Predictors of lack of improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction in patients with congestive heart failure 18 months after commencement of a disease management program: A prospective observational study

Objectives: To investigate baseline factors predictive of lack of improvement in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 18 months after the beginning of a disease management program in patients with congestive heart failure.Materials and methods: Patients in whom congestive heart failure is diagnosed in the cardiology outpatient division in a hospital in southern Taiwan were recruited into a disease management program. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and 18 months after commencement of the program to calculate changes in the LVEF.Results: Eighteen months after the commencement of the program, 29 of the 76 patients (38%) had no improvement in the LVEF over baseline measurements. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated a younger age (<70 years), no schooling, not being married, and elevated triglyceride levels (>150 mg/dL) at baseline were significant and independent predictors of no improvement in the LVEF 18 months after commencement of the program.Conclusion: Younger age, no schooling, not being married, and elevated triglycerides at baseline emerged as significant and independent predictors of a lack of improvement in the LVEF after 18 months of disease management intervention. These findings can serve as a basis for resource allocation when planning future disease management programs. Copyright (C) 2015, Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. All rights reserved.