Journal of cardiac failure
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A randomized clinical trial of the clinical effects of enhanced heart failure monitoring using a computer-based telephonic monitoring system in older minorities and women.
Prior studies suggest that disease management programs may be effective in improving clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). However, the use of these programs in settings with limited sources and among diverse population is not know. Thus the present study was designed to assess the impact of a computer-based home disease management program (Alere DayLink HF Monitoring System [HFMS]) on the clinical outcomes of Medicare beneficiaries with HF who were elderly, women, and non-white males who received the care from a community-based primary care practitioner. ⋯ Our study results suggest that enhanced patient education and follow-up is as successful as a sophisticated home monitoring device with an interactive program in patients with HF who are elderly, women and non-Caucasian males and receive the care from a community-based primary care practitioner.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Improvements in signs and symptoms during hospitalization for acute heart failure follow different patterns and depend on the measurement scales used: an international, prospective registry to evaluate the evolution of measures of disease severity in acute heart failure (MEASURE-AHF).
The natural evolution of signs and symptoms during acute heart failure (AHF) is poorly characterized. ⋯ Changes in patient-reported symptoms and physician-assessed signs followed different patterns during an AHF episode and are influenced by the measurement scales used. Multiple clinical measures should be considered in discharge decisions and evaluation of AHF therapies.
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Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is associated with left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and clinical heart failure. Arginine vasopressin is elevated in heart failure and the C-terminal of provasopressin (Copeptin) is associated with adverse outcome post-AMI. The aim of this study was to describe the association between Copeptin with LV dysfunction, volumes, and remodeling and clinical heart failure post-AMI. ⋯ Copeptin is associated with LV dysfunction, volumes, and remodeling and clinical heart failure post-AMI. Measurement of Copeptin may provide prognostic information and the AVP system may be a therapeutic target in post-MI LV dysfunction.