Patterns and predictors of dyspnoea following left ventricular assist device implantation.

AIMS: Dyspnoea is a common symptom of heart failure (HF) that often prompts patients to seek treatment. Implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been associated with reduced dyspnoea but it is unclear if all patients experience similar improvements in dyspnoea over time following LVAD implantation. Our aim was to identify distinct trajectories of dyspnoea symptoms over time following LVAD implantation and predictors of dyspnoea trajectory. We hypothesized that at least two, distinct trajectories of dyspnoea would be observed following LVAD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a secondary analysis of data from the Profiling Biobehavioral Responses to Mechanical Support in Advanced Heart Failure study. In the parent study, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected prior to LVAD implantation and at 1, 3, and 6 months following LVAD implantation from a sample (n = 101) of patients with advanced HF. Latent growth mixture modelling was performed to identify distinct trajectories of dyspnoea symptoms. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was used to identify predictors of dyspnoea trajectory. Two, distinct trajectories of dyspnoea symptoms were identified: sustained improvement and unsustained improvement. Participants who experienced sustained improvement (86.7% of sample) demonstrated large, significant improvement in dyspnoea from pre-implantation to 3 months post-implant followed by smaller, non-significant improvement from 3 to 6 months. Participants who experienced unsustained improvement (13.3% of sample) demonstrated initial improvement from pre-implantation to 3 months post-implantation followed by worsening of dyspnoea from 3 to 6 months. Greater depressive symptoms at baseline and living alone were significant predictors of unsustained improvement. CONCLUSION: Patients experience different patterns of dyspnoea over time following LVAD implantation. Clinicians should inquire about living arrangements and depressive symptoms at each visit to determine risk of unsustained improvement in dyspnoea.

Longitudinal Effects of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation on Global and Domain-Specific Cognitive Function.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are a common treatment of advanced heart failure, but cognitive dysfunction, which is common in heart failure, could limit the ability to perform postimplantation LVAD care. Implantation of an LVAD has been associated with improved cerebral perfusion and may improve cognitive function post implantation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify longitudinal change in cognitive function after LVAD implantation. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data on 101 adults was completed to evaluate cognitive function before implantation and again at 1, 3, and 6 months post implantation of an LVAD. Latent growth curve modeling was conducted to characterize change over time. Serial versions of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment were used to measure overall (total) cognitive function and function in 6 cognitive domains. RESULT: There was moderate, nonlinear improvement from preimplantation to 6 months post implantation in Montreal Cognitive Assessment total score (Hedges' g = 0.50) and in short-term memory (Hedges' g = 0.64). There also were small, nonlinear improvements in visuospatial ability, executive function, and attention from preimplantation to 6 months post implantation (Hedges' g = 0.20-0.28). The greatest improvements were observed in the first 3 months after implantation and were followed by smaller, sustained improvements or no additional significant change. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of an LVAD is associated with significant, nonlinear improvement in short-term memory and global cognitive function, with the most significant improvements occurring in the first 3 months after implantation. Clinicians should anticipate improvements in cognitive function after LVAD implantation and modify postimplantation education to maximize effectiveness of LVAD self-care.

Exploring gender differences in trajectories of clinical markers and symptoms after left ventricular assist device implantation.

AIMS: Despite well-known gender differences in heart failure, it is unknown if clinical markers and symptoms differ between women and men after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Our aim was to examine gender differences in trajectories of clinical markers (echocardiographic markers and plasma biomarkers) and symptoms from pre- to post-LVAD implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a secondary analysis of data collected from a study of patients from pre- to 1, 3, and 6 months post-LVAD implantation. Data were collected on left ventricular internal end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd) and ejection fraction (LVEF), plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity (sST2). Physical and depressive symptoms were measured using the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. Latent growth curve modelling was used to compare trajectories between women and men. The average age of the sample (n = 98) was 53.3 ± 13.8 years, and most were male (80.6%) and had non-ischaemic aetiology (65.3%). Pre-implantation, women had significantly narrower LVIDd (P < 0.001) and worse physical symptoms (P = 0.041) compared with men. Between pre- and 6 months post-implantation, women had an increase in plasma sST2 followed by a decrease, whereas men had an overall decrease (slope: P = 0.014; quadratic: P = 0.011). Between 1 and 6 months post-implantation, women had a significantly greater increase in LVEF (P = 0.045) but lesser decline in plasmoa NT-proBNP compared with men (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Trajectories of clinical markers differed somewhat between women and men, but trajectories of symptoms were similar, indicating some physiologic but not symptomatic gender differences in response to LVAD.

Cross-classification of physical and affective symptom clusters and 180-day event-free survival in moderate to advanced heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physical and affective symptom clusters in heart failure (HF) is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To identify associations between physical and affective symptom clusters in HF and to quantify outcomes and determinants of symptom subgroups. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data from two cohort studies among adults with HF. Physical and affective symptom clusters were compared using cross-classification modeling. Cox proportional hazards modeling and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify outcomes and determinants of symptom subgroups, respectively. RESULTS: In this young, mostly male sample (n = 274), physical and affective symptom clusters were cross-classified in a model with acceptable fit. Three symptom subgroups were identified: congruent-mild (69.3%), incongruent (13.9%), and congruent-severe (16.8%). Compared to the congruent-mild symptom group, the incongruent symptom group had significantly worse 180-day event-free survival. CONCLUSION: Congruence between physical and affective symptom clusters should be considered when identifying patients at higher risk for poor outcomes.

The role of estrogen, immune function and aging in heart transplant outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Aging and loss of estrogen suppress immune function, potentially improving survival after orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). The effect of female aging on OHT outcomes is unknown. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2015, 41,299 adult OHT recipients (24.3% women) were studied using a retrospective multi-institutional cohort. Patients were stratified by age and gender into premenopausal (18-39 years), perimenopausal (40-49 years), and postmenopausal (≥50 years) groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and risk-adjusted models examined gender differences across groups at one, five, and ten years. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival was equivalent for postmenopausal women and men, and lower for premenopausal women than men at all time points (p ≤ 0.05). Postmenopausal women had higher risk-adjusted five-year survival than premenopausal women (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.15-2.25, p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal women have lower unadjusted survival than men after OHT. Post-menopausal women have significantly better five-year survival than pre-menopausal women. Menopause may contribute to improved survival after OHT.

Development and Initial Validation of the PROMIS®-Plus-HF Profile Measure.

Background Bringing together generic and heart failure (HF)-specific items in a publicly available, patient-reported outcome measure may facilitate routine health status assessment for improving clinical care and shared decision-making, assessing quality of care, evaluating new interventions, and comparing groups with different conditions. Methods and Results We performed a mixed-methods study to develop and validate the PROMIS®-Plus-HF (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®-Plus-Heart Failure) profile measure-a HF-specific instrument based on the generic PROMIS. We conducted 8 focus groups with 61 patients with HF and phone interviews with 10 HF clinicians. The measure was developed via an iterative process of reviewing existing PROMIS items and developing and testing new HF items. In a 600-patient sample, we estimated reliability (internal consistency; test-retest, with n=100 participants). We conducted validity analyses using Pearson r and Spearman ρ correlations with Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire subscores. In a longitudinal sample, we performed responsiveness testing (paired t tests) with 75 patients with HF receiving interventions with expected health status improvement. The PROMIS-Plus-HF measure comprises 86 items (64 existing; 22 new) across 18 domains. Internal consistency reliability (Cronbach α) coefficients ranged from 0.52 to 0.96, with α≥0.70 in 12 of 17 domains. Test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients were ≥0.90. Correlations with Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire subscores supported expected convergent ( r/ρ>0.60) and divergent validity ( r/ρ<0.30). In the longitudinal sample, 10 of 18 domains had improved ( P<0.05) scores from baseline to follow-up. Conclusions The PROMIS-Plus-HF profile measure-a complete assessment of physical, mental, and social health-exhibited good psychometric characteristics and may facilitate patient-centered care and research. Subsets of domains and items can be used depending on the clinical or research purpose.

Device-detected congestion is associated with worse patient-reported outcomes in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Congestion is a common cause of symptoms in heart failure (HF). Yet, intrathoracic impedance, an objective marker of cardiopulmonary congestion, has not been examined in relation to HF symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether device-detected cardiopulmonary congestion is a predictor of physical and psychological symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in adults with HF over 3 months. METHODS: Multivariate generalized linear modeling was used to quantify the association of cardiopulmonary congestion (Optivol® Index exceeding 60 Ω threshold) with HRQOL (12-item Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and both physical symptoms (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale; HF Somatic Perception Scale Dyspnea and Early & Subtle Symptoms subscales) and affective symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire; 6-item Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety Scale). RESULTS: The mean age of the sample (n = 49) was 62years old, 39% were women, and 63% had NYHA class III/IV HF. Participants who experienced threshold crossings in the previous 90days reported on average, 130% higher dyspnea (p = 0.017; confidence interval (CI) 10.2%, 437%), 40% higher early & subtle symptoms (p = 0.029; CI 3.4%, 89.7%), 106% higher depressive symptoms (p = 0.003; CI 19.1%, 257%) and 40% higher anxiety (p = 0.028; CI 3.7%, 89.1%). Threshold crossings in the previous 90days were also significantly associated with a clinically meaningful decrease in HRQOL (ß = -16.16 ±â€¯6.32; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intrathoracic impedance measured with the Optivol Index can provide additional information regarding the patient experience of hallmark physical and psychological HF symptoms and HRQOL over 3months.

Heart Failure Symptom Biology in Response to Ventricular Assist Device Implantation.

BACKGROUND: We have a limited understanding of the biological underpinnings of symptoms in heart failure (HF), particularly in response to left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify the degree to which symptoms and biomarkers change in parallel from before implantation through the first 6 months after LVAD implantation in advanced HF. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 101 patients receiving an LVAD for the management of advanced HF. Data on symptoms (dyspnea, early and subtle symptoms [HF Somatic Perception Scale], pain severity [Brief Pain Inventory], wake disturbance [Epworth Sleepiness Scale], depression [Patient Health Questionnaire], and anxiety [Brief Symptom Inventory]) and peripheral biomarkers of myocardial stretch, systemic inflammation, and hypervolumetric mechanical stress were measured before implantation with a commercially available LVAD and again at 30, 90, and 180 days after LVAD implantation. Latent growth curve and parallel process modeling were used to describe changes in symptoms and biomarkers and the degree to which they change in parallel in response to LVAD implantation. RESULTS: In response to LVAD implantation, changes in myocardial stretch were closely associated with changes in early and subtle physical symptoms as well as depression, and changes in hypervolumetric stress were closely associated with changes in pain severity and wake disturbances. Changes in systemic inflammation were not closely associated with changes in physical or affective symptoms in response to LVAD implantation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide new insights into the many ways in which symptoms and biomarkers provide concordant or discordant information about LVAD response.

Comparative symptom biochemistry between moderate and advanced heart failure.

BACKGROUND: We have a limited understanding of the biological underpinnings of symptoms in heart failure (HF). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this paper was to compare relationships between peripheral biomarkers of HF pathogenesis and physical symptoms between patients with advanced versus moderate HF. METHODS: This was a two-stage phenotype sampling cohort study wherein we examined patients with advanced HF undergoing ventricular assist device implantation in the first stage, and then patients with moderate HF (matched adults with HF not requiring device implantation) in the second stage. Linear modeling was used to compare relationships among biomarkers and physical symptoms between cohorts. RESULTS: Worse myocardial stress, systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction were associated with worse physical symptoms in moderate HF (n=48), but less physical symptom burden in advanced HF (n=48). CONCLUSIONS: Where patients are in the HF trajectory needs to be taken into consideration when exploring biological underpinnings of physical HF symptoms.

Exploring the relationship between ß-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 and physical symptoms in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between physical heart failure (HF) symptoms and pathophysiological mechanisms is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the relationship between plasma ß-adrenergic receptor kinase-1 (ßARK1) and physical symptoms among adults with HF. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data collected from two studies of adults with HF. Plasma ßARK1 was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Physical symptoms were measured with the HF Somatic Perception Scale (HFSPS). Generalized linear modeling was used to quantify the relationship between ßARK1 and HFSPS scores. RESULTS: The average age (n = 94) was 54.5 ± 13.1 years, 76.6% were male, and a majority (83.0%) had Class III or IV HF. ßARK1 was significantly associated with HFSPS scores (ß = 0.22 ± 0.10, p = 0.038), adjusting for other predictors of physical symptoms (model R2 = 0.250, F(7, 70) = 3.34, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Higher ßARK1 is associated with worse physical HF symptoms, pinpointing a potential pathophysiologic underpinning.

Patient and Caregiver Determinants of Patient Quality of Life and Caregiver Strain in Left Ventricular Assist Device Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Although current guidelines emphasize the importance of social support to the success of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy, few studies examine the influence of the caregiver on patient outcomes or quantify the impact of LVAD caregiving on caregiver outcomes. The purpose of this analysis was to identify patient and caregiver determinants of patient quality of life (QOL) and caregiver strain in response to LVAD therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on patients receiving LVAD therapy and their caregivers (n=50 dyads) were prospectively collected pre-implantation and 1, 3, and 6 months post-implantation. Growth curve modeling was used to describe change in patient QOL (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and caregiver strain (Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index). Patient QOL improved most in the first month (ß=23.22±3.76, P<0.001), followed by gradual gains over 6 months (ß=1.90±0.64, P<0.01). Caregivers experienced worsening of strain in the first month (ß=4.30±1.42, P<0.01), followed by gradual resolution to pre-implantation levels by 6 months (ß=-0.71±0.23, P<0.01). Worse pre-implantation patient symptoms were associated with greater improvement in patient QOL (ß=0.53±0.19, P<0.01) but worsening caregiver strain (ß=0.15±0.07, P=0.04). Better relationship quality was associated with greater improvement in patient QOL (ß=14.39±5.85, P=0.01) and less pre-implantation caregiver strain (ß=-9.31±2.28, P<0.001). Nonspousal caregivers experienced less pre-implantation strain (ß=-8.60±3.10, P=0.01), and patients with nonspousal caregivers had less improvement in QOL (ß=-3.70±1.62, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of patient and caregiver characteristics predicts patient and caregiver response to LVAD therapy. Including caregiver factors in future studies may be helpful in developing interventions that improve patient and caregiver outcomes, together.

Patterns of heart failure symptoms are associated with self-care behaviors over 6 months.

BACKGROUND: Both heart failure symptoms and self-care are associated with patient outcomes. Although it is thought that symptoms drive self-care, there is limited evidence to support this assumption over time. AIMS: To determine whether patterns of physical symptoms are significantly associated with heart failure self-care over time. METHOD: Latent mixture analysis was used to identify subgroups based on physical symptoms of dyspnea, sleepiness and edema (using the heart failure somatic perception and Epworth sleepiness scales). Growth modeling was used to determine if symptom subgroups were associated with self-care behaviors (using the self-care in heart failure index) over 6 months. Sociodemographic and clinical variables predicting the likelihood of subgroup membership were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS: The sample ( n=146) was on average 57 years old, 70% were men and 59% had class III/IV heart failure. Two symptom subgroups were identified (entropy 0.91): a high symptom group ( n=24; 16%) with no significant change in symptoms over time (high sustained), and a low symptom group ( n=122; 84%) with no significant change in symptoms over time (low sustained). The high sustained group was associated significantly with better self-care behaviors at baseline and over 6 months. Women (odds ratio (OR) 3.67, P=0.023) and patients with more depressive symptoms (OR 1.16, P=0.015) were more likely to be in the high sustained symptom group. Those treated with a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system agent were less likely to be in the high symptom group (OR 0.17, P=0.015). CONCLUSION: Patients bothered more by symptoms are consistently more engaged in self-care behaviors over time. The results of this study support symptoms as an important driver of self-care behaviors.

The Role of Dyadic Confidence on Engagement in Heart Failure Care Behaviors.

Background and Objectives: Increasingly, older adults and their families are expected to manage complex conditions with little support. In the case of heart failure (HF), symptom monitoring and management are critical in preventing acute exacerbations and poor clinical outcomes. The current study examined the role of dyadic confidence on engagement in HF care behaviors by patients and their spouses. Research Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to examine 60 couples living with HF. Three dyadic confidence variables were created to represent average level of confidence, gap in confidence, and direction of gap within each couple. A series of multilevel models were used to examine dyadic engagement in HF maintenance, management, and consulting behaviors and the role of dyadic confidence. Results: Patients were significantly more engaged in HF maintenance behaviors than spouses; couples were more collaborative in their engagement in HF management and consulting behaviors. Average level of confidence in the dyad was significantly associated with patient engagement in all three HF behaviors. Spouse engagement was associated with more congruence in confidence and having higher levels of confidence than their partners with HF. Women were significantly more engaged in HF behaviors than men, regardless of role. Discussion and Implications: The study employed a dyadic approach to HF care and a novel approach to confidence. Findings confirm the social nature of confidence and its important role in HF. Clinicians have opportunities to optimize patient outcomes by fostering greater collaboration within couples.

Outcomes following implantation of mechanical circulatory support in adults with congenital heart disease: An analysis of the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS).

BACKGROUND: Adults with congenital heart disease represent an expanding and unique population of patients with heart failure (HF) in whom the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) has not been characterized. We sought to describe overall use, patient characteristics, and outcomes of MCS in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). METHODS: All patients entered into the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) between June 23, 2006, and December 31, 2015, were included. Patients with ACHD were identified using pre-operative data and stratified by ventricular morphology. Mortality was compared between ACHD and non-ACHD patients, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of death after device implantation. RESULTS: Of 16,182 patients, 126 with ACHD stratified as follows: systemic morphologic left ventricle (n = 63), systemic morphologic right ventricle (n = 45), and single ventricle (n = 17). ACHD patients were younger (42 years ± 14 vs 56 years ± 13; p < 0.0001) and were more likely to undergo device implantation as bridge to transplant (45% vs 29%; p < 0.0001). A higher proportion of ACHD patients had biventricular assist device (BiVAD)/total artificial heart (TAH) support compared with non-ACHD patients (21% vs 7%; p < 0.0001). More ACHD patients on BiVAD/TAH support were INTERMACS profile 1 compared with patients on systemic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support (35% vs 15%; p = 0.002). ACHD and non-ACHD patients with LVADs had similar survival; survival was worse for patients on BIVAD/TAH support. BiVAD/TAH support was the only variable independently associated with mortality (early phase hazard ratio 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-11.1; p = 0.001). For ACHD patients receiving MCS, ventricular morphology was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ACHD patients with LVADs have survival similar to non-ACHD patients. Mortality is higher for patients requiring BiVAD/TAH support, potentially owing to higher INTERMACS profile. These outcomes suggest a promising role for LVAD support in ACHD patients as part of the armamentarium of therapies for advanced HF.

Implant Strategy-Specific Changes in Symptoms in Response to Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

BACKGROUND: Although we know that the quality of life generally improves after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, we know little about how symptoms change in response to LVAD. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in symptoms between bridge and destination therapy patients as part of a prospective cohort study. Physical (dyspnea and wake disturbances) and affective symptoms (depression and anxiety) were measured before LVAD and at 1, 3, and 6 months after LVAD. Multiphase growth modeling was used to capture the 2 major phases of change: initial improvements between preimplant and 1 month after LVAD and subsequent improvements between 1 and 6 months after LVAD. RESULTS: The sample included 64 bridge and 22 destination therapy patients as the preimplant strategy. Destination patients had worse preimplant dyspnea and wake disturbances, and they experienced greater initial improvements in these symptoms compared with bridge patients (all P < .05); subsequent change in both symptoms were similar between groups (both P > .05). Destination patients had worse preimplant depression (P = .042) but experienced similar initial and subsequent improvements in depression in response to LVAD compared with bridge patients (both P > .05). Destination patients had similar preimplant anxiety (P = .279) but experienced less initial and greater subsequent improvements in anxiety after LVAD compared with bridge patients (both P < .05). CONCLUSION: There are many differences in the magnitude and timing of change in symptom responses to LVAD between bridge and destination therapy patients. Detailed information on changes in specific symptoms may better inform shared decision-making regarding LVAD.

Self-care Moderates the Relationship Between Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Physical symptoms and depression in heart failure (HF) are key drivers of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Heart failure self-care behaviors are believed to influence how symptoms affect HRQOL. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine if HF self-care behaviors moderate the relationships between physical and depressive symptoms and HRQOL. METHODS: In a cohort of adults with moderate to advanced HF, multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate the interaction between self-care behaviors (Self-care of HF index maintenance and management scales) and physical HF symptoms (HF Somatic Perception Scale) on emotional HRQOL (emotional dimension of Minnesota Living With HF Questionnaire). The interaction between self-care behaviors and depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) was evaluated on physical HRQOL (physical dimension of Minnesota Living With HF Questionnaire). RESULTS: The mean age of the sample (N = 202) was 57 ± 13 years, 50% were women, and 61% had New York Heart Association class III or IV HF. Controlling for age, Seattle HF score, functional ability, and comorbidities, self-care maintenance and management moderated the relationship between physical HF symptoms and emotional HRQOL. Only self-care maintenance moderated the relationship between depression and physical HRQOL. CONCLUSION: In HF, HRQOL is dependent on both the severity of physical and depressive symptoms and the level of engagement in HF self-care behaviors. Future research should consider both self-care behaviors and symptoms when examining patient HRQOL.

Depressive symptoms in couples living with heart failure: the role of congruent engagement in heart failure management.

OBJECTIVES: The life-threatening context of heart failure (HF), high variability of the illness and complexity of care place considerable demands on both the adult patient and his/her spouse. The current study examines the role of congruent engagement in HF management behaviors on the depressive symptoms of the couple living with HF. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was used to examine 60 couples living with HF. Multilevel modeling was used to examine partner and within-dyad effects of engagement in HF behaviors on depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Just over one quarter (27%) of couples had both members experiencing at least mild depressive symptoms. Controlling for stage of HF and one's own level of engagement, one's partner's level of engagement was significantly associated with one's level of depressive symptoms; higher levels of engagement by one's partner were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Additionally, spouses had lower levels of depressive symptoms when they had similar levels of engagement to their partner with HF; spouses had higher levels of depressive symptoms when they had higher levels of engagement than their partner with HF. CONCLUSION: Findings confirm the importance of screening both members of the couple for depression and fostering collaboration within the couple.

Patterns, relevance and predictors of heart failure dyadic symptom appraisal.

BACKGROUND: Caregivers are thought to play a major role in helping patients first appraise and then respond to heart failure (HF) symptoms. AIMS: The aims of this study were to: (a) characterise distinct patterns of HF patient-caregiver dyads with respect to symptom appraisal; and (b) link dyadic symptom appraisal to contributions to self-care and caregiver strain. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cross-sectional dyadic descriptive design was used to capture patient and caregiver appraisal of patient HF symptoms (i.e. dyspnoea, fatigue, pain and anxiety). Contributions to self-care were measured using patient and caregiver versions of the Self-Care of Heart Failure Index and the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale. Caregiver strain was measured using the Multidimensional Caregiver Strain Index. Multilevel and latent class mixture modelling (LCMM) were used to examine distinct patterns of symptom appraisal. Two patterns of dyadic symptom appraisal were identified: one pattern ( n = 24; 38.7%) wherein caregivers appraised patients' symptoms as being significantly worse than did the patient (labelled as 'Caregiver > Patient'); and a second pattern ( n = 38; 61.3%) wherein patients appraised their symptoms similar to or worse than that as perceived by their caregiver (labelled as 'Patient ⩾ Caregiver'). Dyads in the Caregiver > Patient pattern of symptom appraisal reported much better contributions to self-care (symptom response behaviours only), but also greater caregiver strain, compared with dyads in the Patient ⩾ Caregiver pattern. Greater patient depression and older caregiver age were significant determinants of fitting the Patient ⩾ Caregiver pattern. CONCLUSION: Differences in how HF patients and caregivers appraise symptoms together must be taken into consideration when examining contributions to HF care and caregiver outcomes.

Minimally Invasive LVAD Deactivation in a 65-Year-Old Man with Recurrent Pump Thrombosis and Left Ventricular Recovery.

Pump thrombosis is a dire sequela after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. Treatment comprises antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, thrombolytic agents, and pump exchange. Although pump exchange is the definitive therapy, it is also the most invasive, often exposing patients to the risks of repeat sternotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass. In some cases, patients experience left ventricular recovery after LVAD implantation. The optimal strategy surrounding the management of LVADs in patients who have experienced ventricular recovery is unknown; techniques range from total system explantation to partial pump resection. Here, we describe a novel means of LVAD deactivation in a 65-year-old man with recurrent pump thrombosis, via percutaneous outflow graft closure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. We also review the existing literature on surgical and percutaneous LVAD deactivation techniques.

The prevalence of frailty in heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in the intersection of heart failure (HF) and frailty; however, estimates of the prevalence of frailty in HF vary widely. The purpose of this paper was to quantitatively synthesize published literature on the prevalence of frailty in HF and to examine the relationship between study characteristics (i.e. age and functional class) and the prevalence of frailty in HF. METHODS: The prevalence of frailty in HF, divided into Physical Frailty and Multidimensional Frailty measures, was synthesized across published studies using a random-effects meta-analysis of proportions approach. Meta-regression was performed to examine the influence of age and functional class (at the level of the study) on the prevalence of frailty. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies involving 6896 patients with HF were included in this meta-analysis. Despite considerable differences across studies, the overall estimated prevalence of frailty in HF was 44.5% (95% confidence interval, 36.2%-52.8%; z=10.54; p<0.001). The prevalence was slightly lower among studies using Physical Frailty measures (42.9%, z=9.05; p<0.001) and slightly higher among studies using Multidimensional Frailty measures (47.4%, z=5.66; p<0.001). There were no significant relationships between study age or functional class and prevalence of frailty. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty affects almost half of patients with HF and is not necessarily a function of age or functional classification. Future work should focus on standardizing the measurement of frailty and on broadening the view of frailty beyond a strictly geriatric syndrome in HF.