Short Registry of Terminal Forms of Chronic Heart Failure in the Samara Region.

AIM: To study the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with functional class (FC) III-IV chronic heart failure (CHF) who meet the criteria for inclusion in the palliative care program. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A short registry of severe CHF forms was conducted at 60 outpatient and inpatient clinics in the Samara region for one month (16.05.2022-15.06.2022). The registry included patients with FC III-IV CHF who sought medical help during that period. Lethal outcomes were assessed at 90 days after the inclusion in the registry using the Mortality Information and Analytics system. RESULTS: 591 patients (median age, 71.0 [64.0; 80.0] years were enrolled, including 339 (57.4%) men, of which 149 (24.1%) were of working age (under 65 years). The main cause of CHF was ischemic heart disease (64.5%). 229 (38.7%) patients had left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. During the past year, 513 (86.8%) patients had at least one hospitalization for decompensated CHF. 45.7% of patients had hydrothorax, and 11.3% of patients had ascites. Low systolic blood pressure was observed in more than 25% of patients; 14.2% required in-hospital inotropic support; and 9.1% received it on the outpatient basis. 4.2% of patients received outpatient oxygen support and 0.8% required the administration of narcotic analgesics. 12 (1.9%) patients were on the waiting list for heart transplantation. In this study, there was an inconsistency in the number of patients with ventricular tachycardia and/or left bundle branch block (LBBB) who were implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTD) or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a total of 19 patients (11 patients with CRTD and 8 patients with ICD), while 58 (9.8%) patients had indications for CRTD/ICD implantation. Within 90 days from inclusion in the registry, 59 (10.0%) patients died. According to binary logistic regression analysis, the presence of LBBB, hydrothorax, the requirement for outpatient oxygen support, and a history of cardiac surgery were associated with a high risk of death. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe forms of CHF require not only adequate drug therapy, but also dynamic clinical observation supplemented with palliative care aimed at improving the quality of life, including the ethical principles of shared decision-making and advance care planning to identify the priorities and goals of patients in relation to their care.

In Search of Optimal Criteria for Iron Deficiency in CHF Patients. Post-hoc Analysis of the Study "Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure in the Russian Federation (ID-CHF-RF)".

AIM: Comparative analysis of clinical, anamnestic, and laboratory and instrumental data of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and iron deficiency (ID) diagnosed according to the AHA/ESC/RSC criteria, and CHF patients diagnosed with ID based on decreased transferrin saturation (TSAT) ≤19.8% or serum iron (Fe) ≤13 µmol/l. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An additional analysis of the ID-CHF-RF study was performed. The analyzed population included 498 patients (198 women) with CHF. In addition to the ID criteria provided by the protocol (AHA/ESC/RSC criteria: ferritin <100 µg/l or ferritin from 100 to 299 µg/l and TSAT<20%), concentrations of ID biomarkers were assessed, which showed high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of ID compared to the morphological picture of the bone marrow (TSAT<19.8% or Fe ≤13 µmol/l). Subgroups of patients with ID determined only by the AHA/ESC/RSC criteria, only by the TSAT≤19.8% and Fe ≤13 µmol/l criteria, and by both were analyzed. RESULTS: ID diagnosed by the AHA/ESC/RSC criteria was found in 83.1% of patients. The TSAT ≤19.8% and Fe ≤13 µmol/l criteria revealed ID in 74.5% of patients. In 341 patients (76.8%), ID was diagnosed using both criteria. Patients with ID diagnosed by the TSAT≤19.8% and Fe≤13 µmol/l criteria, compared with patients with ID diagnosed by the AHA/ESC/RKO criteria, had a 50% lower Fe (9.8 µmol/l vs. 19.4 µmol/l) and a higher incidence of anemia (43.3% vs. 23.3%) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (36.7% and 24.7%). Also, these patients had higher values of body mass index (BMI) and NT-proBNP concentration (2317 [1305;9092] vs. 1691 [709;3856] pg/ml), and lower LV EF values (41.5 [29.0;54.5]% vs. 45.0 [34.0;54.0]%), respectively. The most severe course of CHF and the greatest changes in laboratory tests associated with ID and anemia were observed in patients with ID determined by two criteria. Patients in this group were older, with a higher BMI, more frequent presence of atrial fibrillation, and higher NT-proBNP (4182 [1854;9341] pg/ml). CONCLUSION: Patients with isolated low ferritin are characterized by less severe clinical and functional impairment compared to patients with low TSAT or Fe. At the same time, patients with ferritin higher than 300 µg/l and low TSAT and/or Fe were characterized by very severe CHF and a low functional status, although this may not be related with ID. Thus, the use of the ferritin-based criteria of ID may lead to overdiagnosis of ID in some patients and, at the same time, miss some of the most "severe" patients who likely require the ID correction. Patients with ID who show a decrease in all three parameters are likely to benefit most from Fe supplementation. It is advisable to perform additional studies on the effect of Fe supplements on the course and prognosis of the disease in this cohort of patients.

Female and Male Phenotypes of Iron Deficiency in CHF. Additional analysis of the «The Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure in the Russian Federation (J-CHF-RF)¼ study.

Aim    To evaluate the incidence of iron deficiency (ID) in men and women with chronic heart failure (CHF) and to compare clinical and functional indexes in patient with and without ID depending on the gender.Material and methods    An additional analysis of the study "Prevalence of Iron Deficiency in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure in the Russian Federation (ID-CHF-RF)" was performed. The study included 498 (198 women, 300 men) patients with CHF, in whom, in addition to iron metabolism, the quality of life and exercise tolerance (ET) were studied. 97 % of patients were enrolled during their stay in a hospital. ID was defined in consistency with the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines. Also, and additional analysis was performed according to ID criteria validated by the morphological picture of the bone marrow.Results    ID was detected in 174 (87.9 %) women and 239 (79.8 %) men (p=0.028) according to the ESC criteria, and in 154 (77.8 %) women and 217 (72.3 %) men (p=0.208) according to the criteria validated by the morphological picture of the bone marrow. Men with ID were older and had more severe CHF. They more frequently had HF functional class (FC) III and IV (63.4 % vs. 43.3 % in men without ID); higher concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and lower ET. HF FC III increased the probability of ID presence 3.4 times (p=0.02) and the probability of HF FC IV 13.7 times (p=0.003). This clinical picture was characteristic of men when either method of determining ID was used. In women, ID was not associated with more severe CHF.Conclusion    Based on the presented analysis, it is possible to characterize the male and female ID phenotypes. The male ID phenotype is associated with more severe CHF, low ET, and poor quality of life. In females of the study cohort, ID was not associated with either the severity of CHF or with ET.

[Iron deficiency in Russia heart failure patients. Observational cross-sectional multicenter study].

Aim    To evaluate the prevalence of iron deficiency (ID) in Russian patients with heart failure (HF).Material and methods    Iron metabolism variables were studied in 498 (198 women, 300 men) patients with HF. Data were evaluated at admission for HF (97 %) or during an outpatient visit (3 %). ID was determined according to the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines.Results    83.1 % of patients had ID; only 43.5 % of patients with ID had anemia. Patients with ID were older: 70.0 [63.0;79.0] vs. 66.0 years [57.0;75.2] (p=0.009). The number of patients with ID increased in parallel with the increase in HF functional class (FC). Among patients with ID, fewer people were past or current alcohol users (p=0.002), and a greater number of patients had atrial fibrillation (60.1 vs. 45.2 %, p=0.016). A multiple logistic regression showed that more severe HF (HF FC) was associated with a higher incidence of ID detection, whereas past alcohol use was associated with less pronounced ID. An increase in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) by 100 pg/ml was associated with an increased likelihood of ID (odds ratio, 1.006, 95 % confidence interval: 1.002-1.011, p=0.0152).Conclusion    The incidence rate of HF patients is high in the Russian Federation (83.1 %). Only 43.5 % of these patients had anemia. The prevalence of ID in the study population increased with increases in HF FC and NT-proBNP.

Value of comparative studies of "real clinical practice" in modern cardiology. Position paper based on the expert council discussion dated 12/18/2020.

On December 18, 2020, an expert council was held with the participation of members of the Russian Society of Cardiology, the Eurasian Association of Ther-apists, the National Society for Atherothrombosis, the National Society for Evi-dence-Based Pharmacotherapy, and the Russian Heart Failure Society. The event was devoted to the discussion of the correct use of research data of "real clinical practice" in decision making.

[Expert consensus regarding treatment of iron deficiency in stable and decompensated patients with heart failure].

In recent years there has been significant interest in treating iron deficiency (ID) in patients with heart failure (HF) due to its high prevalence and detrimental effects in this population. As stated in the 2020 Russain HF guidelines, Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose remains the only proven therapy for ID.This document was prompted by the results from the recent AFFIRM-AHF trial which demonstrates that treatment of ID after acute HF decompensation reduces the risk of future decompensations. Experts have concluded that in HF patients with acute decompensation, a left ventricular ejection fraction of < 50% and ID, Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose reduces future HF hospitalisations. Patients with stable HF may also benefit from treatment of ID to improve quality of life and alleviate symptoms.  It is, therefore, reasonable to screen for and treat ID in patients with HF.

[The use of diuretics in chronic heart failure. Position paper of the Russian Heart Failure Society].

The document focuses on key issues of diuretic therapy in CHF from the standpoint of current views on the pathogenesis of edema syndrome, its diagnosis, and characteristics of using diuretics in various clinical situations.

[Clinical and Diagnostic Value of Cardiac Markers in Human Biological Fluids].

The article is devoted to problems of clinical-diagnostic value of determination of cardio-specific troponins in human biological fluids. Improvement of laboratory instrumentation and emergence of high sensitivity methods of analysis have allowed to identify troponins in urine, dialysate, and oral fluid. In the review we present actual information related to measurement of troponins in blood serum, data on testing of cardio-specific troponins in urine, dialysate, and oral fluid. Special attention is paid to determination of some cardiomarkers in oral fluid with thorough analysis of diagnostic value and effectiveness of the conducted studies.

[Improvement of outcomes in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome: the place of PCSK9 inhibitors. The Resolution of National Advisory Board].

On April 9, 2018, the national advisory board "Improvement of outcomes in patients with recent ACS: the place of PCSK9 inhibitors" was held in Moscow. Leading Russian experts in the field of atherosclerosis and lipid-lowering treatment attended the board. The purpose of the Board was to determine the place of PCSK9 inhibitors in the improvement of outcomes in patients with recent (less than 1 year) acute coronary syndrome (ACS). During the Board, three major aspects of lipid-lowering treatment were discussed: 1) issues in reaching the target levels of LDL cholesterol in real clinical practice among patients with recent ACS; 2) the results of ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study and their role in the improvement of outcomes in patients with recent ACS; 3) treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors in the management of patients with recent (less than 1 year) ACS in everyday clinical practice, the role of lipid centers.

[Key Points of the 2017 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Syncope].

The article presents key points of published in March 2017, Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Patients With Syncope (A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines, and the Heart Rhythm Society). This document contains summary and analysis of evidence base and accumulated experience in this field and reflect further development of the problem of the management of adult and pediatric patients with suspected syncope. Traditionally, the basis of diagnostic algorithm of these patients has been primary examination, and in the present guideline one can find strengthening of the importance of anamnestic criteria, and supplementation of ECG criteria of arrhythmic syncope. At the same time, the diagnostic value of provocative tests has been revised, and the class of indications for these tests has been lowered. According to the guideline, along with diagnosis of the cause of fainting, risk stratifcation of short- and long-term adverse outcomes has a key value. The guideline summarizes latest achievements in the treatment of fainting in sarcoidosis, arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, primary arrhythmic heart diseases, orthostatic hypotension, and reflex-mediated syncope. Despite orientation on specifc properties of medical care in the USA, the guideline can be useful to practical physicians in choice of the best strategy of diagnosis and treatment of syncope in each individual case.

ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Malignancies.

Acute myocardial infarction (MI), the most severe complication of coronary artery disease, develops in 2-4% of patients with various malignancies. PURPOSE: to explore the specific properties of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) course in patients with cancer and its effect on short-term outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included in this study 45 patients with STEMI and history of cancer hospitalized in the period from 01.01.2015 to 01.01.2017 (group I; 58% men, mean age 69.07±11.60 years). In the comparison group (group II) we selected 90 age and gender matched persons (58% men, mean age 68.16±11.75 years) from patients with STEMI without oncological diseases. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups in main risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, except greater proportion of patients with damage of peripheral arteries in group 1 (22.2% compared with 5.6% in group 2, p=0.025). There were also no differences between groups in clinical characteristics at admission. However values of the following parameters were significantly lower in group I: concentration of hemoglobin (115.56±23.07 vs. 133.70±16.45 g/l in group 2, р<0.001), red blood cell count (3.95±0.66x1012/l vs. 5.57±0.72x1012/l in group 2, р<0.001), platelets (93±0.97x109/l vs 186±18.3x109/l in group 2, p<0.001), total cholesterol (4.12±2.17 vs. 6.24±2.56 mmol/L in group 2, р<0.001). There were differences in the frequency of use of antiplatelet drugs: at prehospital stage acetylsalicylic acid was given to 48.9% and 77.8% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.044); clopidogrel and ticagrelor were also significantly more rarely used in group 1. There was no difference in use of thrombolysis and percutaneous coronary interventions (4.4 and 53.3% vs 5.6 and 56.6% in groups 1 and 2, respectively). In group 2 greater portion of patients was given statins (68.9 vs. 77.8%, p=0.021) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (55.6 vs. 82.2%, p=0.008). Inhospital mortality was the same in both groups (4.4%). Occurrence of complications (bleeding, pulmonary edema, cardiogenic shock), and frequency of use of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, temporary cardiac pacing were similar. However in group 1 greater portion of patients had ventricular tachyarrhythmias (15.6 vs 2.2% in group 2, р=0.007); the presence of cancer was the only independent predictor of their emergence in multiple logistic regression (OR 8.11 [1.11-40.83], p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of application of myocardial reperfusion in STEMI patients with and without history of cancer were the same. Despite similar hospital mortality revealed peculiarities of STEMI course could affect long-term outcomes. Confirmation of this hypothesis requires planned prospective studies.

[Results of 3 years work of the Russian hospital register of chronic heart failure (RUssian hoSpital Heart Failure Registry - RUS-HFR): relationship between management and outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure].

AIM: To analyze management and outcomes in patients with CHF managed by specialists in heart failure (HF) or general cardiologists/physicians in real-life clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Survival rate, rehospitalization rate, general health condition, and the administered therapy were evaluated for HF patients with reduced LV ejection fraction at three years of discharge from cardiological hospitals. These patients had been included in a prospective, multicenter, observational study, "The Russian Hospital HF Registry" (RUS-HFR). The first group consisted of patients who were managed at a specialized HF department of the Federal Center and followed up at the outpatient stage by a cardiologist specializing in HF (Group 1, St.­Petersburg; n =74). The other two groups (Group 2 and Group 3) included patients who were managed at other cardiological departments of the Federal Center (n=186) or the Regional Center (n=130) and subsequently followed up at the place of residence. RESULTS: After the discharge from the hospital, 58-95 and 12-19% of RUS-HFR patients were followed up by a cardiologist or a physician, respectively, on an outpatient basis while 5-23% of patients did not visit a doctor at all. In three years, the survival rate of Group 1, 2, and 3 patients was 80 vs. 78 (р>0.05) vs. 52% (р0.05) vs. 100% (p1,2.

[Volume of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery and Risk of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation].

PURPOSE: To identify prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in dependence of volume of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) as assessed by the number of grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 431 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) who underwent CABG. Group 1 comprised patients with single-vessel bypass graft (n=47, 78.7% men, mean age 59.6+/-5.6 years), group 2 - with multivessel bypass grafts (n=384, 76.8% men, mean age 61.0+/-8,1 years). During the observation period postoperative AF developed in 3 patients (6.4%) with single vessel bypass graft and 69 patients (18.0%) with multivessel bypass grafts. At multivariate analysis predictive values were significant for the following parameters: aortic cross-clamping time >36 min - 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.2, p=0.03), ischemia time >19 min - 2.0 (95% CI, 1.1-3.7, p=0.02), age >59 years - 2.4 (95% CI, 1.3-4.4, p=0.005), left atrial dimension >39 mm - 3.7 (95% CI, 2.1-6.6, p<0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction <51% - 1.9 (95% CI, 1.3- 3.3, p=0.04). Predictive value of cardiopulmonary bypass time >56 min 1.2 (95% CI, 0.56-2.8) was not significant (p=0.5). CONCLUSION: In our study AF in the early postoperative period more often occurred in patients who underwent multivessel coronary bypass surgery. The most powerful predictor of AF in these patients was left atrial dimension exceeding 39 mm.

[Factors Associated With Development of Atrial Fibrillation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting].

PURPOSE: to identify factors associated with development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: A total of 376 patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent CABG were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: During the observation period AF occurred in 74 patients (19.7%, 93% men, mean age 64.0+/-6.4 years), an average of 3.6+/-2 days after surgery. Multivariate regression analysis showed that odds ratio (OR) for AF in patients with age >59 years was 1.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.5; p=0.04), aortic cross-clamping time >43 min - 2.4 (95% CI, 1.05-6.2; p=0.03), left atrial dimension (LAD) >39 mm - 5.0 (95% CI, 2.0-12.6; p=0.0006), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <51% - 3.6 (95% CI, 1.6-8.3, p=0.002). During ROC - analysis the high sensitivity was observed for LAD >39 mm (82%, =0.001), high specificity - for LVEF <51% (80%, =0.0009), highest positive likelihood ratio for LVEF <51% - 2.56 (=0.0009), greatest negative likelihood ratio for LAD >39 mm - 0.31 (=0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, the risk of AF development in the early postoperative period of CABG depended on the patients age, left atrial size, left ventricular ejection fraction, and aortic cross-clamping time during CABG.

[Results of Russian Hospital Chronic Heart Failure Registry in Three Subjects of Russian Federation].

Aim of the RUssian hoSpital Heart Failure Registry (RUS-HFR) was to analyze clinical and epidemiological characteristics, application of modern drug and non-drug therapy among hospitalized patients with systolic chronic heart failure (CHF) in 3 subjects of Russian Federation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study in 3 cardiological centers (Petersburg, Orenburg, Samara) in which we recruited patients aged 18-75 years with left ventricular ejection fraction less or equal 40% without ongoing myocardial infarction or pulmonary thromboembolism. RESULTS: Between October 2012 and June 2014 we included 524 patients (mean age 60 years, >79% men) mostly with NYHA class III CHF. Main etiological factors were ischemic heart disease and arterial hypertension, which was not corrected by the time of admission in 20-40.7% of patients. Portions of patients who had undergo the myocardial revascularization, surgery because of valvular heart defects, and implantation of permanent pacemaker including device for cardiac resynchronizing therapy were 11-41, 0-4, and 0-19.5%, respectively. In up to 25% of patients therapy with one of main medications or diuretic was initiated after hospitalization. At discharge 82.3-8.3, 76.3-95.8, 65.9-81.1, 80.7-94.6% of patients received ACEI/ARB, -adrenoblockers, MRA, diuretic therapy, respectively. Implantation of cardioverter ICD/CRT, ICD and heart transplantation were considered indicated in 0-21.2 and 0-6.6% of patients, respectively. Duration of hospitalization was 26+/-14, 15+/-10, and 13+/-5 bed-days in Petersburg, Orenburg, and Samara, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with data obtained 10 years earlier portrait of a patient with in general remained unchanged. However portion of patients who had undergone cardio-surgical and electrophysiological interventions became tangible, and numbers of patients receiving therapy with ACEI/ARB, -adrenoblockers, and MRA became comparable with those in European registries. Significant deviations from guidelines on drug therapy were revealed at prehospital stage; and high-technology methods of therapy were insufficiently often recommended in participating hospitals. Portion of hospitalizations not related to acute decompensation was 5-37%, while duration of such hospitalizations as well as hospitalizations because of acute decompensation of CHF significantly exceeded this parameter in EU and USA. Absence of obligatory drug therapy prior to admission in a part of patients in RUS-HF raises questions on correction of patients compliance and on creation of a system of specialized ambulatory surveillance of CHF patients after discharge from hospital.

[The Antihypertensive Effect of the Fixed Combination of Amlodipine and Lisinopril in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting].

Literature data and results of our own register have indicate that hypertension is one of the most common risk factor in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). But despite proven benefits of control of hypertension after CABG adherence of patients to corresponding recommendations remains low. Fixed combinations of antihypertensive drugs are associated with better compliance. In 30 IHD patients after CABG we studied effects of fixed lisinopril/amlodipine combination. This combination was safe and had high antihypertensive activity. Practically all patients responded to therapy and achieved target level of arterial pressure.