Heart failure in nursing home residents; a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics

Heat Waves and Adverse Health Events Among Dually Eligible Individuals 65 Years and Older

Importance

Extensive research has found the detrimental health effects of heat waves. However, a critical gap exists in understanding their association with adverse health events among older dually eligible individuals, who may be particularly susceptible to heat waves.

Objective

To assess the association between heat waves and adverse health events among dually eligible individuals 65 years and older.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective time-series study assessed the association between heat waves in warm months from 2016 to 2019 and zip code tabulation area (ZCTA)-day level adverse health events. Dually eligible individuals 65 years and older who were continuously enrolled in either a Medicare fee-for-service plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with full Medicaid benefits from May to September in any given year were identified. All ZCTAs in the US with at least 1 dually eligible individual in each study year were included. Data were analyzed from September 2023 to August 2024.

Exposure

Heat waves, defined as 3 or more consecutive extreme heat days (ie, days with a maximum temperature of at least 90 °F [32.2 °C] and in the 97th percentile of daily maximum temperatures for each ZCTA during the study period).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Daily counts of heat-related emergency department visits and heat-related hospitalizations for each ZCTA.

Results

The study sample included 5 448 499 beneficiaries 65 years and older in 28 404 ZCTAs across 50 states and Washington, DC; the mean (SD) proportion of female beneficiaries and beneficiaries 85 years and older in each ZCTA was 66% (7%) and 20% (8%), respectively. The incidence rate for heat-related emergency department visits was 10% higher during heat wave days compared to non-heat wave days (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.10; 95% CI, 1.08-1.12), and the incidence rate of heat-related hospitalizations was 7% higher during heat wave days (IRR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.09). There were similar patterns in other adverse health events, including a 4% higher incidence rate of death during heat wave days (IRR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07). The magnitude of these associations varied across some subgroups. For example, the association between heat waves and heat-related emergency department visits was statistically significant only for individuals in 3 of 9 US climate regions: the Northwest, Ohio Valley, and the West.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this time-series study, heat waves were associated with increased adverse health events among dually eligible individuals 65 years and older. Without adaptation strategies to address the health-related impacts of heat, dually eligible individuals are increasingly likely to face adverse outcomes.

Effects of the discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment on neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life in nursing home residents with dementia (DANTON): a multicentre, open-label, blinded-outcome, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Based on observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the benefit-harm balance of antihypertensive treatment in older adults with dementia is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether discontinuing antihypertensive treatment reduces neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) and maintains quality of life (QoL) in nursing home residents with dementia.

DESIGN

Open-label, blinded-outcome RCT. Randomisation 1:1, stratified by nursing home organisation and baseline NPS. Trial registration: NL7365.

SUBJECTS

Dutch long-term care residents with moderate-to-severe dementia and systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤160 mmHg during antihypertensive treatment. Exclusion criteria included heart failure NYHA-class-III/IV, recent cardiovascular events/procedures or life expectancy <4 months (planned sample size n = 492).

MEASUREMENTS

Co-primary outcomes NPS (Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home [NPI-NH]) and QoL (Qualidem) at 16 weeks.

RESULTS

From 9 November 2018 to 4 May 2021, 205 participants (median age 85.8 [IQR 79.6-89.5] years; 79.5% female; median SBP 134 [IQR 123-146] mmHg) were randomised to either antihypertensive treatment discontinuation (n = 101) or usual care (n = 104). Safety concerns, combined with lacking benefits, prompted the data safety and monitoring board to advice a premature cessation of randomisation. At 16-week follow-up, no significant differences were found between groups for NPI-NH (adjusted mean difference 1.6 [95% CI -2.3 to 5.6]; P = 0.42) or Qualidem (adjusted mean difference - 2.5 [95% CI -6.0 to 1.0]; P = 0.15). Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 36% (discontinuation) and 24% (usual care) of the participants (adjusted hazard ratio 1.65 [95% CI 0.98-2.79]). All 32-week outcomes favoured usual care.

CONCLUSION

Halfway through this study, a non-significant increased SAE risk associated with discontinuing antihypertensive treatment was observed, and an associated interim analysis showed that significant worthwhile health gain for discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment was unlikely. This unbeneficial benefit-harm balance shows that discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment in this context does not appear to be either safe or beneficial enough to be recommended in older adults with dementia.

Heart failure in nursing homes: A scoping review of educational interventions for optimising care provision

Background

Heart failure has an estimated global prevalence of 64.3 million cases, with an average age of a person living with heart failure at 75.2 years. Approximately 20% of residents living in nursing homes (a long-term residential care environment for some individuals) report living with heart failure. Residents living with heart failure in nursing home environments are often frail, have reduced quality of life, higher rates of rehospitalisation and mortality, and greater complications in heart failure management. Further, nursing home staff often lack the knowledge and skills required to provide the necessary care for those living with heart failure. Interventions for improving heart failure management in nursing homes have proven effective, yet there is a lack of understanding regarding interventions for optimising care provision. The aim of this review was to synthesise the current evidence on educational interventions to optimise care provided to people with heart failure in nursing homes.

Methods

A scoping review with four databases searched: Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Relevant reference lists were searched manually for additional records. Studies of nursing home staff or resident outcomes associated with changes in care provision (i.e., resident quality of life, staff knowledge of heart failure) were included. Results from the charting data process were collated into themes: intervention outcomes, changes to practice, and implementation and process evaluation.

Results

Seven papers were deemed eligible for inclusion. Most studies (n=6) were comprised of nursing home staff only, with one comprised only of residents. Study aims were to improve heart failure knowledge, interprofessional communication, heart failure assessment and management. Positive changes in staff outcomes were observed, with improvements in knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence in providing care reported. No difference was reported concerning nursing home resident outcomes. Interprofessional communication and staff ability to conduct heart failure assessments improved post-intervention. Changes to practice were mixed, with issues around sustainability reported. Nursing home staff highlighted their appreciation towards receiving education, recommending that videos, images, and humour could improve the intervention content.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of evidence around educational interventions to support residents living with heart failure in nursing homes. However, available evidence suggests that educational interventions in nursing homes may improve care through improving staff self-efficacy and confidence in providing care, heart failure knowledge and interprofessional communication. The complexity of implementing educational interventions in the nursing home setting must be considered during the development process to improve implementation, effectiveness, and sustainability.

How to Manage Beta-Blockade in Older Heart Failure Patients: A Scoping Review

Beta blockers (BBs) play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and extending the survival of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Initiating the therapy at low doses and gradually titrating the dose upwards is recommended to ensure therapeutic efficacy while mitigating potential adverse effects. Vigilant monitoring for signs of drug intolerance is necessary, with dose adjustments as required. The management of older HF patients requires a case-centered approach, taking into account individual comorbidities, functional status, and frailty. Older adults, however, are often underrepresented in randomized clinical trials, leading to some uncertainty in management strategies as patients with HF in clinical practice are older than those enrolled in trials. The present article performs a scoping review of the past 25 years of published literature on BBs in older HF patients, focusing on age, outcomes, and tolerability. Twelve studies (eight randomized-controlled and four observational) encompassing 26,426 patients were reviewed. The results indicate that BBs represent a viable treatment for older HFrEF patients, offering benefits in symptom management, cardiac function, and overall outcomes. Their role in HF with preserved EF, however, remains uncertain. Further research is warranted to refine treatment strategies and address specific aspects in older adults, including proper dosing, therapeutic adherence, and tolerability.

Heart Failure Nurses within the Primary Care Setting

Cardiology services within primary care often focus on disease prevention, early identification of illness and prompt referral for diagnosis and specialist treatment. Due to advances in pharmaceuticals, implantable cardiac devices and surgical interventions, individuals with heart failure are living longer, which can place a significant strain on global healthcare resources. Heart failure nurses in a primary care setting offer a wealth of clinical knowledge and expertise across all phases of the heart failure trajectory and are able to support patients, family members and other community services, including general practitioners. This review examines the recently published evidence on the current and potential future practice of heart failure nurses within primary care.

Implementation of a Multimodal Heart Failure Management Protocol in a Skilled Nursing Facility

Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are incentivized to reduce hospital readmissions among patients with heart failure (HF). We used the RE-AIM framework and mixed quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the implementation of a multimodal HF management protocol (HFMP) administered in a SNF in 2021. Over 90% of eligible patients were enrolled in the HFMP (REACH). Of the 42 enrolled patients (61.9% female, aged 81.9 ± 8.9 years, 9.5% Medicaid), 2 (4.8%) were readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge and 4 (9.5%) were readmitted within 30 days of SNF discharge compared with historical (2020) rates of 16.7% and 22.2%, respectively (a potential savings of $132,418-$176,573 in hospital costs) (EFFECTIVENESS). Although stakeholder feedback about ADOPTION and IMPLEMENTATION was largely positive, challenges associated with clinical data collection, documentation, and staff turnover were described. Findings will inform refinement of the HFMP to facilitate further testing and sustainability (MAINTENANCE).

Descriptive Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in US Nursing Home Residents With Heart Failure

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent in older adults with heart failure and heart failure is highly prevalent in older adults with COPD. Information is presently lacking about the extent to which COPD and heart failure co-occur among nursing home residents. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology of, and factors associated with, COPD among nursing home residents with heart failure. This cross-sectional study included 97,495 long-term stay nursing home residents with heart failure in 2018. The Minimum Data Set 3.0 (MDS) provided information on sociodemographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and activities of daily living. Heart failure and COPD were defined based on notes at admission, hospitalizations, progress notes, and through physical examination findings. The majority of the study population were ≥75 years old (74.1%), women (67.3%), and Non-Hispanic Whites (77.4%). Nearly 1 in 5 residents had reduced ejection fraction findings, 23.1% had a preserved ejection fraction, and 53.8% of nursing home residents with heart failure had COPD. This pulmonary condition was less frequently noted in women, residents of advanced age, and racial/ethnic minorities and more frequently diagnosed in residents with comorbid conditions such as pneumonia, anxiety, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. We found a high prevalence of COPD, and identified several factors associated with COPD, in nursing home residents with heart failure. Our findings highlight challenges in the clinical management of COPD in nursing home residents with heart failure and how best to meet the care needs of this understudied population.

The clinical value of hepatojugular reflux on congestive heart failure: A meta-analysis

Background

Hepatojugular reflux is a cardiac physical examination with a long history of use in heart failure diagnosis across many clinical settings. However, the development of new diagnostic methods has thrown the clinical role of hepatojugular reflux into question. Our meta-analysis aimed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of hepatojugular reflux and assess its usefulness in diagnosing congestive heart failure among at-risk patients.

Methods

This meta-analysis of studies reporting diagnostic hepatojugular reflux values of patients at risk for congestive heart failure followed PRISMA guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar for eligible studies from inception through February 1, 2021. After QUADAS-2 quality assessment, we conducted data synthesis using the random effects model and a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model. As an additional analysis, we sorted the studies by clinical setting and performed synthesis again. We submitted our protocol to PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; ID No. CRD42020215004).

Results

The literature search provided 4121 studies for evaluation. Seven studies and their 5195 participants were deemed eligible for synthesis. Clinical diagnosis was the most frequent reference standard. Bivariate random-effects analysis found hepatojugular reflux sensitivity of 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.07-0.19], and specificity of 0.96, 95% CI [0.95-0.97]. The DOR was 29.7, 95% CI [18.4-45.3]. The additional analysis of the emergency settings provided a sensitivity of 0.14, 95% CI [0.12-0.17] and specificity of 0.95, 95% CI [0.93-0.96].

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis suggests that hepatojugular reflux has practical value for diagnosis of congestive heart failure with high specificity.

Heart failure among US nursing home residents with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. However, few recent studies have examined the characteristics of older adults living in US nursing homes with heart failure and diabetes mellitus. This study is important for clinical practice and public health action plans for heart failure.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, heart failure in long-stay nursing home residents with diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using the US 2016 Minimum Data Set data consisting of all residents with diabetes aged ≥65 years in Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing homes (n = 297,570). Diabetes mellitus and heart failure were operationalized using the resident's transfer notes at admission and the progress notes during admission through physical examination findings and current treatment orders.

RESULTS

Among all residents with diabetes, 26.4% had heart failure. Increasing age of residents, and comorbidities including coronary artery disease (aOR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.31-1.37), end stage renal disease (aOR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.26-1.35), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aOR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.57-1.63) were associated with a higher odds of heart failure.

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first U.S studies to examine the prevalence and factors associated with heart failure in nursing home residents with diabetes mellitus. It highlights a clinically complex population with multiple comorbid conditions. Future research is needed to understand the pharmacological management of these residents and the extent to which appropriate management can improve quality of life for a medically vulnerable population.

Role of Nursing Home Quality on COVID-19 Cases and Deaths: Evidence from Florida Nursing Homes

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionately affects nursing home residents, resulting in an elevated risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality for this frail population. It is critical to understand whether nursing home quality is related to COVID-19 cases and deaths. Using publicly available data obtained from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services COVID-19 Nursing Home Dataset, Nursing Home Compare and Long-Term Care Focus, this study compares key nursing home characteristics, infection prevention and control deficiencies, and five-star ratings among Florida nursing homes with and without resident COVID-19 cases and deaths. The study further examines the association between facility and resident characteristics, quality indicators, and COVID-19 cases and deaths. Findings from our study indicate that through late October 2020, over 90% of Florida nursing homes have at least one resident case and 65% have at least one resident death. The likelihood of having COVID-19 cases is more related to ownership status, facility size and average occupancy rate, rather than quality indicators. Associations between infection prevention and control deficiencies, overall quality ratings, and presence of COVID-19 resident deaths varied across different phases of the pandemic (e.g., overall five-star rating was found related to the odds of having resident deaths after, but not during, the surging stage). Training, uptake, and adherence to infection control procedures are needed to better protect the vulnerable nursing home resident population.

Reliability of the blood pressure response during performance of bedside Valsalva maneuver and association with NT-pBNP levels

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is common in older people. The diagnosis of HF, however, is difficult in older subjects, especially in settings without direct access to further diagnostics. The type of blood pressure response during the performance of a Valsalva maneuver has been suggested as an easily applicable bedside test to detect HF; however, the reliability of this maneuver and the association with HF is unknown in geriatric patients.

METHODS

This study included 89 patients admitted for geriatric rehabilitation. Systolic blood pressure was taken while the patient performed a Valsalva maneuver. The systolic blood pressure response was classified as sinusoidal (type A), absent overshoot (type B) or square pattern (type C). To test interrater reliability systolic blood pressure response was evaluated independently by two investigators. The procedure was repeated after 1h to estimate test-retest reliability. Both investigators were blinded to the results of the other. Interrater reliability and test-retest reliability were calculated using Cohen's kappa. Blood samples for N‑terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pBNP) were obtained on the morning the Valsalva maneuver was performed.

RESULTS

Blood pressure response was sinusoidal in 37 (42%), showed an absent overshoot in 17 (19%) and had a square wave pattern in 34 (38%) patients. Cohen's kappa was 0.911 (95% CI 0.837-0.985) for interrater reliability and 0.929 (95% CI 0. 0.862-0.996) for test-retest reliability. The interrater and test-retest agreement were 94% and 96%, respectively. The mean NT-pBNP plasma levels and the interquartile ranges (IQR) in subjects with types A, B and C blood pressure response pattern were 213 (153-324) pg/ml, 805 (622-1332) pg/ml and 3964 (2595-5906) pg/ml, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The blood pressure response during a Valsalva maneuver shows an excellent reliability in older subjects. The type of response is associated with the NT-pBNP plasma level.

Management of heart failure: an Italian national survey on fellows/specialists in geriatrics

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is often managed by geriatricians. Few data are available on their knowledge and attitudes about this condition.

AIMS

To compare perceptions and knowledge on HF of specialists/fellows in geriatrics working in Italy.

METHODS

This nation-wide survey carried out by the Italian Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics in May-June 2019 enrolled 283 specialists/fellows in geriatrics in Italy. Results were stratified by qualification (specialist/fellow) and performance (lower/higher quartile of correct answers).

RESULTS

About half (55.5%) of the participants worked in acute care wards, 190 were residents, and 93 specialists. The overall proportion of correct answers was 70.8%, with no differences between specialists and fellows. There was a poor knowledge, with no differences between groups, about the target doses of ACE-inhibitors (36% of correct answers), the pharmacological treatment of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (37% of correct answers), and the inotropes indicated in acute HF (35% of correct answers). Compared to specialists, fellows performed better on indication (88% vs 76%, P = 0.019) and mechanism of action (93% vs 84%, P = 0.023) of sacubitril/valsartan, and on therapeutic indications of patients with atrial fibrillation (92% vs 75%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Globally, there was a good knowledge of the latest guidelines on the diagnosis and management of HF. However, for some important topics, such as HFpEF, that is the most common HF manifestation in older adults, the observed performance was relatively poor, indicating the need for focused educational campaigns.

Optimisation of Heart Failure Management in Nursing Homes Using Point-of-Care Ultrasonography: Harmonious Trial Rationale and Design

Introduction

Heart failure is common in the nursing home population and presents many diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Point-of-care ultrasonography is a bedside method that can be used to assess volume status more reliably than clinical examination. This trial was conceived to test whether point-of-care ultrasonography-guided management improves heart failure outcomes among nursing home residents.

Methods

Nursing home residents with heart failure will be enrolled in a multi-centre, prospective, randomised controlled trial. Residents will first be screened for heart failure. Patients with heart failure will be randomised in 1:1 fashion into two groups. Nursing home physicians will adjust diuretic therapy according to volume status for six months. Point-of-care ultrasonography will be used in the test group and clinical examination in the control group. The primary endpoint will be heart failure deterioration, defined as a composite of any of the following four events: the need for an intravenous diuretic application, the need for an emergency service intervention, the need for unplanned hospitalisation for non-injury causes, or death from whatever cause.

Expected results

The expected prevalence of heart failure among nursing home residents is above 10%. Point-of-care ultrasonography-guided heart failure management will reduce the number of deteriorations of heart failure in the nursing home population.

Conclusion

This study will explore the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasonography for heart failure management in the nursing home population.

Natriuretic peptides for heart failure screening in nursing homes: a systematic review

The high burden of heart failure in nursing-home populations is due to advanced age and comorbidities. Heart failure is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in this population and therefore remains untreated. We review the use of natriuretic peptide biomarkers for screening heart failure in nursing-home residents. The study was performed in accordance with recommendations from the Cochrane Collaboration using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA) and is registered in PROSPERO Register of Systematic Reviews. Databases PubMed, Embase, and Trip were searched from 2000 to March 2019, supplemented by hand-searching of references. Studies investigating the nursing-home population were included. The prevalence of heart failure among nursing-home residents was higher than in the general population of comparable age (23% vs 10%, respectively). The rate of misdiagnosis in nursing homes ranged from 25 to 76%. NT-proBNP was the most commonly used natriuretic peptide biomarker for heart failure screening. The mean value of NT-proBNP was significantly higher in residents with heart failure than in residents overall (pooled means of 2409 pg/mL vs 1074 pg/mL, respectively). In comparison with current guidelines, the proposed cut-off values for ruling out heart failure were higher in the analyzed studies, with ranges of 230-760 pg/mL for NT-proBNP and 50-115 pg/mL for BNP. NT-proBNP and BNP are used for screening heart failure in the nursing-home population. The current screening cut-off values are probably too low for use in nursing homes. Our most conservative estimation for ruling out heart failure is an NT-proBNP cut-off value of 230 pg/mL.

Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases Among Elderly Residents of Long-term Care Facilities

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among nursing home residents is high but little is known whether pharmacologic therapy recommended by actual medication guidelines is followed by facility's staff.

AIM

To evaluate the adherence to actual guidelines for treatment of cardiovascular diseases among older adult residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The cross-sectional study was performed from December 2009 to November 2010 among 189 elderly residents aged ≥60 years in 3 LTC facilities in Poland: 1 long-term care hospital (LTCH) and 2 nursing homes (NHs). The initial evaluation included analysis of medical documentation (all diagnosed diseases and used drugs), blood pressure (BP) measurements and performance of Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), Abbreviated Mental Test Score (AMTS), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and Barthel Index. Prescribed medication for hypertension (HT), heart failure (HF), and coronary heart disease (CHD) were compared to current European Cardiology Society (ESC), and European Society of Hypertension (ESH) medication guidelines. Residents were divided into 3 subgroups: with HT, HF, and CHD. Results were presented as means and standard deviation. Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test for nonparametric data and chi-square test to assess differences in distribution of categorical variables. P values <.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

CHD was diagnosed among 114 residents (60.3%) but only 60.5% of them were treated with aspirin (ASA), 45.6% with beta-blockers (BBs), 60.5% with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), and 24.6% with statins. HF observed in 75% of cases was treated by using ACEI (54.7%), BBs (45.3%), loop diuretics (LDs, 36%), mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists (MRAs, 21.3%). HT was diagnosed among 98 study participants (51.9%) and in the majority of cases (76.6%) was well controlled (mean BP: 133.7 ± 17.6/73.8 ± 10.2 mmHg). The most popular antihypertensive drugs were ACEIs (77.6%), BBs (40.8%) and calcium channel blockers (CCBs, 26.5%) whereas thiazides, alpha-blockers (ABs), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were used less frequently.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the study showed that insufficient treatment of cardiovascular diseases among elderly residents of LTC facilities could be a potential risk factor of poor prognosis.

Hemostatic function in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels assessed using thromboelastography

BACKGROUND

Macrothrombocytopenia is a well-known anomaly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCSs), a breed also highly predisposed to develop myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Thromboelastography (TEG) has been shown to be a valuable instrument for whole blood hemostatic evaluation in dogs and correlates well with different physiologic and pathologic situations.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the influence of macrothrombocytopenia and the severity of MMVD on hemostatic function as measured by TEG.

METHODS

Associations between TEG variables (R, K, α, MA, and G) and dog characteristics, heart rates, systolic blood pressures, MMVD severities (healthy, mild or moderate, and severe), echocardiographic variables, platelet variables (platelet count, mean platelet volume [MPV], and plateletcrit), and hematocrits were evaluated in 47 prospectively recruited privately owned CKCSs. Blood samples were analyzed using a computerized thromboelastograph and an Advia 2120 hematology analyzer.

RESULTS

Univariable and multiple regression analyses showed an effect of left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening (FS%) on all TEG variables, an effect of LV FS% and age on TEG α, and an effect of LV FS% and MPV on TEG MA and TEG G. TEG MA and G increased with increasing MPV, but the associations were generally weak. No significant differences were detected in the TEG variables between the MMVD severity groups.

CONCLUSION

Macrothrombocytopenia and increased LV FS%, of which the latter commonly increases in various positive inotropic states, were both associated with a more hypercoagulable hemostatic system, according to the TEG results, in the present study.

National survey on the management of heart failure in individuals over 80 years of age in French geriatric care units

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the prevalence and management of heart failure (HF) in very old patients in geriatric settings.

METHODS

Members of the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology throughout France were invited to participate in a point prevalence survey and to include all patients ≥80 years old, hospitalized in geriatric settings, with HF (stable or decompensated) on June 18, 2012. General characteristics, presence of comorbidities, blood tests and medications were recorded.

RESULTS

Among 7,197 patients in geriatric institution, prevalence of HF was 20.5% (n = 1,478): (27% in acute care, 24.2% in rehabilitation care and 18% in nursing home). Mean age was 88.2 (SD = 5.2) and Charlson co morbidity score was high (8.49 (SD = 2.21)). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was available in 770 (52%) patients: 536 (69.6%) had a preserved LVEF (≥ 50%), 120 (15.6%) a reduced LVEF (< 40%), and 114 (14.8%) a midrange LVEF (40-49%). Prescription of recommended HF drugs was low: 42.6% (629) used Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEI) or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), 48.0% (709) β-blockers, and 21.9% (324) ACEI or ARB with β-blockers, even in reduced LVEF. In multivariate analysis ACEI or ARBs were more often used in patients with myocardial infarction (1.36 (1.04-1.78)), stroke (1.42 (1.06-1.91)), and diabetes (1.54 (1.14-2.06)). β blockers were more likely used in patients with myocardial infarction (2.06 (1.54-2.76)) and atrial fibrillation (1.70 (1.28-2.28)).

CONCLUSION

In this large very old population, prevalence of HF was high. Recommended HF drugs were underused even in reduced LVEF. These results indicate that management of HF in geriatric settings can still be improved.

Heart failure in primary care: prevalence related to age and comorbidity

Background

Diagnosing heart failure (HF) in primary care can be challenging, especially in elderly patients with comorbidities. Insight in the prevalence, age, comorbidity and routine practice of diagnosing HF in general practice may improve the process of diagnosing HF.

Aim

To examine the prevalence of HF in relation to ageing and comorbidities, and routine practice of diagnosing HF in general practice.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from electronic health records of 56 320 adult patients of 11 general practices. HF patients were compared with patients without HF using descriptive analyses and χ² tests. The following comorbidities were considered: chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, anaemia and renal function disorder (RFD). Separate analyses were performed for men and women.

Findings

The point prevalence of HF was 1.2% (95% confidence interval 1.13–1.33) and increased with each age category from 0.04% (18–44 years) to 20.9% (⩾85 years). All studied comorbidities were significantly (P<0.001) more common in HF patients than in patients without HF: COPD (24.1% versus 3.1%), DM (34.7% versus 6.5%), hypertension (52.7% versus 16.0%), anaemia (10.9% versus 2.3%) and RFD (61.8% versus 7.5%). N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP) was recorded in 38.1% of HF patients.

Conclusions

HF is highly associated with ageing and comorbidities. Diagnostic use of NT-proBNP in routine primary care seems underutilized. Instruction of GPs to determine NT-proBNP in patients suspected of HF is recommended, especially In elderly patients with comorbidities.

Clinical burden of illness in patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) and associated comorbidities - a retrospective study of German health insurance claims data

BACKGROUND

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited deficiency in the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which, when poorly-managed, is associated with clinical features including deficient growth, microcephaly, seizures, and intellectual impairment. The management of PKU should start as soon as possible after diagnosis to prevent irreversible damage and be maintained throughout life. The aim of this study was to assess the burden of illness in PKU patients in general and in PKU patients born before and after the introduction of newborn screening in Germany.

METHODS

This retrospective matched cohort analysis used the Institut für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung Berlin (InGef) research database containing anonymized healthcare claims of approximately 4 million covered lives. PKU patients were compared with matched controls from the general population within the same database (1:10 ratio via direct, exact matching on age and gender without replacement). PKU patients were included if they were aged ≥18 years on 01/01/15 and were continuously enrolled from 01/01/10 to 31/12/15. The 50 most commonly reported comorbidities and 50 most commonly prescribed medications in the PKU population were analyzed. Differences between groups were tested using 95% confidence interval (CI) of prevalence ratio (PR) values.

RESULTS

The analysis included 377 adult PKU patients (< 5 of which were receiving sapropterin dihydrochloride) and 3,770 matched controls. Of the 50 most common comorbidities in the PKU population, those with a statistically significant PR > 1.5 vs controls included major depressive disorders (PR = 2.3), chronic ischemic heart disease (PR = 1.7), asthma (PR = 1.7), dizziness and giddiness (PR = 1.8), unspecified diabetes mellitus (PR = 1.7), infectious gastroenteritis and colitis (PR = 1.7), and reaction to severe stress and adjustment disorders (PR = 1.6). The most commonly prescribed Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) subcodes among PKU patients (vs the control population) are for systemic antibacterials (34.7% vs 32.8%), anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic (29.4% vs 27.5%), renin-angiotensin agents (30.0% vs 27.0%), acid-related disorders (29.4% vs 20.2%), and beta-blockers (24.9% vs 19.9%).

CONCLUSION

The overall clinical burden on patients with PKU is exacerbated by a significantly higher risk of numerous comorbidities and hence, prescribing of the requisite medication, both for recognized (e.g. major depressive disorders) and more unexpected comorbidities (e.g. ischemic heart disease).

[Chronic heart failure in older patients : Updated national healthcare guidelines on chronic heart failure from a geriatric perspective]

The incidence and prevalence of chronic heart failure (CHF) increase with age. In the second edition of the National Disease Management Guidelines (NVL) on CHF, published in August 2017, geriatric aspects are specifically addressed. The paper provides an overview of the recommendations by the guidelines on drug therapy, device therapy and operative therapy as well on the coordination of care focusing on older and multimorbid patients.

Medical therapy following hospitalization for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and association with discharge to long-term care: a cross-sectional analysis of the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) population

BACKGROUND

Less intensive treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) may be appropriate for patients in long-term care settings because of limited life expectancy, frailty, comorbidities, and emphasis on quality of life.

METHODS

We compared treatment patterns between REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study participants discharged to long-term care versus home following HFrEF hospitalizations. We examined medical records and Medicare pharmacy claims for 147 HFrEF hospitalizations among 80 participants to obtain information about discharge disposition and medication prescriptions and fills.

RESULTS

Discharge to long-term care followed 22 of 147 HFrEF hospitalizations (15%). Participants discharged to long-term care were more likely to be prescribed beta-blockers and less likely to be prescribed aldosterone receptor antagonists and hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate (96%, 14%, and 5%, respectively) compared to participants discharged home (81%, 22%, and 23%, respectively). The percentages of participants discharged to long-term care and home who had claims for filled prescriptions were similar for beta-blockers (68% versus 66%) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) (45% versus 47%) after 1 year. Smaller percentages of participants discharged to long-term care had claims for filled prescriptions of other medications compared to participants discharged home (diuretics: long-term care-50%, home-72%; hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate: long-term care-5%, home-23%; aldosterone receptor antagonists: long-term care-5%, home-23%).

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in medication prescriptions and fills among individuals with HFrEF discharged to long-term care versus home may reflect prioritization of some medical therapies over others for patients in long-term care.

Screening echocardiograms in a senior focused value based primary care improves systolic heart failure detection and clinical management

BACKGROUND

Screening echocardiograms are not indicated. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of screening echocardiograms on improving clinical management among older adults.

METHODS

We performed screening echocardiograms for all consecutive patients and defined incident systolic heart failure (HF) as an ejection fraction of less than 50% among patients without a previous HF diagnosis. We reviewed medical record data to determine if the new cases where Stage B or C. We obtained prescribed medications and vital signs from the electronic health record to determine absolute changes before and after the echocardiogram.

RESULTS

We performed an echocardiogram in 6,417 patients with a mean age of 71.4±6. The echocardiogram identified 292 seniors with new cases of systolic HF (5.34%; 95% CI: 4.7-5.9) and 239 were stage B HF. The increase in the use of ace-inhibitor, beta blocker when comparing the pre and post echocardiogram periods was highest in those with Stage C and those with ejection fraction lower than 40%. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased from 140±19 to 136±15 (P<0.01) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) from 105±36 to 97±33 (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing echocardiograms in senior-focused value-based primary care improves evidence-based cardiovascular treatment and short-term clinical outcomes, including lowering SBP and LDL.