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INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Advanced lipoprotein phenotyping is a better predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk than cholesterol concentration alone. Lipoprotein profiling in heart failure (HF) is incompletely characterized. We aimed to describe the lipoprotein profile in patients with chronic HF compared with a matched control population. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed from May 2006 to April 2014 and included ambulatory patients with chronic HF. Lipid concentrations and the size of main lipoprotein fractions (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], and very low-density lipoprotein) and the particle concentration of their 3 subfractions (large, medium and small) were assessed using 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS The 429 included patients with chronic HF were compared with 428 matched controls. Patients with chronic HF had lower total cholesterol and lower mean LDL (1115 vs 1352 nmol/L; P

Introduction and objectives Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in epithelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting. We aimed to determine whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI. Methods We prospectively included 106 patients with a first STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, quantifying serum levels of EpCAM 24 hours postreperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months post-STEMI. The independent correlation of EpCAM with MVO, systolic volume indices, and left ventricular ejection fraction was evaluated. Results The mean age of the sample was 59 ± 13 years and 76% were male. Patients were dichotomized according to median EpCAM (4.48 pg/mL). At 1-week CMR, lower EpCAM was related to extensive MVO (P = .021) and larger infarct size (P = .019). At presentation, EpCAM values were significantly associated with the presence of MVO in univariate (OR, 0.58; 95%CI, 0.38-0.88; P = .011) and multivariate logistic regression models (OR, 0.55; 95%CI, 0.35-0.87; P = .010). Although MVO tends to resolve at chronic phases, decreased EpCAM was associated with worse systolic function: reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (P = .009) and higher left ventricular end-systolic volume (P = .043). Conclusions EpCAM is associated with the occurrence of CMR-derived MVO at acute phases and long-term adverse ventricular remodeling post-STEMI.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La obstruccion microvascular (OMV) se asocia negativamente con la estructura cardiaca y el pronostico de los pacientes tras un infarto agudo de miocardio con elevacion del segmento ST (IAMCEST). El factor epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), implicado en la cohesion de las celulas epiteliales, esta poco estudiado en el contexto de la OMV. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar en una cohorte de pacientes con IAMCEST la asociacion entre la concentracion de EpCAM circulante con la extension de la OMV, determinada por resonancia magnetica cardiaca (RMC), y la funcion sistolica en fases cronicas. Metodos Se incluyo prospectivamente a 106 pacientes con un primer IAMCEST tratados con angioplastia primaria percutanea. La concentracion serica de EpCAM se determino 24 h tras la reperfusion coronaria. Se estudio a todos los pacientes mediante RMC a la semana y a los 6 meses del IAMCEST. Se evaluo la correlacion entre los valores de EpCAM circulante con la OMV, los indices de funcion sistolica y la fraccion de eyeccion del ventriculo izquierdo. Resultados La media de edad de la cohorte era 59 ± 13 anos y el 76% eran varones. Se dicotomizo a los pacientes segun la mediana de EpCAM (4,48 pg/ml). Se observo que los pacientes que tenian valores mas bajos de EpCAM presentaban una mayor extension de la OMV (p = 0,021) y un mayor tamano de infarto (p = 0,019) en los estudios de RMC realizados 1 semana despues del evento cardiovascular. Respecto a las variables de presentacion, la concentracion de EpCAM se asocio significativamente con la presencia de OMV en analisis de regresion logistica binaria univariable (OR = 0,58; IC95%, 0,38-0,88; p = 0,011) y multivariable (OR = 0,55; IC95%, 0,35-0,87; p = 0,010). A pesar de que la OMV tiende a resolverse espontaneamente en fases cronicas, unos valores mas bajos de EpCAM se correlacionaron con una peor funcion sistolica: fraccion de eyeccion del ventriculo izquierdo deprimida (p = 0,009) y mayor volumen telesistolico del ventriculo izquierdo (p = 0,043). Conclusiones Tras un IAMCEST, la concentracion de EpCAM circulante en fase aguda se asocia con la extension de la OMV evaluada mediante RMC y con un peor remodelado ventricular en fase cronica.

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a heterogeneous entity with uncertain prognosis. This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and to identify LVNC cases without events during long-term follow-up. This is a retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study of consecutive patients fulfilling LVNC criteria by echocardiography or cardiovascular magnetic resonance. MACE were defined as heart failure (HF), ventricular arrhythmias (VAs), systemic embolisms, or all-cause mortality. A total of 585 patients were included (45 ± 20 years of age, 57% male). LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 48% ± 17%, and 18% presented late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, MACE occurred in 223 (38%) patients: HF in 110 (19%), VAs in 87 (15%), systemic embolisms in 18 (3%), and 34 (6%) died. LVEF was the main variable independently associated with MACE (P < 0.05). LGE was associated with HF and VAs in patients with LVEF >35% (P < 0.05). A prediction model of MACE was developed using Cox regression, composed by age, sex, electrocardiography, cardiovascular risk factors, LVEF, and family aggregation. C-index was 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.67-0.75) in the derivation cohort and 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.71-0.73) in an external validation cohort. Patients with no electrocardiogram abnormalities, LVEF ≥50%, no LGE, and negative family screening presented no MACE at follow-up. LVNC is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias. LVEF is the variable most strongly associated with MACE; however, LGE confers additional risk in patients without severe systolic dysfunction. A risk prediction model is developed and validated to guide management. The project was partially funded by a grant from the Catalan Society of Cardiology (Barcelona, Spain). Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca (Murcia, Spain) was supported by a grant from the Foundation Marató TV3 (218/C/2015) (Barcelona, Spain). Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe (Valencia, Spain) was partially supported by Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (“Unión Europea, Una forma de hacer Europa”) (Madrid, Spain) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (La Fe Biobank PT17/0015/ 0043) (Madrid, Spain). Dr Guala was supported by funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (IJC2018-037349-I) (Madrid, Spain). Dr La Mura was supported by a research grant from the Cardiopath PhD program (Naples, Italy). Prof de la Pompa was supported by grants PID2019-104776RB-I00 and CB16/11/00399 (CIBER CV) from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities. Dr Bayes-Genis was supported by grants from CIBER Cardiovascular (CB16/11/00403 and 16/11/00420) (Madrid, Spain) and AdvanceCat 2014-2020 (Barcelona, Spain); and has received advisory board and lecture fees from Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Vifor, Roche Diagnostics, and Critical Diagnostics. Dr Pontone has received speaker honorarium and/or institutional research grants from GE Healthcare, Bracco, Boehringer Ingelheim, and HeartFlow. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose. Sí

Introduction and objectives: Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) has been shown to be useful for risk stratification in patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF). We sought to determine a CA125 cutpoint for identifying patients at low risk of 1-month death or the composite of death/HF readmission following admission for AHF.Methods: The derivation cohort included 3231 consecutive patients with AHF. CA125 cutoff values with 90% negative predictive value (NPV) and sensitivity up to 85% were identified. The adequacy of these cutpoints and the risk of 1-month death/HF readmission was then tested using the Royston-Parmar method. The best cutpoint was selected and externally validated in a cohort of patients hospitalized from BIOSTAT-CHF (n = 1583).Result: In the derivation cohort, the median [IQR] CA125 was 57 [25.3-157] U/mL. The optimal cutoff value was < 23 U/mL (21.5% of patients), with NPVs of 99.3% and 94.1% for death and the composite endpoint, respectively. On multivariate survival analyses, CA125 < 23 U/mL was independently associated with a lower risk of death (HR, 0.20; 95%Cl, 0.08-0.50; P < .001), and the combined endpoint (HR, 0.63; 95%Cl, 950.45-0.90; P = .009). The ability of this cutpoint to discriminate patients at a low 1-month risk was confirmed in the validation cohort (NPVs of 98.6% and 96.6% for death and the composite endpoint). The predicted ability of this cutoff remained significant at 6 months of follow-up.Conclusion: In patients admitted with AHF, CA125 < 23 U/mL identified a subgroup at low risk of short-term adverse events, a population that may not require intense postdischarge monitoring. (C) 2021 Sociedad Espanola de Cardiologia. Published by Elsevier Espafia, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) se ha mostrado util para la estratificacion del riesgo de los pacientes ingresados por insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). Se intenta determinar un punto de corte para identificar a los pacientes con bajo riesgo de muerte y muerte/reingreso por insuficiencia cardiaca 1 mes tras el ingreso por ICA. Metodos La cohorte de derivacion incluyo a 3.231 pacientes con ICA consecutivos. Se identificaron valores de corte de CA125 con un valor predictivo negativo (VPN) del 90% y una sensibilidad de hasta el 85%. La idoneidad de estos puntos de corte y el riesgo de muerte/reingreso al mes se evaluaron mediante el metodo de Royston-Parmar. Se selecciono el mejor punto de corte y se valido en una cohorte del BIOSTAT-CHF (n = 1.583). Resultados En la cohorte de derivacion, la mediana [intervalo intercuartilico] de CA125 fue 57 [25,3-157] U/ml. El punto de corte optimo fue Conclusiones En pacientes ingresados por ICA, el CA125

AIMS: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF). We assessed the influence of COPD on circulating levels and prognostic value of three HF biomarkers: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2).METHODS: Individual data from patients with chronic HF, known COPD status, NT-proBNP and hs-TnT values (n = 8088) were analysed. A subgroup (n = 3414) had also sST2 values.RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 66 years (interquartile interval 57-74), 77% were men and 82% had HF with reduced ejection fraction. NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and sST2 were 1207 ng/l (487-2725), 17 ng/l (9-31) and 30 ng/ml (22-44), respectively. Patients with COPD (n = 1249, 15%) had higher NT-proBNP (P = 0.042) and hs-TnT (P CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with HF, those with COPD have higher NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, but not sST2. All these biomarkers yield prognostic significance regardless of the COPD status.

The Nancy team is supported by the RHU Fight-HF, a public grant overseen by the French National Research Agency (ANR) as part of the second 'Investissements d'Avenir' programme (reference: ANR-15-RHUS-0004), by the French PIA project 'Lorraine Université d'Excellence' (reference: ANR-15-IDEX-04-LUE), the ANR FOCUS-MR (reference: ANR-15-CE14-0032-01), ERA-CVD EXPERT (reference: ANR-16-ECVD-0002-02), the Contrat de Plan Etat Lorraine IT2MP, and FEDER Lorraine. Aims: In ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (HF), congestion and decongestion assessment may be challenging. The aim of this study is to assess the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in outpatients with HF in characterizing decompensation and recompensation, and in outcomes prediction. Methods and results: Heart failure outpatients attended to establish HF decompensation were included. LUS was blindly performed at baseline (LUS1) and at clinical recompensation (LUS2). B-lines were counted in eight scanned areas. Diagnosis of no HF decompensation vs. right-sided, left-sided, or global HF decompensation, and patients' management were performed by physicians blinded to LUS1. Outcome was the composite of all-cause death or HF-related hospitalization. Two hundred and thirty-three suspicions of HF decompensation were included in 187 patients (71.4 ± 11.3 years, 66.8% men). Mean B-line (LUS1) was 17.6 ± 11.2 vs. 3.7 ± 4.5 for episodes with and without HF decompensation, respectively (P < 0.001). Global HF decompensation showed the highest number of B-lines (20.6 ± 11), followed by left-sided (19.7 ± 11.6) and right-sided (13.5 ± 9.8). B-lines declined to 6.9 ± 6.7 (LUS2) (P < 0.001 vs. LUS1) after treatment, within a mean time of 24.2 ± 23.7 days [median 13.5 days (interquartile range 6-40)]. B-lines were significantly associated with the composite endpoint at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04 [95% confidence interval 1.01-1.07], P = 0.02), but not at 60 (P = 0.22) or 180 days (P = 0.54). In multivariable analysis, B-line number remained as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint at 30 days, [HR 1.04 (1.01-1.07), P = 0.014], with a 4% increase risk per B-line added. B-lines correlated significantly with CA125 (R = 0.30, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Lung ultrasound supports the diagnostic work-up of congestion and decongestion in chronic HF outpatients and identifies patients at high risk of short-term events.

Patients with heart failure (HF) who contract SARS-CoV-2 infection are at a higher risk of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Regardless of therapeutic attempts in COVID-19, vaccination remains the most promising global approach at present for controlling this disease. There are several concerns and misconceptions regarding the clinical indications, optimal mode of delivery, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines for patients with HF. This document provides guidance to all healthcare professionals regarding the implementation of a COVID-19 vaccination scheme in patients with HF. COVID-19 vaccination is indicated in all patients with HF, including those who are immunocompromised (e.g. after heart transplantation receiving immunosuppressive therapy) and with frailty syndrome. It is preferable to vaccinate against COVID-19 patients with HF in an optimal clinical state, which would include clinical stability, adequate hydration and nutrition, optimized treatment of HF and other comorbidities (including iron deficiency), but corrective measures should not be allowed to delay vaccination. Patients with HF who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 need to continue precautionary measures, including the use of facemasks, hand hygiene and social distancing. Knowledge on strategies preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection (including the COVID-19 vaccination) should be included in the comprehensive educational programmes delivered to patients with HF. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. [Abstract copyright: This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.]

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La utilidad de la ecografia pulmonar (EP) en la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) aguda esta bien definida, pero no asi en la IC cronica. Este estudio investigo el valor pronostico de la EP en pacientes estables con IC cronica. Metodos Se incluyo a pacientes ambulatorios consecutivos con visita programada en una unidad de IC. La EP se realizo in situ, con los datos clinicos enmascarados, y evaluo 8 areas toracicas. La suma de lineas B en todas las areas pulmonares y los cuartiles de dicha adicion se utilizaron para los analisis de regresion lineal y de Cox. Los objetivos principales fueron el compuesto de muerte por cualquier causa u hospitalizacion por IC y mortalidad por cualquier causa. Resultados Se incluyo a 577 individuos (edad, 69 ± 12 anos; el 72% varones). La media de lineas B fue de 5 ± 6. Durante un seguimiento de 31 ± 7 meses, en 157 pacientes se produjo el resultado compuesto y 111 fallecieron. Tener ≥ 8 lineas B (Q4) doblo el riesgo de padecer el evento compuesto (p Conclusiones La EP identifico a pacientes con IC cronica estable y alto riesgo de muerte u hospitalizacion por IC.

Objectives The goal of this study was to assess the predictive power of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and the decision cutoffs in heart failure (HF) across body mas...

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the trajectory of two surrogates of fluid overload -antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) and amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)- after the addition of oral empagliflozin to usual care in a cohort of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS AND RESULTS: From October 2015 to February 2019, 60 ambulatory patients with CHF and T2D were retrospectively included. The primary endpoint was to assess the longitudinal trajectory of plasma levels of CA125 and NT-proBNP after empagliflozin initiation. Changes in quantitative variables were evaluated using linear mixed regression. Median CA125 and NT-proBNP at baseline were 17 (11-75) U/mL and 1662 (647-4230) pg/mL, respectively. A total of 510 outpatient visits were recorded [median (interquartile range) of visits per patient: 6 (4-11)] during a median of 1.78 years. We found a significant and steady decrease in the log of CA125 after empagliflozin initiation (p < 0.001). Conversely, the log of NT-proBNP predicted trajectory did not significantly change (p = 0.425). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with CHF and T2D, empagliflozin initiation was associated with a significant decrease in CA125 levels without modifying the trajectory of NT-proBNP. Considering that CA125 has emerged as a surrogate marker of tissue congestion, we hypothesize that empagliflozin might predominantly promote extravascular decongestion.

Background Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with better outcome compared with normal weight in patients with HF and other chronic diseases. It remains uncertain whether the apparent protective role of obesity relates to the absence of comorbidities. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BMI on outcome in younger patients without co-morbidities as compared to older patients with co-morbidities in a large heart failure (HF) population. Methods In an individual patient data analysis from pooled cohorts, 5,819 patients with chronic HF and data available on BMI, co-morbidities and outcome were analysed. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI (i.e. ≤ 18.5 kg/m2, 18.5–25.0 kg/m2; 25.0–30.0 kg/m2; 30.0 kg/m2). Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization-free survival. Results Mean age was 65 ± 12 years, with a majority of males (78%), ischaemic HF and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Frequency of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization was significantly worse in the lowest two BMI groups as compared to the other two groups; however, this effect was only seen in patients older than 75 years or having at least one relevant co-morbidity, and not in younger patients with HF only. After including medications and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations into the model, the prognostic impact of BMI was largely absent even in the elderly group with co-morbidity. Conclusions The present study suggests that obesity is a marker of less advanced disease, but does not have an independent protective effect in patients with chronic HF. Graphic abstract Categories of BMI are only predictive of poor outcome in patients aged > 75 years or with at least one co-morbidity (bottom), but not in those aged

Aims The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) European Endocarditis (EURO-ENDO) registry aims to study the care and outcomes of patients diagnosed with infective endocarditis (IE) and compare findings with recommendations from the 2015 ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of IE and data from the 2001 Euro Heart Survey. Methods and results Patients (n = 3116) aged over 18 years with a diagnosis of IE based on the ESC 2015 IE diagnostic criteria were prospectively identified between 1 January 2016 and 31 March 2018. Individual patient data were collected across 156 centres and 40 countries. The primary endpoint is all-cause mortality in hospital and at 1 year. Secondary endpoints are 1-year morbidity (all-cause hospitalization, any cardiac surgery, and IE relapse), the clinical, epidemiological, microbiological, and therapeutic characteristics of patients, the number and timing of non-invasive imaging techniques, and adherence to recommendations as stated in the 2015 ESC Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of IE. Conclusion EURO-ENDO is an international registry of care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with IE which will provide insights into the contemporary profile and management of patients with this challenging disease.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos El sodio urinario (UNa+) ha surgido como un biomarcador util para predecir eventos clinicos desfavorables en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). En este estudio pretendemos evaluar: a) la utilidad de una unica determinacion precoz de UNa+ para predecir eventos adversos en pacientes con ICA e insuficiencia renal (IR) concomitante, y b) si los cambios en el UNa+ a las 24 horas (ΔUNa24 h) anaden informacion pronostica adicional sobre los valores basales. Metodos Analisis post-hoc del ensayo clinico multicentrico, abierto y paralelo (IMPROVE-HF), (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02643147) en el que 160 pacientes con ICA e IR concomitante al ingreso fueron aleatorizados a: a) estrategia diuretica convencional, o b) estrategia basada en los niveles del antigeno carbohidrato 125. El objetivo primario fue la mortalidad total y el numero total de ingresos recurrentes. Resultados La edad media fue 78 ± 8 anos, y la tasa media de filtrado glomerular fue 34,0 ± 8,5 ml/min/1,73 m2. La mediana de UNa+ fue 90 mmol/L (65-111). Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 1,73 anos [IQR 0,48-2,35], se registraron 83 muertes (51,9%) y 263 rehospitalizaciones totales en 110 patientes. El UNa+ se asocio de forma independiente con la mortalidad por todas las causas (HR = 0,75, IC95%, 0,65-0,87; p 50 mmol/l. Conclusiones En pacientes con ICA e IR, una unica determinacion precoz de UNa+ ≤ 50 mmol/l identifica a pacientes con mayor riesgo de muerte por todas las causas y hospitalizaciones recurrentes. El ΔUNa24 h anade informacion pronostica adicional sobre los valores basales solo cuando el UNa+ al ingreso es ≤ 50 mmol/l.

Resumen Antecedentes El antigeno carbohidrato 125 (CA125) y los peptidos natriureticos tipo B son marcadores subrogados de congestion en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA). El objetivo del estudio fue valorar la asociacion entre CA125 y NT-proBNP y parametros de congestion en pacientes con ICA. Metodos y resultados Estudio observacional prospectivo multicentrico, que incluyo a 191 pacientes hospitalizados por ICA. Se registro la presencia de derrame pleural, edema periferico y diametro de vena cava inferior (V C I) durante las primeras 24-48 horas tras el ingreso y se evaluo su asociacion independiente con las concentraciones de CA125 y la fraccion amino-terminal del peptido natriuretico tipo B (NT-proBNP). La edad media fue de 73,4 ± 12 anos, 79 (41,4%) eran mujeres y 127 (66,5%) tenian fraccion de eyeccion ventricular izquierda ≥ 50%. La mediana de CA125, NT-proBNP y diametro VCI fue de 58 (22,7-129) U/mL, 3.985 (1.905-9.775) pg/mL y 21 (17-25) mm, respectivamente. El analisis multivariante mostro que el CA125 se asocio positiva e independientemente con presencia de edema periferico, derrame pleural y valores elevados de VCI. El NT-proBNP se relaciono con el derrame pleural y el diametro de VCI, pero no con el edema. La adicion del CA125 incremento la capacidad discriminativa del modelo basal para identificar edema periferico y derrame pleural, no asi el NT-proBNP. El predictor mas importante para la dilatacion de la VCI fue el CA125 (R2 = 48,3%). Conclusion En pacientes con ICA, los niveles sericos de CA125 se asocian de forma mas significativa que los de NT-proBNP con el estado de congestion.

Background Carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and B-type natriuretic peptides are surrogate markers of congestion in patients with acute heart failure (AHF). The aim of the study was to assess the association between CA125 and NT-proBNP and congestion parameters in patients with AHF. Methods and results Prospective multicentre observational study that included 191 patients hospitalised for AHF. We recorded the presence of pleural effusion, peripheral oedema and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter during the first 24–48 h after admission and evaluated their independent association with CA125 concentrations and the amino-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The mean age was 73.4 ± 12 years, 79 (41.4%) were women, and 127 (66.5%) had left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%. The median of CA125, NT-proBNP and IVC diameter was 58 (22.7–129) U/mL, 3,985 (1,905–9,775) pg/mL and 21 (17–25) mm, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that CA125 was positively and independently associated with the presence of peripheral oedema, pleural effusion and elevated IVC levels. NT-proBNP was associated with pleural effusion and IVC diameter but not with oedema. The addition of CA125 increased the discriminatory capacity of the baseline model to identify peripheral oedema and pleural effusion, but not NT-proBNP. The most important predictor of ICV dilation was CA125 (R2 = 48.3%). Conclusion In patients with AHF, serum CA125 levels are associated more significantly than NT-proBNP with a state of congestion.

Self-care is essential in the long-term management of chronic heart failure. Heart failure guidelines stress the importance of patient education on treatment adherence, lifestyle changes, symptom monitoring and adequate response to possible deterioration. Self-care is related to medical and person-centred outcomes in patients with heart failure such as better quality of life as well as lower mortality and readmission rates. Although guidelines give general direction for self-care advice, health care professionals working with patients with heart failure need more specific recommendations. The aim of the management recommendations in this paper is to provide practical advice for health professionals delivering care to patients with heart failure. Recommendations for nutrition, physical activity, medication adherence, psychological status, sleep, leisure and travel, smoking, immunization and preventing infections, symptom monitoring, and symptom management are consistent with information from guidelines, expert consensus documents, recent evidence and expert opinion. Jaarsma, T (corresponding author), Univ Linkoping, Fac Hlth Sci, Kungsgatan 40, S-60174 Norrkoping, Sweden. tiny.jaarsma@liu.se

Background Venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is currently one of the first-line therapies for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS), but its applicability is undermined by the high morbidity associated with its complications, especially those related to mechanical ventilation (MV). We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of keeping patients in refractory CS awake at cannulation and during the VA-ECMO run. Methods A 7-year database of patients given peripheral VA-ECMO support was used to conduct a propensity-score (PS)-matched analysis to balance their clinical profiles. Patients were classified as ‘awake ECMO’ or ‘non-awake ECMO’, respectively, if invasive MV was used during ≤50% or >50% of the VA-ECMO run. Primary outcomes included ventilator-associated pneumonia and ECMO-related complication rates, and secondary outcomes were 60-day and 1-year mortality. A multivariate logistic-regression analysis was used to identify whether MV at cannulation was independently associated with 60-day mortality. Results Among 231 patients included, 91 (39%) were ‘awake’ and 140 (61%) ‘non-awake’. After PS-matching adjustment, the ‘awake ECMO’ group had significantly lower rates of pneumonia (35% vs. 59%, P = 0.017), tracheostomy, renal replacement therapy, and less antibiotic and sedative consumption. This strategy was also associated with reduced 60-day (20% vs. 41%, P = 0.018) and 1-year mortality rates (31% vs. 54%, P = 0.021) compared to the ‘non-awake’ group, respectively. Lastly, MV at ECMO cannulation was independently associated with 60-day mortality. Conclusion An ‘awake ECMO’ management in VA-ECMO-supported CS patients is feasible, safe, and associated with improved short- and long-term outcomes.

Clonal hematopoiesis driven by somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells, frequently called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in population-based studies and in patients with ischemic heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Yet, the impact of CHIP on HF progression, including nonischemic etiology, is unknown.The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of clonal hematopoiesis on HF progression irrespective of its etiology.The study cohort comprised 62 patients with HF and LVEF 45% (age 74 ± 7 years, 74% men, 52% nonischemic, and LVEF 30 ± 8%). Deep sequencing was used to detect CHIP mutations with a variant allelic fraction2% in 54 genes. Patients were followed for at least 3.5 years for various adverse events including death, HF-related death, and HF hospitalization.CHIP mutations were detected in 24 (38.7%) patients, without significant differences in all-cause mortality (p = 0.151). After adjusting for risk factors, patients with mutations in either DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) or Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) exhibited accelerated HF progression in terms of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31 to 5.92; p = 0.008), death or HF hospitalization (HR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.84 to 8.04; p 0.001) and HF-related death or HF hospitalization (HR: 4.41; 95% CI: 2.15 to 9.03; p 0.001). In single gene-specific analyses, somatic mutations in DNMT3A or TET2 retained prognostic significance with regard to HF-related death or HF hospitalization (HR: 4.50; 95% CI: 2.07 to 9.74; p 0.001, for DNMT3A mutations; HR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.52 to 6.66; p = 0.002, for TET2 mutations). This association remained significant irrespective of ischemic/nonischemic etiology.Somatic mutations that drive clonal hematopoiesis are common among HF patients with reduced LVEF and are associated with accelerated HF progression regardless of etiology.

Background Identifying patients at risk of poor diuretic response in acute heart failure (AHF) is critical to make prompt adjustments in therapy. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the circulating levels of soluble ST2 predict the cumulative diuretic efficiency (DE) at 24 and 72 hours in patients with AHF and concomitant renal dysfunction. Methods and Results This is a post hoc analysis of the IMPROVE-HF trial, in which we enrolled 160 patients with AHF and renal dysfunction (estimated glomerular filtrate rate of Conclusions In patients with AHF and renal dysfunction at presentation, circulating levels of sST2 were independently and negatively associated with a poor diuretic response, both at 24 and 72 hours.

A higher neprilysin activity has been suggested in women. In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated the association of sex and body mass index (BMI) with soluble neprilysin (sNEP) and recurrent admissions among 1021 consecutive HF outpatients. The primary and secondary endpoints were the number of HF hospitalizations and all-cause mortality, respectively. The association between sNEP with either endpoint was evaluated across sex and BMI categories (≥ 25 kg/m2 vs. 2). Bivariate count regression (Poisson) was used, and risk estimates were expressed as incidence rates ratio (IRR). During a median follow-up of 6.65 years (percentile 25%-percentile 75%:2.83–10.25), 702 (68.76%) patients died, and 406 (40%) had at least 1 HF hospitalization. Median values of sNEP and BMI were 0.64 ng/mL (0.39–1.22), and 26.9 kg/m2 (24.3–30.4), respectively. Left ventricle ejection fraction was p = 0.001) but not with mortality (p = 0.241). The predictive value of sNEP for HF hospitalizations varied non-linearly across sex and BMI categories (p-value for interaction = 0.003), with significant and positive effect only on women with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.039). For instance, compared to men, women with sNEP of 1.22 ng/mL (percentile 75%) showed a significantly increased risk (IRRs: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.05–1.53). The interaction analysis for mortality did not support a differential prognostic effect for sNEP (p = 0.072). In conclusion, higher sNEP levels in overweight women better predicted an increased risk of HF hospitalization.

Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) and right heart adaptation in relation to pre-existing preload are often disregarded. To determine volume-related changes in the pulmonary-right ventricle (RV) unit and the preload dependence of its components, we analysed pulmonary haemodynamics and right ventricular performance, taking advantage of the plasma volume removal associated to haemodialysis (HD). Fifty-three stable patients on chronic HD with LVEF > 50% and without heart failure were recruited (mean age 63.0 ± 12.4 years; 31.2% women; hypertension in 89% and diabetes in 53%) and evaluated just before and after HD (mean ultrafiltration volume 2.4 ± 0.7 l). SPAP from both times were available in 39 patients. After HD, SPAP decreased (42.2 ± 12.6 to 33.7 ± 11.6 mmHg, p 40 mmHg) (OR 1.29 (1.07–1.56), p = 0.006). Rapid volemic changes may affect FTR grading, RV size and contractility, with RV longitudinal strain being less variable than conventional parameters. SPAP decreases after HD, and this reduction is related to age and greater diminution of the E/eʹ ratio.

Definition, clinical implications, and rate of iron deficiency assessment and treatment in the Swedish Heart Failure Registry. FCM, ferric carboxymaltose; HF, heart failue; ID, iron deficiency; TSAT, transferrin sauration.

Predictive factors of significant functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) are not completely understood. We investigated sex-related differences in predictors of FTR progression.Clinical and echocardiographic variables were recorded in a prospective single-centre observational cohort of 251 consecutive stable patients with FTR. Multivariable logistic regression analyses stratified by sex were performed to identify predictors of significant FTR.The mean age of the whole cohort was 72.2±11.4 years, and 133 (53%) patients were women. Females tended to have a higher prevalence of significant FTR (22.6% vs 13.6%; p=0.066). Women were also older than men (mean age 74.4 vs 69.6 years; p0.001), with more frequent history of arterial hypertension, worse New York Heart Association functional class, higher E/e' quotient, and higher left ventricular ejection fraction. The independent predictors of significant FTR in women were atrial fibrillation (AF) (odds ratio [OR] 10.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-40.7; p0.001), indexed tricuspid diameter annulus (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.04-1.47; p=0.017), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15; p=0.001). The independent predictors of outcome in men were indexed tricuspid tenting height (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.20-6.11; p=0.016), indexed tricuspid diameter annulus (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.26-3.09; p=0.003), and PASP (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16; p=0.021).The presence of AF and longer indexed tenting height convey a greater risk of significant FTR in females and males, respectively. These findings suggest the existence of different physiopathological mechanisms involved in the progression of FTR in both sexes.

Up to one-third of patients who undergo cardiac resynchronization therapy do not obtain clinical benefit. A systematic approach can identify treatable causes in many nonresponding patients. We present a case of nonresponse to cardiac resynchronization therapy that resolved by ablation of the atrioventricular node in a patient with complete atrioventricular block. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Graphical abstract

Background An association between interatrial block (IAB) (P wave duration ≥120 ms) and dementia has been suggested. Our objective was to assess the association of IAB with cognitive impairment (CI). Methods The prospective BAYES registry included 552 patients ≥70 years with structural heart disease without documented atrial fibrillation. Cognitive ability was assessed at baseline and every 6 months with the Pfeiffer test. The median follow-up was 22 months. Results Thirty patients (5.4%) had baseline CI, 20 patients with mild CI and 10 with moderate CI. Compared to patients without CI, patients with CI had higher mean age (80.4 ± 6.5 vs. 76.8 ± 5.4 years) and higher prevalence of advanced IAB (with biphasic P-wave ± in inferior leads) (14 [46.7%] vs. 122 [23.4%], p

Funding: This work was supported in part by an unrestricted grant from Vifor Pharma and Proyectos de Investigación de la Sección de Insuficiencia Cardiaca 2017 from Sociedad Española de Cardiología. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) in patients with heart failure (HF) and iron deficiency (ID) have not been completely characterized. The Myocardial-IRON trial was a double-blind, randomized trial that evaluated myocardial iron repletion following FCM vs. placebo in 53 patients with HF and ID. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated whether treatment with FCM was associated with cardiac magnetic resonance changes in left and right ventricular function (LVEF and RVEF, respectively) at different points of systolic dysfunction. We included patients from the Myocardial-IRON trial with left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD and RVSD, respectively) at enrolment. Linear mixed regression models were used to evaluate changes at 7 and 30 days on LVEF and RVEF at cardiac magnetic resonance. At enrolment, 27 (50.9%) and 38 (71.7%) patients had LVEF < 40% (LVSD) or

The association between atrial fibrillation, stroke, and interatrial block (IAB) (P-wave duration ≥120 ms) is well recognized, particularly in the case of advanced IAB. We aimed to assess the association of IAB with mild cognitive impairment. Advanced Characterization of Cognitive Impairment in Elderly with Interatrial Block was a case-control multicenter study, conducted in subjects aged ≥70 years in sinus rhythm without significant structural heart disease. Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment was performed by an expert geriatrician, internist, or neurologist in the presence of changes in cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination score 20 to 25) without established dementia. A total of 265 subjects were included. Mean age was 79.6 ± 6.3 years and 174 (65.7%) were women; there were 143 cases with mild cognitive impairment and 122 controls with normal cognitive function. Compared with controls, cases had longer P-wave duration (116.2 ± 13.8 ms vs 112.5 ± 13.3 ms, p = 0.028), higher prevalence of IAB (73 [51.0%] vs 38 [31.1%], p = 0.001), higher prevalence of advanced IAB (28 [19.6%] vs 10 [8.2%], p = 0.002), and higher MVP ECG risk score (2.7 ± 1.4 vs 2.2 ± 1.3, p = 0.004). IAB was independently associated with mild cognitive impairment, both for partial (odds ratio 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.9) and advanced IAB (odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI: 1.1 to 6.7). In conclusion, in subjects aged ≥70 years without significant structural heart disease, IAB is independently associated with mild cognitive impairment. This association is stronger in the case of advanced IAB. “Proyecto de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología para investigación clínica en cardiología 2019”, Spanish Society of Cardiology 2.778 JCR (2020) Q3, 81/142 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 1.394 SJR (2020) Q1, 64/349 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2020 UEM

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Aimo, A., Januzzi, J.L., Vergaro, G., Richards, A.M., Lam, C.S.P., Latini, R. ... Emdin, M. (2020). Circulating levels and prognostic value of soluble ST2 in heart failure are less influenced by age than N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T, European Journal of Heart Failure, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/ejhf.1701. . This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. Aims - N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), high‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) and soluble suppression of tumorigenesis‐2 (sST2) predict outcome in chronic heart failure (HF). We assessed the influence of age on circulating levels and prognostic significance of these biomarkers. Methods and results - Individual data from 5301 patients with chronic HF and NT‐proBNP, hs‐TnT, and sST2 data were evaluated. Patients were stratified according to age: Conclusions - Soluble ST2 is less influenced by age than NT‐proBNP or hs‐TnT; all these biomarkers predict outcome regardless of age. The use of age‐ and outcome‐specific cut‐offs of NT‐proBNP, hs‐TnT and sST2 allows more accurate risk stratification than NT‐proBNP alone or the combination of NT‐proBNP and hs‐TnT.

There is scarce information about the clinical profile and prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) at the extreme ranges of age. We aimed to evaluate the 1-year death (all-cause mortality and HF-death) and HF-rehospitalizations of patients ≥85 years admitted for AHF.We prospectively evaluated a cohort of 3054 patients admitted with AHF from 2007 to 2018 in a third-level center. Age was categorized per 10-year categories (65 years; 65-74 years, 75-84 years, and ≥85 years). The risk of mortality and HF-rehospitalizations across age categories was evaluated with Cox regression analysis and Cox regression adapted for competing events as appropriate.The mean age was 73.6 ± 11.2 years, 48.9% were female, and 52.8% had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF). A total of 414 (13.6%) patients were ≥85 years. Among this group of age, female sex and HFpEF phenotype were more frequent. At 1-year follow-up 667 all-cause deaths (22,1%), 311 HF-deaths (10.1%) and 693 HF-hospitalizations (22,7%) were recorded. After multivariable adjustment, and compared to patients65 years, a stepwise increased risk of all-cause mortality and HF-death was found for each decade increase in age, especially for patients ≥85 years (HR=3.47; 95% CI: 2.49 - 4.84, p0.001, HR=3.31; 95% CI: 1.95 - 5.63; p0.001, respectively). This subgroup of patients also showed an increased risk of HF-rehospitalization (HR=1.58; 95% CI: 1.16 - 2.16, p=0.004).Super elderly patients admitted with AHF showed a dramatically increased risk of 1-year death. This subset of patients also shown an increased risk of 1-year HF-readmission.

Summary Background & aims Nutritional status is an important prognostic factor in patients with heart failure (HF). In a pilot study we previously observed that the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form tool (MNA-SF) was the best approach for the screening of nutritional status in HF outpatients over other screening tools. The current study aimed to determine whether the MNA-SF has prognostic value in outpatients with HF and whether the impact of malnutrition differs depending on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods Prospective study performed in outpatients attending a HF clinic at a university hospital. All subjects completed the MNA-SF at study entry. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary end-points were the number of recurrent HF-related hospitalizations and the composite end-point of all-cause death or HF-related hospitalizations. Patients with malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition were merged and considered as having abnormal nutritional status for statistical analysis. Results From October 2016 to November 2017, 555 patients were included (age 69 ± 11.5 years, 71% male, LVEF 44.6 ± 13.2). Abnormal nutritional status was identified in 103 (18.6%) subjects. HF patients with preserved LVEF had a higher proportion of abnormal nutritional status (23%) than patients with HF and mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF) (16.4%) or those with HF with reduced LVEF (HFrEF) (15.9%.). During a mean follow-up of 23.8 ± 6.6 months, 99 patients died (17.8%), 74 were hospitalized due to HF (13.3%) and the composite end-point was observed in 181 (32.6%). In the univariate analysis, abnormal nutritional status was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p = 0.02) and the composite end-point (p = 0.02) in the total cohort. However, in the multivariate analysis including age, sex, NYHA functional class, BMI, ischemic aetiology, diabetes, hypertension and HF duration, abnormal nutritional status remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 3.32 [95%CI 1.47–7.52], p = 0.004), and the composite end-point (HR 2.53 [95%CI 1.30–4.94], p = 0.006) only in HFmrEF patients. Patients with abnormal nutritional status suffered double the crude number of recurrent HF-related hospitalizations (16.4 vs. 8.4 per 100 patients-years, p Conclusions The implementation of MNA-SF as a routine screening tool allowed the detection of abnormal nutritional status in almost one out of five ambulatory HF patients. Nutritional status assessed by the MNA-SF was an independent predictor of all-cause death and the composite end-point of all-cause death or HF-related hospitalization in outpatients with HFmrEF. Furthermore, abnormal nutritional status was significantly related to recurrent hospitalizations across the HF spectrum.

BACKGROUND Dietary omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has multiple cardioprotective properties. The proportion of EPA in serum phosphatidylcholine (PC) mirrors dietary EPA intake during previous weeks. Circulating EPA in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) relates to smaller infarct size and preserved long-term ventricular function. OBJECTIVES The authors investigated whether serum-PC EPA (proxy for marine omega-3 consumption) levels at the time of STEMI were associated with a lower incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality, and readmission for cardiovascular (CV) causes at 3 years' follow-up. We also explored the association of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, proxy for vegetable omega-3 intake) with all-cause mortality and MACE. METHODS The authors prospectively included 944 consecutive patients with STEMI (mean age 61 years, 209 women) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We determined serum-PC fatty acids with gas chromatography. RESULTS During follow-up, 211 patients had MACE, 108 died, and 130 were readmitted for CV causes. A Cox propor-tional hazards model adjusted for known clinical predictors showed that serum-PC EPA at the time of STEMI was inversely associated with both incident MACE and CV readmission (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62 to 0.94, and HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.95, respectively, for a 1-standard deviation [SD] increase). Serum-PC ALA was inversely related to all-cause mortality (HR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.96, for a 1-SD increase). CONCLUSIONS Elevated serum-PC EPA and ALA levels at the time of STEMI were associated with a lower risk of clinical adverse events. Consumption of foods rich in these fatty acids might improve the prognosis of STEMI. (c) 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier on behalf of the American College of Cardiology Foundation.

Introduction: The association of pulmonary congestion assessed by lung ultrasound (LUS) and biomarkers—other than N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)—is uncertain. Methods: We investigated the relationship between total B-line count by LUS and several biomarkers in outpatients with suspicion of heart failure (HF). Primary care patients with suspected new-onset nonacute HF were evaluated both with a 12-scan LUS protocol (8 anterolateral areas plus 4 lower posterior thoracic areas) and 11 inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers. A cardiologist blinded to LUS and biomarkers except NT-proBNP confirmed HF diagnosis. After log-transformation of biomarkers’ concentrations, unadjusted and adjusted correlations were performed. Results: A total of 170 patients were included (age 76 ± 10 years, 67.6% women). HF diagnosis was confirmed in 38 (22.4%) patients. After adjustment by age, sex, body mass index, and renal function, total B-line sum significantly correlated with NT-proBNP (R = 0.29, p < 0.001), growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15; R = 0.23, p = 0.003), high-sensitive Troponin T (hsTnT; R = 0.36, p < 0.001), soluble interleukin-1 receptor-like 1 (sST2; R = 0.29, p < 0.001), cancer antigen 125 (CA-125; R = 0.17, p = 0.03), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; R = 0.20, p = 0.009), and interleukin (IL)-6 (R = 0.23, p = 0.003). In contrast, IL-33 (R = −0.01, p = 0.93), IL-1β (R = −0.10, p = 0.20), soluble neprilysin (sNEP; R = 0.09, p = 0.24), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α; R = 0.07, p = 0.39), and TNF-α receptor superfamily member 1A (TNFRSF1A; R = 0.14, p = 0.07) did not. Conclusions: Total B-line sum correlated significantly, although moderately, with congestion and several inflammation biomarkers. Unexpectedly, the highest correlation found was with hsTnT.

Background Lung ultrasound (LUS) is useful for diagnosing pulmonary congestion, but its value in primary care remains unclear. We investigated whether LUS improved diagnostic accuracy in outpatients with heart failure (HF) suspicion. Methods and results LUS was performed on 2 anterior (A), 2 lateral (L), and 2 posterior (P) areas per hemithorax. An area was positive when ≥3 B-lines were observed. Two diagnostic criteria were used: for LUS-C1, 2 positive areas of 4 (A-L) on each hemithorax; and for LUS-C2, 2 positive areas of 6 (A-L-P) on each hemithorax. A cardiologist blinded to LUS validated HF diagnosis. 162 patients were included (age 75.6 ± 9.4 years, 70.4% women). Both LUS criteria, alone and combined with other HF diagnostic criteria, were accurate for identifying HF. LUS-C2 outperformed LUS-C1, showing remarkable specificity (0.99) and positive predictive value (0.92). LUS-C2, together with Framingham criteria, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and electrocardiogram, added diagnostic value (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves 0.90 with LUS-C2 vs 0.84 without; P = .006). In the absence of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, LUS-C2 significantly reclassified one-third of patients above Framingham criteria and electrocardiogram (net reclassification improvement 0.65, 95% confidence interval 0.04–1.1). Conclusions LUS was accurate enough to rule-in HF in a primary care setting. The accuracy of diagnostic workup for HF in primary care is enhanced by incorporating LUS, irrespective NT-proBNP availability.

Preliminary results suggest that high circulating insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) levels are associated with mortality risk in heart failure (HF) patients. As IGFBP2 levels are increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with a higher mortality risk in HF patients, we examined whether IGFBP2 is associated with CKD in HF patients, and whether CKD modifies the prognostic value of this protein in HF patients.HF patients (n=686, mean age 66.6 years, 32.7% women) were enrolled and followed up for a median of 3.5 (min-max range: 0.1-6) years. Patients were classified as having CKD with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR60mL/min/1.73 mIGFBP2 was increased (P.001) in CKD patients with decreased eGFR (n=290, 42.3%) compared with patients with nondecreased eGFR. IGFBP2 was directly associated with NT-proBNP (P.001) and inversely associated with eGFR (P.001), with both associations being independent of confounding factors. IGFBP2 was directly and independently associated with cardiovascular and all-cause death (P.001) in the whole group of patients, but showed a stronger association with cardiovascular death in CKD patients with decreased eGFR (P for interaction.05), improving risk prediction in these patients over clinically relevant risk factors.Serum IGFBP2 is associated with impaired renal function and prognosticates cardiovascular death in patients with HF and CKD with decreased eGFR. Thus, there is an effect modification of CKD on circulating IGFBP2 and on its association with cardiovascular mortality in HF patients.

Introduction and objectives: Treatment with intravenous iron in patients with heart failure (HF) and iron deficiency (ID) improves symptoms, however its impact on survival and safety is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the management of ID and anemia with intravenous iron in patients with HF and long-term safety of intravenous iron. Methods: We evaluated anemia and ID in patients with chronic HF at 3 university hospitals. Anemia was defined using the World Health Organization definition and ID was defined as ferritin

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos Los niveles circulantes de la proteina de union del factor de crecimiento de tipo insulina 2 (IGFBP2) aumentan en la insuficiencia renal cronica (IRC), y se asocian con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad en la miocardiopatia dilatada. Dado que la IRC se asocia con una mayor mortalidad en la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC), hemos investigado si, en pacientes con IC de distinta etiologia, IGFBP2 se asocia con la IRC, y si la IRC modifica el valor pronostico de esta proteina. Metodos Se estudiaron pacientes con IC (n = 686, edad media 66,6 anos, 32,7% mujeres) durante 3,5 anos (min-max: 0,1-6 anos). Los pacientes se clasificaron como IRC con una tasa de filtrado glomerular estimada disminuida (TFGe Resultados La IGFBP2 serica estaba aumentada (p Conclusiones Los niveles sericos de IGFBP2 se asocian con un empeoramiento de la funcion renal en pacientes con IC y con un mayor riesgo de muerte cardiovascular, principalmente en los pacientes con IC y IRC con una TFGe disminuida.

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos En endocarditis infecciosa (EI), la decision quirurgica es dificil. Un alto porcentaje de pacientes con indicacion quirurgica no son intervenidos. El objetivo fue evaluar el pronostico a corto y largo plazo de los pacientes con indicacion quirurgica, comparando los que se sometieron a cirugia con los que no lo hicieron. Metodos Se incluyeron 271 pacientes con EI izquierda e indicacion quirurgica tratados en el centro desde 2003 a 2018. Ochenta y tres pacientes (31%) no fueron finalmente operados. El objetivo primario fue la mortalidad a 60 dias y el secundario desde el dia 61 a los 3 anos de seguimiento. Se realizo regresion de Cox multivariable y emparejamiento por puntuacion de propension. Resultados A los 60 dias, 40 (21,3%) pacientes operados y 53 (63,9%) pacientes no intervenidos fallecieron (p Conclusiones Dos tercios de los pacientes con indicacion quirurgica no intervenidos fallecieron antes de 60 dias. Entre los supervivientes, la mortalidad a largo plazo depende mas de factores relacionados con comorbilidad previa que del tratamiento recibido durante el ingreso.

El síndrome de Bayés es una nueva entidad clínica, caracterizada por la combinación de bloqueo interauricular (BIA) avanzado en el electrocardiograma de superficie con fibrilación auricular (FA) y otras arritmias auriculares. Este síndrome se asocia con un riesgo incrementado de ictus, demencia y mortalidad. El BIA avanzado se diagnostica con la presencia de una onda P ≥ 120 ms de morfología bifásica (±) en derivaciones de cara inferior. Se produce por un bloqueo completo del haz de Bachmann que causa una despolarización retrógrada de la aurícula izquierda desde zonas cercanas a la unión auriculoventricular. La miocardiopatía auricular fibrótica es el sustrato anatómico del BIA avanzado. La disincronía inducida por el BIA avanzado funciona como desencadenante y mecanismo de mantenimiento de la FA. Esta alteración de la arquitectura auricular produce remodelado auricular, estasis sanguínea e hipercoagulabilidad, lo cual desencadena la cascada trombogénica. El BIA avanzado, incluso sin arritmias auriculares documentadas, también se ha relacionado con FA, ictus, demencia y mortalidad. Sin embargo, todavía no se ha demostrado el beneficio de la anticoagulación para los pacientes sin FA documentada. Por lo tanto, es recomendable una búsqueda proactiva de FA en los pacientes con BIA avanzado. Bayés syndrome is a new clinical entity, characterized by the association of advanced interatrial block (IAB) on surface electrocardiogram with atrial fibrillation (AF) and other atrial arrhythmias. This syndrome is associated with an increased risk of stroke, dementia, and mortality. Advanced IAB is diagnosed by the presence of a P-wave ≥ 120 ms with biphasic morphology (±) in inferior leads. The cause of IAB is complete Bachmann bundle blockade, leading to retrograde depolarization of the left atrium from areas near the atrioventricular junction. The anatomic substrate of advanced IAB is fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy. Dyssynchrony induced by advanced IAB is a trigger and maintenance mechanism of AF. This alteration of the atrial architecture produces atrial remodeling, blood stasis and hypercoagulability, triggering the thrombogenic cascade. The presence of advanced IAB, even in patients without documented atrial arrhythmias, has also been associated with AF, stroke, dementia, and mortality. However, in these patients, there is no evidence to support the use of anticoagulation. Therefore, in patients with advanced IAB, a proactive search for AF is recommended. Sin financiación 4.753 JCR (2020) Q2, 45/142 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 0.455 SJR (2020) Q3, 202/349 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2020 UEM

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES In infective endocarditis (IE), decisions on surgical interventions are challenging and a high percentage of patients with surgical indication do not undergo these procedures. This study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term prognosis of patients with surgical indication, comparing those who underwent surgery with those who did not. METHODS We included 271 patients with left-sided IE treated at our institution from 2003 to 2018 and with an indication for surgery. There were 83 (31%) surgery-indicated not undergoing surgery patients with left-sided infective endocarditis (SINUS-LSIE). The primary outcome was all-cause death by day 60 and the secondary outcome was all-cause death from day 61 to 3 years of follow-up. Multivariable Cox regression and propensity score matching were used for the analysis. RESULTS At the 60-day follow-up, 40 (21.3%) surgically-treated patients and 53 (63.9%) SINUS-LSIE patients died (P

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La denervacion renal es una intervencion percutanea para el tratamiento de la hipertension arterial resistente. Estudios aleatorizados han mostrado resultados contradictorios sobre su eficacia. Se presentan los resultados de un registro de denervacion en pacientes con hipertension resistente segun practica clinica en Espana. Metodos Registro multicentrico de pacientes consecutivos con hipertension arterial resistente tratados con denervacion renal en Espana en el periodo 2009-2018. Resultados Se ha incluido a 125 pacientes (media de edad, 56 ± anos; el 41% mujeres; media de 14 ± 9 anos de evolucion de la hipertension). La presion arterial sistolica y diastolica en la consulta y ambulatoria de 24 h disminuyeron a los 6 meses de la intervencion (de 166 ± 20/95 ± 16 a 149 ± 22/87 ± 16 mmHg y de 151 ± 14/89 ± 12 a 143 ± 15/84 ± 11; ambas, p Conclusiones La denervacion renal en pacientes con hipertension resistente se relaciono con una disminucion de las cifras de presion arterial en la consulta y, lo que es mas importante, en la monitorizacion ambulatoria de presion arterial, con una disminucion significativa del tratamiento farmacologico.

Introduction and objectives In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), several therapies have been proven to reduce mortality in clinical trials. However, there are few data on the effect of the use of evidence-based therapies on causes of death in clinical practice. Methods This study included 2351 outpatients with HFrEF ( Results Patients in REDINSCOR I more frequently received beta-blockers (85% vs 71%; P Conclusions In ambulatory patients with HFrEF, implementation of evidence-based therapies was associated with a lower risk of death, mainly due to a significant reduction in sudden cardiac death.

Introduction and objectives In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), several therapies have been proven to reduce mortality in clinical trials. However, there are few data on the effect of the use of evidence-based therapies on causes of death in clinical practice. Methods This study included 2351 outpatients with HFrEF (< 40%) from 2 multicenter prospective registries: MUSIC (n=641, period: 2003-2004) and REDINSCOR I (n=1710, period: 2007-2011). Variables were recorded at inclusion and all patients were followed-up for 4 years. Causes of death were validated by an independent committee. Results Patients in REDINSCOR I more frequently received beta-blockers (85% vs 71%; P

Resumen Introduccion y objetivos La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es una comorbilidad comun en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) con fraccion de eyeccion conservada (ICFEP). Estudios anteriores han demostrado que las mujeres diabeticas tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar insuficiencia cardiaca que los hombres. Sin embargo, el pronostico a largo plazo de los pacientes diabeticos con insuficiencia cardiaca en funcion del sexo no se ha explorado ampliamente. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto diferencial de la DM2 en la mortalidad por todas las causas en hombres frente a mujeres con ICFEP tras un ingreso por IC aguda. Metodos Se incluyeron prospectivamente 1.019 pacientes consecutivos con ICFEP dados de alta tras un episodio de IC aguda en hospital terciario. Se empleo un analisis de regresion de Cox multivariante para evaluar la interaccion entre el sexo y la DM2 con respecto al riesgo de mortalidad total a largo plazo. Las estimaciones de riesgo se expresaron como razones de riesgo (HR). Resultados La edad media de la cohorte fue de 75,6 ± 9,5 anos y 609 (59,8%) eran mujeres. La proporcion de DM2 fue similar entre ambos sexos (45,1 frente al 49,1%; p = 0,211). Tras una mediana de seguimiento (intervalo intercuartilico) de 3,6 (1-4-6,8) anos, 646 (63,4%) pacientes murieron. Tras ajustar por factores de riesgo, comorbilidades, biomarcadores, parametros ecograficos y tratamiento al alta, el analisis multivariate mostro un efecto pronostico diferencial de DM2 (valor de p para la interaccion = 0,007). La DM2 se asocio con un mayor riesgo de mortalidad por todas las causas en mujeres (HR = 1,77; IC95%, 1,41-2,21; p Conclusiones Tras un episodio de IC aguda en pacientes con ICFEF, la DM2 confiere un mayor riesgo de mortalidad en las mujeres. Se requieren mas estudios que evaluen el impacto de la DM2 en mujeres con ICFEP.