Inaccuracy of a non-invasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistance assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in heart failure patients.

Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) is a marker of pulmonary vascular remodeling. A non-invasive model assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has been proposed to estimate PVR. However, its accuracy has not yet been evaluated in patients with heart failure. We prospectively included 108 patients admitted with acute heart failure (AHF), in whom a right heart catheterization (RHC) and CMR were performed at the same day. PVR was estimated by CMR applying the model: PVR = 19.38 - [4.62 × Ln pulmonary artery average velocity (in cm/s)] - [0.08 × right ventricle ejection fraction (in %)], and by RHC using standard formulae. The median age of the cohort was 67 years (interquartile range 58-73), and 34% were females. The median of PVR assessed by RHC and CMR were 2.2 WU (1.5-4) and 5 WU (3.4-7), respectively. We found a weak correlation between invasive PVR and PVR assessed by CMR (Spearman r = 0.21, p = 0.02). The area under the ROC curve for PVR assessed by CMR to detect PVR ≥ 3 WU was 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-0.68. In patients with AHF, the non-invasive estimation of PVR using CMR shows poor accuracy, as well as a limited capacity to discriminate increased PVR values.

Conocimiento y actitudes de los médicos sobre limitación de esfuerzo terapéutico / Knowledge and attitudes of physicians about limitation of therapeutic effort

RESUMEN Introducción: uno de los problemas bioéticos frecuentes es la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico, la adecuación o la proporcionalidad del tratamiento para evitar la obstinación y la inutilidad. Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento sobre la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico en médicos de un hospital universitario. Método: se realizó una investigación cualitativa, de tipo evaluativa, empleando variables y técnicas cualitativas de recolección de la información con el propósito de evaluar el conocimiento sobre la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico en médicos del hospital general universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes de Bayamo, provincia Granma; en el periodo comprendido desde el primero de abril al 25 de septiembre de 2018. Resultados: se encuestaron 124 profesionales médicos del centro para (21,7%). La mayoría de los encuestados (77%) que conocían el término de limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico. El 24,2% de los encuestados no están a favor de la aplicación dicho procedimiento. La validez de construcción de la escala, permitió clasificar a los encuestados sobre el conocimiento de la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico de formas adecuada. Conclusiones: la aplicación de la encuesta fue útil para evaluar el nivel de conocimiento de los médicos sobre la limitación del esfuerzo terapéutico, demostrándose que existen limitaciones importantes.

ABSTRACT Introduction: one of the frequent bioethical problems is the limitation of the therapeutic effort, the adequacy or the proportionality of the treatment to avoid obstinacy and futility. Objective: to evaluate the knowledge about the limitation of the therapeutic effort in doctors of a university hospital. Method: qualitative, evaluative-type research was carried out, using variables and qualitative techniques of information collection with the purpose of evaluating the knowledge about the capacity of the therapeutic physician and the doctors in the general university hospital Carlos Manuel de Céspedes of Bayamo, province Granma; in the period from April 1 to September 25, 2018. Results: 124 medical professionals from the center were surveyed for (21.7%). The majority of the respondents (77%) knew the term limitation of the therapeutic effort. 24.2% of the respondents are not in favor of the application of said procedure. The validity of the construction of the escalation, classifies the respondents on the knowledge of the limitation of the therapeutic effort in appropriate ways. Conclusions: the application of the survey was useful to evaluate the level of knowledge of physicians on the limitation of therapeutic effort, demonstrating that there are important limitations.

Long-term outcomes and predictors of morbi-mortality according to age in stemi patients with multivessel disease: Impact of an incomplete revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management strategy for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) still remains unclear, especially in the elderly population. The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes and predictors of morbi-mortality according to age in patients with a STEMI and MVD. METHODS: We prospectively included 381 consecutive patients with a STEMI who underwent primary angioplasty and showed MVD in the angiogram. 111 (29.1%) patients were older than 75 (≥75) years and 270 (70.9%) were younger than 75 (<75) years. The co-primary outcomes were the incidence of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during follow-up. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 22 months, patients ≥75 years showed a higher incidence of all-cause mortality and MACE, as compared to younger patients. On multivariate analysis, incomplete revascularization (IR) was only an independent predictor of MACE (HR = 3.1, CI 95%:1.9-4.7; P = .02) in younger patients; whereas in the elderly group severely depressed ejection fraction was the unique independent predictor of MACE (HR = 2.7, CI 95%:1.5-4.8; P = .001). IR was not associated with the risk of all-cause mortality in any group. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the relevant prevalence of MVD in STEMI patients, as well as the difference in outcomes of an IR strategy between both age-groups, being only independently associated with MACE in younger patients. This finding supports that a routine complete revascularization (CR) strategy seems to be the best therapeutic option in younguer patients, whereas in the elderly population may not confer a clear clinical benefit during a long-term follow-up.

18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Prosthetic valve endocarditis is a major diagnostic challenge in clinical practice, due to the lower sensitivity of the modified Duke criteria and a higher percentage of cases with negative or inconclusive echocardiography results. The delay in establishing medical and surgical treatment increases the morbidity/mortality rate. New imaging techniques and 18F-FDG PET/CT in particular have meant a significant advance in cases of high clinical suspicion and negative or inconclusive echocardiography, increasing the overall sensitivity of the modified Duke criteria. We report the case of a male patient with prosthetic valve endocarditis, where 18F-FDG PET/CT provided the diagnostic key, determining the origin of the endocarditis and avoiding treatment delay.

Metformin and risk of long-term mortality following an admission for acute heart failure.

AIMS: Optimal diabetic treatment in patients with established heart failure remains unclear. Metformin has been traditionally considered well tolerated in patients with cardiovascular disease, although there is scarce information regarding the prognostic implications of metformin in acute heart failure. We sought to evaluate the association between metformin therapy and risk of long-term mortality in patients discharged for decompensated heart failure. METHODS: We included 835 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients discharged from a cardiology department of a third-level center. All-cause mortality was considered as the primary endpoint and the effect of metformin therapy across the most representative subgroups in heart failure as a secondary endpoint. The association between metformin with all-cause mortality was evaluated by using a Cox regression method. Multivariate analysis included solid prognostic covariates in heart failure. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 2.4 ±â€Š2 years, mortality rates were significantly lower in patients on treatment with metformin: 1.34 (1.04-1.65) × 10 vs. 2.24 (2.0-2.51) × 10 person-years (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curve revealed a progressive separation of curves already observed during first months of follow-up (log-rank test P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, this prognostic association remained significant. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients with acute heart failure and diabetes, metformin appears to be well tolerated and may be associated with favorable clinical outcomes.

Carbohydrate Antigen-125-Guided Therapy in Acute Heart Failure: CHANCE-HF: A Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the prognostic effect of carbohydrate antigen-125 (CA125)-guided therapy (CA125 strategy) versus standard of care (SOC) after a hospitalization for acute heart failure (AHF). BACKGROUND: CA125 has emerged as a surrogate of fluid overload and inflammatory status in AHF. After an episode of AHF admission, elevated values of this marker at baseline as well as its longitudinal profile relate to adverse outcomes, making it a potential tool for treatment guiding. METHODS: In a prospective multicenter randomized trial, 380 patients discharged for AHF and high CA125 were randomly assigned to the CA125 strategy (n = 187) or SOC (n = 193). The aim in the CA125 strategy was to reduce CA125 to ≤35 U/ml by up or down diuretic dose, enforcing the use of statins, and tightening patient monitoring. The primary endpoint was 1-year composite of death or AHF readmission. Treatment strategies were compared as a time to first event and longitudinally. RESULTS: Patients allocated to the CA125 strategy were more frequently visited, and treated with ambulatory intravenous loop diuretics and statins. Likewise, doses of oral loop diuretics and aldosterone receptor blockers were more frequently modified. The CA125 strategy resulted in a significant reduction of the primary endpoint, whether evaluated as time to first event (66 events vs. 84 events; p = 0.017) or as recurrent events (85 events vs. 165 events; incidence rate ratio: 0.49; 95% confidence interval: 0.28 to 0.82; p = 0.008). The effect was driven by significantly reducing rehospitalizations but not mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The CA125 strategy was superior to the SOC in terms of reducing the risk of the composite of 1-year death or AHF readmission. This effect was mainly driven by significantly reducing the rate of rehospitalizations. (Carbohydrate Antigen-125-guided Therapy in Heart Failure [CHANCE-HF]; NCT02008110).

Diseño y validación de un índice pronóstico de muerte de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Design and validation of death prognosis rate of community-acquired pneumonia

Introducción: la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad constituye un motivo frecuente de consulta médica y es causa de elevadas morbilidad y mortalidad en el adulto, pero la decisión de ingresar a un paciente se basa en el empleo de escalas pronósticas que no siempre se ajustan a un contexto geográfico en particular. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un índice, basado en factores pronósticos que permita predecir el riesgo de morir en adultos mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Métodos: se realizó el diseño y la validación de un índice pronóstico de muerte de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, mediante un estudio de cohorte, para determinar el riesgo de morir en pacientes que ingresaron en los servicios de Medicina Interna y Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital General Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, de Bayamo, Granma, desde el 1 de febrero de 2012 hasta el 31 de julio de 2015. Resultados : el factor pronóstico de mayor relevancia fue el estado de choque seguido del derrame pleural, la proteína C reactiva y la neumonía multilobar, todos de forma significativa (p= 0,000). La capacidad de discriminación (área bajo la curva ROC de 0,956) y de calibración del índice (0,493) fueron adecuadas. La validez de construcción, de criterio y confiabilidad y la consistencia interna del índice fueron adecuadas. Discusión: este índice se distingue por su simplicidad y fácil aplicación, incluye solo 8 parámetros clínicos y complementarios que suelen estar a disposición en las unidades asistenciales del país. Los componentes del índice se obtienen a partir de un estudio de cohorte realizado a priori por lo que es posible su aplicación clínica incluso al nivel primario. Conclusión: el índice creado y validado a partir de los factores de riesgo más importantes, permite pronosticar el riesgo de morir a los enfermos con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, con una confiabilidad adecuada(AU)

Introduction: community-acquired pneumonia is a common reason for medical consultation and causes high morbidity and mortality in adults, but the decision to admit a patient is based on the use of scales prognoses which do not always fit a geographical context in particular. Objective: design and validate an index, based on prognostic factors for predicting the risk of death in adults older than 18 years diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia. Methods: the design and validation was made for death prognostic index of community-acquired pneumonia, by a cohort study to determine the risk of death in patients admitted to the Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Units of Carlos Manuel de Céspedes General hospital, Bayamo, Granma, from February 1, 2012 to July 31, 2015. Results: the most important prognostic factor was the shock followed by pleural effusion, C-reactive protein and multilobar pneumonia, all significantly (p = 0.000). The ability of discrimination (area under ROC curve 0.956) and calibration index (0.493) were adequate. The validity of construct, criterion, and reliability were adequate as well as the internal consistency index. Discussion: this index is distinguished by its simplicity and easy application; it includes only 8 clinical parameters and complementary studies which are often available in Cuban health care units. The index components are took from a priori cohort study so its clinical application is possible even at the primary level. Conclusion: the index created and validated from the most important risk factors can fairly predict the dying risk of patients with community-acquired pneumonia(AU)

mRNA PGC-1α levels in blood samples reliably correlates with its myocardial expression: study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator that has been proposed to play a protective role in mouse models of cardiac ischemia and heart failure, suggesting that PGC-1α could be relevant as a prognostic marker. Our previous studies showed that the estimation of peripheral mRNA PGC-1α expression was feasible and that its induction correlated with the extent of myocardial necrosis and left ventricular remodeling in patients with myocardial infarction. In this study, we sought to determine if the myocardial and peripheral expressions of PGC-1α are well correlated and to analyze the variability of PGC-1α expression depending on the prevalence of some metabolic disorders. METHODS: This was a cohort of 35 consecutive stable heart failure patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent an elective aortic valve replacement surgery. mRNA PGC-1α expression was simultaneously determined from myocardial biopsy specimens and blood samples obtained during surgery by quantitative PCR, and a correlation between samples was made using the Kappa index. Patients were divided into two groups according to the detection of baseline expression levels of PGC-1α in blood samples, and comparisons between both groups were made by chi-square test or unpaired Student's t-test as appropriate. RESULTS: Based on myocardial biopsies, we found that mRNA PGC-1α expression in blood samples showed a statistically significant correlation with myocardial expression (Kappa index 0.66, p<0.001). The presence of higher systemic PGC-1α expression was associated with a greater expression of some target genes such as silent information regulator 2 homolog-1 (x-fold expression in blood samples: 4.43±5.22 vs. 1.09±0.14, p=0.044) and better antioxidant status in these patients (concentration of Trolox: 0.40±0.05 vs. 0.34±0.65, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with higher peripheral expression also had increased myocardial expression, so we conclude that the non-invasive estimation of mRNA PGC-1α expression from blood samples provides a good approach of the constitutive status of the mitochondrial protection system regulated by PGC-1α and that this could be used as prognostic indicator in cardiovascular disease.

Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance by Magnetic Resonance in Systolic Heart Failure / Valor Prognóstico da Resistência Vascular Pulmonar através de Ressonância Magnética em Insuficiência Cardíaca

Abstract Background: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with poor prognosis in heart failure. However, non-invasive diagnosis is still challenging in clinical practice. Objective: We sought to assess the prognostic utility of non-invasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: Prospective registry of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% and recently admitted for decompensated heart failure during three years. PVRwere calculated based on right ventricular ejection fraction and average velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated during cardiac magnetic resonance. Readmission for heart failure and all-cause mortality were considered as adverse events at follow-up. Results: 105 patients (average LVEF 26.0 ±7.7%, ischemic etiology 43%) were included. Patients with adverse events at long-term follow-up had higher values of PVR (6.93 ± 1.9 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7estimated Wood Units (eWu), p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, PVR ≥ 5 eWu(cutoff value according to ROC curve) was independently associated with increased risk of adverse events at 9 months follow-up (HR2.98; 95% CI 1.12-7.88; p < 0.03). Conclusions: In patients with HFrEF, the presence of PVR ≥ 5.0 Wu is associated with significantly worse clinical outcome at follow-up. Non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance might be useful for risk stratification in HFrEF, irrespective of etiology, presence of late gadolinium enhancement or LVEF.

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertensão pulmonar está associada a mau prognóstico em insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, o diagnóstico não-invasivo é desafiador na prática clínica. Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade prognóstica da estimativa não-invasiva das resistências vasculares pulmonares (RVP) medidas através de ressonância magnética cardiovascular na previsão de desfechos cardiovasculares adversos em insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr). Métodos: Registro prospectivo de pacientes com fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) < 40% internados recentemente por insuficiência cardíaca descompensada, durante três anos. As RVP foram calculadas com base na fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo e velocidade média do fluxo na artéria pulmonar estimada por ressonância magnética cardíaca. Durante a evolução, reinternação por insuficiência cardíaca e mortalidade por todas as causas foram consideradas eventos adversos. Resultados: Foram incluídos 105 pacientes (FEVE média de 26,0 ± 7,7%, etiologia isquêmica em 43%). Os valores de RVP nos pacientes que apresentaram eventos adversos durante o seguimento em longo prazo foram mais altos (6,93 ± 1,9 versus 4,6 ± 1,7 unidades Wood estimadas (uWe), p < 0,001). Na análise de regressão multivariada de Cox, RVP ≥ 5 eWu (valor de corte segundo a curva ROC) mostrou-se independentemente associada a um maior risco de eventos adversos aos 9 meses de seguimento (RR = 2,98; IC 95% = 1,12-7,88; p < 0,03). Conclusões: Em pacientes com ICFEr, a presença de RVP ≥ 5,0 uW está associada a uma evolução clínica significativamente pior. A estimativa não-invasiva da RVP através de ressonância magnética cardíaca pode ser útil na estratificação de risco em ICFEr, independentemente da etiologia, presença de realce tardio pelo gadolínio ou FEVE.

Triple terapia antitrombótica en práctica real: utilidad pronóstica de la escala HAS-BLED / Triple antithrombotic therapy in clinical practice: prognostic utility of HAS-BLED score

Sr. Editor: La prescripción de triple terapia antitrombótica, definida como el uso combinado de ácido acetilsalicílico, un inhibidor de P2Y12 y anticoagulación oral, está indicada cuando coexisten enfermedades como la cardiopatía isquémica, la fibrilación auricular o la cirugía valvular cardiaca, y supone un reto clínico de prevalencia creciente todavía sin resolver. Debido al incremento en el riesgo hemorrágico, se recomienda que la duración de la triple terapia antitrombótica sea la menor posible, con un máximo período de un ano˜ en pacientes con infarto agudo de miocardio e indicación de anticoagulación oral. Otras medidas de consenso incluyen el uso preferente de antagonistas de la vitamina K para la anticoagulación oral (o bien dabigatrán 110 mg) y clopidogrel como antiagregante dual (evitando el uso de prasugrel y ticagrelor), la protección gástrica con inhibidores de la bomba de protones y un INR objetivo entre 2,0 y 2,51 . La indicación de triple terapia antitrombótica debe establecerse, por tanto, tras la evaluación individualizada del paciente atendiendo a la presencia o ausencia de síndrome coronario agudo, el tipo de stent implantado y el riesgo hemorrágico. Así, en la valoración de este riesgo, la escala HAS-BLED puede ser útil, si bien su trascendencia pronóstica en este contexto clínico y en situación de práctica real han sido poco estudiadas.

Prognostic Value of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance by Magnetic Resonance in Systolic Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension is associated with poor prognosis in heart failure. However, non-invasive diagnosis is still challenging in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the prognostic utility of non-invasive estimation of pulmonary vascular resistances (PVR) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). METHODS: Prospective registry of patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40% and recently admitted for decompensated heart failure during three years. PVR were calculated based on right ventricular ejection fraction and average velocity of the pulmonary artery estimated during cardiac magnetic resonance. Readmission for heart failure and all-cause mortality were considered as adverse events at follow-up. RESULTS: 105 patients (average LVEF 26.0 ± 7.7%, ischemic etiology 43%) were included. Patients with adverse events at long-term follow-up had higher values of PVR (6.93 ± 1.9 vs. 4.6 ± 1.7 estimated Wood Units (eWu), p < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, PVR ≥ 5 eWu(cutoff value according to ROC curve) was independently associated with increased risk of adverse events at 9 months follow-up (HR2.98; 95% CI 1.12-7.88; p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HFrEF, the presence of PVR ≥ 5.0 Wu is associated with significantly worse clinical outcome at follow-up. Non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance might be useful for risk stratification in HFrEF, irrespective of etiology, presence of late gadolinium enhancement or LVEF.

Árbol para predecir el desarrollo de la cardiopatía hipertensiva / Prediction tree for hypertensive heart disease

Introducción: la cardiopatía hipertensiva representa altas morbilidad y mortalidad. La complejidad de su prevención radica en el número de factores de riesgo implicados en su desarrollo. Objetivo: diseñar y validar un árbol de predicción para el desarrollo de la cardiopatía hipertensiva, a partir de factores hemodinámicos y no hemodinámicos. Métodos: se realizó el diseño y validación de un árbol de predicción para el desarrollo de la cardiopatía hipertensiva, mediante el procedimiento de descubrimiento de conocimientos en bases de datos y minería de datos, en pacientes hipertensos atendidos en la consulta especializada de hipertensión arterial de la Policlínica de Especialidades del Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes del municipio Bayamo, provincia de Granma, Cuba, desde el 1ro de enero de 2004 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2009. Resultados: el árbol predijo el riesgo de desarrollar la cardiopatía hipertensiva a 82,598 por ciento de los pacientes; con un área bajo la curva ROC de 0,861 y una tasa de verdaderos positivos de 0,733 y de 0,921 para las clases 1 y 2, respectivamente. El factor más importante lo constituyó la proteína C reactiva, seguida en orden de importancia por la glucemia, el ácido úrico, el colesterol y la microalbuminuria. Conclusiones: el árbol de toma de decisiones y el conjunto de reglas derivado de este, permitieron predecir el riesgo de desarrollar la cardiopatía hipertensiva en individuos hipertensos, por lo que su introducción en la práctica clínica, mejorará la evaluación del paciente con hipertensión arterial...

Introduction: hypertensive heart disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The complexity of its prevention lies in the number of risk factors involved in its development. Objective: design and validate a prediction tree for the development of hypertensive heart disease on the basis of hemodynamic and non-hemodynamic factors. Methods: a prediction tree for the development of hypertensive heart disease was designed and validated following the procedure of knowledge discovery in databases and data mining. The patients surveyed were being cared for at the hypertension specialized consultation of the secondary care polyclinic in Carlos Manuel de Céspedes General University Hospital, municipality of Bayamo, Granma province, Cuba, from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2009. Results: the tree predicted risk of developing hypertensive heart disease in 82.598 percent of the patients, with an area of 0.861 under the ROC curve and a true positives rate of 0.733 and 0.921 for classes 1 and 2, respectively. The most important factor was C-reactive protein, followed by glycemia, uric acid, cholesterol and microalbuminuria, in that order. Conclusions: the decision making tree and the set of rules deriving from it allowed prediction of the risk to develop hypertensive heart disease in high blood pressure patients. Their incorporation into clinical practice will improve the evaluation of these patients...

Prognostic value of pulmonary vascular resistance estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with chronic heart failure.

AIMS: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is known to be related to worse prognosis in patients with heart failure (HF). Quantification of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) still requires invasive right heart catheterization. Recent studies have shown an accurate method for non-invasive estimation of PVR by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Our aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of PVR calculated by CMR in patients with congestive HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We calculated PVR by CMR in 132 patients [age 65.6 ± 13.1 years, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35.1 ± 16.4%, ischaemic aetiology 40%] recently admitted for decompensated HF and derived to our cardiac imaging unit for diagnosis. Patients with cardiac events (readmission for HF or all-cause death) had higher values of PVR [6.77 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 1.6 Wood units (Wu), P < 0.001] during follow-up [mean 10.3 (1-31) months]. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, only a PVR ≥5.2 Wu [hazard ratio (HR) 4.27; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.75-10.42; P < 0.001) and the presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMR (HR 2.24; 95% CI 1.03-4.86; P = 0.04) were independent predictors for adverse events at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Non-invasive estimation of PVR by CMR might be useful for risk stratification of patients with chronic HF, irrespective of aetiology or LVEF.

Clinical benefit of cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator in patients with an ejection fraction > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator prolongs survival and improves quality of life in advanced heart failure. Traditionally, patients with ejection fraction > 35 estimated by echocardiography have been excluded. We assessed the prognostic impact of this therapy in a group of patients with severely depressed systolic function as assessed by echocardiography but with an ejection fraction > 35% as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. METHODS: We analyzed consecutive patients admitted for decompensated heart failure between 2004 and 2011. The patients were in functional class II-IV, with a QRS ≥ to 120 ms, ejection fraction ≤ 35% estimated by echocardiography, and a cardiac magnetic resonance study. We included all patients (n=103) who underwent device implantation for primary prevention. Ventricular arrhythmia, all-cause mortality and readmission for heart failure were considered major cardiac events. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to systolic function assessed by magnetic resonance. RESULTS: The 2 groups showed similar improvements in functional class and ejection fraction at 6 months. We found a nonsignificant trend toward a higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with systolic function ≤ 35% at long-term follow-up. The presence of a pattern of necrosis identified patients with a worse prognosis for ventricular arrhythmias and mortality in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cardiac resynchronization therapy with a defibrillator leads to a similar clinical benefit in patients with an ejection fraction ≤ 35% or > 35% estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance. Analysis of the pattern of late gadolinium enhancement provides additional information on arrhythmic risk and long-term prognosis.

[Outcome of patients with local complications at the site of an implantable device]. / Evolución de los pacientes con complicaciones locales en la bolsa del generador de un dispositivo implantable.

OBJECTIVE: The recommendations for complete lead extraction because of local complications at the site of implantable devices have changed in the last 10 years. We analyze the outcome of patients who required an intervention because of a local complication between 2002 and 2010, in our Hospital. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 83 patients with a local complication that was classified according to skin integrity: 1. Integrity, and 2. Open skin. We analyzed the type of intervention: 1. Conservative approach, 2. Incomplete extraction, 3. Complete extraction. The endpoints were the needing a later intervention and a complete removal during follow up. RESULTS: The group of patients with complete system extraction showed a lower rate of re-intervention during an average follow up of 1000 days, when compared to other two groups (6.7% vs. 57.7 and 43.8%, P<.01). Incomplete extraction and conservative approach had a similar outcome, needing a complete extraction 25% and 37.5%, respectively. The skin integrity did not seem to be relevant for outcome in these two groups. An 8.4% incidence of endocarditis was observed; all of them had a previous history of incomplete extraction or conservative approach. CONCLUSIONS: Local complications treated with either a conservative approach or incomplete extraction are associated with a high rate of re-interventions, regardless of skin integrity, frequently needing final complete extraction and are associated to endocarditis.

Evolución de los pacientes con complicaciones locales en la bolsa del generador de un dispositivo implantable / Outcome of patients with local complications at the site of an implantable device

Objetivo: Las recomendaciones para la extracción completa de la bolsa de dispositivos implantables por problemas locales han cambiado. Analizamos la evolución entre 2002 y 2010 de los pacientes que requirieron una intervención por una complicación local en nuestro centro. Métodos: Ochenta y tres pacientes tuvieron un problema local de la bolsa que se clasificó según integridad de la piel: 1. Íntegra y 2. Abierta, y el tipo de intervención realizada: 1. Conservadora, 2. Extracción parcial y 3. Extracción completa. El objetivo primario fue la necesidad de reintervención posterior y la de extracción total durante el seguimiento. Resultados: El grupo de pacientes con extracción completa presentó una menor tasa de reintervención durante el seguimiento medio de 1,000 días comparado con los otros 2 grupos (6.7 vs. 57.7 y 43.8%, p < 0.01). La extracción parcial y la actitud conservadora mostraron una evolución parecida con una tasa de extracción completa final del 25% y del 37.5%. Se observó una incidencia de endocarditis del 8.4%; todos con antecedente de extracción parcial o actitud conservadora. Conclusiones: Las complicaciones de la bolsa, independientemente de la integridad de la piel, tratadas conservadoramente o con extracción parcial se asocian a alta tasa de reintervenciones, necesidad de extracción completa y evolución a endocarditis.

Objective: The recommendations for complete lead extraction because of local complications at the site of implantable devices have changed in the last 10 years. We analyze the outcome of patients who required an intervention because of a local complication between 2002 and 2010, in our Hospital. Methods: We retrospectively studied 83 patients with a local complication that was classified according to skin integrity: 1. Integrity, and 2. Open skin. We analyzed the type of intervention: 1. Conservative approach, 2. Incomplete extraction, 3. Complete extraction. The endpoints were the needing a later intervention and a complete removal during follow up. Results: The group of patients with complete system extraction showed a lower rate of reintervention during an average follow up of 1000 days, when compared to other two groups (6.7% vs. 57.7 and 43.8%, P<.01). Incomplete extraction and conservative approach had a similar outcome, needing a complete extraction 25% and 37.5%, respectively. The skin integrity did not seem to be relevant for outcome in these two groups. An 8.4% incidence of endocarditis was observed; all of them had a previous history of incomplete extraction or conservative approach. Conclusions: Local complications treated with either a conservative approach or incomplete extraction are associated with a high rate of re-interventions, regardless of skin integrity, frequently needing final complete extraction and are associated to endocarditis.

Índice pronóstico de muerte de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Prognostic index of mortality in community-acquired pneumonia

Introducción: la decisión de ingresar a un paciente con neumonía comunitaria se basa en el empleo de escalas pronósticas, como el índice de Fine y la escala CURB-65, pero no siempre se ajustan a un contexto geográfico en particular. Objetivo: crear y validar un índice basado en factores pronósticos que permita predecir el riesgo de morir en adultos mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC). Métodos: se realizó la construcción y validación de un índice pronóstico de muerte por NAC, mediante un estudio de cohorte en pacientes que ingresaron en los Centros Médicos de Diagnóstico Integral Gustavo Contreras del estado Carabobo; los de Ciudad Piar y Los Caribes, estado Bolívar, Dr. Julio Rodríguez y Fe y Alegría, estado Sucre; en Venezuela, desde el 1 de octubre de 2010 hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2011. Resultados: el factor pronóstico de mayor independencia fue el choque (OR 7,929; IC 2,899-21,682). Se obtuvo un índice con 2 variantes, una cuantitativa y otra ordinal con 3 categorías de riesgo. La capacidad de discriminación (área bajo la curva ROC de 0,910) y de calibración del índice (0,585) fueron adecuadas. Se determinó la validez de construcción, de criterio y confiabilidad y la consistencia interna de la escala. Conclusión: se creó y validó un índice pronóstico, para la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, con alta sensibilidad y elevado valor predictivo negativo, por lo que su introducción en la práctica clínica, mejorará la evaluación de estos enfermos

Background: the decision to admit a patient to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia is based on the use of prognostic scales, such as the Fine scale and the CURB-65 score, but they do not always adjust to a particular geographical context. Objective: to create and validate an index based on prognostic factors that allow predicting the risk of death in adults older than 18 years of age with the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: the construction and validation of a prognostic index of mortality by CAP was made by a cohort study in patients who were admitted to the following Medical Centers for Comprehensive Diagnosis: Gustavo Contreras in the State of Carabobo; Ciudad Piar and Los Caribes in Bolívar State; and Dr. Julio Rodríguez, and Fe y Alegría in the State of Sucre, Venezuela, from October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011. Results: the most independent prognostic factor was the shock (OR 7,929; CI 2,899-21,682). An index with 2 variants was obtained, a quantitative and an ordinal variant with 3 risk categories. The discrimination capacity (area under the ROC curve of 0.910) and the calibration of the index (0,585) were both adequate. The construction, criterion and reliability validities were determined as well as the internal consistence of the scale. Conclusion: a prognostic index was created and validated for community-acquired pneumonia with high sensitivity and high negative predictive value; so, its introduction in the clinical practice will improve the evaluation of these patients

Mean platelet volume is associated with infarct size and microvascular obstruction estimated by cardiac magnetic resonance in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation. High MPV has been recently considered as an independent risk factor for poor outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We analyzed 128 patients diagnosed with first STEMI successfully reperfused during three consecutive years. MPV was measured on admission and a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) exam was performed within the first week in all patients. Myocardial necrosis size was estimated by the area of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), identifying microvascular obstruction (MVO), if present. Clinical outcomes were recorded at 1 year follow-up. High MPV was defined as a value in the third tertile (≥9.5 fl), and a low MPV, as a value in the lower two. We found a slight but significant correlation between MPV and infarct size (r = 0.287, P = 0.008). Patients with high MPV had more extensive infarcted area (percentage of necrosis by LGE: 17.6 vs. 12.5%, P = 0.021) and more presence of MVO (patients with MVO pattern: 44.4 vs. 25.3%, P = 0.027). In a multivariable analysis, hazard ratio for major adverse cardiac events was 3.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-9.9, P = 0.03] in patients with high MPV. High MPV in patients with first STEMI is associated with higher infarct size and more presence of MVO measured by CMR.