A recent study develops a more efficient model to assess the likelihood of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in patients with heart failure (HF), improving early identification and potential treatment for this underrecognized condition.
- The propensity model developed in the study demonstrated a 71.9% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity in identifying patients with HF who are more likely to have ATTR-CM.
- The study identified 16 demographic, diagnostic, laboratory, and pharmacy inputs that can help detect patients with HF who are good candidates for targeted ATTR-CM testing.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of ATTR-CM are crucial, as survival is short and mortality is high in untreated patients.
A recent study published in The Permanente Journal sought to develop a more efficient model to assess the likelihood of ATTR-CM in patients with HF. ATTR-CM is a progressive, infiltrative form of heart failure that is largely underrecognized and often misdiagnosed. Early identification and treatment are essential to improve patient outcomes.
Improved Model for ATTR-CM Detection
The study included 31 patients with confirmed ATTR-CM and 7,620 patients without known ATTR-CM. The propensity model developed in the study demonstrated a 71.9% sensitivity and 95.2% specificity in identifying patients with HF who are more likely to have ATTR-CM. This model helps streamline the identification process and target patients who may benefit from further workup.
Key Characteristics of ATTR-CM Patients
The study identified 16 demographic, diagnostic, laboratory, and pharmacy inputs that can help detect patients with HF who are good candidates for targeted ATTR-CM testing. Individuals with ATTR-CM were found to have a higher probability of being African American, experiencing atrial flutter/fibrillation, exhibiting an enlarged heart, and having heart failure with a maintained ejection fraction, among other factors.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment of ATTR-CM are important, as survival is short and mortality is high in untreated patients. The findings of this study help to identify patients more likely to have ATTR-CM, allowing for earlier access to potentially life-saving treatment options.
The study built upon previous modeling to identify novel characteristics that may increase suspicion of ATTR-CM and contribute to the growing body of literature characterizing the potential risk factors associated with ATTR-CM. Future studies in the healthcare field may choose to expand this method by integrating various healthcare systems and enlarging the patient pool with confirmed ATTR-CM cases.
Source:
Suh, A. A., Shaw, P. B., Jeong, M. Y., Olson, K. L., & Delate, T. (2023). Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Risk Evaluation in a Cohort of Patients With Heart Failure. Perm J, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/22.135
