Biomarkers in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous disorder developing from multiple aetiologies with overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. HFpEF diagnosis may be challenging, as neither cardiac imaging nor physical examination are sensitive in this situation. Here, we review biomarkers of HFpEF, of which the best supported are related to myocardial stretch and injury, including natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins.

Advanced remote care for heart failure in times of COVID-19 using an implantable pulmonary artery pressure sensor: the new normal.

Heart failure (HF) is a major public health problem and a leading cause of hospitalization in western countries. Over the past decades, the goal has been to find the best method for monitoring congestive symptoms to prevent hospitalizations. Addressing this task through regular physician visits, blood tests, and imaging has proven insufficient for optimal control and has not decreased enough HF-related hospitalization rates.

Effect of pulmonary artery denervation in postcapillary pulmonary hypertension: results of a randomized controlled translational study.

There is scarce evidence for pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) as a potential treatment for chronic postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). We aimed to perform a proof-of-concept of PADN in a translational model of chronic PH. Nineteen pigs with chronic postcapillary PH (secondary to pulmonary vein banding) were randomized to surgical-PADN (using bipolar radiofrequency clamps) or sham procedure.

Airflow limitation in patients with heart failure: Prevalence and associated factors.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure (HF) are 2 diseases with high morbidity and mortality. The coexistence of these two diseases is estimated to be frequent, but has been poorly studied.

Aim: To study the prevalence of airflow limitation in a sample of patients diagnosed with HF in follow-up in an HF unit and to assess their characteristics and comorbidities.

Predictors of renal replacement therapy after heart transplantation and its impact on long-term survival.

Background: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) after heart transplant (HT) is associated with worse prognosis. We aimed to identify predictors of RRT and the impact of this complication on long-term survival.

Methods: Cohort study of HT patients.

Predictors of Improvement in Renal Function After Heart Transplant.

Objectives: Moderate chronic renal insufficiency is often found in patients evaluated for heart transplant. Recovery of cardiac output after heart transplant might lead to improvement of renal function. In this study, our aim was to identify predictors of improvement of renal function after heart transplant.

Magnetic Resonance Characterization of Cardiac Adaptation and Myocardial Fibrosis in Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Systemic-To-Pulmonary Shunt.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction are strong predictors of morbidity and mortality among patients with congenital heart disease. Early detection of RV involvement may be useful in the management of these patients. We aimed to assess progressive cardiac adaptation and quantify myocardial extracellular volume in an experimental porcine model of PH because of aorto-pulmonary shunt using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Pulmonary hypertension is related to peripheral endothelial dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) and collagen metabolism abnormalities are prevalent in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Peripheral endothelial dysfunction (PED) has been described in HF and in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Our aim is to determine whether PH is associated with PED and impaired collagen metabolism in patients with HFpEF.

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma causing light chain cast nephropathy.

Plasma cell dyscrasias are frequently associated with kidney disease through the production of monoclonal immunoglobulin but with a diverse set of pathologic renal patterns. While almost all patients with a renal biopsy showing a cast nephropathy have myeloma, kidney involvement associated with pathological immunoglobulin light chains and lymphoma is rare. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a cast nephropathy associated with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.