Improving Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Response with Echocardiographic Parameters
Author Information
Author(s): Knebel Fabian, Schattke Sebastian, Bondke Hansjürgen, Richter Christoph, Melzer Christoph, Dreger Henryk, Grohmann Andrea, Baumann Gert, Borges Adrian C
Primary Institution: Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Hypothesis
Using echocardiographic assessment of myocardial asynchrony can improve responder rates for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Conclusion
The study found that using different markers of asynchrony in selecting patients for CRT significantly improves the hemodynamic response rate.
Supporting Evidence
- The responder rate to CRT was 81.2% in the study group compared to 47.4% in the control group.
- Only the left ventricular electromechanical delay (LVEMD) showed a significant decrease after CRT.
- Patients were selected based on at least two positive echocardiographic parameters of myocardial asynchrony.
Takeaway
Doctors can help heart failure patients feel better by using special heart tests to choose the right treatment.
Methodology
This was a small single-center pilot study using seven echocardiographic parameters to select patients for CRT.
Potential Biases
Potential observer variability in echocardiographic measurements could introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was small and conducted at a single center, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants were chronic heart failure patients (NYHA III–IV) with a mean age of 67.1 years, predominantly male (93.8%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p = 0.04
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website