Zannad F, Briancon S, Juilliere Y, Mertes PM, Villemot JP, Alla F, Virion JM. Incidence, clinical and etiologic features, and outcomes of advanced chronic heart failure: the EPICAL Study. Epidémiologie de l'Insuffisance Cardiaque Avancée en Lorraine.
J Am Coll Cardiol 1999;
33:734-42. [PMID:
10080475 DOI:
10.1016/s0735-1097(98)00634-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Characterize the incidence, clinical and etiologic features and outcomes of advanced congestive heart failure.
BACKGROUND
This condition is frequent, severe and costly, yet no population-based epidemiological data are available that take into account modern advances in diagnosis and therapy.
METHODS
The EPICAL (Epidémiologie de l'Insuffisance Cardiaque Avancée en Lorraine) study was based on a comprehensive registration of patients with ACHF (defined as hospital admission for presence of NYHA class III or IV symptoms, radiological and/or clinical signs of pulmonary congestion and/or signs of peripheral edema, left ventricular ejection fraction <30% or a cardiothoracic ratio >60%) in patients aged 20-80 years during year 1994, in the community of the Lorraine region in France (n = 1,592,263). Average follow-up for readmission to hospital and mortality was 18 months (12-24 months).
RESULTS
From 2,576 registered patients, 499 were enrolled into the study among which, 358 were new presentations. This represents a crude incidence rate of 225 per million. 46.3% had a coronary heart disease. One-year mortality rate was 35.4% and the rate of mortality and/or readmission to hospital was 81%. Patients were admitted to hospital 2.05 times per year (64% of these for worsening heart failure), spending 27.6 days per year in hospital. Twenty received a heart transplant (4%). On discharge, 74.8% were using ACE inhibitors and 49.6% digitalis.
CONCLUSIONS
Mortality and hospitalization rate of advanced CHF remain very high despite recent therapeutic progress. Major therapeutic and managed-care research is required.
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