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Van Wilder A, Bruyneel L, Cox B, Claessens F, De Ridder D, Janssens S, Vanhaecht K. Call for Action to Target Interhospital Variation in Cardiovascular Mortality, Readmissions, and Length-of-Stay: Results of a National Population Analysis. Med Care 2024; 62:489-499. [PMID: 38775668 DOI: 10.1097/mlr.0000000000002012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive interhospital variation threatens healthcare quality. Data on variation in patient outcomes across the whole cardiovascular spectrum are lacking. We aimed to examine interhospital variability for 28 cardiovascular All Patient Refined-Diagnosis-related Groups (APR-DRGs). METHODS We studied 103,299 cardiovascular admissions in 99 (98%) Belgian acute-care hospitals between 2012 and 2018. Using generalized linear mixed models, we estimated hospital-specific and APR-DRG-specific risk-standardized rates for in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmissions, and length-of-stay above the APR-DRG-specific 90th percentile. Interhospital variation was assessed based on estimated variance components and time trends between the 2012-2014 and 2016-2018 periods were examined. RESULTS There was strong evidence of interhospital variation, with statistically significant variation across the 3 outcomes for 5 APR-DRGs after accounting for patient and hospital factors: percutaneous cardiovascular procedures with acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension, angina pectoris, and arrhythmia. Medical diagnoses, with in particular hypertension, heart failure, angina pectoris, and cardiac arrest, showed strongest variability, with hypertension displaying the largest median odds ratio for mortality (2.51). Overall, hospitals performing at the upper-quartile level should achieve improvements to the median level, and an annual 633 deaths, 322 readmissions, and 1578 extended hospital stays could potentially be avoided. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of interhospital variation highlights important outcome differences that are not explained by known patient or hospital characteristics. Targeting variation is therefore a promising strategy to improve cardiovascular care. Considering their treatment in multidisciplinary teams, policy makers, and managers should prioritize heart failure, hypertension, cardiac arrest, and angina pectoris improvements by targeting guideline implementation outside the cardiology department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Van Wilder
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luk Bruyneel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bianca Cox
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fien Claessens
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk De Ridder
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Quality, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stefan Janssens
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kris Vanhaecht
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven Institute for Healthcare Policy, KU Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Urology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
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2
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Suo E, Driscoll A, Dinh D, Brennan A, Kaye DM, Stub D, Lefkovits J, Reid CM, Hopper I. Comparison of Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure Admitted Under General Medicine and Cardiology Units. Heart Lung Circ 2024:S1443-9506(24)00046-5. [PMID: 38458933 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease hospitalisations associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In hospitals, HF patients are typically managed by cardiology or physician teams, with differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes. This study utilises contemporary HF registry data to compare patient characteristics and outcomes in those with ADHF admitted into General Medicine and Cardiology units. METHODS The Victorian Cardiac Outcomes Registry was utilised to identify patients hospitalised with ADHF 30-day period in each of four consecutive years. We compared patient characteristics, pharmacological management and outpatient follow-up of patients admitted to General Medicine and Cardiology units. Primary outcome measures included in-hospital mortality, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2017, a total of 1,253 patients with ADHF admissions were registered, with 53% admitted in General Medicine units and 47% in Cardiology units. General Medicine patients were more likely to be older (82 vs 71 years; p<0.001), female (51% vs 34%; p<0.001), and have higher prevalence of comorbidities and preserved left ventricular function (p<0.001). There were no differences in primary outcome measures between General Medicine and Cardiology in terms of: in-hospital mortality (5.0% vs 3.9%; p=0.35), 30-day readmission (23.4% vs 23.6%; p=0.93), and 30-day mortality (10.0% vs 8.0%; p=0.21). CONCLUSIONS Hospitalised patients with HF continue to have high mortality and rehospitalisation rates. The choice of treatment by General Medicine or Cardiology units, based on the particular medical profile and individual needs of the patients, provides equivalent outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Driscoll
- Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Diem Dinh
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | | | - David M Kaye
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Baker IDI Heart Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Dion Stub
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Baker IDI Heart Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Lefkovits
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Christopher M Reid
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Ingrid Hopper
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.
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3
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Woodcock T, Matthew D, Palladino R, Nakubulwa M, Winn T, Bethell H, Hiles S, Moggan S, Dowell J, Sullivan P, Bell D, Cowie MR. Effect of implementing a heart failure admission care bundle on hospital readmission and mortality rates: interrupted time series study. BMJ Qual Saf 2023; 33:55-65. [PMID: 37931935 PMCID: PMC10804004 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of developing and implementing a care bundle intervention to improve care for patients with acute heart failure admitted to a large London hospital. The intervention comprised three elements, targeted within 24 hours of admission: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) test, transthoracic Doppler two-dimensional echocardiography and specialist review by cardiology team. The SHIFT-Evidence approach to quality improvement was used. During implementation, July 2015-July 2017, 1169 patients received the intervention. An interrupted time series design was used to evaluate impact on patient outcomes, including 15 618 admissions for 8951 patients. Mixed-effects multiple Poisson and log-linear regression models were fitted for count and continuous outcomes, respectively. Effect sizes are slope change ratios pre-intervention and post-intervention. The intervention was associated with reductions in emergency readmissions between 7 and 90 days (0.98, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00), although not readmissions between 0 and 7 days post-discharge. Improvements were seen in in-hospital mortality (0.96, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.98), and there was no change in trend for hospital length of stay. Care process changes were also evaluated. Compliance with NT-proBNP testing was already high in 2014/2015 (162 of 163, 99.4%) and decreased slightly, with increased numbers audited, to 2016/2017 (1082 of 1101, 98.2%). Over this period, rates of echocardiography (84.7-98.9%) and specialist input (51.6-90.4%) improved. Care quality and outcomes can be improved for patients with acute heart failure using a care bundle approach. A systematic approach to quality improvement, and robust evaluation design, can be beneficial in supporting successful improvement and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Woodcock
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Dionne Matthew
- Strategy, Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Life Science, LOGEX BV, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Raffaele Palladino
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II School of Medicine and Surgery, Naples, Italy
| | - Mable Nakubulwa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Trish Winn
- Research and Development, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Hugh Bethell
- Cardiology, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephen Hiles
- Research and Development, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Susan Moggan
- Research and Development, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Cardiology, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jackie Dowell
- Research and Development, London Northwest University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Business Development, PHASTAR Specialist Biometric Contract Research Organisation, London, UK
| | - Paul Sullivan
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Derek Bell
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin R Cowie
- Royal Brompton Hospital & School of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Lifesciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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4
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Zhang DT, Onyebeke C, Nahid M, Balkan L, Musse M, Pinheiro LC, Sterling MR, Durant RW, Brown TM, Levitan EB, Safford MM, Goyal P. Social Determinants of Health and Cardiologist Involvement in the Care of Adults Hospitalized for Heart Failure. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344070. [PMID: 37983029 PMCID: PMC10660170 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Involvement of a cardiologist in the care of adults during a hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is associated with reduced rates of in-hospital mortality and hospital readmission. However, not all patients see a cardiologist when they are hospitalized for HF. Objective To determine whether social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with cardiologist involvement in the management of adults hospitalized for HF. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Difference in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort. Participants included adults who experienced an adjudicated hospitalization for HF between 2009 and 2017 in all 48 contiguous states in the US. Data analysis was performed from November 2022 to January 2023. Exposures A total of 9 candidate SDOH, aligned with the Healthy People 2030 conceptual model, were examined: Black race, social isolation, social network and/or caregiver availability, educational attainment less than high school, annual household income less than $35 000, living in rural area, living in a zip code with high poverty, living in a Health Professional Shortage Area, and living in a state with poor public health infrastructure. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was cardiologist involvement, defined as involvement of a cardiologist as the primary responsible clinician or as a consultant. Bivariate associations between each SDOH and cardiologist involvement were examined using Poisson regression with robust SEs. Results The study included 1000 participants (median [IQR] age, 77.8 [71.5-84.0] years; 479 women [47.9%]; 414 Black individuals [41.4%]; and 492 of 876 with low income [56.2%]) hospitalized at 549 unique US hospitals. Low annual household income (<$35 000) was the only SDOH with a statistically significant association with cardiologist involvement (relative risk, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.95). In a multivariable analysis adjusting for age, race, sex, HF characteristics, comorbidities, and hospital characteristics, low income remained inversely associated with cardiologist involvement (relative risk, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that adults with low household income were 11% less likely than adults with higher incomes to have a cardiologist involved in their care during a hospitalization for HF. These findings suggest that socioeconomic status may bias the care provided to patients hospitalized for HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Musarrat Nahid
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lauren Balkan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Mahad Musse
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Laura C. Pinheiro
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Raegan W. Durant
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Todd M. Brown
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Emily B. Levitan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | | | - Parag Goyal
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Program for the Care and Study of the Aging Heart, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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5
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Sharma Y, Horwood C, Hakendorf P, Thompson C. Characteristics and outcomes of patients with heart failure discharged from different speciality units in Australia: an observational study. QJM 2022; 115:727-734. [PMID: 35176164 DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/hcac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported differing clinical outcomes among hospitalized heart failure (HF) patients admitted under cardiology and general medicine (GM) without consideration of patients' frailty. AIMS To explore outcomes in patients admitted under the two specialities after taking into account their frailty and other characteristics. METHODS This retrospective study included all HF patients ≥18 years admitted between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019 at two Australian tertiary hospitals. Frailty was determined by use of the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) and patients with HFRS ≥ 5 were classified as frail. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match 11 variables between the two specialities. The primary outcomes included the days-alive-and-out-of-hospital (DAOH90) at 90 days of discharge, 30-day mortality and readmissions. RESULTS Of 4913 HF patients, mean age 76.2 (14.1) years, 51% males, 2653 (54%) were admitted under cardiology compared to 2260 (46%) under GM. Patients admitted under GM were more likely to be older females, with a higher Charlson index and poor renal function than those admitted under cardiology. Overall, 23.8% patients were frail and frail patients were more likely to be admitted under GM than cardiology (33.6% vs. 15.3%, P < 0.001). PSM created 1532 well-matched patients in each group. After PSM, the DAOH90 was not significantly different among patients admitted in GM when compared to cardiology (coefficient -5.36, 95% confidence interval -11.73 to 1.01, P = 0.099). Other clinical outcomes were also similar between the two specialities. CONCLUSIONS Clinical characteristics of HF patients differ between GM and cardiology; however, clinical outcomes were not significantly different after taking into account frailty and other variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sharma
- From the College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
- Division of Medicine, Cardiac and Critical Care, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - C Horwood
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - P Hakendorf
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - C Thompson
- Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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6
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Kapelios CJ, Canepa M, Benson L, Hage C, Thorvaldsen T, Dahlström U, Savarese G, Lund LH. Non-cardiology vs. cardiology care of patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction is associated with lower use of guideline-based care and higher mortality: Observations from The Swedish Heart Failure Registry. Int J Cardiol 2021; 343:63-72. [PMID: 34517016 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with heart failure (HF) are often cared for by non-cardiologists. The implications are unknown. METHODS In a nationwide HF cohort with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we compared demographics, clinical characteristics, guideline-based therapy use and outcomes in non-cardiology vs. cardiology in-patient and out-patient care. RESULTS Between 2000 and 2016, 36,076 patients with HFrEF were enrolled in the Swedish HF registry (19,337 [54%] in-patients overall), with 44% of in-patients and 45% of out-patients managed in non-cardiology settings. Predictors of treatment in non-cardiology were age > 75 years (adjusted odds ratio for non-cardiology 1.20; 95% confidence interval 1.14-1.27), lower education level (0.71; 0.66-0.76 for university vs. compulsory), valve disease (1.24; 1.18-1.31) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) >120 mmHg (1.05; 1.00-1.10). Non-cardiology care was significantly associated with lower use of beta-blockers (0.80; 0.74-0.86) and devices (intracardiac defibrillator [ICD] and/or cardiac resynchronization therapy [CRT]: 0.63; 0.56-0.71), and less frequent specialist follow-up (0.61; 0.57-0.65). Over 1-year follow-up the risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.09; 1.03-1.15) was higher but the risk of first HF (re-) hospitalization was lower (0.93; 0.89-0.97) in non-cardiology vs. cardiology care. CONCLUSIONS In HFrEF, non-cardiology care was independently associated with older ageand lower education. After covariate adjustment, non-cardiology care was associated with lower use of beta-blockers and devices, higher mortality, and lower risk of HF hospitalization. Access to cardiology care may not be equitable and this may have implications for use of guideline-based care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Canepa
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lina Benson
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Camilla Hage
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and Heart and Vascular Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tonje Thorvaldsen
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and Heart and Vascular Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Dahlström
- Department of Cardiology, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden; Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Gianluigi Savarese
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and Heart and Vascular Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars H Lund
- Unit of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, and Heart and Vascular Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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7
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Eroglu TE, Barcella CA, Blom MT, Mohr GH, Souverein PC, Torp-Pedersen C, Folke F, Wissenberg M, de Boer A, Schwartz PJ, Gislason GH, Tan HL. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and differential risk of cardiac and non-cardiac QT-prolonging drugs in 37 000 cases. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 88:820-829. [PMID: 34374122 PMCID: PMC9291302 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Drugs that prolong the QT interval, either by design (cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs: anti‐arrhythmics) or as off‐target effect (non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs), may increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmias and out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Risk mitigation measures were instituted, in particular, surrounding prescription of cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs. We studied OHCA risk of both drug types in current clinical practice. Methods Using data from large population‐based OHCA registries in the Netherlands and Denmark, we conducted two independent case–control studies. OHCA cases with presumed cardiac causes were matched on age/sex/index date with up to five non‐OHCA controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for the association of cardiac or non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs with OHCA risk using conditional logistic regression analyses. Results We identified 2503 OHCA cases and 10 543 non‐OHCA controls in the Netherlands, and 35 017 OHCA cases and 175 085 non‐OHCA controls in Denmark. Compared to no use of QT‐prolonging drugs, use of non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs (Netherlands: cases: 3.0%, controls: 1.9%; Denmark: cases: 14.9%, controls: 7.5%) was associated with increased OHCA risk (Netherlands: OR 1.37 [95% CI: 1.03–1.81]; Denmark: OR 1.63 [95% CI: 1.57–1.70]). The association between cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs (Netherlands: cases: 4.0%, controls: 2.5%; Denmark: cases: 2.1%, controls: 0.9%) and OHCA was weaker (Netherlands: OR 1.17 [95% CI: 0.92–1.50]; Denmark: OR 1.21 [95% CI: 1.09–1.33]), although users of cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs had more medication use and comorbidities associated with OHCA risk than users of non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs. Conclusion In clinical practice, cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs confer lower OHCA risk than non‐cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs, although users of the former have higher a priori risk. This is likely due to risk mitigation measures surrounding prescription of cardiac QT‐prolonging drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talip E Eroglu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Carlo A Barcella
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Marieke T Blom
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grimur H Mohr
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Patrick C Souverein
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Torp-Pedersen
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Investigation and Cardiology, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark
| | - Fredrik Folke
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark.,Copenhagen Emergency Medical Services, Denmark
| | - Mads Wissenberg
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark.,Copenhagen Emergency Medical Services, Denmark
| | - Anthonius de Boer
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, IRCCS, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Milan, Italy
| | - Gunnar H Gislason
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark.,National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark.,The Danish Heart Foundation, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanno L Tan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Center, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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8
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Maymon SL, Moravsky G, Marcus G, Shuvy M, Pereg D, Epstein D, Litovchik I, Fuchs S, Minha S. Disparities in the characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure admitted to internal medicine and cardiology departments: a single-centre, retrospective cohort study. ESC Heart Fail 2020; 8:390-398. [PMID: 33232585 PMCID: PMC7835581 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Efforts are constantly made to decrease the rates of readmission after acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). ADHF admissions to internal medicine departments (IMD) were previously associated with higher risk for readmission compared with those admitted to cardiology departments (CD). It is unknown if the earlier still applies after recent advancement in care over the last decade. This contemporary cohort compares characteristics and outcomes of ADHF patients admitted to IMD with those admitted to CD. Methods and results The data for this single‐centre, retrospective study utilized a cohort of 8332 ADHF patients admitted between 2007 and 2017. We compared patients' baseline characteristics and clinical and laboratory indices of patients admitted to CD and IMD with the outcome defined as 30 day readmission rate. In comparison with those admitted to CD, patients admitted to IMD (89.5% of patients) were older (79 [70–86] vs. 69 [60–78] years; P < 0.001) and had a higher incidence of co‐morbidities and a higher ejection fraction. Readmission rates at 30 days were significantly lower in patients admitted to CD (15.9% vs. 19.6%; P = 0.01). Conflicting results of three statistical models failed to associate between the admitting department and 30 day readmission (odds ratio for 30 day readmission in CD: forced and backward stepwise logistic regression 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.65–0.97, P = 0.02; stabilized inverse probability weights model odds ratio 1.0, confidence interval 0.75–1.37, P = 0.96). Conclusions This contemporary analysis of ADHF patient cohort demonstrates significant differences in the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to IMD and CD. Thus, focusing strategies for readmission prevention in patients admitted to IMD may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiri Lea Maymon
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Gil Moravsky
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Yaakov, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Gil Marcus
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Yaakov, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Mony Shuvy
- Heart Institute, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - David Pereg
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Meir Medical Centre, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Danny Epstein
- Department of Internal Medicine 'B', Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ilya Litovchik
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Yaakov, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Shmuel Fuchs
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Yaakov, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Sa'ar Minha
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.,Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Be'er Yaakov, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
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9
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Ricciardi E, La Malfa G, Guglielmi G, Cenni E, Micali M, Corsello LM, Lopena P, Manco L, Pontremoli R, Moscatelli P, Murdaca G, Musso N, Montecucco F, Ameri P, Porto I, Pende A, Canepa M. Characteristics of current heart failure patients admitted to internal medicine vs. cardiology hospital units: the VASCO study. Intern Emerg Med 2020; 15:1219-1229. [PMID: 32172459 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-020-02304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The majority of patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) are admitted to internal medicine (IM) rather than to cardiology (CA) units, but to date few studies have analyzed the characteristics of these two populations. In this snapshot survey, we compared consecutive patients admitted for HF in six IM units vs. one non-intensive CA unit. During the 6-month survey period, 467 patients were enrolled (127 in CA, 27.2% vs. 340 in IM, 72.8%). IM patients were almost 10 years older (CA 75 ± 10, IM 82 ± 8 years; p < 0.001), more frequently female (CA 39%, IM 55%; p = 0.002) and living at home alone (CA 12%, IM 21%; p = 0.017). The leading cause of hospitalization in both groups was acute worsening of HF (CA 42%, IM 53%; p = 0.031), followed by atrial fibrillation (CA 29%, IM 12%; p < 0.001) and infections (CA 24%, IM 27%; p = 0.563). Ischemic (CA 43%, IM 30%; p = 0.008) and dilated cardiomyopathy patients (CA 21%, IM 12%; p < 0.001) were primarily admitted to CA unit, whereas those with hypertensive heart disease to IM (CA 3%, IM 39%; p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was available in 96% of CA patients, but only in 60% of IM patients (p = 0.001). Among patients with LVEF measured, those with LVEF < 40% were predominantly admitted to CA (CA 60%, IM 14%; p < 0.001), whereas those with LVEF ≥ 50% were admitted to IM (CA 21%, IM 33%; p = 0.019); 26% of IM patients were discharged without a known LVEF. Medical treatments also significantly differed, according to patients' clinical and instrumental characteristics in each unit. This study demonstrates important differences between HF patients hospitalized in CA vs. IM, and the need for a greater interaction between these two medical specialties for a better care of HF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ricciardi
- Clinica di Medicina d'Urgenza, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni La Malfa
- Clinica di Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare con UTIC, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Guglielmi
- Clinica di Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare con UTIC, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cenni
- Divisione di Medicina d'Urgenza, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Micali
- Clinica di Medicina d'Urgenza, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Moisio Corsello
- Clinica di Medicina d'Urgenza, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lopena
- Clinica di Medicina Interna 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Manco
- Clinica di Medicina Interna 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Pontremoli
- Clinica di Medicina Interna 2, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Moscatelli
- Divisione di Medicina d'Urgenza, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Murdaca
- Clinica di Medicina Interna ad Orientamento Immunologico, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Natale Musso
- Clinica Endocrinologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montecucco
- Clinica di Medicina Interna 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Ameri
- Clinica di Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare con UTIC, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Italo Porto
- Clinica di Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare con UTIC, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aldo Pende
- Clinica di Medicina d'Urgenza, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Canepa
- Clinica di Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare con UTIC, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
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10
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Wu YM, Liu CC, Yeh CC, Sung LC, Lin CS, Cherng YG, Chen TL, Liao CC. Hospitalization outcome of heart diseases between patients who received medical care by cardiologists and non-cardiologist physicians: A propensity-score matched study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235207. [PMID: 32629459 PMCID: PMC7338078 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims The effects of physician specialty on the outcome of heart disease remains incompletely understood because of inconsistent findings from some previous studies. Our purpose is to compare the admission outcomes of heart disease in patients receiving care by cardiologists and noncardiologist (NC) physicians. Methods Using reimbursement claims data of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance from 2008–2013, we conducted a matched study of 6264 patients aged ≥20 years who received a cardiologist’s care during admission for heart disease. Using a propensity score matching procedure adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, medical condition, and type of heart disease, 6264 controls who received an NC physician’s care were selected. Logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for complications and mortality during admission for heart disease associated with a cardiologist’s care. Results Patients who received a cardiologist’s care had a lower risk of pneumonia (OR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.53–0.70), septicemia (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39–0.61), urinary tract infection (OR = 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.88), and in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.29–0.47) than did patients who received an NC physician’s care. The association between a cardiologist’s care and reduced adverse events following admission was significant in both sexes and in patients aged ≥40 years. Conclusion We raised the possibility that cardiologist care was associated with reduced infectious complications and mortality among patients who were admitted due to heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chung Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Yeh
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Li-Chin Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Shun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Giun Cherng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Liang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chang Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Anesthesiology and Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center of Big Data and Meta-Analysis, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- * E-mail: ,
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11
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Watanabe M, Yoneyama K, Nakai M, Kanaoka K, Okayama S, Nishimura K, Miyamoto Y, Izumo M, Ishibashi Y, Higuma T, Harada T, Yasuda S, Murohara T, Saito Y, Akashi YJ. Impact of Board-Certified Cardiologist Characteristics on Risk of In-Hospital Mortality. Circ Rep 2020; 2:44-50. [PMID: 33693173 PMCID: PMC7929708 DOI: 10.1253/circrep.cr-19-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
This study examined the influence of board-certified cardiologist characteristics on the in-hospital mortality of patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results:
Data were collected between 2012 and 2014 from a nationwide database of acute care hospitals in Japan. Overall, there were 1,422,703 patients, of whom 883,746 were analyzed. The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. The association between board-certified cardiologist characteristics and in-hospital mortality was estimated using multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression modeling. Median age of cardiologists in a hospital was not related to in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.003; 95% CI: 0.998–1.008, P=0.316), but a greater cardiologist age range was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.992; 95% CI: 0.988–0.995 per 1-unit increment in age range, P<0.001). Meanwhile, the average years of experience of the board-certified cardiologists in a hospital was not associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.002; 95% CI: 0.996–1.007, P=0.525), but a greater range of years of experience was (OR, 0.986; 95% CI: 0.983–0.990 per 1-unit increment in range of years of experience, P<0.001). Conclusions:
Median board-certified cardiologist age/experience at an institution is not related to in-hospital mortality, but a greater range in age/experience is associated with a lower risk of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Watanabe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
| | - Kihei Yoneyama
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
| | | | - Koshiro Kanaoka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nara Medical University
| | - Satoshi Okayama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nara Medical University
| | | | | | - Masaki Izumo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
| | - Yuki Ishibashi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
| | - Takumi Higuma
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
| | - Tomoo Harada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
| | | | - Toyoaki Murohara
- Department of Cardiology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Yoshihiko Saito
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nara Medical University
| | - Yoshihiro J. Akashi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine
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12
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Belfiore A, Palmieri VO, Di Gennaro C, Settimo E, De Sario MG, Lattanzio S, Fanelli M, Portincasa P. Long-term management of chronic heart failure patients in internal medicine. Intern Emerg Med 2020; 15:49-58. [PMID: 30659413 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-019-02024-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the main disabilities in elderly patients requiring frequent hospitalizations with high health care costs. We studied the outcome of CHF outpatient management in reducing hospitalization after discharge from a division of Internal Medicine at a large 3rd referral regional Hospital. 147 CHF inpatients (M:F: 63:84; mean age 76 ± 9.6 years) admitted for acute exacerbation of CHF were followed up as outpatients at 1, 6, 12 and 24 months after discharge. At baseline, patients underwent: laboratory tests, ECG, echocardiogram and a dedicated-intensive health care educational program involving also their families. The rate of hospitalization in the same group of patients was compared with data from the previous 24 months, a period when patients had been seen elsewhere without disease management programs. Patients had high prevalence of comorbidities and the majority was in NYHA class III or IV. Hypertension and valvular heart disease were the most common causes for CHF. Systolic function was preserved (LVEF ≥ 50%) in 61.9% of cases. Functional NYHA class improved significantly after 6 months and remained stable at 24 months. There was a significant increase in the use of the renin-angiotensin system blockers, beta-blockers and diuretics compared to admission to the ward. At 24 months, hospital readmissions were decreased by 42% as compared to the previous 24 months. Risk factors for re-hospitalizations were anemia, NYHA class III or IV and previous hospitalizations. Establishing an intensive outpatient management program for CHF patients leads to long-term beneficial effects with improved clinical parameters and decreased hospitalization in the setting of Internal Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Belfiore
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Carla Di Gennaro
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Enrica Settimo
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia De Sario
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Lattanzio
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Margherita Fanelli
- Biostatistic, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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13
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Diamant MJ, Virani SA, MacKenzie WJ, Ignaszewski A, Toma M, Hawkins NM. Medical therapy doses at hospital discharge in patients with existing and de novo heart failure. ESC Heart Fail 2019; 6:774-783. [PMID: 31218850 PMCID: PMC6676447 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Uptitrating angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARBs), beta-blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) to optimal doses in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is associated with improved outcomes and recommended in guidelines. Studies of ambulatory patients found that a minority are prescribed optimal doses. However, dose at hospital discharge has rarely been reported. This information may guide quality improvement initiatives during and following discharge. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed 370 consecutive patients with HFrEF hospitalized at two centres in Vancouver, Canada. Of those without contraindications, 86.4%, 93.4%, and 44.7% were prescribed an ACE-I/ARB/sacubitril-valsartan, beta-blocker, or MRA, respectively. The proportion of eligible patients prescribed target dose was respectively 28.6%, 31.7%, and 4.1%. Forty-two of 248 eligible patients (16.9%) were prescribed ≥50% of target dose, and only three patients received target dosing of all three medication classes. In multivariate regression models, cardiologist involvement in care was independently associated with increased dose and prescription of ≥50% of target dose for all medications, whereas a history of HF was only predictive for beta-blockers. CONCLUSIONS In a single-region experience of hospitalized HFrEF patients, a high proportion of eligible patients were discharged on ACE-I/ARB or beta-blocker. Less than half were prescribed MRAs, and few were prescribed ≥50% or target dosing of all medications. Further exploration into barriers to medication uptitration, and improvement in processes of care, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Diamant
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sean A Virani
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Ignaszewski
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mustafa Toma
- Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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14
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Edmonston DL, Wu J, Matsouaka RA, Yancy C, Heidenreich P, Piña IL, Hernandez A, Fonarow GC, DeVore AD. Association of post-discharge specialty outpatient visits with readmissions and mortality in high-risk heart failure patients. Am Heart J 2019; 212:101-112. [PMID: 30978555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) outcomes are especially poor in high-risk patients with certain comorbidities including diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whether early specialty or primary care provider (PCP) follow-up after HF discharge affects outcomes in high-risk patients is unknown. METHODS We analyzed patients discharged from a Get With The Guidelines HF-participating hospital from 2007-2012 with linked Medicare claims to investigate the association of medical specialist visit within 14 days of discharge stratified by comorbidity with the primary outcome of 90-day HF readmission. Secondary outcomes included 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortality. RESULTS Out of 33,243 patients, 39.4% had DM, 19.8% had CKD, 30.0% had COPD, and 36.3% had no key comorbidity. Nephrologist visit in patients with CKD was associated with a 35% reduction in 90-day HF readmission (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-0.85). Pulmonologist visit in patients with COPD was associated with a 29% reduction in 90-day HF readmission (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.91). In patients with no key comorbidity, PCP and Cardiologist visits were associated with decreased 90-day mortality (HR for PCP 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.94; HR for Cardiologist 0.78, 95% CI 0.63-0.96). In patients with DM, Endocrinologist visit was associated with a 42% reduction of 90-day mortality (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.34-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Specialist and PCP visit in the immediate post-discharge period may improve 90-day HF readmission and mortality in certain high-risk groups of patients with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Edmonston
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC.
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Roland A Matsouaka
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC; Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Clyde Yancy
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Paul Heidenreich
- Division of Cardiology, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto, CA
| | - Ileana L Piña
- Division of Cardiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Adrian Hernandez
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Gregg C Fonarow
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Adam D DeVore
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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15
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Healy L, Ledwidge M, Gallagher J, Watson C, McDonald K. Developing a disease management program for the improvement of heart failure outcomes: the do's and the don'ts. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2019; 17:267-273. [PMID: 30916595 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2019.1596798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heart failure is a highly prevalent condition affecting approximately 2% of people worldwide. Heart failure disease management programs (DMP) have shown a reduction in mortality and reduced hospitalization and are an established part of clinical guidelines; however, their presence is not widespread. Focusing on the application of proven therapies, patient education, diagnosis with work up of cause and easy access for clinical deterioration should be fundamental to the structure of the DMP. Multidisciplinary team care with early and timely recognition of potentially critical patients is essential, along with the inclusion of patients diagnosed in hospital as well as the community. Areas covered: The fundamental structure of a DMP along with the current gaps in evidence is outlined. Current challenges with the heart failure condition along with the current best evidence are covered. Articles were searched using MEDLINE containing the keywords; Chronic Heart Failure, Disease Management Program. We have also provided clinical opinion. Expert opinion: A multidisciplinary approach to disease management programs is essential to providing adequate care to patients. DMPs are an established part of current guidelines and should be a benchmark of treatment. Future resources should be focused on identifying patients at risk and early prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam Healy
- a Healthcare Group , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Mark Ledwidge
- a Healthcare Group , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Joe Gallagher
- b School of Medicine and Medical Science , University College Dublin , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Chris Watson
- a Healthcare Group , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland
| | - Kenneth McDonald
- a Healthcare Group , St. Vincent's University Hospital , Dublin , Ireland
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16
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Vogt V, Scholz SM, Sundmacher L. Applying sequence clustering techniques to explore practice-based ambulatory care pathways in insurance claims data. Eur J Public Health 2019; 28:214-219. [PMID: 29040495 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckx169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Care pathways are a widely used mean to ensure well-coordinated and high quality care by defining the optimal timing and interval of health services for a specific indication. However, evidence on common sequences of services actually followed by patients has rarely been quantified. This study aims to explore whether sequence clustering techniques can be used to empirically identify typical treatment sequences in ambulatory care for heart failure (HF) patients and compare their effectiveness. Methods Routine data of HF patients were provided by a large statutory sickness fund in Germany from 2009 until 2011. Events were categorized by either (i) the specialty of the physician, (ii) the type of service/procedure provided and (iii) the medication prescribed. Similarities between sequences were measured using the 'longest common subsequence' (LCS). The k-medoids clustering algorithm was applied to identify distinct subgroups of sequences. We used logistic regression to identify the most effective sequences for avoiding hospitalizations. Results Treatment data of 982 incident HF patients were analyzed to identify typical treatment sequences. The cluster analysis revealed three distinct clusters of specialty sequences, four clusters of procedure sequences and four clusters of prescription sequences. Clusters differed in terms of timing and interval of physician visits, procedures and drug prescriptions as well as comorbidities and HF hospitalization rates. We found no significant association between cluster membership and HF hospitalization. Conclusions Sequence clustering techniques can be used as an explorative tool to systematically extract, describe compare and analyze treatment sequences and associated characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Vogt
- Department of Health Care Management, Berlin Centre of Health Economics Research (BerlinHECOR), Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan M Scholz
- Department of Health Economics and Health Management, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Leonie Sundmacher
- Department of Health Services Management, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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17
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Miró Ò, Gil VÍ, Martín-Sánchez FJ, Jacob J, Herrero P, Alquézar A, Llauger L, Aguiló S, Martínez G, Ríos J, Domínguez-Rodríguez A, Harjola VP, Müller C, Parissis J, Peacock WF, Llorens P. Short-term outcomes of heart failure patients with reduced and preserved ejection fraction after acute decompensation according to the final destination after emergency department care. Clin Res Cardiol 2018; 107:698-710. [PMID: 29594372 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-018-1237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare short-term outcomes after an episode of acute heart failure (AHF) in patients with reduced and preserved ejection fractions (HFrEF, < 40%; and HFpEF, > 49%; respectively) according to their destinations after emergency department (ED) care. METHODS AND RESULTS This secondary analysis of the EAHFE Registry (consecutive AHF patients diagnosed in 41 Spanish EDs) investigated 30-day all-cause mortality, in-hospital all-cause mortality, prolonged hospitalisation (> 7 days), and 30-day post-discharge ED revisit due to AHF, all-cause death, and combined endpoint (ED revisit/death) in 5829 patients with echocardiographically documented HFrEF and HfpEF (HFrEF/HFpEF: 1,442/4,387). Adjusted ratios were calculated for patients admitted to internal medicine (IM), short stay unit (SSU), and discharged from the ED without hospitalisation (DEDWH) and compared with those admitted to cardiology. For HFrEF, the only significant differences were lower in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.08-0.81; p = 0.021) and prolonged hospitalisation (OR = 0.07; 95% CI 0.04-0.13; p < 0.001) related to SSU admission. For HFpEF, IM admission had a higher post-discharge 30-day mortality (HR = 1.85; 95% CI 1.05-3.25; p = 0.033) and combined endpoint (HR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.64; p = 0.044); SSU admission had a lower in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.23-0.80; p = 0.008) and prolonged hospitalisation (OR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.13-0.23; p < 0.001) but a higher post-discharge 30-day combined endpoint (HR = 1.29; 95% CI 1.01-1.64; p = 0.041); and DEDDWH had a lower 30-day mortality (HR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.28-0.75; p = 0.002) but higher post-discharge ED revisit (HR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.31-2.00; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION While HFrEF patients have similar short-term outcomes irrespective of the destination after ED care for an AHF episode, HFpEF patients present worse short-term outcomes when managed by non-cardiology departments, despite adjustment for different clinical patient profiles. Reasons for this heterogeneous specialty-related performance should be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Òscar Miró
- Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Medical School, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - V Íctor Gil
- Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Javier Jacob
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pablo Herrero
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aitor Alquézar
- Emergency Department, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Lluís Llauger
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sira Aguiló
- Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gemma Martínez
- Emergency Department, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José Ríos
- Laboratory of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Medical Statistics Core Facility, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alberto Domínguez-Rodríguez
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario de Canarias and Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Veli-Pekka Harjola
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine and Services, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki University, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Christian Müller
- Cardiology Department, Hospital University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John Parissis
- Heart Failure Unit, Department of Cardiology, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - W Frank Peacock
- Emergency Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pere Llorens
- Home Hospitalization and Short Stay Unit, Emergency Department, Hospital General de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.,Medical School, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche, Alicante, Spain
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18
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KANG YIDA, ZHUO DEMING, FOO RUIENANNE, LIM CHOOMIN, FAUST OLIVER, HAGIWARA YUKI. ALGORITHM FOR THE DETECTION OF CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE INDEX. J MECH MED BIOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219519417400437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This study documents our efforts to provide computer support for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF). That computer support takes the form of an index value. A high index value indicates a low probability of CHF, and an index value below a threshold of 25.6 suggests a high probability of CHF. To create that index, we have designed a sophisticated algorithm chain which takes electrocardiogram signals as input. The signals are pre-processed before they are sent to a range of nonlinear feature extraction algorithms. The top 10 feature extraction methods were used to create the CHF index. By using objective feature extraction algorithms, we avoid the problem of inter- and intra-observer variability. We observed that the nonlinear feature extraction methods reflect the nature of the human heart very well. That observation is based on the fact that the nonlinear features achieved low [Formula: see text]-values and high feature ranking criterion scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- YI DA KANG
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - DEMING ZHUO
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - RUI EN ANNE FOO
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - CHOO MIN LIM
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
| | - OLIVER FAUST
- Department of Engineering and Mathematics, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
| | - YUKI HAGIWARA
- Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore
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19
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Avaldi VM, Lenzi J, Urbinati S, Molinazzi D, Descovich C, Campagna A, Taglioni M, Fioritti A, Fantini MP. Effect of cardiologist care on 6-month outcomes in patients discharged with heart failure: results from an observational study based on administrative data. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018243. [PMID: 29101146 PMCID: PMC5695401 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of cardiologist care on adherence to evidence-based secondary prevention medications, mortality and readmission within 6 months of discharge in patients with heart failure (HF). DESIGN Retrospective observational study based on administrative data. SETTING Local Healthcare Authority (LHA) of Bologna, one of the largest LHAs of Italy with ~870 000 inhabitants. PARTICIPANTS All patients residing in the LHA of Bologna discharged from hospital with a diagnosis of HF between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2015. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the association of inpatient and outpatient cardiologist care with adherence to evidence-based medications, all-cause mortality and hospital readmission (including emergency room visits) within 6 months of discharge. RESULTS The study population included 2650 patients (mean age 82.3 years). 340 (12.8%) patients were discharged from cardiology wards, while 635 (24.0%) were seen by a cardiologist during follow-up. Inpatient and outpatient cardiologist care was associated with an increased likelihood of adherence to ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEIs/ARBs), β-blockers and aldosterone antagonists after discharge. The risk of mortality was significantly lower among patients adherent to ACEIs/ARBs and/or β-blockers (-53% and -28%, respectively); the risk of hospital readmission was significantly lower among patients adherent to ACEIs/ARBs (-28%). CONCLUSIONS Compared with non-specialist care, cardiologist care improves patient adherence to evidence-based medications and might thus favourably affect mortality and readmission following HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Maria Avaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Stefano Urbinati
- Department of Cardiology, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Dario Molinazzi
- Department of Management Control and Administrative Data, Bologna Local Healthcare Authority, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Carlo Descovich
- Department of Clinical Governance and Quality, Bologna Local Healthcare Authority, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Anselmo Campagna
- Regional Agency for Health and Social Care of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Martina Taglioni
- Department of Clinical Governance and Quality, St Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Angelo Fioritti
- Medical Directorate, Bologna Local Healthcare Authority, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Fantini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
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20
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Liu CH, Chen ST, Chang CH, Chuang LM, Lai MS. Prescription trends and the selection of initial oral antidiabetic agents for patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: a nationwide study. Public Health 2017; 152:20-27. [PMID: 28719837 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of patients, physicians, and medical facilities, and their association with prescriptions that do not include metformin as the initial oral antidiabetic agent. STUDY DESIGN Observational, cross-sectional study. METHODS Patients with incident type 2 diabetes between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010, were identified from the Taiwan National Insurance Research Database. We describe trends in the initial prescription of antidiabetic medications that do not contain metformin during the study period. A multivariable logistic model and a multilevel linear model were used in the analysis of factors at a range of levels (patient, physician, and medical facility), which may be associated with the selection of oral antidiabetic drugs. RESULTS During the study period, the proportion of prescriptions that did not include metformin declined from 43.8% to 26.2%. Male patients were more likely to obtain non-metformin prescriptions (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.23), and the likelihood that a patient would be prescribed a non-metformin prescription increased with age. Physicians aged ≥35 years and those with specialties other than endocrinology tended to prescribe non-metformin prescriptions. Metformin was less commonly prescribed in for-profit hospitals (adjusted OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11-1.61) and hospitals in smaller cities (adjusted OR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05-1.57) and rural areas (adjusted OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.32-2.54). CONCLUSIONS Disparities continue to exist in clinical practice with regard to the treatment of diabetes. These inequalities appear to be linked to a variety of factors related to patients, physicians, and medical facilities. Further study will be required to understand the effects of continuing medical education in enhancing adherence to clinical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-H Liu
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Family Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - S-T Chen
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C-H Chang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - L-M Chuang
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M-S Lai
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Álvarez-García J, Salamanca-Bautista P, Ferrero-Gregori A, Montero-Pérez-Barquero M, Puig T, Aramburu-Bodas Ó, Vázquez R, Formiga F, Delgado J, Arias-Jiménez JL, Vives-Borrás M, Cerqueiro González JM, Manzano L, Cinca J. Impacto pronóstico de la especialidad en el paciente ambulatorio con insuficiencia cardiaca: un análisis emparejado de los registros REDINSCOR y RICA. Rev Esp Cardiol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2016.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Martínez F, Martínez-Ibañez L, Pichler G, Ruiz A, Redon J. Multimorbidity and acute heart failure in internal medicine. Int J Cardiol 2017; 232:208-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2017.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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23
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Álvarez-García J, Salamanca-Bautista P, Ferrero-Gregori A, Montero-Pérez-Barquero M, Puig T, Aramburu-Bodas Ó, Vázquez R, Formiga F, Delgado J, Arias-Jiménez JL, Vives-Borrás M, Cerqueiro González JM, Manzano L, Cinca J. Prognostic Impact of Physician Specialty on the Prognosis of Outpatients With Heart Failure: Propensity Matched Analysis of the REDINSCOR and RICA Registries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 70:347-354. [PMID: 28189543 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2016.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The specialty treating patients with heart failure (HF) has a prognostic impact in the hospital setting but this issue remains under debate in the ambulatory environment. We aimed to compare the clinical profile and outcomes of outpatients with HF treated by cardiologists or internists. METHODS We analyzed the clinical, electrocardiogram, laboratory, and echocardiographic data of 2 prospective multicenter Spanish cohorts of outpatients with HF treated by cardiologists (REDINSCOR, n=2150) or by internists (RICA, n=1396). Propensity score matching analysis was used to test the influence of physician specialty on outcome. RESULTS Cardiologist-treated patients were often men, were younger, and had ischemic etiology and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients followed up by internists were predominantly women, were older, and a higher percentage had preserved LVEF and associated comorbidities. The 9-month mortality was lower in the REDINSCOR cohort (11.6% vs 16.9%; P<.001), but the 9-month HF-readmission rates were similar (15.7% vs 16.9%; P=.349). The propensity matching analysis selected 558 pairs of comparable patients and continued to show significantly lower 9-month mortality in the cardiology cohort (12.0% vs 18.8%; RR, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.48-0.85; P=.002), with no relevant differences in the 9-month HF-readmission rate (18.1% vs 17.2%; RR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.74-1.22; P=.695). CONCLUSIONS Age, sex, LVEF and comorbidities were major determinants of specialty-related referral in HF outpatients. An in-depth propensity matched analysis showed significantly lower 9-month mortality in the cardiologist cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Álvarez-García
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIb-SantPau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Andreu Ferrero-Gregori
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIb-SantPau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Puig
- Servicio de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIb-SantPau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Óscar Aramburu-Bodas
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Vázquez
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Francesc Formiga
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, IDIBELL, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Delgado
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Miquel Vives-Borrás
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIb-SantPau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Luis Manzano
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Cinca
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIb-SantPau, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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24
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The Role of Cardiologists in the Management of Patients with Heart Failure. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1067:133-144. [PMID: 29188455 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2017_120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome with a remarkable impact on health care systems in terms of patients' morbidity and mortality, as well as direct and indirect costs. It is essential to redesign models of care for patients with heart failure that are tailored on personalized health care needs and carried out in the most appropriate setting. There is some debate about the role of cardiologists in the management of patients with heart failure. Indeed, results regarding the inclination of cardiologists' patients to achieve better outcomes are controversial, given the heterogeneity of studies in terms of study design, population, setting and variables considered. The aim of this chapter is to describe and synthesize the current state of knowledge about the role of specialists in the management of patient with heart failure, and to assess whether there is a type of patients for which cardiologists demonstrate the greatest value or a setting of care where they add more benefit.
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25
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Comín-Colet J, Enjuanes C, Lupón J, Cainzos-Achirica M, Badosa N, Verdú JM. Transiciones de cuidados entre insuficiencia cardiaca aguda y crónica: pasos críticos en el diseño de un modelo de atención multidisciplinaria para la prevención de la hospitalización recurrente. Rev Esp Cardiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.recesp.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Pintalhao M, Castro‐Chaves P, Vasques‐Novoa F, Gonçalves F, Mendonça L, Fontes‐Carvalho R, Lourenço P, Almeida P, Leite‐Moreira A, Bettencourt P. Relaxin serum levels in acute heart failure are associated with pulmonary hypertension and right heart overload. Eur J Heart Fail 2016; 19:218-225. [DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pintalhao
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
- Internal Medicine DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
| | - Paulo Castro‐Chaves
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
- Internal Medicine DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
| | - Francisco Vasques‐Novoa
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
- Internal Medicine DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
| | - Francisco Gonçalves
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
| | - Luís Mendonça
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
| | - Ricardo Fontes‐Carvalho
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
- Cardiology DepartmentGaia Hospital Centre Gaia Portugal
| | - Patrícia Lourenço
- Internal Medicine DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
| | - Pedro Almeida
- Cardiology DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
| | - Adelino Leite‐Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic SurgeryFaculty of Medicine, University of Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
- Cardiothoracic Surgery DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
| | - Paulo Bettencourt
- Internal Medicine DepartmentSão João Hospital Centre Porto Portugal
- Cardiovascular Research Centre Portugal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Porto Portugal
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27
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Comín-Colet J, Enjuanes C, Lupón J, Cainzos-Achirica M, Badosa N, Verdú JM. Transitions of Care Between Acute and Chronic Heart Failure: Critical Steps in the Design of a Multidisciplinary Care Model for the Prevention of Rehospitalization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 69:951-961. [PMID: 27282437 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of heart failure, mortality, the number of readmissions, and their associated health care costs are very high. Heart failure care models inspired by the chronic care model, also known as heart failure programs or heart failure units, have shown clinical benefits in high-risk patients. However, while traditional heart failure units have focused on patients detected in the outpatient phase, the increasing pressure from hospital admissions is shifting the focus of interest toward multidisciplinary programs that concentrate on transitions of care, particularly between the acute phase and the postdischarge phase. These new integrated care models for heart failure revolve around interventions at the time of transitions of care. They are multidisciplinary and patient-centered, designed to ensure continuity of care, and have been demonstrated to reduce potentially avoidable hospital admissions. Key components of these models are early intervention during the inpatient phase, discharge planning, early postdischarge review and structured follow-up, advanced transition planning, and the involvement of physicians and nurses specialized in heart failure. It is hoped that such models will be progressively implemented across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep Comín-Colet
- Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Programa Integrado de Atención a la Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Área Integral de Salud Barcelona Litoral Mar, Servicio Catalán de la Salud, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades del Corazón, Programa de Investigación en Procesos Inflamatorios y Cardiovasculares, Instituto Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Cristina Enjuanes
- Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Programa Integrado de Atención a la Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Área Integral de Salud Barcelona Litoral Mar, Servicio Catalán de la Salud, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades del Corazón, Programa de Investigación en Procesos Inflamatorios y Cardiovasculares, Instituto Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Lupón
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Cainzos-Achirica
- Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States; Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease, Department of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Neus Badosa
- Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; Programa Integrado de Atención a la Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Área Integral de Salud Barcelona Litoral Mar, Servicio Catalán de la Salud, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades del Corazón, Programa de Investigación en Procesos Inflamatorios y Cardiovasculares, Instituto Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José María Verdú
- Programa Integrado de Atención a la Insuficiencia Cardiaca, Área Integral de Salud Barcelona Litoral Mar, Servicio Catalán de la Salud, Barcelona, Spain; Grupo de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades del Corazón, Programa de Investigación en Procesos Inflamatorios y Cardiovasculares, Instituto Hospital del Mar de Investigaciones Médicas (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Atención Primaria Sant Martí de Provençals, Instituto Catalán de la Salud, Barcelona, Spain; Instituto de investigación de Atención Primaria Jordi Gol, Instituto Catalán de la Salud, Barcelona, Spain
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28
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Gender-related differences in clinical profile and outcome of patients with heart failure. Results of the RICA Registry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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29
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Conde-Martel A, Arkuch M, Formiga F, Manzano-Espinosa L, Aramburu-Bodas O, González-Franco Á, Dávila-Ramos M, Suárez-Pedreira I, Herrero-Domingo A, Montero-Pérez-Barquero M. Diferencias en función del sexo en el perfil clínico y pronóstico de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca. Resultados del Registro RICA. Rev Clin Esp 2015; 215:363-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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30
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Cowie MR, Anker SD, Cleland JGF, Felker GM, Filippatos G, Jaarsma T, Jourdain P, Knight E, Massie B, Ponikowski P, López-Sendón J. Improving care for patients with acute heart failure: before, during and after hospitalization. ESC Heart Fail 2015; 1:110-145. [PMID: 28834628 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.12021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute heart failure (AHF) is a common and serious condition that contributes to about 5% of all emergency hospital admissions in Europe and the USA. Here, we present the recommendations from structured discussions among an author group of AHF experts in 2013. The epidemiology of AHF and current practices in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for patients with AHF in Europe and the USA are examined. Available evidence indicates variation in the quality of care across hospitals and regions. Challenges include the need for rapid diagnosis and treatment, the heterogeneity of precipitating factors, and the typical repeated episodes of decompensation requiring admission to hospital for stabilization. In hospital, care should involve input from an expert in AHF and auditing to ensure that guidelines and protocols for treatment are implemented for all patients. A smooth transition to follow-up care is vital. Patient education programmes could have a dramatic effect on improving outcomes. Information technology should allow, where appropriate, patient telemonitoring and sharing of medical records. Where needed, access to end-of-life care and support for all patients, families, and caregivers should form part of a high-quality service. Eight evidence-based consensus policy recommendations are identified by the author group: optimize patient care transitions, improve patient education and support, provide equity of care for all patients, appoint experts to lead AHF care across disciplines, stimulate research into new therapies, develop and implement better measures of care quality, improve end-of-life care, and promote heart failure prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin R Cowie
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Charité-University Medical Centre, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
| | - John G F Cleland
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London and Harefield Hospital, London, UK.,University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | | | | | - Tiny Jaarsma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Patrick Jourdain
- René Dubos Hospital, Pontoise, France.,Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | | | - Barry Massie
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - José López-Sendón
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Villani A, Malfatto G, Compare A, Della Rosa F, Bellardita L, Branzi G, Molinari E, Parati G. Clinical and psychological telemonitoring and telecare of high risk heart failure patients. J Telemed Telecare 2014; 20:468-75. [PMID: 25339632 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x14555644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a trial of telemonitoring and telecare for patients with chronic heart failure leaving hospital after being treated for clinical instability. Eighty patients were randomized before hospital discharge to a usual care group (n=40: follow-up at the outpatient clinic) or to an integrated management group (n=40: patients learned to use a handheld PDA and kept in touch daily with the monitoring centre). At enrolment, the groups were similar for all clinical variables. At one-year follow-up, integrated management patients showed better adherence, reduced anxiety and depression, and lower NYHA class and plasma levels of BNP with respect to the usual care patients (e.g. NYHA class 2.1 vs 2.4, P<0.02). Mortality and hospital re-admissions for congestive heart failure were also reduced in integrated management patients (P<0.05). Integrated management was more expensive than usual care, although the cost of adverse events was 42% lower. In heart failure patients at high risk of relapse, the regular acquisition of simple clinical information and the possibility for the patient to contact the clinical staff improved drug titration, produced better psychological status and quality of life, and reduced hospitalizations for heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Villani
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Gabriella Malfatto
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Angelo Compare
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Della Rosa
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Giovanna Branzi
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Enrico Molinari
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- Divisione di Cardiologia, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milano, Italy Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica, Prevenzione e Biotecnologie Sanitarie, Università Milano-Bicocca, Italy
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Jankowska EA, Kalicinska E, Drozd M, Kurian B, Banasiak W, Ponikowski P. Comparison of clinical profile and management of outpatients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction treated by general practitioners and cardiologists in contemporary Poland: the results from the DATA-HELP registry. Int J Cardiol 2014; 176:852-8. [PMID: 25156847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to determine and compare clinical profile and management of outpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFREF) treated by cardiologists and general practitioners (GPs) in Poland. METHODS All the 790 randomly selected cardiologists and GPs in the DATA-HELP registry, which included 5563 patients, filled out questionnaires about 10 consecutive outpatients with HFREF. RESULTS Outpatients managed by GPs were older (69±10 vs 66±12 years), and the prevalence of men was less marked (58% vs 67%). They also had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (38±6% vs 35±8%) and had more pulmonary congestion (63% vs 49%) and peripheral oedema (66% vs 51%), compared with those treated by cardiologists (all p<0.001). Hypertension (74% vs 66%), previous stroke and/or transient ischaemic attack (21% vs 16%), diabetes (40% vs 30%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14% vs 11%) were more common in outpatients of GPs (all p<0.001). GPs were less likely to prescribe β-blocker (95% vs 97%, p<0.01), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) (56% vs 64%, p<0.001), and loop diuretic (61% vs 64%, p<0.05) or use PCI (33% vs 44%, p<0.001), CABG (11% vs 16%, p<0.001), ICD (4% vs 10%, p<0.001), or CRT (1% vs 5%, p<0.001). Prescription of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (94% vs 94%, p>0.2) and digoxin (20% vs 21%, p>0.2) by GPs and cardiologists was similar. CONCLUSION In contemporary Poland, most outpatients with HFREF receive drugs that improve survival and undergo revascularisation procedures, although devices are rare, but the clinical profiles and management of those treated by GPs and cardiologists differ. Outpatients treated by GPs are older and have more co-morbidities. Outpatients treated by cardiologists more commonly receive β-blocker, MRA, ICD, and CRT, and undergo coronary revascularisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa A Jankowska
- Department of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; Cardiology Department, Centre for Heart Diseases, Military Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Elzbieta Kalicinska
- Department of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; Cardiology Department, Centre for Heart Diseases, Military Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Drozd
- Department of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Waldemar Banasiak
- Cardiology Department, Centre for Heart Diseases, Military Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Ponikowski
- Department of Heart Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland; Cardiology Department, Centre for Heart Diseases, Military Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
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AbuDagga A, Stephenson JJ, Fu AC, Kwong WJ, Tan H, Weintraub WS. Characteristics affecting oral anticoagulant therapy choice among patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation: a retrospective claims analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:310. [PMID: 25034699 PMCID: PMC4112613 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dabigatran is one of the three newer oral anticoagulants (OACs) recently approved in the United States for stroke prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. The objective of this study was to identify patient, healthcare provider, and health plan factors associated with dabigatran versus warfarin use among NVAF patients. Methods Administrative claims data from patients with ≥2 NVAF medical claims in the HealthCore Integrated Research Database between 10/1/2009 and 10/31/2011 were analyzed. During the study intake period (10/1/2010 - 10/31/2011), dabigatran patients had ≥2 dabigatran prescriptions, warfarin patients had ≥2 warfarin and no dabigatran prescriptions, and the first oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription date was the index date. Continuous enrollment for 12 months preceding (“pre-index”) and ≥ 6 months following the index date was required. Patients without pre-index warfarin use were assigned to the ‘OAC-naïve’ subgroup. Separate analyses were performed for ‘all-patient’ and ‘OAC-naïve’ cohorts. Multivariable logistic regression (LR) identified factors associated with dabigatran versus warfarin use. Results Of 20,320 patients (3,019 dabigatran and 17,301 warfarin) who met study criteria, 27% of dabigatran and 13% of warfarin patients were OAC-naïve. Among all-patients, dabigatran patients were younger (mean 67 versus 73 years, p < 0.001), predominantly male (71% versus 61%, p < 0.001), and more frequently had a cardiologist prescriber (51% versus 30%, p < 0.001) than warfarin patients. Warfarin patients had higher pre-index Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (mean: 4.3 versus 4.0, p < 0.001) and higher ATRIA bleeding risk score (mean: 3.0 versus 2.3, p < 0.001). LR results were generally consistent between all- and OAC-naïve patients. Among OAC-naïve patients, strongest factors associated with dabigatran use were prescriber specialty (OR = 3.59, 95% CI 2.68-4.81 for cardiologist; OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.65-2.97 for other specialist), health plan type (OR = 1.47 95% CI 1.10-1.96 for preferred provider organization), and prior ischemic stroke (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.90). Older age decreased the probability of dabigatran use. Conclusions Beside patient characteristics, cardiology specialty of the prescribing physician and health plan type were the strongest factors associated with dabigatran use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - An-Chen Fu
- HealthCore, Inc,, 800 Delaware Ave, 5th floor, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA.
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Wang NC, Piccini JP, Fonarow GC, Knight BP, Harinstein ME, Butler J, Lahiri MK, Metra M, Vaduganathan M, Gheorghiade M. The potential role of nonpharmacologic electrophysiology-based interventions in improving outcomes in patients hospitalized for heart failure. Heart Fail Clin 2013; 9:331-43, vi-vii. [PMID: 23809419 DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2013.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) is commonly associated with symptomatic improvement in response to standard medical therapy, yet there remains a substantial risk of rehospitalization and death. Clinically stable outpatients and decompensated inpatients represent two types of patients with chronic heart failure. In the former, treatment of common heart rhythm disorders with nonpharmacologic electrophysiology-based interventions is of substantial benefit in select patients. The potential benefits of these interventions in the hospitalized setting are not well studied. In this review, current knowledge is discussed and future research directions are suggested with nonpharmacologic electrophysiology-based interventions to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with patients with HHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman C Wang
- Heart and Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Fragasso G, Marinosci G, Calori G, Spoladore R, Arioli F, Bassanelli G, Salerno A, Cuko A, Puccetti P, Silipigni C, Palloshi A, Margonato A. Improved survival in patients with chronic mild/moderate systolic heart failure followed up in a specialist clinic. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2013; 14:57-65. [PMID: 22157180 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0b013e32834ae697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To relate therapeutic issues, comorbidities and functional parameters to mortality/morbidity of mild/moderate heart failure patients. METHODS From our heart failure clinic, 372 heart failure patients (269 men, aged 66 ± 11 years), with stable heart failure and ejection fraction 45% or less were recruited. Survival curves were estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Associations of protective/risk factors with cardiovascular mortality/morbidity were also evaluated. RESULTS One hundred and two patients (27%) died (aged 70 ± 10 years at diagnosis, 76 ± 10 at death) during follow-up (overall mortality at 60 months: 19.2%; mean follow-up period: 67 ± 44 months). Cardiovascular deaths were 64 (63% of total deaths, 44 men, age at diagnosis 70 ± 9). Cardiovascular mortality at 60 months was 12%; standardized mortality ratio was 5.9 for women and 6.8 for men. The remaining 38 patients (37% of total deaths, 30 men, age at diagnosis 70 ± 10) died of noncardiovascular causes. Overall, noncardiovascular mortality at 60 months was 7.2%; mean survival time from diagnosis to death was 63 ± 69 months (median 42, Q1 = 27.5, Q3 = 77.7). Average cardiovascular admission rate was 1.63 ± 1.84 admissions/patient. At multivariate analysis, only previous history of myocardial infarction [hazard ratio: 3.62 (1.70-7.73)], class of ejection fraction at diagnosis [hazard ratio: 0.36 (0.32-0.60)], acute cardiac decompensation at any time [hazard ratio: 1.55 (1.32-1.84)], implanted defibrillator [hazard ratio: 0.11 (0.01-0.83)] and use of statins [hazard ratio: 0.08 (0.007-0.42)] were independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. Factors associated to higher annual cardiovascular morbidity were age at diagnosis, chronic renal failure, diabetes, cardiac decompensation at any time, female sex and diuretic therapy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin-receptor-blockers reduced annual cardiovascular morbidity. CONCLUSION Survival in mild/moderate heart failure patients has consistently improved. Further improvements are warranted in terms of morbidity reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fragasso
- Clinical Cardiology, Heart Failure Unit, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.
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Chou YC, Lin SY, Chen TJ, Chiang SC, Jeng MJ, Chou LF. Dosing variability in prescriptions of acetaminophen to children: comparisons between pediatricians, family physicians and otolaryngologists. BMC Pediatr 2013; 13:64. [PMID: 23617266 PMCID: PMC3648387 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-13-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To estimate the extents of dosing variability in prescriptions of acetaminophen to children among pediatricians, family physicians and otolaryngologists. METHODS The acetaminophen prescriptions in the systematic sampling datasets from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan were analyzed. The distribution of dosages was measured and expressed in terms of coefficient of variation (CV). The analyses were stratified by patient's age, prescriber's specialty and preparation form. RESULTS From 13,868 prescribed items of acetaminophen in 2009, liquids accounted only for 11.1% (n = 1544). More than half (56.9%) of liquids were prescribed by pediatricians. The median dose (83.3 mg, n = 1683) of acetaminophen prescriptions in infants is around half of that in preschool children (166.7 mg, n = 3921), one-third in children (250.0 mg, n = 4926) and one-sixth in adolescents (500.0 mg, n = 3338). In infants, the prescriptions by pediatricians had the highest CV (86.7%), followed by family physicians (82.3%) and otolaryngologists (70.3%). The patterns were similar in preschool children and children, but the difference of CV among specialties narrowed down with the patient's age. CONCLUSIONS In acetaminophen prescriptions to children, pediatricians had a wider variability of dosages and a higher ratio of liquid preparations than family physicians and otolaryngologists. Further investigations can be undertaken to estimate the accuracy of dosing variability as an indicator of prescribing quality. Besides, child-suitable drug preparations should be promoted to ensure patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ching Chou
- Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Valutazione economica della terapia con lisinopril ad alto verso basso dosaggio nel trattamento dei soggetti con scompenso cardiaco cronico. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03320594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Steinacher R, Parissis JT, Strohmer B, Eichinger J, Rottlaender D, Hoppe UC, Altenberger J. Comparison between ATS/ERS age- and gender-adjusted criteria and GOLD criteria for the detection of irreversible airway obstruction in chronic heart failure. Clin Res Cardiol 2012; 101:637-45. [PMID: 22395777 DOI: 10.1007/s00392-012-0438-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria (FEV1/FVC <70%) are extensively used for diagnosis of chronic obstructive lung disease in heart failure (HF). The American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) recommends the use of age- and gender-specific lower limit of normal (LLN) for FEV1/FVC. We compared the impact of these definitions on apparent prevalence of airway obstruction in chronic HF. METHODS Standardized pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry was performed in HF patients. Airway obstruction was defined by ATS/ERS criteria as diagnostic standard. Additionally, airway obstruction was calculated using the GOLD criteria. RESULTS Of the 89 participants who fulfilled the ATS criteria for acceptability and reproducibility, 24.7% met ATS/ERS and 43.8% GOLD criteria for airway obstruction (Chi-square p = 0.007, McNemar <0.001). Sensitivity of GOLD criteria was 100%, specificity 74.6%, positive predictive value 56.4% and negative predictive value 100%. Among all individuals with an FEV1/FVC > LLN, 25.4% were falsely identified when using the GOLD criteria. A majority of false positives qualified for airway obstruction GOLD stage I (FEV1% ≥80%), which was significantly less often observed among true positives (76.5 vs. 31.8%; p < 0.001). Only 31.8% of patients with irreversible airway obstruction detected by the ATS/ERS criteria reported a history of COPD. CONCLUSIONS In all HF patients with persistent dyspnoea despite optimal HF treatment, spirometric testing should be performed. Application of the GOLD criteria leads to overdiagnosis of irreversible airway obstruction in patients with HF, which may result in inappropriate medical therapy and health-care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Steinacher
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Boom NK, Lee DS, Tu JV. Comparison of processes of care and clinical outcomes for patients newly hospitalized for heart failure attended by different physician specialists. Am Heart J 2012; 163:252-9. [PMID: 22305844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2011.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies suggest that patients with heart failure (HF) treated by cardiologists have improved outcomes compared with patients treated by other physicians. It remains unclear whether these findings reflect differences in patient characteristics, processes of care, practice setting, or a combination of these factors. METHODS We examined physician specialty-related differences in processes of care and clinical outcomes for 7,634 patients newly hospitalized for HF in Ontario, Canada, who were included in the EFFECT study between April 2004 and March 2005. Patients were categorized according to whether they received cardiologist, generalist (e.g., internist or family doctor), or generalist care with cardiology consultation. RESULTS Multivariable hierarchical modeling demonstrated that patients treated by generalists alone had higher risk of 30-day (odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% CI 1.18-1.91) and 1-year mortality (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10-1.50), as well as the 1-year composite outcome of death and readmission, compared with patients treated by cardiologists. These differences were significantly attenuated if patients who had "do not resuscitate" orders were excluded. Patients who had a cardiologist involved in their care were more likely to undergo diagnostic procedures, such as echocardiography, and had higher rates of certain evidence-based pharmacologic therapy such as β-blockers. CONCLUSION Physician specialty-related differences in HF outcomes appear to reflect a combination of both case-mix differences and differences in the use of certain heart failure processes of care. These findings suggest that it may be possible to improve HF outcomes in patients receiving care from generalist physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Boom
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ferretto S, Dalla Valle C, Cukon Buttignoni S, Brugnaro L, Boffa GM. In-hospital management of heart failure: in 10 years we have improved, but not enough. Intern Emerg Med 2011; 6:235-9. [PMID: 21152996 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-010-0493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
It is well recognized that the majority of patients with heart failure (HF) are admitted to General Medicine Departments (GMDs), and that the recommendations of the international guidelines for the treatment of HF are often incorrectly applied in hospital practice. We evaluated the treatment of patients with HF discharged from a single hospital over a period of 10 years. The study population comprised two series of patients who were discharged from six GMDs of a single hospital with the diagnosis of HF in the first 2 months of 1998 and 2008. The patients were also divided in two groups on the basis of the type of HF, systolic or diastolic. In 10 years, the number of patients who were discharged with the diagnosis of HF increased, the median age rose from 79 to 82 years and diastolic has become the more common type of HF. The prevalence of comorbidities rose significantly. There was an increased use of ACE-inhibitors and betablockers, and a reduction of digoxin and nitrates. The mortality decreased from 16.7% in 1998 to 9.6% in 2008 (p < 0.02) and hospitalizations became shorter (p < 0.05) considering patients with systolic HF (EF ≤ 45%) the median age rose from 74 to 79 years old (p < 0.01). We recorded an increasing use of betablockers, a reduction in the prescription of digoxin. The percentage of Diastolic HF rose from 55.7% in 1998 to 65.0% in 2008 (p < 0.001). The median age of these patients changed from 79 to 82 years old (p < 0.05). In 10 years, the clinical characteristics and management of HF patients who are hospitalized have changed. Pharmacological treatment has improved, but it still remains far from being adequately compliant with guideline recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Ferretto
- Department of Cardiologic, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, Director Prof. S. Iliceto, University of Padua, via Giustiniani 2, 35128, Padua, Italy.
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BPCO e scompenso cardiaco. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.itjm.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Trimarco B, Bellis A. Clinical trials in heart failure: may we trust? Intern Emerg Med 2009; 4:521-2; author reply 523. [PMID: 19551472 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-009-0275-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Prevalenza, caratteristiche e trattamento dello scompenso cardiaco diastolico in una coorte di pazienti ospedalizzati: lo studio PRESYF-HF Toscana. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.itjm.2008.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Costantino G, Rusconi AM, Duca PG, Guzzetti S, Bossi I, Del Medico M, Pisano G, Bulgheroni M, Solbiati M, Furlan R, Montano N. Eligibility criteria in heart failure randomized controlled trials: a gap between evidence and clinical practice. Intern Emerg Med 2009; 4:117-22. [PMID: 18690492 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-008-0180-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to compare the characteristics of patients referred to our heart failure outpatient clinic with those of patients enrolled in clinical trials on heart failure pharmacological treatment. Thus, we estimated the proportion of patients admitted to our heart failure outpatient clinic who would have been included in randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of medical treatments on heart failure mortality, published over a 10 years period (1993-2003). Sixteen studies (n = 45276) and 299 consecutive outpatients, were included. On average, only 34% of the outpatients would have been included in at least one of the 16 trials (8-71%). The main reasons for exclusion were: NYHA class (70% were in NYHA class II), ejection fraction (29% had EF > 35%), co-morbidity (51% had co-morbidity, mainly renal failure, COPD, and disthyroidism), age (22% were older than 80 years), and occurrence of a recent acute event (50% experienced an ischemic coronary syndrome, revascularization, pulmonary edema, or stroke in the prior 6 months). These results underline the crucial role of patient selection in clinical trials, raising uncertainties about the complete applicability of trial results to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Costantino
- Division of Internal Medicine II, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, Via GB Grassi 74, Milan, Italy.
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Rostagno C, Rosso G, Puggelli F, Gensini GF. Preserved systolic ventricular function heart failure patients referred to a division of internal medicine. Eur J Intern Med 2008; 19:511-5. [PMID: 19013379 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2007.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2007] [Revised: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND At least 70% of patients with heart failure (HF) are referred to departments of internal medicine. Some 40-50% have preserved systolic ventricular function (PSVF; LVEF > 0.45). The aim of this study was to evaluate survival and prognostic value of several functional parameters in PSVF-HF patients admitted to a department of internal medicine. METHODS Eighty-two consecutive patients hospitalized between January 1 and December 31, 2001 (44 men and 38 women, mean age 63.7 years) were followed up for a mean period of 37 months. The severity of symptoms at admission was assessed by NYHA classification. Twenty-five patients were in NYHA class I, 43 in II, and 14 in III-IV. All patients underwent chest X-ray, echocardiogram, and a 6-minute walking test. RESULTS Seventeen patients (20.7%) died, 16 of cardiovascular causes and 1 of cancer. Survival was not affected by etiology, sex, age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV filling pattern, or pulmonary artery pressure. With univariate analysis, NYHA class at admission was the strongest predictor of death. Distance covered after the 6-minute walking test was also related to survival. The Cox stepwise regression model showed that only NYHA class at admission (p < 0.05) was significantly related to survival. CONCLUSIONS During a 3-year follow-up, mortality in PSVF-HF patients referred to a department of internal medicine is close to 7% per year. A high NYHA class at admission and decreased functional capacity (i.e., distance walked at 6 min < 350 m) are related to a worse prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Rostagno
- Department of Internal Medicine, AOU Careggi, Firenze, Italy.
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Rostagno C, Gensini GF. Six minute walk test: a simple and useful test to evaluate functional capacity in patients with heart failure. Intern Emerg Med 2008; 3:205-12. [PMID: 18299800 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-008-0130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Accepted: 07/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In heart failure survival is closely related to functional capacity. Peak O2 consumption at cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is considered the gold standard for the evaluation of exercise tolerance. Since >70% of patients with heart failure, usually elderly or with significant comorbidities, are referred to Departments of Internal Medicine where facilities for cardiopulmonary test are rarely available, CPET may be performed in <5% of the patients. Six-minute walk test (6MWT) has been proposed as a simple, inexpensive, reproducible alternative to CPET. The 6MWT reproduces the activity of daily life and this is particularly relevant in elderly patients who usually develop symptoms below their theoretical maximal exercise capacity. Despite some limits 6MWT is attractive for patients referred to Departments of Internal Medicine allowing an objective evaluation of exercise tolerance, a better prognostic evaluation and a guide to evaluate response to medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Rostagno
- SOD Cardiologia Generale 1, AOU Careggi Firenze, Viale Morgagni 85, 50134, Firenze, Italy.
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Tribouilloy C, Rusinaru D, Mahjoub H, Goissen T, Lévy F, Peltier M. Impact of echocardiography in patients hospitalized for heart failure: A prospective observational study. Arch Cardiovasc Dis 2008; 101:465-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.acvd.2008.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2008] [Revised: 05/24/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Verdiani V, Ognibene A, Rutili MS, Lombardo C, Bacci F, Terreni A, Nozzoli C. NT-ProBNP reduction percentage during hospital stay predicts long-term mortality and readmission in heart failure patients. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2008; 9:694-9. [DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0b013e3282f447ae] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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San Román Terán C, Guijarro Merino R, Guil García M, Villar Jiménez J, Martín Pérez M, Gómez Huelgas R. Analysis of 27,248 hospital discharges for heart failure: a study of an administrative database 1998-2002. Rev Clin Esp 2008; 208:281-7. [DOI: 10.1157/13123187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Remme WJ, McMurray JJV, Hobbs FDR, Cohen-Solal A, Lopez-Sendon J, Boccanelli A, Zannad F, Rauch B, Keukelaar K, Macarie C, Ruzyllo W, Cline C. Awareness and perception of heart failure among European cardiologists, internists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians. Eur Heart J 2008; 29:1739-52. [PMID: 18506054 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehn196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To assess awareness of heart failure (HF) management recommendations in Europe among cardiologists (C), internists and geriatricians (I/G), and primary care physicians (PCPs). METHODS AND RESULTS The Study group on HF Awareness and Perception in Europe (SHAPE) surveyed randomly selected C (2041), I/G (1881), and PCP (2965) in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. Each physician completed a 32-item questionnaire about the diagnosis and treatment of HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%). This report provides an analysis of HF awareness among C, I/G, and PCP. Seventy-one per cent I/G and 92% C use echocardiography, and 43% I/G and 82% C use echo-Doppler as a routine diagnostic test (both P < 0.0001). In contrast, 75% PCP use signs and symptoms to diagnose HF. Fewer I/G would use an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitor in >90% of their patients (64 vs. 82% C, P < 0.0001), whereas only 47% PCP would routinely prescribe an ACE-inhibitor. Worsening HF was considered a risk of ACE-inhibitor therapy by 35% PCP. I/G and PCP consistently do not prescribe target ACE-inhibitor doses (P < 0.0001 vs. C). Only 39% I/G would use a beta-blocker in >50% of their patients (vs. 73% C, P < 0.0001). Also, only 5% PCP would always, and 35% often, prescribe a beta-blocker and reach target doses in only 7-29%. Moreover, 34% PCP and 26% I/G vs. 11% C (P < 0.0001) do not start a beta-blocker in patients with mild HF, who are already on an ACE-inhibitor and are on diuretic. In mild, stable HF, 39% PCP and 18% I/G would only prescribe diuretics, vs. 7% C (P < 0.0001). In patients with worsening HF in sinus rhythm and on an optimal ACE-inhibitor, beta-blockade and diuretics, significantly more C would add spironolactone, but I/G would more often add digoxin. CONCLUSION Although each physician group lacks complete adherence to guideline-recommended management strategies, these are used significantly less well by I, G, and PCPs, indicating the need for education of these essential healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem J Remme
- Sticares Cardiovascular Research Foundation, PO Box 882, 3160 AB Rhoon, The Netherlands.
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