3D is a feasible and more reproducible method than 2D echocardiography for in-training echocardiographers to follow-up patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sorina Baldea Mihaila ◽  
Andreea E Velcea ◽  
Roxana C Rimbas ◽  
Anca Andronic ◽  
Lavinia Matei ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Left ventricular volumes (LVVs) and ejection fraction (LVEF) are key elements for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Therefore, a feasible and reproducible imaging method to be used by both experienced and in-training echocardiographers is mandatory. Aims: To establish if, in a large echo lab, echocardiographers in-training provide feasible and more reproducible results for the evaluation of patients with HFrEF, when using three-dimensional (3DE) vs. two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE). Methods: 60 patients with HFrEF (46 males, age 58±17) underwent standard transthoracic 2D acquisitions and 3D multi-beat full-volumes of the LV. One expert-user in echocardiography (Expert), and 3 echocardiographers with different levels of training in 2DE (Beginner, Medium, and Advanced) measured the 2D LVVs and LVEFs on the same consecutive images of patients with HFrEF. Afterward, the Expert performed a one-month training in 3DE analysis of the users, and both the Expert and trainees measured the 3D LVVs and LVEF of the same patients. Measurements provided by the Expert and all trainees in echo where compared.Results: 6 patients were excluded from the study due to a poor image quality. Mean end-diastolic LVV of the remaining 54 patients was 214±75 ml with 2DE, and 233±77 ml with 3DE. Mean LVEF was 35±10% with 2DE, and 33±10% with 3DE.When compared with the Expert user, the trainees showed acceptable reproducibility of the 2DE measurements, according to their level of expertise in 2DE (ICCs ranging from 0.75 to 0.94). However, after the short training in 3DE, they provided feasible and more reproducible measurements of the 3D LVVs and LVEF than with 2DE (ICCs ranging from 0.89 to 0.97).Conclusions: 3DE is a feasible, fast-learning, and more reproducible method for the assessment of LVVs and LVEF than 2DE, regardless of the basic level of expertise in 2DE of the trainees in echocardiography. In echo labs with a wide range of experience of the staff, 3DE might be a more accurate method for the follow-up of patients with HFrEF.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D. DeVore ◽  
Anne S. Hellkamp ◽  
Laine Thomas ◽  
Nancy M. Albert ◽  
Javed Butler ◽  
...  

Background: Among patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (EF), improvements in left ventricular EF (LVEF) are associated with better outcomes and remain an important treatment goal. Patient factors associated with LVEF improvement in routine clinical practice have not been clearly defined. Methods: CHAMP-HF (Change the Management of Patients with Heart Failure) is a prospective registry of outpatients with HF with reduced EF. Assessments of LVEF are recorded when performed for routine care. We analyzed patients with both baseline and ≥1 follow-up LVEF assessments to describe factors associated with LVEF improvement. Results: In CHAMP-HF, 2623 patients had a baseline and follow-up LVEF assessment. The median age was 67 (interquartile range, 58–75) years, 40% had an ischemic cardiomyopathy, and median HF duration was 2.8 years (0.7–6.8). Median LVEF was 30% (23–35), and median change on follow-up was 4% (−2 to −13); 19% of patients had a decrease in LVEF, 31% had no change, 49% had a ≥5% increase, and 34% had a ≥10% increase. In a multivariable model, the following factors were associated with ≥5% LVEF increase: shorter HF duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.21 [95% CI, 1.17–1.25]), no implantable cardioverter defibrillator (OR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.34–1.55]), lower LVEF (OR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.10–1.19]), nonischemic cardiomyopathy (OR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.09–1.36]), and no coronary disease (OR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.03–1.35]). Conclusions: In a large cohort of outpatients with chronic HF with reduced EF, improvements in LVEF were common. Common baseline cardiac characteristics identified a population that was more likely to respond over time. These data may inform clinical decision making and should be the basis for future research on myocardial recovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 298-306
Author(s):  
Alexey S. Ryazanov ◽  
Evgenia V. Shikh ◽  
Konstantin I. Kapitonov ◽  
Mariya V. Makarovskaya ◽  
Alexey A. Kudryavtsev

Background. Compared with enalapril, sacubitril/valsartan reduces mortality from cardiovascular diseases and the number of hospitalizations for heart failure in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). These benefits may be related to effects on hemodynamics and cardiac remodeling. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on aortic stiffness and cardiac remodeling compared with enalapril in HFrEF. Materials and methods. In this long-term outpatient study, 100 patients with HFrEF received sacubitril/valsartan or enalapril. The primary endpoint was the change in arterial impedance (aortic stiffness characteristic) over a 12-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included changes in N-terminal cerebral natriuretic propeptide (NT-proBNP), ejection fraction, left atrial volume index, E/e index, left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes; left ventricular-arterial index (Ea/Ees). Results. During 12 months of follow-up, 100 patients showed significant differences between the groups with respect to changes in arterial impedance, which decreased from 224.0 to 207.9 dynes s/ cm5 in the sacubitrile/valsartan group and increased from 213.5 to 214.1 dyne s/cm5 in the enalapril group (difference between groups: 9.3 dynes s/ cm5; 95% CI: from 16.9 to 12.8 dynes s/cm5; p = 0.69). Also, there were intergroup differences in the change in left ventricular ejection fraction and Ea/Ees index. NT-proBNP level, left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volume index, left atrial volume index, E/e index were reduced in the sacubitril/valsartan group. Conclusions. Treatment with sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril resulted in a significant reduction in aortic stiffness in HFrEF.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 3159
Author(s):  
Daniele Masarone ◽  
Vittoria Errigo ◽  
Enrico Melillo ◽  
Fabio Valente ◽  
Rita Gravino ◽  
...  

Background: right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling assessed by measuring the tricuspid anular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) ratio has been recently proposed as an early marker of right ventricular dysfunction in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: As the effects of sacubitril/valsartan therapy on RV-PA coupling remain unknown, this study aimed to analyse the effect of this drug on TAPSE/PASP in patients with HFrEF. We retrospectively analysed all outpatients with HFrEF referred to our unit between October 2016 and July 2018. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, sacubitril/valsartan therapy was associated with a significant improvement in TAPSE (18.26 ± 3.7 vs. 19.6 ± 4.2 mm, p < 0.01), PASP (38.3 ± 15.7 vs. 33.7 ± 13.6, p < 0.05), and RV-PA coupling (0.57 ± 0.25 vs. 0.68 ± 0.30 p < 0.01). These improvements persisted at the 2-year follow-up. In the multivariable analysis, the improvement in the RV-PA coupling was independent of the left ventricular remodelling. Conclusions: in patients with HFrEF, sacubitril/valsartan improved the RV-PA coupling; however, further trials are necessary to evaluate the role of sacubitril/valsartan in the treatment of right ventricle (RV) dysfunction either associated or not associated with left ventricular dysfunction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Johnsen ◽  
M Sengeloev ◽  
P Joergensen ◽  
N Bruun ◽  
D Modin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Novel echocardiographic software allows for layer-specific evaluation of myocardial deformation by 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. Endocardial, epicardial- and whole wall global longitudinal strain (GLS) may be superior to conventional echocardiographic parameters in predicting all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of endocardial-, epicardial- and whole wall GLS in patients with HFrEF in relation to all-cause mortality. Methods We included and analyzed transthoracic echocardiographic examinations from 1,015 patients with HFrEF. The echocardiographic images were analyzed, and conventional and novel echocardiographic parameters were obtained. A p value in a 2-sided test &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed, and both univariable and multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Results During a median follow-up time of 40 months, 171 patients (16.8%) died. A lower endocardial (HR 1.17; 95% CI (1.11–1.23), per 1% decrease, p&lt;0.001), epicardial (HR 1.20; 95% CI (1.13–1.27), per 1% decrease, p&lt;0.001), and whole wall (HR 1.20; 95% CI (1.14–1.27), per 1% decrease, p&lt;0.001) GLS were all associated with higher risk of death (Figure 1). Both endocardial (HR 1.12; 95% CI (1.01–1.23), p=0.027), epicardial (HR 1.13; 95% CI (1.01–1.26), p=0.040) and whole wall (HR 1.13; 95% CI (1.01–1.27), p=0.030) GLS remained independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable models after adjusting for significant clinical parameters (age, sex, total cholesterol, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, ischemic cardiomyopathy, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and diabetes) and conventional echocardiographic parameters (left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV mass index, left atrial volume index, deceleration time, E/e', E-velocity, E/A ratio and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion). No other echocardiographic parameters remained an independent predictors after adjusting. Furthermore, endocardial, epicardial and whole wall GLS had the highest C-statistics of all the echocardiographic parameters. Conclusion Endocardial, epicardial and whole wall GLS are independent predictors of all-cause mortality in patients with HFrEF. Furthermore, endocardial, epicardial and whole wall GLS were superior prognosticators of all-cause mortality compared with all other echocardiographic parameters. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Herlev and Gentofte Hospital


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.J Vazquez Andres ◽  
A Hernandez Vicente ◽  
M Diez Diez ◽  
M Gomez Molina ◽  
A Quintas ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells are associated with age and have been associated with higher mortality in apparently healthy adults, especially due to atherosclerotic disease. In animal models, somatic mutations are associated with atherosclerosis progression and myocardial dysfunction, especially when gene TET2 is affected. Preliminary clinical data, referred to ischemic heart failure (HF), have associate the presence of these acquired mutations with impaired prognosis. Purpose To study the prevalence of somatic mutations in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and their impact on long-term prognosis. Methods We studied a cohort of elderly patients (more than 60 years old) hospitalized with HFrEF (LVEF&lt;45%). The presence of somatic mutations was assessed using next generation sequencing (Illumina HiSeq 2500), with a mutated allelic fraction of at least 2% and a panel of 55 genes related with clonal hematopoiesis. Patients were followed-up for a median of three years. The study endpoint was a composite of death or readmission for worsening HF. Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test) and Cox proportional hazards regression models were performed adjusting for age, sex and LVEF. Results A total of 62 patients (46 males (74.2%), age 74±7.5 years) with HFrEF (LVEF 29.7±7.8%) were enrolled in the study. The ischemic etiology was present in 54% of patients. Somatic mutations in Dnmt3a or Tet2 were present in 11 patients (17.7%). No differences existed in baseline characteristics except for a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation in patients with somatic mutations (70% vs. 40%, p=0.007). During the follow-up period, 40 patients (64.5%) died and 38 (61.3%) had HF re-admission. The KM survival analysis for the combined event is shown in Figure 1. Compared with patients without somatic mutations and after adjusting for covariates, there was an increased risk of adverse outcomes when the somatic mutations were present (HR 3.6, 95% CI [1.6, 7.8], p=0.0014). This results remains considering death as a competing risk (Gray's test p=0.0097) and adjusting for covariates (HR = 2.21 95% CI [0.98, 5], p=0.0556). Conclusions Somatic mutation are present in patients with HFrEF and determine a higher risk of adverse events in the follow-up. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical implications of these findings. Figure 1 Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumpei Ueda ◽  
Shungo Hikoso ◽  
Daisaku D Nakatani ◽  
Shunsuke Tamaki ◽  
Masamichi Yano ◽  
...  

Background: An elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP), a surrogate of left ventricular filling pressure, is associated with poor outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). In addition, obesity paradox is well recognized in HF patients and body mass index (BMI) also provides a prognostic information. However, there is little information available on the prognostic value of the combination of the echocardiographic derived PAWP and BMI in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods and Results: Patients data were extracted from The Prospective mUlticenteR obServational stUdy of patIenTs with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (PURSUIT HFpEF) study, which is a prospective multicenter observational registry for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients with HFpEF. We analyzed 548 patients after exclusion of patients undergoing hemodialysis, patients with in-hospital death, missing follow-up data, or missing data to calculate PAWP or BMI. Body weight measurement and echocardiography were performed just before discharge. PAWP was calculated using the Nagueh formula [PAWP = 1.24* (E/e’) + 1.9] with e’ = [(e’ septal + e’ lateral ) /2]. During a mean follow up period of 1.5±0.8 years, 86 patients had all-cause death (ACD). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that both PAWP (p=0.020) and BMI (p=0.0001) were significantly associated with ACD, independently of age and previous history of HF hospitalization, after the adjustment with gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, NT-proBNP and estimated glomerular filtration rate. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the risk of ACD when patients were stratified into 3 groups based on the median values of PAWP (17.3) and BMI (21.4). Conclusions: The combination of the echocardiographic derived PAWP and BMI might be useful for stratifying ADHF patients with HFpEF at risk for the total mortality.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluigi Savarese ◽  
Camilla Hage ◽  
Ulf Dahlström ◽  
Pasquale Perrone-Filardi ◽  
Lars H Lund

Introduction: Changes in N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been demonstrated to correlate with outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (EF). However the prognostic value of a change in NT-proBNP in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) is unknown. Hypothesis: To assess the impact of changes in NT-proBNP on all-cause mortality, HF hospitalization and their composite in an unselected population of patients with HFPEF. Methods: 643 outpatients (age 72+12 years; 41% females) with HFPEF (ejection fraction ≥40%) enrolled in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry between 2005 and 2012 and reporting NT-proBNP levels assessment at initial registration and at follow-up were prospectively studied. Patients were divided into 2 groups according the median value of NT-proBNP absolute change that was 0 pg/ml. Median follow-up from first measurement was 2.25 years (IQR: 1.43 to 3.81). Adjusted Cox’s regression models were performed using total mortality, HF hospitalization (with censoring at death) and their composite as outcomes. Results: After adjustments for 19 baseline variables including baseline NT-proBNP, as compared with an increase in NT-proBNP levels at 6 months (NT-proBNP change>0 pg/ml), a reduction in NT-proBNP levels (NT-proBNP change<0 pg/ml) was associated with a 45.2% reduction in risk of all-cause death (HR: 0.548; 95% CI: 0.378 to 0.796; p:0.002), a 50.1% reduction in risk of HF hospitalization (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.362 to 0.689; p<0.001) and a 42.6% reduction in risk of the composite outcome (HR: 0.574; 95% CI: 0.435 to 0.758; p<0.001)(Figure). Conclusions: Reductions in NT-proBNP levels over time are independently associated with an improved prognosis in HFPEF patients. Changes in NT-proBNP could represent a surrogate outcome in phase 2 HFPEF trials.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kieran Docherty ◽  
Silvio E Inzucchi ◽  
Lars Kober ◽  
Mikhail Kosiborod ◽  
Anna Maria Langkilde ◽  
...  

Background: Anemia is common and associated with worse outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). We examined: 1) whether dapagliflozin corrected anemia in these patients, and 2) the effect of dapagliflozin on outcomes, in patients with or without anemia, in DAPA-HF. Methods: Anemia was defined as baseline hematocrit <39% in men and <36% in women (WHO). Correction of anemia was defined as two consecutive hematocrit measurements above these thresholds at any time during follow-up (follow-up visits: 2 weeks, 2 and 4 months and 4-monthly thereafter). The primary outcome was a composite of worsening HF (hospitalization or urgent visit requiring intravenous therapy) or cardiovascular death. Findings: Of the 4744 patients randomized in DAPA-HF, 4691 had a baseline hematocrit and 1032 were anemic (22.0%). Anemia was corrected in 62% of patients in the dapagliflozin group, compared with 41% of patients in the placebo group (odds ratio 2.37 [95% CI 1.84-3.04]; p<0.001). The effect of dapagliflozin on the primary outcome was consistent in anemic and non-anemic patients (HR 0.68 [95% CI 0.52-0.88] versus 0.76 [0.65-0.89]; P-interaction=0.44) [Figure]. A consistent benefit was also observed for the secondary outcomes, irrespective of anemia status t baseline. Patients with resolution of anemia had better outcomes than those with persisting anemia: rate of primary outcome 9.9 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 8.0-12.4) in those with resolution versus 24.1 per 100 patient-years (20.4-28.3) in those without anemia resolution. Interpretation: Anemia was common in patients in DAPA-HF and associated with worse outcomes. Resolution of anemia was associated with better outcomes than persistence of anemia, regardless of treatment allocation. Although dapagliflozin corrected anemia more often than placebo, treatment with dapagliflozin improved outcomes, irrespective of anemia status.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S L Kristensen ◽  
R Roerth ◽  
P S Jhund ◽  
S Beggs ◽  
L Kober ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves survival in patients with heart failure, reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). However, little is known about the incidence of LBBB in HFrEF and the risk factors for developing this. We addressed these questions in the PARADIGM-HF and ATMOSPHERE trials. Methods We identified 7703 patients with a non-paced rhythm on their baseline ECG, a QRS<130 ms, and at least one follow-up ECG (done at annual visits and end of study). Patients were stratified by baseline QRS duration (≤100 ms - reference; 101–115 ms and 116–129 ms) and followed until development of QRS duration ≥130 ms with a LBBB configuration or latest available ECG. The crude LBBB incidence rate per 100 person-years (py) was identified in the three QRS duration subgroups. Additionally, we examined risk of the primary composite outcome of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization, and all-cause mortality, in patients with incident LBBB vs. no incident LBBB. Results Overall, 313 of 7703 patients (4%) developed LBBB during a mean follow-up of 2.7 years, yielding an incidence rate of 1.5 per 100 py. The rate ranged from 0.9 in those with QRS ≤100 ms to 4.0 per 100 py in patients with QRS 116–129 ms. Other predictors of incident LBBB included male sex, age, lower LVEF, HF duration and absence of AF. The risk of the primary composite endpoint was higher among those who developed incident LBBB vs no incident LBBB; event rates 13.5 vs 10.0 per 100 py, yielding an adjusted HR of 1.43 (1.05–1.96). For all-cause mortality the corresponding rates were 12.6 vs 7.3 per 100 py; HR 1.55 (1.16–2.07) (Table 1). Table 1. Risk of outcomes according to incident LBBB during follow-up No. events Crude rate per 100py Adjusted* HR (95% CI) HF hospitalization or CV death   No incident LBBB 2145 10.0 (9.6–10.4) 1.00 (ref.)   Incident LBBB 43 13.5 (10.0–18.2) 1.43 (1.05–1.96) All-cause mortality   No incident LBBB 1662 7.3 (6.9–7.6) 1.00 (ref.)   Incident LBBB 48 12.6 (9.5–16.7) 1.55 (1.16–2.07) Conclusion Among patients with HFrEF, the annual incidence of new-onset LBBB (and a potential indication for CRT), was around 1.5%, ranging from 1% in those with QRS duration below 100 ms to 4% in those with QRS 116–129 ms. Incident LBBB was associated with a much higher risk of adverse outcomes, highlighting the importance of repeat ECG monitoring in patients with HFrEF. Acknowledgement/Funding Novartis


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