The CONFINE (Comorbidities and Outcome iN patients with chronic heart Failure: a study in INternal mEdicine units) study: a new epidemiologic observational study on heart failure in the internal medicine departments in Italy

BACKGROUND The burden of heart failure (HF) is enormous and its prevalence increases sharply with age. It has been estimated that heart failure affects up to 3% of the general population and 10% of the elderly. It contributes to hospital admission for most of them, mainly elder adults (admitted in internal medicine units) with more than one comorbidity, cognitive disorders, impairment and so on. Despite the increasing prevalence of heart failure, its exact incidence and prevalence remain largely unknown and probably underestimated due to a lack of accurate epidemiological data and difficulties associated with comorbidities and correct diagnosis: over 40% of recurrent hospitalization causes, either cardiac or extracardiac, cannot be determined due to the lack of data.
AIM OF THE STUDY The objective of this study estimated the prevalence and the primary care burden associated with comorbidities in internal medicine units.
METHOD The design: a longitudinal multicentric observational study using spot analysis three data sheets were filled in during the hospital stay according to three crucial moments: enrolment (the index day), admission and discharge. Will be analyzed the following primary outcomes: total and cardiovascular mortality, intensive unit care admission, recurrent cardiovascular disorders, length of stay, hospital readmission, changes in activities of daily living, need for care. Second outcomes: clinical, therapeutic, instrumental and laboratory changes during the admission process. Deep analysis of the following comorbidities will be also taken into account: acute and chronic kidney failure, anaemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, muscle loss, nutritional status, cirrhosis of the liver, neoplasms, blood cell disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases. Further evalutation items: cognitive impairment, self-sufficiency and perception of quality life.