Doppler-derived dP/dt and -dP/dt predict survival in congestive heart failure

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of novel Doppler indices of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function to predict survival in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF).

Congestive heart failure is associated with an increased risk of death or cardiac transplantation, yet techniques to predict survival are limited.

Doppler-derived dP/dt and - dP/dt were determined prospectively from the continuous-wave Doppler spectrum of the mitral regurgitation jet (dP/dt = 32/time between 1 and 3 m/s; -dP/dt = 32/time between 3 and 1 m/s) in 56 patients with chronic CHF (age, 60 +/- 15 years; LV ejection fraction, 23 +/- 9%). Baseline clinical and echocardiographic variables were also obtained, and clinical follow-up was performed in all patients.

Twenty-four patients experienced a primary event of cardiac death (n = 15), United Network for Organ Sharing status I (inotrope-dependent) heart transplant (n = 3) or urgent implantation of a LV assist device (n = 6). Doppler-derived dP/dt (dichotomized to > or = or <600 mm Hg/s; p = 0.0002) and -dP/dt (trichotomized to <450, 450 to 550 and >550 mm Hg/s; p = 0.0001) predicted event-free survival, as did Doppler-derived risk groups determined by the combination of the two (low risk, dP/dt > or = 600; intermediate risk, dP/dt < 600 and -dP/dt > or = 450; high risk, dP/dt < 600 and -dP/dt < 450; p = 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed Doppler-derived risk groups, intravenous inotrope requirement and blood urea nitrogen as significant independent predictors of outcome.

New Doppler indices of dP/dt, - dP/dt and risk groups defined by the combination of dP/dt and -dP/dt predict event-free survival in patients with CHF.