Study on pattern of drug utilization in the treatment of congestive cardiac failure in a tertiary care hospital

Background: Congestive cardiac failure/congestive heart failure (CCF/CHF) is one of the major public health problem seen in more than 23 million people worldwide. Drug utilization studies were stood as a powerful exploratory tool to ascertain the role of drugs in determining the therapeutic efficacy, cost effectiveness and also in minimizing the adverse effects due to it during the treatment of a disease. Aims and Objectives: The present study undertaken to describe the drug utilization pattern in patients of CHF in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a Prospective, Observational, and Non-interventional study. The study was undertaken after obtaining the ethical committee approval in the in-patient department of Medicine. Case records of 100 patients were obtained and treatments were noted. Results: The present study had 60 male and 40 female patients admitted and undergoing treatment for CCF. Most of them were above 50 years of age and the most common comorbidity among them were hypertension (25%) followed by diabetes mellitus (19%). The most commonly used drugs were diuretics and antihypertensives. Conclusion: In our study, patients use of more than 2 ?3 drugs (Polytherapy) was found very common than use of one drug (Monotherapy).

Factors predicting mortality in elderly patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that results from any structural or functional impairment of ventricular filling or ejection of blood. There are range of factors that predict the mortality, morbidity, and outcome in congestive HF (CHF) patients. Objectives: The objective was to study the clinico‑epidemiological characteristics and predictors of inhospital mortality of elderly patients ≥60 years hospitalized for HF. Subjects and Methods: A complete medical history of enrolled patients and physical examination inclusive of etiology, New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade, heart rate (HR), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were noted. Complete blood count, blood urea, serum creatinine, serum sodium, serum potassium, 12-lead electrocardiogram, X-ray of the chest, and echo were obtained in all patients. Outcomes were analyzed till the study endpoints. Results: Compared to normal comparators, a higher mortality was observed in patients with age >75 years (33.3%), HR >100 beats per min (27.14%), SBP <80 mmHg (60%), NYHA IV HF (37.1%), hemoglobin (Hb) <12 mg/dl (31.25%), blood urea ≥40 mg/dl (26.39%), serum creatinine >1.30 mg/dl (29.17%), serum sodium <135 meq/L (26.69%), and ejection fraction (EF) <50% (26.39%). Conclusion: Increasing age, prior history of CHF on admission, higher NYHA grade on admission, higher HR, lower SBP, lower EF, low Hb, higher blood urea, serum creatinine, and low serum sodium levels are statistically significant predictors of inhospital mortality of elderly CHF patients

Frailty as a predictor of outcome in heart failure in the elderly: An observational study at a tertiary care center

Introduction: Heart failure is the leading contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Frailty is an emerging prognostic factor in heart failure. There is little data on the prognostic role of frailty in patients admitted for acute heart failure as most studies have been done on stable heart failure patients. Methodology: The study included elderly (age ≥60 years) patients admitted with acute heart failure at a tertiary care center in India. Patients with dementia, cognitive impairment, and documented terminal illness were excluded. The sample size was 85 patients. Frailty assessment was done using short performance physical battery (SPPB) and Fried phenotype scales and follow‑up data was collected at 3 months postdischarge telephonically. The primary objective of the study was to determine the proportion of frailty in elderly in‑hospital heart failure patients. The secondary objectives were to see the agreement between the frailty assessment tools used (SPPB and Fried phenotype). Results: Eighty seven patients were included in the study. The majority were male (n = 45) and had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (n = 56). Coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 60) was the most common cause of heart failure. Eighty-two patients had at least one comorbidity. The proportion of frailty as per the SPPB was 43.67%, and as per the Fried phenotype was 68.9%. A total of 4 deaths and 15 re-admissions occurred during the follow-up period of 3 months. The majority belonged to the frail category as per both the frailty scales (P < 0.001 for SPPB, P = 0.087 for Fried phenotype). Fleiss’s kappa coefficient for agreement between the scales was 0.373 (SE = 0.106, P < 0.001), which signifies that there was a fair agreement between the two scales. The Spearman Rank correlation coefficient was −0.691 (P < 0.01) between the two scales. Hence, the SPPB score inversely correlated with the Fried phenotype. Conclusion: Frailty is largely prevalent in elderly heart failure patients. It can be used to predict poor outcomes in these patients. Clinicians should identify these high-risk patients at the time of discharge from their facility and consider interventions (tailored rehabilitation programs) to minimize the adverse outcomes.

Insuficiência cardíaca em cão / Congestive heart failure in a dog / Insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva en un perro

A insuficiência cardíaca congestiva é considerada, atualmente, a principal causa de óbitos em cães, sendo resultante da degeneração mixomatosa da válvula mitral, processo que inviabiliza o fechamento total da mesma durante a sístole. Apesar de se tratar de uma doença progressiva, os efeitos patológicos podem ser reduzidos significativamente e concomitantemente prolongar a vida do animal, desde que haja protocolos de tratamentos específicos e descritos por profissionais capacitados na área médica animal. Esse estudo teve como objetivo relatar um caso de insuficiência congestiva em um animal da espécie canina, sem raça definida, sexo masculino resgatado pela prefeitura do município de Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. Durante a necropsia foi observado os seguintes achados macroscópicos: neoplasias cutâneas aderidas ao tecido, tártaro dentário, pneumonia intersticial hemorrágica, companhias de fibrose e enfisema pulmonar hemorrágico, metástase calcificada circular em lobo pulmonar direito, necrose pulmonar, cardiomiopatia hipertrófica concêntrica, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva, aderência de pericárdio na cavidade torácica, fígado em aspecto de noz moscada, metástase hepática, hepatite, esplenomegalia, dilatação entérica multifocal, intussuscepção, necrose intestinal, hipertrofia de pelve renal e aderência de cápsula renal. Esses achados demonstram o comprometimento de todos os órgãos do animal, demonstrando que a causa mortis foi em decorrência de uma insuficiência respiratória de origem infecciosa que ocasionou a insuficiência cardíaca congestiva.(AU)

Congestive heart failure is currently considered the main cause of death in dogs, resulting from myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve, a process that prevents its total closure during systole. Despite being a progressive disease, the pathological effects can be significantly reduced and, at the same time, prolong the animal's life, as long as there are specific treatment protocols described by trained professionals in the field of animal medicine. This study aimed to report a case of congestive insufficiency in an animal of the canine species, mixed breed, male, rescued by the municipality of Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil. During the necropsy, the following macroscopic findings were observed: skin neoplasms adhered to the tissue, dental tartar, hemorrhagic interstitial pneumonia, fibrosis and hemorrhagic pulmonary emphysema, circular calcified metastasis in the right pulmonary lobe, pulmonary necrosis, concentric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, adherence of pericardium in the thoracic cavity, nutmeg liver, liver metastasis, hepatitis, splenomegaly, multifocal enteric dilation, intussusception, intestinal necrosis, renal pelvis hypertrophy and renal capsule adherence. These findings showed the involvement of all tissues, demonstrating that the cause of death was due to respiratory failure of infectious origin that caused congestive heart failure.(AU)

Actualmente se considera la insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva como la principal causa de muerte en perros, resultante de la degeneración mixomatosa de la válvula mitral, proceso que impide su cierre total durante la sístole. A pesar de ser una enfermedad progresiva, los efectos patológicos pueden reducirse significativamente y, al mismo tiempo, prolongar la vida del animal, siempre y cuando existan protocolos de tratamiento específicos descritos por profesionales capacitados en el campo de la medicina animal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo reportar un caso de insuficiencia congestiva en un animal canino, mestizo, macho, rescatado por el municipio de Botucatu, São Paulo, Brasil. Durante la necropsia se observaron los siguientes hallazgos macroscópicos: neoplasias cutáneas adheridas al tejido, sarro dental, neumonía intersticial hemorrágica, compañías de fibrosis y enfisema pulmonar hemorrágico, metástasis circular calcificada en lóbulo pulmonar derecho, necrosis pulmonar, miocardiopatía hipertrófica concéntrica, insuficiencia cardíaca, adherencia del pericardio en la cavidad torácica, hígado de nuez moscada, metástasis hepática, hepatitis, esplenomegalia, dilatación entérica multifocal, intususcepción, necrosis intestinal, hipertrofia de la pelvis renal y adherencia de la cápsula renal. Estos hallazgos demuestran la afectación de todos los órganos del animal, demostrando que la causa de la muerte se debió a una insuficiencia respiratoria de origen infeccioso que provocó una insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva.(AU)

TRALI as a Cause of Massive Tracheal Secretions during Cardiac Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 46 year-old man underwent double valve replacement for valve insufficiency due to infective endocarditis. Upon withdrawal from extracorporeal circulation and administration of 8 units of fresh frozen plasma, a large amount of yellow serous secretion was aspirated from the trachea, and rapid and exacerbated oxygenation was observed. We determined that the patient was not congested, based on his hemodynamics; instead, he appeared to have acquired transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). The patient was given a steroid infusion. By the time the patient returned to the intensive care unit, his oxygenation capacity improved and the secretions from his trachea decreased. The patient was weaned off the ventilator on the second post-operative day. Inhaled nitric oxide was very effective in improving oxygenation. We conjectured that TRALI should be recognized as a differential diagnosis for poor oxygenation after withdrawal from extracorporeal circulation.

Insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva en el embarazo, secundaria a miocardiopatía periparto. Reporte de caso / Congestive heart failure in pregnancy secondary to peripartum cardiomyopathy. Case report

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: En Estados Unidos, las cardiopatías periparto se registran en 1 de cada 4000 pacientes. Se consideran idiopáticas y se asocian con enfermedades genéticas, problemas inmunológicos y malformaciones cardiacas, sin que se tenga certeza del origen real de este tipo de enfermedades. La miocardiopatía periparto se asocia con el embarazo y el puerperio; los criterios diagnósticos incluyen: a) insuficiencia cardiaca en las últimas cuatro semanas del embarazo o en los cinco meses siguientes al parto, b) ausencia de causas identificables de insuficiencia cardiaca, c) ausencia de enfermedad cardiaca demostrable antes de las últimas cuatro semanas del embarazo y alteración de la función del ventrículo izquierdo (fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, menor del 45%). La presentación del caso ayudará a que se tenga conocimiento de este problema. CASO CLINICO: Paciente de 26 años, en curso de las 35.4 semanas de embarazo, con inicio abrupto de signos de cardiopatía congestiva: tos, edema, taquicardia e hipertensión arterial. El embarazo finalizó por cesárea, con traslado inmediato a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. La ecocardiografía reportó una valvulopatía no conocida, insuficiencia ventricular izquierda y disminución de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo; con lo anterior se integró el diagnóstico de miocardiopatía periparto. CONCLUSIONES: Las cardiopatías periperiparto son alteraciones excepcionales, con cuadros clínicos debidamente definidos y diagnóstico complejo. Las valvulopatías son el último diagnóstico diferencial de cardiopatía congestiva peripuerperal y se han descrito pocos casos asociados con miocardiopatía periparto.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Peripartum heart disease occurs in 1 out of 4000 cases in the United States; currently, its exact origin is unknown, which is why they are called idiopathic. Genetic diseases, immunological problems and heart malformations have been associated, without being certain about the real origin of these pathologies. Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a rare pathology associated with pregnancy and the puerperium, the diagnosis criteria includes: a) Development of heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or in the 5 months after delivery, b) absence of identifiable causes of heart failure, c) absence of demonstrable heart disease prior to the last month of pregnancy and impaired left ventricular function (FEVI less than 45%). The presentation of the case will help to raise awareness about this problem. CLINICAL CASE: A 26-year-old female patient coursing second gestation in the 35.4 pregnancy week, who debuts abruptly with signs of congestive heart disease such as cough, edema, tachycardia and arterial hypertension. The pregnancy was solved by cesarean section with a subsequent stay in Intensive Care Unit, an unknown valvular disease was identified by echocardiography, as well as left ventricular failure and decreased FEVI. Finally, a definitive diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy was integrated. CONCLUSIONS: Peripartum heart disease is a rare occurrence, with well-defined clinical pictures, but difficult to approach and diagnose. Where valvular heart disease is the last differential diagnosis for peripuerperal congestive heart disease, and few cases associated with peripartum cardiomyopathy have been described.

Fibrosis endomiocárdica: una cardiomiopatía restrictiva en países en vía de desarrollo / Endomyocardial fibrosis: a restrictive cardiomyopathy in developing countries

Resumen Objetivo: La fibrosis endomiocárdica (FE) es una cardiomiopatía restrictiva infrecuente. En América Latina son escasos los reportes. En el presente trabajo se realiza una descripción de una serie de pacientes diagnosticados de FE en Colombia. Método: Realizamos una búsqueda en los registros de imágenes de resonancia magnética (RM) cardiaca realizadas en nuestra institución entre 2016 y 2019 en busca de pacientes con diagnóstico de FE. Se describieron sus características sociodemográficas, clínicas y de imagen. Resultados: Nueve pacientes fueron diagnosticados de FE (el 66.7% mujeres), con una edad promedio de 69 años. Los pacientes presentaron un promedio de 2.6 años de evolución. El principal síntoma referido fue disnea, seguido de síncope, dolor torácico y palpitaciones. En ninguno de ellos se sospechó FE como diagnóstico inicial. En cuanto a los hallazgos ecocardiográficos, se identificó compromiso predominante del ventrículo izquierdo, seguido de compromiso biventricular. Todos los pacientes presentaron patrón de llenado restrictivo con dilatación auricular izquierda severa. En el análisis retrospectivo se cumplieron los criterios de Mocumbi para el diagnóstico de FE en el 100% de los pacientes con gravedad moderada (77.8%). Las imágenes de RM mostraron función sistólica biventricular y volúmenes preservados. Se observó depósito focal de gadolinio subendocárdico a nivel apical y se confirmó la presencia de trombo en el 66% de los casos Conclusión:: La FE es una cardiomiopatía restrictiva infrecuente circunscrita a países tropicales. La mayoría de los pacientes en nuestra serie presentaron compromiso aislado del ventrículo izquierdo, seguido de compromiso biventricular, con función ventricular usualmente preservada.

Abstract Objective: Endomyocardial fibrosis (EF) is an unusual restrictive cardiomyopathy. In Latin America there are few reports. Here, we made a description of patients diagnosed with EF in Colombia. Method: We conducted a search in the records of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed in our institution between 2016-2019 looking for patients with a diagnosis of EF; sociodemographic, clinical and imaging characteristics were described. Results: Nine patients were diagnosed with EF (66.7% female), with an average age of 69 years. Patients presented an average evolution of 2.6 years. The main reported symptom was dyspnea, followed by syncope, chest pain, and palpitations. None of them was initially suspected for EF. Regarding echocardiographic findings, predominant left ventricular involvement was identified, followed by bi-ventricular involvement. All the patients presented a restrictive filling pattern with severe left atrial dilation. In a retrospective analysis, Mocumbi criteria for diagnosis of EF were met in 100% of the patients, majority with moderate severity (77.8%). Cardiac MRI showed biventricular systolic function and volumes preserved. Focal subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement was observed on the apex and apical thrombus was confirmed in 66% of the patients Conclusion: FE is an uncommon restrictive cardiomyopathy limited to tropical countries. Most of patients in our series presented isolated involvement of left ventricle, followed by bi-ventricular involvement, with ventricular function usually preserved.

Management and prognosis of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma-arteriovenous fistula complicated with heart failure in neonates / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical features and prognosis of infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma-arteriovenous fistula (IHHE-AVF) complicated with heart failure in neonates.Method:From May 2016 to June 2020, neonates with IHHE-AVF complicated with heart failure admitted were retrospectively studied. The clinical presentation, treatment and outcomes were analyzed.Result:A total of 11 cases of IHHE-AVF complicated with heart failure were enrolled (male 5, female 6). The onset age of heart failure was 12.0 (0.0, 17.0) d. 6 cases showed IHHE on fetal ultrasound. All patients had significantly enlarged heart on chest X-ray. All patients had decreased left ventricular systolic function and pulmonary hypertension on echocardiography. All patients required respiratory support and 6 of them were intubated. 3 cases received conservative treatment (all dead). 1 case received surgery (dead). 7 cases received interventional therapy at the age of (25.6±18.5) d. 1 case was dead, and the other 6 cases were improved and discharged. All the 6 cases were followed up to 3~18 months. None of them had heart failure again. The IHHE were shrunk or completely disappeared. Coagulation function and platelet count were normal.Conclusion:The fatality rate of neonatal-onset IHHE-AVF complicated with heart failure is extremely high. Interventional therapy may be more effective than conservative therapy and surgery.

Plasma Levels of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Children with Congestive Heart Failure

Objectives: Assessment ofplasma level of connective tissue growth factor in congestive heart failure children,assessment of its diagnostic and prognostic role and correlate its level with clinical and echocardiographic assessment of congestive heart failure.Methods: Connective tissue growth factorlevel in the plasma was measured in 40 children; 20 of them have congestive heart failure, and 20 are healthy then,correlated with clinical parameters. Results: The diagnostic and prognostic value of itwas evaluated. Wecompareditslevels in both patientsand healthy children. We found that connective tissue growth factor level was significantly increased in diseased children. Fractional shortening and ejection fraction correlated negatively with the plasma levelof connective tissue growth factor. Heart rate, respiratory rate and calibrated integrated backscatter correlated positively with connective tissue growth factor. Connective tissue growth factorwas significantly correlated with the class of heart failure according to Ross classification.Conclusions: Plasma connective tissue growth factor has a promising diagnostic and prognostic value as a biomarker for congestive heart failure in children with high sensitivity and specificity.

The effect of alternate nostril breathing exercise in vital signs of congestive heart failure patients

Background: Changes in vital signs such as tachycardia, dyspnea, tachipnea, decreased oxygenation, caused by the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the needs of oxygen and nutrients needed by the tissue, so that alternative therapies are needed: alternate nostril breathing exercise (ANBE) as a companion to pharmacological therapy for congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. The purpose of this study was to see the effect of ANBE on the vital sign of CHF patients.Methods: This Quasy experimental study was used one group pretest and Posttes design, conducted at one of the Padang City Hospitals from March to August 2019. Study population includes CHF sufferers, with a sample of 16 people, using accidental sampling technique. Univariate data analysis to get the mean of vital sign and bivariate measurements using parametric test i.e. Paired t-test to see the effect of this therapy.Results: Mean vital signs pretest and posttest was given in a row The observations are: respiratory rate (RR): 5.4978; 4.6078, pulse: 10.1804; 8,7770, systolic blood pressure (SBP): 12,5963; 11,1481, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP): 10,3009; 8.8606. Paired t-test obtained p-value of RR, pulse, SBP and DBP: 0.000, and existing t count> from t table (t count> 2.13145), so that there is an effect of ANBE on vital signs.Conclusions: ANBE affects the vital sign of CHF patients and can be continued as an intervention that can be carried out independently by CHF sufferers.

Serum uric acid levels in patients of acute myocardial infarction

Background: Following Myocardial Infarction some proteins and enzymes, CPK-MB/ Troponin-I, T, are released into the blood from the necrotic heart muscle. Serum Uric Acid (SUA) may be a risk factor and negative prognostic marker for cardiovascular diseases. Aim of the study was to study serum uric acid levels in patients of acute Myocardial infarction with congestive heart failure, its relation with stages of congestive heart failure as per Killip classification and the role of serum uric acid levels as a marker of mortality.Methods: The case control study was conducted on 120 patients divided into two groups. Group A included 60 patients of acute Myocardial infarction. Group A was further divided into two categories. One includes 30 patients of with congestive heart failure and another includes 30 patients without congestive heart failure. Group B consists of 60 control patients. Serum uric acid levels were measured in Group A on 1st, 3rd and 7th day of hospital admission and in Group B on 1st day.Results: The study showed females have higher degree of hyperuricemia than males. SUA was significantly higher in patients of acute myocardial infarction than control group patients. SUA were also higher in patients with history of IHD, in patients with BNP >100 and it correlates with Killip class and mortality rates. Patients of acute myocardial infarction with diabetes mellitus had higher degree of hyperuricemia than nondiabetic and control group. No significant difference in SUA levels were observed with regard to age, alcohol intake, lipid profile, ejection fraction and hypertension.Conclusions: In acute myocardial infarction, patients with hyperuricemia had higher mortality and may be considered as poor prognostic biomarker.

Role of serum phosphate level in cardiovascular events in non-CKD patients

Background: Serum phosphate level correlate with atherosclerosis in both animal models and humans with advanced chronic kidney disease and coronary calcification is a known impact of higher serum phosphate, but whether this relationship exists among individuals with Non-CKD is unknown. we conducted this study to observe role of higher serum phosphate level in cardiovascular comorbidities like MI and CHF in Non-CKD patients.Methods: In this observational study, 300 patients were enrolled, half of the patients having Clinical features or positive biochemical markers (Troponin-I for MI and serum BNP for CHF) suggestive of myocardial infarction and heart failure were taken as case group and half of the subjects were taken as control group with similar baseline characteristics. All participants in this study were consenting and more than 18 years of age.Results: The mean value of serum phosphate level in case group was 4.41±1.40 while in control group was 3.19±1.07 showing statistically significant difference (p-value <0.001). In case group 65% patients were having MI with higher serum phosphate level (4.22±1.40).Conclusion: Higher serum phosphate level is related to increased cardiovascular morbidities even in non-CKD patients.

Efeitos da pressão positiva contínua e de dois níveis na via aérea em edema agudo de pulmão cardiogênico: uma revisão sistemática / Effects of continuous positive pressure and of two levels on the airline in acute cardiogenic lung edema: a systematic review

INTRODUÇÃO: O edema agudo de pulmão cardiogênico (EAPC) representa uma importante causa de insuficiência respiratória aguda podendo ser atenuada com a instalação de ventilação mecânica não-invasiva (VNI). OBJETIVO: Comparar pressão positiva contínua (CPAP) e pressão positiva de dois níveis (BIPAP) na via aérea em pacientes adultos com EAPC, quanto à função pulmonar, ao tempo de permanência, suas complicações e a dispneia através de uma revisão sistemática. METODOLOGIA: Ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados (ECR), revisados por dois revisores independentes, conforme recomendações PRISMA, nas bases de dados PubMed e Biblioteca Cochrane. Incluídos estudos originais que utilizaram a CPAP e a BIPAP em pacientes com EAPC publicados na língua inglesa. A Escala PEDro foi utilizada para analisar a qualidade metodológica dos estudos e a Cochrane Collaboration para análise de risco de viés. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 13 artigos, publicados entre os anos 1997 e 2014. Os níveis de CPAP variaram entre 5 e 20 cmH2O nos estudos, e BIPAP apresentou-se com pressão inspiratória positiva (IPAP) entre 8 e 20 cmH2O e pressão expiratória positiva (PEEP) entre 3 e 10 cmH2O. Os estudos apresentaram CPAP e BIPAP sem diferença estatisticamente significante para a melhora da função pulmonar (FR, PaO2 e PaCO2), tempo de internamento, taxas de mortalidade, entubação e infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM); mostrando-se como modalidades igualmente eficazes. CONCLUSÃO: CPAP e a BIPAP garantem os mesmos efeitos para melhora da função pulmonar, não mantém relação com a permanência da internação e complicações, e melhoram o quadro de dispneia.

INTRODUCTION: Acute cardiogenic lung edema (EAPC) represents an important cause of acute respiratory failure and can be attenuated with the installation of non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV). OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of continuous positive pressure (CPAP) and two-way positive airway pressure (BIPAP) in adult patients with acute pulmonary edema of pulmonary function, length of stay and complications, and dyspnea through a systematic review METHODOLOGY: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed by two independent reviewers, as recommended by the PRISMA platform, in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Original studies using CPAP and BIPAP were used in patients with acute cardiogenic lung edema published in English. The PEDro Scale was used to analyze the methodological quality of the studies and Cochrane Collaboration. RESULTS: We included 13 articles, published between 1997 and 2014. CPAP levels ranged from 5 to 20 cmH2O in the studies, and BIPAP presented positive inspiratory pressure (IPAP) between 8 and 20 cmH2O and positive expiratory pressure (EPAP) between 3 and 10 cmH2O. The studies presented CPAP and BIPAP without statistically significant difference for the improvement of the pulmonary function (FR, PaO2 and PaCO2), permanence of hospitalization, mortality rates, intubation and acute myocardial infarction (AMI); as equally effective modalities. CONCLUSION: CPAP and BIPAP guarantee the same effects to improve pulmonary function, does not maintain relation with the permanence of hospitalization and complications, namely: mortality, intubation and AMI, and improve dyspnea.

Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Congestive Heart Failure Due to Systematic Hypertension

This was a prospective observational study was carried out in Shaheed Shaikh Abu-Naser Specialized Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh during the period from January 2017 to December 2018. Our aim was to evaluate left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in congestive heart failure resulting from systemic hypertension. Methods: Fifty patients with systemic hypertension who had recently experienced CHF with normal ejection fraction (≥50%) and no clinical history of ischaemic cardiomyopathy were studied. The patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of echocardiographic hypertrophy: group-I (26 patients) with a ventricular mass/volume ratio >1.8 and group-II (24 patients) with a ratio <1.8. Results: Group I patients had a higher ejection fraction (67.62±3.14 vs 55.33 ±4.13, P<0.001), smaller ventricular diameter (28.88+2.46 vs 34.38±4.37, P<0.001), higher LV mass (154.42±6.80 vs 123.38±5.58, P<0.001), lower ETT positivity (15%vs75%, P<0.001). Clinically, group I had more frequent audible fourth heart sound (57% vs 20%, P< 0.001), low incidence of audible third heart sound (15% vs 70%, P<0.001), ECG evident LVH mass (96% vs 16%, P<0.001), cardiomegaly (23% vs 70%, P<0.001). Conclusion: There were no significant differences between groups for NYHA class, age, sex, heart rates and systolic blood pressure but significantly associated with Diastolic BP, ECG (LVH) and Cardiomegly.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure and moderately reduced ejection fraction: Could it trigger a super-response?

Background/Aim Despite the well-established benefits of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, many patients with less reduced EF remain refractory to optimized medical treatment and at high risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effects of CRT in optimally treated patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes II–IV, LVEF of 36–45%, and left bundle branch (LBBB), including clinical, structural and biochemical response. Methods A selected group of HF patients have been implanted with CRT-P devices and were followed up for 6 months at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. Clinical assessment included NYHA class, quality of life and 6-min walk distance (6 MWD) test. Echocardiographic assessment included LV dimensions and function and left atrial volume. Serum N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) was measured at the same intervals. Results This prospective single center study included 23 patients. NYHA functional class significantly improved after CRT-P (p < 0.0001), associated with improvement in QOL (p < 0.0001) and 6 MWD, which increased, from 145.7 ± 20.1 m to 219.5 ± 42.2 m (p < 0.0001). Mean QRS duration showed significant shortening from 164.4 ± 13.2 ms to 126.4 ± 13.6 ms (p < 0.0001). CRT induced reverse remodeling with reduction in both left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) from 68.95 ± 5.05 mm to 62.8 ± 4.47 mm, p = 0.0002 and left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVESD) from 54.1 ± 4.5 mm to 46.5 ± 4.1 mm, p < 0.0001, and significant increase in LVEF (from 40.3 ± 2.8 to 48.3 ± 4.2 mm, p < 0.0001). The biochemical response to CRT showed significant reduction in serum NT-ProBNP from 1025.6 ± 363.1 pg/ml to 594.9 ± 263.5 pg/ml (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Symptomatic HF patients on maximal optimized medical treatment who have LBBB and baseline LVEF 35–45% appeared to derive significant clinical and structural benefit from CRT.

Evaluation Of Medication Compliance In Patients With Congestive Heart Failure In Yemen

Objective: Non-compliance with heart failure medication is related to the highest mortality, morbidity, and health-care costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate medication compliance with patients with congestive heart failure. Methods:Inpatients of the cardiac care unit and medical ward of Republican Hospital, German Hospital, Revolutionary Hospital, and Chinese–Yemeni Friendship Hospital were recruited for this study. The study was conducted on patients that were diagnosed as having congestive heart failure and were receiving treatment. Questionnaires were distributed and personal interviews to evaluate the patients’ compliance was conducted to determine the reasons for their non-compliance in taking drugs. Results: Of 86 patients, 44% (n = 38) reported compliance and 56% (n = 48) reported non-compliance. The distribution of the patients in terms of sex was as follows: among men, 41% (n = 24) were compliant and 59% (n = 35) were non-compliant; among women, 52% (n = 14) were compliant and 48% (n = 13) were non-compliant. In addition, smoking status was too significantly linked with non-compliance (P = 0.001). Furthermore, the status of chewing of khat tree leaves was also significantly associated with non-compliance (P = 0.007). Conclusion: This study indicates that the reasons for non-compliance with medications among patients can be attributed to lack of education, chewing of khat tree leaves, lack of health insurance, and cigarette smoking. Therefore, healthcare professionals should create strategies to address these reasons in order to increase medication compliance with patients in heart failure.

Influence of atrial fibrillation on cardiac prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a known risk factor for the development of congestive heart failure (CHF), was recently shown to predict the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we explore the influence of AF on cardiac prognosis in COPD patients. Methods A total of 339 consecutive patients who underwent spirometry from 2010 to 2013 for various reasons were retrospectively examined. Based on the diagnostic criteria, patients were stratified into COPD and non-COPD groups, which were both further divided into those with AF (chronic AF or paroxysmal AF) or sinus rhythm (SR) based on previous electrocardiography results. Significances of differences in cardiac events were assessed by the chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to evaluate the influence of AF on cardiac events. Results Of the 339 patients, 190 were diagnosed with COPD, with 42 of these were having AF. During the mean follow-up period of 7.4 ± 0.8 years, CHF developed more frequently in COPD patients with AF than in COPD patients without AF [50% vs 7%; odds ratio (OR) 12.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.25–29.49, p < 0.05]. AF was an independent predictor of CHF development (OR 20.4, 95% CI: 6.55–79.80, p < 0.05) and cardiac mortality (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.79–4.72, p < 0.05). Moreover, positive correlations were found between the severity of pulmonary obstruction with AF and CHF development (R = 0.69, p < 0.05), as well as cardiac mortality (R = 0.78.p < 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that AF may be strongly associated with cardiac mortality and CHF in COPD patients.

Effects of metoprolol combined with trimetazidine on cardiac function and matrix metalloproteinase－9 levels in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with chronic heart failure / 中国基层医药

Objective To observe the effect of metoprolol combined with trimetazidine on coronary heart disease with chronic congestive heart failure ,and its effects on myocardial structure ,plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and matrix metalloproteinase－9 (MMP－9).Methods From January 2016 to November 2017,160 coronary heart disease patients with chronic congestive heart failure in the First Peopleˊs Hospital of Wenling were randomly divided into treatment group (78 cases)and control group (77 cases)through random number table method.The control group was given conventional anti－heart failure treatment.The treatment group was treated with metoprolol and trimetazidine. After 3 months of treatment,left ventricular end－diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end －systolic volume (LVESV),LVEF,BNP and changes in MMP －9 were compared.Results The total effective rate of the treatment group was 90.36%,which was significantly higher than 77.92%of the control group (χ2 ＝5.024,P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in LVESV and LVEDV between the two groups before and after treatment (t＝0.07,P＝0.47;t＝0.75,P＝0.22;t＝0.90,P＝0.18;t＝1.24,P＝0.10).Compared with before treatment ,the LVEF change in the control group had no statistically significant difference ( P＞0.05),the LVEF of the treatment group was increased [(41.38 ±9.26)% vs.(46.31 ±10.8)%] ( t ＝－3.15,P＝0.001).After treatment,the LVESV between the treatment group and control group had statistically significant difference [(124.54 ±16.57) mL vs.(106.36 ±16.44)mL](t＝7.16,P＜0.05).The BNP level was decreased in the treatment group after treatment [(4 036.39 ±696.24)ng／L vs.(3 621.78 ±732.57) ng／L] ( t＝3.73,P＜0.05),while the BNP level had no statistically significant change in the control group ( t＝1.47,P＝0.07).the MMP－9 level in the treatment group was lower than that before treatment [(396.21 ±97.56)ng／mL vs.(345.11 ±86.25)ng／mL](t＝3.57,P＜0.05), while the MMP－9 level in the control group had no statistically significant change (t＝1.06,P＝0.15).The MMP－9 and BNP levels decreased more significantly in the treatment group than those in the control group (t＝3.73,3.57,all P＜0.05).Conclusion Metoprolol combined with trimetazidine in the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure can significantly alleviate clinical symptoms ,reduce the expression level of MMP －9,and is safe for clinical use. Therefore,it is recommended use in clinical.

Normal Reference Plots for the Bioelectrical Impedance Vector in Healthy Korean Adults

BACKGROUND: Accurate volume measurement is important in the management of patients with congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency. A bioimpedance analyser can estimate total body water in litres and has been widely used in clinical practice due to its non-invasiveness and ease of results interpretation. To change impedance data to volumetric data, bioimpedance analysers use equations derived from data from healthy subjects, which may not apply to patients with other conditions. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) was developed to overcome the dependence on those equations by constructing vector plots using raw impedance data. BIVA requires normal reference plots for the proper interpretation of individual vectors. The aim of this study was to construct normal reference vector plots of bioelectrical impedance for Koreans. METHODS: Bioelectrical impedance measurements were collected from apparently healthy subjects screened according to a comprehensive physical examination and medical history performed by trained physicians. Reference vector contours were plotted on the RXc graph using the probability density function of the bivariate normal distribution. We further compared them with those of other ethnic groups. RESULTS: A total of 242 healthy subjects aged 22 to 83 were recruited (137 men and 105 women) between December 2015 and November 2016. The centers of the tolerance ellipses were 306.3 Ω/m and 34.9 Ω/m for men and 425.6 Ω/m and 39.7 Ω/m for women. The ellipses were wider for women than for men. The confidence ellipses for Koreans were located between those for Americans and Spaniards without overlap for both genders. CONCLUSION: This study presented gender-specific normal reference BIVA plots and corresponding tolerance and confidence ellipses on the RXc graph, which is important for the interpretation of BIA-reported volume status in patients with congestive heart failure or renal insufficiency. There were noticeable differences in reference ellipses with regard to gender and ethnic groups.

Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADS): History, Clinical Application and Complications

Congestive heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality as well as a major health care cost in the developed world. Despite the introduction of highly effective heart failure medical therapies and simple devices such as cardiac resynchronization therapy that reduce mortality, improve cardiac function and quality of life, there remains a large number of patients who do not respond to these therapies or whose heart failure progresses despite optimal therapy. For these patients, cardiac transplantation is an option but is limited by donor availability as well as co-morbidities which may limit survival post-transplant. For these patients, left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) offer an alternative that can improve survival as well as exercise tolerance and quality of life. These devices have continued to improve as technology has improved with substantially improved durability of the devices and fewer post-implant complications. Pump thrombosis, stroke, gastrointestinal bleeding and arrhythmias post-implant have become less common with the newest devices, making destination therapy where ventricular assist device are implanted permanently in patients with advanced heart failure, a reality and an appropriate option for many patients. This may offer an opportunity for long term survival in many patients. As the first of the totally implantable devices are introduced and go to clinical trials, LVADs may be introduced that may truly be alternatives to cardiac transplantation in selected patients. Post-implant right ventricular failure remains a significant complication and better ways to identify patients at risk as well as to manage this complication must be developed.