scholarly journals Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on the Right Ventricular Arterial Coupling in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

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 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 ◽  
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.


Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 548
Author(s):  
Aura Vijiiac ◽  
Sebastian Onciul ◽  
Claudia Guzu ◽  
Alina Scarlatescu ◽  
Ioana Petre ◽  
...  

During the last decade, studies have raised awareness of the crucial role that the right ventricle plays in various clinical settings, including diseases primarily linked to the left ventricle. The assessment of right ventricular performance with conventional echocardiography is challenging. Novel echocardiographic techniques improve the functional assessment of the right ventricle and they show good correlation with the gold standard represented by cardiac magnetic resonance. This review summarizes the traditional and innovative echocardiographic techniques used in the functional assessment of the right ventricle, focusing on the role of right ventricular dysfunction in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and providing a perspective on recent evidence from literature.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M S Stefanovic ◽  
I S Srdanovic ◽  
A M Milovancev ◽  
S B Bjelic ◽  
A V Vulin ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Echocardiography assessment of right ventricle still play an indispensable role in diagnosis, decision-making for further therapy and risk assessment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Aims Our objective was to compare the predictive value of five composite echo parameters of right ventricle (RV) in decompensated patients with HFrEF. Methods and results A total of 191 NYHA III-IV patients admitted for decompensation of advanced HFrEF (EF=25.53±6,87%) were prospectively enrolled. During the follow-up period mean period of 340±84 days, 111 (58.1%) patients met the primary composite endpoint (MACE) of cardiac death, rehospitalization due to repeated decompensation, malignant rhythm disorders, heart attack or stroke. The average time of MACE occurrence was 110.5±98.7 days. Among group of patients with MACE, during the follow-up, there were 34 (30.6%) cardiac related deaths. Re-hospitalization due to cardiovascular causes had 77 patients (69.4%). The study was performed at our hospital between June 2016 and January 2018. Patients were assessed for the following combined echo parameters: (i) relationship of right and left ventricle basal diameter (RVb/LVb x0,1); (ii) relationship of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and right ventricle systolic pressure (TAPSE/RVSP mm/mmHg); (iii) relationship of tricuspid annular systolic velocity and right ventricle systolic pressure (TAs'x100/ RVSP cm/s/mmHg); (iv) product of tricuspid annular systolic velocity and pulmonic valve acceleration time (TAs'x PVAcT (cm/s2 x 1000)); (v) product of systolic and diastolic velocity of tricuspid annulus (TAs xTAe). The last three parameters were result of this study and were not mentioned in earlier researches. In this study, univariat analysis of combined RV echo parameters, TAPSE/RVSP, TAs'x100 /RVSP as well as TAs'xPVAcT have been shown to be highly significant predictors of MACE, p=0.001. The TAs'xTAe' product has been also distinguished as a significant predictor of MACE, p=0.04, as well as the ratio RVb/LVb x 0.1, p=0.007. Multivariate analysis of these five combined RV echo parameters shows that significant independent predictor of MACE turned out to be TAs'x100/RVSP (p<0.001, HR = 0.668 (0.531–0.840)). Obtained by reconstruction of the ROC curve (Area = 0.70 (95% CI 0.59–0.75); p<0.001, we have got cut off value of TAs'x100/RVSP = 1.92 (cm/s/mmHg). Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed by comparing the time to the occurrence of MACE. Patients with TAs'x100/RVSP ≤1.92 (cm/s/mmHg) have a significantly worse prognosis (Log Rank p<0.001). Conclusion New variable TAs'x100/RVSP, derived from this research, proved to be the most powerful combined RV echo parameter, independent predictor of one year MACE, with a better predictive value compared to the already described combined parameters in the literature.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mihaila ◽  
A Velcea ◽  
A Andronic ◽  
R.C Rimbas ◽  
A Chitroceanu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), right ventricular (RV) size and dysfunction by 2-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) were identified as risk factors for mortality and morbidity, but 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) enabled itself as a more reproducible and accurate method. Aim To assess the comparative prognostic value of parameters of RV size and dysfunction, measured by 2DE and 3DE, in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic HFrEF, on optimal clinical care, at long-term follow-up. Methods 142 consecutive patients (62±12 yrs, 104 males) with HFrEF, in sinus rhythm, were assessed by 2DE and 3DE, including RV full-volume acquisitions. RV diameter (RVd), RV end-systolic (RV_EDA) and end-diastolic areas (RV_ESA), RV fractional area change (RVFAC), and 2D_TAPSE were measured by 2DE. RV end-diastolic (RV_EDV) and end-systolic volumes (RV_ESV), RV ejection fraction (RV_EF), and 3D_TAPSE were measured by a dedicated 3DE software. Patients were followed for 37±16 months after the index event. Primary outcome was cardiac death (CD). Secondary outcomes were: 1) HF hospitalizations (HFH); 2) a composite cardiac events (CE) end-point of CD or HFH, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, arrhythmias, or CRT. Results 38 CD, 47 HFH, and 62 CE occurred during follow-up. Mean RVd was 34±7 mm, RV_EDA 20±11 cm2, RV_ESA 12±5 cm2, RV_FAC 37±13%, RV_EDV 84±25 ml/m2, RV_ESV 52±22 ml/m2, and RV_EF 39±10%. Mean 2D_TAPSE was 18±4 mm, while mean 3D_TAPSE was 16±4 mm. By 2DE, only RV_ESA and RV_FAC, but not RV_EDA or RVd, correlated with CD, HFH, and CE. 2D_TAPSE correlated with HFH, but not with CD or CE, while 3D_TAPSE correlated with all primary and secondary outcomes. By 3DE, RV_ESV, but not RV_EDV, correlated with CD, HFH, and CE. Moreover, 3D RV_EF had better correlations with primary and secondary outcomes than 2D RV_FAC (z=3.8, z=2.5, and z=2.5, all p&lt;0.01). By multivariate linear regression analysis including RV_ESA, RV_FAC, RV_ESV, RV_EF, and 3D_TAPSE, only RV_EF was an independent predictor for CD and HFH (r2=0.68 and r2=0.30, both p&lt;0.001). Conclusion In patients with ischemic and non-ischemic HFrEF, 3DE parameters of RV size and dysfunction are better predictors for death and re-hospitalization than 2DE parameters. The RV_EF measured by 3DE was the best predictor for death in patients with HFrEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


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


Infection ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Bieber ◽  
Angelina Kraechan ◽  
Johannes C. Hellmuth ◽  
Maximilian Muenchhoff ◽  
Clemens Scherer ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose SARS-COV-2 infection can develop into a multi-organ disease. Although pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19-associated myocardial injury have been studied throughout the pandemic course in 2019, its morphological characterisation is still unclear. With this study, we aimed to characterise echocardiographic patterns of ventricular function in patients with COVID-19-associated myocardial injury. Methods We prospectively assessed 32 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 and presence or absence of elevated high sensitive troponin T (hsTNT+ vs. hsTNT-) by comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) and strain echocardiography. Results A minority (34.3%) of patients had normal ventricular function, whereas 65.7% had left and/or right ventricular dysfunction defined by impaired left and/or right ventricular ejection fraction and strain measurements. Concomitant biventricular dysfunction was common in hsTNT+ patients. We observed impaired left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with myocardial injury (-13.9% vs. -17.7% for hsTNT+ vs. hsTNT-, p = 0.005) but preserved LV ejection fraction (52% vs. 59%, p = 0.074). Further, in these patients, right ventricular (RV) systolic function was impaired with lower RV ejection fraction (40% vs. 49%, p = 0.001) and reduced RV free wall strain (-18.5% vs. -28.3%, p = 0.003). Myocardial dysfunction partially recovered in hsTNT + patients after 52 days of follow-up. In particular, LV-GLS and RV-FWS significantly improved from baseline to follow-up (LV-GLS: -13.9% to -16.5%, p = 0.013; RV-FWS: -18.5% to -22.3%, p = 0.037). Conclusion In patients with COVID-19-associated myocardial injury, comprehensive 3D and strain echocardiography revealed LV dysfunction by GLS and RV dysfunction, which partially resolved at 2-month follow-up. Trial registration COVID-19 Registry of the LMU University Hospital Munich (CORKUM), WHO trial ID DRKS00021225.


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


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