Comparative prognostic value of plasma and urinary N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute destabilized heart failure

Introduction and objectives

Urinary concentrations of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be prognostically meaningful; however, direct comparison to plasma concentrations of this marker have not been performed in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The aims of this study were to compare the prognostic value of plasma versus urinary NT-proBNP concentration for the risk stratification of patients with ADHF.

Methods

Consecutive hospitalized patients with ADHF were prospectively studied. Blood and urine samples were simultaneously collected on hospital arrival to determine NT-proBNP concentrations. Clinical follow-up was obtained, and the occurrence of mortality and heart failure hospitalization was registered.

Results

The study included 138 patients (median, 74 years [interquartile range, 67-80]; 54% men). During a median follow-up period of 387 days [interquartile range, 161-559], 65 patients (47%) suffered adverse clinical events. Plasma NT-proBNP concentration was higher among patients who presented adverse events (4561 pg/mL [2191-8631] vs 2906 pg/mL [1643-5823]; P = .03), whereas urinary NT-proBNP was similar in both groups (P = .62). After multivariable Cox regression analyses, plasma NT-proBNP concentration was associated with a higher risk of adverse events, whether considered continuously (per 100 pg/mL; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-1.007; P = .003) or categorically (≥3345 pg/mL; HR = 2.35; 95%CI, 1.41-3.93; P = .001). In contrast, urinary NT-proBNP concentration was not associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

Plasma NT-proBNP concentration is superior to urinary NT-proBNP concentration for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes among unselected patients with ADHF.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

Epidemiología de la insuficiencia cardiaca en España en los últimos 20 años

Heart failure is a major health care problem in Spain, although its precise impact is unknown due to the lack of data from appropriately designed studies. In contrast with the 2% prevalence of heart failure elsewhere in Europe and in the United States, studies in Spain report figures of 5%, probably because of methodological limitations. Heart failure consumes enormous quantities of health care resources; it is the first cause of hospitalization in persons aged 65 years or older and represents 3% of all hospital admissions and 2.5% of health care costs. There are two patterns of heart failure: one with preserved systolic function, more often associated with high blood pressure, and another with depressed systolic function, more often associated with ischemic heart disease. In 2010, heart failure accounted for 3% of all deaths in men and for 10% of all deaths in women. In recent years, the mortality rate from heart failure has gradually fallen. The rise in hospital admissions for heart failure and the decrease in mortality from this cause could partly be explained by temporary changes in diagnostic coding, but there is evidence that the reduced mortality could also be due to adherence to clinical practice guidelines.     

Pérdida de estimulación biventricular continua en pacientes con terapia de resincronización cardiaca: incidencia,causas y resultados

Introduction and objectives

In recent years, implantation of cardiac resynchronization therapy devices has significantly increased. The benefits of this therapy are directly related to the maintenance of continuous biventricular pacing. This study analyzed the incidence, causes, and outcomes of loss of continuous biventricular pacing, and the approach adopted.

Methods

We analyzed the clinical and follow-up data of a series of consecutive patients from a single center who underwent implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy device.

Results

The study included 136 patients. During a mean follow-up of 33.4 months, loss of continuous biventricular pacing occurred in 45 patients (33%). The most common causes included atrial tachyarrhythmias (21.3%), lead macrodislodgement (18%), and loss of left ventricular capture (13.1%). In most patients (88.5%), loss of continuous biventricular pacing was transient and correctable, and occurred earlier in the follow-up when the cause was lead macrodislodgement, oversensing, or extracardiac stimulation. There were no significant differences in mortality between patients with and without loss of continuous biventricular pacing (P=.88).

Conclusions

Despite technical advances in cardiac resynchronization therapy, loss of continuous biventricular pacing is common; however, this loss can usually be corrected. In most patients, continuous biventricular pacing can be ensured by close monitoring and follow-up and a proactive approach.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org/en     

Red blood cell distribution width in heart failure: A narrative review

The red blood cell distribution width(RDW) is a simple, rapid, inexpensive and straightforward hematological parameter, reflecting the degree of anisocytosis in vivo. The currently available scientific evidence suggests that RDW assessment not only predicts the risk of adverse outcomes(cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, hospitalization for acute decompensation or worsened left ventricular function) in patients with acute and chronic heart failure(HF), but is also a significant and independent predictor of developing HF in patients free of this condition. Regarding the biological interplay between impaired hematopoiesis and cardiac dysfunction, many of the different conditions associated with increased heterogeneity of erythrocyte volume(i.e., ageing, inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies and impaired renal function), may be concomitantly present in patients with HF, whilst anisocytosis may also directly contribute to the development and worsening of HF. In conclusion, the longitudinal assessment of RDW changes over time may be considered an efficient measure to help predicting the risk of both development and progression of HF.     

Novedades en alteraciones del ritmo cardiaco: electrofisiología cardiaca,arritmias y estimulación cardiaca

This article reviews the most relevant articles published in 2012 in the field of arrhythmias, on subjects that include clinical arrhythmology, ablation, cardiac pacing, and the genetics of sudden cardiac death.     

Rapid point-of-care NT-proBNP optimal cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care

Introduction and objectives

Measurement of natriuretic peptides may be recommended prior to echocardiography in patients with suspected heart failure. Cut-off point for heart failure diagnosis in primary care is not well established. We aimed to assess the optimal diagnostic cut-off value of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide on a community population attended in primary care.

Methods

Prospective diagnostic accuracy study of a rapid point-of-care N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide test in a primary healthcare centre. Consecutive patients referred by their general practitioners to echocardiography due to suspected heart failure were included. Clinical history and physical examination based on Framingham criteria, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement and echocardiogram were performed. Heart failure diagnosis was made by a cardiologist blinded to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide value, using the European Society of Cardiology diagnosis criteria (clinical and echocardiographic data).

Results

Of 220 patients evaluated (65.5% women; median 74 years [interquartile range 67-81]). Heart failure diagnosis was confirmed in 52 patients (23.6%), 16 (30.8%) with left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (39.6 [5.1]%). Median values of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide were 715 pg/mL [interquartile range 510.5-1575] and 77.5 pg/mL [interquartile range 58-179.75] for patients with and without heart failure respectively. The best cut-off point was 280 pg/mL, with a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.91-0.97). Six patients with heart failure diagnosis (11.5%) had N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide values <400 pg/mL. Measurement of natriuretic peptides would avoid 67% of requested echocardiograms.

Conclusions

In a community population attended in primary care, the best cut-off point of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide to rule out heart failure was 280 pg/mL. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measurement improve work-out diagnosys and could be cost-effectiveness.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

Impact of malnutrition on long-term mortality in hospitalized patients with heart failure

Introduction and objectives

The prevalence of malnutrition among patients with heart failure and the role it might play in prognosis is not currently known. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence and risk of malnutrition as well as its possible influence on long-term mortality in patients with heart failure.

Methods

A prospective analysis was conducted on 208 patients discharged consecutively from our centre between January 2007 and March 2008 after being hospitalised with heart failure. Before discharge, a complete nutritional assessment was performed and diagnosis of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was done with the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Its possible independent association with mortality was assessed by a Cox multivariate analysis.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 73 ± 10 years, with 46% women; the most common aetiology of heart failure was ischaemia (41%). In addition, 13% were classified as malnourished, 59.5% at risk of malnutrition and 27.5% were well-nourished. At a median follow-up of 25 months, mortality in the three groups was 76%, 35.9% and 18.9%, respectively (log-rank, P < .001). In the Cox multivariate analysis, the malnutrition state was an independent predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 3.75, 95% confidence interval, 1.75-8.02, P = .001).

Conclusions

Malnutrition and the risk of malnutrition are highly prevalent in patients hospitalised for heart failure. Furthermore, we found that the state of malnutrition as defined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment survey is an independent predictor of mortality in these patients.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

Echocardiographic predictors of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction: role of mitral regurgitation

Introduction and objectives

Patients with heart failure and similar left ventricular systolic dysfunction have differing exercise capacity. The aim of this study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of exercise capacity in patients with heart failure and systolic dysfunction.

Methods

We included 150 patients with class II (70%) or III (30%) heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%. Six-minute walking test and cardiac color Doppler-echo, including tissue Doppler of mitral and tricuspid rings, were performed. Moderate and severe mitral regurgitation were considered as significant. Two groups were divided according to the median walking distance (290 m): Group 1, <290 m and Group 2, ≥290 m.

Results

Mitral regurgitation was detected in 112 patients (75%), which was significant in 40 (27%). Group 1 showed more significant mitral regurgitation (35 vs 18%), increased left atrium area (27±1 vs 24±1 cm²), mitral E amplitude (88±5 vs 72±3 cm/s) and systolic pulmonary pressure (37±1 vs 32±1 mmHg, all P<.05). By logistic regression analysis, only the presence of significant mitral regurgitation was independently associated with less walked distance (odds ratio: 3.44 95% confidence interval 1.02-11.66, P<.05). By multiple linear regression, the only independent predictor of walked distance was left atrium area (r=0.25, beta coefficient: −6.52 ± 2, P<.01).

Conclusions

In patients with class II-III heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, the main echocardiographic predictors of exercise capacity are related to the presence of significant mitral regurgitation.Full English text available from:www.revespcardiol.org     

老年收缩性与舒张性心力衰竭患者红细胞分布宽度的对比研究

目的探讨老年收缩性心力衰竭(SHF)与舒张性心力衰竭(DHF)患者红细胞分布宽度(RDW)水平及意义。方法选择2013年3月~2014年11月于首都医科大学宣武医院心脏科就诊的老年心力衰竭患者90例,根据LVEF不同分为SHF(LVEF<50%)组55例和DHF(LVEF≥50%)组35例。另选同期年龄、性别相匹配的65例无心力衰竭患者为对照组。收集患者的临床资料,分析RDW在SHF与DHF患者的相关性及诊断意义。结果SHF组RDW、尿酸、左心房内径、左心室舒张末期内径显著大于DHF组[(13.9±1.0)%vs(13.0±0.5)%、(417.6±151.0)μmol/L vs(339.9±89.7)μmol/L、(41.8±7.1)mmvs(33.9±7.2)mm、(58.5±12.5)mmvs(48.6±8.8)mm,P<0.05],而室间隔厚度显著小于DHF组(P<0.05)。Pearson相关分析显示,LVEF与RDW、尿酸、B型钠尿肽、左心房内径呈负相关(P<0.01)。RDW鉴别诊断SHF与DHF的曲线下面积为0.757,RDW取值13.35%作为界值的敏感性为67.3%,特异性为74.3%。结论在老年心力衰竭患者中,SHF比DHF的RDW水平更高,RDW对鉴别诊断SHF和DHF可能有一定帮助,当RDW>13.35%时,诊断SHF的可能性大。     

老年男性慢性心衰患者细胞分布宽度与心功能的关系

目的:探讨老年男性慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者红细胞分布宽度(RDW)与心功能之间的关系。方法:入选老年男性CHF患者(CHF组)60例(NYHA心功能Ⅱ级28例,Ⅲ～Ⅳ级32例)及心功能正常的老年男性患者30例(正常对照组),分别检测RDW、红细胞计数、红细胞压积、血红蛋白含量,并行心脏彩超检查,比较不同心功能级别患者的各项指标变化。结果:与正常对照组比较,CHF组RDW明显升高[(13.85±0.6)%比(15.79±1.33)%,P<0.01],且RDW在心功能Ⅲ-Ⅳ级组较Ⅱ级组更为升高(P<0.01);E/A比值[(1.02±0.36)比(0.75±0.18)]、LVEF值[(59±9)%比(49±11)%]均明显降低(P均<0.01),且二者在心功能Ⅲ-Ⅳ级组较Ⅱ级组更为降低(P<0.01);Pearson直线相关分析显示:心衰患者RDW与E/A比值(r=-0.391,P<0.05)、LVEF值(r=-0.574,P<0.05)均呈负相关。结论:红细胞分布宽度与老年男性患者的心衰程度有关,可以间接反映老年男性CHF患者的心脏功能。     

Usefulness of NT-ProBNP as a biomarker of clinical status in outpatients with chronic heart failure

The role of the amino-terminal fragment of probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in monitoring the clinical status of outpatients with chronic heart failure has not yet been fully established. Fifty-nine patients with chronic heart failure were followed up at an outpatient clinic. The serum NT-proBNP level was measured and clinical status was assessed according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class and Framingham clinical criteria. A positive correlation was found between the NT-proBNP level, NYHA functional class and Framingham score (P< .001). Patients who presented with a Framingham score > 2 were more likely to be readmitted to hospital (31.8% vs. 0%; P< .001), to visit an emergency department (36.4% vs. 5.4%; P=.002), or to die (13.6% vs. 0%; P=.021). The NT-proBNP level was higher in patients who needed to be readmitted to hospital (P=.004) and in those who attended an emergency department for decompensation (P=.002).