Heart failure
Congestive heart failure is defined as "defective cardiac filling and/or impaired contraction and emptying, resulting in the heart's inability to pump a sufficient amount of blood to meet the needs of the body tissues or to be able to do so only with an elevated filling pressure".[1]
Classification
Systolic dysfunction
Diastolic dysfunction
Diagnosis
History and physical examination
Congestion†? (jugular venous distention and radiographic redistribution)[2] | |||
---|---|---|---|
No | Yes | ||
Hypoperfusion‡? (proportional pulse pressure < 25%[3][4], cool extremities[5]) |
No | Warm and dry (33% mortality at one year) |
Warm and wet |
Yes | Cold and dry | Cold and wet (46% mortality at one year[4]) | |
Notes: Adapted from Figure 1 of Nohria et al.[6] |
The best findings for detecting increased filling pressure are jugular venous distention and radiographic redistribution. The best findings for detecting systolic dysfunction are abnormal apical impulse, radiographic cardiomegaly, and q waves or left bundle branch block on an electrocardiogram. [2]
The history and physical examination can also be used for patients with advanced heart failure to place the patient into a hemodynamic profile to guide management.[6][4][5] Patients in the "cold and wet" category may need to "warm up in order to dry out" by stopping adrenergic beta-receptor blockaders (beta-blockers) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors).[6]
Chest radiograph
The accuracy of the chest radiograph is below.[7] For diagnosing decreased ejection fraction with: Cardiomegaly
- sensitivity = 51%
- specificity = 79%
Redistribution:
- sensitivity = 37%
- specificity = 85%
For diagnosing increased preload with: Redistribution
- sensitivity = 65%
- specificity = 67%
Various definitions have been proposed for determining redistribution; Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 definitions with absolute measurements probably best apply to 72 inch erect, postero-anterior radiograph:[7]
- Pulonary veins in the upper lobes are larger than the lower lobe vein. Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Distinguishing pulmonary veins from arteries is not important as pulmonary veins are larger than pulmonary arteries.
- Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 upper lobe veins 3 mm or larger in the first anterior interspace
- Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 upper lobe veins Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 7 mm or larger at the level of the pulmonary artery
Echocardiogram
The fractional shortening can estimate the left ventricular ejection fraction.[8][9][10]
Treatment
Goals
There was no improvement by treating for a goal of brain natriuretic peptide less than 400 pg/mL in patients younger than 75 years and less than 800 pg/mL in patients aged 75 years or older.[11]
Medications
Race-based therapeutics? |
The medications for heart failure have been reviewed.[22]
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor can reduce morbidity from heart failure.[23]
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) should not be used if:[24]
- Baseline serum potassium is < 5.5 mmol per liter.
- No prior life-threatening adverse reactions (angioedema or anuric renal failure) during previous exposure to the drug
- They are not pregnant
- Systolic blood pressure less than 80 mm Hg
- Serum levels of creatinine greater than 3 mg per dL
- Bilateral renal artery stenosis is not present
There is conflicting evidence whether ACE inhibitors are as effective in African-American patients as in Anglo patients.[14][15]
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors combined with angiotensin-receptor blockers
This combination should be avoided due to increased azotemia, hyperkalemia, and symptomatic hypotension.[25]
Beta-blockers
Two cohort studies suggest that the beta-blockers atenolol and carvedilol may be more effect than metoprolol for the treatment of heart failure.[26][27]
Drugs with intrinsic sympathomimetic activity may have less benefit[28] A systematic review of randomized controlled trials concluded "metoprolol, carvedilol, and bisoprolol all exhibited statistically significant mortality rate reductions compared with placebo, the data were inconclusive for nebivolol or atenolol" and "for every heart rate reduction of 5 beats/min with β-blocker treatment, a commensurate 18% reduction in the risk for death occurred."[29]
There is conflicting evidence whether beta-blockers are as effective in African-American patients as in Anglo patients.[14] This may be due to a polymorphism in African-American patients of the G protein–coupled cell surface receptor kinase (GRK5) (OMIM) that confers a natural "genetic beta-blockade".[30]
Aldosterone antagonists
Aldosterone antagonists, initial dose of spironolactone 12.5 mg or eplerenone 25 mg, may be used as long as:[24]
- Serum creatinine 1.6 mg per dL or less and glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance exceeds 30 mL per minute.
- Baseline serum potassium is < 5.0 mEq per liter
Risk of hyperkalemia is increased if the following drugs are used:[24]
- Higher doses of ACE inhibitors (captopril greater than or equal to 75 mg daily; enalapril or lisinopril greater than or equal to 10 mg daily).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors
- Potassium supplements
After starting aldosterone antagonists:[24]
- Potassium levels and renal function should be checked in 3 days
- Potassium levels and renal function should be checked at 1 week
- Potassium levels and renal function should be checked monthly for the first 3 months.
- Diarrhea or other causes of dehydration should be addressed emergently
Isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine combination treatment
According to clinical practice guidelines:."[24]
- "The addition of a combination of hydralazine and a nitrate is reasonable for patients with reduced LVEF who are already taking an ACEI and beta-blocker for symptomatic HF and who have persistent symptoms."
- "A combination of hydralazine and a nitrate might be reasonable in patients with current or prior symptoms of HF and reduced LVEF who cannot be given an ACEI or ARB because of drug intolerance, hypotension, or renal insufficiency."
- "The addition of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine to a standard medical regimen for HF, including ACEIs and beta-blockers, is reasonable and can be effective in blacks with NYHA functional class III or IV HF."
"Treatment with either type of drug should not be initiated in patients who have systolic blood pressures less than 80 mm Hg."[24]
Isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine combination treatment reduces mortality in African-American patients with functional class III or IV heart failure according to the A-HeFT randomized controlled trial.[16] The number needed to treat is 26.[31] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug BiDil for African Americans[32] which has created controversy[12] for reasons including the approval helped the manufacturer, NitroMed, add a second race-related patent that extended protection for BiDil for 13 years[33].
Whether the benefit to African-Americans is more than occurs for Anglo patients is unclear, but is suggested by two controversial[17][18] post-hoc analyses[19] of subgroups in the earlier V-HeFT-1[20] and V-HeFT-2[21]
In response to the results of the A-HeFT study, the American Heart Association clinical practice guidelines state "the effect of this combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine in other patients with HF who are undergoing standard therapy is not known because the population studied was limited to blacks, but there is no reason to believe that this benefit is limited to blacks."[24]
Digitalis glycosides
Digitalis preparations are among the oldest drugs known to medicine. Due to the variability in preparations from the foxglove plant, synthetic digoxin is most commonly used. Digoxin was the agent used in the Digitalis Investigation Group trial, the only randomized clinical trial of digitalis in chronic HF.[34] The principal motivation for use of these drugs in HF is their positive inotropic property, increasing the contractile ability of the heart.
An additional property relevant to HF, appears to be due to neurohormonal suppressing properties. Digoxin is approved by both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society for HF treatment.
Brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide
Nesiritide, a brain (B-type) natriuretic peptide, may help patients with decompensated congestive heart failure according to a randomized controlled trial.[35] Natriuretic peptide causes diuresis, vasodilitation, and suppression of the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous system.[35]
Vasopressin receptor inhibition
Tolvaptan, a vasopressin antagonist, may be beneficial according to a randomized controlled trial.[36][37] Tolvaptan is a selective cell surface receptors V2 antagonist in the distal nephron which causes loss of free water.[38] Other vasopressin antagonists act mainly on V1a cell surface receptors.
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPP) can help treat acute cardiac pulmonary edema according to a meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.[39][40] Among the different modes of NPPV, CPAP may be slightly better than BiPAP.[40] It is not clear that NPPV helps patients with normal partial pressures of carbon dioxide.[41]
Implantable devices
Several implantable devices may help long term treatment; however, it is not clear that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) add benefit over cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT).[42]
Cardiac resynchronization therapy
According to a systematic review, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), which is biventricular pacing, can reduce morbiity and mortality if the ejection fraction is less than 35%.[43] 30 patients must be treated to avoid one death (number needed to treat is 30). Cardiac resynchronization should only be used for patients with a QRS duration of at least 120 msec.[44]
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) can reduce mortality in patients who have an ejection fraction of less than 35%.[45]
Left ventricular assist devices
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may be an option for patients with end stage heart failure.[46]
Ultrafiltration
Ultrafiltration might help patients with cardiorenal syndrome.[47]
Prognosis
Mortality can be predicted with the The Seattle Heart Failure Model[48], which has been independently validated[49]. The model can show the affect of interventions on prognosis. The model is available online at http://depts.washington.edu/shfm/. Patients, especially younger patients, tend to overestimate their life expectancy.[50]
Other risk factors
A prolonged QRS duration of 120 ms or more is associated with reduced survival.[51]
Blood urea nitrogen adds a small, but significant amount to the Seattle Heart Failure Model.[52]
References
- ↑ National Library of Medicine. Heart Failure, Congestive. Retrieved on 2007-10-19.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Badgett RG, Lucey CR, Mulrow CD (1997). "Can the clinical examination diagnose left-sided heart failure in adults?". JAMA 277 (21): 1712-9. PMID 9169900. [e]
- ↑ Stevenson LW, Perloff JK (1989). "The limited reliability of physical signs for estimating hemodynamics in chronic heart failure". JAMA 261 (6): 884–8. PMID 2913385. [e]
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Shah MR, Hasselblad V, Stinnett SS, et al (2001). "Hemodynamic profiles of advanced heart failure: association with clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes". J. Card. Fail. 7 (2): 105–13. DOI:10.1054/jcaf.2001.24131. PMID 11420761. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Kaplan LJ, McPartland K, Santora TA, Trooskin SZ (2001). "Start with a subjective assessment of skin temperature to identify hypoperfusion in intensive care unit patients". The Journal of trauma 50 (4): 620–7; discussion 627–8. PMID 11303155. [e]
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Nohria A, Lewis E, Stevenson LW (2002). "Medical management of advanced heart failure". JAMA 287 (5): 628–40. PMID 11829703. [e]
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Badgett RG, Mulrow CD, Otto PM, Ramírez G (1996). "How well can the chest radiograph diagnose left ventricular dysfunction?". J Gen Intern Med 11 (10): 625-34. PMID 8945695.
- ↑ Tortoledo FA, Fernandez GC, Quinones MA (1983). "An accurate and simplified method to calculate angiographic left ventricular ejection fraction". Catheterization and cardiovascular diagnosis 9 (4): 357-62. PMID 6627386. [e]
- ↑ Quinones MA, Waggoner AD, Reduto LA, et al (1981). "A new, simplified and accurate method for determining ejection fraction with two-dimensional echocardiography". Circulation 64 (4): 744-53. PMID 7273375. [e]
- ↑ Erbel R, Schweizer P, Krebs W, Meyer J, Effert S (1984). "Sensitivity and specificity of two-dimensional echocardiography in detection of impaired left ventricular function". Eur. Heart J. 5 (6): 477-89. PMID 6745290. [e]
- ↑ Pfisterer M, Buser P, Rickli H, et al (January 2009). "BNP-guided vs symptom-guided heart failure therapy: the Trial of Intensified vs Standard Medical Therapy in Elderly Patients With Congestive Heart Failure (TIME-CHF) randomized trial". JAMA 301 (4): 383–92. DOI:10.1001/jama.2009.2. PMID 19176440. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Bibbins-Domingo K, Fernandez A (2007). "BiDil for heart failure in black patients: implications of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval". Ann. Intern. Med. 146 (1): 52–6. PMID 17200222. [e]
- ↑ Bloche MG (2004). "Race-based therapeutics". N. Engl. J. Med. 351 (20): 2035–7. DOI:10.1056/NEJMp048271. PMID 15533852. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Shekelle PG, Rich MW, Morton SC, et al (2003). "Efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers in the management of left ventricular systolic dysfunction according to race, gender, and diabetic status: a meta-analysis of major clinical trials". J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 41 (9): 1529–38. PMID 12742294. [e]
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Exner DV, Dries DL, Domanski MJ, Cohn JN (2001). "Lesser response to angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor therapy in black as compared with white patients with left ventricular dysfunction". N. Engl. J. Med. 344 (18): 1351–7. PMID 11333991. [e]
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Taylor AL, Ziesche S, Yancy C, et al (2004). "Combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine in blacks with heart failure". N. Engl. J. Med. 351 (20): 2049–57. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa042934. PMID 15533851. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 Temple R, Stockbridge NL (2007). "BiDil for heart failure in black patients". Ann. Intern. Med. 147 (3): 215–6. [e]
Cite error: Invalid
<ref>
tag; name "pmid17679712b" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 18.0 18.1 Bibbins-Domingo K, Fernandez A (2007). "BiDil for heart failure in black patients". Ann. Intern. Med. 147 (3): 214–5. PMID 17679712. [e]
Cite error: Invalid
<ref>
tag; name "pmid17679712" defined multiple times with different content - ↑ 19.0 19.1 Carson P, Ziesche S, Johnson G, Cohn JN (1999). "Racial differences in response to therapy for heart failure: analysis of the vasodilator-heart failure trials. Vasodilator-Heart Failure Trial Study Group". J. Card. Fail. 5 (3): 178–87. DOI:10.1016/S1071-9164(99)90001-5. PMID 10496190. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Cohn JN, Archibald DG, Ziesche S, et al (1986). "Effect of vasodilator therapy on mortality in chronic congestive heart failure. Results of a Veterans Administration Cooperative Study". N. Engl. J. Med. 314 (24): 1547–52. PMID 3520315. [e]
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 Cohn JN, Johnson G, Ziesche S, et al (1991). "A comparison of enalapril with hydralazine-isosorbide dinitrate in the treatment of chronic congestive heart failure". N. Engl. J. Med. 325 (5): 303–10. PMID 2057035. [e]
- ↑ Anonymous. (2009) Drugs for Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure. The Medical Letter. 2009;7 (83)
- ↑ Garg R, Yusuf S (May 1995). "Overview of randomized trials of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure. Collaborative Group on ACE Inhibitor Trials". JAMA 273 (18): 1450–6. PMID 7654275. [e]
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 Hunt SA, Abraham WT, Chin MH, et al (2005). "ACC/AHA 2005 Guideline Update for the Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Heart Failure in the Adult: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Update the 2001 Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Heart Failure): developed in collaboration with the American College of Chest Physicians and the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation: endorsed by the Heart Rhythm Society". Circulation 112 (12): e154–235. DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.167586. PMID 16160202. Research Blogging. National Guidelines Clearinghouse
- ↑ Phillips CO, Kashani A, Ko DK, Francis G, Krumholz HM (2007). "Adverse effects of combination angiotensin II receptor blockers plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for left ventricular dysfunction: a quantitative review of data from randomized clinical trials". Arch. Intern. Med. 167 (18): 1930–6. DOI:10.1001/archinte.167.18.1930. PMID 17923591. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Kramer JM, Curtis LH, Dupree CS, et al (December 2008). "Comparative effectiveness of beta-blockers in elderly patients with heart failure". Arch. Intern. Med. 168 (22): 2422–8; discussion 2428–32. DOI:10.1001/archinternmed.2008.511. PMID 19064824. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Go AS, Yang J, Gurwitz JH, Hsu J, Lane K, Platt R (December 2008). "Comparative effectiveness of different beta-adrenergic antagonists on mortality among adults with heart failure in clinical practice". Arch. Intern. Med. 168 (22): 2415–21. DOI:10.1001/archinternmed.2008.506. PMID 19064823. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Freemantle N, Cleland J, Young P, Mason J, Harrison J (June 1999). "beta Blockade after myocardial infarction: systematic review and meta regression analysis". BMJ 318 (7200): 1730–7. PMID 10381708. PMC 31101. [e]
- ↑ McAlister FA, Wiebe N, Ezekowitz JA, Leung AA, Armstrong PW (June 2009). "Meta-analysis: beta-blocker dose, heart rate reduction, and death in patients with heart failure". Ann. Intern. Med. 150 (11): 784–94. PMID 19487713. [e]
- ↑ Liggett, Stephen B et al. 2008. A GRK5 polymorphism that inhibits [beta]-adrenergic receptor signaling is protective in heart failure. Nat Med advanced online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nm1750 (Accessed April 29, 2008).
- ↑ Massie BM (2005). "Isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine was effective for advanced heart failure in black patients". ACP J. Club 142 (2): 37. PMID 15739984. [e]
- ↑ Temple R, Stockbridge NL (2007). "BiDil for heart failure in black patients: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration perspective". Ann. Intern. Med. 146 (1): 57–62. PMID 17200223. [e]
- ↑ Kahn JD (2007). "BiDil for heart failure in black patients". Ann. Intern. Med. 147 (3): 215; author reply 215–6. PMID 17679713. [e]
- ↑ Ahmed, Ali (2008), "An Update on the Role of Digoxin in Older Adults with Chronic Heart Failure", Geriatrics Aging 11(1): 37-41
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Colucci WS, et al. Intravenous nesiritide, a natriuretic peptide, in the treatment of decompensated congestive heart failure. Nesiritide Study Group. N Engl J Med. 2000 Jul 27;343(4):246-53. Erratum in: N Engl J Med 2000 Nov 16;343(20):1504. N Engl J Med 2000;343:896. PMID 10911006
- ↑ Gheorghiade M et al. Short-term clinical effects of tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin antagonist, in patients hospitalized for heart failure: the EVEREST Clinical Status Trials. JAMA 2007;297:1332-43. Epub 2007 Mar 25. PMID 17384438
- ↑ Konstam MA et al. Effects of oral tolvaptan in patients hospitalized for worsening heart failure: the EVEREST Outcome Trial. JAMA 2007;297:1319-31. Epub 2007 Mar 25. PMID 17384437
- ↑ Goldsmith SR, Gheorghiade M. Vasopressin antagonism in heart failure. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;46:1785-91. PMID 16286160
- ↑ Peter JV, Moran JL, Phillips-Hughes J, Graham P, Bersten AD (2006). "Effect of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on mortality in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: a meta-analysis". Lancet 367 (9517): 1155–63. DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68506-1. PMID 16616558. Research Blogging.
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Masip J, Roque M, Sánchez B, Fernández R, Subirana M, Expósito JA (2005). "Noninvasive ventilation in acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema: systematic review and meta-analysis". JAMA 294 (24): 3124–30. DOI:10.1001/jama.294.24.3124. PMID 16380593. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Nava S, Carbone G, DiBattista N, et al (2003). "Noninvasive ventilation in cardiogenic pulmonary edema: a multicenter randomized trial". Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 168 (12): 1432–7. DOI:10.1164/rccm.200211-1270OC. PMID 12958051. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Lam SK, Owen A (2007). "Combined resynchronisation and implantable defibrillator therapy in left ventricular dysfunction: Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials". BMJ 335 (7626): 925. DOI:10.1136/bmj.39343.511389.BE. PMID 17932160. Research Blogging.
- ↑ McAlister FA, Ezekowitz J, Hooton N, et al (2007). "Cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a systematic review". JAMA 297 (22): 2502–14. DOI:10.1001/jama.297.22.2502. PMID 17565085. Research Blogging. ACPJC summary
- ↑ Beshai JF, Grimm RA, Nagueh SF, et al (2007). "Cardiac-Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure with Narrow QRS Complexes". DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa0706695. PMID 17986493. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Bardy GH, Lee KL, Mark DB, et al (2005). "Amiodarone or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for congestive heart failure". N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (3): 225–37. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa043399. PMID 15659722. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Delgado RM, Radovancevic B (2007). "Symptomatic relief: left ventricular assist devices versus resynchronization therapy". Heart failure clinics 3 (3): 259–65. DOI:10.1016/j.hfc.2007.05.004. PMID 17723934. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Jessup M, Costanzo MR (February 2009). "The cardiorenal syndrome: do we need a change of strategy or a change of tactics?". J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 53 (7): 597–9. DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2008.11.012. PMID 19215834. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Levy WC, Mozaffarian D, Linker DT, et al (2006). "The Seattle Heart Failure Model: prediction of survival in heart failure". Circulation 113 (11): 1424–33. DOI:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.584102. PMID 16534009. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Allen LA, Yager JE, Funk MJ, et al. (June 2008). "Discordance between patient-predicted and model-predicted life expectancy among ambulatory patients with heart failure". JAMA 299 (21): 2533–42. DOI:10.1001/jama.299.21.2533. PMID 18523222. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Allen LA et al. Discordance between patient-predicted and model-predicted life expectancy among ambulatory patients with heart failure. JAMA. 2008;299:2533-42. PMID 18523222
- ↑ Wang NC, Maggioni AP, Konstam MA, et al (June 2008). "Clinical implications of QRS duration in patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction". JAMA 299 (22): 2656–66. DOI:10.1001/jama.299.22.2656. PMID 18544725. Research Blogging.
- ↑ Giamouzis G, Kalogeropoulos AP, Georgiopoulou VV, et al. (February 2009). "Incremental value of renal function in risk prediction with the Seattle Heart Failure Model". Am. Heart J. 157 (2): 299–305. DOI:10.1016/j.ahj.2008.10.007. PMID 19185637. Research Blogging.