Víctor Rossel

Effects of trimetazidine in nonischemic heart failure: a randomized study.

OBJECTIVES Heart failure (HF) is associated with changes in myocardial metabolism that lead to impairment of contractile function. Trimetazidine (TMZ) modulates cardiac energetic efficiency and improves outcomes in ischemic heart disease. We evaluated the effects of TMZ on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac metabolism, exercise capacity, O2 uptake, and quality of life in patients with nonischemic HF. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty patients with stable nonischemic HF under optimal medical therapy were included in this randomized double-blind study. Patients were randomized to TMZ (35 mg orally twice a day) or placebo for 6 months. LVEF, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), maximum O2 uptake in cardiopulmonary exercise test, different markers of metabolism, oxidative stress, and endothelial function, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after TMZ treatment. Left ventricular peak glucose uptake was evaluated with the use of the maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)FDG-PET). Etiology was idiopathic in 85% and hypertensive in 15%. Both groups were similar in age, functional class, LVEF, and levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide at baseline. After 6 months of TMZ treatment, no changes were observed in LVEF (31 ± 10% vs 34 ± 8%; P = .8), 6MWT (443 ± 25 m vs 506 ± 79 m; P = .03), maximum O2 uptake (19.1 ± 5.0 mL kg(-1) min(-1) vs 23.0 ± 7.2 mL kg(-1) min(-1); P = .11), functional class (percentages of patients in functional classes I/II/III/IV 10/3753/0 vs 7/40/50/3; P = .14), or quality of life (32 ± 26 points vs 24 ± 18 points; P = .25) in TMZ versus placebo, respectively. In the subgroup of patients evaluated with (18)FDG-PET, no significant differences were observed in SUV between both groups (7.0 ± 3.6 vs 8.2 ± 3.4 respectively; P = .47). CONCLUSIONS In patients with nonischemic HF, the addition of TMZ to optimal medical treatment does not result in significant changes of LVEF, exercise capacity, O2 uptake, or quality of life.

Relationship between mechanical and metabolic dyssynchrony with left bundle branch block: evaluation by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in patients with non-ischemic heart failure.

BACKGROUND Ventricular dyssynchrony is a common finding in patients with heart failure (HF), especially in the presence of conduction delays. The loss of ventricular synchrony leads to progressive impairment of contractile function, which may be explained in part by segmental abnormalities of myocardial metabolism. However, the association of these metabolic disarrangements with parameters of ventricular dyssynchrony and electrocardiography (ECG) findings has not yet been studied. METHODS Our aim was to determine the correlation between the presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) with left ventricular (LV) mechanical synchrony assessed by multiple-gated acquisition scan (MUGA) and with patterns of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake in patients with non-ischemic heart failure. Twenty-two patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% and New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Class II or III symptoms under standard medical therapy were included, along with 10 healthy controls matched for age and gender. A 12-lead ECG was obtained to measure the length of the QRS. Mechanical LV synchrony was assessed by MUGA using phase analysis. All patients and controls underwent positron emission tomography with 18FDG to determine the distribution of myocardial glucose uptake. The standard deviation of peak (18)FDG uptake was used as an index of metabolic heterogeneity. Students t-test and Pearsons correlation were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The mean age of the patients with HF was 54 ± 12 years and 72% were male. The length of the QRS was 129 ± 31 milliseconds and LBBB was present in 9 patients. Patients with HF had decreased LV 18FDG uptake compared with controls (7.56 ± 3.36 vs. 11.63 ± 4.55 standard uptake value; p = 0.03). The length of the QRS interval correlated significantly with glucose uptake heterogeneity (r = 0.62; p = 0.002) and mechanical dyssynchrony (r = 0.63; p = 0.006). HF patients with LBBB showed marked glucose uptake heterogeneity compared with HF patients without LBBB (41.4 ± 10 vs 34.7 ± 4.9 ml/100 g/min, respectively; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Patients with non-ischemic heart failure exhibit a global decrease in myocardial glucose uptake. Within this group, subjects who also have LBBB exhibit a marked heterogeneity in segmental glucose uptake, which directly correlates with QRS duration.

Acute effect of iloprost inhalation on right atrial function and ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension.

Right atrium function and ventricular function have significant prognostic value in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients. Acute changes in right ventricular synchrony and right atrium function postiloprost inhalation have not been evaluated.

Experiencia clínica con 53 trasplantes cardiacos consecutivos

Introduction. Heart transplantation is the therapy of choice for advance heart failure. Our group developed two transplant programs at Instituto Nacional del Torax and Clinica Davila. We report our clinical experience based on distinctive clinical policies. Patients and Methods. Fifty-three consecutive patients were transplanted between November 2008 and April 2013, representing 51% of all Chilean cases. Distinctive clinical policies include intensive donor management, generic immunosuppression and VAD (ventricular assist devices) insertion. Results. Ischemic or dilated cardiomyopathy were the main indications (23(43%) each), age 48+13 years and 48(91%) were male. Transplant listing Status: IA 14(26%)(VAD or 2 inotropes), IB 14(26%)(1 inotrope) and II 25(47%)(no inotrope). Mean waiting time 70+83 days. Twelve (24%) were transplanted during VAD support (median support: 36 days). Operative technique: orthotopic bicaval transplant with ischemia time: 175+54 min. Operative mortality: 3 (6%), all due to right ventricular failure. Re-exploration for bleeding 2 (4%), stroke 3(6%), mediastinitis 0(0%), pneumonia 4(8%), and transient dialysis 6 (11%). Mean follow-up was 21+14 months. Three-year survival was 86+6%. One patient died of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and the other died suddenly (non-compliance). Freedom from rejection requiring specific therapy was 80+7% at 3 years of follow-up. Four hundred eighty four endomyocardial biopsies were done: 11(2.3%) had 2R rejection. All survivors are in NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class I and all but one have normal biventricular function. Conclusion. Mid-term results are similar to those reported by the registry of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation. This experience has a higher proportion of VAD support than previous national series. Rejection rates are low in spite of generic immunosuppression.

Rabdomiólisis e insuficiencia renal aguda por consumo de cocaína: caso clínico

: Rhabdomyolysis caused by cocaine abuse is multifactorial, involving tissue ischemia secondary to vasoconstriction and cellular damage caused by the drug. Renal failure may or may be not associated to rhabdomyolysis. We report a 41-year-old male admitted with a severe rhabdomyolysis after a cocaine overdose. In spite of a vigorous hydration and alkalization, he developed acute renal failure. Renal function recovered after several weeks of dialysis.

Influencia de factores socio-culturales en la evolución alejada de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca

Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de los factores socioculturales (SC) en las caracteristicas del cuidado de la insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) y la evolucion post alta en pacientes admitidos con diagnostico de IC descompensada a hospitales del registro ICARO en el periodo 2006-2008. Metodo: Registro prospectivo de 14 hospitales. Se incorporaron en forma consecutiva pacientes admitidos con el diagnostico de IC descompensada entre enero 2006 y mayo 2008. La mortalidad al fin del seguimiento se determino por la base de datos del Servicio Nacional de Registro Civil e Identificacion. Se definio como terapia optima la combinacion de un betabloqueador con cualquiera de los siguientes: inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA), antagonistas del receptor de angiotensina II (ARAII), hidralazina/isosorbide o espironolactona. Las caracteristicas de los pacientes se compararon mediante t de Student o chi cuadrado segun correspondia. La sobrevida se evaluo mediante Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: Los pacientes de bajo nivel SC son de mayor edad (71±11 v/s 66±15 anos respectivamente, p de 70 anos, HR=2,17 (1,55-3,03), un bajo nivel SC, HR=1,57(1,17-2,09), una fraccion de eyeccion < a 50%, HR=1,49 (1,04-2,14) y la ausencia de una terapia optima al alta, HR=0,52 (0,41-0,66). La supervivencia fue marcadamente inferior en el grupo con menor nivel SC (mediana 761±47.9 v/s 975±82.3, log rank test p=0,02). Conclusion: La poblacion con IC y menor nivel SC y edad avanzada constituye un grupo especialmente vulnerable. Los resultados ponen en evidencia la necesidad de intervenciones destinadas a asegurar accesos igualitarios a las prestaciones de salud e implementar estrategias para mejorar la adherencia a las guias de tratamiento de la IC.

Primer puente a trasplante cardiaco exitoso en Chile usando el dispositivo Heart Mate II

Implantable ventricular assist devices are an effective treatment option for end-stage heart failure patients as a bridge to cardiac transplantation, to improve the clinical condition and organ function allowing discharge from the hospital to await for transplantation. The second alternative is to use the device as destination therapy for patients with contraindications for cardiac transplantation, in whom it is maintained indefinitely. We report a 43-year-old patient, with a dilated cardiomyopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction and advanced heart failure. A ventricular assist device Heart Mate II©, as a bridge to transplantation, was implanted to the patient in the United States. It was explanted for the first time in Chile at the National Thorax Institute. Heart transplantation was performed using the bicaval technique. Induction of immunosuppression was done with basiliximab. Generic immunosuppression was carried out with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone. Postoperatively the patient evolved with right femoral vein thrombosis in the femoral cannulation site, phlegmasia alba dolens, rhabdomyolysis, oliguric acute renal failure, which required renal replacement therapy, severe shock, with high requirements of vasoactive drugs and need for mechanical ventilation. He required a reoperation for hemothorax and had an Enterobacter pneumonia. After a period of serious illness, he began a gradual recovery and was discharged from the hospital after 58 days. After two years, he remains in functional class I, with a normal graft function.Implantable ventricular assist devices are an effective treatment option for end-stage heart failure patients as a bridge to cardiac transplantation, to improve the clinical condition and organ function allowing discharge from the hospital to await for transplantation. The second alternative is to use the device as destination therapy for patients with contraindications for cardiac transplantation, in whom it is maintained indefinitely. We report a 43-year-old patient, with a dilated cardiomyopathy, severe left ventricular dysfunction and advanced heart failure. A ventricular assist device Heart Mate II©, as a bridge to transplantation, was implanted to the patient in the United States. It was explanted for the first time in Chile at the National Thorax Institute. Heart transplantation was performed using the bicaval technique. Induction of immunosuppression was done with basiliximab. Generic immunosuppression was carried out with cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil and prednisone. Postoperatively the patient evolved with right femoral vein thrombosis in the femoral cannulation site, phlegmasia alba dolens, rhabdomyolysis, oliguric acute renal failure, which required renal replacement therapy, severe shock, with high requirements of vasoactive drugs and need for mechanical ventilation. He required a reoperation for hemothorax and had an Enterobacter pneumonia. After a period of serious illness, he began a gradual recovery and was discharged from the hospital after 58 days. After two years, he remains in functional class I, with a normal graft function.

Factores asociados a fragilidad en pacientes hospitalizados con insuficiencia cardiaca descompensada

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a progressive impairment in the subjects’ ability to respond to environmental stress. Frailty is more commonly found in heart failure (HF) patients than in general population and it is an independent predictor of rehospitalization, emergency room visits and death. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of frailty in patients with decompensated HF admitted to four hospitals in Santiago, Chile. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study. Subjects aged 60 or older consecutively admitted for decompensated HF to the study centers between August 2014 and March 2015 were included. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more of the following criteria: unintended weight loss, muscular weakness, depression symptoms (exhaustion), reduced gait speed and low physical activity. Independent variables were tested for association using simple logistic regression. Variables associated with frailty (p<0.05) were included in a multiple logistic regression model. Results: Seventy-nine subjects were included. The prevalence of frailty was 50.6%. Frail patients were mostly female (52.6%) and older than non-frail subjects (73.7± 7.9 vs 68.2 ± 7.1; p<0.003). Independent predictors of frailty were age (Odds raio (OR) 1.10; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.03-1.17), quality of life measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (OR 1.07; IC95%: 1.03-1.11), previous hospitalizations (OR 2.56; 95%CI: 1.02-6.43) and number of medications (OR 4.46; 95%CI: 1.11-17.32). Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty in patients admitted to the hospital for decompensated heart failure is high. Age, Quality of life, hospitalizations and polypharmacy were factors associated with frailty in this group of participants.

Bridge to transplant or recovery in cardiogenic shock in a developing country

Background Durable mechanical support devices are prohibitively expensive in our health system and may be unsuitable for critically ill patients. CentriMag is an alternative bridge to transplantation or recovery. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 28 patients (23 males) aged 13–60 years who received CentriMag support. The etiology was ischemic in 13 (46%), dilated cardiomyopathy in 8 (29%), and others in 7 (25%). All patients were in Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support class I, and 27 (96%) had multiorgan failure; 2 (7%) were post-cardiotomy and 12 (43%) had a previous cardiac arrest (mean arrest time 21 ± 17 min). Results Thirty-day post-implant survival was 79% (22 patients). Twenty (71%) patients were successfully bridged to transplantation or recovery. The mean support time was 40 days; 12 (43%) patients had >4-weeks’ support (longest was 292 days). Eight (29%) patients died on support. Complications included bleeding in 10 (36%) cases, immediate stroke in 4 (14%), and dialysis in 8 (29%). There was no stroke during subsequent support. Eighteen (64%) patients underwent transplantation, and 17 of them were discharged. Two (7%) patients recovered and were discharged. Two-year survival was 62% ± 10%. Mean follow-up was 21 months (total follow-up 579 months). Two (7%) patients died during follow-up. All survivors were in New York Heart Association class I. Conclusions CentriMag is useful for medium-term support for cardiogenic shock in a developing country. Support for >4 weeks is feasible. The stroke rate is low during support. The major drawback is prolonged intensive care unit stay.

Incidencia e importancia pronóstica del deterioro de la función renal en pacientes hospitalizados con insuficiencia cardiaca

Background: Acute deterioration of kidney function among patients admitted to the hospital for cardiac failure is associated with an increased mortality. Aim: To investigate the association between deterioration of kidney function and mortality among patients hospitalized for cardiac failure. Material and Methods: Patients admitted for decompensated cardiac failure to 14 Chilean hospitals between 2002 and 2009 were incorporated to the study. Clinical and laboratory features were registered. Serum creatinine values on admission and discharge were determined. Hospital and long term mortality was determined requesting death certificates to the National Identification Service at the end of follow up, lasting 635 ± 581 days. Results: One thousand sixty four patients were incorporated and 1100, aged 68 ± 13 years (45% females) had information about renal function. Seventy seven percent were hypertensive and 36% were diabetic. Mean ejection fraction was 41 ± 18% and 34% had an ejection fraction over 50%. Mean admission creatinine was 1.7 ± 1.6 mg/dl and 19% had a creatinine over 2 mg/dl. Serum creatinine increased more than 0.5 mg/dl during hospitalization in 9% of general patients and in 11% of diabetics. The increase in creatinine was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 12.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 6.7-27.6) and long term mortality (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6-3). Conclusions: The deterioration of renal function during hospitalization of patients with heart failure is a risk factor for hospital and long term mortality.BACKGROUND Acute deterioration of kidney function among patients admitted to the hospital for cardiac failure is associated with an increased mortality. AIM To investigate the association between deterioration of kidney function and mortality among patients hospitalized for cardiac failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients admitted for decompensated cardiac failure to 14 Chilean hospitals between 2002 and 2009 were incorporated to the study. Clinical and laboratory features were registered. Serum creatinine values on admission and discharge were determined. Hospital and long term mortality was determined requesting death certificates to the National Identification Service at the end of follow up, lasting 635 ± 581 days. RESULTS One thousand sixty four patients were incorporated and 1100, aged 68 ± 13 years (45% females) had information about renal function. Seventy seven percent were hypertensive and 36% were diabetic. Mean ejection fraction was 41 ± 18% and 34% had an ejection fraction over 50%. Mean admission creatinine was 1.7 ± 1.6 mg/dl and 19% had a creatinine over 2 mg/dl. Serum creatinine increased more than 0.5 mg/dl during hospitalization in 9% of general patients and in 11% of diabetics. The increase in creatinine was associated with a higher risk of hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 12.9, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 6.7-27.6) and long term mortality (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.6-3). CONCLUSIONS The deterioration of renal function during hospitalization of patients with heart failure is a risk factor for hospital and long term mortality.