The REFer for EchocaRdiogram study: a prospective validation of a clinical decision rule in the diagnosis of heart failure

Conference:

SAPC ASM 2016 - Dublin

Talk Code:

EP2F.02

Presenter:

Clare Taylor

Co-authors:

Taylor CJ, Roalfe AK, Iles R, Barton P, Cowie MR, Davis RC, Deeks J, Mant J, McCahon D, McDonagh T, Tait L and Hobbs FDR

Author institutions:

Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford; Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham

Problem

Heart failure is a chronic disease associated with significant mortality and poor quality of life for patients. Making an accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial and requires referral for objective testing but deciding who to refer can be challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a clinical decision rule (CDR), with or without natriuretic peptide assay, for identifying heart failure in symptomatic patients presenting to primary care.

Approach

Prospective, observational, diagnostic validation study of patients over the age of 55 years, presenting with recent, new onset shortness of breath, lethargy or ankle oedema over 48 hours duration from 28 general practices in the United Kingdom. Outcome was test performance of the CDR and natriuretic peptide test in determining a diagnosis of heart failure. The reference standard was an expert consensus panel of three cardiologists.

Findings

304 participants were recruited; mean age 73.9 years (SD 9.0) and 180 (59.2%) were female. 104 (34.2% (95% CI 28.9 to 39.8)) had a confirmed diagnosis of heart failure. The CDR had a sensitivity of 90% (95% CI 83% to 95%) and specificity 46% (39% to 53%). NT-proBNP level alone with a cut-off less than 400pg/ml, had sensitivity 77% (68% to 85%) and specificity 92% (87% to 95%). At the lower cut-off of 125pg/ml, sensitivity was 94% (95% CI 88% to 98%) and specificity 49% (42% to 56%).

Consequences

Natriuretic peptide testing alone performed as well as the validated CDR in determining which patients presenting with symptoms went on to have a diagnosis of heart failure. The current NT-proBNP cut-off level of 400pg/ml used in the United Kingdom is too high and means one in five patients with heart failure may not be appropriately referred for further investigation and diagnosis.

Submitted by:

Clare Taylor

Funding acknowledgement:

This work was supported by a grant from the National Institute for Health Research Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme (09/160/13). This abstract presents independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.