Prevalence of Restless Legs Syndrome and Its Effects on Sleep and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Heart Failure

BackgroundRestless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by leg restlessness and dysesthesia. Although the relationship between RLS and heart failure (HF) has been reported, the prevalence and clinical significance of RLS in patients with HF remain to be elucidated.Methods and ResultsWe enrolled consecutive patients with HF who were admitted to our institutions. RLS was diagnosed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria. Subjective sleepiness, sleep quality, and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and 8-item Short Form (SF-8), respectively. Among the 133 patients, 18 (13.6%) had RLS and were younger than those without RLS (62.4±13.4 vs 70.0±12.2, P = .017). The RLS group had significantly disrupted sleep quality and QoL, with greater PSQI score (8.0±3.2 vs 5.9±3.3, P = .015) and lower SF-8 physical component summary (PCS) score (35.6±6.5 vs 40.7±9.5, P = .031), despite similar ESS and SF-8 mental component summary scores. In the multivariable regression analysis, RLS was associated with greater PSQI (β=0.211; P = .014) and lower PCS score (β=?0.177; P = .045).ConclusionIn the patients with HF, RLS was prevalent, and sleep quality and QoL may be disrupted by RLS.     

Prognostic Value of BNP Reduction During Hospitalization in Patients With Acute Heart Failure

BackgroundPrognostication of patients discharged after acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization remains challenging. Body weight (BW) reduction is often used as a surrogate marker of decongestion despite the paucity of evidence. We thought to test the hypothesis that B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) reduction during hospitalization has independent prognostic value in AHF.Methods and ResultsWe studied the prognostic predictability of percentage BNP reduction achieved during hospitalization in patients from the REALITY-AHF study. Percentage BNP reduction was defined as (BNP on admission ? BNP at discharge) / BNP on admission × 100. The primary endpoint was 1-year all-cause death. In 1028 patients (age, 77 ± 13 years; 57% male; left ventricular ejection fraction, 47 ± 16%) with AHF, median BNP level at admission was 747 ng/L (interquartile range, 439–1367 ng/L) and median percentage BNP reduction was 62.5% (interquartile range, 36.5–78.5%). The smallest percentage BNP reduction quartile had more than 2-fold higher risk of all-cause death than the greatest quartile (23.0% vs 9.7%, P< .001). After adjusting for covariates including BNP at discharge, the percentage BNP reduction was significantly associated with all-cause death (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.93–0.99, P= .032), whereas percentage BW reduction was not. Percentage BNP reduction was more predictive in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction than in those with preserved ejection fraction.ConclusionsThe prognostic value of percentage BNP reduction during hospitalization was superior to that of percentage BW reduction and was independent of other risk markers, including BNP at discharge.     

Clinical significance of macroscopic no-margin hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatectomy with a sufficient margin is often impossible for hepatocellular carcinomas that are close to the large intrahepatic vascular structures, and macroscopically complete resection along the tumor capsule is the only choice. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical significance of macroscopic no-margin hepatectomy (MNMH).

Subclinical Hypothyroidism Is Associated With Adverse Prognosis in Heart Failure Patients

Background

It is widely recognized that overt hyper- as well as hypothyroidism are potential causes of heart failure (HF). Additionally it has been recently reported that subclinical hypothyroidism (sub-hypo) is associated with atherosclerosis, development of HF, and cardiovascular death. We aimed to clarify the effect of sub-hypo on prognosis of HF, and underlying hemodynamics and exercise capacity.

Diagnostic yield of the plasma free amino acid index for pancreatic cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus

ObjectivesA multivariate index calculated using plasma free amino acids (PFAA index) was reported as a diagnostic biomarker for pancreatic cancer (PaC). Although diabetes mellitus (DM) is expected to be an early diagnostic indicator of PaC, identifying the high-risk individuals among patients with DM is warranted. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of the PFAA index for PaC in patients with DM.MethodsWe compared the diagnostic yield of the PFAA index between individuals with and those without DM. Cases and controls were recruited prospectively, and controls were matched to cases at a 1:1 ratio for age, sex, and DM status.ResultsA total of 180 case–control pairs were included in the analysis. The prevalence of DM was 53.3%. The sensitivity of the PFAA index was 66.7% in cases with DM and 56.0% in those without DM (P = 0.14), and the specificity was 92.7% in controls with DM and 94.0% in those without DM (P = 0.95).ConclusionsThis matched case-control study revealed a comparable diagnostic yield of the PFAA index for PaC in individuals with and those without DM. The PFAA index can be used as a biomarker for further diagnostic imaging in selected patients with DM.     

Right Ventricular Function and Beneficial Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Systolic Chronic Heart Failure

Background

It has been recognized that a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program improves mortality in patients with chronic heart failure. On the other hand, the magnitude of the improvement in exercise capacity after CR differs among individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the echocardiographic determinants of responders to CR using preload stress echocardiography.

Identification of a Novel Titin Variant Underlying Myocardial Involvement in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Because of the rare co-occurrence, it remains a question whether cardiomyopathy is a true association of neurofibromatosis type 1. A boy with café-au-lait spots manifested restrictive cardiomyopathy. Whole exome sequencing confirmed the genetic diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and further identified a novel titin (TTN) missense variant. The significance of the variant is supported by its de novo origin, in silico predictions, and evolutionary conservation. Modern genetics raises an intriguing explanation for the unexpected phenotype and adds to the evolving role of TTN variants in cardiomyopathy.     

Shortening Hospital Stay Is Feasible and Safe in Patients With Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Treated With Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty

Background

There is no consensus on the length of hospital stay (LOHS) and post-interventional management after balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). We examined temporal trends with respect to LOHS and requirement for intensive care for BPA and their relationship with the incidence of BPA-related complications.

Acute Decompensated Heart Failure After Initiation of Amiodarone in a Patient With Anderson-Fabry Disease

A 54-year-old man with the lysosomal storage disorder Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) and cardiac involvement was placed on amiodarone for treatment of symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Shortly thereafter, he developed symptoms of acute decompensated heart failure, requiring hospital admission. Endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated findings consistent with AFD and possible amiodarone toxicity. Amiodarone was discontinued, and the patient’s heart failure resolved with return to baseline status. Amiodarone is known to alter lysosomal pH and enzyme activity, and this case illustrates how it should be used with considerable caution in patients with AFD.     

Successful Total Pericardiectomy for Constrictive Pericarditis in the First Series of Japanese Patients With Mulibrey Nanism

Patients with Mulibrey nanism (MUL) present with growth failure and multiple organ manifestations, and MUL is caused by mutations in TRIM37. In this article, we report on the first case series of Japanese patients with MUL who developed congestive heart failure due to constrictive pericarditis. Our case series suggests that early diagnosis and total pericardiectomy before adherence of the pericardium might provide clinical benefit and better prognosis for MUL.     

Pulmonary Vascular Resistance Is Associated With Brachial-Ankle Pulse-Wave Velocity and Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

BackgroundThe precise mechanisms underlying the high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) with increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remain largely unknown. Measurements of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) have been shown to be useful for risk assessment in HF patients. Thus, this study sought to define the association of PVR with baPWV and clinical outcomes in HFpEF.Methods and ResultsPatients with HFpEF (n = 198) had measurements of baPWV and PVR by right heart catheterization, and were prospectively followed-up for <96 months or until the occurrence of a composite of all-cause death, hospitalization with worsening HF, and nonfatal acute coronary syndrome.ResultsMultivariate logistic analysis showed that baPWV was independently associated with PH with increased PVR (P < .001). During the follow-up period, 46 clinical events occurred. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that PH with increased PVR was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes after adjustment for conventional risk factors (HR 1.96, 95% CI 1.03–3.76, P = .04).ConclusionsPH with increased PVR was associated with increased baPWV and adverse clinical outcomes in HFpEF. Thus, increased arterial stiffness may contribute to increased risk predictability of PVR for patients with HFpEF.     

Prognostic Impact of Worsening Renal Function in Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients With Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Report From the JASPER Registry

BackgroundThe characteristics and prognostic impact of persistent worsening renal function (WRF; defined as an increase in serum creatinine of >0.3 mg/dL during hospitalization) on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction have not yet been fully examined.Methods and ResultsThis was a post hoc analysis of the Japanese Heart Failure Syndrome with Preserved Ejection Fraction (JASPER) registry. We divided 523 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: the WRF group (n = 92 [17.6%]) and the non-WRF group (n = 431 [82.4%]). The WRF group showed a higher systolic blood pressure on admission and a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic diseases, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure and loop diuretics were associated with WRF development (P < .05). The Kaplan-Meier analysis (median, 732 days) showed a higher all-cause death in the WRF group, as well as a higher composite end point of all-cause death or rehospitalization for HF (log-rank P < .001). The Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed WRF to be a predictor of both all-cause death (hazard ratio, 2.725; 95% confidence interval, 1.709–4.344; P < .001) and the composite end point (hazard ratio, 2.083; 95% confidence interval, 1.488–2.914; P < .001).ConclusionsPersistent WRF was associated with systolic blood pressure, atherosclerotic diseases, diuretics, and poor postdischarge prognosis in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.     

Clinical features and course of aortitis syndrome in Japanese women older than 40 years

The clinical features and course of aortitis syndrome were studied in 11 women older than 40 years of age. The patients were Japanese women, mean age 57 +/- 6 years old, who were followed for 6.9 +/- 3.8 years. Data from 24 young patients were used for comparison. In the older patients, systemic hypertension (73%), calcification of the aorta (73%), left ventricular hypertrophy (92%) and cardiomegaly (82%) were frequent, whereas the erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal in 5 patients and only slightly accelerated in 6. C-reactive protein was positive in 2. The incidence of cardiac involvement and inflammatory signs was significantly different from findings in the young patients. Aortic regurgitation (AR) (55%) was significantly more frequent and renal artery stenosis was not observed. Other arterial lesions revealed a pattern similar to those seen in the young patients. An irregular luminal surface, kinking and calcification were present in the lesions in the older patients. The survival rate at 5 years was 80%. Five of 6 patients with AR had congestive heart failure, 4 of whom died. One died after a stroke. Thus, aortitis syndrome in older patients has a long course. There is usually an associated AR, renal artery stenosis is rare and other arterial lesions do not change a great deal. The prognosis may be good, but depends on the association of AR.     

Parenchyma-sparing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in left lateral section is associated with better liver volume recovery

Background

Left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) is frequently performed for surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located in the left lateral section. However, no reports have described liver resection for such HCCs using a parenchyma-sparing strategy involving anatomic resection (AR) of segment II (S2 AR) or segment III (S3 AR).

Enormous Aneurysm in Coronary Artery Fistula With Immunoglobulin G4–Related Disease

We report the first case of coronary artery fistula with aneurysmal change in a patient with immunoglobulin G4–related disease (IgG4-RD). This case revealed concomitant coronary artery dilation, pericardial inflammatory nodules, and coronary–pulmonary fistula aneurysm in addition to several IgG4-RD lesions. Each of these features was located in close proximity to the thickened pericardium. These lesions might result from inflammation of the pericardial space, which extended to the coronary–pulmonary artery vessels, leading to aneurysmal formation. This case will enhance our understanding of the pathological mechanisms of IgG4-RD inflammation.