Lp(a) Levels in Relatives of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Elevated Lp(a): HER(a) Study.

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a proatherogenic particle associated with increased cardiovascular risk. It is mainly genetically determined; so, the aim of our study is to evaluate the levels of Lp(a) in the relatives of a prospective cohort of patients who have suffered from an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL. Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective study, in which consecutive patients who had suffered from an ACS and presented Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL and their first-degree relatives were included. Results: We included 413 subjects, of which 56.4% were relatives of the patients. Family history of early ischemic heart disease was present in 57.5%, and only 20.6% were receiving statin treatment. The family cohort was younger (37.5 vs. 59.1 years; p < 0.001), and 4% had ischemic heart disease and fewer cardiovascular risk factors. Mean Lp(a) levels were 64.9 mg/dL, 59.4% had levels ≥ 50 mg/dL, and 16.1% had levels ≥ 100 mg/dL. When comparing the patients with respect to their relatives, the mean level of Lp(a) was lower but without significant differences regarding the levels of LDLc, ApoB, and non-HDL. However, relatives with Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL, had values similar to the group of patients with ACS (96.8 vs. 103.8 mg/dL; p = 0.18). No differences were found in Lp(a) levels in relatives based on the other lipid parameters. Conclusions: Overall, 59.4% of the first-degree relatives of patients who suffered from an ACS with Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL also had elevated levels. Relatives with elevated Lp(a) had similar levels as patients.

Influence of influenza vaccine and comorbidity on the evolution of hospitalized COVID-19 patients⋆.

Background and objective: The COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak is evolving around the world. Objective: To evaluate the associations between influenza vaccination and other factors and the risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Hospital La Mancha Centro between March 5 and 25, 2020. Information on influenza vaccination was extracted from electronic medical records. We used a multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between influenza vaccination and mortality from COVID and other risk factors. Results: 410 patients were included. Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients [OR: 1.55 (95%CI: 0.96-2.48; p = 0.071)]. Increasing hospital mortality was associated with older age [OR: 1.05 (95% CI 1.02-1.07), per year increase; p < 0.001)], Charlson ≥3 [OR: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.07-3.15, p = 0.027)] and heart failure on admission [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1.6-21.7; p = 0.007)]. Conclusions: Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The risk factors identified were older age, higher comorbidity and heart failure on admission.

Antecedentes y objetivo: El brote de la enfermedad COVID-19 está evolucionando en todo el mundo. Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación de la vacunación antigripal y otros factores y el riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se realizó entre pacientes hospitalizados con COVID-19 del Hospital La Mancha Centro entre el 5 y el 25 de marzo de 2020. Utilizamos una regresión logística multivariable para explorar la asociación entre la vacunación antigripal y la mortalidad por COVID y otros factores de riesgo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 410 pacientes. La vacunación antigripal no tuvo efecto entre los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 [OR: 1,55 (IC95%: 0,96­2,48; p = 0,071)]. El aumento de la mortalidad intrahospitalaria se asoció con edad avanzada [OR: 1,05, (IC95%: 1,02­1,07), por cada aumento de año; p < 0.001)], Charlson ≥ 3 [OR: 1,84 (IC95%: 1,07­3,15, p = 0,027)] e insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1,6­21,7; p = 0,007)]. Conclusiones: La vacuna antigripal no tuvo efecto en la evolución de pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron la edad avanzada, mayor comorbilidad e insuficiencia cardíaca al ingreso.

Remote heart failure management using the HeartLogic algorithm. RE-HEART registry.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: HeartLogic is a multiparametric algorithm incorporated into implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD). The associated alerts predict impending heart failure (HF) decompensations. Our objective was to analyze the association between alerts and clinical events and to describe the implementation of a protocol for remote management in a multicenter registry. METHODS: We evaluated study phase 1 (the investigators were blinded to the alert state) and phases 2 and 3 (after HeartLogic activation, managed as per local practice and with a standardized protocol, respectively). RESULTS: We included 288 patients from 15 centers. In phase 1, the median observation period was 10 months and there were 73 alerts (0.72 alerts/patient-y), with 8 hospitalizations and 2 emergency room admissions for HF (0.10 events/patient-y). There were no HF hospitalizations outside the alert period. In the active phases, the median follow-up was 16 (95%CI, 15-22) months and there were 277 alerts (0.89 alerts/patient-y); 33 were associated with HF hospitalizations or HF death (n=6), 46 with minor decompensations, and 78 with other events. The unexplained alert rate was 0.39 alerts/patient-y. Outside the alert state, there was only 1 HF hospitalization and 1 minor HF decompensation. Most alerts (82% in phase 2 and 81% in phase 3; P=.861) were remotely managed. The median NT-proBNP value was higher within than outside the alert state (7378 vs 1210 pg/mL; P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: The HeartLogic index was frequently associated with HF-related events and other clinically relevant situations, with a low rate of unexplained events. A standardized protocol allowed alerts to be safely and remotely detected and appropriate action to be taken on them.

[Risk factors for mortality in patients over 65 years old hospitalized by COVID-19]. / Factores de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes mayores de 65 años hospitalizados por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 is a disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has caused a global pandemic that we are currently suffering from. OBJECTIVE: to identify factors associated with the death of patients aged 65 years or older hospitalized for COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. We included patients aged 65 years or older who were hospitalized for COVID-19 and dead o discharged between March 5 and 25, 2020. We used univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods to explore the risk factors associated with in-hospital death. RESULTS: 277 patients were included in this study. The bivariate analysis showed significant differences (p<0.05) between survivors and non survivors: age, increased dependence and comorbidity, history of ischemic heart disease, renal failure and non-hematological neoplasms, heart failure during admission, leukocytosis, elevated creatinine, PCR, GOT and troponin Ic values, lymphopenia, and decreased blood pH and SatO2. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that age ≥65 years (OR: 4.23 (95% CI: 1.43-12.52; p=0.009), lymphopenia <1000/µL (OR: 2.36 (95% CI: 1.07-5.20; p=0.033), creatinine>1.2mg/dL (OR: 3.08 (95% CI: 1.37-6.92; p=0.006), SatO2 <90% (OR: 2.29 (95% CI: 1.01-5.21; p=0.049) and troponin Ic>11ng/mL (OR: 2.32 (95% CI: 1.04-5.16; p=0.040) were independently associated with higher hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, lymphopenia, SatO2 <90%, elevated creatinine and troponin Ic values were independently associated with higher mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, these factors could help clinicians to identify patients with poor prognosis.

Influence of influenza vaccine and comorbidity on the evolution of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. / Influencia de la vacunación antigripal y la comorbilidad en la evolución de los pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 coronavirus disease outbreak is evolving around the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between influenza vaccination and the risk of mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, as well as other risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study. This study was conducted among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Hospital La Mancha Centro between March 5 and 25, 2020. Information on influenza vaccination was extracted from electronic medical records. We used a multivariate logistic regression to explore the association between influenza vaccination and mortality from COVID and other risk factors. RESULTS: 410 patients were included. Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients [OR: 1.55 (95%CI: 0.96 - 2.48; p=0.071)]. Increasing hospital mortality was associated with older age [OR: 1.05 (95% CI 1.02-1.07), per year increase; p<0.001)], Charlson ≥3 [OR: 1.84 (95%CI: 1.07-3.15, p=0.027)] and heart failure on admission [OR: 6 (IC95%: 1.6 - 21.7; p=0.007)] CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine had no effect among COVID-19 hospitalized patients. The risk factors identified were older age, higher comorbidity and heart failure on admission.

Electrocardiographic signs of acute right ventricular hypertrophy in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: A clinical case series.

This paper reports 6 cases of patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 bilateral pneumonia with associated acute respiratory distress associated and signs of acute right ventricular hypertrophy on electrocardiography despite the absence of acute pulmonary embolism or signs of severe pulmonary hypertension on transthoracic echocardiography. These cases suggest a possible connection between acute elevated right ventricular afterload and acute respiratory distress in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2.

Long-term and clinical profile of heart failure with recovered ejection fraction in a non-tertiary hospital. / Características y evolución de la insuficiencia cardiaca con función sistólica recuperada en un hospital no terciario.

INTRODUCTION: Heart failure (HF) with recovered ejection fraction (EF) is emerging as a different HF subtype. There is little information about his clinical profile in hospitals that are not a reference. METHODS: We analysed characteristics and prognosis in patients with recovered HF followed prospectively in the HF Unit of a non-tertiary hospital. RESULTS: A total of 431 patients with HF with reduced EF were followed (median 50 months, 79.3% males, mean age 70.3±12.2years). Of the patients, 26.9% (N 116) recovered EF, mainly in the first year of follow-up (76.7%). Compared with patients that did not recovered EF in the follow-up, they were younger, rate of ischemic origin of cardiomyopathy was less frequent and presented less comorbidity. Mortality was lower in patients with recovered HF (survival median of 85.2±2.1 vs. 74.2±1.9 months [log-rank χ2 11.5, P=0.001], hazard ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21-0.67, P=0.002). Aetiology of deaths was not mainly secondary to HF. Younger age of 68 years (odds ratio [OR] 0-98, 95% CI: 0.96-0,99; P=0.025), ischemic origin (OR 1.12, 95% CI: 1.01-1.21; P=0.003) and use of aldosterone antagonists (OR 1.89, 95% CI: 1.09-3.26; P=0.023) were the variables independently associated to normalisation of EF. CONCLUSION: HF with recovered EF is a frequent phenomenon. It has a more favourable clinical course, prognosis and basal characteristics than HF with persistent reduced EF. Further studies are needed to identify natural history and optimal medications for HF-recovered patients.

[Influence of age in short and long term prognostic of ischemic cardiogenic shock]. / Influencia de la edad en el pronóstico a corto y largo plazo del choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognosis during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years in patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock. METHOD: Prospective observational study practiced in a coronary Care Unit managed by cardiologists. We included patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock who received early coronary revascularization. Patients were divided into two groups: older than 75 years (group A) and lower (group B), and we compared the evolution during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years. Primary end point was mortality rate in the maximum follow-up of 4years. Secondary end point was mortality rate during hospitalization. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were included, 45% Group A. Patients of Group B were mostly men (81% vs. 57%; P=.014), diabetics (48% vs. 21%; P=0.006), and smokers (39.6% vs. 5%). Mortality rate during hospitalization was higher in Group A (54.5%) vs. 30.2% in Group B (P=.022). Mortality rate during follow-up (primary variable) was 73% in Group A vs. 38% in Group B (P=.007). CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock in elderly patients is an entity with high mortality during hospitalization and continues to worsen during long term follow-up.

Influencia de la edad en el pronóstico a corto y largo plazo del choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico / Influence of age in short and long term prognostic of ischemic cardiogenic shock

Objetivo: Comparar la evolución durante el ingreso y a largo plazo de pacientes con choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico. Método: Estudio observacional prospectivo unicéntrico llevado a cabo en la unidad coronaria de un hospital terciario manejada por cardiólogos. Se incluyen pacientes con choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico que recibieron revascularización coronaria precoz. Dividimos a los pacientes en 2 grupos: mayores de 75 anos (grupo A) y menores (grupo B), y comparamos la evolución durante el ingreso y en un seguimiento máximo de 4 años. El objetivo principal fue estimar la mortalidad a los 4 años. El objetivo secundario se definió como la mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Resultados: Incluimos a 97 pacientes, 44 del grupo A (45%). Los pacientes del grupo B eran con más frecuencia varones (81 vs. 57%, p = 0.014), diabéticos (49 vs. 21%, p: 0.006) y fumadores (39.6 vs. 4.5%, p < 0.05). La mortalidad hospitalaria fue superior en el grupo A (54.5 vs. 30.2%, p = 0.022). El objetivo principal ocurrió en 32 pacientes del grupo A frente a 20 del grupo B (73 vs. 38%, p = 0.007). Conclusión: El choque cardiogénico de origen isquémico en paciente mayores de 75 anos presenta una alta mortalidad durante la estancia hospitalaria y en el seguimiento a largo plazo.

Objective: To compare the prognosis during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years in patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock. Method: Prospective observational study practiced in a coronary Care Unit managed by cardiologists. We included patients with myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock who received early coronary revascularization. Patients were divided into two groups: older than 75 years (group A) and lower (group B), and we compared the evolution during hospitalization and maximum follow-up of 4 years. Primary end point was mortality rate in the maximum follow-up of 4years. Secondary end point was mortality rate during hospitalization. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included, 45% Group A. Patients of Group B were mostly men (81% vs. 57%; P =.014), diabetics (48% vs. 21%; P = 0.006), and smokers (39.6% vs. 5%). Mortality rate during hospitalization was higher in Group A (54.5%) vs. 30.2% in Group B(P = .022). Mortality rate during follow-up (primary variable) was 73% in Group A vs. 38% in Group B (P =.007). Conclusions: Myocardial infarction complicated with cardiogenic shock in elderly patients is an entity with high mortality during hospitalization and continues to worsen during long term follow-up.