981-46 Impact of a Comprehensive Management Program on the Hospitalization Rate for Patients with Advanced Heart Failure

• Published in: Journal of the American College of Cardiology 1995-02, Vol.25 (2), p.264A-265A
• Main Authors: Fonarow, Gregg C., Stevenson, Lynne W., Walden, Julie A., Hamilton, Michele A., Natterson, Barbara J., Steimle, Anthony E., Moriguchi, Jaime D., Middlekauff, Holly R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0735-1097; 1558-3597
• DOI: 10.1016/0735-1097(95)92558-M

Patients with advanced heart failure have a course that is often characterized by frequent hospitalizations and progressive deterioration. These patients are commonly referred to specialized centers for consideration of heart transplantation (Tx). To assess the impact of the changes in therapy made in conjunction with heart transplantation evaluation on patient outcomes, we assessed the hospitalization rate and patient's functional status in the 6 months prior to referral compared to the 6 months after referral. Since 1/91, 214 patients were evaluated, accepted for Tx, and discharged having undergone adjustments in medical therapy and a comprehensive patient education program. At time of referral patients had mean LVEF 0.21, NYHA class 3.3, VO2 max 11.0ml/kg, and had undergone a total of 429 hospitalizations in the previous 6 months. During evaluation patients had their ACE inhibitor dose increased by a mean 91.5mg/day of captopril or the equivalent, were diuresed a mean 4.2 liters, were placed on a flexible regimen of loop diuretics, and were counseled on dietary management and home based progressive aerobic exercise. After 6 months of follow-up there were only 63 hospitalizations required (mean hospitalization rate per patient over the 6 months pre-evaluation 2.00±1.45 vs post-evaluation 0.29±0.53 p<0.00001). Patient's NYHA class improved to 2.4 (p<0.0001) and VO2 max increased to 15.2 (p<0.001). Excluding the 12 elective status Tx, 14 urgent status Tx, and 9 deaths within 6 months yielded similar results (344 pre vs 34 post-evaluation hospitalizations). 64 patients (30%) improved their functional status to the point that transplantation was deferred in favor of sustained medical therapy. Referral to a heart failure specialty program is associated with a dramatic occurred between day 10±1 and 3 month. 4 patients died after hospital discharge (no death directly related to thromboembolic disease). Thus no higher risk of PE can be seen in patients with free floating prox-DVT and anticoagulant therapy should be efficient to prevent recurrent PE in such patients