1.Single-center analysis of unplanned reoperation case after liver transplantation
Zhi CHEN ; Qingqing DAI ; Fan HUANG ; Guobin WANG ; Xiaojun YU ; Ruolin WU ; Liujin HOU ; Zhenghui YE ; Xinghua ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Xiaoping GENG ; Hongchuan ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(3):452-459
Objective To analyze the main causes and risk factors of unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of 242 liver transplant recipients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2015 to December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether unplanned reoperation was performed during the same hospitalization after surgery, the recipients were divided into the reoperation group (n=36) and the non-reoperation group (n=206). The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data of the two groups, as well as donor and graft-related data, were compared to analyze the risk factors of unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation and the survival status of the two groups. Results Among the 242 liver transplant recipients, 36 underwent unplanned reoperations, with a total of 54 procedures including various laparotomies, endoscopic and interventional surgeries, among which there were 20 laparotomies, 18 endoscopic surgeries and 16 interventional surgeries. The most common cause of unplanned reoperation was biliary complications (20 times), followed by vascular complications (17 times). Compared with the non-reoperation group, the reoperation group had longer graft cold ischemia time, higher postoperative fatality rate of recipients, longer length of stay in the intensive care unit and postoperative hospital stay, and higher total hospitalization costs (all P<0.05). The incidence of unplanned reoperation was higher in recipients who underwent split liver transplantation (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that intraoperative blood loss ≥1 000 mL, positive culture of graft perfusate and split liver transplantation were independent risk factors for unplanned reoperation (all P<0.05). The postoperative 7-day, 1-month, 3-month and 6-month survival rates of recipients in the reoperation group and the non-reoperation group were 100% vs. 98.1%, 88.9% vs. 94.2%, 69.4% vs. 90.8% and 66.7% vs. 90.8%, respectively, and the postoperative survival rate of recipients in the reoperation group was lower than that in the non-reoperation group (P<0.05). Conclusions The main causes of unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation are biliary complications, vascular complications, abdominal incision infection and intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Intraoperative massive blood loss, positive culture of graft perfusate and split liver transplantation are the risk factors associated with unplanned reoperation after liver transplantation.
2.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
3.The Specificity of Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints in Promoting Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Mice
Yu SHI ; Qian HUA ; Tian-Tian PENG ; Yu-Xin NIE ; Zhao-Heng LIU ; Chen-Geng DENG ; Xu WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1154-1164
ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.
4.Treatment Modalities and Long-Term Outcomes in Unruptured Vertebrobasilar Fusiform Aneurysms: A Nationwide Observational Cohort Study
Linggen DONG ; Dachao WEI ; Xiheng CHEN ; Mingtao LI ; Yang ZHAO ; Yong SUN ; Qingbin NIE ; Jun FENG ; Guomin XIAO ; Jinghua ZHOU ; Shengli HU ; Lifei FENG ; Lifeng QI ; Hongen LIU ; Geng GUO ; Yufang LI ; Renfu TIAN ; Jianghua YU ; Dianshi JIN ; Liang HAO ; Tian TIAN ; Shizhong ZHANG ; Yang WANG ; Liping LIU ; Ming LV
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):250-262
Background:
and Purpose Vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VBFAs) carry substantial morbidity and mortality, but optimal management for unruptured VBFAs remains unclear. We compared the safety and efficacy of conservative management (CM), stent-assisted coiling (SAC), and flow diverters (FDs) in patients with unruptured VBFAs, focusing on long-term prognosis.
Methods:
This study included data from a nationwide Chinese cohort of patients with vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced confounders across groups. The primary outcome was poor prognosis (modified Rankin Scale score >2). Secondary outcomes included aneurysm rupture, ischemic stroke, compression symptoms, and VBFA-related deaths. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed.
Results:
Among 1,115 patients with unruptured VBFAs, 838 (median age, 54 years; 655 men) were included. After IPTW, baseline characteristics were balanced. Median follow-up was 54 months. FD was associated with a lower risk of poor prognosis than CM (OR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.77]; p=0.002), with no difference between CM and SAC. FD also reduced aneurysm rupture (OR, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.60]; p=0.004) and compression symptoms (OR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13 to 0.68]; p=0.004) versus CM. Time-to-event analyses further revealed significant differences in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, whereas no significant differences were observed in basilar or vertebrobasilar junction lesions or in Type III–IV VBFAs.
Conclusions
Compared with CM, FD was associated with improved long-term outcomes in unruptured VBFAs, particularly in vertebral artery lesions and Type I–II VBFAs, although residual confounding cannot be excluded.
5.Analysis of risk factors for allogeneic blood transfusion and construction of a prediction model in patients with ovarian cancer undergoing cytoreductive surgery
Jia CAO ; Wenyan CHEN ; Panpan MA ; Jin ZHAO ; Hongyue TANG ; Jianhui LIU ; Ruili GENG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(8):1026-1032
Objective: To explore the independent risk factors of allogeneic blood transfusion during perioperative period of cytoreductive surgery in patients with ovarian cancer, and to construct a predictive model to facilitate clinical risk assessment and optimize perioperative blood management. Methods: Clinical data of 156 patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer in our hospital from January 2020 to December 2025 were retrospectively collected. The patients were divided into transfusion group (n=51) and non-transfusion group (n=105) according to whether they received allogeneic blood transfusion during perioperative period. The 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) was used to correct the confounding factors. Independent sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used for measurement data, and chisquare test was used for enumeration data. Variables with P<0.05 in univariate analysis were included in binary logistic regression for multivariate analysis to determine independent risk factors. A nomogram model for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion risk prediction was constructed based on independent risk factors. Bootstrap method (100 samples) was used for internal calibration verification. ROC curve was used to evaluate the discrimination efficiency, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical net benefit of the model. Results: After propensity matching, the baseline data of the two groups were balanced and comparable. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative prothrombin time (PT) (OR=2.666, 95%CI 1.249~5.693, P=0.011), preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) (OR=0.953, 95%CI 0.923~0.984, P=0.003), intraoperative blood loss (OR=1.004, 95%CI 1.001-1.006, P=0.004), preoperative anemia grade (OR=3.052, 95%CI 1.007-9.252, P=0.049) were independent influencing factors of perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion. The nomogram model based on the above four factors was significant (LR χ
=58.617, P<0.001), and the internal calibration curve showed that the predicted probability of the model was in good agreement with the actual probability (mean absolute error=0.042). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.890, indicating good discrimination efficiency. DCA showed that the clinical net benefit of the model was better than that of the unified transfusion/non-transfusion strategy in the 0-0.45 risk threshold range. Conclusion: Intraoperative blood loss, preoperative PT, preoperative Hb and preoperative anemia grade are independent risk factors for perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. The nomogram model based on the above factors has good predictive efficacy and clinical hierarchical decision-making value, which can provide reference for clinical implementation of individualized blood management for high-risk patients and reduction of unnecessary blood transfusion rate.
6.Chinese expert consensus on the application of jejunal interposition for esophageal reconstruction in complex esophageal cancer surgery (2026 edition)
Wenshu CHEN ; Lilan ZHAO ; Zhaoxian LIN ; Debin OU ; Zhigang LI ; Chengchu ZHU ; Longqi CHEN ; Shuoyan LIU ; Xiangnan LI ; Chao CHENG ; Ni ZHANG ; Songping XIE ; Xufeng GUO ; Xu LI ; Xinyu MEI ; Xuefeng LENG ; Jianqun MA ; Zhijun HUANG ; Guojun GENG ; Lin ZHANG ; Hongyan WANG ; Yi ZHANG ; Weijie WANG ; Jiangbo LIN ; Jinbiao XIE ; Jun GUAN ; Rongqi HE ; Xing LIN ; Xiuhua TU ; Yong LI ; Lijie TAN ; Xiaojie PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(10):1527-1543
Objective Jejunal interposition is an important option for restoring gastrointestinal continuity in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable for reconstruction due to previous gastrectomy, tumor involvement, failed gastric conduit, or other constraints. Although the jejunum offers a caliber similar to the esophagus, a rich blood supply, and preserved peristaltic function, anatomical variations in mesenteric length and vascular arcades render long-segment and high-level reconstruction susceptible to excessive tension, mesenteric torsion, venous congestion, and inadequate distal perfusion. This consensus aims to provide standardized recommendations for the application of jejunal interposition in this specific patient population. Methods This consensus was developed in accordance with the WHO Handbook for Guideline Development and Chinese national guideline development standards, with reference to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Ⅱ(AGREE Ⅱ), Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT), and Scientific, Transparent and Applicable Rankings (STAR) checklists. The project was registered on the international practice guidelines registry platform (PREPARE-2026CN1384). The working group systematically searched Chinese and English evidence addressing 12 clinical questions. Evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2009 system, with structured appraisal of risk of bias, inconsistency, indirectness, and imprecision. Recommendations were formulated through two rounds of Delphi surveys and a face-to-face consensus meeting, with an agreement threshold of ≥75%. Results The consensus generated 12 recommendations covering indications, selection between jejunum and colon, preoperative assessment, surgical approach and reconstruction route, pedicled jejunal interposition (PJI), supercharged pedicled jejunal interposition (SPJ), indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion assessment, perioperative nutrition, management of anastomotic leakage, long-term follow-up, and special treatment scenarios. Given that the available direct evidence is predominantly derived from single-center retrospective cohorts and case series, recommendations extrapolated from general esophagectomy or other gastrointestinal surgical evidence are deliberately phrased with caution. Conclusion Jejunal interposition is a safe and effective approach for digestive tract reconstruction in patients with complex esophageal cancer in whom the stomach is unavailable. This consensus emphasizes that clinical decision-making should be individualized based on the patient's prior treatment history, reconstruction height, vascular anatomy, technical availability, and institutional experience in the Chinese context.
7.Correlation analysis between age and axial length with anterior chamber depth and lens thickness in cataract patients
Chen YANG ; Yu GENG ; Jie ZHOU ; Jian HE ; Zi-Suo LI ; Jian-Feng ZHAO
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(7):862-867
Objective To analysis the correlations of cataract patients'age,axial length(AL)with anterior chamber depth(ACD),lens thickness(LT),and postoperative effective lens position(ELP).Methods A retrospective study was employed to analyze the biometric parameters of 7458 cataract patients(7458 eyes)who underwent surgical treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2016 to December 2022.All measurements were obtained using the Lenstar LS900 optical biometer via optical low-coherence reflectance technology.Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses was performed between patients'age,sex,and AL with ACD,LT,and postoperative ELP measurements.Results The mean AL of patients was 23.41(22.68,24.31)mm,categorized into 4 groups:short AL group(AL≤22 mm,593 cases,8.0%),normal AL group(AL 22-24 mm,4520 cases,60.5%),longer AL group(AL 24-26 mm,1579 cases,21.2%),and long AL group(AL>26 mm,766 cases,10.3%).The ACD was(2.65±0.43)mm,and the LT was(4.29±0.46)mm.Compared with female patients,male patients had significantly longer AL,deeper ACD,and thicker LT(P<0.001).Postoperative ELPs,measured in 209 eyes 3 months after surgery,was 5.03(4.57,5.21)mm.Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between AL and ACD in short,normal,and longer AL groups(ρ=0.155,ρ=0.311,ρ=0.074,P<0.001 or P<0.05),while a negative correlation was found in the long AL group(ρ=-0.089,P<0.05).No statistically significant correlation was observed between AL and LT in short AL group(P>0.05),but a negative correlation was noted in normal and longer AL groups(ρ=-0.104,ρ=-0.095,P<0.001),and a positive correlation in long AL group(ρ=0.165,P<0.001).In short,normal,and longer AL groups,postoperative ELP was positively correlated with preoperative ACD(ρ=1.000,ρ=0.826,ρ=0.441,P<0.001),with no significant correlation in long AL group(P>0.05).Conclusions In cataract patients,AL,ACD,and LT are associated with both age and sex.LT and AL significantly influence ACD,while ACD and AL significantly influence LT.Preoperative ACD is the primary factor affecting postoperative ELP.
8.Correlation of corneal α angle and κ angle with lens tilt angle using swept-source optical biometry
Zi-Suo LI ; Zi-Han HE ; Jie ZHOU ; Jian-Feng ZHAO ; Xiao-Ling LUO ; Ya-Li FENG ; Chen YANG ; Yu GENG
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(9):1083-1088
Objective To investigate the correlation of corneal α angle and κ angle with lens tilt in normal human eyes using a new swept-source optical biometer.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted,involving 303 healthy eyes(148 right eyes and 155 left eyes)of patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from June to August 2024.ZW-30 swept-source optical biometer was used to collect the lens tilt angle,κ angle(distance from the corneal light reflex to the pupil center),and α angle(distance from corneal light reflex to the corneal geometric center,which is the midpoint of the horizontal white to white(WTW)diameter).The degrees(°)and directions of κ angle and α angle were calculated by the ratio of the above measurements to the anterior chamber depth(ACD)respectively.Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were employed to evaluate the correlations between the magnitude and direction of corneal α angle,κ angle and lens tilt angle.Results The magnitude and direction of corneal α angle,κ angle,and lens tilt angle in the right eye were as follows respectively:(0.54±0.19)mm(7.81°±3.88°),194.43°±39.75°;(0.27±0.23)mm(4.72°±3.90°),181.07°±79.59°;5.52°±1.67°,188.21°±25.73°.For the left eye,the corresponding values were:(0.47±0.27)mm(8.12°±5.26°),336.04°±46.64°;(0.26±0.27)mm(4.45°±4.80°),322.86°±107.79°;5.50°±1.61°,340.65°±32.84°.Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between corneal α angle and lens tilt angle in the right eye were 0.609(distance correlation)and 0.625(angle correlation),while those for κ angle were 0.559(distance correlation)and 0.578(angle correlation).In the left eye,the correlation coefficients between corneal α angle and lens tilt angle were 0.545(distance correlation)and 0.552(angle correlation),and those for κ angle were 0.377(distance correlation)and 0.395(angle correlation).In addition,the correlation coefficient between the direction of corneal α angle and the direction of lens tilt angle in the right eye was 0.343,and that for κ angle direction was 0.284;in the left eye,the correlation coefficients were 0.216(α angle direction)and 0.198(κ angle direction),all with statistical significance(P<0.05).Univariate linear regression analysis showed that lens tilt was positively correlated with both corneal α angle and Kappa angle(P<0.05).Conclusions Corneal α angle and κ angle are highly correlated with lens tilt angle in both eyes,and the correlation of corneal α angle is stronger than that of κ angle in both left and right eyes.The correlation expressed by degree(°)is better than that by distance(mm).It is recommended to refer to the corneal α angle and κ angle expressed in degrees during preoperative evaluation.
9.Consensus on the use of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for cancer pain management
Yi LU ; Cunzhi LIU ; Wujun GENG ; Xiaozhen ZHENG ; Jingdun XIE ; Guangfang ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Yun LI ; Yan QU ; Lei CHEN ; Xizhao HUANG ; Hang TIAN ; Yuhui LI ; Hongxin LI ; Heying ZHONG ; Ronggui TAO ; Jie ZHONG ; Yue ZHUANG ; Junyang MA ; Yan HU ; Jian FANG ; Gaofeng ZHAO ; Jianbin XIAO ; Weifeng TU ; Jiaze SUN ; Yuting DUAN ; Bao WANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(8):1800-1808
Objective To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application.Methods and Results Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion,and consensus was reached following expert consultation.The consensus recommendations are comprehensive,covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation,surgical operation process,postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning.The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain,reduced the use of opioid drugs,and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients.Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications.Conclusion The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy.The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.
10.The influence of two-way referral model on treatment and prognosis of patients with chronic heart failure
Yijun SUN ; Xinyu ZHANG ; Yue HU ; Zongwei LIN ; Jie XIAO ; Peng LI ; Xin ZHAO ; Huafang ZHANG ; Bo QIN ; Dequan JIA ; Tao ZHANG ; Jian MA ; Hongping CHEN ; Chunju ZHANG ; Xinwei GENG ; Kaiyan ZHANG ; Man ZHENG ; Fenglei ZHANG ; Yan LANG ; Hegong HOU ; Peng LIU ; Haifeng JIA ; Jianjun LU ; Kai ZHAO ; Hui ZHAO ; Jiechang XU ; Mi ZHANG ; Xiuxin LI ; Dongxia ZHANG ; Lin ZHONG ; Hui ZHAO ; Fangfang LIU ; Yan LIU ; Dongxia MIAO ; Chengwei WANG ; Hui ZHANG ; Chen WANG ; Fen WANG ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Huixia LYU ; Xiaoping JI
Chinese Journal of Cardiology 2025;53(11):1244-1253
Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.

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