American registry of ambulatory and acute decompensated heart failure (AMERICCAASS registry): Rationale and design.

AIMS: Heart failure (HF) is a highly prevalent and progressive condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Acute decompensated HF precipitates millions of hospitalizations each year. Despite therapeutic advances, the overall prognosis of HF is poor. The varying clinical courses and outcomes of patients with this disease may be due to region-specific gaps and since most HF studies are conducted in developed countries, the participation of Latin American and Caribbean countries is low. Considering this, the American Registry of Ambulatory and Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (AMERICCAASS) aims to characterize the population with ambulatory and acute decompensated HF in the American continent and to determine rehospitalization and survival outcomes during the 12 months of follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: AMERICCAASS Registry is an observational, prospective, and hospital-based registry recruiting patients with ambulatory or acute decompensated HF. The registry plans to include between two and four institutions per country from at least 20 countries in the Americas, and at least 60 patients recruited from each participant institution regardless of their ambulatory or acutely decompensated condition. Ambulatory patients with confirmed HF diagnosis or inpatients presenting with acute decompensated HF will be included. Follow-up will be performed at 12 months in ambulatory patients or 1, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge in acutely decompensated HF patients. This ongoing study began on 1 April 2022, with recruitment scheduled to end on 30 November 2023, and follow-up on 31 January 2025. Ethics approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of Fundación Valle del Lili. Data collected in the AMERICCAASS registry is being stored on the electronic platform REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture), which allows different forms for patient groups to enable unbiased analyses. For quantitative variables comparison, we will use the Student's t-test or non-parametric tests accordingly. Categorical variables will be presented as proportions, and groups will be compared with Fisher's exact test. The significance level will be <0.05 for comparisons. Readmissions and post-discharge mortality will be calculated as proportions at 1, 6, and 12 months, with a survival analysis by conditional probability and the Kaplan-Meier method. CONCLUSIONS: AMERICCAASS Registry is intended to be the most important registry of the continent for obtaining important information about demographics, aetiology, co-morbidities, and treatment received, either ambulatory or hospitalized. This registry may contribute to the optimization of national and regional evidence and public policies for the diagnosis and treatment of HF disease.

Association of Abnormal Cardiac Biomarkers and Cardiovascular Complications, with Mortality in Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a correlation between cardiac complications and elevated cardiac biomarkers, which are linked to poorer clinical outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the clinical impact of cardiac biomarkers in COVID-19 patients in Latin America. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The CARDIO COVID 19-20 Registry is a multicenter observational study across 44 hospitals in Latin America and the Caribbean. It included hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 476) who underwent troponin, natriuretic peptide, and D-dimer tests. Patients were grouped based on the number of positive biomarkers. RESULTS: Among the 476 patients tested, 139 had one positive biomarker (Group C), 190 had two (Group B), 118 had three (Group A), and 29 had none (Group D). A directly proportional relationship was observed between the number of positive biomarkers and the incidence of decompensated heart failure. Similarly, there was a proportional relationship between the number of positive biomarkers and increased mortality. In Group B, patients with elevated troponin and natriuretic peptide and those with elevated troponin and D-dimer had 1.4 and 1.5 times higher mortality, respectively, than those with elevated natriuretic peptide and D-dimer. CONCLUSIONS: In Latin American COVID-19 patients, a higher number of positive cardiac biomarkers is associated with increased cardiovascular complications and mortality. These findings suggest that cardiac biomarkers should be utilized to guide acute-phase treatment strategies.

Semaglutide and NT-proBNP in Obesity-Related HFpEF: Insights From the STEP-HFpEF Program.

BACKGROUND: The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, improved health status and reduced body weight in patients with obesity-related heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the STEP-HFpEF (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity and HFpEF) program. Whether benefits were due to mechanical unloading or effects on HF pathobiology is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine if semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with obesity-related HFpEF and compare treatment responses by baseline NT-proBNP. METHODS: This was a prespecified secondary analysis of pooled data from 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trials (STEP-HFpEF [Research Study to Investigate How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure and Obesity] and STEP-HFpEF DM [Research Study to Look at How Well Semaglutide Works in People Living With Heart Failure, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes]) testing effects of semaglutide in patients with obesity-related HFpEF. The main outcomes were change in NT-proBNP at 52 weeks and change in the dual primary endpoints of Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score and body weight by baseline NT-proBNP. RESULTS: In total, 1,145 patients were randomized. Semaglutide compared with placebo reduced NT-proBNP at 52 weeks (estimated treatment ratio: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.74-0.91; P = 0.0002). Improvements in health status were more pronounced in those with higher vs lower baseline NT-proBNP (estimated difference: tertile 1: 4.5 points, 95% CI: 0.8-8.2; tertile 2: 6.2 points, 95% CI: 2.4-10.0; tertile 3: 11.9 points, 95% CI: 8.1-15.7; P interaction = 0.02; baseline NT-proBNP as a continuous variable: P interaction = 0.004). Reductions in body weight were consistent across baseline NT-proBNP levels (P interaction = 0.21). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with obesity-related HFpEF, semaglutide reduced NT-proBNP. Participants with higher baseline NT-proBNP had a similar degree of weight loss but experienced larger reductions in HF-related symptoms and physical limitations with semaglutide than those with lower NT-proBNP.

Semaglutide in Patients with Obesity-Related Heart Failure and Type 2 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are prevalent in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and are characterized by a high symptom burden. No approved therapies specifically target obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in persons with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: We randomly assigned patients who had heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, a body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) of 30 or more, and type 2 diabetes to receive once-weekly semaglutide (2.4 mg) or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary end points were the change from baseline in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire clinical summary score (KCCQ-CSS; scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating fewer symptoms and physical limitations) and the change in body weight. Confirmatory secondary end points included the change in 6-minute walk distance; a hierarchical composite end point that included death, heart failure events, and differences in the change in the KCCQ-CSS and 6-minute walk distance; and the change in the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. RESULTS: A total of 616 participants underwent randomization. The mean change in the KCCQ-CSS was 13.7 points with semaglutide and 6.4 points with placebo (estimated difference, 7.3 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1 to 10.4; P<0.001), and the mean percentage change in body weight was -9.8% with semaglutide and -3.4% with placebo (estimated difference, -6.4 percentage points; 95% CI, -7.6 to -5.2; P<0.001). The results for the confirmatory secondary end points favored semaglutide over placebo (estimated between-group difference in change in 6-minute walk distance, 14.3 m [95% CI, 3.7 to 24.9; P = 0.008]; win ratio for hierarchical composite end point, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.29 to 1.94; P<0.001]; and estimated treatment ratio for change in CRP level, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.55 to 0.80; P<0.001]). Serious adverse events were reported in 55 participants (17.7%) in the semaglutide group and 88 (28.8%) in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and type 2 diabetes, semaglutide led to larger reductions in heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations and greater weight loss than placebo at 1 year. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; STEP-HFpEF DM ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04916470.).

Semaglutide versus placebo in people with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM randomised trials.

BACKGROUND: In the STEP-HFpEF (NCT04788511) and STEP-HFpEF DM (NCT04916470) trials, the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide improved symptoms, physical limitations, bodyweight, and exercise function in people with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. In this prespecified pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM trials, we aimed to provide a more definitive assessment of the effects of semaglutide across a range of outcomes and to test whether these effects were consistent across key patient subgroups. METHODS: We conducted a prespecified pooled analysis of individual patient data from STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials at 129 clinical research sites in 18 countries. In both trials, eligible participants were aged 18 years or older, had heart failure with a left ventricular ejection fraction of at least 45%, a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2, New York Heart Association class II-IV symptoms, and a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Clinical Summary Score (KCCQ-CSS; a measure of heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations) of less than 90 points. In STEP-HFpEF, people with diabetes or glycated haemoglobin A1c concentrations of at least 6·5% were excluded, whereas for inclusion in STEP-HFpEF DM participants had to have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at least 90 days before screening and to have an HbA1c of 10% or lower. In both trials, participants were randomly assigned to either 2·4 mg semaglutide once weekly or matched placebo for 52 weeks. The dual primary endpoints were change from baseline to week 52 in KCCQ-CSS and bodyweight in all randomly assigned participants. Confirmatory secondary endpoints included change from baseline to week 52 in 6-min walk distance, a hierarchical composite endpoint (all-cause death, heart failure events, and differences in changes in KCCQ-CSS and 6-min walk distance); and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Heterogeneity in treatment effects was assessed across subgroups of interest. We assessed safety in all participants who received at least one dose of study drug. FINDINGS: Between March 19, 2021 and March 9, 2022, 529 people were randomly assigned in STEP-HFpEF, and between June 27, 2021 and Sept 2, 2022, 616 were randomly assigned in STEP-HFpEF DM. Overall, 1145 were included in our pooled analysis, 573 in the semaglutide group and 572 in the placebo group. Improvements in KCCQ-CSS and reductions in bodyweight between baseline and week 52 were significantly greater in the semaglutide group than in the placebo group (mean between-group difference for the change from baseline to week 52 in KCCQ-CSS 7·5 points [95% CI 5·3 to 9·8]; p<0·0001; mean between-group difference in bodyweight at week 52 -8·4% [-9·2 to -7·5]; p<0·0001). For the confirmatory secondary endpoints, 6-min walk distance (mean between-group difference at week 52 17·1 metres [9·2 to 25·0]) and the hierarchical composite endpoint (win ratio 1·65 [1·42 to 1·91]) were significantly improved, and CRP concentrations (treatment ratio 0·64 [0·56 to 0·72]) were significantly reduced, in the semaglutide group compared with the placebo group (p<0·0001 for all comparisons). For the dual primary endpoints, the efficacy of semaglutide was largely consistent across multiple subgroups, including those defined by age, race, sex, BMI, systolic blood pressure, baseline CRP, and left ventricular ejection fraction. 161 serious adverse events were reported in the semaglutide group compared with 301 in the placebo group. INTERPRETATION: In this prespecified pooled analysis of the STEP-HFpEF and STEP-HFpEF DM trials, semaglutide was superior to placebo in improving heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations, and reducing bodyweight in participants with obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. These effects were largely consistent across patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Semaglutide was well tolerated. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk.

Relationship between donor ejection fraction, left ventricular wall thickness and mortality in heart transplants recipients.

This study explored the impact of donor left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular wall thickness (LVWT) on mortality among heart transplant (HTx) recipients. Utilizing data from the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry, adult HTx recipients between 2006-2022 were analyzed. Patients were categorized into four groups based on donor EF(>50 % or ≤50 %) and LVWT(<1.4 cm or ≥1.4 cm). 21,012 patients were included. There were significant differences in baseline characteristics among the groups. Unadjusted mortality was 6.3 %, 6.0 %, 6.0 %, and 2.4 %(p=0.86) at 30-days; 16.2 %, 13.5 %, 16.8 %, and 7.3 %(p=0.08) at 1-year; and 32.2 %, 29.2 %, 35.4 %, and 29.0 %(p=0.18) at 5-years, respectively. In addition, adjusted mortality did not differ across the groups. There were no significant differences in recipient mortality in groups based on donor EF and LVWT. Expanding the donor selection criteria would allow for increase in the donor pool and assist in decreasing the mortality, while on the waitlist for HTx.

Cardiovascular Complications in Patients with Heart Failure and COVID-19: CARDIO COVID 19-20 Registry.

Since early 2020, different studies have shown an increased prevalence of COVID-19 and poorer prognosis in older adults with cardiovascular comorbidities. This study aimed to assess the impact of heart failure (HF) on cardiovascular complications, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and in-hospital mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The CARDIO COVID 19-20 registry includes 3260 hospitalized patients with a COVID-19 serological diagnosis between May 2020 and June 2021 from Latin American countries. A history of HF was identified in 182 patients (5.6%). In patients with and without previous HF, the incidence of supraventricular arrhythmia was 16.5% vs. 6.3%, respectively (p = 0.001), and that of acute coronary syndrome was 7.1% vs. 2.7%, respectively (p = 0.001). Patients with a history of HF had higher rates of ICU admission (61.5% vs. 53.1%, respectively; p = 0.031) and in-hospital mortality (41.8% vs. 24.5%, respectively; p = 0.001) than patients without HF. Cardiovascular mortality at discharge (42.1% vs. 18.5%, respectively; p < 0.001) and at 30 days post-discharge (66.7% vs. 18.0%, respectively) was higher for patients with a history of HF than for patients without HF. In patients hospitalized with COVID-19, previous history of HF was associated with a more severe cardiovascular profile, with increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and poor in-hospital and 30-day outcomes.

Heart Failure at Admission Complicating ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a Middle-Income Country. Experience of the ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry.

Despite advances in the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), when associated with heart failure (HF) its prognosis remains ominous. This study assessed the differences in admission and mortality of HF complicating STEMI at admission (HFad) in a middle-income country. Data from the National Registry of STEMI of Argentina (ARGEN-IAM-ST) from January 1, 2016, to September 30, 2020, were analyzed. HFad was defined by the identification of Killip/Kimball ≥2 at admission. About 3174 patients were analyzed (22.3% had HFad). Patients with HFad were older, more often women, hypertensive, and diabetic. Received less reperfusion (87.6% vs 92.6%, P < 0.001) and had increased in-hospital mortality (28.4% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis HFad was an independent predictor of death (OR: 4.88 [95%CI: 3.33-7.18], P < 0.001) and reperfusion adjusted to HFad was associated with lower mortality (OR: 0.57 [95%CI: 0.34-0.95], P = 0.03). HFad in STEMI is associated with a worse clinical profile, receives fewer reperfusion strategies, and carries a higher risk of in-hospital mortality while reperfusion reduces mortality.

Insuficiencia cardíaca crónica en Argentina. OFFICE IC AR, un registro conjunto de la Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología y de la Federación Argentina de Cardiología / Chronic Heart Failure in Argentina. OFFICE IC AR, a joint registry of the Argentine Society of Cardiology and the Argentine Federation of Cardiology

RESUMEN Introducción: Diferentes registros argentinos de insuficiencia cardíaca crónica (ICC) fueron generados en los últimos 25 años, en forma individual por la Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología (SAC) y la Federación Argentina de Cardiología (FAC), con diversa representatividad. Los últimos datos conocidos datan de 2013. El Registro OFFICE IC AR fue encarado en forma conjunta por la SAC y la FAC para conocer la realidad de la ICC en Argentina. Objetivos: Describir en forma amplia y comprensiva las características salientes de la ICC en Argentina, incluyendo las características de los pacientes, el uso de recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos, la adherencia a las guías de práctica y el pronóstico a mediano y largo plazo. Material y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo de cohorte, de pacientes con ICC de al menos 6 meses de evolución, alejados de una internación por al menos 3 meses. Se recabaron datos clínicos y paraclínicos. Los pacientes fueron categorizados, de acuerdo a la fracción de eyección ventricular izquierda (FEVI), en IC con FE reducida, ICFER (≤40%); IC con FE en el rango medio, ICFErm, ahora denominada IC con FE levemente reducida, ICFElr (41%-49%), e IC con FE preservada, ICFEP (≥50%). En seguimiento de al menos 1 año se registró la incidencia de hospitalización por insuficiencia cardíaca (HIC), muerte cardiovascular (MCV) y muerte de todas las causas (MTC) Resultados: Entre noviembre de 2017 y enero de 2020, 100 cardiólogos de todo el país incluyeron 1004 pacientes con ICC; edad media 65,8 ± 12,4 años, 74,6% hombres, FEVI conocida en el 93,8%. El 68,4% tenía ICFER, el 16% ICFElr y el 15,6% ICFEP. Hubo alta prevalencia de comorbilidades, incluyendo diabetes y anemia en el 30%, e insuficiencia renal crónica en el 22%. Fue elevada la utilización de antagonistas neurohormonales (ANH): 89,5% betabloqueantes; 57,3% inhibidores o antagonistas del sistema renina angiotensina, 28,9% sacubitril valsartán y 78,6% antialdosterónicos. En 69% se utilizó triple terapia. Su empleo fue mayor en la ICFER, pero elevado incluso en la ICFEP. En una mediana de seguimiento de 1,7 años la incidencia anual de MCV/HIC fue 12,8%, la de MCV 6,6% y la de MTC 8,4%, sin diferencia entre las distintas categorías de FEVI. Conclusiones: En el primer registro conjunto de ICC SAC-FAC se verificó elevada prevalencia de ICFER, alta prevalencia de comorbilidades, uso frecuente de ANH y pronóstico acorde a los registros internacionales.

ABSTRACT Background: Several Argentine registries on chronic heart failure (CHF) have been generated over the past 25 years, either individually by the Argentine Society of Cardiology (SAC) or the Argentine Federation of Cardiology (FAC), with different representativeness. The last known data are from 2013. The OFFICE IC AR registry was jointly undertaken by the SAC and FAC to know the reality of CHF in Argentina. Objective: The aim of this registry was to extensively and comprehensively describe the outstanding characteristics of CHF in Argentina, including patient characteristics, use of diagnostic and therapeutic resources, adherence to practice guidelines and mid-and long-term prognosis. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of patients with at least 6-month evolution CHF and not hospitalized for at least the past 3 months. Clinical and paraclinical data were collected. Patients were categorized according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), into HF with reduced EF, HFrEF (≤40 %), HF with midrange EF, now termed HF with mildly reduced EF, HFmrEF (41%-49%), and HF with preserved EF, HFpEF (≥50%). The incidence of hospitalization for HF (HHF), cardiovascular mortality (CVM) and all-cause mortality (ACM) was recorded for at least 1-year follow-up. Results: Between November 2017 and January 2020, 100 cardiologists from all over the country included 1004 patients with CHF. Mean age was 65.8 ± 12.4 years, 74.6% were men, and 93.8% had known LVEF. In 68.4% of cases, patients had HFrEF, 16% HFmrEF and 15.6% HFpEF. A high prevalence of comorbidities was found, including diabetes and anemia in 30% of cases, and chronic renal failure in 22%. There was high use of neurohormonal antagonists (NHA): 89.5% betablockers, 57.3% renin-angiotensin system inhibitors or antagonists, 28.9% sacubitril-valsartan and 78.6% aldosterone antagonists. Triple therapy was used in 69% of patients, with higher prescription in HFrEF, but elevated even on HFpEF. At a median follow-up of 1.7 years, the annual incidence of CVM/HHF was 12.8%, CVM 6.6% and ACM 8.4%, without statistical differences between the different LVEF categories. Conclusions: This first SAC-FAC joint CHF registry verified a high prevalence of HFrEF, a high prevalence of comorbidities, frequent use of NHA and prognosis according to international registries.

Valor pronóstico del índice de shock en el infarto de miocardio. Datos del Registro Argentino de infarto con elevación del segmento ST (ARGEN IAM-ST) / Prognostic value of the shock index in myocardial infarction. Data from Argentine Registry of ST-segment elevation infarct (ARGEN IAM-ST)

Resumen El índice de shock (IS) se obtiene mediante un cálculo simple del cociente entre la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y la tensión arterial sistólica (PAS) (IS: FC/TAS) y el índice de shock ajustado por edad (ISA) multiplicando el IS x edad. Evaluamos su valor predictivo para el evento combinado intrahospitalario (EC) muerte y/o shock cardiogénico (SC) y de los eventos individuales en los pacientes incluidos en el registro argentino de infarto con elevación del segmento ST (ARGEN-IAM-ST). Se excluyeron 248 con SC de ingreso. Se realizaron curvas ROC para ambos índices utilizando el mejor punto de corte para dicotomizar la población. Se incluyeron 2928 pacientes. Edad (mediana) 60 años (RIC 25-75% 53-68), varones 80%, EC: 6.4%. Un 30.5% tuvo IS ≥ 0.67 y éstos presentaron mayor incidencia de EC: 11% vs. 4% (p < 0.001), shock cardiogénico (8% vs. 2.6%, p <0.0001) y muerte (7.3% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001) que los pacientes con IS < 0.67. Un 28% tuvo ISA ≥ 41.5. Estos presentaron más EC: 14% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, SC: 10% vs. 2%, (p < 0.001) y muerte: 9.5% vs. 2.3%, (p < 0.001) comparados con los pacientes con valores ISA < 41.5. El área bajo la curva ROC del ISA para EC fue significativamente mejor que la del IS (0.72 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001).En los modelos de análisis multivariados reali zados, el IS tuvo un OR de 2.56 (IC95% 1.56-4.02; p < 0.001) y el ISA de 3.43 (IC95% 2.08-5.65; p<0.001) para EC. El IS y el ISA predicen muerte y/o el desarrollo de shock cardiogénico intrahospitalario en una población no seleccionada de infartos con elevación del ST.

Abstract The shock index (IS) is the quotient between the heart rate (HR) and the systolic blood pressure (SBP) (IS: HR / SBT), and the age-adjusted shock index (ISA) multiplying the IS by age. We evaluated its predictive value for the combined in-hospital event (EC), death and / or cardiogenic shock (CS) and for individual events in the patients included in the Argentine registry of ST-segment elevation infarction (ARGEN-ST-AMI); 248 with CS on admission were excluded. ROC curves were made for both indices using the best cut-off point to dichotomize the population. The analysis included 2928 subjects. Age (median) 60 years (IQR 25-75% 53-68), men 80%, EC: 6.4%; 30.5% had IS ≥ 0.67, and they had a higher incidence of EC: 11% vs. 4% (p < 0.001), cardiogenic shock (8% vs. 2.6%, p <0.0001) and death (7.3% vs. 3%), p <0.0001) than patients with IS < 0.67. A 28% had ISA ≥ 41.5. These presented plus EC: 14% vs. 3%, p < 0.001, SC: 10% vs. 2%, (p < 0.001) and death: 9.5% vs. 2.3%, (p < 0.001) compared with patients with values < 41.5. The area under the ROC curve of the ISA for EC was significantly better than that of the IS (0.72 vs. 0.62, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis models performed, the IS had an OR: 2.56 (95% CI 1.56-4.02; p < 0.001) and the ISA: 3.43 (95% CI 2.08-5.65; p < 0.001) for EC. The IS and ISA predict death and / or the development of in-hospital cardiogenic shock in an unselected population of ST elevation infarcts.

Manejo clínico de la hipertensión arterial pulmonar. Relevancia del ventrículo derecho / Relevance of right ventricle in the clinical management of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Resumen La hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) requiere procesos estructurados de diagnóstico y estratificación de riesgo, siendo la función del ventrículo derecho (VD) un marcador pronóstico central. Los principales objetivos terapéuticos en la HAP son mejorar y/o intentar revertir la disfunción del VD y mantener condición de bajo riesgo. Actualmente existen múltiples fármacos con diferentes mecanismos de acción cuya combinación en doble o triple terapia ha mostrado mejores resultados que la monoterapia. Evidencia actual demuestra la importancia de incorporar tempranamente prostanoides parenterales al esquema, mejorando la funcionalidad del VD y la supervivencia. En esta revisión se refleja el papel de la función del VD en el diagnós tico, pronóstico y seguimiento de la HAP. Se recomienda la evaluación sistemática y estandarizada del VD, así como el inicio temprano de tratamiento combinado en riesgo intermedio-alto para obtener las metas de alcanzar y mantener un riesgo bajo y/o evitar la progresión de la HAP.

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) requires structured processes of diagnosis and risk stratifica tion, being the function of the right ventricle (RV) a hallmark prognosis determinant. The main therapeutic goals in PAH are to improve and try to revert RV dysfunction and maintaining a low risk. Currently, there are multiple treatments with different mechanisms of action, the combination of which in double or triple therapy has shown improved results compared to monotherapy. Recent clinical evidence shows the importance of early incorpora tion of parenteral prostanoids to the scheme, improving RV function and survival. In this review, we discuss the role of the RV function in the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of PAH. We recommend the systematic and standardised evaluation of the RV as well as the early initiation of combined treatment in cases of intermediate-high risk to try to reach and keep the patient with PAH at a low risk and / or avoid the progression of PAH.

Collaborative registry of pulmonary hypertension in Argentina (RECOPILAR). Final analysis / Registro colaborativo de hipertensión pulmonar en Argentina (RECOPILAR): análisis final

Abstract The epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH), especially pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), has not been evaluated in our country, therefore there is no reference parameter to establishing the representativeness of this information in the national order. This registry represents the first collaborative effort to provide a knowledge base of this disease, including 5 scientific societies that represent different specialties (pediatrics, rheumatology, pulmonology and cardiology) with data from 23 Argentine provinces. These efforts involved five societies of various adult (cardiology, rheumatology, and pulmonology) and pediatric (cardiology) specialties. Subjects were grouped (1-5) in accord with the 2013 Nice classification. A total of 627 patients (mean age, 50.8±18 years; women, 69.2%) were recruited. Incident cases accounted for 53%. Functional class III-IV accounted for 69% at time of diagnosis and 33.4% at time of inclusion. Distributions in groups 1-5 were 63.6%, 15.9%, 8.3%, 9.7%, and 2.4%, respectively. Treatment consisted of diuretics (51.2%), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (44.7%), digoxin (16.6%), anticoagulants (39.2%), renin-angiotensin antagonists (15.5%), beta blockers (15.6%), and calcium channel blockers (8%). Rates of specific therapies usage in PAH vs. non-PAH group were 80.5% vs. 40.8% (phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: 71% vs. 38.6%; endothelin receptor antagonists: 54.4% vs. 14.5%; prostanoids: 14.3 vs. 3.1%; all p < 0.001). Three-year survival in PAH and non-PAH differed significantly (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). In the Argentine RECOPILAR registry, the clinic-epidemiologic profile was that of advanced-stage disease. Diagnostic workups and therapeutics interventions, including use of specific therapy for PAH, were consistent with current recommendations. Despite delays in diagnosis, survival was aligned with other contemporary registries.

Resumen La epidemiología de la hipertensión pulmonar (HP), especialmente la arterial (HAP), no ha sido evaluada en nuestro país, por lo cual no existe un parámetro de referencia para establecer la representatividad de esta información en el orden nacional. El presente registro representa el primer esfuerzo colaborativo para una base de conocimiento de esta enfermedad, incluyendo 5 sociedades científicas que representan a distintas especiali dades médicas (pediatría, reumatología, neumonología y cardiología) con datos de 23 provincias argentinas. Los sujetos se agruparon (1-5) de acuerdo con la clasificación de Niza de 2013. El seguimiento se completó en 583 pacientes (93%) un año después del final de la inscripción. Se incluyeron 627 pacientes (edad media, 50.8 ± 18 años; mujeres, 69.2%). Los casos incidentes representaron el 53%. La clase funcional III-IV representaba 69% en el momento del diagnóstico y 33.4% en el momento de la inclusión. Las manifestaciones clínicas fueron disnea (81.8%), fatiga (54.1%), síncope (10.8%), dolor torácico (14.7%), palpitaciones (20.9%) e insuficiencia cardíaca (20.4%). Las tasas de uso de terapias específicas en la hipertensión arterial pulmonar (HAP) frente al grupo sin HAP fueron del 80.5% frente al 40.8%. La supervivencia a tres años en los subconjuntos de HAP y no HAP difirió significativamente (82.8% vs. 73.3%; p = 0.001). En el registro RECOPILAR argentino, que aborda principalmente la HAP, el perfil clínico-epidemiológico fue el d e una enfermedad en estadios avanzados. El diag nóstico y las intervenciones terapéuticas, incluido el uso de terapia específica para la HAP, fueron consistentes con las recomendaciones actuales.

Comparación de dos registros argentinos de infarto de miocardio: SCAR 2011 y ARGEN-IAM ST 2015 / Comparison of Two Argentine Registries on Myocardial Infarction: the 2011 SCAR Registry and the 2015 ARGEN-IAM-ST Registry

RESUMEN Objetivos: Comparar pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) incluidos en centros participantes de dos registros argentinos. Material y métodos: Se compararon pacientes con IAMCEST incluidos en 54 centros que participaron tanto en el registro SCAR (2011) como en el ARGEN-IAM-ST (2015). Resultados: Se analizaron 676 pacientes con IAMCEST; 222 del SCAR y 454 del ARGEN-IAM-ST No hubo cambios significativos en la edad y el género. Se observó una reducción significativa en el uso de fibrinolíticos, con un incremento de la angioplastia primaria. El shock cardiogénico se redujo a la mitad. No hubo diferencias en la mortalidad y de reinfarto durante la hospitalización. Conclusiones: Se observó una mayor indicación de angioplastia primaria y una disminución en el uso de fibrinolíticos. El shock cardiogénico se redujo significativamente en los últimos 5 años, sin cambios significativos en la mortalidad hospitalaria.

ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare patientis with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) included in centers participating of two registries in Argentina. Methods: STEMI patientis included in the 54 centers participating in the SCAR (2011) registry and in the ARGEN-IAM-ST (2015) registry were compared. Resultis: A total of 676 STEMI patientis were analyzed: 222 in the SCAR registry and 454 in the ARGEN-IAM-ST registry. There were no significant differences in age and sex. The use of fibrinolytic agentis was significantly lower and the use of primary percutaneous coronary intervention was significantly increased. The incidence of cardiogenic shock was 50% lower. There were no differences in mortality and reinfarction during hospitalization. Conclusions: The indication of primary percutaneous coronary intervention increased and the use of fibrinolytic agentis decreased. Cardiogenic shock decreased significantly in the last 5 years without significant changes in in-hospital mortality.

Algoritmo de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda Manejo inicial:: etapa prehospitalaria, departamento de emergencias, internación en unidad coronaria

Con la finalidad de "saber qué hacer" en el ámbito de la urgencia de una insuficiencia cardíaca aguda y con el objetivo de optimizar las estrategias de diagnóstico y tratamiento en el primer contacto con un paciente que podría estar cursando esta patología, se presentan en este artículo, conceptos fundamentales sobre definiciones de esta patología, clasificaciones clínicas y hemodinámicas, manejos iniciales en diferentes escenarios (etapa pre hospitalaria, departamento de emergencia, ingreso a unidad coronaria) y finalmente, un algoritmo diagnóstico y terapéutico para la rápida toma de decisiones. Es nuestro objetivo que médicos generalistas, clínicos, internistas y/o cardiólogos, puedan en una forma organizada y eficiente optimizar el diagnóstico y manejo precoz de esta condición clínica que amenaza la calidad de vida y supervivencia.

Algorithm of acute heart failure Initial management: prehospital stage, emergency department, admission to coronary unit In order to "know what to do" in the area of acute heart failure and with the objective of optimizing diagnostic and treatment strategies in the first contact with a patient who might be attending this pathology, article, fundamental concepts on definitions of this pathology, clinical and hemodynamic classifications, initial management in different scenarios (prehospital stage, emergency department, coronary unit admission) and, finally, a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for rapid decision making. It is our goal that general practitioners, clinicians, internists and / or cardiologists, in an organized and efficient way, can optimize the diagnosis and early management of this life-threatening clinical condition.

Algoritmo de insuficiência cardíaca aguda Manejo inicial: estágio pré-hospitalar, departamento de emergências, admissão à unidade coronária Para "saber o que fazer" na área de insuficiência cardíaca aguda e com o objetivo de otimizar estratégias de diagnóstico e tratamento no primeiro contato com um paciente que possa estar atendendo a esta patologia, artigo, conceitos fundamentais sobre definições desta patologia, classificações clínicas e hemodinâmicas, gerenciamento inicial em diferentes cenários (estágio pré-hospitalar, departamento de emergência, admissão da unidade coronária) e, finalmente, um algoritmo diagnóstico e terapêutico para a tomada de decisões rápidas. Nosso objetivo é que clínicos gerais, clínicos, internistas e / ou cardiologistas, de forma organizada e eficiente, possam otimizar o diagnóstico e o gerenciamento precoce desta condição clínica que ameaça a vida.

Participación de la Argentina en el Registro Europeo de Insuficiencia Cardíaca / Participation of Argentina in the European Registry of Heart Failure

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Pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del ST trasladados a centros con hemodinamia. Encuesta Nacional de Infarto Agudo de Miocardio con Elevación del ST en la República Argentina (ARGEN-IAM-ST) / Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Transferred to Centers with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Capabilities. National Survey of ST-Segment Elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction in Argentina (ARGEN-IAM-ST)

Introducción: En la Argentina se ha incrementado progresivamente el uso de angioplastia primaria como estrategia de reperfusión en los pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio y elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) sobre la base de redes formales o informales de derivación. No se han explorado en forma universal en nuestro país la funcionalidad y las demoras generadas por las derivaciones. Objetivos: Evaluar la frecuencia con que los pacientes con IAMCEST son derivados a centros con hemodinamia, la estrategia de reperfusión adoptada (angioplastia primaria, terapéutica trombolítica, angioplastia de rescate y farmacoinvasiva) y las demoras en el sistema. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, multicéntrico, llevado a cabo en 247 centros de todas las provincias de la República Argentina. Desde marzo a diciembre de 2015 se incluyeron 1.661 pacientes con diagnóstico de IAMCEST de hasta 36 horas de evolución. Resultados: La edad promedio de los pacientes fue de 61 ± 11,9 años y el 77,6% eran de sexo masculino. La prevalencia promedio de derivación de todo el país desde otros centros para realizar tratamiento de reperfusión fue del 37% (IC 95% 34,80-39,44). Comparando los pacientes derivados con los tratados in situ, la aplicación global de tratamientos de reperfusión fue menor en los derivados [80% vs. 86% (OR 0,65; IC 95% 0,50-0,84; p < 0,001)]. Considerando solo los tratados con estrategias de reperfusión, en los derivados se utilizó menos angioplastia primaria [71% vs. 83% (OR 0,51; IC 95% 0,39-0,67)] y mayor aplicación de trombolíticos [29% vs. 17% (OR 1,92; IC 95% 1,48-2,50)] (p < 0,001). La angioplastia de rescate se realizó en 41 pacientes derivados versus 12 pacientes tratados en el primer centro de contacto y el tratamiento farmacoinvasivo en solo 12 pacientes, de los cuales 6 eran derivados de otro centro. El tiempo total de isquemia desde el comienzo de los síntomas hasta la realización de la angioplastia primaria fue de 350 minutos (RIC 25-75: 235-650) para los pacientes derivados y de 245 minutos (RIC 25/75: 170-450) para los pacientes tratados en el centro de primera consulta (p < 0,001). El tiempo puerta-balón fue de 85 minutos (RIC 25/75: 50-153) versus 95 minutos (RIC 25/75: 62-150) en los derivados y los no derivados, respectivamente (p = 0,01). En los pacientes derivados, el tiempo síntoma-aguja en los tratados con trombolíticos previo a la derivación fue de 165 minutos y en los derivados a angioplastia primaria, el tiempo síntoma-balón fue de 350 minutos, una diferencia de 185 minutos. La demora entre el acceso a la trombólisis in situ y la angioplastia derivada fue de 140 minutos. Conclusiones: En nuestro país, uno de cada tres pacientes con IAMCEST es derivado a otro centro para realizar tratamiento de reperfusión miocárdica. Los pacientes derivados tienen menos probabilidad de recibir tratamiento de reperfusión y menor utilización de angioplastia primaria. La diferencia de tiempo entre los pacientes que recibieron trombólisis previa a la derivación y la espera para realizar una angioplastia primaria supera las dos horas. El tratamiento farmacoinvasivo fue mínimo. La disponibilidad de recursos en los centros participantes indica que una mejor articulación de las redes de derivación podría mejorar los tiempos de acceso al tratamiento y disminuir la morbimortalidad del IAMCEST en la Argentina.

Revisión de insuficiencia cardíaca en Argentina. Avances y retrocesos luego de dos décadas de registros y más de 19000 pacientes incluidos / Revisão de insuficiência cardíaca na Argentina. Progressos e retrocessos após duas décadas de registros e mais de 19.000 pacientes incluídos / Heart failure in Argentina: Progresses and regressions after two decades of surveys and over 19,000 patients included

La insuficiencia cardíaca es una epidemia mundial, aunque diferencias regionales influyen en su epidemiología. Objetivo. Evaluar la información disponible del perfil clínico, manejo y evolución de pacientes con síndrome de insuficiencia cardíaca aguda (SICA) e insuficiencia cardíaca crónica (ICC) en Argentina. Material y método. Revisión detallada de 18 estudios, publicados en revistas nacionales e internacionales o presentados como resúmenes entre 1992-2011, que incluyeron 19.727 sujetos, 12 de SICA (N=10679) y 6 de ICC (N=9048). Resultados. La edad mediana fue de 67,6 años. La proporción de pacientes incluidos en región central fue del 100-0%; con 0-64% de centros públicos. En promedio, la proporción de mujeres fue del 39%, de hipertensos del 69%, de diabéticos del 25%, de etiología isquémica del 36%, de serología positiva para Chagas del 4,4%, de enfermedad valvular del 15%, con anemia del 20%, de fallo renal del 10%, de fibrilación auricular del 28% y de función del ventrículo izquierdo preservada del 27%. La evaluación incluyó ecocardiograma (38-100%) y cinecoronariografía (1,4-22%). El uso de drogas antes y después de 2002 fue inhibidores de la enzima de conversión de la angiotensina/bloqueantes de los receptores de la angiotensina II (76 vs 73%; p=NS), beta bloqueantes (28 vs 57%; p=0,046) y antagonistas de la aldosterona (50 vs 33%; p=NS). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria del SICA entre 1992-2002 fue del 7,6% vs 6,5% que fue entre 2003-2011 (RR=0,83; IC95%=0,71-0,98; p=0,033), con disminución en la primera década, 12,1% a 3,2% (p para tendencia=0,005), e incremento en la segunda, 4,7% a 11% (p<0,0001). Conclusiones. El perfil clínico de la ICC y del SICA en Argentina debe ser considerado cuidadosamente al momento de extrapolar datos de otras regiones. Después de dos décadas, el manejo de esta condición muestra una mejoría optimista, pero sin impacto relevante en la evolución.

Heart failure is a worldwide epidemic. However, regional differences might influence its epidemiology. Aim. To review the available information about clinical profile, management and outcome of patients with acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) as well as chronic heart failure (CHF) in Argentina. Material and method. Comprehensive review of 18 studies, published in national and international journals, or presented as abstracts from 1992-2011, which recruited 19,727 subjects, 12 of AHFS (N=10,679) and 6 of CHF (N=9,048). Results. The median age was 67.6 years. The proportion of patients included from central region was 100-0%, with 0-64% of public centers. On average, the proportion of females was 39%, arterial hypertension of 69%, diabetes of 25%, ischemic etiology of 36%, positive serology for Chagas of 4.4%, valvular heart disease of 15%, with anemia 20%, renal failure of 10%, atrial fibrillation of 28% and preserved left ventricular function of 27%. Echocardiogram was used in 38-100% and coronary angiography in 1.4-22%. Drugs' prescription before and after 2002 was angiotensinconverting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (76 vs 73%, p=NS), beta blockers (28 vs 57%, p=0,046) and aldosterone antagonist (50 vs 33%, p=NS). In AHFS, in-hospital mortality in the period 1992-2002 was 7.6% vs 6.5% in the period 2003-2011 (RR=0.83;95%CI=0.71-0.98, p=0.033), with a reduction during the first decade, 12.1% to 3.2% (p for trend=0.005), and rise in the last decade, 4.7% to 11% (p<0.0001). Conclusions. The clinical profile of the CHF and AHFS in Argentina should be carefully considered when extrapolating data from other regions. After two decades, the management of this condition shows an optimistic improvement but no significant impact on evolution.

A insuficiência cardíaca é uma epidemia mundial; no entanto, as diferenças regionais podem influenciar a sua epidemiologia. Objetivo. Avaliar as informações disponíveis a partir do perfil clínico, gestão e evolução dos pacientes com síndrome de insuficiência cardíaca aguda (SICA) e insuficiência cardíaca crônica (ICC) na Argentina. Material e método. Revisão detalhada de 18 estudos, publicados em revistas nacionais e internacionais, ou apresentados como resumos entre 1992-2011, que recrutou 19.727 indivíduos, sendo 12 de SICA (N=10.679) e 6 de ICC (N=9.048). Resultados. A idade média foi de 67,6 anos. A proporção de pacientes na região central foi 100-0%, com 0-64% de centros públicos. Em média, a proporção de mulheres foi de 39%, de hipertensão arterial de 69%, de diabetes de 25%, de etiologia isquêmica de 36%, de sorologia positiva para Chagas de 4,4%, de doença cardíaca valvular de 15%, com anemia de 20%, de insuficiência renal de 10%, de fibrilação atrial de 28% e de função ventricular esquerda preservada de 27%. A avaliação incluiu um ecocardiograma (38-100%) e cineangiocoronariografia (1,4-22%). O uso de drogas antes e depois de 2002 foi de inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina/bloqueadores de receptor de angiotensina II (76 vs 73%, p = NS), beta-bloqueadores (28 vs 57%; p = 0,046) e antagonistas da aldosterona (50 vs 33%; p = NS). A mortalidade intra-hospitalar da SICA entre 1992-2002 foi de 7,6% vs 6,5% para 2003-2011 (RR= 0,83, IC 95%=0,71-0,98; p=0,033), com uma diminuição na primeira década, de 12,1% para 3, 2% (p para tendência =0,005), e aumento na segunda, de 4,7% a 11% (p <0,0001). Conclusões. O perfil clínico da ICC e SICA na Argentina deve ser cuidadosamente considerado quando a extrapolação de dados de outras regiões. Depois de duas décadas, a gestão dessa condição mostra uma melhora otimista, mas nenhum impacto significativo na evolução.