Effect of darbepoetin alfa on exercise tolerance in anemic patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives: This study sought to investigate whether darbepoetin alfa, an erythropoiesis-stimulating protein (ESP), improves exercise capacity in patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure (CHF) and anemia.

Background: Anemia is common in patients with CHF.

Methods: In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, CHF patients with anemia (hemoglobin > or =9.

Progression of preserved systolic function heart failure to systolic dysfunction -- a natural history study.

Objectives: To assess the natural history of left ventricular (LV) structure and function in sequential heart failure admissions with preserved systolic function.

Background: Heart failure (HF) with preserved LV systolic function accounts for between 20% and 30% of typical HF populations. Few data are available concerning the natural history of structural and functional changes in the LV in this patient population.

Heart failure care in a hospital unit: a comparison of standard 3-month and extended 6-month programs.

Background: We have previously shown that a structured in-hospital and outpatient heart failure (HF) program reduces clinical events over a 3-month period following hospital discharge.

Aims: This prospective randomized controlled study examines the additional benefits of extending the standard 3-month HF program to 6 months on death and readmission over a 2-year follow-up period.

Methods: Of 161 patients admitted with NYHA class IV HF who completed the standard 3-month HF program, 130 consenting patients (mean age 69.

Specialist care of heart failure improves appropriate pharmacotherapy at the expense of greater polypharmacy and drug-interactions.

Background: There is growing concern at the nature and extent of polypharmacy in heart failure (HF), which may be associated with increased drug interactions, adverse drug effects and a poor understanding of and compliance with therapy.

Aims: This study evaluates polypharmacy in a relatively unselected community heart failure population following emergency admission and determines the impact of an in-hospital, specialist heart failure care programme on appropriate pharmacotherapy, polypharmacy and drug interactions.

Methods: We analysed the medication profiles of 91 consecutive patients with an emergency admission for HF to our institution on admission and discharge.

Is multidisciplinary care of heart failure cost-beneficial when combined with optimal medical care?

Background: Multidisciplinary care (MDC) of heart failure (HF) can significantly reduce rates of unplanned hospitalisation, the major cost component of HF care.

Aims: This prospective, randomised, controlled study examines the cost-benefits of MDC of HF in the setting of optimal medical care.

Methods: 98 NYHA class IV HF patients (mean age 70.

Heart failure management: multidisciplinary care has intrinsic benefit above the optimization of medical care.

Purpose: This work addresses the unanswered question of whether multidisciplinary care (MDC) of heart failure (HF) can reduce readmissions when optimal medical care is applied in both intervention and control groups.

Methods: In a randomized, controlled study, 98 patients (mean age, 70.8 +/- 10.