Refining success of cardiac resynchronization therapy using a simple score predicting the amount of reverse ventricular remodelling: Results from the Markers and Response to CRT (MARC) study

Aims Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces morbidity and mortality in systolic heart failure patients with ventricular conduction delay. Variability of individual response to CRT warrants improved patient selection. The Markers and Response to CRT (MARC) study was designed to investigate markers related to response to CRT. Methods and results We prospectively studied the ability of 11 clinical, 11 electrocardiographic, 4 echocardiographic, and 16 blood biomarkers to predict CRT response in 240 patients. Response was measured by the reduction of indexed left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV i) at 6 months follow-up. Biomarkers were related to LVESV i change using log-linear regression on continuous scale. Covariates that were significant univariately were included in a multivariable model. The final model was utilized to compose a response score. Age was 67 ± 10 years, 63% were male, 46% had ischaemic aetiology, LV ejection fraction was 26 ± 8%, LVESV i was 75 ± 31 mL/m ₂, and QRS was 178 ± 23 ms. At 6 months LVESV i was reduced to 58 ± 31 mL/m ₂ (relative reduction of 22 ± 24%), 130 patients (61%) showed ≥ 15% LVESV i reduction. In univariate analysis 17 parameters were significantly associated with LVESV i change. In the final model age, QRS AREA (using vectorcardiography) and two echocardiographic markers (interventricular mechanical delay and apical rocking) remained significantly associated with the amount of reverse ventricular remodelling. This CAVIAR (CRT-Age-Vectorcardiographic QRS AREA-Interventricular Mechanical delay-Apical Rocking) response score also predicted clinical outcome assessed by heart failure hospitalizations and all-cause mortality. Conclusions The CAVIAR response score predicts the amount of reverse remodelling after CRT and may be used to improve patient selection.