Skip to main content
Download PDF

Pulse amplitude ratio under noninvasive ventilation as a new method in the diagnosis of left heart failure in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders volume 23, Article number: 105 (2023) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Left heart failure (LHF) is commonly associated with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) but its role is often underestimated.

Aim of study

To evaluate the performance of a new diagnostic technique based on the measurement of the pulse amplitude ratio (PAR) using non-invasive ventilation (NIV) for the early identification LHF in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for AECOPD.

Results

73 patients were included in this study: 32 in LHF group and 41 in non LHF- group. The two groups had comparable demographic and clinical characteristics at admission. The mean values of PARNIV was significantly higher among LHF patients (0.86 vs. 0.71; p < 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of PARNIV was 0.75. Using the best cut-off (0.6), the sensitivity of PARNIV was 93% with a specificity 21%, a positive predictive value of 48%, and a negative predictive value of 81%. Correlation between PARNIV and BNP was significant (r = 0.52; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Measurement of PARNIV in patients presenting to the ED with AECOPD had a good diagnostic performance for the detection of LHF and could represent an interesting alternative for the currently available methods.

Trial registration The study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registration System (clinicaltrials.gov) under the study number NCT05189119, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S000BOO4&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0000QAM&ts=2&cx=qrmluh.

Peer Review reports

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a universally prevalent chronic disease. It is a major public health problem due to its increasing prevalence, high morbidity and mortality rates [1]. On average, a COPD patient suffers one to four exacerbations per year. The origin of these exacerbations is not easy to determine, but most often a viral or bacterial infection is incriminated. Left heart failure (LHF) is commonly associated with acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD), but this association is frequently underestimated [2,3,4,5]. Symptoms and signs of LHF are particularly difficult to identify and interpret, especially in obese and elderly subjects [4, 6,7,8,9]. Therefore, the use of additional investigation methods, such as echocardiography and invasive hemodynamic exploration, is decisive for the diagnosis, but it cannot be considered in the emergency room on a routine basis [10]. The tendency to generalize cardiac ultrasound is still limited by its dependency on the operator skills and experience [11, 12]. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is now widely used for the diagnosis of LHF [13]. However, a BNP value in the grey zone does not allow the determination of the etiology of dyspnea; this is the case for approximately 30% of patients consulting the emergency room for dyspnea [14]. In addition, elevated BNP levels are observed in the elderly, patients with renal failure, chronic pulmonary disease, hypoxemia and right ventricular congestion [15]. Alternative diagnostic method, based on the effect of Valsalva maneuver (VM) on blood pressure, has been proposed [16]. VM consists of forced exhalation with a closed glottis, which leads to an increase in intra thoracic pressures, the effect of which on the blood pressure curve depends on whether there is or not LHF. Several studies have shown that this maneuver could identify patients with LHF through the measurement of the pulse amplitude ratio (PAR) [17,18,19]. Recently, Boubaker et al. found that VM could be used to identify LHF in patients with AECOPD [20]. However, VM is sometimes difficult to be correctly performed for dyspneic patients. Thus, we propose, in this study, an alternative method to VM. It consists in applying a positive pressure through NIV with inspiratory support. We aimed to evaluate the value of a new method of measuring PAR based on the application of pressure support ventilation (PSV) to assist in the early diagnosis of LHF in patients presenting to the ED with AECOPD.

Patients and methods

This is an observational cross-sectional study of patients who presented to the ED of Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital (Tunisia) with acute dyspnea in the context of AECOPD. The study protocol has been prepared in accordance with the revised Helsinki Declaration for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects and Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice. The study was approved by Fattouma Bourguiba ethics committee under the number IOG009738 N°90; the patient’s informed consent was obtained before the start of the protocol. The study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registration System (clinicaltrials.gov) under the study number NCT05189119 on the 12/01/2022.

Study population

Inclusion criteria

Adult patients with a history of COPD who consulted the emergency department for moderate to severe AECOPD defined as acute worsening of respiratory symptoms that result in additional therapy were included [2]. COPD is defined according to the criteria of the American Thoracic Society as a progressive airflow limitation that is not fully reversible associated with a chronic inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases [21].

Exclusion criteria

Patients with hemodynamic instability (cardiogenic shock, myocardial infarction), coma and severe hypoxemia (SpO2 < 60%) or acidosis (pH < 7.1) were excluded. Patients with contraindications to NIV (Glasgow score < 12, swallowing disorder, severe bronchial obstruction, massive retention of secretions despite bronchoscopy, vomiting, those with anatomical or functional upper airway obstruction or ongoing upper gastrointestinal bleeding or ileus), non-cooperative patients as well as those who refused to give consent were also excluded.

Methodology

Patients’ demographic characteristics, medical histories, number of COPD exacerbations during the last 12 months, smoking and current drug treatment, as well as clinical examination data including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oxygen saturation, and temperature were collected. Complementary examination findings were also recorded (electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, cardiac ultrasound, BNP, blood gas, and standard biological tests). Patients were prepared for monitoring with three-lead electrode ECG and a plethysmographic sensor on the finger to obtain two simultaneous records. The plethysmographic PAR was calculated using a data acquisition and analysis device (BIOPAC Systems, CA, USA). Each enrolled patient received NIV applied through an oro-nasal mask with a positive end expiratory pressure of 4 cmH2O, inspiratory oxygen fraction ensuring pulse oxygen saturation of 88–92%, and inspiratory pressure support (PS) set at 5 and 30 cmH2O. The 2 PS levels (5 and 30 cmH2O) were investigated for 15 min in random order, with 10 min spontaneous breathing in between the ventilation periods to return to baseline level. Three successive measurements of PAR during inspiration time were taken 5 min after each level of pressure support onset. In all case, leak should always be minimized by mask adjustment and/or by changing the mask type. The following calculations were performed: PP5 which is the average of the plethysmographic pulse pressure measured during three inspiratory cycles recorded under PS = 5 cmH2O. PP30 which is the average of the plethysmographic pulse pressure measured during three inspiratory cycles recorded under PS = 30 cmH2O (Fig. 1). We defined PARNIV as the PP30/PP5 ratio. All the measurements were performed by the same investigators who were not aware of the clinical and biological details of the patient. The treating physicians were blinded to the results. The patients were divided into two groups: a group of patients having LHF (LHF group) and a group of patients without LHF (non LHF group). The diagnosis of LHF was made by two experts on the basis of clinical data, elevated natriuretic peptides levels (BNP > 100 pg/ml) and cardiac ultrasound findings [left ventricular systolic dysfunction with reduced LVEF (40% or less) or preserved ejection fraction with elevated estimated LV filling pressure (E/e′ ratio > 9)] [22]. In case of a disagreement, a third senior physician was consulted and adjudicated the case.

Fig. 1
figure 1

Measurement of pulse amplitude ratio using plethysmographic blood pressure signal under non-invasive ventilation with two levels of pressure support (5 and 30 cmH2O). LHF left heart failure, PP5 average of 3 consecutives pulse pressure values under pressure support of 5 cmH2O. PP30 average of 3 consecutive pulse pressure values under pressure support of 30 cmH2O

Full size image

Statistical analysis

Qualitative data were expressed with frequencies and percentage. Chi-square test or Fisher exact test were used to compare qualitative variables as appropriate. Normality was assessed with the Shapiro–Wilk test for continuous variables. Data are presented as mean (standard deviation) or median (interquartile range) for continuous variables according to their distribution. Comparison of data between the groups was performed using a two-sample Student’s t-test or non-parametric tests, as appropriate. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of PARNIV using the best cut-off. The choice of the PAR threshold was based on the level having the best sensitivity and specificity on the ROC curve (Youden index). A p value less than 0.05 was statistically significant. The correlation between PARNIV and BNP and between PARNIV and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed. All data were analyzed using the SPSS version 20.0 statistical software.

Results

Over the 5-month study period extending from January, 03, 2022 to May, 03, 2022, 73 patients were included, among whom 32 had a confirmed diagnosis of LHF (Fig. 2). Table 1 summarizes the characteristics of the overall population. The mean age was 67 ± 9 years for the LHF group and 68 ± 10 years for the non LHF group. A male predominance was observed in both groups, with 26 male patients (81%) in the LHF group and 36 patients (87%) in the non LHF group. Previous history of hypertension was found in 46% of patients and coronary artery disease in 25% in the LHF group. This proportion represented 34% and 10%, in the non LHF group with no statistically significant difference. Mean BNP values were 195 ± 190 pg/ml in the non LHF group patients and 3421 ± 1200 pg/ml in the LHF group (p < 0.001). LVEF was 43.9 ± 11% and 60 ± 13.5 in the LHF and non LHF groups respectively (p < 0.001). Mean PAR values were 0.86 ± 0.12 in the LHF group and 0.71 ± 0.14 in the non LHF group (p < 0.01) (Fig. 3).The area under the ROC curve for PARNIV was 0.75 with the best threshold at PARNIV = 0.6 (Fig. 4). Using this cut-off, the sensitivity was 93%, specificity 21%, positive predictive value 48%, and negative predictive value 81%. The correlation between PARNIV and BNP was significant (r = 0.52; p = 0.002) (Fig. 5). PARNIV was inversely correlated with LVEF (r = − 0.337; p = 0.005) (Fig. 6).

Fig. 2
figure 2

Flow chart

Full size image
Table 1 Patients’ baseline characteristics
Full size table
Fig. 3
figure 3

Pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation in patients with left heart failure (LHF group PARNIV) and patients without left heart failure (non LHF group). PARNIV pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation, LHF left heart failure

Full size image
Fig. 4
figure 4

Area under the ROC curve of pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation. PARNIV pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation, AUC area under the ROC curve

Full size image
Fig. 5
figure 5

Correlation between pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation and BNP values. PARNIV pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation, BNP brain natriuretic peptide

Full size image
Fig. 6
figure 6

Correlation between Pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation and left ventricular ejection fraction values. PARNIV pulse amplitude ratio under non-invasive ventilation, LVEF left ventricular ejection fraction

Full size image

Discussion

In our study, we proposed a new method using NIV as a mean of LHF diagnosis during AECOPD. We found the following main results: (1) The PARNIV was higher in the LHF group compared to the non LHF group. (2) There was a correlation between the PARNIV value and BNP as well as between the PARNIV and LVEF. (3) Using the best cut-off (0.6) the PARNIV had a good sensitivity (93%). LHF and COPD are two common conditions in clinical practice. Both conditions share common risk factors, such as advanced age, smoking, and systemic inflammation which explain their frequent coexistence. Among the co-morbidities most commonly associated with COPD, congestive LHF is the most difficult to diagnose leading to a potential detrimental delay in the management of patient’s condition, or on the contrary, to unnecessary treatment [6]. LHF diagnostic uncertainty can be as high as 40% [23]. Chest X-ray and ECG are easily accessible diagnostic tests, but their value in identifying LHF is limited in COPD patients [4, 9, 24]. BNP values, as isolated markers of LHF, are sometimes insufficient given that a number of non-cardiac conditions may be associated with BNP elevation [13]. Diagnosing LHF without echocardiography is often challenging and the best diagnostic approach remains unclear. Besides, echocardiography is not always accessible in the ED, and measurements depend on the operator experience. Moreover, the poor acoustic window caused by pulmonary air trapping may hinder accurate echocardiographic assessment of LHF in 10–35% of COPD patients, particularly in those with more severe degrees of airflow obstruction [24]. The study of the effect of intra-thoracic pressure variation on the cardiovascular system is likely to provide insight into cardiac function and help in the early and rapid diagnosis of LHF. This principle has been applied in numerous studies for the identification of left ventricular dysfunction. One of the most recent studies was conducted by Remmen et al. in which VM and hemodynamic exploration by a Swan-Ganz catheter were performed [25]. The results showed a very good correlation between pulmonary capillary wedge (pressure PCWP) and PAR (r = 0.63; p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve of PAR for the diagnosis of HF (PCWP > 15 mmHg) was 0.85. This correlation still remains valid even in patients with arrhythmias. Similar results were found in the study of Wilemann et al. who performed invasive hemodynamic exploration by right catheterization and analyzed the blood pressure response to VM in 42 patients in a stable state [26]. They found a very strong correlation between PCWP and PAR (r = 0.75; p < 0.001). In addition, treatment-induced changes in PCWP correlated well with changes in PAR (r = 0.93; p < 0.001. McIntyre et al. found similar results when they replaced VM with the application of intrathoracic positive pressure using airway occlusion under continuous positive airway pressure [27]. In mechanically ventilated patients, Zema et al. showed that an abnormal response to VM was associated with a simultaneous increase in central venous pressure and PCWP [28]. The rectangular shape of blood pressure record under VM was consistently associated with an increase in PCWP within a range of 20–37 mmHg. In a recent study, Boubaker et al. showed that plethysmographic PAR during VM was higher in patients with AECOPD with left ventricular dysfunction compared to those without left ventricular dysfunction (0.78 vs. 0.38, p = 0.01). Similarly, they reported that PAR value was not significantly different between COPD group with left ventricular dysfunction and a third group with heart failure and no COPD diagnosis (p = 0.78). The area under the ROC curve for plethysmographic PAR to detect left ventricular dysfunction was significantly higher compared to that of the Boston score (0.92 vs. 0.76; p = 0.02) [20]. In practice, VM is difficult to apply in COPD patients in respiratory distress. Therefore, in our study, we proposed the application of NIV using two levels of PS (5 and 30 cmH2O) to simulate the effects of VM. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use this method as a diagnostic tool of LHF in AECOPD patients.

Our study has some limitations. First, we recognize the small sample size of our study conducted on an ED population for whom it is not easy to perform such extensive explorations. Second, we used the plethysmographic signal instead of the invasive blood pressure records. It is true that this signal can be modified by artifacts, but it was shown that the respiratory variations of the invasive and non-invasive blood pressure values were correlated [29]. Third, the level of PS that should be used must be sufficient to create the intrathoracic pressure necessary to induce an effect on the cardiovascular system. We have used a level of 30 cmH20 because beyond this level there is a risk of increasing leakage through the respiratory circuit and abdominal distension. In COPD patients, this PS level could be considered as high with regard to hyperinflation and intrinsic PEEP often present in this population. Hence, our method should be used with caution in AECOPD patients and possibly after measuring intrinsic PEEP. Although we did not report any adverse events related to barotrauma or any patient discomfort during the protocol, it is prudent to avoid PARNIV testing in patients with high baseline intrinsic PEEP. Finally, our technique does not allow to affirm the role of LHF in the actual exacerbation episode of COPD.

In conclusion, the PARNIV measurement could become in the future a useful index to facilitate the diagnosis of LHF in AECOPD patients. Our results should be confirmed on a larger sample of patients.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

HF:

Heart failure

COPD:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AECOPD:

Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PAR:

Pulse amplitude ratio

NIV:

Non-invasive ventilation

ED:

Emergency department

PS:

Pressure support

PP:

Plethesmographic pulse pressure

AUC:

Area under roc curve

BNP:

Brain natriuretic peptide

VM:

Valsalva maneuver

PSV:

Pressure support ventilation

LVEF:

Left ventricular ejection fraction

PCPW:

Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

References

  1. Celli BR, Wedzicha JA. Update on clinical aspects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(13):1257–66.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Singh D, Agusti A, Anzueto A, Barnes PJ, Bourbeau J, Celli BR, et al. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive lung disease: the GOLD science committee report 2019. Eur Respir J. 2019;53(5):1900164.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Vestbo J, Hurd SS, Agustí AG, Jones PW, Vogelmeier C, Anzueto A, et al. Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: GOLD executive summary. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2013;187(4):347–65.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Hawkins NM, Petrie MC, Jhund PS, Chalmers GW, Dunn FG, McMurray JJV. Heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnostic pitfalls and epidemiology. Eur J Heart Fail. 2009;11(2):130–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Iversen KK, Kjaergaard J, Akkan D, Kober L, Torp-Pedersen C, Hassager C, et al. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients admitted with heart failure. J Intern Med. 2008;264(4):361–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Le Jemtel TH, Padeletti M, Jelic S. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in patients with coexistent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49(2):171–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Ambrosino N, Serradori M. Determining the cause of dyspnoea: linguistic and biological descriptors. Chron Respir Dis. 2006;3(3):117–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Boonman-de Winter LJM, Rutten FH, Cramer MJ, Landman MJ, Zuithoff NPA, Liem AH, et al. Efficiently screening heart failure in patients with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Heart Fail. 2015;17(2):187–95.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Rutten FH, Moons KGM, Cramer M-JM, Grobbee DE, Zuithoff NPA, Lammers J-WJ, et al. Recognising heart failure in elderly patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care: cross sectional diagnostic study. BMJ. 2005;331(7529):1379.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Wang CS, FitzGerald JM, Schulzer M, Mak E, Ayas NT. Does this dyspneic patient in the emergency department have congestive heart failure? JAMA. 2005;294(15):1944–56.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Gallard E, Redonnet J-P, Bourcier J-E, Deshaies D, Largeteau N, Amalric J-M, et al. Diagnostic performance of cardiopulmonary ultrasound performed by the emergency physician in the management of acute dyspnea. Am J Emerg Med. 2015;33(3):352–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Price S, Platz E, Cullen L, Tavazzi G, Christ M, Cowie MR, et al. Expert consensus document: echocardiography and lung ultrasonography for the assessment and management of acute heart failure. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2017;14(7):427–40.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Nadar SK, Shaikh MM. Biomarkers in routine heart failure clinical care. Card Fail Rev. 2019;5(1):50–6.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Collins S, Storrow AB, Kirk JD, Pang PS, Diercks DB, Gheorghiade M. Beyond pulmonary edema: diagnostic, risk stratification, and treatment challenges of acute heart failure management in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. 2008;51(1):45–57.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Maisel A, Mueller C, Adams K, Anker SD, Aspromonte N, Cleland JGF, et al. State of the art: using natriuretic peptide levels in clinical practice. Eur J Heart Fail. 2008;10(9):824–39.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Pinsky MR. Applied cardiovascular physiology in theatre: measuring the cardiovascular effects of propofol anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth. 2016;116(6):736–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Bernardi L, Saviolo R, Spodick DH. Do hemodynamic responses to the Valsalva maneuver reflect myocardial dysfunction? Chest. 1989;95(5):986–91.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Judson WE, Hatcher JD, Wilkins RW. Blood pressure responses to the Valsalva maneuver in cardiac patients with and without congestive failure. Circulation. 1955;11(6):889–99.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Gilotra NA, Wanamaker BL, Rahim H, Kunkel K, Yenokyan G, Schulman SP, et al. Usefulness of noninvasively measured pulse amplitude changes during the Valsalva maneuver to identify hospitalized heart failure patients at risk of 30-day heart failure events (from the PRESSURE-HF study). Am J Cardiol. 2020;125(6):916–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Boubaker H, Grissa MH, Debbabi H, Beltaief K, Dridi Z, Najjar MF, et al. Value of plethysmographic pulse amplitude ratio with Valsalva maneuver in identifying left ventricular dysfunction during COPD exacerbation. Respir Care. 2016;61(4):439–46.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Celli BR, Decramer M, Wedzicha JA, Wilson KC, Agustí A, Criner GJ, et al. An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society Statement: research questions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2015;191(7):e4-27.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Ponikowski P, Voors AA, Anker SD, Bueno H, Cleland JGF, Coats AJS, et al. 2016 ESC guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure: The Task Force for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) developed with the special contribution of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC. Eur Heart J. 2016;37(27):2129–200.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Mascarenhas J, Azevedo A, Bettencourt P. Coexisting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure: implications for treatment, course and mortality. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2010;16(2):106–11.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Boussuges A, Pinet C, Molenat F, Burnet H, Ambrosi P, Badier M, et al. Left atrial and ventricular filling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. An echocardiographic and Doppler study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2000;162(21):670–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Remmen J, Aengevaeren M, Verheugt A, Jansen M. Detection of elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in elderly patients with various cardiac disorders by the Valsalva manoeuvre. Clin Sci. 2006;111(2):153–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Weilenmann D, Rickli H, Follath F, Kiowski W, Brunner-La Rocca HP. Noninvasive evaluation of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure by BP response to the Valsalva maneuver. Chest. 2002;122(1):140–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. McIntyre KM, Vita JA, Lambrew CT, Freeman J, Loscalzo J. A noninvasive method of predicting pulmonary-capillary wedge pressure. N Engl J Med. 1992;327(24):1715–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. Zema MJ. Diagnosing heart failure by the Valsalva maneuver : Isn’t It finally time? Chest. 1999;116(4):851–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Natalini G, Rosano A, Franceschetti ME, Facchetti P, Bernardini A. Variations in arterial blood pressure and photoplethysmography during mechanical ventilation. Anesth Analg. 2006;103(5):1182–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge all of our Research Laboratory members who contributed greatly to the study.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emergency Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia

    Khaoula Bel Haj Ali, Adel Sekma, Kaouthar Beltaief, Mohamed Amine Msolli, Wahid Bouida, Hamdi Boubaker, Mohamed Habib Grissa & Semir Nouira

  2. Research Laboratory LR12SP18, University of Monastir, 5019, Monastir, Tunisia

    Khaoula Bel Haj Ali, Adel Sekma, Kaouthar Beltaief, Mohamed Amine Msolli, Wahid Bouida, Riadh Boukef, Hamdi Boubaker, Mohamed Habib Grissa & Semir Nouira

  3. Cardiology Department, Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia

    Ikram Chamtouri

  4. Emergency Department, Farhat Hached University Hospital, 4031, Sousse, Tunisia

    Zied Mezgar

  5. Emergency Department, Sahloul University Hospital, 4011, Sousse, Tunisia

    Riadh Boukef

Authors
  1. Khaoula Bel Haj Ali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Adel Sekma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ikram Chamtouri
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Kaouthar Beltaief
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Mohamed Amine Msolli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Zied Mezgar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Wahid Bouida
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Riadh Boukef
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. Hamdi Boubaker
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  10. Mohamed Habib Grissa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  11. Semir Nouira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

SN and RB conceived the study and write the manuscript. SN and RB participated in the design of the study. SN and KBHA revised the manuscript. AS, IC, MAM, ZM and KB collected the data. KB, MHG and HB participated in the design of the study and performed the statistical analysis. All authors discussed the results and commented on the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Semir Nouira.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study protocol has been prepared in accordance with the revised Helsinki Declaration for Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects and Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice. The study was approved by the ethics committee of our institution (Fattouma Bourguiba University hospital ethic committee). For all included patients, written informed consent was obtained before enrollment.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bel Haj Ali, K., Sekma, A., Chamtouri, I. et al. Pulse amplitude ratio under noninvasive ventilation as a new method in the diagnosis of left heart failure in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 23, 105 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-023-03089-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-023-03089-y

Keywords

BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

ISSN: 1471-2261

Contact us