Patient and hospital characteristics associated with traditional measures of inpatient quality of care for patients with heart failure.

Am Heart J. 2012 Feb;163(2):239-245.e3

Authors: Heidenreich PA, Zhao X, Hernandez AF, Yancy CW, Fonarow GC

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine patient and hospital characteristics associated with 4 measures of quality of inpatient heart failure care used by both the primary payer of heart failure care in the United States (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) and the main hospital accrediting organization (The Joint Commission).
METHODS: We used data from Get With The Guidelines Program for patients hospitalized with heart failure. Eligibility for receiving care based on the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services performance measures was determined for assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; n = 60,601), use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) if LVEF<40% and no contraindications (24,130), discharge instructions (49,383), and smoking cessation counseling (10,152). Patient and hospital characteristics that were significantly associated with performance measures in univariate analyses were entered into multivariate logistic regression models.
RESULTS: Overall, documentation for LVEF assessment was noted in 95%, ACEi/ARB use in 87%, discharge instruction in 82%, and smoking cessation counseling in 91% of eligible patients. In adjusted analyses, older patients and those with evidence of renal failure were significantly less likely to receive each care measure except for discharge instructions (no age effect). Patients with higher body mass index were more likely to receive ACEi/ARB and discharge instructions but less likely to have LVEF documented or to receive smoking cessation counseling. Small hospitals (<200 beds) were less likely to provide each of the performance measures compared with larger hospitals.
CONCLUSION: Recommended heart failure care is less likely in patients with certain characteristics (older age and abnormal renal function) and those cared for in smaller hospitals. Programs to improve evidence-based care for heart failure should consider interventions specifically targeting and tailored to smaller facilities and patients who are older with comorbidities.

PMID: 22305842 [PubMed - in process]

Efficacy and safety of enoxaparin compared with unfractionated heparin in the pharmacoinvasive management of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: Insights from the TRANSFER-AMI trial.

Am Heart J. 2012 Feb;163(2):176-181.e2

Authors: Lavi S, Cantor WJ, Casanova A, Tan MK, Yan AT, Džavík V, Fitchett D, Cohen EA, Borgundvaag B, Heffernan M, Ducas J, Goodman SG

Abstract
AIMS: An early invasive strategy after fibrinolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves outcomes, but the relative efficacy and safety of enoxaparin compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) as part of this approach are unknown.
METHODS AND RESULTS: In the TRANSFER-AMI trial, patients with high-risk STEMI received fibrinolysis and were then randomized to either standard treatment or to immediate transfer for coronary angiography. In this substudy, the outcome of patients aged <75 years treated with enoxaparin is compared with that of patients who received UFH. Logistic regression and propensity score models were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these anticoagulants. Enoxaparin was administered to 498 patients, and UFH, to 448 patients, at the time of fibrinolysis. Approximately 50% in each group were randomized to the early invasive strategy. The primary composite end point of death, reinfarction, recurrent ischemia, new or worsening heart failure, or cardiogenic shock at 30 days occurred in 11.9% and 11.6% of the patients who received enoxaparin and UFH, respectively (adjusted odds ratio 0.95 [95% CI 0.60-1.51], P = .84). Enoxaparin use was associated with more access site bleeding (5.0% vs 2.9%, P = .04) and mild bleeding (12.1% vs 7.8%, P = .03).
CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk patients with STEMI undergoing early or late transfer for cardiac catheterization after fibrinolysis, enoxaparin was associated with similar efficacy compared with UFH, but there was more minor bleeding with enoxaparin (ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT00164190).

PMID: 22305834 [PubMed - in process]

High-concentration versus titrated oxygen therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Am Heart J. 2012 Feb;163(2):168-75

Authors: Ranchord AM, Argyle R, Beynon R, Perrin K, Sharma V, Weatherall M, Simmonds M, Heatlie G, Brooks N, Beasley R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The optimal approach to oxygen therapy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is uncertain.
METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was undertaken in which 136 patients presenting with their first STEMI uncomplicated by cardiogenic shock or marked hypoxia were randomized to receive high-concentration (6 L/min via medium concentration mask) or titrated oxygen (to achieve oxygen saturation 93%-96%) for 6 hours after presentation. The main outcome variables were 30-day mortality and infarct size assessed by troponin T level at 72 hours. Secondary outcomes included a meta-analysis of mortality data from this study and previous randomized controlled trials, and infarct size was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging at 4 to 6 weeks.
RESULTS: There were 1 of 68 and 2 of 68 deaths in the high-concentration and titrated oxygen groups, respectively; a meta-analysis including these data with those from the 2 previous studies showed an odds ratio for mortality of high-concentration oxygen compared with room air or titrated oxygen of 2.2 (95% CI 0.8-6.0). There was no significant difference between high-concentration versus titrated oxygen in troponin T (ratio of mean levels 0.74, 95% CI 0.50-1.1, P = .14), infarct mass (mean difference -0.8 g, 95% CI -7.6 to 6.1, P = .82), or percent infarct mass (mean difference -0.6%, 95% CI -5.6 to 4.5, P = .83).
CONCLUSION: This study found no evidence of benefit or harm from high-concentration compared with titrated oxygen in initially uncomplicated STEMI. However, our estimates have wide CIs, and as a result, large randomized controlled trials are required to resolve the clinical uncertainty.

PMID: 22305833 [PubMed - in process]

Diagnostic accuracy of a point-of-care troponin I assay for acute myocardial infarction within 3 hours after presentation in early presenters to the emergency department with chest pain.

Am Heart J. 2012 Jan;163(1):74-80.e4

Authors: Diercks DB, Peacock WF, Hollander JE, Singer AJ, Birkhahn R, Shapiro N, Glynn T, Nowack R, Safdar B, Miller CD, Lewandrowski E, Nagurney JT

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Guidelines recommend that serial cardiac marker testing to rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) be performed for 8 to 12 hours after symptom onset. We aim to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a contemporary point-of-care (POC) troponin I (TnI) assay within 3 hours for patients presenting within 8 hours of symptom onset.
METHODS: The MIDAS study collected blood from patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome at presentation and at 90 minutes, 3 hours, and 6 hours in whom the emergency physician planned an objective cardiac ischemia evaluation. Criterion standard diagnoses were adjudicated by experienced clinicians using all available medical records per American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology criteria. Reviewers were blinded to the investigational marker, Cardio3 TnI POC. The Cardio3 TnI reference value was defined as >0.05 ng/mL. Measures of diagnostic accuracy are presented with 95% CI.
RESULTS: A total of 858 of 1107 patients met the inclusion criteria. The study cohort had 476 men (55.5%) with median age of 57.0 years (interquartile range 48.0-67.0 years). Median time from symptom onset to initial blood draw was 3.9 hours (interquartile range 2.7-5.2 hours). Acute myocardial infarction was diagnosed in 82 patients (9.6%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio over 3 hours were 84.1, 93.4, 12.8, and 0.17, respectively. There was no significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy associated with adding 6-hour serial testing to the 3-hour sample.
CONCLUSION: In suspected patients with acute coronary syndrome presenting to the emergency department within 8 hours of symptom onset, 3 hours of serial testing with the Cardio3 TnI POC platform provides similar diagnostic accuracy for AMI as longer periods.

PMID: 22172439 [PubMed - in process]

The role of transthoracic echocardiography in the diagnosis and management of acute type A aortic syndrome.

Am Heart J. 2012 Jan;163(1):112-8

Authors: Cecconi M, Chirillo F, Costantini C, Iacobone G, Lopez E, Zanoli R, Gili A, Moretti S, Manfrin M, Münch C, Torracca L, Perna GP

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) has been traditionally considered inadequate for the diagnosis of acute type A aortic syndrome (AAAS). In the last decade, high-resolution probes and harmonic imaging have been implemented in new echocardiographic systems. However, studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of TTE for the identification of AAAS in large populations using modern ultrasound technology are lacking.
METHODS: The diagnostic value of harmonic imaging TTE was assessed in 270 consecutive patients with suspected AAAS in whom TTE was the initial diagnostic test.
RESULTS: Acute type A aortic syndrome was diagnosed in 67 patients and excluded in 203 patients (disease prevalence 25%). Sixty-two patients had a classic acute type A aortic dissection, and 5, an acute type A intramural hematoma. Image quality achieved was considered optimal in 244 patients (90%). In the whole study population, TTE had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the diagnosis of AAAS of 87%, 91%, 75%, and 95%, respectively. When evaluating only patients with optimal image quality, these values increased to 97%, 100%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. Forty-seven patients with clear-cut evidence of AAAS were transferred immediately to the operative room, where transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis obtained by TTE in all patients.
CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic echocardiography is a useful imaging modality for the diagnosis of classic acute type A aortic dissection. It cannot be used as the sole screening technique for detecting AAAS, but in the light of the predictive values observed, patients with optimal image quality and clear-cut diagnosis of AAAS should proceed to the operative room, whereas in patients with negative or indeterminate studies, other imaging techniques are needed to refine the diagnosis.

PMID: 22172444 [PubMed - in process]

Effect of esomeprazole versus famotidine on platelet inhibition by clopidogrel: A double-blind, randomized trial.

Am Heart J. 2011 Nov;162(5):870-4

Authors: Tunggal P, Ng FH, Lam KF, Chan FK, Lau YK

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that esomeprazole does not interfere significantly with the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. It is unknown whether famotidine, a histamine 2 receptor antagonist, interacts with clopidogrel. This double-blind, randomized study aimed to compare the influence of esomeprazole and famotidine on the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel.
METHODS: Patients with acute coronary syndrome or elective percutaneous coronary interventions treated with aspirin and clopidogrel cotherapy were randomized to receive esomeprazole 20 mg daily or famotidine 40 mg daily. Platelet reactivity units (PRUs) were measured at baseline and on day 28. The primary analysis involved the PRU values on day 28.
RESULTS: There were 44 patients in the esomeprazole group and 44 in the famotidine group. The baseline PRUs of the 2 groups were comparable (esomeprazole vs famotidine, 229.1 ± 85.6 vs 220.4 ± 83.0, P = .63). The PRUs on day 28 were 242.6 ± 89.7 and 237.5 ± 79.2 in the groups receiving esomeprazole and famotidine, respectively (mean difference 5.1, 95% CI -30.8 to 41.0, P = .78).
CONCLUSIONS: The platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel was not significantly different between patients receiving esomeprazole and those receiving famotidine. Neither esomeprazole nor famotidine reduced the platelet inhibitory effect of clopidogrel. (Clinicaltrial.gov Identifier NCT01062516).

PMID: 22093203 [PubMed - in process]

Safety and efficacy of adjusted-dose eptifibatide in patients with acute coronary syndromes and reduced renal function.

Am Heart J. 2011 Nov;162(5):884-892.e1

Authors: Melloni C, James SK, White JA, Giugliano RP, Harrington RA, Huber K, Tricoci P, Armstrong PW, Van de Werf F, Montalescot G, Califf RM, Newby LK

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dose adjustment of renally excreted antithrombotic drugs is recommended for patients with reduced renal function. We examined the influence of dose modification on bleeding and efficacy.
METHODS: Based on initial study drug infusion rate, Early GP IIb/IIIa Inhibition in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (EARLY ACS) patients were categorized into groups: standard dose (2 ?g/kg/min; estimated creatinine clearance [eCrCl] ?50 ml/min), adjusted dose (1 ?g/kg/min; eCrCl <50 ml/min, per protocol), excess dose (2 ?g/kg/min; eCrCl <50 ml/min). We explored relationships among initial dosing, randomized treatment assignment, and bleeding and ischemic end points (96-h composite of death, myocardial infarction [MI], recurrent ischemia requiring urgent revascularization or thrombotic bailout, and 30-d death or MI).
RESULTS: Of 8,708 patients with eCrCl and dosing data, 19% had eCrCl <50 ml/min. Of these, 13% received adjusted dose eptifibatide and 6% received an excess dose. Across all dosing groups, no significant reductions were found in ischemic end points between early versus delayed provisional eptifibatide (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.80-1.65; OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.81-1.56, respectively, for 96-h and 30-d composite end points). Bleeding risk was not significantly increased in the early versus delayed provisional treatment group in either the adjusted (OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.95-2.39) or excess dose group (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.85-3.39). There were no significant interactions between dose group and treatment strategy on bleeding or efficacy.
CONCLUSION: Similar to observations in practice, despite guidelines recommendations and protocol guidance, 34% of EARLY ACS patients with reduced renal function failed to receive an appropriately adjusted study drug infusion. Use of an appropriately adjusted eptifibatide infusion was not associated with expected reductions in bleeding among patients with renal insufficiency.

PMID: 22093205 [PubMed - in process]

Predicting long-term mortality in older patients after non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: The CRUSADE long-term mortality model and risk score.

Am Heart J. 2011 Nov;162(5):875-883.e1

Authors: Roe MT, Chen AY, Thomas L, Wang TY, Alexander KP, Hammill BG, Gibler WB, Ohman EM, Peterson ED

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a long-term mortality risk prediction model and a simplified risk score for use in older patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding long-term mortality rates and concomitant risk predictors after acute myocardial infarction in contemporary community practice.
METHODS: From the CRUSADE registry, a total of 43,239 (NSTEMI) patients aged ?65 years treated at 448 hospitals in the United States from 2003 to 2006 were linked to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data to track longitudinal all-cause mortality (median follow-up 453 days). Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to determine baseline independent demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables associated with long-term mortality. A simplified long-term mortality risk score was subsequently developed from these results.
RESULTS: The median age of this population was 77 years, and mortality rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 24.4%, 33.2%, and 40.3%, respectively. We identified 22 variables independently associated with long-term mortality in a full model (c-statistic 0.754 in the derivation sample and 0.744 in the validation sample). The CRUSADE long-term mortality risk score was limited to the 13 most clinically and statistically significant variables from the full model yet retained comparable discrimination in the derivation and validation samples (c-statistics 0.734 and 0.727, respectively) and had good calibration across the risk spectra.
CONCLUSIONS: Older patients face substantial long-term mortality risks after NSTEMI that can be accurately predicted from baseline characteristics. These prognostic estimates may support informed treatment decision-making and comparison of long-term provider outcomes.

PMID: 22093204 [PubMed - in process]

Myeloperoxidase in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes: The importance of spectrum.

Am Heart J. 2011 Nov;162(5):893-9

Authors: Peacock WF, Nagurney J, Birkhahn R, Singer A, Shapiro N, Hollander J, Glynn T, Nowak R, Safdar B, Miller C, Peberdy M, Counselman F, Chandra A, Kosowsky J, Neuenschwander J, Schrock J, Plantholt S, Lewandrowski E, Wong V, Kupfer K, Diercks D

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is proposed for risk stratification in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). We determined if MPO has diagnostic value in patients being evaluated for ACS.
METHOD: MIDAS was an 18-center prospective study enrolling suspected ACS emergency department patients who presented <8 hours after symptom onset and in whom serial cardiac markers and objective cardiac perfusion testing were planned. Blinded MPO (Biosite, Inc, San Diego, CA) and troponin I (Triage Cardio 3; Biosite, Inc) were drawn at arrival, and Troponin I (TnI) was measured at 90, 180, and 360 minutes. Final diagnoses were adjudicated by the local investigator blinded to study assay.
RESULTS: Of 1,018 patients, 54% were male, 26% black, with a mean age of 58 ± 13 years. Diagnoses were ACS in 288 (23%) and noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) in 788 (77%). Of patients with ACS, 94 (9.2%) had a myocardial infarction (MI) at presentation (69 non-ST-elevation MI, 25 ST-elevation MI), and 136 had unstable angina. Using a cutpoint of 210 ng/mL to provide 90% specificity, MPO had a sensitivity of 0.18; negative predictive value, 0.69; positive predictive value, 0.47; negative likelihood ratio, 0.91; and a positive likelihood ratio of 1.83 to differentiate ACS and NCCP. Because of the large overlap of quartiles, MPO was not clinically useful to predict serial TnI changes. The C statistics ± 95% CI for MPO differentiating ACS from NCCP and for AMI versus NCCP were 0.629 ± 0.04 and 0.666 ± 0.06, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Myeloperoxidase has insufficient accuracy for decision making in patients with suspected ACS.

PMID: 22093206 [PubMed - in process]

Association of health insurance status with presentation and outcomes of coronary artery disease among nonelderly adults undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Am Heart J. 2011 Sep;162(3):512-7

Authors: Parikh PB, Gruberg L, Jeremias A, Chen JJ, Naidu SS, Shlofmitz RA, Brener SJ, Pappas T, Marzo KP, Brown DL

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if insurance status is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease.
METHODS: A cohort of 13,456 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2007, at 4 New York State teaching hospitals was retrospectively studied. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality from any cause.
RESULTS: Of the 13,456 patients studied, 11,927 (88.6%) were insured by private carriers, 1,036 (7.7%) patients were covered by Medicaid, and 493 (3.7%) were uninsured. Uninsured and Medicaid patients tended to be younger and more often nonwhite and Hispanic. They had a higher prevalence of congestive heart failure and worse left ventricular function. Compared with privately insured patients, uninsured and Medicaid patients had increased all-cause mortality (1.2% and 0.9%, respectively, vs 0.3%; P < .001). For all patients, lack of insurance (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.10-8.28) and Medicaid (OR 4.39, 95% CI 1.93-9.99) were independently associated with mortality. Lack of insurance (OR 5.02, 95% CI 1.58-15.93) and Medicaid (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.19-17.45) were also independently associated with increased mortality in patients undergoing emergent PCI.
CONCLUSION: Lack of insurance and Medicaid insurance are both independently associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality after PCI for coronary artery disease.

PMID: 21884869 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Improvement in use of anticoagulation therapy in patients with ischemic stroke: Results from Get With The Guidelines-Stroke.

Am Heart J. 2011 Oct;162(4):692-699.e2

Authors: Lewis WR, Fonarow GC, Grau-Sepulveda MV, Smith EE, Bhatt DL, Hernandez AF, Olson D, Peterson ED, Schwamm LH

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Anticoagulation therapy reduces thromboembolic events in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and has a class I indication for ischemic stroke patients with AF and no contraindications. We determined the patient and hospital level characteristics associated with an increased use of anticoagulation, including participation in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) Program.
METHODS: We assessed the use of anticoagulation at hospital discharge in eligible AF patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) at 1,354 participating hospitals between April 1, 2003, and April 1, 2010.
RESULTS: Patients with AF (n = 197,778) represented 20.5% of patients with ischemic stroke/TIA. Among patients with AF, 47.6% (n = 94,119) were deemed eligible for anticoagulation, and of these, 94.0% were discharged on therapy. Older patients, African American or Hispanic patients, and those with diabetes were less likely to receive anticoagulation. Hospitals with a higher volume of patients with stroke were more likely to treat with anticoagulation. The Joint Commission Primary Stroke Centers were also more likely to treat eligible patients (odds ratio 2.16, 95% CI 1.82-2.56, P < .0001). From 2003 to 2010, contraindications to anticoagulation therapy declined from 69.7% to 28.4% (P < .0001 for trend). Anticoagulation among eligible patients improved from 88.4% to 95.2% (P < .0001) for 7 years of participation. Time in GWTG-Stroke was associated with improved anticoagulation use (adjusted odds ratio per year in program, 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.16, P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS: Use of anticoagulation among stroke patients with AF has increased to very high levels overall in GWTG-Stroke over time. Future efforts should focus on improving use among selected populations.

PMID: 21982662 [PubMed - in process]

Prognostic value of renin and prorenin in heart failure patients with decreased kidney function.

Am Heart J. 2011 Sep;162(3):487-93

Authors: Szymanski MK, Damman K, van Veldhuisen DJ, van Gilst WH, Hillege HL, de Boer RA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in the progression of heart failure (HF) and concomitant kidney dysfunction. Despite the use of RAAS blockade, sustained activation of RAAS has been suggested to link with adverse outcome. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of active plasma renin concentration (APRC) and prorenin in patients with HF treated with RAAS-blocking agents and its relationship with kidney function parameters.
METHODS: One hundred clinically stable patients with HF, treated with RAAS-blocking agents, were studied. Renal function parameters including effective renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate were measured invasively. The combined end point consisted of all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, and admission to hospital for HF.
RESULTS: Mean age was 58 ± 12 years, and 76% were men. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 28 ± 9, and median APRC levels were 24.3 ng/mL per hour. Active plasma renin concentration was most strongly associated with mean arterial pressure (r = 0.60, P < .001). In multivariate linear regression analysis, age, mean arterial pressure, angiotensin II concentration, and use of aldosterone antagonists were significantly related with APRC (adjusted R(2) = 0.53). Patients in the highest quartile of APRC had a worse prognosis. In multivariate analysis, APRC remained associated with worse prognosis: HR 2.87 (95% CI 1.14-7.20), P = .025. Prorenin did not show prognostic value. The prognostic value of APRC was strongest in patients with decreased kidney function.
CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that APRC is a strong prognostic factor in patients with HF in the presence of RAAS inhibition, especially in patients with kidney dysfunction.

PMID: 21884865 [PubMed - in process]

Prognostic assessment of estimated glomerular filtration rate by the new Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation in comparison with the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation.

Am Heart J. 2011 Sep;162(3):548-54

Authors: Skali H, Uno H, Levey AS, Inker LA, Pfeffer MA, Solomon SD

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Systematic reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation is recommended for detection of chronic kidney disease and prediction of cardiovascular (CV) risk. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation is a newly developed and validated formula for eGFR that is more accurate at normal or near-normal eGFR. We aimed to assess the incremental prognostic accuracy of eGFR(CKD-EPI) versus eGFR(MDRD) in subjects at increased risk for CV disease.
METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of the VALIANT trial that enrolled 14,527 patients with acute myocardial infarction with signs and symptoms of heart failure and/or left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The eGFR(MDRD) and eGFR(CKD-EPI) were computed using age, gender, race, and baseline creatinine level. Patients were categorized according to their eGFR using each equation. To assess the incremental prognostic value of eGFR(CKD-EPI), the net reclassification improvement was calculated for the composite end point of CV death, recurrent myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke.
RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of the subjects were reclassified into a different eGFR category using eGFR(CKD-EPI). The composite end point occurred in 33% of the subjects in this cohort. Based on eGFR(CKD-EPI), subjects reclassified into a higher eGFR experienced fewer events than those reclassified into a lower eGFR (21% vs 43%). In unadjusted analyses, the composite end point risk in subjects with eGFR between 75 and 90 mL/min per 1.73 m(2) was comparable with the referent group (eGFR between 90 and 105) using eGFR(MDRD) (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.9-1.2) but was significantly higher using eGFR(CKD-EPI) (hazard ratio 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4). The net reclassification improvement for eGFR(CKD-EPI) over eGFR(MDRD) was 8.7%.
CONCLUSION: The CKD-EPI equation provides more accurate risk stratification than the MDRD Study equation in patients at high risk for CV disease, including identification of increased risk at mildly decreased eGFR.

PMID: 21884875 [PubMed - in process]

The CHADS(2) score predicts ischemic stroke in the absence of atrial fibrillation among subjects with coronary heart disease: Data from the Heart and Soul Study.

Am Heart J. 2011 Sep;162(3):555-61

Authors: Welles CC, Whooley MA, Na B, Ganz P, Schiller NB, Turakhia MP

Abstract
BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate the prognostic performance of the CHADS(2) score for prediction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD) without atrial fibrillation (AF).
METHODS: In 916 nonanticoagulated outpatients with stable CHD and no AF by baseline electrocardiogram, we calculated CHADS(2) scores (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ?75 years, diabetes [1 point each], and prior stroke or TIA [2 points]). The primary outcome was time to ischemic stroke or TIA over a mean follow-up of 6.4 ± 2.3 years.
RESULTS: Over 5,821 person-years of follow-up, 40 subjects had an ischemic stroke/TIA (rate 0.69/100 person-years, 95% CI 0.50-0.94). Compared with subjects with low (0-1) CHADS(2) scores, those with intermediate (2-3) and high (4-6) CHADS(2) scores had an increased rate of stroke/TIA, even after adjustment for age, tobacco, antiplatelet therapy, statins, and angiotensin inhibitors (CHADS(2) score 2-3: HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.3, P = .03; CHADS(2) score 4-6: HR 4.0, 95% CI 1.5-10.6, P = .006). Model discrimination (c-statistic = 0.65) was comparable with CHADS(2) model fit in published AF-only cohorts.
CONCLUSIONS: The CHADS(2) score predicts ischemic stroke/TIA in subjects with stable CHD and no baseline AF. The event rate in non-AF subjects with high CHADS(2) scores (5-6) was comparable with published rates in AF patients with moderate CHADS(2) scores (1-2), a population known to derive benefit from stroke prevention therapies. These findings should inform efforts to determine whether stroke prevention therapies or screening for silent AF may benefit subjects with stable CHD and high CHADS(2) scores.

PMID: 21884876 [PubMed - in process]

Effects of tolvaptan on physician-assessed symptoms and signs in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure syndromes: analysis from the efficacy of vasopressin antagonism in heart failure outcome study with tolvaptan (EVEREST) trials.

Am Heart J. 2011 Jun;161(6):1067-72

Authors: Pang PS, Gheorghiade M, Dihu J, Swedberg K, Khan S, Maggioni AP, Grinfeld L, Zannad F, Burnett JC, Ouyang J, Udelson JE, Konstam MA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: A rapid and sustained relief of heart failure (HF) symptoms and signs is an important goal of management in patients hospitalized for acute HF syndromes (AHFS). To date, no novel therapy in AHFS have been shown to improve signs and symptoms throughout hospitalization. This study explores the clinical effects of tolvaptan, a vasopressin-2-receptor antagonist, in addition to standard medical therapies on physician-assessed signs and symptoms in hospitalized AHFS patients.
METHODS: The EVEREST trial randomized 4,133 patients admitted with worsening HF and reduced ejection fraction (? 40%) within 48 hours after hospital admission. On each inpatient day, investigators assessed dyspnea, orthopnea, fatigue, jugular venous distension (JVD), rales, and pedal edema by predefined ordinal scales. Responder analyses were performed for each sign and symptom, with significant clinical response defined as a change in one point on the measurement scale.
RESULTS: Post hoc analysis demonstrated greater likelihood of clinical improvement in physician-assessed dyspnea, edema, orthopnea, and JVD among tolvaptan-treated subjects (P < .05) as early as inpatient day 1. This difference was observed throughout hospitalization only for JVD and orthopnea through day 3.
CONCLUSION: The addition of tolvaptan to standard therapy for AHFS improves physician-assessed signs and symptoms during hospitalization without serious adverse short- or long-term effects.

PMID: 21641352 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]