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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Neonatal tracheal intubation is a high-risk procedure, and multiple attempts are associated with adverse events. At our tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, the baseline first-attempt success rate was 45%, which we aimed to increase to over 55% through a quality improvement (QI) initiative. METHODS A multidisciplinary team conducted a QI project using the define-measure-analyze-improve-control framework. Root cause analysis identified poor glottic visualization and patient instability as primary drivers of failure. Plan-do-study-act cycles were carried out (April 2023–July 2024), followed by a sustainability phase (August 2024–May 2025). Key interventions included the phased implementation of video laryngoscopy (VL) as the primary intubation device and the standardization of oxygenation during laryngoscopy using nasal high flow. First-attempt success was tracked using statistical process control, and bimonthly VL use was monitored as a process measure. RESULTS A total of 642 intubations were analyzed. By control chart analysis, the first-attempt success rate increased from a baseline of 45% to a sustained process mean of 61% during the intervention and sustainability phases. VL use increased from 0% at baseline to 70% to 90% during the sustainability phase. Success rates improved across all clinician types and locations. Notably, first-attempt success in infants weighing less than 1000 g increased from 38% at baseline to 62% during the intervention phase. CONCLUSION A systematic QI initiative focused on VL and standardized oxygenation improved and sustained neonatal intubation success rates, exceeding the project aim. The maintenance of high-success rates confirms the durability of these safety improvements.

Importance Anhydramnios from fetal kidney failure causes lethal pulmonary hypoplasia. Serial amnioinfusions have shown promise in mitigating pulmonary disease from bilateral renal agenesis, but efficacy and safety for other causes of fetal kidney failure are unproven. Objective To assess the efficacy of serial amnioinfusions initiated before 26 weeks’ gestation to mitigate lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in cases of anhydramnios due to fetal kidney failure. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial conducted at 13 US fetal therapy centers from December 2018 to February 2025. Outcomes for maternal-fetal pairs with anhydramnios before 22 weeks’ gestation due to fetal kidney failure without bilateral renal agenesis are reported; data collection for surviving infants continued until February 13, 2026. Exposure Thirty-two participants underwent serial amnioinfusions with isotonic fluid beginning before 26 weeks’ gestation. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was neonatal survival for 14 days or longer with dialysis access placement. Secondary outcome measures of survival to discharge home and kidney transplant are reported. Results Twenty-nine of 32 participants (91%) had a live birth, with a median (IQR) gestational age at delivery of 34 weeks 1 day (31 weeks 5 days to 34 weeks 6 days). All participants delivered before 37 weeks’ gestation. No unexpected serious maternal adverse events occurred, and the most common maternal complications were preterm prelabor rupture of membranes in 19 participants (56%) and chorioamniotic separation in 10 (29%). The primary outcome occurred in 19 (65.5%) of 29 live-born neonates (95% CI, 45.7%-82.1%). Factors associated with survival to the primary outcome included receiving more amnioinfusions (median [IQR], 14 [9-18] in survivors vs 7 [4-11] in nonsurvivors; P = .01), longer time interval from first amnioinfusion to preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (63.5 [60.5-74.5] days in survivors vs 29.0 [22.0-56.0] days in nonsurvivors; P = .01), gestational age greater than 32 weeks (79% of survivors vs 38% of nonsurvivors; P = .03), and higher birth weight (2029 [1770-2250] g in survivors vs 1635 [1185-1915] g in nonsurvivors; P = .01). Fourteen live-born infants (48%) survived to hospital discharge at a median (IQR) age of 4.7 (3.4-5.7) months. Of the 11 infants surviving to date, 7 (64%) have undergone kidney transplant between ages 2 years to 5 years. Conclusions and Relevance Serial amnioinfusions mitigated lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in neonates with anhydramnios due to fetal kidney failure. Significant neonatal morbidity and mortality independent of early lung function was noted. Factors associated with survival were consistent with the Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy trial’s bilateral renal agenesis cohort, suggesting common mechanistic pathways for mitigating pulmonary hypoplasia. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03101891

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus (SA) infections, both methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant (MSSA, MRSA), cause significant morbidity among infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Colonization usually precedes infection. We studied the molecular epidemiology of SA colonization in NICU infants using whole genome sequencing (WGS) and in relation to the opening of a new NICU with single-family rooms. Methods From 2019-22, a prospective cohort of infants admitted to the Level IV NICU at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN was screened twice weekly for SA colonization using cultures of nares/axilla/groin swabs. Infection control procedures were consistent throughout, including use of Contact Precautions for infants colonized with MRSA but not for MSSA. The study was divided into period 1 (1/1/2019-11/30/2020) and period 2 (12/1/2020-12/31/2022) due to a move from a 34-bed unit (26 beds in four open-bay rooms and 8 beds in single-family rooms) to a new 34-bed unit (all single-family rooms). WGS was performed using Illumina MiSeq instrumentation and chemistry with Illumina Nextera XT library chemistry. Assembly and core genome multilocus sequence typing analysis were performed with Ridom SeqSphere+ software. Groups of related isolates were identified based on the number of allelic differences (related 0-8 differences, possibly related 9-29 differences, unrelated ≥ 30 differences). Groups of MRSA-related isolates were compared with reference USA genotypes. Chi square tests did not adjust for clustering. Results There were 663 admissions in period 1 and 730 in period 2. The prevalence of MSSA and MRSA colonization was unchanged in the two periods (MSSA, 18.6% vs. 16.7%, p=0.37; MRSA 1.8% vs. 3.3%, p=0.08). By WGS, most MSSA and MRSA isolates were unrelated to another isolate in both periods (Table). Groups of related MSSA and MRSA isolates differed between the two periods and the number of isolates/group was small (< 6 isolates). Groups of related MRSA isolates were associated with reference genotypes USA100 (period 1), USA1000 (periods 1 & 2), and USA300 (period 2). WGS Results for MSSA and MRSA in Periods 1 and 2 Conclusion NICU infants were usually colonized with unrelated strains of MSSA and MRSA, with only small clusters of related strains. The new NICU was not associated with a change in MSSA or MRSA colonization. Disclosures Priya Sampathkumar, MD, Merck Vaccines: Advisor/Consultant Robin Patel, MD, Abbott Laboratories: Advisor/Consultant|Adaptive Phage Therapeutics: Grant/Research Support|Adaptive Phage Therapeutics: Mayo Clinic has a royalty-bearing know-how agreement and equity in Adaptive Phage Therapeutics.|BIOFIRE: Grant/Research Support|CARB-X: Advisor/Consultant|ContraFect: Grant/Research Support|Day Zero Diagnostics: Advisor/Consultant|HealthTrackRx: Advisor/Consultant|Mammoth Biosciences: Advisor/Consultant|Netflix: Advisor/Consultant|Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Advisor/Consultant|PhAST: Advisor/Consultant|See details: Patent on Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis PCR issued, a patent on a device/method for sonication with royalties paid by Samsung to Mayo Clinic|See details: continued, patent on an anti-biofilm substance issued|TenNor Therapeutics Limited: Grant/Research Support|Torus Biosystems: Advisor/Consultant|Trellis Bioscience, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant W. Charles Huskins, MD, MSc, ADMA Biologics: Advisor/Consultant|Bristol Myers Squibb: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds|Zimmer Biomet: Stocks/Bonds

Abstract Introduction: The management of CLL patients historically utilized FD chemoimmunotherapy (CIT), including fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR), or bendamustine and rituximab (BR). That changed with the introduction of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (BTKi) as an option for oral targeted monotherapy delivered continuously until disease progression or intolerance. Recently, novel combinations that include a B-cell lymphoma 2 inhibitor (BCL2i), such as venetoclax, have been developed as FD therapy. In addition, though not FDA approved, MRD assessment is emerging as a potential tool to guide FD therapy. Understanding the patient and their caregiver perspectives on FD and MRD is critical to providing the best care. Methods: CLL Society developed a web-based survey instrument of multiple-choice questions to assess patient and caregiver awareness, understanding, and preferences with MRD and FD therapies, where FD referred to both time and MRD guided limited duration therapies. Patients and caregivers were invited to participate via message boards, CLL Society's website, email, and online communities. Results: A total of 607 (96%) self-identified US patients and 36 (5%) caregivers, who answered on behalf of patients in their care, completed the survey between 31/AUG/2020 and 31/JAN/2021. The mean patient age was 64 (range, 30-90) years, 54% were female, 169 patients (27%) treatment-naïve, 239 (38%) with one line of prior therapy, and 214 (34%) with two or more. Targeted agents (e.g., venetoclax, ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, idelalisib, and duvelisib) had been used by 401 (64%). FD use with some novel therapies was known of by 565 (90%) patients, while 588 (93%) knew some were used as continuous daily treatment until disease progression or intolerance. If effectiveness and side effects were assumed similar, 485 (77%) preferred FD, and 398 (63%) wanted that finite treatment to be guided by MRD status. Only 42 (7%) preferred continuous therapy until disease progression or intolerance. The chance for continued remission while off treatment was ranked as a very important potential benefit after stopping a FD therapy by 581 (92%) patients. When considering therapy, 589 (93%), 575 (91%), 447 (71%), 415 (66%), 302 (48%), and 288 (46%) rated having overall survival, having future therapeutic options, avoiding chemotherapy, the ability to reach undetectable (u)MRD, minimal lab and office visits, and FD therapy as very important, respectively (Fig. 1). Being tested for MRD at least once was reported by 215 (34%), while 327 (52%) had not been tested, and 88 (14%) were unsure. There were 562 (89%) who were somewhat or very familiar with the term MRD, while 450 (71%) were confident of understanding what MRD testing measures, and 446 (70%) understood its role in CLL. Only 225 (36%) stated they understood different testing methods. While self-rated understanding of the indications for MRD testing was relatively high, some wanted testing done when not clinically indicated, such as when there was persistent CLL by routine laboratory findings, or at the time of diagnosis (Fig. 2). Respondents were mixed in their stated understanding as to which therapies could result in uMRD, with 241 (38%), 197 (32%), and 195 (32%) not knowing if CIT, BCL2i, and BTKi, could lead to uMRD, respectively. Two hundred and sixty-five (42%), 84 (13%), and 57 (9%) believed it was possible for most on a BCL2i, BTKi, or CIT to achieve uMRD, respectively (Fig. 3). If patients had evidence of MRD at the end of treatment, 365 (58%) would request frequent monitoring but would make no immediate treatment decisions based on MRD status, 279 (44%) were unsure, and only 88 (14%) would want further treatment immediately. Conclusions: The results from this patient-based study reveal a high awareness of FD therapies and MRD testing, as well as a clear preference for FD among internet-active patients and caregivers. However, there are gaps in the knowledge base, thus significant educational opportunities. Limitations included the opt-in sample where the survey results may not be projectable to the total CLL population. Moreover, the survey was not designed to assess preferences if either FD or continuous therapy offered improved outcomes. Nonetheless, as the potential role of MRD and FD therapy grows in CLL it will be incumbent on clinicians to ensure patients are well informed and engaged to help them better share therapeutic decisions. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures Koffman: AbbVie: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; AstraZeneca: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria; Beigene: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Bristol Myer Squibb: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria; Gilead: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Johnson & Johnson: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Honoraria; Sunesis Pharmaceuticals: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; TG Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Regeneron: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Miragen Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Portola Pharma: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; MEI Pharma: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Merck: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Stewart: Johnson & Johnson: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Novartis: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Pacific Biosciences: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Byrd: Novartis, Trillium, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Pharmacyclics, Syndax: Consultancy, Honoraria; Vincerx Pharmaceuticals: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Newave: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Danilov: Bayer Oncology: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Takeda Oncology: Research Funding; Rigel Pharm: Honoraria; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria; Beigene: Consultancy, Honoraria; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Honoraria; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Bristol-Meyers-Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; SecuraBio: Research Funding; Astra Zeneca: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding. Davids: BeiGene: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Ascentage Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Astra-Zeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS: Consultancy, Research Funding; MEI Pharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy; AbbVie: Consultancy; Surface Oncology: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy; Verastem: Consultancy, Research Funding; Eli Lilly and Company: Consultancy; MEI Pharma: Consultancy; Merck: Consultancy; Research to Practice: Consultancy; Takeda: Consultancy. Furman: Beigene: Consultancy; Acerta/AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy, Honoraria; Sunesis: Consultancy; Genentech: Consultancy; Incyte: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy; Loxo Oncology: Consultancy; Sanofi: Consultancy; Morphosys: Consultancy; Verastem: Consultancy; X4 Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Oncotracker: Consultancy; Abbvie: Consultancy, Honoraria, Other: Expert testimony; AstraZeneca: Honoraria. Jain: Bristol Myers Squibb: Honoraria, Research Funding; Genentech: Honoraria, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Honoraria, Research Funding; Fate Therapeutics: Research Funding; Beigene: Honoraria; AbbVie: Honoraria, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria; Cellectis: Honoraria, Research Funding; Precision Biosciences: Honoraria, Research Funding; ADC Therapeutics: Honoraria, Research Funding; Aprea Therapeutics: Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Honoraria, Research Funding; Servier: Honoraria, Research Funding; Janssen: Honoraria; Incyte: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Research Funding. Kay: Oncotracker: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Genentech: Research Funding; Targeted Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Morpho-sys: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Acerta Pharma: Research Funding; MEI Pharma: Research Funding; Behring: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pharmacyclics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Rigel: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Dava Oncology: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Tolero Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; CytomX Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Bristol Meyer Squib: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Agios Pharm: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; TG Therapeutics: Research Funding; Sunesis: Research Funding; Juno Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Lamanna: Juno Therapeutics, Inc.: Research Funding; BeiGene: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; MingSight Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Research Funding; Genentech, Inc.: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Consultancy; TG Therapeutics, Inc: Research Funding; Verastem Oncology: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Consultancy; Oncternal Therapeutics: Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Consultancy. Mato: MSKCC: Current Employment; Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company: Consultancy, Research Funding; TG Therapeutics: Consultancy, Other: DSMB, Research Funding; Nurix: Research Funding; BeiGene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Janssen: Consultancy, Research Funding; LOXO: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genmab: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Sunesis: Consultancy, Research Funding; DTRM BioPharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Acerta/AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Research Funding; Johnson and Johnson: Consultancy, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Adaptive Biotechnologies: Consultancy, Research Funding; Genentech: Consultancy, Research Funding. Ujjani: Adaptive Biotechnologies: Research Funding; Atara Bio: Consultancy; Janssen: Consultancy; Epizyme: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; TG Therapeutics: Honoraria; Gilead: Honoraria; ACDT: Honoraria; Kite, a Gilead Company: Honoraria; Loxo: Research Funding; AstraZeneca: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; AbbVie: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pharmacyclics: Consultancy, Research Funding. Pagel: Kite, a Gilead Company: Consultancy; Incyte/MorphoSys: Consultancy; AstraZeneca: Consultancy; Actinium Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy; Gilead: Consultancy; Pharmacyclics/AbbVie: Consultancy; MEI Pharma: Consultancy; Epizyme: Consultancy; BeiGene: Consultancy.

Introduction: Despite the use of different definitions for worsening heart failure (WHF) in prior clinical trials and registries, an in-hospital WHF event has consistently been associated with worse patient outcomes. WHF is being considered as a potential endpoint to support drug approval. We combined patients from two acute HF trials conducted by the HF Network (ROSE-AHF and DOSE-AHF) to understand how different WHF definitions are associated with event rates. Methods: WHF was defined as persistent or worsening HF requiring rescue therapy including IV vasoactive agents, ultrafiltration, or mechanical support over 72 hours after randomization in ROSE and also included additional open label loop or thiazide diuretic in DOSE. We assessed the relationship between WHF and the composite endpoint (CE) of re-hospitalization, emergency room visits for HF and mortality through 60 days. We also assessed for a differential relationship of WHF from 0-24 hours, 24-48 hours and 48-72 hours post-randomization. Results: The overall incidence of WHF was 14.6% (24.1% in DOSE and 6.3% in ROSE). Patients who developed WHF had lower baseline systolic blood pressure, less peripheral edema and higher BUN. In the combined dataset, WHF was associated with an increase in the CE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.42; p-value 0.01). However, the association between WHF and 60-day outcomes was significant in ROSE but not in DOSE (Table). The development of WHF between 48-72 hours compared with 0-24 hours or 24-48 hours was associated with improved outcomes ([HR] 0.48, 95% CI 0.27 - 0.88, p-value 0.02 and [HR] 0.45, 95% CI 0.26 - 0.78, p-value 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: A WHF definition that incorporated intensification of diuretics increased the event rate but was not associated with worse 60-day outcomes. The timing of a WHF event also had a differential association with outcomes. These data support the use of a standardized WHF definition in clinical trials.

Abstract Glioma stem cells (GSC) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) are strongly associated with therapy resistance and tumor recurrence, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Here, we show that S100A4 is a novel biomarker of GSCs. S100A4+ cells in gliomas are enriched with cancer cells that have tumor-initiating and sphere-forming abilities, with the majority located in perivascular niches where GSCs are found. Selective ablation of S100A4-expressing cells was sufficient to block tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. We also identified S100A4 as a critical regulator of GSC self-renewal in mouse and patient-derived glioma tumorspheres. In contrast with previous reports of S100A4 as a reporter of EMT, we discovered that S100A4 is an upstream regulator of the master EMT regulators SNAIL2 and ZEB along with other mesenchymal transition regulators in glioblastoma. Overall, our results establish S100A4 as a central node in a molecular network that controls stemness and EMT in glioblastoma, suggesting S100A4 as a candidate therapeutic target. Cancer Res; 77(19); 5360–73. ©2017 AACR.

Abstract While growing evidence suggests that tumor microenvironment can modulate stemness and the mesenchymal phenotype, little is known about how these cell states are coordinately regulated. We report that S100A4 controls both stemness and mesenchymal transition in GBM cells. In a spontaneous mouse glioma model and in primary human GBM tumorspheres, S100A4 expression is enriched in tumor-initiating cells and is required for self-renewal and tumor growth in vivo. In addition, greater than 80 percent of S100A4+ cells are associated with the tumor vasculature, a known niche for glioma stem cells, and S100A4 promotes pro-angiogenic factor expression. Interestingly, acidosis induces expression of S100A4 and the EMT regulators SNAIL1/2 and acidosis-induced EMT regulator expression requires S100A4 function. Importantly, S100A4 functions as a molecular switch between the proneural and mesenchymal states in GBM as S100A4 knockdown results in down-regulation of the mesenchymal signature genes, including the “master transcriptional regulators of mesenchymal transition”, and concurrent up-regulation of proneural signature genes. Together, these results indicate that S100A4 sits in a critical node in the molecular network that controls both glioma stem cells and the mesenchymal phenotype. Citation Format: Kin-Hoe Chow, Hee Jung Park, Joshy George, Yuanxin Chen, Andrew Gallup, Wen Jiang, Betty Y. Kim, Kyuson Yun. Regulation of GBM stemness and mesenchymal transition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4783. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4783

Background— In-hospital worsening heart failure (WHF) is an important event that has inconsistent definitions used across trials. We used data from 2 acute heart failure (HF) trials from the National Institutes of Health HF Network, DOSE (Diuretic Optimization Strategies Evaluation) and ROSE (Renal Optimization Strategies), to understand event rates associated with different WHF definitions. Methods and Results— We pooled data from 668 patients in DOSE and ROSE and assessed the relationship between WHF and the composite end point of rehospitalization, emergency room visits for HF, and mortality through 60 days. We also assessed for a differential relationship between the timing of WHF development and outcomes. The overall incidence of WHF was 14.6% (24.1% in DOSE, 6.3% in ROSE, and 5.0% in DOSE using the ROSE definition). WHF was associated with an increase in the composite end point (hazard ratio [HR], 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11–2.42; P =0.01). However, the association between WHF and outcomes was significantly stronger in ROSE than in DOSE (HR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.45–4.91; P <0.01 and HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.79–2.08; P =0.31, respectively). Development of WHF between baseline to 24 hours compared with 24 to 48 hours or 48 to 72 hours demonstrated a trend toward improved outcomes (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.21–1.17; P =0.11 and HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.20–1.04; P =0.06, respectively). Conclusions— A WHF definition that excluded the intensification of diuretics resulted in a lower event rate but a stronger association with outcomes. These data support the need for continued efforts to standardize WHF definitions in clinical trials. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifiers: NCT00577135 (DOSE) and NCT01132846 (ROSE).

Background— Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (RVD) is a poor prognostic factor in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The physiological perturbations associated with RVD or RV function indexed to load (RV–pulmonary arterial [PA] coupling) in HFpEF have not been defined. HFpEF patients with marked impairment in RV–PA coupling may be uniquely sensitive to sildenafil. Methods and Results— In a subset of HFpEF patients enrolled in the Phosphodiesteas-5 Inhibition to Improve Clinical Status And Exercise Capacity in Diastolic Heart Failure (RELAX) trial, physiological variables and therapeutic effect of sildenafil were examined relative to the severity of RVD (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]) and according to impairment in RV–PA coupling (TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure) ratio. The prevalence of atrial fibrillation and diuretic use, n-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide levels, renal dysfunction, neurohumoral activation, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis biomarkers, and the severity of diastolic dysfunction all increased with severity of RVD. Peak oxygen consumption decreased and ventilatory inefficiency (VE/VCO 2 slope) increased with increasing severity of RVD. Many but not all physiological derangements were more closely associated with the TAPSE/pulmonary artery systolic pressure ratio. Compared with placebo, at 24 weeks, TAPSE decreased, and peak oxygen consumption and VE/CO 2 slope were unchanged with sildenafil. There was no interaction between RV–PA coupling and treatment effect, and sildenafil did not improve TAPSE, peak oxygen consumption, or VE/VCO 2 in patients with pulmonary hypertension and RVD. Conclusions— HFpEF patients with RVD and impaired RV–PA coupling have more advanced heart failure. In RELAX patients with RVD and impaired RV–PA coupling, sildenafil did not improve RV function, exercise capacity, or ventilatory efficiency. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00763867.