Relevance of nutritional assessment and treatment to counteract cardiac cachexia and sarcopenia in chronic heart failure

Respiratory Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure and Their Main Correlated Factors: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Heart failure may cause peripheral and respiratory muscle alterations, dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, worsening the quality of life of patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to analyze respiratory muscle strength and quality of life of patients with heart failure and correlate them with clinical variables and functional classification.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved patients with heart failure. A manovacuometer assessed maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressures, and quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire. Functional classification was categorized according to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class in I, II, III, or IV.

RESULTS

We included 60 patients (66.7% male) with a mean age of 62.0 years and mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 42.0%. Maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure were close to normal (>70% of predicted) in most patients; however, a subgroup composed mostly of patients with dilated heart failure and NYHA class III (n = 21) presented low maximum inspiratory pressure values (59.2%; 95% confidence interval, 55.7%-62.8%). The mean total score of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire was 44.4 points, being negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction ( r = -0.29, P = .02). Patients with NYHA class III and disease duration longer than 120 months presented higher total ( P < .01) and physical dimension scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients had respiratory muscle strength close to normal; however, those with dilated heart failure and NYHA class III presented low maximum inspiratory pressure values. Quality of life was moderately compromised, mainly because of long disease duration, NYHA class III, and low left ventricular ejection fraction.

International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2024

The "International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Evaluation and Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2024" updates and replaces the "Listing Criteria for Heart Transplantation: International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation Guidelines for the Care of Cardiac Transplant Candidates-2006" and the "2016 International Society for Heart Lung Transplantation Listing Criteria for Heart Transplantation: A 10-year Update." The document aims to provide tools to help integrate the numerous variables involved in evaluating patients for transplantation, emphasizing updating the collaborative treatment while waiting for a transplant. There have been significant practice-changing developments in the care of heart transplant recipients since the publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) guidelines in 2006 and the 10-year update in 2016. The changes pertain to 3 aspects of heart transplantation: (1) patient selection criteria, (2) care of selected patient populations, and (3) durable mechanical support. To address these issues, 3 task forces were assembled. Each task force was cochaired by a pediatric heart transplant physician with the specific mandate to highlight issues unique to the pediatric heart transplant population and ensure their adequate representation. This guideline was harmonized with other ISHLT guidelines published through November 2023. The 2024 ISHLT guidelines for the evaluation and care of cardiac transplant candidates provide recommendations based on contemporary scientific evidence and patient management flow diagrams. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association modular knowledge chunk format has been implemented, allowing guideline information to be grouped into discrete packages (or modules) of information on a disease-specific topic or management issue. Aiming to improve the quality of care for heart transplant candidates, the recommendations present an evidence-based approach.

Natriuretic peptides and C-reactive protein in in heart failure and malnutrition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HF and malnutrition versus normal nutrition.

METHODS

From inception until July 2023, the databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. To examine the association among malnutrition [controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score ≥2; Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) score <92] with BNP, NT-proBNP and CRP in patients with HF, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted (CRD42023445076).

RESULTS

A significant association of GNRI with increased levels of BNP were demonstrated [mean difference (MD): 204.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) (101.02, 308.96, I2 = 88%, P < 0.01)], albeit no statistically significant findings were shown using CONUT [MD: 158.51, 95% CI (-1.78 to 318.79, I2 = 92%, P = 0.05)]. GNRI [MD: 1885.14, 95% CI (1428.76-2341.52, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01)] and CONUT [MD: 1160.05, 95% CI (701.04-1619.07, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01)] were associated with significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP. Patients with normal GNRI scores had significantly lower levels of CRP [MD: 0.50, 95% CI (0.12-0.88, I2 = 87%, P = 0.01)] whereas significantly higher levels of CRP were observed in those with higher CONUT [MD: 0.40, 95% CI (0.08-0.72, I2 = 88%, P = 0.01)]. Employing meta-regression, age was deemed a potential moderator between CRP and GNRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal nutrition scores in patients with HF are linked to lower BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP levels compared with malnourished counterparts. Despite the significant link between CRP and malnutrition, their relationship may be influenced in older groups considering the sensitivity of GNRI due to ageing factors.

Nutritional Assessment in Outpatients with Heart Failure

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure (HF) is associated with significant alterations in body composition, including malnutrition due to insufficient intake, chronic inflammation and increased energy expenditure. Identifying the prevalence of malnutrition and the risk of sarcopenia in patients with HF is crucial to improve clinical outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional, single-center, observational study involved 121 outpatients diagnosed with HF. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), and the Subjective Global Rating (SGA). Sarcopenia was screened using the SARC-F (Strength, Assistance in walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs, Falls) questionnaire and diagnosed based on the European Working Group in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria and functionality with the Short Performance Battery (SPPB) test. Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria.

RESULTS

The study found that 10.7% had cardiac cachexia and 45.4% of deceased patients had been in this condition (p = 0.002). Moderate-to-high risk of malnutrition was identified in 37.1%, 23.9%, and 31.4% of patients according to the MNA, MUST, and SGA tests, respectively. According to the GLIM criteria, 56.2% of patients were malnourished. Additionally, 24.8% of patients had a high probability of sarcopenia, and 57.8% were not autonomous according to SPPB. Patients with less than 30% quadriceps muscle contraction were at a high risk of sarcopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a high prevalence of malnutrition among outpatients with HF, which is associated with worse prognosis, increased risk of sarcopenia, and greater frailty. These findings underscore the importance of early nutritional and functional assessments in this population to improve clinical outcomes.

Update on Nutritional Advice Post-Heart Transplant: A Cross-Sectional Study across French-Speaking European Centers

INTRODUCTION

Heart transplantation is the standard treatment for severe heart failure. Graft preservation and infectious risk secondary to immunosuppressive drugs lead healthcare teams to offer nutritional advice to patients upon discharge from the hospital. However, no consensus or recommendation is available.

METHOD

We conducted a study to review the practices in all 26 centers providing heart transplantation in French-speaking Europe. We requested and analyzed the written documents these centers provided to their patients. The same two dieticians categorized the highlighted pieces of advice into distinct, autonomous categories.

RESULTS

We identified 116 pieces of advice, categorized into three areas: dietary restrictions for immunosuppressant/food interaction; environmental and food preparation guidelines and prevention of foodborne infections; and healthy and active lifestyle recommendations. Except for advice on immunosuppressant/food interaction, over one-third of the centers suggest discontinuing advice within 2 years post-transplant. General dietary advice covers lipids, carbohydrates, protein, calcium, sodium, and fiber but offers limited guidance on fatty acids despite their importance in cardiovascular risk prevention.

CONCLUSION

This study represents a pioneering exploration of the nutritional advice provided to patients following cardiac transplantation. It underscores the critical necessity of establishing consensus-based clinical guidelines in this domain.

A Narrative Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sarcopenia and Malnutrition in Patients with Heart Failure

The prevalence of sarcopenia (loss of muscle strength, mass and function) in individuals with heart failure (HF) stands at a considerable level (approximately 20%), contributing to heightened mortality rates and diminished quality of life. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involve the presence of low-grade inflammation and a disturbance of the anabolic-catabolic protein balance. The nutritional assessment of patients with HF is a key aspect, and diverse diagnostic tools are employed based on patient profiles (outpatient, inpatient and nursing home). The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria serves as a consensus for diagnosing malnutrition. Given that edema can impact body mass index (BMI) in patients with HF, alternative body assessment technical methods, such as bioelectrical vector impedance (BiVA), BIA (without vector mode), computer tomography (CT) or clinical ultrasound (US), are useful. Scientific evidence supports the efficacy of both aerobic and resistance physical exercises in ameliorating and preventing muscle wasting associated with HF. Dietary strategies emphasize the importance of protein intake, while certain micronutrients like coenzyme Q10 or intravenous iron may offer benefits. This narrative review aims to present the current understanding of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of muscle loss in individuals with heart failure and its consequential impact on prognosis.

Oral nutritional supplements in older outpatients with heart failure: rationale and design of the ALIMENT-HF trial

AIMS

The ALIMENT-HF trial aims to determine whether high-calorie and high-protein oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are safe and beneficial for older adult outpatients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This multicentre, single-arm, interventional pilot trial is designed to evaluate the tolerance, efficacy, and safety of ONS in older adult outpatients with chronic HF, malnutrition, and anorexia. In total, 80 outpatients with HF regardless of their left ventricular ejection fraction will be treated with ONS, including high-energy (900 kcal/day) and high protein (36 g/day) supplementation, at eight sites in Japan. Inclusion criteria are as follows: age, ≥65 years; outpatients receiving maximally tolerated guideline-directed medical therapy for HF and without change in their diuretic dosage during the last 3 months; outpatients at risk of malnutrition, defined as a Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool score ≥1 point, and anorexia, defined using a Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire for the Japanese Elderly (SNAQ-JE) score of ≤14 points. Nutritional intervention will continue for up to 120 days, with an observational period lasting for a further 60 days. The primary outcome is a change in body weight between baseline and day 120.

CONCLUSIONS

The ALIMENT-HF trial will evaluate the tolerance, efficacy, and safety of high-calorie and high-protein-rich ONS in older outpatients with HF co-morbid with malnutrition and anorexia and will provide insightful information for future randomized controlled trials.

Impact of malnutrition in patients with severe heart failure

AIM

The role of malnutrition among patients with severe heart failure (HF) is not well established. We evaluated the incidence, predictors, and prognostic impact of malnutrition in patients with severe HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nutritional status was measured using the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), based on body weight, height and serum albumin concentration, with malnutrition defined as GNRI ≤98. It was assessed in consecutive patients with severe HF, defined by at least one high-risk 'I NEED HELP' marker, enrolled at four Italian centres between January 2020 and November 2021. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. A total of 510 patients with data regarding nutritional status were included in the study (mean age 74 ± 12 years, 66.5% male). Among them, 179 (35.1%) had GNRI ≤98 (malnutrition). At multivariable logistic regression, lower body mass index (BMI) and higher levels of natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP] > median value [685 pg/ml] or N-terminal proBNP > median value [5775 pg/ml]) were independently associated with a higher likelihood of malnutrition. Estimated rates of all-cause death at 1 year were 22.4% and 41.1% in patients without and with malnutrition, respectively (log-rank p < 0.001). The impact of malnutrition on all-cause mortality was confirmed after multivariable adjustment for relevant covariates (adjusted hazard ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.43-2.89, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In a contemporary, real-world, multicentre cohort of patients with severe HF, malnutrition (defined as GNRI ≤98) was common and independently associated with an increased risk of mortality. Lower BMI and higher natriuretic peptides were identified as predictors of malnutrition in these patients.

Intravenous iron in patients with iron deficiency and heart failure: a review of modern evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Iron deficiency is common in patients with heart failure, affecting up to half of ambulatory patients and an even greater percentage of patients admitted for acute decompensation. Iron deficiency in this population is also associated with poor outcomes, including worse quality of life in addition to increased hospitalizations for heart failure and mortality. Evidence suggests that patients with iron deficiency in heart failure may benefit from repletion with IV iron.

RECENT FINDINGS

In this review, we outline the etiology and pathophysiology of iron deficiency in heart failure as well as various iron formulations available. We discuss evidence for intravenous iron repletion with a particular focus on recent studies that have evaluated its effects on hospitalizations and mortality. Finally, we discuss areas of uncertainty and future study and provide practical guidance for iron repletion.

SUMMARY

In summary, there is overwhelming evidence that intravenous iron repletion in patients with iron deficiency in heart failure is both beneficial and safe. However, further evidence is needed to better identify which patients would most benefit from iron repletion as well as the ideal repletion strategy.

Nutrition support for patients on mechanical circulatory support

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

No specific guidelines on medical nutrition therapy (MNT) in patients on different types of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices yet exist and overall evidence is limited. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an overview about current existing evidence, which might be of underrecognized importance for the patients' short-term and long-term clinical and functional outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients on MCS inherit substantial metabolic, endocrinologic, inflammatory, and immunologic alterations, and together with the specificities of MCS therapy, technical modalities of respective devices, and concomitant medication, the consideration of individualized MNT approaches is indicated in routine clinical practice. Exemplarily, the evaluation of the patients' individual nutrition status, determination of nutrition targets, progressive increase of energy and protein supply throughout the different phases of disease, prevention of micronutrient deficiencies, implementation of nutrition protocols, appropriate monitoring strategies, and continuous quality improvement are essential elements of MNT in patients on MCS.

SUMMARY

The importance of MNT for patients on MCS still often remains underrecognized, which might be of particular relevance in view of the significant metabolic alterations, the long treatment period, and severity of illness in these patients. Further research on more targeted MNT approaches in those patients is urgently needed for the generation of evidence-based guidelines for this specific cohort of critically ill patients.

Molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia in heart failure

The loss of skeletal muscle, also known as sarcopenia, is an aging-associated muscle disorder that is disproportionately present in heart failure (HF) patients. HF patients with sarcopenia have poor outcomes compared to the overall HF patient population. The prevalence of sarcopenia in HF is only expected to grow as the global population ages, and novel treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes in this cohort. Multiple mechanistic pathways have emerged that may explain the increased prevalence of sarcopenia in the HF population, and a better understanding of these pathways may lead to the development of therapies to prevent muscle loss. This review article aims to explore the molecular mechanisms linking sarcopenia and HF, and to discuss treatment strategies aimed at addressing such molecular signals.

Mediterranean Diet, Vitamin D, and Hypercaloric, Hyperproteic Oral Supplements for Treating Sarcopenia in Patients with Heart Failure-A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition and sarcopenia frequently affect patients with heart failure (HF), in which clinical outcomes and survival is decreased. Thus, appropriate nutritional screening and early nutrition support are highly recommended. Currently, nutritional support is not a standard of care in patients with HF, and the use of commercially available oral supplements (OSs) could provide an additional benefit to medical treatment in these patients.

AIM

To compare the effect of the Mediterranean diet in combination with hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS in patients with HF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An open label, controlled clinical study in which patients were randomly assigned to receive a Mediterranean diet (control group) vs. hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS (intervention group) for twenty-four weeks. Thirty-eight patients were included; epidemiological, clinical, anthropometric, ultrasound (muscle echography of the rectus femoris muscle of the quadriceps and abdominal adipose tissue), and biochemical evaluations were performed. All patients received additional supplementation with vitamin D.

RESULTS

Baseline malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was observed in 30% of patients, while 65.8% presented with sarcopenia. Body cell mass, lean mass, and body mass increased in the intervention group (absolute increase of 0.5, p = 0.03, 1.2 kg, p = 0.03, and 0.1 kg, p = 0.03 respectively). In contrast, fat mass increased in the control group (4.5 kg, p = 0.05). According to the RF ultrasound, adipose tissue, muscle area, and circumference tended to decrease in the intervention group; it is probable that 24 weeks was too short a period of time for evaluating changes in muscle area or circumference, as previously observed in another group of patients. In contrast, functionality, determined by the up-and-go test, significantly improved in all patients (difference 12.6 s, p < 0.001), including the control (10 s improvement, p < 0.001) and the intervention group (improvement of 8.9 s, p < 0.001). Self-reported QoL significantly increased in all groups, from 68.7 ± 22.2 at baseline to 77.7 ± 18.7 (p = 0.01). When heart functionality was evaluated, LVEF increased in the whole cohort (38.7 ± 16.6 vs. 42.2 ± 8.9, p < 0.01); this increase was higher in the intervention group (34.2 ± 16.1 at baseline vs. 45.0% ± 17.0 after 24 weeks, p < 0.05). Serum values of NT-proBNP also significantly decreased in the whole cohort (p < 0.01), especially in the intervention group (p = 0.02). After adjusting by age and sex, nutritional support, baseline LVEF, NT-proBNP, and body composition parameters of functionality tests were not associated with mortality or new hospital admissions in this cohort.

CONCLUSION

Nutritional support with hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS, Mediterranean diet, and vitamin D supplementation were associated with decreased NT-proBNP and improvements in LVEF, functionality, and quality of life in patients with HF, despite a significant decrease in hospital admissions.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Activated by a Left Ventricular Assist Device

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) represent the final treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure (HF) not eligible for transplantation. Although LVAD design has been further improved in the last decade, their use is associated with different complications. Specifically, inflammation, fibrosis, bleeding events, right ventricular failure, and aortic valve regurgitation may occur. In addition, reverse remodeling is associated with substantial cellular and molecular changes of the failing myocardium during LVAD support with positive effects on patients' health. All these processes also lead to the identification of biomarkers identifying LVAD patients as having an augmented risk of developing associated adverse events, thus highlighting the possibility of identifying new therapeutic targets. Additionally, it has been reported that LVAD complications could cause or exacerbate a state of malnutrition, suggesting that, with an adjustment in nutrition, the general health of these patients could be improved.

Prognostic impact of nutrition measures in patients with heart failure varies with coexisting physical frailty

AIMS

Malnutrition is prevalent among patients with heart failure (HF); however, the effects of coexisting malnutrition and frailty on prognosis are unknown. This study examines the impact of malnutrition and frailty on the prognosis of patients with HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined 1617 patients with HF aged 65 years or older (age: 78.6 ± 7.4; 44% female) from a Japanese multicentre prospective cohort study. The nutritional status was evaluated using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), and Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form on discharge. Frailty was assessed using the criteria determined in a previous study on patients with HF. The prognostic impact of each nutrition measure on the risk of composite all-cause mortality and cardiac readmissions within 2 years of hospital discharge was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards model analysis for non-frail and frail groups. Over 2324.2 person-years of follow-up, 88 patients died and 448 patients experienced readmission due to HF. In the non-frail group, poor nutritional status assessed using the GNRI and CONUT was associated with an increased hazard ratio (HR) of composite outcomes in the crude model; however, adjustment for potential confounders diminished the association. In the frail group, all three nutritional indicators were associated with the cumulative incidence of the study outcome (log-rank test, P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, only the CONUT score was associated with an increased HR even after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

The CONUT score predicted a poor prognosis in HF patients with coexisting physical frailty, highlighting the potential clinical benefit of nutritional assessment based on biochemical data for further risk stratification.

Fuzi decoction treats chronic heart failure by regulating the gut microbiota, increasing the short-chain fatty acid levels and improving metabolic disorders

Fuzi decoction (FZD) is clinically used to treat chronic heart failure (CHF) in China, but the mechanism underlying FZD treatment in CHF remains unclear. Here, we investigated the potential mechanism underlying FZD treatment of CHF in rats. First, the compounds in FZD-containing serum of rats were identified, and 16 S rRNA sequencing and GC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics analysis were then performed. The levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined and compared, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used to verify the role of the gut microbiota. Our results identified 27 in FD-containing serum. FZD increased the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and the Lactobacillus abundance and affected the β diversity of the gut microbiota in rats with CHF. Differential species analysis showed that Lactobacillus and Prevotella were biomarkers of FZD treatment of CHF. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that FZD affected valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis; galactose metabolism; and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis in rats with CHF. Furthermore, FZD significantly increased the acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and isopentanoic acid levels in the feces of rats with CHF. Correlation analysis showed that the butyric acid and Lactobacillus levels had the strongest correlation in the control, sham and high-dose FZD (HFZD) groups, and many microbiota components were closely related to differentially abundant metabolites. FMT revealed that the fecal microbiota obtained from the HFZD group changed the heart rate; the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and metabolite levels; and the gut microbiota in rats with CHF. In summary, our study revealed that the mechanism of action of FZD in CHF treatment may be related to improvements in the gut microbiota, elevations in the SCFA content and the regulation of valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis; galactose metabolism; and other metabolic pathways.

Nutritional Risk Assessment and Adverse Events in Patients Undergoing Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation-A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Hospital Information System

Clinical or subclinical malnutrition occurs in 30% to 70% of patients with advanced heart failure and increases the risk of postoperative adverse events. The main objective of this study was to assess the nutritional status of patients prior to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation using different methods of malnutrition assessment and to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and postoperative adverse events. A retrospective cohort study included 120 patients aged 26-74 years referred for LVAD surgery. Preoperative nutritional status (NRS-2002-Nutritional Risk Score 2002, NRI-Nutritional Risk Index, PNI-Prognostic Nutritional Index; TLC-total lymphocyte count) and postoperative adverse events were assessed. Moderate to severe malnutrition was found in 55.8%, 43.3%, 40.0%, and 20% of all patients, respectively, according to the PNI, NRI, TLC, and NRS-2002 scores. Patients with a TLC < 1200 cells/m3 had a higher risk of postoperative acute renal failure [hazard ratio (HR): 2.5; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.01-6.3] and death during the observation period [HR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2-3.5]. Moderate to severe malnutrition was also associated with a significantly increased risk of in-hospital death [for the NRI score, HR = 4.9 (95% CI: 1.1-22.0); for the PNI score, HR = 5.0 (95% CI: 1.1-22.3)]. In conclusion, moderate to severe malnutrition prior to LVAD implantation has been identified as a risk factor for postoperative acute renal failure and mortality. Assessment of nutritional risk may improve patient selection and early initiation of nutritional support.

Predictive value of cholinesterase in patients with heart failure: A new blood biochemical marker of undernutrition

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study was conducted to verify whether serum cholinesterase (ChE) is useful in predicting prognosis and discriminating undernutrition status compared to existing low-nutrition indices of blood chemical tests in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 1617 patients (1204 older patients) with HF who evaluated ChE during hospitalization were recruited for this study. The primary outcome was all-cause death, and multivariate survival analysis was performed. We drew a receiver operating characteristic curve for all-cause death, some undernutrition status, such as low body mass index, thin mid-upper arm circumference, low grip strength, and slow gait speed. The area under the curve was used to compare the predictive ability of ChE with some existing nutritional parameters, such as blood biochemical tests, controlling nutritional status (CONUT), and the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI). After adjusting for 29 variables, higher ChE significantly decreased the risk of all-cause death (per 10 increase, hazard ratio: 0.975, 95% confidence interval: 0.952-0.998), and this trend was maintained for older patients (per 10 increase, hazard ratio: 0.972, 95% confidence interval: 0.947-0.997). ChE was moderately correlated with CONUT and GNRI, but the predictive ability for all-cause death was higher for ChE relative to both scores. ChE tended to have an almost consistently high predictive ability compared with other blood biochemical tests.

CONCLUSIONS

ChE was associated with all-cause death and an almost consistently higher predictive ability for all-cause death and undernutrition status in comparison to existing blood chemical tests and nutritional scores.

Sarcopenia as a Little-Recognized Comorbidity of Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Diagnosis and Treatment

BACKGROUND

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most widespread metabolic diseases worldwide, with a significant impact on morbi-mortality. Sarcopenia has a high risk in this population (two times more risk) and a high impact at the functional level, especially in older adults. In addition, it poses enormous challenges in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this disease concomitantly. The objective is to review the current knowledge on the state of muscle mass and the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of sarcopenia in people with T2DM.

METHODS

A bibliographic search was conducted in the PubMed-Medline databases for articles from 2015 with previously defined terms.

RESULTS

A loss of muscle mass in older diabetic patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition has a proven negative impact on their autonomy and is closely related to the risk of sarcopenia as a high-impact disease, and also with frailty, as an associated multidimensional syndrome. Notably, we found that malnutrition and protein deficiency are often underdiagnosed in obese and overweight T2DM patients. Biochemical markers could help in the future with approaches to managing T2DM and sarcopenia concomitantly. The four essential elements which form the basis of care for patients with diabetes and sarcopenia are pharmacological treatment, nutrition management, regular physical exercise, and correct daily regime.

CONCLUSIONS

The increasing prevalence of sarcopenia among older patients with T2DM has significant negative impacts on quality of life and is a public health concern. Effective diagnosis and management require a multidisciplinary approach involving pharmacological treatment, nutrition, exercise, and correct daily regime, with future research needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and improve diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Pathophysiology and Treatment Opportunities of Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: Is There a Need for Further Trials?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Iron deficiency (ID) complicates heart failure (HF) at different stages of the natural history of the disease; however, this frequent comorbidity is still not comprehensively understood and investigated in terms of pathophysiology. Intravenous iron therapy with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) should be considered to improve the quality of life, exercise capacity, and symptoms in stable HF with ID, as well as to reduce HF hospitalizations in iron-deficient patients stabilized after an episode of acute HF. The therapy with intravenous iron, however, continues to generate important clinical questions for cardiologists.

RECENT FINDINGS

In the current paper, we discuss the class effect concept for intravenous iron formulations beyond FCM, based on the experiences of nephrologists who administer different intravenous iron formulations in advanced chronic kidney disease complicated with ID and anemia. Furthermore, we discuss the neutral effects of oral iron therapy in patients with HF, because there are still some reasons to further explore this route of supplementation. The different definitions of ID applied in HF studies and new doubts regarding possible interactions of intravenous iron with sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors are also emphasized. The experiences of other medical specializations may provide new information on how to optimally replenish iron in patients with HF and ID.

Oxidative stress: roles in skeletal muscle atrophy

Oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, reduced protein synthesis, and increased proteolysis are all critical factors in the process of muscle atrophy. In particular, oxidative stress is the key factor that triggers skeletal muscle atrophy. It is activated in the early stages of muscle atrophy and can be regulated by various factors. The mechanisms of oxidative stress in the development of muscle atrophy have not been completely elucidated. This review provides an overview of the sources of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and the correlation of oxidative stress with inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, protein synthesis, proteolysis, and muscle regeneration in muscle atrophy. Additionally, the role of oxidative stress in skeletal muscle atrophy caused by several pathological conditions, including denervation, unloading, chronic inflammatory diseases (diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), sarcopenia, hereditary neuromuscular diseases (spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy), and cancer cachexia, have been discussed. Finally, this review proposes the alleviation oxidative stress using antioxidants, Chinese herbal extracts, stem cell and extracellular vesicles as a promising therapeutic strategy for muscle atrophy. This review will aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drugs for muscle atrophy.

Diagnosis and Management of Malnutrition in Patients with Heart Failure

Heart failure is a disease with an increasingly greater prevalence due to the aging population, the development of new drugs, and the organization of healthcare processes. Malnutrition has been identified as a poor prognostic factor in these patients, very often linked to frailty or to other comorbidities, meaning that early diagnosis and treatment are essential. This paper reviews some important aspects of the pathophysiology, detection, and management of malnutrition in patients with heart failure.

Association of Chronic Heart Failure with Frailty, Malnutrition, and Sarcopenia Parameters in Older Patients—A Cross-Sectional Study in a Geriatric Ward

The need to assess sarcopenia and frailty in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) has recently been raised. This cross-sectional study of 416 geriatric ward patients (median age (Me)—82 (IQR, 77–86) years, 77.4% female, 96.9% community dwelling) aimed to assess the prevalence of dynapenia, frailty syndrome, functional and nutritional health, and co-morbidity regarding their HF status. We collected data from comprehensive geriatric assessment. We observed HF in 162 (38.9%) patients, with 80 (49.4%) classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV. HF patients were significantly older, more frequently male, obese, hospitalized in the previous year, burdened with multimorbidity and polypharmacy, classified as frail, dependent on daily living activities, and physically non-active. Ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, anemia, chronic kidney disease, history of myocardial infarction, and stroke were found significantly more often in the HF group. A considerably higher percentage of HF patients had dynapenia (54.9% versus 41.9%, p = 0.02), but the difference was significant only in women. We found no significant difference between HF and no-HF groups regarding muscle performance, except for lower median gait speed in the HF group—0.53 m/s (0.35–0.89 m/s) versus 0.68 m/s (0.44–0.99 m/s), p = 0.02). HF patients significantly more often had low grip strength accompanied by slow gait, suggesting probable severe sarcopenia (40.4% vs. 29% in patients without HF, p = 0.046). In the regression analysis, significantly higher odds for HF were observed for lower mid-arm circumference (MAC) and dynapenia when controlling for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), calf circumference (CC), peripheral arterial disease, history of stroke, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: HF geriatric patients are often burdened with frailty, obesity, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. As a result, they are more likely to present low muscle strength (potential sarcopenia), which is frequently accompanied by functional limitations (suggestive of more advanced stages of sarcopenia). This tendency is evident mainly in older women. Nevertheless, sarcopenia can be independently associated with HF in older patients with multimorbidity and disability who are hospitalized in a geriatric department, as a multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated.

The complex pathophysiology of cardiac cachexia: A review of current pathophysiology and implications for clinical practice

Cardiac cachexia is a muscle wasting process that often develops in those with chronic heart failure resulting in weight loss, low levels of physical activity, reduced quality of life, and is associated with a poor prognosis. The pathology of cardiac cachexia is complex with new evidence emerging that implicates several body systems. This review describes the pathophysiology associated with cardiac cachexia and addresses: 1) hormonal changes- neurohormonal abnormalities and metabolic hormone imbalance; 2) mechanisms of muscle wasting in cardiac cachexia, and the integral mechanisms between changed hormones due to cardiac cachexia and muscle wasting processes, and 3) associated abnormalities of gastrointestinal system that contribute to cardiac cachexia. These pleiotropic mechanisms demonstrate the intricate interplay between the affected systems and account for why cardiac cachexia is difficult to manage clinically. This review summarises current pathophysiology of cardiac cachexia and highlights symptoms of cardiac cachexia, implications for clinical practice and research gaps.

Undernutrition was a prevalent clinical problem among older adult patients with heart failure in a hospital setting in Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Undernutrition is a frequently noticed medical problem in patients with heart failure. It is caused by poor nutrient intake, malabsorption, systemic inflammation, neurohumoral activation, oxidative stress, and hypermetabolic state. Undernutrition results in a decrease in the quality of life and the survival rate in patients with heart failure. There is a paucity of documentation on undernutrition among patients with heart failure in sub-Saharan African countries. The study aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of undernutrition among older adult patients with heart failure in the hospital setting in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, between 1 June 2021 and 31 October 2021. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit 262 study subjects. A Mini-nutritional assessment-full form (MNA-FL) Questionnaire was used to extract nutritional information among patients with heart failure. Patients with heart failure, who scored MNA-FL score &lt;17, were declared to have undernutrition. The data were entered into EPI Info version 4.6.0.0 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Explanatory variables associated with undernutrition in patients with heart failure were analyzed by applying a logistic regression model. A P-value of &lt;0.05 was used to declare a significant association.

Results

A total of 262 patients with heart failure were included in the study. The mean age (± SD) of the study subjects was 64.6 (± 9.2) years. Hypertensive heart disease (111/262, 42%) was the most common cause of heart failure. Hypertension was the frequently observed comorbid disease. Based on the MNA-FL score for nutritional status, 75 out of 262 (28.6%, 95% CI: 22.9–34.4%) were undernourished (MNA-FL &lt; 17), while 124 out of 262 (47.3%, CI: 41.5–53.1%) were at risk of undernutrition (MNA-FL = 17–23.5). The remaining 63 out of 262 (24.1%, 95% CI: 18.2–29.8%) study subjects were well nourished (MNA-FL &gt; 24). On a multivariate analysis, patients with severe heart failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/IV) (AOR = 4.287, CI: 2.012–9.134, P-value &lt; 0.001), with a duration of illness of 3–5 years (AOR = 3.225, CI: 1.138–9.137, P-value = 0.028), with a duration of illness of &gt;5 years (AOR = 4.349, CI: 1.592–11.879, P-value = 0.001), presence of comorbidities (AOR = 2.29, CI: 1.06–4.96, P-value = 0.036), who underwent treatment with loop diuretics (AOR = 2.983, CI: 1.407–6.326, P-value = 0.040), and who reside in a rural area (AOR = 5.119, CI: 2.481–10.560, P-value &lt; 0.001) were at risk of developing undernutrition.

Conclusion

Undernutrition was a significant clinical problem in older patients with heart failure. Nutritional interventions should be prioritized for patients with chronic and severe heart failure.

Assessment Tools of Biopsychosocial Frailty Dimensions in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Frailty is a complex interplay between several factors, including physiological changes in ageing, multimorbidities, malnutrition, living environment, genetics, and lifestyle. Early screening for frailty risk factors in community-dwelling older people allows for preventive interventions on the clinical and social determinants of frailty, which allows adverse events to be avoided. By conducting a narrative review of the literature employing the International Narrative Systematic Assessment tool, the authors aimed to develop an updated framework for the main measurement tools to assess frailty risks in older adults, paying attention to use in the community and primary care settings. This search focused on the biopsychosocial domains of frailty that are covered in the SUNFRAIL tool. The study selected 178 reviews (polypharmacy: 20; nutrition: 13; physical activity: 74; medical visits: 0; falls: 39; cognitive decline: 12; loneliness: 15; social support: 5; economic constraints: 0) published between January 2010 and December 2021. Within the selected reviews, 123 assessment tools were identified (polypharmacy: 15; nutrition: 15; physical activity: 25; medical visits: 0; falls: 26; cognitive decline: 18; loneliness: 9; social support: 15; economic constraints: 0). The narrative review allowed us to evaluate assessment tools of frailty domains to be adopted for multidimensional health promotion and prevention interventions in community and primary care.

Comprehensive care for people living with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—Integration of palliative care with disease-specific care: From guidelines to practice

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are the leading global epidemiological, clinical, social, and economic burden. Due to similar risk factors and overlapping pathophysiological pathways, the coexistence of these two diseases is common. People with severe COPD and advanced chronic HF (CHF) develop similar symptoms that aggravate if evoking mechanisms overlap. The coexistence of COPD and CHF limits the quality of life (QoL) and worsens symptom burden and mortality, more than if only one of them is present. Both conditions progress despite optimal, guidelines directed treatment, frequently exacerbate, and have a similar or worse prognosis in comparison with many malignant diseases. Palliative care (PC) is effective in QoL improvement of people with CHF and COPD and may be a valuable addition to standard treatment. The current guidelines for the management of HF and COPD emphasize the importance of early integration of PC parallel to disease-modifying therapies in people with advanced forms of both conditions. The number of patients with HF and COPD requiring PC is high and will grow in future decades necessitating further attention to research and knowledge translation in this field of practice. Care pathways for people living with concomitant HF and COPD have not been published so far. It can be hypothesized that overlapping of symptoms and similarity in disease trajectories allow to draw a model of care which will address symptoms and problems caused by either condition.

Assessment of Malnutrition in Heart Failure and Its Relationship with Clinical Problems in Brazilian Health Services

Malnutrition in heart failure (HF) is frequent and associated with a worse prognosis. Due to differences in investment and the profile of those assisted, the objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of malnutrition in hospitalized patients with HF and its association with clinical outcomes in the public and private health systems. Methodology: A cross-sectional study, with 247 volunteers hospitalized with HF in three public hospitals and one private hospital in Aracaju, SE, Brazil. A subjective global nutritional assessment (SGA) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) were performed. Results: Sample with 72.5% users of the public health system and 75.3% with malnutrition (public = 74.9%; private = 76.5%; p = 0.793). Regardless of the healthcare system, hospital stay (>14 days) was longer (p = 0.020) among those with malnutrition (48.4%) than well-nourished patients (29.5%). Malnutrition in the public system had higher mortality (7.5%; 5.8%; p < 0.001) and hospital transfer rate (21.1%; 0.0%; p < 0.001) than those in the private system. Death after discharge was observed only in the public system (p = 0.039). Conclusion: Malnutrition was frequent in both systems and was associated with longer hospital stays and, in the public hospital, in-hospital death and transfers.

Immunometabolic Markers in a Small Patient Cohort Undergoing Immunotherapy

Although the discovery of immune checkpoints was hailed as a major breakthrough in cancer therapy, generating a sufficient response to immunotherapy is still limited. Thus, the objective of this exploratory, hypothesis-generating study was to identify potentially novel peripheral biomarkers and discuss the possible predictive relevance of combining scarcely investigated metabolic and hormonal markers with immune subsets. Sixteen markers that differed significantly between responders and non-responders were identified. In a further step, the correlation with progression-free survival (PFS) and false discovery correction (Benjamini and Hochberg) revealed potential predictive roles for the immune subset absolute lymphocyte count (rs = 0.51; p = 0.0224 *), absolute basophil count (rs = 0.43; p = 0.04 *), PD-1+ monocytes (rs = −0.49; p = 0.04 *), hemoglobin (rs = 0.44; p = 0.04 *), metabolic markers LDL (rs = 0.53; p = 0.0224 *), free androgen index (rs = 0.57; p = 0.0224 *) and CRP (rs = −0.46; p = 0.0352 *). The absolute lymphocyte count, LDL and free androgen index were the most significant individual markers, and combining the immune subsets with the metabolic markers into a biomarker ratio enhanced correlation with PFS (rs = −0.74; p ≤ 0.0001 ****). In summary, in addition to well-established markers, we identified PD-1+ monocytes and the free androgen index as potentially novel peripheral markers in the context of immunotherapy. Furthermore, the combination of immune subsets with metabolic and hormonal markers may have the potential to enhance the power of future predictive scores and should, therefore, be investigated further in larger trials.

Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: Mechanisms and Pathophysiology

Iron is an essential micronutrient for a myriad of physiological processes in the body beyond erythropoiesis. Iron deficiency (ID) is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF), with a prevalence reaching up to 59% even in non-anaemic patients. ID impairs exercise capacity, reduces the quality of life, increases hospitalisation rate and mortality risk regardless of anaemia. Intravenously correcting ID has emerged as a promising treatment in HF as it has been shown to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life and exercise capacity and reduce hospitalisations. However, the pathophysiology of ID in HF remains poorly characterised. Recognition of ID in HF triggered more research with the aim to explain how correcting ID improves HF status as well as the underlying causes of ID in the first place. In the past few years, significant progress has been made in understanding iron homeostasis by characterising the role of the iron-regulating hormone hepcidin, the effects of ID on skeletal and cardiac myocytes, kidneys and the immune system. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge and recent advances in the pathophysiology of ID in heart failure, the deleterious systemic and cellular consequences of ID.

Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Predictors of Low Spot Urinary Creatinine Concentration in Patients with Heart Failure

Low spot urinary creatinine concentration (SUCR) is a marker of muscle wasting and clinical outcome. The risk factors for low SUCR in heart failure (HF) remain poorly understood. We explored the risk factors for low SUCR related to poor outcomes. In 721 HF patients (age: 52.3 ± 11 years, female: 14%, NYHA: 2.7 ± 0.7) SUCR and Dexa body composition scans were performed. BMI prior HF-onset, weight loss, and appendicular muscle mass were obtained. Each patient was classified as malnutrition or normal by GLIM criteria and three other biochemical indices (CONUT, PNI, and GRNI). Sarcopenia index (SI) as creatinine to cystatin C ratio was also calculated. Within 1 year, 80 (11.1%) patients died. In ROC curve we identified a SUCR value of 0.628 g/L as optimally discriminating surviving from dead. In low SUCR group more advanced HF, higher weight loss and catabolic components of weight trajectory (CCWT), more frequent under-nutrition by GLIM, and lower SI were observed. In multivariate analysis the independent predictors of low SUCR were SI, CCWT, and GNRI score. In conclusion: the risk of low SUCR was associated with a worse outcome. Low SUCR was associated with greater catabolism and sarcopenia but not with biochemical indices of malnutrition.