Comparison of clinical profile and outcomes of patients with acute dyspnea due to acute heart failure, pulmonary causes or combination thereof

Abstract

Introduction: In the settings of acute dyspnea a significant overlap of congestion and pulmonary diseases may take place. The relevant risk stratification according to the primary diagnosis and co-morbidities is important. Purpose: We aimed to compare the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with acute dyspnea due to worsening heart failure, exacerbated pulmonary diseases, and their combination. Methods: Prospective two-centre observational cohort study enrolled consecutive patients admitted to the emergency department with acute dyspnea. All patients were categorised into three groups according to their adjudicated diagnosis: I - acute heart failure (AHF) patients with no pulmonary comorbidities, II - pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/ bronchial asthma, pneumonia and pulmonary embolism) and III -AHF with pulmonary comorbidities. Quantitative variables and categorical variables were compared among those groups using chi-square test. Results: A total of 979 patients were included in the study. Clinical profiles and outcomes of three groups are summarized in the Table. Conclusions: Combination of AHF with pulmonary comorbidities was consistent with the most severe congestion and kidney disease as well as with the highest short-term mortality compared to either heart failure or pulmonary disease alone. Patients presenting with . [...].