Right Heart Dysfunction and Readmission Risk Across Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Status in Patients With Acute Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Right heart dysfunction (RHD) parameters are increasingly important in heart failure (HF). This study aimed to evaluate the association of advanced RHD with the risk of recurrent admissions across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We included 3383 consecutive patients discharged for acute HF. Of them, in 1435 patients (42.4%), the pulmonary artery systolic pressure could not be measured accurately, leaving a final sample size of 1948 patients. Advanced RHD was defined as the combination of a ratio of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure of less than 0.36 and significant tricuspid regurgitation…

EpCAM and microvascular obstruction in patients with STEMI: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Abstract Introduction and objectives Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in epithelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting. We aimed to determine whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI. Methods We prospectively included 106 patients with a first STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, quantifying serum levels of EpCAM 24 hours postreperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 w…

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 …

El suero de seno coronario tras un infarto de miocardio induce angiogénesis y reparación de la obstrucción microvascular. Implicación del factor inducible por hipoxia-1A

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El objetivo es estudiar la angiogenesis coronaria inducida por el suero coronario y la implicacion del factor inducible por hipoxia-1A (FIH-1A) en la reparacion de la obstruccion microvascular (OMV) tras un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Metodos Se indujo un IAM en cerdos mediante oclusion coronaria durante 90 min. Se dividio a los animales entre 1 grupo de control y 4 grupos con IAM: sin reperfusion y 1 min, 1 semana y 1 mes tras la reperfusion. Se cuantificaron la OMV y la densidad microvascular. Se determino la capacidad angiogenica del suero coronario mediante una prueba de tubulogenesis in vitro. Se determinaron las concentraciones circulantes del FI…

Sex-related differences in mortality following an admission for acute heart failure across left ventricular ejection fraction spectrum

Abstract Background Prognosis in heart failure (HF) may differ between women and men. However, data is conflicting and sex-related differences in prognosis may be determined by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) status. We sought to evaluate the prognostic differences between women and men with HF following an admission for acute HF (AHF). Methods We included 4,812 patients consecutively admitted for AHF in a multicenter registry from 3 hospitals in Valencia (Spain). Study endpoints were all-cause, cardiovascular (CV), and HF-related mortality at 6-months follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression models were fitted to investigate sex-related differences across LVEF status. Results 2,24…

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…

EpCAM y obstrucción microvascular en pacientes con un IAMCEST: estudio con resonancia magnética cardiaca

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La obstruccion microvascular (OMV) se asocia negativamente con la estructura cardiaca y el pronostico de los pacientes tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST (IAMCEST). El factor epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), implicado en la cohesion de las celulas epiteliales, esta poco estudiado en el contexto de la OMV. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar en una cohorte de pacientes con IAMCEST la asociacion entre la concentracion de EpCAM circulante con la extension de la OMV, determinada por resonancia magnetica cardiaca (RMC), y la funcion sistolica en fases cronicas. Metodos Se incluyo prospectivamente a 106 paciente…

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…

Predictive Value of Pro-BNP for Heart Failure Readmission after an Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: N-terminal pro-brain natural peptide (NT-pro-BNP) is a well-established biomarker of tissue congestion and has prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF). Nonetheless, there is scarce evidence on its predictive capacity for HF re-admission after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We performed a prospective, single-center study in all patients discharged after an ACS. HF re-admission was analyzed by competing risk regression, taking all-cause mortality as a competing event. Results are presented as sub-hazard ratios (sHR). Recurrent hospitalizations were tested by negative binomial regression, and results are presented as incidence risk ratio (IRR). Results: Of the 2133 …

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?

Impact of Acute Hemoglobin Falls in Heart Failure Patients: A Population Study

Aims: This study assessed the impact of acute hemoglobin (Hb) falls in heart failure (HF) patients. Methods: HF patients with repeated Hb values over time were included. Falls in Hb greater than 30% were considered to represent an acute episode of anemia and the risk of hospitalization and all-cause mortality after the first episode was assessed. Results: In total, 45,437 HF patients (54.9% female, mean age 74.3 years) during a follow-up average of 2.9 years were analyzed. A total of 2892 (6.4%) patients had one episode of Hb falls, 139 (0.3%) had more than one episode, and 342 (0.8%) had concomitant acute kidney injury (AKI). Acute heart failure occurred in 4673 (10.3%) patients, represent…

Long-term prognostic value of a comprehensive assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance indexes after an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Abstract Introduction and objectives A variety of cardiac magnetic resonance indexes predict mid-term prognosis in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients. The extent of transmural necrosis permits simple and accurate prediction of systolic recovery. However, its long-term prognostic value beyond a comprehensive clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance evaluation is unknown. We hypothesized that a simple semiquantitative assessment of the extent of transmural necrosis is the best resonance index to predict long-term outcome soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods One week after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction we carried out a comp…

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…

Estatinas en la insuficiencia cardiaca

Additional file 3: of Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Table S3. Cox regression analyses for 1-year HF-related hospitalization. A competing risk strategy using the Gray method was adopted, considering death as the competing risk in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. (DOCX 27 kb)

Mortality associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with COVID-19

Introducción y objetivos: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) se han identificado como un factor de riesgo de mal pronóstico en pacientes con infección por COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un metanálisis de estudios actualmente disponibles con la prevalencia de ECV en supervivientes frente a no supervivientes en pacientes con infección por COVID-19 hasta el 16 de julio de 2020. Los análisis se realizaron mediante un modelo de efectos aleatorios y sensibilidad. Se realizaron análisis para identificar posibles fuentes de heterogeneidad o evaluar los efectos de los estudios pequeños. Resultados: Se incluyó a 307.596 pacientes de 16 estudios, de los que 46.321 (15,1%) tenían ECV. La tasa de mo…

Changes in myocardial iron content following administration of intravenous iron (Myocardial‐IRON): Study design

Treatment with intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has been shown to improve symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency. However, the underlying mechanisms for these beneficial effects remain undetermined. The aim of this study is to quantify cardiac magnetic resonance changes in myocardial iron content after administration of intravenous FCM in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency and contrast them with parameters of heart failure severity. This is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized study. Fifty patients with stable symptomatic heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, and iron deficiency will be r…

Circulating monocyte subsets and heart failure prognosis

Altres ajuts: Fundacio' La MARATO' de TV3 (201502 to ABG, 201516), AdvanceCat with the support of ACCIÓ [Catalonia Trade & Investment, Generalitat de Catalunya], Fundació Bancària La Caixa. Monocytes are a heterogeneous population of effector cells with key roles in tissue integrity restoration and maintenance. Here, we explore the association of monocyte subsets and prognosis in patients with ambulatory heart failure (HF). Monocyte subsets were classified as classical (CD14 ++ /CD16 -), intermediate (CD14 ++ /CD16 +), or non-classical (CD14 + /CD16 ++). Percentage distribution and absolute cell count were assessed in each subset, and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed wit…

Limitations of Clinical History for Evaluation of Patients With Acute Chest Pain, Non-Diagnostic Electrocardiogram, and Normal Troponin

Decision making and risk stratification for patients with acute chest pain, nondiagnostic electrocardiogram results, and normal troponin levels are challenging. The aim of this study was to optimize the clinical history for the evaluation of these patients. A total of 1,011 patients presenting to an emergency department were included. The following data were collected: clinical presentation (pain characteristics and number of pain episodes), coronary risk factors, previous ischemic heart disease, and extracardiac vascular disease (peripheral artery disease, stroke, or creatinine >1.4 mg/dl). Two different predictive models were calculated according to the end points: model 1 for 1-year majo…

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…

Differential Prognostic Value of Galectin-3 According to Carbohydrate Antigen 125 Levels in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have been associated with adverse outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Experimental data have suggested a potential molecular interaction. Therefore, we assessed the association of Gal-3 and CA125 with prognosis after TAVI.A total of 439 patients were enrolled. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or readmission for worsening heart failure after TAVI.The primary endpoint occurred in 16.4%. Gal-3 was dichotomized at ≥ 8.71 ng/mL into elevated and not elevated. Gal-3 was elevated in 31.9% and was associated with a higher risk of the primary endpoint (25% vs 12.4%, HR, 2.26; P.001). After m…

Initial experience with the novel BioMime 60 mm-long sirolimus-eluting tapered stent system in long coronary lesions

5877Comorbidity assessment for mortality risk stratification in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background The Charlson's is the most used comorbidity index. It comprises 19 comorbidities, some of which are infrequent in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), while some others are manifestations of cardiac disease rather than comorbidities. Purpose Our goal was to simplify comorbidity assessment in elderly non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients. Methods The study group consisted of 1 training (n=920, 76±7 years) and 1 testing (n=532; 84±4 years) cohorts. The end-point was all-cause mortality at 1-year follow-up. Comorbidities were assessed selecting those medical disorders other than cardiac disease that were independently associated with mortality by multivariab…

Serum Heat Shock Proteins as a Novel Biomarker for Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Diseases

Biomarker-guided management in acute heart failure: is there light at the end of the tunnel?

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…

Síndrome cardiorrenal en la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda: revisando paradigmas

Resumen El sindrome cardiorrenal se ha definido como la disfuncion simultanea de corazon y rinon. El empeoramiento de la funcion renal en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda se ha clasificado como sindrome cardiorrenal tipo 1. En este contexto, el empeoramiento de la funcion renal es un hecho frecuente y se produce como resultado de procesos fisiopatologicos complejos, multifactoriales y no del todo conocidos, que incluyen factores hemodinamicos (hipoperfusion arterial renal y congestion venosa renal) y no hemodinamicos. Tradicionalmente, el empeoramiento de la funcion renal se ha asociado a peor pronostico; sin embargo, algunas observaciones han puesto de manifiesto unos resultados …

Valor pronóstico diferencial de la galectina-3 según los valores de antígeno carbohidrato 125 para el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La galectina-3 (Gal-3) y el antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) han mostrado relacion con eventos adversos tras el implante percutaneo de valvula aortica (TAVI). Datos experimentales indican que podrian tener cierta interaccion molecular. El objetivo del presente estudio es establecer la asociacion de Gal-3 y CA125 con el pronostico tras el TAVI. Metodos Se incluyo en total a 439 pacientes. El objetivo primario fue el compuesto de mortalidad por todas las causas o reingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca tras el TAVI. Resultados El objetivo primario se produjo en el 16,4% de la muestra. Los valores de Gal-3 se dicotomizaron en elevados (≥ 8,71 ng/ml) y no elevados…

Efficacy and safety of combined neprilysin and RAS inhibition in heart failure: Let's leave the doubts behind

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. …

Inspiratory Muscle Training and Functional Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: The TRAINING-HF Trial

Introduction and objectives: Despite the prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), there is currently no evidence-based effective therapy for this disease. This study sought to evaluate whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT), functional electrical stimulation (FES), or a combination of both (IMT + FES) improves 12- and 24-week exercise capacity as well as left ventricular diastolic function, biomarker profile, and quality of life in HFpEF. Methods: A total of 61 stable symptomatic patients (New York Heart Association II-III) with HFpEF were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive a 12-week program of IMT, FES, or IMT + FES vs usual care. The primary endpoint of the st…

Is acute heart failure a distinctive disorder? An analysis from BIOSTAT-CHF

Aims: \ud This retrospective analysis sought to identify markers that might distinguish between acute heart failure (HF) and worsening HF in chronic outpatients.\ud \ud Methods and Results: \ud The BIOSTAT‐CHF index cohort included 2516 patients with new or worsening HF symptoms: 1694 enrolled as inpatients (acute HF) and 822 as outpatients (worsening HF in chronic outpatients). A validation cohort included 935 inpatients and 803 outpatients. Multivariable models were developed in the index cohort using clinical characteristics, routine laboratory values, and proteomics data to examine which factors predict adverse outcomes in both conditions and to determine which factors differ between ac…

Coronary Serum Obtained After Myocardial Infarction Induces Angiogenesis and Microvascular Obstruction Repair. Role of Hypoxia-inducible Factor-1A.

Microvascular obstruction (MVO) exerts deleterious effects following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We investigated coronary angiogenesis induced by coronary serum and the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1A (HIF-1A) in MVO repair.Myocardial infarction was induced in swine by transitory 90-minute coronary occlusion. The pigs were divided into a control group and 4 AMI groups: no reperfusion, 1minute, 1 week and 1 month after reperfusion. Microvascular obstruction and microvessel density were quantified. The proangiogenic effect of coronary serum drawn from coronary sinus on endothelial cells was evaluated using an in vitro tubulogenesis assay. Circulating and myocardial HIF-1A levels an…

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…

Additional file 2: of Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Table S2. Cox regression analyses for 30-day rehospitalization. A competing risk strategy using the Gray method was adopted, considering death as the competing risk in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. (DOCX 27 kb)

Intracoronary Infusion of Thioflavin-S to Study Microvascular Obstruction in a Model of Myocardial Infarction

Abstract Introduction and objectives Microvascular obstruction exerts deleterious effects after myocardial infarction. To elucidate the role of ischemia-reperfusion injury on the occurrence and dynamics of microvascular obstruction, we performed a preliminary methodological study to accurately define this process in an in vivo model. Methods Myocardial infarction was induced in swine by means of 90-min of occlusion of the mid left anterior descending coronary artery using angioplasty balloons . Intracoronary infusion of thioflavin-S was applied and compared with traditional intra-aortic or intraventricular instillation. The left anterior descending coronary artery perfused area and microvas…

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…

Positive Iron Balance in Chronic Kidney Disease: How Much is Too Much and How to Tell?

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Regulation of body iron occurs at cellular, tissue, and systemic levels. In healthy individuals, iron absorption and losses are minimal, creating a virtually closed system. In the setting of chronic kidney disease and hemodialysis (HD), increased iron losses, reduced iron absorption, and limited iron availability lead to iron deficiency. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is frequently prescribed to replace lost iron, but determining an individual’s iron balance and stores can be challenging and imprecise, contributing to uncertainty about the long-term safety of IV iron therapy. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Summary:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Patients on HD recei…

Coronary Revascularization and Long-Term Survivorship in Chronic Coronary Syndrome

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) persists as the leading cause of death in the Western world. In recent decades, great headway has been made in reducing mortality due to IHD, based around secondary prevention. The advent of coronary revascularization techniques, first coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery in the 1960s and then percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the 1970s, has represented one of the major breakthroughs in medicine during the last century. The benefit provided by these techniques, especially PCI, has been crucial in lowering mortality rates in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, in the setting where IHD is most prevalent, namely chronic coronary syndrome (CC…

Prognostic usefulness of white blood cell count on admission and one-year outcome in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute chest pain.

Little is known about the prognostic value of leukocyte count on admission for patients with chest pain. In total, 1,461 patients who presented to the emergency department with non–ST-segment elevation chest pain were studied by clinical history, electrocardiography, serial troponin I determination, and leukocyte count on admission. End points were 1-year mortality and major events (mortality or infarction). Overall patient distribution by quartiles of leukocyte count showed increased mortality (6%, 7%, 6%, and 17%, p = 0.0001) and major events (13%, 13%, 15%, and 24%, p = 0.0001) in the fourth quartile. After adjustment for other risk factors, the fourth quartile cut-off value (>10,000 cel…

Programmed death-1 (PD-1): A novel mechanism for understanding the acute immune deregulation in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

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…

The emerging role of carbohydrate antigen 125 in heart failure.

Evaluation of a novel biomarker of type XXVIII collagen formation, PRO-C28, in samples from cancer and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients.

Increased turnover of extracellular matrix proteins is seen in many different diseases and is an underlying and driving feature of pathogenesis. An increased ratio of formation over degradation of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagens, leads to accumulation of proteins in the tissues, ultimately impairing organ function. Understanding how this balance is regulated is key to providing deeper insight into high extracellular matrix turnover diseases. Type XXVIII collagen is a novel collagen with limited information available in relation to expression, tissue prevalence and clinical implication. We generated a novel, technically robust ELISA to measure a C-terminal fragment of type X…

Short‐term changes in left and right systolic function following ferric carboxymaltose: a substudy of the Myocardial‐IRON trial

Funding: This work was supported in part by an unrestricted grant from Vifor Pharma and Proyectos de Investigación de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca 2017 from Sociedad Española de Cardiología. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in patients with heart failure (HF) and iron deficiency (ID) have not been completely characterized. The Myocardial-IRON trial was a double-blind, randomized trial that evaluated myocardial iron repletion following FCM vs. placebo in 53 patients with HF and ID. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated whether treatment with FCM was associated with cardiac magnetic resonance changes in left and right ventricular functio…

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…

Advanced interatrial block predicts new-onset atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke in patients with heart failure: The “Bayes' Syndrome-HF” study

Advanced interatrial block (IAB) is characterized by a prolonged (≥120 ms) and bimodal P wave in the inferior leads. The association between advanced IAB and atrial fibrillation (AF) is known as “Bayes' Syndrome”, and there is scarce information about it in heart failure (HF). We examined the prevalence of IAB and whether advanced IAB could predict new-onset AF and/or stroke in HF patients. Methods and results: The prospective observational “Bayes' Syndrome-HF” study included consecutive outpatients with chronic HF. The primary endpoints were new-onset AF, ischemic stroke, and the composite of both. A secondary endpoint included all-cause death alone or in combination with the primary endpo…

Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Abstract Background Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) trajectories and functional recovery with current heart failure (HF) management is increasingly recognized. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) leads to a worse prognosis in HF patients. However, it is unknown whether T2D interferes with LVEF trajectories. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess very long-term (up to 15 years) LVEF trajectories in patients with and without T2D and underlying HF. Methods Ambulatory patients admitted to a multidisciplinary HF clinic were prospectively evaluated by scheduled two-dimensional echocardiography at baseline, 1 year, and then every 2 years afterwards, up to 15 years. Statistical anal…

Réplica a «El valor de la troponina durante un episodio de insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en urgencias. Un motivo más para solicitarla»

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…

Right heart dysfunction and readmission risk across left ventricular ejection fraction status in patients with acute heart failure

Abstract Background Right heart dysfunction (RHD) parameters, such as right ventricular to pulmonary artery uncoupling or significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) are increasingly important in heart failure (HF), especially in patients with preserved ejection fraction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of advanced RHD with the risk of recurrent admissions across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods We included 3,383 consecutive patients discharged for acute HF (AHF). Of them, in 1,435 (42.4%) pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) could not be accurately measured, leaving a final sample size of 1,948 patients. Advanced RHD was defined as th…

Diálisis peritoneal en pericarditis constrictiva: a propósito de 3 casos

The Sum of ST-Segment Elevation Is the Best Predictor of Microvascular Obstruction in Patients Treated Successfully by Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention. Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study

Introduction and objectives The usefulness of ST-segment elevation resolution (STR) for predicting epicardial reperfusion is well established. However, it is still not clear how ST-segment changes are related to microvascular obstruction (MVO) observed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods The study involved 85 consecutive patients admitted for a first STEMI and treated by pPCI who had a patent infarct-related artery. An ECG was recorded on admission and 90 min and 6, 24, 48 and 96 h after pPCI. Thereafter, STR and the sum of ST-segment elevation (sumSTE) in all leads…

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

High-sensitivity troponin T and the risk of recurrent readmissions after hospitalization for acute heart failure

Abstract Objectives High-sensitivity troponin is a biomarker of myocardial damage and is associated with a greater risk of mortality and disease progression in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). However, its relationship with the risk of future readmissions is less known. The aim of this study was to assess the association between ultrasensitive troponin T (TnT-us) values in patients with AHF and the risk of recurrent readmissions in the follow-up. Methods We prospectively included a cohort of 621 consecutive patients with AHF, excluding those patients with acute coronary syndrome. We measured the TnT-us levels obtained during the first medical contact in the emergency department. The…

International Normalized Ratio and Mortality Risk in Acute Heart Failure and Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Receiving Vitamin K Antagonists

Introduction and objectives: Heart failure patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) on treatment with vitamin K antagonists (VKA) often have suboptimal international normalized ratio (INR) values. Our aim was to evaluate the association between INR values at admission due to acute heart failure and mortality risk during follow-up. Methods: In this observational study, we retrospectively assessed INR on admission in 1137 consecutive patients with acute heart failure and NVAF who were receiving VKA treatment. INR was categorized into optimal values (INR = 2-3, n = 210), subtherapeutic (INR 3, n = 267). Because INR did not meet the proportional hazards assumption for mortality, res…

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

Valor pronóstico de la isquemia miocárdica y la necrosis en pacientes con la función ventricular izquierda deprimida: un registro multicéntrico con resonancia magnética cardiaca de estrés

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos No se conoce el valor pronostico incremental que aporta la isquemia miocardica inducible respecto a la necrosis determinada por resonancia magnetica cardiaca de estres en pacientes con funcion ventricular izquierda deprimida. Se determina el valor pronostico de la necrosis y la isquemia en pacientes con funcion ventricular izquierda deprimida remitidos a exploracion por resonancia magnetica de estres con perfusion de dipiridamol. Metodos En un registro multicentrico basado en el uso de resonancia magnetica de estres, se determino la presencia (≥ 2 segmentos) de realce tardio de contraste y defectos de perfusion y su asociacion con eventos mayores (muerte car…

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 &amp;gt;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…

Prediction of long-term major events soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) predicts combined clinical events in post-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. However, its contribution to predicting long-term major events (ME: cardiac death and non-fatal myocardial infarction [MI]) is unknown. We aimed to assess whether CMR predicts long-term MEs when performed soon after STEMI.We prospectively recruited 546 STEMI patients between 2004 and 2012. The Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF,%), infarct size (IS), edema, hemorrhage, microvascular obstruction, and myocardial salvage were quantified by CMR at pre-discharge. During a mean follow-up of 840 days, 57 ME events (10%; 23 cardiac deaths, 34 non-…

Usefulness of pain presentation characteristics for predicting outcome in patients presenting to the hospital with chest pain of uncertain origin

Background Decision making in chest pain of uncertain origin is challenging. Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of simple characteristics of pain presentation in patients coming to the emergency department with chest pain and without electrocardiogram ischaemia or raised troponin. Methods 789 patients were studied. The following categorical pain characteristics were collected: effort related pain, pressing character, radiation, associated symptoms, and ≥2 episodes in 24 h. Additionally, a predefined semi-quantitative pain score including seven items (Geleijnse score) was completed. Risk factors and co-morbidities were also recorded. The primary and secondary endpoints were cardiac …

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…

Combined assessment of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance and angiography to predict the effect of revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome patients

Abstract Aims The role of revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and the value of ischaemia vs. anatomy to guide decision-making are in constant debate. We explored the potential of a combined assessment of ischaemic burden by vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and presence of multivessel disease by angiography to predict the effect of revascularization on all-cause mortality in CCS. Methods and results The study group comprised 1066 CCS patients submitted to vasodilator stress CMR pre-cardiac catheterization (mean age 66 ± 11 years, 69% male). Stress CMR-derived ischaemic burden (extensive if &amp;gt;5 ischaemic segments) and presence of multivessel di…

Lung ultrasound in outpatients with heart failure: the wet‐to‐dry HF study

The Nancy team is supported by the RHU Fight-HF, a public grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the second 'Investissements d'Avenir' programme (reference: ANR-15-RHUS-0004), by the French PIA project 'Lorraine Université d'Excellence' (reference: ANR-15-IDEX-04-LUE), the ANR FOCUS-MR (reference: ANR-15-CE14-0032-01), ERA-CVD EXPERT (reference: ANR-16-ECVD-0002-02), the Contrat de Plan Etat Lorraine IT2MP, and FEDER Lorraine. Aims: In ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (HF), congestion and decongestion assessment may be challenging. The aim of this study is to assess the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in outpatients with HF in characterizing deco…

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…

Pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction in heart failure: prognosis and 15‐year prospective longitudinal trajectories in survivors

Aims Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and TAPSE/SPAP ratio trajectories are not fully characterized in chronic heart failure (HF). We assessed very long-term longitudinal SPAP, TAPSE and TAPSE/SPAP trajectories in HF patients, and their dynamic changes in outcomes. Methods and results Prospective, consecutive, observational registry of real-life HF patients, performing echocardiography studies at baseline and according to a prospectively structured schedule after 1 year, and then every 2 years, up to 15 years. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) was defined as SPAP ≥40 mmHg; right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) was defined at TAPSE ≤16 mm…

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 …

Papel de la lipocalina asociada a la gelatinasa neutrófila en la detección precoz de la nefropatía inducida por contraste tras una coronariografía

Ejection Fraction by Echocardiography for a Selective Use of Magnetic Resonance After Infarction

[EN] Background Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) permits robust risk stratification of discharged ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients, but its indiscriminate use in all cases is not feasible. We evaluated the utility of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography for a selective use of CMR after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. Methods Echocardiography and CMR were performed in 1119 patients discharged for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction included in a multicenter registry. The prognostic power of CMR beyond echocardiography-LVEF was assessed using adjusted C statistic, net reclassification improvement index, and integrated discriminati…

Circulating neprilysin hypothesis: A new opportunity for sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction?

BackgroundCirculating Neprilysin (sNEP) has emerged as a potential prognostic biomarker in heart failure (HF). In PARAGON-HF benefit of sacubitril/valsartan was only observed in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤57%. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of sNEP in outpatients with HF and LVEF &gt;57%, in comparison with patients with LVEF ≤57%.MethodsConsecutive HF outpatients were included from May-2006 to February-2016. The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause death or HF hospitalization and the main secondary endpoint was the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization. For the later competing risk methods were used.ResultssNEP was measure…

Randomized Comparison of Exercise Intervention Versus Usual Care in Older Adult Patients with Frailty After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Abstract Background Older adult patients with frailty are rarely involved in rehabilitation programs after myocardial infarction. Our aim was to investigate the benefits of exercise intervention in these patients. Methods A total of 150 survivors after acute myocardial infarction, ≥70 years and with pre-frailty or frailty (Fried scale ≥1 points), were randomized to control (n = 77) or intervention (n = 73) groups. The intervention consisted of a 3-month exercise program, under physiotherapist supervision, followed by an independent home-based program. The main outcome was frailty (Fried scale) at 3 months and 1 year. Secondary endpoints were clinical events (mortality or any readmission) at…

Estratificación del riesgo de pacientes con dolor torácico sin elevación del segmento ST en la puerta de urgencias

Objectives. To investigate the prognostic factors in patients who come to the emergency room with chest pain but without ST segment elevation. Patients and method. 743 consecutive patients were evaluated by recording clinical history, electrocardiogram and troponin I determination, and early (< 24 h) exercise testing was done for the low-risk subgroup of patients (n = 203). All patients were followed during 3 months for major events (acute myocardial infarction or death). Results. Major events occurred in 71 patients (9.6%). Multivariate analysis (C stadistic = 0.79; 95% CI 0.730.84; p = 0.0001) identified the following predictors: age ≥ 72 years (OR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.9; p = 0.05), insul…

Prognostic value of NT-proBNP and CA125 across glomerular filtration rate categories in acute heart failure.

This study aimed to evaluate whether glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) during admission modifies the predictive value of plasma amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure (AHF).We retrospectively evaluated 4595 patients consecutively discharged after admission for AHF at three tertiary-care hospitals from January 2008 through October 2019. To investigate the effect of kidney function on the association of NT-proBNP and CA125 with 1-year mortality (all-cause and cardiovascular mortality), we stratified patients according to four eGFR categories:30 mL•minAt 1-year follow-up, 748 of 4595 (16.3%)…

Blood urea nitrogen to creatinine ratio in acute heart failure: an old concept brought to reality?

Renal dysfunction is one of the most important comorbidities in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and frequently accentuated in the setting of acute HF (AHF).1 In either context, renal dysfunction has important clinical implications that deserve to be highlighted: (A) the added increase in risk of adverse clinical outcomes2 and (B) at greater degrees of renal failure, well evidenced therapies are lacking and current management remains mostly empirical.1 The pathophysiology of renal dysfunction in AHF is complex, multifactorial and not completely understood, which may potentially explain why patients with worsening renal function (WRF) show mixed clinical response and outcomes.1 An im…

Estrategia invasiva frente a conservadora en pacientes frágiles con IAMSEST. Diseño del ensayo clínico MOSCA-FRAIL

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Aunque las guias de practica clinica recomiendan una estrategia invasiva para el infarto agudo de miocardio sin elevacion del segmento ST (IAMSEST), en la practica clinica esta estrategia se infrautiliza en ancianos fragiles. Ademas estos enfermos habitualmente quedan excluidos de los ensayos clinicos, por lo que la evidencia es escasa. Nuestra hipotesis es que una estrategia invasiva para el anciano con fragilidad y IAMSEST mejorara el pronostico. Metodos Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, multicentrico y aleatorizado que compara una estrategia invasiva frente a una conservadora en ancianos fragiles con IAMSEST. Los criterios de inclusion son: IAMSEST, eda…

Efecto pronóstico de una estrategia terapéutica guiada por los valores del antígeno carbohidrato 125 (CHANCE-HF). Diseño del estudio

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La morbilidad y la mortalidad despues de un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda siguen siendo extremadamente elevadas. En este contexto, se ha demostrado que las concentraciones plasmaticas del antigeno carbohidrato 125 muestran correlacion con la gravedad de la sobrecarga hidrica y el riesgo de muerte y reingreso. Los datos preliminares indican un posible papel del antigeno carbohidrato 125 como guia para el tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el efecto pronostico de una estrategia de tratamiento guiada por el antigeno carbohidrato 125 comparada con el tratamiento estandar en pacientes dados de alta recientemente tras un ingreso por ins…

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…

Contractile Reserve and Extent of Transmural Necrosis in the Setting of Myocardial Stunning: Comparison at Cardiac MR Imaging

To perform a comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived ejection fraction (EF) during low-dose dobutamine infusion (EF(D)) with the extent of segments with transmural necrosis in more than 50% of their wall thickness (ETN) for the prediction of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and late systolic recovery soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. One hundred nineteen consecutive patients with a first STEMI, a depressed left ventricular EF, and an open infarct-related artery underwent MR imaging at 1 week after infarction. EF(D) and ETN (by using a 17-segment m…

An Invasive Strategy in Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes. From Large Trials to the Real World

Introduction and objectives We report the impact on prognosis of an invasive strategy used at our center for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome. Patients and method We analyzed 504 consecutive patients with typical chest pain, electrocardiographic changes or increased troponin I serum values, who were divided into 2 cohorts: a ) conservative group, 272 patients admitted between October 2001 and September 2002 and managed with a conservative strategy, and b ) invasive group, 232 patients admitted between October 2002 and September 2003 for whom an invasive strategy was recommended. We recorded major events (death or reinfarction) and minor events (readmission or need for post-d…

Additional file 3: of Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Table S3. Cox regression analyses for 1-year HF-related hospitalization. A competing risk strategy using the Gray method was adopted, considering death as the competing risk in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. (DOCX 27 kb)

Guideliner use for the percutaneous treatment of right coronary artery arising from the left circumflex (L-type single coronary artery)

Additional file 2: of Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Table S2. Cox regression analyses for 30-day rehospitalization. A competing risk strategy using the Gray method was adopted, considering death as the competing risk in both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. (DOCX 27 kb)

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 …

Diferencias entre sexos en la mortalidad a un mes y a un año tras un síndrome coronario agudo

Fundamento y objetivo Se pretende estudiar las diferencias entre sexos en la mortalidad a corto plazo (un mes) y a largo plazo (un ano) tras un sindrome coronario agudo Pacientes y metodo Despues de la publicacion de la nueva definicion de infarto de miocardio analizamos prospectivamente a 1.324 pacientes consecutivos ingresados con el diagnostico de sindrome coronario agudo en un hospital terciario. De estos pacientes, 483 (37%) presentaban un infarto con elevacion de ST; 439 (33%), infarto sin elevacion del ST (valores de troponina I superiores a 1 ng/ml), y 402 (30%), angina inestable (troponina I inferior a 1 ng/ml) Resultados Durante un ano hubo 177 muertes (13,4%). La mortalidad fue s…

The DD genotype of the angiotensin converting enzyme gene independently associates with CMR-derived abnormal microvascular perfusion in patients with a first anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic agents

Abstract Introduction The role of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene on the result of thrombolysis at the microvascular level has not been addressed so far. We analyzed the implications of the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the ACE gene on the presence of abnormal cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived microvascular perfusion after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and Methods We studied 105 patients with a first anterior STEMI treated with thrombolytic agents and an open left anterior descending artery. Microvascular perfusion was assessed using first-pass perfusion CMR at 7 ±1 days. CMR studies were repeated 184 ± 11 days after STEM…

Supervised Analysis for Phenotype Identification: The Case of Heart Failure Ejection Fraction Class

Artificial Intelligence is creating a paradigm shift in health care, with phenotyping patients through clustering techniques being one of the areas of interest. Objective: To develop a predictive model to classify heart failure (HF) patients according to their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), by using available data from Electronic Health Records (EHR). Subjects and methods: 2854 subjects over 25 years old with a diagnosis of HF and LVEF, measured by echocardiography, were selected to develop an algorithm to predict patients with reduced EF using supervised analysis. The performance of the developed algorithm was tested in heart failure patients from Primary Care. To select the mo…

Additional file 2 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 2: Table S1. Demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics at baseline and treatments during follow-up according to etiology of heart failure and presence of diabetes mellitus. Table S2. Paired wise means data analysis in diabetic patients. Table S3. Causes of death of the studied cohort during the 15-year follow-up, according the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus. Table S4. Multivariable Cox regression analysis for all-cause death and the composite end-point all-cause death or heart failure hospitalization.

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…

P4500Prognostic value of galectin-3 according to carbohydrate antigen 125 in transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Cuantificación y tratamiento de la congestión en insuficiencia cardíaca: una visión clínica y fisiopatológica

Renal sodium and water retention with resulting extracellular volume expansion and redistribution are hallmark features of heart failure syndromes. However, congestion assessment, monitoring, and treatment represent a real challenge in daily clinical practice. This document reviewed historical and contemporary evidence of available methods for determining volume status and discuss pharmacological aspects and pathophysiological principles that underlie diuretic use.

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…

Betabloqueantes en la insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección preservada: ¿prescribir o deprescribir?

Metabolic effects of sacubitril/valsartan: are they relevant in clinical practice?

The burden of cardiometabolic diseases continues to rise worldwide (1). Obesity, insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hypertension and intra-abdominal adiposity are strongly interrelated and are crucial determinants of heart failure (HF) (2).

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…

Improvement in Risk Stratification in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation Using a Combination of the Tumor Marker CA125 and the Logistic EuroSCORE

Conventional risk scores have not been accurate in predicting peri- and postprocedural risk of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Elevated levels of the tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) have been linked to adverse outcomes after TAVI. We studied the additional value of CA125 to that of the EuroSCORE in predicting long-term mortality after TAVI.During a median follow-up of 59 weeks, 115 of 422 patients (27%) died after TAVI. Mortality was higher with elevated CA125 (30 U/mL) and EuroSCORE (median) (47% vs 20%, P.001 and 38% vs 16%, P.001, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, CA125 (30 U/mL) remained an independent predictor of mortality …

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…

Predictors of cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived microvascular obstruction on patient admission in STEMI

Early stratification of patients according to the risk for developing microvascular obstruction (MVO) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is desirable. We aimed to identify predictors of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO from clinical+ECG, laboratory and angiographic parameters available on admission.Characteristics available on admission were documented in 97 STEMI patients referred for primary angioplasty. MVO was determined using contrast-enhanced CMR.MVO was present in 44 patients (45%). The C-statistic for predicting MVO was: clinical+ECG (.832), laboratory (.743), and angiographic parameters (.669). Adding laboratory to clinical+ECG information d…

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…

Pulmonary vascular resistance versus pulmonary artery pressure for predicting right ventricular remodeling and functional tricuspid regurgitation.

BACKGROUND Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common cause of right ventricular (RV) remodeling and functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR), but incremental pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) does not always correlate with anatomic and functional RV changes. This study aimed to evaluate a noninvasive measure of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) for predicting RV dilatation, RV dysfunction, and severity of FTR. METHODS We prospectively analyzed consecutive stable patients with PASP ≥ 35 mm Hg or any degree of RV dilatation or dysfunction secondary to PH. Noninvasive PVR was calculated based on FTR peak velocity and flow in RV outflow tract. RESULTS We included 251 patients, aged 72.1…

Antithrombotic Therapy in Elderly Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

The treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in elderly patients continues to be a challenge because of the characteS.G.B.ristics of this population and the lack of data and specific recommendations. This review summarizes the current evidence about critical points of oral antithrombotic therapy in elderly patients. To this end, we discuss the peculiarities and differences reported referring to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in ACS management in elderly patients and what might be the best option considering these population characteristics. Furthermore, we analyze antithrombotic strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with a particular focus on those cases that also presen…

Release of necrosis markers and cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived microvascular perfusion in reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Introduction The association of the temporal evolution of cardiac necrosis marker release with cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived microvascular perfusion after ST-elevation myocardial infarction is unknown. Methods We analyzed 163 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction and a patent infarct-related artery treated with thrombolysis (67%) or primary angioplasty (33%). Using first-pass perfusion CMR, abnormal perfusion was defined as a lack of contrast arrival into the infarct area in > 1 segment. Troponin I, creatine kinase MB and myoglobin were measured upon arrival and at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours after reperfusion. Results Abnormal perfusion was detected i…

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…

Decongestion discriminates risk for one-year mortality in patients with improving renal function in acute heart failure

Aims Improving renal function (IRF) is paradoxically associated with worse outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF), but outcomes may differ based on response to decongestion. We explored if the relationship of IRF with mortality in hospitalized AHF patients differs based on successful decongestion.Methods and results We evaluated 760 AHF patients from AKINESIS for the relationship between IRF, change in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and 1-year mortality. IRF was defined as a &gt;= 20% increase in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) relative to admission. Adequate decongestion was defined as a &gt;= 40% decrease in last measured BNP relative to admission. IRF occurred in 22% of pat…

Magnetic resonance microscopy and correlative histopathology of the infarcted heart

Altres ajuts:The present study was supported by the EU Joint Programming Initiative 'A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life' (JPI HDHL INTIMIC-085), Generalitat Valenciana (GV/2018/116), INCLIVA and Universitat de Valencia (program VLC-BIOCLINIC 20-nanomIRM-2016A). Delayed enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (MR) is the gold-standard for non-invasive assessment after myocardial infarction (MI). MR microscopy (MRM) provides a level of detail comparable to the macro objective of light microscopy. We used MRM and correlative histopathology to identify infarct and remote tissue in contrast agent-free multi-sequence MRM in swine MI hearts. One control group (n = 3 swine) and two experimenta…

EpCAM and microvascular obstruction in patients with STEMI: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This study was funded by “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and “Fondos Europeos de Desarrollo Regional FEDER” Bachground. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in endothelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting. Purpose. We aimed to evaluate whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI. Methods.…

Risk stratification in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes

Abstract Introduction: In acute coronary syndromes, myocardial damage markers and acute-phase reactants predict adverse cardiac events. The aim of this study was to define the fitted prognostic value of the most widely used variables of necrosis and inflammation as well as of homocysteine. Methods and results: Troponin I, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and homocysteine were measured in 515 consecutive patients admitted to our institution for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. The risk for major events (death or nonfatal myocardial infarction) through 6 months of follow-up was analysed. In the univariate analysis, all markers were related to major events ( p 11 mg/l (…

Kyphoscoliotic Ventilatory Insufficiency

Objectives: To determine the effects of long-term nocturnal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on symptoms, pulmonary function test results, sleep, and respiratory muscle performance in patients with ventilatory insufficiency due to severe kyphoscoliosis. Design: A prospective study in which 16 severe kyphoscoliotic patients were treated with NIPPV delivered by volume-cycled and pressure-cycled ventilators, over a period of 36 months. Interventions and measurements: At baseline, pulmonary function tests, blood gas measurements, polysomnography, and respiratory muscle strength (measured by noninvasive indexes) were obtained. Symptoms and the number of hospitalizations in the …

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…

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Acute Kidney Injury During Acute Heart Failure Hospitalizations

AbstractBackground: Worsening renal function (WRF) often occurs during acute heart failure (AHF) and can portend adverse outcomes; therefore, early identification may help mitigate risk. Neutrophil...

Early Spot Urinary Sodium and Diuretic Efficiency in Acute Heart Failure and Concomitant Renal Dysfunction

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Objective:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; In acute heart failure (AHF), early assessment of spot urinary sodium (U&lt;sub&gt;Na&lt;/sub&gt;) has emerged as a useful biomarker for risk stratification and monitoring. The objective of this study was to investigate (a) whether early spot U&lt;sub&gt;Na&lt;/sub&gt; predicts 24-h diuretic efficiency and (b) the clinical factors associated with early spot U&lt;sub&gt;Na&lt;/sub&gt; in patients with AHF and concomitant renal dysfunction (RD). &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; This is a post hoc analysis of the IMPROVE-HF trial, in which 160 patients with AHF and RD (estimated glomerular filtrate rate [eGFR] &amp;#x3c;60 mL/min/1…

Lipoprotein(a) and long-term recurrent infarction after an episode of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Background In established ischemic heart disease, the relationship between lipoprotein(a) and new cardiovascular events showed contradictory results. Our aim was to assess the relationship between lipoprotein(a) and very long-term recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) after an index episode of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods We included 435 consecutive STEMI patients discharged from October 2000 to June 2003 in a single teaching center. The relationship between lipoprotein(a) at discharge and recurrent MI was evaluated through negative binomial regression and Cox regression analysis. Results The mean age was 65 years (55-74 years), 25.5% were women, 34.7% we…

Prognostic value of dipyridamole stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.

ObjectivesWe evaluated the prognostic value of dipyridamole stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in patients with chest pain and known or suspected coronary artery disease.BackgroundStress perfusion CMR has been incorporated in daily practice. Data on its prognostic value are preliminary.MethodsDipyridamole stress CMR was performed in 420 patients with chest pain and known or suspected coronary artery disease. The extent (number of segments according to the 17-segment model) of abnormal wall motion at rest (AWM-rest), abnormal wall motion with dipyridamole (AWM-D), perfusion deficit (at stress first-pass perfusion imaging), and delayed enhancement (at late enhancement imag…

Soluble ST2 for Prognosis and Monitoring in Heart Failure

Comparación entre CA125 y NT-proBNP para valorar la congestión en insuficiencia cardíaca aguda

Resumen Antecedentes El antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) y los peptidos natriureticos tipo B son marcadores subrogados de congestion en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). El objetivo del estudio fue valorar la asociacion entre CA125 y NT-proBNP y parametros de congestion en pacientes con ICA. Metodos y resultados Estudio observacional prospectivo multicentrico, que incluyo a 191 pacientes hospitalizados por ICA. Se registro la presencia de derrame pleural, edema periferico y diametro de vena cava inferior (V C I) durante las primeras 24-48 horas tras el ingreso y se evaluo su asociacion independiente con las concentraciones de CA125 y la fraccion amino-terminal del peptido n…

Iron deficiency testing and treatment in heart failure: the eyes are useless when the mind is blind

Definition, clinical implications, and rate of iron deficiency assessment and treatment in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. FCM, ferric carboxymaltose; HF, heart failue; ID, iron deficiency; TSAT, transferrin sauration.

Carbohydrate Antigen-125–Guided Therapy in Acute Heart Failure

Abstract Objectives This study sought to evaluate the prognostic effect of carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA125)–guided therapy (CA125 strategy) versus standard of care (SOC) after a hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF). Background CA125 has emerged as a surrogate of fluid overload and inflammatory status in AHF. After an episode of AHF admission, elevated values of this marker at baseline as well as its longitudinal profile relate to adverse outcomes, making it a potential tool for treatment guiding. Methods In a prospective multicenter randomized trial, 380 patients discharged for AHF and high CA125 were randomly assigned to the CA125 strategy (n = 187) or SOC (n = 193). The aim in th…

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…

Effect of ischemic postconditioning on microvascular obstruction in reperfused myocardial infarction. Results of a randomized study in patients and of an experimental model in swine.

Background: Ischemic postconditioning (PCON) appears as a potentially beneficial tool in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the effect of PCON on microvascular obstruction (MVO) in STEMI patients and in an experimental swine model. Methods: A prospective randomized study in patients and an experimental study in swine were carried out in two university hospitals in Spain. 101 consecutive STEMI patients were randomized to undergo primary angio-plasty followed by PCON or primary angioplasty alone (non-PCON). Using late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance, infarct size and MVO were quantified (% of left ventricular mass). In swine, using an ang…

Choice of CTO scores to predict procedural success in clinical practice. A comparison of 4 different CTO PCI scores in a comprehensive national registry including expert and learning CTO operators

Background We aimed to compare the performance of the recent CASTLE score to J-CTO, CL and PROGRESS CTO scores in a comprehensive database of percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusion procedures. Methods Scores were calculated using raw data from 1,342 chronic total occlusion procedures included in REBECO Registry that includes learning and expert operators. Calibration, discrimination and reclassification were evaluated and compared. Results Mean score values were: CASTLE 1.60±1.10, J-CTO 2.15±1.24, PROGRESS 1.68±0.94 and CL 2.52±1.52 points. The overall percutaneous coronary intervention success rate was 77.8%. Calibration was good for CASTLE and CL, but not for J-CTO…

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…

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

Aims Early rehospitalization after an episode of acute heart failure (AHF) remains excessively high and its prediction a contemporary challenge. Iron deficiency (ID) is a frequent finding in AHF, but its prognostic implications remain unclear. We sought to evaluate the association between ID and risk of 30-day readmission in an unselected cohort of patients discharged for AHF. Methods and results Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were measured before discharge in 626 consecutive patients with AHF in a single teaching centre. ID was defined as serum ferritin 50%. ID was identified in 463 patients (74%): 302 (48.2%) as absolute ID and 161 (25.7%) as functional ID. At 30-day pos…

Frailty Tools for Assessment of Long-term Prognosis After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the 5 components of the Fried frailty phenotype (self-reported unintentional weight loss, physical activity questionnaire, gait speed, grip strength, and self-reported exhaustion) for long-term outcomes in elderly survivors of acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A total of 342 consecutive patients (from October 1, 2010, to February 1, 2012) were included. The 5 components of the Fried score and albumin concentration, as malnutrition index, were assessed before hospital discharge. Patients were followed up until April 2020 (median follow-up, 8.7 years). The end point was postdischarge all-cause mortality. Results: Mean ± SD age was 77±7 years and mean ± SD Fried score wa…

Cell-free DNA and Microvascular Damage in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated With Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction might originate from hyperactivated leukocytes at the coronary lesion. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between cfDNA and coronary reperfusion. METHODS We studied 116 patients treated with primary angioplasty using thrombus aspiration. Coronary (during aspiration) and peripheral (at the end of the procedure) blood samples were drawn for cfDNA, as well as high-sensitivity troponin T and myeloperoxidase quantification. The primary endpoint was no ST-segment resolution (STR) (≥ 70%) and the secondary endpoint was lack of final Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow 3 (TIMI 3). RESULTS…

Clinical utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

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…

Tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca en el paciente con insuficiencia renal avanzada

Resumen La disfuncion renal es comun en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) que aumenta a medida que disminuye el filtrado glomerular estimado. Ademas, tiene implicaciones en el pronostico del paciente con IC. Las recomendaciones de tratamiento de pacientes con IC y enfermedad renal cronica (ERC) concomitante no difieren, en general, de las de los pacientes con funcion renal normal. Pero los pacientes con enfermedad renal moderada o grave han sido excluidos de la mayoria de los ensayos clinicos, y faltan evidencia y seguridad en los tratamientos que aplicar a estos pacientes. En este articulo se analizan las evidencias existentes de los diferentes tratamientos de la IC en pacientes co…

Echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure estimation and heart failure rehospitalization burden in patients with acute heart failure

Abstract Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a strong predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the relationship between PH, through echocardiographic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) estimation, and the risk of HF rehospitalizations remains unclear. Methods We prospectively included 2343 consecutive patients discharged for acute heart failure (AHF). PH was estimated by echocardiography through PASP determination during the index admission. Patients were categorized as follows across PASP: non-measurable, normal (≤35mmHg), mild (36–45mmHg), moderate (46–60mmHg), or severe PH (>60mmHg). Negative binomial regression method was used to evaluate the association between PAS…

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…

Prognostic Value of White Blood Cell Count in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Long-Term Mortality

Although traditionally an elevated white blood cell count (WBC), an indicator of systemic inflammation, has been accepted as part of the healing response following acute myocardial infarction (AMI), it has frequently been shown to be a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events. The present study was designed to assess the association between WBC and long-term mortality in AMI patients either with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) or without ST-segment elevation (non-STEMI). Patients and method. The study included 1118 consecutive patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of AMI: 569 non-STEMI and 549 STEMI. The WBC was measured in the 24 hours following admission. Patients were divided into…

Utilidad de la troponina I para predecir la disfunción sistólica en los síndromes coronarios agudos. Resultados de un estudio prospectivo y cuantitativo

The relationship between troponin I and systolic function (quantitative contrast ventriculography) was evaluated in 137 consecutive patients with a first acute coronary syndrome (60 with and 77 without ST elevation). In general, a larger troponin I peak value was related with a more depressed ejection fraction and poorer regional systolic function (p < 0.0001). Nevertheless, this correlation was weaker than expected, especially in those cases without ST-segment elevation, suggesting that other factors apart from systolic dysfunction must be taken into account in order to explain the worse prognosis of those patients with increased serum levels of this marker of myocardial damage.

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 …

Efecto de la implantación del cuidado transicional en una unidad de insuficiencia cardiaca tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Los expertos recomiendan un seguimiento clinico especifico en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la implantacion de un modelo de cuidado transicional en una unidad de IC (UIC) tras una hospitalizacion por IC sobre el riesgo de muerte e ingresos recurrentes por IC. Metodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyo a todos los pacientes dados de alta por IC aguda en un hospital terciario en Espana entre 2004 y 2017. Desde el 2010 el seguimiento tras el alta se realizo en una UIC. Se compararon 2 cohortes cronologicas: antes (2004-2009) y despues del inicio de la UIC (2010-2017). Se evaluo e…

Noninvasive Imaging Estimation of Myocardial Iron Repletion Following Administration of Intravenous Iron : The Myocardial- Trial

Background Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose ( FCM ) improves symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life in heart failure and iron deficiency. The mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to examine changes in myocardial iron content after FCM administration in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency using cardiac magnetic resonance. Methods and Results Fifty‐three stable heart failure and iron deficiency patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive intravenous FCM or placebo in a multicenter, double‐blind study. T2* and T1 mapping cardiac magnetic resonance sequences, noninvasive surrogates of intramyocardial iron, were eval…

P3543Rehospitalization burden in heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction and morbidity burden. Is it a distinct phenotype?

Abstract Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) has been recognized as a distinct HF phenotype, but wether patients on this category fare worse, similarly, or better than those with HF with reduced EF (HFrEF) or preserved EF (HFpEF) in terms of rehospitalization risk over time remains unclear. We therefore sought to characterize the mordibity burden of HFmrEF patients by evaluating the risk of recurrent hospitalizations following an admission for acute HF. Methods We prospectively included 2,961 consecutive patients discharged for acute HF in our institution from 2004 to 2017. Patients were categorized according to their ejection fraction (EF) obtained by an echocardiograph…

Are pathogenic intestinal bacteria present in stool specimens from patients with chronic heart failure?

It has been reported that patients with chronic heart failure exhibit an intestinal overgrowth of primary gut bacterial pathogens, such as Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., and Yersinia enterocolitica. We failed to reproduce these findings in a cohort of 39 patients admitted to the hospital with decompensated heart failure by means of conventional stool bacterial cultures and a multiplexed polymerase chain reaction assay.

Prognostic implications of dipyridamole cardiac MR imaging: a prospective multicenter registry

Purpose: To evaluate dipyridamole cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the prediction of major events (MEs) in patients with ischemic chest pain in a large multicenter registry. Materials and Methods: Institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent were obtained. A total of 1722 patients who were undergoing cardiac MR imaging for chest pain were included. Wall motion abnormalities (WMAs) at rest, hyperemia perfusion defect (PD), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and inducible WMA were analyzed (abnormal if more than one abnormal segment was seen) with the 17-segment model. A cardiac MR categorization was created: category 1, no PD, LGE, or inducible WMA; category…

Prognostic Value of Geriatric Conditions Beyond Age After Acute Coronary Syndrome

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic value of geriatric conditions beyond age after acute coronary syndrome. This was a prospective cohort design including 342 patients (from October 1, 2010, to February 1, 2012) hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, older than 65 years, in whom 5 geriatric conditions were evaluated at discharge: frailty (Fried and Green scales), comorbidity (Charlson and simple comorbidity indexes), cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer test), physical disability (Barthel index), and instrumental disability (Lawton-Brody scale). The primary end point was all-cause mortality. The median follow-up for the entire population was 4.7 years (range, 3-2178 …

Additional diagnostic value of systolic dysfunction induced by dipyridamole stress cardiac magnetic resonance used in detecting coronary artery disease.

Dipyridamole stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD). However, few data are available on the diagnostic value of the systolic dysfunction induced by dipyridamole. This study investigated whether the induction of systolic dysfunction supplements the diagnostic information provided by perfusion imaging in the detection of CAD.Overall, 166 patients underwent dipyridamole CMR and quantitative coronary angiography, with CAD being defined as a stenosisor =70%. Systolic dysfunction at rest, systolic dysfunction with dipyridamole, induced systolic dysfunction, and stress first-pass perfussion deficit (PD) and delayed enhancement were …

Inhomogeneity of collagen organization within the fibrotic scar after myocardial infarction: results in a swine model and in human samples.

We aimed to characterize the organization of collagen within a fibrotic scar in swine and human samples from patients with chronic infarctions. Swine were subjected to occlusion of the left anterior descending artery followed by reperfusion 1 week (acute myocardial infarction group) or 1 month (chronic myocardial infarction group) after infarction. The organization of the collagen fibers (Fast Fourier Transform of samples after picrosirius staining; higher values indicate more disorganization) was studied in 100 swine and 95 human samples. No differences in collagen organization were found between the acute and chronic groups in the core area of the scar in the experimental model. In the ch…

Experience in daily clinical practice of ambulatory cardioversion of atrial fibrillation treated with new oral anticoagulants.

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…

Prognostic Value and Kinetics of Soluble Neprilysin in Acute Heart Failure

Abstract Objectives This study sought to examine the prognostic value of the soluble form of neprilysin (sNEP) in acute heart failure (AHF) and sNEP kinetics during hospital admission. Background sNEP was recently identified in chronic heart failure (HF) and was associated with cardiovascular outcomes. Methods A total of 350 patients (53% women, mean 72.6 ± 10.7 years of age) were included in the study. Primary endpoints were composites of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalizations at short-term (2 months) and long-term (mean: 1.8 ± 1.2 years) follow-up. sNEP was measured using an ad hoc–modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and its prognostic value was assessed using Cox regression …

Risk score for early risk prediction by cardiac magnetic resonance after acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can improve major adverse cardiac event (MACE) risk prediction. We aimed to create a simple clinical-CMR risk score for early MACE risk stratification in STEMI patients.; METHODS: We performed a multicenter prospective registry of reperfused STEMI patients (n=1118) in whom early (1-week) CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size and microvascular obstruction (MVO) were quantified. MACE was defined as a combined clinical endpoint of cardiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (NF-MI) or re-admission for acute decompensated heart failur…

Empagliflozin in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: decoding its molecular mechanism of action using artificial intelligence

Abstract   Rationale The use of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is under investigation in ongoing clinical trials, but the exact mechanism of action is unclear. Here we aimed to use artificial intelligence (AI) to characterize the mechanism of action of empagliflozin in HFpEF at the molecular level. Methods We retrieved information regarding HFpEF pathophysiological motifs and differentially expressed genes/proteins, together with empagliflozin target information and bioflags, from specialized publicly available databases. Artificial neural networks and deep learning AI were used to model the molecular effec…

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…

Long-term prognostic implications of revascularization in patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndromes without ischemia in vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance

In this study, we evaluated the association between symptoms-guided revascularization occurred within three months following a negative vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (negative stress-CMR) and long-term adverse events in patients with known or suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).We retrospectively evaluated 3517 patients in which the stress first-pass perfusion imaging revealed no ischemia. The primary endpoint was the composite of death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, heart failure (HF), or stroke. The association between symptoms-guided revascularization after a negative stress-CMR and the endpoint was assessed using the multivariable Cox proportional hazar…

Antígeno carbohidrato 125 en insuficiencia cardiaca. Nueva era en la monitorización y control del tratamiento

Resumen Asistimos en los ultimos anos a un gran interes en la busqueda de nuevos biomarcadores en la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC); fundamentalmente, en el ambito del diagnostico, pronostico, monitorizacion y como guia terapeutica. Sin embargo, la mayoria de ellos no cumplen los criterios requeridos para ser utilizados en la practica clinica diaria. El antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA 125) es el anticuerpo de la glucoproteina mucina 16 (MUC16) y su uso se ha restringido a la monitorizacion terapeutica del cancer de ovario. Sin embargo, se ha constatado su elevacion en otros procesos no tumorales como la IC. En este ultimo contexto, el CA 125 es sintetizado por las celulas serosas epiteliales en …

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…

Resonancia magnética cardiaca de estrés para predecir mortalidad y toma de decisiones: registro de 2.496 pacientes mayores con síndrome coronario crónico

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El tratamiento del paciente mayor con sindrome coronario cronico (SCC) es un reto. Se exploro el valor pronostico y la utilidad para la toma de decisiones de la carga isquemica determinada mediante resonancia magnetica cardiaca (RMC) de estres con vasodilatador en pacientes mayores con SCC. Metodos Se incluyo a 2.496 pacientes mayores de 70 anos estudiados con una RMC de estres con vasodilatador por SCC conocido o sospechado. La carga isquemica (numero de segmentos con deficit de perfusion inducido por el estres) se calculo siguiendo el modelo de 17 segmentos. Posteriormente se analizo de manera retrospectiva su asociacion con la mortalidad por cualquier cau…

Bases para la creación de las unidades clínicas cardiorrenales. Documento de consenso de los grupos de trabajo cardiorrenal de la SEC y la SEN

Resumen La enfermedad renal es una de las comorbilidades halladas con mayor frecuencia en los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca. Su presencia se asocia a peor pronostico y genera gran incertidumbre sobre la monitorizacion y abordaje terapeutico. De este modo, las unidades cardiorrenales han surgido como elementos integradores, que desde un punto de vista multidisciplinar pretenden vehiculizar la asistencia, docencia e investigacion de este amplio espectro de pacientes. En el presente documento de consenso elaborado por el Grupo de Trabajo de Sindrome Cardiorrenal y Tratamiento de la Congestion en la Insuficiencia Cardiaca de la Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia y el Grupo de Trabajo de Me…

Feasibility of Implanting 50-60 mm-Tapered Drug Eluting Stents in Chronic Total Occlusions.

Abstract Background Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTO) usually involves multiple overlapping stents implantation to cover long coronary segments. A higher rate of restenosis has been described with stent overlapping. Recently, new long tapered stents emerged as a potential tool for treating long coronary lesions. Feasibility of using these new devices for the CTO PCI has not been described. The aim of this work was to describe our initial experience with 50 and 60 mm-long tapered sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in CTO PCI. Methods We included 54 consecutive patients who underwent a CTO PCI and in whom an attempt to implant a 50 or 60 mm-long tapered SE…

Niveles de complejidad asistencial en pacientes con códigos diagnósticos de insuficiencia cardiaca en una población

Resultados de la estrategia farmacoinvasiva y de la angioplastia primaria en la reperfusión del infarto con elevación del segmento ST. Estudio con resonancia magnética cardiaca en la primera semana y en el sexto mes

Introduction and objectives: Pharmacoinvasive strategy represents an attractive alternative to primary angioplasty. Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging we compared the left ventricular outcome of the pharmacoinvasive strategy and primary angioplasty for the reperfusion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed 1 week and 6 months after infarction in two consecutive cohorts of patients included in a prospective university hospital ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction registry. During the period 2004-2006, 151 patients were treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy (thrombolysis followed by routine non-immediate angi…

ADN libre y daño microvascular en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST tratado con intervención coronaria primaria

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos En el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST, el ADN libre circulante podria originarse de los leucocitos activados en la lesion coronaria. El objetivo fue investigar la relacion entre el ADN libre y la reperfusion coronaria. Metodos Se incluyo a 116 pacientes, tratados con angioplastia primaria y tromboaspiracion. Se cuantifico el ADN libre coronario (durante la aspiracion) y periferico (al final del procedimiento), asi como la troponina T ultrasensible y la mieloperoxidasa. El objetivo primario fue la no resolucion del segmento ST (RST) (≥ 70%) y el secundario la ausencia de flujo Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction 3 (TIMI 3) final. Re…

Diuretic Strategies in Acute Heart Failure and Renal Dysfunction: Conventional vs Carbohydrate Antigen 125-guided Strategy. Clinical Trial Design

Abstract Introduction and objectives The optimal treatment of patients with acute heart failure (AHF) and cardiorenal syndrome type 1 (CRS-1) is far from being well-defined. Arterial hypoperfusion in concert with venous congestion plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of CRS-I. Plasma carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) has emerged as a surrogate of fluid overload in AHF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of CA125 for tailoring the intensity of diuretic therapy in patients with CRS-1. Methods Multicenter, open-label, parallel clinical trial, in which patients with AHF and serum creatinine ≥ 1.4 mg/dL on admission will be randomized to: a) standard diuretic str…

Una causa infrecuente de trombosis masiva intracardíaca

Mejora en la estratificación del riesgo tras el implante percutáneo de válvula aórtica mediante una combinación de marcador tumoral CA125 y EuroSCORE logístico

ResumenIntroduccion y objetivos El rendimiento de las puntuaciones de riesgo tradicionales para predecir el riesgo tras el implante percutaneo valvula aortica (TAVI) no es adecuado. Las altas concentraciones plasmaticas de antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) se han asociado a un aumento del riesgo de eventos adversos tras TAVI. En este trabajo se evalua el valor pronostico adicional del CA125 sobre la puntuacion EuroSCORE para la prediccion de riesgo a largo plazo. Metodos y resultados Durante una mediana de seguimento de 59 semanas, murieron 115 de 422 pacientes (27%) despues de la TAVI. La mortalidad fue mayor entre aquellos con CA125 elevado (> 30 U/ml) y EuroSCORE ≥ mediana (el 47 frente …

Cancer antigen-125 and risk of atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

WOS: 000458034100002

Determinants of elevated carbohydrate antigen 125 in patients with severe symptomatic aortic valve stenosis referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Elevated carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predicts adverse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). While known underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of elevated CA125 include serosal effusions and inflammatory stimuli, clinical determinants associated with elevated CA125 in patients referred for TAVI remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic determinants of elevated CA125 in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis referred for TAVI.This study includes 650 patients with severe aortic stenosis referred for TAVI. Baseline CA125 was determined by an immunoassay and dichotomized (elevated versus normal) based on the manufact…

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…

Chronotropic Incompetence Predicts Distance Walked in Six-Minute Walk Test in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Trefoil factor-3 and galectin-4 as new candidates for prognostic biomarkers in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Effect of ischemic postconditioning on microvascular obstruction in reperfused myocardial infarction. Results of a randomized multicenter study in patients and data of an experimental model

Purpose: Ischemic Postconditioning (PCON) appears as a potentially beneficial tool to complement primary angioplasty in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We evaluated the impact of PCON on Microvascular Obstruction (MVO) both in patients and in a highly controlled swine model. Methods: In a multicenter study, 101 patients with a first STEMI were randomized to undergo primary angioplasty followed by PCON or primary angioplasty alone (non-PCON). MVO (lack of contrast uptake in the core of the hyperenhanced infarcted area) was quantified in late enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In an anterior STEMI swine model based on a 90-min angioplasty balloon coronary occl…

Prognostic effect of carbohydrate antigen 125-guided therapy in patients recently discharged for acute heart failure (CHANCE-HF). Study design.

Abstract Introduction and objectives Morbidity and mortality after admission for acute heart failure remain prohibitively high. In that setting, plasma levels of antigen carbohydrate 125 have shown to correlate with the severity of fluid overload and the risk of mortality and readmission. Preliminary data suggests a potential role of antigen carbohydrate 125 to guide therapy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic effect of an antigen carbohydrate 125-guided management strategy vs standard therapy in patients recently discharged for acute heart failure. Methods This is a multicenter, randomized, single-blind, efficacy trial study of patients recently discharged from acute…

Insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección preservada. Tenue luz al final del túnel

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…

B-type natriuretic peptide trend predicts clinical significance of worsening renal function in acute heart failure

Aims In acute heart failure (AHF), relationships between changes in B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and worsening renal function (WRF) and its prognostic implications have not been fully determined. We investigated the relationship between WRF and a decrease in BNP with in-hospital and 1-year mortality in AHF. Methods and results The Acute Kidney Injury NGAL Evaluation of Symptomatic heart faIlure Study (AKINESIS) was a prospective, international, multicentre study of AHF patients. Severe WRF (sWRF) was a sustained increase of &gt;= 44.2 mu mol/L (0.5 mg/dL) or &gt;= 50% in creatinine, non-severe WRF (nsWRF) was a non-sustained increase of &gt;= 26.5 mu mol/L (0.3 mg/dL) or &gt;= 50% in cr…

La suma de la elevación del segmento ST predice mejor la obstrucción microvascular en pacientes tratados con éxito con una intervención coronaria percutánea primaria. Un estudio de resonancia magnética cardiovascular

Introduccion y objetivos La utilidad de la resolucion del segmento ST (RST) para la prediccion de la reperfusion epicardica esta bien establecida. La asociacion de los cambios del segmento ST con la obstruccion microvascular (OMV) observada en la resonancia magnetica cardiovascular (RMC) tras una intervencion coronaria percutanea primaria (ICPp) en el infarto de miocardio con elevacion del ST (IMEST) no se ha aclarado todavia. Metodos Estudiamos a 85 pacientes consecutivos ingresados por un primer IMEST y tratados con una ICPp que tenian una arteria relacionada con el infarto permeable. Se registro un ECG al ingreso, tras 90 min y tras 6, 24, 48 y 96 h de la ICPp. Se calculo la RST y la sum…

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…

Entrenamiento de la musculatura inspiratoria y la electroestimulación muscular funcional en el tratamiento de la insuficiencia cardiaca con función sistólica conservada: estudio TRAINING-HF

SEC 2017: Congreso de las Enfermedades Cardiovasculares Introducción y objetivos No se dispone de tratamientos farmacológicos que demuestren reducir la morbimortalidad asociada en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y función sistólica conservada (IC-FEc). El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar si en pacientes con IC-FEc, el entrenamiento de la musculatura inspiratoria (EMI), la electroestimulación muscular funcional (EMF) o la combinación de ambas (EMI + EMF) puede mejorar la capacidad funcional, calidad de vida, parámetros de disfunción diastólica o biomarcadores a las 12 y 24 semanas. Métodos Un total de 61 pacientes estables con IC-FEc (clase funcional de la New York Heart Associ…

Multi-Biomarker Profiling and Recurrent Hospitalizations in Heart Failure.

Altres ajuts: Fundació La Marató de TV3 (no.201502-30), Sociedad Española de Cardiología, Societat Catalana de Cardiologia Despite advances in pharmacologic therapy and devices, patients with heart failure (HF) continue to have significant rehospitalization rates and risk prediction remains challenging. We sought to explore the value of a multi-biomarker panel [including NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-TnT), and ST2] on top of clinical assessment for long-term prediction of recurrent hospitalizations in HF. NT-proBNP, hs-TnT, and ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity-2) levels were measured in 891 consecutive ambulatory HF patients. The independent association between the mu…

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…

Razón internacional normalizada y mortalidad de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fibrilación auricular tratados con antagonistas de la vitamina K

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca en tratamiento con antagonistas de la vitamina K (AVK) por fibrilacion auricular no valvular (FANV) a menudo presentan valores alterados de la razon internacional normalizada (INR). El objetivo es evaluar la asociacion entre la INR al ingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca y el riesgo de mortalidad en el seguimiento. Metodos Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se evaluo la INR al ingreso de 1.137 pacientes consecutivos con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda en tratamiento con AVK por FANV. Esta se categorizo en: INR en rango optimo (INR = 2-3, n = 210), infraterapeutica (INR 3, n = 267). La asociacion independiente en…

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…

Antithrombotic Therapy after Acute Coronary Syndrome or PCI in Atrial Fibrillation

Background: Appropriate antithrombotic regimens for patients with atrial fibrillation who have an acute coronary syndrome or have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are unclear. Methods: In an international trial with a two-by-two factorial design, we randomly assigned patients with atrial fibrillation who had an acute coronary syndrome or had undergone PCI and were planning to take a P2Y12 inhibitor to receive apixaban or a vitamin K antagonist and to receive aspirin or matching placebo for 6 months. The primary outcome was major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding. Secondary outcomes included death or hospitalization and a composite of ischemic events. Results: Enroll…

Prognostic Value of New-Generation Troponins in ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in the Modern Era: The RUTI-STEMI Study.

Background In ST ‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction ( STEMI ), troponins are not needed for diagnosis: symptoms and ECG data are sufficient to activate percutaneous coronary intervention. This study explored the prognostic value of new‐generation troponins in a real‐life cohort contemporarily treated for STEMI . Methods and Results We studied 1260 consecutive patients with primary STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention between February 22, 2011, and August 31, 2015. We collected data on clinical characteristics and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events ( MACCEs ) at 30 days and 1 year. Peak high‐sensitivity troponin T and sensitive‐contemporary tropon…

Destination Therapy with Left Ventricular Assist Devices in Non-transplant Centres: The Time is Right

For almost half a century, cardiac transplant has been the only long-term treatment for patients with end-stage heart failure. Implantable left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have emerged as a new treatment option for advanced heart failure as destination therapy for patients either too old or not suitable for transplant. A meta-analysis presenting head-to-head comparisons of cardiac transplant versus LVAD as destination therapy (LVAD-DT) found no difference in 1-year mortality rates between LVAD-DT and cardiac transplant (OR 1.49; 95% CI [0.48–4.66]; I2=82.8%). Moreover, a recent subanalysis from the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support found similar outco…

Combination of clinical risk profile, early exercise testing and circulating biomarkers for evaluation of patients with acute chest pain without ST-segment deviation or troponin elevation

Objective: To investigate the combination of clinical data, exercise testing and biomarkers for the evaluation of patients with chest pain without ST-segment deviation or troponin elevation. Design: Prospective cohort design. Settting: Two teaching hospitals in Spain. Patients: 422 patients presenting to the emergency department were studied. Leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) were determined. A validated clinical risk score (number of points according to pain characteristics and risk factors) was used for clinical evaluation and early exercise testing was performed. Main outcome m…

Multimarker risk strategy for predicting 1-month and 1-year major events in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes.

The aim of this study was to define the utility of the combined measurement of troponin I, myoglobin, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and homocysteine to predict risk in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes.Troponin I, myoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and homocysteine were measured in 557 consecutive patients admitted to our institution for non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. The risk for major events (death or nonfatal myocardial infarction) at first month and at first year follow-up was analyzed.In a multivariate model adjusting for baseline characteristics and electrocardiographic changes, the only biomarkers related to major events at first month we…

Refractory congestive heart failure: when the solution is outside the heart

Abstract Refractory congestive heart failure is associated with an ominous prognosis in which the treatments strategies remain scarce and not well validated. In the last years, continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) has emerged as a therapeutic alternative in this subset of patients. So far, it has been associated with a significant improvement in functional capacity and quality of life, together with a striking reduction in the risk of readmissions. We present the case of an elderly patient with severe left ventricular dysfunction and severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation who presents recurrent admissions for anasarca. After its inclusion in a CAPD programme, the patient expe…

A suspicious calcium spike.

Right ventricular involvement in anterior myocardial infarction: a translational approach.

Aims The aim of the present study was to evaluate the involvement of the right ventricle (RV) in reperfused anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods and results Left anterior descending (LAD)-perfused area (using thioflavin-S staining after selective infusion in proximal LAD artery, %), infarct size (using triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, %), and salvaged myocardium (% of LAD-perfused area) in the right and left ventricle (LV) were quantified in a 90-min LAD occlusion 3-day reperfusion model in swine ( n = 8). Additionally, we studied, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance, 20 patients with a first STEMI due to proximal LAD occlusion treated with primary angiopl…

Estrategia invasiva en el síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. De los grandes estudios al mundo real

Introduccion y objetivos Presentamos el impacto pronostico de una estrategia invasiva (EI) en el sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del segmento ST en nuestra institucion. Pacientes y metodo Se ha estudiado a 504 pacientes consecutivos con dolor toracico tipico, cambios electrocardiograficos y elevacion de la troponina I divididos en 2 cohortes: a) grupo conservador, 272 pacientes ingresados entre octubre de 2001 y septiembre de 2002, manejados con una estrategia conservadora (EC); b) grupo invasivo, 232 pacientes ingresados entre octubre de 2002 y septiembre de 2003 y en los que se recomendo una EI. Se recogieron los eventos mayores (defuncion o reinfarto) y menores (reingreso o necesi…

Espironolactona en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección preservada

Undetectable high-sensitivity troponin in combination with clinical assessment for risk stratification of patients with chest pain and normal troponin at hospital arrival

Background Undetectable high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) in a single determination upon admission may rule out acute coronary syndrome. We investigated undetectable hs-cTnT (&amp;lt;detection limit; &amp;lt;5 ng/l) together with clinical risk scores (GRACE, TIMI, HEART and a previously published simple score), for one-year outcomes in patients with chest pain and normal hs-cTnT (&amp;lt;99th percentile; &amp;lt;14 ng/l) upon admission. Methods This study was a retrospective design involving 2254 consecutive patients (July 2016–November 2017). The primary endpoint was one-year death or acute myocardial infarction; the secondary endpoint added unstable angina requiring revasculariz…

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…

Early Sacubitril/Valsartan-driven Benefit on Exercise Capacity in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Pilot Study

Comparison of Carbohydrate Antigen 125 and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide for Risk Prediction After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Elevated carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) have been associated with adverse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This study performs a comparison of both biomarkers for prognosis after TAVI. The study includes 363 patients. The primary end point was all-cause death or readmission for worsening congestive heart failure within 1 year after TAVI, and this end point occurred in 16% of the population. The optimal cutoff to predict the primary end point was 18.4 U/ml for CA125 and 2,570 ng/L for NTproBNP. Elevated CA125 levels were present in 52% and were associated with a higher rate of the primary end point (27% vs…

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

Microvascular perfusion 1 week and 6 months after myocardial infarction by first-pass perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

To characterise the evolution of myocardial perfusion during the first 6 months after myocardial infarction by first-pass perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) and determine its significance.Prospective cohort design.Single-centre study in a teaching hospital in Spain.40 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction, single-vessel disease and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow (stent in 33 patients) underwent rest and low-dose dobutamine CMR 7 (SD 1) and 184 (SD 11) days after infarction. Microvascular perfusion was assessed at rest by visual assessment and quantitative analysis of first-pass perfusion CMR. Of the 640 segments, 290 segme…

A practical approach with outcome for the prognostic assessment of non-ST-segment elevation chest pain and normal troponin.

Patients with non-ST-elevation chest pain constitute a heterogeneous population. Our aim is to compare the outcome of patients with chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation, and normal troponin, categorized using a risk score, with that of patients with ST depression or troponin increase. A total of 1,449 patients with non-ST-elevation chest pain were evaluated. A validated risk score (using pain characteristics and risk factors) was applied to patients without ST depression or troponin increase. Accordingly, 4 risk categories were defined: group 1, no troponin increase, no ST depression, and risk score3 points (n = 633); group 2, no troponin increase, no ST depression, but risk scoreor = 3 poi…

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 …

Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: An Urgent Need for Precision Medicine

Heart failure with preserved (HFpEF) and mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) constitute two heart failure categories, representing about 50–70% of the total [...]

Prognostic Value of Strain by Tissue Tracking Cardiac Magnetic Resonance After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of strain as assessed by tissue tracking (TT) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) soon after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).The prognostic value of myocardial strain as assessed post-STEMI by TT-CMR is unknown.The authors studied the prognostic value of TT-CMR in 323 patients who underwent CMR 1 week post-STEMI. Global (average of peak segmental values [%]) and segmental (number of altered segments) longitudinal (LS), circumferential, and radial strain were assessed using TT-CMR. Global and segmental strain cutoff values were derived from 32 control patients. CMR-derived left ventricular ejection fraction, microvasc…

Paciente «estable» con insuficiencia cardiaca: el momento oportuno

Resumen Los datos del ensayo clinico PARADIGM-HF y otros estudios relevantes en insuficiencia cardiaca con fraccion de eyeccion reducida (IC-FEr) demuestran que los pacientes que etiquetamos de «estables» (la mayoria en clase funcional II de la NYHA y sin ingresos recientes por insuficiencia cardiaca [IC]) en realidad presentan un pronostico clinico muy desfavorable, ya que tienen una gran incidencia de ingresos por IC y/o mortalidad cardiovascular (un 25% en los siguientes 3 anos). Ademas, la mayoria de los pacientes con IC-FEr que sufren muerte subita no presentan un gran deterioro de su capacidad funcional. Por lo tanto, la «falsa sensacion de estabilidad clinica» no implica buen pronost…

Vasodilator Stress CMR and All-Cause Mortality in Stable Ischemic Heart Disease

Abstract Objectives This study explored the association of ischemic burden, as measured by vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), with all-cause mortality and the effect of revascularization on all-cause mortality in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Background In patients with SIHD, the association of ischemic burden, derived from vasodilator stress CMR, with all-cause mortality and its role for decision-making is unclear. Methods The registry consisted of 6,389 consecutive patients (mean age: 65 ± 12 years; 38% women) who underwent vasodilator stress CMR for known or suspected SIHD. The ischemic burden (at stress first-pass perfusion imaging) was com…

Stress cardiac magnetic resonance for mortality prediction and decision-making: registry of 2496 elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome

Abstract Introduction and objectives The management of elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is challenging. We explored the prognostic value and usefulness for decision-making of ischemic burden determined by vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in elderly patients with known or suspected CCS. Methods The study group comprised 2496 patients older than 70 years who underwent vasodilator stress CMR for known or suspected CCS. The ischemic burden (number of segments with stress-induced perfusion deficit) was calculated following the 17-segment model. Subsequently, we retrospectively analyzed its association with all-cause mortality and the effect of CMR-…

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: an underused approach for management of heart failure patients

Usefulness of a Comprehensive Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment for Predicting Recovery of Left Ventricular Wall Motion in the Setting of Myocardial Stunning

ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate the usefulness of a comprehensive assessment of four cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)-derived myocardial viability indexes in the setting of myocardial stunning.BackgroundCardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging allows the simultaneous assessment of several viability indexes.MethodsWe studied 40 patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and an open infarct-related artery. At the first week, using CMR, wall motion (WM), and four viability indexes were determined: wall thickness, WM improvement with low-dose dobutamine, perfusion, and transmural extent of necrosis. We created a comprehensive score based on the presenc…

Effects of the dual sodium-glucose linked transporter inhibitor, licogliflozinvsplacebo or empagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure

Aims Explore the efficacy, safety and tolerability of the dual sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and 2 inhibitor, licogliflozin in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure. Methods This multicentre, parallel-group phase IIA study randomized 125 patients with T2DM and heart failure (New York Heart Association II-IV; plasma N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] &gt;300 pg/mL) to licogliflozin (2.5 mg, 10 mg, 50 mg) taken at bedtime, empagliflozin (25 mg) or placebo (44 patients completed the study). The primary endpoint was change from baseline in NT-proBNP after 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints included change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin, fas…

Analysis of the extension of Q-waves after infarction with body surface map: relationship with infarct size.

We aimed to characterize the extension of Q-waves after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction using body surface map (BSM) and its relationship with infarct size quantified with cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).Thirty-five patients were studied 6 months after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (23 anterior, 12 inferior). All cases had single-vessel disease and an open artery. The extension of Q-waves was analyzed by means of a 64-lead BSM. Infarct size was quantified with CMR. Absence of Q-waves in BSM was observed in 5 patients (14%), 2 of whom (40%) had1 segment with transmural necrosis. Absence of Q-waves in 12-lead ECG was observed in 8 patien…

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…

A bio-clinical approach for prediction of sudden cardiac death in outpatients with heart failure: The ST2-SCD score

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the main modes of death in heart failure (HF) patients and its prediction remains a real challenge. Our aim was to assess the incidence of SCD at 5 years HF contemporary managed outpatients, and to find a simple prediction model for SCD.SCD was considered any unexpected death, witnessed or not, occurring in a previously stable patient with no evidence of worsening HF or any other cause of death. A competing risk strategy was adopted using the Fine-Gray method of Cox regressions analyses that considered other causes of death as the competing event.The derivation cohort included 744 consecutive outpatients (72% men, age 67.9 ± 12.2 years, left ventricular …

Estrategias diuréticas en insuficiencia cardiaca aguda con disfunción renal: terapia convencional frente a guiada por el antígeno carbohidrato 125. Diseño de ensayo clínico

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El tratamiento optimo de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) y sindrome cardiorrenal tipo 1 (SCR-1) no esta bien definido. La hipoperfusion arterial y la congestion venosa tienen un papel fundamental en la fisiopatologia del SCR-1. El antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) ha emergido como marcador indirecto de sobrecarga de volumen en la ICA. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la utilidad del CA125 para el ajuste del tratamiento diuretico de pacientes con SCR-1. Metodos Ensayo clinico multicentrico, abierto y paralelo, que incluye a pacientes con ICA y creatinina ≥ 1,4 mg/dl al ingreso, aleatorizados a: a)  estrategia convencional: titulacion ba…

Factores clave para modelos de atención a la insuficiencia cardiaca. Una visión integradora y multidisciplinar

[Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. La insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) supone un reto para los sistemas sanitarios que se puede responder a través del desarrollo de modelos integrales de atención. Un grupo multidisciplinar de expertos reflexionó sobre los factores clave para avanzar en el desarrollo de este tipo de modelos, planteando una hoja de ruta dirigida a todos los agentes (administraciones, gestores y profesionales sanitarios). Métodos. Se conformó un panel Delphi multidisciplinar integrado por un comité asesor de 15 expertos y un panel adicional de 31 expertos. A través de una revisión bibliográfica sistemática y entrevistas individuales semiestructuradas se realizó un diagnóstico e id…

Limitaciones del blush miocárdico para el análisis de la perfusión miocárdica en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio y flujo TIMI 3

Introduccion y objetivos Analizamos la variabilidad en la medicion del indice angiografico de blush entre un hospital universitario y un laboratorio central independiente, asi como su correlacion con la perfusion analizada mediante ecocardiografia miocardica con contraste intracoronario (EMC) y con la funcion ventricular a los 6 meses Metodos Se incluyo en el estudio a 40 pacientes con un primer infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST, enfermedad de un vaso y arteria relacionada con el infarto abierta. La perfusion se cuantifico por angiografia (mediana quinto dia, rango de 3-7) mediante el blush miocardico en nuestro laboratorio y en un laboratorio central independiente. S…

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…

Iron status measurement in routine heart failure assessment: a call for action

Comparison between CA125 and NT-proBNP for evaluating congestion in acute heart failure

Abstract Background Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and B-type natriuretic peptides are surrogate markers of congestion in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The aim of the study was to assess the association between CA125 and NT-proBNP and congestion parameters in patients with AHF. Methods and results Prospective multicentre observational study that included 191 patients hospitalised for AHF. We recorded the presence of pleural effusion, peripheral oedema and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter during the first 24–48 h after admission and evaluated their independent association with CA125 concentrations and the amino-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Th…

Prognostic Value of Myocardial Ischemia and Necrosis in Depressed Left Ventricular Function: a Multicenter Stress Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Registry

A B S T R A C T Introduction and objectives: The incremental prognostic value of inducible myocardial ischemia over necrosis derived by stress cardiac magnetic resonance in depressed left ventricular function is unknown. We determined the prognostic value of necrosis and ischemia in patients with depressed left ventricular function referred for dipyridamole stress perfusion magnetic resonance. Methods: In a multicenter registry using stress magnetic resonance, the presence ( 2 segments) of late enhancement and perfusion defects and their association with major events (cardiac death and nonfatal infarction) was determined. Results: In 391 patients, perfusion defect or late enhancement were p…

Role of Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin in the Detection of Contrast-induced Nephropathy in Patients Undergoing a Coronary Angiography

Estudio de la perfusión coronaria postinfarto mediante análisis cuantitativo de la ecocardiografía miocárdica con inyección de contraste por vía intravenosa

Introduccion y objetivos. Tras un infarto de miocardio el dano en la microcirculacion indica un peor pronostico. Investigamos la utilidad del estudio cuantitativo de la ecografia miocardica con inyeccion de contraste por via intravenosa (EMC-i.v.) para analizar la perfusion coronaria en comparacion con la inyeccion intracoronaria (EMC-i.c.). Pacientes y metodo. Estudiamos a 42 pacientes con un primer infarto con elevacion del segmento ST, enfermedad de un vaso y arteria abierta (TIMI 3, estenosis 0,75) y EMC-i.v. (perfusion de SonoVue, imagenes unicas capturando 1 de cada 6 ciclos con trigger en telesistole, perfusion normal si > 0,9). Se considero que un paciente tenia perfusion alterada s…

Right Ventricular Dysfunction Staging System for Mortality Risk Stratification in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) parameters are increasingly important features in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). We sought to evaluate the prognostic impact of a progressive RVD staging system by combining the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio with functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity. We prospectively included 1355 consecutive HFpEF patients discharged for acute heart failure (HF). Of them, in 471 (34.7%) patients, PASP could not be accurately measured, leaving the final sample size to be 884 patients. Patients were categorized as Stage 1: TAPSE/PASP &ge

Matrix metalloproteinase-12 cleaved fragment of titin as a predictor of functional capacity in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-12 cleaved fragment of titin (TIM), a novel circulatory biomarker specific for cardiac titin degradation, has emerged as a potential biomarker in cardiovascular diseases. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the association between TIM and maximal functional capacity assessed by the percentage of predicted peak exercise oxygen uptake (pp-peakVO2) in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Design. In this post-hoc study, we included 46 stable symptomatic (New York Heart Association II-III) HFpEF patients enrolled in the TRAINING-HF study (NCT02638961). pp-peak-VO2 was calculated from baseline values. Baseline circulating lev…

Combining Disability and Frailty in an Integrated Scale for Prognostic Assessment After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Soluble ST2 and Diuretic Efficiency in Acute Heart Failure and Concomitant Renal Dysfunction

Abstract Background Identifying patients at risk of poor diuretic response in acute heart failure (AHF) is critical to make prompt adjustments in therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the circulating levels of soluble ST2 predict the cumulative diuretic efficiency (DE) at 24 and 72 hours in patients with AHF and concomitant renal dysfunction. Methods and Results This is a post hoc analysis of the IMPROVE-HF trial, in which we enrolled 160 patients with AHF and renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtrate rate of Conclusions In patients with AHF and renal dysfunction at presentation, circulating levels of sST2 were independently and negatively associated with a …

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…

Valor diagnóstico adicional de la disfunción sistólica inducida para la detección de enfermedad coronaria mediante resonancia magnética cardiaca de estrés con dipiridamol

Introduccion y objetivos La perfusion con dipiridamol en resonancia magnetica cardiaca (RMC) de estres se utiliza para la deteccion de enfermedad de las arterias coronarias (EAC). Sin embargo, se carece de informacion sobre el valor diagnostico de la disfuncion sistolica (DS) inducida con dipiridamol. Este estudio se centra en investigar si la DS inducida aporta un valor diagnostico adicional junto con la perfusion para la deteccion de las EAC. Metodos Se sometio a 166 pacientes a una RMC con dipiridamol y a una angiografia coronaria cuantitativa. Se definio EAC para valores ≥ 70% de estenosis. Se analizo la extension de la DS en reposo, la DS con dipiridamol, la DS inducida, el deficit de …

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…

Usefulness of high-sensitivity troponin T for the evaluation of patients with acute chest pain and no or minimal myocardial damage

Although high-sensitivity troponins allow early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, their role for identification of acute coronary syndrome in patients with normal conventional troponin remains unclear.A total of 446 patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain and normal troponin (common practice assays) in 2 serial samples were included. Both samples were also centrally analyzed for high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland). Detection (3 ng/L) and 99th percentile (≥ 14 ng/L) cutoffs of the maximum hs-TnT levels (hs-TnTmax) were considered. The end points were acute coronary syndrome diagnosis and the composite of in-hospital rev…

Why does C-reactive protein increase in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes?

Abstract Introduction: C-reactive protein is an important prognostic indicator for early risk stratification in patients with an acute coronary syndrome. The mechanisms underlying the elevation of C-reactive protein in these patients have not been fully understood. We studied the factors related to the increase of this acute-phase reactant. Methods and Results: Within a single-centre registry, 419 consecutive patients admitted for a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome were studied. Serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein was measured late (median 3 days) after admission. Clinical, electrocardiographic, biochemical and angiographic variables were recorded. In the multivariate analysis…

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived intramyocardial hemorrhage after STEMI: Influence on long-term prognosis, adverse left ventricular remodeling and relationship with microvascular obstruction

T2 weighted cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The long-term prognostic value of IMH beyond a comprehensive CMR assessment with late enhancement (LE) imaging including microvascular obstruction (MVO) is unclear. The value of CMR-derived IMH for predicting major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and adverse cardiac remodeling after STEMI and its relationship with MVO was analyzed.CMR including LE and T2 sequences was performed in 304 patients 1 week after STEMI. Adverse remodeling was defined as dilated left ventricular end-systolic volume indexes (dLVESV) at 6 months CMR.During a median follow-up …

Randomized comparison between clinical evaluation plus N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide versus exercise testing for decision making in acute chest pain of uncertain origin

Background Exercise testing constitutes the usual tool for decision making in chest pain units. This policy implies logistical constrains. Our aim was to evaluate a new strategy, combining a clinical risk score and N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain, without ischemic electrocardiogram changes or troponin elevation. Methods A total of 320 patients were randomized to either usual management, involving exercise testing, or a new strategy combining a clinical risk score and NT-proBNP without exercise testing. In the usual management, discharge decision was guided by the result of exercise test. In the new str…

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

Valor independiente de la proteína C reactiva para predecir acontecimientos mayores al primer mes y al año en los síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del ST

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizamos si la proteina C reactiva (PCR) aporta informacion pronostica independiente tras un sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del ST. Pacientes y metodo: Se estudio prospectivamente a 630 pacientes consecutivos ingresados por sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del ST. Los puntos de corte fueron: troponina I > 1 ng/ml (n = 354; 56%) y PCR > 11 mg/l (n = 273; 43%). Resultados: Durante un ano de seguimiento se detectaron 56 (9%) muertes de causa cardiaca, 85 (13%) infartos de miocardio y 127 (20%) primeros acontecimientos mayores. Los pacientes con PCR elevada mostraron mayor mortalidad al mes (el 8 frente al 1%) y al ano (el 15 frente al 4%); mayor porcentaj…

Statins in Heart Failure

Estrategia de revascularización invasiva en el síndrome coronario sin elevación del segmento ST. El debate continúa

Revascularization strategy in the setting of non-ST-segment acute coronary syndromes remains a controversy. Evidence obtained from clinical trials, generally performed in selected patients, reveals heterogeneous and insufficient results when a routine invasive revascularization strategy and a conservative one are compared. The conflicting results among trials are due to differences in: a) baseline characteristics; b) methodology and protocols applied and; c) objectives and outcomes definitions. Although present guidelines recommend that a routine invasive strategy should be used in high risk non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes, there is no consistent evidence that supports thi…

Inspiratory Muscle Training and Functional Electrical Stimulation for Treatment of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Rationale and Study Design of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become the most prevalent form of heart failure in developed countries. Regrettably, there is no evidence-based effective therapy for HFpEF. We seek to evaluate whether inspiratory muscle training, functional electrical stimulation, or a combination of both can improve exercise capacity as well as left ventricular diastolic function, biomarker profile, quality of life (QoL), and prognosis in patients with HFpEF. A total of 60 stable symptomatic patients with HFpEF (New York Heart Association class II-III/IV) will be randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive a 12-week program of inspiratory muscle training, functional electrical stimulation, a…

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…

Digoxin and prognosis of heart failure in older patients with preserved ejection fraction: Importance of heart rate. Results from an observational and multicenter study

Abstract Background The value of digoxin in heart failure (HF) remains controversial, particularly in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study evaluated the 1-year risk of events after digoxin treatment for acute heart failure (AHF) in patients >70 years old with HFpEF. Methods 1833 patients were included in this analysis (mean age, 82 years). The main endpoints were all-cause death and the composite of death and/or HF re-admission within 1 year. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between digoxin treatment and prognosis. Results 401 patients received digoxin treatment; of these, 86% had atrial fibrillation. The mean baseline heart rate was 86 ±…

Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients.

Background Heart failure (HF) is associated with a high rate of readmissions within 30 days post-discharge and in the following year, especially in frail elderly patients. Biomarker data are scarce in this high-risk population. This study assessed the value of early post-discharge circulating levels of ST2, NT-proBNP, CA125, and hs-TnI for predicting 30-day and 1-year outcomes in comorbid frail elderly patients with HF with mainly preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods Blood samples were obtained at the first visit shortly after discharge (4.9 ± 2 days). The primary endpoint was the composite of all-cause mortality or HF-related rehospitalization at 30 days and at 1 year. All-cause mo…

Sex differences on peak oxygen uptake in heart failure

Women represent nearly half of the adult heart failure (HF) population and they remain underrepresented in HF studies. We aimed to evaluate the evidence about peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) for clinical stratification in women with HF. This narrative review summarizes (i) the evidence endorsing the value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing for clinical stratification and phenotyping HF population; (ii) the determinants of a person’s functional aerobic capacity to understand predicted values for patients with chronic HF; and (iii) sex differences on peak VO2 data in different forms of HF. Lastly, based on existing data in patients with HF, we provide a perspective on how to improve existing g…

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…

Valor pronóstico a largo plazo del análisis completo de los índices de resonancia magnética cardiaca tras un infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Se ha demostrado el valor pronostico de varios indices de resonancia magnetica cardiaca a medio plazo tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST. La extension de la necrosis transmural permite una prediccion simple y exacta de viabilidad miocardica. Sin embargo, se desconoce su valor pronostico a largo plazo mas alla de una completa evaluacion clinica y por resonancia. Nuestra hipotesis es que la evaluacion semicuantitativa de la extension de la necrosis transmural es el mejor indice de resonancia para predecir el pronostico a largo plazo tras un infarto con elevacion del segmento ST. Metodos Se realizo un estudio cuantitativo con reson…

Study of Post-Infarction Coronary Perfusion Using Quantitative Analysis of Myocardial Echocardiography With Intravenous Injection of Contrast

Introduction and objectives. After a myocardial infarction, damage to the microcirculation indicates a worse prognosis. We compared the usefulness of the quantitative analysis of myocardial contrast echocardiography with intravenous injection of contrast (MCE-iv) with intracoronary injection (MCE-ic) for analyzing coronary perfusion. Patients and method. We studied 42 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction, single-vessel disease and a patent artery (TIMI 3, stenosis 0.75) and MCE-iv (perfusion of SonoVue, singleimage capture in 1 out of each 6 cycles with trigger set at end-systole, perfusion considered normal if >0.9). Perfusion was considered abnormal if 2 or more segmen…

Heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction: a transition phenotype?

Metabolomic Profile of Human Myocardial Ischemia by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Peripheral Blood Serum

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolomic profile of acute myocardial ischemia (MIS) using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of peripheral blood serum of swine and patients undergoing angioplasty balloon‐induced transient coronary occlusion. Background Biochemical detection of MIS is a major challenge. The validation of novel biosignatures is of utmost importance. Methods High-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to profile 32 blood serum metabolites obtained (before and after controlled ischemia) from swine (n 9) and patients (n 20) undergoing transitory MIS in the setting of planned coronary angioplasty. Additionally, blood serum of c…

Los desafíos del profesorado clínico en la educación médica

Resumen: Antecedentes: La enseñanza clínica en la educación médica tiene una particularidad única: el contexto clínico. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las principales barreras de la enseñanza clínica en una facultad joven de Medicina de España. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal descriptivo en el que se solicitó a todos los profesores clínicos (todos ellos profesores asociados) de una facultad joven de Medicina que respondieran a un cuestionario en línea, anónimo y voluntario sobre aspectos de carga asistencial, promoción de la investigación clínica y reconocimiento de sus carreras profesionales. Resultados: Sesenta y un profesores (42%) respondieron al cuestionario. Los…

Congestión venosa en insuficiencia cardiaca aguda: mucho más que un epifenómeno

Clinical History and Detectable Troponin Concentrations below the 99th Percentile for Risk Stratification of Patients with Chest Pain and First Normal Troponin

Decision-making is challenging in patients with chest pain and normal high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT

Study design of Heart failure Events reduction with Remote Monitoring and eHealth Support (HERMeS)

Aims: The role of non‐invasive telemedicine (TM) combining telemonitoring and teleintervention by videoconference (VC) in patients recently admitted due to heart failure (HF) (‘vulnerable phase’ HF patients) is not well established. The aim of the Heart failure Events reduction with Remote Monitoring and eHealth Support (HERMeS) trial is to assess the impact on clinical outcomes of implementing a TM service based on mobile health (mHealth), which includes remote daily monitoring of biometric data and symptom reporting (telemonitoring) combined with VC structured, nurse‐based follow‐up (teleintervention). The results will be compared with those of the comprehensive HF usual care (UC) strateg…

Home-based inspiratory muscle training for management of older patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: does baseline inspiratory muscle pressure matter?

Background:Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is a clinical syndrome characterised by reduced exercise capacity. Some evidence has shown that a simple and home-based programme of inspiratory muscle training offers promising results in terms of aerobic capacity improvement in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This study aimed to investigate whether the baseline inspiratory muscle function predicts the changes in aerobic capacity (measured as peak oxygen uptake; peak VO2) after a 12-week home-based programme of inspiratory muscle training in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Methods:A total of 45 stable symptomatic patients wi…

Utility of Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin for Worsening Renal Function during Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: Primary Findings of the Urine N-gal Acute Kidney Injury N-gal Evaluation of Symptomatic Heart Failure Study (AKINESIS).

ABSTRACT Background: Worsening renal function (WRF) during acute heart failure (AHF) occurs frequently and has been associated with adverse outcomes, though this association has been questioned. WRF is now evaluated by function and injury. We evaluated whether urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL) is superior to creatinine for prediction and prognosis of WRF in patients with AHF. Methods and Results: We performed a multicenter, international, prospective cohort of patients with AHF requiring IV diuretics. The primary outcome was whether uNGAL predicted development of WRF, defined as a sustained increase in creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or ≥50% above first value or initiation of…

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…

Usefulness of Right Ventricular to Pulmonary Circulation Coupling as an Indicator of Risk for Recurrent Admissions in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.

In recent years, the study of right ventricular (RV) to pulmonary circulation (PC) coupling in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has been a matter of special interest. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio has emerged as a reliable noninvasive index of RV to PC coupling. Thus, we hypothesized that TAPSE/PASP would be a predictor of readmission burden in HFpEF. One thousand one hundred and twenty seven consecutive HFpEF patients discharged for acute HF were included. In 367 patients (32.6%), PASP could not be accurately measured by echocardiography, leaving the final sample size to be 760 patients. Negative …

Usefulness of C-reactive protein and left ventricular function for risk assessment in survivors of acute myocardial infarction.

The additional prognostic information provided by C-reactive protein (CRP) to parameters of left ventricular function in survivors of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was investigated in 665 patients (326 with ST elevation and 339 with non-ST elevation). Cox multivariable analysis identified the following predictors of 6-month cardiac death: age (per 5 years hazard ratio [HR] 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1 to 1.4, p = 0.004), Killip class >I at presentation (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 4.5, p = 0.0001), a reduced ejection fraction (per 5% HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.4, p = 0.0001), and greater CRP (per 5 mg/L HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04, p = 0.02); the C-index of the model was 0.77 without a…

Peritoneal Dialysis in Constrictive Pericarditis: A Report of Three Cases

Estrategia invasiva en pacientes con diabetes avanzada y síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. Hallazgos angiográficos y evolución clínica. Resultados del estudio PREDICAR

Introduccion y objetivos La diabetes avanzada se puede asociar con una enfermedad coronaria difusa de dificil revascularizacion. Se estudiaron los hallazgos angiograficos y la evolucion clinica de pacientes con diabetes avanzada (insulinodependencia o mas de 5 anos con farmacos) y sindrome coronario agudo sin elevacion del segmento ST tratados con estrategia invasiva. Metodos Se incluyo a 141 pacientes. En la coronariografia se cuantifico la extension de la enfermedad coronaria mediante un sistema de puntuacion sobre 29 segmentos. Durante 1 ano se recogio el evento combinado de muerte, infarto o reingreso por angina. Resultados La extension de la enfermedad coronaria se asocio con 4 variabl…

FP116TRAJECTORY OF POTASSIUM MEASUREMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SEVERE HYPERKALEMIA AND LONG-TERM ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY

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…

Troponina T de alta sensibilidad y riesgo de hospitalizaciones recurrentes tras un ingreso por insuficiencia cardíaca aguda

Resumen Objetivos La troponina de alta sensibilidad es un biomarcador de dano miocardico que se asocia a un mayor riesgo de mortalidad y progresion de la enfermedad en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Sin embargo, su relacion con el riesgo de futuras rehospitalizaciones es menos conocido. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociacion entre los valores de troponina T ultrasensible (TnT-us) en pacientes con ICA y el riesgo de hospitalizaciones recurrentes en el seguimiento. Metodos Se incluyo prospectivamente una cohorte de 621 pacientes consecutivos con ICA, excluyendose pacientes con sindrome coronario agudo. Se determino la TnT-us obtenida en el primer contacto med…

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…

Additional file 1: of Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Table S1. Correlations between studied biomarkers. Correlation between the different studied biomarkers was performed using Pearson correlation test of log-transformed values of each biomarker. (DOCX 25 kb)

Additional file 1: of Predictive biomarkers for death and rehospitalization in comorbid frail elderly heart failure patients

Table S1. Correlations between studied biomarkers. Correlation between the different studied biomarkers was performed using Pearson correlation test of log-transformed values of each biomarker. (DOCX 25 kb)

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…

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition : towards an indication to treat diabetic kidney disease

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have clearly demonstrated their beneficial effect in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) on top of the standard of care [blood glucose control, renin–angiotensin system blockade, smoking cessation and blood pressure (BP) control], even in patients with overt DKD. However, the indication of this drug class is still blood glucose lowering in type 2 diabetic patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate >45mL/min/1.73m2. Based on the new evidence, several scientific societies have emphasized the preferential prescription of SGLT2i for patients at risk of heart failure or kidney disease, but still within the limits set by health authorities. A r…

P2516Low relative lymphocyte count as a marker of frailty in patients with acute coronary syndromes

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 …

Apoptosis and Mobilization of Lymphocytes to Cardiac Tissue Is Associated with Myocardial Infarction in a Reperfused Porcine Model and Infarct Size in Post-PCI Patients

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most severe outcome of coronary artery disease. Despite rapid reperfusion of the artery, acute irrigation of the cardiac tissue is associated with increased inflammation. While innate immune response in STEMI is well described, an in-depth characterization of adaptive immune cell dynamics and their potential role remains elusive. We performed a translational study using a controlled porcine reperfusion model of STEMI and the analysis of lymphocyte subsets in 116 STEMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In the animal model, a sharp drop in circulating T lymphocytes occurred within the first hours after reper…

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…

Limitations of Myocardial Blush Grade in the Evaluation of Myocardial Perfusion in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction and TIMI Grade 3 Flow

Introduction and objectives An analysis was made of variability in the measurement of the angiographic index blush between a university hospital and an independent core laboratory, as well as its correlation with perfusion analised by intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardigraphy (MCE) and the ventricular function at the sixth month. Methods The study comprised 40 patients with a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, single-vessel disease and open infarct-related artery. Perfusion was quantified by angiography (median fifth day, range 3-7) with blush in our laboratory and in an independent core laboratory. MCE was performed. Ejection fraction at the sixth month was determine…

Low rate of detection of active cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection early following acute myocardial infarction

Prognostic Value of a Comprehensive Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment Soon After a First ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ObjectivesTo evaluate the prognostic value of a comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment soon after a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).BackgroundCMR allows for a simultaneous assessment of wall motion abnormalities (WMA), WMA with low-dose dobutamine (WMA-dobutamine), microvascular obstruction, and transmural necrosis. This approach has been proven to be useful to predict late systolic recovery soon after STEMI. Its prognostic value and the relative prognostic weight of these indexes are not well-defined.MethodsWe studied 214 consecutive patients with a first STEMI treated with thrombolytic therapy or primary angioplasty discharged from hospital. In …

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

Microvascular Obstruction in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Looking Back to Move Forward. Focus on CMR

After a myocardial infarction (MI), despite the resolution of the coronary occlusion, the deterioration of myocardial perfusion persists in a considerable number of patients. This phenomenon is known as microvascular obstruction (MVO). Initially, the focus was placed on re-establishing blood flow in the epicardial artery. Then, the observation that MVO has profound negative structural and prognostic repercussions revived interest in microcirculation. In the near future, the availability of co-adjuvant therapies (beyond timely coronary reperfusion) aimed at preventing, minimizing, and repairing MVOs and finding convincing answers to questions regarding what, when, how, and where to administe…

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…

Anticoagulation prescription in atrial fibrillation.

We seek to assess the factors associated with the anticoagulation prescription in a cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) collected from out-patient clinics.A total of 1524 patients with a history of AF were collected from out-patients clinics. CHADS(2), CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and HAS-BLED scores were calculated in every patient. Variables associated with anticoagulant treatment prescription were analyzed in univariant and multivariant models.Most patients received either anticoagulant (62%) or antiplatelet treatment (37%). Anticoagulation rates increased among higher CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score values. A logistic regression model was performed to assess the variables associate…

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…

Perfusión miocárdica alterada tras un infarto en pacientes con flujo TIMI 3 mantenido. ¿Sólo un fenómeno agudo?

Introduccion y objetivos Se ha senalado que la perfusion anormal analizada mediante resonancia magnetica cardiaca (RMC) es una alteracion transitoria de la microcirculacion despues de un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) con flujo TIMI 3. Planteamos la hipotesis de que las alteraciones de la perfusion miocardica pueden persistir en los meses siguientes. Metodos Estudiamos 47 pacientes con un primer IAM y flujo TIMI 3 mantenido mediante ecografia miocardica con inyeccion intracoronaria de contraste (EMC) en la primera semana y el sexto mes postinfarto. Se considero que habia perfusion anormal mediante EMC si habia mas de un segmento hipoperfundido. Resultados En la primera semana 20 pacientes…

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…

Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis as a promising therapy for light chain amyloidosis with congestive heart failure

Invasive Strategy in Patients With Advanced Diabetes and Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. Angiographic Findings and Clinical Follow-Up. PREDICAR Study Results

Introduction and objectives Advanced diabetes can be associated with diffuse coronary artery disease that is difficult to treat by revascularization. We studied angiographic findings and disease progression in patients with advanced diabetes (either insulin-dependent or taking antidiabetic drugs for >5 years) and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome who were being treated using an invasive strategy. Methods The study included 141 patients. The extent of the coronary artery disease was quantified using a score derived from a 29-segment coronary angiogram. The composite endpoint was death, myocardial infarction, or readmission for unstable angina within one year of follow-up. Results The …

Prognostic Implications of Tissue Doppler Imaging-Derived E/Ea Ratio in Acute Heart Failure Patients

Background Tissue Doppler–derived transmitral to mitral annular early diastolic velocity ratio (E/Ea), as a noninvasive estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressures, is a strong prognosticator in various cardiac scenarios including chronic heart failure; nevertheless, its utility for risk stratification in the whole spectrum of acute heart failure (AHF) patients remains elusive. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association between E/Ea ratio and 1-year mortality in nonselected patients with AHF. Methods The study included 417 consecutive patients admitted for AHF. Twenty-two patients were excluded due to nonaccurate Ea measurements, leaving the final sample to be 39…

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…

Prognostic implications of pericardial effusion: The importance of underlying etiology

Long-term outcome of patients with NSTEMI and nonobstructive coronary arteries by different angiographic subtypes

Discordant data have been reported on the prognosis of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Moreover, few data are available on the impact of angiographic subtypes. The objectives of this study were to assess the prognostic impact on the long-term follow-up of the diagnosis of MINOCA and its angiographic subtypes.We included 591 consecutive patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) who underwent coronary angiography. MINOCA was classified according to angiographic findings as smooth coronary arteries, mild irregularities (30% stenosis), and moderate atherosclerosis (30%-49% stenosis). The primary endpoint was a composite of mortal…

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…

Characterization and implications of the dynamics of eosinophils in blood and in the infarcted myocardium after coronary reperfusion.

Objective We characterized the dynamics of eosinophils in blood and in the infarcted myocardium in patients and in a swine model of reperfused myocardial infarction (MI). The association of eosinophil dynamics with various outcomes was assessed. Methods Serial eosinophil count and pre-discharge cardiac magnetic resonance were carried out in a prospective series of 620 patients with a first ST-elevation MI. In a swine model of reperfused MI, the dynamics of circulating eosinophils and their presence in the infarcted myocardium were determined. In autopsies from chronic MI patients, eosinophils were quantified. Results Patient eosinophil count sharply decreased 12h post-reperfusion compared t…

Hemorrhage in patients under oral anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation. The other side of the coin

Abstract Introduction and objectives Oral anticoagulation therapy is prescribed to most patients with atrial fibrillation. The main limitation of anticoagulant treatment is the occurrence of bleeding episodes. We sought to assess the type of hemorrhages and mortality in patients anticoagulated for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods Observational retrospective study analyzing 2 081 138 hospitalization reports from 2014 corresponding to 151 hospitals of the Spanish National Health System. Patients were selected with the diagnosis of hemorrhage, nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, and oral anticoagulation. Results A total of 5783 hospitalizations were analyzed. Most hemorrhages were digesti…

New Risk Score for Patients With Acute Chest Pain, Non-ST-Segment Deviation, and Normal Troponin Concentrations

Objectives The purpose of this research was to develop a risk score for patients with chest pain, non-ST-segment deviation electrocardiogram (ECG), and normal troponin levels. Background Prognosis assessment in this population remains a challenge. Methods A total of 646 consecutive patients were evaluated by clinical history (risk factors and chest pain score according to pain characteristics), ECG, and early exercise testing. ST-segment deviation and troponin elevation were exclusion criteria. The primary end point was mortality or myocardial infarction at one year. The secondary end point was mortality, myocardial infarction, or urgent revascularization at 14 days (similar to the Thrombol…

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…

Tratamiento farmacológico inicial del paciente con insuficiencia cardíaca con función sistólica reducida: ¿es importante el orden de inicio y las dosis conseguidas?

Indicadores pronósticos del síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST

Objectives. We analyzed whether the study of systolic function by echocardiography adds independent information to that afforded by biochemical markers in predicting six-month major events after non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. Patients and method. Baseline clinical and electrocardiographic data as well as serum concentrations of troponin, myoglobin, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and homocysteine were recorded prospectively in 515 consecutive patients admitted because of non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome. Ejection fraction (echocardiogram) was determined in 248 cases (48%). Predictors of cardiac death or infarction within the following six months were analyzed. Results. In …

Indicaciones actuales de revascularización

Randomized controlled trials in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and stable angina indicate that the majority of cases can be managed by optimum medical treatment. The exceptions are patients with conditions that could benefit from revascularization, such as recurrent angina, extensive inducible ischemia or complex coronary anatomy. However, since studies have traditionally excluded patients with significant comorbidity, it is not clear which treatment approach would be best in these circumstances. Although patients with comorbidities are usually treated conservatively in routine clinical practice, some recent studies in elderly patients have raised the possibility that this sub…

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…

Pronóstico a corto plazo de los pacientes ingresados por probable síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación del segmento ST. Papel de los nuevos marcadores de daño miocárdico y de los reactantes de fase aguda

Objectives. The relative value of classic markers, myocardial damage variables, and levels of acute-phase reactants in establishing the pre-discharge prognosis of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation was analyzed. Method. We prospectively studied 385 consecutive patients admitted from our chest pain unit with a highprobability diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome without ST-segment elevation. The clinical and electrocardiographic data, myocardial damage markers (troponin I, CK-Mb mass, myoglobin), and acute-phase reactants (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen) were recorded. Results. During admission, 15 deaths (3.9%) and 16 complicative infarctions (4.2%) occurr…

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

CA125-Guided Diuretic Treatment Versus Usual Care in Patients With Acute Heart Failure and Renal Dysfunction

BACKGROUND: The optimal diuretic treatment strategy for patients with acute heart failure and renal dysfunction remains unclear. Plasma carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is a surrogate of fluid overload and a potentially valuable tool for guiding decongestion therapy. The aim of this study was to determine if a CA125-guided diuretic strategy is superior to usual care in terms of short-term renal function in patients with acute heart failure and renal dysfunction at presentation. METHODS: This multicenter, open-label study randomized 160 patients with acute heart failure and renal dysfunction into 2 groups (1:1). Loop diuretics doses were established according to CA125 levels in the CA125-gui…

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…

Step by Step Toward Biomarker-Based Precision Medicine in Heart Failure

> You wouldn't wear just any pair of glasses—your prescription is tailored to your vision. This statement was made by President Obama in 2016 during the presentation and launch of the Precision Medicine Initiative. Whether we like it or not (and some politicians today seem rather indifferent), we are headed toward a new paradigm of precision medicine. This is a new era of medicine in which the right treatment is delivered at the right time to the right person. In the context of heart failure (HF)5 there is a long road ahead to fully realize the goals of precision medicine. HF is a complex syndrome with heterogeneous pathophysiology. Most medical treatments currently used in HF have been tes…

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…

A non-valvular infective endocarditis in an HIV patient with myocardiopathy

A 37-year-old woman presented in the emergency department revealing a history of HIV infection and C virus hepatitis diagnosed 15 years ago, acquired after a period of intravenous drug abusing. The patient was receiving triple antiHIV therapy and was in an A1 stage (last lymphocite recount of CD4: 0.63 10/l and no AIDS disease manifestation to the present moment). She described episodes, starting 20 days before, of torathic pain coexisting with shivers. There were no symptoms or signs of any focal infection. In the physical examination the only findings were a temperature of 38.4 8C, a 4 cm hepatomegaly and lipodystrophy. We found in the electrocardiogram a sinus rhythm, 96 bpm and no ST se…

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.

Head-to-head comparison of contemporary heart failure risk scores.

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UAB Aims: Several heart failure (HF) web-based risk scores are currently used in clinical practice. Currently, we lack head-to-head comparison of the accuracy of risk scores. This study aimed to assess correlation and mortality prediction performance of Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC-HF) risk score, which includes clinical variables + medications; Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM), which includes clinical variables + treatments + analytes; PARADIGM Risk of Events and Death in the Contemporary Treatment of Heart Failure (PREDICT-HF) and Barcelona Bio-Heart Failure (BCN-Bio-HF) risk calculator, which also include biomarke…

Complexity Levels in Patients With Heart Failure Diagnostic Codes in a Population

Trends in modes of death in heart failure over the last two decades: less sudden death but cancer deaths on the rise.

AIMS Better management of heart failure (HF) over the past two decades has improved survival, mainly by reducing the incidence of death due to cardiovascular (CV) causes. Deaths due to non-CV causes, particularly cancer, may be increasing. This study explored the modes of death of consecutive patients who attended a HF clinic over 17 years. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 935 deaths were ascertained from 2002 to 2018 among 1876 patients (mean age 65.8 ± 12.5 years, 75% men, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%) admitted to our HF clinic. Median follow-up was 4.2 years [1.9-7.8]. Mode of death was curated from patient health records and verified by the Catalan and Spanish health system da…

Beta‐blockers withdrawal in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and chronotropic incompetence: Effect on functional capacity rationale and study design of a prospective, randomized, controlled trial (The Preserve‐HR trial)

Abstract Background The pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is complex and multifactorial. Chronotropic incompetence (ChI) has emerged as a crucial pathophysiological mechanism. Beta‐blockers, drugs with negative chronotropic effects, are commonly used in HFpEF, although current evidence does not support its routine use in these patients. Hypothesis We postulate beta‐blockers may have deleterious effects in HFpEF and ChI. This work aims to evaluate the short‐term effect of beta‐blockers withdrawal on functional capacity assessed by the maximal oxygen uptake (peakVO2) in patients with HFpEF and ChI. Methods This is a prospective, crossover, randomized (1…

Cardiorenal Syndrome in Acute Heart Failure: Revisiting Paradigms

A B S T R A C T Cardiorenal syndrome has been defined as the simultaneous dysfunction of both the heart and the kidney. Worsening renal function that occurs in patients with acute heart failure has been classified as cardiorenal syndrome type 1. In this setting, worsening renal function is a common finding and is due to complex, multifactorial, and not fully understood processes involving hemodynamic (renal arterial hypoperfusion and renal venous congestion) and nonhemodynamic factors. Traditionally, worsening renal function has been associated with worse outcomes, but recent findings have revealed mixed and heterogeneous results, perhaps suggesting that the same phenotype represents a dive…

Acute kidney injury in heart failure: a population study

Abstract Aims The objective of the present study is to assess the prognostic value of acute kidney injury (AKI) in the evolution of patients with heart failure (HF) using real‐world data. Methods and results Patients with a diagnosis of HF and with serial measurements of renal function collected throughout the study period were included. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated with the CKD‐EPI (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration). AKI was defined when a sudden drop in creatinine with posterior recovery was recorded. According to the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End‐Stage Renal Disease (RIFLE) scale, AKI severity was graded in three categories: risk [1.5‐…

Usefulness of concomitant myoglobin and troponin elevation as a biochemical marker of mortality in non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes

Koolen JJ. Measurement of fractional flow reserve to assess the functional severity of coronary-artery stenoses. N Engl J Med 1996;334:1703–1708. 2. Senior R, Kaul S, Soman P, Lahiri A. Power-Doppler contrast echocardiography—a new technique for Assessing myocardial perfusion. Am Heart J 2000; 139:245–251. 3. Picano E, Parodi O, Lattanzi F, Sambuceti G, Andrade MJ, Marzullo P, Giorgetti A, Salvadori P, Marzilli M, Distante A. Assessment of anatomic and physiological severity of single-vessel coronary artery lesions by dipyridamole echocardiography. Comparison with positron emission tomography and quantitative arteriography. Circulation 1994;89:753–761. 4. Jayaweera AR, Wei K, Coggins M, Bin…

Endothelial Progenitor Cells Predict Cardiovascular Events after Atherothrombotic Stroke and Acute Myocardial Infarction. A PROCELL Substudy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors for the risk of new vascular events during the first 6 months after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or atherothrombotic stroke (AS). We were interested in the prognostic role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and circulating endothelial cells (CEC). METHODS: Between February 2009 and July 2012, 100 AMI and 50 AS patients were consecutively studied in three Spanish centres. Patients with previously documented coronary artery disease or ischemic strokes were excluded. Samples were collected within 24h of onset of symptoms. EPC and CEC were studied using flow cytometry and categorized by quartiles. Patients were foll…

Bio-profiling and bio-prognostication of chronic heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction.

Abstract Background Recent ESC guidelines on heart failure (HF) have introduced a new phenotype based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), called the mid-range (HFmrEF). This phenotype falls between the classical reduced (HFrEF) and preserved (HFpEF) HF phenotypes. We aimed to characterize the HFmrEF biomarker profile and outcomes. Methods 1069 consecutive ambulatory patients were included in the study (age 66.2 ± 12.8 years); 800 with HFrEF (74.8%), 134 with HFmrEF (12.5%), and 135 with HFpEF (12.5%). We measured serum concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (ST2), galectin-…

Effect of β-Blocker Withdrawal on Functional Capacity in Heart Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND Chronotropic incompetence has shown to be associated with a decrease in exercise capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), yet b-blockers are commonly used in HFpEF despite the lack of robust evidence. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effect of b-blocker withdrawal on peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) in patients with HFpEF and chronotropic incompetence. METHODS This is a multicenter, randomized, investigator-blinded, crossover clinical trial consisting of 2 treatment periods of 2 weeks separated by a washout period of 2 weeks. Patients with stable HFpEF, New York Heart Association functional classes II and III, previous treatment with b-bloc…

The Peptide for Life Initiative: a call for action to provide equal access to the use of natriuretic peptides in the diagnosis of acute heart failure across Europe

n/a Funding Agencies|Applied Therapeutics; Innolife; Novartis PharmaceuticalsNovartis; Abbott DiagnosticsAbbott Laboratories; AstraZenecaAstraZeneca; AbbottAbbott Laboratories; Boehringer IngelheimBoehringer Ingelheim; Cardior Pharmaceuticals Gmbh; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk; RocheRoche Holding; Swiss National Science FoundationSwiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)European Commission; Swiss Heart Foundation; KTI; European UnionEuropean Commission; University of Basel; University Hospital Basel; Beckman Coulter; BRAHMS; Idorsia; NovartisNovartis; Ortho Clinical Diagnostics; Quidel; SiemensSiemens AG; Singulex; Sphingotec; CardioRenal

Frailty Scales for Prognosis Assessment of Older Adult Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction

We aimed to compare the prognostic value of two different measures, the Fried’s Frailty Scale (FFS) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), following myocardial infarction (MI). We included 150 patients ≥ 70 years admitted from AMI. Frailty was evaluated on the day before discharge. The primary endpoint was number of days alive and out of hospital (DAOH) during the first 800 days. Secondary endpoints were mortality and a composite of mortality and reinfarction. Frailty was diagnosed in 58% and 34% of patients using the FFS and CFS scales, respectively. During the first 800 days 34 deaths and 137 admissions occurred. The number of DAOH decreased significantly with increasing scores of both FFS…

Mid-term Prognostic Implication of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with Prior Heart Failure diagnosis

Comorbidity assessment for mortality risk stratification in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background The Charlson's is the most used comorbidity index. It comprises 19 comorbidities, some of which are infrequent in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), while some others are manifestations of cardiac disease rather than comorbidities. Our goal was to simplify comorbidity assessment in elderly non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients. Methods The study group consisted of 1 training (n = 920, 76 ± 7 years) and 1 testing (n = 532; 84 ± 4 years) cohorts. The end-point was all-cause mortality at 1-year follow-up. Comorbidities were assessed selecting those medical disorders other than cardiac disease that were independently associated with mortality by multivariable analys…

Invasive Versus Conservative Strategy in Frail Patients With NSTEMI: The MOSCA-FRAIL Clinical Trial Study Design

Abstract Introduction and objectives Although clinical guidelines recommend invasive management in non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), this strategy is underused in frail elderly patients in the real world. Furthermore, these patients are underrepresented in clinical trials and therefore the evidence is scarce. Our hypothesis is that an invasive strategy will improve prognosis in elderly frail patients with NSTEMI . Methods This will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized trial, in which the conservative and invasive strategies will be compared in patients meeting all of the following inclusion criteria: NSTEMI diagnosis, age ≥ 70 years, and frailty defined by a cate…

Serum neprilysin and recurrent hospitalizations after acute heart failure

Factor trefoil-3 y galectina-4 como nuevos candidatos para biomarcadores pronósticos en infarto de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST

Cardiorespiratory fitness measured with cardiopulmonary exercise testing and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Highlights • High cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with 58% lower all-cause mortality risk and 73% lower cardiovascular mortality risk compared to unfit counterparts. • Each 1 metabolic equivalent (1-MET) increase in CRF is associated with a 19% lower CVD mortality risk among patients with CVD. • Coronary artery disease patients with high CRF have a 68% lower all-cause mortality risk than their unfit counterparts. • Each 1-MET increase in CRF is associated with a 17% lower all-cause mortality risk among patients with coronary artery disease. • No significant associations were found between increments of 1-MET and lower mortality ris…

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…

Uncontrolled immune response in acute myocardial infarction

Recently, the theory that hyperinflammation is the body's primary response to potent stimulus has been challenged. Indeed, a deregulation of the immune system could be the cause of multiple organ failure. So far, clinicians have focused on the last steps of the inflammatory cascade. However, little attention has been paid to lymphocytes, which play an important role as strategists of the inflammatory response. Experimental evidence suggests a crucial role of T lymphocytes in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In summary, from the bottom of an imaginary inverted pyramid, a few regulatory T-cells control the upper parts represented by the wide spectr…

Clinical Evaluation Versus Undetectable High-Sensitivity Troponin for Assessment of Patients With Acute Chest Pain.

Decision-making in acute chest pain remains challenging despite normal (below ninety-ninth percentile) high-sensitivity troponin (hs-cTn). Some studies suggest that undetectable hs-cTn, far below the ninety-ninth percentile, might rule out acute coronary syndrome. We investigated clinical data in comparison to undetectable hs-cTnT. The study comprised 682 patients (November 2010 to September 2011) presenting at the emergency department with chest pain and normal hs-cTnT (14 ng/l). The main end point was major adverse cardiac events (MACE: death, myocardial infarction, readmission for unstable angina, or revascularization) at a 4-year median follow-up; secondary end point was 30-day MACE. A …

Evolution of 5 cardiovascular magnetic resonance–derived viability indexes after reperfused myocardial infarction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the simultaneous evolution of 5 cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived myocardial viability indexes.We studied 72 patients with a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction and sustained TIMI 3 flow. In the first week and in the sixth month of the study, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, we determined wall thickening (WT) and the following viability indexes: wall thickness, WT with low-dose dobutamine, microvascular perfusion in first-pass imaging, microvascular obstruction in late-enhancement imaging, and transmural extent of necrosis.In 250 dysfunctional segments, the evolution outcomes for the viability indexes were as follows: …

Abnormal Myocardial Perfusion After Infarction in Patients With Persistent TIMI Grade-3 Flow. Only an Acute Phenomenon?

Introduction and objectives It has been suggested that abnormal perfusion as derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is a transient dysfunction of microcirculation after myocardial infarction (MI) with TIMI 3 flow. We hypothesized that defects of myocardial perfusion may persist during the following months. Methods Forty-seven patients with MI and sustained TIMI 3 flow underwent intracoronary myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) 1 week and 6 months after infarction. Abnormal perfusion by MCE was regarded as >1 hypoperfused segment. Results At one week, 20 patients showed abnormal perfusion as derived from MCE. At six months 10 patients displayed chronic abnormal p…

Transitioning from Preclinical to Clinical Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Mechanistic Approach.

International audience; To better understand heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), we need to better characterize the transition from asymptomatic pre-HFpEF to symptomatic HFpEF. The current emphasis on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction must be redirected to microvascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction that leads to cardiomyocyte remodeling and enhanced interstitial collagen deposition. A pre-HFpEF patient lacks signs or symptoms of heart failure (HF), has preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) with incipient structural changes similar to HFpEF, and possesses elevated biomarkers of cardiac dysfunction. The transition from pre-HFpEF to symptomati…

Infusión intracoronaria de tioflavina-S para el estudio de la obstrucción microvascular en un modelo de infarto de miocardio

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La obstruccion microvascular produce efectos nocivos despues del infarto de miocardio. Con objeto de esclarecer el papel de la lesion por isquemia-reperfusion en la aparicion y la dinamica de la obstruccion microvascular, se llevo a cabo un estudio metodologico preliminar para definir con exactitud este proceso en un modelo in vivo . Metodos Se indujo un infarto de miocardio en cerdos mediante una oclusion de 90 min en la parte media de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior izquierda empleando balones de angioplastia. Se aplico una infusion intracoronaria de tioflavina-S y se comparo con la instilacion tradicional intraaortica o intraventricular. Se cuan…

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 …

Impact of pre-hospital renal function on the detection of acute kidney injury in acute decompensated heart failure.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure (HF). Currently, AKI definitions consider creatinine levels at admission as reference of baseline renal function (RF). However, renal impairment may already be present at admission. We aimed to study the impact on AKI detection of considering outpatient RF as reference.In a cohort of 458 patients hospitalized for decompensated HF, we studied the occurrence of AKI using the standardized KDIGO criteria and grading (stages: 1, 2, 3), and considering two different definitions according to the RF used as reference or baseline: the latest outpatient measurement prior to admission vs. the f…

Microvascular obstruction in the right ventricle in reperfused anterior myocardial infarction. Macroscopic and pathologic evidence in a swine model.

article i nfo Introduction: Data on right ventricular (RV) involvement in anterior myocardial infarction are scarce. The presence of RV microvascular obstruction (MVO) in this context has not been analyzed yet. The aim of the present study was to characterize the presence of MVO in the RV in a controlled experimental swine model of reperfused anterior myocardial infarction. Materials and Methods: Left anterior descending (LAD) artery-perfused area (thioflavin-S staining after selective infusioninLADartery),infarctsize(lackof triphenyltetrazolium-chloride staining) andMVO (lack of thioflavin-S staininginthe core oftheinfarctedarea) inthe RVwere studied.A quantitative(%of theventricularvolume…

Prognostic and therapeutic implications of dipyridamole stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance on the basis of the ischaemic cascade

To determine the prognostic and therapeutic implications of stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) on the basis of the ischaemic cascade.Single centre study in a teaching hospital in Spain.Dipyridamole stress CMR was performed on 601 patients with ischaemic chest pain and known or suspected coronary artery disease. On the basis of the ischaemic cascade, patients were categorised in C1 (no evidence of ischaemia, n = 354), C2 (isolated perfusion deficit at stress first-pass perfusion imaging, n = 181) and C3 (simultaneous perfusion deficit and inducible wall motion abnormalities, n = 66). CMR-related revascularisation (n = 102, 17%) was defined as the procedure prompted by t…

Comorbidities, Fragility, and Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients With Midrange Ejection Fraction.

Objective: To assess the effects of comorbidities, fragility, and quality of life (QOL) on long-term prognosis in ambulatory patients with heart failure (HF) with midrange left ventricular ejection fraction (HFmrEF), an unexplored area. Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients prospectively evaluated at an HF clinic between August 1, 2001, and December 31, 2015, were retrospectively analyzed on the basis of left ventricular ejection fraction category. We compared patients with HFmrEF (n=185) to those with reduced (HFrEF; n=1058) and preserved (HFpEF; n=162) ejection fraction. Fragility was defined as 1 or more abnormal evaluations on 4 standardized geriatric scales (Barthel Index, Older A…

Valor pronóstico del recuento leucocitario en el infarto agudo de miocardio: mortalidad a largo plazo

Introduccion y objetivos. Publicaciones recientes respaldan el papel pronostico del recuento leucocitario (RL) en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el valor predictivo atribuible al RL, con independencia de otras variables de contrastado valor pronostico, para predecir mortalidad a largo plazo en pacientes con IAM sin elevacion del segmento ST (IAMSEST) y con elevacion del segmento ST (IAMEST). Pacientes y metodo. Analizamos a 1.118 pacientes admitidos de forma consecutiva con el diagnostico de IAM (IAMSEST = 569; IAMEST = 549). El RL se obtuvo en la primera determinacion analitica. Se utilizaron modelos de regresion de Cox para deter…

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction infrequently evolves toward a reduced phenotype in long-term survivors: a long-term prospective longitudinal study

Background: Long-term trajectories of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in heart failure (HF) patients with preserved EF (HFpEF) remain unclear. Our objective was to assess long-term longitudinal trajectories in consecutive HFpEF patients and the prognostic impact of LVEF dynamic changes over time. Methods and Results: Consecutive ambulatory HFpEF patients admitted to a multidisciplinary HF Unit were prospectively evaluated by 2-dimensional echocardiography at baseline and at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 years of follow-up. Exclusion criteria were patients having a previous known LVEF &lt;50%, patients undergoing only 1 echocardiogram study, and those with a diagnosis of dilated, noncompa…

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…

The Tumor Marker CA125 and Heart Failure

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…

Linfopenia post-reperfusión y obstrucción microvascular en el infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST

Introduccion y objetivos La obstruccion microvascular tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST se asocia a mal pronostico. La fisiopatologia de este fenomeno no esta totalmente definida. Analizamos las implicaciones de la linfopenia post-reperfusion en la existencia de obstruccion microvascular. Metodos Estudiamos prospectivamente a 212 pacientes que habian sufrido un primer infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST reperfundido con agentes tromboliticos o con angioplastia primaria y con la arteria responsable abierta. Cuantificamos de manera seriada las cifras de linfocitos, neutrofilos y monocitos. Usamos la resonancia magnetica cardiaca para determi…

Mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells in acute cardiovascular events in the PROCELL study: Time-course after acute myocardial infarction and stroke

The mobilization pattern and functionality of endothelial progenitor cells after an acute ischemic event remain largely unknown. The aim of our study was to characterize and compare the short- and long-term mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells and circulating endothelial cells after acute myocardial infarction or atherothrombotic stroke, and to determine the relationship between these cell counts and plasma concentrations of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and Von Willebrand factor (VWF) as surrogate markers of endothelial damage and inflammation. In addition, we assessed whether endothelial progenitor cells behave like functional endothelial cells. We included 150 patients…

Post-Reperfusion Lymphopenia and Microvascular Obstruction in ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction

The presence of microvascular obstruction after ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction is associated with a poor outcome. The pathophysiology of this process has not been fully defined. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between post-reperfusion lymphopenia and microvascular obstruction.This prospective study involved 212 patients with a first ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction who underwent reperfusion with thrombolytic agents or primary angioplasty and who had an open infarct-related artery. Serial measurements of lymphocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts were taken. Cardiac magnetic resonance was used to detect microvascular obstruction dur…

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 …

Applicability of Echocardiographic Strict Negative Criteria for Suspected Infective Endocarditis.

Echocardiography is the cornerstone imaging technique in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) but is often misused in clinical practice. Recently, strict negative criteria have been proposed to avoid unnecessary follow-up echocardiograms. We aimed to evaluate the use of echocardiography in real-world clinical daily practice and the usefulness of these criteria in the diagnosis of IE. We retrospectively retrieved every echocardiogram performed in our center for suspected IE between 2014 and 2018, including 905 transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs). Of these, 451 (49.8%) fulfilled the strict negative criteria (group 1). In this group, IE was seldom diagnosed (n = 4, 0.9%). In 338 patie…

Stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance and mortality in a registry of 2496 elderly patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Prognosis and decision-making

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background. In recent guidelines, non-invasive imaging techniques play a pivotal role in the management of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). The elderly represent a large percentage of our routine CCS population and risk stratification in this scenario is challenging. The potential of vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for this purpose is unknown. Purpose. We explore the prognostic value and the usefulness for decision-making of the ischemic burden determined by vasodilator stress CMR imaging in a large cohort of elderly patients with known or suspected CCS. Methods. The study group was made up of 2496 p…

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…

Pronóstico a largo plazo de pacientes con IAMSEST y coronarias sin lesiones obstructivas según los distintos subtipos angiográficos

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Hay evidencia discordante sobre el pronostico del infarto sin lesiones coronarias obstructivas (MINOCA). Ademas, existen pocos datos del impacto de sus subtipos angiograficos. Los objetivos del estudio son evaluar el impacto pronostico del MINOCA y sus subtipos angiograficos en el seguimiento a largo plazo. Metodos Se incluyo a 591 pacientes consecutivos con IAMSEST a los que se realizo una coronariografia. Los pacientes con MINOCA se clasificaron segun la angiografia en: coronarias lisas, irregularidades leves (estenosis  Resultados En total, 121 pacientes (20,5%) no tenian lesiones obstructivas. El MINOCA se asocio con una menor ocurrencia de MACE (p = 0,0…

Long-Term Prognostic Value of Cognitive Impairment on Top of Frailty in Older Adults after Acute Coronary Syndrome

Frailty is a marker of poor prognosis in older adults after acute coronary syndrome. We investigated whether cognitive impairment provides additional prognostic information. The study population consisted of a prospective cohort of 342 older (&gt

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…

Resultados de la estrategia farmacoinvasiva y de la angioplastia primaria en la reperfusión del infarto con elevación del segmento ST. Estudio con resonancia magnética cardiaca en la primera semana y en el sexto mes

[EN] Introduction and objectives: Pharmacoinvasive strategy represents an attractive alternative to primary angioplasty. Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging we compared the left ventricular outcome of the pharmacoinvasive strategy and primary angioplasty for the reperfusion of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance was performed 1 week and 6 months after infarction in two consecutive cohorts of patients included in a prospective university hospital ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction registry. During the period 2004-2006, 151 patients were treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy (thrombolysis followed by routine non-immediate…

Tratamiento hipolipemiante en los pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular de riesgo muy elevado. Documento de consenso SEC sobre las indicaciones de los iPCSK9 en la práctica clínica

Different primary and secondary prevention studies have documented that a greater degree of reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is associated with a greater decrease in cardiovascular event rates. PCSK9 inhibitors achieve important, rapid and sustained decreases in LDL-C. New clinical practice guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia establish reduced target levels of LDL-C. These goals are hardly achievable with a statin-only treatment, even in combination with ezetimibe. The addition of PCSK9 inhibitors can play a determining role in achieving these recommendations. However, it is important to identify the patient subgroups that can most benefit from this …

Unraveling the Molecular Mechanism of Action of Empagliflozin in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction With or Without Diabetes

Visual Abstract

Additional file 8 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 8: Figure S4. Survival and event-free survival curves related to the presence of diabetes mellitus and to etiology (ischemic vs. non-ischemic). Panel B: Event-free survival curves (composite end-point of all-cause death or HF hospitalizations). Diabetic patients from ischemic etiology (dark purple) showed the worse prognosis, while non-diabetic from non-ischemic etiology (blue) showed the best. Remarkably diabetic patients from non-ischemic etiology (soft orange) showed slightly worse prognosis than non-diabetic patients from ischemic etiology (green).

Additional file 1 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 1: Figure S1. Distribution of the number of echocardiograms performed per patient. Number of echocardiograms per patient ranged from 2 (minimum inclusion criteria) to 9 (patients with all the per protocol pre-specified echocardiograms).

Additional file 6 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 6: Figure S3. Loess spline curves of long-term LVEF trajectories based on sex. Panel B: Women. P value for trajectory changes on LVEF &lt;0.001 for both groups. P for comparison between groups (interaction between trajectory changes and diabetes) = 0.14. Shaded regions displayed around curves represent the confidence interval at level = 0.95.

Additional file 5 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 5: Figure S3. Loess spline curves of long-term LVEF trajectories based on sex. Panel A: Men. Diabetic (orange) vs. non-diabetic (blue) patients. P value for trajectory changes on LVEF

Additional file 3 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 3: Figure S2. Loess spline curves of long-term LVEF trajectories based on heart failure duration. Panel A: Patients with HF duration ≤ 12 months; Diabetic (orange) vs. non-diabetic (blue) patients. P value for trajectory changes on LVEF

Additional file 4 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 4: Figure S2. Loess spline curves of long-term LVEF trajectories based on heart failure duration. Panel B: Patients with HF duration &gt; 12 months. P value for trajectory changes on LVEF

Additional file 7 of Long-term LVEF trajectories in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: diabetic cardiomyopathy may underlie functional decline

Additional file 7: Figure S4. Survival and event-free survival curves related to the presence of diabetes mellitus and to etiology (ischemic vs. non-ischemic). Panel A: All-cause death survival curves.