Prognostic implications of volume status assessed by blood volume analysis in ambulatory heart failure.

The prognostic implications of intravascular volume status assessed by blood volume analysis (BVA) in ambulatory heart failure (HF) remain uncertain. The incremental benefits of assessing volume status, beyond the well-established filling pressures, in predicting HF outcomes are unknown.

Patient Sex Impacts Volume Phenotypes and Hemodynamics in Chronic Heart Failure: A Multicenter Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative methods have shown clinically significant heterogeneity in blood volume (BV) profiles in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). How patients' sex might impact this volume heterogeneity and its relationship to cardiac hemodynamics remains to be defined. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of clinical and quantitative BV, plasma volume (PV) and red blood cell (RBC) mass data was undertaken across 3 medical centers. BV was quantitated using nuclear medicine I-131-labeled plasma albumin indicator-dilution methodology with cardiac hemodynamics obtained within 24 hours. RESULTS: In an analysis of 149 males and 106 females, absolute BV was greater, on average, in males (6.9 ± 1.7 vs 5.0 ± 1.2 liters; P < 0.001); however, a wide range in BVs was demonstrated in both sexes (2.9-14.5 liters). Male sex was associated with higher prevalence of large (+ 25% of normal) BV and PV expansions (36% vs 15% and 51% vs 21%, respectively; both P < 0.001). In contrast, female sex was associated with higher prevalence of normal total BV (44% vs 27%; P = 0.005), PV (54% vs 27%; P < 0.001), hypovolemia (23% vs 11%; P = 0.005), and true anemia (42% vs 26%; P < 0.001). Cardiac hemodynamics differed by sex, but only modest associations were demonstrated between volume profiles and cardiac filling pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support unique intravascular volume profiles reflecting sex-specific differences in the prevalence and distributions of total BV, PV and RBC mass profiles in patients with chronic HF. This underscores the importance of recognizing patients' sex as a significant factor influencing volume homeostasis, which needs to be taken into account to individualize volume-management strategies effectively.

Effects of bromocriptine in peripartum cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening form of heart failure (HF). Bromocriptine, a dopamine D2 agonist, has been used as an adjunctive treatment for PPCM with controversial benefits. A comprehensive literature search was conducted through June 2021. We included studies comparing the outcomes of PPCM with or without bromocriptine use. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I2 statistics were calculated. Composite major adverse outcomes were defined by a composite of death, need for advanced HF therapies, persistent New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/V, or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35% at 6-month follow-up. LVEF recovery was defined by improvement of LVEF to more than 50%. Eight studies (two randomized-controlled, six observational) involving 593 PPCM patients were included. Bromocriptine use was associated with significantly higher survival (91.6% vs. 83.9%, RR 1.11 p = 0.02). Baseline LVEF was not significantly different between the groups. LVEF at follow-up was significantly higher in the bromocriptine group (53.3% vs. 41.8%, p < 0.001). There was no significant association between bromocriptine use and lower composite major adverse outcomes (13.7% vs. 33.3%, RR 0.60 p = 0.54) or LVEF recovery (46.9% vs. 46.8%, RR 0.94 p = 0.74). In conclusion, the addition of bromocriptine to standard HF treatment in PPCM was associated with significantly higher survival and higher LVEF improvement. No association with lower composite adverse clinical outcomes or LVEF recovery was seen. The findings, although encouraging, warrant larger randomized-controlled studies.

Pre-operative atrial fibrillation and early right ventricular failure after left ventricular assist device implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Right ventricular failure (RVF) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known for its deleterious effects on cardiac function and hemodynamics. The association of pre-operative AF with the risk of early post-LVAD RVF has not been well described. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was performed through April, 9 2021. Cohort studies comparing the risk of post-operative RVF and/or need for right ventricular assist device (RVAD) after LVAD in patients with or without AF were included. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I2 statistic were calculated using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Six studies were included in the analysis. Post-operative RVF was reported in 5 studies (1,841 patients) and RVAD use was reported in 4 studies (1,355 patients). There is a non-significant trend toward a higher risk of post-operative RVF in the AF group (pooled OR=1.25, 95%CI=0.99-1.58). No significant association between AF and RVAD use is noted (pooled OR=1.17, 95%CI=0.82-1.66). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative AF is not significantly associated with higher risks of post-operative RVF and RVAD use after LVAD implantation, although the trend toward higher post-operative RVF is observed in patients with pre-operative AF. Additional research using a larger study population is warranted to better understand the association of pre-operative AF and the development of post-LVAD RVF.

Early diuretic strategies and the association with In-hospital and Post-discharge outcomes in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Decongestion is a primary goal during hospitalizations for decompensated heart failure (HF). However, data surrounding the preferred route and strategy of diuretic administration are limited with varying results in prior studies. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis using patients from ASCEND-HF with a stable diuretic strategy in the first 24 hours following randomization. Patients were divided into three groups: intravenous (IV) continuous, IV bolus and oral strategy. Baseline characteristics, in-hospital outcomes, 30-day composite cardiovascular mortality or HF rehospitalization and 180-day all-cause mortality were compared across groups. Inverse propensity weighted modeling was used for adjustment. RESULTS: Among 5,738 patients with a stable diuretic regimen in the first 24 hours (80% of overall ASCEND trial), 3,944 (68.7%) patients received IV intermittent bolus administration of diuretics, 799 (13.9%) patients received IV continuous therapy and 995 (17.3%) patients with oral administration. Patients in the IV continuous group had a higher baseline creatinine (IV continuous 1.4 [1.1-1.7]; intermittent bolus 1.2 [1.0-1.6]; oral 1.2 [1.0-1.4] mg/dL; P <0.001) and high NTproBNP (IV continuous 5,216 [2,599-11,603]; intermittent bolus 4,944 [2,339-9,970]; oral 3,344 [1,570-7,077] pg/mL; P <0.001). There was no difference between IV continuous and intermittent bolus group in weight change, total urine output and change in renal function till 10 days/discharge (adjusted P >0.05 for all). There was no difference in 30 day mortality and HF readmission (adjusted OR 1.08 [95%CI: 0.74, 1.57]; P = 0.701) and 180 days mortality (adjusted OR 1.04 [95%CI: 0.75, 1.43]; P = 0.832). CONCLUSION: In a large cohort of patients with decompensated HF, there were no significant differences in diuretic-related in-hospital, or post-discharge outcomes between IV continuous and intermittent bolus administration. Tailoring appropriate diuretic strategy to different states of acute HF and congestion phenotypes needs to be further investigated.

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors and Outcomes During Left Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have been used to treat pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVAD). The effects of PDE5i on post-LVAD outcomes including hemocompatibility-related adverse events are not well-established. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of PDE5i on post-LVAD outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Pubmed and Embase databases from inception through November 25, 2020, to compare post-LVAD outcomes in patients with or without PDE5i use. Pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and I2 statistic were calculated. Thirteen observational studies were included in this analysis. The use of PDE5i was not significantly associated with lower postoperative right ventricular failure (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.02-5.96, P = .41). There was no significant association between PDE5i and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.76-1.98, P = .2), overall stroke (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.21-1.68, P = .17), ischemic stroke (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.09-4.07, P = .38), or pump thrombosis (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.14-3.54, P = .46). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed no significant association between PDE5i and post-LVAD right ventricular failure. Despite the antiplatelet effects of PDE5i, there was no significant association between PDE5i and gastrointestinal bleeding, overall stroke, ischemic stroke, or pump thrombosis. Randomized controlled studies are warranted to evaluate the net benefits or harms of PDE5i in the LVAD population.

In-hospital outcomes after bariatric surgery in patients with heart failure.

Based on the largest publicly available all-payer inpatient database in the United States, this study sought to evaluate real-world outcomes after bariatric surgery among patients with heart failure.

Non-Transfemoral Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Approach is Associated with a Higher Risk of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is a frequent arrhythmic complication following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Choice of access routes for TAVR could be a factor that determines the risk of NOAF although the data is still not well-characterised. We aimed to assess the association between different access routes for TAVR (transfemoral versus non-transfemoral) and the risk of NOAF. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was performed through September 2018 using EMBASE and Medline. Eligible studies must compare the incidence of NOAF in patients without pre-existing atrial fibrillation who underwent TAVR. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted from each study and combined together using the random-effects model, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. RESULTS: Seven (7) retrospective studies with 18,425 patients who underwent TAVR (12,744 with the transfemoral approach and 5,681 with the non-transfemoral approach) met the eligibility criteria. After the procedures, 2,205 (12.0%) patients developed NOAF (656 [5.1%] patients in the transfemoral group and 1,549 [27.3%] patients in the non-transfemoral group). There was a significant association between the non-transfemoral approach and an increased risk of NOAF with the pooled RR of 2.94 (95%CI, 2.53-3.41; p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed the highest risk of NOAF in the transapical subgroup with the pooled RR of 3.20 (95% CI, 2.69-3.80; I2 33%). CONCLUSIONS: A significantly increased risk of NOAF following TAVR among those who underwent a non-transfemoral approach compared with transfemoral approach was observed in this meta-analysis.

Modes of death and clinical outcomes in adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about modes of death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in South East Asian population. The aim of the study was to examine modes of death and clinical outcomes in Thai patients with HCM. METHODS: Between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2013, 166 consecutive patients with HCM diagnosed in our institution were evaluated. Five patients were excluded because of non-Thai ethnic groups (n = 3) and diagnosis of myocardial infarction at initial presentation documented by coronary angiography (n = 2). The final study population consisted of 161 patients with HCM. HCM-related deaths included: (1) sudden cardiac death (SCD) - death due to sudden cardiac arrest or unexpected sudden death; (2) heart failure - death due to refractory heart failure; or (3) stroke - death due to embolic stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. MACEs included: (1) SCD, sudden unexpected aborted cardiac arrest, fatal, or nonfatal ventricular arrhythmia (ventricular fibrillation or sustained ventricular tachycardia); (2) heart failure (fatal or non-fatal), or heart transplantation; or (3) stroke - fatal or non-fatal embolic stroke associated with atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-one Thai patients with HCM (age 66 ± 16 years, 58% female) were enrolled. Forty-two patients (26%) died over a median follow-up period of 6.8 years including 25 patients (16%) with HCM-related deaths (2%/year). The HCM-related deaths included: heart failure (52% of HCM-related deaths; n = 13), SCD (44% of HCM-related deaths; n = 11), and stroke (4% of HCM-related deaths, n = 1). The SCDs occurred in 6.8% of patients (1%/year). Eighty-four major MACEs occurred in 65 patients (41, 5%/year). The MACEs included: 40 heart failures in which 2 patients underwent heart transplants; 22 SCDs and nonfatal ventricular arrhythmias; and 22 fatal or nonfatal strokes. CONCLUSIONS: The most common mode of death in adult patients with HCM in Thailand was heart failure followed by SCD. About one-third of the patients experiencing heart failure died during the 6.8 years of follow-up. SCDs occurred in 7% of patients (1%/year), predominantly in the fourth decade or later.

The presence of atrial fibrillation in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is predictive of mortality: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known as the most common arrhythmia and an independent risk factor for mortality. Recent studies suggest that AF is associated with morbidity and mortality in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC). However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature have not been done. We assessed the association between AF in patients with TTC and mortality by a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis. METHODS: We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to January 2018. Included studies were published prospective or retrospective cohort studies that compared all-cause mortality in TTC with AF versus without AF. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Five studies from August 2008 to October 2017 were included in this meta-analysis involving 2,321 subjects with TTC (243 with AF and 2,078 without AF). The presence of AF was associated with all-cause mortality (pooled odds ratio = 2.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.57-3.06, p < 0.001, I 2  = 0%). CONCLUSION: Atrial fibrillation increased all-cause mortality by double among patients with TTC compared to without it. Our study suggests that the presence of AF in TTC is prognostic for all-cause mortality.

Contrast-induced nephropathy is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation in acute coronary syndrome after cardiac catheterization: Systemic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies suggest that CIN is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who underwent catheterization. However, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature have not been done. We assessed the association between CIN in patients with ACS and new-onset AF by a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis. HYPOTHESIS: CIN is associated with new-onset AF in patients with ACS. METHODS: We comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE from inception to April 2018. Included studies were published cohort studies that compared new-onset AF after cardiac catheterization in ACS patient with CIN versus without CIN. Data from each study were combined using the random effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Five studies from December 2009 to February 2018 were included in this meta-analysis involving 5,640 subjects with ACS (1,102 with CIN and 4,538 without CIN). Contrast-induced nephropathy significantly correlates with new-onset AF after cardiac catheterization (pooled risk ratio = 2.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.66-4.87, p < 0.001, I2  = 58%) CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-induced nephropathy is associated with new-onset AF threefold among patients with ACS after cardiac catheterization. Our study warranted further study to establish the causality between CIN and new-onset AF.

Low-dose basiliximab induction therapy in heart transplantation.

We prospectively studied efficacy and safety outcomes of two 10-mg doses of intravenous basiliximab on day 0 and day 4 for induction therapy in 17 consecutive de novo heart transplant recipients. By the 2-week assessment post-transplant, there were no deaths, graft failures, or acute cellular rejections (ACRs) ISHLT grade ≥ 2R. By the 1-year assessment post-transplant, there were 1 (6%) infectious death, no graft failures, 2 (12%) grade 2R ACRs, 6 (35%) asymptomatic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, and 4 (25%) treated infections. Our study was the first to show that low-dose basiliximab induction in heart transplant resulted in favorable efficacy and safety outcomes. Additionally, calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) initiation in a low-risk population could be safely delayed using the strategy of modified low-dose postoperative basiliximab. This strategy also appears to allow subsequent early corticosteroid wean, although with the concomitant maintenance of higher CNI levels and higher dosing of mycophenolate.

Racial Differences in Hospice Care Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

There remains a paucity of investigational data about disparities in hospice services in people with non-cancer diagnoses, specifically in heart failure (HF). Black patients with advanced HF have been disproportionally affected by health care services inequities but their outcomes after hospice enrollment are not well studied. We aimed to describe race-specific outcomes in patients with advanced HF who were enrolled in hospice services. We obtained the data from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase for all investigations published until January 11, 2023. All studies that reported race-specific outcomes after hospice enrollment in patients with advanced HF were included. Of the 1,151 articles identified, 5 studies (n = 24,899) were considered for analysis involving a sample size ranging from 179 to 11,754 patients. Black patients had an increased risk of readmission (odds ratio 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34 to 1.79, I2 0%) and discharge (odds ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.99, I2 0%) compared with White patients. Moreover, Black patients have a nonsignificant lower risk of mortality compared with White patients (relative risk 0.67, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.05, I2 90%). In conclusion, this study showed that Black patients with advanced HF receiving hospice care have a higher risk of readmission and discharge compared with White patients.

Genitourinary Tract Infections in Patients Taking SGLT2 Inhibitors: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) have been shown to reduce adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, all-cause mortality, and heart failure hospitalization in patients with heart failure, as well as adverse renal outcomes. However, concerns regarding the heightened risk of genitourinary (GU) infections, particularly urinary tract infections, remain a significant barrier to their wider adoption. Addressing these misconceptions using existing evidence is needed to ensure proper risk-benefit assessment and optimal utilization of this efficacious therapy. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective on the evidence-based cardiovascular and renal benefits of SGLT2is and the associated risk of GU infections. We also summarize and propose clinical practice considerations for SGLT2i-associated GU infections focusing on patients with cardiovascular disease.

On-treatment analysis of torsemide versus furosemide for patients hospitalized for heart failure: A post-hoc analysis of TRANSFORM-HF.

AIM: The TRANSFORM-HF trial demonstrated no significant outcome differences between torsemide and furosemide following hospitalization for heart failure (HF), but may have been impacted by non-adherence to the randomized diuretic. The current study sought to determine the treatment effect of torsemide versus furosemide using an on-treatment analysis inclusive of all randomized patients except those confirmed non-adherent to study diuretic. METHODS AND RESULTS: TRANSFORM-HF was an open-label, pragmatic randomized trial of 2859 patients hospitalized for HF from June 2018 through March 2022. Patients were randomized to a loop diuretic strategy of torsemide versus furosemide with investigator-selected dosage. This post-hoc on-treatment analysis included all patients alive with either known or unknown diuretic status, and excluded patients confirmed to be non-adherent to study diuretic. This modified on-treatment definition was applied separately at time of hospital discharge and 30-day follow-up. All-cause mortality and hospitalization outcomes were assessed over 12 months. Overall, 2570 (89.9%) and 2374 (83.0%) patients were included in on-treatment analyses at discharge and 30-day follow-up, respectively. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between torsemide and furosemide in patients on-treatment at discharge (17.5% vs. 17.8%; hazard ratio [HR] 1.01 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-1.22], p = 0.96) and at 30-day follow-up (14.5% vs. 15.0%; HR 1.02 [95% CI 0.81-1.27], p = 0.90). All-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization was similar between torsemide and furosemide in patients who were on-treatment at discharge (58.3% vs. 61.3%; HR 0.92 [95% CI 0.82-1.03]) and 30-day follow-up (60.9% vs. 64.4%; HR 0.93 [95% CI 0.82-1.05]). In patients who were on-treatment at 30-day follow-up, there were 677 total hospitalizations in the torsemide group and 686 total hospitalizations in the furosemide group (rate ratio 0.99 [95% CI 0.86-1.14], p = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: In TRANSFORM-HF, a post-hoc on-treatment analysis did not meaningfully differ from the original trial results. Among those deemed compliant with the assigned diuretic, there remained no significant difference in mortality or hospitalization after HF hospitalization with a strategy of torsemide versus furosemide. CLINICAL TRAIL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03296813.

Cause-Specific Health Care Costs Following Hospitalization for Heart Failure and Cost Offset With SGLT2i Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding differences in cause-specific costs between heart failure (HF) with ejection fraction (EF) ≤40% vs >40%, and potential cost implications of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapy. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare cause-specific health care costs following hospitalization for HF with EF ≤40% vs >40% and estimate the cost offset with implementation of SGLT2i therapy. METHODS: This study examined Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for HF in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure registry from 2016 to 2020. Mean per-patient total (excluding drug costs) and cause-specific costs from discharge through 1-year follow-up were calculated and compared between EF ≤40% vs >40%. Next, risk reductions on total all-cause and HF hospitalizations were estimated in a trial-level meta-analysis of 5 pivotal trials of SGLT2is in HF. Finally, these relative treatment effects were applied to Medicare beneficiaries eligible for SGLT2i therapy to estimate the projected cost offset with implementation of SGLT2i, excluding drug costs. RESULTS: Among 146,003 patients, 50,598 (34.7%) had EF ≤40% and 95,405 (65.3%) had EF >40%. Mean total cost through 1 year was $40,557. Total costs were similar between EF groups overall but were higher for EF ≤40% among patients surviving the 1-year follow-up period. Patients with EF >40% had higher costs caused by non-HF and noncardiovascular hospitalizations, and skilled nursing facilities (all P < 0.001). Trial-level meta-analysis of the 5 SGLT2i clinical trials estimated 11% (rate ratio: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84-0.93; P < 0.001) and 29% (rate ratio: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.66-0.76; P < 0.001) relative reductions in rates of total all-cause and HF hospitalizations, respectively, regardless of EF. Reductions in all-cause and HF hospitalizations were projected to reduce annual costs of readmission by $2,451 to $2,668 per patient with EF ≤40% and $1,439 to $2,410 per patient with EF >40%. CONCLUSIONS: In this large cohort of older U.S. adults hospitalized for HF, cause-specific costs of care differed among patients with EF ≤40% vs >40%. SGLT2i significantly reduced the rate of HF and all-cause hospitalizations irrespective of EF in clinical trials, and implementation of SGLT2i therapy in clinical practice is projected to reduce costs by $1,439 to $2,668 per patient over the 1 year post-discharge, excluding drug costs.

Primary isolated right ventricular failure after heart transplantation: prevalence, right ventricular characteristics, and outcomes.

To determine the prevalence, right ventricular (RV) characteristics, and outcomes of primary isolated RV failure (PI-RVF) after heart transplant (HTX). PI-RVF was defined as (1) the need for mechanical circulatory support post-transplant, or (2) evidence of RVF post-transplant as measured by right atrial pressure (RAP) > 15 mmHg, cardiac index of < 2.0 L/min/m2 or inotrope support for < 72 h, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure < 18 mmHg, and transpulmonary gradient < 15 mmHg with pulmonary systolic pressure < 50 mmHg. PI-RVF can be diagnosed from the first 24-72 h after completion of heart transplantation. A total of 122 consecutive patients who underwent HTX were reviewed. Of these, 11 were excluded because of secondary causes of graft dysfunction (GD). PI-RVF was present in 65 of 111 patients (59%) and 31 (48%) met the criteria for PGD-RV. Severity of patients with PI-RVF included 41(37%) mild, 14 (13%) moderate, and 10 (9%) severe. The median onset of PI-RVF was 14 (0-49) h and RV recovery occurred 5 (3-14) days after HTX. Severe RV failure was a predictor of 30-day mortality (HR 13.2, 95% CI 1.6-124.5%, p < 0.001) and post-transplant dialysis (HR 6.9, 95% CI 2.0-257.4%, p = 0.001). Patients with moderate PI-RVF had a higher rate of 30-day mortality (14% vs. 0%, p = 0.014) and post-operative dialysis (21% vs. 2%, p = 0.016) than those with mild PI-RVF. Among patients with mild and moderate PI-RVF, patients who did not meet the criteria of PGD-RV had worsening BUN/creatinine than those who met the PGD-RV criteria (p < 0.05 for all). PI-RVF was common and can occur after 24 h post-HTX. The median RV recovery time was 5 (2-14) days after HTX. Severe PI-RVF was associated with increased rates of 30-day mortality and post-operative dialysis. Moderate PI-RVF was also associated with post-operative dialysis. A revised definition of PGD-RV may be needed since patients who had adverse outcomes did not meet the criteria of PGD-RV.

Pressure-Volume Profiles in Heart Failure Across Sexes and Phenotypes.

Studies have shown poor correlation between intra-cardiac pressures and blood volume (BV) measurements including HF. The impact of sex and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on this relationship has not been studied. We obtained pressure (pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (PADP)) and volume (total blood volume (TBV) and estimated stress blood volume (eSBV)) measurements from HF patients at the time of CardioMEMS implantation. A total of 20 patients were included. There was no significant difference between PADP, TBV, and eSBV between sexes. There was only a moderate correlation between PADP and eSBV in men but not in women or with TBV in both sexes. HFrEF had higher PADP and eSBV than HFpEF. There was a consistent lack of correlation between PADP and both TBV and eSBV. Further studies evaluating mid- to long-term implications of pressure-volume profiles as well as changes following decongestion therapy are warranted to better understand the pressure-volume interplay and determine appropriate decongestion strategy for each pressure-volume phenotype.