Hemodynamic and Management Perspectives in Heart Failure Patients

Introduction Prevalence of heart failure (HF) is increasing, and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is an independent predictor of mortality. Accurate echocardiographic evaluation of RV function is challenging and novel parameters which can aid in prediction RV function are required. Pulmonary artery Pulsatility index (PAPi) is one such parameter. Patients and Methods We conducted a prospective study in 33 patients admitted with symptoms of HF and severe LV dysfunction (EF < 35) who underwent right heart catheterization and followed them for 6 months. Primary objective was to determine the association of PAPi with hospitalizations and mortality in short-term follow-up in HF patients. Clinical, demographic, echocardiographic, and catheterization data were recorded. PAPi was calculated as a ratio of pulmonary artery pulse pressure and right atrial pressure. Results The mean age of population was 47 years (±12). Males were 20(61%) and females were 13(39%). Median PAPi in the study population was 2.42 (IQR-1.83). The study population were stratified into 3 groups based on 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile PAPi and on comparisons between groups PAPi was significantly associated with hospitalization at 1 and 6 months in univariate (P = .03 and P = .03 respectively) and in multivariate analysis (P = .04). PAPi was not found to be associated with mortality at 1 month or 6 months. However, the absolute mortality was low in the study population (n = 4). Conclusion PAPi has been found to be a strong and an independent predictor of hospitalization at 1 month and 6 months. Comments Advanced HF is seen in 1 out of 5 patients with HF. It is characterized by refractory symptoms, multiple hospitalizations, fluid retention, elevated natriuretic peptides, and decreased cardiac output often requiring inotropes. The survival rate is poor. The presence of right ventricular dysfunction is an independent predictor of mortality in these patients. Hemodynamic assessment is of importance in these patients to guide regarding further management, ie, use of inotropes, left ventricular assist devices, etc. The PAPi is a marker derived from the formula (PASP-PADP/RAP). 1 The outcome worsens as the PAPi decreases. However, the stroke volume, pulmonary artery capacitance (PAC), and right atrial pressure all have an impact on PAPi. Patients with high PAC will have better PAPi compared to those with low PAC with the stroke volume being constant. 2 Different subsets of HF population have varying PAPI thresholds, with isolated RV infarction having the lowest (0.9) and severe HF having the highest (3.2). 2 Future research should examine the impact of exercise, inotropes, and vasodilators.