Validity and reliability of the NYHA classes for measuring research outcomes in patients with cardiac disease

The Psychometric Performance of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 in Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

A primary goal of treating patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) is to improve their symptoms, function, and quality of life. While the psychometric properties of the 23-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23) have been described in oHCM, they have not been assessed for the shorter 12-item version (KCCQ-12), which is increasingly used in clinical practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using data from the EXPLORER-HCM trial, the psychometric properties of the KCCQ-12 were evaluated. The KCCQ-12 domain and summary scores had moderate correlations with the most relevant clinical (New York Heart Association class, exercise duration, peak oxygen consumption) and patient-reported measures (EQ-5D-5L visual analog scale, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment [WPAI] questionnaire, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Symptom Questionnaire [HCMSQ]). KCCQ-12 domain scores had strong internal consistency and test-retest reliability, demonstrated significant and proportional changes with different magnitudes of clinical change (assessed with the patient global impression of change and patient impression of severity), and demonstrated close equivalence to the KCCQ-23 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The KCCQ-12 demonstrated good psychometric performance for patients with oHCM, comparable to that of the KCCQ-23, supporting its use in clinical practice to care for patients with oHCM.

The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire in Relation to New York Heart Association Class

BACKGROUND

In order to identify candidacy and treatment response for patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), clinicians need an accurate means of assessing symptoms, function, and quality of life. While the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification is most often used, the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23) is more accurate and sensitive to change, although less familiar to practicing clinicians. To support interpreting the KCCQ, we describe cross-sectional and changes in KCCQ scores in the context of the NYHA.

METHODS

Participants from the EXPLORER-HCM trial (NCT03470545) completed the KCCQ-23 and clinicians assigned NYHA classes at study visits. Participants were included if they had baseline and week 30 data for cross-sectional and longitudinal changes. Median KCCQ-23 scores were compared by NYHA class at baseline and week 30 and by change in NYHA class from baseline to week 30.

RESULTS

Cross-sectionally, the KCCQ-23 Overall Summary Scores (KCCQ-23 OSS) and Clinical Summary Scores (KCCQ-23 CSS) had an inverse relationship with NYHA at baseline and 30 weeks, with marked variations in KCCQ-23 scores among patients assigned to the same NYHA class. When improving from NYHA class II to I, the median changes in KCCQ-23 OSS and KCCQ-23 CSS were 10 (IQR 4, 22) and 8 (IQR 2, 20), respectively. The changes were larger when improving from NYHA class III to II and from NYHA class III to I.

CONCLUSION

KCCQ-23 scores are inversely related to NYHA classes, with significant variability within classes. Changes in scores are not linear, suggest greater differences when patients move between NYHA Class II and III than Class I and II. These insights may help clinicians better understand cross-sectional and changes in KCCQ scores.

Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling after Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement for Aortic Regurgitation-An Explorative Study

BACKGROUND

The timing of treatment for chronic aortic valve regurgitation (AR), especially in asymptomatic patients, is gaining attention since less invasive strategies have become available. The aim of the present study was to evaluate left ventricular reverse remodeling after aortic valve replacement (AVR) for severe AR.

METHODS

Patients (n = 25) who underwent surgical AVR for severe AR with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 55% were included in this study. Preprocedural and follow-up clinical and echocardiographic measurements of LVEF and left ventricular (LV) diameters were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean LVEF increased significantly following surgical AVR (p < 0.0001). LV diameters showed a clear regression (p = 0.0088). Younger patients and those receiving a mechanical valve tended to have less improved LVEF on follow-up than patients over 60 years or the ones who were implanted with a biological prosthesis (p = 0.0239 and p = 0.069, respectively). Gender had no effect on the degree of LVEF improvement (p = 0.4908).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated significant LV reverse remodeling following AVR for AR. However, more data are needed on LV functional and geometrical improvement comparing the different types of valve prostheses to provide an optimal treatment strategy.

Functional Status and Quality of Life in Light-Chain Amyloidosis: Advanced Imaging, Longitudinal Changes, and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

In light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, whether functional status and heart failure-related quality of life (HF-QOL) correlate with cardiomyopathy severity, improve with therapy, and are associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) beyond validated scores is not well-known.

OBJECTIVES

The authors aimed to: 1) correlate functional status and HF-QOL with cardiomyopathy severity; 2) analyze their longitudinal changes; and 3) assess their independent associations with MACE.

METHODS

This study included 106 participants with AL amyloidosis, with 81% having AL cardiomyopathy. Functional status was evaluated using the NYHA functional class, the Karnofsky scale, and the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and HF-QOL using the MLWHFQ (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire). Cardiomyopathy severity was assessed by cardiac 18F-florbetapir positron emission tomography/computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance, echocardiography, and serum cardiac biomarkers. MACE were defined as all-cause death, heart failure hospitalization, or cardiac transplantation.

RESULTS

NYHA functional class, Karnofsky scale, 6MWD, and MLWHFQ were impaired substantially in participants with recently diagnosed AL cardiomyopathy (P < 0.001), and correlated with all markers of cardiomyopathy severity (P ≤ 0.010). NYHA functional class, 6MWD, and MLWHFQ improved at 12 months in participants with cardiomyopathy (P ≤ 0.013). All measures of functional status and HF-QOL were associated with MACE (P ≤ 0.017), independent of Mayo stage for 6MWD and MLWHFQ (P ≤ 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional status and HF-QOL were associated with AL cardiomyopathy severity, improved on therapy within 12 months, and were associated with MACE, independently of Mayo stage for 6MWD and MLWHFQ. They may be validated further in addition to prognostic scores and as surrogate outcomes for future studies.

Frailty Is Associated with Malnutrition-Inflammation Syndrome in Older CKD Patients

Patients affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) are generally considered to be frailer than those with preserved renal function. We cross-sectionally evaluated the associations between frailty, malnutrition-inflammation syndrome and circulating inflammatory cytokines in 115 older individuals with advanced CKD. As for frailty definition, we adopted Fried's frailty phenotype (FP), while malnutrition-inflammation syndrome was assessed using the Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) and circulating inflammatory cytokines (IL-6; TNFα; MCP-1). A total of 48 patients were frail, and mean eGFR was comparable in both frail and non-frail patients (24 ± 10 vs. 25 ± 11 mL/min/1.73 m2; p = 0.63). Frail patients had higher MIS (6 [4-11] vs. 4 [3-5]; p < 0.0001) but cytokine concentrations were comparable in both groups. At multivariate regression, FP was independently associated with MIS, age, gender and pre-albumin but not with cytokines. However, we found some associations between inflammatory cytokines and some specific frailty criteria: weight loss and slowness were associated with MCP-1 (respectively p = 0.049 and p < 0.0001) and weakness with IL-6 (p = 0.005); in conclusion, in older patients with advanced CKD, frailty is strictly associated with malnutrition-inflammation syndrome but not with circulating inflammatory cytokines.

The usefulness of patient-reported outcome measures in decision making in Chagas cardiomyopathy: a scoping review

Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC) presents many biopsychosocial complexities, highlighting the need to have patient self-report questions. This study demonstrates the scope of the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with ChC and highlights the main research gaps. This is a scoping review and the search strategy was performed in the Online Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica database (EMBASE), Accumulated Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Central, Latin American Literature and Caribbean in Health Sciences (LILACS) and Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DITA). The search identified 4484 studies and 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The Short-Form of 36 items (SF-36) had potential prognostic value and the ability to identify systolic dysfunction. The Human Activity Profile was able to screen for functional impairment, and the New York Heart Association showed potential prognostic value. The SF-36 and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire were responsive to interventions. The pharmaceutical care affected adherence to treatment as assessed by the Morisky score and also for SF-36. Despite the increased use of PROMs, there are still a large number of gaps in the literature, and further studies using PROMs are needed.

Inhibition of TBL1 cleavage alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocytes death by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway

AIMS

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used anthracycline anticancer agent; however, its irreversible effects on the heart can result in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DICT) after cancer treatment. Unfortunately, the pathophysiology of DICT has not yet been fully elucidated, and there are no effective strategies for its prevention or treatment. In this investigation, the novel role of transducin beta-like protein 1 (TBL1) in developing and regulating DICT was explored.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We observed a reduction in TBL1 protein expression levels as well as cleavage events in the transplanted cardiac tissues of patients diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy and DICT. It was revealed that DOX selectively induces TBL1 cleavage at caspase-3 preferred sites-D125, D136, and D215. Interestingly, overexpression of the uncleaved TBL1 mutant (TBL1uclv) variant reduced apoptosis, effectively preventing DOX-induced cell death. We confirmed that cleaved TBL1 cannot form a complex with β-catenin. As a result, Wnt reporter activity and Wnt target gene expression collectively indicate a decrease in Wnt/β-catenin signalling, leading to DICT progression. Furthermore, the cleaved TBL1 triggered DOX-induced abnormal electrophysiological features and disrupted calcium homeostasis. However, these effects were improved in TBL1uclv-overexpressing human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Finally, in a DICT mouse model, TBL1uclv overexpression inhibited the DICT-induced reduction of cardiac contractility and collagen accumulation, ultimately protecting cardiomyocytes from cell death.

CONCLUSION

Our findings reveal that the inhibition of TBL1 cleavage not only mitigates apoptosis but also enhances cardiomyocyte function, even in the context of DOX administration. Consequently, this study's results suggest that inhibiting TBL1 cleavage may be a novel strategy to ameliorate DICT.

Evaluation of Photobiomodulation on myocardial function of patients with advanced ischemic cardiomyopathy, A case series

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a growing cardiovascular disease burden with high mortality rates, primarily attributed to myocardial ischemia. Previous studies have shown promising effects of Photobiomodulation in heart failure treatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Photobiomodulation on myocardial function of patients with advanced ischemic heart failure.

METHOD

A non-randomized case series study involving 10 advanced heart failure patients was conducted. Patients received 15 sessions of transcutaneous and intravenous Photobiomodulation therapy using low-level red (658 nm) and infrared lasers (810 nm). All participants were evaluated by six-minute walk tests, dyspnea function classes, and echocardiography. 3 months after the sessions, the mentioned tests were reevaluated RESULT: The study included ten cardiomyopathic patients, 90 % male and the mean age was 63.20±6.01 years. The six-minute walk test change and shortness of breath function class change has 0.852 (p-value=0.006) correlation and the correlation between the Six-minute walk test change and the Systolic ejection fraction rate change, was 0.73 (p-value=0.025).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that interventions in cardiomyopathic patients have shown promising improvements in certain cardiac function parameters. Specifically, the significant enhancement in the six-minute walk test post-intervention (p = 0.013) suggests a positive impact on functional capacity. Although the increase in systolic ejection fraction rate was not statistically significant (p = 0.197), the correlations identified provide valuable insights into the interplay between variables such as shortness of breath function class and the six-minute walk test. These findings underscore the complexity of managing cardiomyopathy and highlight the importance of further research to elucidate the relationships between different clinical parameters and patient outcomes in this population.

Thirst symptoms in patients with heart failure: An integrative review

AIM

To identify the risk and protective factors affecting thirst symptoms in patients with heart failure (HF) and intervention strategies to alleviate thirst symptoms.

DESIGN

An integrative review.

METHODS

A total of 61 articles were retrieved. Screening yielded a total of 21 articles which were appraised for quality. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

DATA SOURCES

Ten electronic databases were searched in October 2023, including Embase, Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane, Web of Science, Wiley, CNKI, VIP, CBM and WanFang. In addition, we searched grey databases and manually searched reference lists of included and relevant reviews.

RESULTS

In total, 1644 articles were retrieved, of which 21 were included. Eight studies addressed the factors. Six themes emerged as risk factors, including demographics, severity of disease, psycho-environmental, medication, fluid restriction and homeostasis. Conversely, an increase in fluid intake, a high score of sodium restriction diet attitude and using ARB were identified as protective factors. Thirteen studies focus on intervention strategies. Five unique intervention strategies were identified, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, mint-related interventions, sour-flavour interventions, improved water restriction and cluster nursing strategy.

CONCLUSION

This finding identified the factors associated with thirst symptoms in patients with HF, especially concerning the elaboration of risk factors, which suggests that healthcare professionals should focus on the risk factors for thirst in patients with HF and consciously avoid the occurrence of these risk factors. Additionally, there are considerable cultural differences in interventions, therefore, to increase adherence during symptom management, careful selection of appropriate intervention strategies based on the requirements and preferences of patients is required. While there are some therapies, there aren't enough high-quality empirical investigations. Thus, multi-centre, large-sample studies are also required in subsequent research to demonstrate the interventions' effectiveness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION

The nurse must notice the symptoms of thirst in HF to slow down the disease's progression and improve the patient's physical and emotional well-being.

REPORTING METHOD

The review complies with the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

No patient or public contribution.

Disparities in 30-Day Readmission Between Medicare/Medicaid and Private Insurance Among Patients With Heart Failure Screened for Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities exist among patients with heart failure (HF). HF is often comorbid with cognitive impairment. Appropriate self-care can prevent HF hospital readmissions but requires access to resources through insurance. Racial differences exist between insurance types, and this may influence the disparity between races and patients with HF and cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to examine the relationships between insurance type and self-care stratified by race and to assess for differences in time-to-30-day readmission among patients with HF with cognitive impairment.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of data collected among hospitalized patients with HF with cognitive impairment. Patients completed surveys on self-care (Self-Care of Heart Failure Index), HF knowledge (Dutch Heart Failure Knowledge Scale), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), and social support (Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Social Support Inventory). Socioeconomic data were collected. Linear models were created to examine the relationships between insurance type and self-care by race. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used to assess readmission.

RESULTS

The sample of 125 patients with HF with cognitive impairment was predominantly Black (68%, n = 85) and male (53%, n = 66). The sample had either Medicare/Medicaid (62%, n = 78) or private insurance (38%, n = 47). Black patients with HF with cognitive impairment and private insurance reported higher self-care confidence compared with Black patients with HF with cognitive impairment and Medicare/Medicaid ( P < .05). Medicare/Medicaid was associated with a higher frequency of 30-day readmission and a faster time-to-readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HF with cognitive impairment and Medicare/Medicaid insurance reported lower self-care confidence and more likely to be readmitted within 30 days.

Mediation by Fatalism of the Association Between Symptom Burden and Self-care Management in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Clinicians and researchers often assume that symptom burden is associated with self-care management (SCM) in patients with heart failure (HF). However, that association is often not borne out in simple regression analyses and may be because another variable mediates the association. Fatalism is an appropriate candidate for mediation and is the belief that circumstances are predetermined without opportunity for control by individuals.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to determine whether fatalism mediated the relationship of symptom burden with SCM among adults with HF.

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis (N = 95) from a clinical trial. We used Self-care of HF Index to measure SCM, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-HF for symptom burden, and the Cardiovascular Disease Fatalism Instrument to measure fatalism. We used the PROCESS macro to evaluate mediation.

RESULTS

Symptom burden was not directly associated with SCM (effect coefficient [ C '] = 0.0805; 95% confidence interval, -0.048 to 0.209; P = .217). There was, however, an indirect pathway between symptom burden and SCM through fatalism ( ab = -0.040; 95% confidence interval, -0.097 to -0.002). Those with higher symptom burden were more fatalistic ( a = 0.004, P = .015), and greater fatalism was associated with worse SCM ( b = -9.132, P = .007).

CONCLUSION

Symptom burden, not directly associated with SCM, is associated through the mediator of fatalism. Interventions to improve SCM should include strategies to mitigate fatalistic views. Self-care management interventions should focus on promoting internal locus of control or increasing perceptions of perceived control to decrease fatalism and improve engagement in self-care.

Perceived Control, Functional Status, Depressive Symptoms, and Anxiety: Mediating and Moderating Influences on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is poor in patients with heart failure. Psychological (ie, depressive symptoms [DS], anxiety, and perceived control) and physical (ie, functional status) factors are associated with HRQoL. The dynamic relationships among these variables and their impact on HRQoL remain unclear, limiting the ability to design effective interventions.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to evaluate a moderated mediation model, in which the association between perceived control and HRQoL was hypothesized to be mediated by DS and anxiety in the presence of a moderator, functional status.

METHODS

Patients (N = 426) with heart failure completed the Control Attitudes Scale-Revised to measure perceived control, Duke Activity Status Index for functional status, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for DS, Brief Symptom Inventory for anxiety, and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire for HRQoL. We performed a moderated parallel mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Higher levels of perceived control were associated with better HRQoL through lower levels of anxiety and DS in the presence of functional status (index of moderated mediation for DS, b = 0.029; 95% confidence interval, 0.016-0.045; for anxiety: b = 0.009, 95% confidence interval, 0.002-0.018). The effect of perceived control on psychological symptoms was stronger at low and moderate functional statuses; however, this effect diminished with increasing functional status.

CONCLUSION

Functional status moderated the indirect effects of perceived control on HRQoL through DS and anxiety in patients with heart failure. Efforts to improve HRQoL by targeting perceived control may be more effective when considering DS and anxiety in patients with low to moderate levels of functional status.

Evaluating the efficacy and safety of mavacamten in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on qualitative assessment, biomarkers, and cardiac imaging

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a complex cardiac condition characterized by hypercontractility of cardiac muscle leading to a dynamic obstruction of left ventricular outlet tract (LVOT). Mavacamten, a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, is increasingly being studied in randomized controlled trials. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to analyse the efficacy and safety profile of Mavacamten compared to placebo in patients of HCM.

METHOD

We carried out a comprehensive search in PubMed, Cochrane, and clinicaltrials.gov to analyze the efficacy and safety of mavacamten compared to placebo from 2010 to 2023. To calculate pooled odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) at 95% confidence interval (CI), the Mantel-Haenszel formula with random effect was used and Generic Inverse Variance method assessed pooled mean difference value at a 95% CI. RevMan was used for analysis. P<0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

We analyzed five phase 3 RCTs including 609 patients to compare mavacamten with a placebo. New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade improvement and KCCQ score showed the odds ratio as 4.94 and 7.93 with p<0.00001 at random effect, respectively. Cardiac imaging which included LAVI, LVOT at rest, LVOT post valsalva, LVOT post-exercise, and reduction in LVEF showed the pooled mean differences for change as -5.29, -49.72, -57.45, -36.11, and -3.00 respectively. Changes in LVEDV and LVMI were not statistically significant. The pooled mean difference for change in NT-proBNP and Cardiac troponin-I showed 0.20 and 0.57 with p<0.00001. The efficacy was evaluated in 1) A composite score, which was defined as either 1·5 mL/kg per min or greater increase in peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and at least one NYHA class reduction, or a 3·0 mL/kg per min or greater pVO2 increase without NYHA class worsening and 2) changes in pVO2, which was not statistically significant. Similarly, any treatment-associated emergent adverse effects (TEAE), treatment-associated serious adverse effects (TSAE), and cardiac-related adverse effects were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Mavacamten influences diverse facets of HCM comprehensively. Notably, our study delved into the drug's impact on the heart's structural and functional aspects, providing insights that complement prior findings. Further large-scale trials are needed to evaluate the safety profile of Mavacamten.

Quality of life in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: tools and evidence

Aortic stenosis is the most prevalent valvular heart disease requiring intervention, especially in the elderly population. Surgical aortic valve replacement and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are well established treatment options for symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis, as they provide a significant survival benefit. Aortic stenosis may have an important impact on patients' quality of life (QoL). However, advanced age, comorbidities and frailty may limit the beneficial effect of aortic stenosis interventions in terms of QoL. Current guidelines mention the importance of frailty and avoiding the futility of interventions, but lack specific indications about decision-making. Also, there are limited data on how to specifically assess QoL in aortic stenosis patients since the most used questionnaires are validated in different populations (i.e. heart failure). The aim of this review is to summarize all the available tools for QoL assessment in patients with aortic stenosis; to report current evidence on the impact of TAVI on QoL; and to discuss the role of frailty and comorbidities in this setting.

Association of NT-proBNP and sST2 with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Stable Dilated Cardiomyopathy

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between levels of sST2, NT-proBNP and oxidative stress markers in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. A total of 88 patients with HFrEF were divided into four groups based on left ventricular ejection fraction (≤25% and >25%) and NYHA functional class (group 1-LVEF > 25% and NYHA class I or II; group 2-LVEF > 25% and NYHA class III or IV; group III-LVEF ≤ 25% and NYHA class I or II; group IV-LVEF ≤ 25% and NYHA class III or IV). In 39 (44.32%) patients LVEF was reduced below 25%, and 22 of them (56.41%) were in NYHA functional class III/IV. Of the 49 (55.68%) patients with LVEF ≥ 25%, only 18.37% were in NYHA functional class III/IV (p < 0.001). Patients with LVEF ≥ 25% had lower levels of NT-proBNP, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress index (OSI). The levels of NT-proBNP but not sST-2 correlated positively with NYHA functional class (p < 0.001) and negatively with LVEF (p < 0.001). The levels of sST-2 were associated with increased TAC (p = 0.009) and uric acid (p = 0.040). These findings indicate that only NT-proBNP was related to the severity of heart failure, whereas sST2 correlated with total antioxidant capacity. Therefore, in stable patients with HFrEF due to dilated cardiomyopathy, sST2 may be an additional biomarker reflecting the redox status, but not the severity of heart failure.

Impulse oscillometry in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: an exploratory study

INTRODUCTION

Studies suggest peripheral airway abnormalities in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). Impulse Oscillometry (IOS) is a noninvasive and sensitive technique for assessing the small airways. It evaluates the impedance of the respiratory system ‒ Resistance (R) and reactance (X) ‒ to a pulse of sound waves sent to the lungs, in a range of frequencies (5‒20 Hz).

METHOD

Resistance variables: R5, R20, R5-R20 and reactance variables: AX (reactance area) and Fres (resonance frequency). The aim is to evaluate R and X in patients with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and to investigate whether there is a correlation between IOS and spirometry.

RESULTS

Thirteen IPAH patients and 11 healthy subjects matched for sex and age underwent IOS and spirometry. IPAH patients had lower FVC and FEV1 values (p < 0.001), VEF1/CVF (p = 0.049) and FEF 25-75 (p = 0.006) than healthy patients. At IOS, IPAH patients showed lower tidal volumes and higher AX (p < 0.05) compared to healthy individuals, and 53.8 of patients had R5-R20 values ≥ 0.07 kPa/L/s. Correlation analysis: X5, AX, R5-R20 and Fres showed moderate correlation with FVC (p = 0.036 r = 0.585, p = 0.001 r = -0.687, p = 0.005 r = -0.726 and p = 0.027 r = -0.610); Fres (p = 0.012 r = -0.669) and AX (p = 0.006 r = -0.711) correlated with FEV1; [R5 and R20, (R5-R20)] also correlated with FEV1 (p < 0.001 r = -0.573, p = 0.020 r = -0.634 and p = 0.010 r = -0.683, respectively) in the IPAH group. There were also moderate correlations of FEF 25-75 % with Z5 (p = 0.041), R5 (p = 0.018), Fres (p = 0.043) and AX (p = 0.023).

DISCUSSION

Patients showed changes suggestive of increased resistance and reactance in the IOS compared to healthy individuals, and the IOS findings showed a good correlation with spirometry variables.

A Predictive Nomogram for Intensive Care-Acquired Weakness after Cardiopulmonary Bypass

PURPOSE

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW) affects patient prognosis after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, but its risk factors remain unclear. We investigated these risk factors and developed a nomogram for predicting ICUAW after CPB.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics, preoperative laboratory data, and intra- and postoperative variables of 473 patients after CPB were determined in this prospective cohort study. Lower limb muscles on bedside ultrasound images were compared 1 day before and 7 days after CPB. Risk factors were assessed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Approximately 50.95% of the patients developed ICUAW after CPB. The body mass index (BMI), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, lactate, albumin, aortic clamping time, operation time, and acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II were determined as independent risk factors. The average absolute error of coincidence was 0.019; the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.811, 0.727, and 0.733, respectively, for the predictive nomogram.

CONCLUSION

A high BMI, poor NYHA class, preoperative high serum lactate, low serum albumin, long surgical duration, aortic clamping, and high acute physiological and chronic health evaluation II score are risk factors for ICUAW after CPB. This robust and easy-to-use nomogram was developed for clinical decision-making.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale in a Middle Eastern Heart Failure Population

BACKGROUND

The Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale (HFSPS) is an 18-item instrument used to assess how bothersome are common signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF). To date, the psychometric properties of the HFSPS have been tested in American, Italian, and Japanese samples.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the HFSPS in a population of Lebanese patients living with HF.

METHODS

A rigorous translation and back-translation process was performed. Cultural appropriateness ratings were assessed by an expert panel. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to confirm construct validity, whereas an independent t test using the Minnesota Living With HF Questionnaire's scores was conducted to confirm convergent validity. Pearson correlation was performed to confirm discriminant validity using the Self-Care in HF Index Management subscale, whereas predictive validity was evaluated using the Control Attitudes Scale-Revised. Internal consistency reliability was evaluated using Cronbach α.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients (mean age, 63.66 ± 10.55 years; 69.7% male) were included. A series of exploratory factor analyses was conducted and resulted in a 4-factor model. Cronbach α was 0.869. Convergent (high correlation with total Minnesota Living With HF Questionnaire; r = 0.762, P < .0001), discriminant (no correlation with self-care management; r = 0.180, P = .078), and predictive (significant correlation with the Control Attitudes Scale-Revised; r = -0.523, P < .0001) validity was supported.

CONCLUSION

The reliability and validity of the HFSPS were supportive in this Middle Eastern sample. The HFSPS can be used to assess how bothersome HF symptoms are to improve their management.

The prognostic value of peak oxygen uptake in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a literature review to inform economic model development

AIMS

Patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) experience significant clinical burden which is associated with a high economic burden. Peak oxygen uptake (pVO2), measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, is used to quantify functional capacity, and has been studied as a primary endpoint in recent clinical trials. This study aimed to gather evidence to consolidate the prognostic value of pVO2 in oHCM and to assess whether it is feasible to predict health outcomes in an economic model based on changes in pVO2.

METHODS

A targeted literature review was conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Embase databases to identify evidence on the prognostic value of pVO2 as a surrogate health outcome to support future oHCM economic model development. Following screening, study characteristics, population characteristics, and pVO2 prognostic association data were extracted.

RESULTS

A total of 4,687 studies were identified. In total, 3,531 and 538 studies underwent title/abstract and full-text screening, respectively, of which 151 were included and nine of these were in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); only three studies focused on oHCM. The nine HCM studies consisted of one systematic literature review and eight primary studies reporting on 27 potentially predictive relationships from a pVO2-based metric with clinical outcomes including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, sudden cardiac death, transplant, paroxysmal, and permanent atrial fibrillation. pVO2 was described as a predictor of single and composite endpoints, in three and six studies, respectively, with one study reporting on both.

LIMITATIONS

This study primarily uses systemic literature review methods but does not qualify as one due to not entailing parallel reviewers during title-abstract and full-text stages of review.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest pVO2 is predictive of multiple health outcomes, providing a rationale to use pVO2 in the development of an economic model.

Frailty in Older Patients with Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis

Background-Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) prevalence increases with age. The interplay between frailty and heart failure has been increasingly recognized. The objective of this study is to compare clinical, biological, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) characteristics of older ATTR-CA patients according to the G8 frailty screening tool. Methods-Patients over 75 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of ATTR-CA were included between January 2020 and April 2021. All patients underwent a routine blood test, TTE, and a functional assessment with a six-minute walking distance test (6MWD) or cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), and the G8 score was calculated. Results-Fifty-two patients were included. Thirty-nine (75%) patients were frail and their mean NYHA stage was more severe (2.2 vs. 1.7; p = 0.004); 62% of them had a Gilmore stage of 2 or 3 (p = 0.05). Global left ventricular strain (GLS) was lower (-11.7% vs. -14.9%; p = 0.014) and the interventricular septum was thicker (18 ± 2 mm vs. 17 ± 2 mm; p = 0.033) in frail patients. There were no significant differences according to functional tests. Conclusion-The majority of older patients with ATTR-CA are frail according to the G8 score. They are more symptomatic and have an increased cardiac involvement and a poorer prognosis, requiring more personalized cardiac management.

Additive effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with multicomponent training on elderly physical function capacity: a randomized, triple blind, controlled trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the additive effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) associated with multi-component training (MT) on the functional capacity (FC) of older adults and to assess whether these effects remain after the end of training. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the locomotion capacity, balance, functional independence, and quality of life and correlate them with functional capacity.

METHODOLOGY

Twenty-eight older adults were randomized into two groups: experimental (MT associated with active tDCS - a-tDCS) and control (MT associated with sham tDCS - s-tDCS). The FC was measured by the Glittre-ADL test, locomotion capacity by the 6-minute walk test, balance by the BESTest, functional independence by the FIM, and quality of life by the WHQOL. The assessments were performed pre-, post-intervention, and 30-day follow-up.

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease in the time to the Glittre-ADL test when comparing the a-tDCS and s-tDCS groups after the interventions (139.77 ± 21.62, 205.10 ± 43.02, p < .001) and at the 30-day follow-up (142.74 ± 17.12, 219.55 ± 54.05, p < .001), respectively. There was a moderate correlation between FC and locomotion capacity and balance.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of tDCS potentiated the results of MT to impact FC, maintaining the positive results longer. Locomotion and balance influenced the improvement of functional capacity.

Health Related Quality of Life of Ugandan Children Following Valve Replacement Surgery for Rheumatic Heart Disease

Background

Valve replacement surgery (VRS) improves clinical outcomes in patients with severe rheumatic heart disease (RHD). However, lifelong anticoagulation and frequent monitoring are required, which potentially impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In this study, we assessed the HRQoL of people with RHD in Uganda following VRS.

Methods

This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional study conducted between March and August 2021. Eligible participants were individuals who had VRS before the age of 18 years. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Cardiac Module (PedsQL-Cardiac module) was used to evaluate HRQoL. A total mean score of ≥ 80% was considered as optimal HRQoL.

Results

Of the 83 eligible participants, 52 (60.5%) were female, with a median age of 18 (interquartile range: 14-22) years. Most participants had NYHA I functional status (n = 79, 92%). Most (n = 73, 92.4%) surgeries were performed outside of Uganda, and 61 (72.6%) were single mechanical valve replacement. Almost half (n = 45, 54%) expressed no concern about being on life-long warfarin therapy. However, 24 (29.3%) feared bleeding. The optimal mean score of cardiac-specific HRQoL was achieved in 50 (60.2%) of participants. Factors associated with optimal HRQoL were body mass index (BMI) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.2, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.1-1.3, p = 0.006), being afraid of bleeding or bruising (aOR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.21-2.47, p = 0.004), acceptance of having an artificial valve (aOR: 2.7, 95% CI; 1.64-3.81, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

HRQoL was optimal in about three in five participants following VRS. Increasing BMI and acceptance of artificial valve were significantly associated with optimal HRQoL.

Leveraging electronic health records to streamline the conduct of cardiovascular clinical trials

Conventional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be expensive, time intensive, and complex to conduct. Trial recruitment, participation, and data collection can burden participants and research personnel. In the past two decades, there have been rapid technological advances and an exponential growth in digitized healthcare data. Embedding RCTs, including cardiovascular outcome trials, into electronic health record systems or registries may streamline screening, consent, randomization, follow-up visits, and outcome adjudication. Moreover, wearable sensors (i.e. health and fitness trackers) provide an opportunity to collect data on cardiovascular health and risk factors in unprecedented detail and scale, while growing internet connectivity supports the collection of patient-reported outcomes. There is a pressing need to develop robust mechanisms that facilitate data capture from diverse databases and guidance to standardize data definitions. Importantly, the data collection infrastructure should be reusable to support multiple cardiovascular RCTs over time. Systems, processes, and policies will need to have sufficient flexibility to allow interoperability between different sources of data acquisition. Clinical research guidelines, ethics oversight, and regulatory requirements also need to evolve. This review highlights recent progress towards the use of routinely generated data to conduct RCTs and discusses potential solutions for ongoing barriers. There is a particular focus on methods to utilize routinely generated data for trials while complying with regional data protection laws. The discussion is supported with examples of cardiovascular outcome trials that have successfully leveraged the electronic health record, web-enabled devices or administrative databases to conduct randomized trials.

Prognostic Factors and Survival of Chinese Patients with Cardiac Amyloidosis

Purpose

To identify the survival and prognostic factors for cardiac amyloidosis (CA) in Chinese patients.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of 72 patients diagnosed with CA and admitted to the PLA General Hospital between November 2017 and April 2021. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, electrocardiographic, conventional ultrasound, endocardial LS during LV systole (LV ENDO LSsys), and myocardial strain data were recorded. Survival was assessed. All-cause mortality was the endpoint. Follow-up was censored on September 30, 2021.

Results

The mean follow-up was 17.1 ± 12.9 months. Among the 72 patients, 39 died, 23 survived, and 10 were lost to follow-up. Mean survival for all patients was 24.7 ± 2.2 months. Mean survival was 32.7 ± 2.4 months among patients with NYHA class II, 26.6 ± 3.4 months for NYHA class III, and 5.8 ± 1.1 months for NYHA class IV. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that NYHA class (HR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.36-8.65, P = 0.002), log-proBNP level (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.17-5.83, P = 0.03), and ENDO LSsys of the LV basal level (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05-1.95, P = 0.004) were independent prognostic factors for CA.

Conclusion

NYHA class, proBNP level, and ENDO LSsys of the LV basal level were independently associated with the survival of patients with CA.

Comparison of short and long forms of the Flinders program of chronic disease SELF-management for participants starting SGLT-2 inhibitors for congestive heart failure (SELFMAN-HF): protocol for a prospective, observational study

Introduction

Congestive heart failure (CHF) causes significant morbidity and mortality. It is an epidemic, and costs are escalating. CHF is a chronic disease whose trajectory includes stable phases, periods of decompensation, and finally palliation. Health services and medical therapies must match the various patient needs. Chronic disease self-management (CDSM) programmes that are patient-focused, identify problems and set actionable goals that appear as a logical, cost-friendly method to navigate patient journeys. There have been challenges in standardising and implementing CHF programmes.

Methods and analysis

SELFMAN-HF is a prospective, observational study to evaluate the feasibility and validity of the SCRinHF tool, a one-page self-management and readmission risk prediction tool for CHF, with an established, comprehensive CDSM tool. Eligible patients will have CHF with left ventricular ejection fraction <40% and commenced sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) within 6 months of recruitment. The primary endpoint is the 80% concordance in readmission risk predicted by the SCRinHF tool. The study will recruit >40 patients and is expected to last 18 months.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the St Vincent's ethics committee (approval no. LRR 177/21). All participants will complete a written informed consent prior to enrolment in the study. The study results will be disseminated widely via local and international health conferences and peer-reviewed publications.

Evaluating the Implementation of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Heart Failure Clinic: A Qualitative Assessment

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) may improve care for patients with heart failure. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) is a patient survey that captures symptom frequency, symptom burden, physical limitations, social limitations, and quality of life. Despite the utility of PROs and the KCCQ-12, the implementation and routine use of these measures can be difficult. We conducted an evaluation of clinician perceptions of the KCCQ-12 to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation into clinical practice.

METHODS

We conducted interviews with cardiologists from 4 institutions across the United States and Canada (n=16) and observed clinic visits at 1 institution in Northern California (n=5). Qualitative analysis was conducted in 2 rounds: (1) rapid analysis constructed around major themes related to the aims of the study and (2) content analysis with codes derived from the rapid analysis and implementation science.

RESULTS

Most heart failure physicians and advanced practice clinicians reported that the KCCQ-12 was acceptable, appropriate, and useful in clinical care. Clinician engagement efforts, trialability, and the straightforward design of the KCCQ-12 facilitated its use in clinical care. Further opportunities identified to facilitate implementation include more streamlined integration into the electronic health record and comprehensive staff education on PROs. Participants highlighted that the KCCQ-12 was useful in clinic visits to improve the consistency of patient history taking, focus patient-clinician conversations, collect a more accurate account of patient quality of life, track trends in patient well-being over time, and refine clinical decision-making.

CONCLUSIONS

In this qualitative study, clinicians reported that the KCCQ-12 enhanced several aspects of heart failure patient care. Use of the KCCQ-12 was facilitated by a robust clinician engagement campaign and the design of the KCCQ-12 itself. Future implementation of PROs in heart failure clinic should focus on streamlining electronic health record integration and providing additional staff education on the value of PROs.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT04164004.

Beyond Stage C: Considerations in the Management of Patients with Heart Failure Progression and Gaps in Evidence

Despite treatment with contemporary medical therapies for chronic heart failure (HF), there has been an increase in the prevalence of patients progressing to more advanced disease. Patients progressing to and living at the interface of severe Stage C and Stage D HF are underrepresented in clinical trials, and there is a lack of high-quality evidence to guide clinical decision making. For patients with a severe HF phenotype, the medical therapies used for patients with a less advanced stage of illness are often no longer tolerated nor provide adequate clinical stability. The limited data on these patients highlights the need to increase formal research characterizing this high-risk population. This review summarizes existing clinical trial data on and incorporates our considerations for approaches to the medical management of patients advanced "beyond Stage C" HF.

Heart function grading evaluation based on heart sounds and convolutional neural networks

Accurate and rapid cardiac function assessment is critical for disease diagnosis and treatment strategy. However, the current cardiac function assessment methods have their adaptability and limitations. Heart sounds (HS) can reflect changes in heart function. Therefore, HS signals were proposed to assess cardiac function, and a specially designed pruning convolutional neural network (CNN) was applied to recognize subjects' cardiac function at different levels in this paper. Firstly, the adaptive wavelet denoising algorithm and logistic regression based hidden semi-Markov model were utilized for signal denoising and segmentation. Then, the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) was employed to convert the preprocessed HS signals into spectra as input to the convolutional neural network, which can extract features automatically. Finally, the proposed method was compared with AlexNet, Resnet50, Xception, GhostNet and EfficientNet to verify the superiority of the proposed method. Through comprehensive comparison, the proposed approach achieves the best classification performance with an accuracy of 94.34%. The study indicates HS analysis is a non-invasive and effective method for cardiac function classification, which has broad research prospects.

Impact of beta blockers on resting respiratory rate in older adults: A cross-sectional study

[Purpose] Beta blockers, commonly prescribed for older adults, affect heart rates and blood pressure and may reduce respiratory rates, which are used to evaluate patient status and predict outcomes. However, limited clinical evidence is available on the impact of beta blockers on respiratory rates. This study aimed to investigate the impact of beta blockers on respiratory rates in older adults. [Methods] This cross-sectional study included patients aged ≥60 years who underwent an annual checkup. Patients were excluded if they had a diagnosis of severe heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial pneumonitis, severe anemia, or neurodegenerative disease. Doubly robust estimation with inverse probability weighting was applied to estimate the mean differences between beta blocker users and non-users. The dose-response relationship between the administered beta blockers and respiratory rates was examined using multivariable regression models. [Results] Of 637 participants, 108 had received beta blockers regularly. The adjusted mean differences (95% confidence interval, CI) in respiratory rates, pulse rates, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure between beta blocker users and non-users were 0.35 (-0.68 to 1.37), -3.56 (-6.34 to -0.78), -5.53 (-8.53 to -2.52), and -4.70 (-8.27 to -1.14), respectively. The adjusted mean differences (95% CI) in respiratory rates per 1 mg of a carvedilol equivalent dose in all beta blocker users, liposoluble beta blocker users, and carvedilol users were -0.10 (-0.18 to -0.02), -0.35 (-0.59 to -0.11), and -0.29 (-0.54 to -0.06), respectively. [Conclusions] Beta blockers may dose-dependently reduce the respiratory rates of older adults. However, in clinical settings, the impact of beta-blocker use or non-use on the respiratory rate may not occur at a clinically important level. Clinicians should note the potentially suppressive impact of beta blockers on respiratory rates according to the situation.

Patients' Information Needs Related to a Monitoring Implant for Heart Failure: Co-designed Study Based on Affect Stories

BACKGROUND

RealWorld4Clinic is a European consortium that is currently developing an implantable monitoring device for acute heart failure prevention.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the main issues and information needs related to this new cardiac implant from the patients' perspective.

METHODS

A total of 3 patient collaborators were recruited to help us design the study. During 4 remotely held meetings (each lasting for 2 hours), we defined the main questions and hypotheses together. Next, 26 additional interviews were conducted remotely to test these hypotheses. During both phases, we used affect stories, which are life narratives focusing on affect and the relationship between patients and the care ecosystem, to highlight the main social issues that should be addressed by the research according to the patients.

RESULTS

Context of diagnosis, age, and severity of illness strongly influence patient experience. However, these variables do not seem to influence the choice regarding being implanted, which relies mostly on the individual patient's trust in their physicians. It seems that the major cause of anxiety for the patient is not the implant but the disease itself, although some people may initially be concerned over the idea of becoming a cyborg. Remote monitoring of cardiac implants should draw on existing remote disease management programs focusing on a long-term relationship between the patient and their medical team.

CONCLUSIONS

Co-design with affect stories is a useful method for quickly identifying the main social issues related to information about a new health technology.

Cardiac surgery risk prediction using ensemble machine learning to incorporate legacy risk scores: A benchmarking study

Objective

The introduction of new clinical risk scores (e.g. European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) II) superseding original scores (e.g. EuroSCORE I) with different variable sets typically result in disparate datasets due to high levels of missingness for new score variables prior to time of adoption. Little is known about the use of ensemble learning to incorporate disparate data from legacy scores. We tested the hypothesised that Homogenenous and Heterogeneous Machine Learning (ML) ensembles will have better performance than ensembles of Dynamic Model Averaging (DMA) for combining knowledge from EuroSCORE I legacy data with EuroSCORE II data to predict cardiac surgery risk.

Methods

Using the National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit dataset, we trained 12 different base learner models, based on two different variable sets from either EuroSCORE I (LogES) or EuroScore II (ES II), partitioned by the time of score adoption (1996-2016 or 2012-2016) and evaluated on holdout set (2017-2019). These base learner models were ensembled using nine different combinations of six ML algorithms to produce homogeneous or heterogeneous ensembles. Performance was assessed using a consensus metric.

Results

Xgboost homogenous ensemble (HE) was the highest performing model (clinical effectiveness metric (CEM) 0.725) with area under the curve (AUC) (0.8327; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8323-0.8329) followed by Random Forest HE (CEM 0.723; AUC 0.8325; 95%CI 0.8320-0.8326). Across different heterogenous ensembles, significantly better performance was obtained by combining siloed datasets across time (CEM 0.720) than building ensembles of either 1996-2011 (t-test adjusted, p = 1.67×10-6) or 2012-2019 (t-test adjusted, p = 1.35×10-193) datasets alone.

Conclusions

Both homogenous and heterogenous ML ensembles performed significantly better than DMA ensemble of Bayesian Update models. Time-dependent ensemble combination of variables, having differing qualities according to time of score adoption, enabled previously siloed data to be combined, leading to increased power, clinical interpretability of variables and usage of data.

Preoperative optimization of cardiac valve patients' expectations: Study protocol of the randomized controlled ValvEx-trial

Introduction

Complete recovery after surgery depends on psychological factors such as preoperative information, expectations, and surgery-associated anxiety. Prior studies have shown that even a short preoperative psychological intervention aiming at optimized expectations (EXPECT) can improve postoperative outcomes in coronary artery bypass patients. However, this intervention may benefit only a small subgroup of heart surgery patients since implementing preoperative psychological interventions into the daily clinical routine is difficult due to the additional time and appointments. It is unclear whether the EXPECT intervention can be shortened and whether heart valve patients would also benefit from interventions that optimize patients' expectations. The multicenter ValvEx trial aims (i) to adapt an effective preoperative psychological intervention (EXPECT) to make it brief enough to be easily integrated into the preoperative routine of heart valve patients and (ii) to examine if the adapted preoperative psychological intervention improves the subjectively perceived illness-related disability (PDI) up to 3 months after surgery.

Materials and analysis

In two German university hospitals, N = 88 heart valve patients who undergo heart surgery are randomized into two groups [standard of care (SOC) vs. standard of care plus interventional expectation manipulation (SOC and EXPECT)] after baseline assessment. Patients in the EXPECT group additionally to standard of care participate in the preoperative psychological intervention (30-40 min), focusing on optimizing expectations and have two booster-telephone calls (4 and 8 weeks after the surgery, approx. 15 min). Both groups have assessments again on the evening before the surgery, 4 to 6 days, and 3 months after the surgery.

Discussion

The trial demonstrates excellent feasibility in the clinical routine and a high interest by the patients.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committees of the Department of Medicine of the Philipps University of Marburg and the Department of Medicine of the University of Giessen approved the study protocol. Study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at congresses.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04502121.

Patient-Reported Versus Physician-Assessed Health Status in Heart Failure With Reduced and Preserved Ejection Fraction From ASIAN-HF Registry

BACKGROUND

We aimed to assess if discordance between patient-reported Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ)-overall summary (os) score and physician-assessed New York Heart Association (NYHA) class is common among patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, and determine its association with outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 4818 patients with HF were classified according to KCCQ-os score (range 0-100, dichotomized by median value 71.9 into high [good] versus low [bad]) and NYHA class (I/II [good] or III/IV [bad]) as concordant good (low NYHA class, high KCCQ-os score), concordant bad (high NYHA class, low KCCQ-os score), discordant worse NYHA class (high NYHA class, high KCCQ-os score), and discordant worse KCCQ-os score (low NYHA class, low-KCCQ-os score). The composite of HF hospitalization or death at 1 year was compared across groups.

RESULTS

There were 2070 (43.0%) concordant good, 1099 (22.8%) concordant bad, 331 (6.9%) discordant worse NYHA class, and 1318 (27.4%) discordant worse KCCQ-os score patients. Compared with concordant good, adverse outcomes were the highest in concordant bad (HR, 2.7 [95% CI, 2.2-3.5]) followed by discordant worse KCCQ-os score (HR, 1.8 [95% CI, 1.4-2.2]) and discordant worse NYHA class (HR, 1.5 [95% CI, 1.0-2.3]); with no modification by HF phenotype (preserved versus reduced ejection fraction, P_interaction=0.52). At 6 months, 1403 (48%) experienced clinically significant improvement in KCCQ-os score (≥5 points increase over 6 months). Patients with improved KCCQ-os at 6 months (HR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.47-0.92]) had better outcomes and the association was not modified by HF phenotype (P_interaction=0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of patients with HF had discordance between patient-reported and clinician-assessed health status, largely attributable to worse patient-reported outcomes. Such discordance, particularly in those with discordantly worse KCCQ, should alert physicians to an increased risk of HF hospitalization and death, and prompt further assessment for potential drivers of worse patient-reported outcomes relative to physicians' assessment.

Cardiovascular outcomes by time-varying New York Heart Association class among patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a retrospective cohort study

AIMS

Assess the relationship between New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used the Optum Market Clarity database with linked claims and electronic health records. Adults (aged ≥18 years) with obstructive HCM and ≥1 NYHA class assessment after first HCM diagnosis were eligible (selection period: 2007-2021). Thirteen outcomes were assessed following the index date (first documented NYHA class assessment after first HCM diagnosis in the study period): all-cause mortality; first occurrences of all-cause hospitalization; CV-related hospitalization; primary ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA); myocardial infarction (MI); deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE); and major adverse CV event (MACE); as well as first incident events of atrial fibrillation or flutter; primary ischemic stroke or TIA; heart failure; acute MI; DVT/PE; and a composite endpoint of pacemaker and cardiac resynchronization therapy. Their associations with the index NYHA class were described using the Kaplan-Meier method (mortality) or cumulative incidence functions (other outcomes). Hazard ratios between NYHA class over time and outcomes were evaluated using time-varying Cox models, adjusting for age at first observed HCM diagnosis, sex, and race.

RESULTS

Among 4,631 eligible patients, the mean age was 59 years at the first observed HCM diagnosis (female, 47%; White, 77%). The risks of all outcomes increased with worse (higher) index NYHA class and worsening NYHA class over time. Deterioration in the NYHA class from the index date was associated with increased risks of outcomes.

LIMITATIONS

The study population may not be representative of all patients with obstructive HCM in the real world. Documented NYHA classes may not fully reflect the longitudinal variation of NYHA class for each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Worsening NYHA class was associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and CV outcomes in obstructive HCM.

Prognostic value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I early after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is based on biochemical markers along with clinical and instrumental findings. However, there is not a clear cutoff value of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) to identify PMI. We hypothesized that isolated hs-cTn concentrations in the first 24 h following CABG could predict cardiac adverse events (in-hospital death and PMI) and/or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled all consecutive adult patients undergoing CABG, alone or in association with other cardiac surgery procedures, over 1 year. Hs-cTn I concentrations (Access, Beckman Coulter) were serially measured in the post-operative period and analyzed according to post-operative outcomes.

RESULTS

300 patients were enrolled; 71.3% underwent CABG alone, 33.7% for acute coronary syndrome. Most patients showed hs-cTn I values superior to the limit required by the latest guidelines for the diagnosis of PMI. Five patients (1.7%) died, 8% developed a PMI, 10.6% showed a LVEF decrease ≥ 10%. Hs-cTn I concentrations did not significantly differ with respect to death and/or PMI whereas they were associated with LVEF decrease ≥ 10% (p value < 0.005 at any time interval), in particular hs-cTn I values at 9-12 h post-operatively. A hs-cTn I cutoff of 5556 ng/L, a value 281 (for males) and 479 (for females) times higher than the URL, at 9-12 h post-operatively was identified, representing the best balance between sensitivity (55%) and specificity (79%) in predicting LVEF decrease ≥ 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

Hs-cTn I at 9-12 h post-CABG may be useful to early identify patients at risk for LVEF decrease and to guide early investigation and management of possible post-operative complications.

Relationship between the characteristics of lower extremity function and activities of daily living in hospitalized middle-aged and older adults with subacute cardiovascular disease

[Purpose] To clarify the relationship between lower extremity function and activities of daily living and characterize lower extremity function in hospitalized middle-aged and older adults with subacute cardiovascular disease. [Participants and Methods] The Short Physical Performance Battery, 6-minute walk distance, and functional independence measure tests were conducted in 79 inpatients with subacute cardiovascular disease (mean age, 76.7 ± 11.9 years; 34 females). Multiple regression analysis used the functional independence measure score as the dependent variable and the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-minute walk distance scores as independent variables. Cross-tabulations were performed for each age group, and patients who performed the Short Physical Performance Battery and 6-minute walk distance tests were divided into two groups by their respective cutoff values. [Results] Only the Short Physical Performance Battery (β=0.568) and 6-minute walk distance (β=0.479) scores were adopted as significant independent variables in each multiple regression model. The age <75 years group had the most patients with both good lower extremity function and aerobic capacity, whereas the age ≥75 years group had the most patients with both functions impaired. [Conclusion] Although cardiovascular disease is generally associated with decreased aerobic capacity, many older patients with cardiovascular disease in this study had decreased lower extremity function, too.

The Compatibility of Children with Obesity to Self-Report Aspects of Physical Activity Domains

Questions about the different aspects of physical activity (PA) are commonly asked in the clinical setting, yet their compatibility for use with children, particularly children with obesity (OB) is uncertain. Our aim was to investigate different PA-related questions when compared to an objective maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) or validated questionnaires. For this study, 33 normal-weight (NW) (5 to less than 85% BMI percentile) and 35 OB (≥95% BMI percentile) children responded to three self-report PA questions evaluating PA domains (exercise capacity, limitations, and the maintenance of an active lifestyle); they also completed a maximal CPET and two validated questionnaires: the New York Heart Association (NYHA) questionnaire and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). The results regarding the NW children were highly compatible with their self-reports about exercise capacity (85%), whereas the compatibility was low (40%) in the OB group (p < 0.001). Both OB and NW groups had moderate compatibility between the self-report and objective findings regarding their exercise limitations and lifestyle with no significant differences between the groups. These findings suggest that it is inadvisable to rely on a single-item question by which to assess PA in OB children, and no definite conclusions regarding PA status should be drawn. NW children are more compatible with self-reporting their overall exercise capacity, with more limited compatibilities observed when self-reporting their limitations or lifestyle.

The Lack of Systemic and Subclinical Side Effects of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A in Patients Affected by Post-Stroke Spasticity: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Botulinum Neurotoxin type-A (BoNT-A) is the treatment of choice for focal post-stroke spasticity (PSS). Due to its mechanism of action and the administration method, some authors raised concern about its possible systemic diffusion leading to contralateral muscle weakness and autonomic nervous system (ANS) alterations. Stroke itself is a cause of motor disability and ANS impairment; therefore, it is mandatory to prevent any source of additional loss of strength and adjunctive ANS disturbance. We enrolled 15 hemiparetic stroke survivors affected by PSS already addressed to BoNT-A treatment. Contralateral handgrip strength and ANS parameters, such as heart rate variability, impedance cardiography values, and respiratory sinus arrythmia, were measured 24 h before (T0) and 10 days after (T1) the ultrasound (US)-guided BoNT-A injection. At T1, neither strength loss nor modification of the basal ANS patterns were found. These findings support recent literature about the safety profile of BoNT-A, endorsing the importance of the US guide for a precise targeting and the sparing of “critical” structures as vessels and nerves.

Left atrial remodeling in heart failure: the role of sphericity index (the SPHERICAT-HF study)

Left atrial sphericity index (LASI) is an echocardiographic index easily obtained; its use in patients with heart failure (HF) has never been investigated so far. This single-centre study aimed to investigate the usefulness of LASI in an unselected cohort of patients hospitalized for acute HF, and its potential correlation with the amino-terminal portion of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. Ninety-four consecutive HF patients underwent a transthoracic echocardiogram with a detailed study of the left atrium (LA) including LASI (calculated from the apical four-chamber view as the ratio between the transverse and longitudinal diameters), and blood tests (including NT-proBNP) on the same day. Median age was 75.5 (interquartile range-IQR 62-82) years and 55% were males, 58.5% had a NYHA class III-IV, and median NT-proBNP was 3284 (IQR 1215-7055) pg/ml. The LA was dilated in 94%, and median biplane LA volume index was 62 ml/m2. Patients with advanced NYHA class showed more advanced LA remodeling. Mean LASI was 0.78 ± 0.09 and did not correlate with NT-proBNP levels (r 0.03; p 0.75) or with patient NYHA class (R2 0.011; p 0.287). None of the echocardiographic indices of LA structural and functional remodeling proved to be independently associated with a high NYHA class on multivariate regression analysis. In conclusion, LA remodeling is almost invariably present in patients with HF. LASI does not correlate with NT-proBNP levels or with NYHA functional class. Further studies are needed to describe the complex patterns of atrial remodeling in HF.

Race Moderates the Relationship Between Perceived Social Support and Self-care Confidence in Patients With Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

African Americans are at the highest risk of developing heart failure (HF) compared with other races and are hospitalized at 7 to 8 times the rate of Whites. Poor overall self-care, low self-care confidence, and lower levels of perceived social support are factors related to increased risk for hospitalizations in HF. Yet, limited evidence is available regarding the factors that may differentially impact self-care confidence by race in patients with HF.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine to what extent race moderates the relationship between perceived social support and self-care confidence.

METHOD

This is a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from African American and White patients with HF in North America (n = 429). Patients completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the Self-Care Confidence Scale of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. A moderation analysis was conducted using hierarchal linear regression.

RESULTS

Sample mean age was 60.8 ± 11.5 years, 22.4% were African American, and 54.7% were in New York Heart Association class I or II. Moderation analyses yielded a significant interaction of perceived social support and race, showing White patients, not African Americans, have significantly different self-care confidence scores depending on level of social support: White, b = 0.224, 95% confidence interval [0.046-0.094], t = 5.65, and P < .001; African American, b = -0.776, 95% confidence interval [-0.049 to 0.060], t = 0.212, and P = .832.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show a variable effect of perceived social support on self-care confidence as a function of race, suggesting the need for further research to develop and test interventions tailored to race and levels of social support in HF.

A simple staging system using biomarkers for wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in Japan

AIMS

It has been reported that a staging system combining N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is useful in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt-CM). However, these studies were mainly conducted in Western countries, and their usefulness for the Japanese population is unclear. We examined and validated the staging system using hs-cTnT, eGFR, and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in Japanese patients with ATTRwt-CM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We retrospectively evaluated 176 patients with ATTRwt-CM. The cut-off values of hs-cTnT and eGFR were selected as 0.05 ng/mL and 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 , respectively, based on a previous report. The optimal cut-off value of BNP was 255.6 pg/mL to predict all-cause mortality (sensitivity, 75%; specificity, 58%; area under the curve, 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.78; P < 0.001) based on a receiver operating characteristic curve. We defined the cut-off value of BNP as 250 pg/mL. Increased hs-cTnT (>0.05 ng/mL) and BNP (>250 pg/mL) and decreased eGFR (<45 mL/min/1.73 m2 ) were significant predictors of poor prognosis (P < 0.05). We calculated the score by adding 1 point if hs-cTnT and BNP levels increased or eGFR decreased by more than the cut-off value. The hazard ratio of all-cause death adjusted by age and sex, using score 0 as a reference, was 0.44 (95% CI 0.08-2.49, P = 0.44) for score 1, 3.69 (95% CI 1.21-11.21, P = 0.02) for score 2, and 5.40 (95% CI 1.57-18.54, P = 0.007) for score 3. We divided patients into a low score group (0-1 point) and high score group (2-3 points). Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed significant differences in all-cause death and rehospitalization for heart failure (log rank test; P < 0.001), and after adjusting for sex and age, the hazard ratio of all-cause death was 6.96 (95% Cl 2.88-16.83, P < 0.001) and that for rehospitalization for heart failure was 4.27 (95% Cl 2.26-8.07, P < 0.001) in the high-risk group, compared with those in the low-risk group. The median survival period was 32.0 months in the high-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

This simple staging system, which combines hs-cTnT, BNP, and eGFR, was useful for predicting prognosis in Japanese patients with ATTRwt-CM. This system can objectively evaluate the disease progression of ATTRwt-CM and may be useful for patient selection for disease-modifying therapy.

Correlation of the disease-specific Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification and health-related quality of life (15D) in coronary artery disease patients

Background

Generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and disease-specific instruments measure HRQoL from different aspects, although generic instruments often contain dimensions that reflect common symptoms. We evaluated how the change in 15D HRQoL and Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grading of angina severity correlate among coronary artery disease patients during 12-month follow-up.

Methods

Altogether 1 271 patients scheduled for coronary angiography between June 2015 and February 2017 returned the 15D HRQoL and CCS questionnaires before angiography and after one-year follow-up as a part of routine clinical practice. Spearman correlations between one-year changes in the CCS and the 15D and its dimensions were evaluated. Changes in 15D were classified into 5 categories based on the reported minimal important difference (MID) for the instrument.

Results

Change in the CCS grade correlated moderately with the MID-based change in the 15D (r = 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.27–0.39). Correlations between these instruments were similar in different age groups, between sexes and treatment modalities. Of the individual 15D dimensions, changes in breathing (r = 0.40) and vitality (r = 0.30) had the strongest correlations with CCS change.

Conclusion

The symptom-based evaluation of the change in the CCS grade may not catch the full benefit or harm of the treatment and vice versa, a generic instrument, such as 15D, likely does not fully capture change in disease-specific symptoms. Thus, generic and disease-specific instruments are complementary and should be used in conjunction.

MYH7 Genotype–Phenotype Correlation in a Cohort of Finnish Patients

Cardiomyopathies (CMPs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases, frequently genetic, affecting the heart muscle. The symptoms range from asymptomatic to dyspnea, arrhythmias, syncope, and sudden cardiac death. This study is focused on MYH7 (beta-myosin heavy chain), as this gene is commonly mutated in cardiomyopathy patients. Due to the high combined prevalence of MYH7 variants and severe health outcomes, it is one of the most frequently tested genes in clinical settings. We analyzed the clinical presentation and natural history of 48 patients with MYH7-related cardiomyopathy belonging to a cohort from a tertiary center at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland. We made special reference to three age subgroups (0–1, 1–12, and >12 years). Our results characterize a clinically significant MYH7 cohort, emphasizing the high variability of the CMP phenotype depending on age. We observed a subgroup of infants (0–1 years) with MYH7 associated severe DCM phenotype. We further demonstrate that patients under the age of 12 years have a similar symptom burden compared to older patients.

Maternal mortality due to valvular heart disease: a population-based study in Turkey

BACKGROUND/AIM

To assess the clinical and demographic features of maternal mortality cases among patients with cardiac valvular diseases between 2012 and 2019.

METHODS

Maternal mortality due to valvular heart disease between January 2012 and December 2019 in Turkey was retrospectively analyzed. The cases were classified according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification based on the severity of the heart disease. NYHA classification groups were divided into two; as class I-II (n = 34) and class III-IV (n = 31). Two groups were compared in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

Valvular heart disease was diagnosed in 41 (63.1%) of the cases before pregnancy. It was found that 100% (n = 21) of the warfarin users had switched to low molecular weight heparin treatment due to concerns about warfarin embryopathy after the diagnosis of pregnancy, and only 14.2% (n = 3) of them had been monitorized with Antifactor Xa activity to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. Two NYHA groups had similar clinical characteristics. Intensive care unit admission rate, frequency of prosthetic valve, rate of thromboprophylaxis, type of valvular disease and reasons of maternal death were similar between the NYHA groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Maternal mortality may be observed in cases with NYHA class I-II in almost similar rates with NYHA class III-IV. Therefore, it is crucial to adequately assess the mortality risk of pregnant women with cardiac valvular pathologies and to achieve early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in order to reduce maternal mortality.

The predictive utility of functional status at discharge: a population-level cohort analysis

Background

Functional status is a patient-important, patient-centered measurement. The utility of functional status measures to inform post-discharge patient needs is unknown. We sought to examine the utility of routinely collected functional status measures gathered from older hospitalized patients to predict a panel of post-discharge outcomes.

Methods

In this population-based retrospective cohort study, Adults 65+ discharged from an acute hospitalization between 4 November 2008 and 18 March 2016 in Ontario, Canada and received an assessment of functional status at discharge using the Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care tool were included. Multivariable regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between functional status and emergency department (ED) re-presentation, hospital readmission, long term care facility (LTCF) admission or wait listing (‘LTCF readiness’), and death at 180 days from discharge.

Results

A total of 80 020 discharges were included. 38 928 (48.6%) re-presented to the ED, 24 222 (30.3%) were re-admitted, 5 037 (6.3%) were LTCF ready, and 9 047 (11.3%) died at 180 days. Beyond age, diminished functional status at discharge was the factor most associated with LTCF readiness (adjusted Odds Ratio [OR] 4.11 for those who are completely dependent for activities of daily living compared to those who are independent; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 3.70-4.57) and death (OR 3.99; 95% CI: 3.67-4.35). Functional status also had a graded relationship with each outcome and improved the discriminability of the models predicting death and LTCF readiness (p<0.01) but not ED re-presentation or hospital re-admission.

Conclusion

Routinely collected functional status at discharge meaningfully improves the prediction of long term care home readiness and death. The routine assessment of functional status can inform post-discharge care and planning for older adults.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02652-6.

Testing of a health-related quality of life model in patients with heart failure: A cross-sectional, correlational study

Psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and behavioral factors can affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through different pathways, but the relationships have not been fully tested in prior theoretical models. The purpose of this study was to examine direct and indirect relationships of demographic (age), biological/physiological (comorbidity), psychological (depressive symptoms), social (social support), physical (physical symptoms and functional status), and behavioral (dietary sodium adherence) factors to HRQOL. Data from 358 patients with heart failure were analyzed using structural equation modeling. There was a good model fit: Chi-square = 5.488, p = .241, RMSEA = .032, CFI = .998, TLI = .985, and SRMR = .018. Psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and demographic factors were directly and indirectly associated, while behavioral and biological/physiological factors were indirectly associated with HRQOL through different pathways. Behavioral factors need to be included, and psychological factors and physical factors need to be separated in theoretical models of HRQOL.

Prognostic Significance of Initial r-Wave in Leads V1 and aVR Before PTSMA in Patients with Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy

Objective

Percutaneous transluminal septal myocardial ablation (PTSMA) is one of the septal reduction therapies without all satisfactory results in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) patients. Initial r-wave in leads V1 and aVR on the surface electrocardiography is the sign of ventricular septal base depolarization. Whether the initial r-wave in leads V1 and aVR is predictive of good mid-term response to PTSMA in patients with HOCM remains unknown.

Design, Settings, and Participants

Among 546 consecutive patients evaluated in Fuwai Hospital (Beijing, China), we selected HOCM patients who underwent PTSMA. During the 3-year follow-up after PTSMA, primary outcomes included death, surgical myectomy, syncope, and NYHA classification III/IV.

Results

At last, 85 patients were selected, and were assigned to 3 groups based on the presence of initial r-wave in leads V1 and aVR. Through multivariable Cox and Kaplan–Meier method, patients with initial r-wave in both leads V1 and aVR were independently associated with a decreased risk of primary outcomes (HR: 0.112; 95% CI: 0.024 to 0.518; p = 0.005) during 3-years’ follow-up.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the presence of initial r-wave in both leads V1 and aVR on the surface 12-lead ECG is highly predictive of good mid-term response to PTSMA in patients with HOCM.

Effect of High-Flow Oxygen Therapy vs Conventional Oxygen Therapy on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Clinical Recovery in Patients With Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The effect of high-flow oxygen therapy vs conventional oxygen therapy has not been established in the setting of severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula compared with conventional oxygen therapy on need for endotracheal intubation and clinical recovery in severe COVID-19.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized, open-label clinical trial conducted in emergency and intensive care units in 3 hospitals in Colombia. A total of 220 adults with respiratory distress and a ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen of less than 200 due to COVID-19 were randomized from August 2020 to January 2021, with last follow-up on February 10, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula (n = 109) or conventional oxygen therapy (n = 111).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The co-primary outcomes were need for intubation and time to clinical recovery until day 28 as assessed by a 7-category ordinal scale (range, 1-7, with higher scores indicating a worse condition). Effects of treatments were calculated with a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for hypoxemia severity, age, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 220 randomized patients, 199 were included in the analysis (median age, 60 years; n = 65 women [32.7%]). Intubation occurred in 34 (34.3%) randomized to high-flow oxygen therapy and in 51 (51.0%) randomized to conventional oxygen therapy (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.96; P = .03). The median time to clinical recovery within 28 days was 11 (IQR, 9-14) days in patients randomized to high-flow oxygen therapy vs 14 (IQR, 11-19) days in those randomized to conventional oxygen therapy (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.00-1.92; P = .047). Suspected bacterial pneumonia occurred in 13 patients (13.1%) randomized to high-flow oxygen and in 17 (17.0%) of those randomized to conventional oxygen therapy, while bacteremia was detected in 7 (7.1%) vs 11 (11.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with severe COVID-19, use of high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula significantly decreased need for mechanical ventilation support and time to clinical recovery compared with conventional low-flow oxygen therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04609462.

Effect of High-Flow Oxygen Therapy vs Conventional Oxygen Therapy on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation and Clinical Recovery in Patients With Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The effect of high-flow oxygen therapy vs conventional oxygen therapy has not been established in the setting of severe COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula compared with conventional oxygen therapy on need for endotracheal intubation and clinical recovery in severe COVID-19.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized, open-label clinical trial conducted in emergency and intensive care units in 3 hospitals in Colombia. A total of 220 adults with respiratory distress and a ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen of less than 200 due to COVID-19 were randomized from August 2020 to January 2021, with last follow-up on February 10, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula (n = 109) or conventional oxygen therapy (n = 111).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The co-primary outcomes were need for intubation and time to clinical recovery until day 28 as assessed by a 7-category ordinal scale (range, 1-7, with higher scores indicating a worse condition). Effects of treatments were calculated with a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for hypoxemia severity, age, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 220 randomized patients, 199 were included in the analysis (median age, 60 years; n = 65 women [32.7%]). Intubation occurred in 34 (34.3%) randomized to high-flow oxygen therapy and in 51 (51.0%) randomized to conventional oxygen therapy (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.96; P = .03). The median time to clinical recovery within 28 days was 11 (IQR, 9-14) days in patients randomized to high-flow oxygen therapy vs 14 (IQR, 11-19) days in those randomized to conventional oxygen therapy (hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.00-1.92; P = .047). Suspected bacterial pneumonia occurred in 13 patients (13.1%) randomized to high-flow oxygen and in 17 (17.0%) of those randomized to conventional oxygen therapy, while bacteremia was detected in 7 (7.1%) vs 11 (11.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with severe COVID-19, use of high-flow oxygen through a nasal cannula significantly decreased need for mechanical ventilation support and time to clinical recovery compared with conventional low-flow oxygen therapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04609462.

Clustering based on comorbidities in patients with chronic heart failure: an illustration of clinical diversity

Aims

It is increasingly recognized that the presence of comorbidities substantially contributes to the disease burden in patients with heart failure (HF). Several reports have suggested that clustering of comorbidities can lead to improved characterization of the disease phenotypes, which may influence management of the individual patient. Therefore, we aimed to cluster patients with HF based on medical comorbidities and their treatment and, subsequently, compare the clinical characteristics between these clusters.

Methods and results

A total of 603 patients with HF entering an outpatient HF rehabilitation programme were included [median age 65 years (interquartile range 56–71), 57% ischaemic origin of cardiomyopathy, and left ventricular ejection fraction 35% (26–45)]. Exercise performance, daily life activities, disease‐specific health status, coping styles, and personality traits were assessed. In addition, the presence of 12 clinically relevant comorbidities was recorded, based on targeted diagnostics combined with applicable pharmacotherapies. Self‐organizing maps (SOMs; www.viscovery.net) were used to visualize clusters, generated by using a hybrid algorithm that applies the classical hierarchical cluster method of Ward on top of the SOM topology. Five clusters were identified: (1) a least comorbidities cluster; (2) a cachectic/implosive cluster; (3) a metabolic diabetes cluster; (4) a metabolic renal cluster; and (5) a psychologic cluster. Exercise performance, daily life activities, disease‐specific health status, coping styles, personality traits, and number of comorbidities were significantly different between these clusters.

Conclusions

Distinct combinations of comorbidities could be identified in patients with HF. Therapy may be tailored based on these clusters as next step towards precision medicine. The effect of such an approach needs to be prospectively tested.