Effect of insulin on readmission for heart failure following a hospitalization for acute heart failure

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is related with worse outcomes. Insulin treatment is associated with sodium and water retention, weight gain, and hypoglycaemia-all pathophysiological mechanisms related to HF decompensation. This study aimed to evaluate the association between insulin treatment and the risk of 1year readmission for HF in patients discharged for acute HF.; METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively included 2895 consecutive patients discharged after an episode of acute HF in a single tertiary hospital. Multivariable Cox regression, adapted for competing events, was used to assess the association between insulin treatment and …

ST2 and left ventricular remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: A cardiac magnetic resonance study.

Background: The association of soluble interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 (ST2) with left ventricular (LV) remodeling is unclear in patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The objective of this work was to assess the relationship between ST2, a marker of inflammation, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging-derived LV remodeling after a first STEMI. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 109 patients with a first STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention who had ST2 assessed 24 h post-reperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months after STEMI. The independent associations between ST2, LV diastolic and systolic volume in…

Burden of Recurrent Hospitalizations Following an Admission for Acute Heart Failure: Preserved Versus Reduced Ejection Fraction.

Abstract Introduction and objectives Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction share a high mortality risk. However, differences in the rehospitalization burden over time between these 2 entities remains unclear. Methods We prospectively included 2013 consecutive patients discharged for acute heart failure. Of these, 1082 (53.7%) had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and 931 (46.2%) had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cox and negative binomial regression methods were used to evaluate the risks of death and repeat hospitalizations, respectively. Results At a median follow-up of 2.36 years (interquartile range: 0.96-4.65), 1018 pat…

Usefulness of Clinical Data and Biomarkers for the Identification of Frailty After Acute Coronary Syndromes

Abstract Background Frailty predicts mortality after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The standard frailty scales, such as the Fried score, consist of a variety of questionnaires and physical tests. Our aim was to investigate easily available clinical data and blood markers to predict frailty at discharge, in elderly patients after ACS. Methods A total of 342 patients older than 65 years, survivors after ACS, were included. A high number of clinical variables were collected. In addition, blood markers potentially linked to frailty and related to the processes of inflammation, coagulation, hormonal dysregulation, nutrition, renal dysfunction, and heart dysfunction were determined. Frailty was …

Papel del índice de Charlson en el pronóstico a 30 días y 1 año tras un infarto agudo de miocardio

Introduccion y objetivos.El indice de Charlson (iCh) ha sido utilizado como variable de ajuste en modelos multivariables como indicador de comorbilidad. Debido a que su valor pronostico per se para complicaciones cardiovasculares tras un infarto agudo de miocardio no ha sido ampliamente evaluado, nos propusimos determinar su valor predictivo para muerte de cualquier causa y/o reinfarto, a 30 dias y 1 ano del evento indice. Pacientes y metodo. Se incluyo a 1.035 pacientes con el diagnostico de infarto (508 con elevacion del segmento ST y 527 sin elevacion del segmento ST). La presencia de eventos se determino a 30 dias (13,9%) y a un ano (26,3%). El iCh se calculo junto con otras variables d…

Heart rate response and functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Aims The mechanisms of exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not yet elucidated. Chronotropic incompetence has emerged as a potential mechanism. We aimed to evaluate whether heart rate (HR) response to exercise is associated to functional capacity in patients with symptomatic HFpEF. Methods and results We prospectively studied 74 HFpEF patients [35.1% New York Heart Association Class III, 53% female, age (mean ± standard deviation) 72.5 ± 9.1 years, and 59.5% atrial fibrillation]. Functional performance was assessed by peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2 ). The mean (standard deviation) peak VO2 was 10 ± 2.8 mL/min/kg. The following chronotropic pa…

Long-term mortality and trajectory of potassium measurements following an episode of acute severe hyperkalaemia.

Abstract Background Hyperkalaemia is a common condition in patients with comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or congestive heart failure (HF). Moreover, severe hyperkalaemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that is associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical events such as ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Currently, data regarding the prognostic implications of chronic hyperkalaemia are available; however, information about the long-term clinical consequences after an episode of severe hyperkalaemia remains scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the trajectory of potassium measurements in patients with acu…

Sex-differential effect of frailty on long-term mortality in elderly patients after an acute coronary syndrome.

Background The potential sex-differential effect of frailty in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) has not been well-evaluated. We sought to examine the sex-differential association between frailty status on long-term mortality in elderly patients with an ACS. Methods and results This is a prospective observational single-center study that included 488 elderly patients (>65 years) hospitalized for ACS who survived the index hospitalization. Multivariate Cox regression was used to determine the association among the exposures (interaction of sex with Fried score and sex with Fried ≥ 3) and all-cause mortality. The mean age of the sample was 78 ± 7 years; 41% were female and the medi…

Urine: an overlooked biomedium in heart failure?

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis as a therapeutic alternative in patients with advanced congestive heart failure.

Aims Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has been proposed as an additional therapeutic resource for patients with advanced congestive heart failure (CHF). The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic role of CAPD, in terms of surrogate endpoints, in the management of patients with advanced CHF and renal dysfunction. A total of 57 candidates with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV CHF, renal dysfunction (glomerular filtration rate , 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ), persistent fluid congestion despite loop diuretic treatment, and at least two previous hospitalizations for acute heart failure (AHF) were invited to be included in the CAPD programme; however, 25 pa…

Randomized comparison between the invasive and conservative strategies in comorbid elderly patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Abstract Background Comorbid elderly patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) are underrepresented in randomized trials and undergo fewer cardiac catheterizations according to registries. Our aim was to compare the conservative and invasive strategies in these patients. Methods Randomized multicenter study, including 106 patients (January 2012–March 2014) with non-STEMI, over 70 years and with comorbidities defined by at least two of the following: peripheral artery disease, cerebral vascular disease, dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure or anemia. Patients were randomized to invasive (routine coronary angiogram, n = 52) or conservative (coronar…

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and long-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure and normal renal function

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a renal tubular marker for early renal dysfunction [1]. Recent studies highlighted its role in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) and clinical outcomes in a wide range of cardiovascular diseases [2], [3], [4] and [5]. However, in heart failure (HF), conflicting results have been reported [4], [5], [6] and [7] and some ambiguities still prevail about the prognostic utility of NGAL beyond standard prognosticators and traditional renal biomarkers. We aimed to evaluate the independent ability of serum NGAL for predicting long-term mortality in patients admitted for acute HF (AHF). We prospectively enrolled 206 patients consecuti…

Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction at Any Time Post-Infarction for Prediction of Subsequent Events in a Large Multicenter STEMI Registry

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most accurate imaging technique for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) quantification, but as yet the prognostic value of LVEF assessment at any time after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for subsequent major adverse cardiac event (MACE) prediction is uncertain. Purpose To explore the prognostic impact of MRI-derived LVEF at any time post-STEMI to predict subsequent MACE (cardiovascular death or re-admission for acute heart failure). Study Type Prospective. Population One thousand thirteen STEMI patients were included in a multicenter registry. Field Strength/Sequence 1.5-T. Balanced steady-state free precession (c…

Prognostic value of the interaction between galectin-3 and antigen carbohydrate 125 in acute heart failure

AIM:Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have emerged as robust prognostic biomarkers in heart failure. Experimental data have also suggested a potential molecular interaction between CA125 and Gal-3; however, the biological and clinical relevance of this interaction is still uncertain. We sought to evaluate, in patients admitted for acute heart failure, the association between plasma Gal-3 with all-cause mortality and the risk for rehospitalizations among high and low levels of CA125. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 264 consecutive patients admitted for acute heart failure to the Cardiology Department in a third-level center. Both biomarkers were measured on admission. …

Usefulness of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in predicting long-term mortality in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (N/L) has been associated with poor outcomes in patients who underwent cardiac angiography. Nevertheless, its role for risk stratification in acute coronary syndromes, specifically in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), has not been elucidated. We sought to determine the association of N/L maximum value (N/L max) with mortality in the setting of STEMI and to compare its predictive ability with total white blood cell maximum count (WBC max). We analyzed 515 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI to a single university center. White blood cells (WBC) and differential count were measured at admission and daily for the first 96 hour…

Mediciones seriadas de antígeno carbohidrato 125 tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y riesgo de reingreso precoz

Resumen Fundamento y objetivos El reingreso precoz tras una hospitalizacion por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) es frecuente, sin embargo, los factores asociados a este no estan claramente establecidos. Los valores plasmaticos del antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) han mostrado asociarse con la presencia de congestion sistemica y aumento del riesgo de muerte en pacientes con ICA. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la relacion entre los valores de CA125 (durante el ingreso, en la primera visita ambulatoria o sus cambios) y el reingreso por ICA a 6 meses de seguimiento. Pacientes y metodo Analizamos 293 pacientes consecutivos ingresados por ICA en los que se determino el CA125 duran…

Relationship between low lymphocyte count and major cardiac events in patients with acute chest pain, a non-diagnostic electrocardiogram and normal troponin levels.

Risk stratification of patients with acute chest pain, non-diagnostic electrocardiogram and normal troponin (ACPneg) remains a challenge, partly because no standardized set of biomarkers with prognostic ability has been identified in this population. Lymphopenia has been associated with atherosclerosis progression and adverse outcomes in cardiovascular diseases; although its prognostic value in ACPneg is unknown. We sought to determine the relationship between the lymphocyte count obtained in the Emergency Department (ED) and the risk of the long-term all-cause mortality or myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with ACPneg.We analyzed 1030 consecutive patients admitted with ACPneg in our i…

Usefulness of delta troponin for diagnosis and prognosis assessment of non-ST-segment elevation acute chest pain.

The additional diagnostic and prognostic information provided by delta high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) in patients with acute chest pain and hs-cTnT elevation remains unclear.The study group consisted of 601 patients presenting at the emergency department with non-ST-segment elevation acute chest pain and hs-cTnT elevation after two determinations (admission and within the first six hours). Maximum hs-cTnT and delta hs-cTnT (absolute or percentage change between the two measurements) were considered. Cutoff values were optimized using the quartile distribution for the endpoints. The endpoints were diagnostic (significant stenosis in the coronary angiogram) and prognostic (death or rec…

El consumo máximo de oxígeno predice los ingresos recurrentes por insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección conservada

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La insuficiencia cardiaca con fraccion de eyeccion conservada (IC-FEc) es un sindrome muy prevalente con alto riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad. Hasta la fecha, la evidencia acerca del papel del consumo maximo de oxigeno (VO 2max ) para predecir la carga de morbilidad en la IC-FEc es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la relacion entre el VO 2max y el riesgo de ingresos recurrentes de los pacientes con IC-FEc. Metodos A un total de 74 pacientes con IC-FEc sintomaticos y clinicamente estables, se les realizo una prueba de esfuerzo cardiopulmonar entre junio de 2012 y mayo de 2016. Se utilizo el metodo de regresion binomial negativa para determinar…

Peak Exercise Oxygen Uptake Predicts Recurrent Admissions in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Introduction and objectives: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a highly prevalent syndrome with an elevated risk of morbidity and mortality. To date, there is scarce evidence on the role of peak exercise oxygen uptake (peak VO2) for predicting the morbidity burden in HFpEF. We sought to evaluate the association between peak VO2 and the risk of recurrent hospitalizations in patients with HFpEF. Methods: A total of 74 stable symptomatic patients with HFpEF underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test between June 2012 and May 2016. A negative binomial regression method was used to determine the association between the percentage of predicted peak VO2 (pp-peak V02) and rec…

Role of functional mitral regurgitation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an unrecognized protagonist?

Antigen carbohydrate 125 and brain natriuretic peptide serial measurements for risk stratification following an episode of acute heart failure.

Abstract Background The prognostic utility of combining serial measurements of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) is largely unknown. The aim of this work is to assess the prognostic utility of serial measurements of BNP, CA125, and their optimal combination for predicting long-term mortality, following a hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF). Methods and results We analyzed 293 consecutive patients admitted with AHF where CA125 and BNP were measured at discharge (T1) and at the first ambulatory visit (T2: median 31days after discharge). Biomarkers were evaluated as snapshot determinations or as serial changes in absolute, relative or categorical ch…

Iron deficiency and risk of early readmission following a hospitalization for acute heart failure

Factors associated with plasma antigen carbohydrate 125 and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations in acute heart failure

Background: Plasma amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and antigen carbohydrate 125 levels are positively associated with a higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes in acute heart failure. As a proxy of congestion, antigen carbohydrate 125 has also been proposed as a right-sided heart failure marker. Thus, we aimed to determine in this population the main factors – including echocardiographic right-sided heart failure parameters – associated with antigen carbohydrate 125 and amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide. Methods and results: We prospectively included 2949 patients admitted with acute heart failure. Amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and antigen carbohy…

Sex differences in mortality in stable patients undergoing vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Abstract Introduction The prognostic value and therapeutic implications of ischemia as derived from vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) could differ in men and women, but it has not been stablished. Purpose We assessed the influence of the ischemic burden as derived from CMR on the risk of death and the effect of revascularization across sex. Methods We evaluated 6,237 consecutive patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). Extensive ischemia was defined as >5 segments with perfusion deficit. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used. Results A total of 2,371 (38.0%) patients were women and 583 (9.3%) underwent CMR-r…

Implicaciones pronósticas del péptido natriurético cerebral en la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda: mortalidad y reingresos hospitalarios

El valor pronostico del peptido natriuretico cerebral (BNP) tras un episodio de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) no ha sido totalmente establecido. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la relacion entre las concentraciones de BNP y la mortalidad y los reingresos por ICA. Analizamos a 569 pacientes ingresados consecutivamente con el diagnostico de ICA. Se determino el BNP tras la estabilizacion inicial del paciente. La relacion entre el BNP y la mortalidad fue evaluada mediante regresion de Cox y la relacion con el reingreso, mediante regresion con ajuste para episodios competitivos. Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 9 (3-18) meses, se registraron 156 muertes (27,4%) y 140 reingreso…

Long-term serial kinetics of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide and carbohydrate antigen 125 for mortality risk prediction following acute heart failure.

Aim: Baseline values of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predict all-cause mortality in acute heart failure (AHF). However, there is limited information about the added prognostic benefit of using longitudinal values, and how this predictive ability is modified when modelling together. The aim of this study was to determine the mutually-adjusted association between the longitudinal trajectories of NT-proBNP and CA125 with all-cause mortality after an episode of AHF. Methods and results: We included 946 consecutive patients discharged for AHF. NT-proBNP and CA125 were measured at each physician-patient encounter (median (interquartile…

Effect of invasive treatment on prognosis in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome with or without systolic dysfunction.

Introduction and objectives. Few data are available on the use of invasive treatment in patients with non-STsegment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) and systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of invasive treatment on the prognosis of patients with NSTEACS, with or without systolic dysfunction. Methods. The study included 972 consecutive patients admitted for NSTEACS (i.e. ST-segment depression or an elevated troponin-I level). Systolic dysfunction was defined as an ejection fraction <50% on transthoracic echocardiography. The primary long-term endpoint was death or myocardial infarction. The effect of invasive treatment on prognosis was evaluated …

Determinants of procalcitonin concentration in acute heart failure.

Age, years 73.1 ± 10.4 Male, n (%) 133 (51.0) Hypertension, n (%) 212 (81.2) Diabetes mellitus, n (%) 126 (49.4) Previous smoker, n (%) 104 (28.2) Ischemic etiology, n (%) 92 (35.3) Peripheral oedema, n (%) 187 (71.7) Previous admission for AHF, n (%) 95 (36.4) Prior use of beta-blockers, n (%) 111 (42.5) Prior use of loop diuretics, n (%) 175 (67.0) Prior use of ACEI/ARB, n (%) 134 (51.3) Heart rate, beats/min 97 ± 28 SBP, mm Hg 148 ± 34 DBP, mm Hg 81 ± 19 Atrial fibrillation, n (%) 119 (45.6) Hemoglobin, g/dl 12.1 ± 2.0 Serum creatinine, mg/dl 1.23 ± 0.57 Urea, mg/dl 60.5 ± 30.1 Sodium, mEq/l 137.8 ± 4.7 NT-proBNP, pg/ml 4813 (6011) Leukocyte count, 10 cells/l 9286 ± 3468 Relative lymphoc…

Effects of empagliflozin on CA125 trajectory in patients with chronic congestive heart failure

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the trajectory of two surrogates of fluid overload -antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)- after the addition of oral empagliflozin to usual care in a cohort of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS AND RESULTS: From October 2015 to February 2019, 60 ambulatory patients with CHF and T2D were retrospectively included. The primary endpoint was to assess the longitudinal trajectory of plasma levels of CA125 and NT-proBNP after empagliflozin initiation. Changes in quantitative variables were evaluated using linear mixed regression. Median CA125 and NT-proBNP at basel…

Venous Leg Compression for Tissue Decongestion in Patients With Worsening Congestive Heart Failure

AimsVenous leg compression (VLC) with elastic bandages has been proposed as a potentially useful strategy for decreasing tissue congestion. We aimed to evaluate the effect of VLC on short-term changes on intravascular refill, assessed by inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter in patients with worsening heart failure (WHF) requiring parenteral furosemide. Additionally, we sought to evaluate whether early changes in IVC were related to short-term decongestion.MethodsThis is a prospective study in which we included 20 consecutive ambulatory patients with WHF treated with subcutaneous furosemide and VLC for at least 72 h. The endpoints were (a) short-term changes in IVC, (b) the association between …

Sex differences on new-onset heart failure in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease

Abstract Aims The impact of sex in patients with CAD has been widely reported, but little is known about the influence of sex on the risk of new-onset HF in patients with known or suspected CAD. We aimed to examine sex-related differences and new-onset heart failure (HF) risk in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods and results We prospectively evaluated 5899 consecutive HF-free patients submitted to stress CMR for known or suspected CAD. Ischaemic burden (number of segments with stress-induced perfusion deficit) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessed by CMR. The association…

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

A B S T R A C T 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 adj…

Clinical Role of CA125 in Worsening Heart Failure

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) and the risk of 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with worsening heart failure (HF). Background CA125 is a widely available biomarker that is up-regulated in patients with acute HF and has been postulated as a useful marker of congestion and risk stratification. Methods In a large multicenter cohort of patients with worsening HF, either in-hospital or in the outpatient setting, the independent associations between CA125 and 1-year death and the composite of death/HF readmission (adjusted for outcome-specific prognostic risk score [BIOSTAT risk score]) were determined by usin…

Low lymphocyte count in acute phase of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction predicts long-term recurrent myocardial infarction

Objective We sought to determine the relationship between the lowest lymphocyte count (lymphocyte(min))obtained within the first 96 h of symptoms onset and the risk of postdischarge recurrent spontaneous myocardial infarction (re-MI) in patients admitted with ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI). Methods We analyzed 549 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI from a single academic hospital. Lymphocyte counts were determined at admission and routinely during the first 96 h. Lymphocyte(min) was selected as the main exposure. Patients with inflammatory or infectious diseases, in-hospital death, or reinfarction were excluded from the analysis (final sample= 426 patients). Lymphocyte(min) was divid…

Optimal carbohydrate antigen 125 cutpoint for identifying low-risk patients after admission for acute heart failure

Introduction and objectives: Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) has been shown to be useful for risk stratification in patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF). We sought to determine a CA125 cutpoint for identifying patients at low risk of 1-month death or the composite of death/HF readmission following admission for AHF.Methods: The derivation cohort included 3231 consecutive patients with AHF. CA125 cutoff values with 90% negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity up to 85% were identified. The adequacy of these cutpoints and the risk of 1-month death/HF readmission was then tested using the Royston-Parmar method. The best cutpoint was selected and externally validated in a co…

Prevalence and prognostic implications of active cytomegalovirus infection in patients with acute heart failure

AHF (acute heart failure) causes significant morbidity and mortality. Recent studies have postulated that the expression of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, plays an important role in the development and progression of heart failure. A pro-inflammatory state has been postulated as a key factor in triggering CMV (cytomegalovirus) reactivation. Therefore we sought to determine the prevalence of active CMV infection in immunocompetent patients admitted for AHF and to quantify the association with the risk of the combined end point of death or AHF readmission. A total of 132 consecutive patients admitted for AHF were enrolled in the present study. Plasma CMV DNAaemia wa…

Punto de corte óptimo del antígeno carbohidrato 125 para la identificación de pacientes con bajo riesgo tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) se ha mostrado util para la estratificacion del riesgo de los pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Se intenta determinar un punto de corte para identificar a los pacientes con bajo riesgo de muerte y muerte/reingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca 1 mes tras el ingreso por ICA. Metodos La cohorte de derivacion incluyo a 3.231 pacientes con ICA consecutivos. Se identificaron valores de corte de CA125 con un valor predictivo negativo (VPN) del 90% y una sensibilidad de hasta el 85%. La idoneidad de estos puntos de corte y el riesgo de muerte/reingreso al mes se evaluaron mediante el metodo de Royston-Par…

CA125 outperforms NT-proBNP in acute heart failure with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

In acute heart failure (AHF) with right ventricular dysfunction, the roles of amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) are poorly understood, and functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity is thought to indicate a poor prognosis. We examined the prognostic abilities of NT-proBNP and CA125 according to TR status among patients with AHF.TR severity was assessed during index hospitalization (108 ± 24 h after admission) and classified as none/trivial, mild, moderate, or severe. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess how pre-discharge CA125 and NT-proBNP were associated with long-term all-cause mortality relative t…

Improvement in risk stratification with the combination of the tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 and brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure.

Aim Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and tumour marker antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) levels have shown to be associated with higher risk for adverse outcomes in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Nevertheless, no attempt has been made to explore the utility of combining these two biomarkers. We sought to assess whether CA125 adds prognostic value to BNP in predicting 6-month all-cause mortality in patients with AHF. Methods and results We analysed 1111 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Antigen carbohydrate 125 (U/mL) and BNP (pg/mL) were measured at a median of 72 ± 12 h after instauration of treatment. Antigen carbohydrate 125 and BNP were dichotomized based on propos…

Impacto pronóstico de una estrategia invasiva en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST según la presencia o no de disfunción sistólica

Introduccion y objetivos Escasa evidencia respalda la implantacion de una estrategia invasiva (EI) en pacientes con sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del segmento ST (SCASEST) y disfuncion sistolica (DS). El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar el impacto pronostico atribuible a una EI en sujetos con SCASEST segun tengan DS o no. Metodos Se incluyo a 972 pacientes consecutivos ingresados por SCASEST (descenso del segmento ST y/o elevacion de troponina I). Se definio la DS como fraccion de eyeccion Resultados El 23,4% presento DS. Un total de 303 (31%) pacientes alcanzaron el objetivo primario, hecho que fue mas frecuente en los pacientes con DS (el 49,8 frente al 25,5%; p Conclusiones L…

Early effects of empagliflozin on exercise tolerance in patients with heart failure: A pilot study

BackgroundSodium-glucose linked transporter 2 inhibition recently emerged as a promising therapy for reducing the risk of heart failure (HF) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is a lack of data endorsing its role in symptomatic HF patients. We sought to evaluate the short-term effects of empagliflozin on maximal exercise capacity in these patients. HypothesisWe postulate tretament with empagliflozin may improve functional capacity in patients with T2DM and established HF. MethodsNineteen T2DM patients with symptomatic HF were prospectively included and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and 30days after initiation of empagliflozin therapy. A mixe…

Carga de comorbilidad y beneficio de la revascularización en ancianos con síndrome coronario agudo

Introduction and objectives: To evaluate the interaction between comorbidity burden and the benefits of in-hospital revascularization in elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). Methods: This retrospective study included 7211 patients aged ≥ 70 years from 11 Spanish NSTEACS registries. Six comorbidities were evaluated: diabetes, peripheral artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic pulmonary disease, renal failure, and anemia. A propensity score was estimated to enable an adjusted comparison of in-hospital revascularization and conservative management. The end point was 1-year all-cause mortality. Results: In total, 1090 patients (15%) died. Th…

Influence of Comorbid Conditions on One-Year Outcomes in Non–ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

To investigate comorbid conditions with prognostic influence in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS).The study group consisted of a derivation cohort of 1017 patients (admitted from October 1, 2002, through October 1, 2008) and an external validation cohort of 652 patients (admitted from February 1, 2006, through September 30, 2009). Comorbid conditions, including risk factors and components of the Charlson comorbidity index (ChCI) and coronary artery disease-specific index, were recorded. The main outcome was one-year mortality.During follow-up, 103 patients died. After adjusting for variables associated with NSTEACS characteristics (base model), 5 comorbid conditions…

Prognosis Impact of Diabetes in Elderly Women and Men with Non-ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Few studies have addressed to date the interaction between sex and diabetes mellitus (DM) in the prognosis of elderly patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). Our aim was to address the role of DM in the prognosis of non-selected elderly patients with NSTEACS according to sex. A retrospective analysis from 11 Spanish NSTEACS registries was conducted, including patients aged ≥70 years. The primary end point was one-year all-cause mortality. A total of 7211 patients were included, 2,770 (38.4%) were women, and 39.9% had DM. Compared with the men, the women were older (79.95 ± 5.75 vs. 78.45 ± 5.43 years, p &lt

Prognostic implications of pericardial effusion in acute heart failure: Does size matter?

Somedegreeofpericardialeffusion(PE)occurredinupto20%ofpa-tientswithheartfailure(HF)[1].Arecentstudyshowedthatinpatientswithchronicheartfailure(CHF),evenahemodynamicallyirrelevantPEwasassociated withincreasedriskofadverseevents [2,3]. Should thesefindings be extrapolated to patients with AHF? Moreover, the patho-physiology of such association remains to be determined. Thus, thisstudy sought to evaluate the association between PE and the risk of 1-year mortality in patients with AHF.Weincluded1827consecutivepatientsadmittedforAHFintheCar-diology department of a tertiary university hospital from January 2004to July 2013. Patients with a hemodynamically compromised PE wereexcluded (n = 16). In a…

Long-Term Potassium Monitoring and Dynamics in Heart Failure and Risk of Mortality

Background: The prognostic value of long-term potassium monitoring and dynamics in heart failure has not been characterized completely. We sought to determine the association between serum potassium values collected at follow-up with all-cause mortality in a prospective and consecutive cohort of patients discharged from a previous acute heart failure admission. Methods: Serum potassium was measured at every physician-patient encounter, including hospital admissions and ambulatory settings. The multivariable-adjusted association of serum potassium with mortality was assessed by using comprehensive state-of-the-art regression methods that can accommodate time-dependent exposure modeling. Res…

Clinical profile and 1-year clinical outcomes of super elderly patients admitted with acute heart failure

There is scarce information about the clinical profile and prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) at the extreme ranges of age. We aimed to evaluate the 1-year death (all-cause mortality and HF-death) and HF-rehospitalizations of patients ≥85 years admitted for AHF.We prospectively evaluated a cohort of 3054 patients admitted with AHF from 2007 to 2018 in a third-level center. Age was categorized per 10-year categories (65 years; 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years). The risk of mortality and HF-rehospitalizations across age categories was evaluated with Cox regression analysis and Cox regression adapted for competing events as appropriate.The mean age was 73.6 ± 11.2 years, 48.9% were …

Hyperuricemia in acute heart failure. More than a simple spectator?

Hyperuricemia is a prevalent condition in chronic heart failure (CHF), describing increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Although there is evidence that serum uric acid (UA) predicts mortality in CHF, its role as a prognostic biomarker in acute heart failure (AHF) has not yet been well assessed. The aim of this study was to determine if UA levels predict all-cause mortality. Additionally, as a secondary endpoint we sought the clinical predictors of UA serum level in this population.We analyzed 560 consecutive patients with AHF admitted in a single university center. UA (mg/dl) was measured during early hospitalization. Patient survival status was followed up after discharge (median fo…

Efecto pronóstico diferencial de la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en mujeres y varones con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección conservada

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es una comorbilidad comun en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con fraccion de eyeccion conservada (ICFEP). Estudios anteriores han demostrado que las mujeres diabeticas tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar insuficiencia cardiaca que los hombres. Sin embargo, el pronostico a largo plazo de los pacientes diabeticos con insuficiencia cardiaca en funcion del sexo no se ha explorado ampliamente. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto diferencial de la DM2 en la mortalidad por todas las causas en hombres frente a mujeres con ICFEP tras un ingreso por IC aguda. Metodos Se incluyeron prospectivamente 1.019 p…

Clinical utility of antigen carbohydrate 125 for planning the optimal length of stay in acute heart failure.

BACKGROUND: The optimal length of stay (LOS) in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF) remains controversial. Plasma antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) has emerged as a reliable proxy of congestion. We aimed to evaluate whether there is a differential impact of LOS on the risk of 6-month AHF readmission across CA125 levels. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that included 1,387 patients discharged for AHF in two third-level centers. CA125 was measured 48±24h after admission. The association between CA125 and LOS with the risk of subsequent AHF readmission at 6 months was analyzed by Cox regression analysis accounting for death as a competing event. RESULTS: The median (IQR) a…

Frailty and other geriatric conditions for risk stratification of older patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background Geriatric conditions may predict outcomes beyond age and standard risk factors. Our aim was to investigate a wide spectrum of geriatric conditions in survivors after an acute coronary syndrome. Methods A total of 342 patients older than 65 years were included. At hospital discharge, 5 geriatric conditions were evaluated: frailty (Fried and Green scores), physical disability (Barthel index), instrumental disability (Lawton-Brody scale), cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer questionnaire), and comorbidity (Charlson and simple comorbidity indexes). The outcomes were postdischarge mortality and the composite of death/myocardial infarction during a 30-month median follow-up. Results Seventy…

Differential prognostic effect of systolic blood pressure on mortality according to left-ventricular function in patients with acute heart failure.

Aims To evaluate the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and long-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) stratified by ejection fraction (LVEF): reduced (≤40%) vs. preserved (≥50%). Methods and results We studied 1049 consecutive patients admitted with AHF. Systolic blood pressure was determined in the emergency department. Left-ventricular ejection fraction was categorized as ≤40% (n = 288), 41–49% (n = 174), or ≥50% (n = 587). Cox regression analysis was used for multivariable analysis. Mean age and SBP were 73 ± 11 years and 150 ± 36 mmHg, respectively. During a median follow-up of 18 months, 290 deaths (33.1%) were identified. Higher SBP was associated …

Early serum creatinine changes and outcomes in patients admitted for acute heart failure: the cardio-renal syndrome revisited.

Background: The changes in renal function that occurred in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) are prevalent, and have multifactorial etiology and dissimilar prognosis. To what extent the prognostic role of such changes may vary according to the presence of renal insufficiency at admission is not clear. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether early creatinine changes (Cr) (admission to 48-72 hours) had an effect on 1-year mortality relative to the presence of renal insufficiency at admission. Methods: We included 705 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of ADHF. Admission renal insufficiency was defined as serum creatinine 1.4mg/dl (A-RIcr) or estimated gl…

CA125 but not NT-proBNP predicts the presence of a congestive intrarenal venous flow in patients with acute heart failure

Abstract Background Intrarenal venous flow (IRVF) measured by Doppler ultrasound has gained interest as a potential surrogate marker of renal congestion and adverse outcomes in heart failure. In this work, we aimed to determine if antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) and plasma amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with congestive IRVF patterns (i.e., biphasic and monophasic) in acute heart failure (AHF). Methods and results We prospectively enrolled a consecutive cohort of 70 patients hospitalized for AHF. Renal Doppler ultrasound was assessed within the first 24-h of hospital admission. The mean age of the sample was 73.5 ± 12.3 years; 47.1% were female, and…

Identification of very low risk chest pain using clinical data in the emergency department

Abstract Background Evaluation of chest pain of uncertain origin in the emergency department is a challenge. Chest pain units, involving non-invasive stress testing, have logistic constraints. Our aim was to identify very low risk patients for early discharge using clinical data. Methods A total of 772 patients were studied. Ischemia in the electrocardiogram, troponin elevation or history of ischemic heart disease, were exclusion criteria. The primary end point was 30day cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction or revascularization). The secondary end point was 1year major events (death or myocardial infarction). Results The primary and secondary end point rates were 123 (18%) and 31 (4…

Iron deficiency and long-term mortality in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Aim: We evaluated the relationship between iron deficiency (ID) and long-term mortality risk in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: In this prospective observational study, we included 252 patients older than 65 years with ACS. Transferrin saturation (TSAT) and ferritin were collected before discharge. Results: Mean age, hemoglobin and GRACE score were 78 ± 7 years, 12.4 ± 1.8 g/dl and 138.8 ± 25.3, respectively, 112(44.4%) patients were women, and 151(59.9%) presented ID. During the follow-up, 121 (48%) patients died. Mortality rates among TSAT quartiles were: 2.38, 1.60, 0.90 and 0.95 × 10 person-years for Q1TSAT to Q4TSAT, respectively (p &lt; 0.001) and did no…

Diálisis peritoneal ambulatoria continua y evolución clínica de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva refractaria

Introduccion y objetivos Se ha propuesto el empleo de la dialisis peritoneal como alternativa para los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva refractaria. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar su efecto en la evolucion clinica a largo plazo de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada y disfuncion renal. Metodos Se invito a un total de 62 pacientes, con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada (clase III/IV), disfuncion renal (filtrado glomerular < 60ml/min/1,73 m2), congestion persistente por exceso de liquidos a pesar del tratamiento con diureticos de asa y al menos dos hospitalizaciones previas por insuficiencia cardiaca, a participar en un programa de dialisis peritoneal ambula…

Physical therapy in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A systematic review.

About 50% of patients with heart failure (HF) have preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) which is especially common in elderly people with highly prevalent co-morbid conditions. HFpEF is usually defined as an ejection fraction equal to or greater than 50%, although some studies have used a limit as low as 40%. The prevalence of this syndrome is expected to increase over the next decades. The associated impact on mortality and hospital readmissions has made of this entity a major public health issue. Despite the fact that mortality and re-hospitalisation rates of HFpEF are similar to the syndrome of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), currently there is no available evidence-based thera…

Tricuspid Regurgitation and Mortality Risk Across Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common echocardiographic finding that has been related to adverse outcome under various clinical scenarios. Nevertheless, evidence supporting its prognostic value in heart failure (HF) is scarce, and, in most cases, contradictory. We evaluated the association of TR grade with 1-year all-cause mortality in acute HF (AHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 1,842 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Mean age was 72.8±11.3 years, 51% were female and 45.5% had LVEF <50%. The severity of TR was graded in non-TR, mild (1), moderate (2), moderate-severe (3) and severe (4). At 1-year follow-up, 370 patients (20.1%) had died. In patients with LVEF ≥50%, a…

Espironolactona en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección preservada

Prognostic implications of arterial blood gases in acute decompensated heart failure

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.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.At a median follow-up of 23months, 221 deaths (37.6%) were registered. 308 (52.4%), 54 (9.2%) and 50 (8.5%)…

Insuficiencia cardiaca aguda post-alta hospitalaria tras un síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento-ST y riesgo de muerte e infarto agudo de miocardio subsiguiente

Introduccion y objetivos. La informacion disponible acerca del impacto pronostico de un episodio de rehospitalizacion por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) tras un sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del segmento ST (SCASEST) es escasa. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el valor pronostico atribuible a un primer ingreso por ICA en cuanto a riesgo de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) y mortalidad en pacientes supervivientes a un episodio de SCASEST de alto riesgo. Metodos. Analizamos consecutivamente a 972 pacientes supervivientes a la fase hospitalaria de un SCASEST de alto riesgo. El reingreso por ICA se considero como la variable principal de estudio, y su asociacion con IAM y mo…

Efficacy of coronary revascularization in patients with acute chest pain managed in a chest pain unit.

To investigate the safety of discharge of patients deemed at low risk of cardiac events after evaluation in a chest pain unit and to determine the prognostic effect of revascularization of patients deemed at high risk.The study population consisted of 1088 patients presenting at the emergency department from January 15, 2001, to September 1, 2006, with chest pain but without ischemia on electrocardiography or troponin elevation. Patients were managed by a chest pain unit protocol that included early exercise testing. Three groups of patients were distinguished: (1) those discharged after exercise testing (424 [39%]); (2) those in whom unstable angina was ruled out after in-hospital evaluati…

Tumor Marker Carbohydrate Antigen 125 Predicts Adverse Outcome After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

ObjectivesThis study sought to predict the value of tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) before and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for all-cause death and a composite endpoint of death, admission for heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke (major adverse cardiac events [MACE]).BackgroundRisk stratification after TAVI remains challenging. The use of biomarkers in this setting represents an unmet need.MethodsCA125 was measured in 228 patients before and after TAVI. The association with outcomes was assessed using parametric Cox regression and joint modeling for baseline and longitudinal analyses, respectively. CA125 was evaluated as logarithm transforma…

Percutaneous coronary intervention and recurrent hospitalizations in elderly patients with non ST-segment acute coronary syndrome: The role of frailty

Differential Effect of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Value and Antidiabetic Treatment on the Risk of 30-day Readmission Following a Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure.

In patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes, low glycosylated hemoglobin has been related with higher risk of mortality but information regarding morbidity is scarce. We sought to evaluate the association between glycosylated hemoglobin and 30-day readmission in patients with type 2 diabetes and acute heart failure.Glycosylated hemoglobin was measured before discharge in 835 consecutive patients with acute heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Cox regression analysis adapted for competing events was used.Mean (standard deviation) age was 72.9 (9.6) years and median glycosylated hemoglobin was 7.2% (6.5%-8.0%). Patients treated with insulin or insulin/sulfonylurea/meglitinides were 41.1%…

Carbohydrate antigen 125: an emerging prognostic risk factor in acute heart failure?

To assess whether circulating levels of carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predict subsequent 6-month all-cause mortality in patients after the index hospitalisation for acute heart failure (HF).Prospective cohort study at a single teaching centre in Spain.529 consecutive patients with acute HF admitted in a single university centre were analysed. In addition to the traditional clinical information, CA125 (U/ml) was measured during the early course of hospitalisation. The independent association between baseline CA125 and mortality was assessed with Cox regression analysis. The follow-up was limited to 6 months.349 (66%) patients showed serum levels of CA12535 U/ml (established cut-off point …

Differential mortality association of loop diuretic dosage according to blood urea nitrogen and carbohydrate antigen 125 following a hospitalization for acute heart failure.

Recent observations in chronic stable heart failure suggest that high-dose loop diuretics (HDLDs) have detrimental prognostic effects in patients with high blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but recent findings have also indicated that diure- tics may improve renal function. Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) has been shown to be a surrogate of systemic congestion. We sought to explore whether BUN and CA125 modulate the mortality risk associated with HDLDs following a hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF). Methods and results We analysed 1389 consecutive patients discharged for AHF. CA125 and BUN were measured at a mean of 72+12 h after admission. HDLDs (≥120 mg/day in furosemide equivalent d…

Growth differentiation factor 15 and geriatric conditions in acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a marker of cell senescence. Age is a well-known determinant of GDF-15 levels, yet no study has analyzed the relationship between geriatric conditions and GDF-15. We hypothesize that geriatric conditions reflecting biological age might be stronger determinants of GDF-15 than chronological age in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods A total of 208 patients (mean age = 78.3 ± 7.0 years) were included. Prior to discharge, a thorough geriatric assessment was performed and GDF-15 measured. Predictors of GDF-15 (transformed by its natural logarithm) were determined with linear regression. Furthermore, Cox regressio…

Role of PCSK9 in the course of ejection fraction change after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a pilot study

Altres ajuts: Conselleria d'Educació, Investigació, Cultura i Esport GV/2018/116 Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) has emerged as a therapeutic target for reducing plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Beyond lipid control, recent findings suggest a deleterious effect of this protein in the pathogenesis of postmyocardial infarction left ventricle remodelling and heart failure-related complications. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between circulating PCSK9 and 6 month cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We prospectively evaluated 40…

Therapeutic implications of low lymphocyte count in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Abstract Background Low lymphocyte count (LLC), a surrogate for inflammation, has emerged as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes, especially new ischemic events. To identify patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS) who benefit from an invasive revascularization strategy remains a challenge. We sought to determine if patients with high-risk NSTEACS who exhibited LLC have a greater reduction in long-term post-discharge myocardial infarction (MI) when managed under a revascularization invasive strategy (RIS) as compared with conservative strategy (CS). Methods Nine hundred seventy two consecutive patients with high-risk NSTEACS were treated unde…

Functional Mitral Regurgitation Predicts Short-Term Adverse Events in Patients With Acute Heart Failure and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a common finding in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (heart failure and reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]). However, its clinical impact remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between the severity of FMR after clinical stabilization and short-term adverse outcomes after a hospitalization for AHF. We prospectively included 938 consecutive patients with HFrEF discharged after a hospitalization for AHF, after excluding those with organic valve disease, congenital heart disease, or aortic valve disease. FMR was assessed semiquantitatively by color Doppler analysis of the regurgitant jet…

Beneficios del tratamiento con estatinas según los valores plasmáticos del antígeno carbohidrato 125 tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda

Introduccion y objetivos La utilidad de las estatinas en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca es motivo de controversia. Bajo la hipotesis de que el tratamiento con estatinas seria util en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y mayor actividad inmunoinflamatoria, pretendimos conocer si la elevacion del antigeno carbohidrato 125, un biomarcador asociado a la congestion sistemica y actividad inflamatoria, identificaria a los que se beneficiarian, en cuanto a mortalidad, del tratamiento con estatinas tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda. Metodos Analizamos a 1.222 pacientes consecutivos ingresados por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda. El antigeno carbohidrato 125 se determino duran…

Six-minute walk test in moderate to severe heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Useful for functional capacity assessment?

Despite improvements in medical treatment and prevention, heart failure (HF) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide [1]. Currently, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent form of HF in elderly patients [2,3]. The cardinal features in HF, aside from left ventricular systolic function, are exertional dyspnea and reduced aerobic capacity. Although the most accurate expression of exercise tolerance and severity in HF is measured by peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2), its assessment is not widely available in daily clinical practice.  This work was supported in part by grants from: Sociedad Española de Cardiología: Investigación Clínica en Cardio…

Heart rate in acute heart failure, lower is not always better.

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

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).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% (6…

Optimal decongestive therapy in acute decompensated heart failure syndromes: Far from being solved

We have read with great interest the article entitled “Efficacy and safety of high dose versus low dose furosemide with or without dopamine infusion: The Dopamine in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure II (DAD-HF II) Trial” [1]. First, we would like to commend the authors for their effort in carrying out this investigator-initiated clinical trial by testing the prognostic effect of three decongestive strategies in the management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The analysis of the data revealed no-significant differences in the in-hospital and post-discharge outcomes between high (HDF) vs low-dose furosemide infusion (LDFD); the addition of low-dose dopamine infusion…

Inspiratory Muscle Function and Exercise Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a clinical syndrome characterized by impaired exercise capacity resulting from dyspnea and fatigue. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the exercise intolerance in HFpEF are not well established. We sought to evaluate the effects of inspiratory muscle function on exercise tolerance in symptomatic patients with HFpEF. Methods and Results: A total of 74 stable symptomatic patients with HFpEF and New York Heart Association class II-III underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test between June 2012 and May 2016. Inspiratory muscle weakness was defined as maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) <70% of normal predicted values…

Low Lymphocyte Count and Cardiovascular Diseases

Inflammation plays a crucial pathophysiological role in the entire continuum of the atherosclerotic process, from its initiation, progression, and plaque destabilization leading ultimately to an acute coronary event. Furthermore, once the clinical event has occurred, inflammation also influences the left ventricular remodelling process. Under the same paradigm, there is evidence that lymphocytes play an important role in the modulation of the inflammatory response at every level of the atherosclerotic process. Low lymphocyte count (LLC) is a common finding during the systemic inflammatory response, and clinical and animal studies suggest that LCC plays a putative role in accelerated atheros…

Right ventricular function and iron deficiency in acute heart failure

Abstract Aims Iron deficiency (ID) is a frequent finding in patients with chronic and acute heart failure (AHF) along the full spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Iron deficiency has been related to ventricular systolic dysfunction, but its role in right ventricular function has not been evaluated. We sought to evaluate whether ID identifies patients with greater right ventricular dysfunction in the setting of AHF. Methods and results We prospectively included 903 patients admitted with AHF. Right systolic function was evaluated by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and the ratio TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP). Iron deficiency was de…

Carga de comorbilidad y beneficio de la revascularización en ancianos con síndrome coronario agudo

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El objetivo es evaluar la interaccion entre carga de comorbilidad y beneficio de la revascularizacion en ancianos con sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del ST (SCASEST). Metodos Estudio retrospectivo que incluyo a 7.211 pacientes de edad ≥ 70 anos y procedentes de 11 registros de SCASEST espanoles. Se evaluaron 6 comorbilidades (diabetes mellitus, arteriopatia periferica, enfermedad cerebrovascular, enfermedad pulmonar cronica, insuficiencia renal y anemia). Se calculo una puntuacion de propension para comparar el efecto de la revascularizacion frente al tratamiento conservador. El objetivo fue la mortalidad a 1 ano. Resultados Al ano habian fallecido 1…

Relation of Low Lymphocyte Count to Frailty and its Usefulness as a Prognostic Biomarker in Patients &gt;65 Years of Age With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Low lymphocyte count, as a marker of inflammation and immunosuppression, may be useful for identifying frail patients. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the association between low-relative lymphocyte count (Lymph%) and frailty status in patients >65 years old with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and whether Lymph% is associated with morbimortality beyond standard prognosticators and frailty. In this prospective observational study, we included 488 hospital survivors of an episode of an ACS >65 years old. Total and differential white blood cells and frailty status were assessed at discharge. Frailty was evaluated using the Fried score at discharge and defined as Fried≥3. The independent as…

Intrarenal venous flow in cardiorenal syndrome: a shining light into the darkness

The aim of this case report is to assess the potential role of intrarenal Doppler ultrasonography as a non‐invasive method to evaluate intrarenal venous flow (IRVF) in acute heart failure (AHF) and concomitant renal dysfunction. We report a case of an 81‐year‐old woman with valvular heart disease (previous mitral valve replacement) that presented with acutely decompensated heart failure and concomitant worsening renal function (WRF). In addition to complete physical examination, laboratory analysis, and echocardiography, IRVF was assessed at baseline and 48 h after the administration of diuretic treatment. At admission, physical examination and echocardiography revealed signs of intravascul…

Use of acetazolamide in the treatment of patients with refractory congestive heart failure

Aims Optimal diuretic treatment of patients with refractory congestive heart failure (CHF) remains to be elucidated. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the serial changes of functional class and surrogates of fluid overload (weight and antigen carbohydrate 125) after addition of oral acetazolamide in patients with refractory CHF. Likewise, serial changes in renal function, serum electrolytes and pH were evaluated. Method This is an observational retrospective study in which 25 ambulatory patients with refractory CHF that received acetazolamide in addition to standard intensive diuretic strategy were evaluated. Longitudinal assessment of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and…

Prognostic Value of Charlson Comorbidity Index at 30 Days and 1 Year After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction and objectives. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), an indicator of comorbidity, has been used as an adjusting variable in multivariate models. Because of its prognostic value per se for cardiovascular complications after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we sought to determine the predictive value of the CCI for allcause mortality and recurrent AMI 30 days and 1 year after the index event. Patients and method. We analyzed 1035 consecutive patients admitted with the diagnosis of AMI (ST elevation=508 and non-ST elevation=527). The composite endpoint was determined after 30 days (13.9%) and 1 year (26.3%) of follow-up. The CCI was calculated on admission, and other variables …

Valor pronóstico de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca aguda

Fundamento y objetivo La influencia de la fraccion de eyeccion del ventriculo izquierdo (FEVI) en el pronostico de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca es motivo de controversia. El objetivo de nuestro estudio ha sido determinar, durante un seguimiento a largo plazo, el valor pronostico de la FEVI sobre la mortalidad y el reingreso hospitalario por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) en una poblacion no seleccionada de pacientes ingresados por ICA. Pacientes y metodo Estudiamos a 507 pacientes consecutivos ingresados por ICA en el Servicio de Cardiologia de nuestro centro. Se determino la FEVI mediante ecocardiografia transtoracica durante el ingreso indice, y durante el seguimiento se r…

Prognostic differences between routine invasive and conservative strategies for the management of high-risk, non-ST segment acute coronary syndromes: Experience from two consecutive periods in a single center

Abstract Background The optimal revascularization strategy for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) remains controversial, especially in a real world context. The objective of this work was to assess differences at 1 year in all-cause mortality and the composite endpoint of mortality or acute myocardial infarction (MI) between two management strategies for NSTE-ACS: a conservative strategy (CS) versus a routine invasive strategy (RIS). Methods Of 799 consecutive patients admitted to our institution, 369 were treated with CS (from January 2001 to October 2002); 430 patients admitted with the same diagnosis were treated with RIS (from November 2002 to November 2004). A propens…

Efecto diferencial de la glucohemoglobina y el tratamiento antidiabético sobre el riesgo de reingreso a 30 días después de un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda

Introduccion y objetivos En los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y diabetes tipo 2, las cifras bajas de glucohemoglobina se han relacionado con un riesgo mas elevado de mortalidad, pero la informacion relativa a la morbilidad es escasa. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociacion existente entre la glucohemoglobina y el reingreso en un plazo de 30 dias en los pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 e insuficiencia cardiaca aguda. Metodos Se determino la glucohemoglobina antes del alta en 835 pacientes consecutivos con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y diabetes tipo 2. Se utilizo un analisis de regresion de Cox adaptado para eventos competitivos. Resultados La media de edad fue de 72,9 ± 9,…

Differential prognostic impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus in women and men with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Introduction and objectives Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a common comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Previous studies have shown that diabetic women are at higher risk of developing HF than men. However, the long-term prognosis of diabetic HFpEF patients by sex has not been extensively explored. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the differential impact of DM2 on all-cause mortality in men vs women with HFpEF after admission for acute HF. Methods We prospectively included 1019 consecutive HFpEF patients discharged after admission for acute HF in a single tertiary referral hospital. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to …

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

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).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, respe…

Iron deficiency and functional capacity in patients with advanced heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Left ventricular ejection fraction recovery in patients with heart failure treated with intravenous iron: a pilot study

Aims In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and iron deficiency, treatment with intravenous iron has shown a clinical improvement regardless of anaemic status. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T2* sequence has shown a potential utility for evaluating myocardial iron deficiency. We aimed to evaluate whether T2* sequence significantly changes after ferric carboximaltose (FCM) administration, and if such changes correlate with changes in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods and results In this pilot study, we included eight patients with chronic symptomatic (New York Heart Association II–III) HFrEF and iron deficiency. A CMR, including T2* analysis, w…

Benefits of Statin Therapy Based on Plasma Carbohydrate Antigen 125 Values Following an Admission for Acute Heart Failure

The prognostic benefit of statins in patients with heart failure is a topic of controversy. Under the hypothesis that statins may provide greater benefit in a subgroup of patients with heightened inflammatory activity, we sought to explore whether statins are associated with a decreased risk of long-term mortality in patients with acute heart failure based on elevated levels of carbohydrate antigen 125, a biomarker related to systemic congestion and proinflammatory status.We analysed 1222 consecutive patients admitted with acute heart failure in a single teaching center during a median follow-up of 20 months. carbohydrate antigen 125 was measured during index hospitalization and dichotomize…

Validity of the Seattle Heart Failure Model after heart failure hospitalization.

Abstract Aims Heart failure hospitalization is a sentinel event associated with increased mortality risk. Whether long‐term heart failure risk models such as the Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) accurately assess risk in the post‐hospital setting is unknown. Methods and results The SHFM was applied to a cohort of 2242 consecutive patients (50% women; mean age 73) on discharge after acute heart failure hospitalization and analysed for the primary endpoint of all‐cause mortality. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed. Direct patient‐level comparison between our study cohort and the original SHFM cohorts was also performed to confirm and quantify the degree and extent of increas…

Early urinary sodium trajectory and risk of adverse outcomes in acute heart failure and renal dysfunction.

Introduction and objectives: Urinary sodium (UNa+) has emerged as a useful biomarker of poor clinical outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF). Here, we sought to evaluate: a) the usefulness of a single early determination of UNa+ for predicting adverse outcomes in patients with AHF and renal dysfunction, and b) whether the change in UNa+ at 24 hours (Delta UNa24 h) adds any additional prognostic information over baseline values. Methods: This is a post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial (IMPROVE-HF) (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02643147) that randomized 160 patients with AHF and renal dysfunction on admission to a) the standard diuretic strategy, or b) a carbohydra…

Hydrogen- and Methane-Based Breath Testing and Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure

Background: Recent evidence endorses gut microbiota dysregulation in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) might be present in HF and associated with poor clinical outcomes. Lactulose breath testing is a simple noninvasive test that has been advocated as a reliable indicator of SIBO. In patients with HF, we aimed to evaluate the association with clinical outcomes of the exhaled hydrogen (H-2) and methane (CH4) concentrations through the lactulose breath test. Methods and Results: We included 102 patients with HF in which lactulose SIBO breath tests were assessed. Cumulative gas was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characte…

Neprilysin inhibition, endorphin dynamics, and early symptomatic improvement in heart failure: a pilot study

Altres ajuts: This work was supported in part by Fundació La Marató de TV3 (201516-10, 201502-30), Societat Catalana de Cardiologia, "la Caixa" Banking Foundation. Altres ajuts: PERIS/SLT002-16-00234 Sacubitril/valsartan is a first-in-class angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor developed for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Its benefits are achieved through the inhibition of neprilysin (NEP) and the specific blockade of the angiotensin receptor AT1. The many peptides metabolized by NEP suggest multifaceted potential consequences of its inhibition. We sought to evaluate the short-term changes in serum endorphin (EP) values and their relation with patients' p…

Homocysteine and long-term recurrent infarction following an acute coronary syndrome.

En Cardiology Journal. Gdańsk (Polonia) : Via Medica. Vol. 28, n. 4 (01 jul. 2021), pp. 598-606. ISSN 1897-5593. e-ISSN 1898-018X. Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://journals.viamedica.pl/cardiology_journal/article/view/CJ.a2020.0170/52602 En este artículo de investigación también participan: Maria Marco, Teresa García-Ballester, Begoña Zorio, Eduardo Núñez, Francisco J. Chorro, Juan Sanchis y Julio Núñez. Background: There are no well-established predictors of recurrent ischemic coronary events after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Higher levels of homocysteine have been reported to be associated with an increased atherosclerotic burden. The primary endpoi…

Heart rate response and functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Aims: The mechanisms of exercise intolerance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not yet elucidated. Chronotropic incompetence has emerged as a potential mechanism. We aimed to evaluate whether heart rate (HR) response to exercise is associated to functional capacity in patients with symptomatic HFpEF. Methods and results We prospectively studied 74 HFpEF patients [35.1% New York Heart Association Class III, 53% fe- male, age (mean ± standard deviation) 72.5 ± 9.1 years, and 59.5% atrial fi brillation]. Functional performance was assessed by peak oxygen consumption (peak VO 2 ). The mean (standard deviation) peak VO 2 was 10 ± 2.8 mL/min/kg. The following chronotro…

Response by Núñez et al to Letter Regarding Article, “Long-Term Potassium Monitoring and Dynamics in Heart Failure and Risk of Mortality”

Procalcitonin and long-term prognosis after an admission for acute heart failure

Abstract Background Traditionally, procalcitonin (PCT) is considered a diagnostic marker of bacterial infections. However, slightly elevated levels of PCT have also been found in patients with heart failure. In this context, it has been suggested that PCT may serve as a proxy for underrecognized infection, endotoxemia, or heightened proinflammatory activity. Nevertheless, the clinical utility of PCT in this setting is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the association between PCT and the risk of long-term outcomes. Methods and results We measured at admission PCT of 261 consecutive patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF) after excluding active infection. Cox and negative binomial regressi…

Prognostic Value of Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Heart Failure: Mortality and Hospital Readmission

The prognostic value of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurement in patients with acute heart failure is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the BNP level and mortality and readmission for acute heart failure. We studied 569 consecutive patients who were admitted with a diagnosis of acute heart failure. The BNP level was measured after the patient became clinically stable. The relationship between the BNP level and mortality was assessed by Cox regression analysis, and the relationship with readmission, by competing risks regression analysis. During a median follow-up period of 9 (range, 3-18) months, 156 deaths (27.4%) and 140 readmissi…

Estrategias para la elaboración de modelos estadísticos de regresión

Multivariable regression models are widely used in health science research, mainly for two purposes: prediction and effect estimation. Various strategies have been recommended when building a regression model: a) use the right statistical method that matches the structure of the data; b) ensure an appropriate sample size by limiting the number of variables according to the number of events; c) prevent or correct for model overfitting; d) be aware of the problems associated with automatic variable selection procedures (such as stepwise), and e) always assess the performance of the final model in regard to calibration and discrimination measures. If resources allow, validate the prediction mo…

Sacubitril/valsartan and short-term changes in the 6-minute walk test: A pilot study

Background: Impaired exercise capacity is the most disabling symptom in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Despite sacubitril/valsartan showing reduced long-term morbidity and mortality over enalapril in HFrEF, its effects on short-term functional capacity remain uncertain. We sought to evaluate the effects of sacubilril/valsartan on a 30-day six-minute walk test in eligible patients with HFrEF. Methods and results: From November 1, 2016 to February 1, 2017, a total of 58 stable symptomatic patients with HFrEF were eligible for sacubitril/valsartan and underwent 6-MWT before and 30 days after initiation of sacubitril/valsartan therapy. A mixed-effects model …

Differential Prognostic Effect of Revascularization According to a Simple Comorbidity Index in High-Risk Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Data on the effect of revascularization on outcome in patients with high-risk non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS) and significant comorbidities are scarce. Recently, a simple comorbidity index (SCI) including 5 comorbidities (renal failure, dementia, peripheral artery disease, heart failure, and prior myocardial infarction [MI]) has shown to be a useful tool for risk stratification. Nevertheless, therapeutic implications have not been derived. Hypothesis: We sought to evaluate the prognostic effect attributable to revascularization in NSTEACS according the SCI score. Methods: We included 1017 consecutive patients with NSTEACS. The effect of revascularizati…

Length of stay and risk of very early readmission in acute heart failure

In patients admitted for acute heart failure (AHF), optimal length of stay (LOS) remains controversial. Longer hospitalizations are associated with worse prognosis, but little is known about short hospitalizations. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between LOS and the risk of short-term readmission in patients discharged after a hospitalization for AHF.We included 2110 consecutive patients. The independent associations between LOS and unplanned 10, 15 and 30-day readmissions were evaluated by Cox regression analysis adjusted for competing events. LOS was categorized as LOS1: ≤4days, LOS2: 5-7days, LOS3: 8-10days, and LOS4:10days.The mean age was 73±11years and 52.6% exhi…

Effects of pitavastin in Japanese patients with chronic heart failure.

Serum neprilysin and recurrent hospitalizations after acute heart failure

Trayectoria precoz del sodio urinario y riesgo de eventos adversos en insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y disfunción renal

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El sodio urinario (UNa+) ha surgido como un biomarcador util para predecir eventos clinicos desfavorables en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). En este estudio pretendemos evaluar: a) la utilidad de una unica determinacion precoz de UNa+ para predecir eventos adversos en pacientes con ICA e insuficiencia renal (IR) concomitante, y b) si los cambios en el UNa+ a las 24 horas (ΔUNa24 h) anaden informacion pronostica adicional sobre los valores basales. Metodos Analisis post-hoc del ensayo clinico multicentrico, abierto y paralelo (IMPROVE-HF), (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02643147) en el que 160 pacientes con ICA e IR concomitante al ingreso fueron al…

Carga de hospitalizaciones recurrentes tras una hospitalización por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda: insuficiencia cardiaca con función sistólica conservada frente a reducida

Introduction and objectives: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and reduced ejection fraction share a high mortality risk. However, differences in the rehospitalization burden over time between these 2 entities remains unclear. Methods: We prospectively included 2013 consecutive patients discharged for acute heart failure. Of these, 1082 (53.7%) had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and 931 (46.2%) had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Cox and negative binomial regression methods were used to evaluate the risks of death and repeat hospitalizations, respectively. Results: At a median follow-up of 2.36 years (interquartile range: 0.96-4.65), 1018 patients …

Serum Neprilysin and Recurrent Admissions in Patients With Heart Failure

Background Our aim was to evaluate the association between the soluble form of neprilysin ( sNEP ) levels and long‐term all‐cause, cardiovascular, and acute heart failure ( AHF ) recurrent admissions in an ambulatory cohort of patients with heart failure. sNEP has emerged as a new biomarker with promising implications for prognosis and therapy in patients with heart failure. Reducing the recurrent admission rate of heart failure patients has become an important target of public health planning strategies. Methods and Results We measured sNEP levels in 1021 consecutive ambulatory heart failure patients. End points were the number of all‐cause, cardiovascular, and AHF hospitalizations during…

Serum Heat Shock Protein 60 in Acute Heart Failure: A New Biomarker?

Heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) is a mitochondrial protein constitutively expressed in the majority of cells, and its expression is up-regulated by a variety of stressors. In heart failure, HSP60 is released from cardiomyocytes. The authors speculate that increased serum HSP60 (sHSP60) may be related to the severity of heart failure. This investigation sought to assess the association between sHSP60 and the composite end point of death ⁄ readmission in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). A total of 132 consecutive patients were admitted for AHF. The independent association between sHSP60 and the end point was assessed with Cox regression. During a median follow-up of 7 months (interquart…

Effect of acute heart failure following discharge in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome on the subsequent risk of death or acute myocardial infarction.

Little is known about how prognosis is influenced by readmission for acute heart failure (AHF) following non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTEACS). The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic effect of a first admission for AHF on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or death in patients who survived an episode of high-risk NSTEACS.The study involved 972 consecutive patients with high-risk NSTEACS who survived after hospital admission. Readmission for AHF was selected as the main exposure variable, and its association with subsequent AMI or all-cause death was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models for time-dependent covariates that also included …

Renal function dynamics following co-administration of sacubitril/valsartan and empagliflozin in patients with heart failure and type 2 diabetes

Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety profile in terms of changes in renal function after co‐treatment with sacubitril/valsartan and empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods and results This multicentre observational analysis included 108 patients with T2D and HFrEF treated with both agents: baseline sacubitril/valsartan (Group A; n = 43), baseline empagliflozin (Group B; n = 42), or both agents initiated simultaneously (Group C; n = 23). The primary endpoint was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) dynamics across treatment groups. A binary characterization of worsening renal funct…

Antigen carbohydrate 125 as a biomarker in heart failure: a narrative review.

Congestion explains many of the signs and symptoms of acute heart failure (AHF) and disease progression. However, accurate quantification of congestion is challenging in daily practice. Antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) or mucin 16 (MUC16), a large glycoprotein synthesized by mesothelial cells, has emerged as a reliable proxy of congestion and inflammation in patients with heart failure. In AHF syndromes, CA125 is strongly associated with right-sided heart failure parameters and a higher risk of adverse clinical events beyond standard prognostic factors, including natriuretic peptides. Furthermore, CA125 has the potential for both monitoring and guide HF treatment following a decompensated H…

Effectiveness of the Relative Lymphocyte Count to Predict One-Year Mortality in Patients With Acute Heart Failure

Several works have endorsed a significant role of the immune system and inflammation in the pathogenesis of heart failure. As indirect evidence, an association between a low relative lymphocyte count (RLC%) and worse outcomes found in this population has been suggested. Nevertheless, the role of RLC% for risk stratification in a large and nonselected population of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) has not yet been determined. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association between low RLC% and 1-year mortality in patients with AHF and consequently to define whether it has any role for early risk stratification. A total of 1,192 consecutive patients admitted for AHF were a…

Antigen carbohydrate 125 in heart failure: Not just a surrogate for serosal effusions?

Wehave readwith interest the letter CA-125andheart failure:Deja vu or “still to be seen” by Topatan B and Basaran A [1] where the authors concisely reviewed the current pathophysiological knowledgeof CA125 in heart failure (HF). As discussed by these authors, the pathogenesis of this biomarker's elevation inHF is complex andmultifactorial,with apparently different driven forces. For instances, a proinflammatory stimulus (IL-1, tumour necrosis factor-α, lipopolysaccharide) and mesothelial-induced stress appear thekeymechanisms related to the increaseof this biomarker in HF [1–5]. However, no clear evidence exists in regard to how these two mechanisms differentially participate in CA-125 elev…