Monitoring of Kidney Functions, Electrolytes and Volemia Analyzed by Application Example of Artificial Intelligence in Patients with Heart Failure

Basal renal function is a predictor of response to diuretic therapy and marker of poor prognosis. Simultaneous changes in renal function, sodium, potassium values and their interdependence are key parameters in addition to volemia for the assessment of cardiorenal balance. In our paper, an analysis of volemia, electrolytes, and renal function in heart failure was performed using an algorithm based on the ANFIS (Adoptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System), an intelligent approach to renal and heart function monitoring. The study included 90 subjects who were divided into two groups: clinical (n-80) and control (n-10). The base is composed of parameters B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), sodium (Na), potassium (K), ejection fraction (EF), EPI creatinine-cystatin C formula and ANFIS expert system combined in neural network and fuzzy logic network. The results showed that the overall trend of data verification in the network with NT-proBNP, Na and K that we formed is approximately 15%, with which subjects can be classified according to the severity of hypervolemia, electrolyte disturbance and renal function. NT-proBNP (pg/mL) had the most influence on the EPI creatinine-cystatin C formula. Serum sodium (Na) has the most influence on the ejection fraction (EF).

Intravenous diuretic administration in the home environment

Chronic heart failure is a condition associated with ageing, affecting 1–2% of the adult population, raising to 70% of the adult population over 70 years of age. Diuretics are often the first-line treatment for patients with symptomatic heart failure, not just oedema. Traditionally, intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy has been administered only in hospitals. In 2012, the British Heart Foundation ran a pilot study investigating the effectiveness of IV diuretic administration within the home. Since then, there has been an increase in these services. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of this service, whether community nurses are best placed to deliver this, and what the benefits to the patient might be.

85 Diuretics trajectories in dilated cardiomyopathy

Aims Diuretics in heart failure (HF) are commended to relieve symptoms at lowest dosage effective. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a particular HF setting with several variables that may influence disease trajectory. We aimed to assess the long-term use of diuretics in DCM, the possibility of withdrawal and to explore the prognostic correlations. Methods and results All consecutive DCM patients enrolled from 1990 to 2018 were considered eligible. All the patients had available the information about the furosemide-equivalent dose at baseline and at follow-up evaluation within 24 months. Patients were categorized in stable (diuretic dose variation <50%), increasers (diuretics dose increase ≥50% or initiation of diuretic therapy), and decreasers (diuretics dose decrease ≥50% or never prescribed diuretics in the 24-months observation period). The prognostic role of the diuretics trajectory group was assessed with Kaplan Meier analysis and with a time-dependent multivariable model. The outcome measure was a composite of all-cause death/heart transplantation/HF hospitalization (ACD/HTx/HFH). 908 patients were included [mean age 50 ± 16, 70% male sex, 24% NYHA class III or IV, mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 31 ± 9%, 66% treated with diuretics at baseline]. The furosemide-equivalent dose at enrolment had a linear association with the risk of outcome. Compared to other groups, decreaser patients were younger, had less HF symptoms, higher LVEF and more dilated left atrium. Decreasers had a lower prescription rate of diuretics and less frequent indication to renin-angiotensin inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptors antagonists. Over a median follow-up of 122 (62–195) months decreasers had the lowest incidence of outcome, followed by stable, while increasers had the worst outcome (P < 0.001). After adjustment for other prognosticators, compared to stable patients, decreasers had a reduced risk of ACD/HTx/HFH [HR: 0.497 (95% CI: 0.337–0.731)] while increasers had the highest risk of adverse outcome [HR: 2.027 (95% CI: 1.254–3.276)]. Similarly, amongst patients taking diuretics at baseline, the diuretics withdrawal was in independent outcome predictor. The only multivariable predictors of diuretics withdrawal were younger age and lower furosemide-equivalent dose at enrolment. Conclusions In DCM patients the diuretics dose at baseline is a strong prognosticator. Diuretics dose reduction or its withdrawal provides a prognostic benefit on hard outcome. Diuretics tapering in selected patients should be considered in the short-term follow-up to improve DCM prognosis.

741 A complex clinical mosaic of severe autoimmune calcific constrictive pericarditis with striking haemodynamic response to immunosuppressive therapy

Autoimmune constrictive pericarditis constitutes a conundrum to modern cardiology with much uncertainty surrounding both pathophysiology and optimal treatment strategies. We hereby describe the case of a 35-year-old woman of Nigerian origin with severe right heart failure secondary to calcific constrictive pericarditis. Her past medical history included coagulation factor XI deficiency, leukopenia, 2nd trimester miscarriage and premature labour due to placenta previa with fibrin deposition. Further investigations revealed atrial fibrillation, severe biatrial enlargement, moderate tricuspid and mitral regurgitation, pericardial thickening, post-capillary pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dip-and-plateau pattern, compatible with severe constrictive pericarditis. Extensive screening for infectious and autoimmune causes only revealed borderline positive ANA (1:80). Thereafter, the patient underwent complete surgical pericardiectomy with pericardial biopsies revealing fibrous thickening, diffuse calcification and lymphocyte/macrophage infiltrates, in the absence of giant multinucleated cells or granulomas. The patient was later discharged but soon experienced relapse of exertional dyspnoea presenting with right-sided haemo-pneumothorax (requiring pleural drainage), diffuse alveolar haemorrhage, large right-sided basal and infrascissural pleural effusion, and ascites. She was treated with high dose iv furosemide, oral ibuprofen and colchicine, suspension of rate control medications, achieving initial reduction in pulmonary oedema and ascites, relapsing however after attempts to switch to oral diuretic therapy. Due to the finding of persistent lymphopenia, further immunological tests were conducted, revealing raised IgG1 levels as well as altered peripheral lymphocyte populations (raised CD4+/CD8+ ratio and CD8+ central memory, reduced CD8 effector memory). This finding in conjunction with the history of factor XI deficiency, 2nd trimester miscarriage and placental fibrin deposition as well as the observation of painful cutaneous nodules at sites of venepuncture, suggestive of Koebner’s phenomenon, veered the diagnostic focus to a potential autoimmune aetiology and in particular to systemic lupus erythematosus (>10 ACR-EULAR score points with case reports describing all the above as potential disease manifestations). Furthermore, revision of thoracic CT scans, demonstrated bilateral migratory peribronchovascular nodules with ground-glass halo. CT- guided biopsies thereof were performed revealing focal alveolar damage with capillaritis and alveolar haemorrhage, further corroborating the clinical suspicion of autoimmune disease and justifying the introduction of high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy. In liaison with our tertiary rheumatology centre, the patient was later switched to mycophenolate with gradual weaning from corticosteroid. Concurrent cardiological follow-up revealed persistence of good haemodynamic status (NYHA class II, absence of pulmonary oedema and ascites) with oral diuretic therapy, regression of cutaneous symptoms and echocardiography demonstrating consistent reduction in both mitral and tricuspid regurgitation. This constitutes to our knowledge the first report of autoimmune calcific constrictive pericarditis with significant haemodynamic response to immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the relative rarity of this disease entity, early recognition and instatement of immunosuppressive treatment may prove fundamental to halt and potentially reverse the haemodynamic progression of this highly morbid condition.

Third Trimester Lower Extremity Lymphorrhea

Introduction. Lower extremity edema is one of the most common complaints among pregnant patients. However, there is no literature mentioning weeping edema (i.e., lymphorrhea) in a pregnant woman who has no concordant underlying renal and/or cardiac pathology. There is also a lack of evidence and recommendations regarding the therapeutic benefit and safety profile of diuretic use to treat profound pregnancy-associated edema. Herein, we present the case of 32-year-old female who presented with a significant lymphorrhea during the third trimester without cardiac or renal comorbidity and was successfully treated with torsemide. Case Report. We report a case of a 32-year-old multigravida patient pregnant with her third child and has two living full-term children (G3P2003). Her pregnancy was complicated by obesity, smoking (vape), and previous history of fetal growth restriction. The patient presented for routine prenatal care at 9-week gestation. She was diagnosed with chronic hypertension at 19 weeks of pregnancy based upon systolic blood pressure > 140 . Lifestyle modifications were recommended, but the patient did not comply. At her 31-week office visit, the patient presented with anasarca and clear, slightly viscous fluid seeping through the atraumatic skin of her lower extremities. Preeclampsia, renal, cardiac, vascular, and infectious complications were all ruled out. The patient responded positively to loop diuretic therapy. Torsemide was found to be far more beneficial than furosemide. The patient was induced at 37 weeks secondary to chronic hypertension requiring antihypertensive therapy. Delivery was uncomplicated. The patient gave birth to a healthy male with birth weight of 2,920 g via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Discussion. Pitting edema of lower limbs frequently occurs as a result of fluid overload and chronic venous insufficiency, and pregnancy is one of the known risk factors. Additionally, the blockage of lymphatic channel with the gravida uterus likely was the main contributing factor for her lymphorrhea. In this patient, the capillary hydrostatic pressure was likely accentuated due to hypertension, obesity, and vaping. Furosemide was minimally effective to alleviate her symptoms. Torsemide provided much more effective diuresis and symptom control. However, her symptoms persisted until delivery. Conclusion. Torsemide provided significant therapeutic benefit over furosemide in this patient without adverse maternal, fetal, or neonatal outcomes. Further study is needed to assess the safe use of loop diuretics in the pregnant population who suffers from significant lower extremity edema.

Standardizing Discharge Furosemide Duration Following Congenital Heart Surgery

Background: Pediatric cardiothoracic surgery has evolved over the last several decades with shorter bypass times and less need for hypothermic arrest. Diuretics have been commonly used in the post-operative period with no guidelines on duration following cardiopulmonary bypass. As a result, we conducted a single-center quality improvement project to reduce overuse of diuretics in post-operative patients without causing an increase in complications. We devised an early diuretic wean protocol that was implemented upon patient discharge. Methods: All patients who underwent uncomplicated congenital heart surgery after November 2018 were considered for the protocol. We defined an early diuretic wean protocol with a total duration of ten days of single diuretic therapy following hospital discharge. Patients were evaluated in clinic two weeks following discharge, after completion of diuretic therapy, to assess for clinical symptoms and development of effusions. Results: Retrospective pre-protocol data found the average duration a patient was on diuretics was 32 days following hospital discharge from uncomplicated congenital heart surgery. Following implementation of the protocol, there was a decrease in the total duration to 14 days, demonstrating a 56% decrease. With this practice change, there was no notable increase in adverse events. Conclusions: With implementation of the protocol, practice variability was minimized and the average post-operative diuretic duration was decreased without an increase in pleural and/or pericardial effusions or readmissiosn rates. Future directions and ongoing changes include expanding to a multicenter quality improvement collaborative focusing on decreasing the average duration of furosemide to less than five days after hospital discharge.

Recurrent Episodes of Fluid Retention in a Patient with Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease: The Additional Value of Implantable Monitoring Systems

The additional role of continuous monitoring of filling pressures and impedance in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease remains undetermined. In this case report, the effects of diuretic therapy and renal replacement therapy by hemodialysis upon right ventricular filling pressures and impedance are described in a patient with end-stage heart failure and end-stage chronic kidney disease (grade 5). We demonstrated that unloading of the heart by hemodialysis partly restored the blunted Frank-Starling relationship.

Blood Volume Expansion, Normovolemia and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Human Heart Failure - More is Better

Expansion in blood volume (BV) is a well-recognized response to arterial under-filling secondary to impaired cardiac output in heart failure (HF). However, the effectiveness of this response in terms of outcomes remains inadequately understood. Prospective analysis was undertaken in 110 HF patients hospitalized and treated for fluid overload. BVs were measured in a compensated state at hospital discharge using indicator-dilution methodology. Data were analyzed for composite 1-year HF-related mortality/1st re-hospitalization. Despite uniform standard of care marked heterogeneity in BVs was identified across the cohort. The cohort was stratified by BV expansion ≥+25% above normal (51% of cohort), mild-moderate expansion (22%), and normal BV (27%). Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival estimates and regression analyses revealed BV expansion (≥+25%) to be associated with better event-free survival relative to normal BV (p=0.038). Increased red blood cell mass (RBCm) (RBC polycythemia) was identified in 43% of the overall cohort, and 70% in BV expansion ≥+25%. K-M analysis demonstrated polycythemia to be associated with better outcomes compared with normal RBCm (p<0.002). Persistent BV expansion to include RBC polycythemia is common and, importantly, associated with better clinical outcomes compared to normal total BV or normal RBCm in patients with chronic HF. However, compensatory BV expansion is not a uniform physiologic response to the insult of HF with marked variability in BV profiles despite uniform standard of care diuretic therapy. Therefore, recognizing the variability in volume regulation pathophysiology has implications not only for impact on clinical outcomes and risk stratification, but also potential for informing individualized volume management strategies.

Retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 depending on receiving antihypertensive, lipid-lowering and antihypertensive therapy

Background. The main factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular accidents and mortality among patients with COVID-19 include hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia. Therefore, all patients with COVID-19 and metabolic syndrome should receive antihypertensive (AHT), hypolipidemic (GLT) and hypoglycemic therapy (GGT). Currently, there is a limited number of studies regarding the effectiveness and safety of this therapy in patients with COVID-19. Aim. Evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19, depending on the recipient of AHT, GLT and GGT. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the clinical outcomes "discharged/died" of 1753 patients with COVID-19 was carried out depending on the received AHT, GLT and GGT. Results. A significant reduction in the risk of mortality among patients with COVID-19 was observed during therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers ACE inhibitors/ARBs (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.210.72; p0.05) and b-adrenergic blockers b-AB (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.281; p0.05). At the same time, against the background of therapy with ACE inhibitors/ARBs and b-ABs, the chance of mortality decreased more significantly among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared with patients without T2DM. Diuretic therapy was associated with a 3-fold increase in the chances of death: OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.884.79; p0.05. Statin therapy did not affect clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients. On the background of therapy with oral hypoglycemic drugs, the risk of mortality decreased 5-fold (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.070.54; p0.05). Against the background of insulin therapy, there was an increase in mortality risk by 2.8 times (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.55.29; p0.05). Conclusion. A significant reduction in mortality among patients with COVID-19 was observed during therapy with ACEI/ARB, b-AB, and oral hypoglycemic therapy. Increased risk of death was associated with insulin therapy and diuretic therapy.

Under-recognition of heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation and the impact of gender: a UK population-based cohort study

Background Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) complicated by heart failure (HF) have a poor prognosis. We investigated whether long term loop-diuretic therapy in patients with AF and no known diagnosis of HF, as a potential surrogate marker of undiagnosed HF, is also associated with worse outcomes. Methods Adults with incident AF were identified from UK primary and secondary care records between 2004 and 2016. Repeat prescriptions for loop diuretics, without a diagnosis of HF or documented non-cardiac indication, were classified as ‘isolated’ loop diuretic use. Results Amongst 124,256 people with incident AF (median 76 years, 47% women), 22,001 (17.7%) had a diagnosis of HF, and 22,325 (18.0%) had isolated loop diuretic use. During 2.9 (LQ-UQ 1–6) years’ follow-up, 12,182 patients were diagnosed with HF (incidence rate 3.2 [95% CI 3.1–3.3]/100 person-years). Of these, 3999 (32.8%) had prior isolated loop diuretic use, including 31% of patients diagnosed with HF following an emergency hospitalisation. The median time from AF to HF diagnosis was 3.6 (1.2–7.7) years in men versus 5.1 (1.8–9.9) years in women (p = 0.0001). In adjusted models, patients with isolated loop diuretic use had higher mortality (HR 1.42 [95% CI 1.37–1.47], p < 0.0005) and risk of HF hospitalisation (HR 1.60 [95% CI 1.42–1.80], p < 0.0005) than patients with no HF or loop diuretic use, and comparably poor survival to patients with diagnosed HF. Conclusions Loop diuretics are commonly prescribed to patients with AF and may indicate increased cardiovascular risk. Targeted evaluation of these patients may allow earlier HF diagnosis, timely intervention, and better outcomes, particularly amongst women with AF, in whom HF appears to be under-recognised and diagnosed later than in men.