Diagnostics
Determinants and Prognostic Value of Persistent Congestion Assessed by Venous Excess Ultrasound Score in Acute Heart Failure
By Emmanouela Peteinidou, Marino Basha, Stylianos Daios and 9 others.
Abstract
Background
Reliable quantification of systemic venous congestion in acute heart failure (HF) has become feasible with the advent of the venous excess ultrasound (VExUS) score, informing therapeutic management. Nevertheless, the determinants of the VExUS score trajectory during hospitalization and the prognostic implications of persistent subclinical congestion at discharge remain poorly defined.
Methods
Consecutive patients admitted for acute HF were prospectively enrolled (n = 418, 73.3 ± 11.8 years old, 59.1% male). VExUS scores were assessed at admission and prior to discharge to categorize the patients into three groups: non-congested (persistent score of 0; n = 81), improved (score reduction of ≥1 point; n = 214), and non-improved (persistent congestion without score reduction; n = 123). Baseline clinical data were collected and all the patients had a transthoracic echocardiogram on admission. All patients were followed up post-discharge and the primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization.