Inflammation versus mechanical stretch biomarkers over time in acutely decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Heart failure can be associated with inflammation but it is unclear if inflammation is directly related to hemodynamic worsening or is an independent pathway. Our aim was to investigate inflammation and mechanical stress using serial measurements of biomarkers in acute and chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (AHF and CHF).

METHOD

The following biomarkers were measured on admission, at discharge and one month after discharge: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), high-sensitivity C-Reactive protein (hsCRP), Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL6), myeloperoxidase (MPO), suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), galectin 3 (Gal3), Growth differentiating factor 15 (GDF15) and procalcitonin (PCT).

RESULTS

In control CHF group (n=20, 69±11y, NYHA 1-2), most biomarker levels were low and stable over time. In AHF (n=55, 71±14y), BNP, ST2 and GDF15 levels were highly increased on admission and then decreased rapidly with clinical improvement; BNP, ST2 and GDF15 levels were statistically correlated (r=0.64, 0.46 and 0.39; p<0.001 for both). Both hsCRP, MPO, TNFα and Gal3 levels were increased in most AHF patients (70, 56, 83 and 98% respectively) with poor change over time. HsCRP, MPO and TNFα levels were correlated. IL6, MR-proADM and PCT levels were slightly increased, without change over time. Highest quartiles of BNP and ST2 were associated with death or readmission at one year (HR 2.33 [95CI 1.13-4.80] and 2.42 [1.27-4.60]).

CONCLUSION

AHF is associated with systemic inflammation. This inflammatory response continued up to one month after discharge despite normalisation of mechanical stress-related markers.

Clinical Experience of Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban in Electrical Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation

<p>Patients scheduled for atrial fibrillation (AF) cardioversion were excluded from clinical trials of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs).</p><p>We evaluated efficacy and safety of NOACs in patients undergoing electrical cardioversion for AF.</p><p>We performed a monocentric study of all patients on NOACs who underwent elective electrical cardioversion for non-valvular AF between January 2012 and December 2014. We analyzed incidence of stroke and bleeding  at 30 days.</p><p>Fifty patients were included, 28 receiving dabigatran, 22 rivaroxaban. Mean age was 65 ± 12 years. Mean CHADS2-VA2SC and HASBLED scores were 3 ± 1.8 and 2.2 ± 1.1 respectively. Transoesophageal echocardiography was performed in 41 (79%) patients, revealing a thrombus in 2 (5%). No clinical evidence of stroke occurred in the 30 days, 1 major gastrointestinal bleeding (2%) in patient on rivaroxaban (led to premature discontinuation) and 3 minor bleedings.</p><p>NOACs seem to be safe in daily practice of electrical cardioversion in our population.</p>

Association between baseline cardiovascular mechanics and exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Functional capacity is one of the cardinal determinants of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that baseline cardiovascular mechanics, including cardiac systolic and diastolic functions, arterial mechanics, and ventriculoarterial interaction, may play a role in predicting exercise capacity in patients with CAD.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive patients with CAD who were referred to cardiac rehabilitation were prospectively included in the study. Patients with non-sinus rhythms or severe valvular disease were excluded. Full left ventricular pressure-volume loops were constructed and arterial mechanics was evaluated using echocardiographic and tonometric measurements. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed to measure exercise capacity.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were enrolled in the study. Ventriculo-arterial coupling showed a moderate correlation with peak oxygen consumption (VO2) (r=0.410, p=0.04) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Only left ventricular volume at 15 mm Hg (r=0.514, p<0.01) in diastolic parameters (stiffness constant, p=0.75; ventricular compliance, p=0.17) and arterial compliance (r=0.467, p=0.01) in arterial parameters [arterial elastance, p=0.27; systemic vascular resistance, p=0.45; augmentation pressure, p=0.85; augmentation index (AIx), p=0.63; heart rate-corrected AIx, p=0.68] emerged as significant factors correlated with peak VO2 in patients with normal LVEF.

CONCLUSION

Comprehensive evaluation of resting cardiovascular mechanics can give clues about exercise-recruited reserves of the cardiovascular system. Optimization of ventriculo-arterial coupling in patients with reduced LVEF and arterial compliance in patients with normal LVEF should be the main target in patients with CAD and limited functional capacity.

Prevalence and clinical phenotype of hereditary transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in patients with increased left ventricular wall thickness

AIMS

Increased left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) is a common finding in cardiology. It is not known how often hereditary transthyretin-related familial amyloid cardiomyopathy (mTTR-FAC) is responsible for LVWT. Several therapeutic modalities for mTTR-FAC are currently in clinical trials; thus, it is important to establish the prevalence of TTR mutations (mTTR) and the clinical characteristics of the patients with mTTR-FAC.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a prospective multicentre, cross-sectional study, the TTR gene was sequenced in 298 consecutive patients diagnosed with increased LVWT in primary cardiology clinics in France. Among the included patients, median (25-75th percentiles) age was 62 [50;74]; 74% were men; 23% were of African origin; and 36% were in NYHA Class III-IV. Median LVWT was 18 (16-21) mm. Seventeen (5.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.4;9.0]) patients had mTTR of whom 15 (5.0%; 95% CI [2.9;8.2]) had mTTR-FAC. The most frequent mutations were V142I (n = 8), V50M (n = 2), and I127V (n = 2). All mTTR-FAC patients were older than 63 years with a median age of 74 [69;79]. Of the 15 patients with mTTR-FAC, 8 were of African descent while 7 were of European descent. In the African descendants, mTTR-FAC median age was 74 [72;79] vs. 55 [46;65] years in non-mTTR-FAC (P < 0.001). In an adjusted multivariate model, African origin, neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, electrocardiogram (ECG) low voltage, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at cardiac-magnetic resonance imaging were all independently associated with mTTR-FAC.

CONCLUSION

Five per cent of patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have mTTR-FAC. Mutated transthyretin genetic screening is warranted in elderly subjects with increased LVWT, particularly, those of African descent with neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, ECG low voltage, or LGE.

Effects of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Rehabilitation on Left Ventricular Mechanical Efficiency and Ventricular-Arterial Coupling in Patients With Systolic Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Success of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is generally assessed by the objective improvement in peak volume of inhaled oxygen (VO2) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX). However, cardiac mechanical efficiency and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) are the other important dimensions of the heart failure pathophysiology, which are not included in CPX-derived data. The effect of cardiac rehabilitation on left ventricular (LV) efficiency or VAC in unselected heart failure patients has not been studied thus far.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty patients with an ejection fraction of ≤45% were recruited for 20 sessions of exercise-based CR. Noninvasive LV pressure-volume loops were constructed and VAC was calculated with the help of applanation tonometry and echocardiography before and after CR. VAC showed an improved mechanical efficiency profile and increased significantly from 0.56±0.18 to 0.67±0.21 (P=0.02). LV mechanical efficiency improved from 43.9±9.1% to 48.8±9.1% (P=0.01). The change in peak VO2 was not in a significant correlation with the change in VAC (r=-0.18; P=0.31), mechanical efficiency (r=-0.16, P=0.39), or the change in ejection fraction (r=-0.07; P=0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

CR is associated with an improvement in VAC and LV mechanical efficiency in heart failure patients. Further studies are needed to determine the incremental value of VAC and mechanical efficiency over CPX-derived data in predicting clinical outcomes.

Effects of exercise on postexercise ventricular-arterial coupling and pulsatile efficiency in patients with systolic dysfunction

BACKGROUND

A suboptimal ventricular-arterial (VA) interaction may have a prolonged depressing effect on the failing heart after functional reserves forced to their limits under stress conditions such as exercise. The continuation of excessive load in the postexercise period may be more important than the load during exercise, because the sum of postexercise periods generally exceeds exercise time itself. We sought that exercise-induced changes in postexercise VA coupling and pulsatile efficiency in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

Thirty consecutive HF with reduced ejection fraction (EF) and thirty age-, sex- and peak VO2 -matched subjects with preserved EF were enrolled. Pre- and postexercise echocardiographic and tonometric measurements were taken to calculate left ventricular and arterial elastances, arterial compliance and wave reflections, and steady and pulsatile power.

RESULTS

VA coupling significantly deteriorated in HF group (from 1·50 ± 0·47 to 2·00 ± 0·75 mmHg/mL, P < 0·01), but control group maintained basal favourable coupling status after exercise (from 1·04 ± 0·29 to 1·03 ± 0·24 mmHg/mL, P = 0·77). Pulsatile percentage of total power significantly increased with exercise in HF group, whereas it showed a significant decrease in control group. The change in pulsatile power fraction was correlated with the change in augmentation pressure (r = 0·41, ß = 3·00, P < 0·01) and inversely correlated with the change in total arterial compliance (r = -0·29, ß = -8·52, P = 0·02).

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that exercise-induced VA decoupling and pulsatile inefficiency extend into postexercise phase in patients with systolic dysfunction. The exact duration of these derangements requires further studies.

Impact of Ivabradine on Central Aortic Blood Pressure and Myocardial Perfusion in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Treatment of hypertensive patients with β-blockers reduces heart rate and decreases central blood pressure less than other antihypertensive drugs, implying that reducing heart rate without altering brachial blood pressure could increase central blood pressure, explaining the increased cardiovascular risk reported with β-blocker. We describe a randomized, double-blind study to explore whether heart rate reduction with the If inhibitor ivabradine had an impact on central blood pressure. We included 12 normotensive patients with stable coronary artery disease, heart rate ≥70 bpm (sinus rhythm), and stable background β-blocker therapy. Patients received ivabradine 7.5 mg BID or matched placebo for two 3-week periods with a crossover design and evaluation by aplanation tonometry. Treatment with ivabradine was associated with a significant reduction in resting heart rate after 3 weeks versus no change with placebo (-15.8±7.7 versus +0.3±5.8 bpm; P=0.0010). There was no relevant between-group difference in change in central aortic systolic blood pressure (-4.0±9.6 versus +2.4±12.0 mm Hg; P=0.13) or augmentation index (-0.8±10.0% versus +0.3±7.6%; P=0.87). Treatment with ivabradine was associated with a modest increase in left ventricular ejection time (+18.5±17.8 versus +2.8±19.3 ms; P=0.074) and a prolongation of diastolic perfusion time (+215.6±105.3 versus -3.0±55.8 ms with placebo; P=0.0005). Consequently, ivabradine induced a pronounced increase in Buckberg index, an index of myocardial viability (+39.3±27.6% versus -2.5±13.5% with placebo; P=0.0015). In conclusion, heart rate reduction with ivabradine does not increase central aortic blood pressure and is associated with a marked prolongation of diastolic perfusion time and an improvement in myocardial perfusion index.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu. Unique identifier: 2011-004779-35.

Prognostic markers of acute decompensated heart failure: the emerging roles of cardiac biomarkers and prognostic scores

Rapidly assessing outcome in patients with acute decompensated heart failure is important but prognostic factors may differ from those used routinely for stable chronic heart failure. Multiple plasma biomarkers, besides the classic natriuretic peptides, have recently emerged as potential prognosticators. Furthermore, prognostic scores that combine clinical and biochemical data may also be useful. However, compared with the scores used in chronic heart failure, scores for acute decompensated heart failure have not been validated. This article reviews potential biomarkers, with a special focus on biochemical biomarkers, and possible prognostic scores that could be used by the clinician when assessing outcome in patients with acute heart failure.

Changes in ventricular-arterial coupling during decongestive therapy in acute heart failure

AIMS

Coupled arterial and left ventricular properties are poorly documented in acute heart failure. The aim of this prospective noninvasive study was to document early changes in ventricular-arterial coupling in patients with acutely decompensated HF (ADHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 19 patients hospitalized for ADHF (age 62 ± 15 years, NYHA class 3 or 4). Patients with shock and sustained arrhythmias were excluded. All the patients received intravenous loop diuretics, and none received intravenous vasodilators or inotropes. Ongoing chronic treatments were maintained. Echocardiography and radial artery tonometry were performed simultaneously on admission and after clinical improvement (day 4 ± 1 after admission). Classical echocardiographic parameters were measured, including stroke volume (SV). End-systolic pressure (Pes) was derived from reconstructed central aortic pressure, and arterial elastance (Ea) was calculated as Ea = Pes/SV. End-systolic LV elastance (Ees) was calculated with the single-beat method. Ventricular-arterial coupling was quantified as the Ea/Ees ratio. Following IV diuretic therapy, mean weight loss was 5 ± 2 kg (P < 0·01) and BNP fell from 1813 (median) (IQR = 1284-2342) to 694 (334-1053) pg/mL (P < 0·01). Ea fell by 29%, from 2·46 (2·05-2·86) to 1·78 (1·55-2·00) mmHg/mL (P < 0·01), while Ees remained unchanged (1·28 (1·05-1·52) to 1·13 (0·92-1·34) mmHg/mL). The Ea/Ees ratio therefore fell, from 2·13 (1·70-2·56) to 1·81 (1·56-2·08) (P < 0·02).

CONCLUSION

An early improvement in ventricular-arterial coupling was observed after diuretic-related decongestive therapy in ADHF patients and was related to a decrease in effective arterial elastance rather than to change in LV contractility.