Prognostic Impact of Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Patients Admitted With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a common complication of heart failure (HF) and worsens in acute decompensation. It is unclear whether FMR on admission or discharge determines the outcome. This study aimed to elucidate the prognostic significance of FMR on admission or discharge in patients admitted with acute decompensated HF.

From 2006 to 2009, 349 patients admitted with acute decompensated HF were enrolled. They were followed with the composite endpoint of all-cause death and hospitalization for HF; 74 (21%) died and 113 (32%) developed the composite endpoint during 2.1±1.3 years. Moderate/severe FMR at discharge was associated with the composite endpoint (P=0.001), whereas that on admission was not. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that moderate/severe FMR (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] =1.70 [1.03-2.73] P=0.04), logBNP, and NYHA class III/IV at discharge were independent determinants of the outcome. Moderate/severe FMR at discharge with BNP ≥200 pg/ml was prognostic, but BNP <200 pg/ml was no longer prognostic.

Residual moderate/severe FMR after medical therapy for acute decompensated HF was associated with poor outcome, suggesting a potential target for further treatment of HF.