Effects of Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Pulmonary Embolism Complicated with Right Ventricular Dysfunction Who Underwent Catheter-Directed Therapy.

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a significant cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) combined with catheter-directed therapy (CDT) may improve right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and stabilize hemodynamics in acute PE.We retrospectively studied 159 patients with confirmed acute PE who were treated with CDT and admitted to the intensive care unit of our department between September 2016 and May 2020. The patients were divided into the control group and the rhBNP group based on whether to receive recombinant human BNP treatment (rhBNP) or not. The basic characteristics of the patients between the control group and the rhBNP group was systematically compared during admission and follow-up. Risk factors for all-cause mortality within 30 days were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Respiratory rate was found to be significantly lower in the rhBNP group than in the control group. Patients in the rhBNP group had significantly lower levels of white blood cell, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimers, troponin I, creatinine, and N-terminal (NT) -proBNP compared with those in the control group. Levels of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion were significantly higher in the rhBNP group than in the control group. The percentage of patients with rehospitalization readmission due to PE differed significantly between the control group and the rhBNP group. On the basis of the multivariate regression analysis, CRP, creatinine, troponin I, and NT-proBNP were independent factors of all-cause mortality in 30 days.rhBNP is effective in the treatment of patients with RV dysfunction caused by acute PE who underwent CDT, which may be an alternative treatment option for improving clinical prognosis.

Prognostic Role of Prior Heart Failure Hospitalization Among Patients Hospitalized for Worsening Chronic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is associated with increased risk of death among patients with chronic HF. The degree to which hospitalization for HF is a distinct biologic entity with independent prognostic value versus a marker of higher risk chronic HF patients is unclear. METHODS: After excluding patients with new-onset HF, the ASCEND-HF trial (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure) included 4205 patients hospitalized for worsening chronic HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The present analysis compared patients by presence or absence of prior HF hospitalization within 12 months and by timing of prior HF hospitalization relative to index hospitalization. Associations with 180-day all-cause mortality were assessed, including adjustment for 27 prespecified clinical factors. RESULTS: Overall, 2241 (53.3%) patients had a HF hospitalization within the prior 12 months and 1964 (46.7%) did not. Mortality rates at 180 days were 15.5% and 11.9%, respectively. In unadjusted analyses, prior HF hospitalization was associated with increased risk of 180-day mortality (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.14-1.59]; P<0.01). After adjustment, the point estimate was attenuated and the association not statistically significant (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 0.99-1.40]; P=0.064). Similarly, after adjustment, compared with patients without prior hospitalization, prior HF hospitalization was not associated with mortality, irrespective of timing (0-4 months: HR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.87-1.39], P=0.41; 4-8 months: HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.70-1.27]; P=0.72; 8-12 months: HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.74-1.51], P=0.77; >12 months: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.63-1.06], P=0.12). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients hospitalized for worsening HF, prior HF hospitalization was not associated with 180-day mortality after comprehensively accounting for patient characteristics measured during the index patient visit. Clinical confounders measured at the point-of-care may explain previously observed associations between prior HF hospitalization and mortality, and these clinical factors may be a more direct means of predicting patient survival. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00475852.

Interleukin-6 and Outcomes in Acute Heart Failure: An ASCEND-HF Substudy.

BACKGROUND: The inflammatory cytokine IL-6 has been previously implicated in the pathophysiology of acute decompensated heart failure (HF). Prior observations in acute HF patients have suggested that IL-6 may be associated with outcomes and modulated by nesiritide. We aimed to evaluate the associations between serial IL-6 measurements, mortality and rehospitalization in acute HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed the associations between IL-6 in acute HF, readmission, and mortality (30 and 180 days) using a cohort of 883 hospitalized patients from the ASCEND-HF trial (nesiritide vs placebo). Plasma IL-6 was measured at randomization (baseline), 48-72 hours, and 30 days. The median IL-6 was highest at baseline (14.1 pg/mL) and decreased at subsequent time points (7.6 pg/mL at 30 days). In a univariable Cox regression analysis, the baseline IL-6 was associated with 30- and 180-day mortality (hazard ratio per log 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.09-2.78, P = .021; hazard ratio 3.23, confidence interval 1.18-8.86, P = .022, respectively). However, there was no association after multivariable adjustment. IL-6 at 48-72 hours was found to be independently associated with 30-day mortality (hazard ratio 8.2, confidence interval 1.2-57.5, P= .03), but not 180-day mortality in multivariable analysis that included the ASCEND-HF risk model and amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as covariates. In comparison with placebo, nesiritide therapy was not associated with differences in serial IL-6 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although elevated IL-6 levels were associated with higher all-cause mortality in acute HF, no independent association with this outcome was identified at baseline or 30-day measurements. In contrast with prior reports, we did not observe any impact of nesiritide over placebo on serial IL-6 levels.

B-type natriuretic peptide and cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction: a randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) has favourable effects on left ventricular remodelling, including antifibrotic and antiapoptotic properties. We tested the hypothesis that infusion of BNP after an acute myocardial infarction would reduce left ventricular systolic and diastolic volumes and improve left ventricular ejection fraction compared with placebo. METHODS: A total of 58 patients who underwent successful revascularisation for an acute ST elevation anterior myocardial infarction were randomised to receive 72-hour infusion of BNP at 0.006 µg/kg/min or placebo. Left ventricular end diastolic and systolic volumes and left ventricular ejection fraction were measured at baseline and at 30 days by multigated acquisition scan. Left ventricular infarction size was measured by cardiac MRI. RESULTS: BNP infusion led to significantly higher BNP levels and plasma cyclic guanosine monophosphate at 72 hours. No significant difference in change of left ventricular volumes or ejection fraction from baseline to 30 days was observed between groups. Although left ventricular infarction size measured by cardiac MRI was not significantly different between BNP infusion versus placebo (p=0.39), there was a trend towards reduced infarction size in patients with a baseline ejection fraction of <40% (p=0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Infusion of BNP in patients with an anterior myocardial infarction did not affect parameters of left ventricular remodelling. Patients treated with BNP who had a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction of <40% had a trend towards reduced left ventricular infarction size compared with placebo. These results do not support the use of intravenous BNP in patients after recent myocardial infarction. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00573144.

Hypernatremia-A Manifestation of COVID-19: A Case Series.

We report for the first time therapy-resistant hypernatremia (plasma sodium concentration ≥150 mmol per liter) developing in 6 of 12 critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients age 57-84 years requiring mechanical ventilation. There was no correlation between plasma sodium concentrations and sodium input. Plasma concentrations of chloride were elevated, those of potassium decreased. These findings are consistent with abnormally increased renal sodium reabsorption, possibly caused by increased angiotensin II activity secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. As hypernatremia was associated with increased length of intensive care unit stay, special attention should be paid to the electrolyte status of COVID-19 patients.

Mechanisms and prediction of short-term natriuretic effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor in heart failure patients coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The mechanisms of the diuretic effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and its predictors in heart failure (HF) patients with coexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain under investigation. A total of 40 hospitalized HF patients with T2DM (68 ± 13 years old, male gender 63%) were prospectively enrolled and received ipragliflozin at a dose of 50 mg once daily after breakfast for at least 4 consecutive days. They underwent first-morning blood and urine tests, and 24-h urine tests before and after short-term ipragliflozin therapy. Daily urine volume significantly increased from 1365 ± 511 mL/day on day 0 to 1698 ± 595 mL/day on day 3 (P < 0.001), which resulted in significant decreases in body weight and plasma brain natriuretic peptide level. Changes in 24-h urine volume were strongly and independently correlated with changes in 24-h urine sodium excretion (r = 0.80, P < 0.001), but was not significantly correlated with those in 24-h urine sugar excretion (r = 0.29, P = 0.07). Lower concentration of first-morning urine sodium and higher loop diuretic dosage before ipragliflozin therapy were associated with urine volume increment with ipragliflozin therapy, and former retained its independent predictor (Odds ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99, P = 0.02). First-morning urine sodium ≤ 53 mEq/L and baseline loop diuretics ≥ 20 mg/day predicted increased urine volume on day 3 with high diagnostic accuracy. Ipragliflozin has acute natriuretic activity, and first-morning urine sodium and baseline dosage of loop diuretics strongly predicted the diuretic effects. Ipragliflozin therapy may restore responsiveness to loop diuretics in symptomatic HF patients with T2DM.

Representativeness of a Heart Failure Trial by Race and Sex: Results From ASCEND-HF and GWTG-HF.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the degree to which U.S. patients enrolled in a heart failure (HF) trial represent patients in routine U.S. clinical practice according to race and sex. BACKGROUND: Black patients and women are frequently under-represented in HF clinical trials. However, the degree to which black patients and women enrolled in trials represent such patients in routine practice is unclear. METHODS: The ASCEND-HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure) trial randomized patients hospitalized for HF to receive nesiritide or placebo from May 2007 to August 2010 and was neutral for clinical endpoints. This analysis compared non-Hispanic white (n = 1,494) and black (n = 1,012) patients enrolled in ASCEND-HF from the U.S. versus non-Hispanic white and black patients included in a U.S. hospitalized HF registry (i.e., Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure [GWTG-HF]) during the ASCEND-HF enrollment period and meeting trial eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Among 79,291 white and black registry patients, 49,063 (62%) met trial eligibility criteria (white, n = 37,883 [77.2%]; black, n = 11,180 [22.8%]). Women represented 35% and 49% of the ASCEND-HF and trial-eligible GWTG-HF cohorts, respectively. Compared with trial-enrolled patients, trial-eligible GWTG-HF patients tended to be older with higher blood pressure and higher ejection fraction. Trial-eligible patients had higher in-hospital mortality (2.3% vs. 1.3%), 30-day readmission (20.2% vs. 16.8%), and 180-day mortality (21.2% vs. 18.6%) than those enrolled in the trial (all p < 0.02), with consistent mortality findings by race and sex. After propensity score matching, mortality rates were similar; however, trial-eligible patients continued to have higher rates of 30-day readmission (23.1% vs. 17.3%; p < 0.01), driven by differences among black patients and women (all p for interaction ≤0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HF seen in U.S. practice and eligible for the ASCEND-HF trial had worse clinical outcomes than those enrolled in the trial. After accounting for clinical characteristics, trial-eligible real-world patients continued to have higher rates of 30-day readmission, driven by differences among black patients and women. Social, behavioral, and other unmeasured factors may impair representativeness of patients enrolled in HF trials, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and women. (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure [ASCEND-HF]; NCT00475852).

Chronic treatment with C-type natriuretic peptide impacts differently in the aorta of normotensive and hypertensive rats.

The aim of this study was to determine whether exogenous administration of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) induces functional and morphological vascular changes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with normotensive rats. Male 12-week-old normotensive Wistar and SHR were administered with saline (NaCl 0.9%) or CNP (0.75 µg/h/100 g) for 14 days (subcutaneous micro-osmotic pumps). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured in awake animals and renal parameters were evaluated. After decapitation, the aorta was removed, and vascular morphology, profibrotic markers, and vascular reactivity were measured. In addition, nitric oxide (NO) system and oxidative stress were evaluated. After 14-days of treatment, CNP effectively reduced SBP in SHR without changes in renal function. CNP attenuated vascular remodeling in hypertensive rats, diminishing both profibrotic and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Also, CNP activated the vascular NO system and exerted an antioxidant effect in aortic tissue of both groups, diminishing superoxide production and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and increasing glutathione content. These results show that chronic treatment with CNP attenuates the vascular damage development in a model of essential hypertension, inducing changes in fibrotic, inflammatory, oxidative, and NO pathways that could contribute to beneficial long-term effects on vascular morphology, extracellular matrix composition, and function. The knowledge of these effects of CNP could lead to improved therapeutic strategies to not only control BP but also reduce vascular damage, primarily responsible for the risk of cardiovascular events.

History of Atrial Fibrillation and Trajectory of Decongestion in Acute Heart Failure.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to characterize the course of decongestion among patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) by history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or atrial flutter (AFL). BACKGROUND: AF/AFL and chronic heart failure (HF) commonly coexist. Little is known regarding the impact of AF/AFL on relief of congestion among patients who develop AHF. METHODS: We pooled patients from 3 randomized trials of AHF conducted within the Heart Failure Network, the DOSE (Diuretic Optimization Strategies) trial, the ROSE (Renal Optimization Strategies) trial, and the CARRESS-HF (Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure) trial. The association between history of AF/AFL and in-hospital changes in various metrics of congestion was assessed using covariate-adjusted linear and ordinal logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 750 unique patients, 418 (56%) had a history of AF/AFL. Left ventricular ejection fraction was higher (35% vs. 27%, respectively; p < 0.001), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were nonsignificantly lower at baseline (4,210 pg/ml vs. 5,037 pg/ml, respectively; p = 0.27) in patients with AF/AFL. After adjustment of covariates, history of AF/AFL was associated with less substantial loss of weight (-5.7% vs. -6.5%, respectively; p = 0.02) and decrease in NT-proBNP levels (-18.7% vs. -31.3%, respectively; p = 0.003) by 72 or 96 h. History of AF/AFL was also associated with a blunted increase in global sense of well being at 72 or 96 h (p = 0.04). There was no association between history of AF/AFL and change in orthodema congestion score (p = 0.67) or 60-day composite clinical endpoint (all-cause mortality or any rehospitalization; hazard ratio: 1.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.92 to 1.59; p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the patients admitted with AHF had a history of AF/AFL. History of AF/AFL was independently associated with a blunted course of in-hospital decongestion. Further research is required to understand the utility of specific therapies targeting AF/AFL during hospitalization for AHF.

Relationship Between Enrolling Country Income Level and Patient Profile, Protocol Completion, and Trial End Points.

BACKGROUND: Globalization of clinical trials fosters inclusion of higher and lower income countries, but the influence of enrolling country income level on heart failure trial performance is unclear. This study sought to evaluate associations between enrolling country income level, acute heart failure patient profile, protocol completion, and trial end points. METHODS AND RESULTS: The ASCEND-HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure) trial included 7141 patients with acute heart failure from 30 countries. Country income data in gross national income per capita in current US dollars from the year 2007 (ie, the year trial enrollment began) were abstracted from the World Bank. Patients were grouped by enrolling country income level (ie, high [>$11 455], upper middle [$3706-$11 455], lower middle [$936-$3705], and low [<$936]). Income data were available for 29 (97%) countries (N=7064). There were 3996 (57%), 1518 (21%), and 1550 (22%) patients from high-income, upper-middle-income, and lower-middle-income countries, respectively. There were no patients from low-income countries. Patients from lower-middle-income countries tended to be younger with fewer comorbidities and lower utilization of guideline-directed therapies. Rates of adverse events (13.8%) and protocol noncompletion (4.9%) during 180-day follow-up were highest among high-income countries (all P <0.01). After adjustment for race, geographic region, and clinical characteristics, compared with lower-middle-income countries, enrollment from higher income countries was associated with increased 30-day mortality or rehospitalization (high income: odds ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.02-2.85; upper-middle-income: odds ratio, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.23-3.81), driven by higher rates of rehospitalization. Mortality was similar at 30 and 180 days. The association between higher country income and the 30-day composite end point was similar across geographic regions, with exception of Latin America ( P for interaction, 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this global acute heart failure trial, patients from higher income countries had lower rates of protocol completion, higher rates of adverse events, and similar mortality rates. After adjustment for race, geographic region, and clinical factors, enrollment from a higher income country was associated with worse clinical outcomes, driven by higher rates of rehospitalization. Variation in enrolling country income level may influence study end points and trial performance independent of geographic region. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00475852.

Circulating Cardiac Troponin I Levels Measured by a Novel Highly Sensitive Assay in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Insights From the ASCEND-HF Trial.

BACKGROUND: Circulating cardiac troponin levels (cTn), representative of myocardial injury, are commonly elevated in heart failure (HF) and related to adverse clinical events. However, whether cTn represents a spectrum of risk in HF is unclear. METHODS: Baseline, 48-72-hour, and 30-day plasma cTnI was measured with the use of a new highly sensitive assay in 900 subjects with acute decompensated HF (ADHF) in ASCEND-HF. Multivariable models determined the relationship between cTnI and outcomes. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) cTnI was 16.4 (9.3-31.6) ng/L at baseline, 14.1 (7.8-29.7) ng/L at 48-72 hours, and 11.6 (6.8-22.5) ng/L at 30 days. After additional adjustment for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) to established risk predictors, both baseline (odds ratio [OR] 1.25; P = .03) and 48-72-hour (OR 1.43; P = .001) cTnI were associated with higher risk for death or worsening HF before discharge. However, only cTnI at 30 days was associated with 180-day death (hazard ratio 1.25; P = .007). There were no curvilinear associations between changing cTnI and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating cTnI level was associated with clinical outcomes in ADHF, but these observations diminished with additional adjustment for NT-proBNP. Although they likely represent a spectrum of risk in ADHF, these findings question the implications of changing cTnI levels during treatment.

Impact of Nesiritide Infusion on Early Postoperative Recovery After Total Cavopulmonary Connection Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of nesiritide on the discharge time and pleural effusion in children with total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), and to provide a more reasonable clinical method for these children. METHODS: Forty-four who children underwent cavopulmonary connection between January 2016 and 2017 were retrospectively collected, and 5 children were excluded from analysis due to postoperative thrombosis or second Fontan surgery due to high pulmonary hypertension. Thirteen children received nesiritide (3-11 days) plus conventional treatment as the nesiritide group, continuous infusion of nesiritide with the dose of 0.01 ug kg-1 min-1. Twenty-six children with the conventional treatment as the conventional treatment group. The length of stay in hospital and the retention time of chest drainage tube were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the time of cardiopulmonary bypass, postoperative ventilation time, ICU time, and vasoactive inotropic drug scores in the two groups. There were no hospital deaths in two groups. The median hospital stay was 20 days in the nesiritide group (11-56 days, means 25 days), and the median length of hospital stay was 28 days in the routine treatment group (9-95 days, means 34 days). There is no statistically significant difference between two groups with regard to the length of stay in hospital (P = 0.281). Regarding the thoracic drainage duration, the median was 17 days (9-55 days, means 22 days) in the nesiritide group and 23 days in the conventional treatment group (7-91 days, means 31 days) (P = 0.294). All the patients had no severe complications such as excessive fluid load, intractable hypotension, and liver or kidney injury. CONCLUSION: Nesiritide is safe in children who underwent cavopulmonary connection surgery. Compared with the conventional treatment group, postoperative nesiritide is not associated with improved early clinical outcomes after TCPC surgery.

Interaction of Body Mass Index on the Association Between N-Terminal-Pro-b-Type Natriuretic Peptide and Morbidity and Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure: Findings From ASCEND-HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure).

BACKGROUND: Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower circulating levels of N-terminal-pro-b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The Interaction between BMI and NT-proBNP with respect to clinical outcomes is not well characterized in patients with acute heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 686 patients from the biomarker substudy of the ASCEND-HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated HF ) clinical trial with documented NT-proBNP levels at baseline were included in the present analysis. Patients were classified by the World Health Organization obesity classification (nonobese: BMI <30 kg/m2, Class I obesity: BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2, Class II obesity BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2, and Class III obesity BMI ≥40 kg/m2). We assessed baseline characteristics and 30- and 180-day outcomes by BMI class and explored the interaction between BMI and NT-proBNP for these outcomes. Study participants had a median age of 67 years (55, 78) and 71% were female. NT-proBNP levels were inversely correlated with BMI (P<0.001). Higher NT-proBNP levels were associated with higher 180-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio for each doubling of NT-proBNP, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.16, 1.71; P<0.001), but not 30-day outcomes. The effect of NT-proBNP on 180-day death was not modified by BMI class (interaction P=0.24). CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic value of NT-proBNP was not modified by BMI in this acute heart failure population. NT-proBNP remains a useful prognostic indicator of long-term mortality in acute heart failure even in the obese patient. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00475852.

Sudden cardiac death after acute heart failure hospital admission: insights from ASCEND-HF.

AIMS: The incidence of and factors associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) early after an acute heart failure (HF) hospital admission have not been well defined. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed SCD and ventricular arrhythmias in the Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide in Decompensated Heart Failure (ASCEND-HF) trial, which included patients with acute HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction. SCD, resuscitated SCD (RSCD), and sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) were adjudicated from randomization through 30 days and were combined into a composite endpoint. Baseline characteristics associated with this composite were determined by logistic regression. RSCD and VT/VF were included as time-dependent variables in a Cox model evaluating the association of these variables with 180-day all-cause mortality. Among 7011 patients, the 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 3.8%; SCD accounted for 17% of these deaths. The 30-day composite event rate was 1.8% (n = 121). Ten patients had more than one event with 30-day Kaplan-Meier event rates of 0.6% for SCD [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.5%-0.9%, n = 43], 0.4% for RSCD (95% CI 0.2%-0.5%, n = 24), and 0.9% for VT/VF (95% CI 0.7%-1.2%, n = 64). In the multivariable model, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, history of VT, male sex, and longer QRS duration were associated with SCD, RSCD, or VT/VF. A RSCD or VT/VF event was associated with higher 180-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 6.6, 95% CI 4.8-9.1, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 2% of patients admitted for acute HF experienced SCD, RSCD, or VT/VF within 30 days of admission, and SCD accounted for 17% of all deaths within 30 days.

Réplica a «El valor de la troponina durante un episodio de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en urgencias. Un motivo más para solicitarla» / Reply to «The value of troponin during an episode of acute heart failure in emergency department. One more reason to request it»

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Skeletal Dysplasias: What Every Bone Health Clinician Needs to Know.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights how skeletal dysplasias are diagnosed and how our understanding of some of these conditions has now translated to treatment options. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of multigene panels, using next-generation sequence technology, has improved our ability to quickly identify the genetic etiology, which can impact management. There are successes with the use of growth hormone in individuals with SHOX deficiencies, asfotase alfa in hypophosphatasia, and some promising data for c-type natriuretic peptide for those with achondroplasia. One needs to consider that a patient with short stature has a skeletal dysplasia as options for management may be available.

Getting to the Heart of the Matter: Review of Treatment of Cardiorenal Syndrome.

Acute decompensated heart failure is a common cause of hospitalization with worsening kidney function or acute kidney injury often complicating the admission, which can result in further dysfunction of both systems in the form of a cardiorenal syndrome. Therapy in this arena has been largely empiric as rigorous clinical trial data to inform therapeutic choices are lacking. Here we review and discuss the available clinical evidence for common approaches to the management of this condition. A multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with cardiorenal syndrome that relies on the experience of nephrologists and cardiologists to individualize treatment is critical given the paucity of rigorous clinical trial data.

Perfil de la insuficiencia cardíaca en función del servicio de ingreso. Implicaciones para el manejo multidisciplinar / Profile of heart failure according to the department of admission. Implications for multidisciplinary management

Introducción. El envejecimiento poblacional ha producido notables cambios en los ingresos por insuficiencia cardíaca. Nuestro objetivo fue comparar las características, comorbilidad, manejo y pronóstico de estos pacientes en tres servicios. Material/métodos. Registro prospectivo de 45 días de duración. Se incluyeron todos los ingresos por insuficiencia cardíaca en Medicina Interna, Cardiología y Geriatría. Resultados. De 235 pacientes, 124 (52,7%) ingresaron en Medicina Interna, 83 (35,3%) en Cardiología y 28 (11,9%) en Geriatría. La edad media fue 77,0±20,2 años (Cardiología 71,5±13,5; Medicina Interna 79,2±21,1; Geriatría 89,9±5,1; p<0,001). La fracción de eyección estaba conservada en 121 pacientes (51,5%) y este porcentaje era mayor en Medicina Interna (62,5%) y Geriatría (70,0%) que en Cardiología (31,3%), p<0,001. En comorbilidad destacaba fibrilación auricular (126; 53,6%), enfermedad renal (89; 37,8%) y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (65; 27,7%). Las infecciones fueron el motivo de descompensación más común en Medicina Interna (56; 45,2%) y frecuentemente no tenían desencadenantes los pacientes ingresados en Cardiología (45; 54,2%) y Geriatría (14; 50,0%), p<0,001. La prescripción de inhibidores del sistema renina-angiotensina, betabloqueantes y espironolactona en pacientes con disfunción sistólica fue mayor en Cardiología. A los 45 días de seguimiento 23 pacientes (9,9%) reingresaron y esto fue más frecuente en Medicina Interna que en Cardiología (odds ratio 3,0 [intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,1 a 8,6], p=0,03), sin diferencias significativas para las demás comparaciones entre servicios. Conclusiones. Los pacientes que ingresan por insuficiencia cardíaca tienen edad avanzada y elevada comorbilidad. Existen grandes diferencias entre los servicios en lo relativo a edad y perfil clínico (AU)

Introduction. Population aging has led to notable changes in heart failure admissions. The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics, comorbidity, management, and outcomes of this patient population in three hospital departments. Methods. An analysis was made of a prospective register that included all patients admitted due to heart failure in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Geriatrics over a period of 45 days. Results. Of a total of 235 patients, 124 (52.7%) were admitted to Internal Medicine, 83 (35.3%) to Cardiology, and 28 (11.9%) to Geriatrics. Mean age was 77.0±20.2 years (Cardiology 71.5±13.5; Internal Medicine 79.2±21.1; Geriatrics 89.9±5.1; p<.001). Preserved ejection fraction was found in 121 (51.5%) patients, and this rate was higher in Internal Medicine (62.5%) and Geriatrics (70.0%) than in Cardiology (31.3%), p<.001. Comorbidity was frequent, especially atrial fibrillation (126; 53.6%), renal disease (89; 37.8%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (65; 27.6%). Infections were the most common decompensating trigger in Internal Medicine (56; 45.2%), and there was often no trigger in Cardiology (45; 54.2%) and Geriatrics (14; 50.0%), p<.0001. The use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, beta-blockers, and spironolactone in patients with systolic dysfunction was higher in Cardiology. During the 45 days follow-up, 23 patients (9.9%) were readmitted, which was more frequent in Internal Medicine than in Cardiology (odds ratio 3.0 [95% confidence interval: 1.1 - 8.6], p=.03), with no other significant comparisons. Conclusions. Patients admitted due to decompensated heart failure are elderly and often have comorbidities. There are major differences between departments as regards age and clinical profile (AU)