The influence of pressure injury risk on the association between left ventricular ejection fraction and all-cause mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction 80 years or older

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate whether the pressure injury risk mediates the association of left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF) with all-cause death in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI) aged 80 years or older.METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 677 patients with AMI aged 80 years or older from a tertiary-level hospital. Pressure injury risk was assessed using the Braden scale at admission, and three risk groups(low/minimal, intermediate, high) were defined according to the overall score of six different variables. LVEF was measured during the index hospitalization for AMI. All-cause death after hospital discharge was the primary outcome.RESULTS: Over a median follow-up period of 1,176 d(interquartile range [IQR], 722–1,900 d), 226(33.4%) patients died. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that reduced LVEF was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death only in the high-risk group of pressure injury(adjusted hazard ratios [HR]=1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–3.20;P=0.040), but not in the low/minimal-(adjusted HR=1.29, 95%CI: 0.80–2.11;P=0.299) or intermediate-risk groups(adjusted HR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.65–2.02;P=0.651). Significant interactions were detected between pressure injury risk and LVEF(adjusted P=0.003). The cubic spline with hazard ratio plot revealed a distinct shaped curve relation between LVEF and all-cause death among different pressure injury risk groups.CONCLUSIONS: In older patients with AMI, the risk of pressure injury mediated the association between LVEF and all-cause death. The classification of older patients for both therapy and prognosis assessment appears to be improved by the incorporation of pressure injury risk assessment into AMI care management.

The Clinical Association of Left Atrial Function with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

The left atrium (LA) has been recognized as a morphophysiological barometer of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. Because in the myocardial ischemia cascade where LV diastolic dysfunction often precedes LV systolic dysfunction, the LA which fashions as an early marker of diastolic anomaly, could equally reflect a declining LV function and/or be a good predictor of potential sequelae. We assessed this association of LA function with reduced LV systolic function among hospitalized patients. Among patients with reduced LV ejection fraction, LA passive ejection fraction was lower (0.172 ± 0.12 vs. 0.232 ± 0.14, p = 0.013) whereas LA kinetic energy was higher (6.48 ± 6.3 vs. 4.57 ± 3.5, p = 0.005). Echocardiographic assessment of LA function, therefore, appears correlated with LVEF and could be important when risk stratifying hospitalized patients.

Interaction between the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular strain and its relationship with coronary stenosis

BACKGROUND Coronary artery stenosis(CAS)is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death in both men and women globally.CAS occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle harden and become narrower due to plaque buildup-cholesterol and other material-on their inner walls.As a result,the heart muscle cannot receive the blood or oxygen it needs.Most heart attacks happen when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the hearts'blood supply,causing permanent heart damage.AIM To analyze the relationship between the left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),left ventricular strain(LVS),and coronary stenosis.METHODS A total of 190 participants were enrolled in this trail.The control group comprised 93 healthy individuals,and observation group comprised 97 patients with coronary heart disease who were hospitalized between July 2020 and September 2021.Coronary lesions were assessed using the Gensini score,and the LVEF and LVS were measured using magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).The interaction between the LVEF and LVS was examined using a linear regression model.The relationship between LVEF and coronary stenosis was examined using Spearman’s correlation.RESULTS The LVEF of the observation group was lower than that of the control group.The left ventricular end-systolic volume(LVESV)and left ventricular end-diastolic volume(LVEDV)of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The longitudinal and circumferential strains(LS,CS)of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group;however,the radial strain(RS)of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).LVS,LS,and CS were significantly negatively correlated with the LVEF,and RS was positively correlated with the LVEF.There were significant differences in the LVEF,LVESV,and LVEDV of patients with different Gensini scores;the LVEF significantly decreased and the LVESV and LVEDV increased with increasing Gensini scores(P<0.05).In the observation group,the LVEF was negatively correlated and the LVESV and LVEDV were positively correlated with coronary stenosis(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The LVEF measured using MRI is significantly linearly correlated with LVS and negatively correlated with coronary stenosis.

Correction of hypovitaminosis D improved global longitudinal strain earlier than left ventricular ejection fraction in cardiovascular older adults after orthopaedic surgery

Background Cardiovascular diseases and insufficient levels of vitamin D are risk factors for adverse surgical outcomes, and they are both commonly present among older adults undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Giving the cardiovascular effects of vitamin D, pre-operative diagnosis of hypovitaminosis D would be a valuable step for the implementation of supplementation protocols. We investigated if the nor- malization of serum 25 [OH] D could ameliorate cardiac performance of older adults suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Methods We enrolled 47 older adults scheduled for major orthopaedic surgery and suffering from hypovitaminosis D. Patients underwent 6-months cal- cifediol supplementation with a starting dose at first post-operative day of 50 ~tg/die in liquid preparation. Down-titration to 20 Ixg/die at 3-months assessment was planned. Cardiac performance was evaluated by measuring left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and global longitudinal strain （GLS） during pre-operative assessments and at 1-month, 3-months, 6-months follow-ups. Results Six months of cal- cifediol supplementation were associated with a significant improvement of both LVEF （＋ 3.94%; 95% CI： -4.0789 to -0.8232; P 〈 0.01） and GLS （＋ 18.56%; Z = -5.895; P 〈 0.0001）. Conclusions Calcifediol supplementation normalized serum 25 [OH] D concentration after 1-month treatment. GLS offered better insights into myocardial contractile amelioration than LVEF, thus being useful for detecting earlier subclinical changes that may anticipate hemodynamic modifications.

Left bundle branch pacing vs biventricular pacing in heart failure patients with left bundle branch block:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Left bundle branch pacing(LBBP)is a novel pacing modality of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT)that achieves more physiologic native ventricular activation than biventricular pacing(BiVP).AIM To explore the validity of electromechanical resynchronization,clinical and echocardiographic response of LBBP-CRT.METHODS Systematic review and Meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as mentioned in detail in the methodology section.RESULTS In our analysis,the success rate of LBBP-CRT was determined to be 91.1%.LBBP CRT significantly shortened QRS duration,with significant improvement in echocardiographic parameters,including left ventricular ejection fraction,left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular end-systolic diameter in comparison with BiVP-CRT.CONCLUSION A significant reduction in New York Heart Association class and B-type natriuretic peptide levels was also observed in the LBBP-CRT group vs BiVP-CRT group.Lastly,the LBBP-CRT cohort had a reduced pacing threshold at follow-up as compared to BiVP-CRT.

Left bundle branch area pacing:A new era of cardiac resynchronization therapy?

The recent systematic review and meta-analysis provided a comprehensive focus on the current state of cardiac resynchronization therapy(CRT).The authors determined the feasibility of physiological left bundle branch area pacing(LBBAP)in patients indicated for CRT through a careful analysis of trials.They found that LBBAP was associated with significant reductions in QRS duration,New York Heart Association functional class,B-type natriuretic peptide levels,and pacing thresholds as well as improvements in echocardiographic parameters compared to biventricular pacing.

Effect of exercise on left and right ventricular ejection fraction and wallmotion in patients with coronary artery disease: an ultrafast computed tomography study

To measure the response of left and right ventricular ejection fraction and wall motion to exercise in eighteen patients with angiogl’aphically documented coronary artery disease (CAD) and in twenty-two patients with angiographicallynormal coronary arteries using ultrafast computed tomography(UFCT). Methods: Angiography and UFCT exercise cine studieswere performed for the evaluation of chest pain in all 40 cases, including 18 CAD patients and 22 patients with normal coronary arteries. Results: Of the 18 patients with CAD, 14(78% ) had a≥5% decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) duringexercise by UFCT (P< 0 .001), and 14 (78%) had an abnormal response in left ventricular wall motion during exercise, (aworsened or newly-developed reginal RV wall motion abnormality (RVWMA)) during exercise. In the 22 normal patients, onlyone had a decrease in LVEF > 5%; none had an abnormal response in LV wall motion during peak exercise or a RVWMA at restor during stress. Using a decrease of ≥5 % in LVEF or a LVWMA or RVWMA during stress as a criterion for identifying patientswith CAD, the accuracy was 88% (35/40) with LVEF, 90% (36/40) with LVWMA, and 92% (37/40) with a combination ofLVEF, LVWMA and RVWMA. The sensitivity of RVWMA alone in detecting right coronary artery disease (RCAD) was 60%(6/10) and the specificity was 78% (7/9). Conclusion: Our study suggests that exercise-UFCT appears to be a useful tool for thedetection of CAD in patients with chest pain. The abnormal response of LVEF and exercise-induced LVWMA and RVWMA as determined by UFCT were important predictors CAD. Both LVWMA and RVWMA of important value in identifying patientswith CAN from those with normal coronary arteries, as is RVWMA in defining the existence of RCAD in patients with CAD.

Heart failure with reduced,mildly reduced,or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction:Has reasoning been lost?

Left ventricular(LV)ejection fraction(LVEF),defined as LV stroke volume divided by end-diastolic volume,has been systematically used for the diagnosis,classification,and management of heart failure(HF)over the last three decades.HF is classified as HF with reduced LVEF,HF with midrange or mildly reduced LVEF,and HF with preserved LVEF using arbitrary,continuously changing LVEF cutoffs.A prerequisite for using this LVEF-based terminology is knowledge of the LVEF normal range,which is lacking and may lead to erroneous conclusions in HF,especially at the higher end of the LVEF spectrum.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function after Percutaneous Recanalization of Chronic Coronary Occlusions: The Role of Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

Background: The recanalization of a chronic total coronary occlusion is the possible way to improve left ventricular (LV) function through the recovery of hibernating myocardium. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of 2D speckle tracking in evaluation of the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in chronic total occlusion (CTO) patients before and at 1 day as well as 3 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients and Methods: A prospective observational study included 40 patients diagnosed with coronary angiography to have a chronic total occlusion. Percutaneous coronary revascularization was performed according to standard practices with the femoral approach. Conventional 2D echocardiography was used to assess LV functions and wall motion abnormalities scoring index (WMAI). Using speckle-tracking echocardiography was to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS) and. Follow-up of patients was done at day 1 and 3 months later after PCI. Results: Forty patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 58.55 ± 7.98 years. GLS and WMAI difference at baseline and follow-up shows a positive correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) changes at baseline and follow-up (p Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence to support the clinical use of 2D-STE to monitor the early changes of LV function. In patients undergoing CTO revascularization, change in GLS was more sensitive predictors for LV function improvement at 3-month follow-up.

Change and impact of left ventricular global longitudinal strain during transcatheter aortic valve implantation

BACKGROUND Although transcatheter aortic valve implantation(TAVI)is a safe and effective treatment for aortic stenosis,it still carries some risks,such as valve leaks,stroke,and even death.The left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)measurement may be useful for the prediction of adverse events during this operation.AIM To explore the change of LVGLS during TAVI procedure and the relationship between LVGLS and perioperative adverse events.METHODS In this study,61 patients who had undergone percutaneous transfemoral TAVI were evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography.Before surgery,data on left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and LVGLS were collected separately following balloon expansion and stent implantation.Difference in values of LVGLS and LVEF during preoperative balloon expansion(pre-ex),preoperative stent implantation(pre-im)and balloon expansion-stent implantation(ex-im)were also examined.Adverse events were defined as perioperative death,cardiac rupture,heart arrest,moderate or severe perivalvular leakage,significant mitral regurgitation during TAVI,perioperative moderate or severe mitral regurgitation,perioperative left ventricular outflow tract obstruction,reoperation,and acute heart failure.RESULTS The occurrence of perioperative adverse events was associated with differences in pre-ex LVGLS,but not with difference in pre-ex LVEF.There were significant differences between pre-LVGLS and ex-LVGLS,and between pre-LVGLS and im-LVGLS(P=0.037 and P=0.020,respectively).However,differences in LVEF were not significant(P=0.358,P=0.254);however differences in pre-ex LVGLS were associated with pre-LVGLS(P=0.045).Compared to LVEF,LVGLS is more sensitive as a measure of left heart function during TAVI and the perioperative period.Moreover,the differences in LVGLS were associated with the occurrence of perioperative adverse events,and changes in LVGLS were apparent in patients with undesirable LVGLS before the surgery.Furthermore,LVGLS is useful to predict changes in cardiac function during TAVI.CONCLUSION Greater attention should be paid to the patients who plan to undergo TAVI with normal LVEF but poor LVGLS.

CLINICAL RESEARCH ON THE EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE LEFT VENTRICULAR CONTRACTION FUNCTION IN SYMPTOMLESS CARDIAC FAILURE PATIENTS

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture therapy on the function of myocardial contraction in symptomless cardiac failure patients.Methods: A total of 60 cases of symptomless cardiac insufficiency inpatients were randomly divided into medication and acupuncture groups, with 30 cases in each group. For patients of acupuncture group, Neiguan (PC 6), Ximen (PC 4), Tanzhong (CV 17), Xinshu (BL 15), Jueyinshu (BL 14) and Geshu (BL 17) were punctured, twice daily, with 30 days being a therapeutic course. In medication group, patients were asked to take Capoten 25 mg (t.i.d.). The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and its fractional shortening (FS) of the minor axis were used as the indexes for assessing the therapeutic effect and detected by using a color ultrasonic Doppler apparatus. Results: After one course of treatment, of the each 30 cases of acupuncture and medication groups, 13 (43.3%) and 16 (53.3%) had marked improvement, 16 (53.3%) and 14 (46.7%) had improvement, and 1 (3.3%) and 0 had no any effect respectively. No significant difference was found between two groups in the therapeutic effect. It shows acupuncture therapy can improve myocardial contraction function. Conclusion: Acupuncture has a similar effect in enhancing the systolic function of the myocardium.

Evaluation of Left Ventricular Systolic Function after Pulmonary Valve Replacement Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Following reparative surgery for tetralogy of Fallot or critical pulmonary stenosis(PS),patients frequently present with severe right ventricular(RV)volume overload due to pulmonary regurgitation,resulting in decreased RV function.Surgical pulmonary valve replacement(PVR)is known to improve RV function,but changes in left ventricular(LV)function after PVR have rarely been described.We sought to determine the midterm results regarding LV systolic function after PVR using cardiac MRI in 40 consecutive patients with repaired TOF(31 patients)or PS(9 patients)with an age of 29±9 years who underwent PVR from 2006 to 2011 at a single center.Cardiac MRI RV and LV volumes before and after PVR were analyzed.Demographics,clinical variables,cardiopulmonary bypass duration,and medications were reviewed.LV ejection fraction(LVEF)increased from(54±8)to(57±6)%(P=0.02).Before PVR,26 patients had depressed LVEF of(49±5)%(range 36– 54%).In this group,LVEF increased by(7±7)%(P<0.0001)after PVR.Low LVEF before PVR was correlated with increased LVEF after PVR(regression coefficient-0.7,R 2=0.59,P<0.0001).Demographics,medications,prior pregnancies,and cardiopulmonary bypass duration had no effect on LVEF after PVR.The increase in LVEF was most significant in patients with low pre-PVR LVEF.

Impact of severe left ventricular dysfunction on mid-term mortality in elderly patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

Background Whether patients with reduced left ventricular function present worse outcome after transcatheter aortic valve implantation （TAVI） is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of baseline severe impairment of left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） on mortality after TAVI. Methods Six-hundred-forty-nine patients with aortic stenosis underwent TAVI with the CoreValve system （92.8%） or the Edwards SAPIEN valve system （7.2%）. Baseline LVEF was measured by the echocardiographic Simpson method. The impact of LVEF 〈 30% on mortality was assessed by Cox regression. Results Patients with LVEF 〈 30% （n = 63）, as compared to those with LVEF 〉 30% （n = 586）, had a higher prevalence of NHYA class 〉 2 （P 〈 0.001） and presented with a higher Euroscore （P 〈 0.001）. Procedural success was similar in both groups （98.4% vs. 97.2%, P = 1）. After a median follow-up of 436 days （25^-75th percentile, 357-737 days）, all-cause mortality [23.8% vs. 23.7%, P = 0.87, hazard ratios （HR）： 0.96, 95% confidence intervals （CI）： 0.56-1.63] and cardiac mortality （19.1% vs. 17.6%, P = 0.89, HR： 1.04, 95% CI： 0.57-1.90） were similar in patients with LVEF 〈 30% as compared to those with LVEF 〉 30%. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was not significantly different between the two groups （11.1% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.14, HR： 1.81, 95% CI： 0.814.06）. Patients with LVEF 〈 30% had a trend toward higher risk of 30-day cardiac mortality （11.1% vs. 5.3%; P = 0.06, HR： 2.16, 95% CI： 0.95-4.90）, which disappeared after multivariable adjustment （P = 0.22）. Conclusions Baseline severe impairment of LVEF is not a predictor of increased short-term and mid-term mortality after TAVI. Selected patients with severe impairment of left ventricular function should not be denied TAVI.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction: The Perspective of Echocardiography in Ghana

Introduction: Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa which is expected to undergo a significant epidemiologic transition because of industrialisation and economic development. Having transitioned from low to middle income status recently, this study investigated the epidemiology of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in patients who were referred for echocardiography. Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on an out-patient population who were referred to the Precise Specialist Clinic in Kumasi, Ghana for echocardiography, from January 2016 to December 2018. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed and the results summarised in the proportions, tables and pie charts. Categorical variables and proportions were compared using Fisher’s exact test and test of proportions respectively. P-value Results: The results show that 61% of the out-patient population referred for echocardiography between 2016 and 2018 had LVD at a mean age of 59 years. In this LVD population, Heart Failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and Heart Failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) accounted for 73% and 27% respectively. The majority of patients with HFrEF also had left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, mitral regurgitation and tricuspid regurgitation.Conclusion: This study shows that, HFpEF was seen in over 70% of patients with LVD, and it occurred at a relatively younger age. Efforts should be made for prevention, early detection and control of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity which have been shown to be associated with HFpEF.

Left Atrial Volume Index in Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy—Correlation with Left Ventricular Function

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relation of left atrial (LA) volume and LA volume index with left ventricular function and to determine the association of duration of symptoms and left atrial volume index in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, single centre study conducted in India. A total of 50 patients who were admitted to department of cardiology from July, 2008 to February, 2009 with diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy and an ejection fraction of <40% were included. Results: Of the 50 patients, 34 (68%) were males. 27 (54%) patients were in NYHA class II and 23 (46%) patients were in NYHA class III. LA volume was found to be ≥40 ml in all patients. LV function and LA volume were found to be correlated (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Similarly, there was a correlation between LV function and LA volume index (r = -0.826, p < 0.01). There was no correlation between LA volume index and duration of symptoms (r = 0.04). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a strong inverse correlation between LA volume and left ventricular function and also between LA volume index and left ventricular function. The patients with NYHA class III were having larger left atrial volume than those with NYHA class II. Moreover, the duration of symptoms has no correlation with left atrial volume index.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A distinct heart failure phenotype?

The present work discusses the serious confusion resulting from the arbitrary nomenclature of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFpEF),the presumed underlying pathophysiology,and the supposed features.A consequence of this misconception is that HFpEF trials have recruited patients with entirely different characteristics rendering the extrapolation of the results of one study to the other infeasible and dramatically affecting diagnosis and treatment.

The Prevalence and Short-Term Outcomes of Ventricular Dyssynchrony after Right Ventricular Pacing

Objective: Long-term right ventricular pacing has been associated with an increased risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiology of cardiomyopathy associated with right ventricular pacing remains unclear. We aim to evaluate the burden and short-term outcomes of ventricular dyssynchrony after immediate permanent pacemaker implantation. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study examined consecutive patients who had permanent pacemaker implantation at Vajira Hospital in 2019. Left ventricular systolic function, specifically left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and echocardiographic ventricular dyssynchrony parameters were assessed. The endpoints included the prevalence of ventricular dyssynchrony, new-onset cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and death. The correlation between QRS complex duration, the burden of ventricular pacing, and echocardiographic ventricular dyssynchrony was measured. Results: Thirty-six consecutive patients underwent pacemaker implantation. The prevalence of mechanical ventricular dyssynchrony was 22.2% using the interventricular conduction delay method, 41.7% using LV pre-ejection period method, and 11.1% using the septal posterior wall motion abnormality method. Electrical ventricular dyssynchrony was 86.1% and new-onset cardiomyopathy was 17.1% after 3 months of permanent pacemaker implantation. The right ventricular pacing of more than 20% was significantly associated with cardiomyopathy (p < 0.022) and heart failure (log-rank, p = 0.049) within 3 months. But heart failure was not associated with mechanical ventricular dyssynchrony parameters (log-rank, p = 0.610;hazard ratio [HR], 1.53;95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29 - 7.96;p = 0.613 for IVMD and log-rank, p = 0.398;HR, 0.04;95% CI, 0.01 - 3316.7 for SPWMD). Conclusion: Mechanical and electrical ventricular dyssynchrony are common findings in right ventricular pacing. High-burden right ventricular pacing after 3 months of permanent pacemaker implantation is often associated with cardiomyopathy and heart failure, but mechanical and electrical ventricular dyssynchrony does not predict a short-term decline in left ventricular systolic function and heart failure.

Long Term Follow-Up of Cardiotoxicity in Breast Cancer Treatment: A Case Report

Background: Cardiac toxicity is currently defined as a symptomatic decrease in Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) of more than 5% or an asymptomatic decrease of at least 10% to a value of under 50% in repeated evaluations on conventional transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), as well as a Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) value Aims: To highlight using GLS rather than modified Simpson 2D-LVEF for the evaluation of long-term cardiotoxicity. Case Presentation: The case concerns a 73-year-old female patient with a history of breast cancer chemotherapy and anthracyclines-based therapy who presented symptoms of late cardiac toxicity related to the chemotherapeutic treatment. In the following years, the patient remained asymptomatic with a 2D-LVEF of 48%, dilation of the left atrium was found, and the reservoir phase strain was severely decreased. Conclusion: The preferred method for evaluating cardiovascular complications associated with chemotherapy is the TTE, which is performed prior to the start of treatment, during therapy, and in the follow-up. Myocardial deformation as a predictor of cardiotoxicity allows the identification of subclinical heart failure.

应激性高血糖比值对围产期心肌病患者预后的预测价值

目的探讨应激性高血糖比值(SHR)对围产期心肌病(PPCM)患者预后的预测价值。方法连续性收集2007年1月至2023年3月于首都医科大学附属北京安贞医院住院治疗诊断为PPCM的78例患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析。根据心功能是否改善分为无改善组(37例)和改善组(41例)。使用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析SHR对患者不良预后的预测效能,采用Logistic回归分析方法评估心功能无改善的影响因素。结果无改善组患者年龄、经产妇比例、PPCM病史比例、左心室舒张末期内径、血肌酐、血糖、B型脑钠肽水平、SHR均大于/高于改善组,收缩压、左心室射血分数(LVEF)均低于改善组(均P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析结果显示,SHR预测PPCM患者出现不良预后的最佳截断值为1.079,敏感度为81.1%,特异度为90.2%,曲线下面积为0.880(95%置信区间:0.800~0.961)(P=0.041)。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示SHR≥1.079、血肌酐及LVEF<35%为PPCM患者不良预后的独立危险因素(均P<0.05)。结论SHR≥1.079是PPCM患者预后不良的危险因素,使用SHR可以协助识别PPCM高危人群。

β受体阻滞剂应用于小儿充血性心力衰竭的系统评价与Meta分析

目的 系统评价β受体阻滞剂对小儿充血性心力衰竭患者的疗效,为临床用药提供证据。方法 从PubMed、Embase、the Cochrane Library及CNKI、万方、维普数据库中检索相关前后对照试验与随机对照试验,检索时限自建库起至2023年10月31日。结局指标有左心室射血分数(LVEF)、左心室短轴缩短率(LVFS)、左心室舒张末期内径(LVDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVSD)、N端B型脑钠肽(NT-proBNP)、心率、血压及心功能改善情况。结果 共纳入20项符合标准的研究,包含1 068例患儿,包括扩张型心肌病、心内膜弹力纤维增生。Meta分析显示,在常规心力衰竭药物治疗的基础上,使用β受体阻滞剂(琥珀酸美托洛尔、比索洛尔及卡维地洛),对改善患儿LVEF[MD=13.06,95%CI(11.67,14.45),P <0.001]、LVFS [MD=6.96,95%CI(6.54,7.37),P <0.001]、LVDD [MD=-6.43,95%CI(-7.58,-5.28),P <0.001]和LVSD [MD=-8.30,95%CI(-8.83,-7.76),P <0.001]效果显著;也可改善患儿血压、心率、NT-proBNP和心功能。结论 在常规心力衰竭药物治疗的基础上使用β受体阻滞剂的联合方案可提高小儿充血性心力衰竭患者的心功能及改善心力衰竭症状,推荐将β受体阻滞剂积极应用于该类患儿的常规治疗方案中。