Growth differentiation factor 15 predicts poor prognosis in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction and anemia: results from RED-HF.

Aims: We aimed to assess the value of GDF-15, a stress-responsive cytokine, in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and anemia METHODS AND RESULTS: Serum GDF-15 was assessed in 1582 HFrEF and mild-to-moderate anemia patients who where followed for 28 months in the Reduction of Events by Darbepoetin alfa in Heart Failure (RED-HF) trial, an overall neutral RCT evaluating the effect darbepoetin alfa on clinical outcomes in patients with systolic heart failure and mild-to-moderate anemia. Association between baseline and change in GDF-15 during 6 months follow-up and the primary composite outcome of all-cause death or HF hospitalization were evaluated in multivariable Cox-models adjusted for conventional clinical and biochemical risk factors. The adjusted risk for the primary outcome increased with (i) successive tertiles of baseline GDF-15 (tertile 3 HR 1.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Provides Multiyear Improvements in Autonomic Function and Cardiac Electrical Stability in the ANTHEM-HF Study.

Background: Patients with heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (HFrEF) experience long-term deterioration of autonomic function and cardiac electrical stability linked to increased mortality risk. The Autonomic Neural Regulation Therapy to Enhance Myocardial Function in Heart Failure (ANTHEM-HF) trial reported improved heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) and reduced T-wave alternans (TWA) after 12 months of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). We investigated whether the benefits of chronic VNS persist in the long term.

Pro-gastrin-releasing peptide and outcome in patients with heart failure and anaemia: results from the RED-HF study.

Aims: Neuroendocrine activation is associated with poor outcome in heart failure (HF). The neuropeptide gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), derived from the precursor proGRP1-125 (proGRP), has recently been implicated in inflammation and wound repair. We investigated the predictive value of proGRP on clinical outcomes in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Impact of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators on Waitlist Mortality Among Patients Awaiting Heart Transplantation: An UNOS/OPTN Analysis.

Objectives: This study sought to assess the impact of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) on waitlist mortality in patients listed for heart transplantation (HT).

Background: The impact of ICDs on preventing sudden cardiac death in patients awaiting HT has not been studied in large multicenter cohorts. Furthermore, whether ICDs benefit patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is unknown.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Use in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) on mortality in patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies.

Background: The burden of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with LVADs is high. Prior studies assessing the impact of ICD on survival of patients with LVADs have yielded conflicting results.

Effect of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction in Men Eligible for Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death is not routinely recommended within 90 days of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) because of the possibility of an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) to>35% after revascularization. We sought to determine the incidence and predictors of EF improvement to >35% after isolated CABG in patients who had a preoperative EF ≤35%. We studied 375 patients who underwent CABG at a tertiary institution and had an echocardiogram preoperatively and postoperatively.

Cognitive function and anticoagulation control in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Background: Patients with atrial fibrillation usually are elderly and may have cognitive dysfunction. These patients may receive less effective oral anticoagulation, resulting in more vascular events and bleeding.

Methods And Results: In an analysis of cognitive function associated with the time in therapeutic range (TTR) in the Atrial Fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial With Irbesartan for Prevention of Vascular Events, 2510 patients (mean age, 71+/-9.