Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction with abnormal myocardial work in sepsis

Abstract Background Sepsis is a life-threatening condition associated with a dysregulated response to infection, leading to an increased risk of multi-organ dysfunction and death. Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been reported in up to 60% of patients with sepsis. Still, it’s true incidence is difficult to determine as defined by standard methods like left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) due to its dependency on loading conditions. Myocardial work (MW) is a validated novel parameter informing true LV contractility. MW is calculated using echocardiography strain data, noninvasive BP measurements, and GE Healthcare proprietary software. There are four MW indices; here, we evaluated the global work index (GWI), the indexed total work performed by the LV through mechanical systole, including isovolumic relaxation and contraction. Purpose To describe our patient population diagnosed with sepsis with GWI calculated as part of their echocardiography. We also sought to compare the GWI values with GWI normal reference values reported in current literature to determine whether our observed mean GWI in a cohort of patients with sepsis deviates significantly from these established benchmarks in an average healthy population. Methods This report was a retrospective analysis of 179 consecutive patients ≥18 years with sepsis as defined by the Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock who presented at our center from January 2020 to October 2023. LVEF (%) and GWI (mm Hg%) were reported as mean (±SD). A one-sample t-test was used to determine if the mean MWI for males and females diagnosed with sepsis at our center significantly differed from the reported GWI literature of reference patients without sepsis. Results Males (n=90, 50.3%) from our center had a significantly lower GWI mean (1353.06 ± 490.75) than the literature-reported male reference value of 2062 (P < 0.001) and a 95% confidence interval (1250 to 1455.84). See the Table. In 89 (49.7%) females with sepsis, mean GWI was also significantly lower, 1511 ± 595.79 (P < 0.001), than the normal reported female reference GWI value 2155 with a 95% CI (1385.57 to 1636.58). The pooled GWI mean was 1440.0±561.8 (ref: 2118±277). Septic males and females had preserved mean LVEF values of 51.6±13.11 and 56.8±14.4, respectively. The pooled mean LVEF was 54.0±13.8. Conclusion These findings revealed preserved LVEF alongside decreased global work index in patients with sepsis. To our knowledge, this is the first description of MW indices in septic patients. The results highlight the importance of further investigations into the role of MW indices in sepsis and the potential for these indices to enhance our understanding and clinical approach to myocardial dysfunction in sepsis.