Early ST elevation myocardial infarction in non-capable percutaneous coronary intervention centres: in situ fibrinolysis vs. percutaneous coronary intervention transfer.

AIMS: The preferred reperfusion strategy for early ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, defined as time from symptoms onset ≤120 min) in non-capable percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centres remains controversial. We sought to compare mortality of in situ fibrinolysis vs. PCI transfer in a real-life consecutive cohort of early STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: Prospective multicentre STEMI registry (Catalonia 'Codi IAM' network) of all-comers in a non-capable PCI centre with symptom onset to first medical contact (FMC) <120 min. Two groups were identified: in situ fibrinolysis and transfer to a PCI-capable centre. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. We included 2470 patients, of whom 2227 (90.2%) and 243 (9.8%) comprised the transfer and fibrinolysis groups, respectively. In the fibrinolysis group, diagnostic and system delays were shorter (24 vs. 31 min, P < 0.001; 45 vs. 119 min, P < 0.001, respectively). Thirty-day mortality was 7.7 and 5.1% in fibrinolysis and transfer groups, respectively (P = 0.09). However, patients in the transfer group whose time FMC-device was achieved within 140 min were associated with significantly lower mortality (2.0% for FMC-device <99 min, and 4.6% for FMC-device 99-140 min; P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively vs. fibrinolysis). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, reperfusion with fibrinolysis was an independent 30-day mortality predictive factor (odds ratio: 1.91, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-3.50; P = 0.04), together with age and Killip-Kimball class (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In early STEMI patients assisted in non-capable PCI centres, in situ fibrinolysis had worse prognosis than patient transfer. Transfer to a PCI-capable centre seems recommended in patients with FMC-device delay <140 min.

[Accesibility and use of spirometry in primary care centers in Catalonia]. / Accesibilidad y utilización de la espirometría en los centros de atención primaria de Cataluña.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the accessibility and use of forced spirometry (FS) in public primary care facilities centers in Catalonia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using a survey. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred sixty-six Primary Care Teams (PCT) in Catalonia. Third quarter of 2010. MEASUREMENTS: Survey with information on spirometers, training, interpretation and quality control, and the priority that the quality of spirometry had for the team. Indicators FS/100 inhabitants/year, FS/month/PCT; FS/month/10,000 inhabitants. MAIN RESULTS: Response rate: 75%. 97.5% of PCT had spirometer and made an average of 2.01 spirometries/100 inhabitants (34.68 spirometry/PCT/month). 83% have trained professionals.>50% centers perform formal training but no information is available on the quality. 70% performed some sort of calibration. Interpretation was made by the family physician in 87.3% of cases. In 68% of cases not performed any quality control of exploration. 2/3 typed data manually into the computerized medical record.>50% recognized a high priority strategies for improving the quality. CONCLUSION: Despite the accessibility of EF efforts should be made to standardize training, increasing the number of scans test and promote systematic quality control.

Revascularized ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Temporal trends in contemporary therapies and impact on outcomes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To assess, in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous intervention, the pace of introduction in clinical practice (2010-2017) of drug-eluting stents (DES), ticagrelor, prasugrel, and prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration, and their potential impact on the risk of 2-year outcomes. METHODS: Prospective and exhaustive community-wide cohort of 14 841 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous intervention between 2010 and 2017. Index episodes were obtained from the Catalan Codi IAM Registry, events during follow-up from the Minimum Data Set and DAPT were defined by pharmacy dispensation. Follow-up was 24 months. The temporal trend for exposures and outcomes was assessed using regression models. RESULTS: Age> 65 years, diabetes, renal failure, previous heart failure, and need for anticoagulation at discharge were more frequent in later periods (P <.001). From 2010 to 2017, the use of DES increased from 31.1% to 69.8%, ticagrelor from 0.1% to 28.6%, prasugrel from 1.5% to 23.8%, and the median consecutive months on DAPT from 2 to 10 (P <.001 for all). Adjusted analysis showed a temporal trend to a lower risk of the main outcome over time: the composite of death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and repeat revascularization (absolute odds reduction 0.005% each quarter; OR, 0.995; 95%CI, 0.99-0.999; P=.028). The odds of all individual components except stroke were reduced, although significance was only reached for revascularization. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a strong increase between 2010 and 2017 in the use and duration of DAPT and the use of ticagrelor, prasugrel and DES, there was no substantial reduction in major cardiovascular outcomes.

Diabetes mellitus is not independently associated with mortality in elderly patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Insights from the Codi Infart registry.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus predicts poorer outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but the magnitude of this association in patients at older ages remains controversial. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Codi Infart database. All consecutive patients with diagnosis of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2010 and 2015 were included. We assessed the impact of diabetes mellitus on 30-day and one-year mortality in patients aged less than and at least 75 years. RESULTS: A total of 12 792 cases were registered, of whom 3023 (23.6%) were aged at least 75 years. About 20% patients had previous diabetes mellitus diagnosis. Patients aged at least 75 years had higher prevalence of comorbidities, higher proportion of heart failure at admission, a more extensive coronary artery disease and significant delay to reperfusion (P < 0.001). Diabetes mellitus was associated with higher 30-day mortality both in young [odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43-2.70] and in elderly patients (OR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.07-1.91). After adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant in young patients (OR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.00-2.16, P = 0.047), but not in the elderly (OR 1.14, P = 0.43). Likewise, a crude association between diabetes mellitus and one-year mortality was observed in both groups (young patients: HR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.51-2.46; older patients: HR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.08-1.64). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, this association remained significant in younger patients (HR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.13-1.89; P < 0.001), but not in the elderly (HR = 1.16; P = 0.17). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of these nonselected patients with STEMI had previous diabetes mellitus. The association between diabetes mellitus and outcomes is different according to age.

Cardiovascular risk factors and disease among non-European immigrants living in Catalonia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiovascular medication use, among immigrant individuals of diverse national origins living in Catalonia (Spain), a region receiving large groups of immigrants from all around the world, and with universal access to healthcare. METHODS: We conducted a population-based analysis including >6 million adult individuals living in Catalonia, using the local administrative healthcare databases. Immigrants were classified in 6 World Bank geographic areas: Latin America/Caribbean, North Africa/Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia and South Asia. Prevalence calculations were set as of 31 December 2017. RESULTS: Immigrant groups were younger than the local population; despite this, the prevalence of CVD risk factors and of established CVD was very high in some immigrant subgroups compared with local individuals. South Asians had the highest prevalence of diabetes, and of hyperlipidemia among adults aged <55 years; hypertension was highly prevalent among sub-Saharan Africans, and obesity was most common among women of African and South Asian ancestry. In this context, South Asians had the highest prevalence of coronary heart disease across all groups, and of heart failure among women. Heart failure was also highly prevalent in African women. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of risk factors and established CVD among South Asians and sub-Saharan Africans stresses the need for tailored, aggressive health promotion interventions. These are likely to be beneficial in Catalonia, and in countries receiving similar migratory fluxes, as well as in their countries of origin.

Persistence with dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: a population-based cohort study in Catalonia (Spain).

OBJECTIVES: Guidelines recommending 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (STEACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were published in year 2012. We aimed to describe the influence of guideline implementation on the trend in 12-month persistence with DAPT between 2010 and 2015 and to evaluate its relationship with DAPT duration regimens recommended at discharge from PCI hospitals. DESIGN: Observational study based on region-wide registry data linked to pharmacy billing data for DAPT follow-up. SETTING: All PCI hospitals (10) belonging to the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) code network in Catalonia (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: 10 711 STEACS patients undergoing PCI between 2010 and 2015 were followed up. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was 12-month persistence with DAPT. Calendar year quarter, publication of guidelines, DAPT duration regimen recommended in the hospital discharge report, baseline patient characteristics and significant interactions were included in mixed-effects logistic regression based interrupted time-series models. RESULTS: The proportion of patients on-DAPT at 12 months increased from 58% (56-60) in 2010 to 73% (71-75) in 2015. The rate of 12-month persistence with DAPT significantly increased after the publication of clinical guidelines with a time lag of 1 year (OR=1.20; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.30). A higher risk profile, more extensive and complex coronary disease, use of drug-eluting stents (OR=1.90; 95% CI 1.50 to 2.40) and a 12-month DAPT regimen recommendation at discharge from the PCI hospital (OR=5.76; 95% CI 3.26 to 10.2) were associated with 12-month persistence. CONCLUSION: Persistence with 12-month DAPT has increased since publication of clinical guidelines. Even though most patients were discharged on DAPT, only 73% with potential indication were on-DAPT 12 months after PCI. A guideline-based recommendation at PCI hospital discharge was highly associated with full persistence with DAPT. Establishing evidence-based, common prescribing criteria across hospitals in the AMI-network would favour adherence and reduce variability.

Cost-effectiveness of a European ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction network: results from the Catalan Codi Infart network.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) network of Catalonia (Codi Infart). DESIGN: Cost-utility analysis. SETTING: The analysis was from the Catalonian Autonomous Community in Spain, with a population of about 7.5 million people. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with STEMI treated within the autonomous community of Catalonia (Spain) included in the IAM CAT II-IV and Codi Infart registries. OUTCOME MEASURES: Costs included hospitalisation, procedures and additional personnel and were obtained according to the reperfusion strategy. Clinical outcomes were defined as 30-day avoided mortality and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), before (N=356) and after network implementation (N=2140). RESULTS: A substitution effect and a technology effect were observed; aggregate costs increased by 2.6%. The substitution effect resulted from increased use of primary coronary angioplasty, a relatively expensive procedure and a decrease in fibrinolysis. Primary coronary angioplasty increased from 31% to 89% with the network, and fibrinolysis decreased from 37% to 3%. Rescue coronary angioplasty declined from 11% to 4%, and no reperfusion from 21% to 4%. The technological effect was related to improvements in the percutaneous coronary intervention procedure that increased efficiency, reducing the average length of the hospital stay. Mean costs per patient decreased from €8306 to €7874 for patients with primary coronary angioplasty. Clinical outcomes in patients treated with primary coronary angioplasty did not change significantly, although 30-day mortality decreased from 7.5% to 5.6%. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio resulted in an extra cost of €4355 per life saved (30-day mortality) and €495 per QALY. Below a cost threshold of €30,000, results were sensitive to variations in costs and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The Catalan STEMI network (Codi Infart) is cost-efficient. Further studies are needed in geopolitical different scenarios.

Survey about the use of lung function testing in public hospitals in Catalonia in 2009.

BACKGROUND: Underdiagnosis is one of the problems with the greatest impact on respiratory disease management and requires specific interventions. Access to quality spirometry is especially important and is an objective of the Master Plan for Respiratory Diseases of the Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya. OBJECTIVE: To determine the current use of spirometry at public hospitals in Catalonia, possible deficiencies and options for improvement. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 65 public hospitals in Catalonia in 2009. Descriptive analyses were developed for each public health-care region. RESULTS: A lack of uniformity was observed in the use of spirometry at the regional level (between 0,98 and 1.50 spirometries per 100 inhabitants). We identified two factors associated with a higher rate of spirometry: i) the existence of a Respiratory Medicine Department at the hospital, and ii) the existence of a set location to carry out spirometries. Several areas for improvement also were identified: quality control of the test itself, the inclusion of spirometry in electronic health-care records and continuing education programs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study have identified areas for improvement in spirometry programs.

Accesibilidad y utilización de la espirometría en los centros de atención primaria de Cataluña / Accesibility and use of spirometry in primary care centers in Catalonia

OBJETIVO: Conocer la accesibilidad y la utilización de la espirometría forzada (EF) en los dispositivos públicos de atención primaria en Cataluña. DISEÑO: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta. Participantes: Trescientos sesenta y seis equipos de atención primaria (EAP) de Cataluña. Tercer trimestre de 2010. Mediciones: Encuesta con información relativa a los espirómetros, la formación, la interpretación y el control de calidad, y el grado de prioridad que la calidad de la espirometría tenía para el equipo. Se analizaron: media de EF/100 habitantes/año; índice de EF/mes/EAP; índice de EF/mes/10.000 habitantes. RESULTADOS: principales. Porcentaje de respuesta: 75%. El 97,5% de los EAP dispone de espirómetro y realiza una media de 2,01 espirometrías/100 habitantes (34,68 espirometrías/EAP/mes). El 83% dispone de profesionales formados y más del 50% de los centros realizan formación reglada, pero no se dispone de información sobre la calidad de la misma. En el 70% se hace algún tipo de calibración. La interpretación la realiza el médico de familia en el 87,3% de los casos. En el 68% de los casos no se lleva a cabo ningún tipo de control de calidad de la exploración. En dos tercios de los casos se introducen manualmente los datos en la historia clínica informatiza. Más del 50% se atribuye una prioridad alta para las estrategias de mejora de la calidad de la EF. CONCLUSIONES: A pesar de la accesibilidad a la EF deben realizarse esfuerzos para estandarizar la formación, incrementar el número de exploraciones y promover el control de calidad sistemático

OBJECTIVE: Examine the accessibility and use of forced spirometry (FS) in public primary care facilities centers in Catalonia. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using a survey. Participants: Three hundred sixty-six Primary Care Teams (PCT) in Catalonia. Third quarter of2010.Measurements: Survey with information on spirometers, training, interpretation and quality control, and the priority that the quality of spirometry had for the team. Indicators FS/100inhabitants/year, FS/month/PCT; FS/month/10,000 inhabitants. Main results: Response rate: 75%. 97.5% of PCT had spirometer and made an average of 2.01 spirometries/100 inhabitants (34.68 spirometry/PCT/month). 83% have trained professionals. > 50% centers perform formal training but no information is available on the quality. 70%performed some sort of calibration. Interpretation was made by the family physician in 87.3% of cases. In 68% of cases not performed any quality control of exploration. 2/3 typed data manually into the computerized medical record. > 50% recognized a high priority strategies for improving the quality. CONCLUSION: Despite the accessibility of EF efforts should be made to standardize training, increasing the number of scans test and promote systematic quality control

Encuesta de utilización de la función pulmonar en los hospitales públicos de Cataluña en 2009 / Survey About the Use of Lung Function Testing in Public Hospitals in Catalonia in 2009

Introducción: El infradiagnóstico es uno de los problemas de mayor impacto en las enfermedades respiratorias y requiere intervenciones específicas. Una de ellas es tener acceso a una espirometría de calidad. Este es uno de los objetivos del Plan Director de Enfermedades Respiratorias del Departament de Salut de la Generalitat de Catalunya. Objetivo: Conocer la utilización de la espirometría hospitalaria en Cataluña, y conocer los posibles déficits y las opciones de mejora. Método: Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta a los 65 hospitales públicos de Cataluña durante el año 2009. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo para cada región sanitaria. Resultados: Se observó una falta de homogeneidad en la utilización de la espirometría a nivel territorial (de 0,98 a 1,50 espirometrías por 100 habitantes). Se identificaron 2 factores que están asociados a una mayor tasa de espirometrías: la existencia de un servicio de neumología en el centro y disponer de una ubicación estable para realizar espirometrías. Como áreas de mejora se identificaron el control de calidad de la prueba, la inclusión en los sistemas hospitalarios de información y los programas de formación continuada. Conclusiones: Los resultados de este estudio han permitido identificar las áreas de mejora para un programa a desarrollar (AU)

Background: Underdiagnosis is one of the problems with the greatest impact on respiratory disease management and requires specific interventions. Access to quality spirometry is especially important and is an objective of the Master Plan for Respiratory Diseases of the Department of Health of the Generalitat de Catalunya. Objective: To determine the current use of spirometry at public hospitals in Catalonia, possible deficiencies and options for improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 65 public hospitals in Catalonia in 2009. Descriptive analyses were developed for each public health-care region. Results: A lack of uniformity was observed in the use of spirometry at the regional level (between 0.98 and 1.50 spirometries per 100 inhabitants). We identified two factors associated with a higher rate of spirometry: (i) the existence of a Respiratory Medicine Department at the hospital, and (ii) the existence of a set location to carry out spirometries. Several areas for improvement also were identified: quality control of the test itself, the inclusion of spirometry in electronic health-care records and continuing education programmes. Conclusions: The results of this study have identified areas for improvement in spirometry programmes (AU)