Prognostic value of electrical bioimpedance measured with a portable and wireless device in acute heart failure

Abstract

Introduction and objectives

The current evaluation of acute heart failure (HF) does not allow an adequate prediction of its evolution. The electrical bioimpedance (BI) allows knowing the state of blood volume, until now only with fixed equipment. We have developed and validated a portable and wireless device to measure BI at the ankle (IVOL). The objective of the study is to know the long-term prognostic value of the point measurement of BI with IVOL in patients with acute HF.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of unselected patients admitted for acute HF in a tertiary hospital. The association between BI and different clinical, analytical and echocardiographic variables on admission and clinical evolution were analyzed.

Results

76 patients were included (mean age 66.1 years, 71.1% men, 68.4% hypertensive, 34.2% diabetic, mean NT-ProBNP: 7,103 pg/ml). Of these, 52.6% with non-preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (<50%) and 56.6% with right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. 26.3% died during a mean follow-up of 35.8 months. Survival in patients with BI ≤ 21,8 Ω was lower, globally and in the subgroups of patients without preserved LVEF and with RV dysfunction, p < 0.008). In the multivariate analysis, a BI ≥ 21.8 Ω was an independent survival factor (HR 0.242, 95% CI:0.86−0.681, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

BI values ​​measured with IVOL may be an independent predictor of long-term mortality in patients hospitalized for acute HF. This prognostic value is maintained in patients without preserved LVEF function and with RV dysfunction.