Evaluation of the functional status questionnaire in heart failure: a sub-study of the second cardiac insufficiency bisoprolol survival study (CIBIS-II).

Aims: We evaluated a generic quality of life (QoL) Functional Status Questionnaire (FSQ), in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). The FSQ assesses the 3 main dimensions of QoL: physical functioning, mental health and social role. It also includes 6 single item questions about: work status, frequency of social interactions, satisfaction with sexual relationships, days in bed, days with restricted activity and overall satisfaction with health status.

Improved survival with bisoprolol in patients with heart failure and renal impairment: an analysis of the cardiac insufficiency bisoprolol study II (CIBIS-II) trial.

Aims: Information on the effectiveness of beta-blockade in patients with heart failure (HF) and concomitant renal impairment is scarce and beta-blockers are underutilized in these patients.

Methods And Results: The Cockcroft-Gault formula normalized for body surface-area was used to estimate renal function (eGFR(BSA)) in 2622 patients with HF, left ventricular ejection fraction < or =35%, New York Heart Association class III/IV and serum creatinine <300 micromol/L (3.4 mg/dL) in the second Cardiac Insufficiency Bisoprolol Study II.