts 1.3-19.1 years after VAD explantation. An additional weaned patient had HF recurrence 3 months post-weaning and was transplanted.

Conclusions

Post-weaning myocardial recovery and cardiac stability of children with HF from several etiologies supported with a VAD appears sustainable and durable. Young patients with short HF duration are more likely to recover. Absence of cardiac arrest, cardiac size, geometry and function may prospectively identify patients who may be likely to have myocardial recovery.

Hybrid transcatheter left ventricular reconstruction for the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy

Left ventricular (LV) enlargement is a mechanical adaptation to accommodate LV systolic inefficiency following an acute damage or a progressive functional deterioration, which fails to correct the decline of stroke volume in the long term, leading to progressive heart failure (HF). Surgical ventricular reconstruction (SVR) is a treatment for patients with severe ischemic HF aiming to restore LV efficiency by volume reduction and LV re-shaping. Recently, a new minimally-invasive hybrid technique for ventricular reconstruction has been developed by means of the Revivent™ system (BioVentrix Inc., San Ramon, CA, USA). The device for ventricular reconstruction consists of anchor pairs that enable plication of the anterior and free wall LV scar against the right ventricular (RV) septal scar of anteroseptal infarctions to decrease cardiac volume without ventriculotomy in a beating-heart minimally-invasive procedure, consisting of a transjugular and left thoracotomy approach. Patients with severe (Grade 4) functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) or with previous cardiac surgery procedures were excluded. Outcome of the reconstruction procedure: from 2012 until 2019, it has been applied to 203 patients, with 5 (2.5%) in-hospital deaths. LV volume reduction varied according to experience gained along years: LV end-systolic volume index decreased from baseline 43% (post-market registry) vs. 27% (CE-mark study); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from baseline 25% (post-market registry) vs. 16% (CE-mark study). Clinical status (NYHA class, HF questionnaire, 6-minute walking test) improved significantly compared to baseline, and re-hospitalization rate was only 13% at 6-month follow-up (60% of patients in NYHA =3). FMR grade decreased at follow-up in 63%, while it was unchanged in 37% of patients. The hybrid ventricular reconstruction (HVR) seems a promising treatment for HF patients who may benefit from LV volume reduction, with reasonable mortality and good results at follow-up. A baseline less severe clinical profile was not associated to better outcome at follow-up, which makes the procedure feasible in patients with very large ventricles and depressed ejection fraction (EF). LV reshaping has no detrimental effect on FMR, that may, on the contrary, benefit owing to less papillary muscle displacement, partial recovery of torsion dynamics and of myofibers re-orientation. A controlled study on top of optimal medical treatment is warranted to confirm its role in the management of HF patients.

Innovative transcatheter procedures for the treatment of heart failure

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) continues to rise over time, with aging of the population and increased survival of incident cases. Major improvements occurred in drug therapy but morbidity and mortality of HF patients remain high. Some non-pharmacologic approaches to HF are already part of standard treatment for HF, including implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). A number of transcatheter treatments and devices have been developed to improve management of valvular heart diseases (VHD), and some of them are being used or tested in specific HF conditions. For example, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) to unload the left ventricle in patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and HF or TAVI for severe aortic regurgitation (AR) in patients with LVADs. Similarly, percutaneous mitral valve repair can be used to improve prognosis and quality of life in patients with functional mitral valve regurgitation, and has been proposed as a bridge-to-LVAD or to heart transplant in selected patients. Other devices have been specifically developed for the treatment of chronic HF. In this review we describe the main devices used in the treatment of HF associated with aortic and mitral valve disease, as well as novel transcatheter interventions for chronic HF with different pathophysiologic targets.

Overview of the socio-economic consequences of heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The prevalence of HF increases, and in high-income countries, 1-2% of total healthcare expenditure is spent on HF. This article gives an overview on the impact of HF on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the economic burden of HF. Those suffering from HF are associated with a substantial decrease of HRQoL compared to individuals with most other chronic diseases and to individuals without HF. Therapeutic approaches, which decrease risk factors and lead to an improvement of the clinical status of patients, have a positive effect on HRQoL of the patients. Hospitalization rates have been shown to be correlated with disease severity, mortality, and HRQoL. Inpatient treatments of HF patients are cost intensive and the most important component for the economic burden of HF, responsible for at least half of direct cost. Prevention strategies, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches should focus on avoiding need for hospitalizations, and in particular, readmissions. Outpatient care including medication represents the second largest cost component. The cost of HF varies from less than 1,000 USD per patient in low-income countries to between 5,000 and 15,000 EUR in Europe, and between 17,000 and 30,000 USD in the US. There is a lack of study results on indirect costs. All study results on the socio-economic burden of HF clearly underscore the public health relevance of HF, showing a large economic burden for healthcare systems all over the world and a considerable impact on patients' HRQoL. The results on HRQoL are relatively homogeneous, but there are large differences across countries in respect of the economic burden they have to bear. Despite the large number of studies on the socio-economic consequences of HF further research is necessary, especially on indirect cost and for low- and middle-income countries. Future studies would benefit from a greater standardization of methods and presentation of results.

Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Prognosis, and Management

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) have similar risk factors, frequently coexist, and potentiate each other in a vicious cycle. Evidence suggests the presence of AF in both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increases the risk of all-cause mortality and stroke, particularly when AF is incident. Catheter ablation may be an effective strategy in controlling symptoms and improving quality of life in AF-HFrEF. Strong data guiding management of AF-HFpEF are lacking largely due to its challenging diagnosis. Improving outcomes associated with these coexistent conditions requires further careful investigation.

Sex, racial differences and healthy aging in normative reference ranges on diastolic function in Ethnic Asians: 2016 ASE guideline revisited

BACKGROUND

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) has shown to be a hallmark pathological intermediate in the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We aim to establish age- and sex-stratified normal reference values of diastolic indices and to explore racial-differences.

METHODS

We explored age- and sex-related structural/functional alterations from 6023 healthy ethnic Asians (47.1 ± 10.9 years, 61.3% men) according to 2016 American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) diastolic dysfunction (DD) criteria. Racial comparisons were made using data from London Life Sciences Prospective Population (LOLIPOP) study.

RESULTS

Age- and sex-based normative ranges (including mean, median, 10% and 90% lower and upper reference values) were extracted from our large healthy population. In fully adjusted models, advanced age was independently associated with cardiac structural remodeling and worsened diastolic parameters including larger indexed LA volume (LAVi), lower e', higher E/e', and higher TR velocity; all p < 0.001), which were more prominent in women (P interaction: <0.05). Broadly, markedly lower e', higher E/e' and smaller LAVi were observed in ethnic Asians compared to Whites. DD defined by 2016 ASE criteria, despite at low prevalence (0.42%) in current healthy population, increased drastically with advanced age and performed perfectly in excluding abnormal NT-proBNP (≥125 pg/mL) (Specificity: 99.8%, NPV: 97.6%).

CONCLUSION

This is to date the largest cohort exploring the normative reference values using guideline-centered diastolic parameters from healthy Asians, with aging played as central role in diastolic dysfunction. Our observed sex and ethnic differences in defining healthy diastolic cut-offs likely impact future clinical definition for DD in Asians.

Endothelial Klf2-Foxp1-TGFβ signal mediates the inhibitory effects of simvastatin on maladaptive cardiac remodeling

Aims: Pathological cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy are common features of left ventricular remodeling that often progress to heart failure (HF). Endothelial cells (ECs) are the most abundant non-myocyte cells in adult mouse heart. Simvastatin, a strong inducer of Krüppel-like Factor 2 (Klf2) in ECs, ameliorates pressure overload induced maladaptive cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. This study aims to explore the detailed molecular mechanisms of the anti-remodeling effects of simvastatin.

Methods and Results: RGD-magnetic-nanoparticles were used to endothelial specific delivery of siRNA and we found absence of simvastatin's protective effect on pressure overload induced maladaptive cardiac remodeling and dysfunction after in vivo inhibition of EC-Klf2. Mechanism studies showed that EC-Klf2 inhibition reversed the simvastatin-mediated reduction of fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast formation, as well as cardiomyocyte size and cardiac hypertrophic genes, which suggested that EC-Klf2 might mediate the anti-fibrotic and anti-hypertrophy effects of simvastatin. Similar effects were observed after Klf2 inhibition in cultured ECs. Moreover, Klf2 regulated its direct target gene TGFβ1 in ECs and mediated the protective effects of simvastatin, and inhibition of EC-Klf2 increased the expression of EC-TGFβ1 leading to simvastatin losing its protective effects. Also, EC-Klf2 was found to regulate EC-Foxp1 and loss of EC-Foxp1 attenuated the protective effects of simvastatin similar to EC-Klf2 inhibition.

Conclusions: We conclude that cardiac microvasculature ECs are important in the modulation of pressure overload induced maladaptive cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, and the endothelial Klf2-TGFβ1 or Klf2-Foxp1-TGFβ1 pathway mediates the preventive effects of simvastatin. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism of the non-cholesterol lowering effects of simvastatin for HF prevention.

The Protective Effects of Compound 21 and Valsartan in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats

This study investigated the protective effects of Compound 21 (C21), the first specific non-peptide AT2 receptor agonist, on cardiac injury in rats with isoproterenol-induced heart failure in vivo and compared it with valsartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist. In this study, 56 Wistar albino male rats (estimated body weights 250-400 g) were divided into eight groups (n = 7). Group 1 (Control) received no drug. Group 2 (ISO) was given 180 mg/kg of isoproterenol subcutaneously (s.c.); two doses were administered at 24-h intervals on days 29 and 30 of the experiment. Groups 3, 4, and 5 were given valsartan (30 mg/kg orally), C21 (0.03 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and a combination of Valsartan + C21, respectively, for 30 days. Groups 6, 7, and 8 were administered Valsartan, C21, and Valsartan + C21 in the same application, duration, and dose, respectively, and isoproterenol (180 mg/kg s.c.) was given on days 29 and 30 of the experiment. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed on the rats at the beginning and end of the experiment. Blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG alterations were monitored via a carotid artery cannula at the end of the experiment. Histopathological and biochemical measurements were performed on the cardiac tissue of the rats. For histopathological findings, C21 and Valsartan + C21 combination therapy significantly reduced the development of heart failure compared to valsartan alone. Also, the protective effect of C21 on myocardial injury was superior to that of valsartan. According to the results of echocardiographic and biochemical evaluations, C21, and Valsartan showed protective effects against heart failure. C21, valsartan, and combined therapy significantly prevented the decrease of ejection fraction. This report describes the cardioprotective effects of C21 and valsartan in ISO-induced myocardial damage.

Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium protects against isoproterenol-induced chronic heart failure via activation of PPARγ

Background

Accumulated clinical trials and animal studies showed that Qiliqiangxin (QLQX), a traditional Chinese medicine formula containing extracts of 11 herbs, exerts beneficial effects on chronic heart failure (HF). Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP), one herbal medicine in QLQX, has been widely used in treatment against digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in China. However, the cardiac protective effects and mechanisms of CRP are still unclear.

Methods

The effects of CRP were investigated in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced chronic HF mice model and neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) treated with ISO. Echocardiography was used to determine cardiac function. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and α-actinin immunofluorescent staining were used to measure cardiomyocyte size. Cardiac fibrosis was evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining. The expression of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic polypeptide (BNP) were determined by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR). Western blot was applied to examine the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), fibrosis-related and apoptosis-related proteins.

Results

We found that CRP could significantly attenuate ISO-induced cardiac dysfunction, inhibit cardiac pathological hypertrophy and alleviate myocardial fibrosis and apoptosis. Mechanistically, the downregulation of PPARγ and PGC-1α in ISO-injected mice hearts and ISO-treated NRVMs could be reversed by CRP treatment. The beneficial effects of CRP against ISO-induced HF were abolished by PPARγ inhibitor (T0070907), suggesting that CRP-mediated PPARγ upregulation was essential for the preventive effect of CRP on ISO-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study demonstrated that CRP attenuates ISO-induced cardiac remodeling via PPARγ activation, which represents a new application for CRP in the prevention of chronic HF.

The utility of the adjusted-OPTIMIZE-HF risk model for predicting in-hospital length of stay in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Various risk scores exist for predicting in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure (HF), including the Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure (OPTIMIZE-HF) risk model. However, the relations between these risk scores and length of in-hospital stay (LOS) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) has not received much attention. We aim to explore the relationship between the adjusted-OPTIMIZE-HF risk model and LOS in the Chinese population.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study that enrolled a total of 4,481 patients with ADHF. We investigated the relation between a wide range of patient variables present at hospital admission, including those that comprise the adjusted-OPTIMIZE-HF risk model and LOS (primary outcome). We divided patients into a short LOS (n=2,177, LOS <6 days) and a long LOS (n=2,304, LOS ≥6 days) group. We then explored the relations between the adjusted-OPTIMIZE-HF risk score and LOS using logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 4,481 people [61.6% male, median age 71 years (interquartile range, 16 years)] were included in this study. In univariate regression analyses, numerous variables were significantly different between the long and short LOS groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the adjustedOPTIMIZE-HF risk score had a significant predictive ability for LOS (OR 1.248, 95% CI: 1.094-1.424), P=0.001). The results of the ROC curve analysis [area under the curve (AUC) 0.583, 95% CI: 0.567-0.600] demonstrated the potential value of the risk score for predicting LOS. Finally, subgroup analyses showed that the risk score was not only predictive of LOS in the overall population, but also in subgroups of patients defined by gender, history of smoking, history of drinking, presence of hypertension, and diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjusted-OPTIMIZE-HF risk model performed well in predicting LOS greater than 6 days in the Chinese patients with ADHF. Moreover, the model proved to be stable across subgroup analyses.

Left ventricular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction-molecular mechanisms and impact on right ventricular function

The current classification of heart failure (HF) based on left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) identifies a large group of patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with significant morbidity and mortality but without prognostic benefit from current HF therapy. Co-morbidities and conditions such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, adiposity and aging shape the clinical phenotype and contribute to mortality. LV diastolic dysfunction and LV structural remodeling are hallmarks of HFpEF, and are linked to remodeling of the cardiomyocyte and extracellular matrix. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) are particularly common in HFpEF, and mortality is up to 10-fold higher in HFpEF patients with vs. without RV dysfunction. Here, we review alterations in cardiomyocyte function (i.e., ion homeostasis, sarcomere function and cellular metabolism) associated with diastolic dysfunction and summarize the main underlying cellular pathways. The contribution and interaction of systemic and regional upstream signaling such as chronic inflammation, neurohumoral activation, and NO-cGMP-related pathways are outlined in detail, and their diagnostic and therapeutic potential is discussed in the context of preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, we summarize prevalence and pathomechanisms of RV dysfunction in the context of HFpEF and discuss mechanisms connecting LV and RV dysfunction in HFpEF. Dissecting the molecular mechanisms of LV and RV dysfunction in HFpEF may provide a basis for an improved classification of HFpEF and for therapeutic approaches tailored to the molecular phenotype.

A review of the management of patients with advanced heart failure in the intensive care unit

Despite progress in the medical and device therapy for heart failure (HF), the prognosis for those with advanced HF remains poor. Acute heart failure (AcHF) is the rapid development of, or worsening of symptoms and signs of HF typically leading to hospitalization. Whilst many HF decompensations are managed at a ward-based level, a proportion of patients require higher acuity care in the intensive care unit (ICU). Admission to ICU is associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, and in those who fail to respond to standard supportive and medical therapy, a proportion maybe suitable for mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The optimal pre-operative management of advanced HF patients awaiting durable MCS or cardiac transplantation (CTx) is vital in improving both short and longer-term outcomes. This review will summarize the clinical assessment, hemodynamic profiling and management of the patient with AcHF in the ICU. The general principles of pre-surgical optimization encompassing individual systems (the kidneys, the liver, blood and glycemic control) will be discussed. Other factors impacting upon post-operative outcomes including nutrition and sarcopenia and pre-surgical skin decolonization have been included. Issues specific to durable MCS including the assessment of the right ventricle and strategies for optimization will also be discussed.

Net clinical benefit of antithrombotic therapy in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm: A network meta-analysis from 5 clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is associated with an increased incidence of thromboembolic events. Antithrombotic treatment could reduce the stroke risk, whereas increase the bleeding risk. Whether antithrombotic treatment should be a routine therapy for HF and sinus rhythm (SR) patients remains unanswered.

METHODS

We systematically searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, and ClinicalTrials.gov Website for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying antithrombotic therapy in HF and SR patients. The primary outcomes of efficacy and safety were defined as stroke and major bleeding, respectively. The network meta-analysis was conducted. The results were expressed as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and pooled using a random-effects model. The surface under the cumulative ranking curves (SUCRA) was calculated and trade-off analysis of net clinical benefit (NCB) was estimated.

RESULTS

Five studies totally involving 9390 patients were included. A significantly decreased risk of stroke was found for patients with HF and SR, when rivaroxaban was compared with placebo (RR: 0.67, 95%CI: 0.47-0.96) and warfarin was compared with antiplatelets (RR: 0.49, 95%CI: 0.33-0.73). Warfarin (RR: 7.96, 95%CI: 1.06-59.88) and rivaroxaban (RR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.16-2.33) were associated with a significant increase in the risk of major bleeding when compared with placebo. Considering the ranking of each antithrombotic therapy for primary outcomes, warfarin (SUCRA: 78.2) emerged with the highest cumulative ranking probability for stroke, with rivaroxaban (SUCRA: 73.9) and antiplatelet agents (SUCRA: 19.6) ranked behind. In terms of major bleeding, rivaroxaban (SUCRA: 57.6) was the safer intervention compared with antiplatelet agents (SUCRA: 43.5) or warfarin (SUCRA: 2.9). No difference was observed considering all-cause death, MI and hospitalization of HF among all different antithrombotic regimens. Rivaroxaban was considered as a reasonably effective and the safe antithrombotic agent for HF and SR patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Rivaroxaban might the optimal antithrombotic regimen balancing stroke and major bleeding for HF patients with SR. The results might support the attempt to anticoagulation on HF and SR patients. However, further specialized designs of RCTs are necessary to draw a robust conclusion.

Minimally invasive surgery for left ventricular assist device implantation is safe and associated with a decreased risk of right ventricular failure

Background

Right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to determine pre- and postoperative risk factors associated with the occurrence of RVF after LVAD implantation.

Methods

This retrospective study included 68 patients who received LVADs between 2010 and 2018 either for bridge to transplant (40 patients, 58.8%) or bridge to destination therapy (28 patients, 41.2%). RVF after LVAD implantation was defined according to the INTERMACS classification. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of RVF. The secondary endpoints were hospital mortality and morbidity and long-term survival.

Results

The majority of patients (61.8%) had an INTERMACS profile 1 (36.8%) or 2 (25.0%). The LVAD was implanted either by sternotomy (37 patients, 54.4%) or thoracotomy (31 patients, 45.6%). RVF after LVAD implantation was observed in 32 patients (47.1%). In univariate analysis, an elevated serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) (P=0.028) and a high preoperative vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) (P=0.028) were significantly associated with an increased risk of RVF, whereas the implantation of LVAD through a thoracotomy approach was associated with a significant reduction in this risk (P=0.006). The multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the thoracotomy approach was significantly associated with decreased risk of RVF (odds ratio =0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.96; P=0.042). Hospital mortality was 53.1% and 5.6% in the RVF and control groups, respectively (P<0.0001). The incidence of stroke and postoperative acute renal failure were significantly increased in the RVF group compared with the control group. The survival after LVAD implantation was 33.5%±9.0% and 85.4%±6.0% at 1 year in the RVF and control groups, respectively (P<0.0001).

Conclusions

LVAD implantation by thoracotomy significantly reduced the risk of postoperative RVF. This surgical approach should, therefore, be favored.

Approach to a Child with Congestive Heart Failure

Pediatric heart failure (PHF) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Whereas ischemic heart disease is the most important cause of heart failure in adults, congenital heart diseases (CHD) and cardiomyopathies are important etiologies of PHF. Management of PHF also differs from that of adults. Here authors have reviewed the literature on PHF with respect to etiology, symptoms, investigations and treatment strategies.

An overview of heart failure in low- and middle-income countries

Heart failure (HF) is a global public health concern with disproportionate socioeconomic, morbidity and mortality burden on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review summarises contemporary data on the demographic and clinical characteristics, aetiologies, treatment, economic burden and outcomes of HF in LMICs. Patients with HF in LMICs are younger than those from high-income countries (HICs) and present at advanced stages of the disease. Hypertension, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cardiomyopathy (CMO), and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are the leading causes of HF in LMICs. The contribution of infectious diseases to HF remains prominent in many LMICs. Most health facilities in LMICs lack adequate diagnostic tools for HF, and the use of evidence-based medical and device therapies is suboptimal. Further, HF in LMICs is associated with prolonged hospital stay and high in-hospital and one-year mortality. Finally, HF has profound economic impact on individual patients who, mostly, have no health insurance, and on societies where patients are young, comprising those who have the greatest potential to contribute to economic productivity.

Blockade of β-adrenergic signaling suppresses inflammasome and alleviates cardiac fibrosis

Background

Heart failure (HF) is an end-stage syndrome of all structural heart diseases which accompanies the loss of myocardium and cardiac fibrosis. Although the role of inflammasome in cardiac fibrosis has recently been a point of focus, the mechanism of inflammasome activation in HF has not yet been elucidated.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the expression of inflammasome proteins in a rat thoracic aorta constriction (TAC) model and cultured cardiac fibroblasts with stimulation of norepinephrine (NE).

Results

Our results showed that levels of inflammasome proteins in the myocardial of TAC rats were elevated. By blocking β-adrenergic signaling in the rats, inflammasome activation was suppressed and heart function was improved. The stimulation of cultured cardiac fibroblasts with NE activated inflammasome in vitro, which was abrogated by the inhibition of the calcium channels and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The activation of inflammasome by NE promoted cardiac fibrosis, whereas the inhibition of the calcium channels, ROS, and inflammasome reduced this effect.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that activation of inflammasome by β-adrenergic signaling promotes cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, modulation of inflammasome during HF might provide a novel strategy to treat this disease.

MiR-216a accelerates proliferation and fibrogenesis via targeting PTEN and SMAD7 in human cardiac fibroblasts

Background

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive disease with relatively poor prognosis and lacks effective therapy, and the discovery of dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) and their role in cardiac fibroblasts have provided a new avenue for elucidating the mechanism involved in HF.

Methods

Two datasets of GSE53080 and GSE57338 were used to screen the miRNAs profiling and analysis the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HF. QRT-PCR was used to detect miR-216a between HF and healthy controls (HC). Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and clonogenic assay were used to analyze the effect of proliferation and fibrogenesis. Then dual-luciferase activity assay and western blotting were used to confirm the key mechanism.

Results

In this study, the results showed that miR-216a was significantly up-regulated in HF and over-expression of miR-216a promoted proliferation and enhanced the fibrogenesis in the human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF) cells. Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (SMAD7) were both validated as the direct target genes of miR-216a, which were confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. MiR-216a decreased the expression of PTEN and SMAD7 leading to the activation of Akt/mTOR and TGF-βRI/Smad2 in the HCF cells, which might act as a promoter of cardiac fibrosis.

Conclusions

Our study might provide a promising approach for the treatment of HF in the future.

SGLT2 Inhibitors: Cardiovascular Benefits Beyond HbA1c-Translating Evidence into Practice

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure (HF), is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). CVD and T2DM share common risk factors for development and progression, and there is significant overlap between the conditions in terms of worsening outcomes. In assessing the cardiovascular (CV) safety profiles of anti-diabetic drugs, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapies have emerged with robust evidence for reducing the risk of adverse CVD outcomes in people with T2DM who have either established CVD or are at risk of developing CVD. A previous consensus document from the Improving Diabetes Steering Committee has examined the potential role of SGLT2is in T2DM management and considered the risk-benefit profile of the class and the appropriate place for these medicines within the T2DM pathway. This paper builds on these findings and presents practical guidance for maximising the pleiotropic benefits of this class of medicines in people with T2DM in terms of reducing adverse CVD outcomes. The Improving Diabetes Steering Committee aims to offer evidence-based practical guidance for the use of SGLT2i therapies in people with T2DM stratified by CVD risk. This is of particular importance currently because some treatment guidelines have not been updated to reflect recent evidence from cardiovascular outcomes trials (CVOTs) and real-world studies that complement the CVOTs. The Improving Diabetes Steering Committee seeks to support healthcare professionals (HCPs) in appropriate treatment selection for people with T2DM who are at risk of developing or have established CVD and examines the role of SGLT2i therapy for these people.Funding: Napp Pharmaceuticals Limited.