Project description:AimThe authors assessed the comparative effectiveness of torsemide versus furosemide in the PROTECT trial.MethodsThe authors assessed the relationship between loop diuretic at discharge and death or cardiovascular/renal hospitalization within 30 days, and death through 150 days postdischarge using inverse probability weighting.ResultsOut of 1004 patients, 83.5% received furosemide and 16.5% torsemide. Torsemide patients had higher blood urea nitrogen, and more in-hospital worsening heart failure. Following adjustment, torsemide was associated with similar 30-day outcomes compared with furosemide (p = 0.93), but remained associated with increased 150-day death (hazard ratio: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.40-3.66; p < 0.001).ConclusionPatients treated with torsemide had features of greater disease severity, similar 30-day outcomes but increased 150-day mortality. Prospective randomized trials are needed to investigate the effect of torsemide versus furosemide.
Project description:BackgroundLoop diuretics are a primary therapy for the symptomatic treatment of heart failure (HF), but whether torsemide improves patient symptoms and quality of life better than furosemide remains unknown. As prespecified secondary end points, the TRANSFORM-HF trial (Torsemide Comparison With Furosemide for Management of Heart Failure) compared the effect of torsemide versus furosemide on patient-reported outcomes among patients with HF.MethodsTRANSFORM-HF was an open-label, pragmatic, randomized trial of 2859 patients hospitalized for HF (regardless of ejection fraction) across 60 hospitals in the United States. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to a loop diuretic strategy of torsemide or furosemide with investigator-selected dosage. This report examined effects on prespecified secondary end points, which included Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS; assessed as adjusted mean difference in change from baseline; range, 0-100 with 100 indicating best health status; clinically important difference, ≥5 points) and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (range, 0-6; score ≥3 supporting evaluation for depression) over 12 months.ResultsBaseline data were available for 2787 (97.5%) patients for KCCQ-CSS and 2624 (91.8%) patients for Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Median (interquartile range) baseline KCCQ-CSS was 42 (27-60) in the torsemide group and 40 (24-59) in the furosemide group. At 12 months, there was no significant difference between torsemide and furosemide in change from baseline in KCCQ-CSS (adjusted mean difference, 0.06 [95% CI, -2.26 to 2.37]; P=0.96) or the proportion of patients with Patient Health Questionnaire-2 score ≥3 (15.1% versus 13.2%: P=0.34). Results for KCCQ-CSS were similar at 1 month (adjusted mean difference, 1.36 [95% CI, -0.64 to 3.36]; P=0.18) and 6-month follow-up (adjusted mean difference, -0.37 [95% CI, -2.52 to 1.78]; P=0.73), and across subgroups by ejection fraction phenotype, New York Heart Association class at randomization, and loop diuretic agent before hospitalization. Irrespective of baseline KCCQ-CSS tertile, there was no significant difference between torsemide and furosemide on change in KCCQ-CSS, all-cause mortality, or all-cause hospitalization.ConclusionsAmong patients discharged after hospitalization for HF, a strategy of torsemide compared with furosemide did not improve symptoms or quality of life over 12 months. The effects of torsemide and furosemide on patient-reported outcomes were similar regardless of ejection fraction, previous loop diuretic use, and baseline health status.RegistrationURL: https://www.Clinicaltrialsgov; Unique identifier: NCT03296813.
Project description:ImportanceAlthough furosemide is the most commonly used loop diuretic in patients with heart failure, some studies suggest a potential benefit for torsemide.ObjectiveTo determine whether torsemide results in decreased mortality compared with furosemide among patients hospitalized for heart failure.Design, setting, and participantsTRANSFORM-HF was an open-label, pragmatic randomized trial that recruited 2859 participants hospitalized with heart failure (regardless of ejection fraction) at 60 hospitals in the United States. Recruitment occurred from June 2018 through March 2022, with follow-up through 30 months for death and 12 months for hospitalizations. The final date for follow-up data collection was July 2022.InterventionsLoop diuretic strategy of torsemide (n = 1431) or furosemide (n = 1428) with investigator-selected dosage.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcome was all-cause mortality in a time-to-event analysis. There were 5 secondary outcomes with all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization and total hospitalizations assessed over 12 months being highest in the hierarchy. The prespecified primary hypothesis was that torsemide would reduce all-cause mortality by 20% compared with furosemide.ResultsTRANSFORM-HF randomized 2859 participants with a median age of 65 years (IQR, 56-75), 36.9% were women, and 33.9% were Black. Over a median follow-up of 17.4 months, a total of 113 patients (53 [3.7%] in the torsemide group and 60 [4.2%] in the furosemide group) withdrew consent from the trial prior to completion. Death occurred in 373 of 1431 patients (26.1%) in the torsemide group and 374 of 1428 patients (26.2%) in the furosemide group (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.89-1.18]). Over 12 months following randomization, all-cause mortality or all-cause hospitalization occurred in 677 patients (47.3%) in the torsemide group and 704 patients (49.3%) in the furosemide group (hazard ratio, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.83-1.02]). There were 940 total hospitalizations among 536 participants in the torsemide group and 987 total hospitalizations among 577 participants in the furosemide group (rate ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.84-1.07]). Results were similar across prespecified subgroups, including among patients with reduced, mildly reduced, or preserved ejection fraction.Conclusions and relevanceAmong patients discharged after hospitalization for heart failure, torsemide compared with furosemide did not result in a significant difference in all-cause mortality over 12 months. However, interpretation of these findings is limited by loss to follow-up and participant crossover and nonadherence.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03296813.
Project description:BackgroundQishenyiqi dripping pill for chronic heart failure (CHF) remains controversial due to lack of high-quality trials. Therefore, we conduct this pooled-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qishenyiqi in CHF patients.MethodsWe searched for randomized clinical trials for Qishenyiqi dripping pill in treating CHF up to August 2018 through China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the PubMed Database, the Wanfang Database, the China Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and the Chinese Biomedicine Literature Service System. RevMan 5.3 was used for pooled analyses. Based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, the clinical therapeutic effect was collected as the primary endpoint.ResultsThe efficacy and safety of Qishenyiqi combined with routine treatment significantly increased NYHA functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac index, and 6-minute walking test and decreased brain natriuretic peptide, left ventricular end-diastolic, and end-systolic dimensions with no obvious side effects in comparison with routine therapy alone.ConclusionsTogether these results provide important insights into Qishenyiqi is effective and safe in improving ventricular remodeling and function of CHF patients.Prospero registration numberPROSPERO106695.
Project description:Aims:The prognostic impact of heart rate (HR) in acute heart failure (AHF) patients is not well known especially in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of admission HR, discharge HR, HR difference (admission-discharge) in AHF patients with sinus rhythm (SR) or AF on long- term outcomes. Methods:We included 1398 patients consecutively admitted with AHF between October 2013 and December 2014 from a national multicentre, prospective registry. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between admission HR, discharge HR and HR difference and one- year all-cause mortality and HF readmission. Results:The mean age of the study population was 72?±?12?years. Of these, 594 (42.4%) were female, 655 (77.8%) were hypertensive and 655 (46.8%) had diabetes. Among all included patients, 745 (53.2%) had sinus rhythm and 653 (46.7%) had atrial fibrillation. Only discharge HR was associated with one year all-cause mortality (Relative risk (RR)?=?1.182, confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.024-1.366, p?=?0.022) in SR. In AF patients discharge HR was associated with one year all cause mortality (RR?=?1.276, CI 95% 1.115-1.459, p???0.001). We did not observe a prognostic effect of admission HR or HRD on long-term outcomes in both groups. This relationship is not dependent on left ventricular ejection fraction. Conclusions:In AHF patients lower discharge HR, neither the admission nor the difference, is associated with better long-term outcomes especially in AF patients.
Project description:Background Central apneas (CA) are a frequent comorbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) and are associated with worse prognosis. The clinical and prognostic relevance of CA in each sex is unknown. Methods and Results Consecutive outpatients with HF with either reduced or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (n=550, age 65±12 years, left ventricular ejection fraction 32%±9%, 21% women) underwent a 24-hour ambulatory polygraphy to evaluate CA burden and were followed up for the composite end point of cardiac death, appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock, or first HF hospitalization. Compared with men, women were younger, had higher left ventricular ejection fraction, had lower prevalence of ischemic etiology and of atrial fibrillation, and showed lower apnea-hypopnea index (expressed as median [interquartile range]) at daytime (3 [0-9] versus 10 [3-20] events/hour) and nighttime (10 [3-21] versus 23 [11-36] events/hour) (all P<0.001), despite similar neurohormonal activation and HF therapy. Increased chemoreflex sensitivity to either hypoxia or hypercapnia (evaluated in 356 patients, 65%, by a rebreathing test) was less frequent in women (P<0.001), but chemoreflex sensitivity to hypercapnia was a predictor of apnea-hypopnea index in both sexes. At adjusted survival analysis, daytime apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hour (hazard ratio [HR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.06-7.34; P=0.037), nighttime apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events/hour (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.28-6.32; P=0.010), and nighttime CA index ≥10 events/hour (HR, 5.01; 95% CI, 1.88-13.4; P=0.001) were independent predictors of the primary end point in women but not in men (all P>0.05), also after matching women and men for possible confounders. Conclusions In chronic HF, CA are associated with a greater risk of adverse events in women than in men.
Project description:Objective: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a widespread disease that is often associated with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF is more frequent in women than in men, but detailed pathomechanisms remain unclear. We investigated HFpEF in women and men in a high-risk cohort with SDB monitoring. Methods and Results: Three hundred twenty-seven patients (84.4% men) undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting were prospectively subjected to SDB monitoring, and an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15/h defined SDB. HF was classified according to current guidelines. HFpEF was significantly more frequent in SDB patients compared to those without SDB (28 vs. 17%, P = 0.016). This distribution was driven by an increased frequency of HFpEF in female SDB patients (48% vs. only 25% in male, P = 0.022). In accordance, female patients with SDB exhibited significantly more impaired diastolic left ventricular filling compared to men (echocardiographic E/e'). In contrast to men, in women, minimum oxygen saturation (O2min, measured by polygraphy, R 2 = 0.470, P < 0.001) and time of oxygen saturation <90% (R 2 = 0.165, P = 0.044) were significantly correlated with E/e'. Moreover, the correlation between O2min and E/e' was significantly different in women compared to men (P < 0.001). Intriguingly, this association remained independent of clinical covariates in women [age, body mass index, systolic contractile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), R 2 = 0.534, P = 0.042, multivariate regression analysis]. Since angiotensin II signaling has been mechanistically linked to HF, we measured protein expression of its cleavage enzyme ACE2 in human right atrial appendage biopsies (Western blot). Intriguingly, we found a significantly decreased ACE2 expression preferentially in women with SDB (2.66 ± 0.42 vs. 4.01 ± 2.47 in men with SDB, P = 0.005). In accordance, left ventricular mass index was significantly increased in women with SDB compared to women without SDB. Conclusion: In patients with SDB, HFpEF and diastolic dysfunction were more frequent in women compared to men. In contrast to men, the severity of SDB was associated with the degree of diastolic dysfunction in women. These insights might help to find sex-specific therapies for patients with sleep-disordered breathing and heart failure. Clinical Trial Registration: Unique identifier: NCT02877745, URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Project description:To assess whether a simplified cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived lung water density (LWD) quantification predicted major events in Heart Failure (HF). Single-centre retrospective study of consecutive HF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% who underwent CMR. All measurements were performed on HASTE sequences in a parasagittal plane at the right midclavicular line. LWD was determined by the lung-to-liver signal ratio multiplied by 0.7. A cohort of 102 controls was used to derive the LWD upper limit of normal (21.2%). The primary endpoint was a composite of time to all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Overall, 290 patients (mean age 64 ± 12 years) were included. LWD measurements took on average 35 ± 4 s, with good inter-observer reproducibility. LWD was increased in 65 (22.4%) patients, who were more symptomatic (NYHA ≥ III 29.2 vs. 1.8%; p = 0.017) and had higher NT-proBNP levels [1973 (IQR: 809-3766) vs. 802 (IQR: 355-2157 pg/mL); p < 0.001]. During a median follow-up of 21 months, 20 patients died and 40 had ≥ 1 HF hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, NYHA (III-IV vs. I-II; HR: 2.40; 95%-CI: 1.30-4.43; p = 0.005), LVEF (HR per 1%: 0.97; 95%-CI: 0.94-0.99; p = 0.031), serum creatinine (HR per 1 mg/dL: 2.51; 95%-CI: 1.36-4.61; p = 0.003) and LWD (HR per 1%: 1.07; 95%-CI: 1.02-1.12; p = 0.007) were independent predictors of the primary endpoint. These findings were mainly driven by an association between LWD and HF hospitalization (p = 0.026). A CMR-derived LWD quantification was independently associated with an increased HF hospitalization risk in HF patients with LVEF < 50%. LWD is a simple, reproducible and straightforward measurement, with prognostic value in HF.
Project description:BackgroundHeart failure (HF) affects 6.2 million Americans and is a leading cause of hospitalization. The mainstay of the management of HF is adherence to pharmacotherapy. Despite the effectiveness of HF pharmacotherapy, effectiveness is closely linked to adherence. Measuring adherence to HF pharmacotherapy is difficult; most clinical measures use indirect strategies such as calculating pharmacy refill data or using self-report. While helpful in guiding treatment adjustments, indirect measures of adherence may miss the detection of suboptimal adherence and co-occurring structural barriers associated with nonadherence. Digital pill systems (DPSs), which use an ingestible radiofrequency emitter to directly measure medication ingestions in real-time, represent a strategy for measuring and responding to nonadherence in the context of HF pharmacotherapy. Previous work has demonstrated the feasibility of using DPSs to measure adherence in other chronic diseases, but this strategy has yet to be leveraged for individuals with HF.ObjectiveWe aim to explore through qualitative interviews the facilitators and barriers to using DPS technology to monitor pharmacotherapy adherence among patients with HF.MethodsWe conducted individual, semistructured qualitative interviews and quantitative assessments between April and August 2022. A total of 20 patients with HF who were admitted to the general medical or cardiology service at an urban quaternary care hospital participated in this study. Participants completed a qualitative interview exploring the overall acceptability of and willingness to use DPS technology for adherence monitoring and perceived barriers to DPS use. Quantitative assessments evaluated HF history, existing medication adherence strategies, and attitudes toward technology. We analyzed qualitative data using applied thematic analysis and NVivo software (QSR International).ResultsMost participants (12/20, 60%) in qualitative interviews reported a willingness to use the DPS to measure HF medication adherence. Overall, the DPS was viewed as useful for increasing accountability and reinforcing adherence behaviors. Perceived barriers included technological issues, a lack of need, additional costs, and privacy concerns. Most were open to sharing adherence data with providers to bolster clinical care and decision-making. Reminder messages following detected nonadherence were perceived as a key feature, and customization was desired. Suggested improvements are primarily related to the design and usability of the Reader (a wearable device).ConclusionsOverall, individuals with HF perceived the DPS to be an acceptable and useful tool for measuring medication adherence. Accurate, real-time ingestion data can guide adherence counseling to optimize adherence management and inform tailored behavioral interventions to support adherence among patients with HF.
Project description:BackgroundDespite evidence for beneficial effects of Qishen Yiqi Drop Pill (QSYQ) on congestive heart failure, the majority of studies are based on insufficient sample sizes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of QSYQ using a meta-analysis approach. Methodology/Principal Findings. All relevant studies published before December 31, 2019, were identified by searches of various databases with key search terms. In total, 85 studies involving 8,579 participants were included. The addition of QSYQ to routine Western medicine increased 6-minute walking distance (SMD = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.72-2.44, p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction (SMD = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.87-1.23, p < 0.001), and cardiac index (SMD = 1.44, 95% CI: 0.92-1.95, p < 0.001) and reduced brain natriuretic peptide (SMD = -2.28, 95% CI: -2.81 to -1.76, p < 0.001), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (SMD = -2.49, 95% CI: -3.24 to -1.73, p < 0.001), left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (SMD = -0.92, 95% CI: -1.25 to -0.59, p < 0.001), and left ventricular end-systolic dimensions (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI: -0.89 to -0.21, p < 0.001). The results were stable in subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionsOur current meta-analysis indicated that QSYQ combined with Western therapy might be effective in CHF patients. Further researches are needed to identify which subgroups of CHF patients will benefit most and what kind of combination medicines work best.