Worsening of diastolic function in patients with normal baseline ejection fraction was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.21-2.59; P=0.003).
Cohort (n=1,065)
Does worsening of diastolic function increase mortality in outpatients with normal baseline left ventricular ejection fraction?
In patients with normal baseline LVEF, worsening of diastolic function on follow-up echocardiography is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality.
Hazard Ratio: 1.78 (95% CI 1.21–2.59)
p-value: p=0.003
BACKGROUND: Diastolic dysfunction is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. There are limited data, however, on whether worsening of diastolic function is associated with worse prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We reviewed clinical records and echocardiograms of consecutive patients who had baseline echocardiograms between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2009, that showed left ventricular ejection fraction ≥55% and who subsequently had a follow-up echocardiogram within 6 to 24 months. Diastolic function was labeled as normal, mild, moderate, or severe dysfunction. All-cause mortality was determined by use of the Social Security Death Index. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis with a proportional hazard model were performed to assess outcomes. A total of 1065 outpatients were identified (mean±SD age, 67.9±13.9 years; 58% male). Baseline diastolic dysfunction was present in 770 patients (72.3%), with mild being the most prevalent. On follow-up testing (mean±SD, 1.1±0.4 years), 783 patients (73%) had stable, 168 (16%) had worsening, and 114 (11%) had improved baseline diastolic function. Eighty-eight patients (8.3%) had a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction to <55% and were more likely to have advanced diastolic dysfunction (P=0.002). After a mean±SD follow-up (from the second study) of 1.6±0.8 years, 142 patients (13%) died. On multivariate analysis, a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction to <55% and any worsening of diastolic function were independently associated with increased risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.85; P=0.02; and hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-2.59; P=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with normal baseline left ventricular ejection fraction, worsening of diastolic function is an independent predictor of mortality.
AlJaroudi et al. (2012) conducted a cohort in Normal left ventricular ejection fraction (n=1,065). Worsening of diastolic function vs. Stable or improved diastolic function was evaluated on All-cause mortality (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.21-2.59, p=0.003). Worsening of diastolic function in patients with normal baseline ejection fraction was independently associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.21-2.59; P=0.003).