Prognostic role of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and their polymorphisms in acute decompensated heart failure

BACKGROUND: Cytokines play an important role in chronic heart failure (HF), but little is known about their involvement in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). AIM: To evaluate the prognostic role of inflammatory cytokines in patients with ADHF. METHODS: Levels of interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-10 and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured in 423 patients with ADHF. In addition, appropriate cytokine gene polymorphisms were determined. Survival was followed up to 12 months, and prognostic factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Elevated levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were strongly associated with increased 12-month mortality (P<0.001 for both), whereas the level of IL-10 was predictive only of 6-month mortality (P<0.01). In multivariate analysis IL-6, chronic renal insufficiency, NT-proBNP, age/10 years' increase and TNF-alpha were identified as the most powerful predictors of 12-month mortality. Furthermore, high levels of both IL-6 and NT-proBNP were associated with >7-fold mortality. Cytokine gene polymorphisms were not associated with outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and the level of an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, but not their gene polymorphisms, provide novel and important prognostic information in patients with ADHF. Combining measurements of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NT-proBNP seems a promising tool in the prognostic assessment of these patients.     

体外超滤治疗急性失代偿性心力衰竭的疗效与安全性

目的：对血液超滤装置在心力衰竭患者应用安全性和有效性进行评价。方法：选择在我院CCU进行治疗的心力衰竭伴钠水潴留患者34例,其中扩张型心肌病伴心衰患者20例,缺血性心肌病伴心衰14例,采用血液超滤装置治疗,分析治疗前后呼吸困难评分、血氧饱和度、体重、血流动力学指标(心排量、心脏指数、胸液体容积、左心射血分数)、N-端脑钠肽前体(NT-proBNP)等指标,评价血液超滤的临床疗效,同时分析超滤前后的心率、血压、肝功能、肾功能、电解质、血常规等指标,进行安全性评价。结果：经治疗后,扩张型心肌病伴心衰患者及缺血性心肌病伴心衰患者的呼吸困难评分、血氧饱和度、体重、血流动力学指标(心排量、心脏指数、胸液体容积、左心射血分数)、NT-proBNP等指标均有改善,与治疗前相比有统计学意义(P<0．05)。治疗过程对患者血压、心率、血常规、肝功能、肾功能、电解质等无负面影响,且肾功能还有改善的趋势。结论：血液超滤装置治疗扩张型心肌病及缺血性心肌病伴心衰患者疗效明显,且安全可靠。     

奈西立肽对高龄急性失代偿性心力衰竭患者心、肾相关指标的影响

目的 评价奈西立肽对高龄急性失代偿性心力衰竭患者心肾相关指标的影响.方法 入选80例高龄急性失代偿性心力衰竭患者,随机分为常规治疗组(n=40)和常规治疗+奈西立肽组(奈西立肽组,n=40).两组均接受抗心力衰竭常规治疗,奈西立肽组在常规治疗的基础上增加奈西立肽0.5～1.0 mg/d持续泵入,速度0.0075～0.0...     

Ultrafiltration for acute decompensated heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Current clinical guidelines recommend ultrafiltration (UF) for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) who are unresponsive or resistant to diuretics. We systematically reviewed the latest randomized evidence on the efficacy and safety of UF in ADHF.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane database were searched in January 2013 for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating UF in patients with ADHF. A Mantel–Haenszel random-effects model was used to calculate mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Data of 12 studies (n = 659) were meta-analyzed; follow-up duration ranged from 36 h to 12 months. Compared to control, treatment of UF was associated with significant fluid removal (MD 1.28, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.12, P = 0.003) and weight loss (MD 1.23, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.44, P = 0.04), with no significant effects on all-cause mortality (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.86, P = 0.77) or all-cause rehospitalization (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39 to 2.00, P = 0.77). No significant differences were observed in the analyses of change in serum creatinine or unscheduled medical care; analysis of adverse effects was inconclusive since only one study provided usable data.

Conclusions

For patients with ADHF, UF is effective in reducing fluid retention and body weight, with no significant benefits in mortality or rehospitalization. The current limited randomized evidence highlights the need for further well-conducted randomized studies of adequate power to establish the role of UF in ADHF patients for whom conventional HF treatment is unsuccessful or contraindicated.     

Lung ultrasound in the management of acute decompensated heart failure

Once thought impracticable, lung ultrasound is now used in patients with a variety of pulmonary processes. This review seeks to describe the utility of lung ultrasound in the management of patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). A literature search was carried out on PubMed/Medline using search terms related to the topic. Over three thousand results were narrowed down via title and/or abstract review. Related articles were downloaded for full review. Case reports, letters, reviews and editorials were excluded. Lung ultrasonographic multiple B-lines are a good indicator of alveolar interstitial syndrome but are not specific for ADHF. The absence of multiple B-lines can be used to rule out ADHF as a causative etiology. In clinical scenarios where the assessment of acute dyspnea boils down to single or dichotomous pathologies, lung ultrasound can help rule in ADHF. For patients being treated for ADHF, lung ultrasound can also be used to monitor response to therapy. Lung ultrasound is an important adjunct in the management of patients with acute dyspnea or ADHF.     

Utility of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio for predicting in-hospital mortality after levosimendan infusion in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a levosimendan infusion on hematological variables in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The predictive value of these variables for in-hospital mortality was also evaluated.MethodsA total of 553 patients (368 males; mean age, 63.4 ± 14.9 years) with acute exacerbations of advanced heart failure (ejection fraction ≤35%) and treated with either dobutamine or levosimendan were included in this retrospective analysis. The patients that received levosimendan therapy were divided into two groups according to in-hospital mortality: group 1 (21%) included patients who died during hospitalization (n = 45), while group 2 (79%) included patients with a favorable outcome (n = 174) after levosimendan infusion. Changes in several hematological variables between admission and the third day after levosimendan infusion were evaluated.ResultsThe demographic characteristics and risk factors of the two groups were similar. A comparison of changes in laboratory variables after the infusion of levosimendan revealed significant improvement only in those patients who had not died (group 2) during hospitalization. The neutrophil to lymphocyte (N/L) ratio after levosimendan infusion was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.310, 95% CI: 1.158–1.483, p < 0.001). In a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, a value of 5.542 for the N/L ratio after levosimendan administration was identified as an effective cut-off point for predicting in-hospital mortality (area under the curve = 0.737; 95% confidence interval = 1100–1301; p < 0.001).ConclusionsLevosimendan treatment was associated with significant changes in hematological variables in patients with ADHF. A sustained higher N/L ratio after levosimendan infusion is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with ADHF.     

Effect of heparin on arterial blood gases

To evaluate changes in arterial blood gas samples caused by the addition of liquid heparin, 50 patients had three simultaneous blood samples drawn, each with one of three amounts of heparin. The liquid heparin decreased statistically the PCO2, PO2, HCO3, and base excess, while the pH remained unchanged. By using a 2-cc blood sample with a 5-cc glass syringe and a 11/2-inch, 18-gauge needle to draw the heparin solution up to the 2-cc mark, and then completely evacuating it, we found that 0.025 cc of solution remained to coat the syringe. Although this remaining solution would cause a 1.25% error in the blood gas results, the error would be acceptable because it is generally less than the standard deviation of the laboratory results. Excess liquid heparin statistically exaggerated or produced false results consistent with a metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. We recommend that the complete evacuation of liquid heparin from the sampling syringe be included when performing an arterial blood gas analysis.     

急性失代偿心力衰竭高龄老年患者发生肾功能恶化及对近期预后的影响

目的 探讨急性失代偿心力衰竭（acute decompensated heart failure,ADHF）高龄老年患者肾功能恶化（worsening renal function,WRF）发病情况及对近期预后的影响.方法 连续入选64例ADHF高龄老年患者,以ADHF发病初期是否发生WRF分为WRF组（n=24）和非WRF（n=40）,采集两组患者病史及尿素氮、肌酐、肾小球滤过率（eGFR）、左室射血分数（LVEF）、血浆NT-proBNP等指标和利尿剂等药物使用数据,随访两组患者6个月时全因死亡率.结果 ADHF高龄老年患者WRF的发生率为37.5%.WRF组前7天应用襻利尿剂（以呋噻米剂量表示）总量显著高于非WRF组患者（P＜0.05）.随访6个月时,WRF组患者中位肌酐水平较基线时水平显著升高,差异有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）;而非WRF组患者肌酐水平与基线时水平比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.平均随访6个月时,WRF组死亡率为62.5%,显著高于非WRF组患者的死亡率（35.0%,P＜0.05）.Kaplan-Meier生存分析显示,随访期间非WRF组患者生存率显著高于WRF组患者（P＜0.01）.结论 ADHF高龄老年患者在发病初期WRF发生率高,增加利尿剂剂量可能导致WRF发生风险增加,WRF导致ADHF患者的死亡率增加.     

Racial differences in the characteristics of patients admitted for acute decompensated heart failure and their relation to outcomes: results from the OPTIME-CHF trial

BackgroundRecent data suggest that differences in response to therapy and survival exist between African Americans and Caucasians with heart failure. Whether these differences exist in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is uncertain.Methods and ResultsWe analyzed data from the OPTIME-CHF (Outcomes of a Prospective Trial of Intravenous Milrinone for Exacerbations of Chronic Heart Failure) study, a randomized trial of intravenous milrinone versus placebo in 949 patients hospitalized with ADHF. We evaluated differences in clinical characteristics, outcomes, and response to milrinone therapy in African American patients compared with Caucasians. The primary end point of OPTIME-CHF was days hospitalized for cardiovascular causes or death within 60 days of randomization. Thirty-three percent (n = 310) of patients were African American. African American patients were younger (57 vs. 70 years, P < .0001) and more likely to have non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (74% vs. 36%, P < .0001). In unadjusted analysis, African American patients had a lower 60-day mortality (5% vs. 12%, P = .0004) and tended to have better overall clinical outcomes. After adjustment for baseline differences, however, these differences were no longer significant. We found no differential effect of milrinone therapy by race.ConclusionAfrican American patients with acute decompensated heart failure present with a different clinical profile than Caucasian patients. Although unadjusted clinical outcomes are better for African Americans presenting with ADHF, these differences diminished after adjustment for baseline characteristics.     

Clinical outcomes of levosimendan versus dobutamine in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and impaired renal function

To assess the clinical outcomes of levosimendan and dobutamine in patients with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and impaired renal function in Indian scenario. Cardiac, renal, electrolytes and hepatic parameters as well as the clinical outcomes were assessed. Levosimendan and dobutamine improved ejection fraction significantly. Levosimendan in comparison to dobutamine, increased cardiac output (0.76 vs. ?0.38 at 48 h, 1.15 vs. ?0.31 day 7, -2.02 vs. ?1.51 day 30), cardiac index (0.89 vs.-0.13 at 48 h, 1.16 vs. ?0.07 at day 7 and 1.05 vs. ?0.25 at day 30) and eGFR (?1.4 vs. ?0.75 at day 30) significantly. Levosimendan reduced ICU stay (p = 0.038) significantly whereas dobutamine decreased the hospital stay duration (p = 0.015). There was no major difference in re-hospitalization and mortality between groups. Ventricular tachyarrhythmia was the main adverse event noted in Levosimendan arm. Levosimendan showed improved cardiac as well as renal outcomes within a month when compared to dobutamine and it is the first study to determine the renal parameters of Levosimendan in an Indian setting.     

A prospective,randomized study to evaluate the efficacy of various diuretic strategies in acute decompensated heart failure

Aim

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of various initial strategies of loop diuretic administration in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) on diuresis, renal function, electrolyte balance and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted with ADHF were randomized into three groups - intravenous furosemide infusion + intravenous dopamine, intravenous furosemide bolus in two divided doses and intravenous furosemide continuous infusion alone. At 48 h, the treating physician could adjust the diuretic strategy. Primary endpoint was negative fluid balance at 24 h after admission. Secondary end points were duration of hospital stay, negative fluid balance at 48, 72, 96 h, the trend of serum electrolytes, and renal function and 30 day clinical outcome (death and emergency department visits).

Results

Overall ninety patients (thirty in each group) were included in the study. There was a greater diuresis in first 24 h (p = 0.002) and a shorter hospital stay (p = 0.023) with the bolus group. There was no significant difference in renal function and serum sodium and serum potassium levels. There was no difference in the number of emergency department visits among the three groups.

Conclusion

All three modes of diuretic therapies can be practiced with no difference in worsening of renal function and electrolyte levels. Bolus dose administration with its rapid volume loss and shorter hospital stay might be a more effective diuretic strategy.     

Diuretics for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure

Diuretics have been a mainstay for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) for the past four decades, though their short-term gains have been questioned recently given their potential long-term deleterious systemic effects. The methods of diuretic administration as well as the optimal dosing regimen of these agents are both areas that have been increasingly coming under scrutiny. The lack of rigorous clinical trials examining diuretic use in ADHF, however, has led to a general adoption of non-evidence based treatment algorithms for this patient population. Though the use of intravenous vasodilators for the treatment of decompensated heart failure has grown tremendously over the last few years, the fact remains that diuretics are still indispensable for alleviating congestive symptoms. Given this reality and until further information is available about the most ideal utilization of these medications, diuretics will continue to represent a double-edged sword for physicians treating this disease process.