Combining loop with thiazide diuretics in patients discharged home after a heart failure decompensation: Association with 30-day outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of the addition of thiazide diuretic on top of loop diuretic and standard of care with short-term outcomes of patients discharged after surviving an acute heart failure (AHF) episode.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of 14,403 patients from three independent cohorts representing the main departments involved in AHF treatment for whom treatment at discharge was recorded and included loop diuretics. Patients were divided according to whether treatment included or not thiazide diuretics. Short-term outcomes consisted of 30-day all-cause mortality, hospitalization (with a separate analysis for hospitalization due to AHF or to other causes) and the combination of death and hospitalization. The association between thiazide diuretics on short-term outcomes was explored by Cox regression and expressed as hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals, which were adjusted for 18 patient-related variables and 9 additional drugs (aside from loop and thiazide diuretics) prescribed at discharge.

RESULTS

The median age was 81 (interquartile range=73-86) years, 53 % were women, and patients were mainly discharged from the cardiology (42 %), internal medicine or geriatric department (29 %) and emergency department (19 %). There were 1,367 patients (9.5 %) discharged with thiazide and loop diuretics, while the rest (13,036; 90.5 %) were discharged with only loop diuretics on top of the remaining standard of care treatments. The combination of thiazide and loop diuretics showed a neutral effect on all outcomes: death (adjusted HR 1.149, 0.850-1.552), hospitalization (0.898, 0.770-1.048; hospitalization due to AHF 0.799, 0.599-1.065; hospitalization due to other causes 1.136, 0.756-1.708) and combined event (0.934, 0.811-1.076).

CONCLUSION

The combination of thiazide and loop diuretics was not associated with changes in risk of death, hospitalization or a combination of both.

The significance of metabolic alkalosis on acute decompensated heart failure: the ALCALOTIC study

AIMS

To determine the prevalence and the impact on prognosis of metabolic alkalosis (MA) in patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The ALCALOTIC is a multicenter, observational cohort study that prospectively included patients admitted for AHF. Patients were classified into four groups according to their acid-base status on admission: acidosis, MA, respiratory alkalosis, and normal pH (reference group for comparison). Primary endpoint was all-cause in-hospital mortality, and secondary endpoints included 30/90-day all-cause mortality, all-cause readmission, and readmission for HF. Associations between endpoints and acid-base alterations were estimated in a multivariate Cox regression model including sex, age, comorbidities, and Barthel index and expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Six hundred sixty-five patients were included (84 years and 57% women), and 40% had acid-base alterations on admission: 188 (28%) acidosis and 78 (12%) alkalosis. The prevalence (95% CI) of MA was 9% (6.8-11.2%). Patients with MA were more women; had fewer comorbidities, better renal function, and higher left ventricle ejection fraction values; and received more treatment with oral acetazolamide during hospitalization and at discharge. MA was not associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality and 30/90-day all-cause mortality or readmissions but was associated with a significant increase in readmissions for HF at 30 and 90 days (adjusted HR [95% CI] 3.294 [1.397-7.767], p = 0.006 and 2.314 [1.075-4.978], p = 0.032).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of MA in patients admitted for AHF was 9%, and its presence was associated with more readmissions for HF but not with all-cause mortality.

Combinational Diuretics in Heart Failure

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diuretics are the cornerstone therapy for acute heart failure (HF) and congestion. Patients chronically exposed to loop diuretics may develop diuretic resistance as a consequence of nephron remodelling, and the combination of diuretics will be necessary to improve diuretic response and achieve decongestion. This review integrates data from recent research and offers a practical approach to current pharmacologic therapies to manage congestion in HF with a focus on combinational therapy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Until recently, combined diuretic treatment was based on observational studies and expert opinion. Recent evidence from clinical trials has shown that combined diuretic treatment can be started earlier without escalating the doses of loop diuretics with an adequate safety profile. Diuretic combination is a promising strategy for overcoming diuretic resistance in HF. Further studies aiming to get more insights into the pathophysiology of diuretic resistance and large clinical trials confirming the safety and efficacy over standard diuretics regimens are warranted.

Practical Approaches to the Management of Cardiorenal Disease beyond Congestion

BACKGROUND

The coexistence of heart and kidney diseases, also called cardiorenal syndrome, is very common, leads to increased morbidity and mortality, and poses diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. There is a risk-treatment paradox, such that patients with the highest risk are treated with lesser disease-modifying medical therapies.

SUMMARY

In this document, different scientific societies propose a practical approach to address and optimize cardiorenal therapies and related comorbidities systematically in chronic cardiorenal disease beyond congestion. Cardiorenal programs have emerged as novel models that may assist in delivering coordinated and holistic management for these patients.

KEY MESSAGES

(1) Cardiorenal disease is a ubiquitous entity in clinical practice and is associated with numerous barriers that limit medical treatment. (2) The present article focuses on the practical approaches to managing chronic cardiorenal disease beyond congestion to overcome some of these barriers and improve the treatment of this high-risk population.

Consensus on the Approach to Hydrosaline Overload in Acute Heart Failure. SEMI/SEC/S.E.N. Recommendations

Most of the signs and symptoms of heart failure can be explained by fluid overload, which is also related to disease progression. Fluid overload is a complex phenomenon that extends beyond increased intravascular pressures and poses challenges for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Current recommendations advise a multiparametric approach, including clinical data (symptoms/signs), imaging tests, and biomarkers. This article proposes a practical therapeutic approach to managing hydrosaline overload in heart failure in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This document is an initiative of the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine in collaboration with the Spanish Society of Cardiology and the Spanish Society of Nephrology. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en.

Sex differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in the CLOROTIC (combining loop with thiazide diuretics for decompensated heart failure) trial

AIMS

The addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide improved the diuretic response in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) in the CLOROTIC trial. Our aim was to evaluate if there were differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes according to sex.

METHODS

This is a post-hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial, including 230 patients with AHF randomized to receive HCTZ or placebo in addition to an intravenous furosemide regimen. The primary and secondary outcomes included changes in weight and patient-reported dyspnoea 72 and 96 h after randomization, metrics of diuretic response and mortality/rehospitalizations at 30 and 90 days. The influence of sex on primary, secondary and safety outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred and eleven (48%) women were included in the study. Women were older and had higher values of left ventricular ejection fraction. Men had more ischemic cardiomyopathy and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and higher values of natriuretic peptides. The addition of HCTZ to furosemide was associated to a greatest weight loss at 72/96 h, better metrics of diuretic response and higher 24-h diuresis compared to placebo without significant differences according to sex (all p-values for interaction were not significant). Worsening renal function occurred more frequently in women (OR [95%CI]: 8.68 [3.41-24.63]) than men (OR [95%CI]: 2.5 [0.99-4.87]), p = 0.027. There were no differences in mortality or rehospitalizations at 30/90 days.

CONCLUSION

Adding HCTZ to intravenous furosemide is an effective strategy to improve diuretic response in AHF with no difference according to sex, but worsening renal function was more frequent in women.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01647932; EudraCT Number: 2013-001852-36.

QT interval and short-term outcome in acute heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of corrected QT (QTc) interval duration and short-term outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF).

METHODS

We analyzed AHF patients enrolled in 11 Spanish emergency departments (ED) for whom an ECG with QTc measurement was available. Patients with pace-maker rhythm were excluded. Primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality and secondary outcomes were need of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality and prolonged hospitalization (> 7 days). Association between QTc and outcomes was explored by restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95%CI adjusted by patients baseline and decompensation characteristics, using a QTc = 450 ms as reference.

RESULTS

Of 1800 patients meeting entry criteria (median age 84 years (IQR = 77-89), 56% female), their median QTc was 453 ms (IQR = 422-483). The 30-day mortality was 9.7%, while need of hospitalization, in-hospital mortality and prolonged hospitalization were 77.8%, 9.0% and 50.0%, respectively. RCS curves found longer QTc was associated with 30-day mortality if > 561 ms, OR = 1.86 (1.00-3.45), and increased up to OR = 10.5 (2.25-49.1), for QTc = 674 ms. A similar pattern was observed for in-hospital mortality; OR = 2.64 (1.04-6.69), for QTc = 588 ms, and increasing up to OR = 8.02 (1.30-49.3), for QTc = 674 ms. Conversely, the need of hospitalization had a U-shaped relationship: being increased in patients with shorter QTc [OR = 1.45 (1.00-2.09) for QTc = 381 ms, OR = 5.88 (1.25-27.6) for the shortest QTc of 200 ms], and also increasing for prolonged QTc [OR = 1.06 (1.00-1.13), for QTc = 459 ms, and reaching OR = 2.15 (1.00-4.62) for QTc = 588 ms]. QTc was not associated with prolonged hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

In ED AHF patients, initial QTc provides independent short-term prognostic information, with increasing QTc associated with increasing mortality, while both, shortened and prolonged QTc are associated with need of hospitalization.

Prognostic impact of metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and acute heart failure: Combined analysis of the EAHFE and RICA registries

INTRODUCTION

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and heart failure (HF) have a worse prognosis despite therapeutic advances in both diseases. Sodium-glucose co-transporter type 2 and GLP-1 receptor agonists have shown cardiovascular benefits and they have been positioned as the first step in the treatment of DM in patients with HF or high cardiovascular risk. However, in the pivotal trials the majority of patients receive concomitant treatment with metformin. Randomized clinical trials have not yet been developed to assess the prognostic impact of metformin at the cardiovascular level. Our objective has been centered in analyzing whether patients with DM and acute HF who receive treatment with metformin at the time of discharge may have a better prognosis at one year of follow-up.

METHODS

Prospective cohort trial using the combined analysis of the two main Spanish HF registries, the EAHFE Registry (Epidemiology of Acute Heart Failure in Emergency Departments) and the RICA (National Registry of Patients with Heart Failure).

RESULTS

33% (1453) of a total of 4403 patients with DM type 2 received treatment with metformin. This group presents significantly lower mortality after one year of treatment (22 versus 32%; Log Rank test P < 0.001). In the adjusted analysis of mortality, patients receiving treatment with metformin have lower mortality at one year of follow-up regardless of the rest of the variables (RR 0,814; 95%IC 0,712-0,930; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DM type 2 and acute HF who receive metformin have a better prognosis after one year of follow-up, so we believe that this drug should continue to be a fundamental pillar in the treatment of these patients.

Combining loop and thiazide diuretics for acute heart failure across the estimated glomerular filtration rate spectrum: A post-hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial

AIMS

In patients with acute heart failure (AHF), the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to furosemide improved diuretic response in the CLOROTIC trial. This work aimed to evaluate if these effects differ across the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) spectrum.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This post-hoc analysis of the CLOROTIC trial analysed 230 patients with AHF and explored the influence of eGFR on primary and secondary endpoints. The median eGFR was 43 ml/min/1.73 m2 (range 14-109) and 23% had eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 1), 24% from 45 to 59 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 2), and 53% <45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (group 3). Patients treated with HCTZ had greatest weight loss at 72 h in all three groups, but patients in group 1 had a significantly greater response (-2.1 kg [-3.0 to 0.5]), compared to patients in groups 2 (-1.3 kg [-2.3 to 0.2]) and 3 (-0.1 kg [-1.3 to 0.4]) (p-value for interaction = 0.246). At 96 h, the differences in weight were -1.8 kg (-3.0 to -0.3), -1.4 kg (-2.6 to 0.3), and -0.5 kg (-1.3 to -0.1) in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p-value for interaction = 0.256). There were no significant differences observed with the addition of HCTZ in terms of diuretic response, mortality or rehospitalizations, or safety endpoints (impaired renal function, hyponatraemia, and hypokalaemia) among the three eGFR groups (all p-values for interaction were no significant).

CONCLUSION

The addition of eGFR-adjusted doses of oral HCTZ to loop diuretics in patients with AHF improved diuretic response across the eGFR spectrum.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01647932; EudraCT number: 2013-001852-36.

The influence of comorbidities on the prognosis after an acute heart failure decompensation and differences according to ejection fraction: Results from the EAHFE and RICA registries

OBJECTIVE

The role of comorbidities in heart failure (HF) outcome has been previously investigated, although mostly individually. We investigated the individual effect of 13 comorbidities on HF prognosis and looked for differences according to left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), classified as reduced (HFrEF), mildly-reduced (HFmrEF) and preserved (HFpEF).

METHODS

We included patients from the EAHFE and RICA registries and analysed the following comorbidities: hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), atrial fibrillation (AF), coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart valve disease (HVD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), neoplasia, peripheral artery disease (PAD), dementia and liver cirrhosis (LC). Association of each comorbidity with all-cause mortality was assessed by an adjusted Cox regression analysis that included the 13 comorbidities, age, sex, Barthel index, New York Heart Association functional class and LVEF and expressed as adjusted Hazard Ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

RESULTS

We analysed 8,336 patients (82 years-old; 53% women; 66% with HFpEF). Mean follow-up was 1.0 years. Respect to HFrEF, mortality was lower in HFmrEF (HR:0.74;0.64-0.86) and HFpEF (HR:0.75;0.68-0.84). Considering patients all together, eight comorbidities were associated with mortality: LC (HR:1.85;1.42-2.42), HVD (HR:1.63;1.48-1.80), CKD (HR:1.39;1.28-1.52), PAD (HR:1.37;1.21-1.54), neoplasia (HR:1.29;1.15-1.44), DM (HR:1.26;1.15-1.37), dementia (HR:1.17;1.01-1.36) and COPD (HR:1.17;1.06-1.29). Associations were similar in the three LVEF subgroups, with LC, HVD, CKD and DM remaining significant in the three subgroups.

CONCLUSION

HF comorbidities are associated differently with mortality, LC being the most associated with mortality. For some comorbidities, this association can be significantly different according to the LVEF.

Combining loop with thiazide diuretics for decompensated heart failure: the CLOROTIC trial

AIMS

To evaluate whether the addition of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) to intravenous furosemide is a safe and effective strategy for improving diuretic response in acute heart failure (AHF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, including patients with AHF randomized to receive HCTZ or placebo in addition to an intravenous furosemide regimen. The coprimary endpoints were changes in body weight and patient-reported dyspnoea 72 h after randomization. Secondary outcomes included metrics of diuretic response and mortality/rehospitalizations at 30 and 90 days. Safety outcomes (changes in renal function and/or electrolytes) were also assessed. Two hundred and thirty patients (48 women, 83 years) were randomized. Patients assigned to HCTZ were more likely to lose weight at 72 h than those assigned to placebo [2.3 vs. 1.5 kg; adjusted estimated difference (notionally 95 confidence interval) 1.14 (1.84 to 0.42); P 0.002], but there were no significant differences in patient-reported dyspnoea (area under the curve for visual analogue scale: 960 vs. 720; P 0.497). These results were similar 96 h after randomization. Patients allocated to HCTZ showed greater 24 h diuresis (1775 vs. 1400 mL; P 0.05) and weight loss for each 40 mg of furosemide (at 72 and at 96 h) (P 0.001). Patients assigned to HCTZ more frequently presented impaired renal function (increase in creatinine 26.5 moL/L or decrease in eGFR 50; 46.5 vs. 17.2; P 0.001), but hypokalaemia and hypokalaemia were similar between groups. There were no differences in mortality or rehospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

The addition of HCTZ to loop diuretic therapy improved diuretic response in patients with AHF.

[Predictive capacity for mortality of the Frail-VIG index (IF-VIG) in old patients with hip fracture]

INTRODUCTION

Frailty and hip fracture are closely related and are associated with high risk of functional decline and mortality. The objective of this study is to analyze whether the Frail-VIG index [IF-VIG] (fragility index validated in the geriatric population) maintains its predictive capacity for mortality in old patients with hip fracture.

METHODS

Observational, cohort, longitudinal and ambispective study on patients admitted to an acute geriatric unit with a hip fracture. Patients were classified according to their degree of frailty into three groups by the IF-VIG: no frailty/initial frailty (≤0.35), moderate frailty (0.36-0.50) and advanced frailty (>0.50). The follow-up period was 24months. The three groups were compared using survival curves and ROC curves were analyzed to assess the prognostic capacity of IF-VIG.

RESULTS

A total of 103 patients were included; 73.8% were women, with a mean age of 87years. There were no differences between groups in relation to the type of fracture, the kind of surgery, the waiting time until surgery and the mobilization time. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 7.76%, significantly higher in the advanced frailty group (23.3%). We also found significant differences in mortality at 24months of follow-up according to the IF-VIG. The under the ROC curve area at 3, 6, 12 and 24months was 0.90 (0.83-0.97), 0.90 (0.82-0.97), 0.91 (0.86-0.97) and 0.88 (0.81-0.94), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The IF-VIG appears to be a good tool in predicting mortality in old patients with hip fracture.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Elderly Patients with Acute and Advanced Heart Failure: Palliative Care Needs-Analysis of the EPICTER Study

Introduction: There are studies that evaluate the association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF) but there is little evidence regarding the prognosis of this comorbidity in older patients admitted for acute HF. In addition, little attention has been given to the extracardiac and extrapulmonary symptoms presented by patients with HF and COPD in more advanced stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of COPD on mortality in elderly patients with acute and advanced HF and the clinical manifestations and management from a palliative point of view. Methods: The EPICTER study (“Epidemiological survey of advanced heart failure”) is a cross-sectional, multicenter project that consecutively collected patients admitted for HF in 74 Spanish hospitals. Demographic, clinical, treatment, organ-dependent terminal criteria (NYHA III-IV, LVEF <20%, intractable angina, HF despite optimal treatment), and general terminal criteria (estimated survival <6 months, patient/family acceptance of palliative approach, and one of the following: evidence of HF progression, multiple Emergency Room visits or admissions in the last six months, 10% weight loss in the last six months, and functional impairment) were collected. Terminal HF was considered if the patient met at least one organ-dependent criterion and all the general criteria. Both groups (HF with COPD and without COPD) were compared. A Kaplan−Meier survival analysis was performed to evaluate the presence of COPD on the vital prognosis of patients with HF. Results: A total of 3100 patients were included of which 812 had COPD. In the COPD group, dyspnea and anxiety were more frequently observed (86.2% vs. 75.3%, p = 0.001 and 35.4% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.043, respectively). In patients with a history of COPD, presentation of HF was in the form of acute pulmonary edema (21% vs. 14.4% in patients without COPD, p = 0.0001). Patients with COPD more frequently suffered from advanced HF (28.9% vs. 19.4%; p < 0.001). Consultation with the hospital palliative care service during admission was more frequent when patients with HF presented with associated COPD (94% vs. 6.8%; p = 0.036). In-hospital and six-month follow-up mortality was 36.5% in patients with COPD vs. 30.7% in patients without COPD, p = 0.005. The mean number of hospital admissions during follow-up was higher in patients with HF and COPD than in those with isolated HF (0.63 ± 0.98 vs. 0.51 ± 0.84; p < 0.002). Survival analysis showed that patients with a history of COPD had fewer survival days during follow-up than those without COPD (log Rank chi-squared 4.895 and p = 0.027). Conclusions: patients with HF and COPD had more severe symptoms (dyspnea and anxiety) and also a worse prognosis than patients without COPD. However, the prognosis of patients admitted to our setting is poor and many patients with HF and COPD may not receive the assessment and palliative care support they need. Palliative care is necessary in chronic non-oncologic diseases, especially in multipathologic and symptom-intensive patients. This is a clinical care aspect to be improved and evaluated in future research studies.

Effectiveness of problem-based learning methodology in undergraduate medical education: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a pedagogical approach that shifts the role of the teacher to the student (student-centered) and is based on self-directed learning. Although PBL has been adopted in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, the effectiveness of the method is still under discussion. The author's purpose was to appraise available international evidence concerning to the effectiveness and usefulness of PBL methodology in undergraduate medical teaching programs.

METHODS

The authors applied the Arksey and O'Malley framework to undertake a scoping review. The search was carried out in February 2021 in PubMed and Web of Science including all publications in English and Spanish with no limits on publication date, study design or country of origin.

RESULTS

The literature search identified one hundred and twenty-four publications eligible for this review. Despite the fact that this review included many studies, their design was heterogeneous and only a few provided a high scientific evidence methodology (randomized design and/or systematic reviews with meta-analysis). Furthermore, most were single-center experiences with small sample size and there were no large multi-center studies. PBL methodology obtained a high level of satisfaction, especially among students. It was more effective than other more traditional (or lecture-based methods) at improving social and communication skills, problem-solving and self-learning skills. Knowledge retention and academic performance weren't worse (and in many studies were better) than with traditional methods. PBL was not universally widespread, probably because requires greater human resources and continuous training for its implementation.

CONCLUSION

PBL is an effective and satisfactory methodology for medical education. It is likely that through PBL medical students will not only acquire knowledge but also other competencies that are needed in medical professionalism.

Morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with heart failure managed with a comprehensive care model vs. usual care: The UMIPIC program

BACKGROUND

Elderly patients with heart failure (HF) have a high degree of comorbidity which leads to fragmented care, with frequent hospitalizations and high mortality. This study evaluated the benefit of a comprehensive continuous care model (UMIPIC program) in elderly HF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively analyzed data from the RICA registry on 2862 patients with HF treated in internal medicine departments. They were divided into two groups: one monitored in the UMIPIC program (UMIPIC group, n: 809) and another which received conventional care (RICA group, n: 2.053). We evaluated HF readmissions during 12 months of follow-up and total mortality after episodes of HF hospitalization. UMIPIC patients were older with higher rates of comorbidity and preserved ejection fraction than the RICA group. However, the UMIPIC group had a lower rate of HF readmissions (17% vs. 26%, p < .001) and mortality (16% vs. 27%, respectively; p < .001). In addition, we selected 370 propensity score-matched patients from each group and the differences in HF readmissions (15% UMIPIC vs. 30% RICA; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.60; p < .001) and mortality (17% UMIPIC vs. 28% RICA; hazard ratio = 0.58; 95% CI 0.42-0.79; p = .001) were maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the UMIPIC program, based on comprehensive continuous care of elderly patients with HF and high comorbidity, markedly reduce HF readmissions and total mortality.

Cognitive impairment in patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure: data from the RICA Registry

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment (CogI) in patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure, and the influence of CogI on mortality and hospital readmission. This is a multicenter cohort study of patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure enrolled in the RICA registry. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire score: 0-3 errors (no CogI or mild CogI), 4-7 (moderate CogI) and 8-10 (severe CogI). A total of 3845 patients with a mean (SD) age of 79 (8.6) years were included; 2038 (53%) were women. A total of 550 (14%) patients had moderate CogI and 76 (2%) had severe CogI. Factors independently associated with severe CogI were age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.14 p < 0.001), male sex (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.95, p = 0.031), heart rate (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.004), Charlson index (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.27, p = 0.002), and history of stroke (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.60-4.44, p < 0.001). Severe CogI was associated with higher mortality after one year (HR 3.05, 95% CI 2.25-4.14, p < 0.001). The composite variable of death/hospital readmission was higher in patients with CogI (log rank p < 0.001). Patients with heart failure and severe CogI are older and have a higher comorbidity burden, lower survival, and a higher rate of death or readmission at 1 year, compared to patients with no CogI.

Epidemiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Results from the RICA Registry

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There is great interest in better characterizing patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HF-PEF). The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence, progression over time and to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with HF-PEF.

METHODS

From the National Registry of Heart Failure (RICA, prospective multicentre cohort study) we analysed patients consecutively admitted for HF in Internal Medicine wards over a period of 11 years (2008-2018).

RESULTS

4752 patients were included, 2957 (62.2%) with preserved ejection fraction. This prevalence remained constant from 2008 to 2019. Compared to patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HF-REF) patients with HF-PEF are older, more are female, there is a higher prevalence of hypertensive and valvular aetiology, they have a profile of different comorbidities and worse functional status. A high proportion of patients receive disease-modifying treatment for IC-REF (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and beta-blockers). The overall mortality after one-year follow-up was 24% and 30% in the HF-PEF and the HF-REF, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the risk of death was higher in patients with HF-REF compared to HF-PEF (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: [1.43-2.36]). The length of hospital stay was also lower in the HF-PEF patients but there were no differences in re-hospitalizations.

CONCLUSIONS

Sixty percent of patients in the RICA registry have preserved ejection fraction. These patients have a higher comorbidity burden and a worse functional status, but lower mortality compared with HF-REF patients.

Influence of potassium levels on one-year outcomes in elderly patients with acute heart failure

BACKGROUND

Abnormal serum potassium levels (K⁺) in patients with heart failure (HF) relate to worse prognosis. We evaluated whether admission K⁺ levels predict 1-year outcomes in elderly patients admitted for acute HF.

METHODS

We evaluated 2865 patients aged >74 years from the RICA Spanish Heart Failure Registry, classified according to admission serum K⁺ levels: hyperkalemia (>5.5 mmol/L), normokalemia (3.5-5.5 mmol/L) and hypokalemia (<3.5 mmol/L). We explored whether K⁺ levels were significantly associated with one-year all-cause mortality or hospital readmission and their combination.

RESULTS

Mean admission K⁺ value was 4.3 ± 0.6 mmol/L; 97 patients (3.38%) presented with hyperkalemia and 174 (6.06%) with hypokalemia. Overall, 43% of the patients died or were readmitted for HF during the follow-up period; the risk was higher for those with hyperkalemia (59% vs 41% in hypokalemic patients). The HR for one-year mortality was 1.43 (p = .073) and 1.67 for readmissions (p = .007) when K⁺ was >5.5 mmol/L and 1.08 (p = .618) and 0.90 (p = .533) respectively for K⁺ < 3.5 mmol/L. The HR for the combined outcome was 1.59 (1.19-2.13); p = .002 in hyperkalemic patients and 0.96 (0.75-1.23); p = .751in hypokalemic patients. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association of admission K⁺ values >5.5 mmol/L with the combined outcome of mortality and readmission (HR 1.15 [95% CI 1.04-1.27], p = .008).

CONCLUSION

In patients hospitalized for decompensated HF, admission hyperkalemia predicts a higher mid-term risk for HF readmission and mortality, probably related to the significant higher risk of readmission.

Prevalence and risk factors of mild chronic renal failure in HIV-infected patients: influence of female gender and antiretroviral therapy

Background

In people living with HIV, much is known about chronic kidney disease, defined as a glomerular filtration rate under 60 mL/min. However, there is scarce data about prevalence and risk factors for milder impairment (60–89 mL/min).

Objective

The present study aims to assess the influence of sex, antiretroviral therapy, and classical risk factors on the occurrence of mild decreased renal function in a large Spanish cohort of HIV-infected patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional, single center study, including all adult HIV-1-infected patients under antiretroviral treatment with at least two serum creatinine measures during 2014, describing the occurrence of and the risk factors for mildly decreased renal function (eGFR by CKD-EPI creatinine equation of 60–89 mL/min).

Results

Among the 4337 patients included, the prevalence rate of mildly reduced renal function was 25%. Independent risk factors for this outcome were age older than 50 years (OR 3.03, 95% CI 2.58–3.55), female sex (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.02–1.48), baseline hypertension (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.25–1.97) or dyslipidemia (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.17–1.87), virologic suppression (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.39–2.53), and exposure to tenofovir disoproxil-fumarate (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.33–2.08) or ritonavir-boosted protease-inhibitors (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03–1.39).

Conclusions

Females and patients over 50 seem to be more vulnerable to renal impairment. Potentially modifiable risk factors and exposure to tenofovir disoproxil-fumarate or ritonavir-boosted protease-inhibitors are present even in earlier stages of chronic kidney dysfunction. It remains to be determined whether early interventions including antiretroviral therapy changes (tenofovir alafenamide, cobicistat) or improving comorbidities management will improve the course of chronic kidney disease.

Regional differences in the management and outcome of kidney transplantation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A 3-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In the developed world, kidney transplantation (KT) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is well established. Developing countries concentrate 90% of the people living with HIV, but their experience is underreported. Regional differences may affect outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

We compared the 3-year outcomes of patients with HIV infection receiving a KT in two different countries, in terms of incomes and development.

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective, double-center study, including all HIV-infected patients >18 years old undergoing KT.

RESULTS

Between 2005 and 2015, 54 KTs were performed (39 in a Brazilian center, and 15 in a Spanish center). Brazilians had less hepatitis C virus co-infection (5% vs 27%, P=.024). Median cold ischemia time was higher in Brazil (25 vs 18 hours, P=.001). Biopsy-proven acute rejection (AR) was higher in Brazil (33% vs 13%, P=.187), as were the number of AR episodes (22 vs 4, P=.063). Patient survival at 3 years was 91.3% in Brazil and 100% in Spain; P=.663. All three cases of death in Brazil were a result of bacterial infections within the first year post transplant. At 3 years, survival free from immunosuppressive changes was lower in Brazil (56% vs 90.9%, P=.036). Raltegravir-based treatment to avoid interaction with calcineurin inhibitor was more prevalent in Spain (80% vs 3%; P<.001). HIV infection remained under control in all patients, with undetectable viral load and no opportunistic infections.

CONCLUSION

Important regional differences exist in the demographics and management of immunosuppression and antiretroviral therapy. These details may influence AR and infectious complications. Non-AIDS infections leading to early mortality in Brazil deserve special attention.

Estimation of renal function by CKD-EPI versus MDRD in a cohort of HIV-infected patients: a cross-sectional analysis

Background

Accurately determining renal function is essential for clinical management of HIV patients. Classically, it has been evaluated by estimating glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the MDRD-equation, but today there is evidence that the new Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation has greater diagnostic accuracy. To date, however, little information exists on patients with HIV-infection. This study aimed to evaluate eGFR by CKD-EPI vs. MDRD equations and to stratify renal function according to KDIGO guidelines.

Methods

Cross-sectional, single center study including adult patients with HIV-infection.

Results

Four thousand five hundred three patients with HIV-infection (864 women; 19%) were examined. Median age was 45 years (IQR 37–52), and median baseline creatinine was 0.93 mg/dL (IQR 0.82–1.05). A similar distribution of absolute measures of eGFR was found using both formulas (p = 0.548). Baseline median eGFR was 95.2 and 90.4 mL/min/1.73 m² for CKD-EPI and MDRD equations (p < 0.001), respectively. Of the 4503 measurements, 4109 (91.2%) agreed, with a kappa index of 0.803. MDRD classified 7.3% of patients as “mild reduced GFR” who were classified as “normal function” with CKD-EPI. Using CKD-EPI, it was possible to identify “normal function” (>90 mL/min/1.73 m²) in 73% patients and “mild reduced GFR” (60–89 mL/min/1.73 m²) in 24.3% of the patients, formerly classified as >60 mL/min/1.73 m² with MDRD.

Conclusions

There was good correlation between CKD-EPI and MDRD. Estimating renal function using CKD-EPI equation allowed better staging of renal function and should be considered the method of choice. CKD-EPI identified a significant proportion of patients (24%) with mild reduced GFR (60–89 mL/min/1.73 m²).

Heart Failure with Recovered Ejection Fraction in a Cohort of Elderly Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether patients with heart failure (HF) who recover left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), termed here as ‘Rec-HF', have a distinct clinical profile and prognosis compared with patients with HF and reduced LVEF (HF-REF) or HF and preserved LVEF (HF-PEF). Methods: We evaluated and classified patients from the Spanish Heart Failure Registry into three categories based on enrollment/follow-up echocardiograms: HF-PEF (LVEF ≥50%), HF-REF (LVEF persistently <50%) and Rec-HF (LVEF on enrollment <50% but normalized during follow-up). Results: A total of 1,202 patients were included, 1,094 with HF-PEF, 81 with HF-REF and 27 with Rec-HF. The three groups included patients of advanced age (mean age 75 years) with comorbidities. Rec-HF patients were younger, with a better functional status, lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus, dementia and cerebrovascular disease, and higher prevalence of COPD. The etiology of HF was more frequently ischemic and alcoholic and less frequently hypertensive. After a median follow-up of 367 days, the unadjusted hazard ratios for death in the Rec-HF versus HF-PEF and HF-REF groups were 0.11 (95% CI 0.02-080; p = 0.029) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.04-2.5; p = 0.274). Results were statistically nonsignificant in multivariate-adjusted models. Conclusion: Rec-HF is also present in elderly patients with HF but it is necessary to further investigate the natural history and optimal pharmacologic management of this ‘new HF syndrome'.

[Alternatives to conventional diuretic therapy in heart failure]

Although treatment of acute heart failure is based primarily on the administration of intravenous loop diuretics, evidence supporting this practice is still scarce and there is uncertainty about the optimal dose. The existence of a considerable percentage of patients refractory to diuretic therapy and worsening of renal failure associated with the use of these drugs, with possible implications for medium-term mortality, have prompted the search for more effective and safer alternatives. Extracorporeal purification techniques, such as ultrafiltration, have demonstrated efficacy, although their superiority is unclear, due to the possible adverse effects associated with the procedure. The use of low-dose dopamine is not superior to conventional diuretic therapy after the first few hours of treatment. Moreover, combination with furosemide and hypertonic saline could be a valid alternative for patients with refractory congestion and depressed ejection fraction and serum creatinine ≤ 2.5mg/dL, but further studies are needed before its widespread use. The use of tolvaptan may be an effective alternative in the short-term but its use may be limited by its price. There is still controversy about whether treatment with loop diuretics is associated with higher mortality in all groups of patients with HF exacerbations. These controversies should be clarified by future clinical trials.

Association between type-2 diabetes mellitus and post-discharge outcomes in heart failure patients: findings from the RICA registry

AIMS

Heart failure (HF) and diabetes are common clinical conditions that may coexist. The main objective was to analyze the association of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on prognosis in hospitalized patients with HF.

METHODS

We evaluated the association between T2DM with all-cause mortality and readmissions in the Spanish National Registry on Heart Failure-"Registro Nacional de Insuficiencia Cardiaca" (RICA). This is a multi-center and prospective cohort study that includes patients admitted for decompensated HF from 2008 to 2011. Study endpoints were all-cause mortality and hospital readmission. We determined the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) by a multivariable Cox regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 1082 patients (mean age 77.6±8.5) were included of whom 490 (45.3%) had diabetes and 592 patients (54.7%) had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). During one-year follow-up, 287 patients died (151 patients with diabetes) and 383 patients were readmitted (197 patients with diabetes). After adjusting for baseline characteristics T2DM was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.54; 95%CI 1.20-1.97, p=0.001) and readmissions (HR 1.46; 95%CI 1.18-1.80, p<0.001). Age, dementia, peripheral vascular disease, NYHA class, renal insufficiency, hyponatremia and anemia were also independently associated with outcomes. There were no differences in mortality (p=0.415) and readmissions (p=0.514) according to preserved or reduced LVEF.

CONCLUSION

T2DM is very common in patients hospitalized for HF. This condition is a strong and independent co-morbidity of all-cause mortality and readmission for both HF with preserved and reduced LVEF.

[Diuretic therapy in heart failure]

Many of the primary clinical manifestations of heart failure (HF) are due to fluid retention, and treatments targeting congestion play a central role in HF management. Diuretic therapy remains the cornerstone of congestion treatment, and diuretics are prescribed to the majority of HF patients. Despite this ubiquitous use, there is limited evidence from prospective randomized studies to guide the use of diuretics. With the chronic use of diuretic and usually in advanced stages of HF, diuretics may fail to control salt and water retention. This review describes the mechanism of action of available diuretic classes, reviews their clinical use based on scientific evidence and discusses strategies to overcome diuretic resistance.

Impact of weight loss on mortality in chronic heart failure: findings from the RICA Registry

BACKGROUND

Obesity increases the risk of heart failure (HF), but a significant survival benefit in obese patients has been described once they have been diagnosed with HF. There is little information about the effects of weight loss among patients with HF. We aimed to assess the frequency of weight loss in patients with HF from the RICA Registry and whether weight loss is associated with mortality.

METHODS

We investigated weight changes in 731 patients with HF and analysed the effect of weight loss of 5% or more of their baseline bodyweight during follow-up.

RESULTS

419 (57.3%) patients lost weight during follow-up but only 152 (20.8%) lost at least 5% of the baseline bodyweight. We did not find significant differences in demographic, clinical, functional and analytical parameters between patients with and without weight loss or 5% or more of their bodyweight. We observed a significant improvement in the mean NYHA functional class value and a non-significant improvement in the LVEF in all patients. A significant decrease in the natriuretic peptide levels was only observed in the patients who lost weight. Survival rates at 1year follow-up for patients with and without weight loss or 5% or more were 75.7% (95% CI: 67.1-84.3%) and 77.1% (95% CI: 72.8-81.4%), respectively (p=0.92). Re-admission rates for patients with and without weight loss were 52.7% (95% CI: 42.9-62.43%) and 50.0% (95% CI: 45.3-54.7%), respectively (p=0.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant weight loss occurred in 20.8% of patients with HF. Weight loss was not associated with mortality or readmission.

[Paradox of obesity in heart failure: results from the Spanish RICA Registry]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Obesity is a risk factor for heart failure (HF). Paradoxically, it has been described that body mass index (BMI) is inversely associated with mortality. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between BMI and mortality in a cohort of patients with HF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients included in the RICA Registry between March 2008 and September 2009 were analysed. RICA is a multicenter, prospective cohort study that includes patients admitted for decompensated HF in Spanish Internal Medicine Services. Patients were divided according to the WHO body weight categories.

RESULTS

712 patients were included; 54% were women and mean age was 77.3 years. Hypertensive cardiopathy was the most common etiology of HF with some differences according to BMI categories, being valvular disease more frequent among obese and overweight patients and ischemic HF among normal weight patients. Mean left ventricle ejection fraction was 50.2% and it was higher among higher BMI categories. Natriuretic peptide levels were significantly lower among higher BMI categories (P<.05). Overall mortality after one-year of follow-up was 13.9% and it was significantly lower among higher BMI categories: normal BMI 20.4%, overweight 14.7% and obesity 8.5% (P<.01). In the multivariate analysis, overweight was significantly and independently associated with an increased mortality risk in comparison with obesity: RR 3.05 (IC95% 1.24-7.54).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in BMI was associated with lower levels of natriuretic peptides and lower mortality.