Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and clinical outcomes in patients with acute heart failure.

AIMS: Fluid overload is a hallmark in acute heart failure (AHF). Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) has emerged as a noninvasive method for quantifying patients' hydration. We aimed to evaluate the effect of BIVA hydration status (BHS) measured before discharge on mortality and rehospitalization for AHF. METHODS: We included 369 consecutive patients discharged from the cardiology department from a third-level hospital with a diagnosis of AHF. On the basis of BHS, patients were grouped into three categories: hyper-hydration (>74.3%), normo-hydration (72.7-74.3%) and dehydration (<72.7%). Appropriate survival techniques were used to evaluate the association between BHS and the risk of death and readmission for AHF. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 12 months (interquartile range, IQR: 5-19), 80 (21.7%) deaths and 93 (25.2%) readmissions for AHF were registered. The mortality and readmission rates for the BHS categories were hyper-hydration (3.28 and 3.83 per 10 persons-years); normo-hydration (1.43 and 2.68 per 10 persons-years); and dehydration (2.24 and 2.53 per 10 persons-years) (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). In an adjusted analysis, BHS displayed a significant association with mortality (P = 0.004), with a higher mortality risk in those with hyperhydration. Likewise, BHS showed to linearly predict AHF-readmission risk [hazard ratio 1.06 (1.03-1.10); P = 0.001 per increase in 1%]. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted with AHF, BHS assessed before discharge was independently associated with the risk of death and AHF-readmission.

Antigen carbohydrate 125 and creatinine on admission for prediction of renal function response following loop diuretic administration in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The use of loop diuretics in acute heart failure (AHF) is largely empirical and has been associated with renal function impairment by reducing renal perfusion but also renal improvement by decreasing renal venous congestion. Antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) has emerged as a proxy for fluid overload. We sought to evaluate whether the early changes in creatinine (ΔCr) induced by intravenous furosemide doses (ivFD) differ among clinical groups defined by overload status (CA125) and creatinine on admission (Cr). METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 526 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. All patients received intravenous furosemide for the first 48 hours. CA125 and Cr were dichotomized at 35 U/ml and 1.4 mg/dl, respectively, and grouped as follows: C1 [Cr <1.4, CA125 ≤ 35 (n=151)]; C2 [Cr <1.4, CA125 >35 (n=241)]; C3 [Cr ≥ 1.4, CA125 ≤ 35 (n=45)]; and C4 [Cr ≥ 1.4, CA125 >35 (n=89)]. Clinicians in charge of the management of patients were blind to CA125 values. ΔCr was estimated as the absolute difference in Cr between admission and 48-72 hours. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used for modeling purposes. The adjusted analysis showed a differential effect of ivFD on ΔCr. Per increase in 20mg/day of ivFD, the mean ΔCr was 0.010 mg/dl (p=0.464) in C1, 0.002 mg/dl (p=0.831) in C2, 0.045 mg/dl (p=0.032) in C3, and -0.045 mg/dl (p<0.001) in C4 (omnibus p<0.001). A similar pattern of response was observed in a validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AHF, the magnitude and direction of ΔCr attributable to ivFD were differentially associated with values of CA125 and Cr on admission.

Effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is remarkably common in elderly people with highly prevalent comorbid conditions. Despite its increasing in prevalence, there is no evidence-based effective therapy for HFpEF. We sought to evaluate whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) improves exercise capacity, as well as left ventricular diastolic function, biomarker profile and quality of life (QoL) in patients with advanced HFpEF and nonreduced maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 26 patients with HFpEF (median (interquartile range) age, peak exercise oxygen uptake (peak VO2) and left ventricular ejection fraction of 73 years (66-76), 10 ml/min/kg (7.6-10.5) and 72% (65-77), respectively) were randomized to receive a 12-week programme of IMT plus standard care vs. standard care alone. The primary endpoint of the study was evaluated by positive changes in cardiopulmonary exercise parameters and distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWT). Secondary endpoints were changes in QoL, echocardiogram parameters of diastolic function, and prognostic biomarkers. RESULTS: The IMT group improved significantly their MIP (p < 0.001), peak VO2 (p < 0.001), exercise oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (p = 0.001), ventilatory efficiency (p = 0.007), metabolic equivalents (p < 0,001), 6MWT (p < 0.001), and QoL (p = 0.037) as compared to the control group. No changes on diastolic function parameters or biomarkers levels were observed between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In HFpEF patients with low aerobic capacity and non-reduced MIP, IMT was associated with marked improvement in exercise capacity and QoL.

Diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria continua y evolución clínica de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva refractaria / Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and clinical outcomes in patients with refractory congestive heart failure

Introducción y objetivos. Se ha propuesto el empleo de la diálisis peritoneal como alternativa para los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva refractaria. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar su efecto en la evolución clínica a largo plazo de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada y disfunción renal. Métodos. Se invitó a un total de 62 pacientes, con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada (clase III/IV), disfunción renal (filtrado glomerular < 60ml/min/1,73 m2), congestión persistente por exceso de líquidos a pesar del tratamiento con diuréticos de asa y al menos dos hospitalizaciones previas por insuficiencia cardiaca, a participar en un programa de diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria continua. De ellos, se excluyó a 34 y se los asignó al grupo control. Las razones de exclusión más importantes fueron la negativa a participar, la incapacidad de aplicar la técnica y la presencia de defectos de la pared abdominal. El objetivo primario fue la mortalidad por cualquier causa y la combinación de mortalidad y reingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca. Para tener en cuenta el desequilibrio existente en la situación basal, se estimó una puntuación de propensión que se utilizó como ponderación en todos los análisis. Resultados. Los grupos de diálisis peritoneal (n = 28) y de control (n = 34) eran similares respecto a todas las covariables basales. Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 16 meses, 39 (62,9%) fallecieron, 21 (33,9%) pacientes fueron rehospitalizados por insuficiencia cardiaca y 42 (67,8%) presentaron el objetivo combinado. En los modelos ajustados según la puntuación de propensión, la diálisis peritoneal, comparada con el grupo control, se asoció a una reducción sustancial del riesgo de mortalidad en el seguimiento completo (razón de riesgos = 0,40; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,21-0,75; p = 0,005), la mortalidad evaluada con los días de vida fuera del hospital (razón de riesgos = 0,39; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,21-0,74; p = 0,004) y el objetivo combinado (razón de riesgos = 0,32; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,17-0,61; p = 0,001). Conclusiones. En la insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva refractaria con disfunción renal concomitante, la diálisis peritoneal se asoció a una mejoría de la evolución clínica a largo plazo (AU)

Introduction and objectives. Peritoneal dialysis has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory congestive heart failure. The objective of this study was to assess its effect on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure and renal dysfunction. Methods. A total of 62 patients with advanced heart failure (class III/IV), renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration<60mL/min/1.73 m2), persistent fluid congestion despite loop diuretic treatment and at least 2 previous hospitalizations for heart failure were invited to participate in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis program. Of these, 34 patients were excluded and adjudicated as controls. The most important reasons for exclusion were refusal to participate, inability to perform the technique and abdominal wall defects. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the composite of death/readmission for heart failure. To account for baseline imbalance, a propensity score was estimated and used as a weight in all analyses. Results. The peritoneal dialysis (n=28) and control groups (n=34) were alike in all baseline covariates. During a median follow-up of 16 months, 39 (62.9%) died, 21 (33.9%) patients were rehospitalization for heart failure, and 42 (67.8%) experienced the composite endpoint. In the propensity score-adjusted models, peritoneal dialysis (vs control group) was associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of mortality using complete follow-up (hazard ratio=0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.75; P=.005), mortality using days alive and out of hospital (hazard ratio=0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.74; P=.004) and the composite endpoint (hazard ratio=0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.61; P=.001). Conclusions. In refractory congestive heart failure with concomitant renal dysfunction, peritoneal dialysis was associated with long-term improvement in clinical outcomes (AU)

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and clinical outcomes in patients with refractory congestive heart failure.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Peritoneal dialysis has been proposed as a therapeutic alternative for patients with refractory congestive heart failure. The objective of this study was to assess its effect on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure and renal dysfunction. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with advanced heart failure (class III/IV), renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration<60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)), persistent fluid congestion despite loop diuretic treatment and at least 2 previous hospitalizations for heart failure were invited to participate in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis program. Of these, 34 patients were excluded and adjudicated as controls. The most important reasons for exclusion were refusal to participate, inability to perform the technique and abdominal wall defects. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the composite of death/readmission for heart failure. To account for baseline imbalance, a propensity score was estimated and used as a weight in all analyses. RESULTS: The peritoneal dialysis (n=28) and control groups (n=34) were alike in all baseline covariates. During a median follow-up of 16 months, 39 (62.9%) died, 21 (33.9%) patients were rehospitalization for heart failure, and 42 (67.8%) experienced the composite endpoint. In the propensity score-adjusted models, peritoneal dialysis (vs control group) was associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of mortality using complete follow-up (hazard ratio=0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.75; P=.005), mortality using days alive and out of hospital (hazard ratio=0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.74; P=.004) and the composite endpoint (hazard ratio=0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.17-0.61; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: In refractory congestive heart failure with concomitant renal dysfunction, peritoneal dialysis was associated with long-term improvement in clinical outcomes. Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org.

Ablation or conservative management of electrical storm due to monomorphic ventricular tachycardia: differences in outcome.

AIMS: Electrical storm (ES) is a life-threatening condition that predicts bad prognosis. Treatment includes antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD) and catheter ablation (CA). The present study aims to retrospectively compare prognosis in terms of survival and ES recurrence in 52 consecutive patients experiencing a first ES episode. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients were admitted from 1995 to 2011 and treated for ES by conservative therapy (pharmacological, 29 patients) or by CA (23 patients), according to the physician's preference and time of occurrence, i.e. conservative treatments were more frequently administered during the first years of the study, as catheter ablation became more frequent as the years passed by. After a median follow-up of 28 months, no differences either in survival (32% vs. 29% P = 0.8) or in ES recurrence (38% in ablated vs. 57% in non-ablated patients, P = 0.29) were observed between groups. Low left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) was the only variable associated with ES recurrence in ablated patients. When including patients with LVEF > 25%, ES recurrence was significantly lower in ablated patients (24 months estimated risk of ES recurrence was 21% vs. 62% in ablated and non-ablated patients, respectively); however, no benefit in survival was observed. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that in most patients, especially those with an LVEF > 25%, catheter ablation following a first ES episode, decreases the risk of ES recurrence, without increasing survival.

Prognostic implications of arterial blood gases in acute decompensated heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of arterial blood gases (ABG) in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is not well-established. We therefore conducted the present study to determine the relationship between ABG on admission and long-term mortality in patients with ADHF. METHODS: We studied 588 patients consecutively admitted to our department with ADHF. ABG and classical prognostic variables were determined at patients' arrival to the emergency department. The independent association among the main variables of ABG (pO2, pCO2 and pH) and mortality was assessed with Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 23months, 221 deaths (37.6%) were registered. 308 (52.4%), 54 (9.2%) and 50 (8.5%) patients showed hypoxemia (pO2<60mmHg), hypercapnia (pCO2>50mmHg) and acidosis (pH<7.35), respectively. Patients with hypoxemia, hypercapnia and acidosis did not show higher mortality rates (38% vs. 37.1%, 42.6% vs. 37.1%, and 48% vs. 36.6%, respectively; p-value=ns for all comparisons). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for well-known prognostic covariates, pO2, pCO2 and pH did not show a significant association with mortality. Hazard ratios (HR) for these variables were: pO2, per increase in 10mmHg: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.90-1.09), p=0.861; pCO2, per increase in 10mmHg: 1.12 (95% CI: 0.91-1.39), p=0.262; pH per increase in 0.1: 1.01 (95% CI: 0.99-1.04), p=0.309. When dichotomizing these variables according to established cut-points, the HR were: hypoxemia (pO2<60mmHg):1.07 (95% CI: 0.81-1.40), p=0.637; hypercapnia (pCO2>50mmHg): 0.98 (95% CI: 0.62-1.57), p=0.952; acidosis (pH<7.35): 1.38 (95% CI: 0.87-2.19), p=0.173. CONCLUSION: In patients admitted with ADHF, admission arterial pO2, pCO2 and pH were not associated with all-cause long-term mortality.