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)

[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.

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

Introducción: la desnutrición es frecuente entre los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y su papel pronóstico ha quedado establecido, no así en el paciente con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica estable. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia del estado nutricional sobre la mortalidad a largo plazo en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica estable. Métodos: se analizaron prospectivamente 304 pacientes atendidos consecutivamente en la Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca de nuestro centro, entre noviembre de 2011 y noviembre de 2016. Se ejecutó una completa valoración nutricional y se realizó el diagnóstico de desnutrición y riesgo de desnutrición mediante la encuesta Mini Nutritional Assessment. Su posible asociación independiente con la mortalidad se valoró mediante un análisis multivariante de Cox. Resultados: la edad media fue 74,6 ± 10,1 años. El 41,1% fueron mujeres y la etiología más frecuente fue la isquémica (39,1%). El 11,5% de los pacientes fueron clasificados como desnutridos, el 38,2% en riesgo de desnutrición y el 50,3% bien nutridos. A los 28 meses (mediana de seguimiento), la mortalidad en los tres grupos fue 68,9%, 33,3% y 15,2%, respectivamente (Log-rank, p < 0,001). En el análisis multivariante de Cox, el estado de desnutrición resultó ser un predictor independiente de mortalidad (Hazard ratio 2,73; intervalo de confianza 95%, 1,55-4,81; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: la desnutrición y el riesgo de desnutrición alcanzan una prevalencia elevada en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica. Además, el estado de desnutrición definido mediante la encuesta Mini Nutritional Assessment es un predictor independiente de mortalidad en estos pacientes (AU)

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 (AU)

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

Resumen Objetivo Se desconoce la influencia pronóstica que la composición corporal guarda en la relación inversa de la mortalidad con el sobrepeso y la obesidad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca. Método Se evaluó a 234 pacientes ambulatorios con insuficiencia cardiaca. Se determinaron el índice de masa corporal, el pliegue tricipital, el perímetro muscular braquial y el porcentaje de grasa corporal evaluado mediante impedanciometría bioeléctrica. Se analizó la influencia sobre la mortalidad total de las variables antropométricas citadas. Resultados El seguimiento medio fue 21 ± 10.7 meses. Se observó una relación inversa de la mortalidad total con el índice de masa corporal (hazard ratio = 0.91; intervalo confianza del 95%, 0.87-0.96; p < 0.001), con la masa grasa estimada por el pliegue tricipital (hazard ratio = 0.95; intervalo confianza del 95%, 0.92-0.99; p = 0.013) y por el porcentaje graso obtenido mediante impedanciometría (hazard ratio = 0.96; intervalo confianza del 95%,0.93-0.99; p = 0.007) y con la masa muscular estimada mediante el perímetro muscular braquial (hazard ratio = 0.87; intervalo confianza del 95%, 0.81-0.94; p = 0.001). Solo el perímetro muscular braquial mantuvo su influencia pronóstica en el análisis multivariante que incluyó a las diferentes medidas antropométricas (hazard ratio = 0.88; intervalo confianza del 95%, 0.77-0.99; p = 0.035). Finalmente, se observó una correlación lineal positiva entre los valores del índice de masa corporal con los del pliegue tricipital, porcentaje graso y perímetro muscular braquial. Conclusiones La masa muscular del paciente con insuficiencia cardiaca, estimada mediante el perímetro muscular braquial, se asocia de manera inversa con la mortalidad global. La correlación de sus valores con los del índice de masa corporal explicaría la «paradoja de la obesidad¼ observada.

Abstract 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.

[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.

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.

Efectos sobre la mortalidad y reingresos hospitalarios de tres tipos distintos de programas de intervención en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardiaca: ensayo clínico aleatorizado / Effects of three different disease management programs on outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure: a randomized trial

Fundamento y objetivo: A pesar del reconocido beneficio de los programas de intervención en pacientes con insufiencia cardiaca (IC), se desconoce si los diferentes tipos de programas tienen una eficacia similar. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue comparar la efectividad de tres tipos diferentes de intervención. Pacientes y método:Se aleatorizaron 208 pacientes dados de alta consecutivamente después de un ingreso por IC desde enero de 2007: 52 fueron aleatorizados a cada grupo de intervención (seguimiento intensivo hospitalario y una visita domiciliaria o llamada telefónica a los 15 días del alta) y otros 52 a seguimiento habitual. Resultados: El seguimiento medio (DE) fue de 10,8 (3,9) meses. Durante el estudio alcanzaron el objetivo primario (muerte u hospitalización por IC): 20 pacientes (38,5%) en el grupo control, 19 (36,5%) en el de seguimiento telefónico (hazard ratio [HR] 1,11; intervalo de confianza del 95% [IC 95%] 0,59-2,01, p=0,79), 24 (46,2%) en el de domicilio (HR 1,27; IC 95% 0,69-2,32, p=0,78) y 23 pacientes (44,2%) en el de seguimiento intensivo (HR 1,33; IC 95% 0,73-0,42, p=0,79). Se observó una tendencia a un mayor número de ingresos hospitalarios (aunque de duración más corta) por IC en el grupo de seguimiento intensivo, con una tendencia a una menor mortalidad en los grupos de intervención: 23,1% frente al 33,3% del grupo control (HR 0,61 IC 95% 0,35-1,01, p=0,08). Conclusión: En nuestro estudio no hemos encontrado diferencias entre tres tipos diferentes de programas de intervención, sin observar un beneficio significativo sobre el pronóstico en relación con el grupo control, constatando un ligero incremento de estancias hospitalarias cortas en el grupo de seguimiento intensivo (AU)

Background and objectiveDespite the recognized benefit of intervention programs in patients with heart failure (HF), it is unknown whether different types of programs have similar efficacy. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of three different types of intervention.Patients and methods208 patients discharged with the diagnosis of HF were randomized. Fifty-two were assigned to each one of different groups of intervention (home visits, telephone follow-up, HF unit) and 52 patients to usual care (control group). Results: Median follow-up was 10.8±3.2 months. During the study, the primary end point (HF hospitalization or death) was reached in: 20 patients (38.5%) in control group, 19 (36.5%) in telephone follow-up (HR 1.11; IC95% [0.59-2.01], p=0.79), 24 (46.2%) in home visits (HR 1.27; IC95% [0.69-2.32], p=0.78) and 23 patients (44.2%) in HF unit (HR 1.33; IC95% [0.73-0.42], p=0.79). There was a trend to higher hospitalizations (shorter) with lower mortality in intervention groups (mortality: 23.1% intervention groups vs 33.3% in control group, HR 0.61 IC al 95% [0.35-1.01], p=0.08). Conclusions: In our study, the application of three different intervention programs in patients with HF has a little non-significant prognosis benefit, with a slight increase in the number of shorts hospitalizations in HF unit (AU)

[Effects of three different disease management programs on outcomes in patients hospitalized with heart failure: a randomized trial]. / Efectos sobre la mortalidad y reingresos hospitalarios de tres tipos distintos de programas de intervención en pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardiaca: ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite the recognized benefit of intervention programs in patients with heart failure (HF), it is unknown whether different types of programs have similar efficacy. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of three different types of intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 208 patients discharged with the diagnosis of HF were randomized. Fifty-two were assigned to each one of different groups of intervention (home visits, telephone follow-up, HF unit) and 52 patients to usual care (control group). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 10.8±3.2 months. During the study, the primary end point (HF hospitalization or death) was reached in: 20 patients (38.5%) in control group, 19 (36.5%) in telephone follow-up (HR 1.11; IC95% [0.59-2.01], p=0.79), 24 (46.2%) in home visits (HR 1.27; IC95% [0.69-2.32], p=0.78) and 23 patients (44.2%) in HF unit (HR 1.33; IC95% [0.73-0.42], p=0.79). There was a trend to higher hospitalizations (shorter) with lower mortality in intervention groups (mortality: 23.1% intervention groups vs 33.3% in control group, HR 0.61 IC al 95% [0.35-1.01], p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the application of three different intervention programs in patients with HF has a little non-significant prognosis benefit, with a slight increase in the number of shorts hospitalizations in HF unit.