Differences in the Evaluation of Malnutrition and Body Composition Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, Nutritional Ultrasound, and Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Patients with Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Although malnutrition is frequently observed in patients with heart failure (HF), this diagnosis should be performed carefully since HF itself is associated with increased inflammatory activity, which affects body weight, functionality, and some nutritional parameters; thus, its isolated interpretation can erroneously identify surrogate markers of severity as markers of malnutrition. In this context, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition using different classification systems and perform a comprehensive nutritional evaluation to determine the reliability of different diagnostic techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-three patients with a recent hospital admission due to HF were evaluated. GLIM diagnosis criteria and subjective global assessment (SGA) were performed; a comprehensive anthropometric, functional, and biochemical nutritional evaluation was performed, in which bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), nutritional ultrasound, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were performed. Additionally, mortality and additional admissions due to HF were determined after a mean follow up of 18 months. RESULTS: Malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria (54%) accurately distinguished patients with impaired functionality, lower lean mass, skeletal mass index, and appendicular muscle mass (BIA), as well as lower trunk fat mass, trunk lean mass, fat-free mass (DXA), and decreased albumin and increased C-reactive protein serum levels. According to SGA, there were significant changes in body composition parameters determined by BIA, muscle ultrasound, and functional tests between well-nourished patients and patients with risk of malnutrition (53.7%) or who had malnutrition (7.1%), but not when the last two groups were compared. BIA and DXA showed strong correlations when evaluating muscle and fat mass in HF patients, but correlations with nutritional ultrasound were limited, as well as functional tests. A multivariate analysis showed that no significant association was observed between body composition and mortality, but preperitoneal fat was associated with an increased risk of new hospital admissions (OR: 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: GLIM criteria identified a lower percentage of patients with HF and malnutrition compared with SGA; thus, SGA could have a role in preventing malnutrition in HF patients. Nutritional evaluation with BIA and DXA in patients with HF showed reliable results of body composition parameters in HF, and both help with the diagnosis of malnutrition according to the GLIM or SGA criteria and could provide complementary information in some specific cases.

Diferencias clínicas entre la amiloidosis cardiaca por transtirretina y la cardiopatía hipertensiva / Clinical differences between transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and hypertensive heart disease

Introducción: Un porcentaje importante de pacientes finalmente diagnosticados de amiloidosis cardIaca por transtirretina (ATTR) fueron previamente diagnosticados de cardiopatía hipertensiva (CHTA), ya que ambas enfermedades suelen cursar con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) con fracción de eyección preservada (ICFEp) e hipertrofia ventricular. Nuestros objetivos fueron evaluar las diferencias clínicas, electrocardiográficas y ecocardiográficas, y analizar si existe un pronóstico diferencial entre ambas entidades nosológicas. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron retrospectivamente todos los pacientes con CHTA a los que se solicitó una gammagrafía cardíaca con 99mTc-Difosfonatos (GDPD) y estudio de cadenas ligeras en sangre y orina para despistaje de ATTR en nuestro centro, en el periodo 2016-2021. Para el análisis, se excluyeron aquellos diagnosticados de otros tipos de amiloidosis. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 72 pacientes: 33 fueron diagnosticados de ATTR y 39 de CHTA, finalmente. Los pacientes con ATTR presentaron mayores niveles de troponina I ultrasensible (TnI-US) y propéptido natriurético cerebral N-terminal (NT-ProBNP); en electrocardiograma (ECG) presentaron más frecuentemente patrón de seudoinfarto y alteraciones de la conducción; en ecocardiograma transtorácico (ETT) presentaron mayor grado de hipertrofia ventricular, disfunción ventricular izquierda y parámetros de peor función diastólica, con presiones de llenado más elevadas. En el seguimiento a 4 años, el grupo de ATTR mostró mayor necesidad de marcapasos (MCP), sin evidenciarse evidencias en cuanto a mortalidad, desarrollo de fibrilación auricular o más ingresos por IC. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, los pacientes con ATTR presentaron diferencias clínicas, electrocardiográficas y ecocardiográficas respecto a aquellos con CHTA, con mayor riesgo necesidad de MCP en el seguimiento.(AU)

Introduction: A significant percentage of patients eventually diagnosed with cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (TTRA) was previously diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease (HHD), since both conditions usually present with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and ventricular hypertrophy. Our objectives were to evaluate the clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic differences, and to analyse whether there exists a differential prognosis between these two nosological entities. Materials and methods: We retrospectively included all patients with HHD for whom a cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonate (GDPD) and a free light chains test in blood and urine were ordered for ATTR screening in our centre, in the period between 2016 and 2021. Those diagnosed with other types of amyloidosis were excluded from the analysis. Results: A total of 72 patients were analyzed: 33 were finally diagnosed with TTRA and 39 with CHTA. Patients with TTRA had higher levels of ultrasensitive troponin I (TnI-US) and N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide (NT-ProBNP); in electrocardiography (ECG) they presented a pseudo-infarction pattern more frequently as well as conduction disturbances; in echocardiography (TTE) they presented a higher degree of ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular dysfunction and worse diastolic function parameters, with elevated filling pressures. In the 4-year follow-up, the ATTR group showed greater need for pacemaker (PCM), with no evidence regarding mortality, development of atrial fibrillation (AF), or more admissions for heart failure (HF). Conclusions: In our series, patients with TTRA showed clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic differences compared to patients with HHD, with increased risk of need for PCM.(AU)

Diastolic function assessment with left atrial strain in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Survivors of childhood cancer might be at increased risk of diastolic dysfunction at follow-up due to exposure to cardiotoxic treatment. Although assessment of diastolic function is challenging in this relatively young population, left atrial strain might provide a novel insight in this evaluation. Our aim was to examine diastolic function in a cohort of long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by using left atrial strain and conventional echocardiographic parameters. METHODS: Long-term survivors who were diagnosed at a single center between 1985 and 2015 and a control group of healthy siblings were recruited. Conventional diastolic function parameters and atrial strain were compared, and the latter was measured during the 3 atrial phases: reservoir (PALS), conduit (LACS) and contraction (PACS). Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for differences between the groups. RESULTS: We analyzed 90 survivors (age, 24.6±9.7 years, time since diagnosis 18 [11-26] years) and 58 controls. PALS and LACS were significantly reduced compared with the control group: 46.4±11.2 vs 52.1±11.7; P=.003 and 32.5±8.8 vs 38.2±9.3; P=.003, respectively. Conventional diastolic parameters and PACS were similar between the groups. The reductions in PALS and LACS were associated with exposure to cardiotoxic treatment in age- and sex-adjusted analysis (≥ moderate risk, low risk, controls): 45.4±10.5, 49.5±12.9, 52.1±11.7; Padj=.003, and 31.7±9.0, 35.2±7.5, 38.2±9.3; Padj=.001, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term childhood leukemia survivors showed a subtle impairment of diastolic function that was detected with atrial strain but not with conventional measurements. This impairment was more pronounced in those with higher exposure to cardiotoxic treatment.

[Clinical differences between transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis and hypertensive heart disease]. / Diferencias clínicas entre la amiloidosis cardiaca por transtirretina y la cardiopatía hipertensiva.

INTRODUCTION: A significant percentage of patients eventually diagnosed with cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (TTRA) was previously diagnosed with hypertensive heart disease (HHD), since both conditions usually present with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and ventricular hypertrophy. Our objectives were to evaluate the clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic differences, and to analyse whether there exists a differential prognosis between these two nosological entities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively included all patients with HHD for whom a cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonate (GDPD) and a free light chains test in blood and urine were ordered for ATTR screening in our centre, in the period between 2016 and 2021. Those diagnosed with other types of amyloidosis were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were analyzed: 33 were finally diagnosed with TTRA and 39 with CHTA. Patients with TTRA had higher levels of ultrasensitive troponin I (TnI-US) and N-terminal brain natriuretic propeptide (NT-ProBNP); in electrocardiography (ECG) they presented a pseudo-infarction pattern more frequently as well as conduction disturbances; in echocardiography (TTE) they presented a higher degree of ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular dysfunction and worse diastolic function parameters, with elevated filling pressures. In the 4-year follow-up, the ATTR group showed greater need for pacemaker (PCM), with no evidence regarding mortality, development of atrial fibrillation (AF), or more admissions for heart failure (HF). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, patients with TTRA showed clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic differences compared to patients with HHD, with increased risk of need for PCM.

Right Ventricular Function in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From the CTOXALL Study.

There are limited data regarding right ventricle (RV) impairment in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (CLS). The aim of this study was to assess RV function in these patients using echocardiographic conventional measurements and automated RV strain. Echocardiographic recordings of 90 CLS and 58 healthy siblings from the CTOXALL cohort were analyzed. For group comparisons, inverse probability weighting was used to reduce confounding. The CLS group (24.6 ± 9.7 years, 37.8% women) underwent an echocardiographic evaluation 18 (11-26) years after the diagnosis. RV systolic dysfunction was found in 16.7% of CLS individuals using RV free-wall strain (RVFWS) compared to 2.2 to 4.4% with conventional measurements. RV systolic function measurements were lower in the CLS than in the control group: TAPSE (23.3 ± 4.0 vs. 25.2 ± 3.4, p = 0.004) and RVFWS (24.9 ± 4.6 vs. 26.8 ± 4.7, p = 0.032). Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity (p = 0.022) and smoking (p = 0.028) were independently associated with reduced RVFWS. In conclusion, RV systolic function impairment was frequent in long-term survivors of childhood leukemia, underscoring the importance of RV assessment, including RVFWS, in the cardiac surveillance of these patients.

The Worsening of Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction: The Impact of the Number of Hospital Admissions in a Cohort of Patients.

BACKGROUND: Worsening heart failure (WFH) includes heart failure (HF) hospitalisation, representing a strong predictor of mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, there is little evidence analysing the impact of the number of previous HF admissions. Our main objective was to analyse the clinical profile according to the number of previous admissions for HF and its prognostic impact in the medium and long term. METHODS: A retrospective study of a cohort of patients with HFrEF, classified according to previous admissions: cohort-1 (0-1 previous admission) and cohort-2 (≥2 previous admissions). Clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables were analysed, and the medium- and long-term impacts in terms of hospital readmissions and cardiovascular mortality were assessed. A total of 406 patients were analysed. RESULTS: The mean age was 67.3 ± 12.6 years, with male predominance (73.9%). Some 88.9% (361 patients) were included in cohort-1, and 45 patients (11.1%) were included in cohort-2. Cohort-2 had a higher proportion of atrial fibrillation (49.9% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.003), chronic kidney disease (36.3% vs. 82.2%; p < 0.001), and anaemia (28.8% vs. 53.3%; p = 0.001). Despite having similar baseline ventricular structural parameters, cohort-1 showed better reverse remodelling. With a median follow-up of 60 months, cohort-1 had longer survival free of hospital readmissions for HF (37.5% vs. 92%; p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (26.2% vs. 71.9%; p < 0.001), with differences from the first month. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HFrEF and ≥2 previous admissions for HF have a higher proportion of comorbidities. These patients are associated with worse reverse remodelling and worse medium- and long-term prognoses from the early stages, wherein early identification is essential for close follow-up and optimal intensive treatment.

Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Predictors and clinical impact / Impacto clínico a medio plazo de la mejoría de la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de eyección reducida

Background A percentage of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) improve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the evolution. This entity, defined for the first time in an international consensus as heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF), could have a different clinical profile and prognosis than HFrEF. Our main aim was to analyze the differential clinical profile between the two entities, as well as the mid-term prognosis. Material-methods Prospective study of a cohort of patients with HFrEF who had echocardiographic data at baseline and follow-up. A comparative analysis of patients who improved LVEF with those who did not was made. Clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables were analyzed, and the mid-term impact in terms of mortality and hospital readmissions for HF was assessed. Results Ninety patients were analyzed. Mean age was 66.5(10.4) years, with a male predominance (72.2%). Forty five patients (50%) improved LVEF (Group-1,HFimpEF) and forty five patients (50%) sustained reduced LVEF (Group-2,HFsrEF). The mean time to LVEF improvement in Group-1 was 12.6(5.7) months. Group-1 had a more favorable clinical profile: lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher prevalence of de novo HF (75.6% vs. 42.2%; p<0.05), lower prevalence of ischemic etiology (22.2% vs. 42.2%; p<0.05), with less basal dilatation of the left ventricle. At the end of follow-up (mean 19(1) months) Group-1 had a lower hospital readmission rate (3.1% vs. 26.7%; p<0.01), as well as lower mortality (0% vs. 24.4%; p<0.01). Conclusion Patients with HFimpEF seem to have a better mid-term prognosis in terms of reduced mortality and hospital admissions. This improvement could be conditioned by the clinical profile of patients HFimpEF (AU)

Introducción Un porcentaje de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección reducida (IC-FEr) mejoran la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI) en la evolución. Esta entidad se ha definido por primera vez en un consenso internacional como insuficiencia cardiaca y fracción de eyección mejorada (IC-FEm), y podría tener un perfil y pronóstico diferente que IC-FEr. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar el perfil de ambas entidades y su pronóstico a medio plazo. Material y métodos Estudio prospective de una cohorte de pacientes con IC-FEr que tenían datos ecocardiográficos basales y en el seguimiento. Se hizo un análisis comparativo de pacientes con IC-FEm y pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca y IC-FEpr. Se analizaron variables clínicas, ecocardiográficas y de tratamiento; el impacto clínico a medio plazo se analizó en términos de mortalidad y reingresos hospitalarios por insuficiencia cardiaca. Resultados Se analizaron 90 pacientes, edad media 66,5 (10,4) años (72,2% mujeres). La mitad de los pacientes mejoraron su FEVI, con un tiempo medio hasta la mejoría de 12,6 (5,7) meses. El grupo IC-FEm tenía un perfil clínico más favorable: menor proporción de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, prevalencia más elevada de IC-novo (75,6 vs. 42,2%; p < 0,05), y menor proporción de isquemia (22,2 vs. 42.2%; p < 0,05). Los pacientes con IC-FEm en el seguimiento a medio plazo tenían menor tasa de reingresos (3,1 vs. 26,7%; p < 0,01), y mortalidad (0 vs. 24,4%; p < 0,01). Conclusión Pacientes con IC-FEm parecen tener un mejor pronóstico en términos de mortalidad y reingresos hospitalarios por insuficiencia cardiaca (IC). Esta mejoría clínica podría estar condicionada por el perfil de los pacientes con IC-FEm (AU)

What do Spanish registries report about worsening events in chronic heart failure? Needs and challenges.

INTRODUCTION: Worsening heart failure (HF) is associated with a high risk of death and rehospitalization. Despite that, real world evidence about the impact of worsening HF on clinical practice is scarce. AREAS COVERED: A narrative review about registries addressing recent worsening HF events in Spain, with special emphasis on patients recently hospitalized for HF was performed. EXPERT OPINION: Worsening HF can be defined as situations where the patient's HF deteriorates to the extent that it necessitates initiation or intensification of diuretic treatment (mainly intravenous). The events can occur at the outpatient level, generally in the day hospital, in the emergency department or even hospitalization. Early identification of worsening HF events is essential to establish appropriate treatment as soon as possible. In this context, robust clinical benefits have been reported for renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, sacubitril-valsartan, beta-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and vericiguat. In Spain, several registries of patients with HF have been developed, some of them including patients recently hospitalized for HF, but not with recent worsening HF events. Therefore, registries addressing recent worsening events would be desirable. Using a practical approach, this review analyzes the importance of worsening HF events, with special emphasis on Spanish data.

Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: Predictors and clinical impact.

BACKGROUND: A percentage of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) improve left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the evolution. This entity, defined for the first time in an international consensus as heart failure with improved ejection fraction (HFimpEF), could have a different clinical profile and prognosis than HFrEF. Our main aim was to analyze the differential clinical profile between the two entities, as well as the mid-term prognosis. MATERIAL-METHODS: Prospective study of a cohort of patients with HFrEF who had echocardiographic data at baseline and follow-up. A comparative analysis of patients who improved LVEF with those who did not was made. Clinical, echocardiographic and therapeutic variables were analyzed, and the mid-term impact in terms of mortality and hospital readmissions for HF was assessed. RESULTS: Ninety patients were analyzed. Mean age was 66.5(10.4) years, with a male predominance (72.2%). Forty five patients (50%) improved LVEF (Group-1,HFimpEF) and forty five patients (50%) sustained reduced LVEF (Group-2,HFsrEF). The mean time to LVEF improvement in Group-1 was 12.6(5.7) months. Group-1 had a more favorable clinical profile: lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, higher prevalence of de novo HF (75.6% vs. 42.2%; p<0.05), lower prevalence of ischemic etiology (22.2% vs. 42.2%; p<0.05), with less basal dilatation of the left ventricle. At the end of follow-up (mean 19(1) months) Group-1 had a lower hospital readmission rate (3.1% vs. 26.7%; p<0.01), as well as lower mortality (0% vs. 24.4%; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with HFimpEF seem to have a better mid-term prognosis in terms of reduced mortality and hospital admissions. This improvement could be conditioned by the clinical profile of patients HFimpEF.

Risk scores for predicting incident heart failure admission in patients with chronic coronary syndromes: Validation in a prospective, monocentric, long-term, cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) admission in chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients has a prognostic impact. Stratification schemes have been described for predicting this endpoint, but none of them has been externally validated. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to develop point scores for predicting incident HF admission with data from previous studies, to perform an external validation in an independent prospective cohort and to compare their discriminative ability for this event. METHODS: Independent predictive variables of HF admission in CCS patients without baseline HF were selected from four previous prospective studies (CARE, PEACE, CORONOR and CLARIFY), generating scores based on the relative magnitude of the coefficients of Cox of each variable. Finally, the scores were validated and compared in a monocentric prospective cohort. RESULTS: The validation cohort included 1212 patients followed for up to 17 years, with 171 patients suffering at least one HF admission in the follow-up. Discriminative ability for predicting HF admission was statistically significant for all, and paired comparisons among them were all nonsignificant except for CORONOR score was superior to CLARIFY score (C-statistic 0.73, 95%CI 0.69-0.76 vs. 0.69, 95% CI 0.65-0.73; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: All tested scores showed significant discriminative ability for predicting incident HF admission in this independent validation study. Their discriminative ability was similar, with significant differences only between the two scores with higher and lower performance.

Long-Term Prognostic Impact of Sex in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome: A 17-Year Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Women and men with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) have different clinical features and management, and studies on mid-term prognosis have reported conflicting results. Our objective was to investigate the impact of the female sex in the prognosis of the disease in the very long term. Methods and Results: We investigated differential features and very long-term prognosis in 1268 consecutive outpatients with CCS (337 [27%] women and 931 [73%] men). Women were older than men, more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, angina, and atrial fibrillation, and less likely to be exsmoker/active smoker and to have been treated with coronary revascularization (p < 0.05 for all). The prescription of statins, antiplatelets, and betablockers was similar in both groups. After up to 17 years of follow-up (median = 11 years, interquartile range = 4-15 years), cumulative incidences of acute myocardial infarction (10.2% vs. 11.8%) or stroke (11% vs. 10%) at median follow-up were similar, but the risks of major cardiovascular events (acute myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death, 41.2% vs. 33.6%), hospital admission for heart failure (20.9% vs. 11.9%), or cardiovascular death (32.3% vs. 22.1%) were significantly higher for women (p < 0.0005), with a nonsignificant trend to higher overall mortality (45.2% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.07). However, after multivariate adjustment, all these differences disappeared. Conclusion: Although women and men with CCS presented a different clinical profile, and crude rates of major cardiovascular events, heart failure and cardiovascular death were higher in women, female sex was not an independent prognostic factor in this study with up to 17 years of follow-up.

Mediterranean Diet, Vitamin D, and Hypercaloric, Hyperproteic Oral Supplements for Treating Sarcopenia in Patients with Heart Failure-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition and sarcopenia frequently affect patients with heart failure (HF), in which clinical outcomes and survival is decreased. Thus, appropriate nutritional screening and early nutrition support are highly recommended. Currently, nutritional support is not a standard of care in patients with HF, and the use of commercially available oral supplements (OSs) could provide an additional benefit to medical treatment in these patients. AIM: To compare the effect of the Mediterranean diet in combination with hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS in patients with HF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An open label, controlled clinical study in which patients were randomly assigned to receive a Mediterranean diet (control group) vs. hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS (intervention group) for twenty-four weeks. Thirty-eight patients were included; epidemiological, clinical, anthropometric, ultrasound (muscle echography of the rectus femoris muscle of the quadriceps and abdominal adipose tissue), and biochemical evaluations were performed. All patients received additional supplementation with vitamin D. RESULTS: Baseline malnutrition according to the GLIM criteria was observed in 30% of patients, while 65.8% presented with sarcopenia. Body cell mass, lean mass, and body mass increased in the intervention group (absolute increase of 0.5, p = 0.03, 1.2 kg, p = 0.03, and 0.1 kg, p = 0.03 respectively). In contrast, fat mass increased in the control group (4.5 kg, p = 0.05). According to the RF ultrasound, adipose tissue, muscle area, and circumference tended to decrease in the intervention group; it is probable that 24 weeks was too short a period of time for evaluating changes in muscle area or circumference, as previously observed in another group of patients. In contrast, functionality, determined by the up-and-go test, significantly improved in all patients (difference 12.6 s, p < 0.001), including the control (10 s improvement, p < 0.001) and the intervention group (improvement of 8.9 s, p < 0.001). Self-reported QoL significantly increased in all groups, from 68.7 ± 22.2 at baseline to 77.7 ± 18.7 (p = 0.01). When heart functionality was evaluated, LVEF increased in the whole cohort (38.7 ± 16.6 vs. 42.2 ± 8.9, p < 0.01); this increase was higher in the intervention group (34.2 ± 16.1 at baseline vs. 45.0% ± 17.0 after 24 weeks, p < 0.05). Serum values of NT-proBNP also significantly decreased in the whole cohort (p < 0.01), especially in the intervention group (p = 0.02). After adjusting by age and sex, nutritional support, baseline LVEF, NT-proBNP, and body composition parameters of functionality tests were not associated with mortality or new hospital admissions in this cohort. CONCLUSION: Nutritional support with hypercaloric, hyperproteic OS, Mediterranean diet, and vitamin D supplementation were associated with decreased NT-proBNP and improvements in LVEF, functionality, and quality of life in patients with HF, despite a significant decrease in hospital admissions.

The Role of Left Atrial Longitudinal Strain in the Diagnosis of Acute Cellular Rejection in Heart Transplant Recipients.

Our aim was to investigate the role of left atrial longitudinal strain (LALS) in the non-invasive diagnosis of acute cellular rejection (ACR) episodes in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. Methods: We performed successive echocardiographic exams in 18 consecutive adult HTx recipients in their first year after HTx within 3 h of the routine surveillance endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) in a single center. LALS parameters were analyzed with two different software. We investigated LALS association with ACR presence, as well as inter-vendor variability in comparable LALS values. Results: A total of 147 pairs of EMB and echo exams were carried out. Lower values of LALS were significantly associated with any grade of ACR presence. Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) offered the best diagnostic value for any grade of ACR, with a C statistic of 0.77 using one software (95% CI 0.68−0.84, p < 0.0005) and 0.64 with the other (95% CI 0.54−0.73, p = 0.013) (p = 0.02 for comparison between both curves). Reproducibility between comparable LALS parameters was poor (intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.60 for PALS, 95% CI 0.42−0.73, p < 0.0005; and 0.42 for PALS rate, 95% CI −0.13−0.68, p < 0.0005). Conclusions: LALS variables might be a sensitive marker of ACR in HTx recipients, principally discriminating between those studies without rejection and those with any grade of ACR. Inter-vendor variability was significant.

Alteraciones electrocardiográficas y necesidad de marcapasos en amiloidosis cardiaca: análisis de 58 casos / Electrocardiographic features and need for pacemaker in cardiac amyloidosis: Analysis of 58 cases

ObjetivoEn la amiloidosis cardiaca (AC) el material amiloide puede depositarse en diferentes estructuras cardiacas pudiendo producir diferentes alteraciones electrocardiográficas. El objetivo fue describir qué alteraciones electrocardiográficas son más frecuentes en pacientes con AC, analizando su impacto en la necesidad de marcapasos.MetodosEstudio retrospectivo que incluye pacientes diagnosticados de AC por cadenas ligeras (AC-AL) y AC por transtirretina (AC-TTR), entre enero-2013 y marzo-2021. Se analizó el ritmo basal, el porcentaje con patrón de seudoinfarto, bajo voltaje o alteraciones de la conducción; también se analizó el impacto en la necesidad de marcapasos definitivo.ResultadosSe incluyeron 58 pacientes con AC (20 AC-AL, 38 AC-TTR). Varones (69%), 21 (36%) tenían FA al diagnóstico. El 60% tenía patrón de seudoinfarto, el 35% bajo voltaje y un 22% tenían criterios de hipertrofia ventricular. Dos tercios tenían algún trastorno de conducción: bloqueo auriculoventricular de primer grado, 18 pacientes (31%); 12 bloqueo completo de rama derecha (BCRD), 3 bloqueo completo de rama izquierda (BCRI) y 25 con un hemibloqueo de rama. No hubo diferencias entre AC-AL y AC-TTR. Los pacientes con AC-TTR tuvieron mayor necesidad de marcapasos en el seguimiento (39±40 meses). El bloqueo completo de rama (BCR) fue un predictor de necesidad de marcapasos permanente (HR: 23,43; IC 95%: 4,09-134,09; p=0,01).ConclusionesLas alteraciones electrocardiográficas en pacientes diagnosticados de AC son heterogéneas, siendo la más frecuente la presencia de trastornos de conducción, el patrón de seudoinfarto, seguido del de bajo voltaje. Los pacientes con cualquier BCR en el electrocardiograma basal son más propensos a precisar marcapasos en el seguimiento, sobre todo en AC-TTR. (AU)

AimAmyloidosis is a disease in which amyloid fibrils can be deposited in different cardiac structures, and several electrocardiographic abnormalities can be produced by this phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe the most common basal electrocardiographic alterations in patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and to determine if these abnormalities have an impact on the need of pacemaker.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients who had an established diagnosis of CA [light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (LA-CA) or transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA)] between January 2013 and March 2021. The baseline heart rate, the percentage of patients with a pseudo-infarct pattern, low-voltage pattern or cardiac conductions disturbances, and the impact of these factors on the need of pacemaker were analysed.ResultsFifty-eight patients with CA (20 with LA-CA and 38 with TTR-CA) were included, and the majority were male (69.0%). Twenty-one patients had atrial fibrillation (AF) at diagnosis. Thirty-five patients had a pseudo-infarct pattern, 35% had a low-voltage pattern, and 22% had criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. Two hirds had a conduction disorder: 18 patients with first degree atrioventricular block, 12 right bundle branch block, 3 left bundle branch block and 25 with a branch hemiblock. There were no differences between LA-CA and TTR-CA. Patients with TTR-CA had a greater need for pacemakers in the folow-up (39±40 meses). Bundle branch block was a predictor of the need for a permanent pacemaker (HR: 23.43; CI 95%: 4.09.134.09; P=.01).ConclusionsElectrocardiographic abnormalities in patients diagnosed wich CA are heterogeneus. Most frecuent is the presence of conduction disorders, the pseudoinfarction pattern, followed by the low voltage pattern. Patients with any bundle branch block at the baseline electrocardiogram need more frecuent to require a pacemaker during follow-up, especially in TTR-CA. (AU)

Electrocardiographic features and need for pacemaker in cardiac amyloidosis: Analysis of 58 cases. / Alteraciones electrocardiográficas y necesidad de marcapasos en amiloidosis cardiaca: análisis de 58 casos.

AIM: Amyloidosis is a disease in which amyloid fibrils can be deposited in different cardiac structures, and several electrocardiographic abnormalities can be produced by this phenomenon. The objective of this study was to describe the most common basal electrocardiographic alterations in patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) and to determine if these abnormalities have an impact on the need of pacemaker. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who had an established diagnosis of CA [light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (LA-CA) or transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (TTR-CA)] between January 2013 and March 2021. The baseline heart rate, the percentage of patients with a pseudo-infarct pattern, low-voltage pattern or cardiac conductions disturbances, and the impact of these factors on the need of pacemaker were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients with CA (20 with LA-CA and 38 with TTR-CA) were included, and the majority were male (69.0%). Twenty-one patients had atrial fibrillation (AF) at diagnosis. Thirty-five patients had a pseudo-infarct pattern, 35% had a low-voltage pattern, and 22% had criteria for ventricular hypertrophy. Two hirds had a conduction disorder: 18 patients with first degree atrioventricular block, 12 right bundle branch block, 3 left bundle branch block and 25 with a branch hemiblock. There were no differences between LA-CA and TTR-CA. Patients with TTR-CA had a greater need for pacemakers in the folow-up (39±40 meses). Bundle branch block was a predictor of the need for a permanent pacemaker (HR: 23.43; CI 95%: 4.09.134.09; P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Electrocardiographic abnormalities in patients diagnosed wich CA are heterogeneus. Most frecuent is the presence of conduction disorders, the pseudoinfarction pattern, followed by the low voltage pattern. Patients with any bundle branch block at the baseline electrocardiogram need more frecuent to require a pacemaker during follow-up, especially in TTR-CA.

Impact of Canagliflozin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes after Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure: A Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is one of the mayor contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have demonstrated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for HF in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). We aimed to assess the risk for re-hospitalization in a cohort of patients hospitalized for HF according to whether or not they received canagliflozin at discharge, as well as changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP) concentration during follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study at a tertiary centre including 102 consecutive T2D patients discharged for acute HF without contraindication for SGLT2 inhibitors. We compared adverse clinical events (HF rehospitalization and cardiovascular death) and NT-ProBNP changes according to canagliflozin prescription at discharge. RESULTS: Among the 102 patients included, 45 patients (44.1%) were prescribed canagliflozin and the remaining 57 (55.9%) were not prescribed any SGLT2 inhibitors (control group). After a median follow-up of 22 months, 45 patients (44.1%) were hospitalized for HF. Most of the rehospitalizations occurred during the first year (37.3%). HF readmission at first year occurred in 10 patients (22.2%) in the canagliflozin group and 29 patients (49.1%) in the control group (hazard ratio (HR): 0.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.21-0.96; p < 0.039). A composite outcome of hospitalization for HF or death from cardiovascular causes was lower in the canagliflozin group (37.8%) than in the control group (70.2%) (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.27-0.95; p < 0.035). Analysis of NT-ProBNP concentration showed an interaction between canagliflozin therapy and follow-up time (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Canagliflozin therapy at discharge was associated with a lower risk of readmission for HF and a reduction in NT-ProBNP concentration in patients with diabetes after hospitalization for HF.