Search

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives: Mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) mediates the entry of pyruvate into mitochondria, determining whether pyruvate is incorporated into the Krebs cycle or metabolized in the cytosol. In heart failure (HF), a large amount of pyruvate is metabolized to lactate in the cytosol rather than being oxidized inside the mitochondria. Thus, MPC activity or expression might play a key role in the fate of pyruvate during HF. The purpose of this work was to study the levels of the two subunits of this carrier, named MPC1 and MPC2, in human hearts with HF of different etiologies. Methods: Protein and mRNA expression analyses were conducted in cardiac tissues from three donor groups: patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) or idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC), and donors without cardiac pathology (Control). MPC2 plasma levels were determined by ELISA. Results: Significant reductions in the levels of MPC1, MPC2, and Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) were observed in ICM patients compared with the levels in the Control group. However, no statistically significant differences were revealed in the analysis of MPC1 and MPC2 gene expression among the groups. Interestingly, Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH) subunits expression were increased in the ICM patients. In the case of IDC patients, a significant decrease in MPC1 was observed only when compared with the Control group. Notably, plasma MPC2 levels were found to be elevated in both disease groups compared with that in the Control group. Conclusion: Decreases in MPC1 and/or MPC2 levels were detected in the cardiac tissues of HFrEF patients, with ischemic or idiopatic origen, indicating a potential reduction in mitochondrial pyruvate uptake in the heart, which could be linked to unfavorable clinical features.

Introduction. The clinical follow up of heart transplant patients is complex and requires the nurse to transmit knowledge according to needs to promote self-care and therapeutic adherence. The objective was to evaluate the nurse educational intervention in transplanted patients.Methodology. An observational-descriptive-transversal study was performed of patients who received heart transplants in 2019 and 2020 (n=41) at the Advanced Heart Failure Unit of the University Hospital of A Coruña using knowledge, assessment, and adherence questionnaires (BAASIS).Results. Forty-one patients participated with a mean age of 60.5 (±6.9), 80.5% were male. According to priority, 53.7% were elective. The 15 knowledge questions were answered correctly by 36.8%. The questions with more failures were those related to rejection symptoms.All patients considered the information received to be useful and 92.7% reported that it helped them improve their anxiety and fear.Three immunosuppressive drugs were taken by 87.2%: Tacrolimus 100%, of which 84.6% in a single morning dose, prednisone 97.4%, mycophenolate mofetil 79.5%, and everolimus 10.3%. No patient fully stopped taking immunosuppressants in the last year. During the last month, two patients forgot or changed the prescribed dose once.The maximum score was achieved by 69.2% of patients for their behavior regarding taking immunosuppressive drugs.Conclusions. The results obtained show that during the first year after heart transplantation, patients maintain an acceptable level of knowledge, good adherence to immunosuppressants, and consider the nurse educational intervention useful., Introducción. El seguimiento clínico de pacientes trasplantados de corazón es complejo y requiere que la enfermera trasmita conocimientos según necesidades para fomentar el autocuidado y adherencia terapéutica. El objetivo fue evaluar la intervención educativa enfermera en pacientes trasplantados.Metodología. Se realizó un estudio observacional-descriptivo-transversal de los pacientes trasplantados de corazón en 2019 y 2020 (n=41) en la Unidad de Insuficiencia Cardiaca Avanzada del Hospital Universitario de A Coruña, a través de cuestionarios de conocimientos, evaluación y adherencia BAASIS©.Resultados. Participaron 41 pacientes con una edad media de 60,5 (±6,9), hombres el 80,5%. Según prioridad fueron 53,7% electivo. Respondieron correctamente a las 15 preguntas de conocimientos el 36,8%. Las preguntas con más errores fueron las relativas a los síntomas del rechazo.Todos los pacientes consideraron la información recibida útil y un 92,7% refirieron que les ayudó a mejorar la ansiedad y el miedo.El 87,2% tomaron tres fármacos inmunosupresores: tacrolimus 100%, de los cuales el 84,6% en una sola toma por la mañana, prednisona 97,4%, micofenolato de mofetilo 79,5% y everolimus 10,3%. Ningún paciente dejó de tomar los inmunosupresores por completo en el último año. Durante el último mes olvidaron o modificaron una vez la dosis pautada dos pacientes.El 69,2% de los pacientes puntuaron con el máximo su conducta sobre la toma de medicamentos inmunosupresores. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los pacientes mantienen, durante el primer año del trasplante de corazón, un nivel de conocimientos aceptable, buena adherencia a los inmunosupresores y consideran útil la intervención educativa-enfermera.

[Abstract] Purpose To describe the evolution of the serum levels of soluble HLA-G (s-HLA-G) during the first 12 months after heart transplantation (HT) and to correlate it with clinical outcomes. Methods Observational study based in a single-center cohort of 59 patients who underwent HT between December-2003 and March-2010. Soluble HLA-G levels were measured from serum samples extracted before HT, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HT. The cumulative burden of s-HLA-G expression during the first post-transplant year was assessed by means of the area under the curve (AUC) of s-HLA-G levels over time and correlated with the acute rejection burden –as assessed by a rejection score–, the presence of coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) grade ≥ 1 and infections during the first post-transplant year; as well as with long-term patient and graft survival. Mean follow-up was 12.4 years. Results Soluble HLA-G levels decreased over the first post-transplant year (p = 0.020). The AUC of s-HLA-G levels during the first post-transplant year was higher among patients with infections vs. those without infections (p = 0.006). No association was found between the AUC of s-HLA-G levels and the burden of acute rejection or the development of CAV. Overall long-term survival, long-term survival free of late graft failure and cancer-free survival were not significantly different in patients with an AUC of s-HLA-G levels higher or lower than the median of the study population. Conclusions Soluble HLA-G levels decreased over the first year after HT. Higher HLA-G expression was associated with a higher frequency of infections, but not with the burden of acute rejection or the development of CAV, neither with long-term patient or graft survival.

Introduction. A frequent cause of hospitalization in patients with heart failure is congestion refractory to oral diuretics and is treated with intravenous furosemide. Subcutaneous furosemide administration may be an alternative. Objective: To analyse our initial experience with the use of subcutaneous furosemide administration by elastomeric infuser for 7 days. Material and methods. Retrospective single-centre study. Inclusion criteria: 1) Refractory congestion without low output; and 2) informed consent. The indication is made by the cardiologist. Fixed dose subcutaneous furosemide (120 mg/day) was administered; the infuser was prepared by hospital pharmacy and the implantation, follow-up and specific education was carried out by the nurse. The patient controls daily diuresis, as well as routine self-control of HF. Every 48 hours, analytical and telematic control was performed. The quantitative variables were analysed using the Wilcoxon test. Results. Since April 2020, 20 treatments were performed in 15 patients. Three patients required >1 treatment. Median treatment time was: 7 days (IQR 5-13). There was a significant weight reduction (median weight loss 2.9 kg, IQR 0.45–4.45, p=0.002), without renal deterioration (basal median Cr 1.46 vs. final Cr 1.58 mg/dL; p=0.233) or hypokalaemia (basal median K+ 4.3 vs. final K+ 4 mEq/L; p=0.640). After a median follow-up of 171 days, 73% of patients remained free of admission, three patients died, one was transplanted, and two had mild adverse effects. Conclusion. In this preliminary experience, subcutaneous furosemide administration by elastomeric infuser for 7 days achieved clinical and weight improvement in advanced heart failure patients with refractory congestion, safely avoiding hospitalizations in >70% of episodes., Introducción. Una causa frecuente de hospitalización en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca es congestión refractaria a diuréticos orales y se trata con furosemida intravenosa. La administración de furosemida subcutánea puede ser una alternativa. Objetivo: analizar nuestra experiencia inicial con administración de furosemida subcutánea mediante infusor elastomérico de 7 días. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico. Criterios inclusión: 1) congestión refractaria sin bajo gasto, 2) consentimiento informado. La indicación la realiza el cardiólogo. Dosis fija furosemida subcutánea: 120 mg/día, el infusor lo prepara el servicio de Farmacia y el implante, seguimiento y educación específica lo realiza la enfermera. El paciente controla diariamente diuresis y autocontrol habitual de insuficiencia cardiaca. Cada 48h, control analítico y telemático. Las variables cuantitativas fueron analizadas mediante test de Wilcoxon. Resultados. Desde abril de 2020 se realizaron 20 tratamientos en 15 pacientes. Tres pacientes, requirieron > 1 tratamiento. Tiempo mediano de tratamiento: 7 días (RIC 5-13). Hubo descenso significativo del peso (descenso mediano 2,9 Kg, RIC 0,45-4,45, p=0,002), sin deterioro renal (creatinina mediana inicial 1,46 vs creatinina final 1,58 mg/dL, p=0,233) ni hipopotasemia (potasio inicial mediano 4,3 vs potasio final 4 mEq/L, p=0,640). Tras seguimiento mediano de 171 días, el 73% se mantuvo libre de ingreso, tres pacientes fallecieron, uno fue trasplantado y dos tuvieron efectos adversos leves. Conclusión. En esta experiencia preliminar, furosemida subcutánea mediante infusor elastomérico de 7 días consigue mejoría clínica y de peso en situaciones de insuficiencia cardiaca avanzada con congestión refractaria, evitando hospitalizaciones en > del 70% de los episodios de un modo seguro.

[Abstract] Background: Tricuspid valve disease is the most frequent valvulopathy after heart transplantation (HTx). Evidence for the negative effect of post-transplant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on survival is contradictory. The aim of this study was to analyze the causes of post-transplant TR and its effect on overall mortality. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study of all transplants performed in two Spanish centers (1009 patients) between 2000 and 2019. Of the total number of patients, 809 had no TR or mild TR and 200 had moderate or severe TR. The etiology of TR was analyzed in all cases. Results: The prevalence of moderate and severe TR was 19.8%. The risk of mortality was greater when TR was caused by early primary graft failure (PGF) or rejection (p < 0.05). TR incidence was related to etiology: incidence of PGF-induced TR was higher in the first period, while TR due to rejection and undefined causes occurred more frequently in three periods: in the first year, in the 10-14-year period following HTx, and in the long term (16-18 years). In the multivariable analysis, TR was significantly associated with mortality/retransplantation (HR:1.04, 95% CI:1.01-1.07, p:0.02). Conclusion: The development of TR after HTx is relatively frequent. The annual incidence depends on TR severity and etiology. The risk of mortality is greater in severe TR due to PGF or rejection.

[Abstract] Background and objective. Patients with heart failure are classified into three phenotypes based on left ventricular ejection fraction. This work aimed to compare the clinical profile, treatment, prognosis, and causes of death of patients with heart failure and reduced (<40%, HF-rEF), preserved (≥50%, HF-pEF), or mid-range (40–49%, HF-mrEF) left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods. An analysis was conducted on the clinical data included in a prospective registry of patients with heart failure who were referred to a specific Cardiology unit from 2010 to 2019. Results. A total of 1404 patients with HF-rEF, 239 patients with HF-mrEF, and 266 patients with HF-pEF were analyzed. Significant differences were observed among the groups in regard to several clinical characteristics and the frequency of prescription of neurohormonal blocking drugs. A multivariate Cox regression revealed an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with HF-pEF (hazard ratio 1.36; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.80; p = .028) and patients with HF-mrEF (hazard ratio 1.36; 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.78; p= .029) as compared to patients with HF-rEF. Heart failure was the most frequent cause of death in the three subgroups. A higher relative weight of sudden death as a cause of death was observed among patients with HF-rEF while the relative weight of non-cardiovascular causes of death was higher among patients with HF-pEF and HF-mrEF. Conclusions. This study confirms the existence of significant differences among patients with HF-rEF, HF-mrEF, and HF-pEF with regard to their clinical profile, therapeutic management, prognosis, and causes of death., [Resumen] Antecedente y objetivo. Los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca se caracterizan en 3 fenotipos en función de su fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda. El propósito de este estudio fue comparar el perfil clínico, el tratamiento, el pronóstico y las causas de muerte de los pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca y fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda reducida (<40%, IC-FEr), preservada (≥50%, IC-FEp) o en rango medio (40–49%, IC-FErm). Metodología. Análisis de la información clínica recogida en un registro prospectivo de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca remitidos a una consulta monográfica de Cardiología entre 2010 y 2019. Resultados. Se estudiaron 1.404 pacientes con IC-FEr, 239 pacientes con IC-FErm y 266 pacientes con IC-FEp. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los 3 grupos en relación con diversas características clínicas, y en cuanto a la tasa de prescripción de fármacos moduladores de la respuesta neurohormonal. La regresión de Cox multivariante reveló un incremento del riesgo de muerte por cualquier causa en los pacientes con IC-FEp (hazard-ratio 1,36; intervalo de confianza al 95% 1,03–1,80; p = 0,028) e IC-FErm (hazard-ratio 1,36; intervalo de confianza al 95% 1,03–1,78; p = 0,029) en comparación con los pacientes con IC-FEr. La insuficiencia cardíaca fue la causa más frecuente de muerte en los 3 grupos; se observó un mayor peso relativo de la muerte súbita en los pacientes con IC-FEr, mientras que las causas no cardiovasculares de muerte tuvieron un peso relativo mayor en los pacientes con IC-FEp e IC-FErm. Conclusiones. El estudio confirma la existencia de diferencias significativas en el perfil clínico, manejo terapéutico, pronóstico y causas de muerte de los pacientes con IC-FEr, IC-FErm e IC-FEp.

[Abstract] Aims Maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is an essential parameter to assess functional capacity of patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to identify clinical factors that determine its value, as they have not been well characterized yet. Methods We conducted a retrospective, observational, single‐centre study of 362 consecutive patients with HF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) as part of standard clinical assessment since 2009–2019. CPET was performed on treadmill, according to Bruce's protocol (n = 360) or Naughton's protocol (n = 2). We performed multivariable linear regression analyses in order to identify independent clinical predictors associated with peak VO₂max. Results Mean age of study patients was 57.3 ± 10.9 years, mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 32.8 ± 14.2%, and mean VO₂max was 19.8 ± 5.2 mL/kg/min. Eighty‐nine (24.6%) patients were women, and 114 (31.5%) had ischaemic heart disease. Multivariable linear regression analysis identified six independent clinical predictors of VO₂max, including NYHA class (B coefficient = −2.585; P < 0.001), age (B coefficient per 1 year = −0.104; P < 0.001), tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (B coefficient per 1 mm = +0.209; P < 0.001), body mass index (B coefficient per 1 kg/m² = −0.172; P = 0.002), haemoglobin (B coefficient per 1 g/dL = +0.418; P = 0.007) and NT‐proBNP (B coefficient per 1000 pg/mL = −0.142; P = 0.019). Conclusions The severity of HF (NYHA class, NT‐proBNP) as well as age, body composition and haemoglobin levels influence significantly exercise capacity. In patients with HF, the right ventricular systolic function is of greater importance for the physical capacity than the left ventricular systolic function.

[Abstract] Background: Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after heart transplantation (HT). Little information about its importance in the immediate post-operative period is available. The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics, incidence, and outcomes of in-hospital post-operative infections after HT. Methods: We conducted an observational, single-center study based on 677 adults who underwent HT from 1991 to 2015 and who survived the surgical intervention. In-hospital post-operative infections were identified retrospectively according to the medical finding in the clinical records. Results: Over a mean hospital stay of 24.5 days, 239 patients (35.3%) developed 348 episodes of infection (2 episodes per 100 patient-days). The most common sources of infection were those related to invasive procedures (respiratory infections, 115 [33%]; urinary tract infections, 47 [13.5%]; bacteremia, 42 [12.1%]; surgical site infections, 25 [7.2%]), in addition to abdominal focus (33, 9.5%). Enterobacteriaceae (76, 21.8%) and gram-positive cocci (58, 16.7%) were the predominant germs, although opportunistic infections were not infrequent (69, 19.8%). Ninety-five septic episodes were detected with a mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score of 9.5 ± 5.3 points, with hemodynamic failure being the most severe organ dysfunction and renal dysfunction the most frequent one. Management included broad-spectrum antibiotics in 48.8% of episodes and surgical management in 13.8%. The overall antimicrobial success rate was 96.3%. Higher in-hospital mortality was observed among infected patients (15.1% vs. 10.3%), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.067). The one-year survival and events were not different between patients suffering from a post-operative infection and those who did not. Conclusions: In-hospital infections were frequent in the post-operative period after HT and were associated with a poor short-term outcome. Patients w

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives. To assess the risk factors of CMV infection after heart transplant (HT) and its influence on long-term prognosis. Methods. We conducted a retrospective single-centre study of 222 H T recipients. Risk factors for CMV infection were identified by means of multivariable Cox´s regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox´s regression were used to assess the long-term prognostic impact of CMV infection during the first post-transplant year. Results. Donor-recipient CMV serologic matching (hazard ratio [HR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2–3.09, p = .007), recipient age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.1, p = .02), diabetes mellitus (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.4–3.05, p = .01), pre- transplant circulatory support (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.06–2.38, p = .03) and the use of tacrolimus (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.13–2.36, p = .009) were independently associated with increased risk of CMV infection. CMV infection during the first year post-HT was not associated with worse transplant outcomes in terms of mortality, incidence of heart failure, cardiac allograft vasculopathy or acute rejection. Conclusions. CMV infection was not associated with impaired long-term prognosis after HT., [Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Analizar el impacto pronóstico de la infección por Citomegalovirus (CMV) durante el primer año tras el trasplante cardiaco (TC) y describir factores de riesgo. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo unicéntrico incluyendo 222 receptores de TC. La identificación de factores de riesgo de infección por CMV se llevó a cabo mediante regresión multivariable de Cox. Mediante los métodos de Kaplan-Meier y Cox se analizó la influencia de la infección por CMV durante el primer año sobre la supervivencia e incidencia de eventos clínicos adversos en el seguimiento a largo plazo. Resultados. En el análisis multivariante, el estado serológico donante/receptor frente a CMV (hazard ratio [HR] 1,92, intervalo de confianza 95% [IC 95%] 1,2–3,09; p = 0007, la edad del receptor HR 1,02, IC 95% 1,00–1,1; p = 0,02), la diabetes (HR 1,86, IC 95% 1,4-3,05; p = 0,01), el soporte circulatorio mecánico (HR 1,59, IC 95% 1,06-2,38; p = 0,03) y el uso de tacrolimus (HR 1,64, IC 95% 1,13-2,36; p = 0009, resultaron predictores independientes de infección por CMV post-trasplante. No se detectó una influencia significativa de la infección por CMV durante el primer año post-trasplante sobre la mortalidad, la incidencia de insuficiencia cardiaca, enfermedad vascular del injerto o rechazo agudo. Conclusiones. La infección por CMV durante el primer año post-trasplante no se asoció a un peor pronóstico a largo plazo.

[Abstract] Introduction: Infection is one of the most significant complications following heart transplantation (HT). The aim of this study was to identify specific risk factors for early postoperative infections in HT recipients, and to develop a multivariable predictive model to identify HT recipients at high risk. Methods: A single-center, observational, and retrospective study was conducted. The dependent variable was in-hospital postoperative infection. We examined demographic and epidemiological data from donors and recipients, surgical features, and adverse postoperative events as independent variables. Backwards, stepwise multivariable logistic regression with a P-value < 0.05 was used to identify clinical factors independently associated with the risk of in-hospital postoperative infections following HT. Results: Six hundred seventy-seven patients were included in this study. During the in-hospital postoperative period, 348 episodes of infection were diagnosed in 239 (35.9%) patients. Seven variables were identified as independent clinical predictors of early postoperative infection after HT: history of diabetes mellitus, previous sternotomy, preoperative mechanical ventilation, primary graft failure, major surgical bleeding, use of mycophenolate mofetil, and use of itraconazole. Based on the results of multivariable models, we constructed a 7-variable (8-point) score to predict the risk of in-hospital postoperative infection in HT recipients, which showed a reasonable ability to predict the risk of in-hospital postoperative infection in this population. Prospective external validation of this new score is warranted to confirm its clinical applicability. Conclusions: In-hospital postoperative infection is a common complication after HT, affecting 35% of patients who underwent this procedure at our institution. Diabetes mellitus, previous sternotomy, preoperative mechanical ventilation, primary graft failure, major surgical bleeding, use of mycophenolate mof

[Abstract] Introduction and objectives: Circulating galectin-3 (Gal-3) is elevated and significantly correlates with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure. However, the relationship between serum Gal-3 and heart transplant (HT) outcomes is unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the longitudinal trend and prognostic value of Gal-3 levels after HT. Methods: Banked serum samples were available from 122 HT recipients, collected before transplant and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months posttransplant. Gal-3 levels in these serum samples were measured by enzyme immune assay. Multivariable Cox regression was performed to determine the prognostic value of 12-month posttransplant Gal-3 serum levels. The primary endpoint was the composite variable all-cause death or graft failure over long-term posttransplant follow-up. Results: Circulating Gal-3 concentration steadily decreased during the first year after HT (median values: pretransplant, 19.1 ng/mL; 1-year posttransplant, 14.6 ng/mL; P<.001). Circulating Gal-3 levels 1-year posttransplant were associated with an increased risk of all-cause death or graft failure (adjusted HR per 1 ng/mL, 1.04; 95%CI, 1.01-1.08; P=.008). The predictive accuracy of this biomarker was moderate: area under the ROC curve, 0.72 (95%CI, 0.60-0.82; P<.001). Conclusions: Circulating Gal-3 steadily decreased during the first year after HT. However, 1-year posttransplant Gal-3 serum levels that remained elevated were associated with increased long-term risk of death and graft failure., [Resumen] Introducción y objetivos. Los valores plasmáticos de galectina-3 (Gal-3) están elevados y se correlacionan con la mortalidad total y cardiovascular en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, pero su correlación con el pronóstico tras el trasplante cardiaco (TxC) es desconocida. El objetivo fue describir la tendencia evolutiva y el valor pronóstico de este biomarcador tras el TxC. Métodos. Mediante enzimoinmunoensayo, se midieron las concentraciones plasmáticas de Gal-3 en muestras de suero de 122 receptores de TxC, antes y 1, 3, 6 y 12 meses después de este. Mediante regresión de Cox se analizó el valor pronóstico del valor plasmático de Gal-3 a los 12 meses del TxC. El objetivo primario del estudio fue la variable combinada muerte o disfunción del injerto. Resultados. Las concentraciones de Gal-3 disminuyeron progresivamente durante el primer año tras el TxC (medianas: pretrasplante, 19,1 ng/ml; 1 año postrasplante, 14,6 ng/ml; p < 0,001). Los valores de Gal-3 1 año tras el TxC se asociaron con mayor riesgo de muerte o disfunción del injerto (HR por 1 ng/ml: 1.04; IC95%: 1,01-1,08; p = 0,008). La capacidad predictiva del biomarcardor fue moderada: área bajo la curva ROC, 0,72 (IC95%: 0,60-0,82; p < 0,001). Conclusiones. Las concentraciones plasmáticas de Gal-3 disminuyeron progresivamente durante el primer año tras el TxC. Un valor plasmático elevado de Gal-3 1 año tras el TxC se correlacionó con un pronóstico adverso.