Freedom from congestion predicts good survival despite previous class IV symptoms of heart failure

Nitrates for acute heart failure syndromes

BACKGROUND

Current drug therapy for acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) consists mainly of diuretics supplemented by vasodilators or inotropes. Nitrates have been used as vasodilators in AHFS for many years and have been shown to improve some aspects of AHFS in some small studies. The aim of this review was to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of nitrate vasodilators in AHFS.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the effect of different nitrate preparations (isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin) and the effect of route of administration of nitrates on clinical outcome, and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of nitrates in the management of AHFS.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1950 to July week 2 2011) and EMBASE (1980 to week 28 2011). We searched the Current Controlled Trials MetaRegister of Clinical Trials (compiled by Current Science) (July 2011). We checked the reference lists of trials and contacted trial authors. We imposed no language restriction.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing nitrates (isosorbide dinitrate and nitroglycerin) with alternative interventions (frusemide and morphine, frusemide alone, hydralazine, prenalterol, intravenous nesiritide and placebo) in the management of AHFS in adults aged 18 and over.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently performed data extraction. Two authors performed trial quality assessment. We used mean difference (MD), odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to measure effect sizes. Two authors independently assessed and rated the methodological quality of each trial using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for assessing risk of bias.

MAIN RESULTS

Four studies (634 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Two of the included studies included only patients with AHFS following acute myocardial infarction (AMI); one study excluded patients with overt AMI; and one study included participants with AHFS with and without acute coronary syndromes.Based on a single study, there was no significant difference in the rapidity of symptom relief between intravenous nitroglycerin/N-acetylcysteine and intravenous frusemide/morphine after 30 minutes (fixed-effect MD -0.30, 95% CI -0.65 to 0.05), 60 minutes (fixed-effect MD -0.20, 95% CI -0.65 to 0.25), three hours (fixed-effect MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.67) and 24 hours (fixed-effect MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.31). There is no evidence to support a difference in AHFS patients receiving intravenous nitrate vasodilator therapy or alternative interventions with regard to the following outcome measures: requirement for mechanical ventilation, systolic blood pressure (SBP) change after three hours and 24 hours, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) change after 30, 60 and 90 minutes, heart rate change at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, three hours and 24 hours, pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) change after three hours and 18 hours, cardiac output (CO) change at 90 minutes and three hours and progression to myocardial infarction. There is a significantly higher incidence of adverse events after three hours with nitroglycerin compared with placebo (odds ratio 2.29, 95% CI 1.26 to 4.16) based on a single study. There was no consistent evidence to support a difference in AHFS patients receiving intravenous nitrate vasodilator therapy or alternative interventions with regard to the following secondary outcome measures: SBP change after 30 and 60 minutes, heart rate change after 90 minutes, and PAOP change after 90 minutes. None of the included studies reported healthcare costs as an outcome measure. There were no data reported by any of the studies relating to the acceptability of the treatment to the patients (patient satisfaction scores).Overall there was a paucity of relevant quality data in the included studies. Assessment of overall risk of bias in these studies was limited as three of the studies did not give sufficient detail to allow assessment of potential risk of bias.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There appears to be no significant difference between nitrate vasodilator therapy and alternative interventions in the treatment of AHFS, with regard to symptom relief and haemodynamic variables. Nitrates may be associated with a lower incidence of adverse effects after three hours compared with placebo. However, there is a lack of data to draw any firm conclusions concerning the use of nitrates in AHFS because current evidence is based on few low-quality studies.

Cardiorenal syndrome: ultrafiltration therapy for heart failure--trials and tribulations

Heart failure remains the leading cause of hospitalization in older patients and is considered a growing public health problem with a significant financial burden on the health care system. The suboptimal efficacy and safety profile of diuretic-based therapeutic regimens coupled with unsatisfactory results of the studies on novel pharmacologic agents have positioned ultrafiltration on the forefront as an appealing therapeutic option for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). In recent years, substantial interest in the use of ultrafiltration has been generated due to the advent of dedicated portable devices and promising results of trials focusing both on mechanistic and clinical aspects of this therapeutic modality. This article briefly reviews the proposed benefits of ultrafiltration therapy in the setting of ADHF and summarizes the major findings of the currently available studies in this field. The results of more recent trials on cardiorenal syndrome that present a counterpoint to previous observations and highlight certain limitations of ultrafiltration therapy are then discussed, followed by identification of major challenges and unanswered questions that could potentially hinder its more widespread use. Future studies are warranted to shed light on less well characterized aspects of ultrafiltration therapy and to further define its role in ADHF and cardiorenal syndrome.

Early and personalized ambulatory follow-up to tailor furosemide and fluid intake according to congestion in post-discharge heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) worsening is a worldwide cause of rehospitalization and mortality, specially during the early period after hospitalization. Fluid accumulation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of both acute heart decompensation and disease progression. The effective use of drugs to maintain restored clinical stabilization in recently discharged patients is a difficult task, and it relies on matching the most appropriately tailored therapy to specific clinical profiles. However, no successful treatment has been shown to reduce post-discharge readmission. We evaluated in a case-control study the effectiveness of an early and personalized congestion-guided ambulatory program on medium-term (6 months) compensation in recently discharged CHF patients. Group A (22 patients) underwent a post-discharge close follow-up consisting of: an early clinic visit within 10 days; a second visit within 10 days after the first; and the other visits at month 1, 2, 3 after discharge. Controls (Group B, 21 patients) underwent a conventional ambulatory follow-up only at month 1, 2, 3 after discharge. The ambulatory approach in both groups was based on the monitoring of signs/symptoms of congestion and body weight, body hydration estimation by using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and laboratory data. This assessment was finalized to tailor furosemide and daily fluid intake at each visit to eliminate clinical or instrumental evidence of persistent congestion relieving the signs and symptoms. At 6 months, Group A was associated with a better clinical compensation (improved hydration state, lower BNP levels and congestion score), an improved quality of life, and reduced re-hospitalizations. We conclude that in CHF the early and personalized ambulatory follow-up based on congestion-guided treatment is effective to optimize management and maintain clinical stability in the post-discharge period.

Fluid loss, venous congestion, and worsening renal function in acute decompensated heart failure

AIMS

To investigate the relationship between decongestion, central venous pressure, and risk of worsening renal function (WRF) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 475 patients with ADHF, of whom 238 underwent right heart catheterization. Right atrial pressure (RAP) was measured at baseline and at 24 h. Net fluid loss was recorded in the first 24 h. WRF was defined as a >0.3 mg/dL increase in serum creatinine above baseline. WRF occurred in 84 catheterized patients (35.3%). There was a weak correlation between baseline RAP and baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.17, P = 0.009). The amount of fluid removed during the first 24 h did not correlate with the magnitude of RAP reduction (r = 0.06, P = 0.35). No association was observed between WRF and baseline RAP [odds ratio (OR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.80-1.41, P = 0.68 per 6.6 mmHg] or the decrease in RAP (adjusted OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.85-1.49, P = 0.40 per 5.3 mmHg reduction in RAP). In contrast, smaller net fluid loss was strongly associated with increased WRF risk. Compared with the first net fluid loss tertile, the adjusted OR was 1.85 (95% CI 0.90-3.80, P = 0.10) and 2.58 (95% CI 1.27-5.25; P = 0.009) for the second and third tertile, respectively (P for trend <0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Smaller early net fluid loss is associated with increased risk for WRF. RAP is not a reliable surrogate of the magnitude of decongestion and risk of WRF. Future research is necessary to determine if targeting congestion may help prevent WRF.

Transthoracic bioimpedance and brain natriuretic peptide assessment for prognostic stratification of outpatients with chronic systolic heart failure

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic heart failure, physical evaluation and clinical judgment may be inadequate for prognostic stratification.

HYPOTHESIS

Information obtained with simple bedside tests would be helpful in patient management.

METHODS

We report on 142 outpatients with systolic heart failure seen at our heart failure unit from 2007 to 2010 (ages 69.4 ± 8.9 years; ejection fraction [EF] 30.6 ± 6.1%; 43% with implanted defibrillators and/or resynchronization devices). At their first visit, we assessed levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) (pg/mL), evaluated transthoracic conductance (TFC) (1/kΩ) by transthoracic bioimpedance, and performed echocardiography.

RESULTS

Four-year mortality was 21.2%. At multivariate analysis, surviving and deceased subjects did not differ regarding New York Heart Association, age, gender, heart failure etiology, or EF at index visit. Patients who died had higher BNP and TFC (BNP = 884 ± 119 pg/mL vs 334 ± 110 pg/mL; TFC = 50 ± 8/kΩ vs 37 ± 7/kΩ, both P < 0.001]. Patients with BNP < 450 pg/mL and TFC < 40/kΩ had a 2.1% 4-year mortality, compared to 46.5% mortality of patients having BNP ≥ 450 pg/mL and TFC ≥ 40/kΩ. BNP ≥ 450 pg/mL and TFC ≥ 40/kΩ showed high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (88%)in identifying patients who died at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of BNP and impedance cardiography during the first assessment of a patient in a heart failure unit identified those carrying a worse medium-term prognosis. This approach could help the subsequent management of patients, allowing better clinical and therapeutic strategies.

Clinical course and predictive value of congestion during hospitalization in patients admitted for worsening signs and symptoms of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: findings from the EVEREST trial

AIMS

Signs and symptoms of congestion are the most common cause for hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). The clinical course and prognostic value of congestion during HHF has not been systemically characterized.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A post hoc analysis was performed of the placebo group (n = 2061) of the EVEREST trial, which enrolled patients within 48 h of admission (median ~24 h) for worsening HF with an EF ≤ 40% and two or more signs or symptoms of fluid overload [dyspnoea, oedema, or jugular venous distension (JVD)] for a median follow-up of 9.9 months. Clinician-investigators assessed patients daily for dyspnoea, orthopnoea, fatigue, rales, pedal oedema, and JVD and rated signs and symptoms on a standardized 4-point scale ranging from 0 to 3. A modified composite congestion score (CCS) was calculated by summing the individual scores for orthopnoea, JVD, and pedal oedema. Endpoints were HHF, all-cause mortality (ACM), and ACM + HHF. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to evaluate the risk of CCS at discharge on outcomes at 30 days and for the entire follow-up period. The mean CCS obtained after initial therapy decreased from the mean ± SD of 4.07 ± 1.84 and the median (25th, 75th) of 4 (3, 5) at baseline to 1.11 ± 1.42 and 1 (0, 2) at discharge. At discharge, nearly three-quarters of study participants had a CCS of 0 or 1 and fewer than 10% of patients had a CCS >3. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino terminal-proBNP, respectively, decreased from 734 (313, 1523) pg/mL and 4857 (2251, 9642) pg/mL at baseline to 477 (199, 1079) pg/mL, and 2834 (1218, 6075) pg/mL at discharge/Day 7. A CCS at discharge was associated with increased risk (HR/point CCS, 95% CI) for a subset of endpoints at 30 days (HHF: 1.06, 0.95-1.19; ACM: 1.34, 1.14-1.58; and ACM + HHF: 1.13, 1.03-1.25) and all outcomes for the overall study period (HHF: 1.07, 1.01-1.14; ACM: 1.16, 1.09-1.24; and ACM + HHF 1.11, 1.06-1.17). Patients with a CCS of 0 at discharge experienced HHF of 26.2% and ACM of 19.1% during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Among patients admitted for worsening signs and symptoms of HF and reduced EF, congestion improves substantially during hospitalization in response to standard therapy alone. However, patients with absent or minimal resting signs and symptoms at discharge still experienced a high mortality and readmission rate.

Treating volume overload in acutely decompensated heart failure: established and novel therapeutic approaches

BACKGROUND

Most patients hospitalized for acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) present with symptoms and signs of volume overload, which is also associated with substantially high rates of death and rehospitalization in ADHF.

OBJECTIVE

To review the recent experimental and clinical evidence on existing therapeutic algorithms and investigational drugs used for the treatment of volume overload in ADHF patients.

METHODS

A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications was performed on Medline and EMBASE from January 1990 to March 2012. The results of unpublished trials were obtained from presentations at national and international meetings.

RESULTS

Apart from intrinsic renal insufficiency and neurohormonal activation, volume overload through venous congestion may be the primary haemodynamic factor triggering the worsening of renal function in ADHF patients. It is well known that heart and kidneys are closely interrelated and an acute or chronic disorder in one organ may induce acute or chronic dysfunction in the other organ. Established therapeutic strategies, (e.g. loop diuretics, vasodilators, and inotropes), are sometimes associated with limited clinical success due to tolerance and the need for frequent up titration of the doses in order to achieve the desired effect. That leads to an increasing interest in novel options, such as the use of adenosine A1 receptor antagonists, vasopressin antagonists, and renal-protective dopamine. Initial clinical trials have shown quite encouraging results in some heart failure subpopulations but have failed to demonstrate a clear beneficial role of these agents. On the other hand, ultrafiltration appears to be a more promising therapeutic procedure that will improve volume regulation, while preserving renal and cardiac function.

CONCLUSION

Further clinical studies are required in order to determine their net effect on renal function and potential cardiovascular outcomes. Until then, management of volume overload in ADHF patients remains a challenge for the clinicians.

Fluid management strategies in heart failure

In patients with chronic heart failure, fluid retention (or hypervolemia) is often the stimulus for acute decompensated heart failure that requires hospitalization. The pathophysiology of fluid retention is complex and involves both hemodynamic and clinical congestion. Signs and symptoms of both hemodynamic and clinical congestion should be assessed serially during hospitalization. Core heart failure drug and cardiac device therapies should be provided, and ultrafiltration may be warranted. Critical care, intermediate care, and telemetry nurses have roles in both assessment and management of patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure and fluid retention. Nurse administrators and managers have heightened their attention to fluid retention because the Medicare performance measure known as the risk-standardized 30-day all-cause readmission rate after heart failure hospitalization can be attenuated by fluid management strategies initiated by nurses during a patient's hospitalization.

The efficacy and safety of lixivaptan in outpatients with heart failure and volume overload: results of a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study

AIMS

Volume overload is the dominant feature of decompensated heart failure (HF) and it often results in adverse clinical outcomes. Vasopressin receptor antagonists such as lixivaptan may provide effective volume unloading. This study assessed weight loss after 1 day and 8 weeks of treatment with lixivaptan in outpatients with HF and volume overload.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This phase II, 8-week, multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group study randomized participants (2:1) to receive lixivaptan 100 mg or placebo once daily (in addition to standard HF therapy). Body weight and cardiovascular assessments were made at baseline, Day 1 (not cardiovascular), Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8, and 7 days post-treatment. The Trail-making Test, part B (TMT-B) and the Medical Outcomes Survey 6-item cognitive function scale (MOS-6) were assessed at baseline and Week 4. The study randomized 170 participants (lixivaptan, n = 111; placebo, n = 59). Most (97.1%) were receiving pharmacological therapy for HF at baseline. Demographic characteristics were generally similar between the two groups. Body weight decreased significantly from baseline to Day 1 with lixivaptan vs. placebo (least-square mean change ± standard error: - 0.38 ± 0.08 kg vs. +0.13 ± 0.11 kg; P < 0.001) and at Weeks 1, 2, and 4 (P < 0.01). Cardiovascular changes were generally similar in both groups, though orthopnoea and dyspnoea improved in the lixivaptan group vs. placebo. The TMT-B and MOS-6 showed no significant differences between groups. Lixivaptan was well tolerated-thirst and polyuria occurred more frequently vs. placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

In outpatients with HF and volume overload, lixivaptan 100 mg once daily, when added to standard therapy, reduced body weight, improved dyspnoea and orthopnoea, and was well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01055912.

Preliminary report of tolvaptan treatment in Japanese patients with heart failure

While diuretic drugs are commonly used in patients with congestive heart failure, the efficacy of their long-term use still remains controversial. Recently, a new class of diuretics, vasopressin receptor 2 antagonists, has been launched, and tolvaptan is one such drug. We describe our initial experience with this novel agent. Tolvaptan is potentially useful for treatment of heart failure patients with fluid overload who are refractory to conventional diuretic therapies.

Impact of systemic venous congestion in heart failure

Systemic venous congestion is one of the hallmarks of the syndrome of heart failure that results from activation of different deleterious neurohormonal pathways. Apart from contributing to patients' symptoms and hospital admissions, growing evidence suggests that congestion itself drives further heart failure progression. In addition, systemic venous congestion exerts detrimental effects on other organs (such as kidneys and liver) due to ineffective organ perfusion. Endothelial cell activation, altered ventricular geometry, and functional mitral insufficiency are among the proposed mechanisms. Diuretics and vasodilators remain the mainstay of treatment options, mostly because of poor understanding of the underlying cardiorenal mechanisms involved. Recently, ultrafiltration has emerged as an invasive treatment option in the setting of diuretic resistance. Congestion ideally should be prevented, often initially through water and salt restriction. Early detection, possibly with the help of novel implantable sensor technology, may allow for early detection and intervention long before overt congestion is established.

Acute decompensated heart failure - treatments and challenges -

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a major public health problem throughout the world and its importance is continuing to grow. This article reviews the epidemiology of ADHF and the profile of patients suffering from this condition. It describes factors used in assessing prognosis and presents treatment options. Although no currently available treatments have been shown to favorably affect long-term outcomes, there are a variety of strategies and approaches to management that are expected to reduce morbidity and mortality following discharge after ADHF hospitalization. In particular, the clinician is alerted to the need to identify factors that trigger decompensation as well as to optimize treatments for chronic heart failure. The importance of the transition from hospital to the outpatient setting is described. Particular attention should be focused on providing health education to the patient and their family at an appropriate level of medical literacy as well as ensuring early follow-up evaluation after hospital discharge.

Eplerenone survival benefits in heart failure patients post-myocardial infarction are independent from its diuretic and potassium-sparing effects. Insights from an EPHESUS (Eplerenone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival Study) substudy

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a diuretic effect may be detectable in patients treated with eplerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, as compared with placebo during the first month of EPHESUS (Eplerenone Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Efficacy and Survival study) (n = 6,080) and whether this was associated with eplerenone's beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcomes.

BACKGROUND

The mechanism of the survival benefit of eplerenone in patients with heart failure post-myocardial infarction remains uncertain.

METHODS

A diuretic effect was indirectly estimated by changes at 1 month that was superior to the median changes in the placebo group in body weight (-0.05 kg) and in the estimated plasma volume reduction (+1.4%). A potassium-sparing effect was defined as a serum potassium increase greater than the median change in the placebo group: +0.11 mmol/l.

RESULTS

In the eplerenone group, body weight (p < 0.0001) and plasma volume (p = 0.047) decreased, whereas blood protein and serum potassium increased (both, p < 0.0001), as compared with the placebo group, suggesting a diuretic effect induced by eplerenone, associated with a potassium-sparing effect. A diuretic effect, as defined by an estimated plasma volume reduction, was independently associated with 11% to 19% better outcomes (lower all-cause death, cardiovascular death or cardiovascular hospitalization, all-cause death or hospitalization, hospitalization for heart failure). Potassium sparing was also independently associated with 12% to 34% better outcomes. There was no statistically significant interaction between the observed beneficial effects of eplerenone (9% to 17%) on cardiovascular outcomes and potassium-sparing or diuretic effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Eplerenone's beneficial effects on long-term survival and cardiovascular outcomes are independent from early potassium-sparing or diuretic effects, suggesting that mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism provides cardiovascular protection beyond its diuretic and potassium-sparing properties.

Acute study of clinical effectiveness of nesiritide in decompensated heart failure: nesiritide redux

Nesiritide, a synthetic drug form of human B-type natriuretic peptide, is approved for the early treatment of dyspnea in acute decompensated heart failure. Meta-analyses suggested a risk of worsening renal insufficiency and mortality with its use. Therefore, the Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) was designed as a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial to examine the use of nesiritide in this common, morbid, and often lethal clinical condition. Two coprimary end points, dyspnea and 30-day hospital readmission or death, were chosen to examine symptomatic response and objective outcomes, respectively. Preliminary reports from ASCEND-HF investigators suggest no significant improvement in symptoms or clinical outcomes, although no adverse effect on mortality or renal function was noted. We recommend the continued use of nesiritide in acute decompensated heart failure as an individualized case-based therapy to those patients who meet criteria for treatment and are expected to receive benefit from its use.

Decongestive treatment of acute decompensated heart failure: cardiorenal implications of ultrafiltration and diuretics

In patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), treatment aimed at adequate decongestion of the volume overloaded state is essential. Despite diuretic therapy, many patients remain volume overloaded and symptomatic. In addition, adverse effects related to diuretic treatment are common, including worsening kidney function and electrolyte disturbances. The development of decreased kidney function during treatment affects the response to diuretic therapy and is associated with important clinical outcomes, including mortality. The occurrence of diuretic resistance and the morbidity and mortality associated with diuretic therapy has stimulated interest to develop effective and safe treatment strategies that maximize decongestion and minimize decreased kidney function. During the last few decades, extracorporeal ultrafiltration has been used to remove fluid from diuretic-refractory hypervolemic patients. Recent clinical studies using user-friendly machines have suggested that ultrafiltration may be highly effective for decongesting patients with ADHF. Many questions remain regarding the comparative impact of diuretics and ultrafiltration on important clinical outcomes and adverse effects, including decreased kidney function. This article serves as a summary of key clinical studies addressing these points. The overall goal is to assist practicing clinicians who are contemplating the use of ultrafiltration for a patient with ADHF.

Biomarker changes during acute heart failure treatment

Biomarker changes may provide physicians with objective evidence of treatment efficacy in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and facilitate early hospital discharge. The authors hypothesize that mid-regional-pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), C-terminal-pro-endothelin-1 (CT-pro-ET-1), and mid-regional-pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) change during the first 24 hours of ADHF therapy. Eligible patients had an emergency department diagnosis of ADHF and fulfilled modified Framingham criteria. Clinical data, serum, and plasma values were collected at enrollment, 2 to 4 hours, and 12 to 24 hours after treatment. Changes in biomarker concentrations from baseline to 2 to 4 hours, baseline to 12 to 24 hours, and 2 to 4 to 12 to 24 hours were calculated. Fisher exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons. Forty-eight patients were included. The median age was 62 years (range 40-88), 54% were men and 50% were white. More patients had changes in MR-pro-ANP levels in the first 2 to 4 hours after ADHF therapy compared with MR-proADM or CT-pro-ET-1 (36% vs 16% and 24%). However, 12 to 24 hours after therapy, similar proportions of patients had changes in MR-proANP, MR-proADM, and CT-proET-1 levels (47%, 41%, and 49%). In this preliminary study, patients with ADHF had measurable changes in MR-proANP, MR-proADM, and CT-pro-ET-1 24 hours after initial therapy. A study of association with clinical course and outcomes to determine the role of these markers in risk-stratification is warranted.

Does the physical examination still have a role in patients with suspected heart failure?

AIMS

The prognostic value of signs of congestion in patients suspected of having chronic heart failure (CHF) is unknown. Our objectives were to define their prevalence and specificity in diagnosing CHF and to determine their prognostic value in patients in a community heart failure clinic.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Analysis of referrals to a community clinic for patients with CHF symptoms. Systolic CHF (S-HF) was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45%, heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HeFNEF) as LVEF > 45%, and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide >50 pmol L(-1); other subjects were defined as not having CHF. Signs of congestion were as follows: no signs; right heart congestion (RHC: oedema, jugular venous distension); left heart congestion (LHC: lung crackles); or both (R + LHC). Of 1881 patients referred, 707 did not have CHF, 853 had S-HF, and 321 had HeFNEF. The median inter-quartile range (IQR) age was 72 years (64-78), 40% were women, and LVEF was 47% (35-59). Overall, 417 patients had RHC of whom 49% had S-HF and 21% HeFNEF. Eighty-five patients had LHC of whom 43% had S-HF and 20% had HeFNEF. One hundred and seventy-two patients had R + LHC of whom 71% had S-HF and 16% had HeFNEF. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 64(44-76) months, 40% of the entire patient cohort died. The combination of R + LHC signs was an independent marker of an adverse prognosis (χ(2)-log-rank test = 186.1, P< 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Clinical signs of congestion are independent predictors of prognosis in ambulatory patients with suspected CHF.

Salt and water imbalance in chronic heart failure

In chronic heart failure (CHF), neurohumoral systems, which help to maintain circulatory homeostasis, are maladaptive and responsible for disease progression and congestion in the long term. The activation of sympathetic hormones and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), in addition to non-osmotic vasopressin release, up-regulation of aquoporine 2 and renal sodium transporters, and renal resistance to natriuretic peptide lead to a salt- and water-avid state. A primary decrease in cardiac output and arterial vasodilatation brings about arterial underfilling, which activates neuro-humoral reflexes and systems. The heart disease is the primum movens, but the kidney is the end organ responsible for increased tubular reabsorption of sodium and water. The most important hemodynamic alteration in the kidneys is constriction of glomerular efferent arterioles, which increases intraglomerular pressure and hence glomerular filtration rate. The resulting changes in intrarenal oncotic and hydrostatic pressures promote tubular reabsorption. Over time, a gradually falling glomerular filtration rate, due to CHF progression, medications or chronic kidney injury due to comorbidities, becomes more critical in sodium/water imbalance. Moreover, long-term use of diuretics can lead to a diuretic-resistant state, which necessitates the use of higher doses further activating RAAS, often at the expense of worsening renal function. However, every patient is a case in itself and the general pathophysiology of hydro-saline balance may be different in each subject. A mechanism can prevail over others and the kidney may have different responses to the same diuretic. So, it is necessary to customize each individual's long-term therapy, tailoring medical treatment according to clinical profiles, comorbidities and renal function, introducing active control of body weight by the patient himself, fluid restriction, a less restricted sodium intake, flexibility of diuretic doses, early and personalized ambulatory follow-up, and congestion monitoring by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, BNP, inferior vena cava ultrasonography or echocardiographic e/e(1) ratio or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.

Association of furosemide dose with clinical status, left ventricular dysfunction, natriuretic peptides, and outcome in clinically stable patients with chronic systolic heart failure

In chronic heart failure (HF), high daily doses of furosemide have been associated with increased mortality. The authors sought to evaluate the relationships between orally administered furosemide doses, clinical status, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), and outcome in 400 outpatients with chronic HF and LV ejection fraction (EF) ≤ 45%. Clinical status, NT-proBNP levels, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were evaluated. Median follow-up duration was 32 months. The median values of daily-dose furosemide and of furosemide dose normalized to body surface area were 25 mg (12.5-62.5 mg) and 15 mg/m(2) (13-34 mg/m(2)), respectively. A total of 32% of patients had decompensated HF according to Framingham score and criteria for congestion. In clinically stable patients, a multivariable Cox model, which included clinical and echocardiographic parameters plus NT-proBNP, hemoglobin, and eGFR, showed that normalized furosemide dose (P=.017), anemia (P=.060), age (P=.080), and New York Heart Association class (P=.080) were predictors of all cause-mortality. In patients with decompensated HF, LV end-systolic volume index (P=.018), NT-proBNP (P=.060), and reduced eGFR (P=.070) were independently related to the outcome. Normalized furosemide dose was a major determinant of prognosis in patients with chronic HF but without ongoing signs and symptoms, and this suggests a possible negative interaction of this drug in clinically stable patients.

Changes in renal function during hospitalization and soon after discharge in patients admitted for worsening heart failure in the placebo group of the EVEREST trial

AIM

To provide an in-depth clinical characterization and analysis of outcomes of the patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) who subsequently develop worsening renal function (WRF) during hospitalization or soon after discharge.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Of the 4133 patients hospitalized with worsening HF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤40%) in the EVEREST trial, 2072 were randomized to tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin-2 receptor antagonist, and 2061 were randomized to placebo, both in addition to standard therapy. This analysis included the 2021 (98%) patients in the placebo group with a complete set of renal function parameters. Renal function parameters and clinical variables were measured prospectively during hospitalization and after discharge. Worsening renal function was defined as an increase in sCr ≥0.3 mg/dL during the in-hospital (randomization to discharge or Day 7) and post-discharge (discharge or Day 7 to 4 weeks post-discharge) periods. Blood pressure (BP), body weight (BW), natriuretic peptides (NPs), and congestion score were correlated with WRF. The prognostic value of baseline renal function at admission and WRF during hospitalization and post-discharge on long-term outcomes were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for other baseline covariates. At randomization, 53.2% of patients had moderately or severely reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (<60.0 mL/min/1.73 m2). Worsening renal function was observed in 13.8% in-hospital and 11.9% post-discharge. Worsening renal function during hospitalization and post-discharge was associated with greater reductions in BP, BW, and NPs. Baseline renal dysfunction as well as in-hospital and post-discharge WRF were predictive of a composite endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) mortality/HF rehospitalization.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of renal dysfunction is high in patients hospitalized for HF with reduced LVEF. Worsening renal function may occur not only during hospitalization, but also in the early post-discharge period. Since worsening renal function during hospitalization is associated with a significant decrease in signs and symptoms of congestion, body weight and natriuretic peptides, which are good prognostic indicators, worsening renal function during hospitalization as an endpoint in clinical trials should be re-evaluated.

The STARBRITE trial: a randomized, pilot study of B-type natriuretic peptide-guided therapy in patients with advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND

STARBRITE, a multicenter randomized pilot trial, tested whether outpatient diuretic management guided by B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and clinical assessment resulted in more days alive and not hospitalized over 90 days compared with clinical assessment alone.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 130 patients from 3 sites with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% were enrolled during hospitalization for heart failure (HF) and randomly assigned to therapy guided by BNP and clinical assessment (BNP strategy) or clinical assessment alone. The clinical goal was resolution of congestion without hypotension or renal dysfunction. In the BNP arm, therapy was adjusted to achieve optimal fluid status, defined as the BNP level and congestion score obtained at the time of discharge. In the clinical assessment arm, therapy was titrated to achieve optimal fluid status, represented by the patient's signs and symptoms at the time of discharge. Exclusion criteria were serum creatinine >3.5 mg/dL and acute coronary syndrome. Follow-up was done in HF clinics. BNP was measured with the use of a rapid assay test. There was no significant difference in number of days alive and not hospitalized (hazard ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.41-1.27; P = .25), change in serum creatinine, or change in systolic blood pressure (SBP). BNP strategy was associated with a trend toward a lower blood urea nitrogen (24 mg/dL vs 29 mg/dL; P = .07); BNP strategy patients received significantly more angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, and the combination of ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker plus beta-blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

BNP strategy was not associated with more days alive and not hospitalized, but the strategy appeared to be safe and was associated with increased use of evidence-based medications.

Ultrafiltration in heart failure

Fluid overload is a key pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both the acute decompensation episodes of heart failure and the progression of the syndrome. Moreover, it represents the most important factor responsible for the high readmission rates observed in these patients and is often associated with renal function worsening, which by itself increases mortality risk. In this clinical context, ultrafiltration (UF) has been proposed as an alternative to diuretics to obtain a quicker relief of pulmonary/systemic congestion. This review illustrates technical issues, mechanisms, efficacy, safety, costs, and indications of UF in heart failure. The available evidence does not support the widespread use of UF as a substitute for diuretic therapy. Owing to its operative characteristics, UF cannot be expected to directly influence serum electrolyte levels, azotemia, and acid-base balance, or to remove high-molecular-weight substances (eg, cytokines) in clinically relevant amounts. Ultrafiltration should be used neither as a quicker way to achieve a sort of mechanical diuresis nor as a remedy for an inadequately prescribed and administered diuretic therapy. Instead, it should be reserved to selected patients with advanced heart failure and true diuretic resistance, as part of a more complex strategy aiming at an adequate control of fluid retention.

Pulmonary hypertension with left-sided heart disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) with left-sided heart disease is defined, according to the latest Venice classification, as a Group 2 PH, which includes left-sided ventricular or atrial disease, and left-sided valvular diseases. These conditions are all associated with increased left ventricular filling pressure. Although PH with left-sided heart disease is a common entity, and long-term follow-up trials have provided firm recognition that development of left-sided PH carries a poor outcome, available data on incidence, pathophysiology, and therapy are sparse. Mitral stenosis was reported as the most frequent cause of PH several decades ago, but PH with left-sided heart disease is now usually caused by systemic hypertension and ischemic heart disease. In patients with these conditions, PH develops as a consequence of impaired left ventricular relaxation and distensibility. Chronic sustained elevation of cardiogenic blood pressure in pulmonary capillaries leads to a cascade of untoward retrograde anatomical and functional effects that represent specific targets for therapeutic intervention. The pathophysiological and clinical importance of the hemodynamic consequences of left-sided heart disease, starting with lung capillary injury and leading to right ventricular overload and failure, are discussed in this Review, focusing on PH as an evolving contributor to heart failure that may be amenable to novel interventions.

Chronic Ambulatory Intracardiac Pressures and Future Heart Failure Events

Background—

Intracardiac pressures in heart failure (HF) have been measured in patients while supine in the hospital but change at home with posture and activity. The optimal level of chronic ambulatory pressure is unknown. This analysis compared chronic intracardiac pressures to later HF events and sought a threshold above which higher pressures conferred worse outcomes.

Methods and Results—

Median pressures were measured every 24 hours from continuous 8-minute segments for 6 months after implantation of hemodynamic monitors in 261 patients with New York Heart Association class III-IV HF in the Chronicle Offers Management to Patients with Advanced Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure Study. Baseline and chronic daily medians of estimated pulmonary artery diastolic, right ventricular systolic, and right ventricular end-diastolic pressures were compared with HF event rate. The group median for chronic 24-hour estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure was 28 mm Hg (excluding 7 days before and after events). Despite weight-guided management, events occurred in 100 of 261 (38%) patients. Event risk increased progressively with higher chronic 24-hour estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure, from 20% at 18 mm Hg to 34% at 25 mm Hg and 56% at 30 mm Hg, with similar relations for right ventricular pressures. Among patients with baseline day median estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressures of ≥25 mm Hg, event risk was 1.10/6 mo when they remained chronically ≥25 mm Hg, but risk fell to 0.47 when 24-hour pressures declined to <25 mm Hg for more than half of the days.

Conclusions—

Despite current management, many patients with advanced HF live on a plateau of high filling pressures from which later events occur. This risk is progressively higher with higher chronic ambulatory pressures. It is not known whether more targeted intervention could maintain lower chronic ambulatory pressures and better outcomes.

Managing hyponatremia in patients with heart failure

Approximately 20% of heart failure patients have low levels of serum sodium, often at a time when they are hospitalized during a period of decompensation. The presence of hyponatremia adversely affects outcomes in heart failure and is associated with impaired cognitive and neuromuscular function. Current strategies for treating hyponatremia in heart failure patients have limited efficacy. Although the development of hyponatremia in heart failure patients is polyfactorial, the nonosmotic release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) from the posterior pituitary plays a dominant role in this process through its effects on regulating the absorption of free water in the distal portion of the nephron. Drugs which block the effects of AVP on the V2 receptor have been shown to increase serum sodium by promoting the excretion of free water from the kidney. In this review, the theoretical basis supporting the use of AVP blockers is discussed and results from clinical trials in which they were administered to euvolemic and hypervolemic patients are reviewed. Administration of AVP blockers to heart failure patients increases free water excretion, promotes weight loss, and increases serum sodium levels without significant major adverse effects. Clinical trial results demonstrate safety during long-term administration. These findings indicate that the use of AVP receptor antagonists should be considered in heart failure patients who have evidence of significant hyponatremia.

Relaxin: review of biology and potential role in treating heart failure

Relaxin is a naturally occurring human peptide initially identified as a reproductive hormone. More recently, relaxin has been shown to play a key role in the maternal hemodynamic and renal adjustments that accommodate pregnancy. An understanding of these physiologic effects has led to the evaluation of relaxin as a pharmacologic agent for the treatment of patients with acute heart failure. Preliminary results have been encouraging. In addition, the other known biologic properties of relaxin, including anti-inflammatory effects, extracellular matrix remodeling effects, and angiogenic and anti-ischemic effects, all may play a role in potential benefits of relaxin therapy. Ongoing, large-scale clinical testing will provide additional insights into the potential role of relaxin in the treatment of heart failure.

Venous congestion and endothelial cell activation in acute decompensated heart failure

Despite accumulating clinical evidence supporting a key role for venous congestion in the development of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), there remain several gaps in our knowledge of the pathophysiology of ADHF. Specifically, the biomechanically driven effects of venous congestion on the vascular endothelium (the largest endocrine/paracrine organ of the body), on neurohormonal activation, and on renal and cardiac dysfunction remain largely unexplored. We propose that venous congestion is a fundamental, hemodynamic stimulus for vascular inflammation, which plays a key role in the development and possibly the resolution of ADHF through vascular, humoral, renal, and cardiac mechanisms. A better understanding of the role of venous congestion and endothelial activation in the pathophysiology of ADHF may provide a strong rationale for near-future testing of treatment strategies that target biomechanically driven inflammation. Targeting vascular and systemic inflammation before symptoms arise may prevent progression to overt clinical decompensation in the ADHF syndrome.

Improvement in risk stratification with the combination of the tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure

AIM

Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) levels have shown to be associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Nevertheless, no attempt has been made to explore the utility of combining these two biomarkers. We sought to assess whether CA125 adds prognostic value to BNP in predicting 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with AHF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analysed 1111 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Antigen carbohydrate 125 (U/mL) and BNP (pg/mL) were measured at a median of 72 +/- 12 h after instauration of treatment. Antigen carbohydrate 125 and BNP were dichotomized based on proposed prognostic cutpoints, and a variable with four categories was formed (BNP-CA125): C1 = BNP < 350 and CA125 < 60 (n = 394); C2 = BNP > or = 350 and CA125 < 60 (n = 165); C3 = BNP < 350 and CA125 > or = 60 (n = 331); and C4 = BNP > or = 350 and CA125 > or = 60 (n = 221). The independent association between BNP-CA125 and mortality was assessed with the Cox regression analysis, and their added predictive ability tested by the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) index. At 6 months, 181 deaths (16.3%) were identified. The cumulative rate of mortality was lower for patients in C1 (7.8%), intermediate for C2 and C3 (17.8% and 16.9%, respectively), and higher for C4 (37.2%), and P-value for trend <0.001. After adjusting for established risk factors, the highest risk was observed when both biomarkers were elevated (C4 vs. C1: HR = 4.05, 95% CI = 2.54-6.45; P < 0.001) and intermediate when only one of them was elevated: (C2 vs. C1: HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.00-2.93; P = 0.050) and (C3 vs. C1: HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.30-3.39; P = 0.002). Moreover, when CA125 was added to the clinical model + BNP, a 10.4% (P < 0.0001) improvement in the IDI (on the relative scale) was found.

CONCLUSION

In patients admitted with AHF, CA125 added prognostic value beyond the information provided by BNP, and thus, their combination enables better 6-month risk stratification.