Predictors and outcome of sustained improvement in left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) may occur in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Hypothesis

There are different implications of persistent versus transient improvement in LVEF among DCM patients receiving contemporary therapy.

Methods

We studied 188 patients with nonischemic DCM. Persistent improvement in LVEF (PIEF) was defined as LVEF increase by at least 10% compared to baseline, and found in 2 separate echo-Doppler exams performed at least 12 months apart. Increased LVEF in echo 2, which was not sustained in echo 3, was defined as transient improvement in LVEF (TIEF).

Results

Over an average follow-up of 6.8 years, PIEF occurred in 61 (33%) patients, predicting a better long-term outcome (P < 0.001) in a combi

SUBMITTER: Blechman I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6649463 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature