Emergency department management of atrial fibrillation: 2023 consensus from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH). / Manejo de la fibrilación auricular en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios: actualización a 2023 del consenso de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias (SEMES), la Sociedad Española de Cardiología (SEC) y la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH).

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent sustained arrhythmia managed in emergency departments, and the already high prevalence of this arrhythmia is increasing in Spain. This serious condition associated with increased mortality and morbidity has a negative impact on patient quality of life and the functioning of the health care system. The management of AF requires consideration of diverse clinical variables and a large number of possible therapeutic approaches, justifying action plans to coordinate the work of several medical specialties in the interest of providing appropriate care and optimizing resources. This consensus statement brings together recommendations for emergency department management of AF based on available evidence adapted to special circumstances. The statement was drafted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), and the Spanish Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (SETH). Strategies for stroke prophylaxis, measures to bring heart rate and heart rhythm under control, and related diagnostic and logistic issues are discussed in detail.

OBJETIVO: La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia sostenida de mayor prevalencia en los servicios de urgencias (SU), y en España presenta una frecuentación elevada y creciente. Esta arritmia es una enfermedad grave, que incrementa la mortalidad y asocia una relevante morbilidad e impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y en el funcionamiento de los servicios sanitarios. La diversidad de aspectos clínicos a considerar y el elevado número de opciones terapéuticas posibles justifican la implementación de estrategias de actuación coordinadas entre los diversos profesionales implicados, con el fin de incrementar la adecuación del tratamiento y optimizar el uso de recursos. Este documento, realizado por un grupo multidisciplinario de expertos en arritmias cardiacas miembros de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias, la Sociedad Española de Cardiología y la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia, recoge las recomendaciones para el manejo de la FA en los SU hospitalarios, basadas en la evidencia disponible y adaptadas a las especiales circunstancias de los mismos. En él se analizan con detalle las estrategias de profilaxis tromboembólica, control de frecuencia y control del ritmo, y los aspectos logísticos y diagnósticos relacionados.

Sex-related differences in benefits of anticoagulation therapy in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: a subanalysis of the EMERG-AF study. / Diferencias de sexo en los beneficios de la anticoagulación en pacientes ancianos con fibrilación auricular: un subanálisis del estudio EMERG-AF.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the long-term benefits and safety of oral anticoagulation therapy prescribed in emergency departments for elderly patients with atrial fibrillation, and to detect any sex-related differences present. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Post-hoc analysis of data compiled by the EMERG-AF group (Spanish acronym for Emergency Department Stroke Prophylaxis and Guidelines Implementation in Atrial Fibrillation). Consecutive patients aged 75 years or older with atrial fibrillation who were treated in 62 EDs were included. We recorded clinical data and anticoagulants prescribed. Patients were followed for 1 year. The main outcome variable was a composite of death, thromboembolism, or major bleeding within 1 year. RESULTS: Data for 690 patients were registered; 386 (55.9%) were women. At discharge, 575 patients (83.3%) were on anticoagulants; therapy was started in the ED for 96 of them. A total of 158 patients (22.9%) had experienced at least 1 component of the main outcome within 1 year: 118 (17.1%) died, 22 (2.7%) had thromboembolic complications, and 34 (4.9%) had major bleeding. After adjustment for main clinical characteristics, hazard ratios (HRs) showed that anticoagulation therapy was associated with a reduction in the composite outcome (HR, 0.372; 95% CI, 0.236-0.587; P .001) but not specifically with major bleeding overall. When data for women were analyzed separately, anticoagulant therapy was again associated with a reduction in the composite outcome (HR, 0.372; 95% CI, 0.236-0.587; P .001) and also with death (HR, 0.281; 95% CI, 0.168-0.469; P .001), even in patients with anticoagulant prescriptions initiated on discharge from the ED. These associations did not reach statistical significance in men. CONCLUSION: ED anticoagulant prescription for elderly patients with atrial fibrillation is safe and contributes to a reduction in mortality. Women in this age group benefited more than men from starting anticoagulation during the acute phase in the ED.

OBJETIVO: Analizar los beneficios y seguridad a largo plazo de la anticoagulación oral (ACO) prescrita en los servicios de urgencias (SU) a pacientes mayores con fibrilación auricular (FA) y las diferencias en función del sexo. METODO: Se trata de un análisis post-hoc del estudio EMERG-AF. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos $ 75 años, que consultaron en 62 SU por FA. Se recogieron datos clínicos y ACO. La variable principal estuvo compuesta por muerte, tromboembolia o sangrado mayor en 1 año. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 690 pacientes, 386 mujeres (55,9%). Al alta, 575 pacientes (83,3%) estaban con ACO. En 96 de ellos se inició en el SU. Tras 1 año, la variable principal sucedió en 158 pacientes (22,9%): 118 (17,1%) fallecieron, 22 (2,7%) tuvieron una complicación tromboembólica y 34 (4,9%) una hemorragia mayor. Tras ajustar por las principales características clínicas, la ACO se asoció a una reducción en la variable principal (HR: 0,372, IC 95%: 0,236-0,587, p 0,001), pero no se asoció con la hemorragia mayor. En las mujeres, la ACO se asoció con una reducción en la variable principal (HR: 0,372, IC 95%: 0,236-0,587, p 0,001) y una menor mortalidad (HR: 0,281, IC 95%: 0,168-0,469, p 0,001), incluidos pacientes con nueva prescripción y en aquellos dados de alta. Esta asociación no alcanzó significación en los hombres. CONCLUSIONES: La prescripción de ACO en los SU a pacientes mayores con FA es segura y contribuye a reducir la mortalidad. En este grupo etario, las mujeres se benefician más que los hombres de iniciar la ACO en la fase aguda.

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

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

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

Sex differences in mortality of older adults with falls after emergency department consultation: FALL-ER registry.

BACKGROUND: To investigate if sex is a risk factor for mortality in patients consulting at the emergency department (ED) for an unintentional fall. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of the FALL-ER registry, a cohort of patients ≥65 years with an unintentional fall presenting to one of 5 Spanish EDs during 52 predefined days (one per week during one year). We collected 18 independent patient baseline and fall-related variables. Patients were followed for 6 months and all-cause mortality recorded. The association between biological sex and mortality was expressed as unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with the 95% confidence interval (95% CI), and subgroup analyses were performed by assessing the interaction of sex with all baseline and fall-related mortality risk variables. RESULTS: Of 1315 enrolled patients (median age 81 years), 411 were men (31%) and 904 women (69%). The 6-month mortality was higher in men (12.4% vs. 5.2%, HR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.65-3.71), although age was similar between sexes. Men had more comorbidity, previous hospitalizations, loss of consciousness, and an intrinsic cause for falling. Women more frequently lived alone, with self-reported depression, and the fall results in a fracture and immobilization. Nonetheless, after adjustment for age and these eight divergent variables, older men aged 65 and over still showed a significantly higher mortality (HR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.39-3.45), with the highest risk observed during the first month after ED presentation (HR = 4.18, 95% CI = 1.31-13.3). We found no interaction between sex and any patient-related or fall-related variables with respect to mortality (p > 0.05 in all comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Male sex is a risk factor for death following ED presentation for a fall in the older population adults aged 65 and over. The causes for this risk should be investigated in future studies.

Factors associated with erroneous emergency department noncardiac chest pain classifications in men and women. / Análisis individualizado por sexo de los factores asociados a la clasificación inicial errónea en urgencias del dolor torácico como no coronario.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the frequency and clinical characteristics associated with erroneous initial classifications of noncardiac chest pain (NCP) in men and women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed all case records in which chest pain was initially classified as noncardiac in origin according to clinical signs and electrocardiograms evaluated in our emergency department between 2008 and 2017. We considered the initial evaluation of NCP to be in error if the final diagnosis was acute coronary syndrome. A risk model for an erroneous initial classification of NCP was developed based on multivariable analysis of our patient data. We also used multivariable analysis to explore associations between 10 clinical signs of chest pain and an erroneous initial NCP classification. The data for men and women were analyzed separately. RESULTS: NCP was the initial classification for 8093 women; their median (interquartile range) age was 54 (38-73) years. The classification was in error for 72 women (0.9%). Odds ratios (ORs) showed that patient risk factors associated with an erroneous NCP classification in the women in our series were obesity (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.17- 0.97) and cocaine consumption (OR, 5.18; 95% CI, 1.16-23.2). Clinical risk factors associated with erroneous NCP classification in women were recent physical exertion (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.21-3.33), radiation exposure (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.23-3.41), and vegetative symptoms (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.02-3.41). For 9979 men with a median age of 47 (33-64) years, NCP was the initial classification; in 83 of the men (0.8%) the classification was erroneous. Patient factors associated with erroneous NCP classification in men were age over 40 years (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.04-2.91) and hypertension (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.24-0.84). No clinical signs of chest pain in men were associated with error. CONCLUSION: More clinical characteristics are associated with an erroneous classification of NCP in women. Our findings underline the need to assess the possibility of acute coronary syndrome differently in women, in whom the signs have usually been considered to be atypical.

OBJETIVO: Analizar de forma independiente en mujeres y hombres la frecuencia y las características clínicas asociadas a una clasificación inicial errónea (CIE) en urgencias del dolor torácico (DT) como no coronario. METODO: Se analizan todas las consultas por DT atendidas en urgencias entre 2008 y 2017 clasificadas inicialmente (historia clínica y ECG) como DT no coronario. Se consideró como CIE si el diagnóstico final fue síndrome coronario agudo (SCA). Se crearon dos modelos multivariable, uno con 10 factores de riesgo, y otro con 10 características clínicas del DT, en los que se investigó la asociación de estas variables con una CIE. Se analizaron independientemente mujeres y hombres. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 8.093 mujeres con DT clasificado inicialmente como no coronario (edad mediana: 54 años, RIC: 38-73), 72 con CIE (0,9%). Los factores de riesgo asociados independientemente a CIE fueron obesidad (OR = 0,40; IC 95% = 0,17-0,97) y consumo de cocaína (5,18; 1,16-23,2), y las características clínicas fueron relación con el esfuerzo (2,01; 1,21-3,33), existencia de irradiación (2,05; 1,23-3,41) y síntomas vegetativos acompañantes (1,86; 1,02-3,41). Se analizaron 9.979 hombres (edad mediana: 47 años, RIC: 33-64), 83 con CIE (0,8%). Los factores de riesgo asociados a CIE fueron edad > 40 años (1,74; 1,04-2,91) e hipertensión (0,45; 0,24-0,84). No hubo características clínicas del DT asociadas a CIE. CONCLUSIONES: En las mujeres con dolor torácico, se idenfitican más características asociadas al error de clasificación que en los hombres. Este estudio remarca la necesidad de análisis independiente por sexo en el SCA, en el que clásicamente se ha considerado la clínica en las mujeres como atípica.

Characteristics, content, and instructors in emergency and urgent medicine courses in the medical departments of Spanish universities. / Características, contenidos y profesionales implicados en la enseñanza de la medicina de urgencias y emergencias en las facultades de medicina de las universidades españolas.

TEXT: The teaching of emergency medicine (EM) and urgent care in Spanish universities is unregulated. This study aimed to analyze how EM is being taught in Spanish medical faculties. We visited the web pages of 46 universities that offer medical degrees. If an EM course was offered, the instructors were contacted. We noted whether the university was a public or private facility, whether a course was required or not and in what year, the duration and number of credits awarded, the distribution of instructional hours, how students were assessed, and the gender and category of the assigned instructors. EM is taught in 65% of Spanish universities. The subject is usually required (in 72.7%), lasts 4 months (87.9%), and is taught in the fifth year (57.6%). Nineteen courses cover EM exclusively, and 14 share the course syllabus with other material. The median number of credits offered is 5, and the distribution of time for theory and practice is similar across the universities. Syllabi are highly varied. Few hours of hospital training are offered, and 75% of the courses require a minimum number of hours of attendance and passing a final exam. Adjunct professors teach 62.3% of the courses, assistants teach 34.3%, and only 11 courses are taught by full professors. Women accounted for 31.9% of the instructors. That percentage decreased as professional category increased. We found that EM is taught in a majority of Spanish universities with medical schools, but not all; nor is the subject managed uniformly. Instructors are not often closely tied to the faculty, syllabi vary greatly and a low number of women teachers, suggesting considerable room for improvement in the future.

TEXTO: En España la enseñanza de la medicina de urgencias y emergencias (MUE) en las universidades no está regulada. El presente estudio analiza la situación de la enseñanza de la MUE en las facultades de medicina de España. Se accedió a la página web de las 46 universidades con facultad de medicina. En caso de existencia de asignatura se contactó con los responsables. Se valoró la titularidad de la universidad y la obligatoriedad, curso, duración, número de créditos, distribución de horas, contenido del programa y tipo de evaluación de la asignatura. Además se detalló el sexo y categoría del profesorado. La MUE está presente en el 65% de las facultades, y se identificaron 33 asignaturas. La asignatura es mayoritariamente obligatoria (72,7%), cuatrimestral (87,9%), y se imparte en quito curso (57,6%). Diecinueve asignaturas son exclusivas de urgencias y 14 comparten programa con otras asignaturas. La mediana de créditos es de 5, con una relación de horas teórico-prácticas similar. Los programas de las asignaturas son muy variados, generalmente con pocas prácticas hospitalarias, y en el 75% de los casos se requiere un mínimo de asistencia y examen para superarla. Se identificaron 385 profesores: un 62,3% de son asociados, un 34,3% colaboradores, y solo hay 11 catedráticos (3%). En cuanto al sexo, las mujeres representan un 31,9% de los docentes, con un porcentaje decreciente a medida que aumenta la categoría profesional. Se concluye que la MUE se enseña en la mayoría de las facultades, pero no es universal ni uniforme, hay poca vinculación de docentes y grandes diferencias de programa y una presencia minoritaria de mujeres docentes, lo que sugiere un gran margen de mejora en el futuro.

Association between troponin and outcome in patients with chest pain and rapid atrial fibrillation: a retrospective study of a single-center 10-year cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prognosis of myocardial infarction in patients with rapid atrial fibrillation (RAF) is poorly known. We sought to ascertain if troponin concentrations are associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with RAF and chest discomfort suggestive of coronary origin. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive patients attending an emergency department of a single-center (2008-2017) with chest pain suggestive of coronary origin who had RAF and at least one troponin determination. Patients were classified as having normal/increased troponin. They were followed until December 2019 to detect MACE (primary outcome), which included acute coronary syndrome (ACS), revascularization, stroke, or all-cause death. In addition to cardiovascular death and type I myocardial infarction, these were considered secondary outcomes. The adjusted risk was determined by Cox regression, and sensitivity analysis were run. Relationship between troponin as a continuous variable and outcomes was also evaluated, as well as interaction by sex. RESULTS: We included 574 patients (median = 76.5 years, IQR = 14, women 56.8%, increased troponin 34.1%) followed by a median of 3.8 years (IQR = 4.8). MACE occurred in 200 patients (34.8%). Increased troponin was independently associated with MACE (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.502, 95% CI, 1.130-1.998), ACS (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.488, 95% CI, 1.256-4.928), type I myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.771, 95% CI, 1.212-6.333) and stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.580, 95% CI, 1.888-6.787) but not with death, cardiovascular death or revascularization. Sensitivity analyses were consistent with these results. There was no interaction by sex. When assessed continuously, an increase in troponin concentrations was lineally associated with a steady increase in the risk of MACE. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with RAF who complain of chest pain, increased troponin levels are related to adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Emergency department prescription of sinus rhythm maintenance therapy for patients treated for atrial fibrillation: a secondary analysis of the HERMES-AF study / Análisis del tratamiento para mantener el ritmo sinusal en pacientes con fibrilación auricular prescrito en los servicios de urgencias: subanálisis del estudio HERMES-AF

OBJECTIVES: The maintenance of sinus rhythm by means of antiarrhythmic drugs and/or upstream therapy to counter cardiac remodeling is fundamental to the management of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to analyze this approach and its appropriateness in the setting of hospital emergency departments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from the multicenter observational cross-sectional HERMES-AF study carried out in 124 hospitals representative of the Spanish national health service in 2011. Included were consecutive patients with AF restored to sinus rhythm who were discharged home from emergency care. RESULTS: A total of 449 patients were included; 204 (45.4%) were already on sinus rhythm maintenance therapy. Of ,the 245 remaining patients, 107 (43.67%) were prescribed maintenance treatment in the emergency department, as follows: 41, an antiarrhythmic drug; 19, upstream therapy; and 49, both treatments. The selection of an antiarrhythmic drug did not follow guideline recommendations in 10 patients (11.8%). Antiarrhythmic drug prescription was associated with having had a prior episode of AF (odds ratio [OR], 2.024; 95% CI, 1.196-3.424; P = .009); a heart rate of more than 110 beats/min (OR, 2.147; 95% CI, 1.034-4.456, P = 0.40); and prescription of anticoagulation on discharge (OR, 1.862; 95% CI, 1.094-3.170; P = .022). Upstream therapy prescription was associated only with a heart rate over 110 beats/min (OR, 2.187; 95% CI, 1.005-4.757; P = .018). In total, 311 patients (69.23%) were discharged from the emergency department with sinus rhythm maintenance therapy: 87 with an antiarrhythmic drug, 117 with an upstream therapy, and 107 with both. CONCLUSION: Treatment to prevent the recurrence of AF is underprescribed in emergency departments. Increasing such prescription and ensuring the appropriateness of antiarrhythmic therapy prescribed are points emergency departments can improve in the interest of better sinus rhythm maintenance.

OBJETIVO: El mantenimiento del ritmo sinusal (RS) con fármacos antiarrítmicos (FAA) y/o tratamiento del remodelado (TRM) es parte fundamental en la estrategia de control del ritmo en la fibrilación auricular (FA). Este estudio analiza estas estrategias y su adecuación en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). METODO: Análisis secundario del estudio multicéntrico observacional transversal HERMES-AF, desarrollado en 124 SUH representativos del sistema sanitario español en 2011. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con FA que revirtieron a RS y fueron dados de alta desde urgencias. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 449 pacientes: 204 (45,4%) ya realizaban tratamiento para mantenimiento del RS. De los 245 restantes se prescribió tratamiento en el SUH a 107 (43,7%): 41 con FAA, 19 TRM y en 47 ambas terapias. En 10 casos (11,8%) la selección del FAA no era acorde a las recomendaciones de las guías. La prescripción de FAA se asoció a FA previa [odds ratio (OR) 2,024, IC 95%: 1,196-3,424, p = 0,009], frecuencia cardiaca > 110 lpm (OR 2,147, IC 95%: 1,034-4,456, p = 0,040) y anticoagulación al alta (OR 1,862, IC 95%: 1,094-3,170, p = 0,022). El TRM se asoció a frecuencia cardiaca > 110 lpm (OR 2,187, IC 95%: 1,005-4,757, p = 0,018). En total, al alta del SUH 311 pacientes (69,2%) recibían tratamiento para mantenimiento del RS (87 con FAA, 117 con TRM y 107 con ambas terapias). CONCLUSIONES: La prescripción de tratamiento para evitar las recurrencias de la FA es insuficiente en los SUH. Extender esta prescripción y mejorar la adecuación del tratamiento antiarrítmico son áreas de mejora de la estrategia de control del ritmo en los SUH.

Factors associated with late presentation to the emergency department in patients complaining of chest pain.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated which factors predict late presentation (LP) to the emergency department (ED) in patients with non-traumatic chest pain (CP). METHODS: All CP cases attended at a single ED (2008-2017) were included. LP was considered if time from CP onset to ED arrival was>6 h. We analyzed associations between 42 patient/CP-related characteristics and LP in the whole cohort and in patients with CP due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). RESULTS: The cohort included 25,693 cases (LP=50.6%; ACS=19.0%). Twenty factors were associated with LP, and 8 were also found in patients with ACS: CP of short-duration, aggravated by exertion or breathing/movement, undulating or recurrent CP increased the risk of LP, whereas CP accompanied by diaphoresis, irradiated to the throat, and chronic treatment with nitrates decreased the risk of LP. Exertional and recurrent CP were associated with both, LP and ACS. CONCLUSION: Some characteristics, mainly CP-related, may lead to LP to the ED. CP aggravated by exercise and recurrent CP were associated with both LP and a final diagnosis of ACS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patient educational initiatives should consider these two features as potential warnings for ACS and thereby encourage patients to seek early medical consultation.

A programme for early diagnosis of atrial fibrillation: a multi-centre study in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a morbid disease whose complications can be prevented if prompt and correctly treated. OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of an early AF diagnosis programme in at-risk individuals in primary care centres. METHODS: In an open-label, multi-centre, controlled interventional study, individuals with one or more risk factors for AF but without known AF were enrolled. They were allocated to intervention and control groups in a 1:2 ratio. Participants in the intervention group had three clinical and educational visits (0, 6 and 12 months). In intervention subgroup A, an electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed at each visit and in subgroup B, only if arrhythmia was detected on auscultation. After 2 years, the medical records of all participants were reviewed. Participants diagnosed with AF were followed for two additional years. RESULTS: Of the total 2231 participants enrolled, 1503 (67.36%) were allocated to the control group and 728 (32.63%) to the intervention groups (355 in subgroup A, 373 subgroup B). The groups showed similar clinical characteristics. New-onset AF was diagnosed in 38 patients. Early detection in subgroup B was similar to subgroup A and superior to control group (3.2% versus 1.2%, hazard ratio 3.149, 95% confidence interval 1.503-6.597, P = 0.002). AF patients in subgroups A and B had similar long-term complications and a tendency for fewer complications than AF patients in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: An intervention programme consisting of health education, systematic auscultation and opportunistic ECG by a primary care provider is a useful method for the early diagnosis of AF.

Factors associated with poor prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation: An emergency department perspective the EMERG-AF study.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify the factors associated with a worse prognosis in Emergency Department (ED) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), crucial information to guide management decisions. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort of consecutive AF patients attended in 62 EDs in Spain. Clinical variables were collected on enrollment. Follow-up was performed at 30 days and one year. The primary composite outcome was all-cause mortality, major bleeding and/or stroke at one year. Secondary outcomes were each of these components considered separately, plus one-year cardiovascular mortality and the composite outcome at 30 days. RESULTS: We analyzed 1107 patients. The primary outcome occurred in 209 patients (18.9%), one-year all-cause mortality in 151 (13.6%), major bleeding in 47 (4.2%), and stroke in 31 (2.8%). Disability (HR 2.064, 95% CI 1.478-2.882), previous known AF (HR 1.829, 95% CI 1.096-3.051), long duration of the AF episode (HR 1.849, 95% CI 1.052-3.252) and renal failure (HR 2.073, 95% CI 1.433-2.999) were independently associated with the primary outcome, whereas anticoagulation at discharge was inversely associated (HR 0.576, 95% CI 0.415-0.801). Disability was associated with mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and the composite at 30 days, and renal failure with mortality and major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Comorbidities like renal failure, long AF duration and disability were related to adverse outcomes and should be decisive to guide management decisions in ED patients with AF. Anticoagulation had a positive impact on prognosis and should be the mainstay of therapy in AF patients attended in ED.

Mortality in patients treated for COVID-19 in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital during the first phase of the pandemic: Derivation of a risk model for emergency departments. / Análisis de mortalidad de los pacientes atendidos por COVID-19 en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital de tercer nivel en la fase incial de la pandemia. Derivación de un modelo de riesgo para urgencias.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a risk model to predict 30-day mortality after emergency department treatment for COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study including 2511 patients with COVID-19 who came to our emergency department between March 1 and April 30, 2020. We analyzed variables with Kaplan Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: All-cause mortality was 8% at 30 days. Independent variables associated with higher risk of mortality were age over 50 years, a Barthel index score less than 90, altered mental status, the ratio of arterial oxygen saturation to the fraction of inspired oxygen (SaO2/FIO2), abnormal lung sounds, platelet concentration less than 100 000/mm3, a C-reactive protein concentration of 5 mg/dL or higher, and a glomerular filtration rate less than 45 mL/min. Each independent predictor was assigned 1 point in the score except age, which was assigned 2 points. Risk was distributed in 3 levels: low risk (score of 4 points or less), intermediate risk (5 to 6 points), and high risk (7 points or above). Thirty-day risk of mortality was 1.7% for patients who scored in the low-risk category, 28.2% for patients with an intermediate risk score, and 67.3% for those with a high risk score. CONCLUSION: This mortality risk stratification tool for patients with COVID-19 could be useful for managing the course of disease and assigning health care resources in the emergency department.

OBJETIVO: Derivar un modelo de riesgo para estimar la probabilidad de mortalidad a los 30 días de la visita a urgencias de pacientes con COVID-19. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo de 2.511 pacientes con COVID-19 atendidos en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) del 1 de marzo al 30 de abril de 2020. Se realizó análisis de supervivencia mediante Kaplan Meier y regresión de Cox. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad por cualquier causa a los 30 días fue de un 8%. Los factores asociados de forma independiente a mayor mortalidad fueron: edad 50 años, índice de Barthel 90 puntos, alteración del nivel de consciencia, índice de SaO2/FIO2 400, auscultación respiratoria anómala, cifra de plaquetas 100.000/mm3, PCR 5 mg/dL y filtrado glomerular 45 mL/min. A estos factores se les asignó una puntuación de 1, excepto a la edad, que se le asignó un valor de 2 puntos. Se dividió el modelo de riesgo en 3 categorías: riesgo bajo (menor o igual a 4 puntos), riesgo intermedio (5-6 puntos) y riesgo alto (igual o superior a 7 puntos). Para los pacientes clasificados como de bajo riesgo la probabilidad de mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 1,7%, en los casos de riesgo intermedio fue del 28,2% y para los de alto riesgo fue del 67,3%. CONCLUSIONES: Disponer de una herramienta para estratificar el riesgo de mortalidad de los pacientes con COVID-19 que consultan a un SUH podría ser de utilidad para la gestión de los recursos sanitarios disponibles.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill maintenance for primary care staff: brief training sessions with feedback. / Sesiones breves con retroalimentación: una oportunidad para mantener las habilidades en reanimación cardiopulmonar en profesionales de atención primaria

OBJECTIVES: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) feedback applications can facilitate learning in brief training sessions, but they have never been tested in primary care settings. We aimed to see if brief CPR training sessions that include feedback improve the skills of primary care staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Randomized trial with a control group and 2 intervention groups (G) using the feedback app and a control group: in G1, the instructor gave spoken feedback to the trainee and both could see the app; in G2, only the instructor giving feedback could see the app; and in G3, the control group, neither the instructor nor the trainee could see the app. All trainees received 10 minutes of instruction on theory followed by 6 minutes of practical instruction according to group assignment. The trainees used a high-quality CPR manikin connected to the Skillreporter feedback app (Laerdal Medical). CPR results were measured immediately before and after training and 6 months later. The main outcome measure was the overall CPR quality score. Secondary outcomes were 6 measures related to compressions and 5 related to ventilation. RESULTS: The main outcome improved with statistical significance in the two intervention groups (G1 and G2) respect to controls (G3). Most secondary outcome measures also improved after training. Trainees in the intervention groups scored better than trainees in G3 on the compression score (G1, P = .012), mean compression depth (G1, P = .001; G2, P = .022), number of compressions with adequate depth (G1, P = .026; G2, P = .019), and number of ventilations at adequate volume (G1, P = .033). The 2 intervention groups achieved statistically similar results. At 6 months, all outcome measures remained slightly improved over baseline levels, there were no between-group differences. CONCLUSION: Brief retraining sessions with feedback are useful for maintaining CPR skills in primary care, but skill improvement is not long lasting.

OBJETIVO: Los dispositivos de retroalimentación en sesiones breves facilitan el aprendizaje en reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP), pero nunca se han probado para formación en atención primaria (AP). El objetivo fue determinar si estas sesiones mejoran las habilidades de RCP en formación continuada en profesionales de AP. METODO: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado con 2 grupos de intervención (G1 y G2) y 1 grupo control (G3) en función de las personas que recibían la retroalimentación: G1: instructor y alumno, G2: solamente instructor, G3: ni instructor ni alumno. Todos recibieron 10 minutos de formación teórica común y 6 minutos de formación práctica según grupo, utilizando maniquí Annie QCPR® (Laerdal) conectado al programa de retroalimentación Skillreporter® (Laerdal). Se midieron los resultados, antes y después de la instrucción y a los 6 meses. La variable de resultado principal fue la puntuación total RCP y las variables secundarias fueron 6 relacionadas con compresión y 5 con ventilación. RESULTADOS: La variable de resultado principal mejoró en ambos grupos (G1 y G2) respecto al control (G3). La mayoría de las variables secundarias mejoraron después de la formación. Los grupos de intervención fueron superiores al de control en la puntuación en compresión (G1: p = 0,012), la profundidad media compresiones (G1: p = 0,001, y G2: p = 0,022), el número compresiones con profundidad adecuada (G1: p = 0,026 y G2: p = 0,019) y el número ventilaciones con volumen adecuado (G1: p = 0,033). No hubo diferencias entre grupos intervención en ninguna variable. A los 6 meses, los valores de todas las variables fueron ligeramente superiores a los basales, sin diferencias entre grupos. CONCLUSIONES: Las sesiones breves con retroalimentación son útiles para formación en RCP en AP, pero su validez no es duradera.

An international survey of healthcare workers use of personal protective equipment during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known regarding the specific ways personal protective equipment (PPE) has been used and reused during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the patterns of PPE use and the impact of PPE availability on the attitudes and well-being of an international population of healthcare workers. METHODS: This was an online, cross-sectional survey of healthcare workers. The survey was disseminated internationally using social media, specialty society list-serves, and email augmented by snowball sampling to healthcare workers who provided direct care to patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. The survey was conducted between April 13 and May 1, 2020. The primary outcome was self-reported PPE use during aerosol-generating medical procedures. Other outcomes included PPE use during care for respiratory patients in general, PPE reuse, PPE decontamination, and healthcare worker impressions related to their work and the pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 2227 healthcare workers from 23 countries completed the survey. The N95 was the most common respirator among the 1451 respondents who performed aerosol-generating procedures (n = 1050, 72.3%). Overall, 1783 (80.1%) of providers reported general reuse of PPE, which was similar across US regions but less common in Canada, Italy, and Spain. The most commonly reused item of PPE was the N95 respirator, with the majority of respondents who reused PPE reporting N95 reuse (n = 1157, 64.9%). Of the 1050 individuals who wore an N95 mask while performing an aerosol-generating medical procedure, 756 (72%) reported re-using an N95, and 344 (45.5%) reported reuse for >3 days. Qualitative results identified several common themes, including (1) lack of availability of PPE, (2) fear and anxiety as a result of inadequate PPE, (3) potential exposure to family members, and (4) concerns regarding workload and pay. CONCLUSIONS: This international survey of healthcare workers found that N95 respirators were commonly used to care for patients with respiratory symptoms with and without aerosol-generating medical procedures. Healthcare workers reported an unprecedented need to reuse PPE that was designed for single-use, specifically the N95 respirator. The reuse of PPE increased the perceived risk for COVID-19 infection and harmed mental health.

Influence of previous coronary artery bypass grafting in the difficulty of acute coronary syndrome diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients with chest pain (CP) is more difficult based on the initial clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings. METHODS: We included consecutive CP patients attended at a single emergency department (ED) during a 10-year period. CABG status and the final diagnosis of ACS were considered as stated in the ED discharge report. We evaluated the frequency of 21 CP characteristics (CPC) and four ECG signatures, their individual and collective association with ACS, and ED length of stay (LOS) in CABG and non-CABG patients. RESULTS: We included 34 429 patients [median age: 61 years; female: 41.8%; CABG: 2204 patients (6.4%)], and ACS was diagnosed in 6727 (19.5%; CABG/non-CABG 37.2%/18.3%; P < 0.001). CABG patients more frequently had CPC and ECG findings typically associated with ACS, but their final association with ACS was weaker than in non-CABG patients (only significant after adjustment for attendant diaphoresis, throat irradiation, ST-segment elevation and T-wave inversion). The collective discriminative capacity was significantly lower in CABG patients (area under the curve 0.710 vs. 0.793; P < 0.001), even after adjustment (0.708 vs. 0.790; P < 0.001). ED LOS was longer for CABG patients, overall (P < 0.001) and for patients diagnosed with ACS (P = 0.008) and non-ACS (P < 0.001), but these differences disappeared after adjustment. CONCLUSION: CABG substantially reduces the diagnostic performance of CPC and ECG findings to suggest ACS. A longer LOS in the ED in CABG patients is more related to their baseline characteristics than to CABG itself.

Association between acute heart failure and major cardiovascular events in atrial fibrillation patients presenting at the emergency department: an EMERG-AF ancillary study.

BACKGROUND: There is little evidence concerning the impact of acute heart failure (AHF) on the prognosis of atrial fibrillation patients attending the emergency department (ED). OBJECTIVE: To know the influence of AHF on adverse long-term outcomes in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation in ED. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort of consecutive atrial fibrillation patients, performed in 62 Spanish EDs. EXPOSURE: Patients presenting with atrial fibrillation in ED were divided by the presence or absence of AHF at arrival. OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: Primary outcome: combination of 1-year all-cause mortality, major bleeding, stroke and other major cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes: each of these events analyzed separately. Cox and logistic regression were used to investigate adjusted significant associations between AHF and outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: Totally, 1107 consecutive ED patients with atrial fibrillation attending ED were analyzed, 262 (23.7%) with AHF. The primary outcome occurred in 433 patients (39.1%), 1-year all-cause mortality in 151 patients (13.6%), major bleeding in 47 patients (4.2 %), stroke in 31 patients (2.8 %) and other MACE in 333 patients (30.1%). AHF was independently related to the primary outcome [odds ratio (OR), 1.422; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.020-1.981; P = 0.037)] and 1-year MACE (OR, 1.797; 95% CI, 1.285-2.512; P = 0.001), but not to 1-year all-cause mortality, stroke or bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: The coexistence of AHF in patients presenting with atrial fibrillation in ED is associated to a worse 1-year outcome mainly due to MACE, but does not impact in overall mortality.

Factors associated with revisits by patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection discharged from a hospital emergency department. / Factores asociados a revisita en pacientes con diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2 dados de alta de un servicio de urgencias hospitalario.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze emergency department (ED) revisits from patients discharged with possible coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of consecutive patients who came to the ED over a period of 2 months and were diagnosed with possible COVID-19. We analyzed clinical and epidemiologic variables, treatments given in the ED, discharge destination, need to revisit, and reasons for revisits. Patients who did or did not revisit were compared, and factors associated with revisits were explored. RESULTS: The 2378 patients included had a mean age of 57 years; 49% were women. Of the 925 patients (39%) discharged, 170 (20.5%) revisited the ED, mainly for persistence or progression of symptoms. Sixty-six (38.8%) were hospitalized. Odds ratios (ORs) for the following factors showed an association with revisits: history of rheumatologic disease (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.10-7.99; P = .03), digestive symptoms (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.14-2.63; P = .01), respiratory rate over 20 breaths per minute (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.0-1.06; P = .05), and corticosteroid therapy given in the ED (OR, 7.78; 95% CI, 1.77-14.21, P = .01). Factors associated with hospitalization after revisits were age over 48 years (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1 42-4.67; P = .002) and fever (OR, 4.73; 95% CI, 1.99-11.27; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Patients under the age of 48 years without comorbidity and with normal vitals can be discharged from the ED without fear of complications. A history of rheumatologic disease, fever, digestive symptoms, and a respiratory rate over 20 breaths per minute, or a need for corticosteroid therapy were independently associated with revisits. Fever and age over 48 years were associated with a need for hospitalization.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las revisitas y los factores asociados a la misma en pacientes con diagnóstico de posible COVID-19 dados de alta de un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). METODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes consecutivos que consultaron al SUH en un periodo de 2 meses y fueron diagnosticados de posible de COVID-19. Se analizaron variables clínico-epidemiológicas, tratamiento administrado en urgencias, destino final, revisita al SUH y motivo de esta. Se hizo un análisis comparativo entre ambos grupos (revisita sí/no) y se identificaron factores asociados a la revisita. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2.378 pacientes (edad media 57 años; 49% mujeres). De los pacientes dados de alta (39% del total; n = 925), 170 (20,5%) reconsultaron al SUH, principalmente por persistencia o progresión de síntomas, y 66 (38,8%) precisaron ingreso. Los factores relacionados con la revisita fueron: antecedentes de enfermedad reumatológica [OR: 2,97 (IC 95%: 1,10-7,99, p = 0,03)], síntomas digestivos [OR: 1,73 (IC 95%: 1,14-2,63, p = 0,01)], frecuencia respiratoria $ 20 [OR: 1,03 (IC 95%: 1,0-1,06, p = 0,05)] y haber recibido tratamiento con esteroides en urgencias [OR: 7,78 (IC 95%: 1,77-14,21, p = 0,01)]. Los factores asociados al ingreso en la revisita fueron la edad $ 48 años [OR: 2,57 (IC 95%: 1,42-4,67, p = 0,002)] y presentar fiebre [OR: 4,73 (IC 95%: 1,99-11,27, p = 0,001)]. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con posible COVID-19 menores de 48 años, sin comorbilidad y con signos vitales normales podrían ser dados de alta desde urgencias sin temor a sufrir complicaciones. Los antecedentes de enfermedad reumatológica, fiebre, sintomas digestivos, frecuencia respiratoria $ 20/min o necesidad de tratamiento con esteroides fueron factores independientes de revisita, y la fiebre y edad $ 48 años de necesidad de ingreso.