The Effective Use of Digoxin in a Patient with Metastatic Breast Cancer and Anthracycline-induced Cardiomyopathy

Anthracyclines have cardiotoxic side effects. Cardioprotective drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers are therefore recommended for patients with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. We herein present a 54-year-old woman with recurrent metastatic breast cancer who developed heart failure (HF) with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 22% after undergoing epirubicin chemotherapy. However, her HF symptoms and low LVEF persisted despite 5 months of cardioprotective therapy and additional oral pimobendan. Pimobendan was discontinued because of ventricular arrhythmia and hypotension. After the start of low-dose (0.125 mg daily) digoxin, her LVEF increased to 42%, and her HF symptoms improved with no adverse events.

[Objective sleep characteristics and risk factors for sleep apnea in heart failure patients with different left ventricular ejection fraction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the objective sleep characteristics and the independent risk factors for sleep apnea in heart failure (HF) patients with different left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF).

METHODS

A total of 107 patients with chronic HF hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of our hospital from April, 2019 to October, 2020 were included in this study. According to the LVEF measured by echocardiography, the patients were divided into reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group (n=35), mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) group (n=21), and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) group (n=51). The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. To assess the objective sleep characteristics, whole night polysomnography was scheduled for all the patients. Spearman correlation and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to explore the factors affecting objective sleep characteristics.

RESULTS

The patients in HFpEF group had significantly lower proportion of non-rapid eye movement sleep stage 1, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), and central sleep apnea (CSA) than those in HFrEF group (all P < 0.05). The baseline demographic data or sleep structures in HFmrEF group did not differ significantly from those in the other two groups. Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant correlations of the male sex, diuretics use, NT-proBNP, LVEF, and total cholesterol levels with the severity of AHI (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, multiple logistics regression analysis showed that age, drinking, and LVEF levels were independently associated with the severity of AHI (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Abnormal objective sleep architectures occur in all HF patients, manifested mainly by sleep apnea. The incidences of sleep apnea and CSA are lower in patients with HFpEF than in those with HFrEF. Age, drinking, and LVEF levels are independent risk factors for the occurrence and severity of sleep apnea.

Outcome Benefits Seen With 1 Year of Optimized Sacubitril/Valsartan for the Treatment of Systolic Heart Failure Managed by Pharmacists in a Cardiology Practice

BACKGROUND

Pharmacists' care in heart failure (HF) management has been shown to better clinical outcomes, including use of guideline-directed medical therapy and hospital readmission, although the impact observed has varied among studies.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the rates of all-cause hospitalization and hospitalization from HF (hHF) and changes in surrogate markers (left-ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association Functional Classification [NYHA FC], diuretic requirements) for patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) on angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNi) therapy optimized within a pharmacist clinic.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of patients with HFrEF on sacubitril/valsartan from July 7, 2015, through January 1, 2018.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome analysis, 70 patients with pre/post hospitalization data had a reduction in the rate of all-cause hospitalization from 45.7% in the 12 months prior to ARNi therapy initiation to 24.3% during the first year on optimized ARNi therapy (P = 0.004). The rate of hHF reduced from 24.3% to 8.6% (P = 0.003). For the secondary outcome analyses at the 6-month assessment point, which included 104 patients, ejection fraction improved from 26% to 34% (P < 0.001), NYHA FC improved or remained unchanged in 86.6% of patients, and weekly loop diuretic dosing requirements were significantly reduced.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Real-world use of sacubitril/valsartan optimized within a pharmacist clinic was associated with reduced prevalence of all-cause and hHF during the first year of ARNi therapy. This study corroborates pharmacist involvement in HF management, which could be used to support further research and expanded pharmacist services.

Heart Failure With Midrange Ejection Fraction: Prior Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Prognosis

Aims: Evidence-based guidelines for heart failure management depend mainly on current left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, fewer studies have examined the impact of prior LVEF. Patients may enter the heart failure with midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF) category when heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) deteriorates or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) improves. In this study, we examined the association between change in LVEF and adverse outcomes.

Methods: HFmrEF patients with at least two or more echocardiograms 3 months apart at the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between September 1, 2015 and November 30, 2019 were identified. According to the prior LVEF, the subjects were divided into improved group (prior LVEF < 40%), stable group (prior LVEF between 40 and 50%), and deteriorated group (prior LVEF ≥ 50%). The primary outcomes were cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, hospitalization for worsening heart failure, and composite event of all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization.

Results: A total of 1,168 HFmrEF patients (67.04% male, mean age 63.60 ± 12.18 years) were included. The percentages of improved, stable, and deteriorated group were 310 (26.54%), 334 (28.60%), and 524 (44.86%), respectively. After a period of follow-up, 208 patients (17.81%) died and 500 patients met the composite endpoint. The rates of all-cause mortality were 35 (11.29%), 55 (16.47%), and 118 (22.52%), and the composite outcome was 102 (32.90%), 145 (43.41%), and 253 (48.28%) for the improved, stable, and deteriorated groups, respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that the deterioration group had higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR: 1.707, 95% CI: 1.064–2.739, P = 0.027), all-cause death (HR 1.948, 95% CI 1.335–2.840, P = 0.001), and composite outcome (HR 1.379, 95% CI 1.096–1.736, P = 0.006) compared to the improvement group. The association still remained significant after fully adjusted for both all-cause mortality (HR = 1.899, 95% CI 1.247–2.893, P = 0.003) and composite outcome (HR: 1.324, 95% CI: 1.020–1.718, P = 0.035).

Conclusion: HFmrEF patients are heterogeneous with three different subsets identified, each with different outcomes. Strategies for managing HFmrEF should include previously measured LVEF to allow stratification based on direction changes in LVEF to better optimize treatment.

Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction associated with symptom improvements in both children and adolescents with postural tachycardia syndrome under metoprolol therapy

BACKGROUND

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common childhood disease that seriously affects the patient's physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate whether pre-treatment baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) values were associated with symptom improvement after metoprolol therapy for children and adolescents with POTS.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 51 children and adolescents with POTS who received metoprolol therapy at the Peking University First Hospital between November 2010 and July 2019. All patients had completed a standing test or basic head-up tilt test and cardiac echocardiography before treatment. Treatment response was evaluated 3 months after starting metoprolol therapy. The pre-treatment baseline LVEF and LVFS values were evaluated for correlations with decreases in the symptom score after treatment (ΔSS). Multivariable analysis was performed using factors with a P value of <0.100 in the univariate analyses and the demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A comparison of responders and non-responders revealed no significant differences in demographic, hemodynamic characteristics, and urine specific gravity (all P > 0.050). However, responders had significantly higher baseline LVEF (71.09% ± 4.44% vs. 67.17% ± 4.88%, t = -2.789, P = 0.008) and LVFS values (40.00 [38.00, 42.00]% vs. 36.79% ± 4.11%, Z = -2.542, P = 0.010) than the non-responders. The baseline LVEF and LVFS were positively correlated with ΔSS (r = 0.378, P = 0.006; r = 0.363, P = 0.009), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that LVEF was independently associated with the response to metoprolol therapy in children and adolescents with POTS (odds ratio: 1.201, 95% confidence interval: 1.039-1.387, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-treatment baseline LVEF was associated with symptom improvement after metoprolol treatment for children and adolescents with POTS.

Clinical Risk Prediction in Patients With Left Ventricular Myocardial Noncompaction

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with uncertain prognosis.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to identify LVNC cases without events during long-term follow-up.

METHODS

This is a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients fulfilling LVNC criteria by echocardiography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance. MACE were defined as heart failure (HF), ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), systemic embolisms, or all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 585 patients were included (45 ± 20 years of age, 57% male). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48% ± 17%, and 18% presented late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, MACE occurred in 223 (38%) patients: HF in 110 (19%), VAs in 87 (15%), systemic embolisms in 18 (3%), and 34 (6%) died. LVEF was the main variable independently associated with MACE (P < 0.05). LGE was associated with HF and VAs in patients with LVEF >35% (P < 0.05). A prediction model of MACE was developed using Cox regression, composed by age, sex, electrocardiography, cardiovascular risk factors, LVEF, and family aggregation. C-index was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.75) in the derivation cohort and 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.71-0.73) in an external validation cohort. Patients with no electrocardiogram abnormalities, LVEF ≥50%, no LGE, and negative family screening presented no MACE at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

LVNC is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. LVEF is the variable most strongly associated with MACE; however, LGE confers additional risk in patients without severe systolic dysfunction. A risk prediction model is developed and validated to guide management.

Right Heart Dysfunction and Readmission Risk Across Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Status in Patients With Acute Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Right heart dysfunction (RHD) parameters are increasingly important in heart failure (HF). This study aimed to evaluate the association of advanced RHD with the risk of recurrent admissions across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 3383 consecutive patients discharged for acute HF. Of them, in 1435 patients (42.4%), the pulmonary artery systolic pressure could not be measured accurately, leaving a final sample size of 1948 patients. Advanced RHD was defined as the combination of a ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure of less than 0.36 and significant tricuspid regurgitation (n = 196, 10.2%). Negative binomial regression analyses were used to evaluate the risk of recurrent admissions. At a median follow-up of 2.2 years (interquartile range 0.63-4.71), 3782 readmissions were registered in 1296 patients (66.5%). Patients with advanced RHD showed higher readmission rates, but only if the LVEF was 40% or greater (P < .001). In multivariable analyses, this differential association persisted for cardiovascular and HF recurrent admissions (P value for interaction = .015 and P = .016; respectively). Advanced RHD was independently associated with the risk of recurrent cardiovascular and HF admissions if HF with an LVEF of 40% or greater (incidence rate ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.18-2.26, P = .003; and incidence rate ratio 1.73; 95% confidence interval 1.25-2.41, P = .001;respectively). In contrast, it was not associated with readmission risks if the LVEF was less than 40%.

CONCLUSIONS

After an admission for acute HF, advanced RHD was strongly associated with a higher risk of recurrent cardiovascular and HF admissions, but only in patients with an LVEF of 40% or greater.

Postoperative changes in left ventricular systolic function after combined mitral and aortic valve replacement in patients with rheumatic heart disease

BACKGROUNDS

We sought to identify short- and long-term changes in postoperative left ventricular systolic function in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) who underwent combined aortic and mitral valve replacement.

METHODS

We analyzed 146 patients according to their preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (113 with preoperative LVEF ≥50% and 33 with preoperative LVEF <50%). A restricted cubic spline model was used to assess the effect of time on the postoperative changes in echocardiographic parameters.

RESULTS

There were no significant difference in preoperative and immediately postoperative LVEF before discharge in either group. During median follow-up of 3.2 years (interquartile range: 1.3-4.7 years) after surgery, postoperative LVEF increased slightly and then plateaued in patients with preoperative LVEF ≥50%, whereas it increased over 3-4 years after surgery and then gradually decreased in patients with preoperative LVEF <50% (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Long-term postoperative LVEF showed a downward trend in RHD patients with reduced preoperative LVEF, whereas it reached a plateau in RHD patients with normal preoperative LVEF.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Heart Failure With Mid-Range Ejection Fraction

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is common in patients with heart failure (HF). The role of PH in patients with HF with reduced (HFrEF) and preserved (HFpEF) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been extensively characterized during the last years. In contrast, the pathophysiology of HF with mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF), and in particular the role of PH in this context, are largely unknown. There is a paucity of data in this field, and the prevalence of PH, the underlying mechanisms, and the optimal therapy are not well-defined. Although often studied together there is increasing evidence that despite similarities with both HFrEF and HFpEF, HFmrEF also differs from both entities. The present review provides a summary of the current concepts of the mechanisms and clinical impact of PH in patients with HFmrEF, a proposal for the non-invasive and invasive diagnostic approach required to define the pathophysiology of PH and its management, and a discussion of future directions based on insights from mechanistic studies and randomized trials. We also provide an outlook regarding gaps in evidence, future clinical challenges, and research opportunities.

Power walking based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation in patients with post-coronary angioplasty: Randomized control trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this trial was to compare the effectiveness of standardized outpatient cardiac rehabilitation combined with treadmill power walking versus standardized outpatient cardiac rehabilitation alone on health-related quality of life (HQoL), functional exercise capacity (FEC), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs) in patients who went post coronary angioplasty (CA). Further this study evaluated the association between average numbers of steps taken with above clinical outcomes.

METHODS

In a pragmatic sequential randomized clinical trial, 24 patients were randomized into two groups (n = 12) and participated in a standardized outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program (SOCRP) with treadmill power walking as an intervention group and SOCRP alone in control group. Scores obtained before and after 4 weeks of intervention, that is, after 12 treatment sessions were assessed using a HQoL questionnaire and 6-min walk test (6 MWT). Average number of steps taken throughout the 4 weeks, METs and LVEF values were obtained by pedometer, exercise stress testing and echocardiogram respectively.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were found in intergroup and intragroup comparison after 4 weeks of cardiac rehabilitation (p < 0.05). Scores of 6 MWT and LVEF significantly improved in the intervention group (p < 0.003) compared to the control group (p < 0.032). HQoL components that is, global and physical, MET values and average number of steps were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

SOCRP with power walking was more effective in improving HQoL, FEC, LVEF, METs and average numbers of steps than SOCRP alone although both interventions were significant after 4 weeks in patients underwent CA and completed cardiac rehabilitation program. Positive significant associations were found between the average number of steps taken with scores of METs and scores of global and physical domains of HQoL.

Comorbidities Associated with One-Year Mortality in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly coexist and patients with both diseases have a worse prognosis than those with HF or AF alone. The objective of our study was to identify the factors associated with one-year mortality in patients with HF and AF, depending on the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS

We included 727 patients with HF and AF consecutively admitted in a clinical emergency hospital between January 2018 and December 2019. The inclusion criteria were age of more than 18 years, diagnosis of chronic HF and AF (paroxysmal, persistent, permanent), and signed informed consent. The exclusion criteria were the absence of echocardiographic data, a suboptimal ultrasound view, and other cardiac rhythms than AF. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (337 patients with AF and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)), group 2 (112 patients with AF and HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF)), and group 3 (278 patients with AF and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)).

RESULTS

The one-year mortality rates were 36.49% in group 1, 27.67% in group 2, and 27.69% in group 3. The factors that increased one-year mortality were chronic kidney disease (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.45-3.83), coronary artery disease (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.06-2.62), and diabetes (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05-2.67) in patients with HFrEF; and hypertension in patients with HFpEF (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.36-4.39).

CONCLUSIONS

One-year mortality in patients with HF and AF is influenced by different factors, depending on the LVEF.

Validation of estimating left ventricular ejection fraction by mitral annular displacement derived from speckle-tracking echocardiography: A neglected method for evaluating left ventricular systolic function

PURPOSE

The echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is dependent on professional experience and adequate visualization. Tissue motion of mitral annular displacement (TMAD) can be easily assessed using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), even in patients with poor acoustic windows. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be estimated using STE-derived TMAD when LVEF is not available.

METHODS

Four-hundred fifty-six outpatients were enrolled after excluding the patients whose LVEF measurements remained challenging or TMAD value could be confounded. An optimized regression model for LVEF-TMAD was developed in the derivation set (n = 287), and its reliability was verified in the validation set (n = 123) and regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) set (n = 46).

RESULTS

In the derivation set, the power models had the highest F-value. Therefore, the power equations were chosen to estimate LVEF by TMAD in the validation set. There was a near-zero bias and a narrow range between the observed and estimated LVEF. The highest intra-class correlation coefficient was found between the observed and the estimated LVEF by normalized TMAD at the midpoint of mitral annular (nTMADmid). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the observed and the estimated LVEF in the RWMA set.

CONCLUSION

The LVEF can be estimated with STE-derived TMAD, even for patients with RWMA, and nTMADmid may be the optimal parameter.

What can heart failure trialists learn from oncology trialists?

Globally, there has been little change in mortality rates from cardiovascular (CV) diseases or cancers over the past two decades (1997-2018). This is especially true for heart failure (HF) where 5-year mortality rates remain as high as 45-55%. In the same timeframe, the proportion of drug revenue, and regulatory drug approvals for cancer drugs, far out paces those for CV drugs. In 2018, while cancer drugs made 27% of Food and Drug Administration drug approvals, only 1% of drug approvals was for a CV drug, and over this entire 20 year span, only four drugs were approved for HF in the USA. Cardiovascular trialists need to reassess the design, execution, and purpose of CV clinical trials. In the area of oncology research, trials are much smaller, follow-up is shorter, and targeted therapies are common. Cardiovascular diseases and cancer are the two most common causes of death globally, and although they differ substantially, this review evaluates whether some elements of oncology research may be applicable in the CV arena. As one of the most underserved CV diseases, the review focuses on aspects of cancer research that may be applicable to HF research with the aim of streamlining the clinical trial process and decreasing the time and cost required to bring safe, effective, treatments to patients who need them. The paper is based on discussions among clinical trialists, industry representatives, regulatory authorities, and patients, which took place at the Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists Workshop in Washington, DC, on 8 December 2019 (https://www.globalcvctforum.com/2019 (14 September 2020)).

Changes in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction after Mitral Valve Repair for Primary Mitral Regurgitation

This study sought to identify the short- and long-term changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after mitral valve repair (MVr) in patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation according to preoperative LVEF (pre-LVEF) and preoperative left ventricular end-systolic diameter (pre-LVESD). This study evaluated 461 patients. Restricted cubic spline regression models were constructed to demonstrate the long-term changes in postoperative LVEF (post-LVEF). The patients were divided into four groups according to pre-LVEF (<50%, 50–60%, 60–70%, and ≥70%). The higher the pre-LVEF was, the greater was the decrease in LVEF immediately after MVr. In the same pre-LVEF range, immediate post-LVEF was lower in patients with pre-LVESD ≥ 40 mm than in those with pre-LVESD < 40 mm. The patterns of long-term changes in post-LVEF differed according to pre-LVEF (p for interaction < 0.001). The long-term post-LVEF reached a plateau of approximately 60% when the pre-LVEF was ≥50%, but it seemed to show a downward trend after reaching a peak at approximately 3–4 years after MVr when the pre-LVEF was ≥70%. The patterns of short- and long-term changes in post-LVEF differed according to pre-LVEF and pre-LVESD values in patients with chronic primary mitral regurgitation after MVr.

Increased long-term mortality in women with high left ventricular ejection fraction: data from the CONFIRM (COronary CT Angiography EvaluatioN For Clinical Outcomes: An InteRnational Multicenter) long-term registry

AIMS

There are significant sex-specific differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), with a higher LVEF being observed in women. We sought to assess the clinical relevance of an increased LVEF in women and men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 4632 patients from the CONFIRM (COronary CT Angiography EvaluatioN For Clinical Outcomes: An InteRnational Multicenter) registry (44.8% women; mean age 58.7 ± 13.2 years in men and 59.5 ± 13.3 years in women, P = 0.05), in whom LVEF was measured by cardiac computed tomography, were categorized according to LVEF (low <55%, normal 55-65%, and high >65%). The prevalence of high LVEF was similar in both sexes (33.5% in women and 32.5% in men, P = 0.46). After 6 years of follow-up, no difference in mortality was observed in patients with high LVEF in the overall cohort (P = 0.41). When data were stratified by sex, women with high LVEF died more often from any cause as compared to women with normal LVEF (8.6% vs. 7.1%, log rank P = 0.032), while an opposite trend was observed in men (5.8% vs. 6.8% in normal LVEF, log rank P = 0.89). Accordingly, a first order interaction term of male sex and high LVEF was significant (hazard ratios 0.63, 95% confidence intervals 0.41-0.98, P = 0.043) in a Cox regression model of all-cause mortality adjusted for age, cardiovascular risk factors, and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

CONCLUSION

Increased LVEF is highly prevalent in patients referred for evaluation of CAD and is associated with an increased risk of death in women, but not in men. Differentiating between normal and hyperdynamic left ventricles might improve risk stratification in women with CAD.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01443637.

Supervised Analysis for Phenotype Identification: The Case of Heart Failure Ejection Fraction Class

Artificial Intelligence is creating a paradigm shift in health care, with phenotyping patients through clustering techniques being one of the areas of interest.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a predictive model to classify heart failure (HF) patients according to their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), by using available data from Electronic Health Records (EHR).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

2854 subjects over 25 years old with a diagnosis of HF and LVEF, measured by echocardiography, were selected to develop an algorithm to predict patients with reduced EF using supervised analysis. The performance of the developed algorithm was tested in heart failure patients from Primary Care. To select the most influentual variables, the LASSO algorithm setting was used, and to tackle the issue of one class exceeding the other one by a large amount, we used the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE). Finally, Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost models were constructed.

RESULTS

The full XGBoost model obtained the maximum accuracy, a high negative predictive value, and the highest positive predictive value. Gender, age, unstable angina, atrial fibrillation and acute myocardial infarct are the variables that most influence EF value. Applied in the EHR dataset, with a total of 25,594 patients with an ICD-code of HF and no regular follow-up in cardiology clinics, 6170 (21.1%) were identified as pertaining to the reduced EF group.

CONCLUSION

The obtained algorithm was able to identify a number of HF patients with reduced ejection fraction, who could benefit from a protocol with a strong possibility of success. Furthermore, the methodology can be used for studies using data extracted from the Electronic Health Records.

Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction at Any Time Post-Infarction for Prediction of Subsequent Events in a Large Multicenter STEMI Registry

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging technique for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) quantification, but as yet the prognostic value of LVEF assessment at any time after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for subsequent major adverse cardiac event (MACE) prediction is uncertain.

PURPOSE

To explore the prognostic impact of MRI-derived LVEF at any time post-STEMI to predict subsequent MACE (cardiovascular death or re-admission for acute heart failure).

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

POPULATION

One thousand thirteen STEMI patients were included in a multicenter registry.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

1.5-T. Balanced steady-state free precession (cine imaging) and segmented inversion recovery steady-state free precession (late gadolinium enhancement) sequences.

ASSESSMENT

Post-infarction MRI-derived LVEF (reduced [r]: <40%; mid-range [mr]: 40%-49%; preserved [p]: ≥50%) was sequentially quantified at 1 week and after >3 months of follow-up.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Multi-state Markov model to determine the prognostic value of each LVEF state (r-, mr- or p-) at any time point assessed to predict subsequent MACE. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

During a 6.2-year median follow-up, 105 MACE (10%) were registered. Transitions toward improved LVEF predominated and only r-LVEF (at any time assessed) was significantly related to a higher incidence of subsequent MACE. The observed transitions from r-LVEF, mr-LVEF, and p-LVEF states to MACE were: 15.3%, 6%, and 6.7%, respectively. Regarding the adjusted transition intensity ratios, patients in r-LVEF state were 4.52-fold more likely than those in mr-LVEF state and 5.01-fold more likely than those in p-LVEF state to move to MACE state. Nevertheless, no significant differences were found in transitions from mr-LVEF and p-LVEF states to MACE state (P-value = 0.6).

DATA CONCLUSION

LVEF is an important MRI index for simple and dynamic post-STEMI risk stratification. Detection of r-LVEF by MRI at any time during follow-up identifies a subset of patients at high risk of subsequent events.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Invasive validation of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain for estimating left ventricular filling pressure

PURPOSE

An elevated left ventricular (LV) filling pressure is the main finding in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, which is estimated with an algorithm using echocardiographic parameters recommended by the recent American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guidelines. In this study, we sought to determine the efficacy of the LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) in predicting an elevated LV filling pressure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 73 prospectively selected patients undergoing LV catheterization (mean age 63.19 ± 9.64, 69% male) participated in this study. Using the algorithm, the LV filling pressure was estimated using the echocardiographic parameters obtained within 24 hours before catheterization. The LV GLS was measured using an automated functional imaging system (GE, Vivid E9 USA). Invasive LV pre-A pressure corresponding to the mean left atrial pressure (LAP) was used as a reference, and a LAP of >12 mm Hg was defined as elevated. Invasive LV filling pressure was elevated in 43 patients (59%) and normal in 30 patients (41%). Nine of 73 (12%) patients were defined as indeterminate based on the 2016 algorithm. Using the ROC method, -18.1% of LV GLS determined the elevated LAP (AUC =0.79; specificity, 73%; sensitivity, 84%) with better sensitivity compared to that by the algorithm (AUC =0.76; specificity, 77%; sensitivity, 72%).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that LV GLS was an independent predictor of elevated LAP as the E/e' ratio and TR jet velocity and may be used as a major criterion for the diagnosis of HFpEF.

Effect of sacubitril valsartan on cardiac function and endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of sacubitril valsartan on cardiac function and vascular endothelial function in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

A total of 80 patients with HFrEF were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 40 patients in each group. Sacubitril valsartan was added to the conventional treatment in the observation group, and perindopril was added to the conventional treatment in the control group. Both groups were treated continuously for 12 weeks. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), flow-mediated vasodilatory function (FMD) of the brachial artery, and levels of plasma Ang II, endothelin 1 (ET-1), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), together with the serum nitric oxide (NO) and NO synthase (NOS) were compared before and after treatment in the groups.

RESULTS

Before the treatment, the levels of LVEF, LVEDD, FMD, Ang II, ET-1, CGRP, NO, and NOS in the observation group were not significantly different from those in the control group (P > 0.05). However, the levels of LVEF, FMD, CGRP, NO, and NOS in both groups were significantly higher after the treatment than those before the treatment (P < 0.05) and significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of LVEDD, Ang II, and ET-1 in both groups decreased significantly after the treatment (P < 0.05) and were significantly lower in the observation group than those in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Sacubitril valsartan might improve endothelial function while increasing cardiac function in HFrEF patients.

Changes in the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Outcomes in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients with Mid-range Ejection Fraction: A Prospective Observational Study

Objective Current clinical guidelines have proposed heart failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40-49%, but the proportion and prognosis of patients transitioning toward HF with a reduced LVEF (LVEF <40%, HFrEF) or HF with a preserved LVEF (LVEF ≥50%, HFpEF) are not fully clear. The present study prospectively evaluated the changes in the LVEF one year after discharge and the outcomes of hospitalized patients with HFmrEF. Methods We prospectively studied 259 hospitalized patients with HFmrEF who were discharged alive at our institutions between 2015 and 2019. Among them, 202 patients with HFmrEF who underwent echocardiography at the one-year follow-up were included in this study. Patient characteristics, echocardiographic data and all-cause death were collected. Results Eighty-seven (43%) patients transitioned to HFpEF (improved group), and 35 (17%) transitioned to HFrEF (worsened group). During a median follow-up of 33 months, 27 (13%) patients died. After adjustment, patients in the worsened group had an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with those in the improved group [hazard ratio 7.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-43.48]. The baseline LVEF (per 1% decrease) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (per 1 mm decrease) were independent predictors of the worsened LVEF category (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.25-3.63 and odds ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70, respectively). Conclusion Our study showed that a worsened LVEF one year after discharge was associated with a poor prognosis in hospitalized patients with HFmrEF.

Risk factors of contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention: a retrospective analysis

Objective

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to analyze the potential risk factors for CIN in patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

Patients with ACS who underwent PCI treatment from January 2017 to January 2020 were selected. The patients’ characteristics and medical information were collected and compared.

Results

A total of 1331 patients undergoing PCI were included. The incidence of CIN was 15.33%. Logistic regression analyses showed that a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% (odds ratio [OR] 4.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–7.36), serum creatinine levels ≤60 μmol/L (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.21–5.57), age ≥65 years (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.32–4.60), log N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels ≥2.5 pg/mL (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.18–5.13), uric acid levels ≥350 μmol/L (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.04–5.30), emergency percutaneous intervention (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.34–3.12), and triglyceride levels ≤1.30 mmol/L (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.01–2.27) were independent risk factors for CIN in patients who underwent PCI.

Conclusions

Early prevention is required to reduce the occurrence of CIN in patients who undergo PCI and have risk factors for CIN.

Risk factors for acute pulmonary embolism in patients with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: implications for nursing

Objective

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a serious complication after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG). We aimed to analyze the risk factors for APE in patients with OPCABG.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, patients with OPCABG who were treated in our hospital from 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2020 were included. The basic characteristics of patients and results of preoperative laboratory examinations were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 707 patients with OPCABG were included and the incidence of APE was 3.21%. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), a history of smoking, number of bypass grafting, duration of surgery, and age were significant risk factors for APE in patients with OPCABG. The areas under the curves of LVEF, number of bypass grafting, duration of surgery, and age were 0.773, 0.759, 0.738, and 0.723, respectively. The cutoff values of LVEF, number of bypass grafting, duration of surgery, and age were 59.84, 3.18, 237.42, and 73.28, respectively.

Conclusions

LVEF, a history of smoking, number of bypass grafting, duration of surgery, and age may be risk factors for APE in patients with OPCABG. Early measures should be taken to target these risks to prevent APE.

Effect of Uric Acid-Lowering Agents on Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

Background: Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) level is considered an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and the combined endpoint of death or readmission in cardiovascular disease patients. However, the causal relationship between uric acid-lowering therapies (ULTs) and heart failure is still controversial.

Design: Meta-analyses were performed to systematically compile available evidence to determine the overall effect of ULTs on heart failure patients.

Method: We conducted this systematic review following the PRISMA statement guidelines. Databases were searched to identify randomised controlled trials related to the influence of a ULT intervention in people with heart failure. Data extracted from the included studies were subjected to a meta-analysis to compare the effects of ULTs to a control.

Results: Pooled analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LEVF) showed an insignificant result towards the ULT group (MD, 1.63%; 95%CI, −1.61 to 4.88; p = 0.32; three studies). Pooled analysis of the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) showed an insignificant result towards the ULT group (MD, 4.59; 95%CI, −12.683 to 22.00; p = 0.61; four studies). Pooled analysis of BNP/NT-pro-BNP led to a nearly statistically significant result towards the ULT group (SMD, −0.30; 95%CI, −0.64 to 0.04; p = 0.08; five studies). Pooled analysis of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death between ULTs (all XOIs) and placebo did not show a significant difference (RR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.74 to 2.15, p = 0.39).

Conclusion: ULTs did not improve LVEF, BNP/NT-pro-BNP, 6MWT, all-cause mortality, and CV death in heart failure patients. UA may just be a risk marker of heart failure.

Correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with the prognosis of non-ST-segment elevation in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing selective percutaneous coronary intervention

Objective

We aimed to explore the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at three timepoints and prognosis of patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 1 year of PCI.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 231 patients with NSTE-ACS who received PCI and were followed for 1 year after PCI. The study population was divided into major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACE) and non-MACE groups.

Results

In total, 214 patients completed the 1-year follow-up; 32 patients (15.0%) had MACE and 182 (85.0%) had no MACE. The MACE and non-MACE groups differed significantly in age, preoperative neutrophil count, preoperative and postoperative NLR, proportion of three-vessel lesion disease, preoperative lymphocyte count, postoperative lymphocyte count within 24 hours, postoperative lymphocyte count over 24 hours, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR within 24 hours, age, and LVEF values were independent risk factors for MACE in patients with NSTE-ACS after elective PCI.

Conclusion

Compared with preoperative NLR, postoperative NLR (within 24 hours) may have a stronger ability to predict the occurrence of MACE in NSTE-ACS patients within 1 year after elective PCI.