Fifteen-year mortality and prognostic factors in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: persistent standardized application of drug therapy and strengthened management may bring about encouraging change in an aging society.

BACKGROUND: There is scarce data on the long-term mortality and associated prognostic factors in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The study aimed to investigate the all-cause mortality up to 15 years (mean 7.9 ± 5.7 years) in such patients, and the independent prognostic factors influencing their long-term mortality. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-six consecutive patients with DCM were prospectively enrolled from 2002 to 2003. The mean age of patients was 59.5 ± 10.4 years, and approximately 57% were male. They were followed up by telephone or outpatient visit at least every three months until 2019 or all-cause death occurred. Predictors of mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study was the first to demonstrate the 15-year survival rate of 34% in DCM patients. The DCM patients' first five-year all-cause mortality decreased significantly after continuous standardized treatment and intensive management. The mortality then plateaued in the following 10 years. Age ≥ 70 years, LVEF ≤ 35%, and SBP > 120 mmHg were independent predictors of 15-year all-cause mortality.