The Batista Operation in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Abstract Between December 1996 and October 1998,34 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) received cardiac volume reduction surgery. The patients' ages ranged from 14 to 67 years (mean = 48 years) and included 28 males and 6 females. Associated mitral regurgitation was present in 31 patients, tricuspid regurgitation in 19 patients, and aortic regurgitation in 4 patients. We performed a partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) using antegrade intermittent warm blood cardioplegia in 15 patients (group A), and in 19 patients (group B) PLV was performed using the on-pump beating heart technique. In group A, the mean aortic clamping time was 79 ± 33 minutes and the total cardiopulmonary bypass time was 155 ± 58 minutes. In group B the mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 121 ± 43 minutes. There were eight hospital deaths (five in group A and three in group B). Five of 10 survivors of group A required inotropic support for 13.8 ± 25.3 days after the operation, while 5 of 12 survivors in group B required inotropes for 4.2 ± 3.1 days. Hospital mortality was 86% in 7 emergent cases and 7% in 27 elective cases. Echocar-diographic study showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction improved from a mean of 18.7% to 30.3% and the left ventricular diameter decreased from a mean of 80.2 mm to 62.3 mm after the operation. All 26 hospital survivors were followed for 1 to 20 months. Three patients died at early follow-up because of congestive heart failure, thrombosed valve, and hepatic failure, respectively. Nineteen patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I or II and four were in NYHA Class III. In conclusion, cardiac volume reduction surgery is effective when the operative technique and proper judgment of patient selection are established, and emergent operation is avoided.     

Left Ventricular Volume Reduction for End-Stage Heart Disease

Abstract Partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) was recently introduced for end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy to improve ventricular function. Since November 1996 we have performed PLV in 14 patients; preoperatively 4 patients had idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy and 10 had ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy. 57.1% of patients were in New York Heart Association functional Class IV. The mitral valve was replaced in 11 patients. Postoperative echocardiography showed a reduction of left end-diastolic diameter (55.4 ± 5.4 mm) and an increase in forward ejection (cardiac index from 2.19 ± 0.571 min/m² to 2.67 ± 0.931/min/m²). The 30-day mortality was 28.6% and 20-month survival was 57.2%. Only one patient was not in NYHA functional class due to postoperative progressive mitral incompetence. Prognostic factors should be identified to avoid early failure. However, even if the mortality rate for PLV high, this operation is a valid choice for the treatment of end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy.     

心脏再同步化联合美托洛尔缓释片治疗老年扩张型心肌病心力衰竭的临床观察

目的观察心脏再同步化(cardiac resynchronization therapy,CRT)联合美托洛尔缓释片治疗老年扩张型心肌病顽固性心力衰竭的疗效。方法回顾性分析2010年6月至2012年3月绍兴第二医院,药物治疗效果不佳行右心房加CRT的老年扩张型心肌病顽固性心力衰竭患者21例的临床资料。18例患者植入右心房、右心室和冠状静脉左心室分支电极导线,行房室顺序CRT;3例心房颤动患者植入右心室和冠状静脉左心室分支电极导线。所有患者均服用美托洛尔缓释片,剂量(62.45±18.25)mg。术后4周、12周跟踪随访患者,观察心功能分级、6 min步行距离的变化、左心室舒张末期内径,左心室射血分数及二尖瓣反流。结果右心房、右心室和左心室导线感知和起搏参数均符合起搏要求,随访中亦未发现导线移位和功能障碍。起搏后QRS间期明显缩短,差异有统计学意义[(126±18)ms vs.(156±23)ms,P<0.05]。术后随访4周心功能分级提高到Ⅱ～Ⅲ级,左心室舒张末期内径为(62.5±17.6)mm,射血分数40%±13%,二尖瓣中度反流,6 min步行距离(486±189)m;12周时随访左心室舒张末期内径(56.5±12.4)mm,射血分数46%±17%,二尖瓣轻中度反流,6 min步行距离(565±139)m。结论CRT联合美托洛尔缓释片治疗可以缓解老年扩张型心肌病顽固性心力衰竭患者的症状,改善心功能,提高运动耐量,减轻二尖瓣反流。     

双心室再同步起搏治疗宽QRS慢性心力衰竭患者的长期疗效及病死率分析

目的观察双心室同步起搏治疗慢性心力衰竭(心衰)患者的长期疗效及死亡率.方法 2001年3月至2005年2月住院患者25例,男18例,女7例,年龄34～75(61.42±10.36)岁;其中扩张性心肌病16例,高血压性心脏病3例,缺血性心肌病6例,心功能NYHA分级Ⅲ级10例、Ⅳ级15例.所有患者左室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)>60 mm,左室射血分数(LVEF)<0.40,QRS>130 ms.观察术前及术后3个月、6个月、1年、2年、3年的心功能各项参数及死亡率,平均随访时间为(20.88±11.51)个月.结果 (1)死亡率死亡5例,非心原性死亡3例,心原性猝死1例,急性心肌梗死1例.(2)术后3个月至3年,平均6 min步行距离明显增加(P<0.01).(3)NYHA心功能分级,术后3个月至3年,心功能明显改善(P<0.01),平均心功能降低1级以上.(4)LVEDD术后3个月至3年,LVEDD明显减小(P<0.05～P<0.01).(5)LVEF术后3个月至2年,LVEF明显增加(P<0.05～P<0.01);术后第3年 ,LVEF也改善,但差异无统计学意义.结论双心室同步起搏治疗宽QRS慢性心衰能明显改善患者的生活质量及心功能,减少LVEDD,逆转左室重构,长期治疗疗效巩固,并能降低心衰导致的病死率.     

Prognostic value of baroreflex sensitivity assessed by phase IV of Valsalva manoeuvre in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure

BACKGROUND: In patients with heart failure, impairment of baroreflex function occurs early and contributes to sympathetic activation, however, at present its prognostic role has not been definitively established. AIMS: To evaluate the prognostic significance of baroceptor impairment in patients with different degrees of heart failure. METHODS: We enrolled 52 consecutive patients with heart failure, referred to our institution for functional evaluation. Twenty-eight suffered from ischemic cardiomyopathy and 26 from dilated cardiomyopathy. Thirteen patients were in NYHA class I, 20 in NYHA class II and 19 in class III. All patients underwent baroreflex assessment by phase IV Valsalva manoeuvre using Finapres finger monitoring of arterial blood pressure, echocardiography [with evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and mean pulmonary artery pressure] and functional evaluation by cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6-min walk corridor test within 2 days of hospital admission. RESULTS: Mean duration of follow-up was 26 months (range 6-35 months). At baseline, evaluation in 13 patients BRS was normal (>5 ms/mmHg), in 17 moderately impaired (1.5-5 ms/mmHg) and in 22 severely depressed (<1.5 ms/mmHg). Baroreflex function was relatively preserved in patients in NYHA class I (5.1+/-2.5) in comparison to patients in NYHA class II and III (2.1+/-2.3 and 2.08+/-1.9 ms/mmHg, respectively). Of the 52 patients who entered the study at the end of follow-up 15 died of cardiac cause and 5 underwent heart transplantation. Survival free from heart transplantation was 62% in patients with normal baroreflex function, 62% in patients with moderate impairment of baroreflex and 66% in patients with major derangement. NYHA class, LVEF, LVFS and LVEDD were significantly associated with event free survival while baroreflex function was not. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that evaluation of BRS impairment by phase IV Valsalva manoeuvre has limited prognostic value in patients with heart failure.     

心脏再同步治疗晚期扩张型心肌病的临床研究

目的 探讨心脏再同步治疗（CRT）治疗扩张型心肌病（DCM）晚期慢性心力衰竭（HF）的疗效。方法DCM晚期发生慢性HF患者植入CRT。术后观察左室射血分数（LVEF）、左室舒张末内径（LVEDD）、心电图、NT—ProBNP,评估NYHA心功能分级,6min步行试验。结果所有患者均成功地植入右房-双心室三腔起搏器,并且无术后并发症。术后随访6～12个月心功能分级、LVEF、LVEDD、房室瓣反流速、NT—ProBNP水平、QRS波宽度较术前均明显改善,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论CRT可以改善心功能,逆转左室重构,改善生活质量。     

束支折返性室性心动过速射频消融后左心室功能的变化

目的 观察扩张性心肌病合并束支折返性室性心动过速(bundle branch reentry ventricular tachycardia,BBRVT)患者消融右束支后左心室功能的变化,探讨该消融方法治愈室速后对左心功能的长期影响.方法 自2007年12月至2010年2月,12例扩张性心肌病合并阵发性室速,电生理检查证实为BBRVT,标测右束支电位后予以消融,比较术前及术后12个月患者左室射血分数(left ventricular ejection fraction,LVEF);左室舒张末内径(left ventricular end distolic diameter,LVEDD);左室收缩末容量(left ventricular end systolic volume,LVESV);主动脉瓣口速度时间积分(velocity time integral,VTI);主动脉与肺动脉瓣开放时间差(QAO-QP);纽约心功能分级(NYHA);6分钟步行距离(6 minutes walk test,6-MWT);血浆脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)变化;心电图QRS宽度变化.结果 12例患者射频消融后随访1年均未再发作室速,与术前相比,术后12个月LVEF,VTI,NYHA,6-MWT均显著降低;LVEDD,LVESV,QAO-QP,NT-proBNP及QRS宽度均增加.结论 束支折返性室速消融右束支后可造成左右室间以及左室内收缩的不同步,可能是术后左室功能进一步减低的机制,但不能完全排除扩张性心肌病自身发展的影响.     

Partial left ventriculectomy: sunrise or sunset?

Partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) was proposed as an alternative to cardiac transplantation for patients with advanced heart failure. Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy that were considered eligible candidates for cardiac transplantation were offered the option of surgical ventriculectomy or to continue waiting for a donor organ. Sixty-two patients underwent PLV between May 1996 and December 1998, mean age 54 years, 47 males, mean ejection fraction 13.5%, mean peak oxygen consumption 10.8 ml/kg/min, 39% NYHA class III and 61% NYHA IV. Perioperative mortality 3.2%, 10/62 (16%) required implant of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) due to shock, most in the early post-operative period. Survival at 1 and 2 years was 78% and 68%. Event free survival (freedom from death, LVAD, or return of NYHA class IV failure) was 50% and 37% at 1 and 2 years. Event free survivors experienced improvement in NYHA class (3.7 to 2.2) and increased oxygen consumption (11.7 to 16.0 ml/kg/min). Based on these data PLV has a significant early failure rate and a 2 year event free survival rate of only 37%. PLV does not yield outcomes equivalent to cardiac transplantation based on current selection criteria and requires further investigation to determine its role in the treatment of advanced heart failure.     

扩张型心肌病伴心衰患者肝细胞生长因子浓度与心功能的关系

目的探讨扩张型心肌病伴心衰患者血清肝细胞生长因子（HGF）浓度与心功能的关系。方法检测试验组扩张型心肌病伴心功能不全患者（NYHA心功能Ⅰ级15例、Ⅱ级16例、Ⅲ级15例、Ⅳ级17例）和26名健康对照者血清HGF浓度、NT—proBNP浓度、LVEDD值和LVEF值,比较各组各项指标的差异;同时探讨血清HGF浓度和上述指标的相关性。结果HGF浓度、NT—proBNP浓度、LVEDD值和LVEF值对照组分别为（323±29）pg／ml、（251±102）pg／ml、（42±7）mm和（57±11）％;NYHA心功能Ⅰ级组分别为（492±47）pg／ml、（973±112）pg／ml、（50±6）mm和（50±7）％;NYHA心功能Ⅱ级组分别为（607±68）pg／ml、（1229±214）pg／ml、（54±9）mm和（48±9）％;NYHA心功能Ⅲ级组分别为（662±94）pg／ml、（4208±1562）pg／ml、（59±16）mm和（42±7）％;NYHA心功能Ⅳ级组分别为（1028±135）pg／ml、（6963±2129）pg／ml、（66±19）mm和（38±6）％,各组间比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）.血清HGF浓度和NT—proBNP浓度呈正相关,相关系数为0．79;血清HGF浓度和LVEDD值呈正相关,相关系数为0．73;血清HGF浓度和LVEF值呈负相关,相关系数为-0．69。结论扩张型心肌病伴心功能不全患者血清HGF浓度和心功能不全的严重程度有关,可以作为心功能不全严重程度的预测因子。     

他汀类药物治疗非缺血性心脏病慢性心衰的临床研究

目的：探讨他汀类药物治疗非缺血性心脏病慢性心衰的疗效。方法：连续入选60例慢性非缺血性心脏病心衰患者，常规标准治疗稳定1月后随机分为阿托伐他汀20mg组（n=28例）。安慰剂组（n=32例）。测量基线水平的NYHA分级、血浆脑利钠肽（BNP）、超声心动图的左室射血分数（LVEF）、左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）以及6分钟步行距离。分别于治疗12周和24周后重复测量上述相关参数。观察其疗效。结果：治疗12周后阿托伐他汀20mg组NYHA分级、BNP以及6min步行距离均显著改善，且优于对照组（P均〈0．05）；治疗24周后阿托伐他汀20mg组LVEDD、LVEF显著改善，且优于对照组（P均〈0．05）。结论：他汀类短期治疗能改善慢性非缺血性心脏病心衰患者的心功能、BNP及6分钟步行距离；中长期治疗有望提高LVEF、缩小LVEDD，所以他汀类有益于慢性心脏病心衰的治疗。     

Effects of partial left ventriculectomy on left ventricular performance in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Objectives. This study sought to assess the effects of partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) on left ventricular (LV) performance in a series of consecutive patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Background. Reduction of LV systolic function in patients with heart failure is associated with an increase of LV volume and alteration of its shape. Recently, PLV, a novel surgical procedure, was proposed as a treatment option to alter this process in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods. We studied 19 patients with severely symptomatic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, before and 13 ± 3 days after surgery, and 12 controls. Single-plane left ventriculography with simultaneous measurements of femoral artery pressure was performed during right heart pacing.

Results. The LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes decreased after PLV (from 169 to 102 ml/m², and from 127 to 60 ml/m², respectively, p < 0.0001 for both). Despite a decrease in LV mass index (from 162 to 137 g/m², p < 0.0001), there was a significant decrease in LV circumferential end-systolic and end-diastolic stresses (from 277 to 159 g/cm², p < 0.0001 and from 79 to 39 g/cm², p = 0.0014, respectively). Ejection fraction improved (from 24% to 41%, p < 0.0001); the stroke work index remained unchanged.

Conclusions. The PLV improves LV performance by a dramatic reduction of ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic stresses. Further studies are needed to assess whether this effect is sustained during long-term follow-up and to define the role of PLV in the treatment of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.     

Intraoperative Assessment of Acute Hemodynamic Changes After Partial Left Ventriculectomy

Abstract Partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) has been introduced as an alternative surgical therapy for patients with end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy. The physiological benefits of PLV are relatively unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the acute effects of PLV by measuring cardiac function before and after PLV. Aortic and left ventricular pressures and aortic flow were measured in eight patients. Continuous, beat-to-beat data were recorded and compared pre-PLV and post-PLV with and without inferior vena cava (IVC) occlusions. PLV increased cardiac output (0.93 ± 0.5, p = 0.01) as a result of increased stroke volume (5.12 ± 4.24, p = 0.06) and heart rate (14.5 ± 8.44, p = 0.02). Contractility (± dP/dt, 240.33 ± 74.28, p = 0.001) and external work (650.8 ± 320.4, p = 0.01) were also improved. Left ventricular end-diastolic elastance (0.15 ± 0.14, p = 0.10) nearly doubled after PLV. Our results indicated an improved cardiac function as measured by increased cardiac output, stroke volume, ejection fraction (EF), and contractility.     

心脏再同步化治疗晚期扩张型心肌病13例的效果

目的: 观察心脏再同步化治疗（CRT）晚期充血性心力衰竭的临床疗效。方法: 晚期扩张型心肌病患者13例接受CRT,NYHA心功能分级为Ⅲ～Ⅳ级,左室射血分数（LVEF）为（27.4±9.7）%,左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）为(72.8±9.6)mm,QRS时限为( 137.8＋30.4)ms。术后观察QRS时限的变化,随访左室电极起博阈值、心功能分级、LVEF及LVEDD。结果: 术后QRS时限减少为（123.8±17.1）ms。所有患者随访3～38月,左室电极慢性阈值为（1.1±0.6）V/0.4 ms。与术前相比,NYHA心功能分级从(3.4±0.5)降低为(1.5±0.9); LVEF从(27.4±9.7)%上升至(43.5±18.5)%(P<0.05);LVEDD从(72.8±9.6)mm缩小为(65.5±11.6)mm（P<0.05）。结论: CRT可改善心功能,提高LVEF,并可逆转左心室重构。     

Beta blocking agents in the treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy: review of the literature and clinical experience with 67 patients]

BACKGROUND. Several reports suggest that chronic beta blockade, most often with the beta 1 selective agent metoprolol, may improve hemodynamic and clinical function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. However, controlled trials are limited and some studies have not shown beneficial effects in short term trials. Mechanisms of effectiveness are still debated and probably concern the capacity to avoid toxic myocardial damage by catecholamines, to induce receptor up-regulation, to contribute to the control of arrhythmias, to improve diastolic relaxation and other mechanisms. METHODS. After a revision of the literature, a preliminary clinical experience with metoprolol in dilated cardiomyopathy diagnosed according to the WHO definition is reported. Sixty-seven patients symptomatic for congestive heart failure or with complex ventricular arrhythmias associated with severe left ventricular dysfunction were submitted to test dose with metoprolol 5 mg bid for 2-7 days. All patients were completely studied, including coronary angiography and endomyocardial biopsy to exclude ischemic heart disease and active myocarditis. Four pts (6%) did not tolerate the first test dosage of metoprolol and twenty-two patients were excluded from analysis because of inadequate follow-up or because they were enrolled in an international trial. Forty-one patients underwent long-term treatment with metoprolol at a final mean dosage of 150 mg a day (range 50-200 mg) and are presently analyzed. The dosage was gradually increased during the first seven weeks. RESULTS. After 6 +/- 2 months and 12 +/- 2 months, 34 patients were stable or ameliorated (Group 1) and experienced an overall significant improvement of functional class (all pts in class I-II NYHA), of left and right ventricular ejection fraction (from 28 +/- 8.8% to 35.8 +/- 13.7% to 33.2 +/- 12.3% and from 38.6 +/- 11.8% to 42.4 +/- 5.8% to 45.2 +/- 12.2% respectively), of clinical signs of congestive heart failure, of cardiothoracic index, of left ventricular diameters and of arrhythmic pattern. Furthermore, the rate of ventricular couplets > 20/24h and of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia changed respectively from 46% and 54% to 4% and 21% at 12 +/- 2 months. None in Group 1 died nor is any waiting for heart transplantation. Eleven patients (Group 2) did not tolerate the drug acutely (4 pts) or deteriorated during the first 6 +/- 2 months (7 pts) of the treatment. In this group a worsening or an insignificant variation of all clinical and instrumental parameters was observed. During follow-up four patients of this group underwent heart transplantation (one died shortly after the operation because of infective complications), one died while waiting, two are currently waiting for heart transplantation, and three are still in heart failure (class III NYHA). No cases of sudden death occurred in any group of patients (15 pts with follow-up > 12 mo). CONCLUSIONS. Our uncontrolled study seems to confirm the beneficial effect of betablockers in a subgroup of patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. The characterization of responders to this therapy is still undefined and will constitute the aim of future analyses.     

射频消融频发室性早搏逆转"扩张性心肌病"

目的 评价心脏扩大合并右心室流出道频发室性早搏(室早)的患者行射频消融治疗后心脏大小和功能的变化.方法 本文对5例频发右心室流出道室早合并左心室扩大的患者行常规电生理检查及射频消融治疗.所有患者消融术前及术后6个月测定左心室收缩末内径(LVESD)、左心室舒张末内径(LVEDD)、左心室射血分数(LVEF)、心胸比例(CTR)、心功能(NYHA分级)等指标.结果 射频消融术前,所有患者均显示LVESD和LVEDD扩大、LVEF下降、CTR增大和心功能减退.成功消融室早后随访6个月,上述指标均获得明显改善.结论 频发右心室流出道室早是临床上少数"扩张性心肌病"患者的根本病因,射频消融根治室早后心脏扩大和心功能减退可完全或部分得到逆转.     

Cardiac resynchronization therapy with His bundle pacing as a method of treatment of chronic heart failure in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and left bundle branch block

CRT is a therapeutic option for patients with heart failure, sinus rhythm, prolonged QRS complex duration and reduced ejection fraction. We present a case of 71-year-old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy, NYHA functional class III and AF. We implanted CRT combined with direct His-bundle pacing. The indication for such a therapy was a left bundle branch block with a QRS complex of 178 ms and a left ventricular EF of 15%, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) of 75 mm. After 8 months of follow-up the LVEDD was 60 mm with EF 35–40%.     

心脏再同步化治疗慢性心衰的临床观察

目的观察心脏再同步化治疗(CRT)慢性心力衰竭(CHF)患者的临床疗效。方法选择2008年1月至2009年8月行CRT的患者32例,其中12例植入再同步心脏转复除颤器(CRT-D)。32例中30例为窦性心律,2例为房颤心律。随访21.5±6.2个月,观察患者NYHA心功能分级、QRS波时限、左室射血分数(LVEF)、左室舒张末内径(LVEDD)、6分钟步行距离(6MWD)、因心功不全住院时间等。结果 32例植入CRT(D)患者中,有24例临床症状明显改善,心功分级降低,LVEF和6MWD增加,QRS波时限、LVEDD减少,因心功不全住院时间明显减少约24.5%(p<0.05)。8例患者心功能没有明显改善,但因心功不全住院时间减少约8.3%(p<0.05)。4例患者记录到室性心律失常事件(12.5%),2例室速经抗心动过速起搏(ATP)有效转复,2例患者因室颤而放电,均成功转复,CRT-D均能有效识别和转复。结论 CRT可明显改善CHF患者的心功能,提高生活质量,缓解临床症状,植入CRT-D可有效预防心源性猝死(SCD)。     

阿托伐他汀对扩张型心肌病患者肌钙蛋白Ⅰ水平及预后的影响

目的：研究阿托伐他汀对扩张型心肌病（DCM）患者血清肌钙蛋白I（cTnI）水平及预后的影响。方法： 对72例DCM住院患者随机分成2组：他汀组及非他汀组（各36例）,治疗前两组在性别、年龄、病程、NYHA心功能分级、左室射血分数（LVEF）、左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、心律失常等方面无显著差异,两组均常规抗心力衰竭等治疗,而他汀组加用阿托伐他汀（立普妥）10 mg/d,分别随访1年,观察治疗前、治疗3个月后两组的cTnI水平变化情况,评估随访1年内主要不良心血管事件（心血管死亡、心脏骤停复苏及卒中）风险及心力衰竭再住院率。结果： 他汀组治疗3个月后cTnI水平较非他汀组有所下降,但差异无统计学意义;随访期间非他汀组主要心血管不良事件发生16例次（48%）,他汀组14例次（42%）;非他汀组因心衰再住院16例次（48%）,他汀组11例次（33%）,P〉0.05。结论： 低剂量阿托伐他汀治疗对DCM患者的cTnI水平及预后无明显影响,对心衰住院率亦无明显降低作用。     

Plasma brain natriuretic peptide as a novel therapeutic indicator in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy during beta-blocker therapy: a potential of hormone-guided treatment

BACKGROUND: Plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a sensitive and specific marker of left ventricular (LV) function. In the treatment of heart failure, especially in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), beta-blocker (BB) therapy has been established as a powerful strategy. The purpose of this study was to analyze relationships between changes in BNP level and LV function during BB therapy in patients with IDC. METHODS: In 30 patients with IDC who had already received conventional therapy, measurement for plasma BNP and norepinephrine levels and echocardiographic indices were evaluated before and 2 and 6 months after carvedilol in 21 patients and at baseline and after 6 months in 9 patients who did not receive carvedilol. RESULTS: After 6 months carvedilol treatment significantly improved LV end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) (65 +/- 8 to 61 +/- 8 mm) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (34% +/- 13% to 43% +/- 12%) with intergroup differences; it significantly decreased BNP (127 +/- 113 to 69 +/- 92 pg/mL) with no intergroup difference; however, it did not decrease norepinephrine. BNP correlated strongly with LVEDD, LVEF, and LV mass index in carvedilol-treated patients. The degree of change in BNP correlated with that in LVEDD or LVEF 6 months after carvedilol. All 14 patients with decreased or unchanged BNP levels showed an increase in LVEF, and 4 of 7 with a rise in BNP had decreased or unchanged LVEF. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, the optimal BNP levels for detecting LVEF <35% before and after carvedilol were 75.5 and 69 pg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: Plasma BNP levels may accurately reflect alteration in LV function and structure and can be used as a therapeutic indicator for risk stratification in patients with IDC during BB therapy.     

依达拉奉对扩张型心肌病的临床疗效观察

目的探讨依达拉奉短期应用对心功能失代偿期扩张型心肌病患者的临床疗效。方法将168例心功能均为Ⅳ级的扩张型心肌病患者随机分为治疗组（86例）和对照组（82例）。治疗组在对照组治疗的基础上加用依达拉奉4周，对比两组治疗前、后心功能改善情况，超声心动图心功能参数变化。结果两组心功能均有改善，治疗组有效率为79．07％，明显高于对照组的39．02％（P〈0．05）。治疗后治疗组左室舒张末期内径（LVEDD）、左室收缩末期内径（LVESDD）和左室射血分数（TJVEF）较治疗前均显著改善（P〈0．01），对照组仅LVEF改善（P〈0．01）；治疗后两组LVEDD、LVESDD、LVEF比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05，P〈0．01）。结论依达拉奉的应用能在一定程度上改善扩张型心肌病的心功能状态。