Comparative efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine in combination with corticosteroids in the treatment of lymphocytic myocarditis

Abstract Purpose To compare of the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MM) and azathioprine in combination with corticosteroids in the treatment of lymphocytic myocarditis. Methods The study included 45 patients with lymphocytic myocarditis, 34 male, the average age 48.1±11.2 years. The diagnosis of myocarditis is verified by endomyocardial biopsy. In ten patients of both groups, the parvovirus B19 DNA was detected in the myocardium. All patients had heart failure 3 [3; 3] NYHA class. High immune activity was indicated by the presence of anti-heart antibodies in all patients. Group 1 included twenty-six patients who received MM 2 g per day. Twenty of them were naive; six patients received MM instead of azathioprine, which was canceled due to cytopenia and/or insufficient effect. Group 2 included nineteen patients who received azathioprine at an average dose of 100 [75; 150] mg per day. Patients of both groups also received methylprednisolone in an average starting dose 24 [24; 32] mg per day and standard therapy for heart failure. Initial group distribution was random. Patients in both groups did not differ significantly in baseline parameters. The mean follow-up period was 23 [8; 57] months (12 and 34 months in the groups). The study is approved by the university ethics committee. Results The level of anti-heart antibodies significantly decreased in both groups. In both groups there was a significant improvement in the structural and functional parameters of the heart: NYHA class decreased from 3 [2.75; 3] to 2 [1; 2] (group 1, p<0.001) and from 3 [3; 3] to 2 [1; 2] (group 2, p<0.001), LV EF increased initially from 30.6±7.8 to 40.1±7.5% (group 1, p<0.001) and from 27.9±8.1 to 37.1±7.6% (group 2, p<0.01), by the end of follow-up to 45.9±9.0% (group 1, p<0.001) and to 42.4±13.7% (group 2, p<0.01). LV EDD significantly decreased from 6.4±0.6 to 6.1±0.8 cm (p<0.01), left atria size from 4.9±0.7 to 4.3±0.6 cm (p<0.05) and pulmonary arteria systolic pressure from 37.8±12.3 to 29.3±7.6 (p<0.05) only in the group 1. No direct side effects of MM were noted. Cytopenia due to treatment of azathioprine developed in 3 patients and required its replacement. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in overall mortality (7.7 vs 15.8%) and the transplant + death rate (7.7 vs 21.1%). The better survival in the MM group may be due to a shorter follow-up period. Conclusion In patients with lymphocytic myocarditis, a combination of moderate doses of corticosteroids with MM is at least no less effective and safe than steroids with azathioprine. With a shorter follow-up period, the tendency to lower mortality and a more pronounced improvement in structural parameters with better tolerance was noted in the MM group. MM should be considered as an alternative option in the treatment of isolated lymphocytic myocarditis. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

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Comparative efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine in combination with corticosteroids in the treatment of lymphocytic myocarditis

Russian Journal of Cardiology ◽

10.15829/1560-4071-2021-4650 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 4650

Author(s):

R. S. Rud ◽

O. V. Blagova ◽

E. A. Kogan ◽

V. M. Novosadov ◽

A. Yu. Zaitsev ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mycophenolate Mofetil ◽

Parvovirus B19 ◽

Systolic Pressure ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Standard Drug ◽

Lymphocytic Myocarditis ◽

Antibody Titers

Aim. To study the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MM) in combination with corticosteroids in the treatment of lymphocytic myocarditis in comparison with a standard combination of corticosteroids and azathioprine.Material and methods. The study included 46 patients aged 18 years and older with severe and moderate lymphocytic myocarditis (men, 34; women 12; mean age, 53,5±13,0 years). The diagnosis was verified using endomyocardial biopsy. Symptom duration averaged 9,5 [4; 20.25] months. All patients had class 3 [2,75; 3] heart failure (HF). The main group included 29 patients who received MM 2 g/day, including six patients — instead of azathioprine, which was canceled due to cytopenia (n=3) or insufficient effect (n=3). The comparison group included 17 patients who received azathioprine 150 [100; 150] mg/day. Patients of both groups also received methylprednisolone at a starting dose of 24 [24; 32] and 24 [24; 24] mg/day and standard HF therapy. In 7/2 patients, the parvovirus B19 genome was detected in the myocardium. In all cases, an increase in anticardiac antibody titers was evidence of immune activity. The average follow-up period was 24 [12; 54] months (at least 6 months).Results. The groups were completely comparable in age, initial characteristics and standard drug therapy. In both groups, a comparable significant increase in the ejection fraction (EF) was noted as follows: from 31,2±7,6 to 44,7±8,3% and from 29±9,1 to 46±11,9% (p<0,001). An excellent response to treatment (an increase in EF by 10% or more) was noted in 68,2% and 66,7% of patients, a good response (by 9-5%) — in 27,3% and 14,3%, a poor response (an increase in less than 5% or a decrease in EF) — in 4,5% and 19,0%, respectively. In both groups, we noted the same significant (p<0,01) decrease in pulmonary artery systolic pressure (36,3±12 to 28,1±6,1 mm Hg in the MM group and from 44,1±8,5 to 30,7±12,1 mm Hg in the azathioprine group), left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension (from 6,4±0,6 to 6±0,7 cm and from 6,2±0,5 to 5,8±0,6 cm), LV end-diastolic volume (from 188,7±55,2 to 178,8±57,1 ml and from 167,8±47,5 to 163,3±61,8 ml), LV end-systolic volume (from 130,3±44,1 to 98,4±32 ml and from 118,1±39 to 94,1±46 ml), left atrial volume (from 98,3±30,3 to 86,7±32,6 ml and from 105±27,4 to 91,2±47,3 ml, p<0,05), as well as mitral regurgitation grade. The incidence of deaths was 2 (6,9%) and 2 (8,7%), transplantation — 1 (3,4%) and 1 (4,3%) patients, death+transplantation end point — 3 (10,3%) and 2 (11,8%) without significant differences between the groups. The presence of the parvovirus B19 genome did not affect the results of treatment. The incidence of infectious complications was comparable in both groups (in one case, MM was completely canceled), no new cytopenia cases were noted during the follow-up period.Conclusion. In patients with moderate and severe virus-negative (except for parvovirus B19) lymphocytic myocarditis, the combination of moderate-dose corticosteroids with mycophenolate mofetil 2 g/day is at least no less effective than the standard regimen of immunosuppressive therapy. There was a tendency towards a more pronounced decrease in anticardiac antibody titers in combination with better tolerance (no cases of cytopenia) in MM group. MM in combination with corticosteroids can be recommended as an alternative treatment regimen for lymphocytic myocarditis.

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Prognostic value of soluble ST2 biomarker in heart failure patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing ◽

10.1093/eurjcn/zvab060.126 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

K Kopeva ◽

EV Grakova ◽

AV Yakovlev ◽

SN Shilov ◽

NF Yakovleva ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Sleep Apnea Syndrome ◽

Myocardial Mass ◽

Heart Failure Patients ◽

Obstructive Sleep ◽

Apnea Syndrome ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Objective. To analyze the relationships between soluble ST2 (sST2) levels, apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) and echocardiographic parameters in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and to evaluate prognostic values of sST2 in the development of adverse cardiac events (ASE) during the 12-month follow-up period. Methods. A total of 86 men, median age of 62.0 (41.0; 78.0) years with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and HF of NYHA class I-III with baseline LVEF of 60% [52; 65]% were enrolled in the study. The severity of obstructive breathing disorders during sleep was assessed by AHI. Serum levels of NT-proBNP and sST2 were measured using ELISA at baseline. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with assessment of right ventricular (RV) function and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were performed at baseline. Results. The values of AHI significantly correlated with body mass index (r = 0.362), left atrial volume (r = 0.570), fractional change in the area of the RV (r=-0.527), RV myocardial function index (r=-0.377), NT-proBNP (r = 0.611), 6MWT (r=-0.511), RV anterior wall thickness (r = 0,472), while the levels of sST2 significantly correlated with LV remodeling parameters: LVEF (r =-0.301), end-systolic volume (r =0.453), end-diastolic volume (r =0.396), end-systolic dimension (r = 0.373), end-diastolic dimension (r =0.288). Based on ROC-analysis, sST2 ≥29.67 ng/mL (sensitivity 63.6%, specificity 73.6%, AUC = 0.645; p < 0.0001) were identified as a cut-off values predicting the development of ACE. At 12 months of follow-up period all patients were divided into 2 groups according to cut-off values of sST2: group 1 (n = 29) comprised patients with sST2 ≥29.67 ng/mL, group 2 (n = 42) comprised patients with sST2 <29.67 ng/mL. The median baseline values of sST2 were 41.39 [33.31; 50.99] ng/mL in group 1, and 22.18 [20.64; 25.5] ng/mL in group 2. The concentrations of NT-proBNP did not differ between the groups. During the 12-month follow-up period in group 1 the rate of ACE was 29.7% cases, and 5.2% in group 2, respectively. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, a higher sST2 levels was associated with a higher frequency of ACE during 12 months of follow-up (р<0.0001). Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses showed sST2 concentrations were significantly associated with ACE (odds ratio 2.25, 95%CI: 2.06 to 3.29, p < 0.001), when adding AHI and LV myocardial mass index improved reclassification of risk stratification (odds ratio 3,28, 95%CI: 3,09 to 4,49, p < 0.001, AUC of 0.945, percent of cases correctly classified of 90.14 %). However, NT-proBNP addition had a limited effect on risk stratification. Conclusion. Our data suggest that sST2 may be used as a diagnostic biomarker for prediction of ACE in patients with HFpEF and OSAS during the 12-month follow-up period. The combined evaluation of sST2, AHI and LV myocardial mass index values demonstrated higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for prediction of ACE.

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TSH variations in chronic heart failure outpatients: clinical correlates and outcomes

Endocrine Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1871530321666210430131510 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 ◽

Author(s):

Paola Terlizzese ◽

Miriam Albanese ◽

Dario Grande ◽

Giuseppe Parisi ◽

Margherita Ilaria Gioia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Thyroid Function ◽

Echocardiographic Parameters ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

One Year ◽

Tsh Levels ◽

Over Time ◽

Group 1

Background: Hypothyroidism is a frequently observed comorbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), possibly giving rise to unfavorable outcomes. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of TSH changes over time on cardiac function and prognosis of outpatients with CHF. Methods: Patients underwent clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic evaluations at baseline and after 12 months. Moreover, blood chemistry tests were performed to evaluate renal function, cardiac biomarkers, fT3, fT4, and TSH levels. Based on TSH serum levels, patients were retrospectively classified into four categories: Group 1, patients with improved thyroid function at one-year follow up vs. baseline; Group 2, patients with stable and mildly high TSH values (3.74 – 10 mUI/L); Group 3, patients with worsening thyroid function; Euthyroid patients Group, TSH levels within the normal range of reference at baseline as well as at 12 months follow-up. We considered as end-points: one-year changes of laboratory and echocardiographic parameters; hospitalizations due to worsening of HF (acute decompensated heart failure - ADHF); death for all causes. Results: Among 257 patients, 174 (67.7%) were euthyroid at baseline and after 12 months. Group 1 patients (n. 22, 8.6%) showed a significant improvement in systolic and diastolic function, filling pressures, NT-proBNP and Galectin-3. Group 2 patients (n. 34, 13.2%) did not exhibit significant modifications in studied parameters. Group 3 patients (n. 27, 10.5%) showed worsening of diastolic function and NT-proBNP and a greater risk of ADHF (HR: 2.12; 95%CI: 1.20-3.74; p: 0.009) and death (HR: 4.05; 95%CI: 2.01-8.15; p<0.001). Conclusion: In patients with CHF, changes in thyroid function over time influenced echocardiographic parameters and biomarkers reflecting modifications of cardiac function and prognosis, thus suggesting the clinical relevance of thyroid deficiency screening and correction.

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Correlation of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide with clinical parameters in patients with hypertension

Vojnosanitetski pregled ◽

10.2298/vsp110322048p ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 70 (8) ◽

pp. 728-734

Author(s):

Janko Pejovic ◽

Svetlana Ignjatovic ◽

Marijana Dajak ◽

Nada Majkic-Singh ◽

Zarko Vucinic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Systolic Function ◽

Nyha Class ◽

Left Ventricular Systolic Function ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Control Group ◽

Ventricular Systolic Function ◽

Function Group ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Background/Aim. Identification of patients with arterial hypertension and a possible onset of heart failure by determining the concentration of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) enables timely intensification of treatment and allows clinicians to prescribe and implement optimal and appropriate care. The aim of this study was to evaluate NT-proBNP in patients with longstanding hypertension and in patients with signs of hypertensive cardiomyopathy. Methods. The study involved 3 groups, with 50 subjects each: ?healthy? persons (control group), patients with hypertension and normal left ventricular systolic function (group 1) and patients with longstanding hypertension and signs of hypertensive cardiomyopathy with impaired left ventricular systolic function (group 2). We measured levels of NT-proBNP, Creactive protein and creatinine according to the manufacturer?s instructions. All the patients were clinically examined including physical examination of the heart with blood pressure, pulse rate, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram. Results. Our results showed that the determined parameters generally differed significantly (Student?s t-test) among the groups. The mean (? SD) values of NT-proBNP in the control group, group 1 and group 2 were: 2.794 (? 1.515) pmol/L, 9.575 (? 5.449) pmol/L and 204.60 (84,93) pmol/L, respectively. NTproBNP correlated significantly with the determined parameters both in the group 1 and the group 2. In the group 1, the highest correlation was obtained with Creactive protein (r = 0.8424). In the group 2, the highest correlation was obtained with ejection fraction (r = - 0.9111). NT-proBNP showed progressive increase in proportion to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. The patients in thegroup 2 who belonged to the II and III NYHA class had significantly higher levels of NTproBNP than those in the NYHA class I (ANOVA test, p = 0.001). Conclusion. The obtained results suggest that NTproBNP is a useful biomarker in the treatment of patients with longstanding hypertension who are at risk for heart failure.

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Long-term efficacy and safety of hydroquinidine in patients with Brugada syndrome

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/ehjci/ehaa946.0397 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽

Author(s):

F Angelini ◽

S Pourshayesteh ◽

E Gastino ◽

M.M Cingolani ◽

D Castagno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Side Effects ◽

Secondary Prevention ◽

Brugada Syndrome ◽

Treatment Discontinuation ◽

Efficacy And Safety ◽

Elevated Liver Enzymes ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Background Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited channelopathy with an increased risk of supraventricular, ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a cornerstone of SCD prevention, but it does not reduce the incidence of life-threatening VAs and it can carry substantial complications. Hydroquinidine (HQ) is a class IA antiarrhythmic drug used for electrical storms, to reduce ICD's appropriate discharges and as an alternative to ICD in children with BrS or in patients with a contraindication to ICD. Nevertheless, HQ's side effects may undermine treatment compliance. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HQ in reducing VAs (ventricular fibrillation, sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia) inducibility at electrophysiology study (EPS) and atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL) or VAs recurrence in patients with BrS. Methods From the prospective Piedmont Brugada Registry, patients treated with HQ were selected and divided into three groups according to the indication for HQ initiation: index EPS positive for VAs induction (group 1), secondary prevention of AF/AFl (group 2), secondary prevention of VAs (group 3). In group 3 recurrence of VAs was monitored by implantable devices or by periodic 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring. In 5 patients HQ was started for reasons different from the above mentioned, so they were considered only for safety outcomes. Safety was assessed considering the occurrence of HQ side effects and their impact on treatment discontinuation. Results A total of 98 patients (79 males, 80,6%) were included. Median follow-up was 61 months (IQR 31–89 months). None of the baseline clinical characteristics was associated with arrhythmic recurrences. Among 46 patients in group 1 HQ was effective in reducing EPS inducibility in 91.9% of patients (p<0.0001); in group 2 (31 patients) HQ reduced palpitations [before HQ 83,8%, with HQ 27,6%, RRR 67.1%, NNT 1.8; p<0.0001] and no AF/AFL recurrence was recorded during follow-up (p<0.0001); in group 3 (17 patients; 70.6% with ICD/LR implanted) VAs recurrences were significantly reduced in patients with HQ (5.9% recurrence rate, p<0.0001). Overall, no cardiac arrest occurred during follow-up. At ECG, HQ determined a significant increase in QTc duration (V5-lead mean QTc duration pre-HQ 406 ms vs with HQ 428 ms; p=0.001). Overall, 28.6% of patients presented HQ-related side effects, mainly due to gastrointestinal intolerance (18.3%). Treatment discontinuation rate was 25% but only about half of these patients discontinued HQ for adverse events (29.2% for GI intolerance, 16.7% for drug-induced QTc prolongation, 8.3% for elevated liver enzymes; 45.8% self-discontinuation). Conclusions In patients with BrS, HQ was effective in reducing VAs inducibility at EPS, AF/AFL and VAs recurrences; moreover, it was effective in reducing symptoms. Overall, HQ proved to be safe and well-tolerated. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

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Association between the severity of coronary artery disease and ST2 expression in patients with heart failure

Russian Medical Inquiry ◽

10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-7-399-405 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (7) ◽

pp. 399-405

Author(s):

E.V. Grakova ◽

◽

K.V. Kopieva ◽

A.T. Teplyakov ◽

M.V. Soldatenko ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Coronary Artery Disease ◽

Coronary Artery ◽

Myocardial Revascularization ◽

Patients With Heart Failure ◽

Lv Remodeling ◽

Group 2 ◽

Artery Disease ◽

Group 1

Aim: to study the association between ST2 (sST2) and severity of coronary artery lesion in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and to analyze changes in sST2 levels and left ventricle (LV) remodeling indicators depending on complete or incomplete myocardial revascularization (MR) after the 12-month follow-up period.Patients and Methods: a total of 118 patients (16.1% women, mean age of 62.5 [57; 68] years) with stable coronary heart disease (CHD) with LV ejection fraction 60% [46; 64] and CHF of NYHA functional class I–III were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent MR. Depending on the completeness of the performed MR, all patients were retrospectively divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n=75) consisted of patients with complete MR, group 2 (n=43) — with incomplete MR. Serum levels of sST2 were measured using an enzyme immunoassay before MR and after the 12-month follow-up period.Results: the sST2 level in patients with single vessel coronary artery disease was 29.92 [22.43; 32.68] ng/ml and was 21% lower (p=0.002) than in patients with two or more coronary arteries (CA) — 37.87 [37.87; 51.82] ng/ml. During 12-month follow-up, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events (CVE) in group 1 was 18.7%, in group 2–46.5% (p=0.001). After 12-month follow-up, the level of sST2 in group 1 decreased by 33.6% (p=0.0001) (from 30.51 [26.38; 37.06] to 20.27 [16.56; 27.11] ng/ml), while in group 2 there was only a tendency to decrease in the level of this biomarker, which was 6.9%. In group 2, after 12-month follow-up, there was a tendency to increase in the LV EF, which increased by only 2.4%, as well as a tendency to increase in the end-systolic dimension (ESD), which increased by 5.4%. In the group of patients with complete MR, the increase in the LV EF was significant (p=0.001) — by 13.6% (from 54.0 [42.0; 63.0] to 62.5 [49.0; 64.0]%), and the ESD decreased by 3%, the final ESV — by 4.6%.Conclusion: the sST2 level can be used as a diagnostic marker for assessing the severity of atherosclerotic CA lesion in patients with CHF. Performing complete MR in patients with stable CHD with CHF has a predominance over incomplete MR, leading to reversed LV remodeling, a decrease in sST2 levels and, as a result, the incidence of adverse CVE during the 12-month follow-up. KEYWORDS: coronary atherosclerosis, soluble ST2, myocardial revascularization, heart failure, prognosis, left ventricular remodeling.FOR CITATION: Grakova E.V., Kopieva K.V., Teplyakov A.T., Soldatenko M.V. Association between the severity of coronary artery disease and ST expression in patients with heart failure. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(7):399–405. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-7-399-405.

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Abstract T P382: Urgent Primary Care Physician Follow up is Associated with Reduced Stroke Readmission after Acute Ischemic Stroke Hospitalization

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.46.suppl_1.tp382 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

William Neil ◽

Jane Rosete ◽

Jennifer Seibel ◽

David Buccigrossi ◽

Kerry Forde ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Primary Care ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hospital Readmission ◽

Care Physician ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Introduction: Readmission after acute ischemic stroke is common and costly, with an average rate of 14.8% within 30 days of discharge1. In 2010, as part of a hospital performance improvement strategy, ischemic stroke patients who were discharged to home had an urgent (within 7 days) appointment with Primary Care Physician (PCP) scheduled. We compared 30-day readmission rates for those who kept and did not keep their appointment. Methods: Data from an electronic medical record system was retrospectively evaluated. The cohort included all patients with hospital admission for ICD 9 diagnosis of ischemic stroke (433, 434, 435) during the years 2010 - 2013. Only those with a discharge disposition of home were included. Group 1 included patients discharged to home who kept follow up appointment. Group 2 included those who did not keep their scheduled appointment. Significant predictors of readmission such as age, heart failure, diabetes, LACE score were compared. Fisher’s Exact test was used for categorical variables. Results: A total of 349 ischemic stroke patients were discharged to home during the study period. Of these, 250 had appointments scheduled, and 167 (66.8%) kept these appointments (Group 1). The average age was 69.2 and 68.3 with average LACE of 9.7 and 9.5 for groups 1 and 2 respectively. There was no significant difference in rates of diabetes or heart failure between groups. There were 7 (3.6%) readmissions in group 1 and 19 of 83 (22.9%) in group 2. Five patients were readmitted prior to appointment time in group 2, so were not entered into final calculation; this left readmission rate of 14/83 (16%); p =0.004. Conclusion: Urgent follow up with PCP may prevent hospital readmission in those with mild strokes. Reverse causation, from missing appointment due to hospital readmission did not account for these results. Although NIHSS was not compared, our cohort consisted of those with mild symptoms, given home disposition. Further study is needed to determine which elements of the PCP follow up visit are most effective in reducing hospital readmission. Reference: 1. Lichtman, JH. Leifheit-Limson, EC. Predictors of Hospital Readmission after Stroke: A Systematic Review Stroke. 2010; 41(11): 2525-2533.

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Abstract 3273: Timely Access to Care - Risk Stratification Utilizing the Seattle Heart Failure Model in patients with Advanced Heart Failure: Dying to be seen.

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.116.suppl_16.ii_736-b ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽

Author(s):

Filio Billia ◽

Vaska Micevski ◽

Susan Carson ◽

Diego H Delgado ◽

Heather J Ross

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Risk Stratification ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Nyha Class ◽

Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽

Class Iii ◽

Versus Group ◽

Timely Access ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Introduction Heart failure is an epidemic with age-adjusted mortality of 45%/5 years. Multidisciplinary heart function clinics (HFC) have been shown to improve outcomes in patients. Timely access to cardiac care remains one of Canada’s leading concerns. Risk stratification of patients upon referral to a HFC may identify patients that require urgent access to, and benefit from, multidisciplinary care. Hypothesis To determine if a priori assessment using the Seattle Heart Failure Survival Model (SHFM) at the time of referral to a multidisciplinary HFC would help risk stratify patients regarding urgency of consultation. Methods The referral packages of patients known to have died prior to or within 60 days of initial consultation were retrospectively reviewed (Group 1). Data were collected to determine the mortality risk based on the SHFM. Age and sex-matched controls were randomly selected from our HFC database (Group 2). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. Results A total of 107 patients were included in this study (Group 1, n=57; Group 2 n=50). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the groups. In Group 1, 38% of patients died before being evaluated, while the remaining 62% died within 60 days of the initial HFC visit. The majority of patients in both groups had either ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (52% and 22%, respectively). Patients in Group 1 reported NYHA class III/IV symptoms 40%/33%, respectively, versus Group 2 patients reporting NYHA class III/IV symptoms 46%/8%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean SHFM mortality risk score, predicted at the time of initial receipt of referral, between the study groups with Group 1 patients having a much higher predicted mortality versus Group 2 at 1, 2 and 5 years (p<0.001). Conclusion The SHFM is a useful tool to risk stratify patients with HF at the time of referral/entry into a multidisciplinary clinic. It provides a reliable method to triage risk and ensure that those at greatest risk are seen soonest, hence facilitating timely access for care. Prospective validation regarding the triage applicability of the SHFSS is needed.

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P6437Growth differentiation factor-15 and stromal cell-derived factor-1 as long-term prognosis biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome

European Heart Journal ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/ehz746.1031 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

O M Peiro Ibanez ◽

N Farre ◽

J Ordonez-Llanos ◽

A Garcia ◽

G Bonet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Combined Use ◽

Group 3 ◽

Stromal Cell Derived Factor ◽

Group 2 ◽

Long Term Prognosis ◽

Group 1

Abstract Introduction After an acute coronary syn bdrome (ACS) patients are at high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and Stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) has been reported as potential biomarkers in ACS. However, there is limited data about their combined use in long-term prognosis. Purpose To study the long-term prognostic value of GDF-15 and SDF-1 in ACS. Methods We included patients with ACS who underwent coronary angiography. During angiography an arterial blood sample was collected. Plasma SDF-1 and GDF-15 were measured and clinical data and long-term events were obtained. The cut-off point of SDF-1 and GDF-15 was identified individually by receiver operating characteristic curves. Patients were classified into 3 groups: 1) both biomarkers below cut-off points; 2) only one biomarker above cut-off points; 3) both biomarkers above cut-off points. Results A total of 238 patients were included. The median (IQR) age was 64 (55–74) year and 27.3% were female. Of all patients, 60.9% were admitted with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, 22.7% with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and 16.4% with unstable angina. The cut-off point of SDF-1 was 3283.5pg/mL and GDF-15 was 1849ng/L. A total of 127 patients were in group 1, 64 in group 2 and 47 in group 3. Group 3 patients were associated with older age, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus and history of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, chronic kidney disease and peripheral artery disease. Besides, they were more likely to have left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%) and significant three vessels stenosis. During 6.5 years of follow-up 8 patients died (6.3%) in group 1, 7 patients died (10.9%) in group 2 and 25 patients died (53.2%) in group 3 (Figure 1). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that high levels of SDF-1 and GDF-15 (group 3) were an independent predictor of all-cause death (HR 5.8; 95% CI 2.4 - 14.1; p<0.001) and the composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) which were identified as all-cause death, nonfatal MI and heart failure (HR 3.9; 95% CI 2.1 - 7.3; p<0.001). During follow-up 1 patient had heart failure in group 1 (0.8%), 3 patients (4.7%) in group 2 and 9 patients (19.1%) in group 3. Despite the low number of events of heart failure, the multivariate competing risks regression showed association between group 3 and heart failure during follow-up (HR 28.0; 95% CI 3.5 - 225.2; p=0.002). Higher levels of SDF-1 and GDF-15 (group 3) were not associated with new MI in multivariate competing risks regression. Regarding group 2, all multivariate analyses were non-significant. Cumulative survival and incidence curves Conclusions Higher values of combined GDF-15 and SDF-1 are an excellent predictor of all-cause death, MACE and heart failure in long-term follow-up of patients with ACS. The combined use of SDF-1 and GDF-15 may be useful in long-term ACS prognosis.

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Experience of introducing a new form of organization of medical care for patients with heart failure in the Russian Federation

Kardiologiia ◽

10.18087/cardio.2021.3.n1005 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 61 (3) ◽

pp. 42-51

Author(s):

I. V. Fomin ◽

N. G. Vinogradova ◽

D. S. Polyakov ◽

V. A. Pogrebetskaya

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Decompensated Heart Failure ◽

Place Of Residence ◽

Short Period ◽

Duration Of Hospitalization ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Aim To present clinical characteristics of patients after hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and to analyze hemodynamic indexes and compliance with the treatment at two years depending on the conditions of outpatient follow-up.Material and methods The study included 942 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) older than 18 years who had been hospitalized for ADHF. Based on patients’ decisions, two groups were isolated: patients who continued the outpatient follow-up at the Center of CHF (CCHF) (group 1, n=510) and patients who continued the follow-up in outpatient multidisciplinary clinics (OMC) at their place of residence (group 2, n=432). The clinical portrait of patients was evaluated after ADHF, and hemodynamic parameters were evaluated on discharge from the hospital. Also, the patient compliance with the treatment was analyzed during two years of follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistica 7.0 for Windows.Results The leading causes for CHF included arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. With the mean duration of hospitalization of 11 inpatient days, 88.1 % and 88.4 % of patients of groups 1 and 2 were discharged with complaints of shortness of breath; 62 % and 70.4 % complained of palpitations; and 73.6 % and 71.8 % complained of general weakness. On discharge from the hospital, the following obvious signs of congestion remained: peripheral edema in 54.3 % and 57.9 %; pulmonary rales in 28.8 % and 32.4 %; orthopnea in 21.4 % and 26.2 %; and cough in 16,5 % and 15.5 % of patients of groups 1 and 2, respectively. For the time of hospitalization, CHF patients did not achieve their targets of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and heart rate (HR). Patients of group 1 achieved the recommended values of SBP, DBP and HR already at one year of the follow-up at CCHF. Patients of group 2 had no significant changes in hemodynamic indexes. At one and two years of the follow-up, group 2 showed a considerable impairment of the compliance with the basis therapy for CHF compared to group 1.Conclusions During the short period of hospitalization (11 inpatient days), the patients retained pronounced symptoms of HF and clinical signs of congestion and did not achieve their hemodynamic targets. The patients who were followed up for a long time at CCHF were more compliant with the basis therapy, which resulted in improvement of hemodynamic indexes, compared to the patients who were managed in OMS at the place of residence.

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