左室压力-应变环评价不同剂量蒽环类药物对乳腺癌患者左室心肌的做功

目的 探讨采用无创性左室压力-应变环（left ventricular pressure-strain loops,LVPSL）技术评价乳腺癌患者在不同剂量蒽环类药物作用时左室心肌做功的变化情况。 方法 选取拟接受蒽环类药物化疗的新发乳腺癌术后患者36例,健康对照者30例,分别采集并存储左室心尖四腔、三腔、二腔至少（3~5）个心动周期,使用工作站脱机分析图像,获得数据包括左室舒张末期内径(LVDd)、左室收缩末期内径(LVds)、左室射血分数（LVEF）、左室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、左室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、整体做功指数 (GWI)、整体有用功 (GCW )、 整体无用功(GWW)、整体做功效率(GWE)。 结果 在蒽环类药物累计剂量达240 mg/m2及360 mg/m2时,GLS及GWI较化疗前明显减低,GWW较化疗前升高,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;随蒽环类药物累计剂量的增加,GLS及GWI呈逐渐减低趋势,GWW呈逐渐升高趋势;相关分析发现:GLS与蒽环类药物剂量累计剂量显著相关（r = 0.653）,GWI及GWW与蒽环类药物累计剂量低度相关（r = ?0.485,r = 0.308）（P<0.05）。 结论 LVPSL的整体做功指数和整体无用功可评价乳腺癌患者蒽环类药物治疗所致的轻微的左心室心肌功能障碍,且有蒽环类药物剂量依赖性。     

左心室心肌做功预测心脏再同步化治疗的效果

目的利用二维斑点追踪成像(2D-STI)技术新参数左心室心肌做功预测心脏再同步化治疗(CRT)的效果。方法选取2017年12月至2019年10月在苏北人民医院接受CRT治疗的75例心力衰竭患者为研究对象,于CRT术前及术后6个月测量常规超声心动图参数以及利用2D-STI技术分析整体心肌做功参数。将术后左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV)缩小≥15%定义为CRT治疗有效。采用SPSS 25.0软件进行统计分析,变量间相关性采用Spearman相关性分析。应用ROC曲线分析各参数预测CRT的效果。结果CRT的有效率为65%(49/75)。与术前比较,有效组术后左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)和LVESV减小,左心室射血分数(LVEF)增高,有效组术后心肌做功指数(GWI)、整体有效功(GCW)、整体做功效率(GWE)增高,整体无效功(GWW)降低(P<0.05);无效组各参数比较差异均无统计学意义。有效组术前GCW和GWW大于无效组(P<0.05)。GCW与左心室收缩末期容积减少率(△LVESV)及LVEF呈线性相关(r=0.58,0.64;均P<0.05);GCW、GWW预测CRT疗效的ROC曲线下面积为0.78与0.85。结论左心室心肌做功参数可评估CRT患者左心室收缩功能,并可预测CRT患者的治疗效果。     

无创左心室压力-应变环定量评价冠心病患者冠状动脉狭窄

目的 探讨无创左心室压力-应变环（LVPSL）对冠状动脉不同程度狭窄的冠心病（CAD）患者心肌做功的评价。 方法 回顾性选择2019年12月～2021年10月就诊于湖南中医药高等专科学校附属第一医院心血管内科临床诊断为疑似CAD且行冠状动脉造影检查的患者130例,所有患者均行常规超声心动图、二维斑点追踪（2D-STI）和LVPSL检查。根据冠状动脉造影结果将其分为冠状动脉无狭窄组（n=33）,冠状动脉有狭窄组（n=97）。依据冠状动脉Gensini评分将冠状动脉有狭窄组分为三个亚组,轻度狭窄组（Gensini评分<25,n=37）,中度狭窄组[Gensini评分（25～50）,n=32],重度狭窄组（Gensini评分>50,n=28）。采集常规超声心动参数的同时,取左心室心尖四腔心、三腔心、两腔心切面三个心动周期在二维斑点追踪（2D-STI）模式下获得左心室整体纵向应变（GLS）。输入实时血压,进入LVPSL模式,可获得左心室整体做功指数（GWI）、整体有效做功（GCW）、整体无效做功（GWW）和整体做功效率（GWE）参数。比较不同程度冠状动脉狭窄对心肌做功的影响。 结果 与冠状动脉无狭窄组相比,冠状动脉轻度狭窄组GLS的减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;冠状动脉中度狭组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;冠状动脉重度狭窄组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）。与冠状动脉轻度狭窄相比,冠状动脉中度狭窄组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;冠状动脉重度狭组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）;与冠状动脉中度狭窄相比,冠状动脉重度狭窄组GLS减低、GWI减低、GCW减低、GWE减低和GWW增加（均P<0.01）。冠状动脉狭窄组的Gensini评分与GLS的绝对值、GWI、GCW、GWE呈负相关（r=?0.554, ?0.661, ?0.619, ?0.829）,与GWW呈正相关（r=0.718）,其中与GWE的相关性最高。 结论 LVPSL技术测得的GWI、GCW、GWE和GWW可定量分析不同程度冠状动脉狭窄的CAD患者心肌做功情况,心肌做功参数GWE与Gensini评分的相关性最高。     

心肌做功技术对LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值

目的探讨心肌做功技术对左心室射血分数(LVEF)保留的急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。方法本研究为前瞻性病例-对照设计的诊断性试验。选取2019年5—10月在河南省人民医院确诊为AMI且LVEF>50%的患者为AMI(LVEF>50%)组,并选取同期健康体检者作为对照组。收集所有研究对象的年龄、性别等一般临床资料,采用二维超声采集其心尖二腔、三腔及四腔长轴切面连续3个心动周期动态图像,测量并比较两组间常规超声心动图指标及心肌做功各参数的差异。采用组内相关系数(ICC)评价观察者内及观察者间心肌做功各参数的重复性。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析左心室整体有用功(GCW)、整体无用功(GWW)、整体做功效率(GWE)、整体做功指数(GWI)对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。结果AMI(LVEF>50%)组30例,年龄(67.3±9.7)岁,女性14例(46.7%)。对照组30例,年龄(68.1±8.6)岁,女性12例(40.0%)。AMI(LVEF>50%)组左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、室间隔厚度(IVSD)、左心室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、二尖瓣口舒张早期峰值流速比二尖瓣后叶瓣环组织多普勒速度(E/e)、左心室质量(LVM)、左心室质量指数(LVMI)较对照组大,E、e较对照组低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,AMI(LVEF>50%)组GCW[(1145.9±440.1)mmHg%(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)比(1425.7±355.4)mmHg%]、GWE[(80.9±9.5)%比(87.3±5.5)%]、GWI[(1001.3±416.2)mmHg%比(1247.6±341.7)mmHg%]低,长轴整体应变(GLS)绝对值低[(8.5±3.4)%比(11.4±3.7)%],峰值应变离散度(PSD)高[(101.3±66.4)ms比(74.7±31.9)ms],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);AMI(LVEF>50%)组GWW高[(177.2±71.1)mmHg%比(155.7±64.6)mmHg%],但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI在观察者内及观察者间的重复性良好(ICC均>0.75)。ROC曲线分析显示,GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI 4个参数曲线下面积分别为0.896、0.929、0.808、0.862,均可用于AMI(LVEF>50%)患者左心室收缩功能降低的诊断。结论心肌做功技术对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低具有一定的诊断价值。     

心肌做功技术对LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值

目的探讨心肌做功技术对左心室射血分数(LVEF)保留的急性心肌梗死(AMI)患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。方法本研究为前瞻性病例-对照设计的诊断性试验。选取2019年5—10月在河南省人民医院确诊为AMI且LVEF>50%的患者为AMI(LVEF>50%)组,并选取同期健康体检者作为对照组。收集所有研究对象的年龄、性别等一般临床资料,采用二维超声采集其心尖二腔、三腔及四腔长轴切面连续3个心动周期动态图像,测量并比较两组间常规超声心动图指标及心肌做功各参数的差异。采用组内相关系数(ICC)评价观察者内及观察者间心肌做功各参数的重复性。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析左心室整体有用功(GCW)、整体无用功(GWW)、整体做功效率(GWE)、整体做功指数(GWI)对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低的诊断价值。结果AMI(LVEF>50%)组30例,年龄(67.3±9.7)岁,女性14例(46.7%)。对照组30例,年龄(68.1±8.6)岁,女性12例(40.0%)。AMI(LVEF>50%)组左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、室间隔厚度(IVSD)、左心室舒张末期容积(LVEDV)、左心室收缩末期容积(LVESV)、二尖瓣口舒张早期峰值流速比二尖瓣后叶瓣环组织多普勒速度(E/e)、左心室质量(LVM)、左心室质量指数(LVMI)较对照组大,E、e较对照组低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,AMI(LVEF>50%)组GCW[(1145.9±440.1)mmHg%(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)比(1425.7±355.4)mmHg%]、GWE[(80.9±9.5)%比(87.3±5.5)%]、GWI[(1001.3±416.2)mmHg%比(1247.6±341.7)mmHg%]低,长轴整体应变(GLS)绝对值低[(8.5±3.4)%比(11.4±3.7)%],峰值应变离散度(PSD)高[(101.3±66.4)ms比(74.7±31.9)ms],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);AMI(LVEF>50%)组GWW高[(177.2±71.1)mmHg%比(155.7±64.6)mmHg%],但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI在观察者内及观察者间的重复性良好(ICC均>0.75)。ROC曲线分析显示,GCW、GWW、GWE、GWI 4个参数曲线下面积分别为0.896、0.929、0.808、0.862,均可用于AMI(LVEF>50%)患者左心室收缩功能降低的诊断。结论心肌做功技术对于LVEF保留的AMI患者左心室整体收缩功能降低具有一定的诊断价值。     

Impact of repaired aortic coarctation in left ventricular myocardial work

AimsMyocardial strain analysis enables more precise assessment of cardiac performance but is relatively load dependent. New tools have been developed with afterload adjustment. Our objective was to assess myocardial work (MW) in patients with repaired aortic coarctation (rACo).MethodsProspective study of consecutive patients with rACo who underwent a routine transthoracic echocardiogram in 2018 and 2019 at our center. Patients with significant aortic valve disease, pacemaker, or other congenital heart diseases (except for mild bicuspid aortic valve disease) were excluded. Global longitudinal strain with two dimensional speckle tracking analysis and MW were obtained (GWI:Global Work Index; GCW: Global Constructive Work; GWW: Global Wasted Work; GWE: Global Work Efficiency). Blood pressure was measured in the patient's right arm.ResultsWe included 42 patients in the analysis, mean age of 37±10 years, 38% males. In this group, 52% had hypertension and 64% had a concomitant bicuspid aortic valve. In comparison to previously published reference values, patients with rACo had significantly lower GWI (1807 vs. 1896 mmHg%) and GCW (2173 vs. 2232 mmHg%) (p<0.001), particularly in males. Systolic blood pressure is an independent predictor for GWI (β=0.432) and for GCW (β=0.534) and GLS an independent predictor of all MW parameters (β>0.594). Neither age nor gender were independent predictors.ConclusionsIn patients with rACo, there are some signs of left ventricular dysfunction with a reduction in GCW and GWI and with preserved GWE, despite normal ejection fraction and strain.     

左室压力-应变环对冠心病患者心肌做功评价的初步研究

目的 应用左室压力-应变环（LVPSL）评价冠状动脉狭窄患者心肌做功的改变情况,探讨心肌做功参数在诊断冠心病中的临床价值。 方法 疑诊冠心病患者111例,根据冠脉造影结果分为两组:对照组（冠脉无狭窄或狭窄<50%）33例;冠心病组（至少一支冠脉狭窄≥50%）78例,将冠心病组分为有节段性室壁运动异常组26例,无节段性室壁运动异常组52例;分别采集心尖四腔、两腔、左室长轴切面动态图像,应用Echo PAC工作站获取左室整体纵向应变(GLS),进入心肌做功分析模式,得出LVPSL,最终获取长轴整体做功指数（GWI）、整体有效功（GCW）、整体无效功（GWW）、整体做功效率（GME）。 结果 与对照组相比,冠心病组GLS、GWI、GCW、GME均显著减低,GWW显著升高（均P<0.01）,冠心病有节段性室壁运动异常组GLS、GWW显著升高（P<0.01）,冠心病无节段性室壁运动异常组GWI、GCW、GME均显著减低（P<0.01）,GLS显著减低、GWW显著升高（P<0.01）。ROC曲线显示GWI、GCW、GWW、GME的曲线下面积分别为0.36、0.40、0.75、0.27;GWW截断值为70.5%,预测冠心病的灵敏度、特异度分别为67%、97%,约登指数0.64。 结论 LVPSL可量化分析冠心病患者心肌做功,其中GWW是反映冠心病患者心肌做功和心室功能改变的较敏感指标。     

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Myocardial Work Indices for Identification of Cancer Therapy–Related Cardiotoxicity

BackgroundEchocardiographic global longitudinal strain (GLS) is a useful measure for detection of cancer treatment–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) but is influenced by blood pressure changes. This limitation may be overcome by assessment of myocardial work (MW), which incorporates blood pressure into the calculation.ObjectivesThis work aims to determine whether myocardial work indices (MWIs) can help diagnose or prognosticate CTRCD.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, 136 women undergoing anthracycline and trastuzumab treatment for HER2+ breast cancer, underwent serial echocardiograms and cardiac magnetic resonance pre- and post-anthracycline and every 3 months during trastuzumab. GLS, global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work, and global work efficiency were measured. CTRCD was defined with cardiac magnetic resonance. Generalized estimating equations quantified the association between changes in GLS and MWIs and CTRCD at the current (diagnosis) and subsequent visit (prognosis). Regression tree analysis was used to explore the combined use of GLS and MW for the diagnostic/prognostic assessment of CTRCD.ResultsBaseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 63.2 ± 4.0%. Thirty-seven (27.2%) patients developed CTRCD. An absolute change in GLS (standardized odds ratio [sOR]: 1.97 [95% CI: 1.07-3.66]; P = 0.031) and GWI (sOR: 1.73 [95% CI: 1.04-2.85]; P = 0.033) were associated with concurrent CTRCD. An absolute change in GLS (sOR: 1.79 [95% CI: 1.22-2.62]; P = 0.003), GWI (sOR: 1.67 [95% CI: 1.20-2.32]; P = 0.003), and GCW (sOR: 1.65 [95% CI: 1.17-2.34]; P = 0.005) were associated with subsequent CTRCD. Change in GWI and GCW demonstrated incremental value over GLS and clinical factors for the diagnosis of concurrent CTRCD. In a small group with a GLS change <3.3% (absolute), and a >21 mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure, worsening of GWI identified patients with higher probability of concurrent CTRCD (24.0% vs 5.2%). MWIs did not improve identification of subsequent CTRCD beyond knowledge of GLS change.ConclusionsGLS can be used to diagnose and prognosticate cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) defined CTRCD, with additional value from MWIs in selected cases. (Evaluation of Myocardial Changes During Breast Adenocarcinoma Therapy to Detect Cardiotoxicity Earlier With MRI [EMBRACE-MRI]; NCT02306538)     

Impact of blood pressure changes on myocardial work indices in hypertensive patients in a day

Evaluating left ventricular function through instantaneous left ventricular deformation parameters might not always be accurate for patients with high fluctuations in blood pressure value due to afterload dependence. Myocardial work (MW) is a more advanced tool that combines global myocardial longitudinal strain (GLS) with LV (left ventricular) systolic pressure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of blood pressure changes on MW indices in the population with normal blood pressure and hypertension in a day. A total of 117 participants (34 control subjects and 83 hypertensive patients) underwent echocardiographic measurements at rest, twice a day. Simultaneously, the brachial blood pressure was also measured. LV pressure‐strain loop (PSL) was used to calculate global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE). The differences in the GLS and MW indices between the groups were compared, and the correlation of blood pressure changes with the changes in GLS and MW indices were evaluated. Compared to the control group, the hypertensive group showed higher GWI, GCW, and GWW but lower GLS and GWE. Absolute changes in blood pressure, GLS, and MW indices in hypertensive patients were significantly higher than that of the control subjects. Blood pressure changes had significant univariate correlation with changes in GLS and MW indices. In conclusion, significant fluctuations in blood pressure could induce changes in MW indices to preserve left ventricular systolic function. Repeated assessment of MW indices is necessary for hypertensive patients with large blood pressure fluctuations.     

The predictive value of global longitudinal strain in patients with heart failure mid-range ejection fraction

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is defined as HF with a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) of 41–49%. However, the change in LV function and the subsequent prognosis in these patients remain unclear. We aimed to investigate whether LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) could differentiate the changes in LVEF and predict the clinical outcomes in patients with HFmrEF.MethodsAccording to the changes in LVEF on follow-up echocardiography, 273 outpatients with HFmrEF were divided into 3 groups: HFwEF (HF with worse EF: <40%), HFsEF (HF with similar EF: 40–49%), and HFrecEF (HF with recovered EF: >50%). Further, the LV GLS at diagnosis was evaluated.ResultsThe average follow-up duration was 31 months. Among patients with HFmrEF, the more impaired the LV GLS at baseline, the higher probability of HFwEF development. In comparison with patients with HFwEF and HFsEF, those with HFrecEF had a lower risk of hospitalization for HF. At a cut-off value of ?11%, LV GLS differentiated the subsequent risk of cardiovascular death in patients with HFmrEF. In Cox regression, patients with LV GLS >?11% had a high risk of cardiovascular death.ConclusionIn patients with HFmrEF, LV GLS is associated with LVEF changes and subsequent cardiovascular death. Patients with HFrecEF had a lower risk of hospitalization for HF.     

Biomarkers in atrial fibrillation and heart failure with non-reduced ejection fraction: Diagnostic application and new cut-off points

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) with non-reduced left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) present a diagnostic overlap. In this paper, we analyze differences in biomarkers between patients with and without HF, in a cohort of patients presenting with symptomatic AF. Differences in biomarkers between patients with medium range ejection fraction HF (HFmrEF) and those with preserved ejection fraction HF (HFpEF) are also analyzed.MethodsA total of 115 patients with symptomatic persistent AF were included. Seven biomarkers were measured: NT-proBNP, high sensitivity T troponin (hsTNT), galectin-3, ST2, fibrinogen, urate and C-reactive protein.ResultsPatients with non-reduced LVEF HF had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels than those without HF. This biomarker was the only variable independently related with the presence of non-reduced LVEF HF. Troponin was the only factor independently related with the presence of HFmrEF.ConclusionsNT-proBNP showed the best diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of non-reduced LVEF HF. We found higher diagnostic NT-proBNP cut-off values than those previously reported. Troponin was the most accurate biomarker differentiating HFmrEF from HFpEF.     

Características e Tendências na Mortalidade em Diferentes Fenótipos de Insuficiência Cardíaca na Atenção Primária

Background:The classification of heart failure (HF) by phenotypes has a great relevance in clinical practice.Objective:The study aimed to analyze the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and outcomes between HF phenotypes in the primary care setting.Methods:This is an analysis of a cohort study including 560 individuals, aged ≥ 45 years, who were randomly selected in a primary care program. All participants underwent clinical evaluations, b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) measurements, electrocardiogram, and echocardiography in a single day. HF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% was classified as HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), LVEF 40% to 49% as HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) and LVEF ≥ 50% as HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). After 5 years, the patients were reassessed as to the occurrence of the composite outcome of death from any cause or hospitalization for cardiovascular disease.Results:Of the 560 patients included, 51 patients had HF (9.1%), 11 of whom had HFrEF (21.6%), 10 had HFmrEF (19.6%) and 30 had HFpEF (58.8%). HFmrEF was similar to HFpEF in BNP levels (p < 0.001), left ventricular mass index (p = 0.037), and left atrial volume index (p < 0.001). The HFmrEF phenotype was similar to HFrEF regarding coronary artery disease (p = 0.009). After 5 years, patients with HFmrEF had a better prognosis when compared to patients with HFpEF and HFrEF (p < 0.001).Conclusion:The prevalence of ICFEI was similar to that observed in previous studies. ICFEI presented characteristics similar to ICFEP in this study. Our data show that ICFEi had a better prognosis compared to the other two phenotypes.     

Epidemiology of Worsening Heart Failure in a Population-based Cohort from Alberta,Canada: Evaluating Eligibility for Treatment With Vericiguat

BackgroundPatients with heart failure (HF) and a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who experience worsening HF (WHF) events are at increased risk of adverse outcomes and experience significant morbidity and mortality. We herein describe the epidemiology of these patients and identify those potentially eligible for vericiguat therapy in this population-based study.Methods and ResultsThis retrospective cohort study included hospitalized or emergency department patients with a primary diagnosis of HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 45% diagnosed between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2019 in Alberta, Canada, with follow-up to March 31, 2020. Inclusion criteria from the VerICiguaT Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection (VICTORIA) trial were applied to explore eligibility for vericiguat. Among 25,629 patients with HF and LVEF data, 9948 (38.8%) had HFrEF, of which 5259 (52.8%) experienced WHF at some point during a median 5.8 years of follow-up, and 38.3% of those met the vericiguat trial eligibility criteria. Compared with patients with HFrEF without WHF, those with WHF were older, with more comorbidities, worse renal function, and similar LVEF status, but greater use of HF medications at baseline. At the time of WHF, 27% of those with HFrEF and WHF were on triple therapy, 50.6% were on dual therapy, and 15.4% were on monotherapy. All-cause mortality and the composite outcome of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization at 1-year of follow-up were higher in the HFrEF with WHF cohort compared with HFrEF without WHF (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.92 and 1.51, respectively, both P < .0001).ConclusionsApproximately one-half of patients with HFrEF experienced WHF over the long-term follow-up. Most were not on triple therapy, highlighting the underuse of the existing standard-of-care treatments and opportunities for application of newer therapies; more than one-third of patients with HFrEF may be eligible for vericiguat.Lay SummaryAmong patients with heart failure (HF), those who experience worsening HF (WHF) are at increased risk of adverse outcomes. A few new therapies, including vericiguat, have emerged recently for patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction. However, the epidemiology, treatment patterns, and outcomes of patients with WHF in large representative populations is unclear. In the current study, approximately one-half of the patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction experienced WHF and 38.3% were potentially eligible for vericiguat therapy. The guideline-recommended therapies were under-utilized among patients with WHF, which highlights the need for initiatives to address this care gap.     

Practices of Referring Patients to Advanced Heart Failure Centers

BackgroundTherapies for advanced heart failure (AHF) improve the likelihood of survival in a growing population of patients with stage D heart failure (HF). Successful implementation of these therapies is dependent upon timely and appropriate referrals to AHF centers.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of patients referred to 9 AHF centers for evaluation for AHF therapies. Patients’ demographics, referring providers’ characteristics, referral circumstances, and evaluation outcomes were collected.ResultsThe majority of referrals (n = 515) were male (73.4%), and a majority of those were in the advanced state of the disease: very low left ventricular ejection fraction (<20% in 51.5%); 59.4% inpatient; and high risk Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profiles (74.5% profile 1–3). HF cardiologists (49.1%) were the most common originating referral source; the least common (4.9%) were electrophysiologists. Common clinical triggers for referral included worsening HF (30.0%), inotrope dependence (19.6%), hospitalization (19.4%), and cardiogenic shock (17.8%). Most commonly, AHF therapies were not offered because patients were too sick (38.0%–45.1%) or for psychosocial reasons (20.3%–28.6%). Compared to non-HF cardiologists, patients referred by HF cardiologists were offered an AHF therapy more often (66.8% vs 58.4%, P = 0.0489). Of those not offered any AHF therapy, 28.4% received home inotropic therapy, and 14.5% were referred to hospice.ConclusionsIn this multicenter review of AHF referrals, HF cardiologists referred the most patients despite being a relatively small proportion of the overall clinician population. Late referral was prevalent in this high-risk patient population and correlates with worsened outcomes, suggesting a significant need for broad clinician education regarding the benefits, triggers and appropriate timing of referral to AHF centers for optimal patient outcomes.     

Improving the Characterization of Stage A and B Heart Failure by Adding Global Longitudinal Strain

BackgroundCurrent guidelines distinguish stage B heart failure (SBHF) (asymptomatic left ventricular [LV] dysfunction) from stage A heart failure (SAHF) (asymptomatic with heart failure [HF] risk factors) on the basis of myocardial infarction, LV remodeling (hypertrophy or reduced ejection fraction [EF]) or valvular disease. However, subclinical HF with preserved EF may not be identified with these criteria.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the prediction of incident HF with global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with SAHF and SBHF.MethodsThe authors analyzed echocardiograms (including GLS) in 447 patients (age 65 ± 11 years; 77% male) enrolled in a prospective study of HF in individuals at risk of incident HF, with normal or mildly impaired EF (≥40%). Long-term follow-up was obtained via data linkage. Analysis was performed using a competing risks model.ResultsAfter a median of 9 years of follow-up, 50 (10%) of the 447 patients had new HF admissions, and 87 (18%) died. In multivariable analysis, all imaging variables were independent predictors of HF admissions, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HR: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.94-0.99]), LV mass index (HR: 1.01 [95% CI: 1.00-1.02]), left atrial volume index (HR: 1.02 [95% CI: 1.00-1.05]), and E/e′ (HR: 1.05 [95% CI: 1.01-1.24]), incremental to clinical variables (age and Charlson comorbidity score). However, the addition of GLS provided value incremental to both clinical and other echocardiographic parameters (P = 0.004). Impaired GLS (<18%) (HR: 4.09 [95% CI: 1.87-8.92]) was independent and incremental to all clinical and other echocardiographic variables in predicting HF, and impaired LVEF, left ventricular hypertrophy, left atrial enlargement, high E/e′, or SBHF were not predictive.ConclusionsThe inclusion of GLS as a criterion for SBHF would add independent and incremental information to standard markers of SBHF for the prediction of subsequent HF admissions.     

Changes in the Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Outcomes in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients with Mid-range Ejection Fraction: A Prospective Observational Study

Objective Current clinical guidelines have proposed heart failure (HF) with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40-49%, but the proportion and prognosis of patients transitioning toward HF with a reduced LVEF (LVEF <40%, HFrEF) or HF with a preserved LVEF (LVEF ≥50%, HFpEF) are not fully clear. The present study prospectively evaluated the changes in the LVEF one year after discharge and the outcomes of hospitalized patients with HFmrEF. Methods We prospectively studied 259 hospitalized patients with HFmrEF who were discharged alive at our institutions between 2015 and 2019. Among them, 202 patients with HFmrEF who underwent echocardiography at the one-year follow-up were included in this study. Patient characteristics, echocardiographic data and all-cause death were collected. Results Eighty-seven (43%) patients transitioned to HFpEF (improved group), and 35 (17%) transitioned to HFrEF (worsened group). During a median follow-up of 33 months, 27 (13%) patients died. After adjustment, patients in the worsened group had an increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with those in the improved group [hazard ratio 7.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-43.48]. The baseline LVEF (per 1% decrease) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (per 1 mm decrease) were independent predictors of the worsened LVEF category (odds ratio 2.13, 95% CI 1.25-3.63 and odds ratio 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70, respectively). Conclusion Our study showed that a worsened LVEF one year after discharge was associated with a poor prognosis in hospitalized patients with HFmrEF.     

In-Hospital Management of Sleep Apnea During Heart Failure Hospitalization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased mortality and readmissions in patients with heart failure (HF). The effect of in-hospital diagnosis and treatment of OSA during decompensated HF episodes remains unknown.Methods and ResultsA single-site, randomized, controlled trial of hospitalized patients with decompensated HF (n = 150) who were diagnosed with OSA during the hospitalization was undertaken. All participants received guideline-directed therapy for HF decompensation. Participants were randomized to an intervention arm which received positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy during the hospitalization (n = 75) and a control arm (n = 75). The primary outcome was discharge left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The LVEF changed in the PAP arm from 25.5 ± 10.4 at baseline to 27.3 ± 11.9 at discharge. In the control group, LVEF was 27.3 ± 11.7 at baseline and 28.8 ± 10.5 at conclusion. There was no significant effect on LVEF of in-hospital PAP compared with controls (P = .84) in the intention-to-treat analysis. The on-treatment analysis in the intervention arm showed a significant increase in LVEF in participants who used PAP for ≥3 hours per night (n = 36, 48%) compared with those who used it less (P = .01). There was a dose effect with higher hours of use associated with more improvement in LVEF. Follow-up of readmissions at 6 months after discharge revealed a >60% decrease in readmissions for patients who used PAP ≥3 h/night compared with those who used it <3 h/night (P < .02) and compared with controls (P < .04).ConclusionsIn-hospital treatment with PAP was safe but did not significantly improve discharge LVEF in patients with decompensated HF and newly diagnosed OSA. An exploratory analysis showed that adequate use of PAP was associated with higher discharge LVEF and decreased 6 months readmissions.     

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 level is correlated with left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction in patients with heart failure

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can alter myocardial extracellular matrix and thereby contribute to adverse ventricular remodeling in progressive heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that increased plasma MMP levels correlate with increased left ventricular (LV) volumes and reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with HF.Methods and ResultsIn the Randomized Evaluation of Strategies for Left Ventricular Dysfunction (RESOLVD) trial, patients with symptomatic HF and LVEF <0.40 were randomized to receive various combinations of therapies with candesartan, enalapril, and metoprolol CR. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), and LVEF were determined by radionuclide angiography at baseline and at Week 43. Baseline and Week 43 plasma MMP-2, MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 184 patients in this substudy. At baseline, plasma MMP-9 correlated positively with ESV (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient ρ = 0.17, P = .02) and negatively with LVEF (ρ = –0.18, P = .01). After 43 weeks, LVEF, EDV, and ESV increased significantly (all P < .01); MMP-2 level increased (P = .01), but MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels did not change significantly overall in the study population. Temporal changes in MMP-9 level were inversely correlated with changes in LVEF (ρ = –0.16, P = .04). In multivariable analysis adjusting for clinical characteristics and treatment, a smaller proportional change in MMP-9 level after 43 weeks (below versus above median) predicted a concurrent improvement in LVEF (odds ratio = 2.35, 95% CI 1.24–4.46; P < .01). Similar relationships for MMP-2 and TIMP-1 were not observed.ConclusionsElevated plasma MMP-9 levels correlated with lower LVEF and higher ESV, whereas increasing MMP-9 levels are associated with a concurrent deterioration of LV function. These findings suggest that monitoring of plasma markers of myocardial matrix remodeling may provide important prognostic information with respect to ongoing adverse LV remodeling in HF patients.     

Functional variants in the promoter region of macrophage migration inhibitory factor rs755622 gene (MIF G173C) among patients with heart failure: Association with echocardiographic indices and disease severity

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) is a serious public health concern resulting in death. An individual predisposition to HF is determined by relationship between genetic and environmental variables. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a significant mediator that involved in a variety of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. To reveal contribution of MIF rs755622 G173C gene variants in the promoter region towards HF pathogenesis and investigate association between recognized genotype and clinical characteristics.Patients and methodsWe recruited 90 patients with HF, 63 with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and 27 with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and 60 age- and sex- matched controls. MIF rs755622 (G>C) single-nucleotide polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP method.ResultsThe GG genotype of MIF rs755622 gene polymorphism was more frequent in HF patients than in controls which increased the risk of HF by about 4.25 times (p<0.05). The distribution of the GG, GC and CC genotypes of MIF were 42%, 21% and 0.0% among HFrEF, and 33.3%, 55.6% and 11.1% among HFpEF respectively. Higher frequency of MIF rs755622 G allele among HFrEF (100%) compared to HFpEF (88.9%) (p = 0.007). MIF-GG genotype variant had significantly lower LVEF. In multivariate analysis, MIF-GG genotype was independent risk predictor among HF (OR 4.6).ConclusionMIF rs755622 (GG) could be considered as a probable genotypic risk factor for HF, especially in those with HFrEF which increases the possibility that MIF contribute to HF progression. MIF genotype assay may serve as early predictor and help to recognize those at great risk of developing HF.