JACC. Heart failure
-
JACC. Heart failure · Feb 2015
Multicenter StudyAdvance directives among hospitalized patients with heart failure.
The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency and correlates of documented advance directives (ADs) among patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF). ⋯ In a diverse population of hospitalized patients with HF, most did not have a documented AD in the medical records. Although several factors were associated with a higher probability, major opportunities exist for all subgroups of patients with HF to improve documentation of ADs.
-
JACC. Heart failure · Feb 2015
Decongestion strategies and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activation in acute heart failure.
The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between biomarkers of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activation and decongestion strategies, worsening renal function, and clinical outcomes. ⋯ High-dose loop diuretic therapy did not result in RAAS activation greater than that with low-dose diuretic therapy. UF resulted in greater PRA increase than stepped pharmacologic care. Neither PRA nor aldosterone was significantly associated with short-term outcomes in this cohort. (Determining Optimal Dose and Duration of Diuretic Treatment in People With Acute Heart Failure [DOSE-AHF]; NCT00577135; Effectiveness of Ultrafiltration in Treating People With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure and Cardiorenal Syndrome [CARRESS]; NCT00608491).
-
JACC. Heart failure · Feb 2015
Comparative StudyClinical outcomes with use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents in patients with the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device.
This study evaluated clinical outcomes associated with erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) use in left ventricular assist devices (LVAD)-supported patients. ⋯ ESA use in LVAD patients is associated with higher rates of suspected PT.