Incidence and outcomes of hospital treated acute myocarditis from 2003 to 2015 in Spain.

BACKGROUND: There are no data on population-based epidemiological changes in acute myocarditis in Europe. Our aim was to evaluate temporal trends in incidence, clinical features and outcomes of hospital treated acute myocarditis (AM) in Spain from 2003 to 2015. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study using information of all hospital discharges of the Spanish National Health System. All episodes with a discharge diagnosis of AM from 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2015 were included. The risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio (RSMR) was calculated using a multilevel risk-adjustment model developed by the Medicare and Medicaid Services. Temporal trends for in-hospital mortality were modelled using Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 11 147 episodes of AM were analysed, most of them idiopathic (94.7%). The rate of AM discharges increased along the period, from 13 to 30/million inhabitants/year (2003-2015), and this increase was statistically significant when weighted by age and sex (incidence rate ratio, IRR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04-1.08, P = .001). In-hospital crude mortality rate was 3.1%, diminishing significantly along 2003-2015 (IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99, P = .02). RSMR also significantly diminished along the period (IRR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.99, P = .01). Renal failure (OR 7.03, 5.38-9.18, P = .001), liver disease (OR 4.61, 2.59-8.21, P = .001), pneumonia (OR 4.13, 2.75-6.20, P = .001) and heart failure (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.47-2.47, P = .001) were the strongest independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Acute myocarditis is an uncommon entity, although hospital discharges have increased in Spain along the study period. Most of AM were idiopathic. Adjusted mortality was low and seemed to decrease from 2003 to 2015, suggesting an improvement in AM management.

Hypoalbuminemia in acute heart failure patients: causes and its impact on hospital and long-term mortality.

BACKGROUND: The causes of hypoalbuminemia in patients with acute heart failure (HF) remain poorly defined, and the association between hypoalbuminemia and hospital and long-term mortality has been only partially evaluated. This study sought to analyze the causes of hypoalbuminemia in acute HF patients and determine its impact on hospital and long-term mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 362 consecutive acute HF patients were assessed. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of hypoalbuminemia (albumin ≤3.4 g/dL), and the independent association of each variable with hypoalbuminemia and hospital mortality was assessed with the use of multiple logistic regression. The association between hypoalbuminemia and long-term mortality was assessed with the use of Cox multivariate analysis. In total, 108 patients (29.8%) were classified as having hypoalbuminemia. Older age, higher C-reactive protein levels, and lower levels of total protein, prealbumin, transferrin, and lymphocytes were independently associated with hypoalbuminemia. Hospital mortality was 8% and was independently associated with hypoalbuminemia. A total of 333 patients were discharged. Hypoalbuminemia was an independent predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoalbuminemia in acute HF patients was associated with higher hospital mortality and served as an independent predictor of long-term mortality. Malnutrition and inflammation were factors causing hypoalbuminemia in this clinical setting.

[Hospital admissions and outcomes for systolic and diastolic heart failure in Spain between 2016 and 2019: A population-based study]. / Hospitalizaciones y eventos por insuficiencia cardiaca sistólica y diastólica en España entre 2016 y 2019. Un estudio de base poblacional.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In Spain there is a lack of population data that specifically compare hospitalization for systolic and diastolic heart failure (HF). We assessed clinical characteristics, in-hospital mortality and 30-day cardiovascular readmission rates differentiating by HF type. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of patients discharged with the principal diagnosis of HF from The National Health System' acute hospital during 2016-2019, distinguishing between systolic and diastolic HF. The source of the data was the Minimum Basic Data Set. The risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio and risk-standardized 30-day cardiovascular readmission ratio were calculated using multilevel risk adjustment models. RESULTS: The 190,200 episodes of HF were selected. Of these, 163,727 (86.1%) were classified as diastolic HF and were characterized by older age, higher proportion of women, diabetes mellitus, dementia and renal failure than those with systolic HF. In the multilevel risk adjustment models, diastolic HF was a protective factor for both in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.83; P<.001) and 30-day cardiovascular readmission versus systolic HF (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97; P=.002). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, between 2016 and 2019, hospitalization episodes for HF were mostly due to diastolic HF. According to the multilevel risk adjustment models, diastolic HF compared to systolic HF was a protective factor for both in-hospital mortality and 30-day cardiovascular readmission.

Characteristics and in-hospital mortality of elderly patients with heart failure in Spanish hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of heart failure (HF) increases with age, and it is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in older patients. However, there are little data on in-hospital mortality in patients with HF ≥ 75 years in Spain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Spanish Minimum Basic Data Set was performed, including all HF episodes discharged from public hospitals in Spain between 2016 and 2019. Coding was performed using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Patients ≥ 75 years with HF as the principal diagnosis were selected. We calculated: (1) the crude in-hospital mortality rate and its distribution according to age and sex; (2) the risk-standardized in-hospital mortality ratio; and (3) the association between in-hospital mortality and the availability of an intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) in the hospital. RESULTS: We included 354,792 HF episodes of patients over 75 years. The mean age was 85.2 ± 5.5 years, and 59.2% of patients were women. The most frequent comorbidities were renal failure (46.1%), diabetes mellitus (35.5%), valvular disease (33.9%), cardiorespiratory failure (29.8%), and hypertension (26.9%). In-hospital mortality was 12.7%, and increased with age [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.07-1.07, P < 0.001] and was lower in women (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.97, P < 0.001). The main predictors of mortality were the presence of cardiogenic shock (OR = 19.5, 95% CI: 16.8-22.7, P < 0.001), stroke (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 3.0-4.0, P < 0.001) and advanced cancer (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 2.5-2.8, P < 0.001). In hospitals with ICCU, the in-hospital risk-adjusted mortality tended to be lower (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-1.00, P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: In-hospital mortality in patients with HF ≥ 75 years between 2016 and 2019 was 12.7%, higher in males and elderly patients. The main predictors of mortality were cardiogenic shock, stroke, and advanced cancer. There was a trend toward lower mortality in centers with an ICCU.

One-year readmissions for circulatory diseases and in-hospital mortality after an index episode of heart failure in elderly patients. A nationwide data from public hospitals in Spain between 2016 and 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in elderly patients. However, there is limited evidence on readmission and mortality 1-year after discharge for HF. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the Minimum Basic Data Set, including HF episodes, discharged from Spanish hospitals between 2016 and 2018 in ≥ 75 years. We calculated: (a) the rate of readmissions due to circulatory system diseases (CSD) 365 days after index episode; (b) in-hospital mortality in readmissions; and (c) predictors of mortality and readmission. RESULTS: We included 178,523 patients (59.2% women) aged 85.1 ± 5.5 years. The most frequent comorbidities were arrhythmias (56.0%) and renal failure (39.5%). During the follow-up, 48,932 patients (27.4%) had at least one readmission for CSD and a crude rate of 40.2%, the most frequent one HF (52.8%). The median between the date of readmission and discharge from the last admission was 70 days [IQI 24; 171] for the first readmission. The most relevant predictors of the number of readmissions were valvular heart disease and myocardial ischemia. During the readmissions, 26,757 patients (79.1%) died, representing a cumulative in-hospital mortality of 47,945 (26.9%). The factors in the index episode predictors of mortality during readmissions were cardio-respiratory failure and stroke. The number of readmissions was a risk factor for in-hospital mortality (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.11-1.14). CONCLUSIONS: The readmission rate for CSD 1-year after the index episode of HF in patients ≥ 75 years was 28.4%. The cumulative in-hospital mortality rate during the readmissions was 26.9%, and the number of rehospitalizations was identified as one of the main predictors of mortality.

What do Spanish registries report about worsening events in chronic heart failure? Needs and challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Worsening heart failure (HF) is associated with a high risk of death and rehospitalization. Despite that, real world evidence about the impact of worsening HF on clinical practice is scarce. AREAS COVERED: A narrative review about registries addressing recent worsening HF events in Spain, with special emphasis on patients recently hospitalized for HF was performed. EXPERT OPINION: Worsening HF can be defined as situations where the patient's HF deteriorates to the extent that it necessitates initiation or intensification of diuretic treatment (mainly intravenous). The events can occur at the outpatient level, generally in the day hospital, in the emergency department or even hospitalization. Early identification of worsening HF events is essential to establish appropriate treatment as soon as possible. In this context, robust clinical benefits have been reported for renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, sacubitril-valsartan, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and vericiguat. In Spain, several registries of patients with HF have been developed, some of them including patients recently hospitalized for HF, but not with recent worsening HF events. Therefore, registries addressing recent worsening events would be desirable. Using a practical approach, this review analyzes the importance of worsening HF events, with special emphasis on Spanish data.

Diagnosis and Management of Malnutrition in Patients with Heart Failure.

Heart failure is a disease with an increasingly greater prevalence due to the aging population, the development of new drugs, and the organization of healthcare processes. Malnutrition has been identified as a poor prognostic factor in these patients, very often linked to frailty or to other comorbidities, meaning that early diagnosis and treatment are essential. This paper reviews some important aspects of the pathophysiology, detection, and management of malnutrition in patients with heart failure.

Identifying the patient with heart failure to be treated with vericiguat.

The pathophysiology of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a complex process in which a number of neurohormonal systems are involved. Targeting only some of these systems, but not all, translates into a partial benefit of HF treatment. The nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cGMP pathway is impaired in HF, leading to cardiac, vascular and renal disturbances. Vericiguat is a once-daily oral stimulator of sGC that restores this system. No other disease-modifying HF drugs act on this system. Despite guidelines recommendations, a substantial proportion of patients are not taking all recommended drugs or when taking them, they do so at low doses, limiting their potential benefits. In this context, treatment should be optimized considering different parameters, such as blood pressure, heart rate, renal function, or potassium, as they may interfere with their implementation at the recommended doses. The VICTORIA trial showed that adding vericiguat to standard therapy in patients with HFrEF significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization by 10% (NNT 24). Furthermore, vericiguat does not interfere with heart rate, renal function or potassium, making it particularly useful for improving the prognosis of patients with HFrEF in specific settings and clinical profiles.

Optimizing the management of patients with worsening heart failure: beyond heart failure hospitalization.

INTRODUCTION: Worsening heart failure (HF) is associated with a high risk of death and HF hospitalization. AREAS COVERED: A systematic search was conducted on PubMed (MEDLINE), using the MeSH terms [Heart failure] + [Worsening] + [Treatment] + [Vulnerable period] up to February 2023. Original data from clinical trials, and observational studies were critically analyzed. EXPERT OPINION: Although the vulnerable period has been traditionally limited to the first 6 months after HF hospitalization, the fact is that there are other clinical scenarios in which the patient is particularly vulnerable. These vulnerable patients may also include those that require parenteral administration of diuretics in the day hospital or emergency department, those in which the increase of oral diuretic dose in an outpatient setting is needed to relief congestive symptoms, as well as those that remain symptomatic despite treatment. On the other hand, HF is a complex disease in which different neurohormonal systems are involved. Therefore, to actually reduce the HF burden, a comprehensive management, targeting all the neurohormonal systems that are involved in the pathogenesis of HF, through the use of those drugs that have demonstrated to positively modify the clinical course of HF, is needed.

Prevalence, Incidence, and Outcomes of Hyperkalaemia in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction from a Spanish Multicentre Study: SPANIK-HF Design and Baseline Characteristics.

Hyperkalaemia is a growing concern in the treatment of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as it limits the use of some prognostic-modifying drugs and has a negative impact on prognosis. The objective of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of hyperkalaemia in outpatients with HFrEF and its impact on achieving optimal medical treatment. For this purpose, a multicentre, prospective, and observational study was carried out on consecutive HFrEF patients who were monitored as outpatients in heart failure (HF) units and who, in the opinion of their doctor, received optimal medical treatment. A total of 565 HFrEF patients were included from 16 specialised HF units. The mean age was 66 ± 12 years, 78% were male, 45% had an ischemic cause, 39% had atrial fibrillation, 43% were diabetic, 42% had a glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.7 m2, and the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 31 ± 7%. Treatment at the study entry included: 76% on diuretics, 13% on ivabradine, 7% on digoxin, 18.9% on angiotensin-conversing enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), 11.3% on angiotensin receptors blockers (ARBs), 63.8% on angiotensin-neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi), 78.5% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and 92.9% on beta-blockers. Potassium levels in the baseline analysis were: ≤5 mEq/L = 80.5%, 5.1−5.4 mEq/L = 13.8%, 5.5−5.9 mEq/L = 4.6%, and ≥6 mEq/L = 1.06%. Hyperkalaemia was the reason for not prescribing or reaching the target dose of an MRAs in 34.8% and 12.5% of patients, respectively. The impact of hyperkalaemia on not prescribing or dropping below the target dose in relation to ACEi, ARBs, and ARNi was significantly less. In conclusion, hyperkalaemia is a frequent problem in the management of patients with HFrEF and a limiting factor in the optimisation of medical treatment.

[Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on hypoalbuminemia in acute heart failure patients with increased inflammatory activity]. / Efecto de los ácidos grasos omega-3 sobre la hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y actividad inflamatoria elevada.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: inflammatory activity (IA) is a cause of hypoalbuminemia in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Objectives: the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether an AI modulator treatment contributes to correcting albuminemia in this context. Methods: in this clinical trial 43 patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin  3.4 g/dl), and elevated IA [C-reactive protein (CRP)  25 mg/l] were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 fatty acids (4 g daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Albuminemia and CRP were reassessed at weeks 1 and 4. An analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed. Results: mean age was 75.6 ± 8.8 years, 72.1 % were male, and the most frequent etiology was ischemic (46.5 %). The two groups were homogeneous in their baseline characteristics. A significant increase in albumin concentration was found at week 4 from baseline (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups at week 1 or week 4. CRP decreased significantly in week 1 (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups in either week 1 or week 4. Conclusion: in patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated AI albuminemia normalizes in week 4, while CRP already drops significantly during the first week. In this context both effects are independent of the addition of high doses of omega-3 fatty acids.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: la actividad inflamatoria (AI) es causa de hipoalbuminemia en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Objetivos: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar si un tratamiento modulador de la AI contribuye a corregir la albuminemia en este contexto. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico, 43 pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia (albúmina sérica ≤ 3,4 g/dl) y AI elevada [proteína C-reactiva (PCR)  25 mg/l] fueron asignados aleatoriamente a recibir ácidos grasos omega-3 (4 g diarios) o placebo durante 4 semanas. La albuminemia y la PCR se reevaluaron en las semanas 1 y 4. Se realizó un análisis de la varianza para medidas repetidas. Resultados: la edad media era de 75,6 ± 8,8 años, el 72,1 % eran varones y la etiología más frecuente era la isquémica (46,5 %). Los dos grupos fueron homogéneos en sus características basales. Se encontró un incremento significativo de la concentración de albúmina en la semana 4 con respecto a la basal (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se hallaran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. La PCR descendió significativamente ya en la semana 1 (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se encontraran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. Conclusión: en los pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia y AI elevada, la albuminemia se normaliza en la semana 4 mientras que la PCR desciende significativamente en la primera semana. En este contexto, ambos efectos son independientes de la adición de altas dosis de ácidos grasos omega-3.

Has the clinical profile of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treated with rivaroxaban changed in the last 5 years of use?

AIM: To analyze the evolution of clinical profile of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation treated with rivaroxaban. METHODS: Retrospective study in which patients treated with rivaroxaban were divided into two groups according to the data in which the initial prescription was performed (November 2012-December 2013 and January 2014-January 2017). RESULTS: 211 patients (mean age 76.7 ± 9.2 years; CHA2DS2-VASc 3.8 ± 1.5; HAS-BLED 2.0 ± 0.8.) were included. Age and bleeding risk were higher in those subjects in which the prescription started earlier. Rates of stroke/TIA, major bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage were 2.3/4.2/0.6 events/100 patient-years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although, the initial prescription of rivaroxaban was mainly performed in very elderly patients and/or with a higher bleeding risk, this has been extended to the overall nonvalvular atrial fibrillation population.

[Impact of malnutrition on long-term mortality in outpatients with chronic heart failure]. / Influencia de la desnutrición sobre la mortalidad a largo plazo en pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is common among acute heart failure patients and its prognosis impact has been established. The prognosis role of undernutrition among chronic heart failure patients is not known. Objetive:The aim of this study were to evaluate the influence of nutritional status on long-term mortality in patients with chronic hear failure. METHODS: 304 consecutively patients attended in our Heart failure Unit from November 2011 to November 2016 were prospectively analysed. A global nutritional assessment was performed and the states of undernutrition and at risk of malnutrition were assessment by the Mini Nutritional Assessment test. Their possible independent association with mortality was analyzed by Cox multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 74.6 ± 10.1 years, 41.1% were female and the most frequent aetiology was ischemic heart disease (39.1%). 11.5% of the patients were classified as undernourished and 38.2% were classified as at risk of malnutrition. The remaining 50.3% were classified by the MNA as adequate nutritional status. After 28 months (median of follow-up), mortality was 68.9%, 33.3% and 15.2%, respectively (Log-rank, p < 0.001). When Cox multivariate analysis was performed, the state of undernutrition was an independent predictor of mortality (Hazard ratio 2.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-4.81; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of undernutrition and risk of malnutrition reaches high levels in chronic heart failure patients. Moreover, the state of undernutrition by Mini Nutritional Assessment score is an independent predictor of mortality in these patients.

[Assessment of body composition and prognosis in chronic heart failure. Beyond the "obesity paradox"]. / Valoración de la composición corporal y su influencia pronóstica en insuficiencia cardiaca crónica. Más allá de la «paradoja de la obesidad¼.

OBJECTIVE: It is unknown the influence of body composition in the inverse relationship of mortality with overweight and obesity in heart failure patients. METHODS: 234 patients with chronic heart failure were evaluated. Body mass index, tricipital skinfold thickness, brachial muscle circumference and body fat percentage determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis were measured. The influence of previous anthropometric variables on total mortality was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 21±10.7 months. We observed an inverse relationship of total mortality with body mass index (hazard ratio=0.91, 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.96; P<.001), with body fat estimated by the tricipital skinfold thickness (hazard ratio=0.95, 95% confidence interval, 0.92-0.99; P=.013) and the fat percentage obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (hazard ratio=0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; P=.007) and with muscle mass estimated by the brachial muscle circumference (hazard ratio=0.87; 95% confidence interval,0.81-0.94; P=.001). Only brachial muscle circumference maintained its prognostic significance in multivariate analysis that included different anthropometric measurements (hazard ratio=0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.77-0.99; P=.035). Finally we found a positive linear correlation between the values of body mass index with tricipital skinfold thickness, fat percentage and brachial muscle circumference. CONCLUSIONS: The muscle mass of patients with heart failure, estimated by the brachial muscle circumference, is associated inversely with overall mortality. The correlation between values of brachial muscle circumference with the body mass index would explain the "obesity paradox" observed.

Efecto de los ácidos grasos omega-3 sobre la hipoalbuminemia en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y actividad inflamatoria elevada / Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on hypoalbuminemia in acute heart failure patients with increased inflammatory activity

Introducción: la actividad inflamatoria (AI) es causa de hipoalbuminemia en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Objetivos: el objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar si un tratamiento modulador de la AI contribuye a corregir la albuminemia en este contexto. Métodos: en este ensayo clínico, 43 pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia (albúmina sérica ≤ 3,4 g/dl) y AI elevada [proteína C-reactiva (PCR) ≥ 25 mg/l] fueron asignados aleatoriamente a recibir ácidos grasos omega-3 (4 g diarios) o placebo durante 4 semanas. La albuminemia y la PCR se reevaluaron en las semanas 1 y 4. Se realizó un análisis de la varianza para medidas repetidas. Resultados: la edad media era de 75,6 ± 8,8 años, el 72,1 % eran varones y la etiología más frecuente era la isquémica (46,5 %). Los dos grupos fueron homogéneos en sus características basales. Se encontró un incremento significativo de la concentración de albúmina en la semana 4 con respecto a la basal (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se hallaran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. La PCR descendió significativamente ya en la semana 1 (p del efecto tiempo < 0,001), sin que se encontraran diferencias entre los grupos ni en la semana 1 ni en la 4. Conclusión:en los pacientes con ICA, hipoalbuminemia y AI elevada, la albuminemia se normaliza en la semana 4 mientras que la PCR desciende significativamente en la primera semana. En este contexto, ambos efectos son independientes de la adición de altas dosis de ácidos grasos omega-3. (AU)

Introduction: inflammatory activity (IA) is a cause of hypoalbuminemia in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Objectives: the main objective of this study was to evaluate whether an AI modulator treatment contributes to correcting albuminemia in this context. Methods: in this clinical trial 43 patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin ≤ 3.4 g/dl), and elevated IA [C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 25 mg/l] were randomly assigned to receive omega-3 fatty acids (4 g daily) or placebo for 4 weeks. Albuminemia and CRP were reassessed at weeks 1 and 4. An analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed. Results: mean age was 75.6 ± 8.8 years, 72.1 % were male, and the most frequent etiology was ischemic (46.5 %). The two groups were homogeneous in their baseline characteristics. A significant increase in albumin concentration was found at week 4 from baseline (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups at week 1 or week 4. CRP decreased significantly in week 1 (p for the effect of time < 0.001), with no differences between groups in either week 1 or week 4. Conclusion: in patients with AHF, hypoalbuminemia, and elevated AI albuminemia normalizes in week 4, while CRP already drops significantly during the first week. In this context both effects are independent of the addition of high doses of omega-3 fatty acids. (AU)