The effect of nesiritide on renal function and other clinical parameters in patients with decompensated heart failure and preserved ejection fraction

The role of nesiritide in patients with decompensated heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (dHFpEF) has not been previously studied. In this investigation, the authors retrospectively analyzed the effect of nesiritide on renal function and clinical outcomes in patients admitted with dHFpEF. Of the 658 patients included, 328 were treated with nesiritide while 330 patients were treated with standard diuretic therapy. In both the nesiritide and no nesiritide groups, there was a significant change in mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine at 72 hours as well as at day of discharge (P<.001). This trend did not progress at 1 month in the nesiritide group, although it did in the no nesiritide group. At 1 month after therapy, however, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the mean change of GFR and creatinine (P<.001). There was no significant difference in >25% decrease of GFR anytime through day 30 (25% vs 29.69%, P=.236) between the two groups. On multivariate analysis, nesiritide was an important predictor of renal function at 1 month (P<.05). Thus, nesiritide can be administered safely without negatively impacting long-term renal function in patients admitted with dHFpEF.     

Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in relation to myocardial infarct size and collagen formation

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels increase after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in humans. Experimental data suggest that these cytokines regulate the initiation of scar formation after AMI. We investigated the interrelationships of IL-6 and TNF-alpha, tissue injury, infarct size, cardiac function, and collagen formation in humans. METHODS: Serum and plasma samples were taken on 93 patients receiving thrombolytic treatment for their first AMI. Collagen formation was evaluated by measuring concentrations of serum aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP). RESULTS: IL-6 levels increased by 44% (P<.001) and peaked at 24 hours. Peak IL-6 levels correlated positively with area under the curve of creatine kinase MB mass (r=.31, P<.01), peak troponin T level (r=.34, P<.005), and PIIINP measured at discharge (r=.46, P<.001). There were no changes in TNF-alpha levels, and patients with left ventricular dysfunction (EF<40%) had similar TNF-alpha levels as those with preserved left ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 may regulate collagen formation and thus remodeling of the left ventricle after AMI. In addition, TNF-alpha measurement is useless in the assessment of infarct size or left ventricular function during the immediate post-infarction period.     

Nesiritide in congestive heart failure associated with acute coronary syndromes: a pilot study of safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND: To compare the safety and efficacy of nesiritide versus intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG) in patients with acute coronary syndromes enrolled in the Vasodilation in the Management of Acute Congestive heart failure trial.Methods and results Retrospective review of Vasodilation in the Management of Acute Congestive heart failure trial data for heart failure associated with prospectively diagnosed acute coronary syndromes. Sixty-one patients were included; 34 received nesiritide and 27 received NTG. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was measured in right heart-catheterized patients (11 nesiritide, 9 NTG). Death at 6 months occurred in 2 nesiritide and 5 NTG patients (P>.2). Hypotension occurred in 4 nesiritide and 3 NTG patients (P>.6). At 24 hours, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure improvements persisted (P=.001) in the nesiritide group, whereas the NTG group had returned to baseline (P>.1). In non-right heart-catheterized patients, 24-hour dyspnea scores were at least moderately improved in all nesiritide and 71% of NTG (P=.031). At least minimal dyspnea improvement was seen in 100% of nesiritide versus 71% of NTG patients (P>.3), and 6-hour global clinical scores were at least moderately better in 75% of nesiritide versus 32% of NTG (P=.031). In non-right heart-catheterized patients, there were no 30-day readmissions with nesiritide versus 17% with NTG (P>.2). CONCLUSIONS: Nesiritide is as safe as NTG in heart failure patients with acute coronary syndromes.     

A pilot investigation of the short-term effects of an interdisciplinary intervention program on elderly patients with hip fracture in Taiwan

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate an interdisciplinary intervention program for older people with hip fracture in Taiwan. DESIGN: Randomized experimental design. SETTING: A 3,800-bed medical center in northern Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS: Elderly patients with hip fracture (N=137) were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=68) or control (n=69) group. INTERVENTION: An interdisciplinary program of geriatric consultation, continuous rehabilitation, and discharge planning. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic and outcome variables were measured. Outcome variables included service utilization, clinical outcomes, self-care abilities, health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) outcomes, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Subjects in the experimental group improved significantly more than those in the control group in the following outcomes: ratio of hip flexion 1 month after discharge (P=.02), recovery of previous walking ability at 1 month (P=.04) and 3 months (P=.001) after discharge, and activities of daily living at 1 month (P=.01) and 2 months (P=.001) after discharge. Three months after discharge, the experimental group showed significant improvement in peak force of the fractured limb's quadriceps (P=.04) and the following health outcomes: bodily pain (P=.03), vitality (P<.001), mental health (P=.02), physical function (P<.001), and role physical (P=.006). They also had fewer depressive symptoms (P=.008) 3 months after discharge. CONCLUSION: This intervention program may benefit older people with hip fractures in Taiwan by improving their clinical outcomes, self-care abilities, and HRQOL and by decreasing depressive symptoms within 3 months after discharge.     

Tissue velocity echocardiography shows early improvement in diastolic function with irbesartan and atenolol therapy in patients with hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy. Results form the Swedish Irbesartan Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Investigation vs Atenolol (SILVHIA)

BACKGROUND: Abnormal diastolic function is common in hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Early identification and treatment may prevent future cardiovascular events. METHODS: We examined 58 hypertensive patients with LVH, 38 with hypertension but no LVH, and 38 normotensive subjects. The effects of the AT1 receptor blocker irbesartan and the beta1 blocker atenolol on diastolic function during 48 weeks of treatment were evaluated in the LVH group by tissue velocity echocardiography (TVE). We measured basal septal and lateral wall velocities of early (Em) and late (Am) diastolic myocardial wall motion, Em velocity deceleration time (E-decm), and isovolumic relaxation time (IVRTm). For comparison, diastolic function was assessed by conventional mitral pulse wave Doppler echocardiography. RESULTS: Diastolic function was impaired in both hypertensive groups. Irbesartan and atenolol (week 48, septal wall) improved IVRTm (-44%, P<.001, and -19%, P<.001; P相似文献   

急性心肌梗死患者肾功能恶化的发生率和预后价值

目的:评估急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者肾功能恶化的发生率和预后价值。方法:入选了267例AMI患者,平均年龄67.4岁。AMI患者住院第1、2、3天各检测1次血浆肌酐(Cr)值,以后每3d检测1次,直至第15天或出院。以Cr值较入院升高≥44.2μmol/L判断肾功能恶化,计算其发生率,采用logistic回归分析筛选AMI患者住院期间死亡的危险因素。结果:267例中32例(12.0%)住院期间发生了肾功能恶化。发生肾功能恶化的AMI患者年龄较大,陈旧性心肌梗死患病率高,Killip分级较高,入院时尿素氮值、Cr值较高,GFR估算值较低。用logistic回归分析筛选出肾功能不全、肾功能恶化是AMI患者住院期间死亡的危险因素。发生肾功能恶化的AMI患者死亡风险增加至4.287倍(95%CI为2.117～11.282,P<0.01)。结论:AMI患者住院期间肾功能恶化发生率为12.0%,是其预后的预测因子。     

Differences in clinical profile and outcome in patients with decompensated heart failure and systolic dysfunction or preserved systolic function

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical characteristics and short- and long-term prognosis for chronic heart failure with left ventricular systolic dysfunction or preserved systolic function. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Three-hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients with decompensated chronic heart failure were studied prospectively. Depending on ejection fraction, participants were classified as having systolic dysfunction (group 1, ejection fraction < or = 40%,) or preserved systolic function (group 2, ejection fraction >40%). RESULTS: Systolic dysfunction was detected in 192 patients (58.5%) and preserved systolic function in 41.5%. Mean age was 62.7 (12.5 years) in group 1 and 65.2 (16.2 years) in group 2 (P=.03), with a male prevalence of 73.3% and 49.3%, respectively (P<.001). Ischemic cardiomyopathy was more frequent in group 1 (44.8% vs 25%; P<.001). Physical examination and electrocardiogram findings were similar in both groups, except for a higher proportion of patients in group 1 with a heart third sound (43.2% vs 25%; P=.001) and left bundle branch block (40.6% vs 15.4%; P<.001) and abnomal Q waves (31.3% vs 20.6%; P=.04). In-hospital mortality was similar in patients with systolic dysfunction and preserved systolic function (2.9% vs 1%; P=NS). Twenty-four-month cumulative survival was 61% for patients with systolic dysfunction and 76% for patients with preserved systolic function (log rank test P=NS). In the Cox proportional hazards model, which included age, sex, functional class, hepatomegaly, peripheral hypoperfusion, BUN, sodium level, ejection fraction > 40%, and biventricular heart failure, preserved systolic function was not associated with late mortality. The variables that were independent predictors of late mortality were peripheral hypoperfusion (OR = 3.7; P<.0001), low sodium level (OR=0.9; P=.009) and male sex (OR=1.9; P=.041). CONCLUSIONS: Decompensated chronic heart failure with preserved systolic function was more frequent in women and older patients. Patients with preserved systolic function had a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease. However, these differences had no impact on the short- and long-term prognosis.     

Cardiovascular disease risk factors in chronic kidney disease: overall burden and rates of treatment and control

BACKGROUND: Mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. The burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors in this setting is not well described. METHODS: We compared the age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors and their treatment and control among persons with and without CKD in 3258 Framingham offspring cohort members who attended the seventh examination cycle (1998-2001). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation. We defined CKD as a GFR of less than 59 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) in women and less than 64 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) in men. RESULTS: Those with CKD were older, more likely to be obese (33.5% vs 29.3%; P=.02), and more likely to have low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (45.2% vs 29.4%; P<.001) and high triglyceride levels (39.9% vs 29.8%; P<.001). Those with CKD had a higher prevalence of hypertension (71.2% vs 42.7%; P<.001) and hypertension treatment (86.0% vs 72.5%; P<.001), but were less likely to achieve optimal blood pressure control (27.0% vs 45.5%; P<.001). Participants with CKD had a higher prevalence of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (60.5% vs 44.7%; P=.06) and lipid-lowering therapy (57.1% vs 42.6%; P=.09), although this was not statistically significant. A greater proportion of individuals with CKD than those without had diabetes (23.5% vs 11.9%; P=.02) and were receiving diabetes treatment (63.6% vs 46.9%; P=.05), but were less likely to achieve a hemoglobin A(1c) level of less than 7% (43.8% vs 59.4%; P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic kidney disease is associated with a significant burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors in the community. The diagnosis of CKD should alert the practitioner to look for potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.     

Prediction of coronary heart disease by erectile dysfunction in men referred for nuclear stress testing

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests a strong link between erectile dysfunction (ED) and atherosclerotic vascular disease. Stress myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS) is a widely used noninvasive imaging modality that allows diagnosis of coronary heart disease and stratification of cardiovascular risk. We sought to determine the relationship between ED and coronary heart disease in men referred for MPS. METHODS: A total of 221 men referred for MPS were prospectively screened for ED with a validated questionnaire. Patient characteristics, MPS findings, and exercise results were correlated with ED. RESULTS: Erectile dysfunction was present in 54.8% of the patients. Patients with ED exhibited more severe coronary heart disease (MPS summed stress score >8) (43.0% vs 17.0%; P<.001) and left ventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction <50%) (24.0% vs 11.0%; P=.01) than those without ED. Erectile dysfunction was associated with a shorter exercise time (8.0 vs 10.1 minutes; P<.001) and lower Duke treadmill score (4.4 vs 8.4; P<.001). Multivariate analysis showed ED to be an independent predictor of severe coronary heart disease (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-5.04; P = .01) and high-risk MPS findings (summed stress score >8, transient ischemic dilation, or left ventricular ejection fraction <35%) (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-5.74; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction is common in men referred for MPS, is associated with markers of adverse cardiovascular prognosis, and is an independent predictor of severe coronary heart disease and high-risk MPS findings. These results suggest that questioning about sexual function may be a useful tool for stratifying risk in individuals with suspected coronary heart disease.     

Baseline glucose and left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction

In patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the mechanisms behind the increased mortality related to glucose levels (GL) are poorly understood. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between baseline glucose and left ventricular enlargement (LVE). We analyzed 52 patients with a first ST-elevation AMI <24 h of evolution. Glucose levels were obtained upon admission (median time, 3 h after the beginning of chest pain). The median GL was 123.5 mg/dl, and patients above this limit were considered hyperglycemic (n=26). Left ventricular enlargement was analyzed comparing two radionuclide ventriculographies, the first obtained within 4 days post-AMI (median, 55 h) and the second 6 months later (median, 188.5 days), taking into account the difference in the obtained end-systolic volumes. Myocardial reperfusion was evaluated comparing ST resolution between a first ECG done immediately upon hospital arrival with a second ECG performed 2 h after treatment. By univariate analysis, LVE correlated significantly with baseline hyperglycemia (P<.001), failed reperfusion by ECG criteria (P<.001), and no use of ACE inhibitors or AT1 blockers (P=.046) and aspirin (P=.046). A history of previous diabetes did not correlate significantly with LVE at 6 months. In the adjusted model, basal hyperglycemia (P<.001) and failed reperfusion (P=.001) were the only variables independently correlated with LVE. In conclusion, baseline glucose is a powerful and independent predictor of LVE after AMI, which reinforces the importance of a tight glucose control during the initial phase of the disease.     

Epidemiology of Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure in Left Heart Failure

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) leading to right ventricular failure (RVF) is a common complication of left heart failure irrespective of the left ventricular ejection fraction. PH due to left heart disease is the most common cause of PH. The prevalence of PH and RVF in left heart failure varies depending on the patient population studied, the method used to diagnose PH, and the hemodynamic criteria used to define PH. Elevated left-sided filling pressure and functional mitral regurgitation are the two major determinants of PH in left heart failure. PH is associated with markers of disease severity, advanced symptoms, and worse long-term outcomes including heart failure hospitalization and mortality in left heart failure. RVF has independent, incremental prognostic value over PH for adverse outcomes in left heart failure. PH and RVF may be potential therapeutic targets in patients with left heart failure.     

Serum uric acid levels correlate with filling pressures in systolic heart failure

The authors studied the relationship between liver function tests and serum uric acid level with clinical and hemodynamic profiles in heart failure. Fifty patients (aged 44±15 years; 74.5% men) with an ejection fraction (EF) <35% were enrolled and clinical assessment was performed. Hemodynamic indices (including pulmonary arterial pressure [PAP], pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP], and cardiac index were studied by standard Edwards Lifesciences Swan-Ganz catheters, and liver function tests and serum uric acid level were measured simultaneously. Fifty age- and sex-matched controls with normal EF were also studied. A total of 73% of patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Mean uric acid level was 7.2±3.8 mg/dL and was significantly higher than in the control group (P value<.001). In multivariate analysis, uric acid correlated significantly with PAP (r=.5, P<.001) and PCWP (r=.4, P=.002) and was also associated with clinical signs of rales, edema, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (r=.5, P=.01), and New York Heart Association class (r=.4, P=.005). Uric acid level was also correlated inversely with left ventricular EF (r=.27, P=.006). Elevated uric acid levels in patients with systolic heart failure is associated with impaired clinical and hemodynamic profile and might be used as a noninvasive indicator of elevated left ventricular filling pressures.     

Raw vegetable food containing high cyclo (his-pro) improved insulin sensitivity and body weight control

Cyclo (his-pro), controlled-energy diet, soy protein hydrolysate (SPH), and raw vegetable food (RVF) are known to improve insulin sensitivity and body weight (BW) control. Enhancement of high cyclo (his-pro) content in SPH (HCS) was performed by refluxing SPH with 1 N KH(2)CO(3) dissolved in 70% ethanol for 2 weeks at room temperature. Using this material, we examined the effects of HCS plus RVF on glucose metabolism and BW control in genetically diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (G-K) and insulin-resistant aged overweight Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats. Thirty 7-week-old G-K rats and 18 16- to 18-month-old S-D rats were divided into 3 groups and treated with normal chow (NC), RVF diet, or HCS diet for 8 weeks. Raw vegetable food diet was made of 1:3 RVF and 2:3 NC; HCS diet was made of 1:27 portion HCS, 8:27 RVF, and 2:3 NC. Oral glucose tolerance significantly improved in both RVF- (P<.01) and HCS-treated (P<.001) G-K rats and worsened in NC-fed rats compared with the baseline values. Similarly, oral glucose tolerance also improved in aged overweight S-D rats when treated with RVF (P<.05) and with HCS (P<.01), compared with the baseline values. Although HCS diet treatment very significantly lowered fed plasma insulin levels compared with NC diet treatment in G-K rats (P<.01), RVF diet treatment alone did not decrease plasma insulin levels. In contrast, there was no change of insulin levels in overweight aged S-D rats after either RVF or HCS diet treatment. Postfeeding glucose levels in G-K rats fed RVF or HCS significantly fell, compared with the rats fed NC (P<.05). Interestingly, fasting blood glucose levels in RVF- or HCS-fed rats were very significantly lower than in NC-fed rats (P<.001). There was no change of blood glucose levels in S-D rats due to treatments with different diet. In G-K rats, food intake did not decrease during the first 3 weeks but fell very significantly from the fifth to eighth weeks with RVF (P<.01) and HCS (P<.001) treatments in G-K rats. However, food intake reduction in aged S-D rats was shown only for the HCS-treated rat group (P<.05). Water intake slightly decreased in G-K rats with either RVF or HCS treatment (P<.05) but very significantly decreased in S-D rats with HCS treatment (P<.01). Body weight gain in young G-K rats and BW in aged S-D rats significantly decreased only when rats were treated with HCS diet (P<.05). These data suggest that regular consumption of HCS diet helps to control blood glucose metabolism in diabetic G-K rats and BW control in aged obese S-D rats.     

Nesiritide acutely increases pulmonary and systemic levels of nitric oxide in patients with pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by decreased pulmonary vascular expression of nitric oxide (NOx), a vasodilator that increases levels of smooth muscle cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This study investigated mechanisms by which the vasodilator B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) affects the systemic and pulmonary vasculature in PH patients.Methods and ResultsTwenty PH patients with mean pulmonary artery (PA) pressure >25 mm Hg were enrolled. Ten had precapillary (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure [PCWP] ≤15 mm Hg) and 10 had postcapillary (PCWP >15 mm Hg) PH. Right heart catheterization was performed before and 30 minutes after intravenous nesiritide infusion. NOx and cGMP levels from the PA and systemic (AO) arteries were obtained before and after nesiritide infusion. The postcapillary PH patients demonstrated significantly reduced pulmonary vascular resistance after nesiritide; there was no change in the precapillary PH cohort. NOx levels increased significantly in both AO (P < .0001) and PA (P = .0093), as did cGMP levels (P < .0001). There was a higher increase in NOx levels from the pulmonary arteries in precapillary PH patients compared to postcapillary PH patients (P = .020).ConclusionIn PH patients, nesiritide infusion significantly increases NOx levels, suggesting a novel mechanism for its vasodilatory effects. These responses may differ between pre- and postcapillary PH patients.     

Prevalence of diabetic complications in fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetic patients and type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional comparative study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of diabetes-related complications in subjects with fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) and compare them with subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. METHODS: The study group comprised of 277 FCPD patients and 277 age, sex, and duration of diabetes-matched type 2 diabetic patients. All the study subjects underwent a detailed clinical examination, and fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical studies. Peripheral Doppler was used for diagnosis of peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Vibratory perception threshold (VPT) was determined using biothesiometry for diagnosis of neuropathy. Diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) was based on medical history and 12-lead resting ECG. Retinal photographs were used for diagnosis of retinopathy using a modified version of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grading system. RESULTS: FCPD patients had lower body mass index (BMI) (P<.001), systolic blood pressure (P<.0001), diastolic blood pressure (P<.001), serum cholesterol (P<.001), serum triglyceride (P<.001), and serum creatinine (P<.01) but higher glycosylated hemoglobin (P<.001) levels compared to patients with type 2 diabetes. Prevalence of CAD was significantly higher among type 2 diabetic patients (11.9%) compared to FCPD patients (5.1%), P<.003. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of other diabetic complications between the two study groups (type 2 diabetes vs. FCPD: retinopathy-37.2% vs. 30.1%, PVD-4.3% vs. 4.7%, Neuropathy-25.3% vs. 20.9%, Nephropathy-15.0% vs. 10.1%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed the following risk factors for diabetes complications among type 2 diabetic subjects-retinopathy: BMI (P=.028), duration of diabetes (P<.001), and glycosylated hemoglobin (P=.026); nephropathy: diastolic blood pressure (P=.016) and glycosylated hemoglobin (P=.040); neuropathy: age (P<.001), duration of diabetes (P=.003), and glycosylated hemoglobin (P=.001). Among subjects with FCPD, systolic blood pressure (P=.013), glycosylated hemoglobin (P=.021), and duration of diabetes (P<.001) were associated with retinopathy; BMI (P=.057), glycosylated hemoglobin (P=.010), and duration of diabetes (P=.024) with nephropathy and age (P=.011) and BMI (P=.010) with neuropathy. Conclusion: The prevalence of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and PVD was similar among FCPD patients and type 2 diabetic patients, but the prevalence of CAD was lower among FCPD patients.     

Brief report: Patient-physician agreement as a predictor of outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a patient-physician agreement instrument predicts important health outcomes. DESIGN: Three hundred eighty patients with back pain were enrolled in a comparison of rapid magnetic resonance imaging with standard x-rays. One month later, patients rated agreement with their physician in the following areas: diagnosis, diagnostic plan, and treatment plan. Outcomes included patient satisfaction with care at 1 and 12 months and functional and health status at 12 months. SETTING: Urban academic and community primary care and specialty clinics. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Higher agreement at 1 month (using a composite sum of scores on the 3 agreement questions) was correlated in univariate analysis with higher patient satisfaction at 1 month (R=.637, P<.001). In multivariate analysis, controlling for 1-month satisfaction and other potential confounders, higher agreement independently predicted better 12-month patient satisfaction (beta=0.188, P=.003), mental health (beta=1.080, P<.001), social function (beta=1.124, P=.001), and vitality (beta=1.190, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Agreement between physicians and patients regarding diagnosis, diagnostic plan, and treatment plan is associated with higher patient satisfaction and better health status outcomes in patients with back pain. Additional research is required to clarify the relationship between physician communication skills, agreement, and patient outcomes.     

Effects of intravenous nesiritide on pulmonary vascular hemodynamics in pulmonary hypertension

BACKGROUND: Nesiritide is effective in the treatment of decompensated heart failure (HF). We evaluated the acute hemodynamic effects of nesiritide, a recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide, in patients with HF and pulmonary hypertension (PH). METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty patients with HF and PH (mean pulmonary arterial [PA] pressure >25 mm Hg) were enrolled: 10 with postpulmonary capillary wedge (PCW) >15 mm Hg and 10 with precapillary PH (PCW) < or =15. The pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics were determined by right heart catheterization at baseline and at 15 and 30 minutes after an intravenous nesiritide infusion (2 mcg/kg bolus and 0.01 mcg.kg.min). For the patients with postcapillary PH, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 28 +/- 15%. After the 30-minute nesiritide infusion, right atrial (RA) pressure decreased 48% (P < .0001), mean PA pressure decreased 29% (P < .0001), PCW pressure decreased 40% (P < .0001), cardiac index (CI) increased 35% (P = .009), pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) decreased 35% (P = .01), and arteriovenous oxygen difference (AVDO(2)) decreased 27% (P = .0003). For precapillary PH patients, there was no change in RA, PA, or PCW pressure, nor any change in CI, PVRI, or AVDO(2). CONCLUSIONS: Nesiritide acutely and significantly reduced PA pressure, PVRI, and biventricular filling pressures in patients with postcapillary PH. However, for patients with precapillary PH, nesiritide had no significant acute hemodynamic effect on the pulmonary hemodynamics. The lack of acute beneficial effects of nesiritide in patients with advanced precapillary PH may be related to their relatively fixed remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature.     

Dynamic Assessment of Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility Index Provides Incremental Risk Assessment for Early Right Ventricular Failure After Left Ventricular Assist Device

BackgroundThe pulmonary artery pulsatility index (PAPi) has been studied to predict right ventricular failure (RVF) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, but only as a single time point before LVAD implantation. Multiple clinical factors and therapies impact RV function in pre-LVAD patients. Thus, we hypothesized that serial PAPi measurements during cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) optimization before LVAD implantation would provide incremental risk stratification for early RVF after LVAD implantation.Methods and ResultsConsecutive patients who underwent sequential pulmonary artery catherization with cardiac intensive care optimization before durable LVAD implantation were included. Serial hemodynamics were reviewed retrospectively across the optimization period. The optimal PAPi was defined by the initial PAPi + the PAPi at optimized hemodynamics. RVF was defined as need for a right ventricular assist device or prolonged inotrope use (>14 days postoperatively). Patients with early RVF had significantly lower mean optimal PAPi (3.5 vs 7.5, P < .001) compared with those who did not develop RVF. After adjusting for established risk factors of early RVF after LVAD implantation, the optimal PAPi was independently and incrementally associated with early RVF after LVAD implantation (odds ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.532–0.765, P < .0001).ConclusionsOptimal PAPi achieved during medical optimization before LVAD implantation provides independent and incremental risk stratification for early RVF, likely identifying dynamic RV reserve.     

Physical and mental health status of older long-term cancer survivors

OBJECTIVES: To assess the physical and mental health status of older long-term cancer survivors. DESIGN: Cohort study using propensity score methods to control for baseline differences between cancer survivors and controls. SETTING: General community population in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred sixty-four cancer patients who had survived for more than 4 years and 14,333 control patients who had never had cancer from a population-based sample of Americans aged 55 and older responding to the 2002 Health and Retirement Study. MEASUREMENTS: Medical conditions, symptoms, health behaviors, health status, mobility, activities of daily living, mental health diagnoses, self-rated memory, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and self-reported life expectancy. RESULTS: Cancer survivors reported higher rates of lung disease (13.9% vs 9.6%; P=.001), heart condition (29.3% vs 22.9%; P<.001), arthritis (69.4% vs 59.4%; P<.001), incontinence (26.6% vs 19.7%; P=.001), frequent pain (36.4% vs 29.4%; P=.005), and obesity (27.0% vs 24.2%; P=.001) than individuals without cancer but lower rates of smoking (12.0% vs 14.8%; P=.03). Cancer survivors were less likely than persons without cancer to report excellent or very good health status (37.2% vs 44.6%; P<.001) and had more mobility (P<.001) and activity of daily living (P=.01) limitations. Cancer survivors did not differ from persons without cancer in rates of depression or cognitive function (both P>.2) but were less optimistic about their life expectancy (P=.004). CONCLUSION: The physical health status of older long-term cancer survivors is somewhat worse than that of comparable persons who have never had cancer, but they have surprisingly similar mental health status. Future research is needed to understand factors contributing to poorer health status and identify patients at highest risk of long-term cancer-related problems.     

Acute Effects of Intravenous Nesiritide on Cardiac Contractility in Heart Failure

BackgroundAlthough nesiritide is a potent vasodilator, studies using myocytes and isolated muscle strips have shown that recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP; nesiritide) decreases contractility. We sought to determine whether nesiritide decreases contractility in heart failure patients.Methods and ResultsTwenty-five heart failure patients underwent left heart catheterization (using a pressure-volume conductance catheter) and echocardiography at baseline and after a 2 mcg/kg bolus and 30-minute nesiritide infusion (0.01 mcg·kg·min). From invasive and noninvasive measurements, left ventricular (LV) systolic function indices were calculated, including ejection fraction, end-systolic elastance (E_es; single-beat invasive and noninvasive methods) and preload-recruitable stroke work (PRSW; noninvasive, single-beat method). The mean age was 60 ± 11 years, 48% were male, 56% had coronary disease, and 64% had hypertension. Although nesiritide did not change LV ejection fraction, it did decrease contractility on pressure-volume analysis. Noninvasive E_es decreased from 2.6 ± 1.6 to 2.0 ± 1.4 mm Hg/mL (P = .02). For those with reduced ejection fraction, E_es decreased by invasive (P = .006) and noninvasive (P = .02) methods. PRSW decreased from 76 ± 37 to 62 ± 28 g/cm² (P = .003). On tissue Doppler imaging, nesiritide reduced the systolic annular tissue velocity of the mitral annulus from 8.0 ± 1.9 to 6.9 ± 1.3 cm/s (P = .04).ConclusionsNesiritide infusion acutely decreases derived measures of contractility and systolic function in patients with chronic heart failure.