Improved Long-Term Prognosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Implementation of Evidenced-Based Medication - Report From the CHART Studies - .

BACKGROUND

Recent trends in the clinical characteristics, management and prognosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remain to be examined in Japan.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

We compared 306 and 710 DCM patients in the Chronic Heart Failure Analysis and Registry in the Tohoku District (CHART)-1 (2000-2005, n=1,278) and the CHART-2 (2006-present, n=10,219) Studies, respectively. Between the 2 groups of DCM patients, there were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. The prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes mellitus were all significantly increased from the CHART-1 to the CHART-2 Study. The use of β-blockers and aldosterone antagonists was significantly increased, while that of loop diuretics and digitalis was significantly decreased in the CHART-2 Study. The 3-year mortality rate was significantly improved from 14% in the CHART-1 to 9% in the CHART-2 Study (adjusted HR, 0.60; 95% CI: 0.49-0.81; P=0.001). In particular, 3-year incidence of cardiovascular death was significantly decreased (adjusted HR, 0.26; 95% CI: 0.14-0.50, P<0.001), while that of HF admission was not (adjusted HR, 0.90; 95% CI: 0.59-1.37, P=0.632). The prognostic improvement was noted in patients with BNP <220 pg/ml, LVEF>40%, β-blocker use and aldosterone antagonist use.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term prognosis of DCM patients has been improved, along with the implementation of evidence-based medication in Japan.