Clinical outcomes in heart failure: report from a community hospital-based registry

Acute Heart Failure Is a Malignant Process: But We Can Induce Remission

Acute heart failure is a common and increasingly prevalent condition, affecting >10 million people annually. For those patients who survive to discharge, early readmissions and death rates are >30% everywhere on the planet, making it a malignant condition. Beyond these adverse outcomes, it represents one of the largest drivers of health care costs globally. Studies in the past 2 years have demonstrated that we can induce remissions in this malignant process if therapy is instituted rapidly, at the first acute heart failure episode, using full doses of all available effective medications. Multiple studies have demonstrated that this goal can be achieved safely and effectively. Now the urgent call is for all stakeholders, patients, physicians, payers, politicians, and the public at large to come together to address the gaps in implementation and enable health care providers to induce durable remissions in patients with acute heart failure.

Impact of socio-economic status on the hospital readmission of Congestive Heart Failure patients: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of multiple indicators of Socio-economic Status (SES) on Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) related readmission.

METHODS

A prospective study consisting of 315 patients without the history of admission due to CHF was carried out in Tehran during 2010 and 2011. They were classified into quartiles based on their SES applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and followed up for one year. Using stratified Cox regression analysis, Hazard Ratios (HRs) were computed to assess the impact of SES on the readmission due to CHF.

RESULTS

During the 12 months follow-up, 122 (40%) were readmitted at least once. HR of lowest SES patients vs. the highest SES patients (the fourth versus first quartile) was 2.66 (95% CI= 1.51-4.66). Variables including abnormal ejection fraction (<40%), poor physical activity, poor drug adherence, and hypertension were also identified as significant independent predictors of readmission.

CONCLUSION

The results showed low SES is a significant contributing factor to increased readmission due to CHF. It seems that the outcome of CHF depends on the SES of patients even after adjusting for some of main intermediate factors.

Incidence of dementia: evidence for an effect modification by gender. The ILSA Study

BACKGROUND

Gender differences for incidence of dementia among elderly people have been usually investigated considering gender as a predictor and not as a stratification variable.

METHODS

Analyses were based on data collected by the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging (ILSA), which enrolled 5,632 participants aged 65-84 years between 1992 and 2000. During a median follow-up of 7.8 years, there were 194 cases of incident dementia in the participants with complete data. Cox proportional hazard models for competing risks, stratified by sex, were defined to determine risk factors in relation to developing dementia.

RESULTS

The incidence rate of dementia increased from 5.57/1,000 person-years at 65-69 years of age to 30.06/1,000 person-years at 80-84 years. Cox proportional hazard models for competing risks of incidence of dementia and death revealed that, among men, significant risk factors were heart failure, Parkinson's disease, family history of dementia, mild depressive symptomatology and age, while triglycerides were associated with a lower risk of developing dementia. Significant risk factors in women were age, both mild and severe depressive symptomatology, glycemia ≥109 mg/dL, and a BMI < 24.1 kg/m². Even as little as three years of schooling was found to be a significant protective factor against the incidence of dementia only for women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that there is an effect modification by gender in our study population in relation to the association between low education level, lipid profile, BMI, and glycemia and dementia.

Adverse drug events and associated factors in heart failure therapy among the very elderly

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is common in older adults and standard therapy involves the use of multiple medications. We assessed the nature, frequency, and factors associated with adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with standard HF therapy among older adults greater than 75 years of age. The efficacy and predictors of ADEs were assessed in this patient population, as well.

Methods

Systematic review using standardized databases including MEDLINE, Ageline, and CINAHL from January 1st 1988 to January 1st, 2010 and references from published literature. Randomized trials and studies with observational, cohort, and cross-sectional design were included. Two investigators independently selected the studies and extracted the data (kappa = 0.86).

Results

Twenty-five studies were identified. ADEs were reported in 13/23 (57%) studies. Syncope, bradycardia, and hypotension as a result of beta blockers occurred in greater frequency compared to younger populations. Spironolactone therapy resulted in increased rates of hyperkalemia, acute renal failure, and medication discontinuation. Factors associated with ADEs included advanced age, poor left ventricular function, and increasing New York Heart Association Class. Efficacy of beta blockers and ACE inhibitors appears to extend to the elderly population, but the magnitude of effect size is unclear. Very few studies reported associations between ADE and patients’ comorbidities (4/13 studies, 31%) or functional status (3/13 studies, 23%).

Conclusion

ADEs in CHF therapy among the very elderly occurred at a greater frequency, but were generally poorly characterized in the literature despite a relatively common occurrence. Further studies are warranted.

Relationship of Loop Diuretic Dosing and Acute Changes in Renal Function during Hospitalization for Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Worsening renal function (WRF) during heart failure (HF) hospitalization is an accepted correlate of poor prognosis. Loop diuretics are increasingly being considered as a potential cause of worsened HF outcomes, perhaps via WRF. However, the magnitude of worsening in renal function attributable to loop diuretics has not been quantified.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who received care from a large health system and had a primary hospital discharge diagnosis of HF between Jan 1, 2000 and June 30, 2008. Patients with preexisting end-stage renal disease were excluded. Daily creatinine (Cr) measurements, furosemide dosing (only loop diuretic on hospital formulary), and radiocontrast dye studies were collected using administrative data. Day-to-day changes in Cr and MDRD estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) were calculated. The first Cr or eGFR value during hospitalization or in the emergency department was considered baseline. Generalized estimating equations were used to test the association furosemide exposure over previous 2 days to the daily change in Cr and eGFR. Covariates included undergoing radiocontrast study, age, race, gender, and baseline Cr or eGFR.

RESULTS

Among 6071 patients who met inclusion criteria there were a total of 20,645 observations. This cohort was 51% female, 68% African American, and baseline Cr was 1.36 mg/dl. Furosemide exposure was associated with an average daily increase in Cr of 0.021 mg/dL and decrease in eGFR of 0.72 ml/min/1.73m2 (per 100 mg furosemide daily, both p<0.001). Over a typical length of stay of 5 days this would amount to a Cr increase of 0.11 mg/dL or decrease in eGFR of 3.6 ml/min/1.73m². Furosemide exposure accounted for only 0.4% and 0.1% of the variation in Cr and eGFR changes, respectively. Undergoing radiocontrast study, African American race, and higher age were associated with day-to-day creatinine increases (all p<0.01). Reanaysis after classifying furosemide exposure into low (<40mg/day), medium (40-100mg/day), and high (>100mg/day) and censoring patients-days after radiocontrast exposure did not significantly affect the magnitude of the worsening renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

While loop diuretic exposure is statistically associated with WRF among hospitalized HF patients, the associated magnitude of renal function change is very small, and loop diuretics explain little of the variability in renal function during hospitalization. More important explanatory factors likely exist but remain unidentified.

Utility of daily diuretic orders for identifying acute decompensated heart failure patients for quality improvement

INTRODUCTION

Many studies have demonstrated gaps in adherence to American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines among patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Quality improvement initiatives can improve compliance with guideline-recommended therapy yet a major challenge to such programs is identifying heart failure patients across the many wards and services of the complex hospital environment.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using our hospital's electronic order-entry system, we generated a daily list of all hospitalized patients receiving a loop diuretic. Over a 3-month period, each patient on this list was screened through chart review for a diagnosis of ADHF. For those patients with ADHF, a clinical reminder about ACC/AHA recommended therapies was placed in the chart. Patient outcomes were followed using the Get With The Guidelines heart failure database.During the study period, 98.6% of patients with ADHF were identified by the diuretics list. The diuretics list had a sensitivity of 98.6% and specificity of 92.2%. The diuretic list captured more ADHF patients than alternative methods such as chest x-ray and brain natriuretic peptide level. Use of the daily diuretic list and targeted reminders to clinicians was associated with an improvement in recommended therapies including smoking-cessation education and heart failure teaching.

CONCLUSIONS

A daily list of inpatients receiving diuretics allowed real-time identification of most hospitalized heart failure patients at our institution. Targeted reminders to clinicians regarding ACC/AHA-recommended therapies for heart failure were associated with improvements in guideline adherence.

Long-term results after a telephone intervention in chronic heart failure: DIAL (Randomized Trial of Phone Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure) follow-up

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) 1 and 3 years after a randomized trial of telephone intervention aimed to improve education and compliance in stable patients with HF ended.

BACKGROUND

The long-term effects of HF programs are not well known.

METHODS

In all, 1,518 patients with HF were randomized into the DIAL (Randomized Trial of Phone Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure). After completion of the trial, patients were followed up to 3 years to assess major outcomes. Compliance with diet, weight control, and treatment was evaluated. The effect of the intervention on mortality and HF hospitalizations was assessed using relative risk (RR), relative risk reduction, and Cox proportional hazards model for adjusting by potential confounders.

RESULTS

The rate of death or hospitalization for HF was lower in the intervention group (37.2% vs. 42.6%, RR: 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69 to 0.96; p = 0.013) 1 and 3 years (55.7% vs. 57.5%, RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.00; p = 0.05) after the intervention ended. This benefit was mainly caused by a reduction in admission for HF (28.5% vs. 35.1% after 3 years, RR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60 to 0.87; p = 0.0004). Patients who showed improvement in 1 or more of 3 key compliance indicators (diet, weight control, and medication) had lower risks of events.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefit observed during the intervention period persisted and was sustained 1 and 3 years after the intervention ended. This effect may be explained by the impact of the educational intervention on patients' behavior and habits.

Diastolic Heart Failure in the Elderly

Most elderly patients, particularly women, who have heart failure have a normal ejection fraction. Patients who have this syndrome have severe symptoms of exercise intolerance, frequent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. The pathophysiology and treatment are not well defined. Control of systemic hypertension may be a key to prevention and treatment. Several large trials of specific agents are currently underway.

[Advances in geriatric cardiology]

The continued aging of the population is an acknowledged fact. The proportion of individuals in the European Union aged over 65 years will reach 29.9% by 2050, almost double the present figure of 16.4%. Approximately one third of people in this age-group has clinically significant cardiovascular disease. Physicians dealing with cardiology in older patients have to be aware of the specific clinical and prognostic features of cardiovascular disease in the elderly, and with its treatment. Consequently, it is clear that continuing medical education in geriatric cardiology is essential, and that is one of the tasks of the Working Group on Geriatric Cardiology. This special issue provides a magnificent opportunity for presenting an update on important topics in geriatric cardiology, such as the aging of the cardiovascular system, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients with preserved systolic function hospitalized for heart failure: a report from the OPTIMIZE-HF Registry

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of patients with preserved and reduced systolic function heart failure (HF).

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with preserved systolic function (PSF) is common but not well understood.

METHODS

This analysis of the OPTIMIZE-HF (Organized Program to Initiate Lifesaving Treatment in Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure) registry compared 20,118 patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and 21,149 patients with PSF (left ventricular ejection fraction [EF] > or =40%). Sixty- to 90-day follow-up was obtained in a pre-specified 10% sample of patients. Analyses of patients with PSF defined as EF >50% were also performed for comparison.

RESULTS

Patients with PSF (EF > or =40%) were more likely to be older, female, and Caucasian and to have a nonischemic etiology. Although length of hospital stay was the same in both groups, risk of in-hospital mortality was lower in patients with PSF (EF > or =40%) (2.9% vs. 3.9%; p < 0.0001). During 60- to 90-day post-discharge follow-up, patients with PSF (EF > or =40%) had a similar mortality risk (9.5% vs. 9.8%; p = 0.459) and rehospitalization rates (29.2% vs. 29.9%; p = 0.591) compared with patients with LVSD. Findings were comparable with those with PSF defined as EF >50%. In a risk- and propensity-adjusted model, there were no significant relationships between discharge use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker or beta-blocker and 60- to 90-day mortality and rehospitalization rates in patients with PSF.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the OPTIMIZE-HF registry reveal a high prevalence of HF with PSF, and these patients have a similar post-discharge mortality risk and equally high rates of rehospitalization as patients with HF and LVSD. Despite the burden to patients and health care systems, data are lacking on effective management strategies for patients with HF and PSF. (Organized Program To Initiate Lifesaving Treatment In Hospitalized Patients With Heart Failure [OPTIMIZE-HF]); http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00344513?order=1; NCT00344513).

Beta-blocker dosing in community-based treatment of heart failure

BACKGROUND

Community patients with heart failure (HF) are older, less often treated by HF specialists, and have more comorbidity than those in randomized clinical trials. These differences might affect beta-blocker prescribing in HF.

METHODS

To explore patterns of beta-blocker prescribing for HF in the community and their association with outcomes, we determined carvedilol doses at end titration in 4113 patients from a community-based beta-blocker HF registry according to physician and patient characteristics, HF severity, and rates of hospitalization and death.

RESULTS

Female sex, age > or = 65 years, and left ventricular ejection fraction > or = 35% were associated with lower beta-blocker doses. Average daily dose of beta-blocker was lower with worse baseline New York Heart Association class. More patients of cardiologists achieved carvedilol doses > or = 25 mg twice daily, whereas in those of noncardiologists lower doses were more common. Relative risk of HF hospitalizations or all-cause death was significantly lower with higher doses of beta-blocker.

CONCLUSIONS

Beta-blocker dosing in community HF appears lower than in randomized clinical trials, especially when prescribed by noncardiologists. At all doses, patients taking the beta-blocker carvedilol have a lower incidence of death and HF hospitalization than those discontinuing it, regardless of physician type in the community setting.

Comparison of outcomes and usefulness of carvedilol across a spectrum of left ventricular ejection fractions in patients with heart failure in clinical practice

Heart failure (HF) in the community differs meaningfully from that in clinical trials, particularly the higher prevalence of patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) typically excluded from clinical trials, thus limiting knowledge of their responsiveness to beta-blocker therapy. From a community-based registry of 4,280 patients with HF starting treatment with the beta blocker carvedilol, we compared characteristics, carvedilol titration, and outcomes of patients according to LVEF >40% or <40% (as in clinical trials) and across the spectrum of LVEF <21%, 21% to 30%, 31% to 40%, and >40%. Patients with preserved EF (LVEF >40%) were older and more often women and hypertensive. Lower LVEF was associated with worse functional class and more HF hospitalizations in the previous year. Carvedilol dose decreased with increasing LVEF. Hospitalization rates for HF related inversely to LVEF before starting carvedilol therapy and decreased from the previous year in all LVEF groups during follow-up. Although 1-year mortality rate decreased from 8% with LVEF < or =20% to 6% with LVEF >40%, adjusted hazard ratios were not significantly different across LVEF groups. Thus, characteristics of community patients with HF vary across the spectrum of LVEF. Patients with HF and preserved EF treated with carvedilol in the community improve symptomatically and experience fewer HF hospitalizations after initiating carvedilol. In conclusion, without a control group, the effect of carvedilol on outcomes is not conclusive and trials of carvedilol in patients with HF and preserved EF should be undertaken.

Diastolic heart failure in the elderly

Most elderly patients, particularly women, who have heart failure have a normal ejection fraction. Patients who have this syndrome have severe symptoms of exercise intolerance, frequent hospitalizations, and increased mortality. The pathophysiology and treatment are not well defined. Control of systemic hypertension may be a key to prevention and treatment. Several large trials of specific agents are currently underway.

Prediction of Rehospitalization and Death in Severe Heart Failure by Physicians and Nurses of the ESCAPE Trial

BACKGROUND

The predictive accuracy of physician investigators and nurse coordinators in estimating the risk of rehospitalization and death was determined for 373 hospitalized patients with severe advanced heart failure enrolled in the Evaluation Study of Congestive Heart Failure and Pulmonary Artery Catheterization Effectiveness trial.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Estimates were made at discharge, and patients were followed for 6 months after hospitalization. A statistical prognostic model was developed from clinical and laboratory data for the end points of rehospitalization and death. Both nurse and physician predictions of death were generally associated with the observed deaths (c-indices of 0.675 and 0.611), although the nurses' prediction was significantly better (chi-square = 4.75, P = .029). The prediction ability of the prognostic model was similar to the physicians' model (c-index = 0.603). The predictions of rehospitalization were much weaker for nurse, physician and prognostic models.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses' estimations of survival in discharged, advanced-stage heart failure patients were superior to either physicians' or model-based predictions. Not nurses, physicians, or the prognostic model provided useful predictions for rehospitalizations, but this may have resulted from the fact that the rehospitalization estimates did not include the death risk.

Heart Failure in the Oldest Patients: The Impact of Comorbid Conditions

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalization in older adults; it is also an important cause of death and chronic disability. HF in the elderly differs in many respects from HF occurring during middle age; in particular, the diagnosis and treatment of HF in the elderly are often complicated by the presence of multiple cardiac and noncardiac comorbid conditions, many of which have important implications for the care of the older HF patient. This article reviews the effects of common noncardiac comorbidities on the management of HF in older adults and discusses the impact of noncardiac comorbid conditions on clinical outcomes in the geriatric HF patient.

Predictors of clinical outcomes in patients given carvedilol for heart failure

Risk factors for outcomes in heart failure (HF) were derived from populations in clinical trials, at hospital discharge, or in localized geographic or socioeconomic strata before the widespread use of beta blockers. This study observed 4,280 patients in a community-based HF registry for 1 year after completing carvedilol titration. Independent risk factors for death, hospitalization for HF, or hospitalization for cardiovascular reasons other than HF were first identified by age-, gender-, and race-adjusted analyses, then by multivariate analysis adjusted simultaneously for all factors. Over this period, 7% of patients died, 11% were hospitalized for HF, 12% were hospitalized for other cardiovascular reasons, and 27% had > or =1 of these events. The most significant outcome predictors were New York Heart Association class III or IV, history of hospitalization for HF or other cardiovascular reasons, and angina pectoris, all associated with increased odds of having an adverse outcome (all p < or =0.001). The left ventricular ejection fraction was not a significant outcome predictor by multivariate analysis. The odds ratio for an adverse outcome was significantly reduced for patients with hypertensive or idiopathic causes of HF and for those whose physicians had graduated from medical school > or =24 years earlier compared with <14 years earlier (all p <0.005). In conclusion, easily obtained historical information predicts clinical outcomes in patients with HF in the year after initiating carvedilol. In this unselected community population, these historical factors were better predictors of risk than the left ventricular ejection fraction.

Heart Failure in Community Practice: Relationship to Age and Sex in a ?-Blocker Registry

Women and the elderly are underrepresented in clinical trials of heart failure (HF). The authors analyzed, by sex and age groups, a registry of 4280 community patients initiating carvedilol for HF. Women (n=1485) were older than men (n=2793) and had worse functional class with higher left ventricular ejection fraction and blood pressure. Women also had more HF hospitalizations, less use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and lower doses of carvedilol. Nevertheless, during 1-year follow-up, both groups experienced greater than 40% reductions in HF hospitalizations (P<.001), with mortality of 7.3% in women vs 9.1% in men (P=.085). With increasing age, left ventricular ejection fraction, blood pressure, and functional class increased, whereas angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use and carvedilol doses decreased. HF hospitalizations fell at least 40% in all age groups after starting carvedilol (P<.001). Characteristics of women and the elderly with HF in the community suggest increased risk, but both populations respond well after initiating carvedilol.

Randomised trial of telephone intervention in chronic heart failure: DIAL trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a centralised telephone intervention reduces the incidence of death or admission for worsening heart failure in outpatients with chronic heart failure.

DESIGN

Multicentre randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

51 centres in Argentina (public and private hospitals and ambulatory settings).

PARTICIPANTS

1518 outpatients with stable chronic heart failure and optimal drug treatment randomised, stratified by attending cardiologist, to telephone intervention or usual care.

INTERVENTION

Education, counselling, and monitoring by nurses through frequent telephone follow-up in addition to usual care, delivered from a single centre.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

All cause mortality or admission to hospital for worsening heart failure.

RESULTS

Complete follow-up was available in 99.5% of patients. The 758 patients in the usual care group were more likely to be admitted for worsening heart failure or to die (235 events, 31%) than the 760 patients who received the telephone intervention (200 events, 26.3%) (relative risk reduction = 20%, 95% confidence interval 3 to 34, P = 0.026). This benefit was mostly due to a significant reduction in admissions for heart failure (relative risk reduction = 29%, P = 0.005). Mortality was similar in both groups. At the end of the study the intervention group had a better quality of life than the usual care group (mean total score on Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire 30.6 v 35, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This simple, centralised heart failure programme was effective in reducing the primary end point through a significant reduction in admissions to hospital for heart failure.

How many patients with heart failure are eligible for cardiac resynchronization? Insights from two prospective cohorts

AIMS

To determine what proportion of patients with heart failure are eligible for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eligibility criteria from the trials establishing the efficacy of CRT were applied to two prospective cohorts: the first enrolled patients with newly diagnosed heart failure discharged from 103 hospitals between April 1999 and March 2001 ('the hospital discharge cohort'); the second enrolled patients seen in a specialized clinic between August 2003 and January 2004 ('the specialty clinic cohort'). In the hospital discharge cohort, 73 patients (3% of the 2640 patients with ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and 1% of all 9096 patients with heart failure discharged alive) met trial eligibility criteria: LVEF< or =0.35, QRS > or =120 ms, sinus rhythm, and NYHA class III or IV symptoms despite the treatment with ACE-inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and beta-blocker. In the specialty clinic cohort, 54 patients (21% of the 263 patients with ischaemic or dilated cardiomyopathy and 17% of all 309 patients with heart failure) met these criteria. If persistent symptoms despite taking spironolactone were required for CRT eligibility, then the proportions qualifying dropped to 1% in the hospital discharge cohort and 18% in the specialty clinic cohort.

CONCLUSION

Few heart failure patients meet trial eligibility criteria for CRT.

Impact of specialist follow-up in outpatients with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

There is uncertainty about whether physician specialty influences the outcomes of outpatients with congestive heart failure after adjustment for differences in case mix. Our objective was to determine the impact of physician specialty on outcomes in outpatients with new-onset congestive heart failure.

METHODS

The study was a population-based retrospective cohort study involving patients with new-onset congestive heart failure discharged from 128 acute care hospitals in Alberta between Apr. 1, 1998, and July 1, 2000. Outcomes were resource utilization (clinic visits, emergency department visits and hospital admissions) and survival at 30 days and 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 3136 patients were discharged from hospital with a new diagnosis of congestive heart failure (median age 76 years, 50% men). Of these, 1062 (34%) received no follow-up visits for cardiovascular care, 738 (24%) were seen by a family physician (FP) alone, 29 (1%) by a specialist (cardiologist or general internist) alone and 1307 (42%) by both a specialist and an FP. Compared with patients who received no follow-up cardiovascular care, patients who received regular cardiovascular follow-up visits with a physician had fewer visits to the emergency department (38% v. 80%), fewer were admitted to hospital (13% v. 94%), and the adjusted 1-year mortality was lower (22% v. 37%) (all p < 0.001). Compared with patients who received combined specialist and FP care, patients cared for exclusively by FPs had fewer outpatient visits (median 9 v. 17 in the first year), fewer of these patients presented to the emergency department (24% v. 45% in the first year), and fewer were readmitted for cardiovascular care (7% v. 16%) (all p < 0.001). However, the adjusted mortality at 1 year was lower among patients treated with combined care (17% v. 28%, p < 0.001) despite a higher burden of comorbidities. In a multivariate model adjusting for comorbidities (with no cardiovascular follow-up visits as the reference category), the mortality was lower among patients followed on an outpatient basis by an FP alone (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-0.82) or by an FP and a specialist (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.28-0.42). In a proportional hazards model with time-dependent covariates (with adjustment for frequency of follow-up visits), the risk of all-cause mortality was reduced significantly (hazard ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.97- 0.99) with each specialist visit compared with FP care alone.

INTERPRETATION

Patients with congestive heart failure followed by both specialists and FPs had significantly better survival than those followed by FPs alone (or those who received no specific cardiovascular follow-up care). Methods to improve timely and appropriate access to specialists and to improve collaborative care structures are needed.

Utilisation of medications recommended for chronic heart failure and the relationship with annual hospitalisation duration in patients over 75 years of age. A pharmacoepidemiological study

OBJECTIVES

Trials in chronic heart failure (CHF) include few patients older than 75 years, who represent a large proportion of CHF patients. We evaluated the influence of age on CHF-medication use and of CHF medications on hospitalisation in patients older than 75 years.

METHODS

Included in our nested case-control study were 281 patients admitted in 2000 to a French teaching hospital with a main diagnosis of CHF and monitored over a 12-month period. Patient characteristics, medications at discharge, outpatient medications and hospitalisation frequency and duration were compared by means of univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Patients older than 75 years (n=150) and 75 years or younger (n=131) were similar with regard to NYHA class and ejection fraction. At discharge, diuretic use was similar in the two groups, but fewer older patients were prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (48% versus 63%, P<0.01) or beta-blockers (19% versus 37%, P<0.001). During follow-up, total re-admission rate and mean number of re-admissions were similar; however, total hospitalisation duration was greater in patients older than 75 years (38+/-77 days) than in those 75 years or younger (26+/-59 days) (P<0.01). In patients over 75 years, shorter 12-month hospitalisation duration was associated with prescription of diuretics (P<0.001), ACE inhibitors (P<0.001), beta-blockers (P<0.01) and digitalis (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in CHF therapy are generally applied less to patients over 75 years of age-associated with longer annual hospitalisation duration in this population. Appropriate CHF medications at hospital discharge appear to reduce annual hospitalisation duration in patients older than 75 years.

Morbimortalidad de los pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardíaca. Factores predictores de reingreso

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Heart failure (HF) is a prevalent and increasing disease and represents one of the main causes of hospital admission. It is associated with an important morbi-mortality and a high rate of readmission. The objective of this study was to know the clinical characteristics of admitted patients with HF and to detect any valuable prognosis factors.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Prospective study of admitted HF patients between May'99 and May'00. Readmission rate was evaluated six months later.

RESULTS

204 patients were included with an average age of 78 (9.9) years. 66% were women. Diabetes mellitus (DM) (36.4%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (23.4%) were the most outstanding associated pathologies. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) was the most frequent etiology in 33.4% cases. Mean time of admission was 10 days. 34% patients had systolic dysfunction (SD). Men with IHD presented a higher rate of SD (p < 0.001). Mortality was 12.4%, especially in COPD patients (p < 0.011). IECAs were prescribed in 71.2% in the SD group. Readmission rate at 6 months was about 43%. Patients with renal failure (p < 0.04) and those with a more impaired functional class (p < 0.02) displayed a higher readmission rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Several clinical factors determine the morbi-mortality and prognosis including an older age, associated comorbility, type of cardiopathy and presence of systolic dysfunction. All these factors are detected at the time of hospital admission.

The 'real' woman with heart failure. Impact of sex on current in-hospital management of heart failure by cardiologists and internists

AIM

To identify differences between sexes in the clinical profile, use of resources, management and outcome in a large population of 'real world' patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2127 consecutive patients (47% women) admitted with HF to 167 cardiology and 250 internal medicine departments between February 14 and 25, 2000.

RESULTS

Women were older, had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, and more frequently a hypertensive or valvular aetiology. Females were admitted more frequently in Medical than in Cardiology Departments. The rate of invasive and non-invasive procedures was lower in women than in men, slightly higher if managed by cardiologists. Women were less frequently prescribed ACE-inhibitors, amiodarone, and spironolactone, and more frequently prescribed digoxin. In-hospital mortality was similar, without difference between health-care providers. A 6-month follow-up was performed in 56.4% of the cases in both setting, but less frequently in women. Event rates were similar with nearly half of patients re-hospitalised at least once.

CONCLUSION

The 'real' HF woman has generally a more severe disease; she is an old lady who is more frequently hospitalised in a medical unit, receives few diagnostic, and cardiovascular procedures and pharmacological therapy, has a relatively low probability of dying in hospital, but a high likelihood of requiring readmission.

Association between physician specialty and volumes of treated patients and mortality among patients hospitalized for newly diagnosed heart failure

PURPOSE

To assess the effects of hospital care by a specialist or nonspecialist physician, and by volume of treated patients, on mortality among hospitalized patients with newly diagnosed heart failure.

METHODS

Data describing heart failure patients in Alberta, Canada, from April 1, 1994, to March 31, 2000, were extracted from hospital abstracts and analyzed using hierarchical regression, with adjustment for patient demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, physician volume, physician specialty, and hospital volume.

RESULTS

There were 16,162 hospital discharges for heart failure. Nonspecialist physicians were predominantly in the two lowest-volume quartiles (93%) and specialists were predominantly in the two highest-volume quartiles (68%). Considering the effects of volume alone and after adjustment for comorbidity, for each 10 additional hospital patients treated by a physician, the odds ratio for in-hospital mortality was 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95 to 0.98), and the odds ratio for 1-year mortality was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.98 to 0.999). In analyses that considered both volume and specialty, the odds of in-hospital mortality decreased by 4% for each 10 additional in-hospital patients treated by a physician (odds ratio [OR] = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.95 to 0.98). In these same analyses, the odds ratio for in-hospital mortality was 1.32 (95% CI: 1.13 to 1.53) for general practitioners with specialist consultation and 1.32 (95% CI: 1.08 to 1.61) for specialists compared with general practitioners without specialist consultations. At 1 year, mortality was not associated significantly with the volume of in-hospital patients treated, or with the specialty of the treating physician.

CONCLUSION

Treatment by high-volume physicians during hospitalization for newly diagnosed heart failure was associated with a decrease in mortality, but these benefits did not persist at 1 year. The increased mortality noted in patients treated by specialists may be due to residual confounding or unmeasured comorbidity.

Gender and risk of adverse outcomes in heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is the leading cause of hospitalization in the elderly, and these patients are at high risk for subsequent hospitalization. Whether gender affects the risk of rehospitalization in patients who have CHF is less well understood. We studied a random sample of 1,700 adults who had been hospitalized with CHF (from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000) and identified all readmissions through June 30, 2001. We used proportional hazards regression to evaluate whether gender affects the risk of all-cause and CHF-specific rehospitalization, after adjusting for differences in demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, co-morbid conditions, left ventricular systolic function status, and use of CHF therapies. Among 1,591 adults who had confirmed CHF, 752 were women (47.3%). Women were older than men (73 vs 71 years, p <0.001) and more likely to have preserved systolic function (55.3% vs 40.9%, p <0.001), hypertension (83.1% vs 75.2%, p <0.001), and prior renal insufficiency (46.8% vs 34.6%, p <0.001). No significant differences existed between women and men with respect to crude rates of any readmission (144.7 vs 134.6 per 100 person-years, p = 0.36) or CHF-specific readmission (39.9 vs 37.4 per 100 person-years, p = 0.65). After adjusting for potential confounders, there was no significant difference between women and men with respect to risk of any readmission (adjusted hazard ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.76 to 1.02) or readmission for CHF (adjusted hazard ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 1.11). Among a contemporary, diverse population of patients who had CHF, rates of readmission overall and for CHF remained high, but gender was not independently associated with a differential risk of readmission.

Beta-blocker therapy for heart failure outside the clinical trial setting: findings of a community-based registry

BACKGROUND

beta-Blockers reduce morbidity and mortality rates in heart failure (HF) clinical trials, but it is unknown whether these findings persist in the community setting.

METHODS

A registry was created to survey tolerability and outcomes during initiation and 1-year follow-up of beta-blocker treatment with carvedilol in patients with HF treated by cardiologists (CARD) and primary care physicians (PCP) in the community.

RESULTS

A total 4280 patients were enrolled (3121 by 259 CARD, 1159 by 129 PCP). Patient age averaged 67 +/- 13 years; 35% were women and 12% were black. The left ventricular ejection fraction averaged 31 +/- 12; New York Heart Association class was II-III in 86% and IV in 3%. Patients of PCP had higher left ventricular ejection fraction, were older, and more frequently were female, black, diabetic, hypertensive, and in New York Heart Association class III/IV. Minimal difficulty titrating carvedilol was noted by >80% of CARD and PCP. Significantly more CARD-treated patients reached carvedilol doses of 25 mg twice daily (49% vs 27%). Kaplan-Meier all-cause mortality rate was 8.5% at 1 year and did not differ between CARD-treated and PCP-treated patients (8.2% vs 9.3%, P =.254). At least one HF hospitalization occurred in 11% of patients during follow-up, compared with 28% in the preceding year.

CONCLUSIONS

Community-based physicians use carvedilol with success approaching that of clinical trials. Overall mortality rates and HF hospitalizations were in the same low range as in clinical trials. Thus, it appears that results of clinical trials with carvedilol for HF can be translated to the community setting.

Do evidence-based treatments provide incremental benefits to patients with congestive heart failure already receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors? A secondary analysis of one-year outcomes from the Assessment of Treatment with Lisinopril and Survival (ATLAS) study

BACKGROUND

In patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), use of submaximal doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ie, low-dose ACE inhibitors) represents usual care in routine clinical practice, whereas high-dose ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and digoxin have each been shown to improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether treatment with high dose-ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and digoxin would each provide incremental benefits over that achieved with usual care and whether concurrent use of high-dose ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and digoxin would provide maximal benefits.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized, controlled, active-comparator trial. Specifically, we studied 1-year outcomes data from the Assessment of Treatment with Lisinopril and Survival trial (ATLAS), which assessed high-dose ACE inhibitors (mean dosage, 33.2 mg daily lisinopril) versus low-dose ACE inhibitors (mean dosage, 4.5 mg daily lisinopril) in patients of any age with advanced CHF in 287 centers in 19 countries in the 1990s. In our analysis, patients were classified by their use of low-dose or high-dose ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and/or digoxin at the time of randomization. The primary outcome of interest was the ATLAS composite end point of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for any reason at 1 year. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for baseline differences in patient characteristics.

RESULTS

The 3164 patients in the ATLAS study had a mean (SD) age of 64 (10) years; 2516 patients (80%) were men and 648 (20%) were women; mean (SD) left-ventricular ejection fraction was 23% (6%); and 2671 patients (84%) had New York Heart Association class III or IV symptoms. At 1 year, the mortality rate was 13% (408 patients); 43% (1369 patients) had > or =1 hospitalization; and the composite end point of mortality or hospitalization was 47% (1489 patients). Most patients (2873; 91%) remained on their initial treatment regimen. Compared with low-dose ACE inhibitors (n = 471), the composite end point decreased incrementally with the use of high-dose ACE inhibitors (n = 475) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.93; P = NS), high-dose ACE inhibitors plus beta-blockers (n = 72) (aOR, 0.89; P = NS), and high-dose ACE inhibitors plus beta-blockers plus digoxin (n = 77) (aOR, 0.47; P = 0.006). In absolute proportions, patients receiving high-dose ACE inhibitors plus beta-blockers plus digoxin for 1 year had 12% fewer deaths and hospitalizations than patients receiving low-dose ACE inhibitors alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with usual care for patients with CHF, in this analysis, an evidence-based strategy that incorporated high-dose ACE inhibitors plus beta-blockers plus digoxin was associated with incrementally greater reductions in morbidity and mortality. These findings support treatment guidelines that recommend the concurrent use of all available proven efficacious treatment in patients with advanced CHF.

The province of Alberta, Canada avoids the hospitalization epidemic for congestive heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

We assessed the incidence and prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients diagnosed at the time of hospitalization and patients diagnosed in specialists offices without prior hospitalization in order to compare the trends in Canada with previously published trends in the USA and other industrialized countries.

METHODS

Administrative data for Alberta, Canada from 1 April 1994 to 31 March 2000.

RESULTS

There was a small but statistically significant decline in the age-sex incident and prevalent hospitalization rates for CHF between 1994/1995 (incidence per 1000 of 1.59; 99% CI 1.51, 1.66: prevalence per 1000 of 2.31; 99% CI 2.22, 2.40) and the year 1999/2000 (incidence per 1000 of 1.24; 99% CI 1.18, 1.30: prevalence per 1000 of 1.97; 99% CI 1.89, 2.05). Crude hospitalization rate per 1000 also demonstrated a small but statistically significant decline between 1994/1995 (2.98; 99% CI 2.88, 3.08) and 1999/2000 (2.55; 99% CI 2.46, 2.64). The age-sex incident rates of ambulatory diagnosis of CHF were similar throughout the 1994/1995-1999/2000 time period (0.88; 99% CI 0.82, 0.94 during 1994/1995 and 0.84; 99% CI 0.79, 0.89 during 1999/2000). The crude mortality percentage for incident hospitalization for CHF were similar throughout the 1994/1995-1999/2000 time period (31.0%; 99% CI 28.7, 33.3 during 1994/1995 and 28.6%; 99% CI 26.3, 30.9 during 1999/2000).

CONCLUSIONS

We noted a small decrease in the incident, prevalent, and total hospitalizations for CHF in the time period 1994/1995-1999/2000. The decrease was not the result of a substituted increase in ambulatory diagnosis for CHF.

Influence of diabetes and diabetes-gender interaction on the risk of death in patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of diabetes on long-term mortality in a large cohort of patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF).

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is common in HF patients, but information on the prognostic effect of diabetes is sparse.

METHODS

The study is an analysis of survival data comprising 5,491 patients consecutively hospitalized with new or worsening HF and screened for entry into the Danish Investigations of Arrhythmia and Mortality on Dofetilide (DIAMOND). Screening, which included obtaining an echocardiogram in 95% of the patients, took place at Danish hospitals between 1993 and 1995. The follow-up time was five to eight years.

RESULTS

A history of diabetes was found in 900 patients (16%), 41% of whom were female. Among the diabetic patients, 755 (84%) died during follow-up, compared with 3,200 (70%) among the non-diabetic patients, resulting in a risk ratio (RR) of death in diabetic patients of 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4 to 1.6, p < 0.0001). In a multivariate analysis, the RR of death in diabetic patients was 1.5 (CI 1.3 to 1.76, p < 0.0001), but a significant interaction between diabetes and gender was found. Diabetes increased the mortality risk more in women than in men, with the RR for diabetic men being 1.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.6, p < 0.0001) and 1.7 for diabetic women (95% CI 1.4 to 1.9, p < 0.0001). The effect of diabetes on mortality was similar in patients with depressed and normal left ventricular systolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes is a potent, independent risk factor for mortality in patients hospitalized with HF. The excess risk in diabetic patients appears to be particularly prominent in females.

Predischarge B-type natriuretic peptide assay for identifying patients at high risk of re-admission after decompensated heart failure

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the value of serial B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) assay for predicting post-discharge outcome of patients admitted for decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF).

BACKGROUND

Patients hospitalized for decompensated CHF are frequently re-admitted. Thus, identification of high-risk patients before their discharge is a major issue that remains challenging. B-type natriuretic peptide measurement could be useful.

METHODS

Serial BNP measurements were performed from admission to discharge in two samples of consecutive patients. Survivors were monitored for six months; the main end point combined death or first re-admission for CHF.

RESULTS

Among the 105 survivors of the derivation study, all serial BNP values, percentage change in BNP levels, and predischarge Doppler mitral pattern correlated with the outcome. In contrast, clinical variables and left ventricular ejection fraction were poorly predictive. The predischarge BNP assay had the best discriminative power (area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve = 0.80) and remained the lone significant variable in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.14 [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02 to 1.28], p = 0.027). Among the 97 survivors of the validation study, the predischarge BNP assay was also the most predictive parameter (area under the ROC curve = 0.83). The risk of death or re-admission increased in stepwise fashion across increasing predischarge BNP ranges (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for baseline covariables, the HRs were 5.1 [95% CI 2.8 to 9.1] for BNP levels between 350 and 700 ng/l and 15.2 [95% CI 8.5 to 27] for BNP levels >700 ng/l, compared with BNP <350 ng/l.

CONCLUSIONS

High predischarge BNP assay is a strong, independent marker of death or re-admission after decompensated CHF, more relevant than common clinical or echocardiographic parameters and more relevant than changes in BNP levels during acute cares.

Relationship between heart failure treatment and development of worsening renal function among hospitalized patients

BACKGROUND

Among patients who are hospitalized with heart failure (HF), worsening renal function (WRF) is associated with worse outcomes. Whether treatment for HF contributes to WRF is unknown. In this study, we sought to assess whether acute treatment for patients who were hospitalized with HF contributes to WRF.

METHODS

Data were collected in a nested case-control study on 382 subjects who were hospitalized with HF (191 patients with WRF, defined as a rise in serum creatinine level >26.5 micromol/L [0.3 mg/dL], and 191 control subjects). The association of medications, fluid intake/output, and weight with WRF was assessed.

RESULTS

Calcium channel blocker (CCB) use and loop diuretic doses were higher in patients on the day before WRF (25% vs 10% for CCB; 199 +/- 195 mg vs 143 +/- 119 mg for loop diuretics; both P <.05). There were no significant differences in the fluid intake/output or weight changes in the 2 groups. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor use was not associated with WRF. Other predictors of WRF included elevated creatinine level at admission, uncontrolled hypertension, and history of HF or diabetes mellitus. Higher hematocrit levels were associated with a lower risk. Vasodilator use was higher among patients on the day before WRF (46% vs 35%, P <.05), but was not an independent predictor in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Several medical strategies, including the use of CCBs and a higher dose of loop diuretics, but not ACE inhibitors, were associated with a higher risk of WRF. Although assessment of inhospital diuresis was limited, WRF could not be explained by greater fluid loss in these patients. Determining whether these interventions are responsible for WRF or are markers of higher risk requires further investigation.

One-year follow-up of heart failure patients after their first admission

BACKGROUND

Outcomes related to heart failure remain relatively poor.

AIM

To examine the clinical course of patients for one year after their first admission because of heart failure, including prognosis, mortality, and rehospitalization.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

METHODS

Of 121 patients hospitalized over 6 months for decompensation of previously unknown heart failure, we excluded those with a possible previous diagnosis of heart failure (n = 5), who suffered from another serious disease with a poor prognosis (n = 6), died during the index hospitalization (n = 5), refused to participate (n = 4) or were lost to follow-up (n = 6). Mortality and readmissions were identified by prospective follow-up of all patients.

RESULTS

Of the 98 patients evaluated, half (49) were women. Mean +/- SD age was 75.2 +/- 12 years. The 1-year case-fatality rate after the first admission was 24%; 19% of the deaths were heart failure-related, with progressive pump failure the predominant cause (14% of the total). Age was the only factor associated with increased mortality (p < 0.007). Of the 74 survivors, 32% experienced at least one hospital readmission during follow-up.

DISCUSSION

The prognosis of unselected new cases of heart failure after their first hospitalization remains relatively poor, despite recent advances in pharmacological therapy and medical care.

Epidemiology and clinical aspects of congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an increasing problem for healthcare systems in all developed countries. The prevalence is increasing partly due to ageing of the population, but also due to improved survival from acute cardiac disease such as myocardial infarction. Advances in diagnostic techniques and better understanding of the pathophysiology offer many opportunities for substantial improvement in the management of CHF. This article reviews the current epidemiology of CHF and the related diagnostic issues.

Beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/receptor blockers prescriptions after hospital discharge for heart failure are associated with decreased mortality in Alberta, Canada

OBJECTIVES

We sought to evaluate the common utilization of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or receptor blockers (RBs) in congestive heart failure (CHF).

BACKGROUND

We assessed the association between prescriptions of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors or RBs within three months after hospitalization and mortality for newly diagnosed CHF in Alberta, Canada seniors (age 65 years and older).

METHODS

Administrative hospital discharge abstracts and drug data during October 1, 1994, to December 31, 1999, were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 11854 hospitalizations for newly diagnosed CHF. The use of beta-blockers within three months after hospitalization increased from 7.3% in 1994-1995 to 20.9% in 1999-2000. The use of ACE inhibitor or RBs within three months after hospitalization increased from 31.0% in 1994-1995 to 44.3% in 1999-2000. Adjusted one-year mortality was lower in seniors with prescriptions for beta-blockers (18.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.2 to 22.2), ACE inhibitors/RBs (22.3%; 95% CI 20.9 to 23.7), or both (16.6%; 95% CI 13.3 to 20.0), compared with those with no prescriptions (29.9%; 95% CI 28.8 to 31.0). Absolute adjusted risk reduction comparing no prescription with prescription of both beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors/RBs was 13.3% for a relative adjusted risk reduction of 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study of incident CHF hospitalizations among seniors demonstrates an association between decreased mortality and the use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors/RBs, or combination of both. The effectiveness of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors/RBs for CHF should be more broadly tested in clinical trials that recruit older patients and those with diastolic dysfunction.

Current presentation and management of heart failure in cardiology and internal medicine hospital units: a tale of two worlds—the TEMISTOCLE study

BACKGROUND

The purpose pf the current article is to describe the clinical profile, use of resources, management and outcome in a population of real-world inpatients with heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

With a prospective, cross-sectional survey on acute hospital admissions, we evaluated the overall and provider-related differences in patient characteristics, diagnostic work-up, treatment and inhospital outcome of 2127 patients with heart failure admitted to 167 cardiology departments and 250 internal medicine departments between February 14 and 25, 2000. Patients admitted to cardiology units were younger (56.3% >70 years vs 76.2%, P <.0001), had more severe symptoms (NYHA IV 35% vs 29%, P =.00014), and more often underwent evaluation of ventricular function (89.3% vs 54.8%, P <.0001) and coronary angiography (7.5% vs 0.9%, P <.0001) than those admitted to medical units. Moreover, they were more often prescribed beta-blockers (17.8% vs 8.7%, P <.0001). However, prescription of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (78.7% vs 81.5%, P = not significant [NS]) and inhospital mortality (5.2% vs 5.9%, P = NS) were similar. A 6-month follow-up visit was performed in 56.4% of cases (68.2% of cardiology vs 49.4% of medicine patients, P <.0001); 6-month readmission (43.7% vs 45.4%, P = NS) and mortality (13.9% vs 16.7%, P = NS) rates were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with heart failure admitted to cardiology and internal medicine units represent 2 clearly different populations. In both groups, diagnostic procedures and evidence-based treatments, such as beta-blockers, appeared to be underused, and there was a lack of structured follow-up, as well as a poor 6-month prognosis.

Rural and urban outcomes after hospitalization for congestive heart failure in Alberta, Canada

OBJECTIVES

We compare the hospitalization rate, duration, cost, and mortality for newly diagnosed congestive heart failure in patients admitted to rural and metropolitan hospitals in one Canadian province.

METHODS

Administrative data for Alberta, Canada, from April 1, 1994, to March 31, 2000.

RESULTS

Hospitalizations (16,162) for newly diagnosed congestive heart failure constituted 50% of all hospitalizations for congestive heart failure. Hospitals were distributed as follows: rural with less than 200 cases (21% of hospitalizations), rural with 204 to 646 cases (21% of hospitalizations), regional (13% of hospitalizations), metropolitan with angiography capability (24% of hospitalizations), and metropolitan without angiography capability (21% of hospitalizations). The hospitalization rate per 1000 population was lower for residents of metropolitan regions (1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97 to 1.05) compared with residents of rural (1.70; 95% CI 1.65 to 1.75) and regional (1.95; 95% CI 1.90 to 2.00) health regions. Patient comorbidity and severity scores were lower in rural hospitals. Special care unit admissions and cardiac catheterizations were more frequent in patients admitted to metropolitan hospitals. After adjustment, the length of stay and mortality were similar amongst all hospital types. Adjusted hospital total costs were about 23% (900 Canadian dollars) greater in metropolitan hospitals with angiography capability compared to rural hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Hospital admission rates for newly diagnosed congestive heart failure were lower for metropolitan residents compared to non-metropolitan residents. Cost per admission was greatest in metropolitan hospitals with angiography capability compared to other hospital types.

Is heart failure survival improving? Evidence from 2323 elderly patients hospitalized between 1989-2000

BACKGROUND

While drug therapy and medical management improved markedly over the last decade, the basic clinical characteristics of the heart failure patient population treated at the study hospital changed little. This offers an excellent opportunity to study potential heart failure survival improvements for a general patient population.

METHODS

Vital status follow-up through 2001 was obtained from the Social Security Death Index for all 2323 patients aged >or=65 years at the time of an initial, medically managed heart failure hospitalization between October 1989 and March 2000. Kaplan Meier survival probabilities were compared across 4 time periods in the 1990s. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate age, sex, race and comorbidity-adjusted differences in survival among patients admitted in 1989-1991 and 3 subsequent multi-year periods.

RESULTS

There was an increase in the proportion of older female patients with more chronic conditions. Compared with patients admitted in 1989-1991, survival probabilities for patients admitted in 1999-2000 had improved about 5% at 30 days (to 95%) and 10% at 1 year in 1999-2001 (to 73.5%). For those admitted between 1989-1998, there was a 9% improvement over 1989-1991 at 5 years (to 36%). Hazards model results indicated that patients admitted in 1999-2000 had a relative risk of death only 66% that of patients admitted in 1989-1991 (P <.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide evidence of modest but significant short-term survival improvements, particularly after 1998, when drug therapy had became optimal in the inpatient setting, patient education and discharge planning became better documented, and inpatient mortality rates had declined substantially.

Drug therapy of heart failure in the elderly

Heart failure is a disorder that predominantly affects older adults, with more than 50% of heart failure hospitalizations occurring in persons over 75 years of age. Unfortunately, most of the major heart failure clinical trials have targeted middle-aged patients with systolic heart failure, and the applicability of these studies to elderly patients, particularly those with preserved left ventricular systolic function, remains uncertain. In this paper, current data on the pharmacotherapy of heart failure in older adults are reviewed, recommended approaches to managing systolic and diastolic heart failure are outlined, and the importance of preventive measures is emphasized.

Randomized Trial of Telephone Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure (DIAL): study design and preliminary observations

BACKGROUND

In the last few years different approaches based on comprehensive patient care and close surveillance by multidisciplinary teams have shown promising results in heart failure. However, current evidence mainly derives from small and often nonrandomized studies performed at a single center, with selected populations, using dissimilar and complex strategies. We designed a large randomized study to test the hypothesis that a single program, based on a centralized telephone intervention performed by trained nurses, could reduce morbidity and mortality in chronic heart failure.

METHODS

The Randomized Trial of Telephone Intervention in Chronic Heart Failure (DIAL) is a randomized, controlled, open trial designed to compare frequent telephone follow-up intervention versus control. We enrolled 1518 patients with stable chronic heart failure and optimal treatment from 51 centers in Argentina. DIAL trial intervention strategy is based on frequent telephone follow-up provided by nurses trained in heart failure and performed from a single surveillance center, assuring a homogeneous and high quality intervention. The primary objective is to determine the effect of the intervention as compared with the usual follow-up on the combined endpoint of all-cause mortality or hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The objectives of the intervention are education, counseling, and monitoring to enhance self-control mechanisms, timely medical visits, diet, and drug therapy compliance. Telephone call frequency was determined according to preestablished criteria of clinical status severity assessed at each phone contact. The study ended in August 2002.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study may provide information about mortality, hospitalizations, and quality of life contributing to set standards for management programs in the current treatment of chronic heart failure.

Opportunities for improvement in the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure

BACKGROUND

Improved treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) can slow disease progression, promote clinical stability, and prolong survival.

HYPOTHESIS

Patterns in diagnostic test utilization and pharmacotherapy among patients with newly diagnosed heart failure may affect outcomes.

METHODS

Claims data were analyzed from all diagnostic procedures and prescriptions from 1995 to 1998 in 3,353 patients with heart failure diagnosed within 1 year. Rates of diagnostic testing and categories of drugs prescribed were the main outcome measures. Demographic variables and type of provider were analyzed within a setting whose access to care was controlled.

RESULTS

Rates of diagnostic testing with respect to basic, metabolic/endocrine, alternative diagnoses, underlying ischemia, and left ventricular function varied as a function of gender, age, race, and primary versus specialty care provider. Only 4.7% of patients underwent all diagnostics and treatments recommended in current guidelines. However, those patients (27.5%) who underwent an evaluation for ischemic heart disease and were prescribed vasodilators or beta blockers enjoyed the lowest crude mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

There are multiple opportunities apparent to improve the initial diagnostic and therapeutic care of patients with heart failure. There appears to be an early survival benefit with respect to use of vasodilators and beta blockers within the first year of treatment.

Characteristics and 1-year prognosis of medically treated patients with chronic heart failure in Japan

The study was designed to characterize patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in Japan in terms of the etiologies and prognosis. CHF was defined by ejection fraction (EF >or=50%), left ventricular diastolic dimension (LVDD >or=55 mm) or a past history of congestive heart failure. Among the 721 recruited patients, the most frequent etiology for CHF was dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in patients aged less than 59 years, and valvular heart disease (VHD) in those aged 70 years or more. The 1-year crude mortality was 8% overall and 12% in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Sudden death accounted for 40% of the total deaths among all patients, and 60% in patients with MI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was a consistent prognostic marker in CHF patients with a variety of etiologies. Total death and hospitalization because of heart failure were significantly less frequent in patients with BNP less than 100 pg/ml. In conclusion, the etiologies of Japanese CHF appear to be more diverse than those of other Western countries, but BNP is an excellent prognostic marker despite the etiological diversity. Sudden, unexpected death in CHF patients is also a serious problem in Japan. A nation-wide epidemiologic study should be done to characterize Japanese CHF.