The association among renal insufficiency, pharmacotherapy, and outcomes in 6,427 patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease

In heart failure, echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function are powerful tools to predict renal failure

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high prevalence in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with prolonged hospitalization, increased need for intensive care and mortality. There is an urgent need to identify factors that influence the interaction between heart and kidney disorders, often described as cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). We investigated the epidemiology and risk factors of renal insufficiency in patients with HF.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 281 consecutive patients with HF that are examined at regular intervals at our outpatient clinic for HF. CKD was defined as the presence of an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and worsening renal function (WRF) was defined as a decrease of eGFR > 15% within a year. We assessed the patient's medical history, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters at baseline and after 12 months.

RESULTS

Right ventricular dysfunction was associated with CKD and WRF. In particular, echocardiographic parameters 'tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) < 15 mm' (P < 0.001; OR 2.932), 'tricuspid regurgitation (TR) > I°' [P < 0.001; odds ratio (OR) 5.958] and dilatation of inferior vena cava (IVC) (P < 0.001; OR 3.670) were significantly correlated with renal failure. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels were significantly associated with CKD (P < 0.001; OR 6.109) and correlated with pressure and volume load of the right heart.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this work support the theory of right-sided cardiac backward failure, often accompanied by hypervolaemia, as a leading cause of HF-related renal failure. Right heart parameters, especially TR, TAPSE and IVC, are obtained easily by transthoracic echocardiography and can predict renal failure.

Prognostic impact of moderate to severe anemia associated with renal dysfunction in patients with heart failure

Moderate/severe anemia [hemoglobin (Hb) < 10 g/dL] is recommended to be treated in patients with renal anemia. However, the optimal therapeutic target for Hb levels in patients with heart failure (HF) is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of severity of anemia, especially moderate/severe anemia, associated with renal dysfunction (RD: eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) in HF patients. We analyzed 1,608 HF patients from the Japanese Cardiac Registry of Heart Failure in Cardiology (JCARE-CARD) database. Patients were classified based on the severity of admission anemia in the presence/absence of RD. Patients with RD and anemia were older, more likely to be female, and had a history of HF admission. The composite outcome was higher in RD and moderate/severe anemia (adjusted hazard ratio:2.120, 95% CI:1.559-2.881, p < 0.001) compared to RD and non/mild anemia (Hb ≥ 10 g/dL), non-RD and moderate/severe anemia, and non-RD and non/mild anemia (reference). During hospitalization, 6% and 10% of patients had improving and worsening RD and/or moderate/severe anemia, respectively. These status changes were associated with the post-discharge outcomes in HF patients. Moderate/severe anemia has a prognostic impact in HF patients with RD and may be an appropriate therapeutic target in HF.

Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Patients With Heart Failure and Impaired Renal Function

BACKGROUND

Kidney dysfunction often leads to reluctance to start or continue life-saving heart failure (HF) therapy.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to examine the efficacy and safety of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction experiencing significant kidney dysfunction.

METHODS

We pooled individual patient data from the RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study) and EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure) trials. The association between MRA treatment and outcomes was assessed according to whether the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) declined to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 or not. The primary outcome was cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization.

RESULTS

Among 4,355 patients included, 295 (6.8%) experienced a deterioration of eGFR after randomization to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. These patients had more impaired baseline cardiac and kidney function (eGFR 47.3 ± 13.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs 70.5 ± 21.8 mL/min/1.73 m2) and had a higher risk of the primary outcome than patients without eGFR deterioration (HR: 2.49; 95% CI: 2.01-3.08; P < 0.001). However, the risk reduction in the primary outcome with MRA therapy was similar in those who experienced a decrease in eGFR to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.43-0.99) compared with those who did not (HR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.56-0.71) (Pinteraction = 0.87). In patients with a decrease in eGFR to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, 21 fewer individuals (per 100 person-years) experienced the primary outcome with MRA treatment, vs placebo, compared with an excess of 3 more patients with severe hyperkalemia (>6.0 mmol/L).

CONCLUSIONS

Because patients experiencing a decrease in eGFR to <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 are at very high risk, the absolute risk reduction with an MRA in these patients is large and this decline in eGFR should not automatically lead to treatment discontinuation.

Prognosis of patients with renal failure one year following non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

OBJECTIVE

Kidney failure is highly prevalent in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of baseline renal function regarding in-hospital and 1-year mortality among patients with NSTEMI and treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Polish Registry of Acute Coronary Syndromes (PL-ACS) and included 47,052 NSTEMI patients treated with PCI between 2017 and 2021. The cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality during the 1-year follow-up was presented using the Kaplan-Meier curves. The multivariable Cox regression model was created to adjust the relationship between eGFR (as a spline term) and all-cause mortality for potential confounders.

RESULTS

After considering the exclusion criteria, 20,834 cases were evaluated, with a median eGFR of 72.7 (IQR 56.6-87.5) mL/min/1.73 m2. The median age was 69 (62-76) years. The study comprised 4,505 patients with normal (90-120), 10,189 with mild (60-89), 5,539 with moderate (30-59), and 601 with severe eGFR impairment (15-29). Lower eGFR was associated with worse baseline clinical profile and longer in-hospital delay to coronary angiography. There was a stepwise increase in the crude all-cause death rates across the groups at 1 year. The Cox regression model with a spline term revealed that the relationship between eGFR and the risk of death at 1 year was non-linear (reverse J-shaped), and the risk was the lowest in patients with eGFR∼90 mL/min/1.73 m2.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a J-curve relationship between the eGFR value and 1-year all-cause mortality in patients with NSTEMI and treated with PCI.

The spectrum of post-myocardial infarction care: From acute ischemia to heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with incidence ranging from 14% to 36% in patients admitted due to AMI. HF post-MI develops due to complex inter-play between macrovascular obstruction, microvascular dysfunction, myocardial stunning and remodeling, inflammation, and neuro-hormonal activation. Cardiogenic shock is an extreme presentation of HF post-MI and is associated with a high mortality. Early revascularization is the only therapy shown to improve survival in patients with cardiogenic shock. Treatment of HF post-MI requires prompt recognition and timely introduction of guideline-directed therapies to improve mortality and morbidity. This article aims to provide an up-to-date review on the incidence and pathogenesis of HF post-MI, current strategies to prevent and treat onset of HF post-MI, promising therapeutic strategies, and knowledge gaps in the field.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Cardio-Renal Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction

PURPOSE

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in heart failure (HF). Chronic kidney disease often worsens the prognosis and impairs the management of patients with HF. Chronic kidney disease is frequently accompanied by sarcopenia, which limits the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of CR on cardiorespiratory fitness in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) according to the CKD stage.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study including 567 consecutive patients with HFrEF, who underwent a 4-wk CR program, and who were evaluated by cardiorespiratory exercise test before and after the program. Patients were stratified according to their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We performed multivariate analysis looking for factors associated with an improvement of 10% in peak oxygen uptake (V˙ o2peak ).

RESULTS

Thirty-eight percent of patients had eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m². With decreasing eGFR, we observed deterioration in V˙ o2peak , first ventilatory threshold (VT1) and workload and an increase in brain natriuretic peptide levels at baseline. After CR, there was an improvement in V˙ O2peak (15.3 vs 17.8 mL/kg/min, P < .001), VT1 (10.5 vs 12.4 mL/kg/min, P < .001), workload (77 vs 94 W, P < .001), and brain natriuretic peptide (688 vs 488 pg/mL, P < .001). These improvements were statistically significant for all stages of CKD. In a multivariate analysis predicting factors associated with V˙ o2peak improvement, renal function did not interfere with results.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial in patients with HFrEF with CKD regardless of CKD stage. The presence of CKD should not prevent the prescription of CR in patients with HFrEF.

Significance of Kidney Disease in Cardiovascular Disease Patients

Cardiorenal syndrome is a condition where is a bidirectional and mutually detrimental relationship between the heart and kidneys. The mechanisms underlying cardiorenal syndrome are multifactorial and complex. Patients with kidney disease exhibit increased cardiovascular risk, presenting as coronary and peripheral artery disease, structural heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, largely occurring because of a systemic proinflammatory state, causing myocardial and vascular remodeling, manifesting as atherosclerotic lesions, vascular and valvular calcification, and myocardial fibrosis, particularly among those with advanced disease. This review summarizes the current understanding and clinical implications of kidney disease in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Statin Treatment Intensity, Discontinuation, and Long-Term Outcome in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and Impaired Kidney Function

ABSTRACT

Statin dosage in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and concomitant kidney dysfunction is a clinical dilemma. We studied discontinuation during the first year after an AMI and long-term outcome in patients receiving high versus low-moderate intensity statin treatment, in relation to kidney function. For the intention-to-treat analysis (ITT-A), we included all patients admitted to Swedish coronary care units for a first AMI between 2005 and 2016 that survived in-hospital, had known creatinine, and initiated statin therapy (N = 112,727). High intensity was initiated in 38.7% and low-moderate in 61.3%. In patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , 25% discontinued treatment the first year; however, the discontinuation rate was similar regardless of the statin intensity. After excluding patients who died, changed therapy, or were nonadherent during the first year, 84,705 remained for the on-treatment analysis (OT-A). Patients were followed for 12.6 (median 5.6) years. In patients with eGFR 30-59 mL/min, high-intensity statin was associated with lower risk for the composite death, reinfarction, or stroke both in ITT-A (hazard ratio [HR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.99) and OT-A (HR 0.90; 0.83-0.99); the interaction test for OT-A indicated no heterogeneity for the eGFR < 60 mL/min group ( P = 0.46). Similar associations were seen for all-cause mortality. We confirm that high-intensity statin treatment is associated with improved long-term outcome after AMI in patients with reduced kidney function. Most patients with reduced kidney function initiated on high-intensity statins are persistent after 1 year and equally persistent as patients initiated on low-moderate intensity.

Temporal Trends and Outcomes of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators in Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hemodialysis increase the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in heart failure (HF); however, national trends in utilization and outcomes of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in this population remain unknown. We sought to evaluate the utilization and outcomes of ICD therapy in HF patients with CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) using the National Inpatient Sample from 2009 to 2018. Hospitalizations with a discharge diagnosis of systolic HF and ICD implantation were identified and stratified by stages of kidney disease. A total of 281,219 systolic HF hospitalizations who underwent ICD implantation were included. A significant decrease in inpatient ICD implantation was observed over the past decade (3.7% in 2009 to 1.1% in 2018) regardless of renal impairment. In-hospital mortality was highest in ESRD, followed by CKD compared with patients with no CKD. Length of hospital stay and hospitalization costs were also significantly higher in patients with CKD and ESRD. The overall utilization of inpatient ICD implantation has decreased in systolic HF patients and inpatient ICD placement in CKD is associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse clinical outcomes. This indicates that patients with renal impairment and HF represent a sicker cohort than the general HF population.

Beta-blocker prescription and outcomes in uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction: Insight from the ePARIS registry

BACKGROUND

Systematic prescription of beta-blockers after myocardial infarction remains an open question in the era of revascularization, especially for patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate in a real-life registry the proportion of patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction (preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and no cardiovascular event within the first 6 months), and to report their characteristics, outcomes and beta-blocker use.

METHODS

We included 1887 consecutive patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction from the prospective ePARIS registry. Patients were divided into three groups: the "uncomplicated myocardial infarction" group (n=1060), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% and a 6-month period free from cardiovascular events; the "complicated myocardial infarction" group (n=366), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 40% and a recurrent cardiovascular event in the first 6 months; and the "left ventricular dysfunction" group (n=461), defined by a left ventricular ejection fraction<40%.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 2.7 years (interquartile range 1.0-4.9 years), the "uncomplicated myocardial infarction" group was at low mortality risk compared with the "complicated myocardial infarction" group (hazard ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.25-0.58; P<0.01) and the "left ventricular dysfunction" group (hazard ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.15-0.32; P<0.01). Beta-blockers were prescribed at discharge predominantly in the "uncomplicated myocardial infarction" group (93%) compared with 87% in the "complicated myocardial infarction" group and 81% in the "left ventricular dysfunction" group.

CONCLUSIONS

Beta-blockers are less prescribed in patients who may need them the most. The benefit of beta-blockers-largely prescribed in lower-risk patients-remains to be shown beyond the first 6 months for these patients with no left ventricular dysfunction and no recurrent events.

Underuse of cardiorenal protective agents in high-risk diabetes patients in primary care: a cross-sectional study

Background

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have shown benefits in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Objective

We assessed benchmark outcomes (Hemoglobin A1c, LDL-C, and blood pressure), identified the prevalence of cardiorenal indications for SGLT2i and GLP-1RA, and compared prescribing rates of GLP1-RA and SGLT2i in those with and without cardiorenal indications.

Methods

We analyzed data from January 2018–June 2019 for 7168 patients with diabetes using electronic medical records from the Northern Alberta Primary Care Research Network, a regional network of the Canadian Primary Sentinel Surveillance Network (CPCSSN). Patients with and without cardiorenal comorbidities were compared using descriptive statistics and two proportion Z tests.

Results

Hemoglobin A1c ≤ 7.0% was met by 56.8%, blood pressure < 130/80 mmHg by 62.1%, LDL-C ≤ 2.0 mmol/L by 45.3% of patients. There were 4377 patients on glucose lowering medications; metformin was most common (77.7%), followed by insulin (24.6%), insulin secretagogues (23.6%), SGLT2i (19.7%), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (19.3%), and GLP-1RA (9.4%). A quarter of patients had cardiorenal indications for SGLT2i or GLP-1RA. Use of SGLT2i in these patients was lower than in patients without cardiorenal comorbidities (14.9% vs 21.2%, p < 0.05). GLP-1RA use in these patients was 4.6% compared with 11% in those without cardiorenal comorbidities (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Contrary to current evidence and recommendations, SGLT2i and GLP1-RA were less likely to be prescribed to patients with pre-existing CVD, HF, and/or CKD, revealing opportunities to improve prescribing for patients with diabetes at high-risk for worsening cardiorenal complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01731-w.

Use of guideline-recommended medical therapy in patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease: from physician's prescriptions to patient's dispensations, medication adherence and persistence

AIM

Half of heart failure (HF) patients have chronic kidney disease (CKD) complicating their pharmacological management. We evaluated physicians' and patients' patterns of use of evidence-based medical therapies in HF across CKD stages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied HF patients with reduced (HFrEF) and mildly reduced (HFmrEF) ejection fraction enrolled in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry in 2009-2018. We investigated the likelihood of physicians to prescribe guideline-recommended therapies to patients with CKD, and of patients to fill the prescriptions within 90 days of incident HF (initiating therapy), to adhere (proportion of days covered ≥80%) and persist (continued use) on these treatments during the first year of therapy. We identified 31 668 patients with HFrEF (median age 74 years, 46% CKD). The proportions receiving a prescription for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ACEi/ARB/ARNi) were 96%, 92%, 86%, and 68%, for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60, 45-59, 30-44, and <30 ml/min/1.73 m² , respectively; for beta-blockers 94%, 93%, 92%, and 92%, for mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) 45%, 44%, 37%, 24%; and for triple therapy (combination of ACEi/ARB/ARNi + beta-blockers + MRA) 38%, 35%, 28%, and 15%. Patients with CKD were less likely to initiate these medications, and less likely to adhere to and persist on ACEi/ARB/ARNi, MRA, and triple therapy. Among stoppers, CKD patients were less likely to restart these medications. Results were consistent after multivariable adjustment and in patients with HFmrEF (n = 15 114).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HF and CKD are less likely to be prescribed and to fill prescriptions for evidence-based therapies, showing lower adherence and persistence, even at eGFR categories where these therapies are recommended and have shown efficacy in clinical trials.

Cardiorenal Interactions: A Review

A complex interaction occurs between cardiac and renal function. They are intricately tied together, and a range of disorders in both the heart and kidneys can alter the function of the other. The pathophysiology is complex, and these conditions are termed cardiorenal syndromes. They can be acute and/or chronic in nature, they result in and from hemodynamic consequences, systemic congestion, and metabolic abnormalities, and they lead to dysfunction of both the heart and kidneys. The aim of this article is to provide a review for cardiologists and intensivists who are treating patients for whom cardiac and renal interactions may complicate their picture. We review acute kidney injuries, management of the complications of renal dysfunction, renal replacement therapy, and cardiorenal syndromes.

Edema formation in congestive heart failure and the underlying mechanisms

Congestive heart failure (HF) is a complex disease state characterized by impaired ventricular function and insufficient peripheral blood supply. The resultant reduced blood flow characterizing HF promotes activation of neurohormonal systems which leads to fluid retention, often exhibited as pulmonary congestion, peripheral edema, dyspnea, and fatigue. Despite intensive research, the exact mechanisms underlying edema formation in HF are poorly characterized. However, the unique relationship between the heart and the kidneys plays a central role in this phenomenon. Specifically, the interplay between the heart and the kidneys in HF involves multiple interdependent mechanisms, including hemodynamic alterations resulting in insufficient peripheral and renal perfusion which can lead to renal tubule hypoxia. Furthermore, HF is characterized by activation of neurohormonal factors including renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), sympathetic nervous system (SNS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) due to reduced cardiac output (CO) and renal perfusion. Persistent activation of these systems results in deleterious effects on both the kidneys and the heart, including sodium and water retention, vasoconstriction, increased central venous pressure (CVP), which is associated with renal venous hypertension/congestion along with increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). The latter was shown to reduce renal blood flow (RBF), leading to a decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Besides the activation of the above-mentioned vasoconstrictor/anti-natriuretic neurohormonal systems, HF is associated with exceptionally elevated levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). However, the supremacy of the deleterious neurohormonal systems over the beneficial natriuretic peptides (NP) in HF is evident by persistent sodium and water retention and cardiac remodeling. Many mechanisms have been suggested to explain this phenomenon which seems to be multifactorial and play a major role in the development of renal hyporesponsiveness to NPs and cardiac remodeling. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying the development of edema in HF with reduced ejection fraction and refers to the therapeutic maneuvers applied today to overcome abnormal salt/water balance characterizing HF.

Optimizing the Outcomes of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the most common procedures performed in medicine. However, its net benefit among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is less well established than in the general population. The prevalence of patients suffering from both CAD and CKD is high, and is likely to increase in the coming years. Planning the adequate management of this group of patients is crucial to improve their outcome after PCI. This starts with proper preparation before the procedure, the use of all available means to reduce contrast during the procedure, and the implementation of modern strategies such as radial access and drug-eluting stents. At the end of the procedure, personalized antithrombotic therapy for the patient's specific characteristics is advisable to account for the elevated ischemic and bleeding risk of these patients.

Chronic Renal Failure and Cardiovascular Disease: A Comprehensive Appraisal

Coronary artery disease is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. The concomitant renal disease often poses a major challenge in decision making as symptoms, cardiac biomarkers and noninvasive studies for evaluation of myocardial ischemia have different sensitivity and specificity thresholds in this specific population. Moreover, the effectiveness and safety of intervention and medical treatment in those patients is of great doubt as most clinical studies exclude patients with advance CKD. In the present paper, we discuss and review the literature in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CAD in the acute and chronic setting, in patients with CKD.

Sex-specific differences and long-term outcome of patients with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease: the Coronary Artery Disease and Renal Failure (CAD-REF) Registry

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality are closely linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sex-specific long-term outcome data of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and CKD are scarce.

METHODS

In the prospective observational multicenter Coronary Artery Disease and REnal Failure (CAD-REF) Registry, 773 (23.1%) women and 2,579 (76.9%) men with angiographically documented CAD and different stages of CKD were consecutively enrolled and followed for up to 8 years. Long-term outcome was evaluated using survival analysis and multivariable Cox-regression models.

RESULTS

At enrollment, women were significantly older than men, and suffered from more comorbidities like CKD, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and multivessel coronary disease. Regarding long-term mortality, no sex-specific differences were observed (Kaplan-Meier survival estimates: 69% in women vs. 69% in men, plog-rank = 0.7). Survival rates decreased from 89% for patients without CKD at enrollment to 72% for patients with CKD stages 1-2 at enrollment and 49% for patients with CKD stages 3-5 at enrollment (plog-rank < 0.001). Cox-regression analysis revealed that sex or multivessel coronary disease were no independent predictors of long-term mortality, while age, CKD stages 3-5, albumin/creatinine ratio, diabetes, valvular heart disease, peripheral artery disease, and left-ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of long-term mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sex differences in CAD patients mainly exist in the cardiovascular risk profile and the extent of CAD. Long-term mortality was not depended on sex or multivessel disease. More attention should be given to treatment of comorbidities such as CKD and peripheral artery disease being independent predictors of death. Clinical Trail Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00679419.

Comprehensive Comparison of the Effect of Inotropes on Cardiorenal Syndrome in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Prevention of cardiorenal syndrome through treatment with inotropic agents remains challenging. This network meta-analysis evaluated the safety and renoprotective effects of inotropes on patients with advanced heart failure (HF) using a frequentist random-effects model. A systematic database search was performed until 31 January 2021, and a total of 37 trials were included. Inconsistency, publication bias, and subgroup analyses were conducted. The levosimendan group exhibited significantly decreased mortality compared with the control (odds ratio (OR): 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46-0.84), milrinone (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30-0.84), and dobutamine (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57-0.97) groups. In terms of renal protection, levosimendan (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.67; 95% CI: 1.17-2.18) and dobutamine (SMD: 1.49; 95% CI: 0.87-2.12) more favorably improved the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) than the control treatment did, but they did not significantly reduce the incidence of acute kidney injury. Furthermore, levosimendan had the highest P-score, indicating that it most effectively reduced mortality and improved renal function (e.g., GFR and serum creatinine level), even in patients with renal insufficiency. In conclusion, levosimendan is a safe alternative for protecting renal function on cardiorenal syndrome in patients with advanced HF.

New-Onset Cancer in the HF Population: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oncological treatments are known to induce cardiac toxicity, but the impact of new-onset cancer in patients with pre-existing HF remains unknown. This review focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical implications of HF patients who develop malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Novel findings suggest that HF and cancer, beside common risk factors, are deeply linked by shared pathophysiological mechanisms. In particular, HF itself may enhance carcinogenesis by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and it has been suggested that neurohormonal activation, commonly associated with the failing heart, might play a pivotal role in promoting neoplastic transformation. The risk of malignancies seems to be higher in HF patients compared to the general population, probably due to shared risk factors and common pathophysiological pathways. Additionally, management of these patients represents a challenge for clinicians, considering that the co-existence of these diseases significantly worsens patients' prognosis and negatively affects therapeutic options for both diseases.

Role of Pocket Ultrasound in Assessing Intravascular Volume to Guide Management in Heart Failure Patients with Renal Impairment

Introduction

Inpatient management of patients with heart failure (HF) and renal impairment is challenging. We sought to evaluate the role of pocket ultrasound (US)-guided management of this patient population.

Methods

We prospectively included patients with acute HF exacerbation and renal impairment admitted to the HF service in our University hospital from January 2017 to August 2018. We compared the outcomes of patients who received US-guided management with those who received standard of care management. The main study outcome was the change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Multivariable logistic analysis was used to adjust for basic demographics and risk factors.

Results

A total of 211 patients with renal impairment presenting with acute HF exacerbation (mean age 66.8 ± 14.6 years, 41% females, 62% white) were enrolled in the study, of whom 69 (32.7%) received US-guided management and 151 (68%) received standard of care management. The change in the eGFR was significantly lower in US-guided group than in the group receiving standard of care (1.1 ± 4.3% vs. − 11.15 ± 2.9%; p = 0.04). No significant difference was observed between the patient groups in the length of stay (6.45 ± 0.38 vs. 6.44 ± 0.56; days; p = 0.98) and in the 30-day HF readmission rate (hazard ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 0.28–5.6; p = 0.75).

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided management of patients admitted with acute HF exacerbation and renal impairment may be beneficial in preserving kidney function. US provides a simple easily accessible tool to guide the management of patients with HF.

Kidney Function and Outcomes in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Few contemporary data exist evaluating care patterns and outcomes in heart failure (HF) across the spectrum of kidney function.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to characterize differences in quality of care and outcomes in patients hospitalized for HF by degree of kidney dysfunction.

METHODS

Guideline-directed medical therapies were evaluated among patients hospitalized with HF at 418 sites in the GWTG-HF (Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure) registry from 2014 to 2019 by discharge CKD-EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration)-derived estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We additionally evaluated the risk-adjusted association of admission eGFR with in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Among 365,494 hospitalizations (age 72 ± 15 years, left ventricular ejection fraction [EF]: 43 ± 17%), median discharge eGFR was 51 ml/min/1.73 m² (interquartile range: 34 to 72 ml/min/1.73 m²), 234,332 (64%) had eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m², and 18,869 (5%) were on dialysis. eGFR distribution remained stable from 2014 to 2019. Among 157,439 patients with HF with reduced EF (≤40%), discharge guideline-directed medical therapies, including beta-blockers, were lowest in discharge eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m² or dialysis (p < 0.001). "Triple therapy" with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor + beta-blocker + mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist was used in 38%, 33%, 25%, 15%, 5%, and 3% for eGFR ≥90, 60 to 89, 45 to 59, 30 to 44, <30 ml/min/1.73 m², and dialysis, respectively; p < 0.001. Mortality was higher in a graded fashion at lower admission eGFR groups (1.1%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 5.0%, and 4.2%, respectively; p < 0.001). Steep covariate-adjusted associations between admission eGFR and mortality were observed across EF subgroups, but was slightly stronger for HF with reduced EF compared with HF with mid-range or preserved EF (p_interaction = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite facing elevated risks of mortality, patients with comorbid HF with reduced EF and kidney disease are not optimally treated with evidence-based medical therapies, even at levels of eGFR where such therapies would not be contraindicated by kidney dysfunction. Further efforts are required to mitigate risk in comorbid HF and kidney disease.

The pathophysiology and management of diuretic resistance in patients with heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the study are to investigate the causes of diuretic resistance in patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF), since diuretics are the cornerstone of treatment of these patients. Several studies have shown that diuretic resistance in patients with advanced CHF is common, ranging from 25% to 50% in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

In order to get a current perspective as to the magnitude of diuretic resistance in such patients, a focused Medline search of the English language literature was conducted between 2015 and 2020 using the search terms, CHF, diuretics, treatment, resistance, frequency, and 30 papers with pertinent information were selected.

RESULTS

The analysis of data from the selected papers demonstrated that diuretic resistance is common in hospitalized patients with advanced CHF and frequently associated with renal failure, which is secondary to CHF.

CONCLUSIONS

Diuretic resistance appears to be common in patients with advanced CHF and it is mostly due to decreased cardiac output, low blood pressure, decreased glomerular filtration rate, decreased filtration of sodium, and increased tubular reabsorption of sodium. Diuretic resistance in such patients can be overcome with the combination of loop diuretics with thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, as well as other agents. The data from these studies in combination with collateral literature will be discussed in this review.

Association of anaemia and all-cause mortality in patients with ischaemic heart failure varies by renal function status

Aims

The aims of the current study were to evaluate the association between anaemia and all‐cause mortality according to chronic kidney disease (CKD) status and to explore at what level of haemoglobin concentration would the all‐cause mortality risk increase prominently among CKD and non‐CKD patients, respectively.

Methods and results

This is a prospective cohort study, and 1559 patients with ischaemic heart failure (IHF) were included (mean age of 63.5 ± 11.0 years, 85.8% men) from December 2015 to June 2019. Patients were divided into the CKD (n = 481) and non‐CKD (n = 1078) groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 mL/min/1.73 m². In the CKD group, the incidence rate of all‐cause mortality in anaemic and non‐anaemic patients was 15.4 per 100 person‐years and 10.8 per 100 person‐years, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.42 (95% confidence interval: 1.00–2.02; P‐value = 0.05). In the non‐CKD group, the incidence rate of all‐cause mortality in anaemic and non‐anaemic patients was 9.8 per 100 person‐years and 5.5 per 100 person‐years, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.78 (95% confidence interval: 1.20–2.59; P‐value = 0.005). After a median follow‐up of 2.1 years, the cumulative incidence rate of all‐cause mortality in anaemic and non‐anaemic patients was 41.5% and 44.1% (P‐value = 0.05) in the CKD group, and 30.9% and 18.1% (P‐value < 0.0001) in the non‐CKD group. In the CKD group, cumulative incidence rate of all‐cause mortality increased prominently when haemoglobin concentration was below 100 g/L, which was not observed in the non‐CKD group.

Conclusions

Results of the current study indicated that among IHF patients, the association between anaemia and all‐cause mortality differed by the renal function status. These findings underline the importance to assess mortality risk and manage anaemia among IHF patients according to the renal function status.

Effectiveness and Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation Among People With CKD

Introduction

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a proven therapy for reducing cardiovascular death and hospitalization. Whether CR participation is associated with improved outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unknown.

Methods

We obtained data on all adult patients in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with angiographically proven coronary artery disease from 1996 to 2016 referred to CR from The Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease and TotalCardiology Rehabilitation. An estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m² or kidney replacement therapy defined CKD. Predictors of CR use were estimated with multinomial logistic regression. The association between starting versus not starting and completion versus noncompletion of CR and clinical outcomes were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Of 23,215 patients referred to CR, 12,084 were eligible for inclusion. Participants with CKD (N = 1322) were older, had more comorbidity, lower exercise capacity on graded treadmill testing, and took longer to be referred and to start CR than those without CKD. CKD predicted not starting CR: odds ratio 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.64-0.83). Over a median 1 year follow-up, there were 146 deaths, 40 (0.3%) from CKD and 106 (1.0%) not from CKD. Similar to those without CKD, the risk of death was lower in CR completers (hazard ratio [HR] 0.24 [95% CI 0.06-0.91) and starters (HR 0.56 [95% CI 0.29- 1.10]) with CKD.

Conclusion

CR participation was associated with comparable benefits in people with moderate CKD as those without who survived to CR. Lower rates of CR attendance in this high-risk population suggest that strategies to increase CR utilization are needed.

Renal dysfunction in cardiovascular diseases and its consequences

It is well known that the heart and kidney and their synergy is essential for hemodynamic homeostasis. Since the early XIX century it has been recognized that cardiovascular and renal diseases frequently coexist. In the nephrological field, while it is well accepted that renal diseases favor the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, it is not always realized that cardiovascular diseases induce or aggravate renal dysfunctions, in this way further deteriorating cardiac function and creating a vicious circle. In the same clinical field, the role of venous congestion in the pathogenesis of renal dysfunction is at times overlooked. This review carefully quantifies the prevalence of chronic and acute kidney abnormalities in cardiovascular diseases, mainly heart failure, regardless of ejection fraction, and the consequences of renal abnormalities on both organs, making cardiovascular diseases a major risk factor for kidney diseases. In addition, with regard to pathophysiological aspects, we attempt to substantiate the major role of fluid overload and venous congestion, including renal venous hypertension, in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic renal dysfunction occurring in heart failure. Furthermore, we describe therapeutic principles to counteract the major pathophysiological abnormalities in heart failure complicated by renal dysfunction. Finally, we underline that the mild transient worsening of renal function after decongestive therapy is not usually associated with adverse prognosis. Accordingly, the coexistence of cardiovascular and renal diseases inevitably means mediating between preserving renal function and improving cardiac activity to reach a better outcome.

Activation of hypoxia-sensing pathways promotes renal ischemic preconditioning following myocardial infarction

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is frequently comorbid with chronic kidney disease. Physiological communication is known to occur between the heart and the kidney. Although primary dysfunction in either organ can induce dysfunction in the other, a clinical entity known as cardiorenal syndrome, mechanistic details are lacking. Here, we used a model of experimental myocardial infarction (MI) to test effects of chronic cardiac ischemia on acute and chronic kidney injury. Surprisingly, chronic cardiac damage protected animals from subsequent acute ischemic renal injury, an effect that was accompanied by evidence of chronic kidney hypoxia. The protection observed post-MI was similar to protection observed in a separate group of healthy animals housed in ambient hypoxic conditions prior to kidney injury, suggesting a common mechanism. There was evidence that chronic cardiac injury activates renal hypoxia-sensing pathways. Increased renal abundance of several glycolytic enzymes following MI suggested that a shift toward glycolysis may confer renal ischemic preconditioning. In contrast, effects on chronic renal injury followed a different pattern, with post-MI animals displaying worsened chronic renal injury and fibrosis. These data show that although chronic cardiac injury following MI protected against acute kidney injury via activation of hypoxia-sensing pathways, it worsened chronic kidney injury. The results further our understanding of cardiorenal signaling mechanisms and have implications for the treatment of heart failure patients with associated renal disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Experimental myocardial infarction (MI) protects from subsequent ischemic acute kidney injury but worsens chronic kidney injury. Observed protection from ischemic acute kidney injury after MI was accompanied by chronic kidney hypoxia and increased renal abundance of hypoxia-inducible transcripts. These data support the idea that MI confers protection from renal ischemic injury via chronic renal hypoxia and activation of downstream hypoxia-inducible signaling pathways.

Loop Diuretics Inhibit Renal Excretion of Trimethylamine N-Oxide

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Uremic retention solutes predominantly eliminate through the kidneys largely via specific efflux channels in the proximal renal tubules.

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For the first time, we demonstrated in vivo that renal tubular excretion of TMAO can be inhibited by concomitant loop diuretic administration via competition at the level of renal transporters.

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We further observed accumulation of TMAO in the renal parenchyma, which implied differential distributions of TMAO across various tissues and/or systems as a consequence of efflux channel control.

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Poorer outcomes in patients who receive long-term loop diuretic agents may therefore be associated with metabolic perturbations, such as retention of metabolites like TMAO, beyond impaired glomerular filtration.

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that renal tubular excretion of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is inhibited by concomitant loop diuretic administration. The observed marked accumulation in the renal parenchyma, and to lesser extent, plasma, implies differential distributions of TMAO across various tissues and/or systems as a consequence of efflux channel control. A better understanding of TMAO renal clearance and its potential interactions with current and future therapies in patients with heart failure are warranted.

Heart failure after myocardial infarction: incidence and predictors

Aims

The aim of the present paper was to provide an up‐to‐date view on epidemiology and risk factors of heart failure (HF) development after myocardial infarction.

Methods and results

Based on literature review, several clinical risk factors and biochemical, genetic, and imaging biomarkers were identified to predict the risk of HF development after myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

Heart failure is still a frequent complication of myocardial infarction. Timely identification of subjects at risk for HF development using a multimodality approach, and early initiation of guideline‐directed HF therapy in these patients, can decrease the HF burden.

The association of beta-blocker use with mortality in elderly patients with congestive heart failure and advanced chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Whether the survival benefit of β-blockers in congestive heart failure (CHF) from randomized trials extends to patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 but not receiving dialysis] is uncertain.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using administrative datasets. Older adults from Ontario, Canada, with incident CHF (median age 79 years) from April 2002 to March 2014 were included. We matched new users of β-blockers to nonusers on age, sex, eGFR categories (>60, 30-60, <30), CHF diagnosis date and a high-dimensional propensity score. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we examined the association of β-blocker use versus nonuse with all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

We matched 5862 incident β-blocker users (eGFR >60, n = 3136; eGFR 30-60, n = 2368; eGFR <30, n = 358). There were 2361 mortality events during follow-up. β-Blocker use was associated with reduced all-cause mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.64]. This result was consistent across all eGFR categories (>60: adjusted HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.49-0.62; 30-60: adjusted HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.55-0.71; <30: adjusted HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41-0.73; interaction term, P = 0.30). The results were consistent in an intention-to-treat analysis and with β-blocker use treated as a time-varying exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

β-Blocker use is associated with reduced all-cause mortality in elderly patients with CHF and CKD, including those with an eGFR <30. Randomized trials that examine β-blockers in patients with CHF and advanced CKD are needed.

Association Between β-Blocker Use and Mortality/Morbidity in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced, Midrange, and Preserved Ejection Fraction and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease

Background:

It is unknown if β-blockers reduce mortality/morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), a population underrepresented in HF trials.

Methods:

Observational cohort of HF patients with advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 ) from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2001 and 2016. We first explored associations between β-blocker use, 5-year death, and the composite of cardiovascular death/HF hospitalization among 3775 patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and advanced CKD. We compared observed hazards with those from a control cohort of 15 346 patients with HFrEF and moderate CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60–30 mL/min per 1.73 m 2 ), for whom β-blocker trials demonstrate benefit. Second, we explored outcomes associated to β-blocker among advanced CKD participants with preserved (HFpEF; N=2009) and midrange ejection fraction (HFmrEF; N=1514).

Results:

During a median follow-up of 1.3 years, 2012 patients had a subsequent HF hospitalization, and 2849 died in the HFrEF cohort, of which 2016 died due to cardiovascular causes. Among patients with HFrEF, β-blocker use was associated with lower risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75–0.96]) and cardiovascular mortality/HF hospitalization (0.87 [0.77–0.98]) compared with nonuse. The magnitude of the associations was similar to that observed for HFrEF patients with moderate CKD. Conversely, no significant association was observed for β-blocker users in advanced CKD with HFpEF (death: 0.88 [0.77–1.02], cardiovascular mortality/HF hospitalization: 1.05 [0.90–1.23]) or HFmrEF (death: 0.95 [0.79–1.14], cardiovascular mortality/HF hospitalization: 1.09 [0.90–1.31]).

Conclusions:

In HFrEF patients with advanced CKD, the use of β-blockers was associated with lower morbidity and mortality. Although inconclusive due to limited power, these benefits were not observed in similar patients with HFpEF or HFmrEF.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on platelet aggregation in patients with acute coronary syndrome

AIMS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased thrombotic events and seems to influence platelet reactivity. Conflicting results have been published on platelet response in CKD patients with stable coronary artery disease. The aim of our study was to investigate the impact of CKD on platelet aggregation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy, included the more potent P2Y12 inhibitors.

METHODS

We enrolled 206 patients with ACS, divided in two groups, according to the presence or the absence of moderate/severe CKD. Platelet aggregation was performed with light transmission aggregometry and results are expressed as percentage of maximum platelet aggregation. High residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) was defined as maximum platelet aggregation more than 59%.

RESULTS

Patients with CKD [estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m, n = 28] were prevalent older, diabetic, had previous coronary revascularization. In these patients, platelet aggregation was significantly higher than in those with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m (ADP 10 μmol/l: 28.46 ± 26.19 vs. 16.64 ± 12.79, P < 0.001; ADP 20 μmol/l: 30.07 ± 25.89 vs. 17.46 ± 12.82, P < 0.001). HRPR was observed in 4.4% of patients, with higher prevalence in those with eGFR less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m [21.4 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 15.91 (3.71-68.17), P < 0.001]. At multivariate analysis, after correction for baseline confounders, eGFR [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 0.95 (0.91-0.98), P = 0.007], together with the use of clopidogrel [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 23.59 (4.01-138.82), P < 0.001], emerged as determinants of HRPR.

CONCLUSION

In patients with ACS receiving dual antiplatelet therapy, CKD is associated with an increasing ADP-induced platelet aggregation and higher prevalence of HRPR, which is mainly correlated to clopidogrel use.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate predicts 30-day mortality in medical emergency departments: Results of a prospective multi-national observational study

BACKGROUND

Renal failure is common in patients seeking help in medical emergency departments. Decreased renal function is associated with increased mortality in patients with heart failure or sepsis. In this study, the association between renal function (reflected by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of admission) and clinical outcome was evaluated.

METHODS/OBJECTIVES

Data was used from a prospective, multi-national, observational cohort of patients treated in three medical emergency departments of tertiary care centers. The eGFR was calculated from the creatinine at the time of admission (using the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaboration equation,CKD-EPI). Uni- and multivariate regression models were used for eGFR and 30-day mortality, in hospital mortality, length of stay and intensive care unit admission rate.

RESULTS

6983 patients were included. The 30-day mortality was 1.8%, 3.5%, 6.9%, 11.1%, 13.6%, and 14.2% in patients with eGFR of above 90, 60-89, 45-59, 30-44, 15-29, and <15 ml/min/1.73m2, respectively. Using multivariate regression, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 2.31 (for 15-29 ml/min/1.73m2, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 3.90, p = 0.002) and 3.73 (for eGFR <15ml/min/1.73m2 as compared to >90 ml/min/1.73m2, 95% CI 2.04 to 6.84, p<0.001). For 10 ml/min/1.73m2 decrease in eGFR the OR for the 30-day mortality was 1.15 (95% CI1.09 to 1.22, p<0.001).The eGFR was also significantly associated with in-hospital mortality, the percentage of ICU-admissions, and with a longer hospital stay. No association was found with hospital readmission within 30 days. As limitations, only eGFR at admission was available and the number of patients on hemodialysis was unknown.

CONCLUSION

Reduced eGFR at the time of admission is a strong and independent predictor for adverse outcome in this large population of patients admitted to medical emergency departments.

Plasma kynurenines and prognosis in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Metabolites of the kynurenine pathway (mKP) relate to important aspects of heart failure pathophysiology, such as inflammation, energy-homeostasis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate whether mKP predict mortality in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

The study included 202 patients with heart failure (73.8% with coronary artery disease (CAD)), propensity score matched to 384 controls without heart disease, and 807 controls with CAD (71%). All underwent coronary angiography and ventriculography at baseline. Plasma mKP, pyridoxal 5'phosphate (PLP) and CRP were measured at baseline. Case-control differences were assessed by logistic regression and survival by Cox regression, adjusted for age, gender, smoking, diabetes, ejection fraction, PLP, eGFR and CRP. Effect measures are reported per standard deviation increments.

RESULTS

Higher plasma levels of kynurenine, 3- hydroxykynurenine (HK), quinolinic acid (QA), the kynurenine-tryptophan-ratio (KTR) and the ratio of HK to xanthurenic acid (HK/XA) were detected in heart failure compared to both control groups. The mortality rate per 1000 person-years was 55.5 in patients with heart failure, 14.6 in controls without heart disease and 22.2 in CAD controls. QA [HR 1.80, p = 0.013], HK [HR 1.77, p = 0.005], HK/XA [HR 1.67, p < 0.001] and KTR [HR 1.55, p = 0.009] were associated with increased mortality in patients with heart failure, while XA [HR 0.68-0.80, p = 0.013-0.037] were associated with lower mortality in all groups. HK and HK/XA had weak associations with increased mortality in CAD-controls.

CONCLUSION

Elevated plasma levels of mKP and metabolite ratios are associated with increased mortality, independent of CAD, in patients with heart failure.

P2Y12 inhibitors in acute coronary syndrome patients with renal dysfunction: an analysis from the RENAMI and BleeMACS projects

Aims

The aim of the present study was to establish the safety and efficacy profile of prasugrel and ticagrelor in real-life acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with renal dysfunction.

Methods and results

All consecutive patients from RENAMI (REgistry of New Antiplatelets in patients with Myocardial Infarction) and BLEEMACS (Bleeding complications in a Multicenter registry of patients discharged with diagnosis of Acute Coronary Syndrome) registries were stratified according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) lower or greater than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Death and myocardial infarction (MI) were the primary efficacy endpoints. Major bleedings (MBs), defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium bleeding types 3 to 5, constituted the safety endpoint. A total of 19 255 patients were enrolled. Mean age was 63 ± 12; 14 892 (77.3%) were males. A total of 2490 (12.9%) patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD), defined as eGFR &lt;60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Mean follow-up was 13 ± 5 months. Mortality was significantly higher in CKD patients (9.4% vs. 2.6%, P &lt; 0.0001), as well as the incidence of reinfarction (5.8% vs. 2.9%, P &lt; 0.0001) and MB (5.7% vs. 3%, P &lt; 0.0001). At Cox multivariable analysis, potent P2Y12 inhibitors significantly reduced the mortality rate [hazard ratio (HR) 0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54–0.96; P = 0.006] and the risk of reinfarction (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.30–0.95; P = 0.033) in CKD patients as compared to clopidogrel. The reduction of risk of reinfarction was confirmed in patients with preserved renal function. Potent P2Y12 inhibitors did not increase the risk of MB in CKD patients (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.59–1.68; P = 0.985).

Conclusion

In ACS patients with CKD, prasugrel and ticagrelor are associated with lower risk of death and recurrent MI without increasing the risk of MB.

Implications of renin-angiotensin-system blocker discontinuation in acute decompensated heart failure with systolic dysfunction

Background

Renin‐angiotensin‐system blockers (RASB) improve clinical outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced fraction; however, there remains ambiguity whether RASB therapy should be continued during the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Hypothesis

In comparison to patients with RASB use, RASB discontinuation in ADHF will be associated with worsening renal function, hypotension, and adverse long‐term clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization (ESCAPE) trial were separated into four groups based on RASB use at baseline and discharge: continuation (n = 316), discontinuation (n = 21), initiation (n = 42), and nonuse (n = 23). Post‐discharge outcomes were validated in an independent ADHF cohort admitted to the Cleveland Clinic (n = 253).

Results

RASB discontinuation and nonuse were associated with higher serial creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels than RASB continuation or initiation (P < .001 for both), but not with serial potassium and systolic blood pressure measurements. No other clinical parameter changes were significant. In comparison to RASB continuation, RASB discontinuation and nonuse was associated with ~75% increased risk of a 180‐day composite of death, transplant, or rehospitalization (HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09‐3.20, P = 0.02 and HR 1.72, CI 1.04‐2.82, P = .03, respectively). Post‐discharge outcomes were similar in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

Compared to RASB continuation, RASB discontinuation and nonuse were associated with higher baseline and serial creatinine levels during treatment for ADHF, but not with changes in SBP and potassium levels. Furthermore, RASB discontinuation and nonuse in ADHF were associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes.

Cardiovascular and renal outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention in a population with renal disease: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Patients with renal disease are less likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to concerns about poor outcomes.

AIM

We describe outcomes following PCI in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), as compared with matched controls with comparable CKD who did not undergo PCI. We also identified factors predictive of poor outcomes following PCI amongst patients with CKD.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case-control study.

METHODS

Cases were individuals with CKD (stages 1-5) undergoing PCI between 2008 and 2014. Controls were age, gender and creatinine-matched individuals not requiring PCI. We compared mortality between groups using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression modelling. We assessed changes in serum creatinine using Wilcoxon Rank testing. We explored the relationship between biochemical and haematological measures (baseline creatinine, calcium, phosphate, calcium-phosphate product, parathyroid hormone, white cell count, haemoglobin, platelet count, c-reactive protein and total cholesterol) and post-PCI mortality, using logistic regression.

RESULTS

We identified 144 cases and 144 controls. Mortality was significantly lower amongst cases compared with controls [hazard ratio 0.46 (95% confidence intervals 0.31, 0.69)]. PCI did not result in a significant change in renal function (P=0.52). Amongst cases, serum creatinine and calcium-phosphate product were predictors of mortality following PCI.

CONCLUSION

Cases undergoing PCI had lower mortality, and PCI was not associated with accelerated CKD progression. On this data, PCI should not be deferred as a treatment option in patients with CKD. Serum creatinine and calcium-phosphate product predict mortality following PCI in this cohort, and may be useful in risk-stratifying patients with CKD being considered for PCI.

Lipid management in patients with chronic kidney disease

An increased risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of conventional risk factors, is present even at minor levels of renal impairment and is highest in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis. Renal dysfunction changes the level, composition and quality of blood lipids in favour of a more atherogenic profile. Patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or ESRD have a characteristic lipid pattern of hypertriglyceridaemia and low HDL cholesterol levels but normal LDL cholesterol levels. In the general population, a clear relationship exists between LDL cholesterol and major atherosclerotic events. However, in patients with ESRD, LDL cholesterol shows a negative association with these outcomes at below average LDL cholesterol levels and a flat or weakly positive association with mortality at higher LDL cholesterol levels. Overall, the available data suggest that lowering of LDL cholesterol is beneficial for prevention of major atherosclerotic events in patients with CKD and in kidney transplant recipients but is not beneficial in patients requiring dialysis. The 2013 Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Clinical Practice Guideline for Lipid Management in CKD provides simple recommendations for the management of dyslipidaemia in patients with CKD and ESRD. However, emerging data and novel lipid-lowering therapies warrant some reappraisal of these recommendations.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on long-term clinical outcomes of everolimus-eluting stent implantation: A subanalysis of the Tokyo-MD PCI registry

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the 5-year clinical outcomes of everolimus-eluting stent (EES) implantation.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of EES. However, limited information exists on the long-term clinical outcomes associated with CKD.

METHODS

The Tokyo-MD PCI study is a multi-center observational study designed to describe the clinical outcomes of unselected patients after EES implantation. In this subanalysis, patients on maintenance hemodialysis were excluded, and patients with (n = 316) or without (n = 1,424) CKD were evaluated for their 5-year incidence rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemia driven target lesion revascularization (ID-TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST).

RESULTS

The mean and median follow-up duration were 1,391 ± 557 days and 1,769 days (interquartile range, 1,012-1,800 days), respectively. Although the incidence of ID-TLR and ST was similar between patients with and without CKD (4.9% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.26, 0.5% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.20, respectively), cardiac death and MACE were significantly higher in patients with CKD than in those without CKD (6.5% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.007, 26.9% vs. 14.0%, P < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analysis, CKD was an independent predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 1.22 [95% confidence interval 1.04-1.43], P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CKD had similar ID-TLR and ST rates as those without CKD at 5 years after EES implantation. The risk of long-term MACEs appeared to be associated with CKD.

Prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy by adequate hydration combined with isosorbide dinitrate for patients with renal insufficiency and congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

Adequate hydration remains the mainstay of contrast-induced nephropathy prevention, and nitrates could reduce cardiac preload.

HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to explore the adequate hydration with nitrates for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) to reduce the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and at the same time avoid the acute heart failure.

METHODS

Three hundred and ninty-four consecutive patients with CKD and CHF undergoing coronary procedures were randomized to either adequate hydration with nitrates (n = 196) or to routine hydration (control group; n = 198). The adequate hydration group received continuous intravenous infusion of isosorbide dinitrate combined with intravenous infusion of isotonic saline at a rate of 1.5 mL/kg/h during perioperative period. The definition of CIN was a 25% or 0.5 mg/dL rise in serum creatinine over baseline. This trial is registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT02718521.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were well-matched between the two groups. CIN occurred less frequently in adequate hydration group than the control group (12.8% vs 21.2%; P = 0.018). The incidence of acute heart failure did not differ between the two groups (8 [4.08%] vs 6[3.03%]; P = 0.599). Cumulative major adverse events (death, myocardial infarction, stoke, hospitalization for acute heart failure) during the 90-day follow-up were lower in the adequate hydration with nitrates group (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Adequate hydration with nitrates can safely and effectively reduce the risk of CIN in patients with CKD and CHF.

Elevated plasma soluble (pro)renin receptor levels are associated with left ventricular remodeling and renal function in chronic heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

Soluble (pro)renin receptor [s(P)RR], which is generated from cleavage of (P)RR, can be detected in plasma and urine. s(P)RR levels can reflect the severity of some diseases, such as renal lesions, gestational diabetes mellitus or hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. However, the relationship between s(P)RR levels and the severity of chronic heart failure remains undetermined. We studied s(P)RR levels in 118 patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), including 86 without renal dysfunction (HF) and 32 with renal dysfunction (HF + RF), and 28 healthy subjects (HS) to reveal the relationship between s(P)RR levels and other HFrEF parameters. Plasma s(P)RR levels were 22.2 ± 4.1 ng/mL (HS), 26.4 ± 5.3 ng/ mL (HF) and 30.0 ± 5.3 ng/mL (HF + RF). Plasma s(P)RR levels were significantly higher in the HF group than in the HS group (P < 0.001) and even more increased in the HF + RF group (P < 0.001 vs. the HS group and P < 0.05 vs. the HF group). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independently related to s(P)RR levels in HFrEF patients. In conclusion, high plasma s(P)RR levels are associated with left ventricular remodeling and, especially, with renal dysfunction. Therefore, s(P)RR is a promising evaluative indicator for the severity of HFrEF patients.

Kidney Function, ACE-Inhibitor/Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Use, and Survival Following Hospitalization for Heart Failure: A Cohort Study

Background:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE-I/ARB) improve outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced left-ventricular (LV) systolic function. However, these medications can cause a rise in serum creatinine and their benefits in patients with HF accompanied by kidney disease are less certain.

Objective:

To characterize associations between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), patterns of ACE-Is and ARBs use, and 1-year survival following hospitalization for heart failure (HF).

Design:

We formed a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with HF and followed HF medication prescriptions using the pharmaceutical information network, stratified by discharge eGFR.

Setting:

Cardiology services in 3 centers in Southern Alberta, Canada.

Patients:

The study cohort included patients admitted to hospital with a clinical diagnosis of HF.

Measurements:

eGFR was determined from inpatient laboratory data prior to discharge. Outpatient prescription data prior to and following the index hospitalization was obtained using the Pharmaceutical Information Network of Alberta and survival was determined from provincial vital statistics.

Methods:

Characteristics of the HF cohort were obtained from the Admissions Module of the Alberta Provincial Project for Outcome Assessment in Coronary Heart Disease (APPROACH) database. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between time-varying ACE-I/ARB use, and mortality, and to test whether eGFR modified this association.

Results:

Totally, 1404 patients were included. Within the first 3 months following discharge, ACE-I/ARBs were used in 71%, 67%, 62%, and 52% for those with eGFR > 90, 45-89, 30-44, and < 30 mL/min/1.73 m², respectively, with differences in use persisting after 1 year of follow-up. Patients with eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m² had significantly lower rates of ACE-I/ARB use following hospitalization. In adjusted models, ACE-I/ARB use following discharge was associated with 25% lower risk of mortality (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.92; P < 0.01), without evidence that this association differed by eGFR (P = 0.75).

Limitations:

LV function measurements were not available for the cohort. Due to the observation design of the study, treatment-selection bias may be present.

Conclusion:

Patients with HF and reduced eGFR at time of hospital discharge were less likely to receive ACE-I/ARB despite these medications being associated with lower mortality independent of eGFR. These findings demonstrate the need for further research on strategies for safe use of ACE-I and ARB in patients with HF and kidney disease.

Renal Function and Exercise Training in AmbulatoryHeart Failure Patients With a Reduced Ejection Fraction

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and/or end-stage renal disease are less active and experience significant functional limitations. The impact of a structured aerobic exercise intervention on outcomes in ambulatory heart failure (HF) patients with comorbid CKD is unknown. HF-ACTION enrolled 2,331 outpatients with HF and a reduced ejection fraction (i.e., ≤35%) from April 2003 to February 2007 and randomized them to aerobic exercise training versus usual care. Patients were grouped according to the presence of CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m². A total of 2,091 patients (90%) had serum creatinine measured and were included in the final analytical cohort. The prevalence of CKD was 41% at baseline. In patients with and without CKD, respectively, the incidence of all-cause death and hospitalization was 75% and 63% over a median follow-up of 30 months. After adjusting for potential confounders, CKD was associated with increased risk of the composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalization (hazard ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 1.33; p value ≤0.01). With the exception of a marginally greater improvement in exercise duration in response to aerobic exercise training (estimate ± standard error: 0.9 ± 0.2 minutes vs 1.4 ± 0.1 minutes; p value = 0.01), there was no interaction between treatment arm and CKD on functional status, health-related quality of life, or clinical outcomes (p value ≥0.05 for all interactions). In conclusion, the prevalence of CKD was high in ambulatory reduced ejection fraction patients and was associated with a poorer overall prognosis but not a differential response to aerobic exercise training.