Clinical and prognostic implications of self-rating depression scales and plasma B-type natriuretic peptide in hospitalised patients with chronic heart failure

Does tai chi improve psychological well-being and quality of life in patients with cardiovascular disease and/or cardiovascular risk factors? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Psychological risk factors have been recognised as potential, modifiable risk factors in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise, has the potential to improve psychological well-being and quality of life. We aim to assess the effects and safety of Tai Chi on psychological well-being and quality of life in people with CVD and/or cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials evaluating Tai Chi for psychological well-being and quality of life in people with CVD and cardiovascular risk factors, from major English and Chinese databases until 30 July 2021. Two authors independently conducted study selection and data extraction. Methodological quality was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Review Manager software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We included 37 studies (38 reports) involving 3525 participants in this review. The methodological quality of the included studies was generally poor. Positive effects of Tai Chi on stress, self-efficacy, and mood were found in several individual studies. Meta-analyses demonstrated favourable effects of Tai Chi plus usual care in reducing anxiety (SMD - 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): - 2.55, - 1.70, 3 studies, I2 = 60%) and depression (SMD -0.86, 95% CI: - 1.35, - 0.37, 6 studies, I2 = 88%), and improving mental health (MD 7.86, 95% CI: 5.20, 10.52, 11 studies, I2 = 71%) and bodily pain (MD 6.76, 95% CI: 4.13, 9.39, 11 studies, I2 = 75%) domains of the 36-Item Short Form Survey (scale from 0 to 100), compared with usual care alone. Tai Chi did not increase adverse events (RR 0.50, 95% CI: 0.21, 1.20, 5 RCTs, I2 = 0%), compared with control group. However, less than 30% of included studies reported safety information.

CONCLUSIONS

Tai Chi seems to be beneficial in the management of anxiety, depression, and quality of life, and safe to practice in people with CVD and/or cardiovascular risk factors. Monitoring and reporting of safety information are highly recommended for future research. More well-designed studies are warranted to determine the effects and safety of Tai Chi on psychological well-being and quality of life in this population.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42016042905. Registered on 26 August 2016.

Depressive symptoms interfere with the improvement in exercise capacity by cardiac rehabilitation after left ventricular assist device implantation

BACKGROUND

Although depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of readmission after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, it is unclear whether they affect the efficacy of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR). This study aimed to investigate the effect of depressive symptoms on EBCR efficacy.

METHODS

We analyzed 48 patients who participated in EBCR after LVAD implantation (mean age 45 ± 12 years; 60% male). Patients were classified into two groups using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS): depressive group (SDS ≥40, n = 27) and non-depressive group (SDS <40, n = 21). We examined changes in peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ ), knee extensor muscular strength (KEMS), and quality of life (QOL) during EBCR using analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

Although baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, the non-depressive group was less likely to receive diuretics (22% vs. 52%, p = 0.030). Peak VO₂ , KEMS, and QOL significantly increased over time in both groups (all p < 0.05). The depressive group had a significantly lower change in peak VO₂ than the non-depressive group (2.7 vs. 1.6 ml/kg/min; mean difference: -1.1 ml/kg/min, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.045 to -2.17; p = 0.041, d = 0.59). There was no between-group difference regarding the change in KEMS or QOL. Adjusting for the baseline value, a significant difference between groups was observed only in peak VO₂ (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Although EBCR significantly improved exercise capacity after LVAD implantation, depressive symptoms interfered with this improvement. Further studies are needed to determine whether psychological interventions for depression, in addition to EBCR, would improve the response to EBCR after LVAD implantation.

Association of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness with the Zung Self-Rated Depression Subscales in Adults with Coronary Artery Disease and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a factor associated with both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and depressive symptoms. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment may decrease EDS in adults with OSA; however, the modulatory role of depressive symptoms on the improvement of EDS is not known. We aimed to explore the association between subscales of the Zung Self-rated Depression Scale (SDS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) over a 2-year period in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with OSA. This was a post-hoc analysis of the RICCADSA cohort, in which 399 adults with CAD (155 sleepy OSA [apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15/h] and ESS score ≥ 10, who were offered CPAP; and 244 nonsleepy OSA [ESS < 10]), randomized to CPAP [n = 122] or no-CPAP [n = 122]) were included. Three factors were extracted from the Zung SDS, based on the principal component analysis: F1, cognitive symptoms and anhedonia; F2, negative mood; and F3, appetite. In a mixed model, the ESS score decreased by 3.4 points (p < 0.001) among the sleepy OSA phenotype, which was predicted by the decline in the F2, but not in the F1 and F3 scores. The fixed effects of time were not significant in the nonsleepy OSA groups, and thus, further analyses were not applicable. Additional within-group analyses showed a significant decrease in all subscales over time both in the sleepy and nonsleepy OSA patients on CPAP whereas there was a significant increase in the nonsleepy OSA group randomized to no-CPAP. We conclude that the improvement in negative mood symptoms of depression, but not changes in cognitive symptoms and anhedonia as well as appetite, was a significant predictor of decline in the ESS scores over a 2-year period in this CAD cohort with sleepy OSA on CPAP treatment.

Associations between NT-proBNP and psychosocial factors in patients with chronic systolic heart failure

OBJECTIVE

B-type natriuretic peptides (BNPs) and their biologically inactive N-terminal parts, namely, NT-proBNPs, are used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Associations of BNPs and NT-proBNPs with emotional factors may exist. As depressive and anxious comorbidities and decreases in quality of life (QoL) are common in CHF patients, we explored the associations between NT-proBNP and depression, anxiety, and QoL in patients with CHF using cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses.

METHODS

We used baseline and one-year follow-up NT-proBNP measurements and sociodemographic and clinical data from 180 patients with systolic CHF from a case management study. Depression was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), anxiety was assessed with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7 (GAD-7), and QoL was determined using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey.

RESULTS

Univariate correlation analyses showed significant negative associations between NT-proBNP and the scores of four out of eight QoL domains (range: r = -0.159 to -0.285, p = .042 to 0.001) of the SF-36 but not between NT-proBNP and depression and anxiety scores. In cross-sectional and longitudinal multivariate regression analyses, no significant associations between NT-proBNP and psychometric variables were found.

CONCLUSION

In patients with stable, chronic systolic heart failure, only weak relations between NT-proBNP and QoL exist, but no relations between NT-proBNP and depression and anxiety were found. These findings are placed in the current research context of this topic. Implications for future experimental studies are discussed.

Risk factors for hospital readmission in adult patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to identify and synthesize evidence on risk factors associated with hospital readmission within the first year after heart failure hospitalization among patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is associated with a high risk of hospital readmission. Readmissions are associated with higher mortality and health care costs. It is a high health care priority to identify vulnerable patients with heart failure who may potentially benefit from targeted personalized care interventions aiming to reduce readmissions.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This review considered studies including adult patients who had heart failure with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40% who were discharged after a heart failure hospitalization. The authors included studies with experimental and observational designs evaluating risk factors for i) all-cause hospital readmission, ii) heart failure hospital readmission, and iii) composite outcomes within seven, 15, 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days after hospital discharge. Composite outcomes included end points where all-cause readmission and/or heart failure readmission were part of a defined end point (i.e. all-cause readmission or mortality; heart failure readmission or mortality; cardiovascular readmission; cardiovascular readmission or mortality; and readmission, mortality, or cardiac transplant). Studies reporting all-cause readmission and/or heart failure readmission as a primary outcome, secondary outcome, or part of a composite outcome were included.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, OpenGrey, MedNar, DART-Europe, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and the Grey Literature Report in Public Health were searched to find both published and unpublished studies in English, Swedish, Norwegian, or Danish from 2000 to June 2018. Study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis followed the JBI approach for systematic reviews. Statistical pooling was not possible due to clinical and methodological heterogeneity of the studies included and the lack of risk factors reported more than once. A narrative summary of the findings was performed.

RESULTS

Fifty-two studies, including one randomized controlled trial and 51 cohort studies with a total of 128,186 participants, were included. Risk factors for readmission were reported for 30-day outcome in 16 studies, 60-day in three studies, 90-day in 15 studies, 180-day in 12 studies, and 365-day outcome in 15 studies. Based on multivariable analyses from 43 cohort studies and results from one randomized controlled trial, the authors identified several factors associated with higher risk of all-cause readmission, heart failure readmission, and composite outcomes (e.g. readmission or death) within 30, 60, 90, 180, and 365 days after discharge for a heart failure hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

This review provides a comprehensive overview of factors associated with a clinical outcome after a heart failure hospitalization in patients with heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 40%. Owing to the heterogeneity of variables investigated and the lack of comparability of findings, the clinical impact of the identified risk factors remains uncertain. This review highlights research gaps and the need for a standardized way to define and measure all-cause readmission, heart failure readmission, and composite end points in clinical research to improve study quality and enable comparison of findings between studies.

The Association of Depression with Type D Personality and Coping Strategies in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Objective Depression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. However, personality types, strategies for coping with stressors, and their associations with depression have not been fully elucidated in patients with CAD. This study explored depression in patients with CAD and examined its association with personality types and coping strategies. Methods A prospective observational study of 89 patients with CAD was conducted between August 2016 and July 2018. The presence of depression and type D personality and types of coping strategies were measured one month after percutaneous coronary intervention. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify characteristics associated with depression. Results Generally, the incidence of depression and type D personality was 55.1% and 44.9%, respectively. The incidence of depression in patients with type D and non-type D personality was 72.5% and 40.8%, respectively. Patients with type D personality coped less frequently using a planning strategy but frequently using a responsibility-shifting strategy. A logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of depression was significantly associated with type D personality and inversely associated with a planning strategy. Conclusion The high prevalence of depression in patients with CAD was associated with type D personality and a low rate of adoption of a planning strategy. Specific coping interventions in patients with CAD with type D personality may be potential targets for improving coping skills and preventing the development of depression.

Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine granules and traditional Chinese medicine-based psychotherapy for perimenopausal depression in Chinese women: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine combined with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based psychotherapy (TBP) on perimenopausal depression (PMD).

METHODS

This multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in nine hospitals in China between August 2015 and June 2017. The study included 307 women with PMD who were divided randomly into two treatment groups: the Bushen Tiaogan formula (BSTG) plus TBP (n = 156) and placebo plus TBP (n = 151). All participants underwent treatment for 8 weeks and were followed up for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures included scores of the Greene Climacteric Scale (GCS), Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Secondary outcomes included serum levels of sex hormones and lipids, as well as adverse events.

RESULTS

The average GCS, SDS, and SAS scores after treatment were significantly lower in the BSTG-plus-TBP group than those in the placebo-plus-TBP group, and the differences were greatest at the end of the 12th week: the average GCS scores were 10.8 in the BSTG-plus-TBP group versus 18.5 in the placebo-plus-TBP group (P < 0.001); the average SDS scores were 30.7 in the BSTG-plus-TBP group versus 45.4 in the placebo-plus-TBP group (P < 0.001); the SAS scores were 28.6 in the BSTG-plus-TBP group versus 42.6 in the placebo-plus-TBP group (P < 0.001). In addition, treatments with BSTG plus TBP significantly reduced the levels of basal follicle-stimulating hormone (P = 0.045) and triglycerides (P = 0.039) and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) compared to placebo treatments with TBP. No serious adverse events occurred, and the safety indices of complete blood counts, renal function, and liver function were within normal ranges, before and after treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with BSTG formula plus TBP was more effective than TBP alone for improving PMD symptoms, sexual hormone levels, and blood lipid conditions in women with mild PMD.

Correlations among Psychological Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Negative Emotion in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the influencing factors of the psychological resilience and self-efficacy of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the relationships of psychological resilience and self-efficacy with negative emotion.

METHODS

Eighty-eight participants were enrolled. Psychological resilience, self-efficacy, and negative emotion were assessed with the Psychological Resilience Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. Furthermore, the relationships of psychological resilience and self-efficacy with negative emotion were investigated.

RESULTS

The average scores of psychological resilience, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression were 70.08 ± 13.26, 21.56 ± 9.66, 53.68 ± 13.10, and 56.12 ± 12.37, respectively. The incidences of anxiety and depression were 23.90% (21/88) and 28.40% (25/88), respectively. The psychological resilience and self-efficacy scores of AMI patients after PCI varied significantly with age and economic status. SAS scores and SDS scores were significantly negatively correlated with psychological resilience and self-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Negative emotions in AMI patients after PCI are closely related to psychological resilience and self-efficacy. Therefore, anxiety and depression could be alleviated by improving the psychological resilience and self-efficacy of patients undergoing PCI, thus improving patients' quality of life.

Depression predicts mortality and hospitalization in heart failure: A six-years follow-up study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of depressive symptoms (DS) and its relation on hospitalization for cardiovascular (CV) causes and all-cause mortality risk among outpatients with HF.

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on 130 adult outpatients with HF. The Beck Depression Inventory Scale-second edition (BDI-II) was used to screen for DS. All-cause mortality and hospitalization for CV causes were registered over 6 years. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the independent prognostic value of DS on mortality and hospitalization for CV causes after adjustment for clinical risk factors.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 6 years, 44% of patients were classified as having DS. Sixty-two participants died for all causes, representing 61% of those with DS and 37% of those without (p=0.006); Forty-nine participants (38%) were hospitalized for CV causes, representing 49% of those with DS and 29% of those without (p=0.027). Logistic regression analysis indicated that DS predicted all-cause mortality (OR: 2.905; 95% CI:1.228-6.870; p=0.006) and multinomial logistic regression indicated that DS were predictive of hospitalization for CV causes (OR: 3.169; 95% CI: 1.230-8.164; p=0.027). These associations were independent of conventional risk factors.

LIMITATIONS

Only outpatient sample; measure of DS only at baseline; cause of death was not known.

CONCLUSION

This study, first held in a portuguese population, showed that DS are independent predictors of death and hospitalization for CV causes among HF patients and its impact persists over 6 years.

Psychological distress and mortality in patients with acute dyspnea: data from the Akershus Cardiac Examination (ACE) 2 Study

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypotheses that anxiety and depression are associated with etiology, disease severity and mortality in patients hospitalized with acute dyspnea.

METHODS

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was completed within 48h of admission in 185 patients. A subscale score of ≥8 was regarded as clinically significant. The etiology and severity of dyspnea on admission and all-cause mortality during follow-up (median, 2.3years) were recorded.

RESULTS

Anxiety and depression were more prevalent in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=53; 42% and 31%) and heart failure (HF) (n=80; 33% and 23%) than in other causes of acute dyspnea (15% and 11%). Psychological distress was not associated with clinical status or cardiac biomarkers. Anxiety, but not depression, was associated with increased mortality, also when adjusting for cardiac biomarkers in multivariate Cox analysis. In contrast, anxiety was not associated with mortality after adjustment for body mass index, history of COPD and disease severity (hazard ratio, 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-3.00).

CONCLUSION

Psychological distress was associated with COPD and HF as etiology of acute dyspnea, but not with disease severity. Anxious patients had a higher mortality rate, but this association was related to the presence and severity of COPD.

Validity of Beck Depression Inventory for the assessment of depressive mood in chronic heart failure patients

Prevalence of depression is high in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and depressive mood is considered as a risk factor for major cardiovascular events and mortality in CHF patients. The validity of self-administered 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in CHF patients might be questioned. CHF actually shares overlapping symptoms with depression and such an overlap may overestimate the impact of depression on cardiac outcomes. We tested the convergent validity of the French version of BDI by reference to the interview-based Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in a population of 73 patients participating in the multicenter French PANIC Cohort of 321 CHF patients. Both depression scores were associated with NYHA functional class and the number of previous hospitalizations related to CHF, but not with the other indexes of cardiac severity (left ventricular ejection fraction and 6-min-walk test). MADRS scores were also associated with gender and history of depression. A strong correlation was found between BDI and MADRS scores (rho = 0.72; p < 0.001). This correlation persisted after adjustment for gender, NYHA functional class, number of previous hospitalizations and history of depression (rho = 0.68; p < 0.001). Moreover, the z score difference between standardized BDI and standardized MADRS scores was associated with none of the sociodemographic or clinical characteristics of our population, except for the depression severity at MADRS. In particular, no overestimation or underestimation of self-assessed depression was found in case of more severe CHF. These findings suggest that the BDI is a reliable instrument to assess depression in CHF patients.

Clinical and Prognostic Value of Depressive Symptoms and N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Eisenmenger Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Eisenmenger syndrome (ES) is commonly associated with depressive symptoms and elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). We investigated the predictive value of depressive symptoms and NTproBNP levels for long-term outcomes in patients with ES.

METHODS

Blood was drawn to measure NT-proBNP, and depressive symptoms were measured using the Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in an outpatient clinic sample of 64 patients with ES (67% female; median age = 41.5 years [range, 21.0-74.8 years]). Cardiac events (hospitalization, emergency department visits, and cardiac death) were monitored during 3 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, 15 (23.4%) patients experienced a cardiac event. The combination of depressive symptoms and NT-proBNP levels better predicted future cardiac events than either variable alone. Patients with NT-proBNP > 510 pg/ml and a total BDI score > 10 had a 9.6 times higher risk for cardiac events than did patients with NT-proBNP ≤ 510 pg/ml or total BDI score ≤ 10 (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms and NT-proBNP levels are both associated with adverse clinical outcomes in ES.

Physical and psychological symptom profiling and event-free survival in adults with moderate to advanced heart failure

: Heart failure (HF) is a heterogeneous symptomatic disorder. The goal of this study was to identify and link common profiles of physical and psychological symptoms to 1-year event-free survival in adults with moderate to advanced HF.

METHODS

Multiple valid, reliable, and domain-specific measures were used to assess physical and psychological symptoms. Latent class mixture modeling was used to identify distinct symptom profiles. Associations between observed symptom profiles and 1-year event-free survival were quantified using Cox proportional hazards modeling.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants (n = 202) was 57 ± 13 years, 50% were men, and 60% had class III/IV HF. Three distinct profiles, mild (41.7%), moderate (30.2%), and severe (28.1%), that captured a gradient of both physical and psychological symptom burden were identified (P < .001 for all comparisons). Controlling for the Seattle HF Score, adults with the moderate symptom profile were 82% more likely (hazard ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-3.11; P = .028) and adults with the severe symptom profile were more than twice as likely (hazard ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-3.52; P = .001) to have a clinical event within 1 year than patients with the mild symptom profile.

CONCLUSIONS

Profiling patterns among physical and psychological symptoms identifies HF patient subgroups with significantly worse 1-year event-free survival independent of prognostication based on objective clinical HF data.

Zung scale factor invariance in male coronary patients and healthy people

The objective of this study was, firstly, to determine the factor structure and factor invariance of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) and, secondly, to justify its use in coronary patients (CPs) and healthy people (HP). Two comparable samples of males were studied: 217 CPs and 191 HP. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA) for ordinal data were carried out with Mplus. Two models obtained from all participants in this study and another two, the model of Shafer (2006) from a meta-analysis and that of Barefoot et al. (2000) with CPs, were analyzed in CFA. A two-factor structure was supported by EFA in both samples, but none of the models showed adequate goodness-of-fit for the CPs and the HP in CFA. Only the two and three-factor models obtained from the combined sample of CPs and HP showed adequate goodness-of-fit for HP. The ZSDS showed good reliability, replicated the prevalence of depressive symptoms found in other studies and was able to distinguish between CPs and HP. We conclude that the best fit is obtained from the two-factor solution in HP, that the factor structure of the ZSDS is not invariant and is linked to positively and negatively worded items.

Impact of clustered depression and anxiety on mortality and rehospitalization in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is often present in patients with depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of clustered depression and anxiety on mortality and rehospitalization in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

A total of 221 hospitalized patients with HF, who completed the questionnaires, were analyzed in this prospective study (mean age 62±13 years; 28% female). One-third patients had implanted cardiac devices. Depression was defined as a Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale index score of ≥60 and anxiety was defined as a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score of ≥40 (male) or ≥42 (female). The primary outcome was the composite of death from any cause or rehospitalization due to worsened HF and refractory arrhythmia.

RESULTS

Of the 221 HF patients, 29 (13%) had depression alone, 80 (36%) had anxiety alone, and 46 patients (21%) had both depression and anxiety. During an average follow-up of 41±21 months, patients with depression alone and those with clustered depression and anxiety were at an increased risk of the primary outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-4.28, p=0.01 and HR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.51-4.99, p=0.01, respectively] compared to patients with no symptoms. Multivariate analysis after adjusting for age, gender, New York Heart Association functional class, B-type natriuretic peptide, device implantation, renal dysfunction, and left ventricular dysfunction showed clustered depression and anxiety, but not depression alone or anxiety alone, was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (HR 1.96, 95% CI: 1.00-3.27, p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that clustered depression and anxiety were associated with worse outcomes in patients with HF.

Functional electrical stimulation of peripheral muscles improves endothelial function and clinical and emotional status in heart failure patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) improves exercise capacity, quality of life, emotional stress, and endothelial function in chronic heart failure with impaired systolic function. We sought to investigate the effects of FES on the above parameters in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

METHODS

Thirty HFpEF patients, 18 female and 12 male, aged 69 ± 8 years, in New York Heart Association class II or III and with mean ejection fraction 63% ± 6%, were randomly (1:1) assigned to a 6-week FES program or placebo. Assessment was performed at baseline and after completion of training protocol and included 6-minute walked distance, quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory and Zung self-rated depression scores), B-type natriuretic peptide, endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation), and left ventricular diastolic function.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in 6-minute walked distance (F = 21.61, P = .001), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire summary (F = 8.68, P = .006), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (F = 6.43, P = .017), Beck Depression Inventory (F = 6.66, P = .015), Zung (F = 6.25, P = .019), and flow-mediated dilatation diameter (F = 11.98, P = .002) was observed in the FES group compared with placebo group; B-type natriuretic peptide also declined but not significantly (F = 0.249, P = .622), and there was a tendency toward lower mitral E/e' wave ratio (F = 3.066, P = .091).

CONCLUSION

As in heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, FES also improves exercise capacity, quality of life, emotional status, and endothelial function in HFpEF. Given the lack of effective evidence-based therapies in these patients, FES warrants further investigation.

Dose-dependent relationship of physical and depressive symptoms with health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Patients with heart failure (HF) have poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The vast majority of patients have physical symptoms, and about 30-40% have depressive symptoms. The combined effects of physical and depressive symptoms on HRQOL have not been examined fully in HF.

PURPOSES

To examine the combined effects of physical and depressive symptoms on HRQOL using repeated measures, controlling for covariates (i.e. age, education level, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, financial status, and health perception).

METHODS

Patients (N = 224, 62 ± 12 years old, 67% male, 38% NYHA functional class III/IV) provided data on physical (Symptom Status Questionnaire) and depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory II) at baseline and HRQOL (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) at baseline and 12 months. Patients were divided into three groups based on presence of physical and depressive symptoms: a) no symptom group, b) one symptom group (dyspnea or fatigue), and c) two symptom group (physical and depressive symptoms). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The least squares mean scores of baseline and 12-month HRQOL differed significantly in the three groups after controlling for the covariates (26.4 vs. 36.6 vs. 53.1, respectively, all pairwise p values < 0.001). There was no time-by-group interaction or time main effect.

CONCLUSION

Physical and depressive symptoms have a dose-response relationship with HRQOL. Further research is needed to provide effective interventions to improve physical and depressive symptoms, in turn, HRQOL.

Perceived social support predicted quality of life in patients with heart failure, but the effect is mediated by depressive symptoms

PURPOSE

Depressive symptoms and inadequate social support are well-known independent predictors of increased mortality and morbidity in heart failure (HF). However, it is unclear how depressive symptoms and social support interact to influence quality of life. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the relationships (direct, mediator, and moderator) among depressive symptoms, social support, and quality of life in patients with HF.

METHODS

We performed a secondary data analysis that included 362 patients with HF who completed the measures of depressive symptoms (the Beck Depression Inventory-II), perceived social support (the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support), and quality of life (the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire) instruments. The direct, mediator, and moderator effects of both depressive symptoms and social support on quality of life were tested using multiple regressions and 2 × 2 ANCOVA.

RESULTS

Less social support and greater depressive symptoms independently predicted poorer quality of life. The relationship between social support and quality of life was mediated by depressive symptoms. Neither social support nor depressive symptoms moderated quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Promotion of social support will improve quality of life only when depressive symptoms are also effectively managed.

Association of physical versus affective depressive symptoms with cardiac event-free survival in patients with heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether physical depressive symptoms inflate the association between depressive symptoms as measured with the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and cardiac event-free survival in patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

A total of 210 patients with HF were recruited from HF clinics affiliated with two academic medical centers. The PHQ-9 was used to assess levels of depressive symptoms. Cardiac event-free survival data (cardiac death, cardiac hospitalization, or cardiac emergency department visit) were collected for a median follow-up of 360 days. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed separately for physical and affective depressive symptom dimensions of the PHQ-9 to examine predictive ability for time to the first cardiac event.

RESULTS

Scores of both physical and affective depressive symptom dimensions of the PHQ-9 predicted time to the first cardiac event in separate unadjusted models. However, scores of the physical depressive symptom dimension did not predict time to the first cardiac events, whereas scores of the affective depressive symptom dimension remained as an independent predictor (hazard ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-1.22) after controlling for health status (comorbidities and the New York Heart Association functional class) and clinical and sociodemographic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Affective depressive symptoms, not physical depressive symptoms, predicted time to the first cardiac event independent of health status and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics. The use of the full PHQ-9 does not inflate the relationship of depressive symptoms to cardiac event-free survival. Thus, clinicians can use the PHQ-9 to assess depressive symptoms in their patients with HF without concern that the instrument overestimates the relationship between depressive symptoms and outcomes.

Depressive symptoms are common and associated with adverse clinical outcomes in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction

BACKGROUND

Little is known about depressive symptoms in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, EF ≥50%). We aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, to clarify the impact of depressive symptoms upon clinical outcomes, and to identify factors associated with these symptoms in HF with reduced EF (HFrEF, EF <50%) and HFpEF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 106 HF outpatients were enrolled. Of them, 61 (58%) had HFpEF. Most patients were male (HFrEF 80%, HFpEF 70%) and the mean of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level in the HFrEF group was similar to that in the HFpEF group (164.8 ± 232.8 vs. 98.7 ± 94.8 pg/mL). HFrEF patients were treated more frequently with beta-blockers compared with HFpEF patients (71% vs. 43%, p=0.004). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The prevalence of depression (CES-D score ≥16), and CES-D score did not significantly differ between HFrEF and HFpEF (24% vs. 25%, 14.1 ± 8.3 vs. 12.1 ± 8.3, respectively). During the 2-year follow-up, depressed patients had more cardiac death or HF hospitalization in HFrEF (55% vs. 12%, p=0.002) and HFpEF (35% vs. 11%, p=0.031). Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that a higher CES-D score, indicating increased depressive symptoms, predicted cardiac events independent of BNP in HFrEF [hazard ratio (HR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.13] and HFpEF (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15). Multiple regression analyses adjusted for BNP showed that independent predictors of depressive symptoms were non-usage of beta-blockers and being widowed or divorced in HFrEF. On the other hand, usage of warfarin was the only independent risk factor for depressive symptoms in HFpEF (all, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms are common and independently predict adverse events in HFrEF/HFpEF patients. This study suggests that beta-blockers reduce depressive symptoms in HFrEF. In contrast, treatment for depression remains to be elucidated in HFpEF.

Association between psychological measures and brain natriuretic peptide in heart failure patients

OBJECTIVE

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a promising marker for heart failure diagnosis and prognosis. Although psychological factors also influence heart failure (HF) prognosis, this might be attributed to confounding by BNP. Our aim was to examine the association between multiple psychological markers using a prospective study design with repeated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurements.

DESIGN

The sample comprised 94 outpatients with systolic HF (80% men; mean age =62.2 ± 9.3). The psychological markers (i.e., anxiety, depression, and Type D personality), assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Type D Scale (DS14) were assessed only at baseline. Plasma NT-proBNP levels were measured at baseline and at 9 months.

RESULTS

The prevalence of anxiety, depression, and Type D personality at baseline was 23.4% (HADS-A), 17.0% (HADS-D), 46.6% (BDI), and 21.3% (DS14), respectively. At baseline, none of the psychological risk markers were associated with NT-proBNP levels (all p >.05). In the subset of patients with scores on psychological risk markers both at baseline and at 9 months, there were no association between anxiety (p =0.44), depression (HADS-D: p =0.90; BDI: p =0.85), and Type D (p =0.63) with NT-proBNP levels using ANOVA for repeated measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that measures frequently used in HF to assess psychological risk markers are unconfounded by NT-proBNP. Futher studies are warranted to replicate these findings and examine whether psychological risk markers are independent predictors of prognosis in HF or an artifact that may be attributed to other biological or behavioral mechanisms.

Association of depression and survival in patients with chronic heart failure over 12 Years

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between depression and survival in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) over a 12-year follow-up period.

BACKGROUND

The survival associated with depression has been demonstrated in HF patients for up to 7 years. Longer-term impact of depression on survival of these patients remains unknown.

METHODS

Prospectively conducted observational study examining adults with HF who were admitted to a cardiology service at Duke University Medical Center between March 1997 and June 2003 and completed the Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale. The national death index was queried for vital status. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine the association of survival and depression.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 1792.33 ± 1372.82 days (median 1600; range 0-4683), 733 of 985 participants with HF died of all causes, representing 80% of those with depression (BDI > 10) and 73% of those without (P = 0.01). Depression was significantly and persistently associated with decreased survival over follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.57), and was independent of conventional risk factors (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.16-1.68). Furthermore, survival was inversely associated with depression severity (BDI (continuous) HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.006-1.025, P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The impact of co-morbid depression during the index hospitalization on significantly increased mortality of HF patients is strong and persists over 12 years. These findings suggest that more investigation is needed to understand the trajectory of depression and the mechanisms underlying the impact of depression as well as to identify effective management strategies for depression of patients with HF.

Updating the role of natriuretic peptide levels in cardiovascular disease

Heart disease affects 1 in 3 individuals in the United States, and the prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing exponentially. Although our understanding of the disease progression of congestive HF (CHF) has advanced, refining the areas of diagnosis, risk stratification, prognosis, and treatment is still needed. The natriuretic peptides, specifically B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), have shown promise in clinical practice. Brain natriuretic peptide is released from cardiac ventricular myocytes in response to volume or pressure overload. Rapid measurement of plasma BNP or NT-proBNP has been shown to increase the diagnostic accuracy of HF exacerbations. A cutoff value of 100 pg/mL has a sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 73%, respectively, according to the Breathing Not Properly Study. In addition, BNP and NT-proBNP have been considered independent predictors of adverse outcome. One study calculated a 35% increase in risk of death due to HF for every 100-pg/mL increase in BNP level. Lastly, natriuretic peptides have been known to decrease following medical therapy of HF, suggesting the role of their measurement in monitoring inpatient disease progression and outpatient medical programs. The future of natriuretic peptides lies in risk stratification in other cardiac diseases, such as acute coronary syndrome, and possibly determining severity of valvular disease. Although there is substantial work done in elucidating the power of natriuretic peptides in clinical practice, more research is necessary to reach a consensus regarding how to appropriately utilize them in treatment regimens.

Depression in heart failure: biobehavioral mechanisms

The etiology, predictive value, and biobehavioral aspects of depression in heart failure (HF) are described in this article. Clinically elevated levels of depressive symptoms are present in approximately 1 out of 5 patients with HF. Depression is associated with poor quality of life and a greater than 2-fold risk of clinical HF progression and mortality. The biobehavioral mechanisms accounting for these adverse outcomes include biological processes (elevated neurohormones, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and inflammation) and adverse health behaviors (physical inactivity, medication nonadherence, poor dietary control, and smoking). Depression often remains undetected because of its partial overlap with HF-related symptoms and lack of systematic screening. Behavioral and pharmacologic antidepressive interventions commonly result in statistically significant but clinically modest improvements in depression and quality of life in HF, but not consistently better clinical HF or cardiovascular disease outcomes. Documentation of the biobehavioral pathways by which depression affects HF progression will be important to identify potential targets for novel integrative behavioral and pharmacologic interventions.

Effect of depression on prognosis in heart failure

Depression is a common comorbid condition in heart failure, and there is growing evidence that it increases the risks of mortality and other adverse outcomes, including rehospitalization and functional decline. The prognostic value of depression depends, in part, on how it is defined and measured. The few studies that have compared different subsets of patients with depression suggest that major (or severe) depression is a stronger predictor of mortality than is minor (or mild) depression. Whether depression is a causal risk factor for heart failure mortality, or simply a risk marker, has not yet been established, but mechanistic research has identified several plausible behavioral and biologic pathways. Further research is needed to clarify the relationships among depression, heart failure, and adverse outcomes, as well as to develop efficacious interventions for depressive disorders in patients with heart failure.

Poor blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion responses to home blood pressure-based antihypertensive therapy in depressive hypertensive patients

There has been no report comparing the changes in home blood pressure (HBP) and target organ damage between depressive and nondepressive hypertensives receiving antihypertensive therapy based on HBP monitoring. This study was a multicenter prospective study conducted by 7 doctors at 2 institutions. The authors prospectively studied 42 hypertensive patients with home systolic blood pressure >135 mm Hg. Participants were divided into a depression group (Beck Depression Inventory score >10; n=21) and a nondepression group (Beck Depression Inventory score <9, matched for HBP level; n=21). The authors performed antihypertensive therapy to reduce home systolic blood pressure to below 135 mm Hg and, 6 months later, evaluated the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR). Although patients in the depression group tended to require the addition of a greater number of medications than those in the nondepression group (2.3+/-1.0 vs 1.7+/-1.0 drugs, P<.05), HBP was reduced similarly in both groups at 6 months (depression group: 150+/-17/78+/-11 mm Hg to 139+/-11/73+/-8 mm Hg, P<.001; nondepression group: 150+/-11/76+/-9 mm Hg to 135+/-9/70+/-8 mm Hg, P<.01). The reduction of UACR was smaller in the depression group than in the nondepression group (2.4 vs 10.1 mg/gCr, P<.05). Depressive hypertensive patients required a larger number of antihypertensive drugs to control HBP, and showed a smaller reduction in UACR than nondepressive hypertensives.

Role of depression in heart failure--choosing the right antidepressive treatment

Major depression is a common feature of heart failure patients and possibly stems from their common biochemical background. Depression and heart failure co-morbidity has several clinical implications on the prognosis of these patients. Furthermore antidepressive drugs have known cardiovascular side effects, while their safety and efficacy in heart failure has not been fully elucidated yet. The right choice of antidepressive treatment in heart failure constitutes an issue of high importance as it can affect the clinical outcome of these patients. In this article we highlight the role of major depression in heart failure and demonstrate their common biochemical background. Moreover we review the acquired so far knowledge on the use of the various categories of antidepressants in heart failure by reference to the existing clinical studies on antidepressants efficacy and safety in heart failure. Even though certain conclusions cannot be drawn yet, evidence suggests that the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have a beneficial effect on clinical outcome of heart failure patients.

Depressive symptoms affect the relationship of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide to cardiac event-free survival in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Both N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) and depressive symptoms independently predict cardiac events in heart failure (HF) patients. However, the relationship among NT-pro BNP, depressive symptoms, and cardiac event is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Blood was drawn to measure NT-pro BNP and depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) among 210 patients with HF. Data about cardiac event-free survival were collected for the average follow-up period of 397 days. Cox proportional hazards regression with survival curves were used to determine the relationship of NT-pro BNP and depressive symptoms to cardiac event-free survival. Higher NT-pro-BNP confers greater risk of cardiac events among those with depressive symptoms than those without depressive symptoms (P for the interaction = .029). Patients with NT-pro BNP > 581 pg/mL and total PHQ-9 score >/= 10 had a 5.5 times higher risk for cardiac events compared with patients with NT-pro BNP </= 581 pg/mL and total PHQ-9 score < 10 (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognostic association of NT-pro BNP with cardiac event-free survival in patients with HF differed by the presence of depressive symptoms. Monitoring and treatment of depressive symptoms may be important for improving cardiac event-free survival in patients with HF.

The impact of B-type natriuretic peptide, New York Heart Association classification and depression on quality of life in nonhospitalized heart failure patients

Healthcare providers should be concerned with improving the quality of life (QOL) of patients with heart failure (HF) because disease-specific QOL is linked to disease progression. The present study investigated the significance of elevated b-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), NYHA classification and depression to HF-related QOL to develop better management strategies. Outpatient subjects with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (n=108; mean age=64.9+/-12) completed the self-administered Minnesota Living with Heart Failure questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Functional status was measured using the New York Heart Association Classification (NYHA) and BNP concentrations were measured in plasma samples. Multiregression analysis determined that plasma BNP levels did not contribute significantly to the total QOL score while depression (r=0.63, t ratio=7.43, P<.0001) and NHYA class (r=0.47, t ratio=3.31, P<.001) were significant contributors. NYHA III subjects exhibited worse depression scores (II 15+/-7 and III: 22+/-10, P<.001) and elevated plasma BNP (II: 2.0+/-0.5 and III: 2.4+/-0.6, P<.001). Low-cost psychological assessments are recommended to evaluate depression and suggest that those HF patients with NYHA III be closely monitored for depression and reduced QOL.

Functional electrical stimulation is more effective in severe symptomatic heart failure patients and improves their adherence to rehabilitation programs

BACKGROUND

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) improves exercise capacity and quality of life in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. However, there is no evidence regarding the effectiveness of this treatment modality according to the severity of CHF. This study compares the effectiveness of FES on exercise capacity, endothelial function, neurohormonal status, and emotional stress in New York Heart Association (NYHA) III-IV versus NYHA II patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Eighteen NYHA II and 13 age- and sex-matched NYHA III-IV patients with stable CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction <35%) underwent a 6-week FES training program. Questionnaires addressing quality of life (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, functional and overall), and emotional stress (Zung self-rating depression scale, Beck Depression Inventory), as well as plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), 6-minute walking distance test (6MWT), and endothelial function (flow-mediated dilatation [FMD]) were assessed at baseline and after completion of training protocol. 6MWT and plasma BNP improved significantly in 2 patient groups (both P < .001) after training program. The improvement of BNP was statistically greater in NYHA III-IV patients posttreatment than in those with NYHA II class (F=315.342, P < .001). Similarly, the improvement of 6MWT was statistically greater in NYHA III-IV group than in NYHA II patients (F=79.818, P < .001). Finally, an FES-induced greater improvement of FMD (F=9.517, P=.004) and emotional stress scores was observed in NYHA III-IV patients in comparison to NYHA II patients. There was a higher proportion of NYHA III-IV patients adhering to the FES training program for additional 3 months compared with the NYHA II group of patients (76.9% vs. 55.6%, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

FES might exert a greater beneficial effect on clinical and neurohormonal status of NYHA III-IV patients in comparison to NYHA II patients. This effect may have important clinical relevance leading to increased adherence of severe CHF patients to exercise rehabilitation programs.

Relationship of depressive symptoms with hospitalization and death in Japanese patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms are risk factors for poor outcomes and are positively associated with disease severity in patients with heart failure (HF). However, little is known about this association in the Japanese population. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of depressive symptoms and whether depressive symptoms predicted hospitalization for HF and death independent of disease severity and other factors in HF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 2-year prospective cohort study was conducted on 115 outpatients with HF (73.9% males; mean age 64.7 years) in Tokyo. Of these, 27 patients (23.5%) were classified as having depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score >or=16). Patients with depressive symptoms had higher rates of 2-year cardiac death or HF hospitalization (34.0% vs. 10.3%; P < .01), HF hospitalization (27.4% vs. 9.2%; P = .01), and all-cause death (27.4% vs. 7.2%; P < .01). Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that depressive symptoms were predictors of cardiac death or HF hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 3.29; P = .02), HF hospitalization (HR, 3.36; P = .04), and all-cause death (HR, 5.52; P = .01), independent of age and brain natriuretic peptide.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms were common and independent predictors of poor outcomes in Japanese patients with HF.

Depressive symptoms increase risk of rehospitalisation in heart failure patients with preserved systolic function

AIMS

To examine the impact of depressive symptoms on rehospitalisation for heart failure exacerbation in patients with preserved systolic function.

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms associated with higher risk of rehospitalisation have been primarily demonstrated in heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction <40%) and the factors influencing rehospitalisation of patients with preserved systolic function (ejection fraction > or =40%) remain unclear.

DESIGN

A prospective, descriptive study design was used.

METHODS

The following baseline data were collected from 165 patients with preserved systolic function during an index hospitalisation for heart failure in South Korea: age, gender, body mass index, New York Heart Association functional class, the ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus, comorbidities, history of prior admission and depressive symptoms. Patients were followed monthly for six months after discharge to collect date on all rehospitalisation for heart failure exacerbation. Hierarchical Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of rehospitalisation. Kaplan-Meier survival curves with log-rank test were used to determine differences in time to rehospitalisation according to severity of depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

Almost half of the patients (48%) had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The ratio of mitral velocity to early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (hazard ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.10) and depressive symptoms (hazard ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-1.08) independently predicted rehospitalisation after controlling for other risk factors. Moderate and severe depressive symptoms were associated with both a higher rate and shorter time to rehospitalisation.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate to severe depressive symptoms predict early rehospitalisation for heart failure exacerbations in patients with preserved systolic function.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Nurses should assess for depressive symptoms in patients with heart failure and refer those with depressive symptoms for treatment to improve outcomes.

Self-assessment of health status is associated with inflammatory activation and predicts long-term outcomes in chronic heart failure

AIMS

Clinicians lack a generally accepted means for health status assessment in chronic heart failure (CHF). We investigated the correlation between health status and inflammation burden as well as its long-term prognostic value in CHF outpatients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaires (KCCQ) were completed by 137 CHF outpatients (aged 64+/-12 years, mean ejection fraction 27+/-7%). Inflammatory markers [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, TNF-alpha, soluble Fas, Fas ligand, ICAM-1, VCAM-1], plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), 6 min walk test (6MWT), Zung self-rating depression scale, and Beck Depression Inventory were also assessed. Patients were followed for major cardiovascular events (death or hospitalization for disease progression) for up to 250 days. Patients with worse KCCQ-summary (KCCQ-s<50) score had lower 6MWT (P<0.05), and higher BNP (P<0.05) and pro-inflammatory markers (P<0.05) than those with KCCQ-s>or=50. Worse health status was also associated with shorter event-free survival (115+/-12 days for KCCQ-s<50 vs. 214+/-15 days for KCCQ-s>or=50, P=0.0179). Separating patients according KCCQ-functional score (KCCQ-f, cut-off 50) showed similar results. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only LVEF (HR=0.637, 95% CI 0.450-0.900, P=0.011) and KCCQ-f (HR=0.035, 95% CI 0.002-0.824, P=0.037) were independent predictors of event-free survival at 250 days.

CONCLUSION

KCCQ-s reflects neurohormonal and inflammatory burden in CHF. Among studied questionnaires, only KCCQ-f is an independent predictor of long-term event-free survival in CHF.

Clinical and prognostic value of Duke's Activity Status Index along with plasma B-type natriuretic peptide levels in chronic heart failure secondary to ischemic or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) provides an accurate estimate of functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the DASI against well-established prognostic factors in 130 consecutive patients hospitalized for worsening HF symptoms (mean age 64 +/- 12 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 26 +/- 7%), followed for 9 months for major cardiovascular events, defined as death or hospitalization for HF decompensation. During follow-up, 77 of 130 patients (59%) experienced major cardiovascular events after a median time of 60 days (range 5 to 220). Patients with eventful courses were in higher New York Heart Association functional classes (p = 0.001) and had shorter 6-minute walking distances (p = 0.041), lower ejection fractions (p <0.001), higher plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels at hospital admission and discharge (both p <0.001), and lower DASI scores (16 +/- 12 vs 25 +/- 17, p = 0.003). In multivariate Cox regression analysis including all these variables, only BNP level at discharge (p = 0.006) and DASI score (p = 0.047) were independently associated with event-free survival. A BNP cutoff of 697 pg/ml predicted future events with 59% sensitivity and 86% specificity, while a DASI score cutoff of 8 had 76% sensitivity and 25% specificity. The combination of the 2 cutoffs predicted events with 33% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Event-free survival was significantly lower in patients with the 2 markers positive (BNP >697 pg/ml and DASI score <8) compared with those with with 2 markers negative (63 +/- 27 vs 183 +/- 15 days, log-rank p <0.0001). In conclusion, functional status assessment by the DASI bears prognostic value, and its combination with plasma BNP may provide quite specific risk stratification in patients with chronic HF.

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors decrease the cytokine-induced endothelial adhesion molecule expression, the endothelial adhesiveness to monocytes and the circulating levels of vascular adhesion molecules

BACKGROUND

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) exert cardioprotective effects. We examined whether SSRIs a) modulate endothelial cell expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1), intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) and adhesiveness to U937 monocytes, b) reduce the circulating levels of these adhesion molecules in vivo.

METHODS

We assessed the effect of SSRIs, (citalopram, fluvoxamine and fluoxetine), on TNF-alpha-induced expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in human aorta endothelial cells and adhesiveness to U937 monocytes. Cells were incubated with TNF-alpha in the absence and in the presence of SSRIs concentrations from 10(-7) M to10(-4) M and the VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression was quantified by cell-ELISA. The TNF-alpha-stimulated adhesiveness to U937 monocytes was also assessed. Twenty five patients with chronic heart failure and depression were randomized to receive sertaline 50 mg, p.o., o.d. (n=13) or placebo. At baseline and 3-months after treatment, we measured VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 plasma levels.

RESULTS

SSRIs decreased the TNF-alpha-induced endothelial expression of VCAM-1 at concentration range 10(-7) M to 10(-4) M (p<0.05). ICAM-1 expression was decreased in the presence of fluvoxamine and fluoxetine at concentrations from 10(-7) M to 10(-4) M (p<0.05) and in the presence of citalopram at concentrations from 10(-7) M to 10(-5) M (p<0.05). All SSRIs inhibited the TNF-alpha-stimulated adhesiveness to U937 cells at 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M (p<0.05). Compared to baseline, there was a greater reduction in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels post-sertaline than post placebo in heart failure patients (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

SSRIs may exhibit an anti-inflammatory activity on endothelial cells and reduce circulating VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in vivo, a mechanism which may partly mediate their cardioprotective effects.