Influencia de la desnutrición en la mortalidad a largo plazo de pacientes hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardiaca

Justification and design of the BOCADOS-IC study: Nutritional management in adults followed in Spanish hospitals for heart failure

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Malnutrition is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is associated with increased mortality and hospital admissions. There is evidence that nutritional intervention in the inpatient setting improves the prognosis, but evidence in the outpatient setting is limited. This study aims to assess whether a nutritional intervention in outpatients with HF and malnutrition produces a benefit in their morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

BOCADOS-IC (Nutritional Assessment in Adults followed in Spanish hospitals for Heart Failure) is a randomised, controlled, masked, prospective, multicentre, clinical trial that includes patients with HF followed on an outpatient basis and who present malnutrition by the screening Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) scale. Patients are randomised to a control group (standard follow-up) or the intervention group (multifactorial nutritional intervention). A sample size of 266 patients has been estimated, with a follow-up of 6 months. The primary endpoint is time to death from any cause or admission for HF. The analysis is performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

CONCLUSIONS

The BOCADOS-IC trial aims to evaluate the impact of nutritional intervention in malnourished patients with HF in the outpatient setting.

Predictive value of postoperative prealbumin levels for detecting early-stage complications following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Background

A pathological decrease in the serum prealbumin level is closely associated with the severity of various diseases and complications after surgery. Many patients suffer from a systemic inflammatory response and local myocardial ischemia after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, which is related to an adverse prognosis. This study aimed to explore the relationship between the serum prealbumin level and early complications following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, in addition to its predictive value.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected on patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2014 to July 2019. The serum prealbumin level was assessed within 6-12 h after the operation. Patients were classified into two groups: the "normal" level group (≥17 mg/dl) and the "low" level group (<17 mg/dl). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to evaluate the predictive value of a low serum prealbumin level.

Results

Of the 1,002 patients, 553 (55.2%) had a low serum prealbumin level. The rate of pulmonary infection in the low group was significantly higher than in the normal group. Univariate analysis and multivariable analysis indicated that a low serum prealbumin level was associated with the increased incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection, pleural effusion, and new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

The serum prealbumin level following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting serves as a crucial predictor for early major postoperative complications, such as pulmonary complications and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Early identification of high-risk patients by assessing serum prealbumin levels, in addition to the timely adjustment of treatment and care strategies, can improve patient prognosis, shorten hospital stays, and reduce healthcare expenses.

Malnutrition in heart failure. The importance of assessing for congestion and sarcopenia

AIM

This work aims to describe nutrition and sarcopenia in inpatients with heart failure (HF). It also aims to assess factors associated with in-hospital and short-term prognosis related to nutrition and sarcopenia.

METHODS

We collected data on consecutive HF patients admitted to a single center's internal medicine ward. Patients were recruited in May and October 2021. Malnutrition was determined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) and sarcopenia by the screening test, SARC-F scale, and handgrip strength test.

RESULTS

190 patients were analyzed, mean age 82.1 (±8.2), 54.2% women, median follow up 106 days. Patients were classified into three groups based on MNA-SF score: group 1 (12-14 points, no risk) included 50 patients, group 2 (8-12 points, high risk of malnutrition) included 81 patients, group 3 (0-7 points, malnourished) included 59 patients. Group 3 had significantly more inflammation (lower albumin and higher C-reactive Protein (CRP)) and congestion (measured by NT-ProBNP levels). In-hospital mortality was related to poor muscle function, CRP, and NT-ProBNP, but not to malnutrition. The poorest short-term outcomes were related to malnutrition and comorbidity. However, when the variable of muscle function was introduced, it could act as a poor prognostic factor related to CRP and NT-ProBNP, which were the main determinants of survival.

CONCLUSION

In malnourished patients with HF, inflammation and congestion were related to in-hospital mortality. Malnutrition along with comorbidity may play a role in decreasing short-term survival. Early identification through proactive nutritional and functional screenings should be a key element of assessing HF patients.

Malnutrition and Fall Risk in Older Adults: A Comprehensive Assessment Across Different Living Situations

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition among older adults is associated with numerous adverse effects, including increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and a heightened risk of falls. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of malnutrition in different groups of older adults using the F-MNA, anthropometry, and s-albumin and the association between nutritional status and fall risk.

METHODS

A total of 228 participants aged 60 years and older were divided into three groups: (1) patients in an internal medicine ward, (2) individuals living in family homes, and (3) residents of care homes. Disease profiles, nutritional status (assessed using the F-MNA and SNAQ), body composition, fall risk, and biochemical markers were evaluated.

RESULTS

The results indicated the highest prevalence of malnutrition among hospitalized individuals. Fall risk was associated with age, calf circumference, the F-MNA, the SNAQ, serum albumin levels, residence in a care home, comorbidities, and the number of medications taken daily. Regression analysis revealed that age, calf circumference, and residence in a care home were independent predictors of fall risk in older adults.

CONCLUSION

Older adults are at significant risk of malnutrition, with the risk notably increasing during hospitalization and long-term stays in care homes. Hospitalized individuals had the poorest nutritional status and were at significant risk of further weight loss, underscoring the importance of post-discharge care and rehabilitation.

Overlap of frailty and malnutrition as prognosticators in older patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Physical frailty and malnutrition coexist in older patients with heart failure (HF) and form a vicious cycle exacerbating each other and can cause poor clinical outcomes. We aimed to clarify the association of prevalence of physical frailty and malnutrition and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with HF.

METHODS

A total of 862 hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years with HF decompensation were included in this FRAGILE-HF post-hoc sub-analysis. Patients were categorized into Neither, Either, or Both groups based on the prevalence of physical frailty and malnutrition. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 1 year after discharge. Prognoses among the groups were compared in the entire cohort and in subgroups with preserved ejection fraction (pEF) and reduced/mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fractions (rEF/mrEF).

RESULTS

The Neither, Either, and Both groups comprised 32 %, 40 %, and 28 % respectively. During a 1-year follow-up period, 101 (12 %) patients died. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences in the primary outcomes among the groups (P < 0.001). The Both group had a higher risk of mortality (HR: 2.47, 95 % CI: 1.38-4.42) than the Neither group, while the Either group showed insignificant risk increase (HR: 1.58, 95 % CI: 0.86-2.90). Similar trends were observed in the pEF and rEF/mrEF subgroups (P = 0.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Physical frailty and malnutrition coexist in approximately one-quarter of hospitalized older patients with HF and are associated with an increased risk of mortality. Assessing both conditions is crucial for risk stratification and interventions to mitigate their interplay.

Natriuretic peptides and C-reactive protein in in heart failure and malnutrition: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) and malnutrition exhibit overlapping risk factors, characterized by increased levels of natriuretic peptides and an inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with HF and malnutrition versus normal nutrition.

METHODS

From inception until July 2023, the databases, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched. To examine the association among malnutrition [controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score ≥2; Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) score <92] with BNP, NT-proBNP and CRP in patients with HF, a meta-analysis using a random-effects model was conducted (CRD42023445076).

RESULTS

A significant association of GNRI with increased levels of BNP were demonstrated [mean difference (MD): 204.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) (101.02, 308.96, I2 = 88%, P < 0.01)], albeit no statistically significant findings were shown using CONUT [MD: 158.51, 95% CI (-1.78 to 318.79, I2 = 92%, P = 0.05)]. GNRI [MD: 1885.14, 95% CI (1428.76-2341.52, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01)] and CONUT [MD: 1160.05, 95% CI (701.04-1619.07, I2 = 0%, P < 0.01)] were associated with significantly higher levels of NT-proBNP. Patients with normal GNRI scores had significantly lower levels of CRP [MD: 0.50, 95% CI (0.12-0.88, I2 = 87%, P = 0.01)] whereas significantly higher levels of CRP were observed in those with higher CONUT [MD: 0.40, 95% CI (0.08-0.72, I2 = 88%, P = 0.01)]. Employing meta-regression, age was deemed a potential moderator between CRP and GNRI.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal nutrition scores in patients with HF are linked to lower BNP, NT-proBNP, and CRP levels compared with malnourished counterparts. Despite the significant link between CRP and malnutrition, their relationship may be influenced in older groups considering the sensitivity of GNRI due to ageing factors.

Sex differences in the nutritional status and its association with long-term prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a prospective cohort study

AIMS

Many studies show the association between malnutrition and poor prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. Our research aimed to analyse sex differences in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), emphasizing nutritional status and the influence of selected parameters on the prognosis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled 276 consecutive patients diagnosed with HFrEF. Nutritional status was assessed using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and body mass index (BMI). The mean follow-up period was 564.4 ± 346.3 days. The analysed group included 81.2% of men. The median age was 58, interquartile range (IQR) 49-64 years. Among all patients, almost 60% were classified as NYHA III or IV. Half of the participants were at risk of malnutrition, and 2.9% were malnourished. During follow-up, 72 (26.1%) patients died. The female sex was not associated with a higher occurrence of malnutrition (P = 0.99) or nutritional risk (P = 0.85), according to MNA. Coherently, GNRI scores did not differ significantly between the sexes (P = 0.29). In contrast, BMI was significantly higher in males (29.4 ± 5.3 vs. 25.9 ± 4.7; P < 0.001). Impaired nutritional status assessed with any method (MNA, GNRI, BMI) was not significantly associated with a worse prognosis. In multivariable analysis, NYHA class, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), higher N-terminal fragment of proBNP, and higher uric acid were independent of sex and age predictors of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION

There were no sex differences in the nutritional status in the HFrEF patients, apart from lower BMI in females. Impaired nutritional status was not associated with mortality in both men and women.

Prevalence and factors associated with the correlation between malnutrition and pain in hemodialysis patients

Malnutrition and pain are common in patients with chronic kidney disease who undergo hemodialysis. Although both pain and malnutrition are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, few studies have explored the correlation between pain and nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with pain intensity in patients undergoing hemodialysis, focusing on the risk of malnutrition. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at a regional dialysis center in a large tertiary hospital. Convenience sampling was used to recruit adult patients who had undergone hemodialysis for more than three months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and clinical data related to dialysis status, comorbidities, and body mass index (BMI). Pain severity and pain interference with functioning domains of the Brief Pain Index (BPI) were used to assess pain, and the malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) was used to assess nutritional status. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report the findings. The data were analyzed using the 25th version of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS) software. Of the final sample of 230 patients, 63.0% were males and 37.0% were females, with an average age of 58.3 years. Almost one-third of the participants had a BMI within the normal range (33.9%), and nearly one-third had a BMI within the underweight range (33.9%). Slightly more than half had a normal nutritional status or mild malnutrition (54.8%), while just under half had moderate or severe malnutrition (45.2%). The prevalence of pain was 47.0%. At the multivariate level, the severity of pain was associated with malnutrition (p < 0.001). Pain interference with function was associated with marital status (p = 0.045), number of comorbidities (p = 0.012), and malnutrition (p < 0.001). The MIS was positively correlated with both the severity of pain and the interference score. Pain and malnutrition were found to be prevalent in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Pain severity was associated with malnutrition, and pain interference was associated with malnutrition, marital status, and the number of comorbidities. Hemodialysis treatment should follow a patient-tailored approach that addresses pain, nutritional status, and associated chronic conditions. In addition, pain assessment and management should be included in the curriculum of nephrology training programs.

Association of resting energy expenditure-based energy intake sufficiency with functional recovery, dysphagia, and 1-year mortality following heart failure: A prospective observational study

AIM

Evidence for the influence of resting energy expenditure (REE)-based energy intake on the outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF) is scarce. This study evaluates the relationship between REE-based energy intake sufficiency and clinical outcomes in hospitalized HF patients.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included newly admitted patients with acute HF. REE was measured using indirect calorimetry at baseline and total energy consumption (TEE) was calculated by multiplying REE with activity index. Energy intake (EI) was recorded, and the patients were classified into two groups, namely, the energy intake sufficiency (i.e., EI/TEE ≥1) and energy intake deficiency groups (i.e., EI/TEE <1). The primary outcome was the performance of activities of daily living, assessed using the Barthel Index, at discharge. Other outcomes included dysphagia at discharge and all-cause 1-year mortality following discharge. Dysphagia was defined as a Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) score of <7. Multivariable analyses and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to determine the association of energy sufficiency both at baseline and at discharge with the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

The analysis included 152 patients (mean age, 79.7 years; 51.3% women); of them, 40.1% and 42.8% had inadequate energy intake both at baseline and at discharge, respectively. In multivariable analyses, energy intake sufficiency at discharge was significantly associated with the BI (β = 0.136, p = 0.002) and FILS score (odds ratio = 0.027, p < 0.001) at discharge. Moreover, energy intake sufficiency at discharge was associated with 1-year mortality after discharge (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Adequate energy intake during hospitalization was associated with improved physical and swallowing functions and 1-year survival in HF patients. Adequate nutritional management is essential for hospitalized HF patients, suggesting that adequate energy intake may lead to optimal outcomes.

Impact of Malnutrition on Clinical Outcomes of Acutely Hospitalised Heart Failure Patients at Two Tertiary Hospitals in Australia: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is common in patients with heart failure (HF) but is often neglected, despite guidelines suggesting that all hospitalised patients should undergo nutritional screening within 24-hours of admission.

AIMS

This study investigated the nutritional screening rates and determined the immediate and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with HF admitted at two tertiary hospitals in Australia.

METHODS

Nutritional screening was assessed by the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) completion rates. Patients were classified into two categories based on their MUST scores (0=low malnutrition risk and ≥1=at risk of malnutrition). Propensity-score-matching (PSM) was used to match 20 variables depending upon the risk of malnutrition. Clinical outcomes included the days-alive-and-out-of-hospital at 90 days of discharge (DAOH90), length of hospital stay, in-hospital, 30-day and 180-day mortality and 30-day readmissions.

RESULTS

There were 5,734 HF admissions between 2013-2020, of whom, only 789 (13.8%) patients underwent MUST screening. The mean (SD) age was 76.2 (14.0) years and 51.9% were males. Five-hundred and fifty-four (554) (70.2%) patients were at low malnutrition risk and 235 (29.8%) at risk of malnutrition. In HF patients, who were at risk of malnutrition, the DAOH90 were lower by 5.9 days (95% CI -11.49 to -0.42, p=0.035) and 180-day mortality was significantly worse (coefficient 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.18, p=0.007) compared to those who were at low risk of malnutrition. However, other clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Nutrition screening is poor in hospitalised HF patients and long-term but not short-term clinical outcomes were worse in malnourished HF patients.

[Malnutrition management of hospitalized patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and heart failure]

Introduction

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among older people, making it a major public health problem. Cardiovascular diseases in general, and HF in particular, are common comorbidities in people with type 2 diabetes (DM2). The concurrence of DM2 and HF is associated with more severe clinical symptoms and signs, and poorer quality of life and prognosis. Furthermore, due to the hypercatabolic state and nutrient absorption disorders, malnutrition is present in many HF cases. This article describes the results of the expert consensus and the responses of the panelists on the nutritional management in routine clinical practice of patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia hospitalized (non-critically ill) with HF.

The Role of Prognostic Nutrition Index in Predicting Hospitalization of Patients With Heart Failure With Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction

Background The prognostic nutritional index (PNI), consisting of albumin and lymphocyte counts, has been associated with satisfactory predictive values ​​for in-hospital mortality or clinical follow-up outcomes in acute situations. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the use of PNI for the prediction of hospital admission in individuals with mildly reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFmrEF). Methodology This retrospective study was conducted between January 2019 and May 2022 and included 200 patients with HFmrEF detected by transthoracic echocardiography. Data from hospitalized patients (group 1) and outpatients (group 2) were compared. Results In the multivariable regression analysis, brain natriuretic peptide (odds ratio (OR) = 1.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.000-1.001, p = 0.001) and PNI (OR = 0.783; 95% CI = 0.720-0.853; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of hospital admission in patients with HFmrEF. The PNI value was statistically significantly higher in group 2 (52.36 ± 5.36) than in group 1 (38.3 ± 8.63, p < 0.001). The PNI value <46.75 is a predictor of hospitalization in patients with HFmrEF, with 86% sensitivity and 88% specificity. Conclusions Lower PNI levels predict hospital admission in HFmrEF patients. This measure, which can be easily evaluated in daily cardiological practice, allows for quick and precise decisions for hospitalization.

A novel echocardiographic index for prediction of malnutrition in acute heart failure

INTRODUCTION

Malnutrition is common among heart failure (HF) patients. The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) are widely used for evaluation of nutritional status in HF patients. Right ventricular dysfunction, functional tricuspid regurgitation, and elevated right atrial pressure might exacerbate malnutrition by promoting bowel congestion and malabsorption in HF patients. We aimed to investigate the relationship between echocardiographic measures of right heart function and nutritional status in patients hospitalised for acutely decompensated HF, and to define a simple nutritional heart failure index based on non-invasively measured right heart functions to predict nutritional status.

METHODS

133 consecutive patients who were admitted to inpatient cardiology clinics for acutely decompensated HF were included in the study. All patients underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination on admission day. PNI and CONUT scores were calculated in order to assess the nutritional status.

RESULTS

We defined a novel nutritional heart failure index (HFI-N) based on the echocardiographic measurements of inferior vena cava diameter (IVC), IVC collapsibility and right atrial pressure to predict the nutritional status of the patients. The HFI-N index was a significant predictor for both PNI and CONUT scores. In addition, both PNI and CONUT scores were significantly correlated to length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition was associated with a prolonged hospital stay in HF patients. The newly defined HFI-N index is a good predictor of the nutritional status in patients with heart failure.

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition in Chronic Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Chronic heart failure (CHF) patients are often malnourished. Our aim was to determine the effect of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) on in-hospital outcomes in CHF patients following elective cardiac surgery and to identify risk factors for PCM in this patient population.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database was conducted from 2016 to 2018. In-hospital outcomes in adult patients with CHF undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass-assist or cardiac valve replacement surgeries were analyzed. Propensity-score matching was used to match CHF patients with and without PCM and followed by logistic regression analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the risk factors associated with PCM in this population.

RESULTS

In total 25,940 CHF patients were identified, of which 6,271 underwent elective CABG and 19,669 underwent valve replacement surgeries. The prevalence of PCM in CHF patients undergoing CABG and valve replacement was 3.9% and 2.9%, respectively. CHF patients with PCM had significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality, post-operative cardiac and gastrointestinal complications compared to CHF patients without PCM. The mean hospital length of stay was twice as high in the PCM group (mean days: 18.6 vs 9.9). Female gender, Black race (vs White race), a high Charlson Comorbidity Index, Medicare/Medicaid insurance status (vs private insurance), and CHF (systolic and combined systolic and diastolic) were independently associated with significantly higher risk of PCM diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

CHF patients with PCM who undergo elective CABG or valve replacement surgeries are at a significantly higher risk of mortality, post-operative cardiac and gastrointestinal complications, and increased duration of hospital stay compared to those without PCM. Future prospective studies should assess the CHF patients who are at a higher risk of PCM and whether correcting pre-operative nutrition in this surgical population can improve outcomes following cardiac surgery.

Prediction of all-cause mortality with malnutrition assessed by nutritional screening and assessment tools in patients with heart failure：a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In the absence of a gold standard or scientific consensus regarding the nutritional evaluation of heart failure (HF) patients, this study aimed to summarize and systematically evaluate the prognostic value of nutritional screening and assessment tools used for all-cause mortality in HF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Relevant studies were retrieved from major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang Data, and China Biology Medicine disc (CMB)) and searched from the earliest available date until July 2021. If three or more studies used the same tool, meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 was performed. This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO (number CRD42021275575). A total of 36 articles involving 25,141 HF patients were included for qualitative analysis and 31 studies for quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis of these studies indicated, poor nutritional status evaluated by using 5 nutritional screening tools (Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), Controlling Nutritional Status Score (CONUT), Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), and Short Form Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF)) or 2 nutritional assessment tools (the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Generated Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)) predicted all-cause mortality in HF patients. Of all tools analyzed, MNA had the maximum HR for mortality [HR = 2.62, 95%CI 1.11-6.20, P = 0.03] and MNA-SF [HR = 1.94, 95%CI 1.40-2.70, P＜0.001] was the best nutritional screening tools.

CONCLUSION

Poor nutritional status predicted all-cause mortality in HF patients. MNA may be the best nutritional assessment tool, and MNA-SF is most recommended for HF patient nutritional screening. The application value of MNA, especially in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), needs to be further confirmed. The clinical application value of Mini-Nutrition Assessment Special for Heart Failure (MNA-HF) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) in HF patients needs to be confirmed.

Nutritional Status According to the GLIM Criteria in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure: Association with Prognosis

BACKGROUND

The Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were recently proposed to build a global consensus on the diagnostic criteria for malnutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the GLIM criteria for its prognostic significance in outpatients with heart failure (HF), and to compare them to a previous validated method, such as the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA).

METHODS

This was a post hoc observational analysis of a prospectively recruited cohort, which included 151 subjects that attended an outpatient HF clinic. At baseline, all patients completed the nutritional screening MNA short form and the nutritional assessment MNA. In a post hoc analysis, we evaluated the GLIM criteria at baseline. The outcomes were based on data from a five-year follow-up. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints were cardiovascular (CV) mortality and recurrent HF-related hospitalizations. We also investigated whether the GLIM criteria had better prognostic power than the MNA.

RESULTS

Abnormal nutritional status was identified in 19.8% of the patients with the GLIM criteria and in 25.1% with the MNA. In the multivariate analyses (age, sex, NYHA functional class, diabetes, and Barthel index), nutritional status assessed by the MNA, but not by the GLIM criteria, was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and recurrent HF-related hospitalizations during the five-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Malnutrition assessed by MNA, but not by the GLIM criteria, was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality, CV mortality, and recurrent HF-related hospitalization in our cohort of outpatients with HF.

The Predictive Role of Intraoperative Blood Transfusion Components in the Prognosis of Heart Transplantation

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of transfusion amount of blood components on the prognosis of patients after heart transplantation (HTx).

Methods

From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020, 568 patients underwent HTx in our institute. A total of 416 recipients with complete datasets were enrolled in the study for final statistical analysis according to the inclusion criteria. The optimal cut-off values for intraoperative transfusion of red blood cell (RBC), platelet, and plasma were determined with receiver operating curve analysis. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to compare baseline data of patients divided by the transfusion amounts of RBC, platelet, and plasma. Propensity score matching was used to enable the direct comparison of outcomes.

Results

The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that transfusion amounts of RBC and plasma were independently associated with overall mortality, increased intensive care unit stay time, and major adverse events after transplantation. The multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that neurological complications (p = 0.001), liver damage (p = 0.011), and respiratory complications (p = 0.044) were independent risk factors for overall mortality after HTx. Combining indicators presented a good predicting effect of peritransplant period mortality (AUC = 0.718).

Conclusion

The mortality of HTx was significantly related to the high-amount transfusion of RBC and plasma. Comprehensively considering the components of blood transfusion obtained better predictive results of peritransplant period survival than solely considering a single component.

Undernutrition and Cachexia in Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure and Chagas Cardiomyopathy: Occurrence and Association with Hospital Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Nutritional disorders are common among patients with heart failure (HF) and associated with poor prognosis. Importantly, some populations of patients, like the ones with Chagas disease, are frequently excluded from most analyses.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to study the occurrence of undernutrition and cachexia in patients with Chagas disease during episodes of decompensated HF (DHF) as compared to other etiologies, and to investigate the influence of these findings on hospital outcomes.

METHODS

We performed a consecutive case series study with patients hospitalized with DHF. Patients underwent the Subjective Global Assessment of nutritional status (SGA), besides anthropometric and laboratorial measures, and were evaluated for the occurrence of cachexia, low muscle mass and strength. We studied the occurrence of death or urgent heart transplantation during hospitalization.

RESULTS

Altogether, 131 patients were analyzed and 42 (32.1%) had Chagas disease. Patients with Chagas disease had lower Body Mass Index (BMI) (22.4 kg/m2[19.9-25.3] vs. 23.6 kg/m2 [20.8-27.3], p=0.03), higher frequency of undernutrition (76.2% vs 55.1%, p=0.015) and higher occurrence of death or transplant (83.3% vs. 41.6%, p<0.001). We found that, in patients with Chagas etiology, the occurrence of death or cardiac transplantation were associated with undernutrition (3 [42.9%] patients with hospital discharge vs 29 [82.9%] patients with death or heart transplant, p=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results indicate that patients with Chagas disease hospitalized with DHF often present with nutritional disorders, especially undernutrition; importantly, this finding was associated with the occurrence of death and heart transplant during hospitalization.

The prevalence of malnutrition and its effects on the all-cause mortality among patients with heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition has a high occurrence in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on all-cause mortality in patients with CHF were assessed using a meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, CBM, CNKI, WANFANG DATA, and VIP databases were searched to collect cross-sectional and cohort studies on malnutrition, and the prevalence and all-cause mortality of patients with CHF were determined. The time of retrieval was from the database establishment to May 2021. Two researchers independently performed screening of the literature, data extraction and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Then Stata 16.0 software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 10 cross-sectional and 21 cohort studies were included, including 12537 patients with CHF. A meta-analysis demonstrated that the total prevalence of malnutrition in patients with heart failure was 46% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43, 0.49). Compared to patients with non-malnutrition, malnutrition increased the risk of all-cause mortality in patients with CHF (hazard ratio = 2.15, 95% CI [1.89, 2.45], P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Current evidence suggests that the prevalence of malnutrition is high among patients with CHF. The risk of all-cause mortality in such patients can be increased by malnutrition. Therefore, the risk of malnutrition in patients with CHF should be considered to reduce the occurrence of adverse clinical outcomes.

Appetite and Nutritional Status as Potential Management Targets in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction-The Relationship between Echocardiographic and Biochemical Parameters and Appetite

This study aimed to investigate the role of appetite loss and malnutrition in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In this prospective, observational, single-center study, we enrolled 120 consecutive adults with HFrEF. We analyzed the selected clinical, echocardiographic, and biochemical parameters. Appetite loss and malnutrition were assessed by CNAQ (Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire) and MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment)/GNRI (Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index) questionnaires, respectively.Most patients were men (81.7%), mean age was 55.1 ± 11.3 years, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 23.9 ± 8.0%. The mean CNAQ score was 28.8 ± 3.9, mean MNA-23.1 ± 2.6, and mean GNRI-113.0 ± 12.3. Based on ROC curves, we showed that a sodium concentration <138 mmol/L had the greatest discriminating power for diagnosing impaired nutritional status (MNA ≤ 23.5) with a sensitivity of 54.5% and specificity of 77.8%. The threshold of HDL <0.97 mmol/L characterized 40.7% sensitivity and 86% specificity, B-type natriuretic peptide >738.6 pg/dL had 48.5% sensitivity and 80.8% specificity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein >1.8 mg/L had 94.9% sensitivity and 42.9% specificity, and bilirubin >15 µmol/L had 78.2% sensitivity and 56.9% specificity. Nutritional status and appetite assessed by MNA/GNRI and CNAQ questionnaires showed poor correlations with other findings in HFrEF patients.

Prevalence and the factors associated with malnutrition risk in elderly Chinese inpatients

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is an under recognized, but common issue in elderly patients. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of poor nutritional status and identify comprehensive geriatric assessment-based clinical factors associated with increased malnutrition risk to assessing malnutrition risk in hospitalized elderly patients in China.

METHODS

A total of 365 elderly hospitalized patients (178 women, 76.37 ± 7.74 years) undertook a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA), and have their nutritional status assessed using the short-form mini-nutritional assessment.

RESULTS

Among 365 patients, 32 (8.77%) were malnourished and 112 (30.68%) were at risk of malnutrition. A logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-2.23), alcohol consumption (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.19-3.48), presence or history of cancer or heart failure (OR, 3.48 and 2.86; 95% CI, 1.49-8.13 and 1.12-7.27), depression (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.97-4.17), body mass index (OR, 5.62; 95% CI, 3.62-8.71), being dependent in activity of daily living (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.61-5.57), a lower score in instrumental activities of daily living (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 2.09-4.33), recent fall(s) (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.37-2.91), cognitive impairment (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.30-2.53), insomnia (OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.07-2.06), hemoglobin and albumin level (OR, 1.72 and 2.86; 95% CI, 1.17-2.50 and 1.53-5.36) were independent correlates of malnutrition in older patients.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that age, alcohol consumption, chronic diseases (cancer and heart failure), depression, body mass index, function status, recent fall(s), cognitive impairment, insomnia, and low hemoglobin and albumin levels were independently associated with malnutrition in these patients. Comprehensive geriatric assessment can provide detailed information of older patients and can be a useful tool for assessing malnutrition risk-associated factors.

The Association between Nutritional Status and In-Hospital Mortality among Patients with Heart Failure-A Result of the Retrospective Nutritional Status Heart Study 2 (NSHS2)

BACKGROUND

A nutritional status is related to the prognosis and length of hospitalisation of patients with heart failure (HF). This study aims to assess the effect of nutritional status on in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study and analysis of medical records of 1056 patients admitted to the cardiology department of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw (Poland).

RESULTS

A total of 1056 individuals were included in the analysis. A total of 5.5% of patients died during an in-hospital stay. It was found that in the sample group, 25% of patients who died had a BMI (body mass index) within the normal range, 6% were underweight, 47% were overweight, and 22% were obese. Our results show that non-survivors have a significantly higher nutrition risk screening (NRS) ≥3 (21% vs. 3%; p < 0.001); NYHA (New York Heart Association) grade 4 (70% vs. 24%; p < 0.001). The risk of death was lower in obese patients (HR = 0.51; p = 0.028) and those with LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels from 116 to <190 mg/dL (HR = 0.10; p = 0.009, compared to those with LDL <55 mg/dL). The risk of death was higher in those with NRS (nutritional risk score) score ≥3 (HR = 2.31; p = 0.014), HFmrEF fraction (HR = 4.69; p < 0.001), and LDL levels > 190 mg/dL (HR = 3.20; p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

The malnutrition status correlates with an increased risk of death during hospitalisation. Higher TC (total cholesterol) level were related to a lower risk of death, which may indicate the "lipid paradox". Higher BMI results were related to a lower risk of death, which may indicate the "obesity paradox".

Mode of death in elderly and super-elderly patients with acute heart failure: Insights from Japanese heart failure registry

Background

In Japan, both the prevalence of the elderly and super‐elderly and those of acute heart failure (AHF) have been increasing rapidly.

Methods

This registry was a prospective multicenter cohort, which enrolled a total of 1253 patients with AHF. In this study, 1117 patients' follow‐up data were available and were categorized into three groups according to age: <75 years old (nonelderly), 75–84 years old (elderly), and ≥ 85 years old (super‐elderly). The endpoint was defined as all‐cause death and each mode of death after discharge during the 3‐years follow‐up period.

Results

Based on the Kaplan–Meier analysis, a gradually increased risk of all‐cause death according to age was found. Among the three groups, the proportion of HF death was of similar trend; however, the proportion of infection death was higher in elderly and super‐elderly patients. After adjusting for potentially confounding effects using the Cox and Fine–Gray model, the hazard ratio (HR) of all‐cause death increased significantly in elderly and super‐elderly patients (HR, 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.93–3.54 and HR, 5.04; 95% CI, 3.72–6.92, respectively), when compared with nonelderly patients. The highest sub‐distribution HR in detailed mode of death was infection death in elderly and super‐elderly patients (HR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.75–10.33 and HR, 10.10; 95% CI, 3.78–27.03, respectively).

Conclusions

In this population, the risk of all‐cause death was found to increase in elderly and super‐elderly. Elderly patients and especially super‐elderly patients with AHF were at a higher risk for noncardiovascular death, especially infection death.

Decreased Nutritional Risk Index is associated with mortality after heart transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Validated scoring tools, such as the Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), can aid clinicians in quantifying the degree of malnourishment in patients prior to an operation. We evaluated the association between NRI and outcomes after heart transplantation.

METHODS

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database was used to identify adult patients (age > 18) undergoing heart transplantation between 1987 and 2016. NRI was calculated and categorized into previously established groupings representing severity of malnutrition. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling were used to assess the primary outcome of all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 25,236 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients (75.4%) were male. Malnourishment was absent (NRI ≥ 100) in 11,022 (44%) patients, while 2,898 (12%) were mildly malnourished (97.5 ≤ NRI < 100), 8,685 (34%) were moderately malnourished (83.5 ≤ NRI < 97.5), and 2,631 (10%) were severely malnourished (NRI < 83.5). Moderate-to-severe malnutrition was associated with increased mortality (HR = 1.18, p < .001, 95%CI: 1.13-1.24), and post-transplant renal failure requiring dialysis (OR: 1.13, p < .001, 95%CI: 1.03-1.23).

CONCLUSION

Malnourishment determined by NRI is independently associated with mortality and post-transplant dialysis after heart transplant. This is the largest study of NRI in heart transplant recipients.

Understanding Development of Malnutrition in Hemodialysis Patients: A Narrative Review

Hemodialysis (HD) majorly represents the global treatment option for patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5, and, despite advances in dialysis technology, these patients face a high risk of morbidity and mortality from malnutrition. We aimed to provide a novel view that malnutrition susceptibility in the global HD community is either or both of iatrogenic and of non-iatrogenic origins. This categorization of malnutrition origin clearly describes the role of each factor in contributing to malnutrition. Low dialysis adequacy resulting in uremia and metabolic acidosis and dialysis membranes and techniques, which incur greater amino-acid losses, are identified modifiable iatrogenic factors of malnutrition. Dietary inadequacy as per suboptimal energy and protein intakes due to poor appetite status, low diet quality, high diet monotony index, and/or psychosocial and financial barriers are modifiable non-iatrogenic factors implicated in malnutrition in these patients. These factors should be included in a comprehensive nutritional assessment for malnutrition risk. Leveraging the point of origin of malnutrition in dialysis patients is crucial for healthcare practitioners to enable personalized patient care, as well as determine country-specific malnutrition treatment strategies.

Clinical Predictors Influencing the Length of Stay in Emergency Department Patients Presenting with Acute Heart Failure

Background and objectives: Acute heart failure is a common problem encountered in the emergency department (ED). More than 80% of the patients with the condition subsequently require lengthy and repeated hospitalization. In a setting with limited in-patient capacity, the patient flow is often obstructed. Appropriate disposition decisions must be made by emergency physicians to deliver effective care and alleviate ED overcrowding. This study aimed to explore clinical predictors influencing the length of stay (LOS) in patients with acute heart failure who present to the ED. Materials and Methods: We conducted prognostic factor research with a retrospective cohort design. Medical records of patients with acute heart failure who presented to the ED of Ramathibodi Hospital from January to December 2015 were assessed for eligibility. Thirteen potential clinical predictors were selected as candidates for statistical modeling based on previous reports. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to estimate the difference in LOS between patients with and without potential predictors. Results: A total of 207 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients were male with a mean age of 74.2 ± 12.5 years. The median LOS was 54.6 h (Interquartile range 17.5, 149.3 h). From the multivariable analysis, four clinical characteristics were identified as independent predictors with an increase in LOS. These were patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III/IV (+72.9 h, 95%Confidence interval (CI) 23.9, 121.8, p = 0.004), respiratory rate >24 per minute (+80.7 h, 95%CI 28.0, 133.3, p = 0.003), hemoglobin level <10 mg/dL (+60.4 h, 95%CI 8.6, 112.3, p = 0.022), and serum albumin <3.5 g/dL (+52.8 h, 95%CI 3.6, 102.0, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Poor NYHA functional class, tachypnea, anemia, and hypoalbuminemia are significant clinical predictors of patients with acute heart failure who required longer LOS.

Relationship between Nutritional Status and Clinical and Biochemical Parameters in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction, with 1-year Follow-Up

Heart Failure (HF) is a cardiovascular disease with continually increasing morbidity and high mortality. The purpose of this study was to analyze nutritional status in patients diagnosed with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and evaluate the impact of malnutrition on their prognosis. The Polish version of MNA form (Mini Nutritional Assessment) was used to assess the patients’ nutritional status. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, exacerbation of HF, chosen echocardiographic and biochemical parameters, e.g., natriuretic peptides or serum albumin, were also analyzed. Among the 120 consecutive patients, 47 (39%) had a normal nutritional status, 62 (52%) were at risk of malnutrition and 11 (9%) were malnourished. The patients with malnutrition more frequently presented with HF exacerbation in comparison to those with normal nutritional status (82% vs. 30% respectively, p = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the investigated groups as to natriuretic peptides; however, both the malnourished patients and those at risk of malnutrition tend to show higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-proBNP concentrations. During the average 344 days of follow-up 19 patients died and 25 were hospitalized due to decompensated HF. Malnutrition or being at risk of malnutrition seems to be associated with both worse outcomes and clinical status in HFrEF patients.

Impact of Geriatric Nutritional Index in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Developed in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective:

Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a useful tool to determine the nutritional status of patients. Any study has not evaluated the impact of GNRI in development of contrast- induced nephropathy (CIN) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We aimed to evaluate whether GNRI could predict CIN after PCI.

Method:

A total of 1116 patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI) that underwent PCI were enrolled to the present study. The GNRI was calculated using a previously reported formula: GNRI=14.89 × albumin (g/dL) + 41.7 × body weight (kg)/ideal body weight (kg). CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level of ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% above baseline within 72 hours after the PCI procedure. The patients were categorized into two groups as CIN (+) and CIN (-).

Results:

The mean age of the CIN (+) group was significantly higher than the CIN (–) group (64.8±10.67 vs. 60.5±10.61 years; p<0.001). The mean values of height, weight, and body mass index were significanlty lower in CIN (+) group than CIN (-) group (p<0.001, for all). The mean of GNRI was significantly lower in the CIN (+) group than the CIN (-) group (101.4±8.7 vs. 112.1±12.9; p<0.001). Serum albumin level was significantly lower in the CIN (+) group (3.71±0.52 g/dL vs. 3.94±0.53 g/dL; p<0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly lower in the CIN (+) group (50.7%±9.07 vs. 54.3%±7.20; p<0.001).

Conclusion:

In this study, GNRI, serum albumin level, BMI, and LVEF were independent predictors of CIN. Moreover, GNRI was better than both serum albumin level and BMI in predicting development of CIN.

Comparison of predicted and observed mortality in patients with heart failure treated at a specialized unit

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To analyze survival in heart failure (HF) patients treated at a specialized unit.

METHODS

Prospective cohort-based study of HF patients treated at a specialized unit from 2011 to 2017. Observed 1- and 3-year mortality rates were compared with those predicted by the Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score.

RESULTS

We studied 1280 patients, whose median MAGGIC risk score was 19 [interquartile range, 13-24]. Prescription rates of beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sacubitril-valsartan were 93%, 67%, 22%, 73%, and 16%, respectively. The MAGGIC risk score showed good discrimination for mortality at 1 year (c-statistic=0.71) and 3 years (c-statistic=0.76). Observed mortality was significantly lower than predicted mortality, both at 1 year (6.2% vs 10.9%; observed/predicted ratio=0.57; P<.001) and at 3 years (16.7% vs 27.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.60; P<.001). This discrepancy was found in several subgroups, except in patients aged> 70 years (29.9% vs 34.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.86; P=.126) and in patients with ejection fraction> 40% (19.6% vs 20.7%; observed/predicted ratio=0.95; P=.640).

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality in HF patients treated at a specialized clinic was significantly lower than that predicted by the MAGGIC risk score.

Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Is Associated With Prognosis in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Background: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a simple tool for assessing nutritional risk that predicts prognosis in patients with heart failure. This study evaluated associations between the GNRI at first hospitalization and prognosis in patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and those with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods and Results: This retrospective investigation included 104 patients with either PAH or CTEPH who were treated at Kagoshima University Hospital in Japan. Patients were divided into a high (≥92) and low (<92) GNRI groups. Body mass index and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the low GNRI group (P<0.001). Over a median follow-up period of 24 months, the incidence of pulmonary hypertension rehospitalization was higher in the low GNRI group (P=0.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative event-free rate was significantly lower in the low GNRI group (P=0.002). Low GNRI was significantly associated with a poorer outcome after adjusting for different sets of confounding factors, including: age and sex (P=0.004); age, sex, and PAH (P=0.043); and age, sex, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (P=0.003). Conclusions: The GNRI at first hospitalization is useful for predicting prognosis in PAH and CTEPH patients.

Utility of the Nutritional Screening in Predicting Adverse Outcome of Patients With Overweight/Obesity and Acute Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Undernutrition is a negative predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Despite the survival advantage of elevated body mass index (BMI) in patients with HF, BMI does not necessarily reflect a favorable nutritional status. In the present study, we investigated the clinical impact of nutritional screening in patients with HF and overweight/obesity.

METHODS

We examined the data from 170 patients with overweight or obesity status (defined as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) who admitted for acute HF. Their controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score was calculated on admission. The CONUT score is regarded as an index of the nutritional status.

RESULTS

The median duration of follow-up was 1096 days (interquartile range, 805-1096 days). Undernutrition was identified in 66.5% of the patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that patients with undernutrition had a higher incidence of all-cause death and readmission due to HF than those without undernutrition. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the CONUT score, but not BMI and the geriatric nutritional risk index, was independently correlated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Undernutrition is highly prevalent and independently predicts poor outcomes in patients with overweight/obesity and acute HF.

Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form is a morbi-mortality predictor in outpatients with heart failure and mid-range left ventricular ejection fraction

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nutritional status is an important prognostic factor in patients with heart failure (HF). In a pilot study we previously observed that the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form tool (MNA-SF) was the best approach for the screening of nutritional status in HF outpatients over other screening tools. The current study aimed to determine whether the MNA-SF has prognostic value in outpatients with HF and whether the impact of malnutrition differs depending on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS

Prospective study performed in outpatients attending a HF clinic at a university hospital. All subjects completed the MNA-SF at study entry. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary end-points were the number of recurrent HF-related hospitalizations and the composite end-point of all-cause death or HF-related hospitalizations. Patients with malnutrition and at risk of malnutrition were merged and considered as having abnormal nutritional status for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

From October 2016 to November 2017, 555 patients were included (age 69 ± 11.5 years, 71% male, LVEF 44.6 ± 13.2). Abnormal nutritional status was identified in 103 (18.6%) subjects. HF patients with preserved LVEF had a higher proportion of abnormal nutritional status (23%) than patients with HF and mid-range LVEF (HFmrEF) (16.4%) or those with HF with reduced LVEF (HFrEF) (15.9%.). During a mean follow-up of 23.8 ± 6.6 months, 99 patients died (17.8%), 74 were hospitalized due to HF (13.3%) and the composite end-point was observed in 181 (32.6%). In the univariate analysis, abnormal nutritional status was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (p = 0.02) and the composite end-point (p = 0.02) in the total cohort. However, in the multivariate analysis including age, sex, NYHA functional class, BMI, ischemic aetiology, diabetes, hypertension and HF duration, abnormal nutritional status remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (HR 3.32 [95%CI 1.47-7.52], p = 0.004), and the composite end-point (HR 2.53 [95%CI 1.30-4.94], p = 0.006) only in HFmrEF patients. Patients with abnormal nutritional status suffered double the crude number of recurrent HF-related hospitalizations (16.4 vs. 8.4 per 100 patients-years, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of MNA-SF as a routine screening tool allowed the detection of abnormal nutritional status in almost one out of five ambulatory HF patients. Nutritional status assessed by the MNA-SF was an independent predictor of all-cause death and the composite end-point of all-cause death or HF-related hospitalization in outpatients with HFmrEF. Furthermore, abnormal nutritional status was significantly related to recurrent hospitalizations across the HF spectrum.

Clinical significance of rectus femoris diameter in heart failure patients

Heart failure (HF) is often accompanied by skeletal muscle weakness and exercise intolerance, which are known as prognostic factors of HF. Comprehensive evaluation of physical function is important, but it is not commonly conducted because of the lack of equipment or appropriate expertise. Measurement of rectus femoris diameter (RFD) by ultrasound is convenient and noninvasive, but it has not been clarified that RFD could represent physical functions in HF patients. This study evaluated 185 consecutive HF patients and underwent assessment including RFD, grip power (GP), knee extension strength (KES), skeletal muscle index (SMI), nutrition status, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class. RFD was related with NYHA class and significantly correlated with GP, KES, SMI, body mass index, pre-albumin level, geriatric nutritional risk index, and peak VO₂ (r = 0.631, 0.676, 0.510, 0.568, 0.380, 0.539, 0.527, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = 0.551) and RFD (β = 0.326) were predictive factors of peak VO₂. Gender, age, brain natriuretic peptide level, left ventricular ejection fraction, and hemoglobin level were the other explanatory parameters. The cut off value of RFD for sarcopenia diagnosis was estimated as 15 mm (sensitivity = 0.767 and specificity = 0.808). RFD is a simple and useful marker which reflects skeletal muscle strength/volume, exercise tolerance, nutrition status, and NYHA class. It is also associated with sarcopenia in HF patients.

Association between the Prognostic Nutritional Index and Dietary Intake in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Heart Failure: Findings from NHANES III

The objective of this study was to examine the association between nutritional status and dietary intake in community-dwelling older adults with heart failure (HF). A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES III data was conducted. The analytic sample was comprised of n = 445 individuals aged 50+ years with congestive HF (54.4% male, 22.9% non-Hispanic Black, 43.8% low-income). Nutritional status was measured using the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI). Participants were classified by PNI quintiles with lower PNI scores indicating lower nutritional status. Participants in quintile 5 showed significantly greater intakes of energy, protein, vegetables, magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, red meat, saturated fat, and sodium. In multivariate analyses, increased intake of red meat (β = 0.253, p = 0.040) and vegetables (β = 0.255, p = 0.038) was associated with significantly better nutritional status. In the absence of comprehensive nutritional guidance for HF patients, it appears that small increases in energy, protein (red meat), and vegetable consumption are associated with improved nutritional status.

Clinical and Socioeconomic Predictors of Heart Failure Readmissions: A Review of Contemporary Literature

Heart failure represents a clinical syndrome that results from a constellation of disease processes affecting myocardial function. Although recent studies have suggested a declining or stable incidence of heart failure, patients with heart failure continue to have high hospitalization and readmission rates, resulting in a substantial economic and public health burden. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar to identify published literature from 1998 through 2018 using the following keywords: heart failure, readmissions, predictors, prediction models, and interventions. Cited references were also used to identify relevant literature. Developments in the diagnosis and management of patients with heart failure have improved hospitalization and readmission rates in the past few decades. However, heart failure remains the most common cause of hospitalization in persons older than 65 years. As a result, given the enormous clinical and financial burden associated with heart failure readmissions on health care, there has been growing interest in the investigation of mechanisms aimed at improving outcomes and curtailing associated costs of care. Herein, we review the current literature on clinical and socioeconomic predictors of heart failure readmissions, briefly discussing limitations of existing strategies and providing an overview of current technology aimed at reducing hospitalizations.

Effect of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality among older patients with acute heart failure in Emergency Departments

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the prevalence and impact of risk of malnutrition on short-term mortality among seniors presenting with acute heart failure (AHF) in emergency setting. The objective was to determine the impact of risk of malnutrition on 30-day mortality risk among older patients who attended in Emergency Departments (EDs) for AHF.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a secondary analysis of the OAK-3 Registry including all consecutive patients ≥65 years attending in 16 Spanish EDs for AHF. Risk of malnutrition was defined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF) < 12 points. Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess the association between risk of malnutrition and 30-day mortality.

RESULTS

We included 749 patients (mean age: 85 (SD 6); 55.8% females). Risk of malnutrition was observed in 594 (79.3%) patients. The rate of 30-day mortality was 8.8%. After adjusting for MEESSI-AHF risk score clinical categories (model 1) and after adding all variables showing a significantly different distribution among groups (model 2), the risk of malnutrition was an independent factor associated with 30-day mortality (adjusted OR by model 1 = 3.4; 95%CI 1.2-9.7; p = .020 and adjusted OR by model 2 = 3.1; 95%CI 1.1-9.0; p = .033) compared to normal nutritional status.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of malnutrition assessed by the MNA-SF is associated with 30-day mortality in older patients with AHF who were attended in EDs. Routine screening of risk of malnutrition may help emergency physicians in decision-making and establishing a care plan.

Disease-related malnutrition in hospitalized chronic patients with complex needs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Disease-related malnutrition is a prevalent condition that can be associated with multimorbidity. The purposes of this study were to assess the prevalence of disease-related malnutrition in a cohort of chronic patients with complex needs (CPCN) admitted to two University hospitals, and to evaluate the impact of malnutrition in their hospitalization outcomes.

METHODS

All CPCN admitted on a previously agreed day in non-critical services of two University hospitals in Catalonia were included. Nutritional risk was evaluated with Mini-Nutritional Assessment Tool and Nutritional Risk Screening 2002. Hospitalization outcome data were evaluated, including length of the hospital stay, mortality during admission and placement when discharged. After five months, a new evaluation was performed to assess mortality and readmissions.

RESULTS

A total of 101 patients were included, 83% of which were at nutritional risk when screened with NRS-2002; when using MNA, 86% of them were found to be either at nutritional risk or malnourished. Malnourished patients had a greater need for home care/intermediate care hospital at discharge (41.8% vs 22.9%, p < 0.01), and a higher mortality rate during admission (16.7% vs 1.6%, p < 0.01). Mortality at 5 months was also higher in the malnourished group (30.5% vs 9.8%, p < 0.01). Factors associated with malnutrition were BMI and gender (malnutrition was more prevalent in women). In our cohort, malnutrition was the sole independent predictor of mortality at 5 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of both malnutrition and risk of malnutrition is very high in hospital-admitted CPCN, and has a profound impact on placement at discharge and mortality. This high prevalence is not explained by the multimorbidity pattern. Other factors need to be evaluated in this group of high-need, high-cost patients.

Geriatric nutritional risk index predicts all-cause deaths in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) at discharge may be helpful in predicting the long-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%), a common HF phenotype in the elderly.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Overall, 110 elderly HFpEF patients (≥65 years) from the Ibaraki Cardiovascular Assessment Study-HF (n = 838) were enrolled. The mean age was 78.5 ± 7.2 years, and male patients accounted for 53.6% (n = 59). All-cause mortality was compared between the low GNRI (<92) with moderate or severe nutritional risk group and the high GNRI (≥92) with no or low nutritional risk group. Cox proportional hazard regression models were constructed to evaluate the influence of the GNRI on all-cause death with the following covariates using forward stepwise selection: age, sex, nutritional status based on the GNRI as a categorical variable, history of HF hospitalization, haemoglobin level, estimated glomerular filtration rate, log brain natriuretic peptide levels (logBNP), history of hypertension, log C-reactive protein levels, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index, and the New York Heart Association functional classification (I/II or III class). The prognostic value of the GNRI was compared with that of serum albumin using C-statistics. The GNRI was added to the logBNP, serum albumin or the body mass index was added to the logBNP, and the C-statistic was compared using DeLong's test. Cox regression analysis revealed that age and a low GNRI were independent predictors of all-cause death (P < 0.05, n = 103; hazard ratio = 1.095, 95% confidence interval = 1.031-1.163, for age, and hazard ratio = 3.075, 95% confidence interval = 1.244-7.600, for the GNRI). DeLong's test for the two correlated receiver operating characteristic curves [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of serum albumin, 0.71; AUROC of the GNRI, 0.75] demonstrated significant differences between the groups (P = 0.038). Adding the GNRI to the logBNP increased the AUROC for all-cause death significantly (0.71 and 0.80, respectively; P = 0.040, n = 105). The addition of serum albumin or the body mass index to the logBNP did not significantly increase the AUROC for all-cause death (P = 0.082 and P = 0.29, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional screening using the GNRI at discharge is helpful to predict the long-term prognosis of elderly HFpEF patients.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition and Outcomes of Hospitalizations for Heart Failure in the USA

Chronically elevated cytokines from un-abating low-grade inflammation in heart failure (HF) results in Protein-Energy Malnutrition (PEM). However, the impact of PEM on clinical outcomes of admissions for HF exacerbations has not been evaluated in a national data. From the 2012 to 2014 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) patient's discharge records for primary HF admissions, we identified patients with concomitant PEM, and their demographic and comorbid factors. We propensity-matched PEM cohorts (32,771) to no-PEM controls (1:1) using a greedy algorithm-based methodology and estimated the effect of different clinical outcomes (SAS 9.4). There were 32,771 (∼163,885) cases of PEM among the 541,679 (∼2,708,395) primary admissions for HF between 2012 and 2014 in the US. PEM cases were older (PEM:76 vs no-PEM:72 years), Whites (70.75% vs 67.30%), and had higher comorbid burden, with Deyo-comorbidity index >3 (31.61% vs 26.30%). However, PEM cases had lower rates of obesity, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. After propensity-matching, PEM was associated with higher mortality (AOR:2.48 [2.31 to 2.66]), cardiogenic shock (3.11[2.79 to 3.46]), cardiac arrest (2.30[1.96 to 2.70]), acute kidney failure (1.49[1.44 to 1.54]), acute respiratory failure (1.57[1.51 to 1.64]), mechanical ventilation (2.72[2.50 to 2.97]). PEM also resulted in higher non-routine discharges (2.24[2.17 to 2.31]), hospital cost ($80,534[78,496 to 82,625] vs $43,226[42,376 to 44,093]) and longer duration of admission (8.6[8.5 to 8.7] vs 5.3[5.2 to 5.3] days). In conclusion, PEM is a prevailing comorbidity among hospitalized HF subjects, and results in devastating health outcomes. Early identification and prevention of PEM in HF subjects during clinic visits and prompt treatment of PEM both in the clinic and during hospitalization are essential to decrease the excess burden of PEM.

The relationship between physical activity and appetite in patients with heart failure: A prospective observational study

INTRODUCTION

Physical activity and appetite are important components for maintaining health. Yet, the association between physical activity and appetite in heart failure (HF) populations is not completely understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, functional capacity, and appetite in patients with HF.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational study. In total, 186 patients diagnosed with HF, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II-IV (mean age 70.7, 30% female), were included. Physical activity was measured using a multi-sensor actigraph for seven days and with a self-reported numeric rating scale. Physical capacity was measured by the six-minute walk test. Appetite was measured using the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire. Data were collected at inclusion and after 18 months. A series of linear regression analyses, adjusted for age, NYHA class, and B-type natriuretic peptide were conducted.

RESULTS

At baseline, higher levels of physical activity and functional capacity were significantly associated with a higher level of appetite in the unadjusted models. In the adjusted models, number of steps ( p = 0.019) and the six-minute walk test ( p = 0.007) remained significant. At the 18-month follow-up, all physical activity variables and functional capacity were significantly associated with appetite in the unadjusted regression models. In the adjusted models, number of steps ( p = 0.001) and metabolic equivalent daily averages ( p = 0.040) remained significant.

CONCLUSION

A higher level of physical activity measured by number of steps/day was associated with better self-reported appetite, both at baseline and the 18-month follow-up. Further research is needed to establish causality and explore the intertwined relationship between activity and appetite in patients with HF.

Comparison of Mortality Prediction Models on Long-Term Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Heart Failure - The Importance of Accounting for Nutritional Status

BACKGROUND

The ideal mortality prediction model (MPM) for acute heart failure (AHF) patients would have sufficient and stable predictive ability for long-term as well as short-term mortality. However, published MPMs for AHF predominantly predict short-term mortality up to 90 days, and their prognostic performance for long-term mortality remains unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We analyzed 609 AHF patients in a prospective registry from January 2013 to May 2016. We compared the prognostic performance for long-term mortality among 8 systematically identified MPMs for AHF that predict short-term mortality up to 90 days from admission. The PROTECT 7-day model showed the highest c-index for long-term as well as short-term mortality among the studied MPMs. Sensitivity analyses revealed serum albumin and total cholesterol to be the most important variables, as dropping these variables resulted in a significant decline in c-index, when compared with other variables specific to the PROTECT 7-day model. Furthermore, significant improvements in c-index and net reclassification were observed when serum albumin or serum albumin plus total cholesterol was added to the studied MPMs, other than the PROTECT 7-day model.

CONCLUSIONS

The PROTECT 7-day model demonstrated the highest predictive performance for long-term as well as short-term mortality in AHF patients among the published MPMs. Our findings indicate the importance of accounting for nutritional status such as serum albumin and total cholesterol in AHF patients when developing a MPM.

Prognostic Importance of Multiple Nutrition Screening Indexes for 1-Year Mortality in Hospitalized Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Patients

Background: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of nutritional status on 1-year mortality in hospitalized patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).

Methods and Results: We enrolled 457 hospitalized ADHF patients. Previously established objective nutritional indexes (controlling nutritional status [CONUT], prognostic nutritional index [PNI], geriatric nutritional risk index [GNRI], and subjective global assessment [SGA]) were evaluated at hospital admission. Malnutrition was defined as CONUT score ≥5, PNI score <38, GNRI score <92, and SGA scores B and C. The frequencies of malnutrition based on CONUT, PNI, GNRI, and SGA were 31.5%, 21.4%, 44.9%, and 27.8%, respectively. All indexes were related to the occurrence of 1-year mortality on univariate Cox regression analysis (P<0.05). We constructed a reference model using age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, sodium concentration, and renal function on multivariable Cox regression analysis. Adding SGA to the reference model significantly improved both net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.344, P=0.002; 0.012, P=0.049; respectively). Other indexes (CONUT, PNI, and GNRI scores) significantly improved NRI (0.254, P=0.019; 0.273, P=0.013; 0.306, P=0.006; respectively).

Conclusions: Nutritional screening assessed at hospital admission was appropriate for the prediction of 1-year mortality in hospitalized patients with ADHF.

Mini nutritional assessment is a better predictor of mortality than subjective global assessment in heart failure out-patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There is no consensus on the best method for nutritional screening and assessment in patients with heart failure (HF). This study aimed to determine which nutritional assessment method had the highest prognostic significance for patients with HF treated in outpatient clinics. We also aimed to identify a fast, reliable screening method for detecting malnutrition in these patients.

METHODS

This prospective study included 151 subjects that attended an outpatient HF clinic at a university hospital. All patients completed three nutritional screening tools: the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), the MNA-short form (MNA-SF), and the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), and then, two nutritional assessment questionnaires: the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment®(MNA). Patients were followed-up for 2 years. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Malnutrition or nutritional risk was identified in 15.9% of patients with the SGA and in 25.1% of patients with the MNA. Age, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, and MNA were the only independent all-cause death predictors after adjusting for age, gender, NYHA functional class, body mass index, Barthel index, 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers, and treatment with beta-blockers. The SGA could not independently predict all-cause mortality in a multivariate analysis that included the same covariates. The MNA-SF had the best sensitivity, specificity, and kappa coefficient for screening malnutrition, based on the MNA and the SGA as references, compared to the other screening methods.

CONCLUSIONS

In our cohort, malnutrition assessed by MNA, but not by SGA, was an independent predictor of mortality. MNA-SF showed remarkable sensitivity and specificity; thus, it might be a valuable tool for rapidly identifying malnutrition risk in outpatients with HF.

Risk of malnutrition is associated with poor physical function in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following heart failure

AIM

Patients who experience heart failure are prone to malnutrition. The aim of this study was to determine the association between risk of malnutrition and physical function in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following heart failure.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in consecutive patients hospitalised for cardiac rehabilitation following heart failure. Risk of malnutrition was evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF). Physical function was evaluated using the Barthel index (BI). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine whether nutritional status was associated with BI in these patients.

RESULTS

The present study included 105 patients (mean age of 77.3 years, 56 men and 49 women) for analysis. The median (interquartile range) scores of the MNA-SF and BI were 11 (9-13) and 75 (45-90), respectively. Patients with high risk of malnutrition (MNA-SF score < 7) were significantly older, had a lower body mass index, exhibited lower muscle mass and strength, could walk shorter distances, and had lower BI scores (all P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, the MNA-SF score was independently associated with BI (β = 0.409, P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, muscle mass and strength, brain natriuretic peptide levels, ejection fraction of the left ventricle, and reason for admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of malnutrition is associated with physical function in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following heart failure. Early detection of malnutrition and commencement of nutritional support may improve functional recovery in these patients.