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

ObjectivesTo 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 methodsPatients 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.ResultsEighteen 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.ConclusionYounger 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