Is combined myocardial performance index and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion a better predictive estimator than each of them alone in patients with inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the combined estimator of left ventricular (LV) myocardial performance index (MPI) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) as a pooled independent predictive factor for hospital mortality and one-year mortality and re-hospitalization in patients with primary LV inferior ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STUDY DESIGN: We prospectively studied 221 consecutive patients (189 males, 32 females; mean age 58.2±4.5; range 38 to 72 years) with primary LV inferior STEMI. Standard echocardiography and Doppler myocardial imaging were used within 24 hours of onset of myocardial infarction to measure LV MPI and TAPSE. Based on LV MPI and TAPSE values, all subjects were categorized into two groups: Group 1 with LV MPI ≥0.55 and TAPSE ≤14 mm (n=78) and Group 2 with the remaining patients (n=143). Patients were followed up for the endpoints of hospital mortality, one-year mortality and one-year re-hospitalization. RESULTS: Hospital mortality (17.9% vs. 6.3%, adjusted odds ratio [OR(adj)] 3.26, p<0.01) one-year mortality (39.1% vs. 14.2%, OR(adj) 3.88, p<0.001) and one-year re-hospitalization rates (50.0% vs. 18.7%, OR(adj) 4.36, p<0.001) were significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. Compared with OR for LV MPI ≥0.55 vs. LV MPI <0.55 or TAPSE ≤14 mm vs. TAPSE >14 mm alone, the pooled parameter of LV MPI ≥0.55 and TAPSE ≤14 mm was shown to be the better predictive estimator, with higher OR and lower significance p-values. CONCLUSION: In primary LV inferior STEMI patients, combined LV MPI ≥0.55 and TAPSE ≤14 mm was seen to be a more valuable prognostic estimator than LV MPI ≥0.55 or TAPSE ≤14 mm alone for stratifying risky patients.

Reduced congestion and improved response to a fluid/sodium challenge in chronic heart failure patients after initiation of sacubitril/valsartan: The NATRIUM-HF study.

AIMS: The effects of initiating sacubitril/valsartan in patients with stable heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) on response to fluid and sodium expansion are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: We have explored changes in natriuresis, diuresis, and congestion in response to the administration of intravenous fluid/sodium load in patients with HFrEF before as compared to after the initiation of sacubitril/valsartan. At baseline (before sacubitril/valsartan initiation) and 2 and 3 months after the initiation, patients underwent an evaluation that consisted of three phases of 3 h: the rest phase (0-3 h), the load phase (3-6 h) in which 1 L of intravenous Ringer solution was administered, and the diuretic phase (6-9 h) at the beginning of which furosemide was administered. Overall, 216 patients completed the study. In comparison to baseline values, at 2 and 3 months after sacubitril/valsartan initiation, patients' diuresis and natriuresis in response to Ringer administration significantly increased (mean difference: 38.8 [17.38] ml, p = 0.0040, and 9.6 [2.02] mmol, p < 0.0001, respectively). Symptoms and signs of congestion after the fluid/sodium challenge were significantly decreased at months 2 and 3 compared to baseline. Compared to baseline, there was also an increment of natriuresis after furosemide administration on sacubitril/valsartan (9.8 [5.13] mmol, p = 0.0167). There was a significant decrease in body weight in subsequent visits when compared to baseline values (-0.50 [-12.7, 7.4] kg at 2 months, and -0.75 [-15.9, 7.5] kg at 3 months; both p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in HFrEF patients was associated with improvements in natriuresis, diuresis, and weight loss and better clinical adaptation to potentially decongestive stressors.

Corticosteroid burst therapy in patients with acute heart failure: Design of the CORTAHF pilot study.

AIMS: Inflammation has emerged as a potential key pathophysiological mechanism in heart failure (HF) in general and acute HF (AHF) specifically, with inflammatory biomarkers shown to be highly predictive of adverse outcomes in these patients. The CORTAHF study builds on both these data and the fact that steroid burst therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of respiratory diseases and COVID-19. Our hypothesis is that in patients with AHF and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels without symptoms or signs of infection, a 7-day course of steroid therapy will lead to reduced inflammation and short-term improvement in quality of life and a reduced risk of worsening HF (WHF) events. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study, which is currently ongoing, will include 100 patients with AHF ages 18-85, regardless of ejection fraction, screened within 12 h of presentation. Patients will be included who have NT-proBNP > 1500 pg/mL and CRP > 20 mg/L at screening. Exclusion criteria include haemodynamic instability and symptoms and signs of infection. After signed consent, eligible patients will be randomized according to a central randomization scheme stratified by centre 1:1 to either treatment once daily for 7 days with 40 mg prednisone orally or to standard care. Patients will be assessed at study day 2, day 4 or at discharge if earlier, and at days 7 and 31 at the hospital; and at day 91 through a telephone follow-up. The primary endpoint is the change in CRP level from baseline to day 7, estimated from a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) including all measured timepoints, in patients without a major protocol violation. Secondary endpoints include the time to the first event of WHF adverse event, readmission for HF, or death through day 91; and changes to day 7 in EQ-5D visual analogue scale score and utility index. Additional clinical and laboratory measures will be assessed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study will add to the knowledge of the role of inflammation in AHF and potentially inform the design of larger studies with possibly longer duration of anti-inflammatory therapies in AHF.

Total Ischemic Time on In-Hospital Complication Predictor in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) Patients With Renal Dysfunction.

Aim The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of total ischemic time (TIT) on in-hospital complications in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with renal dysfunction (RD). Methods The study included a total of 116 patients. All patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 in all patients. The patients were split into two groups based on the TIT value. All eligible patients were assigned to two groups according to TIT: Group 1 comprised 54 patients with ≤ 6-hour TIT and Group 2 consisted of 62 patients with > 6-hour TIT. The groups' other characteristics were similar. The composite rate of pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock were compared between groups. Results The mean TIT in Group 1 was 4.37 ± 1.35 and in Group 2 was 9.03 ± 1.59 (p < 0.0001). The incidence of pulmonary edema or cardiogenic shock was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1: 16.1% and 3.7%, respectively (p = 0.034). Conclusion STEMI patients with RD and higher TIT were more likely to develop pulmonary edema and cardiogenic shock.

In-hospital complications in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction depending on renal function.

BACKGROUND: To analyze in-hospital complications in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) depending on renal function. DESIGN: Observational study in patients with STEMI. METHODS: The study included 169 patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In all patients glomerular filtration rate (GRF) was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) equation. Of these patients, 84 had a GFR ≥ 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (Group 1) and 85 < 90 ml/min/1.73 m2 (Group 2). Other parameters in both groups were comparable. Study groups were followed to compare Killip class > 2 acute heart failure, in-hospital pneumonia, pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, new onset atrial fibrillation, and high grade atrioventricular block. All patients were treated according to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of acute myocardial infarction in patients presenting with ST elevation. RESULTS: Mean GFR in Group 1 was 107.6 [Formula: see text] and in Group 2 75.3 [Formula: see text] 11.2 (p < 0.0001). The incidence of atrial fibrillation was higher in Group 2: in Group 1 and Group 2 the atrial fibrillation rate was 1.12% (one of 84) vs 8.24% (seven of 85) (p = 0.031), respectively. Group 1 revealed significantly lower rates of acute heart failure (Killip class > 2): in Group 1 and Group 2 0% (0 of 84 patients) vs 5.88% (five of 85 patients) (p = 0.024), respectively. The authors found no significant differences for other complications: in Group 1 and Group 2 ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation was 4.76% (four of 84 patients) vs 5.89% (five of 85 patients) (p = 0.75), high grade atrioventricular block was 2.38% (two of 84 patients) vs 4.71% (four of 85 patients) (p = 0.41), and the in-hospital pneumonia rate was 2.38% (two of 84 patients) vs 4.71% (four of 85 patients) (p = 0.41), respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with lower GFR were more likely to suffer from in-hospital acute heart failure (Killip class > 2) and atrial fibrillation in STEMI despite primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Renal function did not affect in-hospital pneumonia, pulseless ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation rates. The evaluation of kidney function through GFR in STEMI patients may make in-hospital complications more predictable.

The role of anticoagulation in preventing myocardial infarction and improving outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with cardiovascular (CV) complications including myocardial injury, myocarditis, arrhythmias, and venous thromboembolism. The infection is more severe in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), where systemic inflammation due to cytokine storm, hypercoagulation, as well as high hematocrit and platelet (PLT) count may contribute to an increased CV risk. The authors hypothesize that anticoagulants and antiplatelets prevent miocardial infarction (MI) in patients with pre-existing CVD. METHODS: A cohort study enrolled patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory data, total and CV mortality, as well as MI incidence and treatment regimens were compared according to the time of hospitalization: 40-day period in April-May (Group 1) and in October-November (Group 2). RESULTS: A total of 195 patients were enrolled: 93 in Group 1, with 36.5%, and 102 in Group 2 with 38.2% pre-existing CVD. Group 1 was managed with infusion therapy; only 10.7% received anticoagulation. Group 2 received preventive anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and infusion therapy. In Group 1, seven cases of MI were recorded compared to only three in Group 2. No significant difference in overall mortality (4.3% vs 6.86%, p = 0.441) and MI incidence (7.5% vs 2.9%, p = 0.149) was found, but significant differences were seen in the incidence of severe and critically ill cases between the groups (69.9% and 7.5% vs 75.5% and 20.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Poorer outcomes in the early COVID-19 wave were associated with inadequate anticoagulation due to lack of knowledge about the new virus. Despite significantly more severe cases, there was no significant difference in overall mortality and MI incidence in patients with anticoagulation.

Optimization of heart rate lowering therapy in hospitalized patients with heart failure: Insights from the Optimize Heart Failure Care Program.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization is an opportunity to optimize heart failure (HF) therapy. As optimal treatment for hospitalized HF patients in sinus rhythm with heart rate≥70bpm is unclear, we investigated the impact of combined beta-blocker (BB) and ivabradine versus BBs alone on short and longer term mortality and rehospitalization. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 370 hospitalized HF patients with heart rate≥70bpm (150 BB+ivabradine, 220 BB alone) in the Optimize Heart Failure Care Program in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, from October 2015 to April 2016. RESULTS: At 1month, 3months, 6months and 12months, there were fewer deaths, HF hospitalizations and overall hospitalizations in patients on BB+ivabradine vs BBs alone. At 12months, all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization was significantly lower with BB+ivabradine than BBs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.64, P<0.0001). Significantly greater improvement was seen in quality of life (QOL) from admission to 12months with BB+ivabradine vs BBs alone (P=0.0001). With BB+ivabradine, significantly more patients achieved ≥50% target doses of BBs at 12months than on admission (82.0% vs 66.6%, P=0.0001), but the effect was non-significant with BBs alone. CONCLUSIONS: Heart rate lowering therapy with BB+ivabradine started in hospitalized HF patients (heart rate≥70bpm) is associated with reduced overall mortality and re-hospitalization over the subsequent 12months. A prospective randomized trial is needed to confirm the advantages of this strategy.

A double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled study examining the effect of cross-linked polyelectrolyte in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease.

AIMS: This double-blind, randomized, parallel, placebo-controlled investigation evaluated the effects of cross-linked polyelectrolyte (CLP) on serum potassium and measures of congestion in patients with heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS AND RESULTS: The primary endpoint was change in serum potassium over time. Exploratory endpoints included: weight, physician and patient assessment of exertional dyspnoea, effect on N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 6 min walk test (6MWT), and quality of life by Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). Serum potassium was similar in CLP (n =59) and placebo (n =52) groups throughout the 8-week study. Weight loss was greater in the CLP than in the placebo group at Weeks 1 (P =0.014) and 2 (P =0.004), and this trend continued until the end of the study. After 8 weeks, by physician assessment, the percentage of patients experiencing marked or disabling dyspnoea tended to be lower in the CLP than in the placebo group (7.3% vs. 23.9%, P =0.128). Fewer patients in the CLP than in the placebo group had NT-proBNP levels >1000 pg/mL at Week 4 (P =0.039) and Week 8 (P =0.065). The proportion of patients improving by at least one NYHA functional class over the study was higher in the CLP than in the placebo group (48.8% vs. 17.4%; P =0.002). Effects on 6MWT at Week 8 (p =0.072) and quality of life (overall KCCQ score) at Week 4 (p =0.005) and 8 (P =0.062) all favoured the CLP cohort. Four treatment-unrelated deaths occurred in the CLP group and none in the placebo group (P =0.056). CONCLUSION: In advanced, symptomatic HF with CKD, CLP is associated with beneficial clinical effects without significant serum potassium changes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01265524.