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Microvascular resistance (MR) is increased in takotsubo syndrome (TTS) and can be assessed by a validated pressure-wire-free tool called nonhyperemic angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (NH-IMRangio).The authors aimed to study whether the degree and extent of an altered MR in TTS patients were associated with 1-year prognosis.The authors recruited 181 consecutive patients with TTS who underwent cardiac angiography. Impaired MR was defined as an NH-IMRangio ≥25. The degree and extent of impaired MR were assessed by the value of maximum NH-IMRangio in each major coronary artery and by the number of coronary arteries with an NH-IMRangio ≥25, respectively. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were a composite of cardiovascular death, heart failure event, acute myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for symptomatic arrhythmias.A total of 166 patients had NH-IMRangio available. The mean age was 74.8 years, and 83% were women. The rate of MACE at 1 year was 21.1%, mainly due to heart failure events that were generally mild. Kaplan-Meier curves showed higher rates of MACE in patients with higher NH-IMRangio (28.9% vs 13.3%; P = 0.019) and in those with 3 coronary arteries with increased MR compared to those with 2 or 1 affected arteries (33.3% vs 15.9% vs 9.5%; P = 0.040 and P = 0.040, respectively). After a multivariable Cox regression analysis, higher values of NH-IMRangio (HR: 3.41 [95% CI: 1.54-7.52]; P = 0.002) and the presence of 3 coronary arteries with increased MR (HR: 6.39 [95% CI: 1.46-27.87]; P = 0.014) were independent predictors of MACE in TTS patients.The degree and extent of an impaired MR assessed by a validated pressure-wire-free tool were independent predictors of MACE at 1-year follow-up in TTS patients.

Our aim was to determine the prognostic impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) mortality and readmissions. From a prospective multicenter registry that included 1831 patients hospitalized due to heart failure, 583 had a left ventricular ejection fraction of

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) primarily causes lung infection, but recent studies have shown that cardiac involvement is associated with a worse prognosis. Objectives We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias detected by the electrocardiogram and their relationships with adverse outcomes in patients with COVID‐19. Methods PubMed and Google were searched for studies that reported on cardiac arrhythmias and/or examined the relationship between arrhythmias and adverse outcomes. Results Thirty studies with 12,713 participants were included in the systematic review, and 28 studies (n = 12,499) in the meta‐analysis. The mean age was 61.3 ± 16.8 years; 39.3% were female. In 25 studies with 7578 patients, the overall prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias was 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.4%–12.3%). The most common arrhythmias documented during hospitalization were supraventricular arrhythmias (6.2%, 95% CI: 4.4%–8.1%) followed by ventricular arrhythmias (2.5%, 95% CI: 1.8%–3.1%). The incidence of cardiac arrhythmias was higher among critically ill patients (relative risk [RR]: 12.1, 95% CI: 8.5–17.3) and among non‐survivors (RR: 3.8, 95%, CI: 1.7–8.7). Eight studies reported changes in the QT interval. The prevalence of QTc > 500 ms was 12.3% (95% CI: 6.9%–17.8%). ST‐segment deviation was reported in eight studies, with a pooled estimate of 8.7% (95% CI: 7.3% to 10.0%). Conclusion Our meta‐analysis showed that QTc prolongation, ST‐segment deviation, and various other cardiac arrhythmias were observed in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19. The presence of cardiac arrhythmias was associated with a worse prognosis.

Background: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) allows an accurate assessment of left ventricular function with prognostic value. We aimed to evaluate whether the assessment of GLS in the acute phase of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) provides incremental prognostic value to the degree of impaired microvascular resistance (MR) in TTS patients at 1-year follow-up.Methods: We recruited 78 consecutive patients admitted for TTS who underwent cardiac angiography and echocardiography from January 2017 to June 2021. Left anterior descending coronary artery non-hyperaemic angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (LAD NH-IMRangio) was calculated. NT-proBNP, high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and GLS were measured at admission. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were defined as the composite of cardiovascular death, heart failure (HF) events, symptomatic arrythmias and acute myocardial infarctions.Results: 67 patients had both GLS and NH-IMRangio available. Median age was 75.2 years and 88 % were women. Rate of MACE at 1-year was 23.9% mainly due to mild HF events. Kaplan-Meier curves showed higher rates of MACE at 1-year in patients with both higher LAD NH-IMRangio and GLS values compared with those with higher LAD NH-IMRangio and lower GLS values (60.0% vs 22.2%; p=0.0373). NT-proBNP levels at admission and the recovery of LVEF were correlated with GLS values while MR and hs-cTnT were not.Conclusions: GLS provides incremental prognostic value to the degree of impaired MR in TTS patients. The combination of a poorer GLS with a higher degree of impaired MR was associated with a higher rate of MACE in these patients.

Background Venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is currently one of the first-line therapies for refractory cardiogenic shock (CS), but its applicability is undermined by the high morbidity associated with its complications, especially those related to mechanical ventilation (MV). We aimed to assess the prognostic impact of keeping patients in refractory CS awake at cannulation and during the VA-ECMO run. Methods A 7-year database of patients given peripheral VA-ECMO support was used to conduct a propensity-score (PS)-matched analysis to balance their clinical profiles. Patients were classified as ‘awake ECMO’ or ‘non-awake ECMO’, respectively, if invasive MV was used during ≤50% or >50% of the VA-ECMO run. Primary outcomes included ventilator-associated pneumonia and ECMO-related complication rates, and secondary outcomes were 60-day and 1-year mortality. A multivariate logistic-regression analysis was used to identify whether MV at cannulation was independently associated with 60-day mortality. Results Among 231 patients included, 91 (39%) were ‘awake’ and 140 (61%) ‘non-awake’. After PS-matching adjustment, the ‘awake ECMO’ group had significantly lower rates of pneumonia (35% vs. 59%, P = 0.017), tracheostomy, renal replacement therapy, and less antibiotic and sedative consumption. This strategy was also associated with reduced 60-day (20% vs. 41%, P = 0.018) and 1-year mortality rates (31% vs. 54%, P = 0.021) compared to the ‘non-awake’ group, respectively. Lastly, MV at ECMO cannulation was independently associated with 60-day mortality. Conclusion An ‘awake ECMO’ management in VA-ECMO-supported CS patients is feasible, safe, and associated with improved short- and long-term outcomes.

Aims Readmission after hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (HF) remains a major public health problem. Use of remote dielectric sensing (ReDS) to measure lung water volume allows for an objective assessment of volume status and may guide medical optimization for HF. We hypothesized that the use of ReDS would lower 30 day readmission in patients referred to rapid follow‐up (RFU) clinic after HF discharge. Methods and results We conducted a retrospective analysis of the use of ReDS for patients scheduled for RFU within 10 days post‐discharge for HF at Mount Sinai Hospital between 1 July 2017 and 31 July 2018. Diuretics were adjusted using a pre‐specified algorithm. The association between use of ReDS and 30 day readmission was evaluated. A total of 220 patients were included. Mean age was 62.9 ± 14.7 years, and 36.4% were female. ReDS was performed in 80 (36.4%) and led to medication adjustment in 52 (65%). Use of ReDS was associated with a lower rate of 30 day cardiovascular readmission [2.6% vs. 11.8%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05–0.89; P = 0.04] and a trend towards lower all‐cause readmission (6.5% vs. 14.1%, HR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.16–1.15; P = 0.09) as compared with patients without a ReDS assessment. Conclusions ReDS‐guided HF therapy during RFU after HF hospitalization may be associated with lower risk of 30 day readmission.

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is a unique tool for non-invasive tissue characterization, especially for identifying fibrosis.To present the existing data regarding the association of electrocardiographic (ECG) markers with myocardial fibrosis identified by CMR - late gadolinium enhancement (LGE).A systematic search was performed for identifying the relevant studies in Medline and Cochrane databases through February 2021. In addition, we conducted a relevant search byA total of 32 studies were included. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), fragmented QRS (fQRS) is related to the presence and extent of myocardial fibrosis. fQRS and abnormal Q waves are associated with LGE in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients, while fQRS has also been related to fibrosis in myocarditis. Selvester score, abnormal Q waves, and notched QRS have also been associated with LGE. Repolarization abnormalities as reflected by increased Tp-Te, negative T-waves, and higher QT dispersion are related to myocardial fibrosis in HCM patients. In patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a significant correlation between fQRS and the amount of myocardial fibrosis as assessed by LGE-CMR was observed. In atrial fibrillation patients, advanced inter-atrial block is defined as P-wave duration ≥ 120 ms, and biphasic morphology in inferior leads is related to left atrial fibrosis.Myocardial fibrosis, a reliable marker of prognosis in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases, can be easily understood with an easily applicable ECG. However, more data is needed on a specific disease basis to study the association of ECG markers and myocardial fibrosis as depicted by CMR.

Modes of death in patients with heart failure (HF) have been well characterized in randomized studies, but data from real-life are scarce, especially in the elderly, women and in HF with mid-range or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Our purpose was to examine modes of death in HF patients according to age, sex and LVEF. We analysed the mode of death of HF patients from two prospective multicentre contemporary Spanish registries conducted by cardiologists (REDINSCOR, n = 2150) and by internists (RICA, n = 1396). Mode of death was pre-specified. Out of 3546 patients, 485 (13.7%) died during the 9-month follow-up. Cardiovascular (CV) causes were the most frequent, regardless of the age, sex and LVEF. More than half of patients died due to worsening HF in both groups of patients, followed by other non-CV causes in those attended by internists, and sudden cardiac death in those cared by cardiologists. Stroke was more common among elderly patients, women and HF with preserved LVEF. Non-CV causes, particularly infectious diseases, accounted for a remarkable proportion of deaths, especially in the elderly and in HF patients with preserved LVEF. Functional class, age and anaemia had a strong influence on both CV and non-CV death. CV death due to refractory HF was the most prevalent among our population, irrespective of age, sex or LVEF. However, a significant proportion of HF patients died from non-CV causes, particularly elderly with mid-range and preserved LVEF. These patients could benefit significantly from a multidisciplinary follow-up.

In December 2019, reports of an unknown pneumonia not responsive to traditional treatments arose in Wuhan, China. The pathogen was subsequently identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), known to be responsible for the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) illness, and public health emergency of international concern was declared by the World Health Organization. There is increasing awareness of the cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 disease, and the adverse impact of cardiovascular involvement on its prognosis. In this setting, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the leading tools to assess the extent of cardiac involvement in COVID-19 patients, due to its wide disponibility, low cost, and the possibility of remote evaluation. In this article, we review the role of the ECG in the identification of cardiac involvement in COVID-19, highlighting relevant clinical implications.

Introduction and objectives In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), several therapies have been proven to reduce mortality in clinical trials. However, there are few data on the effect of the use of evidence-based therapies on causes of death in clinical practice. Methods This study included 2351 outpatients with HFrEF ( Results Patients in REDINSCOR I more frequently received beta-blockers (85% vs 71%; P Conclusions In ambulatory patients with HFrEF, implementation of evidence-based therapies was associated with a lower risk of death, mainly due to a significant reduction in sudden cardiac death.

Introduction and objectives In patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), several therapies have been proven to reduce mortality in clinical trials. However, there are few data on the effect of the use of evidence-based therapies on causes of death in clinical practice. Methods This study included 2351 outpatients with HFrEF (< 40%) from 2 multicenter prospective registries: MUSIC (n=641, period: 2003-2004) and REDINSCOR I (n=1710, period: 2007-2011). Variables were recorded at inclusion and all patients were followed-up for 4 years. Causes of death were validated by an independent committee. Results Patients in REDINSCOR I more frequently received beta-blockers (85% vs 71%; P

This report presents the clinical characteristics, outcomes and complications of all consecutive patients implanted with a long-term mechanical circulatory support device in Spain between 2007 and 2020.Analysis of the Spanish Registry of durable ventricular assist devices (REGALAD) including data form Spanish centers with a mechanical circulatory support program.During the study period, 263 ventricular assist devices were implanted in 22 hospitals. The implanted device was an isolated continuous-flow left ventricular assist device in 182 patients (69%), a pulsatile-flow device (58 isolated left ventricular and 21 biventricular) in 79 (30%), and a total artificial heart in 2 patients (1%). The strategy of the implant was as bridge to heart transplant in 78 patients (30%), bridge to candidacy in 110 (42%), bridge to recovery in 3 (1%) and destination therapy in 72 patients (27%). Overall survival at 6, 12 and 24 months was 79%, 74% and 69%, respectively, and was better in continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (84%, 80%, and 75%). The main adverse events related to this therapy were infections (37% of patients), bleeding (35%), neurological (29%), and device malfunction (17%).Durable ventricular assist devices have emerged in Spain in the last few years as a useful therapy for patients with advanced heart failure. As in other international registries, the current trend is to use continuous-flow intracorporeal left ventricular devices, which are associated with better results. Adverse events continue to be frequent and severe.

Identifying readmission predictors in heart failure (HF) patients may help guide preventative efforts and save costs. We aimed to identify 15- and 30-day readmission predictors due to cardiovascular reasons. A total of 1831 patients with acute HF admission were prospectively followed during a year. Patient-associated variables were gathered at admission/discharge and events during follow-up. A multivariate Fine and Gray competing risk regression model and a cumulative incidence function were used to identify predictors and build a risk score model for 15- and 30-day readmission. The 15- and 30-day readmission rates due to cardiovascular reasons were 7.1% and 13.9%. Previous acute myocardial infarction, congestive signs at discharge, and length of stay > 9 days were predictors of 15- and 30-day readmission, while much weight loss and large NT-ProBNP reduction were protective factors. The NT-ProBNP reduction was larger at 30 days (> 55%) vs 15 days (> 40%) to protect from readmission. Glomerular filtration rate at discharge 1 previous admissions due to HF were predictors of 30-day readmission, while first post-discharge control at an HF unit was a protective factor. Previous identified factors for early readmission were confirmed. The NT-ProBNP reduction should be increased (> 55%) to protect from 30-day readmission.

Telemonitoring through multiple variables measured on cardiac devices has the potential to improve the follow-up of patients with heart failure. The HeartLogic algorithm (Boston Scientific), implemented in some implantable cardiac defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy, allows monitoring of the nocturnal heart rate, respiratory movements, thoracic impedance, physical activity and the intensity of heart tones, with the aim of predicting major clinical events. Although HeartLogic has demonstrated high sensitivity for the detection of heart failure decompensations, its effects on hospitalisation and mortality in randomised clinical trials has not yet been corroborated. This review details how the HeartLogic algorithm works, compiles available evidence from clinical studies, and discusses its application in daily clinical practice.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic represents a major concern in immunosuppressed patients such as heart transplant recipients. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to summarize the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of heart transplant recipients with COVID‐19. We searched electronic databases from inception to January 11, 2021. Thirty‐nine articles (22 case reports and 17 cohorts) involving 415 patients were included. The mean age was 59.9 ± 15.7 years and 77% of patients were men. In cohort studies including outpatients and inpatients, the hospitalization rate was 77%. The most common symptoms were fever (70%) and cough (67%). Inflammatory biomarkers (C‐reactive protein and procalcitonin) were above the normal range. Forty‐eight percent of patients presented with severe or critical COVID‐19. Hydroxychloroquine (54%), azithromycin (14%), and lopinavir/ritonavir (14%) were the most commonly used drugs. Forty‐nine percent of patients discontinued the baseline regimen of antimetabolites. In contrast, 59% and 73% continued the same regimen of calcineurin inhibitors and corticosteroids, respectively. Short‐term mortality among cohorts limited to inpatients was 25%. Our review suggests that heart transplant recipients with COVID‐19 exhibited similar demographic and clinical features to the general population. However, the prognosis was poor in these patients.

Background COVID-19 continues to inflict significant morbidity and mortality, particularly on patients with preexisting health conditions. The clinical course, outcomes, and significance of immunosuppression regimen in heart transplant recipients with COVID-19 remains unclear. Methods We included the first 99 heart transplant recipients at participating centers with COVID-19 and followed patients until resolution. We collected baseline information, symptoms, laboratory studies, vital signs, and outcomes for included patients. The association of immunosuppression regimens at baseline with severe disease were compared using logistic regression , adjusting for age and time since transplant. Results The median age was 60 years, 25% were female, and 44% were white. The median time post-transplant to infection was 5.6 years. Overall, 15% died, 64% required hospital admission, and 7% remained asymptomatic. During the course of illness, only 57% of patients had a fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms were common. Tachypnea , oxygen requirement, elevated creatinine and inflammatory markers were predictive of severe course. Age ≥ 60 was associated with higher risk of death and the use of the combination of calcineurin inhibitor , antimetabolite , and prednisone was associated with more severe disease compared to the combination of calcineurin inhibitor and antimetabolite alone (adjusted OR = 7.3, 95% CI 1.8-36.2). Among hospitalized patients, 30% were treated for secondary infection, acute kidney injury was common and 17% required new renal replacement therapy . Conclusions We present the largest study to date of heart transplant patients with COVID-19 showing common atypical presentations and a high case fatality rate of 24% among hospitalized patients and 16% among symptomatic patients.

Aims Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a useful tool with which to assess subclinical pulmonary congestion and to stratify the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an LUS-guided follow-up protocol improves the outcomes of patients with HF. Methods and results In this single-blind clinical trial, 123 patients admitted for HF were randomized to either a standard follow-up (n = 62, control group) or a LUS-guided follow-up (n = 61, LUS group). The primary endpoint was a composite of urgent visit, hospitalization for worsening HF and death during follow-up. Visits were scheduled at 14, 30, 90 and 180 days after discharge. Treating physicians were encouraged to modify diuretic therapy in accordance with the number of B-lines recorded by LUS. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age of the patients was 69 ± 12 years and 72% were male. The mean ± SD left ventricular ejection fraction was 39 ± 14%. The hazard ratio for the primary outcome in the LUS group was 0.518 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.268-0.998; P = 0.049], mainly resulting from a decrease in the number of urgent visits for worsening HF. The number of patients needed to treat to avoid an event was 5 (95% CI 3-62). Other secondary endpoints such as N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide reduction were not achieved. The safety parameters were similar in the two groups. Patients in the LUS group received more loop diuretics [51 (91%) vs. 42 (75%); P = 0.02] and showed an improvement in the distance achieved in the 6-min walking test [60 m (interquartile range: 29-125 m) vs. 37 m (interquartile range: 5-70 m); P = 0.023]. Conclusions Tailored LUS-guided diuretic treatment of pulmonary congestion in this proof-of-concept study reduced the number of decompensations and improved walking capacity in patients with HF. LUS is a non-invasive, safe and easy-to-use technique with potential clinical applicability to guide pulmonary congestion treatment in patients with HF.

IntroductionSacubitril/valsartan (SV) promotes cardiac remodeling and improves prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the response to the drug may vary between patients and its implementation in daily clinical practice has been slower than expected. Our objective was to develop a score predicting the super-response to SV in HF outpatients.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of 185 consecutive patients prescribed SV from two tertiary hospitals between September 2016 and February 2018. Super-responder was defined as a patient taking the drug and (i) without HF admissions, death, or heart transplant, and (ii) with a ≥50% reduction in NT-proBNP levels and/or an increase of ≥10 points in LVEF in a 12-month follow-up period after starting SV. Clinical, echocardiographic, ECG, and biochemical variables were used in a logistic regression analysis to construct a score for super-response to SV which was internally validated using bootstrap method.ResultsOut of 185 patients, 65 (35%) fulfilled the super-responder criteria. Predictors for super-response to SV were absence of both previous aldosterone antagonist and diuretic treatment, NYHA I-II class, female gender, previous 1-year HF admission, and sinus rhythm. An integrating score distinguished a low- (80%) for 1-year super-response to SV. The AUC for the model was 0.72 (95%CI: 0.64–0.80), remaining consistent after internal validation.ConclusionOne-third of our patients presented a super-response to SV. We propose an easy-to-calculate score to predict super-response to SV after 1-year initiation based on variables that are currently assessed in clinical practice.

Background Patients with pre-existing heart failure (HF) are likely at higher risk for adverse outcomes in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), but data on this population are sparse. Objectives This study described the clinical profile and associated outcomes among patients with HF hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods This study conducted a retrospective analysis of 6,439 patients admitted for COVID-19 at 1 of 5 Mount Sinai Health System hospitals in New York City between February 27 and June 26, 2020. Clinical characteristics and outcomes (length of stay, need for intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, and in-hospital mortality) were captured from electronic health records. For patients identified as having a history of HF by International Classification of Diseases-9th and/or 10th Revisions codes, manual chart abstraction informed etiology, functional class, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Results Mean age was 63.5 years, and 45% were women. Compared with patients without HF, those with previous HF experienced longer length of stay (8 days vs. 6 days; p, Central Illustration

[Abstract] Background. Available information about prognostic implications of potassium levels alteration in the setting of acute heart failure (AHF) is scarce. Objectives. We aim to describe the prevalence of dyskalemia (hypo or hyperkalemia), its dynamic changes during AHF-hospitalization, and its long-term clinical impact after hospitalization. Methods. We analyzed 1779 patients hospitalized with AHF who were included in the REDINSCOR II registry. Patients were classified in three groups, according to potassium levels both on admission and discharge: hypokalemia (potassium 5 mEq/L). Results. The prevalence of hypokalemia and hyperkalemia on admission was 8.2 and 4.6%, respectively, and 6.4 and 2.7% at discharge. Hyperkalemia on admission was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.32 [95% CI: 1.04–5.21] p = 0.045). Among patients with hypokalemia on admission, 79% had normalized potassium levels at discharge. In the case of patients with hyperkalemia on admission, 89% normalized kalemia before discharge. In multivariate Cox regression, dyskalemia was associated with higher 12-month mortality, (HR = 1.48 [95% CI, 1.12–1.96], p = 0.005). Among all patterns of dyskalemia persistent hypokalemia (HR = 3.17 [95% CI: 1.71–5.88]; p

Heart failure (HF) is one of the main causes of morbidity, mortality, and high healthcare costs. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, reduced cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for HF compared to placebo in patients with chronic HF, and reduced ejection fraction (EF) in the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Heart Failure (DAPA-HF) study. Our aim was to estimate the number of patients with DAPA-HF characteristics in Spain. Our literature review identified epidemiological studies whose objective was to quantify the prevalence of HF and its comorbidities in Spain. We estimated the prevalence of HF with reduced EF, of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II&ndash, IV, and with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) &ge, 30 mL/min/1.73 m&sup2, In this population, we analysed the prevalence of diabetes using data from the REDINSCOR (Spanish Network for Heart Failure) registry. Our estimations indicate there are 594,684 patients &ge, 45 years old with HF in Spain (2.6% of this population age group), of which 52.4%, 84.0%, and 93.9% have reduced EF, are NYHA II&ndash, IV, and have a GFR &ge, respectively. By our calculations, approximately 245,789 Spanish patients would meet the DAPA-HF patient profile, and therefore could benefit from the protective cardiovascular effects of dapagliflozin.

BACKGROUND Orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) recipients may be particularly vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OHT during the pandemic presents unique challenges in terms of feasibility and safety. METHODS Chart review was performed for consecutive OHT recipients with COVID-19 and waitlisted patients who underwent OHT from March 1, 2020 to May 15, 2020. RESULTS Of the approximately 400 OHT recipients followed at our institution, 22 acquired COVID-19. Clinical characteristics included median age 59 (range, 49–71) years, 14 (63.6%) were male, and median time from OHT to infection was 4.6 (2.5–20.6) years. Symptoms included fever (68.2%), gastrointestinal complaints (55%), and cough (46%). COVID-19 was severe or critical in 5 (23%). All patients had elevated inflammatory biomarkers. Immunosuppression was modified in 85% of patients. Most (n = 16, 86.4%) were hospitalized, 18% required intubation, and 14% required vasopressor support. Five patients (23%) expired. None of the patients requiring intubation survived. Five patients underwent OHT during the pandemic. They were all males, ranging from 30 to 59 years of age. Two were transplanted at United Network of Organ Sharing Status 1 or 2, 1 at Status 3, and 2 at Status 4. All were successfully discharged and are alive without allograft dysfunction or rejection. One contracted mild COVID-19 after the index hospitalization. CONCLUSION OHT recipients with COVID-19 appear to have outcomes similar to the general population hospitalized with COVID-19. OHT during the pandemic is feasible when appropriate precautions are taken. Further study is needed to guide immunosuppression management in OHT recipients affected by COVID-19.