Left ventricular global function index companion and bendopnea as mortality predictors in patients with heart failure: an open-label comparative observational study

Aim. To assess the relationship and prognostic potential of left ventricular (LV) global function index (LVGFI) companion (LVGFIC) and bendopnea in outpatients aged 60 years and older with heart failure (HF).

Material and methods. The study included 134 outpatients (men, 46%) aged 74 (68-79) years with HF class II-IV. Depending on bendopnea, two following groups were identified: the main group — 62 patients with bendopnea; the comparison group — 72 patients without bendopnea. The follow-up period was 27 (22-36) months.

Results. The median LVGFI and LVGFIC were 21,4 (18,1-24,1)% and 297,8 (252,5-362,2) ml, respectively. The threshold value of LVGFI and LVGFIC for predicting bendopnea were ≤21,4% and ≥298,8 ml, respectively. The threshold value of LVGFI and LVGFIC for predicting death were ≤19,6% and ≥334,7 ml, respectively. Survival in the main group was lower (79,0%) than in the control one (93,1%) (Log-rank, p=0,005). Based on the LVGFI, LVGFIC, bendopnea and mortality analysis, two following risk groups for fatal outcome in patients with HF were identified: final group (FG) 1 and FG2. The probability of fatal outcome in FG1is more than 5 times higher than in FG2 (odds ratio 5,83, p<0,05).

Conclusion. Bendopnea was detected in 46,3% of patients and is most likely with LVGFI ≤21,4% and LVGFIС ≥298,8 ml. The presence of bendopnea with LVGFI ≤19,6% and LVGFIС ≥334,7 ml can predict fatal outcome with high probability in the group of elderly patients with HF. The obtained data indicate the role of LVGFI, LVGFIC and bendopnea as markers of the clinical condition severity, pronounced LV myocardial remodeling and an unfavorable prognosis in outpatients aged 60 years and older with HF.

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