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.

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.

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.

[Clinical characteristics and long-term outcome in patients with heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction]. / Características clínicas y evolución a largo plazo de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca como complicación del infarto agudo de miocardio.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and prognosis of heart failure (HF) development in patients hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between May 1990 and March 2000, 836 consecutive patients were admitted with a diagnosis of AMI within 24 h of symptom onset. HF was defined as the presence of rales and a third heart sound with gallop, and evidence of pulmonary congestion on chest x-ray. It was diagnosed in 263 subjects (31.5%). RESULTS: The mean age of patients with HF (group 1) was 63.4 (11.4) years compared with 59.9 (11.6) years in those without HF (group 2) (P<.01). There were differences between groups 1 and 2 in history of diabetes (36% vs 20%; P<.001) or previous HF (9.2% vs 1.1%; P<.001). The reperfusion strategy used in patients with Q-wave infarction, with or without HF, was primary angioplasty in 15% and 14%, respectively (P=.81), and thrombolytic agents in 28% and 37%, respectively (P=.013). Patients with HF were more likely to develop recurrent angina (26.8% vs 19.6%; P=.02), pericarditis (17.5% vs 6.3%; P<.001), and atrial fibrillation (12.3% vs 5.1%; P<.01). In-hospital mortality in groups 1 and 2 was 15.6% and 2.3% (P<.001), respectively, and 10-year survival was 10% and 30%, respectively (P<.001). The variables associated with mortality were: age (HR=1.022; P<.001), hyperglycemia (HR=1.748 per 1.0-g/L increase; P<.001), leukocytosis (HR=1.035 per 1000-cell/.L increase; P<.001), and HF (HR=1.308; P=.028). CONCLUSIONS: AMI is still frequently complicated by HF, which increases short- and long-term morbidity and mortality. Heart failure, age, hyperglycemia, and leukocytosis at admission were independent predictors of mortality during follow-up.

High levels of troponin T are associated with ventricular remodeling and adverse in-hospital outcome in heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure progression is associated with ventricular remodeling and ongoing myofibrillar degradation. We hypothesized that myocardial damage, detected by high levels of troponin T, would correlate with echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular remodeling and worse in-hospital course in decompensated heart failure. MATERIAL/METHODS: 159 patients with decompensated heart failure without acute coronary event were included. A troponin T value >0.2 ng/ml in samples taken 6, 12 or 24 hours after admission was considered abnormal. RESULTS: High troponin T levels were identified in 24 patients (15%) (Group 1). Mean age for group 1 was 65.9 vs. 63.7 years in patients with troponin T<0.2 (Group 2) (p=ns). Ischemic etiology in groups 1 and 2 was found in 58.3 and 38.5% (p=0.07). Two-dimensional echocardiograms in groups 1 and 2 revealed higher left ventricular diameters, diastolic (61.7+/-10 vs. 56.9+/-10.3 mm, p=0.041) as well as systolic (49.4+/-13.5 vs. 42.0+/-12.0 mm, p=0.012), and lower ejection fraction (30.1+/-14 vs. 39.0+/-17.7%, p=0.03). Incidence of combined end point of death or refractory heart failure was 20.8 and 3.7% in groups 1 and 2 (p=0.007; OR=6.8; CI95%=1.5-31.2). In a multiple regression model, a history of infarction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tissue hypoperfusion, radiographic pulmonary edema, and high troponin T levels emerged as the independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: High troponin T levels were found in 15% of patients with acute exacerbation of heart failure; this finding was independently associated with worse prognosis. Echocardiograms suggested that more severe ventricular remodeling is one subjacent mechanism related with biochemically detected myocardial injury in this setting.

Cardiac troponin T levels are associated with poor short- and long-term prognosis in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.

BACKGROUND: The clinical determinants of increased cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema are not well defined, and the ability of this marker to predict long-term mortality has not yet been documented. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema without acute myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled. cTnT was measured in samples obtained 6 and 12 hours after admission. RESULTS: cTnT levels of 0.1 ng/mL or greater were found in 46 patients (55%). Thirty-two patients (38%) died during follow-up. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for cTnT was 0.70 and 0.69 at 6 and 12 hours (P =.47), and the cTnT cutoff value of 0.1 ng/mL was 66% and 69% sensitive and 63% and 71% specific, respectively, in predicting subsequent mortality. Patients were assigned to group 1 if they had cTnT lower than 0.1 ng/mL and to group 2 if they had cTnT levels of 0.1 ng/mL or greater. A history of coronary artery disease was present in 72% of group 2 versus 50% of group 1 patients (P =.04). Patients in group 2 were also older than those in group 1 (mean age, 68 years vs 61 years; P =.021). The 3-year survival in group 1 was 76% compared with 29% in group 2 (log-rank test, P <.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, elevated cTnT emerged as the only prognostic marker of long-term mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 2.31; 95% CI, 1.011-5.280; P =.047). CONCLUSIONS: A cTnT level of 0.1 ng/mL or greater was associated with poor long-term survival and emerged as a powerful independent predictor of mortality in patients with acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema.