Levosimendán ambulatorio repetitivo como puente al trasplante cardiaco / Repetitive ambulatory levosimendan as a bridge to heart transplantation

Introducción y objetivos:El levosimendán ambulatorio repetitivo es una opción como puente al trasplante cardiaco (TxC), aunque la evidencia sobre su eficacia y su seguridad es escasa. El objetivo del registro LEVO-T es describir a los pacientes en lista de TxC que reciben levosimendán, sus pautas y los eventos clínicos durante el seguimiento, en comparación con los que no lo reciben. Métodos: Se revisó en retrospectiva a los pacientes en lista de espera para TxC electivo de 14 centros españoles desde 2015 hasta 2020. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.015 pacientes consecutivos; los 238 (23,4%) que recibieron levosimendán mostraron más ingresos por insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) el año anterior y peor perfil clínico. Las dosis fijas por necesidades clínicas fueron la pauta más frecuente. Dos pacientes (0,8%) presentaron arritmias ventriculares no mortales. No hubo diferencias en hospitalizaciones por IC entre los que comenzaron levosimendán en los primeros 30 días después de inclusión y los que no (el 33,6 frente al 34,5%; p=0,848). De estos últimos, 102 (32,9%) pasaron a levosimendán después de un ingreso por IC, y la tasa de ingresos por IC/mes varió de 0,57 antes del levosimendán a 0,21 después. El análisis mediante emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión no mostró diferencias entre los pacientes con y sin levosimendán en la supervivencia a 1 año tras la inclusión en lista (HR=1,03; IC95%, 0,36-2,97; p=0,958) ni en la supervivencia tras el TxC (HR=0,97; IC95%, 0,60-1,56; p=0,958). Conclusiones: El levosimendán ambulatorio repetitivo como puente al trasplante cardiaco es un tratamiento frecuente y seguro que podría reducir ingresos por IC. (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Repetitive ambulatory doses of levosimendan are an option as a bridge to heart transplantation (HT), but evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this treatment is scarce. The objective of the LEVO-T Registry is to describe the profile of patients on the HT list receiving levosimendan, prescription patterns, and clinical outcomes compared with patients not on levosimendan. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients listed for elective HT from 2015 to 2020 from 14 centers in Spain. Results: A total of 1015 consecutive patients were included, of whom 238 patients (23.4%) received levosimendan. Patients treated with levosimendan had more heart failure (HF) admissions in the previous year and a worse clinical profile. The most frequent prescription pattern were fixed doses triggered by the patients’ clinical needs. Nonfatal ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 2 patients (0.8%). No differences in HF hospitalizations were found between patients who started levosimendan in the first 30 days after listing and those who did not (33.6% vs 34.5%; P=.848). Among those who did not, 102 patients (32.9%) crossed over to levosimendan after an HF admission. These patients had a rate of 0.57 HF admissions per month before starting levosimendan and 0.21 afterwards. Propensity score matching analysis showed no differences in survival at 1 year after listing between patients receiving levosimendan and those who did not (HR, 1.03; 95%CI, 0.36-2.97; P=.958) or in survival after HT (HR, 0.97; 95%CI, 0.60-1.56; P=.958). Conclusions: Repetitive levosimendan in an ambulatory setting as a bridge to heart transplantation is commonly used, is safe, and may reduce HF hospitalizations. (AU)

Deciphering the roles of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on cardiac electrical remodeling in clinical and experimental hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the most frequent endocrine pathology. Although clinical or overt hypothyroidism has been traditionally associated to low T3 / T4 and high thyrotropin (TSH) circulating levels, other forms exist such as subclinical hypothyroidism, characterized by normal blood T3 / T4 and high TSH. In its different forms is estimated to affect approximately 10% of the population, especially women, in a 5:1 ratio with respect to men. Among its consequences are alterations in cardiac electrical activity, especially in the repolarization phase, which is accompanied by an increased susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias. Although these alterations have traditionally been attributed to thyroid hormone deficiency, recent studies, both clinical trials and experimental models, demonstrate a fundamental role of TSH in cardiac electrical remodeling. Thus, both metabolic thyroid hormones and TSH regulate cardiac ion channel expression in many and varied ways. This means that the different combinations of hormones that predominate in different types of hypothyroidism (overt, subclinic, primary, central) can generate different forms of cardiac electrical remodeling. These new findings are raising the relevant question of whether serum TSH reference ranges should be redefined. (AU)

Deciphering the roles of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) on cardiac electrical remodeling in clinical and experimental hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the most frequent endocrine pathology. Although clinical or overt hypothyroidism has been traditionally associated to low T3 / T4 and high thyrotropin (TSH) circulating levels, other forms exist such as subclinical hypothyroidism, characterized by normal blood T3 / T4 and high TSH. In its different forms is estimated to affect approximately 10% of the population, especially women, in a 5:1 ratio with respect to men. Among its consequences are alterations in cardiac electrical activity, especially in the repolarization phase, which is accompanied by an increased susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias. Although these alterations have traditionally been attributed to thyroid hormone deficiency, recent studies, both clinical trials and experimental models, demonstrate a fundamental role of TSH in cardiac electrical remodeling. Thus, both metabolic thyroid hormones and TSH regulate cardiac ion channel expression in many and varied ways. This means that the different combinations of hormones that predominate in different types of hypothyroidism (overt, subclinic, primary, central) can generate different forms of cardiac electrical remodeling. These new findings are raising the relevant question of whether serum TSH reference ranges should be redefined. (AU)

Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Patients With Hypertension and Arrhythmia: A Multicenter Study of 264 Patients / Seguridad de minoxidil oral a dosis bajas en pacientes con hipertensión o arritmias: estudio multicéntrico de 264 pacientes

Background and objective Systemic adverse effects (AE) are a major concern of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) treatment, especially in patients with arterial hypertension or arrhythmia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of LDOM in patients with hypertension or arrhythmia. Patients and methods Retrospective multicenter study of patients with hypertension or arrhythmia treated with LDOM for any type of alopecia. Results A total of 254 patients with hypertension [176 women (69.3%) and 78 men (30.7%)] with a mean age of 56.9 years (range 19–82) were included. From them, the dose of LDOM was titrated in 128 patients, allowing the analysis of 382 doses. Patients were receiving a mean of 1.45 (range 0–5) antihypertensive drugs. Systemic AE were detected in 26 cases (6.8%) and included lightheadedness (3.1%), fluid retention (2.6%), general malaise (0.8%), tachycardia (0.8%) and headache (0.5%), leading to LDOM discontinuation in 6 cases (1.5%). Prior treatment with doxazosin (P<0.001), or with three or more antihypertensive drugs (P=0.012) was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation of LDOM. Conclusions LDOM treatment showed a favorable safety profile in patients with hypertension or arrhythmia, similar to general population (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivo Los efectos adversos sistémicos son una de las principales limitaciones del uso de minoxidil oral a dosis bajas (MODB), especialmente en pacientes con hipertensión arterial o arritmias. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la seguridad de MODB en estos pacientes. Material y método Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico con pacientes con antecedentes de hipertensión o arritmias tratados con MODB para cualquier tipo de alopecia. Resultados Se incluyó un total de 254 pacientes con hipertensión (176 mujeres [69,3%] y 78 hombres [30,7%]) con una edad media de 56,9 años (rango 19 – 82). La dosis de MODB se incrementó gradualmente en 128 pacientes, obteniendo un total de 382 dosis analizadas. Los sujetos estaban tomando de media 1,45 fármacos antihipertensivos (rango 0 – 5). Se detectaron EA sistémicos en 26 casos (6,8%), incluyendo mareo (3,1%), retención de líquidos (2,6%), malestar general (0,8%), taquicardia (0,8%) y cefalea (0,5%), requiriendo suspensión del MODB en seis casos (1,5%). Los pacientes en tratamiento con doxazosina (p < 0,001) o con tres o más antihipertensivos (p = 0,012) presentaron mayor riesgo de suspensión de MODB. Conclusión El tratamiento con MODB mostró un perfil de seguridad favorable en pacientes con hipertensión o arritmias, similar al de la población general (AU)

[Artíulo traducido] Seguridad de minoxidil oral a dosis bajas en pacientes con hipertensión o arritmias: estudio multicéntrico de 264 pacientes / Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Patients With Hypertension and Arrhythmia: A Multicenter Study of 264 Patients

Antecedentes y objetivo Los efectos adversos sistémicos son una de las principales limitaciones del uso de minoxidil oral a dosis bajas (MODB), especialmente en pacientes con hipertensión arterial o arritmias. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la seguridad de MODB en estos pacientes. Material y método Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico con pacientes con antecedentes de hipertensión o arritmias tratados con MODB para cualquier tipo de alopecia. Resultados Se incluyó un total de 254 pacientes con hipertensión (176 mujeres [69,3%] y 78 hombres [30,7%]) con una edad media de 56,9 años (rango 19 – 82). La dosis de MODB se incrementó gradualmente en 128 pacientes, obteniendo un total de 382 dosis analizadas. Los sujetos estaban tomando de media 1,45 fármacos antihipertensivos (rango 0 – 5). Se detectaron EA sistémicos en 26 casos (6,8%), incluyendo mareo (3,1%), retención de líquidos (2,6%), malestar general (0,8%), taquicardia (0,8%) y cefalea (0,5%), requiriendo suspensión del MODB en seis casos (1,5%). Los pacientes en tratamiento con doxazosina (p < 0,001) o con tres o más antihipertensivos (p = 0,012) presentaron mayor riesgo de suspensión de MODB. Conclusión El tratamiento con MODB mostró un perfil de seguridad favorable en pacientes con hipertensión o arritmias, similar al de la población general (AU)

Background and objective Systemic adverse effects (AE) are a major concern of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) treatment, especially in patients with arterial hypertension or arrhythmia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of LDOM in patients with hypertension or arrhythmia. Patients and methods Retrospective multicenter study of patients with hypertension or arrhythmia treated with LDOM for any type of alopecia. Results A total of 254 patients with hypertension [176 women (69.3%) and 78 men (30.7%)] with a mean age of 56.9 years (range 19–82) were included. From them, the dose of LDOM was titrated in 128 patients, allowing the analysis of 382 doses. Patients were receiving a mean of 1.45 (range 0–5) antihypertensive drugs. Systemic AE were detected in 26 cases (6.8%) and included lightheadedness (3.1%), fluid retention (2.6%), general malaise (0.8%), tachycardia (0.8%) and headache (0.5%), leading to LDOM discontinuation in 6 cases (1.5%). Prior treatment with doxazosin (P<0.001), or with three or more antihypertensive drugs (P=0.012) was associated with a higher risk of discontinuation of LDOM. Conclusions LDOM treatment showed a favorable safety profile in patients with hypertension or arrhythmia, similar to general population (AU)

Transient second-degree type 2 atrioventricular block after infliximab infusion in a patient with Crohn’s disease and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

Current treatments for patients in the active phase of Crohn's disease (CD) include conventional treatments and biological treatments. Infliximab (IFX), a TNF-α antagonist, is recommended to induce remission in patients with moderate-to-severe CD who have not responded to conventional therapy. IFX terminates the inflammatory cascade by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and caspase signaling pathways and increases the apoptosis of activated T cells in inflamed tissues. (AU)

Estudio de cohortes para evaluar la prevalencia de QT prolongado y arritmias en pacientes críticos durante la primera fase de la pandemia por COVID-19 / Cohort study to assess the prevalence of prolonged QT and arrhythmias in critically ill patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Antecedentes y objetivo: Los pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 pueden presentar afectación cardiovascular, incluyendo miocarditis, arritmias y prolongación del intervalo QT. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar el impacto de la COVID-19 y su tratamiento en la repolarización ventricular y el desarrollo de arritmias en pacientes críticos. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de pacientes críticos con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 durante un periodo de 3meses. Se registraron los datos clínicos relevantes y el tratamiento específico administrado para la COVID-19. Se consideró QTc prolongado cuando medía ≥460ms en mujeres y ≥450ms en hombres. Se registró la incidencia y el tipo de arritmias durante el mismo periodo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 77 pacientes con una edad media de 62±13años: 20 mujeres y 57 hombres. El 60% de los pacientes eran hipertensos, el 52% presentaban un IMC>30 y el 70% desarrollaron fracaso renal agudo durante el ingreso. El 56% de los pacientes presentaron prolongación del QTc. El 44% presentaron algún tipo de arritmia durante su estancia en la UCI, siendo en el 21% arritmias auriculares. La mortalidad global fue del 53%, sin diferencias entre los pacientes con o sin QTc prolongado. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie, una elevada proporción de pacientes críticos con COVID-19 han presentado QTc prolongado y arritmias. Los factores implicados se han relacionado con la elevación de biomarcadores cardiacos, la propia afectación miocárdica del virus y la medicación concomitante recibida en la UCI.(AU)

Introduction and objective: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present cardiovascular involvement including myocarditis, arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment on ventricular repolarization and development of arrhythmias in critically ill patients. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients during a 3-month period in whom at least one ECG was available. Relevant clinical data and specific treatment administered for COVID-19 were recorded. Prolonged QTc was considered prolonged when it measured ≥460ms in women and ≥450ms in men. The incidence and type of arrhythmias during the same period were recorded. Results: A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 62±13years, 20 women and 57 men, were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients were hypertensive, 52% had a BMI>30, and 70% developed acute renal failure during admission. Some 56% of the patients presented QTc prolongation. Forty-four percent presented some type of arrhythmia during their stay in the ICU, 21% of which were atrial arrhythmias. Overall mortality was 53%, with no differences between patients with or without prolonged QTc. Conclusions: In our series, a high proportion of critical patients with COVID-19 presented prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The factors involved have been related to the elevation of cardiac biomarkers, the myocardial involvement of the virus and concomitant medication received in the ICU.(AU)

Mechanisms of myocardial hypoxia-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial autophagy on cardiac arrhythmias in fitness enthusiasts and athletes

Arrhythmias are a prevalent cardiovascular condition, frequently seen in athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to their high-intensity physical activities, which can complicate or be secondary to heart failure, myocardial hypoxia, ischemia, and in severe cases, lead to sudden death. In the context of athletic and fitness-oriented lifestyles, myocardial hypoxia—often a result of intense physical exertion—can significantly impact endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial autophagy. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) plays a crucial role in cellular protein synthesis. Disruptions in ER homeostasis, due to various factors including strenuous physical activity, can lead to an accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, triggering ER stress. This stress has been identified in various diseases and is of particular interest in the athletic population, where the body's systems, including the heart, are often pushed to their limits. Furthermore, mitochondrial autophagy, a process vital for maintaining cellular health by degrading and recycling mitochondrial components, has been linked to arrhythmia. This connection is especially pertinent in athletes, as their hearts undergo considerable physiological stress and adaptation in response to ongoing physical demands. This study aims to explore the mechanisms by which myocardial hypoxia induces ER stress and mitochondrial autophagy, and how these processes contribute to the development of cardiac arrhythmias in athletes and fitness enthusiasts. By focusing on this specific group, the research seeks to provide a deeper understanding of the cardiac risks associated with high levels of physical activity and to inform preventative and therapeutic strategies tailored to this population (AU)

Arritmias en pacientes con miopatía miotubular ligada al cromosoma X / Arrhythmias in patients with X-linked myotubular myopathy

Introducción: La miopatía miotubular es una enfermedad muscular congénita causada por una mutación en el gen de la miotubularina (MTM1). La miopatía miotubular ligada al cromosoma X (XLMTM) afecta a los hombres con síntomas de aparición temprana como debilidad muscular, hipotonía y dificultad respiratoria. Hasta donde sabemos, la afectación cardíaca en estos pacientes no se ha descrito previamente, a diferencia de otros tipos de miopatías congénitas, como la miopatía nemalínica o la miopatía con cores. Casos clínicos: Presentamos dos casos clínicos de XLMTM que comenzaron con bradicardia sinusal grave o bloqueo auriculoventricular desde los primeros días de vida, con Holter patológico en ambos casos. Se descartó una afectación cardíaca primaria por estudios electrofisiológicos y se recuperó la frecuencia cardíaca normal con soporte respiratorio adecuado. Conclusión: Estos casos con bradicardia grave en una patología bien conocida, como la XLMTM, suponen un matiz en el diagnóstico diferencial habitual de las miopatías congénitas.(AU)

Introduction: Myotubular myopathy is a congenital muscle disease caused by a mutation in the myotubularin (MTM1) gene. The X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) affects males with early-onset symptoms such as muscle weakness, hypotonia, and respiratory distress. To our knowledge, cardiac involvement has not been previously described in this condition, in contrast to other types of congenital myopathies such as nemaline myopathy or core myopathy. Case reports: We report two clinical cases of XLMTM that started with severe sinus bradycardia or auriculoventricular block from the first days of life, with pathologic 24-hours Holter monitoring in both cases. A primary cardiac affection was excluded by electrophysiological studies and normal heart rate was recovered with proper respiratory support. Discussion: These cases with sever bradyarrhythmia in a well know pathology such the XLMTM represents a nuance on the usual differential diagnostics of congenital myopathies.(AU)

Registro español de ablación con catéter. XXII informe oficial de la Asociación del Ritmo Cardiaco de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (2022) / Spanish catheter ablation registry. 22nd official report of the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2022)

Introducción y objetivos: Se presentan los resultados del Registro español de ablación con catéter correspondientes a 2022. Métodos: Registro de actividad restrospectivo de los datos introducidos en la plataforma REDCap utilizando un formulario específico. Resultados: Participaron 103 centros (75 públicos, 28 privados) que comunicaron 23.360 procedimientos de ablación, con una media de 227±173 y una mediana de 202 [intervalo intercuartílico, 77-312] procedimientos por centro. Se ha producido un incremento muy significativo de la actividad (+5.419 casos,+30,2%) y de los centros participantes (10 centros más que en 2021). El procedimiento más frecuente sigue siendo la ablación de fibrilación auricular (FA) (el 35%, 8.185 casos) seguido de la ablación del istmo cavotricuspídeo (el 20%, 4.640 casos) y la taquicardia por reentrada intranodular (el 17%, 3.898 casos). Crecen todos los sustratos, especialmente la ablación de FA (+40%), y aumenta ligeramente el éxito agudo global, que alcanza el 96%, y disminuyen las tasas de complicaciones hasta el 1,8% (n=422) y de mortalidad (0,04%; n=10). Se realizaron 525 ablaciones en pacientes pediátricos (2,2%). Conclusiones: El Registro español de ablación con catéter recoge de manera sistemática e ininterrumpida la trayectoria nacional, que este año muestra un incremento muy significativo de la actividad en todos los sustratos, pero especialmente la referente a ablación de FA. Aumenta ligeramente la tasa de éxito y se reducen tanto la tasa de complicaciones como la mortalidad.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: This article presents results of the Spanish catheter ablation registry for the year 2022. MethodsData were retrospectively entered into a REDCap platform using a specific form. Results: A total of 103 centers participated (75 public, 28 private), which reported 23 360 ablation procedures, with a mean of 227±173 and a median of 202 [interquartile range, 77-312] procedures per center. Activity significantly increased (+5419 procedures,+30.2%) with more centers participating in the registry (10 more than in 2021). The most common procedure continued to be atrial fibrillation ablation (35%, 8185 procedures) followed by cavotricuspid isthmus ablation (20%, 4640 procedures), and intranodal re-entrant tachycardia (17%, 3898 procedures). There was an increase in all reported substrates, especially atrial fibrillation ablation (+40%), with slightly higher global acute success (96%) and lower complication rates (1.8%) and mortality (0.04%, n=10). In total, 525 procedures were performed in pediatric patients (2.2%). Conclusions: The Spanish catheter ablation registry systematically and continuously collects the national trajectory, which experienced a significant activity increase in 2022 in all of the reported substrates but especially in atrial fibrillation ablation. Acute success increased, while both complications and mortality decreased.(AU)

Registro español de desfibrilador automático implantable. XIX informe oficial de la Asociación del Ritmo Cardiaco de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (2022) / Spanish implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry. 19th official report of Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2022)

Introducción y objetivos: Se presentan los datos de implantes de desfibrilador automático implantable en España en el año 2022.Métodos: Los datos provienen de los centros implantadores, que cumplimentaron voluntariamente una hoja de recogida de datos durante el implante, a mano o a través de una página web.Resultados: Durante 2022, han participado en el registro 170 hospitales. Se han recibido 7.693 formularios, frente a los 7.970 comunicados por la European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Associations (Eucomed), lo que representa un 96,5% de los dispositivos. La tasa total de implantes registrados fue 162/millón de habitantes (168 según Eucomed), un ligero incremento respecto a años anteriores. Las diferencias entre las comunidades autónomas persisten, así como nuestra última posición respecto a los países europeos que participan en la Eucomed.Conclusiones: Los datos del registro de 2022 reflejan la recuperación completa de la actividad tras el impacto de la pandemia de la COVID-19 en 2020. Pese a la leve mejora, se mantiene nuestra posición en Europa y también las grandes diferencias entre nuestras comunidades autónomas.(AU)

Introduction and objectives: This article presents data on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implants in Spain in 2022.Methods: The data were collected from implantation centers, which voluntarily completed a data collection sheet during the implantation process, either manually or through a web page.Results: In 2022, 170 hospitals participated in the registry. A total of 7693 forms were received compared with the 7970 reported by Eucomed (European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Associations), representing 96.5% of the devices. The total rate of registered implants was 162/million inhabitants (168 according to Eucomed), showing a slight increase compared with previous years. Disparities persisted among autonomous communities and Spain continued to have the lowest implantation rate among countries participating in Eucomed.Conclusions: The data from the registry for 2022 reflect the complete recovery of activity after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite a slight improvement, there was no significant change in our position in Europe or in the substantial differences among autonomous communities.(AU)

Trastornos del ritmo cardiaco en pacientes con síndrome de Tako-tsubo / Heart rate disorders in patients with Tako-tsubo syndrome

Objetivos El presente estudio pretende evaluar la incidencia, el pronóstico y el tratamiento de los trastornos del ritmo (TdR) en el síndrome de Tako-tsubo (STT). Antecedentes El STT se asocia frecuentemente a TdR. El valor pronóstico de estos TdR aún no está bien caracterizado en el STT. Material y métodos Se analizaron los TdR de los pacientes incluidos en el REgistro nacional multicéntrico sobre síndrome de Tako-tsubo, ingresados entre 2002 y 2018, aportados por 38 hospitales de todo el país. Analizamos en los pacientes TdR previos, en el ingreso y en el seguimiento a largo plazo. Resultados Se describió cualquier tipo de TdR en 259 (23,5%) casos, de una cohorte de 1.097 pacientes consecutivos con STT. Los TdR se presentan más en pacientes con diabetes mellitus, tabaquismo, hiperuricemia, apnea del sueño y anemia, además de con una fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo (FEVI) menor al ingreso. El TdR más frecuente fue el inicio de fibrilación auricular. Durante el ingreso hospitalario, los pacientes con TdR mostraron más complicaciones, como shock al ingreso, hemorragia mayor, insuficiencia renal aguda y el combinado de infecciones. En el seguimiento, presentaron mayor mortalidad y numéricamente más episodios adversos combinados. Conclusiones Los TdR no son infrecuentes en fase aguda del STT. El STT asociado a TdR se presenta con más complicaciones y peor pronóstico tanto hospitalario como a largo plazo (AU)

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the incidence, prognosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders (HRD) in Tako-tsubo syndrome (TTS). Background TTS is associated with HRD. The HRD prognostic value is not well characterized in TTS yet. Methods The HRD of patients included in the National Registry of Tako-tsubo syndrome, admitted between 2002 and 2018 and coming from 38 hospitals throughout the country, was analyzed. We analyzed any heart rhythm disorder in patients presented before admission, at admission and in long-term follow-up. Results All types of HRD were described in 259 (23.5%) cases, from a cohort of 1,097 consecutive patients with TTS. HRD was more associated with diabetes mellitus, smoking, hyperuricemia, sleep apnea, anemia with a worse LVEF on admission. The most frequent HRD was a new onset of atrial fibrillation. During hospitalization, patients with HRD showed more complications such as shock on admission, major bleeding, acute renal failure, and combined infections. At follow-up, they presented higher mortality and more major adverse cardiac events, but with a non-significant correlation. Conclusions The incidence of HRD in patients with TTS is not infrequent. TTS, when associated with HRD, presents more complications and a worse prognosis both in hospital and in the long term (AU)

The Efficacy and Safety of Ivabradine in Arrhythmias: A Systematic Review

Background: Treating arrhythmia adequately is crucial to prevent cardiac morbidity and mortality. Previous studies report that ivabradine may increase the risk of atrial fibrillation; however, emerging evidence shows that the drug may have beneficial effect in treatment of arrhythmia. Purpose: The present research explored the clinical evidence regarding the clinical efficacy and safety of ivabradine to treat arrhythmias. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases. Full text articles that report on the use of ivabradine in human subjects with arrhythmia are included. Studies not written in English language and those not published in the period between 2016 and May 2021 were excluded. Results and discussion: Eight articles were included in the current review after screening a total of 1100 articles. The studies depicted that ivabradine is effective in improving ventricular rate, heart rate, and sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation and has limited or no side effects. In addition, the findings indicate that combining ivabradine with other medications is more effective for improving the ventricular rate and maintain sinus rhythm than when used alone. Conclusion: Ivabradine alone or in combination with other medications can therefore be used as a potential treatment for arrhythmias. (AU)

Overview of the use of antiarrhythmic drugs at a tertiary hospital in Oman

Background: Antiarrhythmic drugs are commonly used to treat arrhythmia. However, data on the usage pattern of antiarrhythmic drugs, associated side effects, and the role of clinical pharmacist interventions in the Middle East are scarce. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the usage pattern, side effects, and clinical pharmacist interventions of antiarrhythmic drugs at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), a tertiary care hospital in Oman. Methods: This retrospective observational study included adult patients (≥18 years) who received at least one dose of antiarrhythmic drugs at SQUH between January 2020 and December 2021. Ethical approval was obtained prior to conducting the study. Results: In total, 400 patients were enrolled in this study. Their mean age was 62.5 ± 16.6 years (range:19-96), and 55.3% (221/400) were male. Atrial arrhythmias were the most commonly observed (344/400, 86.0%). Beta-blockers (337/500, 67.4%) were the most prescribed class of drugs. The most commonly prescribed drugs were bisoprolol (263/400, 65.8%), carvedilol (65/400, 16.3%), and amiodarone (59/400, 14.8%). The majority of patients (300/400, 75.0%) received monotherapy, whereas 25% (100/400) received combination therapy. A total of 109 side effects were reported in 45 patients, resulting in an incidence rate of 11.3 %, with cardiovascular side effects accounting for the majority (41/109, 37.6%) of these. Amiodarone had the highest prevalence of adverse effects (33/109, 30.3%). A total of 122 clinical pharmacist interventions were observed in 13.0 % (52/400) of patients. Beta-blockers were associated with more than half of the interventions (61/122, 50.0%). (AU)

Estudio EMERG-ICD: manejo y pronóstico a largo plazo de las urgencias en los pacientes portadores de un desfibrilador automático implantable / Long-term prognosis and emergency management for patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: the EMERGE-ICD study

Objetivos: Los pacientes portadores de desfibriladores automáticos implantables (DAI) tienen riesgo de complicaciones graves que son atendidas con frecuencia en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). Este estudio analiza el manejo y el pronóstico de las urgencias en portadores de un DAI. Método: Estudio de cohorte observacional y multicéntrico que incluyó de manera consecutiva pacientes adultos portadores de DAI que consultaron en 27 SUH en España, con seguimiento posterior a 10 años. Se recogieron las variables clínicas, manejo en el SUH, fecha y causa del fallecimiento. La variable de resultado primaria fue la mortalidad por cualquier causa. Resultados: Se incluyeron 503 pacientes, 471 con cardiopatía estructural (CE) y 32 con enfermedad eléctrica primaria cardiaca (EEPC). Se prescribió betabloqueantes en el SUH al 55% de los pacientes con indicación. Durante el seguimiento fallecieron 24 (4,8%), 75 (15,7%) y 368 pacientes (73,2%) a 1 mes, 1 año y 10 años, respectivamente. De estos, 363 tenían CE y 5 EEPC (77,1% vs 15,6%, HR 8,05 IC 95% 3,33-19,46). Entre los pacientes con CE, la mortalidad global fue de causa cardiovascular en el 66% de los casos. La mortalidad se asoció significativamente con la consulta por una causa cardiovascular, edad avanzada, sexo masculino, diabetes, NHYA $ 2, disfunción ventricular grave y tratamiento crónico con amiodarona. Conclusiones: El pronóstico de los portadores de DAI con CE es muy adverso, fundamentalmente debido a complicaciones cardiovasculares en pacientes con comorbilidades que consultan por sintomatología cardiovascular. La mortalidad es menor en los pacientes con EEPC. (AU)

Objective: Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are at risk of serious complications that are often treated in hospital emergency departments (EDs). The EMERG-ICD study (Emergency Department Management and Long-term Prognosis for Patients with ICDs) analysed management and long-term prognosis of ED patients with an ICD after an acute clinical event. Methods: Observational multicenter cohort study including consecutive adult patients with ICDs who came to 27 hospital EDs in Spain for treatment and were followed for 10 years. We collected clinical variables on presentation, ED case management variables, and the date and cause of death in each case. The primary outcome variable was all-cause mortality. Results: Five-hundred three patients were studied; 471 had structural heart disease (SHD) and 32 had primary electrical heart disease (PEHD). Beta-blockers were prescribed in the ED for 55% of the patients for whom they were indicated. Twenty-four (4.8%), 75 (15.7%), and 368 (73.2%) patients died during follow-up at 1 month, 1 year, and 10 years, respectively. Of these, 363 (77.1%) had SHD and 5 (15.6%) had PEHD (hazard ratio, 8.05 (95% CI, 3.33-19.46). Among patients with SHD, the cause of death was cardiovascular in 66%. Mortality correlated significantly with seeking care for cardiovascular symptoms, advanced age, male sex, diabetes, a New York Heart Association score of 2 or more, severe ventricular dysfunction, and long-term amiodarone therapy. Conclusions: Prognosis after an acute clinical event is poor in patients with SHD and ICDs, mainly due to cardiovascular causes, especially among patients with associated comorbidities and cardiovascular complaints. Mortality is lower in patients with PEHD. (AU)