Arch Intern Med
-
Comparative Study
Characteristics of patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure who are referred for hospice care.
Hospice is a potential option for patients with end-stage heart failure whose symptoms and clinical status have progressed despite maximal medical therapy. However, little is known about hospice referral practices when patients are admitted because of acute decompensated heart failure. ⋯ A small percentage of patients admitted to acute care hospitals with decompensated heart failure are referred to hospice at rates increasing with time. Hospitals that refer patients to hospice are more likely to be in compliance with heart failure performance measures. Further investigation is required to determine if the hospice option is appropriately selected and if it should be offered to a broader cohort of patients.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Characterization and prognostic value of persistent hyponatremia in patients with severe heart failure in the ESCAPE Trial.
Mild hyponatremia is relatively common in patients hospitalized with heart failure (HF). To our knowledge, the association of hyponatremia with outcomes has not been evaluated in the context of in-hospital clinical course including central hemodynamics and changes in serum sodium level. ⋯ Persistent hyponatremia was an independent predictor of mortality, HF hospitalization, and death or rehospitalization despite clinical and hemodynamic improvements that were similar to those in patients without hyponatremia.