title: Long-term outcome and predictors of outcome in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The study objectives were to identify predictors of outcome and to assess the long-term outcome in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From 2004 to 2008, 206 consecutive patients (age 52.1±12.6years) with non-ischemic DCM were prospectively enrolled in the study and followed up for a mean of 55.6±18.4months. Predictors of outcome were identified in a multivariable analysis with a Cox proportional hazards analysis. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause mortality or heart transplantation. During the follow-up period 47 patients died (22.8%) and 5 patients (2.4%) underwent heart transplantation for end-stage heart failure. For the primary end point, a systolic LVEF <35% (hazard ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval 1.21-5.45; p=0.014), a prolonged QTc interval >440ms (hazard ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval 1.24-3.83; p=0.007) and a GFR <60ml/min/1.73m(2) (hazard ratio 2.42; 95% confidence interval 1.36-4.29; p=0.003) were identified as independent predictors, whereas the presence of an LBBB, atrial fibrillation, mild mitral regurgitation or treatment with digitalis were not significantly related to outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients with non-ischemic DCM, a reduced systolic LVEF <35%, a prolonged QTc interval >440ms and an abnormal renal function with a GFR <60ml/min/1.73m(2) are independent predictors of death or need for heart transplantation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: konstantinos.karatolios@med.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: Konstantinos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Karatolios
authors.affiliation: Clinical Trial Center Leipzig, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Haertelstr. 16-18, 04107 Leipzig, Germany. Electronic address: volker.holzendorf@zks.uni-leipzig.de.
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Holzendorf
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: richter@med.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: Anette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: bernhard.schieffer@staff.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: Bernhard
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schieffer
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Angiology and Intensive Care, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldinger Str., 35043 Marburg, Germany. Electronic address: pankuwei@staff.uni-marburg.de.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pankuweit
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008133:Long QT Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Dilated cardiomyopathy; Long-term survival; Predictors of outcome