Impacto de la malnutrición en la calidad de vida de los pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada / Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de malnutrición, las características clínicas asociadas con la misma y el impacto del estado nutricional en la mortalidad, la calidad de vida y las habilidades relacionadas con el autocuidado y las actividades de la vida diaria en pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada. Métodos Entre junio de 2017 y diciembre de 2019 se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico de cohortes que incluyó a 260 pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada que vivían en la comunidad. El estudio se llevó a cabo en 22 centros de atención primaria, tres hospitales universitarios, un hospital de agudos y una unidad de rehabilitación geriátrica de la ciudad de Barcelona (España). El estado nutricional se evaluó al inicio del estudio mediante el cuestionario Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Las medidas de resultado informadas por los pacientes incluyeron calidad de vida (EQ-5D-3L), conducta de autocuidado (Escala europea de conducta de autocuidado en insuficiencia cardíaca) e impacto en las actividades de la vida diaria (índice de Barthel). Resultados Utilizando el MNA-SF, se identificó que 126 (48,5%) pacientes estaban en riesgo de malnutrición y 33 (12,7%) pacientes tenían malnutrición confirmada. En comparación con aquellos con un estado nutricional normal, los pacientes con malnutrición confirmada eran significativamente mayores, con un IMC más bajo y con niveles reducidos de hemoglobina. Durante el seguimiento (mediana de 14,9 meses, intervalo intercuartil: 4,9-26,9), 133 (51,2%) de los participantes incluidos murieron. La mortalidad fue significativamente mayor entre los pacientes con malnutrición (p<0,001). Un mayor índice de Barthel y mejores puntuaciones de calidad de vida se relacionaron inversamente con el riesgo de desnutrición (odds ratio [OR] 0,97 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,98] y OR 0,98 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,99]), respectivamente... (AU)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure.MethodsA prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced heart failure was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel index).ResultsUsing the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to heart failure patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, interquartile range: 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (P<.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.98] and OR 0.98 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.99]), respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk (OR 1.05 [95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.09])... (AU)

Impacto de la malnutrición en la calidad de vida de los pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada / Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study

Objetivos El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de malnutrición, las características clínicas asociadas con la misma y el impacto del estado nutricional en la mortalidad, la calidad de vida y las habilidades relacionadas con el autocuidado y las actividades de la vida diaria en pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada. Métodos Entre junio de 2017 y diciembre de 2019 se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico de cohortes que incluyó a 260 pacientes ancianos con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada que vivían en la comunidad. El estudio se llevó a cabo en 22 centros de atención primaria, tres hospitales universitarios, un hospital de agudos y una unidad de rehabilitación geriátrica de la ciudad de Barcelona (España). El estado nutricional se evaluó al inicio del estudio mediante el cuestionario Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Las medidas de resultado informadas por los pacientes incluyeron calidad de vida (EQ-5D-3L), conducta de autocuidado (Escala europea de conducta de autocuidado en insuficiencia cardíaca) e impacto en las actividades de la vida diaria (índice de Barthel). Resultados Utilizando el MNA-SF, se identificó que 126 (48,5%) pacientes estaban en riesgo de malnutrición y 33 (12,7%) pacientes tenían malnutrición confirmada. En comparación con aquellos con un estado nutricional normal, los pacientes con malnutrición confirmada eran significativamente mayores, con un IMC más bajo y con niveles reducidos de hemoglobina. Durante el seguimiento (mediana de 14,9 meses, intervalo intercuartil: 4,9-26,9), 133 (51,2%) de los participantes incluidos murieron. La mortalidad fue significativamente mayor entre los pacientes con malnutrición (p<0,001). Un mayor índice de Barthel y mejores puntuaciones de calidad de vida se relacionaron inversamente con el riesgo de desnutrición (odds ratio [OR] 0,97 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,98] y OR 0,98 [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,96-0,99]), respectivamente... (AU)

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure.MethodsA prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced heart failure was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel index).ResultsUsing the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to heart failure patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, interquartile range: 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (P<.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.97 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.98] and OR 0.98 [95% confidence interval: 0.96 to 0.99]), respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk (OR 1.05 [95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.09])... (AU)

Impact of malnutrition on the quality of life in older patients with advanced heart failure: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of malnutrition, the clinical characteristics associated with malnutrition and the impact of nutritional status on mortality, quality of life, self-care abilities, and activities of daily living in the older patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study including 260 community-dwelling elderly patients with advanced HF was conducted between June 2017 and December 2019. The study was carried out in 22 primary healthcare centres, three university hospitals, one acute-care hospital, and one geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Barcelona (Spain). Nutritional status was assessed at baseline using the Mini Nutritional Assessment questionnaire. Patient-reported outcome measures included quality of life (EQ-5D-3L), self-care behaviour (European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale) and impact on activities of daily living (Barthel Index). RESULTS: Using the MNA-SF, 126 (48.5%) patients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition and 33 (12.7%) patients as having confirmed malnutrition. Compared to HF patients with normal nutritional status, patients with confirmed malnutrition were significantly older, with a lower BMI, and with reduced haemoglobin levels. During follow-up (median 14.9 months, Interquartile Range; 4.9-26.9), 133 (51.2%) of the included participants died, and mortality was significantly higher among patients identified as having malnutrition (p < 0.001). Better Barthel index and quality of life scores were inversely related to the risk of malnutrition, [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.97 (95% Confidence interval 0.96; 0.98) and OR 0.98 (95% Confidence interval, 0.96; 0.99)], respectively. Higher scores in the European Heart Failure Self-care Behaviour Scale, which implies worse self care, were related to higher malnutrition risk, OR 1.05 (95% Confidence interval, 1.02; 1.09. Adjusted multivariate logistic model found that malnutrition was significantly associated with poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on daily activities and self-care. CONCLUSIONS: In community-dwelling older patients with advanced HF, malnutrition was associated with worse patient reported outcome measures related to poor quality of life, and adverse impacts on self-care and daily activities. Nutritional status must be systematically addressed by primary care nurses and family doctors to improve survival rates in these patients. It would be helpful the incorporation of expert professionals in nutrition in the primary health care centres.

Review of the allocation criteria for heart transplant in Spain in 2023. SEC-Heart Failure Association/ONT/SECCE consensus document.

Heart transplant (HT) remains the best therapeutic option for patients with advanced heart failure (HF). The allocation criteria aim to guarantee equitable access to HT and prioritize patients with a worse clinical status. To review the HT allocation criteria, the Heart Failure Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (HFA-SEC), the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery (SECCE) and the National Transplant Organization (ONT), organized a consensus conference involving adult and pediatric cardiologists, adult and pediatric cardiac surgeons, transplant coordinators from all over Spain, and physicians and nurses from the ONT. The aims of the consensus conference were as follows: a) to analyze the organization and management of patients with advanced HF and cardiogenic shock in Spain; b) to critically review heart allocation and priority criteria in other transplant organizations; c) to analyze the outcomes of patients listed and transplanted before and after the modification of the heart allocation criteria in 2017; and d) to propose new heart allocation criteria in Spain after an analysis of the available evidence and multidisciplinary discussion. In this article, by the HFA-SEC, SECCE and the ONT we present the results of the analysis performed in the consensus conference and the rationale for the new heart allocation criteria in Spain.

Heart transplantation in patients with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy / Trasplante cardiaco en pacientes con cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and imaging characteristics and the evolution of heart transplantation patients due to anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of ACM who received a heart transplantation in our institution in the period of November 2009-April 2021 were included. Clinical characteristics, pre-transplant studies, and clinical outcomes after transplantation were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical record. Results: A total of 11 patients were included in the study. The median age at the time of cancer diagnosis was 15 years (IQR 10-37 years), while the median age at the time of heart transplant was 56 years (IQR 39-62 years). Regarding post-transplant outcomes, three patients died in the post-operative period. One died 4 years after the intervention due to chronic rejection, while the other seven had a favorable evolution. No oncological relapse was observed with a median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR 1.86-3.85 years). Conclusion: End-stage anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy can occur many years after chemotherapy treatment, so close cardiovascular follow-up is extremely important. Heart transplantation is a treatment option after an exhaustive multidisciplinary evaluation, to minimize the risk of oncological relapse.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas, imagenológicas y la evolución de los pacientes trasplantados cardiacos por cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas. Métodos: Serie de casos descriptiva de pacientes consecutivos trasplantados cardiacos debido a cardiotoxicidad mediada por antraciclinas en el periodo de Noviembre de 2009 a Abril de 2021.Las características clínicas, los estudios complementarios pretrasplante y la información sobre la evolución posterior al trasplante fue recolectada de la historia clínica electrónica de forma retrospectiva. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 11 pacientes. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico de la patología oncológica fue de 15 años (RIC 10-37 años), mientras que la mediana de edad en la que recibieron el trasplante cardiaco fue de 56 años (RIC 39-62 años). Con respecto a la evolución posterior al trasplante, 3 pacientes murieron en el periodo del post operatorio inmediato. 1 paciente falleció a los 4 años del trasplante y los otros 7 pacientes tuvieron una evolución favorable. No se observó recaída oncológica en ningún paciente durante una mediana de seguimiento o de 2,5 años (RIC 1.86-3.85 años). Conclusión: La etapa final de la miocardiopatía inducida por antraciclinas puede ocurrir muchos años después del tratamiento con quimioterapia, por lo que es extremadamente importante un seguimiento cardiológico estricto. El trasplante cardiaco es una opción en este grupo de pacientes luego de una exhaustiva evaluación multidisciplinaria, con el fin de minimizar el riesgo de recaída oncológica.

Heart transplantation in patients with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and imaging characteristics and the evolution of heart transplantation patients due to anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of ACM who received a heart transplantation in our institution in the period of November 2009-April 2021 were included. Clinical characteristics, pre-transplant studies, and clinical outcomes after transplantation were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were included in the study. The median age at the time of cancer diagnosis was 15 years (IQR 10-37 years), while the median age at the time of heart transplant was 56 years (IQR 39-62 years). Regarding post-transplant outcomes, three patients died in the post-operative period. One died 4 years after the intervention due to chronic rejection, while the other seven had a favorable evolution. No oncological relapse was observed with a median follow-up of 2.5 years (IQR 1.86-3.85 years). CONCLUSION: End-stage anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy can occur many years after chemotherapy treatment, so close cardiovascular follow-up is extremely important. Heart transplantation is a treatment option after an exhaustive multidisciplinary evaluation, to minimize the risk of oncological relapse.

OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas, imagenológicas y la evolución de los pacientes trasplantados cardiacos por cardiotoxicidad inducida por antraciclinas. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos descriptiva de pacientes consecutivos trasplantados cardiacos debido a cardiotoxicidad mediada por antraciclinas en el periodo de Noviembre de 2009 a Abril de 2021.Las características clínicas, los estudios complementarios pretrasplante y la información sobre la evolución posterior al trasplante fue recolectada de la historia clínica electrónica de forma retrospectiva. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 11 pacientes. La mediana de edad al diagnóstico de la patología oncológica fue de 15 años (RIC 10-37 años), mientras que la mediana de edad en la que recibieron el trasplante cardiaco fue de 56 años (RIC 39-62 años). Con respecto a la evolución posterior al trasplante, 3 pacientes murieron en el periodo del post operatorio inmediato. 1 paciente falleció a los 4 años del trasplante y los otros 7 pacientes tuvieron una evolución favorable. No se observó recaída oncológica en ningún paciente durante una mediana de seguimiento o de 2,5 años (RIC 1.86-3.85 años). CONCLUSIÓN: La etapa final de la miocardiopatía inducida por antraciclinas puede ocurrir muchos años después del tratamiento con quimioterapia, por lo que es extremadamente importante un seguimiento cardiológico estricto. El trasplante cardiaco es una opción en este grupo de pacientes luego de una exhaustiva evaluación multidisciplinaria, con el fin de minimizar el riesgo de recaída oncológica.

Evaluación mediante OCT del remodelado vascular pulmonar en insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. Estudio OCTOPUS-CHF / Optical coherence tomography assessment of pulmonary vascular remodeling in advanced heart failure. The OCTOPUS-CHF study

Introducción y objetivos El remodelado vascular pulmonar es prevalente en la insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada. El cateterismo derecho es la prueba de elección, pero está limitado por la asunción de medidas indirectas, un enfoque de flujo no pulsátil, su dependencia de la carga o la variabilidad en la interpretación. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la vasculopatía pulmonar mediante tomografía de coherencia óptica (OCT) intravascular y correlacionarla con los parámetros hemodinámicos. Métodos Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico que incluyó a 100 pacientes en estudio previo al trasplante cardiaco. Todos se sometieron a un cateterismo derecho con OCT de la arteria pulmonar. Resultados La OCT se pudo analizar en 90 casos. La mediana de edad fue 57,50 [intervalo intercuartílico, 48,75-63,25] años y 71 eran varones (78,88%). La cardiopatía subyacente más frecuente fue la miocardiopatía dilatada no isquémica (33 pacientes [36,66%]). El grosor intimal se correlacionó con la presión arterial pulmonar media, las resistencias vasculares y el gradiente transpulmonar (coeficiente R de 0,42, 0,27 y 0,32 respectivamente). La estimación no invasiva de la presión sistólica pulmonar, el tiempo de aceleración y el acoplamiento ventriculoarterial también se correlacionaron con el grosor intimal (coeficiente R de 0,42, 0,27 y 0,49 respectivamente). Los pacientes con un grosor intimal > 0,25mm presentaron mayores presión pulmonar media (37,00 frente a 25,00mmHg; p=0,004) y resistencias vasculares (3,44 frente a 2,08 UW; p=0,017). Conclusiones La OCT pulmonar es factible y está significativamente asociada con los datos hemodinámicos. La correlación débil indica que el remodelado vascular no explica por completo la hipertensión pulmonar (AU)

Introduction and objectives Pulmonary vascular remodeling is common among patients with advanced heart failure. Right heart catheterization is the gold standard to assess pulmonary hypertension, but is limited by indirect measurement assumptions, a steady-flow view, load-dependency, and interpretation variability. We aimed to assess pulmonary vascular remodeling with intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to study its correlation with hemodynamic data. Methods This observational, prospective, multicenter study recruited 100 patients with advanced heart failure referred for heart transplant evaluation. All patients underwent right heart catheterization together with OCT evaluation of a subsegmentary pulmonary artery. Results OCT could be performed and properly analyzed in 90 patients. Median age was 57.50 [interquartile range, 48.75-63.25] years and 71 (78.88%) were men. The most frequent underlying heart condition was nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (33 patients [36.66%]). Vascular wall thickness significantly correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and transpulmonary gradient (R coefficient=0.42, 0.27 and 0.32 respectively). Noninvasive estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, acceleration time, and right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling also correlated with wall thickness (R coefficient of 0.42, 0.27 and 0.49, respectively). Patients with a wall thickness over 0.25mm had significantly higher mean pulmonary pressures (37.00 vs 25.00mmHg; P=.004) and pulmonary vascular resistance (3.44 vs 2.08 WU; P=.017). Conclusions Direct morphological assessment of pulmonary vascular remodeling with OCT is feasible and is significantly associated with classic hemodynamic parameters. This weak association suggests that structural remodeling does not fully explain pulmonary hypertension (AU)

Optical coherence tomography assessment of pulmonary vascular remodeling in advanced heart failure. The OCTOPUS-CHF study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Pulmonary vascular remodeling is common among patients with advanced heart failure. Right heart catheterization is the gold standard to assess pulmonary hypertension, but is limited by indirect measurement assumptions, a steady-flow view, load-dependency, and interpretation variability. We aimed to assess pulmonary vascular remodeling with intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to study its correlation with hemodynamic data. METHODS: This observational, prospective, multicenter study recruited 100 patients with advanced heart failure referred for heart transplant evaluation. All patients underwent right heart catheterization together with OCT evaluation of a subsegmentary pulmonary artery. RESULTS: OCT could be performed and properly analyzed in 90 patients. Median age was 57.50 [interquartile range, 48.75-63.25] years and 71 (78.88%) were men. The most frequent underlying heart condition was nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (33 patients [36.66%]). Vascular wall thickness significantly correlated with mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and transpulmonary gradient (R coefficient=0.42, 0.27 and 0.32 respectively). Noninvasive estimation of pulmonary artery systolic pressure, acceleration time, and right ventricle-pulmonary artery coupling also correlated with wall thickness (R coefficient of 0.42, 0.27 and 0.49, respectively). Patients with a wall thickness over 0.25mm had significantly higher mean pulmonary pressures (37.00 vs 25.00mmHg; P=.004) and pulmonary vascular resistance (3.44 vs 2.08 WU; P=.017). CONCLUSIONS: Direct morphological assessment of pulmonary vascular remodeling with OCT is feasible and is significantly associated with classic hemodynamic parameters. This weak association suggests that structural remodeling does not fully explain pulmonary hypertension.

Trasplante de corazón en México. Análisis de la productividad 2006-2019 y comparativa panamericana e ibérica / Heart transplantation in Mexico. 2006-2019 productivity analysis and Pan American and Iberian comparison

Resumen Introducción: En México se realizan trasplantes de corazón (TC) desde 1988. Objetivo: Revisar la productividad mexicana en TC entre 2006 y 2019 y compararla con la de otros países americanos y de la península ibérica. Métodos: Se recabó la información mexicana de las listas de espera (LE) de TC y de los TC realizados anualmente en el periodo, que se expresaron como tasas por millón de pobladores (pmp); la información de 2019 se comparó con la reportada en América y la península ibérica. Resultados: En el periodo estudiado, los TC en México pasaron de 0.12 pmp en 2006 a 0.25 pmp en 2019 y representaron entre 1 y 2 % de todos los trasplantes de órganos sólidos. Entre 13 países, en 2019 México ocupó el 12° lugar en cuanto a la tasa de TC pmp y el 11° lugar en cuanto a la tasa del número de pacientes registrados por primera vez en la LE para un corazón (0.42 pmp). Entre 2016 y 2019, solo un centro mexicano autorizado alcanzó un volumen superior a 10 TC/año. Conclusiones: Debido a las bajas cifras en los principales indicadores relacionados con el TC, en México urge replantear las políticas de salud en insuficiencia cardiaca y TC.

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, heart transplants (HTs) have been performed since 1988. Objective: To review Mexican productivity in terms of HT between 2006 and 2019 and compare it with that of American and Iberian Peninsula countries. Methods: Mexican information was collected from HT waiting lists (WL) and from the HTs carried out annually in the period, and was expressed as rates per million population (pmp); 2019 information was compared with that reported at the Pan American and Iberian levels. Results: In the studied period, the rate of HTs in Mexico went from 0.12 pmp in 2006 to 0.25 pmp in 2019, with HTs accounting for between 1 and 2% of all solid organ transplants. Among 13 countries, in 2019 Mexico ranked 12th in the HT rate pmp and 11th in the rate of patients registered for the first time in the WL for a heart (0.42 pmp). Between 2016 and 2019, only one authorized Mexican center reached a volume higher than 10 HT/year. Conclusions: Given the low figures in the main indicators related to HT in Mexico, it is urgent to rethink health policies in heart failure and HT.

Resultados de un programa de cuidados paliativos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada en etapa final de vida / Results of a palliative care program in patients with advanced heart failure in the end-of-life stage

Introducción: La prevalencia de la insuficiencia cardiaca se encuentra en aumento, manifestándose en la fase avanzada (ICA) con síntomas invalidantes. Las exacerbaciones, las internaciones frecuentes y la elevada morbimortalidad son condiciones para ser asistidas por cuidados paliativos. Se diseñó un programa de cuidados paliativos cardiológicos (CPC) para monitorear síntomas, profundizar la comunicación, determinar directivas anticipadas y adecuar el esfuerzo terapéutico. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la asistencia de pacientes fallecidos por ICA, antes y después de un programa de CPC. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional y comparativo. Se ofreció CPC a pacientes con ICA y se comparó con grupo control que no ingresó al programa por falta de disponibilidad (preCPC). En el análisis estadístico se evaluaron las variables categóricas mediante pruebas no paramétricas y las continuas comparadas mediante la prueba de U de Mann-Whithey. Resultados: Ingresaron 77 pacientes en preCPC y 65 al programa CPC. Tenían características poblacionales similares: edad (mediana) 75 años, género masculino: 70 %. Se registró una disminución de la duración (27,3 vs. 7,2 días; p < 0,001) y del número de internaciones (2,64 vs. 1,51; p < 0,001) a favor del grupo CPC. Las intervenciones invasivas los últimos 5 días de vida predominan en preCPC: asistencia ventilatoria mecánica (52,7 vs. 7,8 %; p < 0,001), hemodiálisis (41 vs. 5,5 %; p < 0,001), reanimación cardiopulmonar (88,2 vs. 11 %; p < 0,001), acceso vascular central (75,7 vs. 26,5 %, p < 0,01) y uso de inotrópicos (70,5 vs. 20 %; p < 0,001). Las intervenciones no invasivas o de confort predominaron en CPC: sedación paliativa (3 vs. 25 %), uso de opioides (35 vs. 58,3 %), desconexión de cardiodesfibrilador (0 vs. 37,5 %) y directrices de no reanimación cardiopulmonar (3 vs. 77 %; p < 0,001). La mortalidad en sectores de cuidados críticos predomina en preCPC (51 vs. 26 %; p < 0,005). (AU)

Introduction: The prevalence of heart failure is on the rise. In its advanced stage (AHF) the condition manifests with incapacitating symptoms. Exacerbations, frequent admissions, and high morbidity and mortality represent conditions amenable to palliative care. A cardiology palliative care (CPC) program was designed to monitor symptoms, deepen communication, establish advanced directives, and adjust therapeutic efforts. The goal of the study was to compare the care of patients who died from AHF before and after CPC program implementation. Material and methods: This was an observational, comparative study. CPC was offered to patients with AHF, and these subjects were compared to a control group without CPC because of unavailability (preCPC). In the statistical analysis categorical variables were evaluated using non-parametric tests. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whithey U-test. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in the preCPC group, and 65 in the CPC group. They all had similar demographic characteristics: age (median), 75 years; male gender, 70 %. A decrease in duration (27.3 vs. 7.2; p < 0.001) and in number of hospital admissions (2.64 vs. 1.51; p < 0.001) was found in the CPC group as compared to the control group. Invasive procedures within the final 5 days of life predominated in the preCPC group; assisted mechanical ventilation (52.7 % vs. 7.8 %; p < 0.001), hemodialysis (41 % vs. 5.5 %; p < 0.001), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (88.2 % vs. 11 %; p < 0.001), central vascular access (75.7 % vs. 26.5 %, p < 0.01), and use of inotropics (70.5 % vs. 20 %; p < 0.001). Non-invasive, comfort interventions predominated in the CPC group: palliative sedation (3 % vs. 25 %), opioid use (35 % vs. 58.3 %), deactivation of implantable cardiac defibrillator (0 vs. 37,5 %), and do-not-resuscitate orders (3 % vs. 77 %; p < 0.001). Mortality in critical care settings predominated in the preCPC group (51 % vs. 26 %; p < 0.005). (AU)

Evaluación holística de las necesidades paliativas de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada / Holistic evaluation of palliative needs in patients with advanced heart failure

Antecedentes y objetivo: Los pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) presentan síntomas y preocupaciones a nivel físico, emocional, espiritual e intelectual, sobre todo en fases avanzadas de la enfermedad. En muchas ocasiones no son conocidas por el personal sanitario que les atiende y esto puede influir en las decisiones sobre los cuidados al final de la vida. El objetivo de este estudio es recoger información sobre estas necesidades y preferencias, y la valoración médica recibida para intentar abordarlas. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional transversal basado en una entrevista estructurada, utilizando preguntas cerradas y cuestionarios validados en español. Se incluyeron 32 pacientes con IC avanzada ingresados en Medicina Interna por descompensación de su IC. Resultados: Los síntomas físicos más frecuentes fueron insomnio (75 %), cansancio (50 %) y disminución del bienestar (50 %). Presentaban ansiedad 9 pacientes (28,1 %), depresión 6 (18,8 %) y ambos síntomas 7 (21,8 %). Un total de 30 pacientes (93,8 %) no habían tratado temas espirituales con su médico. Deseaban que se realizara reanimación cardiopulmonar en caso de parada cardiorrespiratoria 24 pacientes (75 %), aunque solo uno había tratado este tema en el ingreso. No habían recibido información sobre la evolución y el pronóstico de su enfermedad 26 pacientes (81,3 %) y 21 (65,5 %) deseaban que se les informara sobre la fase terminal de su enfermedad. Conclusiones: La valoración integral del paciente con IC avanzada debe formar parte de la asistencia médica recibida. Profundizar en la comunicación médico-paciente para conocer sus necesidades y preferencias permitirá una adecuada planificación de los cuidados al final de la vida. (AU)

Background and objectives: Patients with heart failure (HF) have physical and emotional symptoms, spiritual and intellectual concerns, especially in end-stage HF. Frequently, these needs are unknown by health care professionals attending to these patients. This could influence decisions about end-of-life care. Our objective was to assess the information about needs and preferences in these patients, and the medical care received to manage them. Material and methods: This was a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study using a survey with different questions and validated Spanish questionnaires. We interviewed 32 patients with advanced HF who were admitted to the internal medicine department due to acute decompensation of HF. Results: Most frequent physical symptoms were insomnia (75 %), tiredness (50 %) and decreased feeling of well-being (50 %). Anxiety was present in 9 patients (28.1 %), depression in 6 (18.8 %), and both symptoms in 7 (21.8 %). A total of 30 patients (93.8 %) had not talked about their spiritual needs with their doctor. Twenty-four (75 %) patients expressed a wish to have cardiopulmonary resuscitation if needed, although only one had talked about this during admission. Twentysix patients (81.3 %) had not received any information about their evolution and prognosis of HF. Twenty-one patients (65.5 %) expressed a wish to receive information about end-stage HF. Conclusions: An integral evaluation of patients with advanced HF must be part of their medical care. Early doctor-patient communication regarding the needs and preferences of these patients will enable an adequate planning of end-of-life care. (AU)

Ivabradina como apoyo a la contrapulsación aórtica en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada

Introducción. Los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) avanzada bajo tratamiento con inotrópicos tienden a la taquicardia sinusal, principalmente, por: 1) efecto compensador neuroendocrino, 2) efecto farmacológico, 3) imposibilidad del uso de beta bloqueantes por interferir en el efecto inotrópico. Objetivos. Evaluar mediante cateterismo pulmonar el efecto hemodinámico de la ivabradina en la taquicardia sinusal durante el tratamiento de la IC avanzada bajo contrapulsación aórtica. Material y métodos. Entre el 1° de Enero de 2014 y el 1° de Mayo de 2020, se incluyeron prospectivamente todos los pacientes admitidos al área de cardiología crítica por IC aguda de etiología isquémico-necrótica refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico vía oral e indicación de inotrópicos y contrapulsación intra-aórtica, en ritmo sinusal con más de 110 latidos por minuto (lpm) de frecuencia cardíaca. Resultados. El estudio incluyó a 55 pacientes (33 hombres) con edad promedio de 61,9 años. Post tratamiento con ivabradina, la frecuencia cardíaca bajó de 118±5 lpm a 93±8 lpm (p=0,0002), el volumen minuto cardíaco aumentó de 4637±610 ml a 5176±527 ml (p=0,03) y el volumen sistólico promedio se incrementó significativamente de 39,29±5,2 a 55,65±7,7 ml (p=0,002). No se observaron diferencias significativas pre y post tratamiento en los registros de las presiones de la aurícula derecha ni en las presiones capilar pulmonar, así como en los cálculos de resistencias vasculares sistémicas y pulmonares. No se observaron efectos adversos de las drogas hasta transcurridas cinco vidas medias luego de suspenderla. Conclusiones. La ivabradina mejora la efectividad de la contrapulsación aórtica evaluada mediante catéter de Swan Ganz en paciente con IC avanzada tratada con agentes inotrópicos.

Background. Patients with advanced heart failure (HF) under inotropic treatment tend to sinus tachycardia, mainly due to: 1) neuroendocrine compensatory effect, 2) pharmacological effect, 3) impossibility of using beta-blockers because they interfere with the inotropic effect. Objectives. To evaluate the hemodynamic effect of ivabradine on sinus tachycardia during the treatment of advanced HF under aortic balloon pump using pulmonary catheterization. Material and methods. Between January 1, 2014 and May 1, 2020, all patients admitted to the critical cardiology area for acute HF of ischemic-necrotic etiology refractory to oral pharmacological treatment and indication of inotropic drugs and aortic balloon pump were prospectively included, in sinus rhythm with more than 110 beats per minute (bpm) of heart rate. Results. The study included 55 patients (33 men) with a mean age of 61.9 years. Post-treatment with ivabradine, the heart rate decreased from 118±5 bpm to 93±8 bpm (p=0.0002), the cardiac minute volume increased from 4637±610 ml to 5176±527 ml (p=0.03) and mean stroke volume increased significantly from 39.29±5.2 to 55.65±7.7 ml (p=0.002). No significant differences were observed before and after treatment in the recordings of the pressures of the right atrium or in the pulmonary capillary pressures, as well as in the calculations of systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. No adverse effects of the drugs were observed until five half-lives after stopping it. Conclusions. Ivabradine improves the effectiveness of aortic balloon pump evaluated by means of a Swan Ganz catheter in patients with advanced HF treated with inotropic agents.

Introdução. Pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) avançada em tratamento inotrópico tendem a apresentar taquicardia sinusal, principalmente devido a: 1) efeito compensatório neuroendócrino, 2) efeito farmacológico, 3) impossibilidade de uso de betabloqueadores por interferirem no efeito inotrópico. Objetivo. Avaliar o efeito hemodinâmico da ivabradina na taquicardia sinusal durante o tratamento da IC avançada sob contrapulsação aórtica por cateterismo pulmonar. Material e métodos. Entre 1º de Janeiro de 2014 e 1º de Maio de 2020, foram incluídos prospectivamente todos os pacientes admitidos na área de cardiologia crítica por IC aguda de etiologia isquêmico-necrótica refratária ao tratamento farmacológico oral e indicação de inotrópicos e de balão de contrapulsação intra-aórtico, em ritmo sinusal com mais de 110 batimentos por minuto (bpm) de frequência cardíaca. Resultados. O estudo incluiu 55 pacientes (33 homens) com idade média de 61,9 anos. Após o tratamento com ivabradina, a frequência cardíaca caiu de 118±5 bpm para 93±8 bpm (p=0,0002), o volume minuto cardíaco aumentou de 4637±610 ml para 5176±527 ml (p=0,03) e o volume sistólico médio aumentou significativamente de 39,29±5,2 para 55,65±7,7 ml (p=0,002). Não foram observadas diferenças significativas antes e após o tratamento nos registros das pressões do átrio direito ou nas pressões capilares pulmonares, bem como nos cálculos da resistência vascular sistêmica e pulmonar. Nenhum efeito adverso dos medicamentos foi observado até cinco meias-vidas após a descontinuação. Conclusões. A ivabradina melhora a eficácia da contrapulsação aórtica avaliada por meio de um cateter de Swan Ganz em pacientes com IC avançada tratados com agentes inotrópicos.

Alternativas no farmacológicas en la insuficiencia o falla cardíaca / Non-pharmacological approaches in heart failure

RESUMEN Las opciones terapéuticas son limitadas para los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca avanzada que se vuelven refractarios a las terapias farmacológicas convencionales. Conocer las alternativas no farmacológicas en el tratamiento de estos enfermos resulta imprescindible en su evaluación integral, y es la segunda opción terapéutica en este grupo de enfermos cada vez más prevalentes.

ABSTRACT Therapeutic options are limited for patients with advanced heart failure who become refractory to conventional drug therapies. Knowing the non-pharmacological alternatives in the management of these patients is essential in their comprehensive evaluation, and it is the second therapeutic option in this group of increasingly prevalent patients.

Economic analysis of intermittent intravenous outpatient treatment with levosimendan in advanced heart failure in Spain.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Advanced heart failure (HF) leads to high hospitalization and mortality rates. The LION-HEART study was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of intermittent doses of levosimendan in outpatients with advanced HF. The aim of the present study was to perform a cost analysis to determine whether the lower rate of hospitalizations for HF, observed in patients treated with levosimendan in the LION-HEART study, can generate savings for the Spanish national health system compared with the option of not treating patients with advanced HF. METHODS: An economic model was used that included IC hospitalization rates from the LION-HEART study, the costs of hospitalization due to HF and those of the acquisition and intravenous administration of levosimendan. The time horizon of the analysis was 12 months. Two analyses were carried out, one deterministic and the other probabilistic (second-order Monte Carlo simulation). RESULTS: In the deterministic analysis, the total saving for each patient treated with levosimendan would amount to-€698.48. In the probabilistic analysis, the saving per patient treated with levosimendan would be-€849.94 (95%CI, €133.12 to-€2,255.31). The probability of savings with levosimendan compared with the no treatment option would be 94.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent ambulatory treatment with levosimendan can generate savings for the Spanish national health system compared with the option of not treating patients with advanced HF.

Heart Transplant and Mechanical Circulatory Support in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure.

Patients with advanced heart failure have a poor prognosis and heart transplant is still the best treatment option. However, the scarcity of donors, long waiting times, and an increasing number of unstable patients have favored the development of mechanical circulatory support. This review summarizes the indications for heart transplant, candidate evaluation, current immunosuppression strategies, the evaluation and treatment of rejection, infectious prophylaxis, and short and long-term outcomes. Regarding mechanical circulatory support, we distinguish between short- and long-term support and the distinct strategies that can be used: bridge to decision, recovery, candidacy, transplant, and destination therapy. We then discuss indications, risk assessment, management of complications, especially with long-term support, and outcomes. Finally, we discuss future challenges and how the widespread use of long-term support for patients with advanced heart failure will only be viable if their complications and costs are reduced.