Prognostic utility of bedside lung ultrasound before discharge in patients with acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background and objective The utility of lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with acute heart failure is well known, but most studies have been conducted in mixed groups of patients with preserved and reduced ejection fraction. While some subgroup analysis suggests that lung ultrasound is useful regardless of ejection fraction, no specific studies have addressed this question. Our objective is to determine the utility of bedside lung ultrasound as a prognostic tool for patients with preserved ejection fraction, acute heart failure. Material and methods Prospective cohort study with 3-month follow-up after bedside lung ultrasound before discharge in patients hospitalized for acute heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The number of B lines was determined. Two groups were formed: less than fifteen B lines (unexposed) and fifteen B lines or more (exposed). They were compared in terms of readmission and death attributable to worsening heart failure. Results The exposed group was at higher risk of readmission (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.12–5.12, P = .024), even after multivariable adjustment (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.11–5.46, P = .03). Differences between groups in terms of mortality were not statistically significant (HR 1.28, 95% CI .23–6.98). Conclusion Subclinical congestion evaluated with lung ultrasound before discharge is associated with worse prognosis in patients with acute heart failure and preserved ejection fraction. Patients with 15 B lines are 2.5 times more likely to be readmitted for acute heart failure than less congestive patients.