Multifaceted Strategy Based on Automated Text Messaging After a Recent Heart Failure Admission: The MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. Results: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). Conclusions and Relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04062461.

Multifaceted strategy based on automated text messaging after a recent heart failure admission: the MESSAGE-HF Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE: Readmissions after an index heart failure (HF) hospitalization are a major contemporary health care problem. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an intensive telemonitoring strategy in the vulnerable period after an HF hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 30 HF clinics in Brazil. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction less than 40% and access to mobile phones were enrolled up to 30 days after an HF admission. Data were collected from July 2019 to July 2022. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to a telemonitoring strategy or standard care. The telemonitoring group received 4 daily short message service text messages to optimize self-care, active engagement, and early intervention. Red flags based on feedback messages triggered automatic diuretic adjustment and/or a telephone call from the health care team. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary end point was change in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) from baseline to 180 days. A hierarchical win-ratio analysis incorporating blindly adjudicated clinical events (cardiovascular deaths and HF hospitalization) and variation in NT-proBNP was also performed. RESULTS: Of 699 included patients, 460 (65.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 61.2 (14.5) years. A total of 352 patients were randomly assigned to the telemonitoring strategy and 347 to standard care. Satisfaction with the telemonitoring strategy was excellent (net promoting score at 180 days, 78.5). HF self-care increased significantly in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (score difference at 30 days, -2.21; 95% CI, -3.67 to -0.74; P = .001; score difference at 180 days, -2.08; 95% CI, -3.59 to -0.57; P = .004). Variation of NT-proBNP was similar in the telemonitoring group compared with the standard care group (telemonitoring: baseline, 2593 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2314-2923; 180 days, 1313 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1117-1543; standard care: baseline, 2396 pg/mL; 95% CI, 2122-2721; 180 days, 1319 pg/mL; 95% CI, 1114-1564; ratio of change, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.77-1.11; P = .39). Hierarchical analysis of the composite outcome demonstrated a similar number of wins in both groups (telemonitoring, 49 883 of 122 144 comparisons [40.8%]; standard care, 48 034 of 122 144 comparisons [39.3%]; win ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.86-1.26). CONCLUSIONS and relevance: An intensive telemonitoring strategy applied in the vulnerable period after an HF admission was feasible, well-accepted, and increased scores of HF self-care but did not translate to reductions in NT-proBNP levels nor improvement in a composite hierarchical clinical outcome.

Sex Differences in Prognosis of Heart Failure Due to Ischemic and Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Limited research has explored sex-specific differences in death predictors of HF patients with ischemic (iCMP) and nonischemic (niCMP) cardiomyopathy. This study assessed sex differences in niCMP and iCMP prognosis. METHODS: We studied 7487 patients with HF between February 2017 and September 2020. Clinical features and echocardiographic findings were collected. We used Kaplan-Meier, Cox proportional hazard models, and chi-square scores of Cox regression to determine death predictors in women and men. RESULTS: The mean age was 64.3 ± 14.2 years, with 4417 (59%) males. Women with iCMP and niCMP exhibited a significantly higher mean age, higher mean left ventricular ejection fraction, and smaller left ventricular diastolic diameter than men. Over 2.26 years of follow-up, 325 (14.7%) women and 420 (15.7%) men, and 211 women (24.5%) and 519 men (29.8%) with niCMP (p = NS) and iCMP (p = 0.004), respectively, died. The cumulative incidence of death was higher in men with iCMP (log-rank p < 0.0001) but similar with niCMP. Cox regression showed chronic kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, atrial fibrillation, age, and myocardial infarction as the main predictors of death for iCMP in women and men. CONCLUSIONS: Women exhibited a better prognosis than men with iCMP, but similar for niCMP. Nevertheless, sex was not an independent predictor of death for both CMP.

Determinants and clinical outcomes of patients who refused anticoagulation: findings from the global GARFIELD-AF registry.

OBJECTIVE: There is a substantial incidence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not receiving anticoagulation. The reasons for not receiving anticoagulation are generally attributed to clinician's choice, however, a proportion of AF patients refuse anticoagulation. The aim of our study was to investigate factors associated with patient refusal of anticoagulation and the clinical outcomes in these patients. METHODS: Our study population comprised patients in the Global Anticoagulant Registry in the FIELD (GARFIELD-AF) registry with CHA2DS2-VASc≥2. A logistic regression was developed with predictors of patient anticoagulation refusal identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator methodology. Patient demographics, medical and cardiovascular history, lifestyle factors, vital signs (body mass index, pulse, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), type of AF and care setting at diagnosis were considered as potential predictors. We also investigated 2-year outcomes of non-haemorrhagic stroke/systemic embolism (SE), major bleeding and all-cause mortality in patients who refused versus patients who received and patients who did not receive anticoagulation for other reasons. RESULTS: Out of 43 154 AF patients, who were at high risk of stroke, 13 283 (30.8%) did not receive anticoagulation at baseline. The reason for not receiving anticoagulation was unavailable for 38.7% (5146/13 283); of the patients with a known reason for not receiving anticoagulation, 12.5% (1014/8137) refused anticoagulation. Diagnosis in primary care/general practitioner, Asian ethnicity and presence of vascular disease were strongly associated with a higher risk of patient refusal of anticoagulation. Patient refusal of anticoagulation was associated with a higher risk of non-haemorrhagic stroke/SE (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.16 (95% CI 0.77 to 1.76)) but lower all-cause mortality (aHR 0.59 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.80)) compared with patients who received anticoagulation. The GARFIELD-AF mortality score corroborated this result. CONCLUSION: The data suggest patient refusal of anticoagulation is a missed opportunity to prevent AF-related stroke. Further research is required to understand the patient profile and mortality outcome of patients who refuse anticoagulation.

The use of peripherally inserted central catheter reduced the incidence of phlebitis in heart failure patients: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: During decompensated heart failure, the use of intravenous inotropes can be necessary. With peripheral venous access, prolonged inotrope infusion can cause phlebitis. However, traditional central venous catheters have possible complications. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may be an alternative to traditional catheters. AIM: Our objective was to compare the incidence of phlebitis between patients with PICC and those with peripheral venous access catheter indwelling. METHODS: In a randomized clinical trial, the patients were randomized to PICC and control groups, with 40 patients in each group. The inclusion criteria were hospitalized patients with advanced heart failure, ejection fraction of <0.45, and platelet count of >50,000/mm3 and current use of continuous intravenous infusion of dobutamine. The patients were randomly assigned to receive a PICC or keep their peripheral venous access. The primary end point was the occurrence of phlebitis. RESULTS: The PICC and control groups included 40 patients each. The median age was 61.5 years; ejection fraction, 0.24; and dobutamine dose, 7.73 µg/(kg min). Phlebitis occurred in 1 patient (2.5%) in the PICC group and in 38 patients (95.0%) in the control group, with an odds ratio of 0.10% (95% confidence interval: 0.01%-1.60%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in severe heart failure patients who received intravenous dobutamine, PICC use reduced the incidence of phlebitis when compared to patients with peripheral venous access. Therefore, the PICC use should considered over peripheral venous access for prolonged intravenous therapy in heart failure patients.

Sex Differences in Heart Failure Mortality with Preserved, Mildly Reduced and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Retrospective, Single-Center, Large-Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Studies show that women have better survival rates than men despite higher hospitalizations. However, little is known about differences in mortality and predictors of death in women and men with HF with preserved (HFpEF), mildly reduced (HFmrEF), and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: From February 2017 to September 2020, mortality and predictors of death were analyzed in women and men with HF. Baseline data included clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings. RESULTS: A total of 11,282 patients, 63.9 ± 14.4 years, including 6256 (55.4%) males, were studied. Females were older, had a higher baseline mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and lower left ventricular diastolic diameter. During follow-ups, 1375 (22%) men and 925 (18.4%) women died. Cumulative incidence of death was higher in men with HFrEF but similar for HFmrEF and HFpEF. Cox regression for death showed renal dysfunction, stroke, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, age, LVEF, valve disease, MI, and hypertensive CMP as independent death predictors for all HF patients. CONCLUSIONS: Women had a better prognosis than men in HFrEF and similar mortality for HFmrEF and HFpEF, but sex was not an independent predictor of death for all HF subtypes.

Sex Differences in Cardiovascular Disease Mortality in Brazil between 1996 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are Brazil's leading causes of death in women and men. This study analyzed age-adjusted death rate (DRaj) trends from all causes of death (ACD), CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and stroke in women and men aged 35 to 74 years from 1996 to 2019. METHODS: We analyzed DRaj trends for all causes of death (ACD), CVD, IHD, and stroke. Data were from the Ministry of Health mortality database. Joinpoint Regression Program™ performed trend analysis and adjustments in death rates. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) determined the intensity of changes. RESULTS: In women, DRaj reduced for ACD (AAPC = -1.6%); CVD (AAPC = -2.6%); IHD (AAPC = -1.9%); and stroke (AAPC = -4.6%) (p < 0.001 for all). In men, ACD reduced from 1996 to 2004 (AAPC = -0.9%; p < 0.001), from 2012 to 2019 (AAPC = -1.9%; p < 0.001), and unchanged from 2004 to 2012; CVD (AAPC = -2.1%); IHD (AAPC = -1.5%); stroke (AAPC = -4.9%) (p < 0.001 for all) reduced from 1996 to 2019. From 1996 to 2019, the male/female ratio for ACD remained unchanged. CVD increased from 1.58 to 1.83, IHD from 1.99 to 2.30, and stroke from 1.52 to 1.83. CONCLUSION: ACD, CVD, IHD, and stroke were reduced more significantly in women, and the ratio of CVD, IHD, and CVD in men and women increased more in men. Future studies will be needed to determine the main factors responsible for a better outcome in women.

The Medical Burden of Heart Failure: A Comparative Delineation with Cancer in Brazil

Abstract Background: Due to its poor prognosis and mortality rates, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a malignant condition, comparable to some cancers in developed countries. Objectives: To compare mortality from HF and prevalent cancers using data from a nationwide database in Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using secondary data obtained from Brazilian administrative databases of death records and hospitalization claims maintained by the Ministry of Health. Data were analyzed according to main diagnosis, year of occurrence (2005-2015), sex and age group. Descriptive analyses of absolute number of events, hospitalization rate, mortality rate, and in-hospital mortality rate were performed. Results: The selected cancers accounted for higher mortality, lower hospitalization and higher in-hospital mortality rates than HF. In a group analysis, HF showed mortality rates of 100-150 per 100,000 inhabitants over the period, lower than the selected cancers. However, HF had a higher mortality rate than each type of cancer, even when compared to the most prevalent and deadly ones. Regarding hospitalization rates, HF was associated with a higher risk of hospitalization when compared to cancer-related conditions as a group. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that HF has an important impact on mortality, hospitalization and in-hospital mortality, comparable to or even worse than some types of cancer, representing a potential burden to the healthcare system.

Sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril on exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study.

Sacubitril/valsartan reduces mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) when compared with enalapril. However, it is unknown the effect of both treatments on exercise capacity. We compared sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril in patients with HFrEF based on peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT). METHODS: We included 52 participants with HFrEF with a left ventricular ejection fraction <40% to receive either sacubitril/valsartan (target dose of 400 mg daily) or enalapril (target dose of 40 mg daily). Peak VO2 was measured by using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Six-minute walk test was also performed. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, the sacubitril/valsartan (mean dose 382.6 ± 57.6 mg daily) group had increased peak VO2 of 13.1% (19.35 ± 0.99 to 21.89 ± 1.04 mL/kg/min) and enalapril (mean dose 34.4 ± 9.2 mg daily) 5.6% (18.58 ± 1.19 to 19.62 ± 1.25 mL/kg/min). However, no difference was found between groups (P = .332 interaction). At 24 weeks, peak VO2 increased 13.5% (19.35 ± 0.99 to 21.96 ± 0.98 mL/kg/min) and 12.0% (18.58 ± 1.19 to 20.82 ± 1.18 mL/kg/min) in sacubitril/valsartan (mean dose 400 ± 0 mg daily) and enalapril (mean dose 32.7 ± 11.0 mg daily), respectively. However, no differences were found between groups (P= .332 interaction). At 12 weeks, 6-MWT increased in both groups (sacubitril/valsartan: 459 ± 18 to 488 ± 17 meters [6.3%] and enalapril: 443 ± 22 to 477 ± 21 meters [7.7%]). At 24 weeks, sacubitril/valsartan increased 18.3% from baseline (543 ± 26 meters) and enalapril decreased slightly to 6.8% (473 ± 31 meters), but no differences existed between groups (P= .257 interaction). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to enalapril, sacubitril/valsartan did not substantially improve peak VO2 or 6-MWT after 12 or 24 weeks in participants with HFrEF. (NEPRIExTol-HF Trial, ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03190304).

Implications for Clinical Practice from a Multicenter Survey of Heart Failure Management Centers.

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

O Tratamento Medicamentoso Habitual é Suficiente para Manter o Controle da Frequência Cardíaca nos Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca? / Is Current Drug Therapy for Heart Failure Sufficient to Control Heart Rate of Patients?

Resumo Fundamento Estudos revelam que pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e frequência cardíaca (FC) <70 batimentos por minuto (bpm) evoluem melhor e têm menor morbimortalidade em comparação com FC >70. Entretanto, muitos pacientes com IC mantêm FC elevada. Objetivo Avaliar se os pacientes acompanhados em ambulatório de cardiologia têm sua FC controlada e como estava a prescrição dos medicamentos que reduzem a mortalidade na IC. Métodos Foram analisados de forma consecutiva pacientes que passaram em consulta e que já acompanhavam em ambulatório de cardiologia, idade > 18 anos e com diagnóstico de IC e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) <45%. Os pacientes em ritmo sinusal foram divididos em dois grupos: FC ≤70 bpm (G1) e FC >70 bpm (G2). Na análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes t de Student, Qui-quadrado. Foi considerado significante p <0,05. Utilizamos o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) para análise. Resultados Foram avaliados 212 pacientes de forma consecutiva. Destes, 41 (19,3%) apresentavam fibrilação atrial ou eram portadores de marca-passo e foram excluídos desta análise; assim, 171 pacientes foram analisados. Os pacientes em ritmo sinusal tinham idade média de 63,80 anos (±11,77), sendo 59,6% homens e FEVE média de 36,64% (±7,79). Com relação à etiologia, a isquêmica estava presente em 102 pacientes (59,65%), enquanto a cardiopatia chagásica em 17 pacientes (9,9%); 131 pacientes eram hipertensos (76,6%), enquanto 63 pacientes (36,84%) eram diabéticos. Quanto à FC, 101 pacientes apresentaram FC ≤70 bpm (59,06%) G1 e 70 pacientes (40,93%) FC >70 bpm (G2). A FC média no G1 foi de 61,53 bpm (±5,26) e no G2, 81,76 bpm (±9,52), p <0,001. A quase totalidade dos pacientes (98,8%) estava sendo tratada com carvedilol prescrito na dose média de 42,14 mg/dia (±18,55) no G1 versus 42,48 mg/dia (±21,14) no G2, p=0,911. A digoxina foi utilizada em 5,9% dos pacientes no G1 versus 8,5% no G2, p=0,510. A dose média de digoxina no G1 foi de 0,19 mg/dia (±0,06) e no G2 foi de 0,19 mg/dia (±0,06), p=0,999. A maioria dos pacientes (87,72%) utilizou o inibidor da enzima de conversão da angiotensina (IECA) ou bloqueador do receptor da angiotensina (BRA), e 56,72% utilizaram espironolactona. A dose média de enalapril foi de 28,86 mg/dia (±12,68) e de BRA foi de 87,80 mg/dia (±29,80). A maioria dos pacientes utilizou IECA ou BRA e com doses adequadas. Conclusão O estudo revelou que 40,93% dos pacientes estavam com FC acima de 70 bpm, apesar de o betabloqueador ter sido prescrito para praticamente todos os pacientes e em doses elevadas. Outras medidas precisam ser adotadas para manter a FC mais controlada nesse grupo de frequência mais elevada. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1063-1069)

Abstract Background Studies have shown that heart failure (HF) patients with heart rate (HR) < 70 bpm have had a better clinical outcome and lower morbidity and mortality compared with those with HR > 70 bpm. However, many HF patients maintain an elevated HR. Objective To evaluate HR and the prescription of medications known to reduce mortality in HF patients attending an outpatient cardiology clinic. Methods We consecutively evaluated patients seen in an outpatient cardiology clinic, aged older than 18 years, with diagnosis of HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 45%. Patients with sinus rhythm were divided into two groups - HR ≤ 70 bpm (G1) and HR > 70 bpm (G2). The Student's t-test and the chi-square test were used in the statistical analysis, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The SPSS software was used for the analyses. Results A total of 212 consecutive patients were studied; 41 (19.3%) had atrial fibrillation or had a pacemaker implanted and were excluded from the analysis, yielding 171 patients. Mean age of patients was 63.80 ± 11.77 years, 59.6% were men, and mean LVEF 36.64±7.79%. The most prevalent HF etiology was ischemic (n=102; 59.6%), followed by Chagasic (n=17; 9.9%). One-hundred thirty-one patients (76.6%) were hypertensive and 63 (36.8%) diabetic. Regarding HR, 101 patients had a HR ≤70 bpm (59.1%) and 70 patients (40.93%) had a HR >70 bpm (G2). Mean HR of G1 and G2 was 61.5±5.3 bpm and 81.8±9.5 bpm, respectively (p<0.001). Almost all patients (98.8%) were receiving carvedilol, prescribed at a mean dose of 42.1±18.5 mg/day in G1 and 42.5±21.1mg/day in G2 (p=0.911). Digoxin was used in 5.9% of patients of G1 and 8.5% of G2 (p=0.510). Mean dose of digoxin in G1 and G2 was 0.19±0.1 mg/day and 0.19±0.06 mg/day, respectively (p=0,999). Most patients (87.7%) used angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), and 56.7% used spironolactone. Mean dose of enalapril was 28.9±12.7 mg/day and mean dose of ARB was 87.8±29.8 mg/day. The doses of ACEI and ARB were adequate in most of patients. Conclusion The study revealed that HR of 40.9% of patients with HF was above 70 bpm, despite treatment with high doses of beta blockers. Further measures should be applied for HR control in HF patients who maintain an elevated rate despite adequate treatment with beta blocker. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1063-1069)

Biomarkers for prediction of mortality in left-sided infective endocarditis.

BACKGROUND: Evidence regarding biomarkers for risk prediction in patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is limited. We aimed to investigate the value of a panel of biomarkers for the prediction of in-hospital mortality in patients with IE. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, consecutive IE patients admitted to the emergency department were prospectively included. Blood concentrations of nine biomarkers were measured at admission (D0) and on the seventh day (D7) of antibiotic therapy: C-reactive protein (CRP), sensitive troponin I (s-cTnI), procalcitonin, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin 6 (IL6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), proadrenomedullin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and galectin 3. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Among 97 patients, 56% underwent cardiac surgery, and in-hospital mortality was 27%. At admission, six biomarkers were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality: s-cTnI (OR 3.4; 95%CI 1.8-6.4; P<0.001), BNP (OR 2.7; 95%CI 1.4-5.1; P=0.002), IL-6 (OR 2.06; 95%CI 1.3-3.7; P=0.019), procalcitonin (OR 1.9; 95%CI 1.1-3.2; P=0.018), TNF-α (OR 1.8; 95%CI 1.1-2.9; P=0.019), and CRP (OR 1.8; 95%CI 1.0-3.3; P=0.037). At admission, S-cTnI provided the highest accuracy for predicting mortality (area under the ROC curve: s-cTnI 0.812, BNP 0.727, IL-6 0.734, procalcitonin 0.684, TNF-α 0.675, CRP 0.670). After 7 days of antibiotic therapy, BNP and inflammatory biomarkers improved their performance (s-cTnI 0.814, BNP 0.823, IL-6 0.695, procalcitonin 0.802, TNF-α 0.554, CRP 0.759). CONCLUSION: S-cTnI concentration measured at admission had the highest accuracy for mortality prediction in patients with IE.

Android to gynoid fat ratio and its association with functional capacity in male patients with heart failure.

AIMS: We studied the association between android (A) to gynoid (G) fat ratio and functional capacity (peak VO2 ) in male patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 118 male patients with HFrEF with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <40%. Body composition (by using dual x-ray absorptiometry) and peak VO2 (by cardiopulmonary exercise testing) were measured. Sarcopenic obesity was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health criteria (FNIH). Blood sample for metabolic and hormonal parameters were measured. Fifteen patients (12.7%) showed sarcopenic obesity (body mass index > 25 kg/m2 with FNIH index < 0.789). The median A/G ratio was 0.55. A/G ratio > 0.55 was detected in 60 patients. Relative peak VO2 was lower in patients with A/G ratio > 0.55 than in patients with A/G ratio <0.55 (18.7 ± 5.3 vs. 22.5 ± 6.1 mL/kg/min, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed A/G ratio >0.55 to be independently associated with reduced peak VO2 adjusted for age, body mass index, LVEF, presence of sarcopenia, anabolic hormones, and haemoglobin (odds ratio 3.895, 95% confidence interval 1.030-14.730, P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Body fat distribution, particularly android and gynoid fat composition, together with other cofactors, might have an important adverse role on functional capacity in male patients with HFrEF. Future studies are needed to address possible mechanisms involved in this relationship.

Is Current Drug Therapy for Heart Failure Sufficient to Control Heart Rate of Patients? / O Tratamento Medicamentoso Habitual é Suficiente para Manter o Controle da Frequência Cardíaca nos Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca?

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that heart failure (HF) patients with heart rate (HR) < 70 bpm have had a better clinical outcome and lower morbidity and mortality compared with those with HR > 70 bpm. However, many HF patients maintain an elevated HR. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HR and the prescription of medications known to reduce mortality in HF patients attending an outpatient cardiology clinic. METHODS: We consecutively evaluated patients seen in an outpatient cardiology clinic, aged older than 18 years, with diagnosis of HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 45%. Patients with sinus rhythm were divided into two groups - HR ≤ 70 bpm (G1) and HR > 70 bpm (G2). The Student's t-test and the chi-square test were used in the statistical analysis, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The SPSS software was used for the analyses. RESULTS: A total of 212 consecutive patients were studied; 41 (19.3%) had atrial fibrillation or had a pacemaker implanted and were excluded from the analysis, yielding 171 patients. Mean age of patients was 63.80 ± 11.77 years, 59.6% were men, and mean LVEF 36.64±7.79%. The most prevalent HF etiology was ischemic (n=102; 59.6%), followed by Chagasic (n=17; 9.9%). One-hundred thirty-one patients (76.6%) were hypertensive and 63 (36.8%) diabetic. Regarding HR, 101 patients had a HR ≤70 bpm (59.1%) and 70 patients (40.93%) had a HR >70 bpm (G2). Mean HR of G1 and G2 was 61.5±5.3 bpm and 81.8±9.5 bpm, respectively (p<0.001). Almost all patients (98.8%) were receiving carvedilol, prescribed at a mean dose of 42.1±18.5 mg/day in G1 and 42.5±21.1mg/day in G2 (p=0.911). Digoxin was used in 5.9% of patients of G1 and 8.5% of G2 (p=0.510). Mean dose of digoxin in G1 and G2 was 0.19±0.1 mg/day and 0.19±0.06 mg/day, respectively (p=0,999). Most patients (87.7%) used angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), and 56.7% used spironolactone. Mean dose of enalapril was 28.9±12.7 mg/day and mean dose of ARB was 87.8±29.8 mg/day. The doses of ACEI and ARB were adequate in most of patients. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that HR of 40.9% of patients with HF was above 70 bpm, despite treatment with high doses of beta blockers. Further measures should be applied for HR control in HF patients who maintain an elevated rate despite adequate treatment with beta blocker. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1063-1069).

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos revelam que pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) e frequência cardíaca (FC) <70 batimentos por minuto (bpm) evoluem melhor e têm menor morbimortalidade em comparação com FC >70. Entretanto, muitos pacientes com IC mantêm FC elevada. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se os pacientes acompanhados em ambulatório de cardiologia têm sua FC controlada e como estava a prescrição dos medicamentos que reduzem a mortalidade na IC. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados de forma consecutiva pacientes que passaram em consulta e que já acompanhavam em ambulatório de cardiologia, idade > 18 anos e com diagnóstico de IC e fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) <45%. Os pacientes em ritmo sinusal foram divididos em dois grupos: FC ≤70 bpm (G1) e FC >70 bpm (G2). Na análise estatística, foram utilizados os testes t de Student, Qui-quadrado. Foi considerado significante p <0,05. Utilizamos o programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) para análise. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 212 pacientes de forma consecutiva. Destes, 41 (19,3%) apresentavam fibrilação atrial ou eram portadores de marca-passo e foram excluídos desta análise; assim, 171 pacientes foram analisados. Os pacientes em ritmo sinusal tinham idade média de 63,80 anos (±11,77), sendo 59,6% homens e FEVE média de 36,64% (±7,79). Com relação à etiologia, a isquêmica estava presente em 102 pacientes (59,65%), enquanto a cardiopatia chagásica em 17 pacientes (9,9%); 131 pacientes eram hipertensos (76,6%), enquanto 63 pacientes (36,84%) eram diabéticos. Quanto à FC, 101 pacientes apresentaram FC ≤70 bpm (59,06%) G1 e 70 pacientes (40,93%) FC >70 bpm (G2). A FC média no G1 foi de 61,53 bpm (±5,26) e no G2, 81,76 bpm (±9,52), p <0,001. A quase totalidade dos pacientes (98,8%) estava sendo tratada com carvedilol prescrito na dose média de 42,14 mg/dia (±18,55) no G1 versus 42,48 mg/dia (±21,14) no G2, p=0,911. A digoxina foi utilizada em 5,9% dos pacientes no G1 versus 8,5% no G2, p=0,510. A dose média de digoxina no G1 foi de 0,19 mg/dia (±0,06) e no G2 foi de 0,19 mg/dia (±0,06), p=0,999. A maioria dos pacientes (87,72%) utilizou o inibidor da enzima de conversão da angiotensina (IECA) ou bloqueador do receptor da angiotensina (BRA), e 56,72% utilizaram espironolactona. A dose média de enalapril foi de 28,86 mg/dia (±12,68) e de BRA foi de 87,80 mg/dia (±29,80). A maioria dos pacientes utilizou IECA ou BRA e com doses adequadas. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo revelou que 40,93% dos pacientes estavam com FC acima de 70 bpm, apesar de o betabloqueador ter sido prescrito para praticamente todos os pacientes e em doses elevadas. Outras medidas precisam ser adotadas para manter a FC mais controlada nesse grupo de frequência mais elevada. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(6):1063-1069).