Predictors of postdischarge outcomes from information acquired shortly after admission for acute heart failure: a report from the Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study of the Selective A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist Rolofylline for Patients Hospitalized With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Volume Overload to Assess Treatment Effect on Congestion and Renal Function (PROTECT) Study

Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of Patients Hospitalized for Acute Heart Failure Who Develop Atrial Fibrillation or Convert to Sinus Rhythm

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in acute heart failure (AHF), with a prevalence of approximately 35%. However, little is known about the clinical characteristics and outcomes of in-hospital conversion from AF to sinus rhythm and vice versa.

METHODS

In a post hoc secondary analysis of the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled PROTECT trial in patients with AHF, we identified 4 groups of patients: AF at admission and in-hospital conversion to sinus rhythm (n = 44); in-hospital development of AF (n = 31); persistent AF (n = 278); and continuous sinus rhythm (n = 410).

RESULTS

Conversion from AF to sinus rhythm (13.7%) and from sinus rhythm to AF (7.0%) occurred only in a minority of patients. Patients with AF who converted to sinus rhythm were more often classified as being in New York Heart Association class IV, had higher heart rates and higher respiratory rates at hospital admission, whereas patients who developed AF were older, more likely to be female and had the highest ejection fractions compared to continuous sinus rhythm (all P < 0.05). Conversion to sinus rhythm or development of AF occurred mainly within the first 24 hours after hospital admission. Patients with persistent AF and those who developed AF had longer median lengths of hospital stay (8 vs 7 days; P < 0.001 and 9 vs 7 days; P < 0.001, respectively), compared to those with continuous sinus rhythm. In both univariable and multivariable analyses, there was no significant association between the AF groups and the primary clinical outcomes of either 180-day all-cause mortality or 60-day death or readmission for heart failure.

CONCLUSION

In patients hospitalized for AHF, only few converted from AF to sinus rhythm or sinus rhythm to AF. Although development of AF or persistent AF was associated with longer lengths of hospitalization, midterm mortality and readmission rates were similar in the groups.

Hypoalbuminaemia and heart failure: A practical review of current evidence

Hypoalbuminaemia (serum albumin levels ≤3.5 g/dl) is associated with poor outcomes among patients with heart failure (HF). This narrative review includes original articles and reviews published over the past 20 years and retrieved from PubMed using the following search terms (or their combination): 'heart failure', 'hypoalbuminaemia', 'heart failure with reduced ejection fraction', 'heart failure with preserved ejection fraction', 'all-cause mortality', 'in-hospital mortality', 'hospitalization', 'prognosis'. The aims of this review are to provide an overview on the prevalence of hypoalbuminaemia in HF, its impact on clinical outcomes, and potential mechanisms that may suggest future therapeutic strategies. Hypoalbuminaemia is frequent in HF patients, especially among the elderly. However, data about the exact epidemiology of hypoalbuminaemia are scant due to different definitions, and prevalence is estimated between 5% and 70% across the whole spectrum of ejection fraction. Current evidence points to hypoalbuminaemia as a marker of poor outcomes in HF, irrespective of the ejection fraction, and in other cardiovascular diseases. Among patients who suffered from acute coronary syndrome, those with hypoalbuminaemia had an increased risk of new-onset HF and in-hospital mortality. Albumin, however, might also play a role in the natural history of such diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. Whether albumin supplementation or nutritional support in general would be beneficial in improving clinical outcomes in HF is not completely clear and should be evaluated in adequately designed studies.

Predictors of heart failure readmission and all-cause mortality in patients with acute heart failure

BACKGROUND

Predischarge risk stratification of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) could facilitate tailored treatment and follow-up, however, simple scores to predict short-term risk for HF readmission or death are lacking.

METHODS

We sought to develop a congestion-focused risk score using data from a prospective, two-center observational study in adults hospitalized for AHF. Laboratory data were collected on admission. Patients underwent physical examination, 4-zone, and in a subset 8-zone, lung ultrasound (LUS), and echocardiography at baseline. A second LUS was performed before discharge in a subset of patients. The primary endpoint was the composite of HF hospitalization or all-cause death.

RESULTS

Among 350 patients (median age 75 years, 43% women), 88 participants (25%) were hospitalized or died within 90 days after discharge. A stepwise Cox regression model selected four significant independent predictors of the composite outcome, and each was assigned points proportional to its regression coefficient: NT-proBNP ≥2000 pg/mL (admission) (3 points), systolic blood pressure < 120 mmHg (baseline) (2 points), left atrial volume index ≥60 mL/m2 (baseline) (1 point) and ≥ 9 B-lines on predischarge 4-zone LUS (3 points). This risk score provided adequate risk discrimination for the composite outcome (HR 1.48 per 1 point increase, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-1.67, p < 0.001, C-statistic: 0.70). In a subset of patients with 8-zone LUS data (n = 176), results were similar (C-statistic: 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

A four-variable risk score integrating clinical, laboratory and ultrasound data may provide a simple approach for risk discrimination for 90-day adverse outcomes in patients with AHF if validated in future investigations.

Association of serum albumin with heart failure mortality with NYHA class IV in Chinese patients: Insights from PhysioNet database (version 1.3)

BACKGROUND

Studies have proved that low albumin level is associated with increased mortality in most diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and hepatic cirrhosis. However, the relationship between albumin and all-cause death in heart failure patients in China is still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the association between albumin level and 28-day mortality in Chinese hospitalized patients with NYHA IV heart failure.

METHODS

A total of 2008 Chinese patients were included. The correlation between serum albumin level and mortality was tested using a cox proportional hazards regression model. The smooth curve fitting was used to identify non-linear relationships between serum albumin and mortality. The Forest plot analysis was used to assess the association between albumin and 28-day mortality in different groups.

RESULTS

Compared with patients with NYHA II-III, patients with NYHA IV had lower albumin level and higher mortality within 28 days. The albumin on admission was independently and inversely associated with the endpoint risk, which remained significant (hazard ratio: 0.80; 95 % confidence interval: 0.66 to 0.96; p = 0.0196) after multivariable adjustment. The smooth curve fitting showed with the increase of albumin, the mortality within 28 days would decrease. A subgroup analysis found that the inverse association between the albumin level and risk of the mortality was consistent across the subgroup stratified by possible influence factors.

CONCLUSION

Serum albumin level is negatively associated with 28-day mortality in hospitalized heart failure patients within NYHA IV in China, which can be used as an independent predictor.

Patient Selection and End Point Definitions for Decongestion Studies in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Part 1

Despite recent advances in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure, acute decompensated heart failure remains associated with significant mortality and morbidity because many novel therapies have failed to demonstrate meaningful benefit. Persistent congestion in the setting of escalating diuretic therapy has been repeatedly shown to be a marker of poor prognosis and is currently being targeted by various emerging device-based therapies. Because these therapies inherently carry procedural risk, patient selection is key in the future trial design. However, it remains unclear which patients are at a higher risk of residual congestion or adverse outcomes despite maximally tolerated decongestive therapy. In the first part of this 2-part review, we aimed to outline patient risk factors and summarize current evidence for early recognition of high-risk profile for residual congestion and adverse outcomes. These factors are classified as relating to the following: (1) previous clinical course, (2) severity of congestion, (3) diuretic response, and (4) degree of renal impairment. We also aimed to provide an overview of key inclusion criteria in recent acute decompensated heart failure trials and investigational device studies and propose potential criteria for selection of high-risk patients in future trials.

2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" replaces the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" and the "2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure." The 2022 guideline is intended to provide patient-centric recommendations for clinicians to prevent, diagnose, and manage patients with heart failure.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2020 to December 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant clinical trials and research studies, published through September 2021, were also considered. This guideline was harmonized with other American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines published through December 2021. Structure: Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The 2022 heart failure guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with heart failure, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests. Many recommendations from the earlier heart failure guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data. Value statements are provided for certain treatments with high-quality published economic analyses.

2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure

AIM

The "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" replaces the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" and the "2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure." The 2022 guideline is intended to provide patient-centric recommendations for clinicians to prevent, diagnose, and manage patients with heart failure.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2020 to December 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant clinical trials and research studies, published through September 2021, were also considered. This guideline was harmonized with other American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines published through December 2021.

STRUCTURE

Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The 2022 heart failure guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with heart failure, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests. Many recommendations from the earlier heart failure guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data. Value statements are provided for certain treatments with high-quality published economic analyses.

Sex Differences in the Evaluation of Congestion Markers in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

The impact of sex on the assessment of congestion in acute heart failure (AHF) is still a matter of debate. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate sex differences in the evaluation of congestion at admission in patients hospitalized for AHF. We consecutively enrolled 494 AHF patients (252 female). Clinical congestion assessment, B-type natriuretic peptide levels analysis, blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr), plasma volume status estimate (by means of Duarte or Kaplam-Hakim PVS), and hydration status evaluation through bioimpedance analysis were performed. There was no difference in medications between men and women. Women were older (79 ± 9 yrs vs. 77 ± 10 yrs, p = 0.005), and had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (45 ± 11% vs. 38 ± 11%, p < 0.001), and lower creatinine clearance (42 ± 25 mL/min vs. 47 ± 26 mL/min, p = 0.04). The prevalence of peripheral oedema, orthopnoea, and jugular venous distention were not significantly different between women and men. BUN/Cr (27 ± 9 vs. 23 ± 13, p = 0.04) and plasma volume were higher in women than men (Duarte PVS: 6.0 ± 1.5 dL/g vs. 5.1 ± 1.5 dL/g, p < 0.001; Kaplam−Hakim PVS: 7.9 ± 13% vs. −7.3 ± 12%, p < 0.001). At multivariate logistic regression analysis, female sex was independently associated with BUN/Cr and PVS. Female sex was independently associated with subclinical biomarkers of congestion such as BUN/Cr and PVS in patients with AHF. A sex-guided approach to the correct evaluation of patients with AHF might become the cornerstone for the correct management of these patients.

Worsening renal function in acute heart failure in the context of diuretic response

Background

For patients with acute heart failure (AHF), substantial diuresis after administration of loop diuretics is generally associated with better clinical outcomes but may cause creatinine to rise, suggesting renal function decline. We investigated the interaction between diuretic response and worsening renal function (WRF) on clinical outcomes in patients with AHF.

Methods and results

In two AHF cohorts (PROTECT, n = 1698 and RELAX‐AHF‐2, n = 5586 in current analysis), the prognostic impact of WRF (creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dl increase baseline—day 4; sensitivity analyses incorporated baseline renal function) by diuretic response (kg weight loss/40 mg furosemide equivalent baseline—day 4) was investigated with regard to (cardiovascular) death or cardiovascular/renal hospitalization using subpopulation treatment effect pattern plots (STEPP) and survival analyses. WRF occurred in 286 (16.8%) and 1031 (18.5%) patients in PROTECT and RELAX‐AHF‐2, respectively. Patients with WRF had higher left ventricular ejection fraction and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at baseline (p < 0.05), and received higher doses of loop diuretics and had a worse diuretic response (p < 0.001). In patients with a poor diuretic response (≤0.35 kg weight loss/40 mg furosemide equivalent as identified by STEPP), WRF was associated with higher risk of (cardiovascular) death or cardiovascular/renal hospitalization (p < 0.001 both cohorts), but this was not the case for patients with a good diuretic response (p = 0.900 both cohorts).

Conclusion

In two large cohorts of patients with AHF, WRF in the first 4 days was not associated with worse outcomes when patients had a good diuretic response. The occurrence of WRF in patients with AHF should therefore be considered in the context of diuretic response.

A-lines and B-lines in patients with acute heart failure

AIMS

Lung ultrasound (LUS) relies on detecting artefacts, including A-lines and B-lines, when assessing dyspnoeic patients. A-lines are horizontal artefacts and characterize normal lung, whereas multiple vertical B-lines are associated with increased lung density. We sought to assess the prevalence of A-lines and B-lines in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and examine their clinical correlates and their relationship with outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a prospective cohort study of adults with AHF, eight-zone LUS and echocardiography were performed early during the hospitalization and pre-discharge at an imaging depth of 18 cm. A- and B-lines were analysed separately off-line, blinded to clinical and outcome data. Of 164 patients [median age 71 years, 61% men, mean ejection fraction (EF) 40%], the sum of A-lines at baseline ranged from 0 to 19 and B-line number from 0 to 36. One hundred and fifty-six patients (95%) had co-existing A-lines and B-lines at baseline. Lower body mass index and lower chest wall thickness were associated with a higher number of A-lines (P trend < 0.001 for both). In contrast to B-lines, there was no significant change in the number of A-lines from baseline to discharge (median 6 vs. 5, P = 0.80). While B-lines were associated with 90-day HF readmission or death, A-lines were not [HR 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-2.51 vs. HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.65-1.43].

CONCLUSIONS

A-lines and B-lines on LUS co-exist in the vast majority of hospitalized patients with AHF. In contrast to B-lines, A-lines were not associated with adverse outcomes.

Prognostic role of albumin level in heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hypoalbuminemia (HA) is common in HF, however, its pathophysiology and clinical implications are poorly understood. While multiple studies have been published in the past decade investigating the role of serum albumin in HF, there is still no consensus on the prognostic value of this widely available measure. The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic role of albumin in heart failure (HF) patient.

METHODS

Unrestricted searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane databases were performed. The results were screened for relevance and eligibility criteria. Relevant data were extracted and analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. The Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation test was utilized to evaluate for publication bias.

RESULTS

A total of 48 studies examining 44,048 patients with HF were analyzed. HA was found in 32% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.4%-37.4%) HF patients with marked heterogeneity (I2 = 98%). In 10 studies evaluating acute HF, in-hospital mortality was almost 4 times more likely in HA with an odds ratios (OR) of 3.77 (95% CI 1.96-7.23). HA was also associated with a significant increase in long-term mortality (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.36-1.64) especially at 1-year post-discharge (OR: 2.44; 95% CI: 2.05-2.91; I2 = 11%). Pooled area under the curve (AUC 0.73; 95% CI 0.67-0.78) was comparable to serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in predicting mortality in HF patients.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that HA is associated with significantly higher in-hospital mortality as well as long-term mortality with a predictive accuracy comparable to that reported for serum BNP. These findings suggest that serum albumin may be useful in determining high-risk patients.

The Additive Prognostic Value of Serial Plasma Interleukin-6 Levels over Changes in Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Elevated plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations are frequently observed in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). However, the predictive value of serial IL-6 measurements beyond brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) remains poorly characterized.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was a retrospective analysis of the PROTECT cohort (2033 patients with AHF). Plasma IL-6 and BNP levels were determined on days 1, 2, 7 and 14 after admission for AHF in 1591 (78.3%), 1462 (71.9%), 1445 (71.1%) and 1451 (71.4%) patients, respectively. The primary endpoint was 180-day all-cause mortality. The median day-1 IL-6 concentration was 11.1 pg/mL (IQR: 6.6, 20.9) and decreased to 10.1 pg/mL (IQR: 5.6-18.5) at day-7. Higher cross-sectional IL-6 concentrations at all time-points predicted the primary endpoint, independent of a risk model for this cohort and changes in BNP. Each doubling of IL-6 between day-1 and day-7 predicted the primary endpoint independent of baseline IL-6 concentrations, the risk model, baseline BNP and changes in BNP [HR (95% CI): 1.18 (1.07-1.30), p=0.0013]. Collectively, 214 (17%) patients experienced at least a doubling of their IL-6 concentrations between day-1 and day-7.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate that the temporal evolution patterns of IL-6 in patients with AHF have additive prognostic value independent of changes in BNP.

Prognostic Models Derived in PARADIGM-HF and Validated in ATMOSPHERE and the Swedish Heart Failure Registry to Predict Mortality and Morbidity in Chronic Heart Failure

Importance

Accurate prediction of risk of death or hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF) may allow physicians to explore how more accurate decisions regarding appropriateness and timing of disease-modifying treatments, advanced therapies, or the need for end-of-life care can be made.

Objective

To develop and validate a prognostic model for patients with HF.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multivariable analyses were performed in a stepwise fashion. Harrell C statistic was used to assess the discriminative ability. The derivation cohort was Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure trial (PARADIGM-HF) participants. The models were validated using the Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure Trial (ATMOSPHERE) study and in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry (SwedeHF). A total of 8399 participants enrolled in PARADIGM-HF. Data were analyzed between June 2016 and June 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, and the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization at both 1 and 2 years.

Results

Complete baseline clinical data were available for 8011 patients in PARADIGM-HF. The mean (SD) age of participants was 64 (11.4) years, 78.2% were men (n = 6567 of 8399), and 70.6% were New York Heart Association class II (n = 5919 of 8399). During a mean follow-up of 27 months, 1546 patients died, and 2031 had a cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization. The common variables were: male sex, race/ethnicity (black or Asian), region (Central Europe or Latin America), HF duration of more than 5 years, New York Heart Association class III/ IV, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes mellitus, β-blocker use at baseline, and allocation to sacubitril/valsartan. Ranked by χ2, N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide was the single most powerful independent predictor of each outcome. The C statistic at 1 and 2 years was 0.74 (95% CI, 0.71-0.76) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.70-0.73) for the primary composite end point, 0.73 (95% CI, 0.71-0.75) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.73) for cardiovascular death, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.67-0.74) for all-cause death, respectively. When validated in ATMOSPHERE, the C statistic at 1 and 2 years was 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.72) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68-0.71) for the primary composite end point, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.69-0.72) for cardiovascular death, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.74) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.68-0.72) for all-cause death, respectively. An online calculator was created to allow calculation of an individual's risk (http://www.predict-hf.com).

Conclusions and Relevance

Predictive models performed well and were developed and externally validated in large cohorts of geographically representative patients, comprehensively characterized with clinical and laboratory data including natriuretic peptides, who were receiving contemporary evidence-based treatment.

Implications of peripheral oedema in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a heart failure network analysis

AIMS

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous condition, and tissue congestion manifested by oedema is not present in all patients. We compared clinical characteristics, exercise capacity, and outcomes in patients with HFpEF with and without oedema.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study was a post hoc analysis of pooled data of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥50% enrolled in the DOSE, CARRESS-HF, RELAX, ATHENA, ROSE, INDIE, and NEAT trials. Patients were dichotomized by the severity of oedema. Cox proportional hazard regression and generalized linear regression models were used to assess associations between oedema, symptoms, and clinical outcomes. The ambulatory cohort included 393 patients (228 with and 165 without oedema), and the hospitalized cohort included 338 patients (249 with ≥moderate oedema and 89 with mild or none). Among ambulatory patients, patients with oedema had a higher body mass index (35.2 kg/m² [inter-quartile range, IQR 30.5, 41.6] vs. 31.6 kg/m² [IQR 27.9, 36.3], P < 0.001), greater burden of co-morbidities, higher intravascular pressures estimated on physical examination (elevated jugular venous pressure: 50% vs. 24.7%, P < 0.001), poorer renal function (creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL [IQR 0.9, 1.5] vs. 1 mg/dL [IQR 0.8, 1.3], P = 0.003), and lower peak VO₂ (adjusted mean difference -1.04 mL/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [-1.71, -0.37], P < 0.003). Among hospitalized patients, despite greater in-hospital fluid/weight loss in the ≥moderate oedema group, there was no difference in the improvement in dyspnoea by the visual analogue scale or well-being visual analogue scale from baseline to 3-4 days and no statistically significant difference in the rate of 60 day rehospitalization/death (adjusted hazard ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval [0.87, 2.39], P = 0.156).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HFpEF and oedema display higher body mass, greater burden of co-morbidities, and more severe exercise intolerance, but clinical responses to treatment appear similar. Further research is required to better understand the nature of volume distribution in different HFpEF phenotypes.

An 18-month comparison of clinical outcomes between continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to determine the comparative outcomes of patients supported with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs): HeartMate 2 (HM2), HeartWare (HW) and HeartMate 3 (HM3) in a real-world setting.

METHODS

The study was an investigator-initiated comparative retrospective analysis of patients who underwent continuous-flow LVAD implantation at our institution between 2008 and 2017. The follow-up duration was 18 months after implantation.

RESULTS

The study included 105 continuous-flow LVAD-supported patients of whom 51% (n = 54), 24% (25) and 25% (26) underwent implantation of HM2, HW and HM3, respectively. During follow-up, patients who were supported with HM3 versus either HM2 or HW LVADs demonstrated a lower risk of stroke (0% vs 26%, P < 0.001 and 0% vs 40%, P < 0.001, respectively) and lower rates of thrombosis (0% vs 31%, P < 0.001 and 0% vs 12%, P < 0.001, respectively), findings that were consistent with their calculated haemocompatibility scores (cumulative score 5, 89 and 56 for HM3, HM2 and HW, respectively, P < 0.001). Moreover, patients supported with HM3 versus HW had fewer unplanned hospitalizations [median 1 (25th-75th interquartile range 0-2) vs 3 (interquartile range 2-4), P = 0.012]. Importantly, survival free from stroke or device exchange was higher in patients supported with HM3 compared with either the HM2 or the HW LVADs [hazard ratio (HR) 2.77, confidence interval (CI) 1.13-6.78; P = 0.026 and HR 2.70, CI 1.01-7.20; P = 0.047, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

HM3 device currently presents better prognostic and adverse events profiles when compared with the HM2 or the HW LVADs. A larger-scale head-to-head comparison between the devices is warranted in order to confirm our findings.

Lung Ultrasound in Acute Heart Failure: Prevalence of Pulmonary Congestion and Short- and Long-Term Outcomes

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the prevalence, changes in, and prognostic importance of B-lines, a pulmonary congestion measure by using a simplified lung ultrasonography (LUS) method in acute heart failure (AHF).

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary congestion is an important finding in AHF, but conventional methods for its detection are insensitive.

METHODS

In a 2-site, prospective, observational study, 4-zone LUS was performed early during hospitalization for AHF (LUS1) and at discharge (LUS2). B-lines were quantified off-line, blinded to clinical findings and outcomes, by a core laboratory.

RESULTS

Among 349 patients (median, 75 years of age; 59% men; mean ejection fraction 39%), the sum of B-lines in 4 zones ranged from 0 to 18 (LUS1). The risk of an adverse in-hospital event increased with rising number of B-lines on LUS1: the odds ratio for each B-line tertile was 1.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 to 2.88; p = 0.011). B-line count decreased from a median of 6 (LUS1) to 4 (LUS2; p < 0.001) over 6 days (median). In 132 patients with LUS2 images, the risk of HF hospitalization or all-cause death was greater in patients with a higher number of B-lines at discharge. This relationship was stronger closer to discharge: unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) at 60 days was 3.30 (95% CI: 1.52 to 7.17; p = 0.002); 2.94 at 90 days (95% CI: 1.46 to 5.93; p = 0.003); and 2.01 at 180 days (95% CI: 1.11 to 3.64; p = 0.021). The association between number of B-lines and short- and long-term outcomes persisted after adjusting for important clinical variables, including N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary congestion using a simplified 4-zone LUS method was common in patients with AHF and improved with therapy. A higher number of B-lines at baseline and discharge identified patients at increased risk for adverse events.

[Does hypoalbuminemia contribute to the worsening of heart failure?]

BACKGROUND

Hypoalbuminemia has now emerged as a powerful prognosticator in heart failure regardless of age, clinical presentation, left ventricular ejection fraction and usual prognostic markers. Growing evidence is that this prognostic value persists after adjusting for causative factors for hypoalbuminemia such as malnutrition, inflammation and liver dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

To address the prognostic relevance of hypoalbuminemia in frail elderly patients with well-characterized cardiogenic pulmonary edema at high risk for adverse outcome, beyond causative factors for low serum albumin levels. Serum albumin was measured after clinical stabilization to avoid hypervolemia.

RESULTS

In all, 67 patients with a mean age of 86 years were included. Hospital mortality was 30%. Patients who died and who survived were similar in age, ejection fraction, BNP concentration, serum creatinine, serum hemoglobin, total bilirubin and prealbumin. Patients who died had lower serum albumin levels (P<0.001), higher blood urea nitrogen (P=0.03) and higher C-reactive protein (P=0.02). In multivariate analysis, serum albumin was the sole independent predictor of hospital death (P<0.01), after adjusting for malnutrition (prealbumin P=ns), inflammation (C-reactive protein P=ns) and liver dysfunction (total bilirubin P=ns).

CONCLUSION

Serum albumin is a powerful prognosticator in frail elderly patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema even after adjusting for main causative factors. These results suggest that hypoalbuminemia may contribute to the worsening of heart failure given the physiological properties of serum albumin that includes antioxidant activity and plasma colloid osmotic pressure action. Further studies are critically needed to address the relevance of prevention and correction of hypoalbuminemia in heart failure.

Serum albumin and cardiovascular disease: State-of-the-art review

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Conceptually, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory conditions and oxidative stress are at the forefront of the onset and development of most cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease and heart failure. Serum albumin has many physiological properties, including in particular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and anti-platelet aggregation activity. It also plays an essential role in the exchange of fluids across the capillary membrane. Hypoalbuminemia is a powerful prognostic marker in the general population as well as in many disease states. In the more specific context of cardiovascular disease, low serum albumin is independently associated with the development of various deleterious conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and venous thromboembolism. Low serum albumin has also emerged as a potent prognostic parameter in patients with cardiovascular disease regardless of usual prognostic markers. Remarkably, its potent prognostic value persists after adjusting for causative confounders such as malnutrition and inflammation. This prognostic value probably refers primarily to the syndrome of malnutrition-inflammation and the severity of comorbidities. Nevertheless, several recent meta-analyses strongly support the hypothesis that hypoalbuminemia may act as an unrecognized, potentially modifiable risk factor contributing to the emergence and progression of cardiovascular disease, primarily by exacerbating oxidative stress, inflammation and platelet aggregation, and by favouring peripheral congestion and pulmonary edema. Currently, it is unknown whether prevention and correction of low serum albumin offers a benefit to patients with or at risk for cardiovascular disease, and further studies are critically needed in this setting.

Predicting High-Risk Patients and High-Risk Outcomes in Heart Failure

Identifying patients with heart failure at high risk for poor outcomes is important for patient care, resource allocation, and process improvement. Although numerous risk models exist to predict mortality, hospitalization, and patient-reported health status, they are infrequently used for several reasons, including modest performance, lack of evidence to support routine clinical use, and barriers to implementation. Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance the performance of risk prediction models, but has its own limitations and remains unproved.

Suppression tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) turbidimetric immunoassay compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in predicting survival in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) is a powerful marker of prognosis and treatment response in heart failure (HF), however, it is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which may be cumbersome and costly. A turbidimetric immunoassay (TIA) that can run on common chemistry analyzers could overcome this. We studied a novel TIA for ST2, comparing it to commercial ST2 (ELISA).

METHODS

Patients age ≥ 18 years meeting Framingham definition for HF were enrolled in a prospective registry (Oct 2007 - March 2015) at Henry Ford Hospital and donated blood samples. Participants with reduced ejection fraction (<50%) and available plasma samples were included and valid ST2 measurements were obtained on the same sample using both TIA and ELISA (N = 721). The primary endpoint was all cause death. Correlation between the methods was quantified. The association with survival was tested using unadjusted and adjusted (for MAGGIC score and NTproBNP) Cox models and comparing the Area Under the Curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The inter-assay Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.77. Nonparametric regression showed no significant proportional difference (slope = 0.97) and a very small systematic difference (3.2 ng/mL). In univariate analyses, both TIA and ELISA ST2 were significant associates of survival with similar effect sizes (HR 4.46 and 3.50, respectively, both p < 0.001). In models adjusted for MAGGIC score, both ST2 remained significant in Cox models and incrementally improved AUC vs. MAGGIC alone (MAGGIC AUC = 0.757; TIA + MAGGIC AUC = 0.786, p = 0.025; ELISA + MAGGIC AUC = 0.793, p = 0.033). In models with both MAGGIC and NTproBNP included, both ST2 still remained significant but did not improve AUC.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel TIA method for ST2 quantification correlates highly with ELISA and offers similarly powerful risk-stratification.

Impact of diabetes mellitus on mortality in patients with acute heart failure: a prospective cohort study

Background

Although more than one-third of the patients with acute heart failure (AHF) have diabetes mellitus (DM), it is unclear if DM has an adverse impact on clinical outcomes. This study compared the outcomes in patients hospitalized for AHF stratified by DM and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

Methods

The Korean Acute Heart Failure registry prospectively enrolled and followed 5625 patients from March 2011 to February 2019. The primary endpoints were in-hospital and overall all-cause mortality. We evaluated the impact of DM on these endpoints according to HF subtypes and glycemic control.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.5 years, there were 235 (4.4%) in-hospital mortalities and 2500 (46.3%) overall mortalities. DM was significantly associated with increased overall mortality after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–1.22). In the subgroup analysis, DM was associated with higher a risk of overall mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) only (adjusted HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02–1.27). Inadequate glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.0% within 1 year after discharge) was significantly associated with a higher risk of overall mortality compared with adequate glycemic control (HbA1c < 7.0%) (44.0% vs. 36.8%, log-rank p = 0.016).

Conclusions

DM is associated with a higher risk of overall mortality in AHF, especially HFrEF. Well-controlled diabetes (HbA1c < 7.0%) is associated with a lower risk of overall mortality compared to uncontrolled diabetes.

Trial registration ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT01389843. Registered July 6, 2011. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01389843

Association between depression and readmission of heart failure: A national representative database study

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a recognized predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor quality of life, functional limitation, increased morbidity and mortality, decreased adherence to treatment, and increased rehospitalization. To understand the impact of depression on HF readmission, we conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) 2010-2014.

METHODS

We identified all patients with the primary discharge diagnosis of HF by ICD-9-CM codes. The primary outcome of the study was to identify 30-day all-cause readmission and causes of readmission in patients with and without depression. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio for the primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Among, 3,500,570 patients admitted with HF, 9.7% had concomitant depression. Patients with depression were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days (19.7% vs. 18.5%; P < 0.001). Concomitant depression was associated with higher risk of all-cause readmissions within 30 days and 90 days [P < 0.001] but was not associated with increased readmissions due to cardiovascular (CV) cause at 30 days and 90 days. The hazard of psychiatric causes of readmission was higher in patients with depression, both at 30 days [P < 0.001], and 90 days [P < 0.001]. Most of the readmissions were due to CV causes, with HF being the most common cause.

CONCLUSION

Among patients hospitalized with HF, the presence of depression is associated with increased all-cause readmission driven mainly by psychiatric causes but not CV-related readmission. Standard interventions targeted toward HF are unlikely to modify this portion of all-cause readmission.

Clinical value of pre-discharge bio-adrenomedullin as a marker of residual congestion and high risk of heart failure hospital readmission

AIMS

Recently, bio-adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) was proposed as a congestion marker in heart failure (HF). In the present study, we aimed to study whether bio-ADM levels at discharge from a hospital admission for worsening HF could provide additional information on (residual) congestion status, diuretic dose titration and clinical outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Plasma bio-ADM was measured in 1236 acute HF patients in the PROTECT trial at day 7 or discharge. Median discharge bio-ADM was 33.7 [21.5-61.5] pg/mL. Patients with higher discharge bio-ADM levels were hospitalised longer, had higher brain natriuretic peptide levels, and poorer diuretic response (all P < 0.001). Bio-ADM was the strongest predictor of discharge residual congestion (clinical congestion score > 3) (odds ratio 4.35, 95% confidence interval 3.37-5.62; P < 0.001). Oedema at discharge was one of the strongest predictors of discharge bio-ADM (β = 0.218; P < 0.001). Higher discharge loop diuretic doses were associated with a poorer diuretic response during hospitalisation (β = 0.187; P < 0.001) and higher bio-ADM levels (β = 0.084; P = 0.020). High discharge bio-ADM levels combined with higher use of loop diuretics were independently associated with a greater risk of 60-day HF rehospitalisation (hazard ratio 4.02, 95% confidence interval 2.23-7.26; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In hospitalised HF patients, elevated pre-discharge bio-ADM levels were associated with higher discharge loop diuretic doses and reflected residual congestion. Patients with combined higher bio-ADM levels and higher loop diuretic use at discharge had an increased risk of rehospitalisation. Assessment of discharge bio-ADM levels may be a readily applicable marker to identify patients with residual congestion at higher risk of early hospital readmission.

Risk Prediction in Transition: MAGGIC Score Performance at Discharge and Incremental Utility of Natriuretic Peptides

BACKGROUND

Risk stratification for hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) remains a critical need. The Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) score is a robust model derived from patients with ambulatory HF. Its validity at the time of discharge and the incremental value of natriuretic peptides (NPs) in this setting is unclear.

METHODS

This was a single-center study examining a total of 4138 patients with HF from 2 groups; hospital discharge patients from administrative data (n = 2503, 60.5%) and a prospective registry of patients with ambulatory HF (n = 1635, 39.5%). The ambulatory registry patients underwent N-terminal pro-B-type NP (BNP) measurement at enrollment, and in the hospitalize discharge cohort clinical BNP levels were abstracted. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality within 1 year. MAGGIC score performance was compared between cohorts utilizing Cox regression and calibration plots. The incremental value of NPs was assessed using calculated area under the curve and net reclassification improvement (NRI).

RESULTS

The hospitalized and ambulatory cohorts differed with respect to primary outcome (777 and 100 deaths, respectively), sex (52.1% vs 41.7% female) and race (35% vs 49.5% African American). The MAGGIC score showed poor discrimination of mortality risk in the hospital discharge (C statistic: 0.668, hazard ratio [HR]: 1.1 per point, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.652, 0.684) but fair discrimination in the ambulatory cohorts (C statistic: 0.784, HR: 1.16 per point, 95% CI: 0.74, 0.83), respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P = .001 for C statistic, 0.002 for HR). Calibration assessment indicated that the slope and intercept (of MAGGIC-predicted to observed mortality) did not statistically differ from ideal in either cohort and did not differ between the cohorts (all P > .1). NP levels did not significantly improve prediction in the hospitalized cohort (P = .127) but did in the ambulatory cohort (C statistic: 0.784 [95% CI: 0.74, 0.83] vs 0.82 [95% CI: 0.78, 0.85]; P = .018) with a favorable NRI of 0.354 (95% CI: 0.202-0.469; P = .002).

CONCLUSION

The MAGGIC score showed poor discrimination when used in patients with HF at hospital discharge, which was inferior to its performance in patients with ambulatory HF. Discrimination within the hospital discharge group was not improved by including hospital NP levels.

Prognostic Significance of Creatinine Increases During an Acute Heart Failure Admission in Patients With and Without Residual Congestion: A Post Hoc Analysis of the PROTECT Data

BACKGROUND

The importance of a serum creatinine increase, traditionally considered worsening renal function (WRF), during admission for acute heart failure has been recently debated, with data suggesting an interaction between congestion and creatinine changes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In post hoc analyses, we analyzed the association of WRF with length of hospital stay, 30-day death or cardiovascular/renal readmission and 90-day mortality in the PROTECT study (Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study of the Selective A1 Adenosine Receptor Antagonist Rolofylline for Patients Hospitalized With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Volume Overload to Assess Treatment Effect on Congestion and Renal Function). Daily creatinine changes from baseline were categorized as WRF (an increase of 0.3 mg/dL or more) or not. Daily congestion scores were computed by summing scores for orthopnea, edema, and jugular venous pressure. Of the 2033 total patients randomized, 1537 patients had both available at study day 14. Length of hospital stay was longer and 30-day cardiovascular/renal readmission or death more common in patients with WRF. However, these were driven by significant associations in patients with concomitant congestion at the time of assessment of renal function. The mean difference in length of hospital stay because of WRF was 3.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.29-5.73) more days (P=0.0019), and the hazard ratio for WRF on 30-day death or heart failure hospitalization was 1.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.09) times higher (P=0.0205), in significantly congested than nonsignificantly congested patients. A similar trend was observed with 90-day mortality although not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients admitted for acute heart failure, WRF defined as a creatinine increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL was associated with longer length of hospital stay, and worse 30- and 90-day outcomes. However, effects were largely driven by patients who had residual congestion at the time of renal function assessment.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT00328692 and NCT00354458.

Clinical factors related to morbidity and mortality in high-risk heart failure patients: the GUIDE-IT predictive model and risk score

BACKGROUND

Most heart failure (HF) risk scores have been derived from cohorts of stable HF patients and may not incorporate up to date treatment regimens or deep phenotype characterization that change baseline risk over the short- and long-term follow-up period. We undertook the current analysis of participants in the GUIDE-IT (Guiding Evidence-Based Therapy Using Biomarker Intensified Treatment) trial to address these limitations.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The GUIDE-IT study randomized 894 high-risk patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (≤ 40%) to biomarker-guided treatment strategy vs. usual care. We performed risk modelling using Cox proportional hazards models and analysed the relationship between 35 baseline clinical factors and the primary composite endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) death or HF hospitalization, the secondary endpoint of all-cause mortality, and the exploratory endpoint of 90-day HF hospitalization or death. Prognostic relationships for continuous variables were examined and key predictors were identified using a backward variable selection process. Predictive models and risk scores were developed. Over a median follow-up of 15 months, the cumulative number of HF hospitalizations and CV deaths was 328 out of 894 patients (Kaplan-Meier event rate 34.5% at 12 months). Frequency of all-cause deaths was 143 out of 894 patients (Kaplan-Meier event rate 12.2% at 12 months). Outcomes for the primary and secondary endpoints between strategy arms of the study were similar. The most important predictor that was present in all three models was the baseline natriuretic peptide level. Hispanic ethnicity, low sodium and high heart rate were present in two of the three models. Other important predictors included the presence or absence of a device, New York Heart Association class, HF duration, black race, co-morbidities (sleep apnoea, elevated creatinine, ischaemic heart disease), low blood pressure, and a high congestion score.

CONCLUSION

Risk models using readily available clinical information are able to accurately predict short- and long-term CV events and may be useful in optimizing care and enriching patients for clinical trials.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov ID number NCT01685840.

The role of intestinal microbiota in cardiovascular disease

Accumulating evidence has indicated that intestinal microbiota is involved in the development of various human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). In the recent years, both human and animal experiments have revealed that alterations in the composition and function of intestinal flora, recognized as gut microflora dysbiosis, can accelerate the progression of CVDs. Moreover, intestinal flora metabolizes the diet ingested by the host into a series of metabolites, including trimethylamine N-oxide, short chain fatty acids, secondary bile acid and indoxyl sulfate, which affects the host physiological processes by activation of numerous signalling pathways. The aim of this review was to summarize the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of CVDs, including coronary artery disease, hypertension and heart failure, which may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for CVD that involve interfering with the composition, function and metabolites of the intestinal flora.

Relation of Volume Overload to Clinical Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure (From ASCEND-HF)

We aimed to study whether jugular venous distension (JVD) and peripheral edema were associated with worse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure in the Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure trial. Of 7,141 patients in Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure, 7,135 had complete data on baseline JVD and peripheral edema status. Patients were grouped according to baseline examination findings: (1) no JVD or peripheral edema; (2) JVD only; (3) peripheral edema only; (4) JVD and peripheral edema. We used unadjusted and adjusted logistic or Cox regression analyses to assess associations between groups and the outcomes of index length of stay (LOS), in-hospital mortality, 30- and 180-day all-cause mortality. Patients with peripheral edema (Groups 3 and 4) had higher body mass index, NT-proBNP and BNP values, and more co-morbid disease, and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction compared with patients in Groups 1-2. The median (25th-75th) LOS for Groups 1-4 was 6 (4-9), 5 (4-8), 7 (4-11), and 6 days (4-10), respectively. For the 30-day and 180-day outcomes, adjusted analyses found no significant difference in risk for patients presenting with JVD only or peripheral edema only as compared with patients without evidence of JVD or peripheral edema (p >0.05 for all). The presence of both JVD and peripheral edema was associated with an adjusted 24% increase in risk for all-cause mortality at 30 days, but no risk difference at 180 days. In conclusion, in patients with heart failure presenting to the hospital with dyspnea, the presence of peripheral edema is associated with a longer hospital LOS, but no difference in short- and long-term clinical outcomes when compared with patients wihout peripheral edema. The combination of peripheral edema and JVD identifies the highest risk cohort for poor clinical outcomes.

Mode of presentation and mortality amongst patients hospitalized with heart failure? A report from the First Euro Heart Failure Survey

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is heterogeneous in aetiology, pathophysiology, and presentation. Despite this diversity, clinical trials of patients hospitalized for HF deal with this problem as a single entity, which may be one reason for repeated failures.

METHODS

The first EuroHeart Failure Survey screened consecutive deaths and discharges of patients with suspected heart failure during 2000-2001. Patients were sorted into seven mutually exclusive hierarchical presentations: (1) with cardiac arrest/ventricular arrhythmia; (2) with acute coronary syndrome; (3) with rapid atrial fibrillation; (4) with acute breathlessness; (5) with other symptoms/signs such as peripheral oedema; (6) with stable symptoms; and (7) others in whom the contribution of HF to admission was not clear.

RESULTS

The 10,701 patients enrolled were classified into the above seven presentations as follows: 260 (2%), 560 (5%), 799 (8%), 2479 (24%), 1040 (10%), 703 (7%), and 4691 (45%) for which index-admission mortality was 26%, 20%, 10%, 8%, 6%, 6%, and 4%, respectively. Compared to those in group 7, the hazard ratios for death during the index admission were 4.9 (p ≤ 0.001), 4.0 (p < 0.001), 2.2 (p < 0.001), 2.1 (p < 0.001), 1.4 (p < 0.04) and 1.4 (p = 0.04), respectively. These differences were no longer statistically significant by 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

There is great diversity in the presentation of heart failure that is associated with very different short-term outcomes. Only a minority of hospitalizations associated with suspected heart failure are associated with acute breathlessness. This should be taken into account in the design of future clinical trials.

Critical Appraisal of Multivariable Prognostic Scores in Heart Failure: Development, Validation and Clinical Utility

Optimal management of heart failure requires accurate risk assessment. Many prognostic risk models have been proposed for patient with chronic and acute heart failure. Methodological critical issues are the data source, the outcome of interest, the choice of variables entering the model, the validation of the model in external population. Up to now, the proposed risk models can be a useful tool to help physician in the clinical decision-making. The availability of big data and of new methods of analysis may lead to developing new models in the future.

Prediction of readmissions and mortality in patients with heart failure: lessons from the IMPEDANCE-HF extended trial

Aims

Readmissions for heart failure (HF) are a major burden. We aimed to assess whether the extent of improvement in pulmonary fluid content (ΔPC) during HF hospitalization evaluated by lung impedance (LI), or indirectly by other clinical and laboratory parameters, predicts readmissions.

Methods and results

The present study is based on pre‐defined secondary analysis of the IMPEDANCE‐HF extended trial comprising 266 HF patients at New York Heart Association Class II–IV and left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35% randomized to LI‐guided or conventional therapy during long‐term follow‐up. Lung impedance‐guided patients were followed for 58 ± 36 months and the control patients for 46 ± 34 months (P < 0.01) accounting for 253 and 478 HF hospitalizations, respectively (P < 0.01). Lung impedance, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, weight, radiological score, New York Heart Association class, lung rales, leg oedema, or jugular venous pressure were measured at admission and discharge on each hospitalization in both groups with the difference defined as ΔPC. Average LI‐assessed ΔPC was 12.1% vs. 9.2%, and time to HF readmission was 659 vs. 306 days in the LI‐guided and control groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Lung impedance‐based ΔPC predicted 30 and 90 day HF readmission better than ΔPC assessed by the other variables (P < 0.01). The readmission rate for HF was lower if ΔPC > median compared with ΔPC ≤ median for all parameters evaluated in both study groups with the most pronounced difference predicted by LI (P < 0.01). Net reclassification improvement analysis showed that adding LI to the traditional clinical and laboratory parameters improved the predictive power significantly.

Conclusions

The extent of ΔPC improvement, primarily the LI based, during HF‐hospitalization, and study group allocation strongly predicted readmission and event‐free survival time.

Identifying Subpopulations with Distinct Response to Treatment Using Plasma Biomarkers in Acute Heart Failure: Results from the PROTECT Trial : Differential Response in Acute Heart Failure

Background

Over the last 50 years, clinical trials of novel interventions for acute heart failure (AHF) have, with few exceptions, been neutral or shown harm. We hypothesize that this might be related to a differential response to pharmacological therapy.

Methods

We studied the magnitude of treatment effect of rolofylline across clinical characteristics and plasma biomarkers in 2033 AHF patients and derived a biomarker-based responder sum score model. Treatment response was survival from all-cause mortality through day 180.

Results

In the overall study population, rolofylline had no effect on mortality (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.82–1.28, p = 0.808). We found no treatment interaction across clinical characteristics, but we found interactions between several biomarkers and rolofylline. The biomarker-based sum score model included TNF-R1α, ST2, WAP four-disulfide core domain protein HE4 (WAP-4C), and total cholesterol, and the score ranged between 0 and 4. In patients with score 4 (those with increased TNF-R1α, ST2, WAP-4C, and low total cholesterol), treatment with rolofylline was beneficial (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40–0.92, p = 0.019). In patients with score 0, treatment with rolofylline was harmful (HR 5.52, 95% CI 1.68–18.13, p = 0.005; treatment by score interaction p < 0.001). Internal validation estimated similar hazard ratio estimates (0 points: HR 5.56, 95% CI 5.27–7–5.87; 1 point: HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.25–1.33; 2 points: HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.74–0.76; 3 points: HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11–1.15; 4 points, HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.61–0.62) compared to the original data.

Conclusion

Biomarkers are superior to clinical characteristics to study treatment heterogeneity in acute heart failure.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10557-017-6726-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An integrative review of the literature on in-hospital worsening heart failure

A subset of patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of chronic heart failure develop in-hospital worsening heart failure. The objective of this paper is to present an integrative review of in-hospital worsening heart failure, including definitions, incidence, prevalence, mechanisms, treatments, outcomes, and early identification by providers. A search of electronic databases was conducted from January 2000-August 2017 using multiple search terms. Papers were reviewed for relevance; retained papers were abstracted and data were reported in a narrative synthesis. Twenty papers were selected. Many papers were observational data from in-hospital events that occurred during research trials. There was great variability in in-hospital worsening heart failure definition, incidence, prevalence, and treatments offered. Despite rescue therapies, in-hospital worsening heart failure was associated with increased risk for longer hospital stays, higher readmission rates, and death. To date, there are no therapies that target the underlying mechanisms or minimize its occurrence.

Association of admission vs. nadir serum albumin concentration with short-term treatment outcomes in patients with acute heart failure

Objectives

Hypoalbuminemia occurs in 25% to 76% of patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased mortality. Hypoalbuminemia may predispose patients to intravascular volume depletion, hypotension, and acute worsening of renal function; however, its association with treatment outcomes during hospitalization is unknown.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study involved 414 adult patients hospitalized for HF requiring intravenous diuretics. Temporal changes in serum albumin and the association of hypoalbuminemia with urine output, renal function changes, blood pressure, use of intravenous vasoactive drugs, and short-term outcomes were assessed.

Results

Serum albumin decreased in most patients (72%) during hospitalization. Hypoalbuminemia was present in 29% and 50% of patients based on the mean admission and nadir serum albumin level, respectively. Hypoalbuminemia as assessed by the nadir albumin level was associated with an increased risk of acute worsening of renal function. A nadir albumin level of <3.0 g/dL remained significantly associated in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Serum albumin commonly decreases during hospitalization for acute HF. Hypoalbuminemia assessed using the nadir level during hospitalization, not the admission level, was associated with an increased risk of acute worsening of renal function. The timing of serum albumin measurement may influence its utility as a biomarker.

Human serum albumin in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress are at the forefront in the onset and development of atherosclerosis and many cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological evidence is that low serum albumin levels are linked to incident ischemic heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, stroke and venous thromboembolism, independent of risk factors, body mass index and inflammation. Hypoalbuminemia has also emerged as an independent prognosticator in many cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, congenital heart disease, infective endocarditis and stroke, even after adjusting for usual causal factors and prognostic markers. Given physiological properties of serum albumin that include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticoagulant and antiplatelet aggregation activity as well as colloid osmotic effect, hypoalbuminemia could act as an unrecognized modifiable risk factor. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the physiological properties of serum albumin, as well as prevalence, causes, prognostic value and potential contribution to the disease emergence and progression of hypoalbuminemia, and the resulting clinical implications.

Validation of U.S. mortality prediction models for hospitalized heart failure in the United Kingdom and Japan

AIMS

Prognostic models for hospitalized heart failure (HHF) were developed predominantly for patients of European origin in the United States of America; it is unclear whether they perform similarly in other health care systems or for different ethnicities. We sought to validate published prediction models for HHF in the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients in the UK (n =894) and Japan (n =3158) were prospectively enrolled and were similar in terms of sex (∼60% men) and median age (∼77 years). Models predicted that British patients would have a higher mortality than Japanese, which was indeed true both for in-hospital (4.8% vs. 2.5%) and 180-day (20.7% vs. 9.5%) mortality. The model c-statistics for the published/derivation (range 0.70-0.76) and Japanese (range 0.75-0.77) cohorts were similar and higher than for the UK (0.62-0.75) but models consistently overestimated mortality in Japan. For in-hospital mortality, the OPTIMIZE-HF model performed best, providing similar discrimination in published/derivation, UK and Japanese cohorts [c-indices: 0.75 (0.74-0.77); 0.75 (0.68-0.81); and 0.77 (0.70-0.83), respectively], and least overestimated mortality in Japan. For 180-day mortality, the c-statistics for the ASCEND-HF model were similar in published/derivation (0.70) and UK [0.69 (0.64-0.74)] cohorts but higher in Japan [0.75 (0.71-0.79)]; calibration was good in the UK but again overestimated mortality in Japan.

CONCLUSION

Calibration of published prediction models appears moderately accurate and unbiased when applied to British patients but consistently overestimates mortality in Japan. Identifying the reason why patients in Japan have a better than predicted prognosis is of great interest.

[Serum albumin and cardiovascular diseases: A comprehensive review of the literature]

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Conceptually, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory status and oxidative stress are at the forefront in the onset and development of most cardiovascular diseases, particularly coronary artery disease and heart failure. Serum albumin, the most abundant plasma protein, has many physiological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiplatelet aggregation activity. It also plays an essential role in the fluid exchange across the capillary membrane. Definite evidence is that hypo-albuminemia is a powerful prognostic marker in the general population as well as in many pathological settings. In the more specific context of cardiovascular diseases, serum albumin is independently associated with the development of a variety of deleterious conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and stroke. Serum albumin has also emerged as a powerful prognostic parameter in patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, congenital heart disease, infective endocarditis, cardiovascular surgery and stroke, regardless of usual prognostic markers. This prognostic value probably refers mainly to the malnutrition-inflammation syndrome and the severity of comorbidities. Nevertheless, hypo-albuminemia may act as an unknown and modifiable risk factor that contributes to the emergence and the pejorative evolution of cardiovascular diseases, mainly by exacerbation of inflammation, oxidative stress and platelet aggregation, and by pulmonary and myocardial edema. This article provides an overview of the physiological properties of serum albumin, the prevalence, causes, prognostic value and potential contribution to the emergence and aggravation of cardiovascular disease of hypoalbuminemia, as well as its clinical implications.

Combined use of lung ultrasound, B-type natriuretic peptide, and echocardiography for outcome prediction in patients with acute HFrEF and HFpEF

BACKGROUND

Lung ultrasound (LUS) can be used to assess pulmonary congestion by imaging B-lines ('comets') for patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

OBJECTIVES

Investigate relationship of B-lines, plasma concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) function measured at admission and discharge and their relationship to prognosis for AHF with preserved (HFpEF) or reduced (HFrEF) LV ejection fraction.

METHODS

Patients with AHF had the above tests done at admission and discharge. The primary outcome was re-hospitalization for heart failure or death at 6 months.

RESULTS

Of 162 patients enrolled, 95 had HFrEF and 67 had HFpEF, median age was 80 [77-85] years, and 85 (52%) were women. The number of B-lines at admission (median 31 [27-36]) correlated with respiratory rate (r = 0.75; p < 0.001), BNP (r = 0.43; p < 0.001), clinical congestion score (r = 0.25; p = 0.001), and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (r = 0.42; p < 0.001). At discharge, B-lines were also correlated with BNP (r = 0.69; p < 0.001) and congestion score (r = 0.57; p < 0.001). B-line count at discharge predicted outcome (AUC 0.83 [0.77-0.90]; univariate HR 1.12 [1.09-1.16]; p < 0.001; multivariable HR 1.16 [1.11-1.21]; p < 0.001). Results were similar for HFpEF and HFrEF.

CONCLUSIONS

LUS appears a useful method to assess severity and monitor the resolution of lung congestion. At hospital admission, B-lines are strongly related to respiratory rate, which may be a key component of the sensation of dyspnea. Measurement of lung congestion at discharge provides prognostic information for patients with either HFpEF or HFrEF.

Addressing the Heterogeneity of Heart Failure in Future Randomized Trials

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

The aim of review is to describe the essential role of study designs beyond RCTs in contemporary contest of HF patients giving perspectives on its evolving. The article concludes with concern about the support of observational studies for future randomized clinical trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the aging population and spectacular advance in cardiovascular therapy, the clinical syndrome comprising heart failure (HF) is increasingly in complexity of heterogeneity. It remains among the most challenging of clinical syndromes with a magnitude of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms involving the heart and the interplay with cardiac and non-cardiac comorbidities. In this epidemiological scenario, randomized clinical trials are suffering from growing failed treatment, so that a deeper understanding of heterogeneity represents a major unmet need. This field also is greatly in a more nuanced comprehension about the applicability in clinical practice of trials' results derived from well-selected HF population. Thus, we need to reflect on trials failures and the translation of previous trials in clinical practice in order to redirect the future trial intervention.