Valvular Heart Failure as a Distinct Group in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Functional mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (fMR and fTR, respectively) portend increased morbidity and mortality among heart failure (HF) patients.

To characterize acute decompensated valvular HF (VHF) as a novel HF category, defined by presence of either more than moderate fTR or more than moderate fMR with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 50%.

Patients with VHF were prospectively enrolled over a 6-month period and compared to acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients without significant fTR or fMR. We used a standardized diuretic protocol when indicated, and appropriate inpatient guideline-directed medical therapy was initiated.

Among 322 patients admitted with ADHF, 83 (26%) met VHF criteria with mean age 66 ± 13 years, 43 (52%) males, and median LVEF of 30% (20-55). Of 61 patients in whom the diuretic protocol was initiated, 59 (97%) had an adequate response (i.e., > 100 cc/hour for at least 6 hours). VHF patients had longer length of hospitalization (8 [5-13] vs. 5 [3-8] days, P < 0.001), and higher rates of 90-day heart replacement therapy (HRT) or death (hazard ratio 2.52, 95% confidence interval (1.13-5.64); P = 0.024).

Over a quarter of ADHF patients can be newly categorized as VHF patients, distinguished by prolonged hospitalization and worse 90-day mortality / HRT rate. The initial response rate to a standardized diuretic protocol was high.