Predictors of complications in initially haemodynamically stable patients admitted in a modern coronary care unit

Aims Resource optimization in the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) is, nowadays, of great importance because of the increasing number of acute cardiovascular patients requiring high-intensity level-of-care. Because of natural limits in ICCU bed availability, understanding, which patients will really benefit from in a such a critical care setting, is of paramount importance. In our study, we analysed a heterogeneous ICCU population with initially stable haemodynamic conditions, in order to find potential predictors of severe complications. Methods Nine hundred and fifty patients admitted to our ICCU during the year 2019 were screened in order to detect those with a stable haemodynamic condition at admission. Data were extrapolated from an internal database. Comorbidity burden was expressed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Our primary end point was defined by a combination of severe complications requiring critical care, and in-hospital death. Results Ninety-eight patients (14.1% of 695 stable patients identified) developed severe complications. After a multivariable logistic regression analysis, four predictors were identified: signs of congestive heart failure [OR: 9.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.61–15.25; P 
Source: Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Tags: Research articles: Heart failure Source Type: research