Clinical burden and predictors of non-cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND

The changing demographic of heart failure (HF) increases the exposure to non-cardiovascular (non-CV) events. We investigated the distribution of non-CV mortality/morbidity and the characteristics associated with higher risk of non-CV events in patients with advanced HF.

METHODS

Patients from the HELP-HF registry were stratified according to the number of 2018 HFA-ESC criteria for advanced HF. Endpoints were non-CV mortality and non-CV hospitalization. Competing risk analyses were performed assessing the association between HFA-ESC criteria and study outcomes and the additional predictors of non-CV endpoints.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred and forty-nine patients were included (median age 77 years-IQR 69-83). At 6, 12, 18 and 22 months, cumulative incidence of CV vs non-CV mortality was 13% vs 5%, 17% vs 8%, 20% vs 12%, 23% vs 12%, and of CV vs non-CV hospitalization was 26% vs 11%, 38% vs 17%, 45% vs 20%, 50% vs 21%. HFA-ESC criteria were associated with increasing adjusted risk of CV death, whereas no association was observed for CV hospitalization, non-CV death and non-CV hospitalization. Predictors of non-CV death were age, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, preserved ejection fraction, >1 HF hospitalization and hemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with advanced HF are exposed to high, even though not predominant, burden of non-CV outcomes. HFA-ESC criteria aid to stratify the risk of CV death, but are not associated with lower competing risk of non-CV outcomes. Alternative factors can be useful to define the patients with advanced HF at risk of non-CV events in order to better select patients for treatments specifically reducing CV risk.

Prognostic role of mitral regurgitation in patients with advanced heart failure

AIM

The impact of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with advanced heart failure (HF) is poorly known. We aimed to evaluate the impact of MR on clinical outcomes of a real-world, contemporary, multicentre population with advanced HF.

METHODS

The HELP-HF registry enrolled patients with HF and at least one "I NEED HELP" criterion, at four Italian centres between January 2020 and November 2021. The population was stratified by none/mild MR vs. moderate MR vs. severe MR. Outcomes of interest were all-cause, cardiovascular (CV) death, the composite of all-cause death or first HF hospitalization, first HF hospitalization and recurrent HF hospitalizations.

RESULTS

Among 1079 patients, 429 (39.8%) had none/mild MR, 443 (41.1%) had moderate MR and 207 (19.2%) had severe MR. Patients with severe MR were most likely to be inpatients, present with cardiogenic shock, need intravenous loop diuretics and inotropes/vasopressors, have lower ejection fraction and higher natriuretic peptides. Estimated rates of all-cause death, CV death, and the composite of all-cause death or first HF hospitalization at 1 year increased with increasing MR severity. Compared with no/mild MR, severe MR was independently associated with an increased risk of CV death (adjusted HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.04-2.51, p = 0.033) and recurrent HF hospitalizations (adjusted HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.08-2.06, p = 0.015), but not with and increased risk of all-cause death, first HF hospitalization and composite outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In unselected patients with advanced HF, severe MR was common and independently associated with an increased risk of CV death and of recurrent HF hospitalizations.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with tricuspid regurgitation and advanced heart failure

AIMS

To evaluate the role of tricuspid regurgitation in advanced heart failure.

METHODS

The multicenter observational HELP-HF registry enrolled consecutive patients with heart failure and at least one 'I NEED HELP' criterion evaluated at four Italian centers between January 2020 and November 2021. Patients with no data on tricuspid regurgitation and/or receiving tricuspid valve intervention during follow-up were excluded. The population was stratified by no/mild tricuspid regurgitation vs. moderate tricuspid regurgitation vs. severe tricuspid regurgitation. Variables independently associated with tricuspid regurgitation, as well as the association between tricuspid regurgitation and clinical outcomes were investigated. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Among the 1085 patients included in this study, 508 (46.8%) had no/mild tricuspid regurgitation, 373 (34.4%) had moderate tricuspid regurgitation and 204 (18.8%) had severe tricuspid regurgitation. History of atrial fibrillation, any prior valve surgery, high dose of furosemide, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, moderate/severe mitral regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension were found to be independently associated with an increased likelihood of severe tricuspid regurgitation. Estimated rates of 1-year all-cause death were of 21.4, 24.5 and 37.1% in no/mild tricuspid regurgitation, moderate tricuspid regurgitation and severe tricuspid regurgitation, respectively (log-rank P  < 0.001). As compared with nonsevere tricuspid regurgitation, severe tricuspid regurgitation was independently associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.88, P  = 0.042), whereas moderate tricuspid regurgitation did not.

CONCLUSION

In a contemporary, real-world cohort of patients with advanced heart failure, several clinical and echocardiographic characteristics are associated with an increased likelihood of severe tricuspid regurgitation. Patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation have an increased risk of mortality.

Guideline-directed medical therapy in severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: An analysis from the HELP-HF registry

AIM

Persistent symptoms despite guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) and poor tolerance of GDMT are hallmarks of patients with advanced heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, real-world data on GDMT use, dose, and prognostic implications are lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We included 699 consecutive patients with HFrEF and at least one 'I NEED HELP' marker for advanced HF enrolled in a multicentre registry. Beta-blockers (BB) were administered to 574 (82%) patients, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors (ACEi/ARB/ARNI) were administered to 381 (55%) patients and 416 (60%) received mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA). Overall, ≥50% of target doses were reached in 41%, 22%, and 56% of the patients on BB, ACEi/ARB/ARNI and MRA, respectively. Hypotension, bradycardia, kidney dysfunction and hyperkalaemia were the main causes of underprescription and/or underdosing, but up to a half of the patients did not receive target doses for unknown causes (51%, 41%, and 55% for BB, ACEi/ARB/ARNI and MRA, respectively). The proportions of patients receiving BB and ACEi/ARB/ARNI were lower among those fulfilling the 2018 HFA-ESC criteria for advanced HF. Treatment with BB and ACEi/ARB/ARNI were associated with a lower risk of death or HF hospitalizations (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48-0.84, and HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.58-0.95, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In a large, real-world, contemporary cohort of patients with severe HFrEF, with at least one marker for advanced HF, prescription and uptitration of GDMT remained limited. A significant proportion of patients were undertreated due to unknown reasons suggesting a potential role of clinical inertia either by the prescribing healthcare professional or by the patient. Treatment with BB and ACEi/ARB/ARNI was associated with lower mortality/morbidity.

Role of ejection fraction in patients at risk for advanced heart failure: insights from the HELP-HF registry

AIMS

Patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF) (HFrEF), mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), and preserved EF (HFpEF) may all progress to advanced HF, but the impact of EF in the advanced setting is not well established. Our aim was to assess the prognostic impact of EF in patients with at least one 'I NEED HELP' marker for advanced HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with HF and at least one high-risk 'I NEED HELP' criterion from four centres were included in this analysis. Outcomes were assessed in patients with HFrEF (EF ≤ 40%), HFmrEF (EF 41-49%), and HFpEF (EF ≥ 50%) and with EF analysed as a continuous variable. The prognostic impact of medical therapy for HF in patients with EF < 50% and EF > 50% was also evaluated. All-cause death was the primary endpoint, and cardiovascular death was a secondary endpoint. Among 1149 patients enrolled [mean age 75.1 ± 11.5 years, 67.3% males, 67.6% hospitalized, median follow-up 260 days (inter-quartile range 105-390 days)], HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF were observed in 699 (60.8%), 122 (10.6%), and 328 (28.6%) patients, and 1 year mortality was 28.3%, 26.2%, and 20.1, respectively (log-rank P = 0.036). As compared with HFrEF patients, HFpEF patients had a lower risk of all-cause death [adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj ) 0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48-0.94, P = 0.022], whereas no difference was noted for HFmrEF patients. After multivariable adjustment, a lower risk of all-cause death (HRadj for 5% increase 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, P = 0.017) and cardiovascular death (HRadj for 5% increase 0.94, 95% CI 0.88-1.00, P = 0.049) was observed at higher EF values. Beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or sacubitril/valsartan were associated with lower mortality in both EF < 50% and EF ≥ 50% groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with HF and at least one 'I NEED HELP' marker for advanced HF, left ventricular EF is still of prognostic value.

Clinical and prognostic implications of heart failure hospitalization in patients with advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND

Hospitalization is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure, but its prognostic role in advanced heart failure is still unsettled. We evaluated the prognostic role of heart failure hospitalization in patients with advanced heart failure.

METHODS

The multicenter HELP-HF registry enrolled consecutive patients with heart failure and at least one high-risk 'I NEED HELP' marker. Characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients who were hospitalized for decompensated heart failure (inpatients) or not (outpatients) at the time of enrolment. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or first heart failure hospitalization.

RESULTS

Among the 1149 patients included [mean age 75.1 ± 11.5 years, 67.3% men, median left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35% (IQR 25-50%)], 777 (67.6%) were inpatients at the time of enrolment. As compared with outpatients, inpatients had lower LVEF, higher natriuretic peptides and a worse clinical profile. The 1-year rate of the primary endpoint was 50.9% in inpatients versus 36.8% in outpatients [crude hazard ratio 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-2.07, P < 0.001]. At multivariable analysis, inpatient status was independently associated with a higher risk of the primary endpoint (adjusted hazard ratio 1.54, 95% CI 1.23-1.93, P < 0.001). Among inpatients, the independent predictors of the primary endpoint were older age, lower SBP, heart failure association criteria for advanced heart failure and glomerular filtration rate 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 or less.

CONCLUSION

Hospitalization for heart failure in patients with at least one high-risk 'I NEED HELP' marker is associated with an extremely poor prognosis supporting the need for specific interventions, such as mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation.

GLP-1-ra and heart failure-related outcomes in patients with and without history of heart failure: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-ra) have shown to reduce cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with diabetes, including heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. However, whether such benefit consistently occurs in patients with history of HF remains uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of GLP1-ra on CV outcomes in patients with and without HF history.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All randomized, placebo-controlled trials evaluating GLP1-ra and reporting CV outcomes stratified by HF history were searched in Pubmed from inception to November 12th, 2023. The primary outcome was HF hospitalizations. Secondary outcomes included CV death, the composite of CV death and hospitalizations for HF, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used as effect estimates and calculated with a random-effects model. 68,653 patients (GLP1-ra = 34,301, placebo = 34,352) from 10 trials were included. GLP1-ra reduced HF hospitalization (no HF: HR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63-0.98; HF: HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.82-1.24, pinteraction = 0.12), CV death (no HF: HR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.92; HF: HR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.81-1.15, pinteraction = 0.11), and the composite of HF hospitalizations and CV death (no HF: HR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.72-0.89; HF: HR = 1.00 95% CI 0.88-1.15, pinteraction = 0.010) only in patients without history of HF, despite a significant interaction between HF history and treatment effect was detected only for the latter. MACE were reduced in both subgroups without significant interaction between HF history and treatment effect (no HF: HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.78-0.96; HF: HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95, pinteraction = 0.69).

CONCLUSION

GLP1-ra do not decrease HF-hospitalization risk, despite a potential benefit in patients without history of HF, but are effective in reducing ischemic events irrespective of the presence of HF. PROSPERO-registered (CRD42022371264).

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Metabolic Stress-Dependent Activation of Cardiac Macrophages in a Model of Dyslipidemia-Induced Diastolic Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Metabolic distress is often associated with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and represents a therapeutic challenge. Metabolism-induced systemic inflammation links comorbidities with HFpEF. How metabolic changes affect myocardial inflammation in the context of HFpEF is not known.

METHODS

We found that ApoE knockout mice fed a Western diet recapitulate many features of HFpEF. Single-cell RNA sequencing was used for expression analysis of CD45+ cardiac cells to evaluate the involvement of inflammation in diastolic dysfunction. We focused bioinformatics analysis on macrophages, obtaining high-resolution identification of subsets of these cells in the heart, enabling us to study the outcomes of metabolic distress on the cardiac macrophage infiltrate and to identify a macrophage-to-cardiomyocyte regulatory axis. To test whether a clinically relevant sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor could ameliorate the cardiac immune infiltrate profile in our model, mice were randomized to receive the sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor dapagliflozin or vehicle for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

ApoE knockout mice fed a Western diet presented with reduced diastolic function, reduced exercise tolerance, and increased pulmonary congestion associated with cardiac lipid overload and reduced polyunsaturated fatty acids. The main immune cell types infiltrating the heart included 4 subpopulations of resident and monocyte-derived macrophages, determining a proinflammatory profile exclusively in ApoE knockout- Western diet mice. Lipid overload had a direct effect on inflammatory gene activation in macrophages, mediated through endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Investigation of the macrophage-to-cardiomyocyte regulatory axis revealed the potential effects on cardiomyocytes of multiple inflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophages, affecting pathways such as hypertrophy, fibrosis, and autophagy. Finally, we describe an anti-inflammatory effect of sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor in this model.

CONCLUSIONS

Using single-cell RNA sequencing , in a model of diastolic dysfunction driven by hyperlipidemia, we have determined the effects of metabolic distress on cardiac inflammatory cells, in particular on macrophages, and suggest sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents for the targeting of a specific phenotype of HFpEF.

Detailed Assessment of the "I Need Help" Criteria in Patients With Heart Failure: Insights From the HELP-HF Registry

BACKGROUND

The "I Need Help" markers have been proposed to identify patients with advanced heart failure (HF). We evaluated the prognostic impact of these markers on clinical outcomes in a real-world, contemporary, multicenter HF population.

METHODS

We included consecutive patients with HF and at least 1 high-risk "I Need Help" marker from 4 centers. The impact of the cumulative number of "I Need Help" criteria and that of each individual "I Need Help" criterion was evaluated. The primary end point was the composite of all-cause mortality or first HF hospitalization.

RESULTS

Among 1149 patients enrolled, the majority had 2 (30.9%) or 3 (22.6%) "I Need Help" criteria. A higher cumulative number of "I Need Help" criteria was independently associated with a higher risk of the primary end point (adjusted hazard ratio for each criterion increase, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.11-1.27]; P<0.001), and patients with >5 criteria had the worst prognosis. Need of inotropes, persistently high New York Heart Association classes III and IV or natriuretic peptides, end-organ dysfunction, >1 HF hospitalization in the last year, persisting fluid overload or escalating diuretics, and low blood pressure were the individual criteria independently associated with a higher risk of the primary end point.

CONCLUSIONS

In our HF population, a higher number of "I Need Help" criteria was associated with a worse prognosis. The individual criteria with an independent impact on mortality or HF hospitalization were need of inotropes, New York Heart Association class or natriuretic peptides, end-organ dysfunction, multiple HF hospitalizations, persisting edema or escalating diuretics, and low blood pressure.

Ischemic Etiology in Advanced Heart Failure: Insight from the HELP-HF Registry

In patients with advanced heart failure (HF), defined according to the presence of at least one I-NEED-HELP criterium, the updated 2018 Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (HFA-ESC) criteria for advanced HF identify a subgroup of patients with HF with worse prognosis, but whether ischemic etiology has a relevant prognostic impact in this very high-risk cohort is unknown. Patients from the HELP-HF registry were stratified according to ischemic etiology and presence of advanced HF based on 2018 HFA-ESC criteria. The primary end point was a composite of all-cause death and HF hospitalization at 1 year. Secondary end points were all-cause death, HF hospitalization, and cardiovascular death at 1 year. Ischemic etiology was a leading cause of HF, in both patients with advanced and nonadvanced HF (46.1% and 42.4%, respectively, p = 0.337). The risk of the primary end point (hazard ratio [HR] 1.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09 to 1.58) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.76) was increased in ischemic as compared with nonischemic patients. The risk of the primary end point was consistently higher in ischemic patients in both patients with advanced and nonadvanced HF (advanced HF, HR 1.50 95% CI 1.04 to 2.16; nonadvanced HF, HR 1.25 95% CI 1.01 to 1.56, pinteraction = 0.333), driven by an increased risk of mortality, mainly because of cardiovascular causes. In conclusion, ischemic etiology is the most common cause of HF in patients with at least one I-NEED-HELP marker and with or without advanced HF as defined by the 2018 HFA-ESC definition. In both patients with advanced and not-advanced HF, ischemic etiology carried an increased risk of worse prognosis.

Long-term prognostic impact of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients recovered from COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular sequelae may occur in patients recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Recent studies have detected a considerable incidence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction-assessed with speckle-tracking echocardiography-and of long-COVID symptoms in these patients. This study aimed to define the long-term prognostic role of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and long-COVID condition in patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia.

METHODS

We prospectively followed up 110 patients hospitalized at our institution due to COVID-19 pneumonia in April 2020 and then recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. A 7-month clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed, followed by a 21-month clinical follow-up. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization, and all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A subclinical myocardial dysfunction-defined as an impairment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (≥-18%)-was identified at a 7-month follow-up in 37 patients (34%), was associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE with a good discriminative power (area under the curve: .73) and resulted in a strong independent predictor of extended MACE in multivariate regression analyses. Long-COVID condition was not associated with a worse long-term prognosis, instead.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, a subclinical myocardial dysfunction is present in one-third of the whole population at 7-month follow-up and is associated with a higher risk of MACE at long-term follow-up. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a promising tool to optimize the risk-stratification in patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, while the definition of a long-COVID condition has no prognostic relevance.

The emerging role of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a relatively novel drug class that most cardiologists are becoming familiar with. By contrasting glucose reabsorption in the proximal convoluted tubule of the nephron, SGLT2 inhibition results in glycosuria with improved glycemic control. Although originally introduced as anti-diabetic medications, the cardiovascular effects of SGLT2i have progressively emerged, leading them to become one of the four pillars for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) according to the 2021 guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology. Also, two recent randomized trials have demonstrated SGLT2i as the first compound with proven prognostic impact in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), setting a milestone in the treatment for this condition. While the exact pathogenic mechanisms mediating the substantial reduction in cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations are still controversial, there is growing clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of SGLT2i in various subsets of patients with HF. As known, heart failure is a complex and heterogeneous clinical syndrome with a magnitude of phenotypes and a variety of underlying hemodynamic and physiological aspects which cannot be fully incorporated into the traditional left ventricular ejection fraction based classification adopted in clinical trials. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the cardiovascular benefits and indications of SGLT2i across different HF patterns and to highlight current gaps in knowledge that should be addressed by future research.

144 LONG-TERM PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF SUBCLINICAL MYOCARDIAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS RECOVERED FROM COVID-19

Aims

Cardiovascular sequelae may occur in patients recovered from COVID-19. Recent studies have detected a considerable incidence of subclinical myocardial dysfunction – assessed with speckle-tracking echocardiography – and of long-COVID symptoms in these patients. This study aimed to define the long-term prognostic role of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and long-COVID condition in patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and Results

We prospectively followed-up 110 patients hospitalized at our Institution due to COVID-19 pneumonia in April 2020 and then recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection. A 6-month clinical and echocardiographic evaluation was performed, followed by a 21-month clinical follow-up. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), a composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality. A subclinical myocardial dysfunction – defined as an impairment of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (≥ -18%) - was identified at 6-month follow-up in 37 patients (34%), was associated with an increased risk of long-term MACE with a good discriminative power (AUC: 0.73) and resulted a strong independent predictor of extended MACE in a multivariate regression analysis (OR 9.29, 95%CI 2.20–39.3, p=0.002). Long-COVID condition was not associated with a worse long-term prognosis, instead.

Conclusion

In patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, a subclinical myocardial dysfunction is present in one third of the whole population at 6-month follow-up and is associated with a higher risk of MACE at long-term follow-up. Speckle-tracking echocardiography is a promising tool to optimise the risk-stratification in patients recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia, while the definition of a long-COVID condition has not prognostic relevance.

842 PREVALENCE AND MECHANISMS OF SEVERE MITRAL AND TRICUSPID RECURGITATION IN A HEART FAILURE OUTPATIENTS POPULATION

Introduction

Mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are an established cause of morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. The development of successful transcatheter therapies for mitral and tricuspid diseases have opened new therapeutic opportunities, in addition to guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HF. However, an accurate evaluation of the mechanisms of valve regurgitation is key to tailor the best treatment for each patient. This study aims at evaluating the prevalence and underlying mechanisms of at least moderate-to-severe (≥3+/4+) MR and/or TR in a cohort of HF outpatients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1260 outpatients evaluated by our HF Unit between January 2020 and June 2021. All patients with echocardiographic evidence of at least moderate-to-severe MR and/or TR were included in the registry and a thorough review of echocardiographic images and collection of clinical data were also performed.

Results

Of the 1260 analyzed patients, 173 (13.7%) presented with at least moderate-to-severe MR and/or TR and were included in the registry. The mean age was 80±7 years and median ejection fraction was 45% (IQR 33; 55%) and 77 (45%) had HF of ischemic etiology. All patients were treated with maximal tolerated doses of GDMT and, when appropriate, with devices and myocardial revascularization.

At least moderate-to-severe MR and TR was observed in 7.3% (92/1260) and 9.3% (117/1260) patients, respectively. Patients with significant isolated MR were 56 (4.4%), with isolated TR were 81 (6.4%), while with both significant MR and TR were 36 (2.8%). Among patients with significant MR, 54% (50/92) had functional valvular defect, of whom 82% (41/50) had a ventricular etiology (18/41 with asymmetric tethering), while the 18%(9/50) an atrial one (3/9 with atriogenic tethering). Among patients with significant TR, 72.6% (85/117) had functional valvular defect, of whom 35.3% (30/85) had a ventricular etiology while 64.7% (55/85) presented with an atrial one.

Conclusion

Despite optimized GDMT, the prevalence of patients presenting with significant MR and TR was considerably high in our ambulatory HF population. This registry is the first study to comprehensively detail the mechanisms of atrioventricular valve regurgitations in a wide cohort of HF outpatients.

Further studies are needed to assess the reasons for a potential undertreatment and to identify the patients who would benefit the most from the percutaneous correction of their valvular defects.

192 GLP1-RA AND HEART FAILURE-RELATED OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT HISTORY OF HEART FAILURE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND METANALYSIS

Background

GLP1-receptor agonists (GLP1-ra) are recently developed anti-diabetic drugs which have shown promising results in phase-3 cardiovascular (CV) outcomes trials in diabetic patients, demonstrating a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and, possibly, in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations. However, whether these medications improve such outcomes in patients with a history of HF remains unknown.

Methods

All randomized, placebo-controlled trials of GLP1-ra (and predefined/post-hoc analysis) reporting CV outcomes stratified by HF history were searched in Pubmed from inception to August 31st, 2022. The primary outcome was HF hospitalizations. Secondary outcomes included MACE, CV death and a composite of HF hospitalization and CV death. The analysis was performed after stratifying for HF history. Odds-ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used as effect estimated and calculated via a random-effects model. P for interaction between subgroups were calculated via meta-regression analysis and a level of p&lt;0.10 was considered as significant.

Results

Data from 6 trials and a total of 40300 patients (n=20127 GLP1-ra group, n=20173 placebo group) were included. GLP1-ra reduced HF hospitalizations in patients without HF history (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51-0.99) but had neutral effect on those with previous HF (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.88–1.22, p-interaction=0.089). CV death was also reduced by intervention only in the group without history of HF (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71–0.92), as well as the composite of HF hospitalizations and CV death (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.72–0.90). Indeed, no difference between treatment arms was found in the HF group for CV death (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.82–1.18, p-interaction=0.18) and the composite of HF hospitalization or CV death (OR 1.02 95%CI 0.89–1.18, p-interaction=0.073). MACE reduction was similar in patients with (OR 0.87 95% CI 0.72–1.06) and without HF history (OR 0.84 95% CI 0.76–0.93, p-interaction = 0.75).

Conclusion

GLP1-ra do not reduce HF hospitalization and CV death in patients with history of HF, as the benefit on cardiovascular outcomes provided by this anti-diabetic class of drugs seems to be mainly limited to patients without HF history. Future studies focused on HF patients are needed to confirm such findings and clarify the limited efficacy of GLP1-ra in this relevant group of patients.

Prognostic impact of the updated 2018 HFA-ESC definition of advanced heart failure: results from the HELP-HF registry

AIMS

The Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (HFA-ESC) proposed a definition of advanced heart failure (HF) that has not been validated, yet. We assessed its prognostic impact in a consecutive series of patients with high-risk HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The HELP-HF registry enrolled consecutive patients with HF and at least one high-risk 'I NEED HELP' marker, evaluated at four Italian centres between 1^st January 2020 and 30^th November 2021. Patients meeting the HFA-ESC advanced HF definition were compared to patients not meeting this definition. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or first HF hospitalization. Out of 4753 patients with HF screened, 1149 (24.3%) patients with at least one high-risk 'I NEED HELP' marker were included (mean age 75.1 ± 11.5 years, 67.3% male, median left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 35% [interquartile range 25%-50%]). Among them, 193 (16.8%) patients met the HFA-ESC advanced HF definition. As compared to others, these patients were younger, had lower LVEF, higher natriuretic peptides and a worse clinical profile. The 1-year rate of the primary endpoint was 69.3% in patients with advanced HF according to the HFA-ESC definition versus 41.8% in the others (hazard ratio [HR] 2.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.82-2.74, p < 0.001). The prognostic impact of the HFA-ESC advanced HF definition was confirmed after multivariable adjustment for relevant covariates (adjusted HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.57-2.50, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The HFA-ESC advanced HF definition had a strong prognostic impact in a contemporary, real-world, multicentre high-risk cohort of patients with HF.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are typical diseases of the elderly. Up to 16% of older adults with severe AS referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have a concomitant diagnosis of CA. CA-AS population suffers from reduced functional capacity and worse prognosis than AS patients. As the prognostic impact of TAVR in patients with CA-AS has been historically questioned and in light of recently published evidence, we aim to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the efficacy and safety of TAVR in CA-AS patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies: (i) evaluating mortality with TAVR as compared with medical therapy in CA-AS patients and (ii) reporting complications and clinical outcomes of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone. A total of seven observational studies were identified: four reported mortality with TAVR, and four reported complications and clinical outcomes after TAVR of patients with CA-AS compared with AS alone patients. In patients with CA-AS, the risk of mortality was lower with TAVR (n = 44) as compared with medical therapy (n = 36) [odds ratio (OR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.07-0.73, I²  = 0%, P = 0.001, number needed to treat = 3]. The safety profile of TAVR seems to be similar in patients with CA-AS (n = 75) as compared with those with AS alone (n = 536), with comparable risks of stroke, vascular complications, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury, and 30 day mortality, although CA-AS was associated with a trend towards an increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 1.76, 95% CI 0.91-4.09, I²  = 0%, P = 0.085). CA is associated with a numerically higher rate of long-term mortality and rehospitalizations following TAVR in patients with CA-AS as compared with those with AS alone.

CONCLUSIONS

TAVR is an effective and safe procedure in CA-AS patients, with a substantial survival benefit as compared with medical therapy, and a safety profile comparable with patients with AS alone except for a trend towards higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation.

C78 PREVALENCE AND MECHANISMS OF SEVERE MITRAL AND TRICUSPID REGURGITATION IN A HEART FAILURE OUTPATIENTS POPULATION

Introduction

Mitral regurgitation (MR) and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are a known cause of morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients. Maximal up–titration of guideline–directed medical therapy (GDMT) for HF may not be enough to reduce the severity of the valve’s incompetence and patients’ symptoms. The development and successful results of transcatheter therapies for mitral/tricuspid disease have opened new therapeutic opportunities when surgery is not feasible. Accurate valve regurgitation’s mechanisms evaluation is essential to choose the best treatment option. This study aims at evaluating the prevalence and underlying mechanisms of at least moderate–to–severe (≥3+/4+) MR and/or TR in a cohort of HF outpatients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 1260 outpatients evaluated by our HF unit between January 2020 and June 2021. All patients with echocardiographic evidence of ≥ 3+/4+ MR and/or TR were included (treated ones were excluded), and a thorough echocardiographic images review was conducted. A full collection of patients’ clinical, laboratory and therapy regimens details was performed as well.

Results

Of the 1260 analyzed patients, 173 (13.7%) exhibited ≥3+/4+ MR and/or TR and were included in the registry. Table 1 shows the main clinical/echocardiographic characteristics. Mean age was 80±7 years, median ejection fraction was 45% (IQR=33–55). All patients were treated with maximal tolerated doses of GDMT and, if appropriate, with cardiac devices/myocardial revascularization. ≥3+/4+ MR and/or TR was observed in 92 (7.3%) and 117 (9.3%) patients, respectively. Patients with isolated significant MR were 56 (4.4%), with isolated significant TR were 81 (6.4%); the remaining 36 (2.8%) had both MR/TR. Among patients with significant MR, 50 (54%) had functional/secondary valvular defect (details in Figure 2): the majority (41,82%) presented a ventricular etiology (asymmetric tethering in 18/41) while 9 (18%) an atrial one (atriogenic tethering in 3/9).

Conclusion

Despite optimized GDMT, the prevalence of patients with hemodynamically significant valvular defects was considerably high in our HF population. This is the first registry to comprehensively detail atrioventricular valve regurgitations’ mechanisms in a wide real–life cohort of HF outpatients. Further studies are needed to identify reasons for potential undertreatment and patients who would benefit the most from percutaneous correction of their valvular defects.

P246 URINARY SODIUM–GUIDED I.V. DIURETIC THERAPY IN ACUTE HEART FAILURE: APPLICATION OF THE YALE DIURETIC PROTOCOL IN A REAL–WORLD ITALIAN SETTING

Background

Loop diuretics are the cornerstone of acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) treatment, but evidences on doses and administration modalities are still lacking. Veena S. et al have recently validated the Natriuretic Response Prediction Equation and applied it with the Yale Diuretic Protocol (YDP) in a clinical implementation cohort demonstrating its safety.

Objectives

Our purpose is to test the applicability and safety of YDP for titration of diuretic therapy in a real–world in–hospital setting, as compared to standard diuretic therapy. METHODS From 15th September 2021 patients hospitalized with ADHF, almost one sign of congestion and need of i.v. diuretics were enrolled. Patients with active bleeding, hematocrit &lt; 21%, or on dialysis were excluded. Patients were treated with i.v. diuretic therapy guided by urinary sodium (YDP–group) or by weight changes and urinary output (control group) based on logistic in–hospital reasons.

Results

Thirty patients were included. Median age was 76.4 [IQR 68.3; 82.7] years old; median EF and glomerular filtration rate were 40% [IQR 30; 55] and 57.2 ml/min/m2 [IQR 44.9; 79.9], respectively. Nineteen (63.3%) patients were on chronic loop diuretic treatment. Ten (33.3%) patients were treated according to YDP. Main results are shown in the Table attached. YDP patients were younger (p = 0.02) and received shorter treatment with i.v. diuretics (YDP 36 [IQR 27; 48] hours, controls 48 [IQRS 38; 88] hours; p = 0.03). No differences in terms of total diuresis, weight loss at the end of i.v. diuretic therapy and length of hospitalization were shown. YDP patients experienced significant lower increase in creatinine during i.v. diuretic therapy (p = 0.02). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, with equal hypotension rate (10%), and similar plasma levels of electrolytes at the end of i.v. diuretic therapy; YDP patients required less potassium supplementation. Reasons for i.v. diuretic therapy suspension were comparable between groups; 7 (70%) YDP patients concluded i.v. diuretic therapy for satisfactory decongestion, while only one patient because of hypotension and none because of worsening of renal function.

Conclusion

In our reality the YDP appeared to be applicable, safe and comparable to the standard i.v. diuretic therapy in terms of in–hospital outcomes. These preliminary results need to be confirmed in a larger cohort and longer term outcomes still need to be explored.

241 Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are typical diseases of the elderly. Up to 16% of older adults with severe AS referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have a concomitant diagnosis of CA. CA-AS population suffers from reduced functional capacity and worse prognosis than AS patients. As the prognostic impact of TAVR in patients with CA-AS has been historically questioned and in light of recently published evidence, we aim to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the efficacy and safety of TAVR in CA-AS patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies: 1) evaluating mortality with TAVR as compared to medical therapy in CA-AS patients, and 2) reporting complications and clinical outcomes of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared to patients with AS alone.

Results

A total of 8 observational studies were identified, 4 of which reporting mortality with TAVR and 4 reporting complications and clinical outcomes after TAVR of patients with CA-AS compared with AS alone patients. In patients with CA-AS, the risk of mortality was lower with TAVR as compared to medical therapy (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.73, I²=0%, P=0.001, number needed to treat=3). The safety profile of TAVR seems to be similar in patients with CA-AS as compared to those with AS alone, with comparable risks of stroke, vascular complications, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury and 30-day mortality, although CA-AS was associated with a trend towards an increased risk of permanent pacemaker implantation (OR 1.93, 95% CI 0.91–4.09, I2=0%, P=0.085). CA is associated with a numerically higher rate of long-term mortality and rehospitalizations following TAVR in patients with CA-AS as compared to those with AS alone.

Conclusions

TAVR is an effective and safe procedure in CA-AS patients, with a substantial survival benefit as compared to medical therapy, and a safety profile comparable to patients with AS alone except for a trend towards higher risk of permanent pacemaker implantation.

480 Catheter pulmonary vein ablation vs. medical therapy or atrioventricular node ablation and resynchronization in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are increasing in prevalence worldwide and, when present altogether, are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Several and recent randomized clinical trials have reported an improvement of clinical outcomes in patients with HF and AF with catheter ablation. To provide a comprehensive and updated synthesis of effect estimates of the available randomized and observational clinical trials comparing pulmonary vein isolation with optimal medical therapy (rate or rhythm) or atrioventricular node ablation and resynchronization.

Methods and results

MEDLINE database was searched from inception to 4 March 2021 by two reviewers (F.C. and M.C.) for relevant studies. The following key words were used: ‘atrial fibrillation’, ‘heart failure’, ‘ablation’, ‘medical’, ‘drug’, ‘rate’, ‘rhythm’, ‘resynchronization’, and ‘atrial flutter’. The co-primary outcomes were all-cause death and hospitalization for HF. A total of 16 studies enrolling 42 908 patients were included; of these, 9 were randomized controlled trials, 3 unadjusted observational studies, and 4 adjusted observational trials. Patients treated with catheter ablation had a statistically significant reduction for the risk of all-cause death {Figure on the left: odds ratio [OR]: 0.51, [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31–0.84], P = 0.008, NNT 33} and hospitalization for HF [Figure on the right: OR: 0.52, (95% CI: 0.31–0.87), P 0.014, NNT 24]. Subgroup analysis confirmed these results only in HF with reduced ejection fraction subgroup. Meta-regression analyses showed a direct correlation between a higher burden of persistent/long-standing persistent AF and the positive impact of catheter ablation of AF. Moreover, the age of 70 years emerged as the cut-off age for a greater impact of catheter ablation.

Conclusions

Catheter ablation of AF is associated with a lower risk of all-cause death and HF hospitalizations in patients with AF and HF, as compared to medical therapy or atrioventricular node ablation and resynchronization. These results are mainly applicable for HF with reduced ejection fraction.

548 Colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized trials

Aims

The aim of this study was to provide a systematic appraisal of the effects of colchicine treatment on cardiovascular outcomes, adverse events, and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods and results

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared add-on colchicine to standard treatment vs. standard treatment in patients with coronary artery disease. Mixed-effects Poisson regression model with random intervention effects was used to estimate the pooled incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) or for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) were calculated. Prespecified subgroup analyses according to colchicine dose (e.g. &lt;1 mg/daily or ≥ 1 mg/daily) and the type of clinical syndrome [e.g. acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or chronic coronary syndrome (CCS)] were performed. Ten RCTs were identified, including 12 819 participants with a median follow-up of 6 months. Add-on colchicine, compared to standard treatment, was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (IRR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60–0.79, NNTB = 28), myocardial infarction (IRR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.64–0.93, NNTB = 95), and ischaemic stroke (IRR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30–0.76, NNTB = 155), while it was associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (IRR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.12–2.54, NNTH = 10). Colchicine use did not affect all-cause death (IRR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.85–1.40), or cardiovascular death (IRR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.51–1.12), while it was associated with a higher risk of non-cardiovascular death (IRR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.04–2.02, NNTH = 396). In the subgroup analysis of colchicine dose, a significant interaction was found with the risk of gastrointestinal adverse events (IRR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.91–1.15, in patients receiving colchicine &lt;1 mg/daily; IRR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.91–4.44, in patients receiving colchicine ≥1 mg/daily, p for interaction &lt;0.0001), while there was no evidence for a modification of treatment effect for the remaining endpoints. In the subgroup analysis of the clinical syndrome, there was little evidence for an interaction with the risk of myocardial infarction (IRR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.71–1.18, in patients presenting with ACS; IRR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.84, in patients presenting with CCS, p for interaction = 0.07), while there was no evidence for a modification of treatment effect for the remaining endpoints.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis of RCT provides evidence for a significant clinical benefit of add-on colchicine in terms of risk reduction of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease, that largely outweigh a potential harmful effect of colchicine on the risk of non-cardiovascular death. Colchicine is associated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects that can be prevented by using a low-dose regimen (e.g. &lt;1 mg daily).

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement in severe aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiac amyloidosis (CA) are typical degenerative diseases of the elderly. According to recent studies, up to 16% of patients referred to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have a concomitant diagnosis of CA. Until recently, TAVR in patients with CA and AS has been considered futile, following the results of small observational studies. However, few studies recently suggested a beneficial impact of TAVR in patients with AS and CA as compared with medical therapy alone.

Purpose

To clarify the efficacy and safety profile of TAVR in CA-AS patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating the risk of mortality after TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with medical therapy. Moreover, we performed a systematic review and descriptive meta-analysis of studies reporting outcomes and complication rates of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone.

Results

We identified 4 observational studies reporting data on mortality in CA-AS patients treated with either TAVR or medical therapy. Mortality was significantly lower in patients undergoing TAVR (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.73, I2=0%, NNT=2.6) as compared with medical therapy. A sensitivity analysis with hazard ratio as effect estimate showed consistent results. Then, we identified 4 observational studies reporting data on mortality, re-hospitalizations and periprocedural complications of TAVR in CA-AS patients as compared with patients with AS alone. We found higher rates of mortality, cardiovascular hospitalization and need for permanent pacemaker implantation in CA-AS patients as compared to lone AS patients undergoing TAVR. Conversely, no differences were found in terms of stroke, acute kidney injury and vascular complications.

Conclusions

Our analysis rejects the idea of futility of TAVR in CA-AS patients showing a clear survival benefit of CA-AS patients undergoing TAVR as compared with medical therapy. Moreover, these patients may undergo TAVR with an acceptable procedural risk, that is substantially comparable to lone AS patients, except for a higher incidence of permanent pacemaker implantation.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.