The Feasibility of Semi-Continuous and Multi-Frequency Thoracic Bioimpedance Measurements by a Wearable Device during Fluid Changes in Hemodialysis Patients.

Repeated single-point measurements of thoracic bioimpedance at a single (low) frequency are strongly related to fluid changes during hemodialysis. Extension to semi-continuous measurements may provide longitudinal details in the time pattern of the bioimpedance signal, and multi-frequency measurements may add in-depth information on the distribution between intra- and extracellular fluid. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of semi-continuous multi-frequency thoracic bioimpedance measurements by a wearable device in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, thoracic bioimpedance was recorded semi-continuously (i.e., every ten minutes) at nine frequencies (8-160 kHz) in 68 patients during two consecutive hemodialysis sessions, complemented by a single-point measurement at home in-between both sessions. On average, the resistance signals increased during both hemodialysis sessions and decreased during the interdialytic interval. The increase during dialysis was larger at 8 kHz (∆ 32.6 Ω during session 1 and ∆ 10 Ω during session 2), compared to 160 kHz (∆ 29.5 Ω during session 1 and ∆ 5.1 Ω during session 2). Whereas the resistance at 8 kHz showed a linear time pattern, the evolution of the resistance at 160 kHz was significantly different (p < 0.0001). Measuring bioimpedance semi-continuously and with a multi-frequency current is a major step forward in the understanding of fluid dynamics in hemodialysis patients. This study paves the road towards remote fluid monitoring.

Arrythmia-Mediated Valvular Heart Disease.

The aging population is rising at record pace worldwide. Along with it, a steep increase in the prevalence of atrial fibrillation and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is to be expected. Similarly, both atrial functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (AFMR and AFTR) are increasingly observed in daily clinical practice. This article summarizes all current evidence regarding the epidemiology, prognosis, pathophysiology, and therapeutic options. Specific attention is addressed to discern AFMR and AFTR from their ventricular counterparts, given their different pathophysiology and therapeutic needs.

Towards personalized fluid monitoring in haemodialysis patients: thoracic bioimpedance signal shows strong correlation with fluid changes, a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis (HD) patients are burdened by frequent fluid shifts which amplify their comorbidities. Bioimpedance (bioZ) is a promising technique to monitor changes in fluid status. The aim of this study is to investigate if the thoracic bioZ signal can track fluid changes during a HD session. METHODS: Prevalent patients from a single centre HD unit were monitored during one to six consecutive HD sessions using a wearable multi-frequency thoracic bioZ device. Ultrafiltration volume (UFV) was determined based on the interdialytic weight gain and target dry weight set by clinicians. The correlation between the bioZ signal and UFV was analysed on population level. Additionally regression models were built and validated per dialysis session. RESULTS: 66 patients were included, resulting in a total of 133 HD sessions. Spearman correlation between the thoracic bioZ and UFV showed a significant strong correlation of 0.755 (p < 0.01) on population level. Regression analysis per session revealed a strong relation between the bioZ value and the UFV (R2 = 0.982). The fluid extraction prediction error of the leave-one-out cross validation was very small (56.2 ml [- 121.1-194.1 ml]) across all sessions at all frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that thoracic bioZ is strongly correlated with fluid shifts during HD over a large range of UFVs. Furthermore, leave-one-out cross validation is a step towards personalized fluid monitoring during HD and could contribute to the creation of autonomous dialysis.

Exercise Dynamics in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Implications.

Secondary mitral valve regurgitation (MR) remains a challenging problem in the diagnostic workup and treatment of patients with heart failure. Although secondary MR is characteristically dynamic in nature and sensitive to changes in ventricular geometry and loading, current therapy is mainly focused on resting conditions. An exercise-induced increase in secondary MR, however, is associated with impaired exercise capacity and increased mortality. In an era where a multitude of percutaneous solutions are emerging for the treatment of patients with heart failure, it becomes important to address the dynamic component of secondary MR during exercise as well. A critical reappraisal of the underlying disease mechanisms, in particular the dynamic component during exercise, is of timely importance. This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the dynamic deterioration of secondary MR during exercise, its functional and prognostic impact, and the way current treatment options affect the dynamic lesion and exercise hemodynamics in general.

Bioimpedance Alerts from Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices: Observational Study of Diagnostic Relevance and Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices is expanding in the treatment of heart failure. Most of the current devices are equipped with remote monitoring functions, including bioimpedance for fluid status monitoring. The question remains whether bioimpedance measurements positively impact clinical outcome. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical interventions taken based on remote bioimpedance monitoring alerts and their impact on clinical outcome. METHODS: This is a single-center observational study of consecutive ICD and CRT patients (n=282) participating in protocol-driven remote follow-up. Bioimpedance alerts were analyzed with subsequently triggered interventions. RESULTS: A total of 55.0% (155/282) of patients had an ICD or CRT device equipped with a remote bioimpedance algorithm. During 34 (SD 12) months of follow-up, 1751 remote monitoring alarm notifications were received (2.2 per patient-year of follow-up), comprising 2096 unique alerts (2.6 per patient-year of follow-up). Since 591 (28.2%) of all incoming alerts were bioimpedance-related, patients with an ICD or CRT including a bioimpedance algorithm had significantly more alerts (3.4 versus 1.8 alerts per patient-year of follow-up, P<.001). Bioimpedance-only alerts resulted in a phone contact in 91.0% (498/547) of cases, which triggered an actual intervention in 15.9% (87/547) of cases, since in 75.1% (411/547) of cases reenforcing heart failure education sufficed. Overall survival was lower in patients with a cardiovascular implantable electronic device with a bioimpedance algorithm; however, this difference was driven by differences in baseline characteristics (adjusted hazard ratio of 2.118, 95% CI 0.845-5.791). No significant differences between both groups were observed in terms of the number of follow-up visits in the outpatient heart failure clinic, the number of hospital admissions with a primary diagnosis of heart failure, or mean length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Bioimpedance-only alerts constituted a substantial amount of incoming alerts when turned on during remote follow-up and triggered an additional intervention in only 16% of cases since in 75% of cases, providing general heart failure education sufficed. The high frequency of heart failure education that was provided could have contributed to fewer heart failure-related hospitalizations despite significant differences in baseline characteristics.

The figure-of-eight artifact in the echocardiographic assessment of percutaneous disc occluders: impact of imaging depth and device type.

PURPOSE: Echocardiography is increasingly important in the guidance and follow-up of percutaneous transcatheter device closures. It was recently shown that the Amplatzer left atrial appendage occluder frequently presents as a figure-of-eight artifact due to interaction of device mesh and ultrasound waves. It remains unknown whether this can be translated to other types of disc occluders. Furthermore, the morphology of this figure-of-eight artifact appears to be different in the transesophageal and transthoracic image of the same device. The aim of this study was to evaluate the echocardiographic appearance of different types of disc occluders, and to clarify differences in morphology of the figure-of-eight artifact. METHODS: A mathematical model of an epitrochoid curve was used for numerical simulation of disc occluder appearance at various imaging depths. In addition, an in vitro setup was used for echocardiographic analysis of different types of disc occluders at adjustable imaging depth and position. RESULTS: Mathematically, decreasing the imaging depth resulted in a more asymmetric figure-of-eight, i.e. with small upper part and wide lower part. In vitro results were in close agreement with the mathematical results. In addition, in vitro a figure-of-eight artifact was obtained in all different types of disc occluder devices. CONCLUSIONS: Different types of percutaneous disc occluders all present as a figure-of-eight artifact on echocardiography when imaged from a coronal imaging position. The morphology of the artifact depends on the imaging depth, with a more asymmetric figure-of-eight morphology at smaller probe-to-device distance. This clarifies the differences observed between transesophageal and transthoracic imaging.

Pulmonary homograft endocarditis and aortic autograft failure after Ross procedure: a double stentless bioprosthesis approach.

The case is reported of a 38-year-old male patient with pulmonary homograft acute infective endocarditis and aortic root dilation that occurred 13 years after a Ross procedure for bicuspid aortic valve regurgitation. Aortic and pulmonary root replacements were performed, using a Freestyle stentless aortic root bioprosthesis in both cases, with excellent hemodynamics on postoperative echocardiography. In addition, preoperative systemic septic embolization had occurred despite an absence of left-sided endocarditis, presumably due to an intrapulmonary shunt. This case report demonstrates the feasibility of a double stentless bioprosthesis approach, and stresses the need to remain vigilant for septic embolization even in isolated right-sided endocarditis.

Exercise pulmonary hypertension by the mPAP/CO slope in primary mitral regurgitation.

AIMS: Exercise-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH), defined by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure over cardiac output (mPAP/CO) slope >3 mmHg/L/min, has important diagnostic and prognostic implications. The aim of this study is to investigate the value of the mPAP/CO slope in patients with more than moderate primary mitral regurgitation (MR) with preserved ejection fraction and no or discordant symptoms. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 128 consecutive patients were evaluated with exercise echocardiography and cardiopulmonary testing. Clinical outcome was defined as the composite of mitral valve intervention, new-onset atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. The mean age was 63 years, 61% were male, and the mean LVEF was 66 ± 6%. The mPAP/CO slope correlated with peak VO2 (r = -0.52, P < 0.001), while the peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) did not (r = -0.06, P = 0.584). Forty-six per cent (n = 59) had peak exercise sPAP ≥60 mmHg, and 37% (n = 47) had mPAP/CO slope >3 mmHg/L/min. Event-free survival was 55% at 1 year and 46% at 2 years, with reduced survival in patients with mPAP/CO slope >3 mmHg/L/min (hazard ratio, 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-8.2; P < 0.001). In 53 cases (41%), mPAP/CO slope and peak sPAP were discordant: patients with slope >3 mmHg/L/mmHg and sPAP <60 mmHg (n = 21) had worse outcome vs. peak sPAP ≥60 mmHg and normal slope (n = 32, log-rank P = 0.003). The mPAP/CO slope improved predictive models for outcome, incremental to resting and exercise sPAP, and peak VO2. CONCLUSION: Exercise PH defined by the mPAP/CO slope >3 mmHg/L/min is associated with decreased exercise capacity and a higher risk of adverse events in significant primary MR and no or discordant symptoms. The slope provides a greater prognostic value than single sPAP measures and peak VO2.

Comparison of whole body versus thoracic bioimpedance in relation to ultrafiltration volume and systolic blood pressure during hemodialysis.

In contrast to whole body bioimpedance, which estimates fluid status at a single point in time, thoracic bioimpedance applied by a wearable device could enable continuous measurements. However, clinical experience with thoracic bioimpedance in patients on dialysis is limited. To test the reproducibility of whole body and thoracic bioimpedance measurements and to compare their relationship with hemodynamic changes during hemodialysis, these parameters were measured pre- and end-dialysis in 54 patients during two sessions. The resistance from both bioimpedance techniques was moderately reproducible between two dialysis sessions (intraclass correlations of pre- to end-dialysis whole body and thoracic resistance between session 1 and 2 were 0.711 [0.58-0.8] and 0.723 [0.6-0.81], respectively). There was a very high to high correlation between changes in ultrafiltration volume and changes in whole body thoracic resistance. Changes in systolic blood pressure negatively correlated to both bioimpedance techniques. Although the relationship between changes in ultrafiltration volume and changes in resistance was stronger for whole body bioimpedance, the relationship with changes in blood pressure was at least comparable for thoracic measurements. These results suggest that thoracic bioimpedance, measured by a wearable device, may serve as an interesting alternative to whole body measurements for continuous hemodynamic monitoring during hemodialysis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We examined the role of whole body and thoracic bioimpedance in hemodynamic changes during hemodialysis. Whole body and thoracic bioimpedance signals were strongly related to ultrafiltration volume and moderately, negatively, to changes in blood pressure. This work supports the further development of a wearable device measuring thoracic bioimpedance longitudinally in patients on hemodialysis. As such, it may serve as an innovative tool for continuous hemodynamic monitoring during hemodialysis in hospital or in a home-based setting.

Mitral Annular Dynamics in AF Versus Sinus Rhythm: Novel Insights Into the Mechanism of AFMR.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate mitral annular dynamics in atrial fibrillation (AF) and after sinus rhythm restoration, and to assess the relationship between annular dynamics and mitral regurgitation (MR). BACKGROUND: AF can be associated with MR that improves after sinus rhythm restoration. Mechanisms underlying this atrial functional MR (AFMR) are ill-understood and generally attributed to left atrial remodeling. METHODS: Fifty-three patients with persistent AF and normal left ventricular ejection fraction were prospectively examined by means of 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography before, immediately after, and 6 weeks after electric cardioversion to sinus rhythm. Annular motion was assessed during AF and in sinus rhythm with the use of 3-dimensional analysis software, and the relationship with MR severity was explored. RESULTS: During AF and immediately after sinus rhythm restoration, the mitral annulus behaved relatively adynamically, with an overall change in annular area of 10.3% (95% CI: 8.7%-11.8%) and 12.2% (95% CI: 10.6%-13.8%), respectively. At follow-up, a significant increase in annular dynamics (19.0%; 95% CI: 17.4%-20.6%; P < 0.001) was observed, owing predominantly to an increase in presystolic contraction (P < 0.001). The effective regurgitant orifice area decreased from 0.15 cm2 (0.10-0.23 cm2) during AF to 0.09 cm2 (0.05-0.12 cm2) at follow-up (P < 0.001) in the total cohort, and from 0.27 (0.23-0.33) to 0.16 (0.12-0.29) in the subgroup with effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) ≥0.20 cm2. The change in presystolic annular motion was the only independent determinant of the decrease in MR severity (P = 0.027), by optimizing annular-leaflet imbalance. Patients with more pronounced blunting of presystolic dynamics had a higher EROA (P < 0.001), because of a lower total-to-closed leaflet area ratio (P < 0.001) at each point in time. This ratio was the strongest independent determinant of AFMR severity (adjusted P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Mitral annular dynamics are impaired in AF, with blunted presystolic narrowing that contributes to AFMR. Sinus rhythm restoration allows gradual recovery of presystolic annular dynamics. Improved annular dynamics decrease AFMR severity by optimizing annular-leaflet imbalance, regardless of LA remodeling.

Left Atrial Mechanics Assessed Early during Hospitalization for Cryptogenic Stroke Are Associated with Occult Atrial Fibrillation: A Speckle-Tracking Strain Echocardiography Study.

BACKGROUND: Occult atrial fibrillation (AF) is an important contributor to cryptogenic stroke, yet remains difficult to unmask at presentation. This study investigated the predictive value of left atrial (LA) mechanics by strain echocardiography during stroke hospitalization for the presence of AF as detected on early 30-day monitoring and routine clinical follow-up. METHODS: Left atrial mechanics were studied by strain echocardiography in a retrospective cohort of 191 patients with cryptogenic stroke and 30-day mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry poststroke to diagnose AF. After this, AF was diagnosed via routine clinical follow-up. The independent and incremental value of measures of LA size and mechanics (i.e., strain and strain rate in the reservoir, conduit, and booster pump phase) to predict AF on top of clinical characteristics was assessed. RESULTS: Of 191 patients, 15% (n = 28) developed AF, of which 10 were observed during 30-day mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry and 18 were observed at a median follow-up of 25 (interquartile range, 10-43) months. Median time from embolic stroke to strain echocardiography was 1 day (interquartile range, 1-2 days). Left atrial mechanics were significantly worse in AF (P < .05 for all), despite largely similar baseline cardiovascular risk profile. Booster pump strain rate was the strongest predictor for AF, independent of age, LA volume index, E/e', and reservoir strain (odds ratio = 2.88 per SD increase; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-6.41; P = .010). Adding LA strain reservoir strain and booster pump function significantly enhanced a multivariate model to predict AF. Freedom from AF was significantly lower in subjects with a booster pump strain rate (at stroke presentation) worse than -0.67 sec-1, as derived from receiver operator curve analysis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Left atrial mechanics and particularly the LA booster pump function assessed early during hospitalization for cryptogenic stroke can identify patients at greater likelihood of future diagnosis of AF. These findings could in part relate to LA mechanical stunning after spontaneous cardioversion, which-when identified by early strain echocardiography-can inform further risk stratification and decision-making.

Outcome and durability of mitral valve annuloplasty in atrial secondary mitral regurgitation.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial secondary mitral regurgitation (ASMR) is a clinically distinct form of Carpentier type I mitral regurgitation (MR), rooted in excessive atrial and mitral annular dilation in the absence of left ventricular dysfunction. Mitral valve annuloplasty (MVA) is expected to provide a more durable solution for ASMR than for ventricular secondary MR (VSMR). Yet data on MR recurrence and outcome after MVA for ASMR are scarce. This study sought to investigate surgical outcomes and repair durability in patients with ASMR, as compared with a contemporary group of patients with VSMR. METHODS: Clinical and echocardiographic data from consecutive patients who underwent MVA to treat ASMR or VSMR in an academic centre were retrospectively analysed. Patient characteristics, operative outcomes, time to recurrence of ≥moderate MR and all-cause mortality were compared between patients with ASMR versus VSMR. RESULTS: Of the 216 patients analysed, 97 had ASMR opposed to 119 with VSMR and subvalvular leaflet tethering. Patients with ASMR were typically female (68.0% vs 33.6% in VSMR, p<0.001), with a history of atrial fibrillation (76.3% vs 33.6% in VSMR, p<0.001), paralleling a larger left atrial size (p<0.033). At a median follow-up of 3.3 (IQR 1.0-7.3) years, recurrence of ≥moderate MR was significantly lower in ASMR versus VSMR (7% vs 25% at 2 years, overall log-rank p=0.001), also when accounting for all-cause death as competing risk (subdistribution HR 0.50 in ASMR, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.88, p=0.016). Moreover, ASMR was associated with better overall survival compared with VSMR (adjusted HR 0.43 95% CI 0.22 to 0.82, p=0.011), independent from baseline European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II surgical risk score. CONCLUSION: Prognosis following MVA to treat ASMR is better, compared with VSMR as reflected by lower all-cause mortality and MR recurrence. Early distinction of secondary MR towards underlying ventricular versus atrial disease has important therapeutic implications.

LA Mechanics in Decompensated Heart Failure: Insights From Strain Echocardiography With Invasive Hemodynamics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of congestion and decongestive therapy on left atrial (LA) mechanics and to determine the relationship between LA improvement after decongestive therapy and clinical outcome in immediate or chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). BACKGROUND: LA mechanics are affected by volume/pressure overload in decompensated HFrEF. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with HFrEF and immediate heart failure (age 64 ± 15 years, 74% male, left ventricular ejection fraction 20 ± 12%) underwent serial echocardiography during decongestive therapy with simultaneous hemodynamic monitoring. LA function was assessed by strain (rate) imaging. Patients were re-evaluated 6 weeks after discharge and prospectively followed up for the composite endpoint of heart failure readmission and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: LA reservoir function was markedly reduced at baseline and improved with decongestion (peak atrial longitudinal strain from 6.4 ± 2.2% to 8.8 ± 3.0% and strain rate from 0.29 ± 0.11 s-1 to 0.38 ± 0.13 s-1), independent of changes in left ventricular global longitudinal strain, LA end-diastolic volume, and mitral regurgitation severity (p < 0.001). Both measures continued to rise at 6 weeks (up to 13.4 ± 6.1% and 0.50 ± 0.19 s-1, respectively; p < 0.001). LA pump strain rate only increased 6 weeks after discharge (-0.25 ± 0.12 s-1 to -0.55 ± 0.29 s-1; p < 0.010). Changes in LA mechanics correlated with changes in wedge pressure (r = -0.61; p < 0.001). Lower peak atrial longitudinal strain values after decongestion were associated with increased risk for the composite endpoint of heart failure and mortality (p < 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: LA reservoir and booster function, while severely impaired during immediate decompensation, significantly improve during and after decongestive therapy. Poor LA reservoir function after decongestion is associated with worse outcome.

The Detrimental Effect of RA Pacing on LA Function and Clinical Outcome in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the impact of right-atrial (RA) pacing on left-atrial (LA) physiology and clinical outcome. BACKGROUND: Data for the effects of RA pacing on LA synchronicity, function, and structure after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are scarce. METHODS: The effect of RA pacing on LA function, morphology, and synchronicity was assessed in a prospective imaging cohort of heart failure (HF) patients in sinus rhythm with a guideline-based indication for CRT. Additionally, in a retrospective outcome cohort of consecutive HF patients undergoing CRT implantation, the relationship to RA pacing was assessed using various outcome endpoints. High versus low atrial pacing burden was defined as atrial pacing above or below 50% in both cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were included in the imaging cohort (68 ± 11 years of age). Six months after CRT, patients with high RA pacing burden showed less improvement in LA maximum and minimum volumes and total emptying fraction (p < 0.05). Peak atrial longitudinal strain and reservoir and booster strain rates but not conduit strain rate improved after CRT in patients with low RA pacing burden but worsened in patients with high RA pacing burden (p < 0.05 for all). A high RA pacing burden induced significant intra-atrial dyssynchrony (maximum opposing wall delay: 44 ± 13 ms vs. 97 ± 17 ms, respectively; p = 0.022). A total of 569 patients were included in the outcome cohort. After covariate adjustments were made, a high RA pacing burden was associated with reduced LV reverse remodeling (ß = 8.738; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.101 to 14.374; p = 0.002) and new-onset or recurrent atrial fibrillation (41% vs. 22%, respectively, at a median of 31 months [range 22 to 44 months follow-up]; p < 0.001). There were no differences in time to first HF hospitalization or all-cause mortality (p = 0.185) after covariate adjustment. However, in a recurrent event analysis, HF readmissions were more common in patients exposed to a high RA pacing burden (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: RA pacing in CRT patients negatively influences LA morphology, function, and synchronicity, which is associated with worse clinical outcome, including diminished LV reverse remodeling, increased risk for new-onset or recurrent AF and heart failure readmission. Strategies reducing RA pacing burden may be warranted.

Withdrawal of Neurohumoral Blockade After Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The necessity of neurohumoral blockers in patients with heart failure who demonstrate normalized ejection fractions after cardiac resynchronization therapy remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and safety of neurohumoral blocker withdrawal in patients with normalized ejection fractions after cardiac resynchronization therapy. METHODS: In this prospective, open-label, randomized controlled pilot trial with a 2 × 2 factorial design, subjects were randomized to withdrawal of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and/or beta-blockers versus continuation of treatment. The primary endpoint was a recurrence of negative remodeling, defined as an increase in left ventricular end-systolic volume index of >15% at 24 months. The secondary endpoint was a composite safety endpoint of all-cause mortality, heart failure-related hospitalizations, and incidence of sustained ventricular arrhythmias at 24 months. RESULTS: Eighty subjects were consecutively enrolled and randomized among 4 groups (continuation of neurohumoral blocker therapy, n = 20; withdrawal of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, n = 20; withdrawal of beta-blockers, n = 20; and withdrawal of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors and beta-blockers, n = 20). Of the 80 subjects, 6 (7.5%) met the primary and 4 (5%) the secondary endpoint. However, re-initiation of neurohumoral blockers occurred in 17 subjects because of hypertension or supraventricular arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of the primary and secondary endpoints over a follow-up period of 2 years was low in both the control group and in the groups in which neurohumoral blockers were discontinued. However, neurohumoral blocker withdrawal was hampered by cardiac comorbidities. (Systematic Withdrawal of Neurohumoral Blocker Therapy in Optimally Responding CRT Patients [STOP-CRT]; NCT02200822).

The Added Value of In-Hospital Tracking of the Efficacy of Decongestion Therapy and Prognostic Value of a Wearable Thoracic Impedance Sensor in Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure With Volume Overload: Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete relief of congestion in acute decompensated heart failure (HF) is related to poor outcomes. However, congestion can be difficult to evaluate, stressing the urgent need for new objective approaches. Due to its inverse correlation with tissue hydration, continuous bioimpedance monitoring might be an effective method for serial fluid status assessments. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether in-hospital bioimpedance monitoring can be used to track fluid changes (ie, the efficacy of decongestion therapy) and the relationships between bioimpedance changes and HF hospitalization and all-cause mortality. METHODS: A wearable bioimpedance monitoring device was used for thoracic impedance measurements. Thirty-six patients with signs of acute decompensated HF and volume overload were included. Changes in the resistance at 80 kHz (R80kHz) were analyzed, with fluid balance (fluid in/out) used as a reference. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the change in R80kHz during hospitalization: increase in R80kHz or decrease in R80kHz. Clinical outcomes in terms of HF rehospitalization and all-cause mortality were studied at 30 days and 1 year of follow-up. RESULTS: During hospitalization, R80kHz increased for 24 patients, and decreased for 12 patients. For the total study sample, a moderate negative correlation was found between changes in fluid balance (in/out) and relative changes in R80kHz during hospitalization (rs=-0.51, P<.001). Clinical outcomes at both 30 days and 1 year of follow-up were significantly better for patients with an increase in R80kHz. At 1 year of follow-up, 88% (21/24) of patients with an increase in R80kHz were free from all-cause mortality, compared with 50% (6/12) of patients with a decrease in R80kHz (P=.01); 75% (18/24) and 25% (3/12) were free from all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, respectively (P=.01). A decrease in R80kHz resulted in a significant hazard ratio of 4.96 (95% CI 1.82-14.37, P=.003) on the composite endpoint. CONCLUSIONS: The wearable bioimpedance device was able to track changes in fluid status during hospitalization and is a convenient method to assess the efficacy of decongestion therapy during hospitalization. Patients who do not show an improvement in thoracic impedance tend to have worse clinical outcomes, indicating the potential use of thoracic impedance as a prognostic parameter.

Atrial Functional Mitral Regurgitation: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Unlike secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) in the setting of left ventricular (LV) disease, the occurrence of functional MR in atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has remained largely unspoken. LV size and systolic function are typically normal, whereas isolated mitral annular dilation and inadequate leaflet adaptation are considered mechanistic culprits. Moreover, the role of left atrial and annular dynamics in provoking MR is often underappreciated. Because of this peculiar pathophysiology, atrial functional MR benefits from a different approach compared with secondary MR. Although both AF and HFpEF-two closely related disease epidemics of the 21st century-are held responsible, current guidelines do not emphasize the need to differentiate atrial functional MR from (ventricular) secondary MR. This review summarizes the prevalence and prognostic importance of atrial functional MR, providing mechanistic insights compared with those of secondary MR and suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

A Vendor-Independent Mobile Health Monitoring Platform for Digital Health Studies: Development and Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Medical smartphone apps and mobile health devices are rapidly entering mainstream use because of the rising number of smartphone users. Consequently, a large amount of consumer-generated data is being collected. Technological advances in innovative sensory systems have enabled data connectivity and aggregation to become cornerstones in developing workable solutions for remote monitoring systems in clinical practice. However, few systems are currently available to handle such data, especially for clinical use. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and implement the digital health research platform for mobile health (DHARMA) that combines data saved in different formats from a variety of sources into a single integrated digital platform suitable for mobile remote monitoring studies. METHODS: DHARMA comprises a smartphone app, a Web-based platform, and custom middleware and has been developed to collect, store, process, and visualize data from different vendor-specific sensors. The middleware is a component-based system with independent building blocks for user authentication, study and patient administration, data handling, questionnaire management, patient files, and reporting. RESULTS: A prototype version of the research platform has been tested and deployed in multiple clinical studies. In this study, we used the platform for the follow-up of pregnant women at risk of developing pre-eclampsia. The patients' blood pressure, weight, and activity were semi-automatically captured at home using different devices. DHARMA automatically collected and stored data from each source and enabled data processing for the end users in terms of study-specific parameters, thresholds, and visualization. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing use of mobile health apps and connected medical devices is leading to a large amount of data for collection. There has been limited investment in handling and aggregating data from different sources for use in academic and clinical research focusing on remote monitoring studies. In this study, we created a modular mobile health research platform to collect and integrate data from a variety of third-party devices in several patient populations. The functionality of the platform was demonstrated in a real-life setting among women with high-risk pregnancies.